8 Foods to Detox Your Whole System

Spring is almost officially here, which means many people are attempting to fix the damage they did to their body all winter long. Between holiday binge eating and fighting winter blues via sugar and prepackaged foods, most people not only gain a few pounds, they also cause their body to become toxic.

Keeping our bodies free of toxins and free radicals is essential to our overall health and wellbeing. The connection between mind and body is very real. How you feel physically plays into how your brain functions and what your overall state of being is.

Contrary to what you may have heard, however, detoxing your body doesn’t have to feel like torture. The body was made to detox itself naturally, without any stringent fasts or weird concoctions that burn a little going down (I’m talking to you Master Cleanse, with your cayenne pepper!). Your liver and kidneys will do their job of detoxing your body if you give them a little support, and that support can come through eating the following 8 naturally-detoxifying foods.

Almonds

When we eat too many processed foods, our livers become fatty. These fatty deposits that build up can put us at an increased risk of developing disease, including liver cancer.

The good news is, according to a study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a couple of small handfuls a day of vitamin-packed almonds can help cleanse those fatty deposits right out. The researchers found that the vitamin E in almonds had the ability to reduce the risk of liver cancer by as much as 40%.

Artichokes

Artichokes are not only delicious, they help your liver produce more bile, which helps clean out impurities as well as break down foods so your body has full access to the nutrients.

Beyond the benefit of increasing bile production, artichokes are also chock full of fiber, protein, magnesium, folate and potassium, nutrients vital to optimum health.

Cabbage

Like many things that become viral sensations, there is some truth to the “Cabbage Soup Diet,” but you needn’t be militant with it to experience benefits. This cruciferous vegetable helps cleanse your liver and naturally lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In addition, cabbage also helps you go to the bathroom, which in turn helps your body rid itself of harmful toxins.

Garlic

Garlic not only adds tremendous flavor to a variety of foods, it can also assist your body in cleaning out the liver and boosting the immune system as well. About the only negative to garlic is that it can make your breath and sweat rather stinky. If you find your family and friends begin complaining, you can take a garlic supplement instead.

Asparagus

This spring vegetable contains glutathione, a potent antioxidant known for its detoxifying properties. While it’s clear asparagus offers kidney and bladder cleansing support, no one knows for certain if that’s why it makes your pee smell funny.

Avocados

Thanks to the recent distinction between good fats and bad fats, avocados are finally getting the respect they deserve. The truth is, these green beauties are high in antioxidants, which are important in fighting free radicals that cause our bodies to age and develop disease. They are also high in fiber, keeping us regular and helping our bodies expel even more toxins.

Remember to buy organic avocados and eat them plain or with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Getting a side of guacamole at your local Mexican restaurant every once in a while is NOT going to help your body cleanse.

Dandelions

Considered a weed by most gardeners and homeowners who dread the sight of the little, yellow plant on their lawn, dandelions offer many healing properties, especially when it comes to the liver. In fact, dandelions have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver problems. So, consider eating more dandelion greens, roots, or sipping dandelion tea to help your body cleanse and get healthy.

Kale

Kale has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years and for good reason, this superfood is packed with nutrients that help flush out the kidneys and protect the body against free radicals. The best part is, kale is completely versatile and can be eaten raw in salads, added to smoothies, juiced, or sautéed for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Of course, we can’t very well talk about detoxing without talking about getting rid of the toxic stress in your life. Let’s be honest, besides the bad food choices we make, everyday stress also plays havoc on our overall health and wellbeing. We’ve known for years that stress can cause high blood pressure, but new research is pointing to the link between stress, heart disease and stroke.

So what can you do about everyday stress? You can’t make the bills go away or make your boss not yell at you in front of coworkers. You can, however, find healthier ways to deal with stress like yoga and meditation.

You can also begin using Sonic Wave Relaxation Therapy, a scientifically proven method that beats the effects of stress on your body. Just 10 minutes a day is all that is needed to permanently lower blood pressure. By using Sonic Wave Relation Therapy:

• You’ll Prevent Heart Attacks
• You’ll Lose Weight
• You’ll Prevent Strokes
• You’ll Slow the Aging Process
• You’ll Prevent Cancer
• You’ll Have More Energy
• You’ll Experience Deeper, Better Sleep
• You’ll Strengthen Your Immune System
• You’ll Live a Longer, Happier, Healthier Live

Find out for yourself why The American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic, The Harvard Medical School and more all back this breakthrough technique.