6 Ways to Detox Your Digestive System

Having a healthy, well-functioning digestive system is a crucial component of your overall wellbeing. This is because poor digestion can result in digestive or systemic problems, such as food intolerances, and lead to further systemic problems and diseases. Less-than-optimal digestive function can also contribute to toxic accumulation and build up within the body.

Whilst there is always the option of consulting your favourite health practitioner for individualised nutrition and treatment plans, here are several simple, quick, and natural ways that you can remedy digestive problems in your body, detox your digestive system, and leave your gut feeling fresh, happy, and healthy. 

Eat fruits and vegetables packed with fibre.

When it comes to detoxing your body and digestive system, consuming fruit and vegetables that are high in fibre can be extremely effective. During a detox, fibrous fruit and veggies serve to both clean out your digestive system as well as slow down your appetite, allowing you to consume less high-calorie foods which, in turn, gives your digestive system time to return to its optimal function.

Whether consumed by themselves or combined within a fruit juice/smoothie, high fibre fruit and vegetables such as spinach, kale, watermelon, and berries can go a long way towards cleansing and detoxing your gut health. 

Drink LOTS of water!

We know it sounds rather self-explanatory, but it is more important than ever that you consume plenty of water each day when looking to detox your digestive system. The more hydrated you are, the less toxins will stay circulating in your body, with water eliminating metabolic waste, filtering environmental toxins from your bloodstream, and reducing overall hunger.

To properly detox your digestive system, you should aim to consume eight large glasses of water every day. 

Take probiotics.

Introducing probiotics into your diet is another excellent way to detox your digestive system and improve your overall gut health. Probiotics introduce good bacteria to the gut with the help of fibre and resistant starches. These curb inflammation and promote regularity—two elements of digestive health related to the colon. In addition to the positive digestive effects, probiotic supplements can also serve to improve mental health and promote healthier heart function. 

Use apple cider vinegar.

Another lesser known, but very effective, tip for improving your gut health is to consume small amounts – approximately four teaspoons – of apple cider vinegar. Commonly added to a hot tea, diluted in water, or used as a salad dressing, apple cider vinegar can help raise stomach acid levels and moderate blood sugar levels to aid overall digestion. 

Eat foods that are rich in polyphenols.

Polyphenols are compounds that we receive through consuming certain plant-based foods and are packed with an abundance of antioxidants and overall health benefits.

Foods that are rich in polyphenols such as dark chocolate, red grapes/wine from red grapes, almonds, onions, green tea, broccoli, and cocoa (without added sugar) have anti-inflammatory properties, giving them the ability to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, significantly aiding your digestive health. 

Rest your digestive system for a short time.

While these extra measures may not fully detox your digestive system, implementing changes to your regular intake of certain foods and drinks, even for a small period of time, may ease additional pressure from your digestive function.

Making mindful reductions to your body’s intake of sugar, dairy, alcohol, coffee, or gluten can improve digestion, even if these adjustments are short-term. Particularly when practiced in combination with the previously mentioned detoxing techniques, this is another simple method of boosting your digestive system.

The human body is a complex system with a multitude of factors that contribute to our overall health and wellbeing. When it comes to your gut health and digestive system, following these five tips will help to alleviate digestive problems, flush out your body and leave you feeling more refreshed and healthy.