Home Remedies for Foot Pain

Foot pain is one of the most common ailments, affecting people of all age groups at some point in their lives. Foot pain can occur anywhere in the foot including the toes, heel, sole, ankle or arch.

Pain can be due to a number of reasons such as old age, wearing uncomfortable shoes, excessive walking, standing on your feet for a long period of time, some kind of fracture, a mineral deficiency, ingrown toenails, and diabetes or other health conditions.

There are many things that you can try at home using readily available ingredients to take care of foot pain naturally.

                   Here are the top 10 home remedies for foot pain.

1. Hot and Cold Water

Hot-and cold-water therapy can be effective in treating foot pain. The hot treatment will promote blood flow, and the cold treatment will reduce inflammation.

• Fill one bucket with cold water and another with bearable hot water. Sit in a comfortable chair, dip your feet in the hot water for three minutes and then do the same with cold water for at least 10 seconds or up to a minute. Repeat the whole process two or three times and end with cold foot bath.
• Another option is to apply a heat pad and an ice pack alternately for 10 minutes to reduce pain.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is used in various treatments and can help with foot pain due to sprains or strains as it reduces inflammation.

• Fill a tub with hot water. Add two tablespoons of vinegar in it. You can also mix sea salt or Epsom salt in it. If you do not have any of these, just use table salt. Soak your feet in it for about 20 minutes.
• Alternatively, put a mixture of equal amounts of vinegar and water in two containers. Use cold water in one and hot water in the other. Soak a towel in the hot mixture, squeeze out the excess liquid and then wrap it around your foot. Leave it wrapped for five minutes. Do the same using the cold mixture. Repeat the whole process at least three or four times daily.

3. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt can help soothe your feet, giving you instant relief from foot pain. Combining heat and Epsom salt, which is primarily magnesium, works well to relax the feet and ease pain.

1. Put two to three tablespoons of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water.
2. Soak your feet in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. The salt can make your feet dry, so apply some moisturizer after soaking them.

4. Ice

Ice therapy is a good way to reduce pain and swelling on the feet. Put a small amount of crushed ice in a small plastic bag and use it to massage the affected area in a circular motion. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel.

The cold temperature will temporarily numb the nerve endings in the painful area and give you relief. Swelling will also be reduced. Do not use an ice pack for more than 10 minutes at a time; longer use can damage the skin and nerves.

5. Clove Oil

Clove oil is highly effective in treating headaches, joint pain, athlete’s foot, nail fungus and also foot pain as it boosts circulation.

• For quick relief, gently massage your aching feet with clove oil. This will stimulate blood flow and relax your muscles. You can massage your feet and heels with clove oil several times a day.
• If you have sensitive skin or a cut, dilute three drops of clove oil with one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil and then massage your feet with it.

6. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a rich source of capsaicin, which is known to relieve muscle aches and pains, arthritis, muscle strain, lower back pain, and even aching feet.

• If your feet ache when they get cold, sprinkle some cayenne pepper in your socks before putting them on. This will help keep your feet warm.
• Another treatment is to add one-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to half a bucket of hot water and soak your feet in it for a few minutes. This will have a soothing effect and give you relief from pain.

7. Sage

If your foot pain is due to some kind of strain, sprain, cut, or soreness, sage can be used to get relief from the discomfort.  It can also reduce foot odor.

1. Gently rub a handful of sage leaves between your hands and then put them in a pot with a little less than one cup of apple cider vinegar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for five minutes.
3. Soak a cotton cloth in the warm solution and then hold it on the affected area.
4. Repeat the process several times.

8. Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds can also be used in the treatment of foot pain. They help remove toxic water from the body, improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, thus giving relief from swelling and pain.

1. Grind some mustard seeds and add them to half a bucket of warm water.
2. Soak your feet in the water for 10 to 15 minutes and then pat dry your feet.

