Top 10 Foods for Detoxification

By: Sarah Holvik, B.Sc. Nutritional Science
 
It’s easy to be sucked into one of the many detox programs advertized today. They promise you weight loss, a cleaner, toxin-free body, increased energy and disease-free living. What they don’t let you know is that a lot of the detox regimes can be harmful to your body and have very little science to back them up. Forget about them - you can fight environmental toxins by simply adding delicious detoxifying foods to your everyday diet. It’s a simple as that.
 
One should eat to live, not live to eat. ~Cicero, Rhetoricorum LV
 
1.      Broccoli – Along with brussel sprouts and kale, broccoli contains a combination of detoxifying compounds, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Add broccoli to a salad, stir-fry or pasta sauce to benefit from its detoxifying properties. For a snack, eat raw broccoli with your favorite low-fat dip.
 
2.      Brussel Sprouts – Like broccoli, brussel sprouts also contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, and are a great vegetable to add to your meal to help detox your body. Brussel sprouts are an easy vegetable to add as a healthy side dish to any supper. Add some extra flavor and nutrients to your brussel sprouts by adding herbs and other vegetables.
 
3.      Kale – Not only does kale have exceptional detoxifying properties, being a dark green leafy vegetable, it is also able to lessen the chance of some cancers. Next time you are at the grocery store about to pick up a bag of iceberg lettuce to accompany your meal, look a little further and grab some kale. Your body will thank you!
 
4.      Dandelion Root – Since the tenth and eleven centuries, dandelion root has been used to remedy liver diseases. Dandelion root contains high levels of vitamin A as well as choline, a member of the B vitamin family that stimulates detoxification in the liver. Now is the time to stop thinking of dandelions as the pesky plant that grows on your lawn without permission, and start viewing them as a healthy detox food. Dandelion greens will help cleanse your liver and help you live a healthier life. 
 
5.      Burdock Root – Burdock root has been used for many centuries to cure such ailments as measles, arthritis, tonsillitis and other viruses. It has also been used topically to cure some skin disorders. Burdock root is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids, and is known for its cleansing properties and its ability to remove toxins from the blood.   Try something out of the ordinary and add burdock root to your dinner menu next week.
 
6.      Cayenne – Cayenne is a common spice in many cuisines. It is available in powder, dried and fresh forms. Cayenne is also known for its medicinal properties; it is great for stomach and circulation problems, and as blood circulation is important in detoxifying your body, so is cayenne. Add cayenne to tonight’s dinner to add some spice to the meal and your life.
 
7.      Milk Thistle – For thousands of years, milk thistle has been used to protect the liver from toxins and disease. When purchasing milk thistle supplements, ensure you purchase one that is standardized with at least 70% of active ingredient, silymarin.
 
8.      Radish – Radishes contain potent phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which stimulate detoxifying enzymes in the body.   For a unique flavor, try adding them to salads or other side vegetable dishes.  
 
9.      Algae – Chlorella and spirulina are two kinds of blue-green algae that help cleanse the body and remove unwanted toxins. They can often be found in a variety of health smoothies or even bought in powder form and added to your own. When you are in a rush, grab one on the go.
 
10. Montmorillonite Clays - Montmorillonite clays, with its high absorptive and adsorptive qualities, help detoxify the body by binding and removing the toxins that hinder your body’s natural function. Clay supplements can be found at most natural food stores; ensure you purchase a high quality one to ensure maximum potency and purity.
 
Vancouver Nutritionist Sarah Holvik is the owner of nutrition consulting company Manna Health Group. She welcomes questions at sarah@activelivingprogram.com.