Did you know that 70 percent of the cells that make up your immune system are located in the wall of your gut? This means, that if you eat an unhealthy diet rich in sugar, preservatives, and other toxins, your immune system may end up suffering as a result. Poor gut health can contribute to compromised digestive function, which will often lead to constipation, bloating, and weight gain.
On the other hand, certain foods you eat will promote better digestion by cleansing your body and flushing out toxins that are leading to the waste buildup in your colon. As long as you eat healthy, whole foods and limit your intake of sugar and processed foods, you can achieve a flatter stomach while boosting your overall health in the process.
Here are six foods you should start eating to help detoxify and slim your body.
1. Cayenne
Cayenne pepper helps dissolve and loosen mucus that has built up in your body — contributing to improved digestion. Since your stomach uses a combination of stomach acid and mucus for digestion, cayenne pepper can help accelerate the digestive process. Add cayenne pepper to soups, stews, seafood dishes, breakfast dishes, marinades, and even hot chocolate for an added spicy kick!
2. Dark, leafy greens
Dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce are rich in a combination of minerals and antioxidants that help protect your body against toxins in general. While dark, leafy greens can help clean your gut and improve digestion, you can cook them to make them easier for your system to digest if you’re already experiencing digestive problems. Add leafy greens to soups and stews, and serve with olive oil or avocado plus lemon juice or vinegar to help your body better absorb the vitamins.
3. Herbs
Start adding a variety of different herbs to your meals to help support and contribute to good gut health. Most herbs have antioxidative properties that can boost overall immune system function. For example, peppermint can help soothe digestion problems and alleviate symptoms of bloating, whereas fennel seeds can relieve gas and eliminate the buildup of mucus. Ditch traditional salt and pepper, and start using herbs to add more flavor and nutrition to your meals.
4. Chia seeds
Chia seeds contain special properties and omega-3 fatty acids that help relieve constipation and reduce inflammation — the latter of which can help reduce your risk for major health problems, including cancer. Add chia seeds to smoothies, cereals, yogurt, and salads for an extra nutritional boost.
5. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are tiny indigestible fibers that your gut microbes feed on to aid in the digestive process. Microbes play an important role in overall immune system function, and can help your body absorb nutrients and ward off infection. Prebiotics are found in healthy, whole foods such as apples, bananas, almonds, onions, leeks, sweet potatoes, yams, and garlic.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are foods that help promote the growth of “good,” healthy gut bacteria, which can help battle “bad,” unhealthy gut bacteria that contributes to weight gain, bloating, and digestive issues. Most probiotics are found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and natural yogurt. If you prefer to get probiotics from supplementation, switch up brands every once in awhile to give your gut a well-rounded balance of healthy bacteria.
