Summer Detox Benefits

The benefits of a detox vary from person to person, essentially you are bound to experience optimal health and overall improve your appearance. Your mood will be balanced and you are sure to feel an inner calmness. Having an improved long term dietary plan provides increased energy on those long hot summer days. Eating healthy wholesome foods may allow you see a reduction of cellulite and certainly help you to sleep more peacefully.

A detox programme helps relieve bothersome aliments like headaches and bloating due to food intolerances, a detox diet includes plenty of vitamin C from fruit and vegetables which help to boost immunity and fight off minor infections or a least reduce their severity regular consumption of low fat probiotic yogurt also tops up the good bacteria in the gut, which improves the digestion and helps relieve disorders such a IBS and constipation, and strengthens the immune system.

Choosing nutrient rich foods for your body equips it to deal with stress better. You will be calmer and more relaxed and able to concentrate and think with clarity.  Detox also regulates blood sugar levels which help with fluctuating mood swings.  Caffeine and carbonated drinks such as ‘Coke Lite’ interfere with sleep patterns and can cause insomnia. Eliminate these during your detox. Avoid eating late at night (cut off should by 20h00).  Regular exercise and complementary therapies are a great aid during detox, and will certainly help you sleep easy.

Fatigue is made worse by not eating the right foods therefore not getting enough nutrients to promote sustained energy and vitality. Maintaining a good nutritional diet plan, with a variety of foods, combined with more sleep will banish tiredness and replenish your energy levels.

A detox is not necessarily designed to be a weight loss reducing diet solution. However, you are choosing healthy foods (whole grains, low fat protein foods and plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables), and cutting out foods that are high in fat and sugar, you will naturally consume fewer calories and are therefore likely to lose weight.  Regular gentle exercise will encourage weight loss as well as improve muscle tone. Some women notice a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Body brushing and massage treatments may also help to improve the appearance of cellulite.

Although certain foods and drinks are restricted temporarily while following a detox programme, the basic principles of the diet should help you to kick bad habits and adopt a pattern of healthy eating that you will be able to maintain afterwards.

Kick start your detox with cleansing supplements for the first few weeks. Lexan is a herbal product that naturally opens blocked channels, removes congestion and stagnation in the body. Disease stems from impurities in the body and through cleansing the body means finding ease for body, mind and spirit. Lexan contains Senna leaves, Buckthorn, Elder and Mate synergistically working gently to detox the system, and supports the cleansing process.   In conjunction with this a short course of Cystosan tablets which has an natural antibiotic effect aids the body to re-strengthen its defense system.  One of the strongest active ingredients in this holistic blend of herbs is Uva Ursa which has a place not only in the old herbal tradition but also in the modern Pharmacopoeias. It offers a soothing, astringent effect and marked diuretic action, combined with Buchu and Juniper promoting a healthy urinary tract. Cystosan’s vital therapeutic effect on the kidneys’ help eliminate any toxin build up.

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide slow releasing carbohydrates for sustained energy and should be eaten regularly. During a detox, it is advised that wheat and all wheat products are avoided, there are many other cereal grains that can be substituted.  These can include rye, barley and oats (unless gluten intolerance is diagnosed), millet corn buckwheat or quinoa and brown rice. Whole grains make the best choice as they have a higher fibre value than refined types, as well as providing a good source of B and E vitamins, minerals and small amounts of essential oils, Brown rice is especially efficient at cleansing the system. It is also anti allergenic and helps stabilise blood sugar levels. Quinoa is another easily digested cleansing grain that is a good source of protein B vitamins, minerals and fibre.  It has a nutty flavour and can steamed or boiled and eaten like rice.  Corn, millet or buckwheat pastas or rice noodles can all be substituted for wheat pastas.

 Nuts

All kinds of unsalted nuts can be included in a detox diet.  They are packed with important nutrients that assist detoxification.  Nuts provide protein, B vitamins and many minerals and are an excellent source of vitamin E.

Super Fruits

Apples – Pectin can help protect damaging effects of environmental pollution helping by removing toxins and purify the system. Malic & tartaric acids in apples help benefit the digestion. Apples if unpeeled – are good source of Vitamin C, and fibre.

