36 Foods That Help Detox and Cleanse Your Entire Body
John Summerly,
Prevent Disease
Practiced for thousands of years by cultures around the world
–detoxification is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from
the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your
body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect you from
disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health. These foods
will assist in boosting your metabolism, optimizing digestion, while
allowing you to lose weight and fortify your immune system.
1. ARTICHOKES
Artichokes help the liver function at its best, which in turn will
help your body purge itself of toxins and other things it doesn’t need
to survive. It ups the liver’s production of bile, and since bile helps
break down foods which helps your body use the nutrients inside them, an
increase in bile production is typically a good thing.
2. APPLES
Apples are full of wonderful nutrients. You get fibre, vitamins,
minerals and many beneficial phytochemicals such as D-Glucarate,
flavonoids and terpenoids. All of these substances are used in the detox
process. One flavonoid, Phlorizidin (phlorizin), is thought to help
stimulate bile production which helps with detox as the liver gets rid
of some toxins through the bile. Apples are also a good source of the
soluble fibre pectin, which can help detox metals and food additives
from your body. It’s best to eat only organic apples as
the non-organic varieties are among the top 12 foods that have been
found to contain the most pesticide residues. Organically produced
apples also have a 15 percent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples.
3. ALMONDS
Almonds are the best nut source of Vitamin E. In fact, just one ounce contains 7.3 mg of “alpha-tocopherol”
vitamin E, the form of the vitamin the body prefers. They’re also high
in fiber, calcium, magnesium, and useable protein that helps stabilize
blood sugar and remove impurities from the bowels.
4. ASPARAGUS
Not only does asparagus help to detoxify the body, it can help you
wage the anti-aging battle, protect you from getting cancer, help your
heart to stay healthy, and is a general anti-inflammatory food. It’s
also known to help with liver drainage, which might sound like a bad
thing, but since the liver is responsible for filtering out the toxic
materials in the food and drinks we consume, anything that backs up its
drainage is not doing you any favors. Asparagus also helps reduce risk of death from breast cancer and increase the odds of survival.
5. AVOCADOS
This
wonder fruit is packed with antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and
dilates the blood vessels while blocking artery-destroying toxicity.
Avocados contain a nutrient called glutathione, which blocks at least 30
different carcinogens while helping the liver detoxify synthetic
chemicals. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that elderly
people who had high levels of glutathione were healthier and less likely
to suffer from arthritis. Consuming avocados is associated with better diet quality and nutrient intake level,
lower intake of added sugars, lower body weight, BMI and waist
circumferences, higher “good cholesterol” levels and lower metabolic
syndrome risk.
6. BASIL
Basil has anti-bacterial properties, and it’s full of antioxidants to
protect the liver. The active ingredients are terpenoids. It is also
wonderful for digestion and detoxification, too. It supports the
functioning of the kidneys and also acts as a diuretic to help the body
expel unwanted toxins. Basil has been known to have anti-ulcer qualities
as well as antimicrobial effects that guard against bacteria, yeast,
fungi and mold. Basil seed can also help with constipation. The anticancer properties of basil may also relate to its ability to influence viral infections.
7. BEETS
A single serving of beets can do more for your health than most foods in the produce isle. Not only can they boost your energy and lower your blood pressure,
but eating beets in the long-term can help you fight cancer, reduce
arthritic pain, boost your brain as well as help you lose weight. Beets
contain a unique mixture of natural plant chemicals (phytochemicals) and
minerals that make them superb fighters of infection, blood purifiers,
and liver cleansers. They also help boost the body’s cellular intake of
oxygen, making beets excellent overall body cleansers. When you’re
detoxing, beets will help by making sure that the toxins you’re getting
out actually make it out of your body. Many detox cleanses go wrong when
toxins are reintroduced to the body because they don’t make it all the
way out.
8. BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries contain natural aspirin that helps lessen the
tissue-damaging effects of chronic inflammation, while lessening pain.
Just 300 grams of blueberries protects against DNA damage.
Blueberries also act as antibiotics by blocking bacteria in the urinary
tract, thereby helping to prevent infections. They have antiviral
properties and are loaded with super-detoxifying phytonutrients called
proanthocyanidins.
