Some key aspects for good health

Make sure you are operating at 100% by considering these key aspects for good health naturally.   Here are some important factors to consider.

For good health, consider a detox

The thought of completing a detox conjures up thoughts of drinking vegetable juices and herb teas, mixing up foul tasting “cleansing tonics” and living on the toilet for excessive lengths of time.  A detox for good health does not need to be as dramatic as this and can be as simple as taking a detox supplement in a capsule and drinking more water.  Symptoms which indicate the need for a detox can include waking up in the morning not feeling refreshed from your sleep, generally feeling more foggy and heavy (some people liken it to a hangover feeling or like they have cotton wool in their brain), frontal headaches, skin problems, irritability or digestive disturbances.  All of these symptoms can relate to poor liver function and can show that your eliminative organs (bowels, kidneys etc) are not keeping up with their job, in the role of detoxification and elimination. A well functioning liver is vital for good health.  You can read more about Time for a spring cleanse here

There are many great detox packs available, such as Thisilyn Cleanse, Paracleanse or Dieters Cleanse. Consider completing a detox at least once a year – Just like getting your car tuned up and serviced, our eliminative organs also need some specific attention to function at optimum performance.  You can read about how Leanne, Avalon and Kerry went on their detox here.

Lemon in water to help with the detox

Starting the day by having ½ a lemon squeezed in water is a simple but effective way to help to support your liver function.  Foods such as broccoli, watercress, asparagus, red cabbage, garlic, beetroot, carrot and the spices turmeric and ginger are all good choices for helping with detoxification in the body.  You can read more about foods that help with better detoxification here.

Stable blood sugar levels are important for good health

Think of your self as a fire place.  You need to keep yourself “stoked up” regularly, so you can keep going.  This helps to provide consistent energy and hence, better clarity and stamina.  To do this, eat within ½ an hour after waking and then each 2-½ hours throughout the day.  Each main meal should contain about 1 “palm full” of protein and 1-½ -2 palms full of carbohydrate (perhaps less carbs if you are over weight).  Ideally include salad with main meals.  Snacks could be a palm full of protein, such as some nuts and a carb such as a piece of fruit.

What is a protein?

To be able to make these changes, it is vital that you are able to identify the difference between protein & carbohydrates and it’s really very easy!  Think 1st, What is protein?  Protein is anything that comes from an animal – so meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.  It’s also nuts and seeds and soy products.  A fat is a fat, like fat on meat, butter, margarine & oil.  Also avocado (which is beneficial).  Basically – Everything else is a carbohydrate.  A carb is anything to do with sugar – so if there is any sweetness in your mouth, whether it be healthy or not (so fruit or a muesli bar) it’s a carb.  You can read more about Protein and Carbohydrates  here

A high carbohydrate diet. Is this good for our health?

So what is wrong with a diet which does not contain an adequate amount of protein with the carbohydrate?

Too higher carbohydrate intake produces too much insulin.  Insulin is produced by the pancreas when we eat sugar or foods that release sugar upon digestion, like carbohydrates.  Insulin enables our cells to absorb glucose from the blood.  The cells process the glucose to make the energy they need to function.  If you eat too many carbohydrates or sugar, in proportion to your protein intake, your pancreas will pump out too much insulin.

This can have many harmful effects for our good health:

The pancreas may overtime become fatigued and no longer able to produce insulin, leading to diabetes.  The high level of insulin causes Insulin resistance.  This means there’s so much insulin in the blood that cell receptors may become exhausted or may not be produced in as great a number.  The cell then becomes unreceptive or resistant to the effects of insulin.

When cells become resistant to insulin, they lose energy and messages are sent out which make the pancreas produce more insulin.  Insulin causes the body to store carbohydrates as fat and stops fat being used as a source of energy production.  So body fat levels go up and energy goes down.  Remember that Balance is the key.  Any changes you make you will only benefit from.

