I used to think detoxing was just a fad because our bodies are pretty good detoxifiers on their own. However, modern lifestyles i.e. processed foods and the environment we live in means the liver often needs support. Not so much in the form of a specialist item but from Mother Nature’s gifts to us all.
There are a million products on the market that promise miracles in weight loss, boosting energy, giving your skin a gorgeous glow and managing moods. But whether it’s an article about the latest fad diet or detox teas, keto coffees, or juice cleanses it can be hard to figure out what’s safe and effective.
The truth is our bodies are fine-tuned, genius machines and our liver is a super detoxer when we treat it well. To silence the chatter and get results, I always turn to nutrition and science (gotta love science!) Using whole foods to support our natural detox pathways isn’t only safe but also delicious, easy and it works!
Below are the 10 foods you incorporate in your daily victuals if you want a detox that will love your liver, won’t see you becoming hangry (you know that term right? So hungry you’re angry) or break the bank.
1. Beetroot:
This red root vegetable works as an amazing detoxifying agent. Beetroot is jam-packed with vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and beta-carotene. Those nutrients help the gallbladder and liver break down toxins so they can be flushed out of the body. Beetroot contains fibre which promotes digestion and supports the elimination of toxins through healthy, bulky, easy-to-pass poop. Add beetroot to your smoothies, shred them raw in your salad, bake or boil them; they’ll be delicious any way you choose.
2. Lemons:
Lemons are popular in detox drinks with many people starting their day with a glass of warm lemon water. (Tip: rinse your mouth with a glass of pure water afterwards to protect tooth enamel.) The natural enzymes in lemon juice and essential oils in lemon peel support the detox functions in the liver while vitamin C helps break down toxins so they can be flushed out in the urine. In fact, this 2014 study found lemons can protect the liver.
3. Apples:
Apples contain a lot of liver-loving nutrients and fibre which boosts the digestive process. They also help guide (with courtesy 😊) toxins out of the body. They’re brilliant snacks when you want to lose a couple of kgs too.
4. Green Vegetables:
The chlorophyll in green vegetables flushes out heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and toxins while fortifying the blood. My mantra? If in doubt eat more greens. You just can’t go wrong. 🥒
5. Garlic:
Garlic stimulates the liver into generating enzymes that detoxify toxins from our digestive system. Raw garlic can be used minced in salad dressing, or cooked in almost any savoury dish. Garlic also has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties that help take care of parasites, viruses, and bad bacteria.
6. Sea Vegetables:
Sea vegetables, such as seaweed (like the nori sheets used for sushi rolls) are antioxidant-rich which strengthens our digestive system and alkalises our blood. The alginate in seaweed binds to fat and toxins from our digestive tract and helps transport them out of the body in our poop. Sea veggies are also rich in iodine which helps our thyroid to function well. I feel they’re essential in midlife when thyroid issues have more potential to arise. It’s why seaweed is part of our 21-Day Hormone Detox.
7. Green Tea:
The antioxidants in green tea are detox superstars. Liver supportive and enzyme-stimulating, their power is unlocked with a generous steep in hot water. Easy peasy. Sip and support your natural detox process!
8. Artichokes:
Who knew right? The gorgeous artichoke contains two phytonutrients that are especially beneficial for the liver: cynarin and silymarin. Cynarin is an antioxidant compound which aids the liver in producing bile. Bile is important for the digestion of fats, as well as for flushing toxins out of the body. Silymarin is a flavonoid that aids in the protection of liver cells and cell membranes. Both of these compounds help to regenerate liver cells. There are other compounds in artichokes that act as diuretics, which help the body release excess fluid and can stabilise blood pressure. Bonus? They look pretty decorative when sitting in your fruit bowl.
9. Coriander:
Love it or hate it (we’re in the 💕camp!), this earthy herb is known to help flush toxins and heavy metals from the body in a process called chelation.
10. Blueberries:
These little sphere’s of goodness (I call them God’s candy ) aren’t loved for their deliciousness and revered for being a superfood for no reason. They’re packed full of antioxidants like folate, vitamin C and vitamin B6 which act like soldiers against the bad guys in our bodies.
Tip: Vitamin B6 is calming and helps improve mood and depression so is helpful during peri/menopause not to mention during a global pandemic!
