Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, and arsenic are everywhere. They’re in the water we drink, the foods we eat and even in some beauty products we use on our skin. In trace amounts, your body has no problem flushing out these dangerous substances.
But a sedentary lifestyle and diet high in processed foods can impede your body’s natural detoxification system and lead to a build up of these heavy metals.
Common side effects linked to heavy metal poisoning include fatigue, headaches, brain fog, achy joints, muscle pain, confusion, and abdominal pain.
At the end of the day, we want our bodies as toxin-free as possible. And knowing what to eat can make a big difference in optimizing your health.
Here are the best foods you can add to your diet to support your body’s natural detoxification process:
Number 1 – Chlorella
This freshwater algae tops the list of detoxifying foods for many reasons. This natural superfood is packed with phytonutrients, amino acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous, biotin, magnesium and B vitamins. It is by far one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods for supporting your immune system.
Chlorella provides a host of health benefits. Primarily, chlorella helps your body detox heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed. This is mostly due to its high levels of chlorophyll. The list of health benefits is extensive with this amazing superfood.
Number 2 – Spirulina
A close cousin of chlorella, spirulina has been found to also help support a healthy immune system. This blue-green algae, also called a cyanobacterium, originates from both fresh and saltwater sources. In its powdered form, 100 grams of spirulina contains exceptional values of beta carotene, vitamin K, a range of B vitamins and protein.
Spirulina also contains a very high amount of chlorophyll, which can help remove toxins from the bloodstream while supporting optimal immune function.
Number 3 – Turmeric
This perennial herb in the ginger family contains a phytochemical called curcumin. It’s what gives turmeric its unique color. This anti-inflammatory spice provides amazing detoxification support for your body.
Studies have shown that curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric root, is effective in promoting and encouraging optimal detox pathway activity.
Number 4 – Ginger
Ginger has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. Consuming ginger tea can help reduce bloating and improve digestion, making it easier to eliminate toxins.
Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, was used for centuries to treat illness and promote good health. Studies have found that gingerol is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals in the body.
Number 5 – Leafy Greens
Adding more leafy greens to your diet is a great way to support your body’s natural detoxification. Certain leafy greens rank high on the list including spinach, kale, moringa leaf, alfalfa leaf, and parsley.
Leafy greens are packed with important nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins. They are also full of fiber, which makes them slow to digest and good for detoxifying your bowels.
Number 6 – Beets
Beets have traditionally been used to stimulate liver enzymes and increase bile, which helps your liver filter out toxins during digestion. Beets are also high in betalains and other phytonutrients that have been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of liver damage.
Number 7 – Cilantro
Cilantro is a popular culinary that contains natural compounds that bind to heavy metals and support your body’s natural detox process. This herb has been shown to enhance mercury excretion following dental amalgam removal. Some studies have also shown that cilantro can also help reduce lead absorption.
Number 8 – Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its heart benefits, but it’s also good at detoxifying the body. A natural chemical called allicin found in garlic has been shown to promote the production of white blood cells and help fight against toxins.
Garlic is also a great source of sulfur, which can boost the production of glutathione in the liver and help filter out heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Number 9 – Wild Blueberries
The reason these tiny fruits made the list is because of their high amounts of antioxidants. When heavy metals enter our bodies, they oxidize our cells and accelerate aging. Adding these berries to your diet is a great way to prevent and reverse oxidative damage caused by heavy metals.
Number 10 – Milk Thistle
This flowery herb is well-known for detoxifying the liver. Silybin is the active ingredient found in milk thistle that can help regenerate the liver, remove toxins, and prevent free radical damage.
Milk thistle has also been shown to help reverse damage to the liver caused by heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
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