There are many techniques, treatments and types of detoxification that can be used for cleansing the body. Depending on what body system or organ is targeted, different foods can be incorporated in your diet. Here are top 12 detox foods that can help any diet:

1. Ginger (a critical player in detoxification and gastrointestinal health);
2. Garlic (a powerhouse in detox effects and should be added to your daily diet);
3. Turmeric (a powerful anti-inflammatory for all over the body, particularly the liver due to its compound, curcumin);
4. Fruits (high water content, vitamins, nutrients, fibre, antioxidants);
5. Leafy and other greens (wheatgrass, kale, spinach, alfalfa, Swiss chard, collards, etc. provide detoxifying chlorophyll);
6. Raw vegetables (onions, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, beets and other contain sulphur and glutathione);
7. Lemons (lemon juice supports the detoxification of the liver and kidney);
8. Omega-3 fatty acids (like wild salmon, helps detox and lubricate intestinal walls);
9. Basil (helps the body metabolize and eliminate chemical waste);
10. Flaxseeds (help flush out toxins from the digestive tract);
11. Almonds (the liver cleanser due to their vitamin E);
12. White tea (helps break down belly fat and avoid the formation of fat cells).

Adding these and other detox foods in your diet can have a great impact in your daily attempts to counteract the effects of toxins in water, food and environments. Removing toxins, along with other healthy lifestyle habits, will aid in weight management, mood, reducing inflammation and overall health and longevity.

Whether you eat a very healthy diet everyday, exercise and follow detox programs regularly, it is still important to incorporate daily steps to counteract any indulgences on any potential unhealthy food and environmental exposure to toxins that are outside our control. Daily detox maintenance is also a good way to supplement other major cleanses.

Daily detox steps will help combat toxicity levels and make you feel good. Once they are built into a regular routine, they can be part of your healthy habits:

1. Water

Drinking water helps flush toxins out of the body, maintain organs lubricated and promote more effective daily elimination. Not drinking enough water can lead to a risk of re-absorbing the toxins into the system. Alkaline or detox water, such as hot water with lemon and cayenne pepper, is a great way to start or sip through the day.

2. Exercise

Exercise promotes removal of toxins via perspiration. The skin is a detox organ and sweating is crucial for the elimination of heavy metals stored in fat tissues.

3. Detox teas

Some teas are known to aid in detoxification, particularly green tea, ginger, dandelion root, burdock and liquorice root.

4. Fresh juicing

Fresh raw cold-pressed juicing of organic fruits and vegetables is a common and versatile approach to detoxify, purify and alkalize the body at home. Spices, herbs, nuts and seeds can add additional detoxifying capabilities and benefits to the juices.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps detoxify the liver and alkalizes the body. It removes toxic waste more effectively due to its vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

6. Dry body brushing

Considering that your skin is a large detox organ, dry brushing your skin before a shower from the extremities towards the heart is an effective step to stimulate the lymphatic system and remove dead cells and toxins.

7. Detox foods and supplements

The kidney and liver are the body’s organs of filtration. Any foods that promote more efficient internal processes are important, such as fibre, vitamins, probiotics, phytonutrients, etc. In particular, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon, lime, grapefruit, wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella, cruciferous vegetables, sea vegetables and milk thistle are foods that can greatly enhance your detox efforts. Supplements can facilitate regular detox in convenience formats.

8. 8. Hydrotherapy

There are many forms of hydrotherapy, from detox treatments found in medical spas or specialized clinics (e.g., thalassotherapy) to simple steps that can be done at home. One simple form of hydrotherapy is the application of hot and cold water in the body (such as alternating hot and cold shower) to detoxify and strengthen the circulatory, endocrine, immune and musculoskeletal systems.

9. Sleep

The mechanisms behind toxin removal processes are active during sleep. In particular, the brain has its own detoxification system, similar to the lymphatic system of the body, to clear cerebral waste. Without adequate sleep, cellular level is impacted as the entire body depends on it for optimal function.

10. Mouth Detox

Tongue scrapping is an easy and fast Ayurvedic technique to remove food and debris, dead cells, bacteria and other toxins for a cleaner mouth and improved metabolism. Also, oil pulling which involves swirling and swishing sesame, coconut or other oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes, improves oral hygiene by reducing bacteria. It also prevents heart disease, reduces inflammation, and clears skin and other conditions.

