Detox
First of all, the very word detox will have some scientists rolling their eyes. The human body has an amazing ability to look after itself as long as you have a varied diet, lots of water and regular exercise. Severe fasts or extreme diets based on dodgy science will not help you out in the long run. Here's what will help... and some quick fixes too!
Step one
Drink water. LOTS of it. It's recommended that you drink 6 - 8 glasses a day (1.2 litres approximately), more if you are recovering from a hangover, having strenuous exercise or overheated. The vast majority of the chemical reactions that occur in your cells need water to carry them out. If your urine is coloured and you're suffering from headaches, lack of concentration or are irritable the chances are you're dehydrated. Many people find themselves mistaking thirst for hunger so have a glass of water first and then see if you're still peckish. Obviously you can get water through your food and flavoured drinks, try to avoid the sugary ones though! Try Thorncorft Vineyard's
detox cordial for a refreshing drink (wih no added sugar). Or try one of the
detox teas from Clipper, Dr Stuart's, Yogi and Pukka. Thorncroft detox and selected Pukka teas are on promotion for the second half of January.
Step two
If you've been drinking alcohol and smoking. Stop. Your liver function can return to normal remarkably quickly but not if you're continuing to poison it. You can reintroduce your favourite foods in moderation and the odd tipple also, but smoking will undo most of your good work. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble stopping as there is a range of free advice and supplementary prescriptions to help you stop. Alternatively try the herbal tobacco to help you if you waver (it's still not good for you, but at least they don't contain nicotine so you'll smoke far fewer).
Quick Fix for a simple detox? Milk Thistle extract has been proven to support live function. Try
A Vogel's to protect your liver against damage.
Step 3
Fruit and
vegetables. You need the vitamins, minerals and fibre of fruits and vegetables. Not only that but they're in a remarkably easily digestible form. Not to say you shouldn't be taking a
multi vitamin to boost your intake, but start with the basics FIRST. That means a bare minimum of 5 portions a day (that's roughly 80 grams of fresh or 30 grams of
dried fruit). Frankly that's not much. A small glass of orange juice with your breakfast, with some berries sprinkled on your porridge? That's 2 already. Take an apple for snacking on a work and a handful of
banana chips for the mid afternoon slump. Throw in a slice of melon for dessert at dinner and that's 5 from fruit alone! Try some of our recipes for tasty
vegetarian meals, or whip up a
raw food extravaganza and impress your mates!
Step 4
Exercise. Raise your heart rate for a minimum of 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week to mainitain fitness. Do a little more to achieve fitness. If you haven't done any fpor a while, start slowly. Always warm up and try something a little more fun if you're feeling blue about joining a gym. A walk in the fresh air with a friend, or ice skating with some kids will still get your heart rate up. Here are some tips on exercising as you get older to help inspire you.