Time for a detox?

Whether you’re looking for inner purity or simply want to lose a few pounds after Christmas excess, detox diets have become something of a ritual for the New Year.

The central idea is to encourage your body to rid itself of chemicals and toxic by-products that accumulate in the tissues as a consequence of an excessively rich diet, too much alcohol as well as late nights and lack of exercise.

Detoxing is not new. Juice fasts, sticking to small amounts of fresh unprocessed food as well as having enemas designed to cleanse the system – these all form an integral part of complementary therapies such as naturopathy. Detoxification is also central to the ancient Asian medical system of Ayurveda.

Today many nutritionists recommend a regular detox to boost the body's natural self-cleansing mechanisms and reduce strain on the digestive system and organs. The promise is of more energy, clearer skin, improved sleep, greater mental clarity and a more efficient immune system as well as helping you lose weight.

But do we HAVE to detox to stay healthy?

The promise: A detox cleans chemicals and toxins from your breath and lung.
The reality: You will probably get the same effect by drinking a lot of water and eating plenty of fibre and wholegrain – all of which help block the absorption of toxic chemicals. The liver and kidneys are also there to do this job. And every time you breathe out, pass water or sweat, you are releasing toxins.
 

The promise: A detox removes dangerous toxins from your colon.
The reality: Eating plenty of fruit and wholegrain is the best way to keep your colon clean.

The promise: A detox cleans and strengthens your liver.
The reality: Maybe, but laying off the booze, particularly spirits, makes far more sense.

The promise: You won’t feel hungry.
The reality: The best way to curb your appetite for junk food is to start the day with a healthy breakfast, preferably one that includes plenty of slow-release carbohydrate and water.

Want to give your body a boost anyway? Here’s 8 top herbal or nutritional supplements that should help:
 

1. Goldenseal root extract (Hydrastis canadensis): to encourage regular bowel movements
2. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): to help repair and regenerate the liver cells
3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): as a liver tonic.
4. Ginger root (Zingiber officinale): to reduce stress on the digestive system
5. Artichoke extract (Cynara scolymus): to stimulate bile production and reduce bloating
6. Ginkgo biloba: to enhance circulation and increase energy
7. Wheatgrass juice: to help purify the blood and aid the liver to eliminate toxins
8. Probiotics, 'friendly bacteria': to help restore the balance of intestinal flora.

8 top tips to feel great:

1. Dry skin brushing: to unblock pores and stimulate the lymphatic system to transport wastes to the liver and the kidneys
2. Saunas and hydrotherapy baths: to encourage elimination of toxins in sweat
3. Eat a banana every day - it's worth two portions of other fruit.
4. Substitute glasses of water for at least two cups of coffee or tea a day. You should be aiming to drink between 1.5 and two litres per day.
5. Try cooking without salt for a week - you may find you need less than you think.
6. Don't eat a biscuit - have a piece of wholemeal bread and low fat spread instead. It'll keep you going for longer.
7. Switch to semi-skimmed milk if you haven't done so already.
8. Add an extra portion of steamed green vegetables to each evening meal.

laterlife interest

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