detoxing from the inside out - tips from a nutritional psychiatrist.
“our bodies are incredibly powerful machines, with natural detoxing capabilities,” explains MALIN+GOETZ friend dr. uma naidoo. to maximize that machinery, naidoo encourages us to include nutrient-dense foods like colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and clean proteins in our daily routines. start your cleansing:
1. yes: healthy fats! not so much: processed fats.
the healthy fats found in some oils — olive, avocado, almond, coconut oils — are rich in brain-healthy omega-3’s and antioxidants. these oils have been shown to reduce inflammation and cellular damage from toxin exposure. “choose these whole, natural oils and avoid highly processed oils — palm, sunflower, corn — all of which have been shown to be inflammatory and detrimental to health,” naidoo says.
2. go green (tea)!
green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that support cellular cleaning and protect cells from damage. the beverage has also been shown to support mental fitness and protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. “green tea is a healthy alternative to coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up,” naidoo says, but avoid adding sugars or sweeteners, as they can have toxic effects on the body.
3. take your vitamins (E and C).
vitamin E and vitamin C are important nutrients for mental fitness. vitamin C supports the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters and acts as an antioxidant for the brain. vitamin E is an antioxidant that preserves brain health and supports healthy hair, skin and nails. they’re found naturally in many whole foods like colorful fruits and veggies and nuts and seeds. remember, consistency is key for improving health and well-being.
4. find a routine.
establishing routines, especially in the morning, help us mindfully incorporate healthy activities for improved health. one easy morning add-on is our just-five-minutes detox face mask. another? prep food for the whole week over the weekend.
learn more about dr. naidoo’s work and shop her book here.