9. BRAZIL NUTS
These tasty treats are packed with selenium, which is key to flushing
mercury out of your body. The body uses selenium to make
‘selenoproteins’, which work like antioxidants preventing damage to
cells and there is growing body of evidence to show it has a key role in
our health. The consumption of brazil nuts has been found to be inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
10. BROCCOLI
Broccoli specifically works with the enzymes in your liver to turn
toxins into something your body can eliminate easily. If you’re stuck
for ways on how to make broccoli taste better try dehydrating or
consider eating it raw. But don’t microwave it as this destroys both the
nutritional and detox potential. Broccoli contains a very powerful anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial called sulforaphane which helps prevent cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and allergies.
11. BROCCOLI SPROUTS
Broccoli
sprouts can actually provide more benefit than regular broccoli as they
contain 20 times more sulfurophane. They contain important
phytochemicals that are released when they’re chopped, chewed,
fermented, or digested. The substances are released then break down into
sulfurophanes, indole-3-carbinol and D-glucarate, which all have a
specific effect on detoxification. Add these to your salads and get
creative with them in your meals. Researchers have found that an oral
preparation made from broccoli sprouts trigger an increase in inflammation-fighting enzymes in the upper airways.
12. CABBAGE
In addition to cleansing your liver, cabbage will also aid in helping
you go to the bathroom, which in turn helps you expel the toxins,
getting them out of your system so you can start fresh. It contains
sulfur, which is essential when it comes to breaking down chemicals and
removing them from your body. Along with other cole crops, cabbage is a
source ofindole-3-carbinol, a chemical that boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.
13. CILANTRO
Cilantro, also known as coriander, Chinese parsley or dhania, contains an abundance of antioxidants.
Cilantro helps mobilize mercury and other metals out of the tissue so
it can attach to it other compounds and allow it to be excreted from the
body. It also contains an antibacterial compound called dodecenal,
which laboratory tests showed is twice as effective as the commonly used
antibiotic drug gentamicin at killing Salmonella.
14. CINNAMON
The oils from cinnamon contain active components called
cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol. Cinnamaldehyde
has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets helps
prevent unwanted clumping of blood cells. Cinnamon’s essential oils also
qualify it as an “anti-microbial” food, and cinnamon has been studied
for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi,
including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. Cinnamon’s
antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research
demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional
food preservatives. It has one of the highest antioxidant values of all foodsand its use in medicine treats everything from nausea to menstruation and energy to diabetes.
15. CRANBERRIES
While they are more popular as fruits that help prevent urinary tract
infections, cranberries are antibacterial and are known to remove many
different toxins from your body. Cranberries feature a rich profile of
anti-inflammatory nutrients, provide immune and cardiovascular support,
as well as promote digestive health. Consuming cranberry products has
been associated with prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for over 100 years.
16. DANDELIONS
Dandelions are considered a powerhouse food full of nutrients that
are essential for anyone regularly eating processed foods. Dandelion
root (taraxacum officinale) is known to act on the liver and pancreas by straining and filtering toxins & wastes from the bloodstream and
its beneficial effects on liver complaints have been well documented by
both Asian practitioners and American physicians. They’re a rich source
of minerals and provide a variety of phytonutrients. They’re super
antioxidants that support cleansing of the digestive tract. Try adding
dandelion leaves to your salad.
17. FENNEL
The fennel bulb is high in fiber may also be useful in preventing
colon cancer. In addition to its fiber, fennel is a very good source of
folate, a B vitamin that is necessary for the conversion of a dangerous
molecule called homocysteine into other, benign molecules. The vitamin C
found in fennel bulb is directly antimicrobial and is also needed for
the proper function of the immune system.
18. FLAXSEEDS
When detoxifying your body, it’s essential to ensure toxins are
eliminated properly. Ground flaxseeds provide a wonderful source of
fibre that helps to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal tract.
They’re also a great source of health promoting omega 3 oils. Try
consuming two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in lemon water every
morning. University of Copenhagen researchers report that flax fiber suppresses appetite and helps support weight loss.
Men should be cautious when consuming flax as the lignans are similar
to the female hormone estrogen as can cause problems for some men.
