Detox diets are popular but can often be extreme and end up doing more harm than good. Improper fasting or diets which cut important food groups may burden an already deficient body.
Small lifestyle changes and improved food choices can provide a gentle detox programme to decrease toxin load, aid the body’s natural detox process, and enhance overall health.
Start by increasing your consumption of filtered water, which is vital to move waste out of the body. Begin each day with warm water and a squeeze of lemon juice. This improves digestion by preparing the liver to produce enzymes. Juicing and non-dairy smoothies can be used as a cleansing tool when adding ingredients that support liver function such as carrot, celery, ginger, kale, greens, and beetroot. Reduce sugar content by using mostly vegetables and only one fruit per serving. Papaya and pineapple make ideal choices.
Concentrate on a wholesome diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. Bitter greens such as watercress, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, collards, and kale promote digestion as well as the liver detoxification processes. Garlic is a top detoxifying food as it helps the liver rid the digestive system of toxic residues, so make it your favourite ingredient when cooking.
Decrease caffeine and alcohol consumption, avoid smoking, and incorporate light exercise to improve circulation and reduce stress. Most of all, be kind to your body and see a detox as a time to be gentle on yourself in every way.
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