Feeling physically bogged down? Find out how to rejuvenate your body by adding foods that will give you energy and nutrients, as well as help you get rid of toxins.

Just take a stroll in any department store or pharmacy past the familiar rows and rows of bottles and jars, shampoos, facial and body cleansers, toners, exfoliants, creams, lotions, for all ages from babies to the elderly. We put a lot of energy into cleaning and bathing the outsides of our bodies. Usually very little thought goes into what is going on inside our bodies, unless we become ill or feel pain. Most of us think that if we don’t consider ourselves really sick, everything is just fine. Symptoms like headaches or sinus congestion don’t really raise any red flags because we can still function and go to work, or take an over the counter medication to help us to not think about it. In western culture we are not used to seeing these symptoms as the body’s way of telling us something: that we may have some sort of buildup of toxins that our body is trying to get rid of. When we become very ill, we often don’t have much of an appetite at all. Think of the last time you were sick…it’s likely you only craved things like soup, crackers, toast or fluids. Your body was telling you it wanted to cleanse!

Unfortunately, we can’t always control the fact that we live amongst many toxins that we absorb from the air via pollution and from pesticides, certain foods and additives, drugs, and other chemicals. Very often we can feel these toxins as they build up in our bodies, (even if we are unaware of it) manifesting as skin irritations or breakouts, chronic headaches or congestion, fatigue, body odor, digestive problems such as constipation, or even depression. Relatively speaking, these may be minor ailments. But over time, toxins and waste can build up and serious illness can result. In holistic medicine, all of the organs work together as a system. If one organ fails to work properly because it is overworked or toxic, it affects the rest of your body. It is important to keep the detoxifying organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and skin) of the body healthy, so that the entire body can function optimally as a whole.

What can we do to keep ourselves healthy? Many times the best way to start is to detoxify ourselves with some sort of cleanse. The most commonly known way to do this is by eliminating all food, consuming only water or fresh juices, also known as fasting. Fasting can be very beneficial when done carefully and with guidance from a health professional, but it does require a commitment and involve the possibility of uncomfortable side effects if done too rapidly, “A common assumption is that quicker cleansing is better, and most people interested in quick results want to use very rapid cleansing methods such as fruit and vegetable juices”, states Paul Pitchford in his book Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. “ Although the quicker methods can be valuable therapeutically, we have found that the slower, milder fasts with selected whole foods ……..can bring remarkable healing to those who lead stressful lives.”

A gentler approach towards cleansing the body is to add tasty foods that are easily digestible, support the body’s natural detoxifying systems and at the same time add nutrients and stimulate your metabolism. Even if you are not having symptoms you can still benefit from the support and maintenance that a cleansing diet offers. By adding a variety of more fresh, organic natural foods to your meals you will have less room for the processed, packaged, artificially flavored foods that contribute to toxin buildup and, ultimately, illness. And the good news is you can stay on a cleansing diet for longer than you would do a fast. You might even get so used to clean living that you decide to make it part of your lifestyle!

Basically, your body is prepared for the toxins as they come in. The liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs and skin are designed to filter out and protect us from substances that the body does not know how to metabolize. Over time these organs can become exhausted from all the filtering, neutralizing, and processing of saturated fats, sugars, chemicals and artificial substances that the body absorbs. Rejuvenating, balancing, cleansing foods the ones that support these organs, as well as the organs of elimination. During a cleanse, be sure not to add any avoidable toxins to your diet. It’s especially important during a food cleanse to use local, organic fruits and vegetables – free of pesticides and chemicals – whenever possible. Even if you usually don’t buy organic food, now would be the time to invest the extra money and time to get the best quality produce that you can find. If it’s not possible to get organic, be sure to wash your produce thoroughly, under running water to wash off as many pesticides and chemicals as you can.

The top 10 cleansing foods:
1. Lemon, with its astringent and antiseptic qualities, is great for detoxifying the liver. It also contains potassium and vitamin C, and is possibly the best fruit remedy for people who have had a high fat/high protein diet. Lemon helps to increase the formation of fluids in the body, and this helps to flush out impurities. Start your day with a tall refreshing glass of water with the juice of 1/2 fresh lemon.

2. Watermelon is a cool and refreshing diuretic which greatly benefits the intestines by keeping them moist. The seeds of the watermelon help with constipation, and contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which dilates the capillaries. This in turn helps to decrease high blood pressure. Freeze watermelon chunks for a cooling summer treat.

