Eat these 10 foods to support your natural detoxification:

We are living in a world where we are exposed to hundreds of toxins everyday. They come in the form of pesticides, environmental chemicals, flame retardants, heavy metals, processed foods, medications, and as recent virus and bacterial invaders!  Some of us are more susceptible to becoming sick from these toxins due to genetics and biochemistry.  Seniors, pregnant women, kids, and those with immune illness are the most vulnerable to toxins. 

The good news is that we have a lot of control in minimizing our exposure and boosting our defenses using food to enhance detoxification! 

Detoxification basics

Detoxification refers to our body's ability to remove and get rid of waste. If that process is impaired or if we have too many toxins, we get sick. 

The main detoxifier in the body is our liver. It works through a series of enzymes via Phase 1 and Phase 2 pathways to rid your body of toxins. These pathways require adequate nutrients, phytonutrients, antioxidants and protein in order to function. If you are missing any of these, detox cannot work efficiently.  Once the liver turns the toxins into water soluble substances, they are excreted through the kidneys, sweat, and intestines. This is the reason it is important to drink water, exercise, and have good digestion.

How to reduce the amount of toxins in the body

The first step to detoxifying the body is to limit your exposure to them. Good ways to to do this are:

• Buy organic 
  • Pesticides can cause leaky gut which affects your immune system, skin, gut, weight, and brain.  Check out the Evironmental Working group's dirty dozen and clean 15 www.ewg.org
  • Eat whole foods. If you can't pronounce the ingredient in a food, most likely it's not good for you. 
  • Limit sugars of all kinds including artificial ones with no calories. 
• 10 foods to support detoxification
  • ​Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies.  This family that helps to detox the liver, balance hormones and prevent cancer includes: arugula, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, collards, kohlrabi, radish, and turnips.​
  • Garlic and other alliums. This group provides sulfur compounds which boost detox chemicals such as glutathione, the master antioxidant in the body. They include: garlic, chives, onions, shallots, and scallions
    
  • Parsley and other leafy greens. Green leafies get their color from chlorophyll which binds carcinogens from charred meat, smoke, and other environmental toxin. They also provide folic acid which is essential for methylation another detox pathway. So eat at least 2 cups per day of spinach, chard, beet greens, mustard greens, parsley, cilantro, radicchio and kale.
    
  • Turmeric -Turmeric's phytochemical, curcumin has long been studied to provide anticancer, antiAlzheimer, and inflammatory protection. This is due to the fact that it inhibits phase 1 and stimulates phase 2 detoxification in the liver while also increasing glutathione.  Try sprinkling some on your eggs or roasted cauliflower. 
  • Berries. These nutrient gems include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and black raspberries. The dark pigments include anthocyanins  and poly phenols which help the brain as well as helping the liver neutralize carcinogens. Try a bowl with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for dessert.
  • Lemon- Limonene, found in the peel of citrus is a potent antioxidant, anti-carcinogen, and promotes liver detoxification. The vitamin C of citrus can help prevent virus attack. Try drinking lemon water in the morning to help digestion or add a slice with the peel to your morning smoothie.
  • Green tea-The polyphenols in green tea are called catechins (epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG). Tea contains multiple flavanoids which help balance liver detox pathways. Try a matcha latte as a way to relax during a stressful time of day. (watch the sugar though!)Quercetin found in tea is one of the potential antiviral agents suggested( also in apples and onions)
    
  • Beets-Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support methylation and glutathione-dependent phase 2 detoxification. Beets provide the highest plant source of these powerful substances. They also may lower blood pressure. 
    
  • Flax seeds- these tiny seeds are high in omega-3 fats and contain lignins , a fiber substance that detoxify estrogen. Their high fiber supports digestion and elimination. Try grinding some and sprinkle on oats, salad, and in smoothies.
    
  • Artichokes-Artichokes are rich in liver protective agents called cynarin, a compound that stimulates the liver and gallbladder. They also have a mild diuretic effect that stimulates the kidneys to remove toxins. 
    
  • Protein-Don't forget to eat protein from quality sources such as wild salmon, beans, eggs,grass-fed meat and pasture-raised poultry. Without enough protein, the detox pathways are impaired.