Detoxes can be a healthy way to support your body.
But, contrary to popular belief, the best detoxes aren’t restrictive or unsustainable.
Why do we even need to detox?
This makes us sick and impedes normal metabolism.
It also causes fluid retention, bloat, and puffiness."
And we’ll continue to feel this way unless we make a shift to detoxify.
This, in broad terms, is what a healthy detox dietshoulddo.
Signs you may want to consider a healthy detox diet.
Think back to the time in your life when you felt the healthiest.
How does your current state compare?
What to eat on a detox diet.
Step 2: Consider eliminating common food intolerances.
Allergies are more obvious and often involve swelling and trouble breathing.
Common food intolerances include soy, gluten, corn, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and dairy.
Step 3: Add in specific detox-friendly foods.
At this point, you have a great base diet full of nourishing whole foods.
These 12 are a great place to start:
1.
- Consider adding a scoop ofchlorellato your morning smoothie.
organic veggies+
31 powerhouse ingredients in just 1 tablespoon*
2.
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3.
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4.
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6.
Green tea
Here’s a great reason to make a morning cuppa matcha a habit.
The phytochemicals in green teainduce phase II detoxification pathways4.
Thepolyphenol antioxidants in green teaare also anti-inflammatory and have disease-preventing effects.
Dandelion root and leaf
Not into green tea?
Herbs and spices
If you’re experiencing digestive woes, then consider adding parsley to your diet.
This often-overlooked herb acts as a natural diuretic and helps prevent bloating.
Try adding both of these herbs to your morning smoothie.
Want more of a kick?
Go for ginger, a spice that promotes balanced blood sugar and optimal digestion.
And according to functional medicine experts likeLipman, they may also help clear heavy metals out of the body.
Nuts are great, too, particularly walnuts, which have high amounts of plant-based omega-3 fats.
These fats help reduce inflammation and canboost learning, memory8, and overall brain function.
Glutathione also enhances the absorption of various nutrients in the foods you eat.
“Low levels also overload and damage your liver, making it unable to detoxify.”
Foods containing the building blocks of glutathione include bone broth and sulfur-containing foods such as cruciferous veggies and garlic.
(For detox supporting supplement recommendations, check out ourliver supplement roundup.)
Step 4: Don’t forget to move your body and get plenty of sleep.
Ridding the body of the toxins is done through two major pathways.
The first is by improving liver function, and the second is through sweating.
Strength training is also helpful.
In addition to exercise, sweating can be done with infrared saunas, steam, or Epsom salt baths.
Additionally, aim for at leastseven to eight hoursof sleep every night.
Bottom line: Detoxes (done right) can be a healthy way to support your body.
In fact, they can (and often should!)
resemble a pretty simple, balanced, whole-foods-based diet.
No pricey prepackaged meals necessary.
