How to detox naturally

Going on a ‘detox’ is a strange thing to say, as we’re constantly detoxifying in real-time, or we wouldn’t last very long!

However, our ‘ toxic load’ - which is the accumulated amount of toxins affecting your bodily systems at any given time - can be elevated. It can also build up as a result of our environment or modern-day lifestyles, including during overindulgent festive periods!

Whilst there is no ‘quick fix’ and fad, detox diets won’t help - the good news is we can support our body to make the natural detoxification process more efficient. Taking some time to support our detoxification system with healthy foods, supplements, exercise, and hydration can help rejuvenate the body.

Let’s start by delving into our main detox organs, which are our kidneys and liver, but our lymphatic system (a complex network of tissues, vessels and organs that help protect us from infection), bowels, and even sweat from our skin can play a vital role in detoxification processes.

For a healthy high functioning liver, aim to 'eat the rainbow'; the more colourful your food is, the better for your liver. Colourful fruit and vegetables provide antioxidants and the liver is one of the main areas in the body that needs plenty of antioxidants - as part of the detoxification process. But don't just think of fruit and vegetables consider teas, herbs, spices, and even chocolate, which are all great antioxidant sources.

Some top foods that can support your liver health and detoxification pathways include: 

• Turmeric
• Green leafy vegetables
• Green tea
• Onions
• Garlic

There are also some other key liver-loving nutrients to look out for, which can be found in the foods above and are great for supporting detoxification pathways which include: 

• B vitamins
• Zinc
• Copper
• Selenium
• Vitamin C

You could try adding Link Nutrition’s Curcumin, B Complex, Vitamin C Complex and Immune Support to your daily routine to get a boost of the right nutrients and boost your antioxidant plant extracts!

You don’t need to do a fad diet to help with detoxification, but it is good to be aware of the foods that aren’t so good for your liver health. There are the obvious ones like too much caffeine and alcohol, but the less obvious is the sugar fructose. Fructose is a refined sugar that comes from fruit, is found in certain fizzy drinks, fruit juices and agave syrup to name just a few. Having too much of this type of sugar damages the liver in much the same way that alcohol can, and it causes a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Lots of processed foods (including vegan or gluten-free!) that contain artificial preservatives, flavours and colours can increase the burden on the liver - so it’s best to keep the processed foods to a minimum. 

Pesticide residues from the farming process can harm the liver too, so be sure to wash or peel your fruit and veggies thoroughly before eating!

Finally, gut health plays a significant role in healthy daily detoxification. If you suffer from any excessive wind or bloating, slow or fast transit, even if it isn’t all the time, it can indicate that your gut flora could benefit from some probiotics. Add in some fermented foods such as live yoghurt, sauerkraut or kombucha to increase your good bacteria. Link Nutrition’s Synbiotic 7 also provides an incredible combination of 40 billion probiotics and prebiotics to support your gut microbiome

Wondering what the most common signs and symptoms that may indicate your body isn't detoxifying as it should be? Check out Libby Limon's blog to discover the 5 most common signs and symptoms as well as some top tips on how to combat them! Head to the blog here.

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