9. Asparagus

Asparagus is a good remedy when the foot pain is associated with some kind of inflammation or edema. Simply steam some asparagus for a few minutes and then eat it. It will act as a natural diuretic, helping to flush excess fluid out of your system thereby reducing inflammation.

10. Essential Oils

Essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and rosemary oil will help soothe tired, sore and aching feet.

1. Mix four drops each of eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil and two drops of peppermint oil in hot water.
2. Soak your feet in it for about 10 minutes.

Next time you suffer from foot pain, simply try any of these natural remedies. However, if the pain is unbearable and does not improve, see your doctor.

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HOW TO GET RID OF VAGINAL ODOR

Vaginal odor is a very common problem that most women have to deal with at least once or twice in their life.

Vaginal odor can be due to a number of reasons, such as bacterial growth, yeast infections, poor hygiene, hormonal changes, and sexually transmitted diseases.

If the problem is due to infection, there may be symptoms like redness, itching, burning and irritation in the vaginal area. A fishy odor down there, in particular, is caused by bacterial vaginosis.

No matter what the reason, vaginal odor can be very embarrassing. There are many natural remedies to help treat vaginal odor.

 Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of vaginal odor.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar can be used to fight vaginal odor. In fact, taking a bath with apple cider vinegar is one of the simplest ways to get rid of the bad odor. This will help fight off the toxins and bacteria that cause vaginal odor. It will also help restore the acidic quality of the vaginal flora.

• Mix two cups of apple cider vinegar in warm bath water. Soak in it for about 20 minutes. Follow this remedy several times a week to get quick results.
• You can also drink a glass of water mixed with one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another ingredient that can be used to balance the pH level in your body. When the pH level is in balance, the problem of vaginal odor will dissipate.

1. Add one-half cup of baking soda to your bathwater.
2. Soak your lower body in it for about 20 minutes.
3. Dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel. This remedy will help fight a yeast infection and can help get rid of odor quickly.

3. Yogurt

Another good ingredient that can be used to treat vaginal odor is yogurt. Yogurt is rich in lactobacillus bacteria, which help fight candida infection (one of the most common causes of vaginal odor) and restore the normal vaginal pH level. Once the pH level is balanced, the vaginal odor will be gone.

• Eat two cups of unsweetened, plain yogurt daily. You can also take probiotic supplements.
• Another option is to soak a tampon in plain yogurt and insert it into your body. Leave it in for a few hours, and rinse the area thoroughly after removing the tampon.

4. White Vinegar

White vinegar has the power to neutralize odors by breaking down odor proteins. A white vinegar rinse will help eliminate vaginal odor. It will also help restore pH levels in the vagina.

1. Mix one-half cup each of white vinegar and salt in lukewarm bath water.
2. Soak in it for a few minutes.
3. Follow this remedy several times a week.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains strong antifungal as well as antiseptic properties, and thus it can be used to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odor. It will help get rid of bacteria that are contributing to the problem.

• Add three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water. Use this solution to rinse the affected area daily or several times a week.
• Alternatively, dip a tampon in olive oil and then put a little tea tree oil on it. Insert the tampon and leave it in for at least one hour. Do this several times a week.

6. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that can be great for dealing with vaginal infections as well as vaginal odor. The antifungal properties present in garlic will help fight a yeast infection and help your body get rid of bad bacteria.

• Eat garlic in raw or cooked form on a daily basis. You can eat one or two raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. You can also add garlic cloves or its paste to your dishes and salads.
• Another option is to put a piece of garlic in the vagina for an hour or two. Do this daily or a few times a week until you get rid of the problem.

7. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is highly beneficial for women. When consumed on a regular basis, it helps balance the hormones and promotes regular menstrual cycles.

• Soak one or two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water before going to bed. The next morning, strain out the seeds and drink the water on an empty stomach.
• You can also use fenugreek seeds to make herbal tea. To prepare this tea, boil one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water. Strain and drink it two times a day.

Note: Fenugreek can cause diarrhea and skin irritation. If you experience these effects, discontinue use of this remedy.

8. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, can be used to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odor. It is a kind of natural blood purifier and organic cleanser, hence it can control the infection that causes vaginal odor.

At the same time, this natural ingredient can also be used to control problematic leucorrhoea (thick vaginal discharge).

Simply eat Indian gooseberry daily, either raw or in other forms like pickles, amla powder, juice and so on.

9. Neem

Due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, neem or Indian lilac can also be used to fight vaginal infections and get rid of vaginal odors.

1. Boil a handful of neem leaves in a pan of water.
2. Strain and allow it to cool.
3. Use this solution to rinse the vaginal area daily for a few days or a week.

10. Citrus Fruits

Citrus foods can also help your body fight infections more effectively and prevent vaginal odor. Citrus foods are rich in vitamin C, an immune booster, and they can also help remove harmful toxins present in the body.

A strong immune system will allow your body to fight off the harmful bacteria that cause vaginal odor. These fruits will also help fight urinary tract infections.

Simply eat fruits such as grapes, oranges, sweet lime, lemons, cranberries, grapefruits, pineapples and so on.

Additional Tips

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. It will also help ward off a variety of health issues.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates, caffeine and sugary drinks; sugar stimulates yeast production.
• Check for possible signs of infection that could be causing this problem.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene.
• Wear 100 percent cotton panties that allow air circulation and help keep the vulva ventilated, thus avoiding excessive perspiration.
• Change pads, tampons, and panty-liners frequently.
• Avoid using scented products down there as they may contribute to unbalanced vaginal pH.
• If the problem mostly occurs after intercourse then simply wash the vagina with mild soap and water after sex.
• Practice safe sex.
• At times, women simply do not like the normal vaginal odor caused by vaginal secretions. However, there is nothing bad about it, you just need to respect your body and embrace your natural odor.

If the problem is severe or does not get better with the home remedies then it is suggested to consult a doctor.

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HOME REMEDIES FOR LEUKORRHEA (VAGINAL DISCHARGE)

Leukorrhea is a very common problem among women. It refers to a thin or thick, whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge that may occur in between menstruation cycles or during pregnancy and usually lasts from a few days to weeks.

In most cases, it is nothing to be alarmed about and is considered normal as long as it does not cause irritation, discomfort, odor and itching.

Leokorrhea, however, can also be caused by hormonal changes, particularly due to an increase in estrogen.
A vaginal infection or STD, too, may cause leukorrhea, especially if the discharge is yellow or green and accompanied by foul odor.

Other factors that contribute to abnormal discharge are unhygienic conditions such as a tampon left too long in the vagina, and conditions like anemia and diabetes. At times, injury or trauma to the vagina can also trigger leukorrhea.

As already mentioned, leukorrhea in most cases is not a cause for concern. However, if you have a lot of discomfort, consult a doctor.

There are many over-the-counter as well as prescribed medicines to treat leukorrhea. You can also deal with this problem with the help of some simple home remedies.

If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before trying any home remedy for leukorrhea.

          Here are the top 10 home remedies for leukorrhea.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is considered beneficial for treating leukorrhea. It helps restore your body’s natural pH balance. Also, its acidic and antiseptic properties help restore the acidic quality of the vaginal flora and reduce vaginal odor.

• Mix equal amounts of distilled water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Use it as a vaginal wash once or twice a day for a few days.
• You can also drink a glass of water mixed with one or two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar once daily.

Note: Though considered effective by many still, douching is supported by little or no scientific evidence and is even advised against as it may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

2. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds help improve the pH level in the vagina and are also also believed to affect estrogen levels. Plus, the seeds work as a natural immune booster.

• Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The next morning, strain the water and add one-half teaspoon of honey. Drink it on an empty stomach.
• Alternatively, boil two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in four cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool. Use this water as a vaginal wash three or four times daily until the symptoms subside.

3. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, has anti-infection properties that make it extremely beneficial for vaginal health. Plus, its high vitamin C content boosts your immune system to help your body fight off the problem.

