Best Superfoods for Detoxification

Detoxification refers to the process of removing toxins from the body. Toxins may enter the body from a number of sources—including the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the personal care products we use, the utensils we cook and eat with, and so on. When toxins accumulate in the body, it can have many negative consequences for our health. The goal of detoxification is to eliminate toxins from the body and to improve our health in the process.

 

Why Detox?

 

We are living in a world that constantly exposes us to toxins. Most of these toxins are microscopic, so they easily go unnoticed. However, the effect they have on our health is tremendous. If these toxins are allowed to build up over time, they can begin to impair our organ function, and can result in various types of diseases.

 

This is why it is so incredibly important to educate yourself on common sources of toxins, to avoid these toxins, and to regularly remove toxins from your body—especially in our modern times, as we are exposed to so many more toxins than our ancestors ever were.

 

Common Sources of Toxins

 

Toxins are everywhere. We are exposed to them constantly, and they are much more prevalent than one might think. Let’s explore some of the major toxins that we are regularly exposed to:

 

• Viruses
• Pathogenic bacteria
• Parasites
• Candida
• Toxic heavy metals like:
  • Aluminum
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Cadmium
  • Copper
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Nickel
  • Toxic calcium
• Pharmaceuticals and drugs like:
  • Alcohol
  • Antibiotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Biologics
  • Birth control medication
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Hormone medications
  • Opioids
  • Prescription amphetamines
  • Recreation drugs
  • Sleeping pills
  • Statins
  • Steroids
  • Thyroid medications
• Chemicals in domestic products like:
  • Aerosol can air fresheners
  • Cologne and aftershave
  • Conventional cleaning products
  • Conventional hair dye
  • Conventional laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets
  • Conventional makeup
  • Conventionally scented body lotions, creams, sprays, washes, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, gels and other hair or body products
  • Dry cleaning chemicals
  • Hairspray
  • Nail polishes and polish removers
  • Perfume
  • Plug-in air fresheners
  • Scented candles
  • Spray tan
  • Spray-bottle air fresheners and mists
  • Talcum powder
• Chemical Neuroantagonists like:
  • Chemical fertilizers
  • Chlorine
  • DDT
  • Fluoride
  • Fungicides
  • Herbicides
  • Insecticides
  • Larvicides
  • Other pesticides
  • Smoke exposure of any kind
• Petrochemicals like:
  • Carpet chemicals
  • Chemical solvents
  • Diesel fuel
  • Dioxins
  • Engine oil and grease
  • Exhaust fumes
  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Lacquer
  • Lighter fluid
  • Paint
  • Paint thinner

 

There are others, but hopefully this makes it crystal clear just how many toxins we are exposed to. They are a part of so many products and materials in our society that they are near impossible to avoid. We can certainly focus on using more natural alternatives to many harmful products, but even still, we are exposed to many toxins on a daily basis.

 

It is important to be aware of this so we can know how to best protect ourselves. Aside from being diligent about the products we use and consume, we must also pay close attention to our food. Food can be the greatest source of healing, or the greatest source of disease, depending on what foods we consume.

 

It is important to know what foods can help you detox and remove toxins, and to try to include more of these foods in your daily diet. Taking time to do a few dedicated detox cleanses is also great to do a few times each year for deeper detoxification.

 

The Body’s Detox Organs

 

Our body already has many organs and systems dedicated to detoxification—such as the liver, kidneys, gut, skin, and lymphatic system. These organs are vital to our health, and are working constantly to fight off the toxins that we ingest. Unfortunately, if these organs are overwhelmed with toxins, their function becomes impaired, and as a result, more toxins are able to bypass them and enter our system.

 

For this reason, one of the greatest ways to support the body’s detoxification is to focus on detoxifying and restoring the health of the liver and other detox organs. This can be done with certain dietary and lifestyle factors, as well as through utilizing certain superfoods known for their incredible detox benefits.

 

Best Superfoods for Detoxification

 

1. Wild Blueberries

 

 

We’ve all heard about the health benefits of eating blueberries. While blueberries are great for our health, wild blueberries are far superior. Wild blueberries contain significantly more antioxidants than their cultivated counterparts. If you cut a cultivated blueberry in half, the inside of the berry is white. If you cut a wild blueberry in half, the inside is a deep, dark blue that is similar to its outer skin. This dark blue-purple color comes from powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their rich coloring. They are among nature’s most powerful antioxidants, helping to reduce the damage caused by harmful free radicals.

 

Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules. Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are referred to as “oxidation.” Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place in your body. However, oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. This can result in damaged cells and ultimately ill health.

 

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Antioxidants can donate an electron to a free radical without making themselves unstable. This causes the free radical to stabilize and become less reactive. As oxidation is a process that is constantly occurring due to numerous chemical reactions in the body, antioxidants must also regularly work to keep free radicals in balance.

 

If not eliminated, toxins and free radical damage may lead to disease. Antioxidants work to protect and strengthen the body during a detox, and certain antioxidants are necessary for your liver to carry out its detoxification and cleansing functions.

 

In addition to acting as antioxidants and fighting free radicals, anthocyanins also offer anti-inflammatory and anti-viral benefits. Wild blueberries are high in anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, dimethyl resveratrol, and numerous polyphenols that make them an incredibly nutritious food and a powerhouse for detoxification.

 

You can find wild blueberries in the freezer section of most health food stores and natural markets. You can also order wild blueberry powders online as an alternative. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place that grow them, you can also find them in the late summer, usually in alpine environments.

