Are you detoxing regularly? Turns out, most of us are not. Long ago, our bodies were forced into a natural detox every season. As the seasons change the nutrients inside of the readily available foods change with them. In some areas of the world, it is far less easy to access most (if not all) foods year-round. Unfortunately, here in America we are both blessed and cursed to have access to all foods year-round. However, those of us here in the states know all too well just how flavorless these foods can get outside of their natural season. That’s because there is a reason for every season!

The Reasons For The Seasons

Have you ever noticed just how much Mother Nature has our backs? Each season the foods that become more readily available are actually designed with your health needs in mind! What does that mean? For example each summer we have tons of fruits and vegetables that are high in water content. This is because we need more hydration during these high-temperature months. Not to mention we also have things like raspberries and sunflowers which contain natural sunblock capabilities! Because you guessed it, we spend more time in the sun. These seasonal foods are also lighter in nature because we tend to eat less during hotter temperatures. 

Using Nature To Your Advantage

There is a way to use these seasonal foods to help you remove anything your body no longer needs. Imagine if you could eat your way to a healthier you. There are so many toxins in this world. Toxins and pollutants are unavoidable, and it is inevitable that will you will either consume them, absorb them, or breathe them in.  However, something as simple as eating healthily can help rid your body of these toxins. Detoxing can be very subtle if you want it to be. The purpose of detoxing is to eliminate and reduce as many toxins from yourself and your environment as possible. 

Detox Vs a Cleanse!

There are so many different things we can do to our bodies. Such as, detoxing, cleansing, dieting, and even fasting all of which serve a different purpose and are often put into the same category. Too often people miss label cleanse as a detox. In fact, it is one of the biggest switch-ups when someone is trying to eliminate toxins. Due to the high level of confusion, I thought it would be a good idea to distinguish between the different options. Back when your grandmother did a detox it was something similar to the cleanses of today. 

What Your Detox Should Have!

Detox is much milder. You are slowly removing as many toxins from your environment as well as your daily nutrition. A detox may be done regularly as well as over a longer period of time. For example, where a cleanse/flush should only be 1-3 days a detox can be 1-2 months if you really wanted. However, I would suggest sticking to the one-month mark and repeating every other month. While it would be ideal to do your best to limit your exposure to as many toxins as possible it is unrealistic to think it is something you can do daily for the rest of the time. There are also different foods, herbs, and spices that can help you naturally detox different parts of your body. Here are a few foods that aid in natural detoxification. 

Amazing Artichokes: 

Artichokes support liver function, one of the primary organs in removing toxins from your body. They activate the liver’s production of bile, and bile assists in the breakdown of foods, helping your body absorb the nutrients. Artichokes are also loaded with fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, folate, and potassium. Additional health benefits include being ​​high in antioxidants and fiber, making them great for aiding in digestion, can help lower cholesterol, increase the production of bile (helps things exit smoothly), is a natural anti-inflammatory, high in potassium and vitamin C which make it a great addition to help boost your immune system. 

Cleansing Asparagus: 

Asparagus helps detoxify the blood and slows the aging of your organs and body.  It is also anti-inflammatory and can also help ward off some cancers.  One of its primary detoxifying functions is draining the liver of the toxic materials it has filtered out of anything you have consumed. Asparagus is great for weight loss for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is its high fiber content. It is also a natural diuretic and contains inulin which aids in digestion by increasing good bacterial flora. Asparagus is great for regulating blood sugar levels and contains saponins such as diosgenin which helps improve blood pressure. It helps to detox the body and increase energy levels due to its high concentration of B-complex vitamins.   

Immunity-Boosting Garlic: 

Garlic boosts the immune system and supports the liver. It is a popular ingredient in many recipes. There is a reason we have already talked a little bit about the health benefits that come from consuming garlic. Some of the benefits that come with this powerful herb are improved Iron metabolism and a good source of selenium. Selenium can aid in the regulation of the number of fat cells that are formed in the body. Garlic is also great for your heart health and can help lower blood triglycerides, blood sugar, and total cholesterol. It can protect against oxidative stress and support blood pressure. Garlic is also a great source for the following: vitamin C, B6, and manganese. It is both antibacterial and antiviral. Garlic is also known to thin the blood so make sure that you touch base with your primary doctor prior to increasing your amounts. 

Digestive Ginger: 

Ginger also helps the liver.  Just like garlic, you can add it to various foods or you can add it to your detox drinks. Chewing ginger can help if you are suffering from a fatty liver or if your body is concentrated with toxins. While it is most commonly associated with the digestive system ginger contains numerous benefits for our overall health. It is rich in vitamin C, Folate (vitamin B9), Potassium, Choline, Magnesium, and Sodium which are all critical to ensuring our body remains hydrated. Ginger is also an amazing all-natural anti-inflammatory. The way ginger reduces inflammation differs from that of Turmeric. It reduces the production of inflammatory stimulants prostaglandins which in turn reduces inflammation. Ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. In fact, it used to make up over half of all traditional medicines and was mainly used for gastric discomfort. Its active essential oils are Gingerols and Shogoals which have been shown to reduce indigestion, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. 

No Time Like The Present

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. Add any of these foods to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis I have taken the time to put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space) and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

Four Horseman Salad

Gluten-Free Vegan Serves 4

• 1 Avocado Sliced
• 1 Papaya Cubed
• 3 Cups Shredded Carrots
• 2 Cups Chopped Cilantro Fresh
• 3 Cups Chopped Kale
• 2 Cups Chopped Collard Greens
• 3 Cups Baby Spinach
• 2 Cups Sunflower Seeds Toasted

Dressing

• Juice of 2 Limes
• 3 TBsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Ginger Minced
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine spinach, kale, cilantro, carrots, and greens. Toss the salad greens and set them aside. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the dressing, making sure to mix well. You can either toss the greens in the dressing and top with seeds, avocado, and papaya to assemble. Or you can top the greens with the remaining ingredients and serve the dressing on the side. Either way, it tastes great and is great for you!

Mango Madness Smoothie

Gluten-Free Vegan Serves 1

• 1 Scoop Mango Protein Powder (great with Vanilla too)
• 1/4 Cup Baby Spinach
• 1 Scoop Snap Greens Powder
• 1 1/2 Cups Frozen Tropical Fruit (we used Mango, Papaya, and Pineapple)
• 12 ounces of Pineapple Coconut Bia Water
• 1 tsp Hemp Seeds

Directions:

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until desired texture has been reached.

Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help, I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!