While it’s more common to focus on popular health subjects such as weight loss, disease prevention, or physical appearance, many fail to draw their attention to the underlying system influencing every part of your health and looks…the gut.
The Surprising Role of The Gut
Our physical and emotional well-being is directly dependent upon the three part processing system made up of the liver, adrenal glands and the gut (1).
When smoothly running this system effectively disposes of waste, removes toxins, and even balances out the hormones that affect our emotional state.
In fact, a large part of your current mood is affected by the state of your intestines, with up to 95% of your body’s serotonin (the happiness hormone) being produced within it (2).
However, in order for your gut to properly function, there has to be a healthy balance of bacteria. A healthy gut contains roughly 80% of good bacteria and 20% of bad bacteria.
Gut Imbalance
When these percentages begin to rise or fall due to toxins such as heavy metals or processed foods (3), problems begin to manifest in the form of various diseases and health complications (4).
For this reason, it is vital to limit the amount of toxins that enter your body, in order to allow your liver and kidneys to more efficiently do their job. The best method is to make sure to eat detoxifying, wholesome foods and cutting out toxic foods.
To simplify this process we have compiled a list of herbs that effectively help remove toxins.
5 Detoxifying Herbs
To get the most of these healing foods, infuse 1 cup of boiled water with a tablespoon of your chosen herb and steep for 5-10 minutes. For best results, buy organic herbs, either fresh or dried.
1. Cilantro
Although up to 14 percent of the population believes this herb tastes like soap (5), cilantro contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which aid in the removal of toxic metals from the body (6).
The herb is easily found in local grocery chains, and goes wonderfully with Latin flavored foods.
2. Elderberry
Known for its ability to remove mucus from the body, elderberry not only detoxifies but also helps improve the body’s immune system (7).
It also relieves swelling in mucous membranes to improve nutrient absorption in the gut and prevents consumed toxins from entering the bloodstream (8).
3. Dandelion Root
This herb is quickly gaining popularity as an addition to wellness smoothies and teas, due to its ability to increase bile production and break down fats (9). The root also acts as a diuretic to flush out the kidneys (10).
4. Burdock
Commonly found in Japanese cuisine, this herb contains a high concentration of fiber, that stimulates the digestive track, resulting in reduced inflammation and the elimination of harmful bacteria (11). It also works as a blood and digestive tonic (12).
5. Red Clover
Known for its use in cancer prevention, red clover also does a powerful job at cleaning the blood stream of harmful antibodies (13). It also cleanses the lungs, liver and kidneys to expel any toxins stuck in your body’s tissues (14).
In addition to the list above, a diet that contains a healthy amount of probiotic and prebiotic foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi and miso, can also help in keeping your gut happy and healthy.