So, You Want To Detox?
Sometimes, we just need to give the body a break from all the toxic stuff we throw at it. Certain foods may be tasty and convenient, but they’re not always friendly to our hard-working organs. Give them a break from these worst foods for detox, and spoil them with the best.
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1. Meat
Most detox diets recommend avoiding meat because it takes a long time for our bodies to fully digest it. Instead of helping us repel built-up toxins, it clogs our system.
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2. Dairy
Dairy products including cheese and milk are best to avoid during a detox as they’re usually hard on the digestive system. Their acidic properties can damage cells and increase the number of free radicals in the body.
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3. Alcohol
Your liver is designed to flush out toxins from substances like alcohol but during a detox, you should avoid it so that your liver can thoroughly clean itself out. It also causes dehydration and reduces the number of important minerals in your body which can negate all your other detox efforts.
4. Coffee
The short explanation for why we should avoid coffee during a detox is that caffeine is a drug and the whole point of a detox is to flush out these types of poisons from your body. That being said, even decaf should be avoided because of its acidity and the toxins it may contain from the bean processing.
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5. Sweets
In addition to being an addictive substance that causes mood swings and brain fog, sugar kills good bacteria in the gut that are helping clean out your system. Cutting out sweets may result in some weird side effects at first, including fatigue and headaches, but power through and you’ll feel like an improved version of yourself.
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6. Bread
All bread is best to avoid during detox as wheat and gluten can inhibit digestion and cause bloating. White bread is especially harmful because it causes blood sugar spikes and inflammation, hurting your detox efforts.
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7. Packaged Snacks
Packaged snacks like potato chips, crackers, and cookies are usually highly processed and contain extra sugar, artificial flavors, sodium, and unhealthy fats. These things are difficult for your body to break down, adding strain to your system.
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8. Mango
Mango is just one example of a fruit that’s high on the glycemic index; in other words, it’s very sweet. Although ordinarily it’s fine to eat any fruits, during a detox it’s best to avoid anything that will cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar because it adds stress to your body.
9. Fried Foods
Fried foods are a big no-no for detoxes because they’re usually cooked in low-quality, highly processed oils that contain a lot of toxins. They’re also high in fat and salt, putting a strain on your liver and your cells.
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10. Corn
Corn is one of the most genetically modified crops in North America, meaning it’s high in toxins. It’s also high on the glycemic index which can cause a spike in blood sugar, something to avoid during detox.
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Those were some of the most evil foods for detoxifying, now let’s talk about some of the helpful ones.
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is high in glutathione, an antioxidant celebrated for its detoxifying properties. It’s also high in vitamins K, A, C, and E, and has been shown to support bladder function.
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2. Kale
Kale is an alkaline food, meaning it’s non-acidic and can reduce inflammation. It’s also full of antioxidants, cleansing fiber, and amino acids that can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
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3. Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to your body’s detoxification process. It’s especially helpful to the liver because it neutralizes the harmful toxins that come from alcohol and other poisons.
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4. Onion
Onions are prebiotics–food for the good bacteria in your gut–helping digestion. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, and fiber, are anti-inflammatory, and good for cholesterol.
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5. Flaxseeds
Another prebiotic, flaxseeds are a superfood for gut health. They’re also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber which all work together to eliminate toxins, reduce cholesterol, and sift out fat and sugar from the bloodstream.
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6. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, but studies have shown their incredible detoxifying qualities come mostly from their system regulating phytochemicals. They’re also low on the glycemic index and packed with anti-aging vitamins C and K.
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7. Broccoli
Broccoli contains a special sulfuric compound known for its detoxifying and immune-boosting qualities. It’s also packed with calcium, potassium, folate, and vitamins C and K which all help to promote longevity and protect from certain types of cancers.
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8. Cilantro
Some people love it, others think it tastes like soap. Hopefully, you fall into the former category because cilantro is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial, and can even clean the system of toxic heavy metals. It’s also high in iron and folate making it beneficial for people with anemia.
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9. Ghee
A staple of Indian cuisine, ghee is a type of clarified butter. Despite being a saturated fat, it’s touted for its detoxifying qualities because it’s lactose-free and rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, E and K.
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10. Grapefruit
Many of the grapefruit’s powerful detoxifying qualities lie in its small, bitter seeds. They are antimicrobial and packed with antioxidants that push out harmful bacteria. The fruit is also an excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C and cholesterol-reducing fiber.
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