Basic Detox Tips

Drink plenty of water

Water does so much more than quench your thirst. It regulates body temperature, aids digestion and nutrient absorption and detoxifies your body by removing waste products. If you haven’t already why not purchase a non-plastic bottle to take with you when you are out and about to ensure you stay hydrated.

Eat antioxidant-rich foods

Antioxidants protect your cells against damage caused by molecules known as free radicals. Oxidative stress is a condition that results from the excessive production of free radicals. Research suggests that free radicals play a role in several medical conditions such as heart disease and dementia.

Eating a diet packed with antioxidants can help the body counteract oxidative stress. Examples of antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E and can be found in foods such as berries, vegetables, green tea and nuts.

Reduce alcohol and tobacco intake

If you have tried and failed to give up cigarettes, don’t believe it, you CAN. Keep trying and you’ll get there (remember the hare and the tortoise…). Speak with people who have been victorious and get inspired!

Drinking too much alcohol reduces your liver’s ability to carry out its normal functions, such as detoxifying. Limiting or abstaining entirely from alcohol is one of the best ways to keep your body’s detoxification system running strong.

Reduce intake of sugar and processed foods

Research links high consumption of highly processed foods and sugary foods to obesity and other diseases such as diabetes. These issues hinder the body’s ability to naturally detoxify by harming organs that play an important role, such as the kidneys and liver. Replacing these types of foods with healthier alternatives such as fruit and vegetables is a healthy way to reduce consumption.

Decrease salt intake

Consuming too much salt can increase water retention, especially if you have a condition that affects the liver or kidneys. This excess build up can cause bloating and make clothes feel uncomfortable to wear. Increasing your water intake is one of the best ways to eliminate excess water weight from consuming too much salt. When you consume too much salt and not enough water, your body releases an antidiuretic hormone that prevents you from urinating and therefore detoxifying.

Increasing the intake of foods rich in potassium, such as spinach, kidney beans and potatoes can also help to counteract some of the effects of sodium.