Healthy Detox

When you think of detox, you probably conjure up images of green juices and fasting in order to cleanse your body. While juicing is definitely healthy and excellent for your system because it provides nutrients and gives your digestive system a break, it turns out there are some risks that go along with it. Modern Farmer magazine featured an article regarding the potential environmental hazards the juice craze has gotten us into. The theory is the disposal of the fibers are ending up in landfills instead of compost bins due to city and state food regulations, which is wreaking havoc of our ecosystem. How sad to waste the leftover produce! Drinking non-pasteurized juice can also be dangerous for the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.

That all being said, I'm still an advocate for the benefits of juicing at home. Simply use your leftover vegetable and fruit fibers as compost in your garden, or as fiber "meat"balls in your pasta! (All you have to do is save enough fiber in your freezer until you're ready to nosh, add some breadcrumbs and a little seasoning to the thawed batch of remnants, and bake until golden brown! They swim great in red sauce.)

But what if you aren't wanting to risk the potential environmental or health issues linked to juicing? Welcome to gelatinous foods! Items like chia seeds, which inflate in liquid, and aloe vera are excellent sources of small intestine detoxifiers. They work to absorb bile your liver produces once it begins the stage of separating helpful nutrients from fats and other items that need redistribution. The bile ends up in your small intestine, hoping to attach onto something healthy that will help the digestive system function properly. Chances are, the bile ends up being redistributed along with the less-than-healthy products and ends up back in the digestive system for another round if your regular diet consists of processed foods. However, eating these simple foods can help you jump start your system into proper function in no time!

Try drinking aloe vera juice to keep your system in check, and incorporate Omega-3 rich chia seeds into foods that you eat every day. Aloe vera juice is also great for reducing inflammation and it speeds healing internally and externally, making it a digestive superfood. You'll be fuller longer as your digestive tract stays busy feeding nutrients to the rest of your body! See below for my great chia seed pudding recipe:

Dallas Farmer Gal's Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding

1/2 cup soy milk (or whatever dairy-free milk you prefer)

1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut yogurt

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/8 cup chia seeds

Dash of Himalayan pink sea salt

1 tsp coconut oil

2-3 tbsp coconut flakes

Strawberries, quartered

Gently whisk the soy milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Whisk in the chia seeds and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to set. Stir again and place into a mason jar and refrigerate overnight.

Melt the tsp of coconut oil in a small pan over medium low heat and add the coconut flakes. Stir frequently and remove from heat when the coconut flakes start to brown. Place on top of the chia pudding and add strawberries for a great cleansing breakfast!

Let me know in the comments below how you feel after eating this breakfast and drinking aloe vera juice for a few days. I guarantee your energy level and glowing skin will only be a couple of the things you notice when you heal your digestive tract!

Till next time,

Dallas Farmer Gal