Detoxing Your Body & 5 Foods that Naturally Assist
Detoxingย rids the body of toxins stored in fat cells and increases metabolism. It also works by strengthening the bodyโs immune system function and fights off infection.
Toxinsย canย affectย our health in many ways. Some can kill the friendly bacteria in our guts, block oxygen from binding to red blood cells, block absorption of vitamins and minerals, which lead to a multitude of healthy functioning issues. They can alsoย affect the bodyโs natural ability to burn fat, leading to weight gain.
How do these toxins enter our body?
- Consumptionย โ The foods and drinks we ingest these days even some fresh foods can carry toxins in the form of pesticides, Water, plastic water bottles
- Inhalationย โ The air we breath, air fresheners.
- Absorptionย โ Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs some of what it comes into contact with, so household cleaners and personal care products such as deodorant, toothpaste, body wash, basically any product that you put on your body that houses harmful chemicals.
If you experience digestive issues, weakness, bloating, nausea, mood swings and skin issues these are all signs that there are too many toxins in the body.
Detoxing at least once a year for a 2-4 week period would prove beneficial to any personโs health. I personally embark on a 28 day detox after Christmas and upon returning from any holiday.
Benefits ofย Detoxing your body are plentiful, some of which are:
- Reduced inflammation
- Healthy skin
- Increased energy
- Cleansed the liver
- Sharp thinking
- Boosted libido
- Improved physical performance
- Increased metabolism leading to weight loss
1.ย Asparagus
Asparagus is full of amino acids and minerals that protect your liver and cells against toxins, in addition it is also a natural diuretic which aides in liver drainage, which is an essential function to remove toxins from the body
Food Tip:ย Use it in frittata or omelette, grill or BBQ it to add to your meal.
2.ย Avocados
Jam-packed with antioxidants, and good fats, avocado can dilate blood vessels while blocking toxins known to destroy arteries, while promoting healthy circulation. Also containing glutathione, which helps the liver detoxify synthetic chemicals helping to cleanse your body of the unwanted toxins. And if that isnโt enough reason to add Avocado to your meals, it has been found to block 30 various carcinogens!
Food Tip:ย Add it to your smoothie, or mash with lemon, salt and chilli and spread on your favourite meat or rice cake
3.ย Beetroot
Beetroot has the ability to cleanse and restore energy to the body, andย naturally detox your blood and liver. Thanks to the many minerals they contain beetroot can provide you with an immune boost that assists to improve blood flow, protect the blood vessels from damage, and prevent you feeling fatigued.
Including beets in your diet, will give you a boost of potassium, fibre, manganese, and folate but it is the compound โ betalains that help to remove heavy metals and neutralize toxins in the body
Food Tip:ย Opt for fresh beetroot, grate into a salad, meet patties or simply have a beetroot juice pre workout.
4.ย Parsley
Parsley is a diuretic that assists the digestive tract and helps to control cholesterol. Rich in minerals that help kidneys stay strong, remove toxins and fats; It is also a powerful antioxidant, that helps regenerate cells and facilitate the function of the kidney Itโs.
Food Tip:ย Add it to your juice for a boost, make pesto with parsley to dip veggie sticks into or boost salads and steam vegetables with fresh parsley.
5.ย Lemon
This refreshing citrus fruit has a compound in the peel that stimulates liver enzymes, making them water-soluble and easier to flush the toxins out of your system. A powerful antioxidant, they are also great to alkalize your body โ Bonus!
Food Tip:ย Add to good quality oil with salt as a salad dressing, place slices in your water โ cold for summer, warm water for winter.
Detox for 28 days โ thatโs only 7.67% of your year
Remember detoxing at least once a year for a period of 28 days will improve your bodyโs immune system and promote optimal function.ย Keep this in mind post Christmas and be sure to include the above foods into your meals as much as possible. Set your health and fitness goals for 2020, consider starting the year with a detox. I will be enjoying this 28 day detox after the Christmas festivities.
Happy Detoxing!ย
Fatima Ingles
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
A lifestyle entrepreneur, podcaster, a lover of humans and a woman that is enthusiastic about changing lives every single day.
Instagram:ย @fatimaingles
Facebook: fatimaingles
