Spring Clean Your Body with these 4 Foods

Get ready for spring with these 4 naturally detoxifying foods – no gimmicks necessary!

This post was written by Nutritioulicious contributor Tiana Yom, MPH, CHES

Diet trends come and go, but one has had staying power for a few years now: detox diets and cleanses. “Detoxing” has been touted to help with weight loss, increase energy, and rid the body of “toxins,” whether environmental or from a weekend of too much partying (think alcohol, late night fried food – you get the picture).

While you may feel better from a couple of days drinking cold-pressed juices or water with lemon, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup (aka The Master Cleanse), like most fad diets there are flaws with detox diets, including (but not limited to) loss of muscle mass, low blood sugar, and gastrointestinal distress.

Did you know that our body naturally cleanses and detoxes?

Lucky for us, we have robust digestive and excretory systems that help us remove toxins from our bodies without going on a restrictive diet. For example, our kidneys filter our blood to remove waste, and our livers break down harmful chemicals. Similarly, we have a wonderful detoxing system – whenever we head to the restroom and sweat. And wouldn’t you know, the body’s natural detoxification actually relies on our consumption of real, whole foods! So forgo the liquid cleanses and try some of these foods to naturally cleanse the body!

Top 4 foods to help our naturally cleansing body

1. Artichokes
Artichokes may help the liver function at its best, which in turn will help your body remove toxins. Two antioxidants in artichokes have been shown to promote the liver’s production of bile, which helps break down fat in the small intestine. Here are some other reasons to love artichokes in the spring.

2. Beets
Beets contain a unique mixture of natural plant chemicals (phytochemicals) called betalains, which have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver cleansing properties. There is also ongoing research into the role beets play in heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

3. Garlic
Garlic boosts the immune system and helps clear out the liver thanks to its high quantities of sulfur compounds, which promote the production of glutathione. Glutathione plays a critical role in detoxification and as an antioxidant. Additionally, recent research from Washington State University shows that garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting disease-causing bacteria commonly responsible for foodborne illness.

4. Ginger
You’ve probably heard of ginger’s role in soothing nausea and GI distress, but did you know this spice also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? As such, it can protect cell damage caused by free radicals and other toxins. Research from 2012 also found that ginger might help promote satiety and decrease appetite.

For more natural “detox” tips check out this article with quotes from Jessica!

What do you think about detox diets?

Are there foods you eat to naturally detox?