• Mix one or two teaspoons of Indian gooseberry power with enough honey to make a thick paste. Have this mixture twice daily for about a week.
• Another option is to boil one teaspoon of dried Indian gooseberry root powder in one cup of water until the quantity is reduced to half. Add a little sugar or honey and drink it on an empty stomach every morning.

Try to follow one of these remedies for one month for positive results.

4. Banana

Bananas are another good home remedy for leukorrhea. The fruit is also useful in relieving complaints like digestive disturbances and lethargy that could be accompanying the problem.

• Eat one to two overripe bananas daily to help control leukorrhea.
• You can also mix two tablespoons of banana flower juice with two teaspoons of powdered palmyrah candy and have it once daily.

Follow these remedies daily until you get the desired result.

5. Fig

According to Ayurveda, figs are considered a good remedy for leukorrhea. They have a powerful laxative effect that helps remove harmful toxins and waste from the body, in turn helping reduce leukorrhea.

• Soak two to three dried figs in one cup of water overnight. The next morning, blend the soaked figs in water and drink it on an empty stomach.
• You can also grind equal amounts of the bark of the fig tree and banyan tree into a fine powder. Mix one tablespoon of this powder in two cups of water. Use this solution as a vaginal wash.

6. Cranberry

Cranberries contain antibiotic, antifungal and antioxidant properties that can help prevent bacteria from attaching to the vaginal wall and fight the problem of leukorrhea.

• Drink one glass of unsweetened cranberry juice two or three times daily until the problem is resolved.
• If cranberry juice is not available, you can take cranberry tablets. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

7. Okra

Okra, also known as lady’s finger, is beneficial in treating leukorrhea. Being mucilaginous in nature, okra helps remove mucous from your system, in turn reducing vaginal discharge.

1. Wash 100g okras and cut them into small pieces.
2. Boil the okra pieces in half a liter or about two cups of water for 20 minutes until the water is reduced to half.
3. Strain and divide this solution into three parts.
4. Take one part of this solution along with some honey three times daily.
5. Follow this remedy until condition improves.

8. Indian Lilac

Indian lilac, also known as neem or margosa, is very effective for treating vaginal odor that may occur with leukorrhea. Its antiseptic properties help fight off vaginal infection and reduce itching and other discomforts associated with leukorrhea.

• Boil a handful of neem leaves in water. Strain and allow it to cool. Use it to rinse the vaginal area once daily for a few weeks.
• You can also dry roast a handful of Indian lilac leaves in a pan. Allow them to cool and then crush them to make a fine powder. Mix two teaspoons of this powder with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to your vagina and surrounding area. Do this twice daily for a few days.

9. Pomegranate

Pomegranate has strong healing and medicinal properties that are beneficial in the treatment of leukorrhea. The fruit, as well as its leaves and rind, can be used.

• Drink a glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice once daily for one month.
• Alternatively, grind together 30 fresh pomegranate leaves and 10 black peppercorns. Mix this paste in half a glass of water. Strain and drink it twice daily for three weeks.
• Another option is to dry the rind of a pomegranate and grind or crush it into a powder. Mix one tablespoon of this powder in two cups of water. Use this solution as a vaginal douche.

10. Saffron

The antiseptic and antioxidant properties in saffron help treat leukorrhea. Plus, saffron acts as an immune booster to speed up recovery.

1. Boil one teaspoon of saffron in one-fourth cup of water until the water is reduced to one tablespoon.
2. Divide this solution into three equal portions.
3. Mix one portion with an equal amount of water.
4. Drink this solution three times daily for several days.

Additional Tips

• Wash undergarments daily with an antibiotic solution, and let them dry under the sun.
• Avoid wearing dirty, tight or synthetic undergarments.
• Change your undergarment two or three times a day until the problem is resolved.
• Consider wearing a panty liner.
• Thoroughly wash the vagina and its surrounding area with water and medicated soap twice daily.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Avoid oily and dried foods.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol and aerated drinks.
• Increase your fluid intake to help flush out toxins.
• Try to do some light exercises or yoga daily.

