THE festive season comes with endless feasting, and a disciplined dietary behaviour goes out of the window. Body detox or cleansing is imminent once the festivities subside – all the alcohol, processed foods, lack of sleep, and absence of exercise leave a footprint in the body. The results are a sluggish body, compromised immune system, and clogged brain.

Although health experts agree that the body has natural mechanisms to detox itself, it is also advised that those mechanisms be supported and supplemented.

“Our organs of elimination (liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs) are perfectly capable of getting rid of harmful substances we ordinarily encounter, without the need for special diets or practices,” said Cape Town dietitian Berna Harmse.

Also read: How to detox your mind of negativity

“The body has its own built-in system to rid the body of toxins, except in rare cases where it’s been compromised by, for instance, liver or kidney failure. We’re exposed to free radicals from cigarette smoke and environmental pollution, but our body itself produces free radicals.  In excess they can cause cell damage, but they can be neutralised just by including antioxidants in the form of fresh vegetables and fruit in a balanced eating plan,” added Dr Suna Kassier, Associate Professor in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at UKZN.

Dietitians suggest, “If you do opt for detox, do not stay on it for longer than two to three days. A balanced diet of ‘Drink plenty of water, lean protein, fibre, have fresh fruits, salads and vegetables, and get plenty of rest,’ is recommended. This comes with a counter-advice on sugar, processed foods and alcohol.”

Also read: Detox smoothies you should add to your diet

5 home remedies for detox, as recommended by the College of Naturopathic Medicine, are:
Black garlic
With its antioxidant, cleansing and immune-boosting properties, garlic is an excellent food to promote detoxification via the liver pathways.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a super herb with a long list of medicinal benefits, including cleansing the liver and aiding detoxification by flushing out toxins. It is rich in curcumin, a compound known for its antioxidant properties.
Broccoli sprouts
Broccoli sprouts are said to contain up to 100 times more nutrients and healing properties than fully grown broccoli. Broccoli sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family which are known for their detoxification properties.
Grapefruit
With its high levels of pectin, a gelatinous fibre that binds and excretes toxins, grapefruit is one of the best fruits for detoxifying the liver and kidneys. Grapefruit also provides an excellent source of vitamin C to support immune function.

Matcha green tea
Even though it’s not technically a food, matcha powder can be added to food like smoothies, breakfast oats, granola, coconut yoghurt or baked goods. As it is concentrated, it is said to contain 137 times more nutrients and antioxidants than ordinary green tea.

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