It's challenging to prevent daily exposure to toxins in the modern world because they are all around us. The air we breathe, our water, our food, household items, and clothing can all contain toxins. It is estimated we are exposed to 70,000 toxins and 2000 new ones each year. We can make every effort to limit our exposure, but the ideal approach is to focus on consuming nourishing foods that support regular toxin removal from our bodies.
If we don't, our body's detoxification systems get strained, overworked, and eventually degrade, which influences our health and wellness. Symptoms that may result from this include:
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Skin problems (rashes, acne)
- Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhoea)
- Diminished mental clarity
- Excess mucus
- Repeated infections
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Urine, sweat, or stools with a foul odour
One of the easiest and quickest ways to remove toxins from your body is by drinking good quality filtered water. If possible, try to avoid drinking water from plastic bottles because even though many are BPA-free, they still contain other dangerous chemicals. In a study by German researchers, which was published in the journal PLoS One, it was discovered that a single bottle of water had approximately 25,000 chemicals. These substances interfere with reproductive hormones. Use a glass or stainless-steel water bottle instead.
Staying well hydrated ensures that toxins are eliminated from your body by moving through your system via your bloodstream. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. If you struggle with drinking water, another great alternative to reach your daily goal is to add some herbal teas.
Four great options for detoxifying teas are:
1. Dandelion
Dandelion roots and leaves offer laxative, diuretic, and liver-supportive qualities. Additionally, they aid in liver and gallbladder detoxification, soothe digestive discomfort and strengthen the immune system. Dandelion contains important Vitamins and minerals such as A, C, K and calcium.
2. Nettle
A potent natural detoxifier, stinging nettle also contains nutritious chlorophyll, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6. The herb increases metabolism, calms allergies, eases joint discomfort, and aids with waste removal. It is considered a vital plant for detoxification and cleaning.
3. Green Tea
Green Tea is a good source of EGCG and flavonoids. They are both powerful radical scavengers known as antioxidants that cleanse the body and get rid of free radicals. Green tea strengthens the immune system and protects the body against infection by removing toxins.
4. Milk Thistle
A crucial antioxidant, Milk Thistle detoxifies while safeguarding essential liver functioning. It has long been used as a natural cleanser. It is valued for its capacity to repair liver cells that have been damaged. Milk thistle significantly slows down the rate of toxin absorption in the liver, preventing toxic overload.
Foods for detoxifying
Another strategy is to include as many of the foods listed below in your daily diet as you can. They have the capacity to cleanse, support physical strength, and relieve stress on the digestive system.
1. Apples
Pectin found in apples may can help with the excretion of toxins including mercury and lead.
2. Asparagus
Asparagus contains glutathione GSH, which helps the liver to detoxify. Potassium content is high, which regulates both water and acid-alkaline balance.
3. Beets
Beetroot juice is a blood purifier and liver tonic. Certain enzymes assist the liver with detoxification while betalain is an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants which purify the blood and prevent oxidation of healthy blood cells.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli, which is rich in vitamin C, calcium, manganese, potassium and phosphorus, works remarkably well to remove toxins from the blood.
6. Cabbage
Cabbage acts as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory, which improves liver health. Its high fibre content promotes the elimination of toxins through bile and stool.
7. Carrots
Carrots' beta carotene converts to vitamin A in the liver, removing toxins and reducing liver fat. Fibre promotes a healthy digestive tract and aids the detoxification process.
8. Lemons
Lemons contain vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that encourages the production of glutathione, a liver-cleansing protein. Fresh lemon juice helps the liver create enzymes.
9. Parsley
Parsley contains folate, B12 and a high amount of beta carotene which acts as an antioxidant. This removes toxins form the body and helps create glutathione, which guards the liver from harm.
10. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds can eliminate parasites in the digestive tract. They contain amino acids glycine and arginine which are essential for detoxification.
11. Limes
The digestive tract is stimulated by the flavonoids in lime juice, promoting the release of bile and other digestive liquids. By washing and cleaning the digestive tract, the acids in lime juice are believed to ease constipation.
12. Ginger
Ginger is rich in antioxidants, defends against oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Its capacity to promote digestive health is one of its most effective benefits.
Lastly, regular consumption of high quality nutrient dense supplements will ensure your body is nourished and well balanced.
These include:
1. Spirulina
The primary active ingredient in spirulina, phycocyanin, is derived from green-blue algae and has anti-inflammatory properties in the body. Spirulina is a powerful source of minerals and a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
2. Chlorella
One of nature's most potent natural cleansing and detoxifying foods is chlorella. It is rich in chlorophyll and is easily absorbed by the body. It is packed with minerals including iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
3. Acai
There are 19 distinct amino acids in acai berries. Since amino acids and proteins are the fundamental building blocks of life, this berry ranks among the foods that are highest in protein content. The berry also has calcium, zinc, fibre, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Whilst we can’t completely avoid being exposed to toxins in our environment, we can influence how our body is equipped to eliminate them daily. By adding the above foods into our diet, we can support our bodies own detoxification process and avoid toxin build up. Compared to the typical annual detox diet, which has unpleasant side effects from removing the excess toxins in a short amount of time, this is considerably simpler.
