There is often debate as to whether we need to detox (cleanse), as our bodies already come equipped with detoxification systems. While that may be true for handling everyday exposure to toxins, modern life brings with it increased levels of toxins from food, environment, and other sources that can overburden the body’s built-in detox systems. By prioritising the health of these detox centers through food, nutrition, and even lifestyle changes, we can optimise and improve their function, revealing the body’s natural abilities to thrive and help us feel our best.
A toxin is any substance that creates irritating and/or harmful effects in the body. This includes stressing the biochemical activities or organ functions, causing damage to tissues or cells, or weakening the overall health of the body.
TOXICITY
Toxicity is a greater concern now more than ever, with changes in our environment resulting in:
- Water and air pollution
- Radiation from medical devices and airplane travel
- Increased use of plastics
- Harmful chemicals in our beauty and household products
- Increased reliance on drugs/medications
- Greater consumption of refined and processed foods
- Dependence on cell phones, computers, and television contributing to electromagnetic toxicity
In addition to these external exposures, the body produces toxins through its normal metabolic processes (e.g., free radicals) that need to be eliminated; otherwise, they can cause irritation or inflammation of the cells and tissues, hindering regular bodily functions. Even our thoughts, emotions, and stress can generate increased biochemical toxicity.
OUR PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS
Thankfully, the body is equipped with many built-in detoxification systems: The liver and kidneys are the main detoxification organs, together with the lymphatic system and digestive tract. Even the skin and lungs play an important part in the body’s detox process.
Detoxification is a crucial process where the body clears and filters a wide variety of toxins and wastes, allowing it to focus on its basic and essential functions. The body is designed to neutralize, transform, and eliminate toxins so we stay healthy and vibrant.
Presumably, a healthy individual with good immune function and elimination function can handle basic, everyday exposure to toxins; however, the highly toxic nature of modern-day living puts a greater burden on our detoxification systems, and when the body becomes overwhelmed by these toxins, the pathways can slow down; that’s when toxic overload becomes a concern.
Stagnation and congestion in the body (organs, tissues, lymph, circulation, and cells) can lead to disease and symptoms including:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Immune weakness
- Skin issues
- Digestive problems
- Mucus problems
SUPPORTIVE NUTRITION
Liver support: The liver helps to transform toxic substances into less harmful agents that will be easier to excrete. The liver also dumps wastes through the bile into the intestines, where much of it is eliminated. Aim to include liver-supporting foods in your daily diet.
Try these: beets, apples, carrots, bananas, spirulina, garlic, onions, leeks, legumes, seeds, avocados, kelp, whole grains, fish, cruciferous vegetables, bitter foods like arugula, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, milk thistle
Hydration: Increase your water intake to help eliminate toxins through urination, breathing, and sweating. Pure, clean water supports the urinary system (including the kidneys) and keeps the lungs hydrated and mucus flowing to move toxins, microbes, and pollutants out of the body.
Try these: Drink at least 8–10 cups of water daily; include herbal teas, broth, and high-water-content fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Antioxidants: Consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants will help fight free radicals whose harmful chemical reactions can damage the body’s cells. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, lycopene, and lutein.
Try these: green tea, berries, oranges, lemons, pink grapefruit, broccoli, strawberries, cauliflower, watermelon, cacao, spices
Gut support: The health of your gut microbiome is important for keeping your detoxification system healthy. Consider that nutrients must be absorbed via the gut to function optimally. Also, the gut is the initial site of exposure to orally-ingested toxins.
Try these: prebiotic foods like tomatoes, artichokes, bananas, onions, and garlic; probiotic foods like fermented foods, kombucha, kimchi, and raw apple cider vinegar; bone broth
Fibre: Increase your fibre intake to help with elimination. Fibre-rich foods help keep our bowel movements regular, which is essential for the elimination of toxins and waste from our digestive system.
Try these: psyllium seed husks, flax seeds, cabbage, dark leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, avocado, apples
Shifting our diet away from congesting foods like meats, fatty foods, dairy, refined and ultra-processed foods, and moving towards a diet filled with whole, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes, with proper hydration, can help strengthen our body’s natural ability to detoxify.
LIFESTYLE DETOX HABITS
- Sauna or steam sessions
- Dry brushing
- Lymphatic massage
- 7–9 hours of quality sleep
- Castor oil packs
- Hot epsom salt baths
- Movement (walking, jogging, yoga, etc.)
- Deep breathing and mediation
- Rebounding, skipping, and jumping
REDUCE YOUR TOXIC LOAD
The best way to reduce your toxic load is to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid chemicals from foods—choose organic where possible.
- Minimise consumption of refined, processed foods.
- Switch to natural beauty and household products.
- Limit plastics as much as possible—choose glass or stainless steel.
- Avoid perfumes, fragrances, scented candles, and opt for essential oils and diffusers.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
- Invest in a high-quality water filtration system.
- Improve indoor air quality—use air purifiers and houseplants.
- Avoid toxic relationships and negative media.
Ultimately, detoxing the body naturally involves dietary and lifestyle changes, which together help to reduce the intake of toxins, support the body’s built-in detoxification centres, and improve elimination. When our detox pathways are functioning optimally, we can experience clearer skin, improved digestion, greater energy, a stronger immune system, increased vitality and mental clarity.
RECIPE: CITRUS BEET SALAD
Raw foods maintain the highest concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and important enzymes that help with digestion. This salad includes a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods specifically chosen to support the body’s natural detoxification process. The dressing is sweet and tangy, pairing nicely with the dark leafy greens in this recipe.
SALAD INGREDIENTS
- 2 c arugula
- 2 c romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium beet, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp raw flax seeds
- 2 Tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 Tbsp chopped raw almonds
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
- ¼ c orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ c organic extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp raw organic apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
-
To a large serving bowl, add arugula, romaine lettuce, cilantro, apples, oranges, beets, and carrots. Toss to combine.
- Add the dressing ingredients to a small glass jar and mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture before serving and toss to combine.
- Top the salad with sliced avocado, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chopped almonds.
Serves 2
