Successful Detox Tips: Optimizing the livers ability to detox!
Many organs and body processes are involved in the detox process, but the liver is the main organ that is involved in the processing and removal of metabolic wastes and foreign substances, also known as toxins, from the body. In order to successfully embrace a detox program it is important to understand how the detox process works in the body.
Once the metabolic wastes and toxins make it to the liver, the final detox process begins. The liver utilizes different enzymes or mechanisms for processing and removing toxins.
The liver first uses phase 1 enzymes to help make metabolic wastes and toxins more water like or water-soluble. This makes it easier for the liver to remove the metabolic waste or toxins from the body. Phase 1 Enzymes produce free radicals during this process, which can injure the cells of our organs, especially our liver. This creates an increased need for antioxidants in the diet.
During a detox it is important to consume a wide variety of different colored plant based foods to maximize the antioxidant density of our diet. Below are several important antioxidants and food sources to consume during a detox.
- Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene has been found to support the immune system and also protect the skin. Another benefit of Beta-carotene is that it can be converted into vitamin A, which is important for protecting the eyes and liver from oxidative damage and diseases.
- Food Sources: leafy green vegetables, orange starchy vegetables, red peppers, apricots, broccoli, mango, cantaloupe, etc.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin c is a strong antioxidant that protects multiple sites in the body, including our DNA and the cells of the liver. Vitamin c is heat sensitive, so try to consume several servings of raw fruits and vegetables each day during a detox.
- Food Sources: kale, broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruit, and tropical fruit such as papaya.
Visit the blog tomorrow to learn about how phase 2 enzymes play a role in detoxing, as well as dietary recommendations to optimize the phase 2 enzyme action or learn more on our webpage at http://www.stramcenter.com/services/cleansing-programs/
