As does often happen at this time of the year, we are frequently asked for advice on detoxing. I think this year there are even more of us wanting to get our health and wellbeing back on track – I certainly know I do. Spring has arrived, the sun is out (mostly) and I’ve kickstarted my exercise regime and have begun my detox!

There are many programmes available. You may choose to undertake a more comprehensive detox programme covering bowel, gut/digestion and liver or you may simply wish to concentrate on a liver detox.

For a liver detox it is best to take a liver tonic which would usually contain well known liver herbs such as Milk Thistle, Schisandra and Globe Artichoke. These herbs are believed to support normal healthy liver function and can be taken in a tablet.

Alternatively, and instead of taking a tablet, I often incorporate a tasty berry flavoured liver detox powder in my detox programme. This naturopathic formula contains Vitamins B2 and C, Selenium and Zinc to help protect our cells from free radicals. It has extra B vitamins such as B6 and B12 to help with fatigue plus 5 amino acids (glutamine, glycine, methionine, cysteine, and taurine). There are superfruit berries such as blackcurrant, passionfruit, lemon, blueberry, and pomegranate as well as beetroot. There’s also herbs such as rosemary, schisandra, artichoke, echinacea, acerola cherry, barberry, milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, ginger, and black pepper. This tasty powder can simply be mixed with water or in your favourite superfood smoothie.

Last week I wrote about Matcha Green Tea powder. This would be a fantastic addition to your liver detox powder especially if you’re wanting to lose weight. As I mentioned last week Matcha is believed to increase thermogenesis, which may boost our metabolism and burn fat. As well, Matcha contains high amounts of chlorophyl, which as we know helps detox and eliminate our body of chemicals and heavy metals plus sustain a healthy liver. The mega dose of antioxidants would also be beneficial especially when undertaking a detox. I think Matcha is a must for your detox programme.

A more comprehensive option is to, in addition to taking a liver supplement, also take a supplement to aid the digestive system. Herbs such as papaya, ginger, fennel, gentian, cats claw, black walnut and peppermint may help relieve digestive problems such as indigestion, dyspepsia, excess wind and bloating. A bowel supplement containing herbs such as cascara, sage and calendula can also be added to help bowel waste elimination, relieve constipation, relieve bowel discomfort such as bloating, indigestion, flatulence, and bowel inflammation.

Following a sensible, healthy, wholesome diet is obviously also beneficial when undertaking a detox. Once you have concluded your detox programme it’s also important to take a course of probiotics to re-establish and maintain good intestinal flora in the gut.

We are often asked – when does a person need to go on a detox? The answer is simple – everybody should detox at least one or twice a year. Why wait until we get sick or feel sluggish before we take that step? Why not use detoxing as a preventative for illness? We think so highly of our motor vehicles, we have them serviced regularly, however we expect our bodies to go on forever without the same tender loving care.

The other question often asked is what causes toxins to build up in our bodies so that we need to go on such a detox. There are many and varied reasons:

1. Constipation – this is a chronic problem in western society. Constipated waste backs up, trapping toxins in the colon, causing fermentation and decay which is re-absorbed into the bloodstream. This then pollutes tissues and cells – a nice thought!

2. Low Water Consumption – Most people do not drink enough water (approximately 8-10 glasses per day). By not drinking sufficient water, we allow toxins to stagnate in our bodies by not flushing out the waste with enough water. 

3. Stress – the other major problem in our society. Stress causes bad digestion, absorption and elimination of foods thereby causing toxicity.

4. Poor Diet – just look in the shopping trolleys of most shoppers as you line up at the supermarket. Need I say more!! Once again poor digestion and absorption causes toxicity by our consuming foods low in fibre, highly processed, high in fat, sugar etc etc. Plus of course all those chemicals in the food we eat – preservatives, food additives, pesticides etc.

5. Alcohol and Cigarettes – little needs to be said about these. I’m sure we all know the toxicity of drugs of any kind.

The thought of undertaking a detox programme can sometimes be overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Call down to see us at Go Vita and we can guide you, with tips on supplements to take and foods to each. We have eating plans plus recipes if you need them. If you don’t wish to come into the store just phone us on 0244729737.