3. Radishes are very useful for getting rid of excess mucus, and old residual waste in the body. They also clear the sinuses and helps indigestion. Regular use can help prevent viral conditions like colds and flu. Slice some radishes and add to soup, salad, sandwiches…..or slice in half and dip into hummus for a crunchy snack.

4. Cabbage is great for the stomach and intestines, is used to treat constipation, and has a high sulfur content which destroys parasties and purifies the blood. It promotes circulation within the lungs and the elimination of waste. Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is wonderful for cleansing the digestive tract, improving the good bacteria necessary for digestion in the intestines, and treating constipation. Look for fresh, raw sauerkraut as opposed to canned. Add sauerkraut as a regular side dish to your meals for a savory flavor.

5. Asparagus contains a diuretic called asparagine, which helps the body to eliminate water through the kidneys. Also helps to cleanse the arteries of cholesterol and stimulates metabolism. Add asparagus to soups, stir-frys, pasta, even fruit salad. It’s great raw or lightly roasted in the oven.

6. Watercress promotes circulation in the lungs and is beneficial for the skin, as it helps to clear facial blemishes. It helps to remove stagnant blood and increase the flow of energy in the body, and is used as a remedy for intestinal gas and bad breath. Toss some chopped watercress into your salad or include in your favorite fresh vegetable juice.

7. Fennel is a good digestive aid which helps to rid the body of excess gas. It also stimulates liver and kidney function. It has a sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. Roast some sliced fennel with a little olive oil for an interesting addition to your meal, or chop and throw into a salad.

8. Leeks help to promote good digestion, and they also help to clean out the intestines. They also stimulate the liver, gall bladder and kidneys. Leeks promote warmth and move stagnant energy through the body. They clean out the arteries and slow the growth of viruses, yeasts and other organisms that often show up with an unbalanced diet. Add finely chopped leeks to salads, omelets, soups or stews for extra flavoring.

9. Ginger is known for its circulation-promoting properties. It helps to prevent the blood from sludging, which is one of the causes for heart attacks and strokes. It is also an anti-inflammatory, a digestive aid and improves appetite. Treat yourself to a cup of ginger tea after a meal or sprinkle some grated ginger over vegetables as a garnish.

10. Figs are one of the most alkalizing foods, which is great for cleansing because this balances the harmful acidic conditions that result from a diet rich in animal protein and most refined, artificial foods. Figs are a wonderful, soothing laxative and they clean the intestines as well as treat hemorroids. (Yay!) Figs are delicious just raw, sliced, thrown in salads or with yogurt.

Most of these foods are so easy to prepare, and don’t really need to even be cooked. It’s just a matter of knowing where to purchase the freshest produce. Be sure to incorporate other important aspects of cleansing also, such as drinking lots of water, and doing some moderate exercise. As you gradually begin to detox, you will need extra water to help flush out your system. Be careful with fruit juices and sports drinks (many contain added sugar and artificial sweeteners or colors) and caffeinated beverages.

Movement is key for staying healthy! There’s a good reason for the fact that simply moving your body makes you feel good; exercise helps circulate the blood and stimulates the lymph system, which has no pump of its own. Lymph is a fluid which helps to remove waste from your body’s tissues. As stated in The Complete Guide to Natural Healing by Tom Monte, “ [Lymph] is moved through its vessels by various forms of pressure exerted through breathing, physical movement, muscular activity and the intestines.” Exercise is also helpful in helping toxins leave the body through the sweat glands.

Once you begin cleansing your body from the inside out, you may experience some of the amazing short-term benefits that whole food cleansing has on your physical as well as mental state. You may begin to immediately notice that you have more energy, better digestion, improved sleep quality, clearer skin, and improved mental awareness. Even better are the long term benefits, such as reduced risk of cancer and chronic illnesses.

You can use cleansing foods as a boost when you are feeling run-down or as a way to make a lifestyle change towards whatever your health goals may be; losing weight, having more energy, preventing illness, or healing a certain condition. Just use your intuition and listen to your body. If you are feeling good, then take that as a sign that you are doing something right. Our bodies are smarter than we give them credit for. By tuning in and taking good care of your body, inside and out, you can be sure that it will return the favor. Good Luck!