How to detoxify: 3 success factors for a healthy (and simple) detox

Detoxification 101

What is detoxification and why do people do it?

Your body naturally detoxifies itself through the liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs. You can also make changes to your daily activities to support your body's detoxification process—a particularly helpful way to kickstart a healthy diet or lifestyle change. It's much easier than you might think!

Can I detox to lose weight?

No, detox diets are not suitable for weight loss. Any weight you lose is mostly—if not entirely—water weight and is a byproduct of the body using water to flush out toxins.

How long should a detoxification process last?

Detox programs don't need to last longer than three days. Your body detoxifies itself as part of the digestive process. It takes between 36 and 72 hours for your body to absorb the essential nutrients and flush out the toxins/waste from the food, thus completing the digestive process.

For effective, healthy detoxification, you should make small, temporary changes to your diet and daily activities. These changes can be divided into three components: what you drink, what you eat, and your lifestyle.

---

Stay hydrated : important drinks

1. Drink herbal tea . Teas have numerous benefits for detoxification and health:

• Microgreen teas contain high concentrations of plant compounds such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support cognitive abilities, energy levels, sleep quality and the immune system.

• Green tea protects against heart disease and cancer.

• Chamomile tea promotes better sleep and has calming, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties.

• Ginger tea fights inflammation, supports the immune system, and is especially known for its ability to relieve nausea.

• Echinacea tea strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off viruses and infections.

2. Limit your alcohol consumption . Your body will always prioritize eliminating alcohol, and this process requires a lot of energy. When your body metabolizes alcohol, it directly affects the organs that naturally detoxify your body. As a result, your body detoxifies less effectively because it cannot function at its full capacity.

3. Drink water throughout the day . Your body primarily uses its water content to flush out toxins, so it's important to stay adequately hydrated. You can also add a lemon to your water for electrolytes. Citrus fruits also stimulate enzyme production in the liver, promoting smooth digestion.

Your diet: Foods that support your body in detoxification

1. Eat foods that contain prebiotics . These plant fibers support the production of good bacteria in your gut, which help break down and digest food—an essential part of a good detox! Prebiotics occur naturally in a number of foods, including microgreens , bananas, onions, garlic, and beans.
2. Eat foods high in antioxidants and fiber . Fiber-rich foods help your intestines and liver digest food and flush out toxins, while antioxidants help prevent and/or delay certain diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
3. Eat microgreens! Microgreens can not only be enjoyed as tea, but also offer numerous health benefits when eaten, and their high nutrient content supports effective detoxification. Learn more here. about all the benefits of our microgreens.

Lifestyle factors: daily activities

• Move more often . Exercise helps your body flush out toxins through sweating, reduces stress, increases energy levels, and improves your overall mood.

• Make sure you get good sleep . Good sleep helps reduce stress, inflammation, improves mood, enhances cognitive function, and lowers the risk of health problems.

• Exfoliate your skin . A byproduct of successful detoxification is clearer skin, and regular exfoliation can help you achieve clearer skin faster by increasing the cell turnover rate.

A detox is simple and should leave you feeling better, less hungry and tired. In short, a successful detox is about supporting your body's natural ability to flush out toxins; a strict diet isn't necessary! Eat nutrient-rich foods, drink plenty of water, exercise, and get enough sleep so your body can perform at its best. You'll feel great in no time—mentally and physically.