Post Christmas Detox

New Year, new you? If the onslaught of Christmas with its over indulgence of food, alcohol, stress and lack of exercise has left you feeling lethargic, bloated, sluggish and victim to a cold you may be feeling in need of a boost.

Whilst we can look fine on the outside it is often the inside that is suffering and a short detox could be just the thing to replenish the nutrients and rid the body of excess toxins and waste, helping to restore mind and body, and allowing a respite from the continual overload.

According to the devotees of pro-detox, our bodies are under constant attack from environmental pollutants; smoking, pesticides and chemical residues added to nutritional deficiencies and the stress of today's living increasingly place our major organs under constant pressure. The body is left unable to self-cleanse and the overload becomes too great. The concept of detoxing is that by eliminating, where possible, these destructive factors for a period of time the body is naturally able to restore itself back to its starting point. The idea of inner cleaning is not new; in fact it can be traced back through the centuries, Hippocrates, the father of naturopathic medicine, was already aware of the importance of prescribed fasts and hydrotherapy to restore the body's health and most complementary therapists agree that eating natural foods and eliminating stress where possible for a period of time is hugely beneficial.

Scientific studies have shown that short fasts can have a very therapeutic effect, and restricting food intake (but not fluids), can help to improve the immune system as well as boost anti-inflammatory substances within the body. Total fasts though do require supervision and should not be undertaken without professional advice, usually from a nutritionist and for a limited period of time. Most naturopaths will often recommend a detox consisting of vegetables, fruit, and fluids. Dr.Lawrence Plaskett, visiting lecturer in nutritional medicine at Exeter University's department of Complementary health is against total fasts; "there is evidence that damaging free radicals increase when you fast, whereas, a fruit, vegetable or brown rice fast can help relive our bodies of the burdens".

Detoxification requires certain nutrients to be able to work effectively as these then stimulate the natural enzymes found within the body; it is the enzymes that break down the foods and repel the toxins. Phytonutrients found in fruit and vegetables help to support the body's enzyme system and certain foods such as cabbage and garlic are thought to boost detoxifying liver enzymes. The main detox centre of the body is the liver, which works firstly to clean the body from excess toxins as well as smoothing out nutritional imbalances. The lymphatic system acts as drains, removing unwanted substances from the cells, sending them back to the liver, while the kidneys detoxify and dilute further waste eliminating it from the body through urine. The lungs and skin also play a role in detoxifying, which is why skin brushing is so beneficial and why therapists extol the virtues of deep breathing.

How to do it:

Ideally detox for four to five days to really take advantage of the regime. There are several ways in which you can approach them, either through diet or with the aid of a herbal detox available through health shops or the pharmacy. Another option can be the health spa package, where your routine will be advised and prescribed for you; your pocket rather than your ideals could make the choice.

Detoxifying naturally through the use of certain foods, is the usual method that most people opt for, but remember that detoxing can result in some unpleasant side effects so be warned!

The best time to begin a detox is when you know that you can get some time to yourself, a Monday morning before a full day at the office is not advisable; try a quiet weekend and if you are planning to go on for longer than 2 days then plan ahead for the period that you intend to detox. Remember that there can be extreme reaction within the body and headaches are very often a common symptom, along with irritability and lethargy. Your skin may appear yellowish and you may be quite emotional for the first couple of days, but you will notice that the stomach is not so bloated, feels softer and that after a few days you sleep better and have much more energy. Supporting your system with milk thistle and aloe Vera can also be beneficial and this is where a qualified nutritionist would be able to advise.

Preparing yourself both physically and mentally before you commence your detox will be beneficial and help you achieve your results. For a few days leading up to the start of your detox cut back on certain foodstuffs, like alcohol, caffeine, wheat, dairy products and sugar, these foods are all addictive and this should help you against experiencing such extreme side effects such as the 'cold turkey'effect.

Maintaining and in some cases, increasing your fluid intake is very important as your body may dehydrate. Water in its purest form is ideal, aim to drink between 2-20 litres of water daily, and add herbal teas if you need the variety.

At this time of year a detox can be particularly beneficial as it can help to boost up the immune system, helping to ward off coughs and colds. Raw foods can be nutritious but cold, whilst simple soups and warm pulses, beans and vegetables may be more comforting especially when detoxing in the winter. Be careful not to rely on one type of juice to maintain your programme as this can also have adverse health effects. Meditation and relaxation along with gentle exercise such as yoga, Tai Chi or simply walking in the fresh air should also be undertaken whilst you detox. Relaxing the mind and body releases it from emotional and physical stress and will aid the digestive system. Remember to prepare yourself for the period after the detox; simply rushing back into unhealthy eating, drinking and smoking habits will undo all that good work quite quickly.

So go on, what are you waiting for? Detox and refresh yourself for the start of your New Year.