How To Detox

Remove toxins from the body (and cleanse the liver)

Environmental pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals and chemicals are stored in our tissues and cells. These affect immune system function, mood, metabolism and the ability to fight disease.

In fact, symptoms of poor health in people free from diagnosed disease may also be related to toxin buildup.

A 2000 study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine investigated whether a seven-day program of detoxication, such as a heavy metal detox, can improve well-being and enhance the activity of liver detoxification pathways.

As a result of the detox, there was a 23 percent increase in liver detoxification capacity and an increase in the urinary sulfate-to-creatinine ratio after treatment, indicating a trend toward improved liver function.

Reduce inflammation

As part of the detox diet, give your digestion system a chance to rest by having detox drinks and smoothies instead of heavy meals. This helps to reduce disease-causing inflammation and swelling within the body.

Research suggests that some detox drink ingredients, like watermelon, cucumber, strawberries and ginger, help reduce inflammation while easing your digestive system.

Aid weight loss

Detox drinks can boost your metabolismand energy levels, leaving you feeling fresh and light throughout the day. Some fruits, like benefit-rich grapefruit, even contain special enzymes that help the body to utilize sugar, thereby boosting the metabolism and aiding weight losing

The ingredients of any detox drink will work together to reduce inflammation, cleanse the liver and boost energy levels naturally. Without the toxin overload weighing you down, you will feel lighter and refreshed as opposed to living with fatigue, mood swings and brain fog.

Ingredients like lemon, rosemary and mint can help rejuvenate the body and can even improve mental alertness. These powerful foods also help you to restore hydration, especially after exercise or a busy day

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is low in calories and helps hydrate the body. It fights inflammation and free radical damage while providing vitamin A and vitamin B, both known for having anti-aging properties.

Watermelon contains a high amount of lycopene, a certain type of carotenoid that is responsible for giving watermelon its deep red or pink color and serves as a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shownthat lycopene plays a role in the prevention of chronic diseases and may prevent osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Watermelon also provides potassium and magnesium, which are important for detoxification and managing blood flow and hydration levels in the body.

2. Cucumber

Cucumber nutrition includes some impressive benefits when it comes to fighting free radical damage and inflammation. Cucumbers also contain some powerful polyphenol compounds that reportedly help to naturally slow aging that is caused by oxidative stress.

Cucumbers and cucumber water are diuretics, so they stimulate urination, which helps cleanse the liver, flush out bodily toxins and avoid water retention.

3. Coconut water

Coconut water is a great detox drink and contains a similar electrolyte profile to human blood, making it an ideal beverage to replace fluids and help remove toxins from the body. The electrolyte potassium, specifically, can help counteract some of the negative effects of a high-sodium processed diet.

4. Lemon

Lemon contains ascorbic acid, which helps detoxify the body. It also aids digestion, keeps your skin glowing and provides vitamin C, which stimulates white blood cell production and boosts immune system function.

The benefits of lemon water include its ability to rejuvenate the skin, heal the body and boost energy. A lemon water detox may also help you to lose weight because lemon contains pectin, which has proved to be a type of fiber that helps you to feel full longer.

5. Lime

Adding lime juice to detox drinks provides vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C is known to improve physical performance, boost the immune system and fight free radical damage.

Limes aid detoxification by promoting the activity of an enzyme in the liver called glutathione-S-transferase (GST). They also contain flavonoids that stimulate the digestive system and increase the secretionof bile and acids.

Lime can easily be added to a detox water or green smoothie.

6. Grapefruit

Did you know that just smelling the aroma of grapefruit affects the autonomic nerves, fat metabolism and appetite? Research conducted at Karolinska Institute in Sweden revealed that grapefruit benefits weight loss.

The enzyme found in grapefruit called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) helps your body utilize sugar, which boosts your metabolism and aids weight loss. AMPK is generally activated during exercise to help muscles use stored sugar and fat for energy.

Grapefruit also boosts the immune system because it is rich in vitamin C, hydrates the body, and even promotes skin and brain health.

7. Raspberries

Raspberries contain ketones, natural chemicals that are thought to help you lose weight fast. Animal studies have shownthat raspberry ketones help prevent the high-fat-diet-induced elevations in body weight as well as the weight of the liver and visceral adipose tissues.

Whether or not ketones aid human weight loss is still up for debate, but raspberries are also high in vitamin C and B vitamins. They promote skin health and naturally slow aging.