Although these home remedies are safe and effective, it is always best to consult your doctor before trying any of them, especially if you are pregnant.

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10 SUPER GREEN FOODS TO EAT EVERY DAY

These days, everyone is “going green”, and indeed it’s high time! When it comes to food, green is definitely good for you. We’ve researched ten of the top green foods we would all do well to include in our daily diet.

1. Kale: Kale is known to be power-packed with numerous health benefits. For instance, a single 100-gram serving of raw kale already contains the following daily needs: 10% of potassium, 35% of folate, 200% of vitamin C, and a whopping 881% of vitamin K. ^[1]
In addition, kale has the highest level of antioxidant content among all commonly eaten vegetables. It is a particularly rich source of lutein, which is considered a powerful chemopreventive agent against colon cancer. ^[2]

2. Avocado: At first glance, avocado’s nutritional profile fails to impress. Unlike kale, avocadoes have no over-100% DVs for any vitamins or minerals. And yet, this fruit shines for other reasons.
First, the avocado contains an excellent anti-inflammatory compound. In a study where avocado was used to supplement synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for patients living with chronic pain, it was shown that avocado safely, effectively, and significantly reduces an osteoarthritis sufferer’s need to use NSAIDs after six weeks of therapy. ^[3]

Second, the avocado is full of phytochemicals that not only stop cancer growth but also induce the death of cancer cells without causing harm to normal, healthy cells of the body. ^[4]
Third, aside from its own health benefits, the avocado also enhances the health benefits of other super food because its healthy fat content allows the body to absorb more lycopene, beta carotene, and lutein from the food consumed along with the avocado. ^[5]
3. Green Tea: Unlike its black counterpart, green tea is extremely rich in non-oxidized polyphenols, such as catechins, which constitute nearly a third of the weight of the dried green tea leaves. ^[6]
These polyphenols are largely credited for green tea’s documented ability to prevent cancer, kill tumors, reduce cholesterol, and treat degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and artherosclerosis. ^[7], ^[8]
4. Green Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers are high in lutein. ^[9] Although lutein is often associated with the prevention of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, that’s not all it’s good for. This carotenoid also shows potential for preventing heart disease, ^[10] and type 2 diabetes. ^[11]

5. Brussels Sprouts: Although the vitamin C and K contents of Brussels sprouts are not as high as what you would find in kale, they’re still pretty high – at 142% and 221% DV, respectively – per 100 grams of sprouts.
This vegetable also has pretty good levels of potassium (8%), folate (15%), and tryptophan (13%). ^[12]

But what puts Brussels sprouts above kale is their level of glucosinolates. In a group of cultivars analyzed for their glucosinolate content by the Agricultural Research Service and the US Department of Agriculture, Brussels sprouts came out on top, above broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kohlrabi, mustard greens, and yes, even kale. ^[13]
What’s so special about glucosinolates? When glucosinolates come in contact with an enzyme called myrosinase (and this happens when glucosinolate-containing food is chewed), the glucosinolates turn into isothiocyanates. And isothiocyanates have been proven to prevent the multiplication of tumor cells and even cause these cells to die, not just in the lab but even in a living body. ^[14]

6. Kiwi Fruit: Kiwi is extremely rich in vitamin C, much more so than the famed orange. In fact, 100 grams of kiwifruit has nearly 80% more vitamin C than 100 grams of orange.
And what’s the benefit of having so much vitamin C? Researchers have found that consumption of high vitamin C fruit such as the kiwi even just once a week reduces respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chronic or night-time coughing, and some types of rhinitis. ^[15] This can be helpful to asthma sufferers, of whom there are so many these days.
Studies have also shown that kiwifruit extract is more effective than vitamin C in preventing oxidative DNA damage,^[16] which is implicated in the development of cancer. ^[17]

