
It’s week 8 of Nourish and Heal, and it’s time to take another step forward. You may not be aware, but your body needs help releasing built-up toxins. Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways can make a big difference in how you feel.
Did you miss Week 7 on Anti-Inflammatory Boosters? Here’s a link so you can catch up!
Why Detox for MS Matters More Than You Think
Living in today’s world means our bodies are exposed to lots of toxins. Heavy metals and other toxins can build up over time and make multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms worse. These sneaky troublemakers can hide in our tissues for years. Over time, they can increase inflammation and irritate the nerves. This can make it harder for the body to heal.
Thankfully, nature has given us some powerful helpers that can help your body remove them! And the best part? These helpers are simple foods you can easily add to your diet.
Your Simple Detox Helpers
If you’re looking for an easy and natural detox for MS, these three foods are a great place to start:
1. Cilantro: The Heavy Metal Gatherer
This powerful herb does more than add flavor to dishes! Cilantro helps remove heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium.
When I first started using cilantro, I didn’t love the taste. It was definitely an acquired flavor for me. But over time, I’ve grown to appreciate it, and now I add it to my meals regularly. It’s worth getting used to cilantro’s unique flavor. This leafy herb has a special ability to bind to heavy metals in your tissues. Once attached, it helps push them out of your body.
🌿 Healing Tip:
Add a small handful of cilantro to your smoothies, and you won’t even taste it with fruit. You can also sprinkle it on salads or blend it into dressings and sauces.
2. Spirulina: The Blue-Green Wonder
This green algae is full of healthy nutrients. It can help grab onto heavy metals in your body and carry them out. At the same time, it feeds your cells with what they need. It’s an easy way to help your body clean out toxins.
Spirulina has been shown in studies to support detox pathways in the body (source). I didn’t know what to expect when I first tried it, but I was shocked. My face and hands had been red for years – I hated it. After just one serving of spirulina, the redness disappeared. Even my functional medicine provider couldn’t explain it. That was the moment I knew this little green powder could be powerful.
Curious which spirulina I use? I get mine on Amazon; it’s more affordable, easy to blend, and lasts a long time. Here’s the one I use.
🌿 Healing Tip:
Start with just 1/4 teaspoon in your smoothie and work up to 1 teaspoon over time. Its color is beautiful, but the taste can be strong, so adding a banana or berries works great!
3. Barley Grass Juice Powder: The Green Machine
Don’t let the name fool you, ”barely” grass is generally gluten-free. It’s harvested before the seeds develop, so it typically does not contain gluten. This powerful grass gives your body a boost. It supports your liver, which is your main detox organ. The liver works hard to clean out toxins. This grass also gives your body important nutrients. These nutrients help repair damage and support healing.
A simple detox for MS can help reduce inflammation and support your body’s healing.
Want to try barley grass juice powder? This is the one I’ve personally used; it blends well in smoothies and gives a nice green boost. Check it out on Amazon.
🌿 Healing Tip:
Start with just 1/4 teaspoon in your morning smoothie, like you would with spirulina. If you feel good, you can slowly add more over time.
The Easiest Way to Detox? Your Daily Smoothie!
Adding these three ingredients doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why I love the smoothie approach for detox helpers! Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to add detox foods for MS into your diet. And, you can’t taste them!
My Super-Simple Detox Smoothie Formula:
- 1 cup liquid (water, coconut water, or plant milk)
- 2 cups leafy greens (spinach, kale, or whatever you’ve been enjoying)
- 1/2 banana for creaminess
- 1/2 cup berries (blueberries are amazing for brain health, especially wild blueberries!)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds* (from Week 1!)
- Pick ONE detox helper to start (small amount of cilantro, 1/4 tsp spirulina, OR 1/4 tsp barley grass juice powder)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon (helps absorption and tastes great!)
Blend it up and you’ve just given your body some serious detox support with barely any extra effort!
*I buy whole flaxseeds from the bulk section at my grocery store and grind them myself for freshness. I use a coffee grinder similar to this one to grind the seeds just before adding them to my smoothie. If you don’t have a bulk section nearby, you can also find whole flaxseeds on Amazon.
Go Slow and Listen to Your Body
Remember, detoxing isn’t a race. When your body starts releasing stored toxins, sometimes you might feel a little tired or off for a day or two. This is normal! It’s actually a sign things are working. When I first started, I jumped right in – that was a mistake! If you feel this way:
- Slow down, use smaller amounts of the detox helpers
- Drink extra water to help flush everything out
- Rest more than usual
- Trust the process
Your body knows exactly what to do with these natural helpers. You’re just giving it the tools it needs.
A Few Don’ts (Because I Care About You!)
- Don’t try adding too many detox helpers at once! Go slow to prevent die-off symptoms.
- Don’t worry if you can’t find barley grass juice powder or spirulina right away. Even just adding cilantro is a wonderful start.
- Don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a day. Your healing journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about giving your body more good days than not.
I always buy organic cilantro to avoid pesticides.
Your Week 8 Success Plan
- Choose one detox helper to try this week
- Add it to your daily smoothie (the easiest way!)
- Drink plenty of water to help your body flush toxins
- Notice how you feel – keep track in your Nourish & Heal Tracker
- Celebrate this amazing step you’re taking for your health!
I’m so proud of you for making it to Week 8! It can be hard to make a huge change to your diet, but remember, each step you take is helping your body. You’re not just managing MS – you’re building a foundation for true healing.
Remember, I’ve been where you are. Twenty years ago, I was overwhelmed by my MS symptoms and decided to let food my my medicine. These simple, natural approaches are what I do every day.
Coming Next Week…
Get ready for Week 9, where we’ll pull everything together. You’ll learn simple healing habits that make this journey easier to stick with for the long haul. We’ll talk about how to make these changes last. We’ll also add gentle movement and connection that your nervous system will love!
Have you tried any of these natural detox boosters for MS? Share your experience below, I’d love to hear!
🧡 Small shifts can lead to big changes, especially when it comes to detox for MS.
Join my MS in the Country newsletter for extra healing tips and simple ways to support detox for MS. You’ll learn how to care for your body, promote healing, and reduce symptoms.
Comments
2 responses to “Powerful Detox for MS: Nourish & Heal Week 8”
Cathy, I have a high speed blender, does that not grind my flax seeds enough? Have been throwing my flax, chia and hemp in for the past 18 years. Should I be grinding before hand???
Donna
Hi Donna!
Wow, 18 years of healthy habits, that’s amazing! 🙌
If your high-speed blender isn’t breaking down flaxseeds, it might be time to grab a grinder. When flaxseeds are eaten whole, the body can’t properly digest them. You’ll get more of the benefits (especially those omega-3s) if you grind them first. I use a cheap little coffee grinder, it only takes a few seconds.
Chia and hemp seeds don’t need to be ground, so you’re good there!
Hope that helps, and thanks so much for your comment!
Cathy 😊