Written by Chantel – resident Naturopath at Choice pharmacy
Foods that help us detoxify
Coming out of the Christmas period and heading into the new year…. most of us feel sluggish, bloated and tired, from all of the delicious foods we have been eating and cocktails we have drunk. Come the new year, we start to think about ways we can feel better and more energised, ready to kick start our health goals for the year!
Nutrition that we get from food plays such a vital role to our overall health. So, I thought I would share some amazing foods that have wonderful detoxifying properties:
Beetroot:
Beetroot is a superfood. It’s full of antioxidants and is fantastic for detoxifying the blood and liver. High in nitric oxide, it dilates blood vessels, so it can help to lower blood pressure and provide energy for those who are active. Try it in salads, baked or in juices.
Leafy Greens:
Leafy greens are full of antioxidants and B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for liver detoxification. Antioxidants help to prevent against free radical damage. Free radicals occur as a result of exposure to toxins and chemicals in our food and environment. They cause damage to our cells, which can lead to inflammation, cancer, diabetes and premature ageing.
Parsley and Coriander:
Parsley and Coriander are both high in Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green pigment. They also help to detoxify heavy metals out of the body. Add them to your salads, or smoothies.
Lemon:
Lemon is fantastic for detoxification as it is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory action, making it excellent for digestive health, especially liver function. Have it in warm water on rising, 20 minutes before food to kickstart digestion.
Garlic and Onions:
Are both high in sulphur, a compound that assists with detoxification of the liver. They are both high in antioxidants which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, therefore lowering inflammation.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a spice traditionally used in Indian cooking. It has a compound known as curcumin, which gives the root its anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly good for gut inflammation and liver detoxification. Turmeric is quite poorly absorbed by the gut, so you need fat to help with absorption. Try adding it to veggies with olive oil before you roast them. Otherwise, you can buy a supplement which will be more highly absorbed.
Smoothies and Juices:
Smoothies and juices can be very cleansing. They are easy to digest, therefore taking the burden of the gut. Freshly squeezed juices are always the best option. Try and opt for less fruits and low sugar fruits. A good ratio to start is 60% veggies and 40% fruit. You can readjust this to more veggies once you are used to the taste.
Pineapple and Papaya:
Are both high in digestive enzymes. They assist our digestion by helping to break down our food. They are also strongly anti-inflammatory and excellent for reducing allergies.
Probiotic Foods:
Probiotics are good bacteria, that promote good digestion, healthy immunity and mood, amongst many other benefits. Probiotics are found in foods such as; miso, kefir, sauerkraut, yoghurt and kombucha. Eating a lot of sugar and processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and taking certain medications can cause an imbalance of our good and bad bacteria, which can cause; bloating, indigestion, heartburn, constipation and diarrhoea.
Incorporating these nutrient packed foods into your diet can enhance your nutrition, gut health and overall wellbeing. Get started today!
If you have any questions about healthy eating and maintaining good gut health, have a chat to our in-store naturopath.
You can book our naturopath for in-store consultation online or e-mail to naturopath@choicepharmacy.com.au to organise a zoom consultation.
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