The best foods to cleanse your body with

By Lucy Eva – Nutritionalist

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us lack the time and energy to prepare healthy meals in advance. When we’re looking for an energy fix at 3pm to get through the afternoon, we start reaching for the cookie jar or another coffee, which will only makes us feel more sluggish! A quick and easy cleanse can help renew your energy levels and have you feeling back to your healthy self again in a matter of days. My top foods to cleanse your body with are:

Ginger

Ginger is a powerhouse of nutrients that help soothe the digestive system, remove excess gas and helps to reduce nausea and bloating. Start each day of your cleanse with a small amount of chopped ginger and a sprinkle of lemon juice in warm water. Ginger adds a warm, spicy flavour and is a great addition to smoothies and juices, stir-fries, Asian soups or seafood.

Vinegar

If you find salads bland, try adding a generous splash of balsamic or Apple Cider Vinegar. Vinegar contains acetate, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps connect the immune system with good gut bacteria. This helps fight infections and inflammatory conditions. It can also help break down mucus and detoxify the liver. As well as on salads, these vinegars can be used in dressings for meat and chicken, or add a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar to fresh juices.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde; a flavonoid with antioxidant, antibacterial and antidiabetic properties. It helps fight viruses, lower blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. Cinnamon can also have a positive impact on your mental health, including improved memory, attention and enhanced cognitive processing. Add cinnamon to smoothies, stir-fries or hot tea for a warm and spicy flavour.

Organic Berries

Berries are essential for a cleanse as they’re packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps boost your mood and reduce inflammation. If you’re a sweet tooth, berries are a perfect solution as they’re naturally lower in sugars compared to other fruits. Strawberries, blueberries, goji berries, açai berries… berries come in an array of vibrant colours and their high amounts of fibre helps remove toxins. Add berries to smoothies, muesli, fresh yoghurt or just by themselves.

Probiotics

Boost your gut health by adding good bacteria from probiotics to your cleanse. Probiotics are good bacteria that help balance our digestive system, increase energy levels, support immunity, destroy bad bacteria and candida, and produce healthier skin. Good sources of probiotics include kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir, fresh yoghurt, miso and probiotic supplements.