19. GARLIC
Many detox diets list garlic as a crucial piece of the puzzle. The
reason is that garlic boosts the immune system as well as helping out
the liver. One good thing about garlic is that you can up your intake
without having to worry if your body is going to get used to it or build
up a resistance.Sulfur is found in high quantities in garlic — which
makes it a good detox food and its antibiotic properties heal your
body. Garlic is proven to be 100 times more effective than antibiotics and working in a fraction of the time.
20. GINGER
Along side turmeric, ginger is one of the world’s most potent disease-fighting spices.
Ginger spikes your metabolism, flushes out waste, is thought to help
liver function, and has some astringent properties. Some detox diets ask
you to chew on ginger root. You may also find that adding it to hot
water makes the water taste better. Basically any way you can think of
it get it into your system is going to be beneficial, especially if
you’re suffering from a fatty liver caused by too much alcohol, or too
many toxic foods and drinks.
21. GOJI BERRIES
Replace raisins with nutrient-dense Goji berries to boost your
vitamin C and beta-carotene intake. Gram for gram, goji berries pack
more vitamin C than oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots. Vitamin
C can help remove waste from your body, while beta-carotene improves
liver performance.
22. GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruits can prevent weight gain, treat diabetes, lower
cholesterol, fight cancer, heal stomach ulcers, reduce gum disease and
even keep stroke and metabolic syndrome at bay. Grapefruits can treat disease as well as pharmaceuticals without the side effects.
The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a
carotenoid phytonutrient. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene
has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are
compounds that can damage cells. The big takeaway on grapefruit is that
it gets your liver fired up and ready for action, while infusing the
rest of your organs with nutrient-laden fruit juice.
23. GREEN TEA
Green tea is often thought of as a great addition to any detox
program because of its high antioxidant value. It is the least processed
tea and thus provides the most antioxidant polyphenols, notably a
catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to
be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to green tea.
According to 17 clinical trials, green tea is linked with significantly lower blood sugar.
24. HEMP
Hemp might just be one of nature’s most perfect foods since it is
full of antioxidants like Vitamins E and C, as well as chlorophyll which
is wonderful for cleansing the body from toxins of all kinds, including
heavy metals. The soluble and insoluble fiber in hemp can also keep the
digestive tract clean and therefore, reduce the toxic burden on other
internal organs. Hemp could free us from oil, prevent deforestation, cure cancer and it’s environmentally friendly.
25. KALE
Kale is now recognized as providing comprehensive support for the
body’s detoxification system. New research has shown that the ITCs made
from kale’s glucosinolates can help regulate detox at a genetic level.
This vegetable is so good for you that it is often recommended to
patients that are following a doctor recommended diet when fighting
kidney disease. It’s packed with so many antioxidants and has
anti-inflammatory properties as well, not to mention all of the vitamins
and minerals it contains. Leafy greens are likely the number one food you can eat to regularly help improve your health.
They’re filled with fiber along with crucial vitamins, minerals, and
plant-based phytochemicals that may help protect you from almost every
disease known.
26. LEMONGRASS
This is an herb that is used in Thailand and other parts of the world
as a natural way to cleanse several organs at once. It not only helps
the liver but also the kidneys, the bladder, and the entire digestive
tract. Benefits of using it in your cooking, or drinking it as a tea
include a better complexion, better circulation, and better digestion.
It is most often used as a tea in the world of detoxing, and there are
several recipes you can try until you find one that suits your tastes
best.
27. LEMONS
This wonderful fruit stimulates the release of enzymes and helps
convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily excreted
from the body. In addition, they contain high amounts of vitamin C, a
vitamin needed by the body to make glutathione. Glutathione helps ensure
that phase 2 liver detoxification keeps pace with phase 1, thereby
reducing the likelihood of negative effects from environmental
chemicals. Drinking lemon water, which is alkaline-forming, first thing
in the morning will help to balance out the acidity of foods we’ve
consumed. They also have an incredible effect in detoxing the liver.
Fresh lemon juice contains more than 20 anti-cancer compounds and helps
balance the body’s pH levels. Here are 45 uses for lemons that will blow your socks off.
