We all tell ourselves that the festive season is over after New Years, but somehow it tends to keep on rolling until the end of January. Although we aren’t complaining, it does usually mean by the end of the month you are feeling exhausted and may have put on a little weight or lost your fitness level. So, now may be the perfect time to start a diet cleanse for an amazing kick start to your year.
Image via pinterest
A cleanse for health supports the…
– Removal of toxins and chemicals found in processed foods as well as stimulants and addictive substances, such as caffeine and sugar.
– Release of stored toxins and chemicals by toning and cleansing the organs of detoxification: liver, lymphatics, lungs, urinary, skin.
– Return of what we are designed to eat whilst taking a load off the digestive system. Repairing digestive function enables better breakdown, assimilation, metabolism and utilization of nutrients – the building blocks of health.
The grass is greener on the other side! even though it may not initially feel that way…
Removing industrialized foods, stimulants and changing lifestyle habits that keep us unwell or just surviving can be uncomfortable. You may experience detox symptoms, a flare up of existing symptoms, fatigue and an inability to digest foods (especially after eating processed foods) and a change to the regiment of convenience food products.
Food as medicine:
Enjoy the following seasonal foods on offer to enhance digestion, absorption and elimination as well as offer natural and abundant nutrients.
• Berries: Strawberries
• Grapefruit
• Lemons
• Papaya
• Pawpaw
• Artichokes: Globe
• Asian Greens
• Asparagus
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Chilies
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Watercress
• Zucchini
Tea as medicine:
Support the transition and cleanse with organic herbal teas.
• Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is considered anti-fungal & anti-microbial with a delicious, uplifting lemony flavour.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) may assist digestion, ease IBS-type symptoms & spasm, cool the constitution and gently promote health gallbladder & liver function.
• Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is known for addressing upper-respiratory complaints, easing allergies and clearing sinus congestion.
• Elder flowers (Sambucus nigra) address fever, bolster the immune system and acts as an antiviral.
• Chamomile flowers (Chamomila recutita) is indicated for allergies, inflammation, itchy, seasonal complaints and an over-active nervous system.
• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) This herb has traditionally been used as the quintessential hepatic herb, antioxidant and digestive tonic. Assists all aspects of liver function including detoxification and metabolism of hormones and carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
• Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is considered a cholagogue, choleretic, diuretic and hepatorestorative supporting liver and gall bladder function.
• Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) provide calming digestive support, may balance blood sugar levels and decrease inflammation.
• Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale radix) is thought to enhance the function of the gallbladder as well as gently toning the liver & bowel.
• Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale folia) has a gentle kidney & diuretic action.
• Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a caffeine-free bush that has demonstrated high antioxidant content & is reported to reduce nervous tension & allergies
Cleansing is a beautiful way to realign with nature’s undulations. Feel light, fresh, vital, trim and prepared for the busy months ahead.
Cleanses are best avoided if you are pregnant and extremely stressed out, overworked and have little time to rest and heal the body.
