The
following is a list of Foods and Nutrients that should be taken as part of a
Detox Plan.
The liver requires certain nutrients for detox.
In addition, increasing the flow of bile is an important part of detox because
bile carries stored fat-soluble toxins away from the liver to be excreted in the
stools.
Signs of poor bile flow include constipation aggravated by
fiber supplements, flatulence, dry skin and hair, indigestion 1-2 hours after
eating, indigestion after fatty foods and small, hard stools.
Multivitamin
Choose a high-potency
multivitamin with selenium, molybdenum, and zinc.
Choline and
Methionine
Known as lipotropic factors, the supplements choline and
methionine help to regulate fat metabolism and increase bile flow.
Vitamin C
A water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C is an
antioxidant that supports detox. It may also help to decrease some of the side
effects of detox, such as headache or nausea.
Milk
Thistle
This herb has many positive effects on the liver. It is an
antioxidant, assists in liver cell regeneration, and is used after exposure to
chemical and industrial pollutants or adverse effects from excess alcohol or fat
consumption.
Artichokes
Contains plant compounds known as
caffeoylquinic acids, which increase the flow of bile and help to digest
fats.
Beets
Beets contain betaine, which promotes the
regeneration of liver cells and the flow of bile. It also has a beneficial
effect on fat metabolism.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other
members of the brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale,
kholrabi) support the liver's detoxification enzymes.
Fresh Fruits and
Vegetables
Food sources of vitamin C and glutathione, which are
essential for detox.
Protein
Protein is required by the
liver for detox. Beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa, protein powder. Some people may
choose to eat fish in moderation.
Onions and Garlic
Rich in
sulfur-containing compounds. Involved in sulfation, the main detox pathway for
environmental chemicals and certain drugs and food additives. Helps with the
elimination of harmful heavy metals from the body.
Dandelion
Root
Increases the flow of bile. Can be taken as a
tea.
The Following is a list of Foods and
substances that should be avoided as part of a Detox plan.
Includes sugar, products containing sugar, and hidden forms of sugar, such as sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, brown sugar, and turbinado. Artificial sweeteners are usually not recommended. Stevia and erythritol are allowed natural sweeteners.
Milk, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and other dairy products.
Wheat and products containing wheat, such as pasta and bread.
All gluten-containing grains: wheat (including spelt, triticale,
and kamut), rye, and barley.
Although most detox diets recommend avoiding coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, one cup a day is usually acceptable and may reduce the occurrence of caffeine withdrawal headaches.
