Wednesday 29 June 2011

Detox disclaimer

Re-reading yesterdays blog I realised I'd managed to make detoxing sound like a walk in the park!

If you're a clean living health bunny then it probably will be but if you're a city slicker you'll probably have a fair amount of coffee, alcohol, pollution and junk food related toxins stored away safely in your fat cells, perhaps along with some nicotine or drugs (prescription or otherwise).

The body, being amazingly well designed, stores away excess toxins that the liver can't deal with in hard to breakdown fat cells where they can't cause any damage to other cells. But if you suddenly give your liver a break from toxic overload it will usually take the opportunity to break these fat stores down and process the toxins. Upside: fat loss, downside: unpleasant detox side effects such as headaches, bloating, bad breath, low mood,
low energy, brain fog and flu type symptoms.

So it pays to be prepared for the worst if you're planning a detox, especially if you haven't done one before. Firstly clear your social diary for the weekend so if it comes to it you can mong out on the sofa rather than inflicting your grumpy detox persona on your friends. Secondly stock up on some detox aids that can help the liver clear these toxins away:

Mineral water - buy a multi pack and drink 1.5-2 litres a day. Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to stimulate the liver.

Dandelion coffee - my favourite detox aid, don't buy the powdered stuff - boil up the root (see below) and drink a cup (without milk) whenever you're feeling foggy.

Yogi detox tea - I love the taste and it's full of some lovely detox spices

Milk thistle - add a few drops to a bottle of water and sip regularly

If all else fails try and have a nap - your liver is most active when you're asleep.

If you still feel rough by the end of four days then it's probably a sign you need to be leading a cleaner life day to day and you might want to consider repeating the detox in a couple of months. If you feel great pat yourself on the back and stick it in the diary for the same time next year.




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