Detoxing Foods

In the spring, people clean their homes, their lives, and often want to clean up their health through eating cleanly or a detox. Most detox diets are unhealthy and unsustainable as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, there are certain foods that have been shown to have natural cleansing properties in the body. Incorporating these foods into a healthy diet can help you feel more energized and naturally rid your body of any excess toxins. 

1. Ginger. Ginger is great for a natural detox because it helps to cleanse the free radicals from your liver, removing the extra junk from your body. Seasoning some of your food with ginger or adding it to tea can be a great way to cleanse.
2. Green tea. Since tea is already so packed with health benefits, it is not surprising that it is great for a natural detoxification of the body. The antioxidants in the tea are beneficial, as are the catechins found in the tea. Catechins increase the function of your liver and produce a natural enzyme that helps with detoxification of the body. Sipping on some green tea (with a little ginger!) throughout the day is a great way to help your body.
3. Fresh fruit. Fruit is high in fiber and very easy for the body to digest, making it a simple food that can help rid your body of toxins. It also has a high water content, so eating some fruit can help wash out excess sodium in addition to being a sweet treat!
4. Leafy greens. Everyone already knows that dark leafy greens are healthy, but they also can help detox the body naturally. Eating foods like kale, spinach, alfalfa, and chard will increase the levels of chlorophyl in your digestive tract, which can help rid your body of the toxins we receive from our environment. 
5. Citrus. Foods such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruit help to naturally cleanse the body because they increase the function of the liver. They also help to produce the same detoxification enzyme that green tea produces. Adding lemon to your water or incorporating fresh citrus fruit into your diet will help your body feel cleaner and healthier.
6. Broccoli. All vegetables are good for a healthy diet, but broccoli in particular has been shown to stimulate detoxficiation in the digestive tract. Steaming some broccoli as a side to your meal or adding it on top of a salad is a great way to incorporate this healthy cruciferous vegetable into your diet.