Each organ works to eliminate excess waste that’s produced by natural metabolic processes, otherwise known as toxins. Here’s a guide on how to support each of your detox organs with specific nutrients from food. It reigns over all toxins of the body by cleaning and filtering every ounce of blood and metabolizing all chemical substances, even the good kinds. Bitter foods and foods that promote the body’s production of internal antioxidants, especially glutathione, are best for liver detoxification. Foods and beverages that support liver detoxification include:* The kidneys flush water-soluble waste in response to water and electrolyte concentrations. To support detoxification, drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. You can also consume greens, herbs, and teas, which are weak diuretics that promote kidney detox without throwing your electrolytes out of balance. Some foods flush the kidneys and promote healthy blood pressure, and others act as renal tonics to flush extra toxins and prevent bacteria buildup. Foods and beverages that support kidney flush: You can naturally detox your lungs by simply breathing and exhaling deeply. Sleeping soundly without sleep apnea or excessive snoring also promotes lung detox. Use a Himalayan salt pipe1 or go to the beach to breathe in salt air in order to clean the lungs further2. Foods with spicy/pungent flavors and slippery/soothing textures are best for lung detoxification. Foods that support the lungs include: Lymph nodes, found in chains throughout the brain and body, can become tender and swollen when an infection is being cleared. The lymph system requires movement in order to function well. Encourage lymph movement by tapping on your thymus gland (directly behind your sternum) 10 times. You can also promote lymph detox by gently using a natural bristle brush or sea sponge and brushing your skin in a circular motion from your feet up to your heart, from your neck and fingertips up to your heart. Foods that support lymph detoxification are: It also houses protective bacteria that make up the body’s ecosystem, called the microbiome. In order for the colon to detox, it needs to get rid of old stool; unfortunately, many Americans struggle with constipation5. You can help detox the colon by increasing your intake of soluble and insoluble fibers, water, edible bentonite clay, probiotics, and gentle herbal or salt laxatives. Consult your health provider to determine the best strategy for you. Foods that support colon detoxification include: Like your lungs, the skin can absorb waste and then release it through salty sweat with electrolytes, as well as excess heat. We don’t know all the waste products that are absorbed or released from the skin. But we do know that the skin is our largest living organ, always exchanging oxygen and waste. All forms of detox benefit the skin, particularly exercise, dry skin brushing, Epsom salt baths, and saunas. Remember to drink water because hydration is key to promoting a healthy sweat. Foods that support skin detoxification include:
