The word detox might inspire images of someone starving on just lemon water and cayenne, or maybe you think of that friend that did a juice cleanse and had a migraine for three days. Detox doesn’t have to be that extreme! It can simply mean that you focus your efforts on changing some of your routines to help create a more balanced mind and body.
Due to environmental exposure, our bodies can become overwhelmed by toxins that enter into your body via water, air, food, pharmaceuticals, or other drugs.
Cleansing the body does not have to be as extreme or restrictive as some diets you’ve maybe heard of, or even tried yourself. In fact, simple changes, such as considering changes in the areas below are great ways to start the detoxification process:
Water
Start each day with a glass of spring or filtered water and the juice of one lemon to help flush toxins and alkalize the body. Be sure to also continue drinking water throughout the day.
Vegetable Juice
Drink a freshly made vegetable juice daily that includes hearty greens such as celery, kale and spinach. They help to cleanse the cells of toxins.
Oils
Eliminate toxic oils from your diet such as vegetable, peanut, and canola. Instead, use oils high in omega-3s, -6s, and -9s, such as extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, or avocado oil.
Tea
Teas such as dandelion, milk thistle, and nettles are great for detoxification.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables contain enzymes that improve nutrient absorption and aid digestion.
Sugar
Avoid white sugars and any other artificial sweeteners, as they can toxify the body. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners such as stevia, honey, coconut sugar, date sugar, molasses, or maple syrup and use them in the smallest amounts possible.
White Flour
Consuming white flour overworks the digestive system and can cause digestive disorders. Substitute with other flours such as spelt flour, kamut flour, quinoa flour, coconut flour, nut flour, or brown rice flour
Kick-off your morning with this Morning Detox Smoothie:
Ingredients
-2 cups packed kale leaves, destemmed
-1/2 cup frozen mango
-1/2 cup pineapple
-1/2 cup frozen raspberries -1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
-2 cups coconut water
-juice of one lemon
Instructions
Place ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy.
