Every day, we encounter toxic substances in our environment, more so than any other generation. Chemicals in our foods, polluted air, and unsafe drinking water, all of these toxins build up and can cause a number of illnesses.

Detox diets are becoming more popular all the time. By eating foods that detox the body, we can flush away those toxins and improve our health and well being.

A number of fruits and vegetables, when taken on a regular basis, provide the help we need to detoxify our systems. Try to make the following foods that detox the body as part of your diet plan:

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best foods you can take to detox your body. A few spoonfuls in warm water will help flush your system and heal you.

Alfalfa acts as a laxative and is a rich source of nutrients. A word of caution: if you have lupus or any auto-immune problem, don’t take alfalfa since it can make you worse.

Garlic, onions and leeks are powerful detox foods. They strengthen the immune system, prevent blood clots, and help reduce cholesterol.

Enjoy vegetables such as beats, artichokes, seaweed, radishes, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, sesame seeds, watercress, cabbage, turnips, carrots, celery, parsley, and mustard greens.

Carrots are best eaten raw, to slow the release of their natural sugar.

Drink clean and pure water and green tea. Although not foods, they are important tools to flush out toxins and cleanse the body.

Eating whole fruit 30 minutes before a meal can control hunger during a detox program.

Apples help to control cholesterol and sugar levels.

Apricots, peaches, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, and watermelon are all helpful detox fruits.

Cranberries contain many antioxidants and nutrients.

Lemons can cause weight loss and offer many health benefits.

Grapefruit can help reduce negative reactions during a detox program. If you are using medication, check with your doctor before eating grapefruit or drinking its juice, since it can interfere with the action of certain drugs.

Get in the habit of taking a good multi-vitamin, both during and after your detox.

Most experts say that if strict detox diets are followed long term, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. You should avoid complete fasts, which release too many harmful substances into your bloodstream at one time. Eating healthy foods that detox the body is a safe way to improve your health.