Foods that help your body cleanse naturally

Your body has a built-in detox system, including your liver, kidneys, gut, lungs, and skin, which constantly work to filter and eliminate waste. The best way to support them is with real, nourishing food.

Here's a closer look at foods that help your body cleanse naturally so that you can feel lighter, more energised, and more balanced, without the gimmicks.

1. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, rocket, chard, and silverbeet

Leafy greens are rich in chlorophyll, which may support liver function and help neutralise toxins. They're also packed with fibre and antioxidants that support digestion and wellbeing.

How to enjoy them:

• Toss a handful into smoothies

• Add to omelettes or soups

• Use as the base for salads or grain bowls

• Oven-bake kale until it's crispy

2. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts

These veggies contain compounds that help your liver produce enzymes for detoxification. They also support hormonal balance and digestion.

How to enjoy them:

• Steam or roast for a simple side dish

• Add shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw to wraps or bowls

• Try stir-fries with garlic and sesame for extra flavour

3. Lemon

Lemon stimulates digestive enzymes and may support bile production in the liver, aiding digestion and toxin elimination. It's also a good source of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant.

How to enjoy it:

• Squeeze fresh lemon into warm water in the morning or have it before meals

• Use lemon juice in dressings, marinades, and sauces

• Add to herbal teas for a cleansing boost

4. Garlic

Garlic contains sulphur compounds that support liver detoxification and immune health. It also has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties to support your gut and immune system. If you can handle eating it raw, that preserves its antimicrobial properties.

How to enjoy it:

• Add crushed garlic to sautés, soups, and sauces

• Use raw garlic in dips like hummus or pesto for extra potency

• Roast whole bulbs for a mellow, sweet flavour

5. Fibre-rich foods like beans, lentils, oats, flaxseeds, and chia seeds

Fibre is your gut's best friend. It helps sweep waste out of the digestive tract and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which are essential for detoxification and immune health.

How to enjoy them:

• Add oats or chia seeds to breakfast bowls or soak overnight for overnight oats

• Include beans or lentils in salads, stews, or wraps

• Sprinkle flaxseed into smoothies or yogurt

6. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help protect your cells from damage. They also support liver health and reduce inflammation.

How to enjoy them:

• Add to smoothies or yogurt

• Use frozen berries in baking or overnight oats

• Snack on them with a handful of nuts

7. Herbal teas like dandelion root, ginger, peppermint, and green tea

Many herbal teas support liver and digestive function. Dandelion root, for example, is a traditional liver tonic, while ginger and peppermint soothe the gut. Green tea is an excellent antioxidant and great for boosting general wellbeing.

How to enjoy them:

• Sip dandelion or green tea after meals

• Brew fresh ginger with lemon for a warming detox tea

• Keep caffeine-free peppermint tea on hand for digestion

Real food, real results

By eating whole foods and incorporating nutrient-dense, cleansing foods into your meals, you're supporting your body's natural detox pathways. Focus on variety, whole ingredients, and plenty of hydration. Your body knows what to do; you're just giving it the tools it needs to thrive.