Superfoods for Detox & Digestive Health | Maharishi AyurVeda (2024)

Vegetables—we all know we should eat more of them. They’re nutrient-rich, hydrating, and when prepared fresh, they contain prana, or life-supporting energy. They also provide plant compounds that play key roles in digestive health, and help to remove amavisha (toxic wastes) from the body.

Green colored vegetables such as leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage are particularly beneficial for detox. They contain a special plant chemical called chlorophyll, a potent antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage to cells. Chlorophyll has many benefits for cleansing the body, among them being its ability to bind to heavy metals for removal, as well as supporting the liver in filtering toxins.

Aim to include a variety of vegetables in your daily diet and during a detox to reap all their benefits. Maharishi AyurVeda recommends cooking vegetables to make their nutrients easier to digest and absorb, but it’s also important not to overcook them, which reduces their nutrient value. Choose seasonal, locally grown leafy greens and vegetables to maximize detoxification aligned with the season.

Leafy greens are excellent sources of antioxidant vitamins A and C, and they also provide vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin K, iron, calcium, magnesium, and fiber. The human body is about 60 percent water, and leafy greens help purify your shrotas (the subtle channels of the body) and replenish your inner hydration stores.

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are all part of the cruciferous vegetable family. They’re abundant in folate and vitamin K, low in calories, and contain unique plant compounds that have been associated with supporting the immune system. They’re also abundant in prebiotic fiber which feed the healthy bacteria in your gut, improving microbiota diversity and digestive health.

Zucchini, and other squashes are water-rich vegetables plentiful in several vitamins, minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, and other beneficial phyto (plant) chemicals. Loki—a white crook-necked squash shaped like an eggplant—is highly recommended by Maharishi AyurVeda, as it’s balancing to all the doshas, especially Pitta, and is beneficial for the liver.

Vegetables are superfoods for detoxification and gut health, particularly green leafy, cruciferous, and squash varieties that contain unique plant chemicals. Be sure to include them in your daily diet, and during a cleanse.

WrittenbyMAPI Team

Superfoods for Detox & Digestive Health
| Maharishi AyurVeda (2024)

FAQs

What to eat during Ayurvedic detox? ›

At the same time, you will be reducing your intake of fast foods, processed foods, meat, dairy, refined sugars, and sweets. Focus instead on eating as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

What food to eat while detoxing? ›

Most detoxification programs recommend removing highly processed foods and foods to which some people are sensitive, such as dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and red meat. They also recommend eating mostly organically grown vegetables, fruit, whole non-glutenous grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein.

What vegetables are good for detoxing the gut? ›

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radish and collard greens contain unique compounds that can help support your body's ability to detox. They also contain phytonutrients (plant-based compounds) which can work together to help promote good health.

How can I clean my intestines in Ayurveda? ›

Take two to five tablets of Organic Triphala Rose before going to bed each night to cleanse the bowel, or two to four capsules of Herbal Cleanse. These gentle yet effective herbal supplements that help to cleanse the bowel.

How to reset digestive system Ayurveda? ›

10 Ayurvedic Rules To Reset Your Digestion
  1. Enjoy foods that suit your constitution. ...
  2. Avoid combining proteins. ...
  3. Eat raw fruits alone. ...
  4. Include all six tastes at every meal. ...
  5. Finish eating at least 3 hours before bedtime. ...
  6. Align your meals with the seasons. ...
  7. Aim for three meals each day…and avoid snacking.

How do Japanese people remove body toxins? ›

The Japanese have a traditional therapy of ridding themselves of toxins – the Suna Ryoho – which they have been practicing for centuries. This involved burying themselves in sand on the beach near hot springs, in very specific places with very specific properties.

How to do gut cleanse? ›

How can I clean my colon naturally?
  1. Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
  2. Saltwater flush. You can also try a salt water flush. ...
  3. High fiber diet. ...
  4. Juices and smoothies. ...
  5. Juice fast. ...
  6. More resistant starches. ...
  7. Probiotics. ...
  8. Herbal teas.

Does ashwagandha remove toxins? ›

As per Ayurveda, eating Ashwagandha leaves regularly can help remove toxins from the body and get rid of harmful deposits in the stomach. This improves how your digestion works and boosts your metabolism, which can further aid in weight loss.

What foods to avoid during a gut cleanse? ›

Foods to Avoid During a Gut Cleanse

If you want to be successful in your gut cleanse journey, processed foods, high-sugar foods, alcohol, and caffeine should be avoided during a gut cleanse. These foods can promote inflammation and disrupt healthy gut bacteria balance.

Which fruit is best for detox? ›

Lemons – Lemons are the ultimate detox fruit. In fact, one cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C! They also contain more potassium than apples and grapes. Squeeze some into your water in the morning and on top of fresh salads and fish to get the full benefit.

Which food is good for cleansing the stomach? ›

Eating dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard is a great way to cleanse your colon. Add green to your dinner with these black bean and spinach enchiladas. This colorful Southwestern kale power salad makes a great lunch. You can add chard to your weeknight meals with this simple Swiss chard pasta.

What can I drink at night to clean my colon? ›

Water. Share on Pinterest Drinking water regularly can naturally cleanse the colon. Using water is one of the easiest and safest ways to cleanse the colon naturally. Water moistens stool and gives it bulk, facilitating its passage through the colon.

What can I drink to reset my gut? ›

People should drink plenty of water during a gut reset to ensure they stay hydrated. They may also create drinks like smoothies to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in a meal or herbal teas to replace drinks high in alcohol or added sugars. Some supplements may contain probiotics.

What foods keep your gut clean? ›

A 2019 study found that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with a lower intake of red meat, processed foods and meats, and dairy increased the amount of total bacteria in the gut and supported beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

What is an ayurvedic cleanse? ›

An Ayurvedic cleanse involves the release of toxins and waste that have accumulated in the body, in order to restore health and balance. An Ayurvedic cleanse allows you to heal from inside out, essentially ridding your body of the toxic material that causes diseases, stress, and emotional turmoil.

How can I fully detox my body? ›

Safe Ways to Help Your Body Detox Naturally
  1. Limit Alcohol. When it comes to natural detoxification, consumption of alcohol will set you back. ...
  2. Focus on Nutrition. ...
  3. Drink More Water. ...
  4. Step Up Your Sweat. ...
  5. Prioritize Sleep. ...
  6. Reduce Stress. ...
  7. Minimize Toxic Exposure.
Jan 25, 2024

What are the symptoms of Ayurveda detoxification? ›

Detoxification therapy in Ayurveda seeks to understand the causes. Usually, it is the excess amount of Ama which causes these typical symptoms like lethargy, lack of appetite, weakness, constipation, etc. Each of these symptoms is normal and an occasional occurrence and is nothing to worry about.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Last Updated:

Views: 6247

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Birthday: 1993-03-26

Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

Phone: +5938540192553

Job: Administration Developer

Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.