How To Optimize Your Body's Detoxification 24 Hours A Day

When you think about the word "cleanse" or "detox," no one will blame you if the first thing that comes to mind is a celebrity-backed diet that promises you'll drop at least 10 pounds in a week. Here's the thing: first, cleanses and detoxes aren't exactly the same thing. According to Nourished, cleanses focus on digestive health while detoxes focus on removing toxins from your body on a cellular level. Be it weight loss, allergy relief, or another benefit, both cleanses and detoxes can make you feel better in some way, shape, or form.

Secondly, the body naturally detoxes itself. According to MindBodyGreen, our liver, kidneys, skin, and other organs are hard at work flushing toxins out of the body, and so are our physiological circuits like the respiratory system, lymphatic system, and digestive system. Though our bodies are naturally wired to detox, our habits can help or hinder the process. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your lifestyle is one that supports your body's detoxification process.

Registered dietitian Keri Glassman says via Today that starting your day with lemon water is the way to go — and it doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. Lemon contains a fiber called pectin and, as WebMD explains, it's abundant in apples, plums, and the peel and pulp of citrus fruits like lemon. The pectin turns the water into a detoxifier and can also help manage your appetite and satiety.

Rev up your metabolism with a high-protein, high-fat breakfast. Instead of eating toast with jam or a bowl of cereal, opt for eggs with salmon. No time to sit down and eat? Make a gut-healthy smoothie. Toss a cup of berries, half an avocado, 2 tablespoons of flaxseed, 1/4 cup egg whites (or a scoop of vegan protein powder), and a handful of spinach into the blender with 1-2 cups of plant-based milk.

Throughout the day, resist the urge to skip meals. You've already mastered breakfast, so be sure to eat a healthy lunch or dinner consisting of whole foods. That means loading up on green veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Sometime during the afternoon, Glassman recommends having a cup of dandelion tea, which can help improve digestion. If you're not a fan of dandelion tea, drink green tea instead.

Lastly, remember to exercise. A good sweat session is a great way to increase blood flow and flush out toxins.