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Garli

Recently I have been hearing about how fast the body replicates itself. Cells divide and die and divide and die. Well, it’s more complicated than that, but I am a law student, completely non-science for the most part, so that’s a fairly good explanation. In fact, according to NPR, the majority of our cells are replaced every year. So that gives an entire new perspective to “you are what you eat.” Food of course allows our body to do what our body does, so in a slightly simplistic manner, is the skin on your arm from McDonalds or from the health food store? What about you liver? Is it from Taco Bell or Whole Foods?

So for the next several weeks I am detoxing my body. I don’t want Burger King arms or Pizza Hut thighs or. . . I want to be Whole Foods Woman! Okay, I know, it was sounding a wee bit melodramatic. Reminds me of Lindsey Wagner.

Things To Cleanse Your Body

Avocado

Avocados. We rarely think of avocados as a cleansing food but these nutritional powerhouses lower cholesterol and dilate blood vessels while blocking artery-destroying toxicity. Avocados contain a nutrient called glutathione, which blocks at least thirty different carcinogens while helping the liver detoxify synthetic chemicals.

Beets. The root contains niacin (vit.B-3), pantothenic acid (vit.B-5), pyridoxine (vit.B-6) and carotenoids. Also minerals like iron, manganese, and magnesium. It is a good source of potassium. Potassium in turn lowers the heart rate.  Red Beet Root acts as a splendid organic cleanser, not only of the liver, but also of the kidneys and gall bladder. Taking this helps stimulate the activity of the lymphatic system for coughs, colds and bronchial disorders.

Bone Broth.  Glycine and proline are two key components of connective tissue, the biological “glue” that holds our bodies together.  There are many types of connective tissue and these two amino acids feature prominently in most of them, from the cartilage that forms our joints to the extracellular matrix that acts as a scaffold for the cells in our individual organs, muscles, arteries etc.  Without these two amino acids, we would literally fall apart.  So, it is no surprise that we need these two amino acids to heal, not only gaping wounds, but also the microscopic damage done to blood vessels and other tissues in our body caused by inflammation and infection. In fact, glycine is known to inhibit the immune system and reduce activation of inflammatory cells in your body.  Whether you are trying to heal from an infection, address an auto-immune disease, or reduce inflammation caused by neolithic foods or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, high levels of dietary glycine are critical.

Broccoli sprouts. They pack 20 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable. Research suggests that eating the sprouts (they have a radish-like taste) kills off H. Pylori bacteria that causes stomach irritation and ulcers.

Cabbage. There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and this potent veggie helps activate both of them. It’s the largest member of the Brassica veggie family, all of which delivers colon-cancer fighting isothicyanates and vitamin C. Coleslaw, anyone?

Celery and Celery Seeds. Celery and celery seeds are excellent blood cleansers and contain many different anti-cancer compounds that help detoxify cancer cells from the body. Celery seeds contain over twenty anti-inflammatory substances. It is particularly good for detoxifying substances found in cigarette smoke.

Cilantro (aka Coriander)

Cilantro. Cilantro contains two specific compounds known as cineole and linoleic acid that both possess anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic properties. Cilantro also contains a substance known as dodecenal that is twice as powerful as the antibiotic drug gentamicin at fighting infection and eradicating harmful microbes from the body. Cilantro is also a natural antiseptic that can help wounds heal more quickly, and is a natural chelator of heavy metals from the body.

Garlic. Eat garlic to cleanse harmful bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses from your body, especially from the blood and intestines. It also helps cleanse build-up from the arteries and has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties that help detoxify the body of harmful substances. Additionally, garlic assists with cleansing the respiratory tract by expelling mucous build-up in the lungs and sinuses. For the health benefits, choose only fresh garlic, not garlic powder, which has virtually none of the above properties. Add it to everything — salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the heart-friendly bulb’s cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes. Research also indicates that garlic diminishes a process that creates cancer-causing compounds in your body.

Green Tea. Green tea’s detoxifying properties have links to weight reduction and fat burning, and they can fight bacteria, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Leafy green vegetables. Eat them raw in a salad, throw them into a broth, steam them and mix with rice or add to an omelet, or puree them into juices. The chlorophyll in greens helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides). It’s also an all-around liver protector, which your liver needs since it’s your major domo detoxifier.

Walnut

Walnuts.  Highest omega 3 fatty acids of any nut. Nutrient-dense to help satiety (feeling full). Decrease bad cholesterol (LDL). • Nutritional factors in walnuts may prevent cancer cell growth. Can help patients with type 2 diabetes.

Stay tuned for more research to follow.