 

2. Lemon

 

 

Lemons are notorious for their detoxing properties and are used in many different detoxification cleanses. To be specific, lemons themselves don’t detox our bodies, aid our bodies in their own natural process of flushing the toxins out and restoring the liver.

 

In order to truly detox your body, you have to remove toxins from your gastrointestinal tract. Lemons help your body flushing out toxins, and they are very high in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which aids the immune system.

 

Lemons are also a source of plant compounds called flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Citrus flavonoids reduce inflammation in the body, which supports all of the body’s systems in functioning at their best.

 

Lemon water helps your digestion, flushes out toxins and cleanses the liver.

 

3. Dandelion Greens

 

 

Nearly everyone knows of dandelion as a persistent weed. These incredible plants are unfortunately less known for their amazing health benefits and detoxification properties.

 

Dandelion leaf is a diuretic that removes toxic substances from the kidneys and entire urinary system. Plus, its disinfectant properties inhibit bacterial growth, preventing future UTIs. The diuretic and detoxing nature of dandelion helps to regulate hormones facilitating removal of toxins through sweat, bile and urine.

 

Dandelion greens are very bitter in taste, and this bitterness triggers the release of bile, which supports liver health. The potassium in dandelion greens helps flush impurities via the kidneys and urine. Their chlorophyll content helps cleanse, alkalize, and balance, and their vast list of replenishing phytonutrients—including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and vitamins including A, B, C and D—have such a beneficial action on clearing and beautifying the skin, as well as on nourishing and supporting the overall health of the body.

 

Dandelion greens can be found in the produce section of many stores, especially health food stores. They can be added to salads, smoothies, or juices, and make a great addition to a healthy diet.

 

4. Spirulina

 

 

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae with strong antioxidant effects. It grows in both fresh and salt water, and is a type of cyanobacteria, which is a family of single-celled microbes. Just like plants, cyanobacteria can produce energy from sunlight via a process called photosynthesis.

 

Spirulina was consumed by the ancient Aztecs, and it is growing in popularity today too. It is widely recognized as a powerful source of many nutrients, and an excellent aid for detoxification.

 

Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage. Its main active component is called phycocyanin. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color. Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit production of inflammatory signaling molecules, providing impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

 

Spirulina is also known to be alkalizing to the body, which boosts liver function. This is a necessary element while doing any kind of detox cleanse. Spirulina can be found in powder or capsule form, and can be taken with water or added to smoothies for a nutritional boost.

 

5. Beets

 

 

Beets are an incredibly powerful detox superfood because they offer amazing support to the liver. Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support detoxification through an important phase 2 detox step in the liver. Broken down toxins are bound to other molecules so they can be excreted from your body. This helps purify your blood and your liver. When your liver is able to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively, then your body is better able to balance hormones, cholesterol and energy levels.

 

Betalains also have powerful anti-oxidants and inflammatory properties. Beets also contain vitamins A, C, and B group, and are a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese and fiber.

 

Beets are easy to add to the diet and can be eaten raw or cooked. You can steam them, back them, or shred them and add them to salads or other dishes.

 

6. Asparagus

 

 

Asparagus is another great food for detox that also offers unique liver support. Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. It is also a good source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as being beneficial to those with high blood pressure. Asparagus is also known to help the kidney and bladder cleanse itself.

 

Asparagus has a unique ability to break down toxins in the liver. Studies on asparagus show that it can also alleviate cellular toxicity, making it an even more incredible superfood for detoxification.

Asparagus can be eaten raw or cooked, added to salads, steamed, fried, baked, and eaten in a variety of dishes. Asparagus is easy to add to your diet and is a tasty food with many health benefits.

 

7. Broccoli

 

 

Another powerful superfood for detox, broccoli contains special phytonutrients that help in the body's detox process. Broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane, which is great for fighting off infectious cells in our bodies. Eating broccoli also helps your body fight off disease-inducing chemicals, and boosts the liver’s ability to clear bad chemicals from our bodies.

 

Since broccoli is rich in fiber, it can help get rid of toxins through the digestive tract. Broccoli is also full of antioxidants that help in overall detoxification of the body.

 

Broccoli also contains a wide variety of nutrients. One cup of broccoli has as much vitamin C as an orange. This antioxidant helps protect your cells from damage and promotes healing throughout your body.

 

Broccoli is also rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E and K. It is also easy to add broccoli to your diet, as it fits in well with a variety of different meals.

 

 

 

Summary

 

We are living in a world that constantly exposes us to toxins. Most of these toxins are microscopic, so they easily go unnoticed. However, the effect they have on our health is tremendous. If these toxins are allowed to build up over time, they can begin to impair our organ function, and can result in various types of diseases.

 

This is why it is so incredibly important to educate yourself on common sources of toxins, to avoid these toxins, and to regularly remove toxins from your body—especially in our modern times.

 

The most important factor for any form of detoxification is to avoid toxic substances in the first place. It is not possible to truly detox if we keep “re-toxing,” so do your best to educate yourself on what you consume, and avoid substances that are filled with toxic chemicals and preservatives or grown with pesticides and genetically modified ingredients.

 

The body has a natural tendency toward healing and repairing itself when it is no longer affected by harmful toxins and is given the proper nutrients to heal. For this reason, it is important that you nourish your body with the nutrients it needs so it can flush out harmful toxins and restore your health.

 

In this day and age, detoxification is essential. Try adding some of the powerful superfoods mentioned in this article to your diet to support regular detoxification and protection of your health.

 

 

 

 

References:

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3751288/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6403313/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19895471/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6947971/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23110644/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749124/