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How many toxins did you absorb today? Millions, probably, that you were not even aware of. Luckily for us, the human body is a wonderful machine that rejuvenates and repairs itself at every opportunity.
In fact, the human body is in a continual state of detox – dealing with stress, inflammation, lactic acid, environmental and food toxins.
As great a machine as the body is though, there are times when the onslaught becomes too much and residual symptoms emerge as joint or muscle pain, food sensitivity, lethargy, fatigue, irritability, headache, abdominal pain, poor concentration and allergic reactions.
One of the most effective ways of giving your body a helping hand is with detoxifying foods.
Detoxification is simple and, although it varies from person to person, the aim and outcome are the same: get into the body what it needs and get out what it doesn't need. With the right food, cravings will subside, the appetite will normalise and you may even lose a few stubborn kilos!
Remove toxic food sources
Foods and drink on the no-go list include: alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, food additives, refined salt, refined starchy carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats, cooked fats, fatty meats (e.g. sausages) and processed foods. These are demineralised foods that are often filled with compounds that the body struggles with.
Identify foods that irritate your system. It may be wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, beans… try to find these food culprits and drop them from your diet for your detox period. Remember, anything that irritates the gut will compromise the liver, the immune system and the body's ability to detox and achieve its maximum potential.
Get a boost of Superfoods
Superfoods are all the rage when it comes to good health and wellbeing. These are foods that contain those missing elements that we need to give our bodies a boost and enhance bodily processes. Try to include the following in your diet:
Beetroot stimulates lymphatic fluids to dislodge and flush away fatty deposits from adipose (fat) tissue, as well as from the gallbladder and the liver. It also dissolves acid crystals from the kidneys, helping to eliminate toxins in the blood as well as lubricating and stimulating the colon.
Leafy green vegetables are rich in magnesium and chlorophyll, highly alkalising and should be a primary focus in any detox regime. Detoxification and correct functioning of all systems can only take place if body pH is restored.
Turmeric is the orangey-yellow spice found primarily in Indian dishes. Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for purifying and cleaning the blood and is a potent liver aid. Add a dash to smoothies, salads or soups.
Mushrooms are a good source of the antioxidant Vitamin D. They have a strengthening effect on the immune system and neutralise toxic residues in the body from the consumption of animal protein.
Apples being rich in malic acid and pectin (soluble fibre) have at their core a flavanoid called quercetin which removes environmental chemicals as well as alleviating oxidative stress. Kale, cherries and olive oil are all abundant in this component.
Top tip
Drink a glass of raw vegetable juice every day to introduce live enzymes into your body, which will help enhance and nourish your cells. This is also a good immune booster and helps to curb sugar cravings.
