Recently, a lot of people have become increasingly interested in ‘detoxing’ their bodies from everyday toxins. This is easily achievable. Once you follow a good diet, consume the right nutrients, and avoid specific meals, you’ll be able to say that you are toxin-free. Furthermore, detoxification is a process that the body performs naturally in the first place, especially when removing harmful substances such as alcohol or drugs from your bloodstream. This doesn’t only include removing bad substances, but also replacing them with good nutrients. If you want to enhance this process, here are the top 7 nutrients that will help you do so.
1. B Vitamins
If your body is detoxing, you will need large quantities of B vitamins. Vitamins B1, B3, and B5 are all essential to turn sugar into energy in your bloodstream, while B6 and B12 will aid your body in making more blood cells. Naturally, drinking or taking drugs will prevent the body from absorbing these vitamins. However, drug users or heavy drinkers are allowed to take B1 or a multivitamin that contains vitamin B6 and B2 vitamin. Vitamin B9 (folic acid), on the other hand, can be consumed through a healthy diet.
2. Vitamin C
If you’re trying to remove toxins from your body or get rid of withdrawal symptoms, you’ll need the full support of vitamin C. Unfortunately, people with vitamin C deficiency are likely to feel depressed or tired, which can add more strain on your body that is already dealing with withdrawal symptoms. The dietary specialists at NutritionDietNews.com explain that it is imperative that you get a daily dose of vitamin C, either through your diet or food supplements, if you wish to maintain a healthy body. Vitamin C is also great in managing high blood pressure and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Protein
Proteins are mainly made up of a group of amino acids. When you consume protein, your body breaks it down to amino acids, which are then used to rebuild your damaged cells and transfer neurotransmitters to your brain. These neurotransmitters will ultimately help with the withdrawal symptoms, as it reduces the need for drugs or alcohol. It’s true that the human body is capable of making 12 amino acids. However, the remaining 8 can only be obtained via external sources. You can take amino acid supplements upon your doctor’s prescription.
4. Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is a type of glucosinolates, which the body uses to support the process of liver detoxification. You can benefit from glucosinolates’ detoxicating effects by eating cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane can be found in vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, and kale. However, partial cooking of these vegetables may inhibit the production enzymes responsible for the production of sulforaphane. So, yes, you will have to eat these vegetables raw. Otherwise, you won’t be able to consume an adequate amount of sulforaphane. Luckily, you can use broccoli extract to get sulforaphane.
5. Glucaric Acid
Like sulforaphane, you can find this acid in cruciferous vegetables, as well as in apples, grapefruits, and with high quantities in oranges. If you get the supplements of the glucaric acid, your body will be able to regulate producing enzymes that are produced by the bacteria in the gut, which helps in the second phase of liver detoxification. You might think reducing the production of these enzymes is a bad thing. However, the heightened activity of that enzyme can increase the risk of developing cancers such as prostate and breast cancers.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You may be already consuming omega-3 fatty acids or at least know about their various benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids provide the body with a range of benefits, like alleviate the effects of depression, reduce blood pressure, and eliminate the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes. As of late, people started to consume omega-3 due to its ability to detoxicating qualities. Make sure though that your supplements have DHA and EPA and be sure to consume no more than 3 grams of fish oil if that’s how you’re getting omega-3, as it can have blood-thinning effects on your blood.
7. Milk Thistle
While this isn’t exactly as much as it is a herb, milk thistle is known for its remedial properties, which is why it was used for thousands of years for remedial and medical purposes. Milk thistle can protect the liver from the adverse effects of toxins and even helps in fending off chronic liver diseases. This herb contains flavonoids, compounds that boost the detoxification process, and protects the liver from potential damage.
Ensuring that your body is detoxifying efficiently can be a bit difficult, especially that you may not notice that detoxification is already taking effect, but following a healthy diet and using the right supplements will help you through this phase. In any case, be sure not to take any supplements that can have potential side effects without consulting a doctor or a nutritionist.