Kickstart your detox plan

Medical herbalist Lucy Stephens

Clothes feeling a bit tight? Skin looks sallow? Lacking energy and feeling unwell? You need a detox.

Medical herbalist Lucy Stephens, of the Reva Clinic and a member of the National Institute for Medical Herbalists,  advises on five steps you can take today to help put your body back on the right track...

1. BEAT BLOATING

Give your gut a helping hand and ease your digestion with some bitter herbs such as dandelion, burdock, and chamomile. These can activate bitter receptors on the tongue which in turn stimulate the digestive system. Look for loose leaf tea in specialised tea shops or health-food shops.

Combine these herbs and steep 2 tablespoons in hot water. Strain and drink 1 cup half an hour before eating.

Also take a daily probiotic which can help improve the transit time of the bowel and allow beneficial bacteria to flourish which help break down food in the intestines.

Reducing sugar intake, and taking regular exercise will also help with bloating and constipation. 

Do not use bitter herbs if you are prone to heartburn or acid reflux as the bitter principles in the herbs may irritate.

2. SWEAT IT OUT

Overindulging can put a strain on your liver as it works to try and detoxify the body. One of the best ways to start a body cleanse is to sweat in a sauna or have a hot yoga session. Both of these can help eliminate some of the toxins that accumulate in your body during periods of overindulgence.

Studies have shown that saunas can also help with detoxification of some heavy metals which are present in the air, drinking water, cosmetics and medicines, as well as improvements in mood and cardiovascular health, plus reduction in pain symptoms for people with joint problems or arthritis.

Try 10 minutes in a sauna three times a week or give a hot yoga session a go.

Saunas should not be used by people with unstable heart conditions, fevers or in early pregnancy.

3. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Chlorella and Spirulina are microscopic plants or forms of algae which contain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, chlorophyll and lots of phytochemicals.

Studies have shown the benefits of algae in boosting your immune system, detoxifying the body from environmental chemicals, and as an antioxidant. 

1g daily of an algae-based supplement is a good everyday dose.

4. DETOX YOUR SKIN

If your winter skin needs a pep-me-up, try the following creams:

• Chamomile: soothing and anti-inflammatory;  
• Aloe Vera: the polysaccharides form a soothing and protective coating on the skin and it is beneficial for irritated skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis; 
• Calendula: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and used traditionally for skin health.

All can be found in pre-prepared skin formulations, or buy separately from health food stores.

5. EAT FRUIT, JUICE VEG

Starting your day with a vegetable juice is a great way of getting vital nutrients your body may be craving. Raw vegetables also contain enzymes which aid your body's digestive functions, and are usually lost during the cooking process.

Juicing breaks down the vegetables, so nutrients can be absorbed more quickly. Juicing fruit can, conversely, give you a sugar rush as the fruit sugars enter your bloodstream more rapidly. Juice any vegetables you would normally eat raw, focusing on green vegetables such as celery, cucumber, kale, lettuce, parsley, coriander, adding some lemon and a little ginger too.

Drink the juice as soon as possible after making it, as otherwise it starts to oxidise and the nutrients break down.  If you don't have a juicer, you could try blending the vegetables instead to make a smoothie, adding avocado to make it creamy.

Can't face doing it yourself? Look for a health food store or juice bar where you can get a freshly made blend on your way to work.