By Cassandra Roe, Naturopath (BHsc, Adv. Dip. Nat.)

Detox. The one word is enough to keep your dinner party guests debating for hours. Used to describe many products ranging from in-depth programs from skin care to foot patches, it is easy to see why many of us are left questioning and confused. However, detoxification is a continual process essential to life. It is the way we eliminate unwanted substances from our bodies. And the aim of any detox program should be to promote the most efficient elimination of these wastes. There are many foods that can assist this process, and it is easy to plan your own two-week detox eating program.

Basic Guidelines
This eating plan is based on whole foods, as close to their natural state as possible. The liver is a digestive organ that plays a crucial role in filtering unwanted substances out of the bloodstream, which are then eliminated through the bowels or urinary system.

• Choose a quiet time to undertake your detox
• Attempt to rotate your diet as much as possible within the allowed foods
• Do daily gentle exercise like walking or swimming
• Use as much organic produce in your diet as possible
• Keep a diary of how you are feeling, so you have a record of any improvements
• If you have any specific health conditions always check with your health practitioner before making any major dietary changes.

So, Let’s Begin…

Digestive Support
• Start each day with a cup of hot water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to increase your digestive secretions.
• Make your own fibre blend using equal parts of psyllium husks, slippery elm and flaxseed meal. Sprinkle 1 heaped tablespoon onto cereals or yoghurts, or mix into juice and drink straight away. The liver has to work harder when there is constipation, so fibre is important. Be aware that some fibres affect the absorption of some medications.
• Natural yoghurt with live cultures (good bacteria) should be eaten daily. Serve as an afternoon snack with fresh fruit.
• Eat foods containing natural digestive enzymes, such as pineapple, papaya and kiwifruit. Use lemons in fresh juices or salad dressings. Bitter tastes stimulate digestive secretions.

Liver Support
• Roasted dandelion or chicory root beverages make a good coffee alternative that support liver function. Drink 3 cups per day.
• Lecithin is a soy-derived substance that aids the digestion and usage of fats by the liver. Use 1tablespoons three times per day before meals.
• Avoid alcohol completely – try grape juice instead.

Kidney Support
• Avoid caffeine. Drink water, juice and herbal teas.
• Drink filtered water, as the impurities and chemicals in tap water add to our detoxification load. Drink small amounts frequently. Do not force yourself if you are not thirsty.
• Gentle diuretics like nettle and dandelion leaf tea are useful, especially if you tend to suffer fluid retention.
• Your skin is also an organ of elimination for fluid wastes from your body. During your detox consider a visit to a sauna or daily epsom salt baths.

What To Eat…
• Give your body a break from difficult to digest meats and go vegetarian for two weeks. Eat vegetarian proteins such as adzuki beans, black beans, lentils, chickpeas and soy products such as tofu. Include the occasional egg or piece of fish if necessary.
• Go for whole grains. Don’t just rely on wheat, and experiment with amaranth, barley, buckwheat, millet, oats, brown rice, quinoa and rye.
• Use as many fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits as you can. Look for seasonal produce for maximum nutrient content.
• Raw nuts and seeds will add extra protein to your vegetarian diet, such as almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, pepitas, and sunflower seeds.
• Cold pressed extra-virgin oils can be added to cold food or after cooking. Use flaxseed oil to ensure your omega 3 intake.
• Explore milk substitutes such as rice milk, soy milk, almond milk or quinoa milk.
• Raw honey, rice bran syrup, stevia, xylitol and agave nectar are natural sweeteners.
• Use a small amount of celtic sea salt and herbs to flavour meals.

An often over looked benefit of a detox program is the greater awareness of healthy eating habits that is discovered through participation. There is also the feeling of accomplishment that adopting a healthy lifestyle provides – even if only for a couple of weeks! You might even feel so good you decide to make some permanent changes. Your Healthy Life store carries many natural food products that can assist your detox program. The friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
For a personal recommendation on supplements that can assist you maintain a healthy heart just ask the Naturopath at your local Healthy Life store.