8. Strawberries

Most of the health benefits associated with strawberry nutrition are due to the presence of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Research suggests that strawberries contain anti-aging flavonoids that may lower the risk for chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Adding strawberries to detox drinks may also slow down the aging process, protect the skin, provide vitamins A and C, and aid detoxification.

A and C vitamins are especially neededduring the body’s detox process in order to neutralize and eliminate toxins, leading to reduced inflammation, a regular digestive system and pH balance.

9. Mint

Did you know that mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food? It’s the perfect ingredient for detox drinks because it invigorates the senses while soothing an upset stomach or indigestion.

Studies show that mint improves the flow of bile through the stomach and speeds up the digestion process, helping detoxify the body. It also has antimicrobial properties and can be used to support oral health.

10. Ginger

The medicinal benefits of ginger comes from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger serves asan effective digestive aid and natural remedy for nausea.

It can be added to any detox drink to help relieve bloating, constipation and gastrointestinal issues. Ginger is also known to warm the body and break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs.

Try making your own ginger shots.

11. Rosemary

Rosemary is part of the mint family and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a fantastic detoxifier.

It works by enhancing the body’s bile flow, which is essential for fat metabolism and detoxification.

Reports indicate that by helping to enhance the performance of the bile-producing gallbladder and balance out the microflora in the gut, rosemary boosts nutrient absorption and helps reverse or prevent toxic overload.

12. Dandelion

Dandelion greens increase urine production and serve as a natural laxative.

Reports suggest that dandelions aid digestion by maintaining the proper flow of bile and cleansing the liver. They are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps with mineral absorption and reduces inflammation.

Dandelions can also be used for loss ofappetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas and gallstones.

13. Apple cider vinegar

An apple cider vinegar drink increases metabolism and speeds up weight loss. It contains an organic acid called acetic acid, which has been shown to improve your metabolism.

It also supports digestive function with its enzymes and probiotics and fights acid reflux naturally.

Add apple cider vinegar to detox drinks in order to cleanse your liver and lymphatic system. It helps balance your body’s pH and promotes cardiovascular stimulation.

14. Aloe vera

Research shows that aloe vera gel and aloe vera juice have laxative and anti-inflammatory properties that help digestion, normalize pH balance, lessen yeast formation and encourage digestive bacteria.

The enzymes present in aloe vera help break down the proteins that we eat into amino acids and turn the enzymes into fuel for every cell in the body. This allows the cells to function properly, and it boosts the immune system.

Add aloe vera to detox drinks to reduce inflammation, aid digestion and promote skin health.

Detox water recipes:

After adding the ingredients to a glass jar or pitcher, let it sit for three to five hours or overnight. Add ice to your detox drink before enjoying.

All of these detox water recipe ideas call for 12 ounces of water, but you can always play with these portions and tweak the combinations. Any combination of these awesome detox drink ingredients will help remove toxins from the body, boost energy, reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.

• A handful of mint leaves, 2 cups of cubed watermelon and wedges from 1 lime
• Wedges from 1 lemon and 1 cucumber sliced
• Lemon juice from 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 2 cups of cubed watermelon and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice from 1/2 a lemon, a teaspoon of cinnamon and slices from 1/2 an apple
• Lemon juice from 1 lemon and 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• Lemon juice from 1/2 a lemon and 1/2 inch knob of fresh ginger root, grated

You can also try my Secret Detox Drink recipe, which also features apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and cayenne pepper.

If you’re looking for a ginger detox, try my ginger detox Switchel recipe.

There are also plenty of detox smoothierecipes to choose from. Try some of my Healthy Detox Smoothie Recipes.

Detox tea recipes:

• Dandelion Tea. Steep dandelion roots or flowers in boiling water for 30 minutes. You can strain the roots and flowers or drink them with your tea. Dandelion tea helps cleanse the liver, and it serves as a diuretic and a good source of vitamin A.
• Green Tea. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants, and it can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, minimize signs of aging and improve memory. You can find green tea at most grocery stores or buy green tea leaves and steep them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain.
• Ginger Tea. Ginger tea soothes digestion, reduces inflammation, and relieves nausea or upset stomach. You can find ginger tea at most grocery stores or make it yourself by steeping fresh ginger root in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add raw honey or lemon for flavor and extra detoxifying benefits