Top 10 Foods for Detoxing

Pollution kills up to 25,000 Canadians every year. A 2007 UBC study shows that pollution is linked to 24,000 cancer cases and costs our health care system nearly $2 billion annually.

These alarming findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of environmental pollutants such as pesticides, dioxins, and heavy metals. Our bodies are forced to work overtime in efforts to eliminate these foreign chemicals. Fortunately, both ancient healing traditions and modern science suggest that some foods possess powerful cleansing properties.

By including these foods in the diet often, we can help counteract the toxic effects of environmental pollution.

1. Dandelion Greens are an excellent liver tonic. They are high in vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and several minerals. Chlorophyll, a major constituent of dandelion greens and all green leafy foods, is a powerful blood purifier.
2. Ginger increases circulation, thereby promoting the excretion of toxins via the skin, bowels, and kidneys. It possesses antibacterial and antiparasitic properties and helps to combat inflammation.
3. Apples purify the bloodstream and increase lymphatic action. Pectin, a soft, gelling fibre contained in apples, supports the colon’s peristaltic movement, promoting the excretion of toxic waste. The apple’s high vitamin C content further aids detoxification.
4. Lemons aid digestion by increasing saliva flow and stimulating liver function. They dissolve and bind uric acid and other toxins in the body and promote their excretion. They purify and alkalize the blood and have laxative and diuretic properties.
5. Grapes stimulate the liver and promote bowel and kidney function. They have a cleansing effect on all tissues and glands and speed up metabolic function. Purple grapes are high in resveratrol, a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant.
6. Artichokes stimulate the liver–the body’s major organ of detoxification. By increasing bile production, they help to metabolize fats. Artichoke extract, available in natural food stores, offers a convenient way of enjoying the artichoke’s cleansing benefits.
7. Beets purify the blood, cleanse the liver, and stimulate lymphatic activity. They aid digestion and help to flush out uric acid from the body. Fresh or lactic-acid fermented beet juice is an effective detoxifying agent and elixir.
8. Parsley has a powerful cleansing effect on the blood-stream. It stimulates the bowels and supports the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and detoxifying chlorophyll.
9. Grapefruit has a cooling and purifying effect on the body. It cleanses the liver and gallbladder and dissolves catarrhal accumulations in body tissues. A Scripps Clinic study released in January 2004 determined that the frequent consumption of grapefruit before meals promotes weight loss.
10. Yogourt promotes detoxification of the intestinal tract by promoting the recolonization of beneficial lactic-acid bacteria in the gut, thus ensuring proper assimilation of foods and nutrient synthesis.