Best Foods For Detox

By Zach Stahlecker, CMT

Okay. Overindulgence is an inevitability of the holiday season. But now that it’s over, it’s time to get back on track! Adding just a few key foods to your diet may be just what you need to start detoxifying your holiday body.

Below is a list of the best foods for detox. Foods that can help restore the natural balance of your digestive tract and rid your system of toxins. So you can feel better everyday!

artichokes detoxification

ARTICHOKES

This ancient Mediterranean vegetable has long been known for eliminating toxins and detoxifying the body. It contains a potent antioxidant–cynarine–which ups your bile production, aiding in the breaking down of fats and disposal of toxins.

dandelion root detoxifying

DANDELION ROOT

Considered a liver tonic in folk medicine a cup of dandelion root tea can be a natural liver detox agent. A 2017 study concluded that the polysaccharides in dandelion may be beneficial to liver function.

arugula great for detoxifying

ARUGULA

Arugula is a staple when it comes to detoxification. This low-calorie and easily-accessible food contains phytochemicals and essential minerals that protect liver health. They also neutralize free-radicals. In addition to its detoxifying properties, this leafy green is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It’s an anti-cancer superfood, as well!

beets are a detox food

BEETS

Beets contain a group of phytonutrients–betalains–that help the liver regenerate. Regeneration is an important step in detoxification, as it helps to maintain long-term liver function. Because, when your liver is able to detoxify efficiently, your body can better balance cholesterol and hormone levels.

dill for detox

DILL

Dill is one of the best foods for detox. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in the production of glutathione, a liver antioxidant that helps fight several kinds of free radicals.

garlic for detox

GARLIC

The incredible and natural healing properties of garlic are abundant. But this news is not new. For centuries, garlic has been used as an antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory superfood. Furthermore, its immune-boosting Allium also detoxifies the liver and increases production of glutathione. That is known to filter toxins from the digestive tract.

avacado for detox

AVOCADO

The avocado fruit is rich in essential fatty acids that prevent absorption of certain unhealthy fats. This not only helps promote healthier intestines but also benefits the liver.

Green Tea for detox

GREEN TEA

Green tea is known for having many great health benefits, but did you know that it contains catechins–a type of flavonoid that acts as a powerful antioxidant? Paired with green tea’s high levels of L-theanine (an important amino acid that helps create the antioxidant), catechins increase the production of glutathione..

And, thanks to the caffeine green tea contains, it can also act as a diuretic which can help rid the body of pesky water weight and reduce bloating.

Oats For Detox

OATS

Now here’s a food that serves as a powerful base for other superfoods. For one, you can add nuts and berries to them for extra antioxidants. Oats themselves contain a high amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which help keep your digestive system moving. But, they act as a diuretic, too. As a result, they are a natural way to flush excess toxins via the colon and kidneys.

TIP: Get creative with your morning oatmeal by mixing and matching it with other natural superfoods such as nuts and berries, which are high in antioxidants.

Lemon For Detox

LEMON

It may be bitter, but used appropriately it is a great detox! The juice from a lemon is another great addition to your list of detox foods. It is similar in composition to the natural secretions our bodies produce to aid digestion. It’s especially great for those who commonly experience indigestion. Because lemon water also acts as a natural diuretic, it can help eliminate toxins, as well as cleanse the urinary tract.

TIP: Squeeze a bit of lemon into to your green tea, and you’ve got an all-natural detox drink! Or, if you’re pressed for time, simply purchase a green tea already infused with lemon.

So there you have it!

Add these ingredients to your next shopping trip and be confident knowing that you will starting the new year off with a little push in the right direction!