28. OLIVE OIL
Some liver cleanses out there call for olive oil mixed with fruit
juice in order to trigger your liver to expunge its gallstones. But
aside from that olive oil should be your go-to oil when you’re trying to
detox the body. That’s because it has a lot of healthy properties, and
makes for a better choice of fat than most of your other options. Just
be sure not to cook with it at high heat. Use it as a salad dress to
help things like dark leafy greens go down. Your best choice is always ice-pressed olive oil,
but if you can find a very high quality cold-pressed olive oil,
although not as nutritious, it will suffice provided the quality is high
and not adulterated.
29. ONIONS
This ubiquitous kitchen staple is as healthy as it is tasty. It’s
brimming with sulfur-containing amino acids, which efficiently detox the
liver. Raw onions deliver the most health benefits. Even a small amount
of “overpeeling” can result in unwanted loss of flavonoids. For
example, a red onion can lose about 20% of its quercetin and almost 75%
of its anthocyanins if it is “overpeeled”. Onions will soak up arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and tin in contaminated foods.
The total polyphenol content of onion is not only higher than its
fellow allium vegetables, garlic and leeks, but also higher than
tomatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. Onions have been shown to
inhibit the activity of macrophages, specialized white blood cells that
play a key role in our body’s immune defense system, and one of their
defense activities involves the triggering of large-scale inflammatory
responses.
30. PARSLEY
Those pretty green leaves don’t just make your plate look great.
Parsley boasts plenty of beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and K to
protect your kidneys and bladder. Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and
keep our body’s plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more
urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. The flavonoids
in parsley–especially luteolin–have been shown to function as
antioxidants that combine with highly reactive oxygen-containing
molecules (called oxygen radicals) and help prevent oxygen-based damage
to cells. In addition, extracts from parsley have been used in animal
studies to help increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.
31. PINEAPPLES
This tropical delight contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that
helps cleanse your colon and improve digestion. Excessive inflammation,
excessive coagulation of the blood, and certain types of tumor growth
may all be reduced by bromelain. Two molecules isolated from an extract
of crushed pineapple stems have even shown promise in fighting cancer growth.
32. SEAWEED
Seaweed may be the most underrated vegetable in the Western world.
Studies at McGill University in Montreal showed that seaweeds bind to
radioactive waste in the body so it can be removed. Radioactive waste
can find its way into the body through some medical tests or through
food that has been grown where water or soil is contaminated. Seaweed
also binds to heavy metals to help eliminate them from the body. In
addition, it is a powerhouse of minerals and trace minerals. Seaweed
extracts can help you lose weight, mostly body fat.
33. SESAME SEEDS
Sesame seeds’ phytosterols have beneficial effects which are so
dramatic that they have been extracted from many foods and added to
processed foods, such as “butter”-replacement spreads, which are then
touted as cholesterol-lowering “foods.” But why settle for an imitation
“butter” when Mother Nature’s nuts and seeds are a naturally rich source
of phytosterols–and cardio-protective fiber, minerals and healthy fats
as well? Sesame seeds contain minerals important in a number of
antiinflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems. Sesame represents one of the top 10 healthiest seeds on Earth.
34. TURMERIC
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, which gives
it its yellow color. The rate at which your detox pathways function
depends on your genes, your age, lifestyle and a good supply of
nutrients involved in the detox process. Curcumin is used a lot in
Ayurvedic Medicine to treat liver and digestive disorders. Turmeric has
specifically been studied in relation to the positive effect that it has
on the liver. As a high antioxidant spice, turmeric protects the body and prevents disease more effectively than drug based treatments and without the side effects.
35. WATERCRESS
Give your liver a big boost with cleansing action of watercress. If
you’re into making smoothies for your detoxing this is a great one to
blend up and drink down. This helps to release enzymes in the liver that
clean it out and help rid it of toxic buildup. Eating watercress every day helps prevent breast cancer.
36. WHEATGRASS
Wheatgrass restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice’s abundance of
alkaline minerals helps reduce over-acidity in the blood and thus also
Is a powerful detoxifier, and liver protector. It increases red
blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It also cleanses the organs
and gastrointestinal tract of debris. Wheatgrass stimulates the
metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching the blood. It also
aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways
throughout the body. Pound for pound, wheatgrass is more than twenty times denser in nutrients than other choice vegetables. Nutritionally, wheatgrass is a complete food that contains 98 of the 102 earth elements.
About the Author
John Summerly is
nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader
in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and
most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary
therapies for health and prevention.
