Revolutionize your body with this super-speedy cleanse…
If you want to look younger and feel
fabulous, the secret, says nutritionists, is to banish bodily toxins by
cleansing your liver. When your system becomes over-burdened, it can start to
break down in a multitude of ways. Digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches
depression, fatigue and weight gain are just a few of the symptoms that can
occur as a result of toxin build-up. ‘The liver is the greatest multitasking
organ,’ says Patrick Holford, nutritionist and author of The 9-Day Liver
Detox. ‘It’s responsible for detoxifying any harmful substances, storing
nutrients, eliminating any excess hormones and balancing your blood sugar
levels. The way it functions has an important impact on our health.’
Read the signs
Many people believe detox diets are just
another media-hyped fad. Surely if you drink lots of water and cut back on the
booze you’ll reserve any damage, right? Actually, no. ‘Even without festive
overload, your body naturally produces huge quantities of toxins simply by
processing the food you need for energy. A large build-up can lead to anxiety,
headaches, high blood pressure or even panic attacks,’ explains Patrick. Our
bodies also have to deal with the effects of additional environmental toxins
which we all constantly inhale and consume. The first step to taking a load off
your liver is to clean up your diet. While tough juicing diets can help to
provide a great body overhaul, restrictive programmes aren’t suited to
everyone. However, simply eating nutritious foods, cutting out stimulants such
as caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy will give
your liver a much-needed break while helping you to whittle away those stubborn
pounds.
Healthy habits
Once you’ve dumped the junk, fill your
plate with fresh, healthy foods. Seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and
linseeds are packed with omega-3 and 6 essential fats, which help balance
hormones and keep skin healthy. Dark green leafy vegetables also contain dozens
of nutrients and antioxidants that help supercharge the detox process. Other
vegetables with potent powers include cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and
cauliflower, and sulphur-packed onions and garlic.
Detoxifying exercises such as brisk
walking, jogging, swimming, yoga and psychocalistenics (a precise sequence of 23
gentle moves) will also help to improve your energy levels, bringing your body
and mind back into balance.
Finally, supplementing your diet with the
right combination of antioxidants and nutrients can help give your liver the
health boost it needs. Try Patrick Holford’s 9-Day Detox Pack, $62.15, from
Holland & Barrett stores.
Liver-loving foods
Follow Patrick’s golden detox rules for a
slimmer, happier you
- Reach your liquid limits: Drink eight
glasses of water or fluid every day. Squeeze and add half a lemon to hot
water twice a day.
- Plant the seed: Have a tablespoon of
ground, mixed seeds every day. Sprinkle it over salads or stir through
your morning porridge.
- Eat your greens: Have a serving of ‘super
greens mix’ every day: Blend a handful of spinach, watercress, parsley and
basil, with variations such as sunblush tomatoes, artichoke hearts, pine
nuts and avocado.
- Crunch on cruciferous veggies: Munch on a
serving of cruciferous vegetables, such as tenderstem broccoli,
cauliflower, kale or cabbage every day to enhance your liver’s capacity to
detoxify.
- Go raw: Consume a garlic clove, one small
onion or four spring onions every day. Eat raw if possible, or cook
lightly if you can’t stomach the taste.
- Guzzle a smoothie: Gulp back a superfood
juice every day. Include refreshing fruit and veg such as berries,
watermelon and citrus fruits, celery, cucumber, kale, ginger, rocket and
watercress.