For your good health, Get a regular health check up

Once a year you should consider having the following tests taken at your doctors.  Check your cholesterol levels, your blood pressure and blood sugar, your liver function, a full blood count, PSA (for your prostate gland), your ferritin (to ensure your iron level is not getting too high) and your C reactive protein (a marker for cardiovascular problems).  Remember that prevention is better than cure.  By having these tests taken each year (and any others your GP suggests) you can keep an eye on the results of these tests and ensure they are only progressing positively.  Then you know if there is an area that needs to be looked at more carefully.

Remember, Prevention is better than cure.

Increase your muscle mass.

The more muscle you have the better your health will be generally.  This is because muscle is a very important functional tissue.  In fact, your muscle mass is considered to be the #1 biological marker of aging.  The ability to control your blood sugar levels is dependent on your muscle mass, because 80% of circulating glucose is typically stored in the muscle as glycogen.  With a low muscle mass, blood glucose clearance is delayed, resulting in blood sugar problems.  Your muscle mass is a key determinant of your metabolic rate – a higher metabolic rate will typically result in more kilojoules consumed per day and a greater control over body fat mass.  To achieve long term weight control, muscle mass must be adequate.

How to increase your muscle mass

The way to increase your muscle mass is to start a resistance exercise program or to lift weights.  But remember, if you start something like this and you do not eat adequate protein to keep up with the extra output, you will loose your muscle mass, rather than build it.  Latest information tells us that to build muscle you need to consume protein within 8 minutes after finishing your training.  This protein repairs the tissue, which makes your muscle larger.  Protein powder is a convenient way to consume this, as it can be taken to the gym in a shaker and then you can add liquid as soon as you have finished your work out.  Around 15 grams of actual protein is a good serving size per main meal.  This is what is contained in 2 large eggs, 50 grams of chicken, a small tin of tuna or salmon, 80 grams of mussels & 60 grams of beef or lamb.  Here are some high protein meal suggestions.

 For good health, stay well hydrated

I believe that one of the most important things we need to do to have better health is to drink more water. As simplistic as this sounds; I have seen the most life altering health problems relieved by at least 50%, just by the person drinking more water.  Pain is reduced, energy and clarity is increased and mobility is greatly improved.  Most people are so dehydrated, they are literally seizing up.

The kidneys can’t function properly without enough water.  When they don’t work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver.  One of the liver’s primary functions is to neutralise and eliminate toxins from the body.  But if the liver has to do some of the kidneys work, it can’t operate at full throttle.  As a result of this, the toxicity levels in the body can increase and I believe this is one of the main causes for developing a “disease” condition.

With obesity on the rise we all need to increase our water intake, as water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolise stored fat.  Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

If you are interested in maintaining or regaining your youthful looks and prevent your skin from drying out and becoming wrinkled, simply drink more water.

Dr F Batmanghelidj MD is the author of 4 books written about his findings from 18 years of research, on the topic of Water.  In his book “You’re not sick you’re thirsty” he talks about how he has treated more than 3000 cases of a peptic ulcer with water alone.  He refers to this and many other ailments as resembling a thirst “disease”.  He believes that many symptoms develop in the body when it is dehydrated, just as it does when we have a deficiency of anything else – say with a lack of iron and anaemia develops.  The main problems that he believes develop in the body with dehydration are arthritis & joint pain, high blood pressure, heartburn, asthma & high cholesterol.

How much water is needed for good health?

So how much water is enough?  On the average, most New Zealand adults require 2 litres of water a day, however many things will alter this amount.  Many foods and beverages we consume are dehydrating – for example tea, coffee, alcohol & salt.  Whenever we consume any of these, we need another cup of water to compensate for the dehydrating effect it has on the body.  As well as this, exercise and stress also give us a need for more water.  Technique is important though and I believe it is better to sip on the water consistently throughout the day, rather than consuming large amounts all at once.

Adopting any of these recommendations could only benefit your good health.

