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By: Dr. Simone Burke N.D. – www.ndoc.ca
We are constantly exposed to chemicals in our food supply, the air we breathe, the water we drink and household cleaning agents, as well as our skincare products. As spring approaches, we often think of Spring Cleaning. Not just our homes but our bodies too.
Understanding Detoxification
Detoxification starts in your liver. It’s a complicated process and requires a lot of different nutrients to do this. Your kidneys, lungs, and even gut also play a role in detoxification.
Cleanse Your Body Naturally With Food
One of the best ways to support your body’s detoxification is a healthy diet. This means eliminating the foods you know are not good for you – foods that are high in sugar, Trans fats and foods that are processed. You also want to add in a lot of nourishing foods that help to support your body’s detoxification pathways.
The Best Foods for Natural Detoxification
Fats and Oils
Natural fats and oils like extra virgin olive oil and organic coconut oil provide energy and help reduce inflammation.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and flax seeds are great as a healthy snack. Nuts and seeds are rich in oils and are excellent sources of fiber. They are great for inflammation and to boost your healthy cholesterol.
Proteins
Proteins are broken down into amino acids. These amino acids are essential for your liver to detoxify your blood. Opt for organic and hormone free meats or plant based proteins. Amino acids help repair your cells.
Legumes
Beans, lentils, and other legumes are a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber as well as a variety of amino acids. These are great at keeping cholesterol levels in check. The fiber also supports elimination via the colon.
Fruits
Fruits contain a wide variety of phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and B’s which are needed for your liver. They are a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber to keep toxins moving through the colon. They are also high in water which supports elimination through the kidneys.
Vegetables
Your starchy and non-starchy vegetables provide a wide variety of phyto-chemicals and fiber.
Food provides nutrients that help your body detoxify. Where you can, choose organic to avoid pesticides and herbicides. Choose foods that are as close to nature as possible. Select from a wide variety of colours as coloured vegetables and fruits are rich in phyto-nutrients.
