Detoxing has become very popular on the nutrition front, and rightfully so. Because of the fast pace lifestyles that the average American family lives in today’s world, along with a multitude of stressors that each of us come into contact each and every day, our bodies are nearly run down all the time. In addition, because of the toxins in our bodies from bad food choices and all of the pollutants we are in contact with, all these things contribute to our lack of energy and our bodies being overweight.

I use to not believe in detoxing the body, “just stop eating crap,” I always said. The liver and kidneys cleanse the body every day. Nevertheless, sometimes the body needs some help along the way. Processed foods, alcohol and smoking are the worst culprits in the buildup of toxins that destroy cells that are necessary for the production of energy and overall health.

Below are some top foods that will help in gaining back one’s vitality, energy and toning down those unwanted pounds! Notice that some of these foods are organic. Pesticides that are used in the growing process can be more harmful than good!

Organic Kale: A cruciferous vegetable that is a powerhouse for supporting DNA function, detox and liver function.
Organic Cranberries: Supplies an abundant supply of unique class of flavonoids called proanthocyanidins. Great for a man’s prostrate function as well.
Organic Chlorella: A great source of Chlorophyll, protein, iron, magnesium and all- important amino acids. Its unique properties help it bind with heavy metals and get rid of those unwanted chemicals in the body. Now I like some heavy metal music, but not in the body!
Organic Spirulina: This is a natural source of Algae and has a good amount of protein, plus is loaded with B-Vitamins and is a great source of antioxidants.
Pomegranate: Packed with high levels of ellagic acid tannins, and anthocyanins, all of which are a great source once again of antioxidants. Also great for prostate function.
Wheatgrass: This type of grass contains a wide variety of B-Vitamins, Vitamin A, K, C, and contains 17 amino acids.
Alfalfa: I like this Sprout because of its strengthening of the immune system. One reason is that it is packed with Vitamin C.
Tomatoes: This vegetable has a great combination of antioxidants & anti-inflammatory properties. Also great for the cardiovascular system.
Berries: Raspberries, blueberries or strawberries, are all filled with phytochemicals to help fight off diseases or in other words, keeps an immune system going strong.

So how do you get all of these superfoods into one day? Well………..you don’t unless you purchase a supplement that has all of those foods in one powder or capsule, and those supplements are out there. To find a supplement like that, I am sure you have heard of the internet.

What you can do however is try to get in as many of these Detox Foods in your diet as you can at different times of the day. For example: (this is my average day);

Breakfast: Protein Pancakes with Blueberries and a glass of sugar free Pomegranate juice.

Lunch: on top of my Rice and ground turkey I put a half a cup of Organic Kale

Mid-Afternoon: a bag (about 7 grape red tomatoes)

Therefore, if my math is correct I am getting around 4 serving of these Detox Super foods.

On a side note, I also take a capsule in the morning and at night of a fruit and vegetable supplement.

Just a little of these foods each day can add up to optimum health now and down the road.

For more information on Detoxification Superfoods, I like reading and listening to Thomas DeLauer. So just Google!

In addition, of course……………If you want a Detoxing supplement to help in this process and clean your body of unwanted pollutants then contact one of our knowledgeable sales people and they will be glad to point you in the right direction.

Another way to Detox; Plants! That is right, plants especially in your office. They clean the air of pollutants. Just google “plants that clean the air” to find plants that do well indoors with little sun or just the light in your office. It will also provide information on just what each plant does to help one fight off unwanted elements in the air.

If you have some great Detox suggestions, whether in the area of supplements or foods, please let me know and I will be glad to share it.

Chip Sigmon, CSCS*D, CISSN

Strength & Conditioning, Wellness Coordinator, Europa Sports Products