THE DETOX ROUTE

Ensuring that you obtain enough antioxidants through your diet will help remove inflammation-producing free radicles. Berries, cherries, citrus fruits, prunes, dark leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, olives, spinach, kale, and collards all help this process as they are loaded with protective phytochemicals. Other rich sources of antioxidants are Vitamins E, C and D, folic acid, beta carotene, zinc and melatonin. Including turmeric, green tea, onion, garlic and cinnamon in your diet is beneficial.

Sources rich in Omega-3, such as green leafy vegetables, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, almonds and walnuts, pumpkin and flax seeds, olive oil etc., all alleviate inflammation.

Healthy lifestyle choices prevent or reduce oxidative stress. These include a regular, 30-45 minutes moderate exercise routine, avoiding smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, using chemicals with caution, avoiding pesticides and unnecessary radiation exposure, wearing a sunscreen, decreasing alcohol intake, getting ample sleep and avoiding overeating.

While detoxing, the focus should be on getting natural, ideally organic, fresh food. Though there are many detox foods on the market, only a few meet the criterion of ‘natural foods.’ Having alcohol, aerated drinks and too much salt, sugar or dairy products defeats the purpose of detox programmes.

A brisk 20-minute walk and getting a good night’s sleep work as the icing over the detox cake.

While detoxing, the focus should be on getting natural, ideally organic, fresh food. Though there are many detox foods on the market, only a few meet the criterion of ‘natural foods’