Detox Diets: 9 Signs You Need To Do One + Exactly What To Eat

While we can’t necessarily control the world around us or our exposure to all pollutants and chemicals, we can make strategic dietary changes that will help counter their effects by supporting the liver, reducing inflammation, healing the gut, balancing blood sugar, and lightening our overall toxic load. This, in broad terms, is what a detox diet should do.

Think back to the time in your life when you felt the healthiest. How does your current state compare? If you feel significantly less vital, or you’ve never felt that great to begin with, it could be time to try a detox. Here are some specific signs it’s time to make a change:

Since there’s no official definition of "detox diet," the suggestions and foods below should be considered a framework that can be customized based on your specific needs and preferences rather than a set of strict rules.

This means you’ll be taking a break from most of the foods and additives that tax your system (e.g., added sugars or artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, trans fats), as well as some chemical pesticides from conventional produce, and adding in nutrient-dense foods that will nourish the body and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Common food intolerances include those to soy, gluten, corn, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and dairy. If you have some of the symptoms above, consider eliminating potential trigger foods for a period of time (it usually takes a few weeks to notice a difference), preferably under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian. You’ll also want to eliminate alcohol since your body registers alcohol as a toxin and relies on your liver to process and eliminate it, which can put stress on the organ.

At this point, you have a great base diet full of nourishing whole foods. But now it’s time to get more strategic and add in specific foods that have been shown to improve digestion, heal the gut (since a leaky gut can allow unwanted toxins into the bloodstream), and support the liver or assist your body’s detoxification processes in other ways. These 12 are a great place to start:

Here’s a great reason to make a morning cuppa matcha a habit. The phytochemicals in green tea have been shown to help trigger both phase-one and phase-two liver detoxification. In phase one, toxins are made water-soluble by enzymes; and in phase two, toxins are bound to protective chemicals that neutralize them and allow them to be eliminated via bile or urine. The polyphenol antioxidants in green tea are also anti-inflammatory and have cancer-preventing effects.

Not into green tea? Try sipping on dandelion root tea, sometimes called dandelion coffee, which is caffeine-free and tastes somewhat similar to actual coffee. Dandelion is famous for its cleansing properties, and one study1 found that it helped rid the body of reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress, which reduced risk of atherosclerosis (deposits of plaque within arteries). Dandelion greens are great too, as they can help stimulate bile production and promote healthy digestion.

Turns out that lemon water really is a great way to start the day. Lemons—along with other forms of citrus such as tangerines and oranges—contain a compound called D-limonene, which has been shown to help reverse oxidative damage2 caused to the liver as a result of a high-fat diet. Sipping on lemon water throughout the day is also a great way to stay hydrated, which helps promote the movement of toxins out of the body.

Dark leafy greens such as dandelion greens, arugula, spinach, and kale (and even algaes like chlorella) contain plant chlorophylls, which help remove chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals from the bloodstream. Specifically, early research3 shows that chlorophyll may reduce the risk of liver damage caused by aflatoxins (dangerous compounds produced by fungi that may be present on a variety of foods, including peanuts) by increasing the activity of certain enzymes and removing toxins.

Chlorella, specifically, is a powerful chelator, and has been shown to absorb 40 percent of the heavy metals in the test solution within seven days. Consider adding a scoop to your morning smoothie for a detoxifying boost. Need some inspiration? Try this recipe.

Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulfur-containing phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which are protective against cancer, anti-inflammatory, and may help the body remove toxins. One study found that a drink made with broccoli activated enzymes that helped pick up pollutants from the bloodstream and flush them out via urine. Cruciferous veggies are also high in fiber, which helps feed "good" probiotic gut bacteria and promote digestion. That’s critical, since a damaged (or leaky) gut allows various toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream, contributing to issues like systemic inflammation and autoimmune disease4.

These ruby-hued roots contain a type of antioxidant called betalains, which may help reduce chronic inflammation5 and repair cells in the liver thanks to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beets also boast high amounts of dietary nitrates, which expand blood vessels and improve blood flow, and thus lower blood pressure. Consider blending your beets with a peeled orange, splash of seltzer, and some ice for a refreshing treat.

If you’re experiencing digestive woes, consider parsley. This often-overlooked herb acts as a natural diuretic and helps prevent bloating. It also contains anti-inflammatory vitamin C. Cilantro is another great pick, as it can help remove heavy metals6 like mercury and lead from the body. Try adding both of these herbs to your morning smoothie. Want more of a kick? Go for ginger, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant spice that promotes balanced blood sugar and optimal digestion. Or start using more garlic, which contains naturally detoxifying sulfur compounds (just like cruciferous veggies) and combats the growth of unfriendly bacteria in the gut.

Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and other fermented foods are loaded with "good" probiotic bacteria, which promote healthy digestion and help promote a healthy, stable gut that keep toxins out of the bloodstream. And according to functional medicine experts like Dr. Frank Lipman, they may also help clear heavy metals out of the body.

If you’re craving a sweet treat on your detox, opt for deep-hued berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. These are all relatively low-sugar and high-fiber, which means they’ll help keep blood sugar stable and cravings at bay. They’re also loaded with phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that have been shown to scavenge free radicals, reduce inflammation, and boost brain health and mood.

Nuts and seeds, particularly hemp, flax, and chia seeds, are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help promote optimal digestion and move food through the body faster, which aids in toxin removal. Nuts are great, too; particularly walnuts, which are a great source of plant-based omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation and may boost learning, memory7, and overall brain function.

Glutathione is an antioxidant concentrated in the liver that helps bind toxins and escort them out of the body via urine or bile. Glutathione may also boost the absorption of various nutrients in the foods you eat. Glutathione can be obtained directly from a few foods, including raw spinach, avocado, and asparagus; and it can also be produced by your body from the amino acids glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Foods containing the building blocks of glutathione include bone broth and sulfur-containing foods such as cruciferous veggies and garlic. Getting enough vitamin C, vitamin D, and minerals like zinc and selenium are also important for glutathione production.

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