Reset and refresh for spring with a detox

What is Detoxing

We hear so much about how we should be cleansing our bodies, but what exactly does detoxing mean? Detoxification is a process that occurs naturally and is crucial for neutralising and removing toxic substances from the body. The major organ involved in this process is the liver, which is essentially a complex filter. Approximately two litres of blood passes through the liver every minute to be cleared of toxins and waste compounds. The bowel, kidneys, skin and lymphatic circulation also play a part in the removal of unwanted or toxic substances. When this system is not functioning properly, toxins re-circulate and can accumulate in the body, which then becomes a constant drain on our health and vitality.

Why do we need to Detox?

In today’s world we are unwittingly exposed to ever-increasing amounts of toxins from food, water, cosmetics, household chemicals, even the air we breathe. Given this increased toxic load, our liver has to work overtime and could do with some support. If you have sluggish bowels, and  you’re feeling, bloated, constantly exhausted and/ or you’re experiencing skin problems, you may benefit from a detox.

Where to Start

Supporting liver function through diet and lifestyle changes and kick starting the detoxification process with quality natural supplements, is a big step towards balancing out the negative effects of modern living. To support detoxification, it’s important to lighten the load on the liver. Herbal extracts such as Milk Thistle and Dandelion, are ideal to add to your diet as they help support optimal liver function. Thankfully there are also detox kits available that are specifically formulated to provide the right nutrients at the right dose for effective detoxing.

Do: 

• Try starting your day off with lemon and hot water. If you can handle a bit of spice, cayenne pepper is great at giving your body’s detoxification systems, digestion, and metabolism a serious kick.
• Try to drink 2-3 litres of water every day. 
• Switch your normal coffee for a herbal or green tea.
• Grind organic linseeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds together. This is a great mix for sprinkling into porridge and smoothies for essential fatty acids, fibre and protein that help with digestive health and liver support. You can also buy a product called LSA (Linseed, Sunflower and Almond) in health stores that is ready to sprinkle.
• Eat protein at each meal.
• Eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Use quality fats such as cold pressed flaxseed oil, olive oil and avocado oil instead of animal fats and processed vegetables oils.
• Snack on raw nuts and seeds, rather than chips and crackers.
  
   

Avoid: 

• Avoid all alcohol during your detox. (Obvious but important). Alcohol is a toxin that your liver has to work hard to process. 
• Stay away from coffee. Sorry, we know the idea of getting through the day without your morning coffee sounds impossible, but it’s not doing you any favours. Ingredients in coffee can interfere with your metabolism and liver, making it difficult to regulate the normal detoxification process.
• Avoid sugar and all refined, packaged foods.
• Avoid additives, preservatives, colourings and artificial sweeteners.
• Limit dairy products. 
• Try to stay away from excess grain products, particularly wheat and raw grains.
  

Think of a detox in spring as a kick start to a healthier you. This is a great way to optimise your body's natural detoxification system, while following these easy tips! By simply adding more healthy fruits and vegetables into your diet, drinking loads more water and using a detox kit - this can help to rejuvenate your body to support your energy levels, mood and more for the summer ahead.

TAPS PP8088