Ridding your body of toxins should start with the food you eat! There are many foods with powerful detox properties and incorporating them on a regular basis can help boost your body’s natural ability to heal.

Apples

Apples are full of vitamins, minerals and water. They contain a number of phytochemicals, which are biologically active compounds found in plants that have positive health benefits. Apples also contain the soluble fibre, pectin, which helps clear out heavy metals and other chemicals from the body. Because of their thin skin, they are considered part of the Dirty Dozen, so it is best to eat organic apples to reduce your chemical exposure.

Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Parfait

Artichokes

Artichokes support bile production which is necessary for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. They also support and protect the liver which is one of the most important detox organs in your body. Artichokes affect the kidneys as well and can have a mild diuretic effect which promotes excretion of toxins through the urine. They also contain lots of fibre which helps to bind toxins in the stool and promotes regular elimination through the digestive system.

Recipe: Spinach, Kale and Artichoke Dip

Broccoli

Broccoli belongs to the Brassica family of vegetables, also known as cruciferous vegetables, which contain powerful detox substances. These include sulphorophanes, indole-3-carbinol and d-glucarate, which all stimulate the detox pathways in the liver. Broccoli sprouts have even more potent levels of these phytochemicals and can easily be added to salads if eating broccoli isn’t your thing! 

Recipe: Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli

Beets

Beets are superfoods for a reason! They are full of B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium and many other nutrients that act as cofactors in detox pathways. They also contain antioxidants which help bind free radicals and prevent damage to tissues. They support the liver and gall bladder and promote healthy digestion as well.  

Recipe: Beet Pomegranate Tahini Dip

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are an easy addition to any detox protocol and have huge health benefits! They provide healthy fats that are full of omega-3s and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. They are also full of fibre to optimize digestion and bind toxins. They are a good source of protein as well so they’ll keep your blood sugar levels stable and keep you full in between meals. They can be easily added to salads, oatmeal, cereals or even your favourite snacks!

Recipe: Banana Nut Oatmeal Bars

Tumeric

Tumeric is a spice that contains the active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin helps support the liver, gall bladder and digestive system and also has anti-inflammatory effects. It is also full of antioxidants that protect the cells. You can add turmeric to your lemon water in the morning or even make into a latte!

Recipe: Tumeric-Ginger Latte

Kale

Kale is a detox powerhouse! It has tons of fibre to bind toxins and promote healthy elimination through the digestive system. Kale also contains kaempferol and quercetin which are anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. It is also high in Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant and supports the immune system. Kale contains chlorophyll and sulforophane as well which help cleanse the blood and may even protect against the formation of cancer cells. It can be added to just about any recipe including salads, smoothies and pasta dishes.

Recipe: Kale and Feta Pasta

Lemons

Lemons promote an alkaline environment in your body which is important since most of us tend to be on the acidic side due to our diets and lifestyles. Lemons stimulate the release of liver enzymes that convert toxins to their water-soluble form to make them more easily removed from the body. Add some lemon to your water first thing in the morning to start your day off right!  

Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon

Garlic

Garlic contains the phytochemical allicin which is a power antimicrobial that can get rid of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi that exist in your body. They contain sulfur as well which supports liver enzyme function and glutathione production. Glutathione is one of the critical cofactors in the detox pathways that occur in your liver. Cooking garlic deactivates many of these active ingredients so it is important to consume it raw whenever possible.  

Recipe: Grilled Garlic Mushroom Kabobs

Onions

Onions are in the same plant family is garlic so they possess many of the same antimicrobial and detox properties. Onions also contain high levels of quercetin, which is an antioxidant and flavonoid, and has health benefits for the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems.

Recipe: Split Pea Soup

Cabbage

Cabbage is another cruciferous vegetable with high sulfur content. They help the liver break down toxins to make them more easily eliminated from the body. Cabbage also acts as a mild diuretic. This promotes excretion of toxins by the kidneys through the urine. 

Recipe: 

Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Pineapple

Pineapples contain bromelain which is a natural digestive enzyme. It helps optimize your stomach acid levels and break down food to improve your digestion. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory effects, can promote tissue healing and may reduce your reaction to allergens. 

Recipe: Pineapple “Ice Cream”

Spinach

Spinach is another source of glutathione so it’s great for promoting liver function. Spinach is also a good source of iron which is necessary for red blood cell function and energy production. Spinach is best consumed raw since heat can destroy many of the health-promoting nutrients.

Recipe: Spinach Salad

Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are another cruciferous vegetable high in sulfur. This sulfur is found in the form of compounds called glucosinolates. They stimulate detox enzymes found in the liver and may also be protective to cells. This enzyme action helps remove toxins from the blood and support the liver. Brussels sprouts also contain antioxidants that prevent cell damage. 

Recipe: Garlic and Bacon Brussel Sprouts

Avocadoes

Avocadoes are a great source of glutathione and B vitamins which help support the liver’s natural detox pathways. They are also a source of mono- and poly-unsaturated Omega 3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties that protect many systems in the body, especially the cardiovascular system.  

Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad