Simple steps to detox

Happy New year!

Most of us are feeling the pinch after a hectic lead up to Christmas and holiday season. Too much food, too many drinks, too many late nights. Time to get healthy and refreshed! We can help our bodies to deal with overindulgence by incorporating a few basic steps into your day.  These are simple detoxifying remedies that you can use to give your body a good clean out. Listed below are my top 6 simple detoxification strategies that you can incorporate into your work day.

1. Start each day with 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in water.

My favourite brand of apple cider vinegar to use is Melrose, which can be found in most health food stores. The bitterness of the apple cider vinegar kick-starts digestion by stimulating the release of acids and enzymes as well as stimulating liver function. It’s a great way to regulate bowel movements and enhance digestive health. Make sure you use room temperature or warm water, as cold water first thing in the morning is a bit of a shock to the stomach. Various online resources suggest taking more than 1 tsp of the vinegar, some suggesting up to 2 tablespoons in water at a time, but this is unnecessary and can irritate your throat- stick with just 1 tsp for a gentle liver cleanse.

2. Sip on green tea throughout the day.

Green tea repairs damaged liver cells as well as stimulates liver detoxification. It’s good for mental clarity and energy, and contains high levels of protective antioxidants.  I suggest you aim for 3 cups of green tea a day. Think of it as a great way of staying hydrated while at the same time initiating liver detoxification. In summer I often drink my green tea cold as you might not feel like a hot tea in warmer weather. Simply make a cup of tea as normal, leave to cool and drink in a few mouthfuls.

3. Try a green smoothie for breakfast.

A green smoothie is a great way of increasing your fruit and vegetable intake. It contains all the fibre from the plant material, unlike a juice which does not include the fibre. Fibre is important as it gives your digestive system a clean out, taking toxins with it once eliminated via the bowels. My favourite combination for a cleansing green smoothie is a frozen banana (for sweetness), papaya (for liver and digestive health), pineapple (contains digestive enzymes), cucumber (cooling), mint (kidney detoxification), baby spinach (for extra greenery) and water (or coconut water if you have it). This is such an easy way to increase your plant based foods and makes a healthier breakfast than most processed options.

4. Drink plenty of water!

This tip might sound obvious, but I think most people underestimate the health benefits of staying well hydrated. We need lots of water to ensure we are able to ‘flush’ toxins effectively via the kidney and bowels and to clear the lymphatic system. Aim for between 1.5-2L of water daily. Include an extra glass of water for every coffee and remember that if you are exercising you will need another litre of water.

5. Supplement with chlorella.

Chlorella is a type of algae that comes with a high nutritional profile. It is rich in many vitamins such as A, B’s, C and E, therefore has good antioxidant activity. It contains chlorophyll which promotes alkalinity. It is amazing as part of a detoxification regime as it can bind to toxins like chemicals and heavy metals and pull them out of the body. It gives a great energy boost and takes my pick as the best all round detoxification supplement to use on a daily basis.

6. Increase your exercise to sweat it out.

This really is the best way to switch your lymphatic system into gear and sweat out all of those toxins that have built up over the holiday season. Make sure you hydrate well after you finish!

Enjoy!

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment you can

email: hayley@betterhealthpractice.com.au or call reception on 02 9518 0722