Berries – the group includes: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, black currents, cranberries, & blueberries.  They are a great source of vitamin C, which helps fight infection and boost immunity. Cranberries & Blueberries fight harmful bacteria in the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract.

Citrus fruits are excellent source of vitamin C, lemons have strong cleansing effect and can help relieve gastric problems.

Melons – their high water content is thought to stimulate the kidneys to work more efficiently. Orange fleshed cantaloupes have the highest vitamin C and beta-carotene content.

Papayas – contain an enzyme called papain, which aids the digestion of proteins and benefits the digestive system.  It is rich in fibre, beta-carotene, vitamin C and phyto-chemicals with antioxidant properties.

Pineapples – contains an enzyme bromelain, which aids digestion by breaking down proteins, which also may help relieve arthritis and speed up recovery from injury.  Research shows to relieve sinus and urinary tract infection.

Pomegranates – offer good vitamin C and fibre value, and compounds believed to fight disease.

Wake up drink – A glass of warm water with added freshly squeezed lemon juice and a slice of root ginger added makes an ideal start to the day.

Super Vegetables

Beetroot – A powerful blood cleanser and tonic and valued for its benefits to the digestive system and the liver particularly. Rich in potassium and provides plenty of folate and iron, essential for the formation of red blood cells and helping to prevent anaemia. Choose raw, fresh cooked beetroot, but not the type with vinegar, as this is more acidic and therefore an irritant to a sensitive gut; pickling reduces the level of nutrients.

Broccoli – A cruciferous vegetable along with cauliflower, kale, cabbage spring greens (collards) turnips, Brussels sprouts, kale and radishes – rich in carotenoids (phyto chemicals), which are powerful antioxidants thought to suppress the formation of free radicals and protect against certain cancers. Broccoli also provides iron and is an excellent source of folate, vitamin c and potassium.

Carrots – Rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene (as evident in their bright orange colour) which is good for the immune system as well as for the skin and eye health.

Celery – A good low calorie diuretic that helps the kidneys to function efficiently and so hastens the excretion of waste. It may also help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Use in juicing, soups, salads and stir fries.

Garlic – highly valued for its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and many therapeutic benefits. It is a natural decongestant, helps fight infections and eliminates toxins and may lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and help treat cancer.

Ginger – Fresh root ginger is valued as an aid to digestion as well as being good for combating colds, stimulating the appetite, improves circulation and helps alleviate nausea. It’s reputed to help relieve rheumatic pains.

Globe artichokes – Cynarin is found in the base of the vegetable leaves may help liver function and control cholesterol.

Onions – It has an impressive reputation, helps with all types of ailments and are great natural decongestants. It has powerful anti-biotic properties.

Pumpkin & other squash – Supplies a good source of beta carotene and vitamin E. The flesh is easily digested, and they rarely cause allergies, which makes them and excellent food.

Spinach – this and all salad leaves provide anti-oxidants, vital for healthy immune function. The darker the spinach leaves, the higher the nutrient value.

Tomatoes – a rich source of anti-oxidant lycopene. Cooking and processing releases this lycopene, so there is even more in tomato products such as tomato puree (paste), passata (bottled strained tomatoes) and canned tomatoes.  All can be included on a detox diet, although tomatoes can aggravate eczema and trigger migraines in some people.

Watercress – Rich in anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals and reputed to help speed up the body’s detoxification process and purify the blood.  It is a natural antibiotic, can help promote a clear skin and is reputed to help relieve stomach upsets, respiratory problems and urinary tract complaints. Eat in generous portions.

Dried Beans & Lentils

Dried Pulses and lentils are a great source of low fat vegetable protein as well as B vitamins and a wide range of minerals, including iron and magnesium.  They also have a high fibre value which helps prevent and relieve constipation and lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. There is a wide variety of these pulses and can all be included in the detox diet.  They are very versatile and can be used in many delicious detoxing recipes including soups, dips, casseroles and salads. Do not add salt when cooking as this prevents them from softening.