Detoxing your body has never been easier with these simple detox ingredients you can add right into your water. And, as drinking water is a crucial part of performing a detox, you can hit two birds with one stone! Detoxing is commonly used to help people lose weight, treat skin problems, or even help with inflammatory issues. It does this by removing toxic substances from the body or, more specifically, the liver. Of course, many people like to make the argument that you don’t need to perform a detox, as your liver already detoxes on its on. Let’s take a look at that argument in the next section.
Why Detox?
You may have heard the argument that you don’t need to detox, because your body already detoxes itself on its own. While your body is built to detox naturally, it does need, on occasion, extra help. Think about all the pollutants and toxins we expose our bodies to every day! For example, the food we eat and sometimes the water we drink is full of things not meant to enter the human body. This makes it more difficult for your body to do what it needs to do. Even if you eat a nutritious plant-based diet, you’re likely still exposed to toxins through the air. So, even though your body does know how to detox, you can help it by consuming the right foods. Give your liver the help it needs by performing detox diets regularly. However, doing a detox doesn’t have to be super complicated. Sometimes it’s as easy as adding a little something extra to your water!
Give Your Water a Boost (of flavor and nutrition)!
Many people like to add a little something to their water if they drink water at all. In fact, a common excuse people use to not drink water is because it’s so plain tasting and boring. However, you can kiss those excuses goodbye by adding a splash of nutritious flavor to your water. The following ingredients add a little extra to one’s morning water and help the body with its daily functions.
Give These 8 Detox Ingredients a Try!
1. Lemon
According to Organic Facts:
“The health benefits of lemon include treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, fever, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, obesity, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure … it also benefits hair and skin.”
Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water or add a couple of lemon slices. Lemon is acidic, so I suggest oil pulling before indulging.
2. Ginger
Ginger has a ridiculous amount of health benefits — including treatment for nausea, digestive problems, and pain and inflammation. This is one powerful root! Furthermore, ginger has a fantastic zing-like taste, making it the perfect ingredient to add a burst of flavor to your water.
You can either boil or steam some chopped organic ginger and drink it in water or, if in a rush, add powdered ginger root to a glass of water. It might be a little spicy, but it will feel and taste so good! For a fantastic flavor combination, try mixing freshly-squeezed lemon juice with ginger in your water. The lemon may help calm the spiciness of the ginger as well as compliment its zesty flavor.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is absolutely chock-full of health benefits. For example, it can help treat the following:
- Chronic inflammation and pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Skin problems and early aging
- It also improves brain function!
If you like, simply add turmeric powder to a glass of water. As with the ginger, it will be spicy, but oh so good!
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has many different components including antioxidants, and antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply sprinkle some cayenne pepper into your morning water or add some to a smoothie.
5. Green Tea
Green tea can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, protect against cancer, control blood sugar, reduce the chance of liver disease, and promote weight loss. (Source) Some believe it also increases brain function. And, and as it doesn’t contain as much caffeine as coffee, it won’t make you jittery. Green tea may also improve athletic performance and increase fat burning.
Drink green tea in the morning to take advantage of its many benefits.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar ( click here for International products ) is antibacterial, lowers blood sugar, promotes weight loss, and protects the heart. (Source) When adding it to water, it is important not to add too much. 1 teaspoon for 8 ounces of water is plenty. Too much can lead to an upset stomach or other unpleasant digestive side effects.
This detox ingredient, of course, can be a bit difficult for some to swallow. If it makes you feel ill, find something else to try. Or, try mixing smaller amounts in and gradually upping the amount as you get used to it.
7. Bentonite Clay
As you can see, bentonite clay is great for digestive issues, nourishing the body, and detoxing. Preparation of this ingredient is longer than others, but the detox benefits are worth it. You should let a tablespoon of bentonite clay soak in a glass of water overnight before drinking. Another way to incorporate the detox benefits of bentonite clay is by using it in a bath, which will help to extract toxins through your skin. Be sure to drink plenty of water, however, after your soak.
8. Chlorella
The benefits of chlorella include heavy metal detox, radiation detox, immune system support, weight loss, cancer prevention, blood sugar control, and cholesterol reduction. (Source) This amazing little superfood is rich in chlorophyll.
Start with just a little bit a chlorella in a glass of water and increase the amount slowly. Increasing the amount consumed too quickly could cause swelling of the face or tongue, sensitivity to sunlight, digestive upset, acne, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, vertigo, and shaking, so proceed with caution.
Pick the best detox ingredient for you and give it a go.
Your body will be happy you did!
Share your thoughts in the comments!
(h/t: Lifehack)