Infrared sauna can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Heat and sweating treatments have been used for thousands of years for healing and detoxifying the body. Infrared sauna is a particular type of sauna that uses light to create heat directly in your body, without the need to warm up the air around you. Infrared sauna produces similar benefits as moderate exercise as it results in sweating and release of toxins by the body and it appeals to people who can’t tolerate the heat required by traditional saunas.

Many have benefited from the advantages of infrared sauna and the results seem to be safe, effective and with healing consequences. Infrared light treatment has the potential to cause chemical and cellular changes in the body which helps restore balance and address pain, inflammation, circulation, mood and energy. No adverse side effects have been reported. Combined with diet and other lifestyle factors, infrared sauna can produce great health and anti-aging effects.

Detoxification
Infrared technology heats the body directly, producing a natural process of sweating, which releases toxins at a cellular level. Detoxification is known to improve many health conditions and revitalize the body and mind.

Circulation
Similar to exercise, regular use of infrared sauna improves circulation by stimulating blood flow and speeding muscle recovery.

Weight loss
By increasing the core body temperature and heart rate, the body burns more calories resulting in weight loss.

Anti-aging
Infrared sauna releases toxins which leads to skin purification. The skin becomes healthier, softer and more radiant.

Pain relief
Detoxification and improved circulation help relax muscles and relieve inflammation and pain, including chronic pain from arthritis.

Diabetes and cardiovascular conditions
Infrared sauna promotes better circulation, immune system and overall health and quality of life, reducing the side effects of diabetes. It is claimed to prevent high blood pressure, normalize cholesterol levels and support heart health.

Relaxation
Although infrared sauna can strongly affect perspiration and heart rates, it is comfortable and relaxing, inducing better sleep.

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that are part of the circulatory system and that help the body remove toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The system’s primary role is to transport lymph, a fluid with white blood cells that fight infection throughout the body. The lymphatic system and the immune system work together to remove and destroy waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells.

A lymphatic system that does not function well is associated with chronic disease and it can manifest in health reactions such as soreness of breast, fatigue, eczema and other skin problems, cold limbs, bloating, headaches, and physical rigidity. Good health and wellbeing depend on a well-functioning lymphatic system. As such, detoxifying the lymphatic system, as well as other systems in the body, should be given extreme importance and it should be part of a healthy lifestyle. The following strategies can improve the health and function of the lymphatic system:

1. Exercise
»» Exercising regularly is one of the easiest ways to promote a healthy lymphatic system. It stimulates blood circulation and helps to transport oxygen to the tissues and cells in the body.

2. Stress Management
»» Managing stress with yoga, meditation, stretching, breathing or other forms of relaxation are necessary to maintain a well functioning lymphatic system. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Rhodiola, Reishi Mushroom or Holy Basil can help reduce stress levels.

3. Sauna
»» Sauna can promote detoxification, better circulation and skin purification thereby supporting a better lymphatic system. Sauna also helps alleviate pain and lower blood pressure while promoting relaxation.

4. Herbs
»» There are herbs that are effective in cleansing various organs and systems in the body, such as dandelion, organic milk thistle, black walnut, cilantro, peppermint, eucalyptus, and stinging nettle.

5. Spices
»» The most powerful cleansing spices include ginger, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cumin, cilantro, fenugreek, fennel, cayenne pepper, black pepper, clove, parsley, and rosemary. These should be part of a healthy diet for ongoing health benefits.

6. Essential Oils
»» The top essential oils for detox include clove, lemongrass, lemon, rosemary and myrrh, among others. Use of essential oils require care and caution due to their potency. Applications usually involve inhaling antioxidant compounds or mixing them with a carrier oil for topical application.

7. Dry Brushing
»» Considering that the skin is the largest elimination organ, dry brushing provides an easy and pleasant way to promote circulation and detoxification of the body. It improves the appearance of the skin by eliminating dead cells and helping new skin to regenerate.

8. Juice Fasting
»» This is a great way to ensure not only a detoxification of the body systems, but also an effective way to prevent detrimental effects of less healthy alternative foods. A juicing fast can facilitate the absorption of key detox nutrients into the system.

9. Massage
»» The use of strokes and pressure to muscles, tissues and organs during massage help stimulate the circulatory system and expel toxins to the circulatory system for elimination. It is important to drink water after massage to help remove these toxins from the system.

10. Body Wraps
»» These are made of sea clay or other ingredients and help tighten the skin while removing toxins accumulated in the body. They also help with weight loss as well. Body wraps detox the body and make your skin feel good.

11. Hydrotherapy
»» Hydrotherapy refers to the use of water (hot tubs, cold showers, ice packs, hot springs, water massage, etc.). Hydrotherapy immersion waters used in spas can be rich in minerals and enhanced by essential oils. It promotes detoxification and circulation.

