Great Foods to Help Detoxify

Our diet is something a healthy person can change to help keep one healthy. Though those with
serious issues may require a more concentrated effort to help detoxify, below is a list of foods
that can help the process:

Colorful produce

You’ve probably noticed that many foods that support good health are also intensely colorful. Their vibrant colors are produced by the rich abundance of phytonutrients and antioxidants they contain. Blueberries, carrots and beets are good examples. Beets are especially good detoxifiers for the liver, bile duct, and gallbladder and are full of B vitamins and minerals, including zinc, crucial for the immune system. Beets are also full of fiber, to help cleanse the digestive tract.

Turmeric/Curcumin

Turmeric is a bright-yellow root commonly used as a spice in traditional Indian cooking. As happens so often with ancient medical practices, scientific research has confirmed the benefits of turmeric. This spice — curcumin, its main active ingredient — have been shown to detoxify the body, improve digestion, protect cellular health, increase antioxidant protection and enhance immunity, among other benefits. It is a major anti-inflammatory supplement!

Cultured/Fermented foods

Cultured and fermented vegetables should also be on your spring menu. The fermentation process increases digestibility and boosts nutrient and probiotic profiles significantly. These foods support immunity and aid detoxification. Sauerkraut and kimchee, for example, are sources of probiotics, enzymes and nutrients that support digestion, detoxification and overall health. See our post on WATER KEFER – one of my favs!

Mushrooms

Since Medicinal Mushrooms is obviously one of my favs, I must include it here as well. Many culinary mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and compounds that help detoxify the body, boost immunity, reduce inflammation and even repair damaged tissue. Shitake, oyster and maitake are excellent examples that can be included in soups, sautés and other savory dishes.

Lemons

Lemon helps the body remove toxins and is also an excellent tonic for both the liver and gall bladder. Here’s what we’ve recommended: a daily dose of an olive oil or coconut oil and lemon mixture during detoxification: Cut an organic lemon into small pieces and blend it with 1¼ cups spring water and a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil. Partially strain the mixture, leaving some pulp. (The pectin from the lemon peel helps the digestive tract.) Drink before bed. In addition to supporting detoxification, many of my patients report that this drink helps improve their sleep.

Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli, and particularly broccoli sprouts, as well as other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and others, are rich in sulfur compounds like sulforaphane, and other critical phytonutrients such as indole-3-carbinol. (Broccoli sprouts in particular have about 20 times more sulforaphane than regular broccoli.) These important nutrients help remove toxins, protect cellular health boost and long-term wellness among other benefits. You can add these to a blended juice mix as well.

Cilantro

This common herb helps pull mercury and other toxic metals from organs and tissues, allowing these toxins to attach to binding agents like Modified Citrus Pectin, for safe elimination through the urinary and GI tract. Cilantro also offers support for immunity and other areas of health.

Artichokes

Artichokes support the liver, by increasing bile production to help your body metabolize and remove toxins and wastes efficiently.