If you're thinking about detoxing, you probably have a specific reason in mind to do so. You may not be thrilled about your eating habits, or you might feel like you're in need of a reboot to get on a healthier path.
However, if you associate a "detox" with a 7-day juice fast, it's time to change your notion of a cleanse. While detox programs and plans have become hugely popular, detoxing doesn't require you to make extreme diet choices. Here's more about natural, safe ways to detox.
When it comes to detox plans, they can require some pretty drastic lifestyle changes that aren't exactly great for your body or overall health. "They often involve restrictive eating patterns and usually minimize calories," Jessica Cording, CDN, a dietitian and health coach, and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety, told Health. "But the problem with these detoxes is, at best, they're not very effective and, at worst, they're dangerous."
The detoxes often focus on "'short term detoxing' but not much about how to reintroduce healthy foods or to develop an eating pattern that helps you support overall health and well-being all the time," Cording added. However, you can fare a lot better with your health by allowing your body to do the detoxing on its own.
"The body has various ways of detoxing itself," Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., told Health. "That includes the liver, which works to break down various toxins and elements that you consume, allowing you to eliminate them; and the kidneys, which metabolize and excrete many things." Even your skin and lungs work to help your body get rid of toxins, Dr. Bedford pointed out.
How To Detox Naturally
There are quite a few ways your body can detoxify itself without you having to go on a specific, depriving diet.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Whole foods packed with nutrients are your best bet when it comes to keeping your body clean internally. Fiber-rich foods like fruit, veggies, and beans, as well as nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein, and probiotics can aid gut and liver function so any unwanted buildup gets out of your system as soon as possible. Try to cut out fried, sugary, and processed foods along with red meat for even better flat-belly results.
Take It Easy With Alcohol
When you drink alcohol, it "jumps to the front of the metabolic pathway" so that your body can process it quickly and get it out of your body, Cording said. "By the time your body gets to the other things you've eaten, it's already been working hard and isn't functioning at its peak performance."
Your body processes and expels alcohol through your liver and even your lungs. "That's why you can spell alcohol on a person's breath—it's the ethanol leaving their lungs," Dr. Bedford said. Because your body has to work so hard to process alcohol in your body and because it directly impacts the organs that naturally detoxify your body, Dr. Bedford recommended keeping your drinking to a minimum.
Limit How Much Sugar and Processed Foods You Eat
Processed foods, which are often loaded with sugar, also take some extra effort for your body to break down, Cording said. "These foods tend to not be very high in nutrients that you need as well, making it a double whammy," Cording added. Sugar, meanwhile, can mess with your glycemic control—that is, your body's ability to stabilize your blood sugar. "That makes it hard for your body to metabolize things and detoxify," Cording said.
Furthermore, excess sugar and processed foods can lead to weight gain over time, and that has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Dr. Bedford said. "That makes it hard for your body to metabolize things and detoxify," Cording pointed out.
Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants, those man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage, can do your whole body and overall health a favor. "They're beneficial for so many reasons," Cording said. One of the biggest things that antioxidants do is to offset free radical damage, caused by highly unstable molecules that are naturally formed when your body does a range of things.
Free radicals can also cause what's known as "oxidative stress," a process that can trigger cell damage, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Oxidative stress is linked to a range of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and eye diseases. That's why Cording recommended loading up on antioxidant foods, which include a number of fruits and vegetables.
Consider Taking Prebiotics
Prebiotics are naturally occurring, non-digestible food components that help promote the growth of helpful bacteria in your gut, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Good gut health is crucial to overall health," Dr. Bedford said. To keep things moving—and detoxing—in your gut, Cording recommended eating enough fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, keeping yourself moving, and loading up on prebiotics. You can get them naturally by having more foods like bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, beans, and whole-grain foods.
Drink More of the Right Stuff
Sip on water: Hydrating will help your kidneys flush out toxins, Dr. Bedford said. Feel free to add lemon to your water for a hit of electrolytes. The citrus signals the liver to produce more enzymes, which keep digestion moving smoothly. If you want something different than water, switch things up with tea. Green tea has been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer, while milk thistle may boost liver function.
Get Moving
According to a July 2022 American Ethnologist article, sweat is seen as a way to "purify other bodily substances such as blood, through the excretion of toxins and other flow-impending impurities." Additionally, sweating actually helps you detox by boosting circulation throughout the body. Thus, you'll want to make some time to get active on a routine basis. What's more, exercise adds in the benefits of mental and emotional detoxification: Engaging in exercise is known to help you feel less stressed, happier, and more energized.
Treat Your Skin Right
Practice smart skincare by dry-brushing skin with a soft brush before your bath or shower. The gentle exfoliation boosts circulation and promotes new cell growth too. Adding Epsom salt to your bath can also help you cleanse inside and out since your skin will absorb its minerals like magnesium, which can get things moving in the colon.
