Let’s talk about a concept that is often misunderstood: a ‘cleanse’. I sometimes like to say ‘reset’ instead. It’s definitely not about juice fasts or restrictive diets and mindsets. In fact, those usually do more harm than good.
A true cleanse is a total body (and mind!) renewal. It involves making conscious choices to fuel your body with the right foods and nutrients that will help you feel energised, refreshed and rejuvenated.
The hard-working liver plays a key role in this process of revitalisation. As one of the body’s primary detox organs, it processes all the toxins, heavy metals and hormones that can build up in our systems. When overburdened, it can lead to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and brain fog.
Show your body and mind the care and compassion it needs, inside and out. Expect to see benefits such as glowing skin, improved gut health, deeper sleep and a surge in your energy levels.
I’m sharing my 6 steps to a comprehensive reset to help you hit refresh and be your most confident and vibrant self.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drink warm lemon water. Squeezing half a lemon into warm water (you can add a dash of cayenne pepper, if you like!) helps flush the liver and kick starts digestion and metabolism. Ensure you are getting your 2-3L water daily and enjoy herbal teas – try my Detox Tea for a delicious boost of refreshing rejuvenation!
- Increase brassica vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are known for their liver-supportive properties. My Cleanse Bowl stars an abundance of liver-friendly ingredients, antioxidants and healthy fats, all wrapped up in a dressing that is bursting with flavour.
- Enjoy a green juice: Adding greens into your diet will infuse your system with a direct hit of vitamins and nutrients. I love making my own at home with kale, spinach, lemon, ginger and green apple, but if you’re picking one up, try to find a juice bar that fresh presses their juice with organic ingredients.
- Limit liver loaders: Reduce your alcohol, coffee, sugar, heavy metals (mercury) and processed foods intake to minimise the burden on the liver. Instead, opt for nourishing and natural whole foods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Go to bed early: Big meals can often make us feel sluggish, but there’s a good reason to get your well-deserved rest. This is the body’s time to process and detox after a busy day, and it requires a good 7-8 hours per night. Give your body a break and let it do what it naturally wants to do. Check out my 5-step Sleepy Routine for an in-depth look at the nighttime rituals I swear by to ensure a deep, restful slumber each night!
- Supplement for additional support: Consider targeted supplements that contain ingredients such as turmeric for liver health and milk thistle to support natural liver cleansing and detoxification processes, under the guidance of a health professional.
Living the Healthy Life means prioritising balance and nourishment, rather than deprivation! Remember, your body is a carefully balanced system, and these steps will work in harmony to cleanse, rejuvenate and reset your body inside and out.