What is the relationship between toxins, detoxification and cancer?
Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins, from environmental pollutants to chemical toxins released by the body in its normal processing. If the body is unable to detoxify itself effectively, the accumulation of toxins often leads to cellular damage and inflammation with its risk of serious chronic diseases, including cancer.

What are toxins?
Toxins are any substances that are harmful to the body, such as pesticides, metals, toxic chemicals, environmental pollutants, artificial food additives, poisons, and chemical waste produced internally.

What causes toxins in the body?
Toxins can enter the body through exposure to environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, pollution, contaminated water and food, pollution, smoke, tobacco use, excessive alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, toxic chemicals, and infectious diseases. Stress, bad bacteria, yeast and viruses can also release harmful toxins internally.

What is detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of eliminating and cleansing toxins from the body. The purpose of a detoxification program is to prevent and reverse cellular damage which otherwise can lead to serious health risks. By removing excess toxins, many symptoms and ailments improve. Natural side effects usually include weight loss and better skin. Effective detoxification leads to overall better health, energy, vitality and wellbeing. Following regular detoxification programs is vital for cell renewal and longevity.

What are the body’s natural detoxification systems?
The human body is equipped with the ability to detoxify itself. In fact, the body has several systems in place for removing waste. The main organs that compose the waste removal system are the skin, liver, lungs, large intestine, and kidneys. However, natural detoxification may not adequately eliminate toxins in the body for a number of reasons. Major channels of detoxification play important roles in the balance between illness and wellness, such as the blood, colon, and the lymph.

What causes toxin overload in the system?
Extended and excessive exposure to toxins, stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Do we produce some of our own toxins?
Yes. Some toxins are generated within, from stress, negative thoughts and uncontrolled emotions. Bacterial imbalance or invasion by outside organisms may also generate toxic waste.

What are some detoxification approaches?
Many detoxification programs are offered in an integrative health care model. The following areas are some strategies you can follow to eliminate toxins in your body:

• Exercise/movement
• Body-mind balance (yoga, meditation, breathing, prayer)
• Pure/alkaline water
• Diet
• Fasting
• Juicing
• Supplements
• Detox Massages and Body Scrubs
• Infrared Sauna
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Ozonetherapy (autohemotherapy)
• Detox infusions
• Colon Hydrotherapy
• Osteopathy

Does detoxification reduce cancer risk?
It is important to provide our bodies with adequate sleep, movement, sweating, drinking enough clean water, consuming high fibre and water content foods (i.e., fruits and vegetables), and follow other healthy lifestyles practices to minimize toxins and promote health. Our system detoxifies naturally by eliminating accumulated waste products every day. If the body’s ability to remove toxic waste is less than the toxic overload, then cells start to malfunction due to free radicals, a by-product of inflammation, and the disease process begins. Detoxification is critical to eliminate excessive toxins and the health threats they represent. Cancer risk is based on the principle that the accumulation of toxins greatly contributes to cellular damage and disease formation, and thus the elimination of toxins has the ability to prevent and potentially reverse this serious health risk.

What is Fasting?

In simple terms, fasting means absence of eating. It involves a conscious and willing abstinence or decrease of food and or drinks during a limited period of time. A juice fasting, for example, allows the consumption of juices only while temporarily restricting other food.

What Fasting is Not

Fasting is not starvation. Fasting does not mean food deprivation but rather limitation and adaptation of food intake.

Why Fast?

The purpose of fasting is cleansing, detoxification and regeneration of body. Research has linked fasting to longevity. Fasting promotes the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

Nature of Fasting

Aside from religious observance, people fast to either address a specific illness or condition or for prevention reasons. Fasting improves metabolic function and promotes health and wellness.

General Outcomes from Fasting

People who fast generally report:

• Improvement of health conditions or disease
• Increased physical energy and agility
• Heightened mental abilities
• Greater vitality and quality of life
• Greater sense of resilience

Additional Advantages of Fasting

Fasting raises an increased awareness of own needs, physical senses (taste, smell) and a greater sense of discipline, as reported by those who undergo fasting. Self-restrain also generates changes in emotional outlook and disposition.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is a diet pattern with periods of eating and fasting in a cyclical manner.