Get Good Sleep
Logging adequate snooze time is key for keeping your health on track, as sufficient rest will help reduce stress and inflammation so your body can function at its best. You can use sleep hygiene practices, such as those recommended by the CDC, to help you get a good night's rest. Create a sleep haven by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, quiet, and free of technology screens. Additionally, stick to a standard bedtime that allows you to get at least seven hours of sleep nightly.
Overall, it is possible to detox when you think of it as more of a long-term approach to a healthier lifestyle versus a quick fix—and that can be as easy as eating foods that help filter gunk out of your gut and drinking enough to keep digestion in check so it releases unwanted leftovers from your system.
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FAQs
What is the fastest way to flush your body of toxins? ›
Drinking water is one of the best and fastest ways to flush out toxins from your system. Water transports toxins through your system via your bloodstream, making sure they're expelled from your body. Try to get the recommended 8 glasses of water per day (tip: herbal tea counts towards your water intake, too!).
How can I detox my organs naturally? ›- Ginger. If too much fatty food or alcohol has caused problems for your digestive system, it may be worthwhile to add some ginger to your diet. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Artichoke. ...
- Beetroot. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Cabbage. ...
- Brown rice.
Mix 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup (237 ml) of water. Ingesting undiluted vinegar of any kind can damage your throat and esophagus. Consume it earlier in the day.
What kills toxins in the body? ›Lungs aside, the three major organs that eliminate waste and harmful substances are the liver, kidneys and colon.
What fruit is best for detox? ›Lemons – Lemons are the ultimate detox fruit. In fact, one cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C! They also contain more potassium than apples and grapes. Squeeze some into your water in the morning and on top of fresh salads and fish to get the full benefit.
What is a good detox drink? ›Chia seed and aloe vera detox drink: Take a liter of water in a jar and add half a cup of aloe vera juice and one teaspoonful of chia seeds to it. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Squeeze half a lemon into it, mix well and drink. Chia seeds are gluten-free and are a good source of antioxidants and calcium.
How can I detox my liver in 3 days? ›- Morning detox tea.
- Breakfast drink.
- Supplements.
- Lunch drink.
- Supplements (multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics)
- Snack drink.
- Dinner drink.
- Detox ultra-bath.
- 5 Detox Drinks That May Help Cleanse Your Body From Inside. When it comes to detox waters, most of us drink them to lose weight. ...
- Cucumber Water. Cucumber is high in vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium. ...
- Apple and Cinnamon Water. ...
- Jeera Water. ...
- Aloe Water. ...
- Orange Water.
- Water. There is no better way to detox than with good-old water! ...
- Ginger tea. ...
- Apple-cinnamon water. ...
- Mint lemonade. ...
- Cucumber mint detox drink. ...
- Pomegranate juice.
- Coffee. Coffee is good for the liver, especially because it protects against issues such as fatty liver disease. ...
- Ginger and lemon drink. ...
- Oatmeal drink. ...
- Tumeric drink. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Grapefruit drink.
What happens if you drink apple cider vinegar all day? ›
ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).
What happens if you drink apple cider vinegar every morning? ›There's some evidence that supports the fact that apple cider vinegar, had first thing in the morning may promote faster weight loss and accelerate fat burning. Since it works primarily as a detoxifying agent, a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning can clear out toxins from the body and aid a fresh start.
Which is better lemon water or apple cider vinegar? ›Which is better? Both apple cider vinegar and lemon water can be of some benefit your gut, though neither is likely to perform miracles – so it really comes down to personal preference. However, if you're just starting out, lemon water may be the way to go.
What tea cleans your blood? ›Hibiscus. Hibiscus is an incredible flower that helps in cleansing the blood and improves the blood circulation in the system. Drink a glass of hibiscus tea or sherbet to naturally purify the blood and boost metabolism.
Are bananas good for detoxing? ›Bananas. While bananas sometimes get a bad rap for being high in sugars, they have plenty of fiber, too. “They help promote healthy gut flora and support daily detoxification by sweeping the intestines clean,” explains Gilmore.
How can I detox my body in a day? ›- Start with lemon water. Start your day by waking up with a glass of warm or cold lemon water. ...
- De-bloat with breakfast. ...
- Clean up your diet. ...
- Have an afternoon tea. ...
- Get moving!
Most detoxification programs recommend removing highly processed foods and foods to which some people are sensitive, such as dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and red meat. They also recommend eating mostly organically grown vegetables, fruit, whole non-glutenous grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein.
What can I drink at night to detox? ›- Chamomile Tea. One of the best drinks to include in your bedtime routine is a cup of warm chamomile tea. ...
- Mushroom Tea. ...
- Fenugreek Water. ...
- Lemon Water. ...
- Valerian Tea. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Ginger & Lemon Tea. ...
- Final Verdict.
Lemon also happens to be a strong detox agent. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning will flush out all the toxins from your system. Lemon is also known to purify your blood, thus keeping your body free from many health disorders.
How do you flush your stomach? ›- Drink Plenty Of Water. Water flushes out toxins from your stomach. ...
- Saltwater Flush. ...
- Fiber-Rich Diet. ...
