Most of us are good at keeping our bodies clean on the outside. We shower regularly, brush our teeth, and use a body scrub or loofah to exfoliate our skin. But what about cleansing our bodies from the inside out?
Body cleansing is about giving our internal organs and systems a good detox. When we cleanse our bodies, we help eliminate toxins built up over time. This can lead to improved digestion, more energy, better skin, and overall health.
Most of us have been there before: feeling sluggish, heavy, and just plain icky. Unfortunately, when our body is begging for a cleanse, we often turn to harsh detoxes or fad diets to feel better. But there’s a better way – by simply incorporating certain whole foods into your diet, you can give your body the gentle cleanse it needs.
And no, you don't have to subsist on celery and water for a week. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious options that you can go for, so take note of some of these and feel free to add them to your grocery list:
Lemons
Lemons are high in antioxidants and help to flush toxins out of the body. They’re also packed with Vitamin C, essential for a strong immune system. In addition, lemons can be a great source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Tip: Start your day by adding lemon to your water or tea. You can also add lemon juice to salads, soups, and sauces for an extra zing of flavor.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent. It is well-known for its antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent food for boosting immunity. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Tip: Add garlic to just about anything you're cooking for an extra flavor boost and health benefits! Roast whole cloves and add them to pasta dishes, or chop them up and add them to stir-fries.
Green Tea
Green tea is an excellent body-cleansing drink. It is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Studies have also shown that green tea can help boost metabolism and promote fat loss.
Tip: You can start your day with a cup of green tea instead of coffee. It's also a great way to hydrate after a workout.
A side note: Avoid adding too much sugar, as this can negate the health benefits.
Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Hmm, old but gold.
Apples are a natural diuretic, which means they help to flush toxins and excess water out of your body. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals and protecting cells from damage. In addition, apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to promote weight loss.
Tip: Eating an apple daily can help keep your body’s cleansing system running like a well-oiled machine. Just be sure to eat them in moderation, as they are also high in sugar.
Cranberries
These tart little berries are rich in compounds that help to flush toxins out of the body. These compounds also promote kidney and liver health.
A fun fact! Cranberries have been used to treat various ailments, from urinary tract infections to stomach ulcers. In addition, scientists have found that cranberries are also a good source of phytochemicals – compounds that have been shown to protect against diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Tip: Add these berries to your morning smoothie or mix them into yogurt or oatmeal. Just be sure to eat them in moderation, as they can also be quite acidic.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in fiber, which helps to promote regularity and prevent constipation. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K, essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, the nutrients in carrots help to protect liver cells from damage and encourage healthy liver function.
Carrots are also a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight, hair, and skin. For example, vitamin A helps protect the eye’s surface, preventing dryness and inflammation. It also helps to keep hair follicles healthy, promoting hair growth. And finally, vitamin A helps to keep skin looking young and radiant by boosting collagen production.
Tip: There are plenty of ways to incorporate some carrots into your diet – you can juice them, shred them into salads, or even eat them raw as a snack.
Avocados
Avocados are packed with healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins that help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They're also a great source of potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. What’s more, they're known as one of the foods to eat for glowing skin and are very effective in reducing bloating.
Tip: Try adding avocado to salads and sandwiches, or even just eating it on its own with a bit of salt and pepper.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous veggies like kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're also low in calories but high in fiber, so they'll fill you up without weighing you down.
Tip: Add them to salads or sauté them as a side dish. You can even roast kale and use it as a healthy chips alternative. If for children’s nutrition, green smoothies are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Add in some banana or berries for sweetness, and you've got a nutritious drink that your kids will love.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and essential for maintaining healthy skin. They are also high in fiber and low in calories.
Tip: Add flaxseeds to yogurt or oatmeal for a nutritional boost, or use them in baking recipes to replace eggs. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes before using in place of one egg.
Probiotic-rich foods
Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for gut health. Probiotic-rich foods can help improve digestion, boost immunity, and even alleviate anxiety and depression.
Tip: Some great probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup, and pickled ginger. Incorporate some of these into your diet each week for optimal gut health.
XO
Joie