Every Spring, like clockwork, we are inundated with the words “cleanse” or “detox” in magazines, nutrition websites and on the news. Luckily there are simple ways you can help your body detoxify, and you don't need to buy expensive powders or pills. In fact, you can support your body’s natural ability to cleanse through foods!
1. Focus on fibre
It’s an underrated, yet truly essential nutrient and it supports the body’s ability to cleanse. When consumed, fibre sweeps through your intestinal tract and enables your body to eliminate waste and toxins. Focus on eating whole grains, legumes, beans, vegetables and fruit as a means to increase your intake of dietary fibre. To up your fibre try out steel cut oats, buckwheat groats, chickpeas, beans, lentils, wild rice, flax seeds, chia seeds, or whatever suits your fancy.
2. Consume cruciferous vegetables
Eating vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables, supports the liver, which is the central organ for detoxification. Cruciferous vegetables include bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, cauliflower, just to name a few. There are so many ways to incorporate these vegetable into your diet. Try lightly steamed brussels sprouts as a side dish. Kale can be blended in to a smoothie or incorporated into soups and stews. Thinly sliced cabbage, tossed in a light vinaigrette, can be made into a delicious slaw or even used instead of noodles in pastas, soups or stir fry. Be creative and the possibilities are endless!
3. Make sure you are getting enough water
Water is vital to our health, and also plays a huge role in cleansing and detoxifying. The kidneys, which act as the body’s filtration system, are dependent on water. They remove waste products from the blood, eliminate toxic substances in the urine, and process toxins from the liver. To keep your kidneys healthy and happy, it is recommends that men consume roughly 13 cups (3 litres) of water per day, and that women consume approximately 9 cups (2.2 litres) per day. You should increase that amount on days that you exercise.
Amy is a successful Registered Holistic Nutritionist who helps her clients reach their goals and overcome health challenges through nutritional consultations, coaching, cooking and health education. Whether it's weight loss, improved digestion, or simply adapting better eating habits, she's passionate about supporting her clients as they work towards healthier, more balanced lives. In her spare time, she loves entertaining and hosting dinner parties, practicing yoga, walking her dog, tinkering with recipes to make them healthier, traveling, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