Examples of Fasting

There are various patterns in intermittent fasting:

• The 16/8 Method, also known as the LeanGains Protocol (fast for 16 hours or 14-15 for women, eat healthy during window of 8 hours; water, coffee and low calorie drinks allowed during fasting periods)
• The 5/2 fasting (eat 5 days per week, fast 2 days with limited calorie intake of 500-600 calories)
• Eat-Stop-Eat requires fasting once or twice per week (non-caloric drinks allowed)
• The Warrior Diet is based on fasting during the day (limited calories) and eating a big meal at night
• Spontaneous fasting basically implies skipping a meal when not hungry or if busy or stressed, as the body has the capacity to go without food for a while

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

There are many benefits claimed from this type of fasting: drop in insulin levels, cell repair, beneficial genetic and molecular change, increased breakdown of body fat, weight loss, reduction of waist circumference, reduction in blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation, improvements in LDL cholesterol and inflammation, reduced risk of cancer, brain protection and longevity.

Words of Caution

Despite the promising advantages, fasting is not for everyone, particularly those who suffer from specific health conditions, those who are less likely to adjust to prolonged hunger, those with risk factors and other vulnerable conditions. A qualified health care professional should be consulted before performing fasting.

The primary reason for a detoxification is to remove potentially detrimental and dangerous waste from the body and protect organs and systems so that they may perform their vital functions in an optimum manner. As toxins are flushed out of the body, the benefits of detoxification will be evident in the way you feel and function, depending on the level of toxin overload and the detox approaches followed.

Some reported benefits of detoxification are:

1. Feel rejuvenated
   Unwanted substances inside the body can make you feel slow and sluggish. A detox can bring an overall feeling of wellbeing: you feel recharged and revitalized.

2. Better health
   Removal of toxins means a reduced risk of chronic diseases and a general amelioration of health conditions and symptoms.

3. Boost energy
   A toxic buildup makes the body work harder and it slows down the functions of the organs, which causes fatigue. A detox results in a boost of energy and vitality, following any cleansing reactions.

4. Improved digestion
   Removal of toxins improves the digestive process, thereby addressing bloating, acidity, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other symptoms. A clear colon means better absorption.

5. Better skin
   As an elimination organ, the skin will reflect the internal condition of the body. Detoxification clears skin conditions.

6. Lower stress
   High levels of stress increase cortisol, which reduces liver function. A detox diet that rebalance hormones and improves liver function, would also normalize chemical balance and generate less stress.

7. Improved sleep
   Removal of excess toxins in the body and brain induces a better sleep and rest.

8. Stronger immune system
   Once the body removes excess toxins, the immune system is better able to fight bacteria, viruses and parasites.

9. Clearer thinking and concentration
   Sugar, fat and toxins accumulation in the body lead to feelings of lethargy and fuzzy thinking. People report feeling improvement in fogginess after a detox program, compared to before. Some also report enhanced perception.

10. Elimination of bad breath
    Bad breath and other body odours are a result of toxic accumulation in the digestive tract.

11. Better mood
    Toxins impact both the performance of physical organs, as well as cognitive function and mental wellness. Elimination of these substances lead to overall better mood and wellbeing.

It is normal to feel worse during the purge and purification process before experiencing the above changes. To sustain the benefits of detoxification, continue avoiding exposure and incorporating methods and foods that support the body’s natural detox process.

Toxins are harmful substances that are derived from food, water, cleaning products, and other environmental sources that we are exposed to regularly. An accumulation of toxins may become poisonous in the human body, which may lead to potential damage of vital organs and systems. Considering that these toxins enter our body by ingestion (preservatives, additives and food contamination), inhalation (pollutants in the air we breathe) and absorption (through skin and eyes), the risk of toxic overload is a common concern. Internally, autointoxication is process where the toxins are produced by your own body as a result of poor digestion and elimination.

A toxic body may manifest a variety of signs and symptoms:

1. Skin problems (rashes, acne, etc.)
2. Food and scent intolerances and allergies
3. Constipation, diarrhea and other digestive issues
4. Frequent colds and viruses
5. Unexplained headaches
6. Lower back pain
7. General aches and pains
8. Fatigue and low energy
9. Inability to feel rested after sleep
10. Compromised resistance to infections
11. Inability to lose weight
12. Fuzzy thinking

The body neutralizes or eliminates toxins via the liver, kidneys, intestines, skin and lungs. The toxins that the body is unable to eliminate are usually stored in fat tissues and bone. The elimination of waste targeted in many detoxification programs often result in improvement of weight loss and medical conditions, such as obesity, arthritis, eczema, digestive disorders, and depression. It is important to carry detoxification programs under medical or nutritionist approval and supervision.