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Five Tips for Preparing the Body for the Christmas Assault!

1. Increase intake of all fruit and vegetables, especially those rich in antioxidants (carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, watercress), anthocyanadins (berries, beetroots, grapes), glucosinolates (cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale), sulphur (garlic, onions, eggs and watercress). Buy organic vegetables as they have been grown without unnecessary exposure to pesticides and chemicals, which may stress the liver.
2. Protein – chose from vegetarian sources such as pulses, lentils, brown rice and beans. The amino acids provided by protein are essential in the detoxification process and more alkalising (and therefore cleansing) to the body than animal sources.
3. Beetroot, chicory, avocado and artichoke all have specific benefits for the liver and should be eaten often. Chicory and artichoke hearts (from delis) make good snacks and beetroot can be eaten raw (grated or thinly sliced) in salads. Avocado is the perfect snack food and the fats are the beneficial monounsaturated kind that is so prevalent in the Mediterranean diet.
4. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day – filtered or bottled, but choose ‘mineral’ not spring water, which needs no regulation. Dandelion coffee has fantastic cholesterol regulating properties and herbal teas help to alkalise the body, encouraging it to function most efficiently.
5. Avoid or eat sparingly - Meat and dairy products (including sheep and goat); cheese, milk and yoghurt, but a little butter is ok. Hydrogenated fats, partially hydrogenated fats and trans fats (check labels). Chemicals such as artificial sweeteners, food additives and preservatives. Fried foods and dried fruit.