Detox Support for the New Year

Are you looking to detox for the New Year and in need of advice?Here are some tips on how to support your detox journey.

So the dust has finally settled on the silly season festivities. Now you might be questioning that second (third and fourth) serve of trifle or Christmas pudding. Luckily the New Year brings with it a fresh canvas to set new goals for personal growth. It is also the perfect time to put your health under the spotlight. there are numerous naturopathic products that may assist you in achieving your health goals if a detox is high on your list of New Year resolutions.

What is detoxification?

The body is highly efficient at the process of detoxification. Whereby toxins are transformed in the liver into harmless, water-soluble molecules. These are then excreted from the body through the kidneys and bowel. Proper functioning of the liver, bowel, kidneys and skin can ensure the process of detoxification runs smoothly.

Any time these body systems aren’t functioning at 100% (coupled with poor diet, stress and an increase in exposure to toxins), detoxification may be impaired. This can lead to fatigue, poor mental function, poor digestive function, lacklustre skin, food or chemical sensitivities, and immune dysfunction (just to name a few).

Naturopathic detox aids include:

Herbal helpers

Herbal medicines are a favourite among naturopaths and can assist the detoxification process. They can improve detoxification pathways in the liver, providing a protective effect on liver cells and improve kidney and bowel function, helping to eliminate detoxified molecules.

The herbal detox stars that naturopaths reach for time and again include – milk thistle (or St Mary’s thistle), dandelion, schisandra, bupleurum, rehmannia, turmeric, rosemary and globe artichoke. Our naturopath can also formulate a custom herbal tonic. Fusion Liver Tonic and Herbs of Gold Liver Care are fantastic alternatives if you prefer tablets or capsules.

Amino acids

For the liver to function at its detoxing-prime it needs a steady supply of several amino acids. Cysteine, glutamine, glycine, methionine, N-acetylcysteine and taurine are these all-important amino acids that can ensure the phases of liver detoxification run smoothly. These amino acids are available individually from brands such as Healthwise.

Greens

Algaes such as chlorella and spirulina have long been used to enhance detoxification, due to their presence of fibre and chlorophyll. In addition, these green powerhouses contain a wide variety of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. For high quality chlorella and spirulina we recommend the Green Nutritionals brand.

Dry skin brushing and Epsom salt baths may also improve circulation and channels of elimination to support your detoxification program. And of course, dietary changes help to maximise the effectiveness of a detox program. Ask our qualified in-store naturopaths and nutritionists for dietary advice and recipes, and whether a detox is suitable for you as some individuals (e.g. pregnant women) should not undertake a detox program.

By Alinda Boyd ~ Naturopath