7. Green Beans: Green beans are among the richest sources of dietary silicon. ^[18] Although silicon is not often mentioned in nutritional guides, increasing scientific evidence suggests that this mineral is essential to healthy bone formation. ^[19]
Aside from silicon, green beans are also excellent sources of the antioxidants lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene.^[20]

8. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are internal cleansers; they remove pockets of chemical toxins and old wastes in the body. They also contain several anti-cancer compounds and show potential as anti-diabetic and antioxidant agents.^[21]

This vegetable may also be a good alternative way of relieving pain caused by arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Cucumbers have been found to have an analgesic effect comparable to that of diclofenac sodium, ^[22] the active ingredient in the popular painkiller Voltaren, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. ^[23]
9. Green Olives: Although olives don’t have a whole lot of vitamin and mineral content, they have very potent antioxidants that are well absorbed by the human body. A mere 10 mg daily intake of green olives is sufficient to produce observable improvement on a person’s cholesterol levels. ^[24] The fruit also shows potential in preventing breast cancer ^[25] and managing allergy symptoms. ^[26]
10. Spinach: A hundred grams of raw spinach contains a good amount of iron and folate. This makes it an extremely beneficial everyday vegetable for women, especially those of child-bearing age. ^[27]

But even those in their menopause years should consider having spinach every day. There is evidence showing that spinach can reverse age-related cognitive and physical declines, improving balance, spatial problem solving, and other neuronal and behavioral skills. ^[28]

Of course, when we say “green,” we’re not just talking about color. To be green is to return to a natural, clean way of living.
To keep your fruit intake green, consider going organic. This will help ensure that the green fruits and vegetables you consume are truly clean and free from chemicals that may harm your body rather than help it.

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DETOX YOU BODY

Although modern medicine tends to cast a cynical eye at detoxification practices such as fasting and colon washing, nobody can deny that the human body is exposed to a lot of toxins, and that relief from such toxins can only bring benefits.

Unsurprisingly, the most common organs targeted by detoxification are the ones directly in contact with the toxins that enter the body: the liver, the kidneys, and the intestines or colon.

Here are some science-supported ways you can clean up your body and feel better, stronger, and healthier through the consumption of detoxifying foods:

Liver: The liver is The Great Detoxifier. It is the part of the body that takes all those noxious chemicals and fats that we ingest, and then turns them into something that can be excreted by the body. ^[1] But that doesn’t mean the liver can’t use a little detoxifying itself.

Alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and diabetes are just some of the liver’s top enemies. These can all cause injury and inflammation to the liver, preventing this organ from doing its job properly.

One natural food item that can detoxify the liver from the effects of alcohol, NSAIDs, and diabetes is bitter gourd. This fruit reduces liver oxidation and inflammation caused by alcohol consumption, ^[2] stimulates the scavenging of liver free radicals caused by diabetes, and increases glutathione levels, which alleviate liver inflammation caused by NSAIDs. ^[3], ^[4]

Other natural food items that have been scientifically proven to detoxify or rejuvenate the liver include lemons, ^[5]avocados, ^[6] apples, ^[7] dandelion leaves, ^[8] and garlic. ^[9]

Kidneys: The kidneys are blood filters. It is their job to collect and eject toxins from our blood. But the kidneys themselves can be vulnerable to toxins such as drugs, microorganism infections, and even excessive calcium or blood sugar. ^[10]

For detoxifying the kidney, few natural food items are as well known as cranberry juice. Research has proven that cranberries do help clear the kidneys of viral infections ^[11] and calcium deposits. ^[12]

Onions, on the other hand, have shown effectiveness in counteracting kidney toxicity from cadmium intoxication. ^[13]They are also useful for treating renal Toxoplasma gondii infections. ^[14]

Intestines After our food has been completely mashed up into liquid form by the stomach muscles, the small intestines absorb the food nutrients and send them out to the bloodstream to be delivered to the rest of the body. The unusable parts – the wastes – are then pushed into the large intestines, or the colon.

