Summer Lovin"
Look and feel your best this Summer with these 10 expert health tips from Naturopath, Peter Balogh.
Did you know that the main source of toxins to affect our body is most often our food choices; the second is our lifestyle, exposure to environmental pollutants and stress.
The good news is these simple 10 detoxification tips will improve your energy, mood, sleep, and digestion, boost your skin and hair health, and you may even lose a kilo or two.
- FOCUS ON FOOD
Fruits and vegetables are rich in enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, have an alkalising effect in the body and a wonderful source of gut friendly fibre. Aim to:
- Enjoy a fresh fruit and vegetable juice daily – carrot, apple, ginger, beetroot, celery and lemon are all great cleansing choices.
- Snack on unsalted, activated nuts and seeds, to amp up the protein and dietary fibre content needed for detoxification to occur.
- Eat more plant based protein sources, such as lentils, chickpeas, broad beans and kidney beans.
- Avoid packaged and processed foods which contain artificial colours, flavours, additives, preservatives and stabilising agents. Check ingredient lists to avoid excessive saturated fat and sugar.
- MOVE IT OR LOSE IT
Your body is designed to undertake regular physical activity. The lymphatic circulatory system, which collects toxins and moves them to elimination channels, such as the colon and skin relies on the body’s large muscles like the thighs to pump that flow of lymphatic fluid along. Commit to a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise 3 times per week to get your body – and those toxins – moving.
- DRINK UP
One of the easiest ways of ensuring a successful detox is to drink a minimum of 2 litres of pure water every day – add more if the weather is very hot, or you are exercising.
- BE COOL
Focus on anti-inflammatory foods that have a cleansing and alkalising effect on the body, such as cucumber, lemon, and celery. These foods have a very high water content, which helps to flush out toxins. They also provide natural electrolytes, including potassium and magnesium, which may be lost through perspiration as the weather warms up.
- BOOST GOOD BUGS
One of the keys to effective detox and weight loss lies in restoring and maintaining the balance of probiotic and prebiotic gut bacteria. Eat gut friendly, fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and live yoghurt, for a beneficial boost take a probiotic supplement daily.
- HERBAL HELPERS
Stodgy Winter food and too much time curled up on the couch can result in a sluggish metabolism. Herbs have long been used to support the body’s natural detoxification functions. Try matcha green tea, ginger, chillies and fenugreek to crank up your metabolism.
- ADD NUTRITIONAL INSURANCE
Supplements which improve your body’s natural detoxification processes include:
Aloe Vera – cleanses the colon, neutralises toxins, improves digestion and reduces bloating.
Spirulina – alkalises the body, increases liver function, and supplies high levels of chlorophyll, which speeds the removal of heavy metals from the body.
Hemp Seed – contains soluble and insoluble fibre to regulate elimination and nourish beneficial probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract; also high in chlorophyll.
- PAMPER YOURSELF
Body exfoliation boosts lymphatic drainage, speeds removal of toxins, eases stress and tension and improves skin tone. Use a natural body scrub twice a week in the shower to gently buff skin and stimulate the production of healthy, dewy new skin cells. Pat skin dry and lavish it with a generous dollop of organic, nourishing body lotion or oil every day.
- EXCELLENT EGGS
Eggs are versatile, convenient, and quick to prepare. They are also regarded as the gold standard in highly bioavailable sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues and regulating appetite by keeping you feeling fuller, for longer. Not a fan of eggs? Get your daily protein requirements by adding a spoonful of high quality protein powder to your daily juice.
- STRESS LESS
Making a deliberate choice to focus on improving your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is a very powerful step to take in reclaiming your health. If you struggle with high levels of stress in your life, reach out and enlist professional support. A great habit is to prioritise 30 minutes per day to do something that you love, preferably outside in nature. Ideas might include gardening, walking, socialising, or reading.
