Many of us feel that September is a good time to cleanse our bodies of accumulated toxins and if necessary shed some of those accumulated winter kilos.
Comfort foods, especially those with high sugar content or processed ingredients are especially harmful to our bodies if consumed regularly. Our kidneys, liver and lymphatic systems work really hard at keeping a balance and shifting out the toxins, but they could use a bit of extra help from time to time.
Those of us on chronic medicines, also put extra strain on the kidneys and liver, so it is wise to do an annual detox to assist our bodies to work optimally.
Cleansing our bodies will provide support for our immune system, healthy weight management, clearer skin, improved digestion, better concentration, more stable moods, higher energy levels and more.
The human body is best able to recognise and make use of natural substances, such as nutrients from fruit, vegetables and other whole foods. Such nutrients are naturally alkalising, cleansing and protective, and can be used by the body to fuel its detoxification, repairing and healing processes. Examples of great detox food are: apples, beetroot, cabbage, lemons, avocados, ginger, garlic, and green tea.
A sensible eating plan, taking regular exercise and drinking pure water are the mainstay of a healthy detox plan. I would suggest 4 to 6 weeks of no sugar, caffeine or alcohol, no processed foods and ideally cut out or reduce gluten as well. Intermittant fasting is proven to assist with weight loss and detox. 16 hours of no food gives your digestive system a rest and your body will source energy from stored fat instead. For example if you have supper from 6 to 7pm, the only eat again at 11am the next morning. Drink 2 litres of filtered water daily, perhaps adding a squeeze of lemon to add flavour and alkalinise the body.
A. Vogel’s Boldycynara and nephrosolid drops are specifically formulated to assist with cleansing the liver and kidneys. Simply add the drops to your water twice a day until the bottle is finished to restore optimal function.
Link Hills Pharmacy has a wonderful coffee substitute called Manna brew. This is a caffeine free superfood , packed with healthy vitamins and minerals and tastes like coffee.
Other useful supplements for detoxing the liver are Essentiale Extreme (100’s at un unbeatable price while stocks last) and Milk thistle. Feel free to chat to our pharmacists for more advice.