In other words, the colon is like the body’s trash can. Imagine how disgusting it can get if it isn’t regularly emptied. A lot of bacteria-filled waste material can be left behind to wreak havoc in our body. Lentils are very effective at doing this, and that makes them an excellent colon detoxifier. ^[15]

Now if you feel like washing out the colon for good measure, there’s no need to go for a colonic irrigation. (In any case, doctors do not recommend colonics anyway, because it heightens our risk of bowel perforation, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. ^[16])

Instead, drink pineapple juice! This vitamin- and fiber-rich liquid is so good at clearing the bowels, it has been consumed to help clear the colons of patients who are about to undergo a colonoscopy procedure. ^[17]

Finally, don’t forget to encourage the healthy growth of beneficial microorganisms in your colon. One proven way of doing that is by eating globe artichokes. ^[18]

Indeed, though modern medicine may pooh-pooh the benefits of faddish “detoxification” methods, we find rich scientific evidence supporting common-sense ways of detoxification: eat healthy food and avoid unhealthy ones.

Some foods, though, have been proven healthier and more powerful detoxifiers than others, and since we can only eat so much, it is good to know which foods confer the greatest benefits.

After all, with all the toxins around us in our modern world, our body can use all the help it can get…

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TOP 10 BEST FOODS TO CLEANSE YOU LIVER

Doctors, medical herbalists and nutritionists are all agreed that processed western foods, lifestyles and environmental pollution all take their toll on the health of the liver, which is primarily responsible for removing toxins from our bodies. This quick reference guide will give you some encouragement to 

choose the best foods for cleansing the liver to support your overall health! If at all possible, choose fresh organic produce as it will benefit both you and the environment!

If the liver is overworked, it can lead to the toxification of body tissues that opens the door to disease. The “liver cleanse” is a phrase that is well known these days but eating the right foods is equally, if not more, important. There are also herbs that can be used to boost the process

1. Carrots – it is the high levels of provitamin A in the form of beta-carotene that make carrots a good choice for a healthy liver if the body is able to convert them into vitamin A (see 8. Avocado). A word of caution: some sites recommend high doses of carrot juice as a liver cleanse but too much beta-carotene can actually cause liver toxicity! ^[1]

2. Beets contain a phytonutrient called betanin, which has been shown to have a protective effect on liver health. As with many foods, cooking should be kept to a minimum to maintain their health-giving properties. ^[2]

3. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids that help to reduce the build-up of triglycerides in the liver, reducing the risk of “fatty liver” conditions. Reducing high consumption of fat and soft drinks will also help! ^[3]

4. Lemon juice is well-known as a liver cleansing agent. It is recommended that you also cleanse the colon before the liver to avoid toxins remaining in the body. ^{[4] [5]}

5. Green tea is a source of catechins, another form of antioxidant that helps to maintain a balanced liver function.^{[4] [6]}

6. Turmeric is high in circumin, which is a strong antioxidant and has been shown to reduce the inflammation that is associated with many chronic diseases. 

7. Leafy greens such as cabbage and broccoli – the presence of isothiocyanates contributes to their ability to fight chronic illness such as liver cirrhosis. They also contain a good dose of iodine, helpful for thyroid health. ^[4]

8. Avocado – scientific testing in Japan has shown potent suppression of toxic liver injury in rats, which may indicate its benefit to humans. A more recent study has shown that avocados, when taken with foods high in beta-carotene, help the liver to absorb provitamin A and convert it to vitamin A. ^[8] They are also top of the list of foods that have the lowest pesticide residues! 

9. Garlic has been used medicinally for many thousands of years for many kinds of illnesses – it has blood cleansing effects, benefits the respiratory system and is now indicated to have a protective effect on the liver. ^[9]

10. Spinach is high in betaine, an important nutrient that benefits liver function and is therefore valuable in preventing chronic disease. ^[10]

We also have a few other useful posts on liver-related herbs and other recipes, please check these out:

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