Detoxifying is a process that’s going on in the body all the time. Normal bodily functions produce toxins, as do metabolites from the food and drink we consume and the environment in which we live. This will be especially true at Christmas, when we tend to eat heavier meals, and drink a bit more alcohol! To feel your best at this time of year, you can support the organs that help us detoxify - the liver, the gut, the skin and the kidneys – with a few simple tips.
Signs your body needs some help detoxifying
Some signs that you may need to really cleanse the body are:
Frequent headaches
Skin sensitivities and spots
Low mood
Fatigue
Bloating
Wind
Constipation
Brain fog
Sounds like a long hangover! You might experience all these symptoms, or just a few – a nutritionist, dietician or doctor can help you get to the root cause of your symptoms. If you think your body needs help in supporting the detoxification process, read on for our tips to help.
Simple tips to support detoxification
Filter your water and drink plenty of it. If you’re at a party this holiday season, make every second drink a glass of water – this is really easy to do once you make it a habit.
Avoid plastics and aluminium when cooking: use baking paper and not tin foils or clingfilm, and use ceramic, glass or iron cookware.
Cook at lower temperatures, and don’t use industrial vegetable oils to cook with.
Remember that your liver health depends on your lifestyle as well as your genetic make-up. One of the most important ways to support the liver is to eat cruciferous vegetables: lots of broccoli, sprouts, kale, watercress, rocket and spring greens.
A nutrient rich diet will support the entire process of detoxification. Consume a rainbow of brightly coloured fruits, herbs and vegetables; they contain important phytochemicals (the good stuff from plants) that help to combat toxic loads. In addition to all the green veg, include beetroot, pomegranates, berries, ginger, turmeric, coriander, dill, mint and rosemary.
Should we drink coffee? Yes! It’s good for our mood and the brain and enhances exercise endurance. In moderation it has beneficial effects including supporting brain, heart and liver health – the same goes for green tea. Both are better for you without milk or plant-based milks, and remember: moderation is key.
These tips are really useful for supporting your body’s detoxification process whether you’ve been indulging a bit more than usual or not – and drinking more water, moderating your alcohol intake, and eating more vegetables is a sure-fire way to support overall health and wellbeing. If you’d like some help with anything nutrition-focused, whether that’s support with detoxification, weight loss, food intolerances or anything else, you can book an appointment for a nutrition consultation with Mary O’Leary via our website.
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