Every day, the body works quietly in the background to clear out pollutants, additives and environmental chemicals we encounter through food and daily living. These toxins come from everyday sources, such as:
- Plastics and food packaging, especially when heated
- Pesticide residues on produce
- Tinned or highly processed foods
- Larger, older fish, as they often feed on many smaller fish. This repeated exposure causes toxins like mercury to accumulate in their bodies over the years.
While we cannot avoid all exposure, the way we eat can make a real difference in helping the body detox! Here’s how:
What you eat influences how efficiently the body can break down and remove toxins. A few simple habits can strengthen this process and reduce the burden on your detox organs.
1. Keep fluids moving
Hydration helps transport waste products to the liver and kidneys, where they can be processed and removed. It also supports regular bowel movements, which prevent toxins from lingering or being reabsorbed.
2. Build a healthier gut environment
A balanced gut microbiome forms a protective barrier in the intestines, reducing the movement of toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream. Diets high in refined sugar and processed fats weaken this barrier, while foods rich in protein, fibre, omega-3s, herbs, spices and cruciferous vegetables (like kailan and broccoli) help beneficial bacteria thrive.
3. Get enough protein and antioxidants
Detoxification relies on amino acids to break down toxins and antioxidants to neutralise free radicals produced during the process. Lean protein, colourful fruit and a variety of vegetables provide the raw materials the body needs to detox effectively, while supplements can help support daily nutrient intake on days when diet alone may fall short.
Learn to make a detox friendly dish: Steamed barramundi with wild rice salad!
1. Steamed barramundi with wild rice salad
For the steamed barramundi
- 1 barramundi fillet
- 15g ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 stalks coriander, chopped
- 2 stalks spring onions, chopped
Place the fish skin-side up in a dish and top with ginger, coriander and spring onions. Steam for 15 minutes, then drizzle with sesame oil.
For the wild rice salad:
- 2 stalks kailan, chopped
- 100g long beans, chopped
- 5 cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ½ Japanese cucumber, cubed
- 1 chilli, finely chopped
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked Thai rice berry
Steam the kailan with the fish for 5 minutes. Combine with the remaining ingredients and toss with the dressing.
For the dressing:
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Tip: You can find these fresh ingredients easily on FairPrice Online.
Detoxification works best when supported consistently. Fresh foods, ample hydration and a balanced gut environment help your body stay resilient and energised.
Shop for detox-friendly products and wellness essentials at FairPrice Online. Or visit a Unity store and chat with our friendly pharmacists for personalised advice on supplements and health routines!
