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Lynn Baer, M.A.,C.N
Weight Loss & Nutritionist

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Dr. David Katz, MD
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Healthy Hedonist guide to great health





Foods that Cleanse the Body

Are there foods that actually help our bodies detoxify? The following lists are common foods that we eat every day. Here are 10 of the top foods that are involved in the natural detoxification of our bodies. They are as follows.

Water: As with most dietary programs of any kind and just for health in general, drink lots of water. Liquids help flush our body while pouring in nutrients. Drinking water is probably one of the healthiest things that you can do and it is vital if you are trying to detoxify your system or lose weight.


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Fiber: Fiber helps keep our gastrointestinal system fit. Fiber is extremely important to help cleanse our gastrointestinal tract. It acts like a broom in terms of its cleansing effect on the gastrointestinal system. It is important to make sure you ingest enough fiber per day. Most experts would agree 25 to 50 mg per day is ideal and probably a mean of 30 to 35 mg is best if possible.

Any food that helps to enhance or support liver function aids the detoxification process. The liver truly is a major detoxifying organ.

Listed below are specific food groups that help and aid in the detoxification process.

Green leafy vegetables: Ideally, eat vegetables raw or at least throw them into a broth and add them to juices. The chlorophyll in green leafy vegetables is what helps swab out environmental toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides. Green leafy vegetables also help protect our liver and improve liver function.

Cabbage: There are two main types of detoxifying systems in the liver. Cabbage helps activate both of them.


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Sesame seeds: They are credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals.

Broccoli sprouts: Broccoli contains 20 to 50 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme stimulating active ingredients than probably any other vegetable.

Green tea it is one of the healthiest ways to get rid of the body toxic fluids. It contains catechins which also speed up liver activity.

Garlic: Add it to everything, sauces, salads, spreads. In addition to the gastrointestinal detoxification benefit, it has numerous cardiovascular benefits. It is also an agent that activates liver enzymes which help filter out junk.

Watercress has a diuretic affect and helps move waste products through our systems. It is also very rich in minerals.

Lemons: Lemons are rich in vitamin C. The vitamin C in liver helps convert toxins into water-soluble form so they can easily be flushed away.

Psyllium: Plants that are rich in soluble fiber contain psyllium like oat bran. Psyllium also binds to cholesterol, helps reduce cholesterol level, and also helps manage blood glucose levels.

Fruits: Eating lots of fruits and the fibers in the fruits are very important for all the detoxification process. Fruits contain fiber, nutritious fluids, vitamin C, and lots and lots of antioxidants.



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Tips for Making Healthy Meals

Begin by choosing foods low in saturated fat, low in sodium and low in calories:

  • Try fat free (skim) milk or lowfat (1%) milk
  • Only buy cheeses marked "lowfat" or "fat free" on the package
  • Choose to eat fruits and vegetables without butter or sauce
  • Serve rice, beans, cereals, pasta, whole grains (e.g., couscous, barley, bulgar, etc.)
  • Choose lean cuts of meat, fish, and skinless turkey and chicken
  • When available, buy low– or reduced–sodium or no–salt–added versions of foods

Use these recipe substitutions:

  • Use two egg whites for each whole egg and margarine or oil instead of butter
  • Use light mayonnaise instead of the regular variety
  • Use nonfat yogurt instead of sour cream
  • Use lowfat cheese instead of regular cheese
  • Use 1 percent or skim milk instead of whole milk
  • Use fresh poultry, fish and lean meat rather than canned or processed types

Try these meal tips:

  • Make a meatloaf with lean ground turkey
  • Make tacos with skinless chicken breast
  • Cool soups and gravies and skim off fat before reheating them
  • Try adding salsa on a baked potato instead of butter
  • Make a spicy baked fish — season with green pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, lemon, or cilantro
  • Eat fruit for dessert, instead of pie or cake

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  YOUR THOUGHTS

We asked our readers to share their favorite affordable ways to pamper yourself. Here' what some of you had to say:

Dressing up and going to a fancy cafe or restaurant with a friend. We're there for the ambiance, and only order small items from the menu.
   ~ Deborah K.

I pamper myself by taking a little time each day to sit and reflect, congratulating myself and acknowledging my achievements. I need to do this, as the self-esteem takes a battering from time to time. And I can pamper myself this way anytime I feel the need.

   ~ Claire M.

I believe in the value of a good massage, whether weekly, biweekly or once a month. Yes, it can be an extravagance for some, but even if only once a month, you are taking care of your whole self -- body, mind and spirit. I would be lost without it.
   ~ Rachel in Vermont


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