It is no secret that we are surrounded by toxins. They're in the air we breathe and can be on food on our plates. Chemicals and heavy metals fill the environment around us in sometimes harmful quantities. But do you really need an expensive detox diet or cleanse?
Just about every media source from TV to the internet to magazine covers is telling us we need to detoxify. But cleansing your body isn't just about getting rid of the bad stuff. It's also an opportunity for you to take care of yourself, nurturing your body so you can look and feel your best. It starts with a real food diet.
Long-time readers will know that I encourage cleaning up the chemicals in your diet, eating whole foods, and the use of alkalizing beverages and foods. I am not a fan of painful detox methods, extreme caloric reduction, or detox methods that cause you to feel ill. I believe you should not feel bad, physically or mentally, while trying to support your body during a cleanse.
It is possible to eat well and support your body and good health while adding detoxifying foods.
This top ten list gives you my suggestions for foods and nutrients to add to your diet, plus links to delicious recipes:
Cilantro - an excellent and tasty way to cleanse the body, ridding it of heavy metal accumulation.
Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, cabbage, rutabaga, turnip, and radishes all support the liver which is important for detoxification.
Fiber - supports a healthy digestive system which in turn helps with elimination when transporting toxins out of the body. Good fiber choices include beans, fresh ground flax seeds, and whole grains.
Folate - found in dark leafy greens, calves liver, lentils, beans, and asparagus, has been shown to help counter the effects of BPA in the system.
Garlic - high in sulfur garlic helps to dilate the blood vessels so they don't get blocked, it's also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial.
Green tea - high in anti-oxidants it supports the liver and helps with hydration.
Lemons - have an alkalizing effect on the system, also add the juice to foods rich in iron to increase bio-availability.
Wheatgrass - an excellent detoxifier that is also high in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 
Selenium - helps to rid the body of mercury while protecting against free radicals, found in codfish, tuna, egg yolks, beef, shiitake mushrooms, lamb, and Brazil nuts.
Water - pure, clean water helps to flush the body of toxins.
I love all this information on detoxification. Dont just think that you need to be already in poor shape to detox because all sorts of people will benefit from a detox. A twenty year old women still has had twenty years of exposure to toxins and she to would benefit from a detox to rid her of impurities to help avoid sickness altogether.
natural well-being