- Honey And Lemon Water. ...
- Juices And Smoothies. ...
- Organic And Herbal Teas. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Resistant Starches.
How do I know if my liver is detoxing? ›
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Anxiety.
- Tremors.
- Headache.
- Confusion.
- Insomnia.
- Restlessness.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.
- Take probiotics and eat fermented foods. ...
- Eat prebiotic fiber. ...
- Eat less sugar and sweeteners. ...
- Reduce stress. ...
- Avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat a variety of foods. Choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, dairy, and healthy fats. ...
- Get enough fiber. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Limit fatty, sugary, and salty foods. ...
- Drink coffee.
Before eating in the morning, mix 2 teaspoons salt with lukewarm water. People often use sea salt or Himalayan salt. Drink water quickly on an empty stomach, and in a few minutes, you may feel an urge to go to the bathroom.
How can I detox my liver in 2 days? ›- Sip on dandelion tea.
- Apple cider vinegar water.
- Green smoothie with parsley and cilantro (recipe below)
- Plenty of electrolyte water to help flush toxins.
- Steamed veggies with lemon and Celtic sea salt.
- Remove toxic foods from your diet.
- Drink raw vegetable juice.
- Load up on potassium-rich foods.
- Do a coffee enema.
- Take milk thistle, dandelion and turmeric supplements.
- Eat liver or take beef liver tablets.
Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
Who should not drink apple cider vinegar? ›People who take insulin or insulin-stimulating medications and consume vinegar may experience dangerously low blood sugar or potassium levels. Digoxin (Lanoxin). This medication lowers your blood potassium levels. Taking it in combination with apple cider vinegar could lower your potassium too much.
Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night? ›Drinking apple cider vinegar before meals or right before bedtime may benefit your blood sugar levels the most. For example, one study in people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar at bedtime for 2 days reduced fasting blood sugar levels by up to 6% ( 7 ).
What does apple cider vinegar do for your face? ›
It has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help ease skin infections and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, ACV may also help restore the natural pH balance of your skin. This helps your skin keep moisture in and irritants out.
What drink burns belly fat overnight? ›What Drink Burns Fat Overnight? Drinking turmeric milk, chamomile tea, cinnamon tea, green tea, protein shake, green veg smoothies, and fiber-rich juice helps you burn significant fat overnight.
How many times a day should I drink apple cider vinegar with water? ›As a guide, take 1-2 teaspoons or 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day mixed in a glass of water. How often? It is recommended to take it no more than twice a day to prevent side effects such as nausea and erosion of tooth enamel.
What happens when you drink lemon water and apple cider vinegar? ›Lemon water and apple cider vinegar act like digestive enzymes. Together, they help break down food in our digestive system so that nutrients are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Consuming this morning detox drink will help your body digest the rest of your meals throughout the day.
Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar with warm or cold water? ›This right way to drink ACV
Just add a teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, preferably warm water, mix it well and have it before going to bed. You can swap your normal water at night with this concoction and see the benefits of doing so within a few days.
Current research suggests that certain kinds of honey can reduce the presence of infection-causing bacteria in the gut including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridiodes difficile, while simultaneously stimulating the growth of potentially beneficial species, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
How long does it take to flush toxins out of your body? ›While the time it takes to detox from substances varies from person to person, detox programs are generally between 3 to 10 days long, depending on medical necessity.
What is the best homemade drink to flush your system? ›- Orange-Carrot Ginger Detox. Oranges are powerhouses of antioxidants and vitamin C. ...
- Lemona. ...
- Cucumber Mint Detox Drink. ...
- Pomegranate Juice. ...
- Radiant Lemonade. ...
- Honey Lemon Ginger Tea. ...
- Coconut Water With Lemon and Mint. ...
- Ginger Litchi Lemonade.
- Drink Plenty Of Water.
- Drink Green Tea.
- Avoid Dairy Products.
- Eat Lean Proteins.
- Choose Low Carb Meals.
- Avoid Added Sugars.
- Ditch Processed Foods.
- Exercise.
Carbon dioxide is a waste product or toxin, and we get rid of it by breathing it out. Other organs that help remove toxins include the liver, skin, kidneys, intestines, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. In addition to breathing out, we remove toxic products through urine, feces, and sweating.
What can I drink to detox overnight? ›
- Chamomile Tea. One of the best drinks to include in your bedtime routine is a cup of warm chamomile tea. ...
- Mushroom Tea. ...
- Fenugreek Water. ...
- Lemon Water. ...
- Valerian Tea. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Ginger & Lemon Tea. ...
- Final Verdict.
- Coffee. Coffee is good for the liver, especially because it protects against issues such as fatty liver disease. ...
- Ginger and lemon drink. ...
- Oatmeal drink. ...
- Tumeric drink. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Grapefruit drink.
- Asparagus. Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. ...
- Broccoli. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is great for fighting off infectious cells in our bodies. ...
- Grapefruit. ...
- Avocado. ...
- Kale. ...
- Artichokes. ...
- Collard greens. ...
- Beets.