Detoxes or cleanses are popular approaches that promise to eliminate toxins from the body.
Truth be told, your liver, kidneys, and digestive system do an excellent job detoxifying your system all by themselves – in fact, this is literally one of the liver’s main responsibilities, and for the most part, it performs this function tirelessly. However, only when these organs are healthy can they be effective; a lifestyle of high stress, overconsumption of alcohol or unhealthy foods, and poor sleep may compromise their ability to detox efficiently. If in doubt, there are several lifestyle and diet modifications – and maybe a few dietary supplements – that can help boost your body’s detoxification processes. And what better time to start than the new year! Here are some helpful tips…
The first step.
It’s essential to reduce or eliminate known toxins that you’re regularly exposed to like alcohol, smoking, pollution, and ultra-processed foods.
Hydrate!
Drink plenty of filtered water – generally speaking, about two litres for women, three for men. Plus, consume hydrating meals and foods such as smoothies, soups, fruits, veggies, and herbal teas.
Prioritise deep sleep.
Sleep helps detox your brain, aka clearance of neural waste products via the glymphatic system. Restorative sleep also optimises detoxification processes in the rest of the body.
Eat your fibre!
Ensure all meals contain fibre in the form of fruits, veggies, wholegrains, or pulses. Fibre helps keep the contents of the digestive system moving, preventing toxin buildup. Plus, fibre acts as a prebiotic, fuelling our good gut bacteria.
Supplements.
Some research shows a supportive role for certain supplements in the body’s detoxification processes. These include milk thistle (silymarin), turmeric (curcumin), broccoli sprout, and artichoke leaf, which variously possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver protecting properties. Omega-3 is also a potent anti-inflammatory which can be sourced from either diet or supplements. Additionally, the amino acid glycine supports detoxification pathways, and is a major component of collagen peptides.
Ultimately, the most effective detox is a long-term investment in healthy food, exercise, and sleep. If in doubt, or you feel you need personalised advice, talk to an expert! Look out for qualified and professionally registered dietitians or nutritionists such as belle époque nutrition to help guide you through a safe and effective long term detox strategy.
Belle Epoque Nutrition
benutrition.co.nz
Words by Dr Sarah Mitchell Weston
