Detox foods is pretty much what it sounds like. The word “detox” is short for detoxification, which is the process of removing toxins from the body. Medical professionals often recommend a detox diet at certain points after a patient has been treated with chemotherapy, especially if they’ve been given drugs that have affected their liver. It’s also recommended to go on a detox diet after a patient has completed an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program and wants to prevent relapsing back into their old habits.
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However, there are also several diets that aim to help you lose weight by eliminating so-called toxins within the body. Many of these diets give you a list of foods that you can’t eat at all during your detox period (typically two weeks), then let you gradually reintroduce some of them into your daily routine in small quantities over time. Some people think this lets your body get used to having fewer toxins in its system and helps your immune system get stronger over time, but there isn’t any scientific research to back up this claim—yet.
What do we know about people who follow these diets? Well, their bodies may not be more equipped to fight off diseases than if they hadn’t gone on the diet at all, but we do know that usually, people who successfully complete these plans are able to lose weight very quickly afterwards because most of these diets severely restrict calories or eliminate entire food groups like carbohydrates altogether
Cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
Cruciferous veggies (the cabbage family) like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are some of the best detoxifying foods you can eat. Why? They’re high in fiber, folate, antioxidants, and low in calories. Plus they’re great for your immune system.
Blueberries or berries in general
Blueberries are a great detox food. They’re full of antioxidants, which will help you fight free radicals, and they’re also loaded with fiber and low in calories. If blueberries don’t sound like they appeal to you, consider adding any kind of berries to your diet. Berries are packed with vitamin C, minerals and even more antioxidants. They serve as a great detox food because they’re also high in manganese!
Chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber and help keep you full, which is important as your body adjusts to getting greater amounts of nutrition from whole foods. Flax seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support liver detoxification. Hemp seeds are high in protein and fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer to reduce cravings. Sprinkle any of the above on top of your meals or into smoothies.
Avocado
Avocados are a relatively good source of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.
They’re also rich in healthy fats, though these are mostly monounsaturated fats.
These fats may help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol and increasing good (HDL) cholesterol.
A medium avocado contains around 30 milligrams of magnesium, or 8 percent of the RDI. Some studies have shown that higher magnesium intakes are linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and longer lifespans. Plus, magnesium is important for bone health as well as muscle contractions.
1 medium avocado contains nearly 40 percent of your daily folate requirement — around 240 micrograms (mcg). Low folate intake has been linked to an increased risk of certain birth defects in pregnant women.
Spinach or other leafy greens
Spinach is a superfood that works well in juices and smoothies. This leafy green is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, and iron. Spinach is also high in antioxidants and offers minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Aloe Vera
If you’re going to try Aloe Vera juice, take care to follow a few important precautions. It’s probably best to drink it in the early morning, before you put anything else in your stomach. You can also drink it at bedtime for an extra boost of energy the next morning. Although it’s good for you, remember that too much of a good thing is bad—so don’t overdo it.
When choosing an Aloe Vera plant, make sure the leaves are thick and firm and look healthy. The older leaves tend to be more bitter than younger ones, so try to choose one from the center of the plant if possible. Cut off the leaf about two inches from where it attaches to the base of the plant: this will remove any spines or thorns that could prick your fingers when handling later on.
To get started juicing your Aloe Vera leaf: cut off both ends of your selected leaf with a sharp paring knife and then cut down lengthwise through each side of the rind until you can peel away all four pieces in one go, exposing only the clear gel inside—this is what you’ll be using for your detox juice drink. Once separated from its tougher outer layer, cover and refrigerate your gel until ready to use (it should keep well for up to three days).
Cucumbers
If you’re looking to flush toxins from your body, few foods are better than cucumbers. They’re a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. Cucumber juice is also a great natural diuretic that can help to flush toxins by stimulating frequent urination.
If you’re dehydrated, cucumbers are a great way to quickly increase your hydration levels. Cucumber juice contains potassium, magnesium, and manganese—all of which aid in hydration and cell function.
Lemons or limes
Let’s start with lemons and limes, which are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can protect us against free radicals. Vitamin C is also able to help the body absorb iron from plant-based sources. Lemons and limes are also high in antioxidants, as well as flavonoids, substances found in plants that can help reduce inflammation and protect against disease.
And don’t let the sourness of lemons turn you away—they may be sour to taste, but they contain alkaline elements that help offset the acidity of other foods we eat. Drinking warm lemon water when you wake up first thing in the morning stimulates your metabolism and encourages weight loss.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to your salad dressings for flavor and nutrition or go for lime instead; it has been shown to reduce appetite significantly more than lemon through its ability to increase insulin sensitivity (which lets us use glucose more efficiently).
Garlic
Garlic: This member of the onion family has many health benefits and can be used to detox your body. It has been shown to help clear arteries, reduce bad cholesterol, improve immune system function and act as an antioxidant. Garlic also is known to fight infections and reduce blood pressure.
These foods will help make a successful detox.
The next step is to figure out the right foods to eat while detoxing. Detox foods include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, water and antioxidants. When choosing foods to eat while detoxing, pick organic fruits and vegetables since they are free from chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. This can help cleanse your body even further. It’s also important to note that if you have an allergy or sensitivity to a certain food, avoid it during your detox!