Super African Mango

I cant believe 5 months has passed since I started taking the Super African Mango.  I have continued to take 2 capsules each morning and haven’t missed a day.  I have continued to experience the subtle but effective appetite suppressing effect, which I am so pleased about, as this is my main problem – feeling satisfied and producing satiety after meals.   I have continued to loose weight and have lost over 7kg now.  Yes its slow progress, but at least my weight is still going down.

As you may remember, I am not a fan of exercise.  Im sure that if I had of been exercising too, my weight loss using the Super African Mango would have been a lot more than this amount, but I am happy with any weight loss.  Also, since my last update I have been on holiday down in Queenstown and it really was not easy to resist all of that delicious Pinot Noir and locally made cheese!   So my weight probably stagnated while away, but Im back on track now and feeling good.

I have just about finished my 5th bottle of the Super African Mango, and have decided to swap brands and try the new Radiance WellTrim iG African Mango.

Welltrim is the authentic patented African Mango seed extract as featured on TV by Dr Oz.  Welltrim iG is the only clinically researched African Mango seed extract (IGOB131) shown to promote healthy weight management.

Im not sure what to expect when i swap to the Welltrim African Mango, as the milligram amount of this is very different to the Super African Mango I have been taking.  For example the Super African Mango contains 600mg of African mango seed extract per capsule and you take 2 capsules a day.  With this new patented product WellTrim, each capsule contains 150mg of WellTrim iG African Mango, which has been standardised to a minimum of 7% albumins, the active part of the African Mango seed extract.   The dosage of this is 1 capsule twice a day, so as of Sunday, this will be the African Mango product i will be swapping to.

I will report back in 1 month, to let you know how i feel taking this and if i feel any difference in the action of this, with the reduced mg amount per capsule.

So until my next African Mango update.

Lowered Immunity? Don’t let the winter bugs get you this winter!

Already the cold and flu season has started with a “hiss and a roar”. While some people choose to have the flu vaccine, for others, prevention is the main focus for them and their family.  In this post, we talk about ways to help to build up immunity – so taking on board the old saying of “prevention is better than cure”

Firstly you may ask why is it that the winter bugs seem to be affecting us more and more these days. Many bugs are becoming stronger and stronger and more resistant to standard treatment.  But as well as this, I believe our lifestyles are one of the main things to blame. A lot of us work in office blocks, under fluro lights and hardly every see the light of day. We all seem to be so busy racing around and many companies have cut down on staff, so the workload put on the individual is often extreme.

Because so many people are under regular stress, they also don’t always eat properly and their immunity is often lower and viruses, coughs and colds can take hold more easily.

So, what can we do to helps keep our immunity higher and the winter bugs at bay?

Boost your immune system specifically

If an invader comes into your body, your defense system needs to be ready to respond, no matter what type of virus or bacteria it is.  To do this you could consider these things.

Take an immunity tonic

The formula I recommend for immune boosting/strengthening is Astra Forte. A deep immune rebuilding tonic that assists in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, glandular fever, lack of vitality, repetitive cold and flu infections, debilitated immune function, debilitation from chemotherapy, post infection recovery, as a liver tonic for hepatitis and for a bronchial cough.

We also love System Well Ultimate Immunity, the most complete and comprehensive herbal and nutritional formula for immune support. This formula is designed to strengthen the seven different mechanisms of immunity. Each tablet contains herbs well known for its ability to assist the natural healthy function of various body systems. Research has shown that many of these herbs have both direct and indirect benefits to the human immune system.  We have many overseas customers who took System Well while visiting NZ, only to request we ship a bottle or two to them once they returned home, as they could not find anything else that worked as effectively to strengthen their immunity.

If your immune system is weak and its power is low, then an immune stimulant like Echinacea cannot work effectively. Taking an immune tonic with Astragalus (one of the herbs in Astra Forte) will help to restore the immune competency and power, so Echinacea can work again. If you fail to recover your strength and vitality after an illness, such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia, you will know that you have depleted your immune power.

A pre winter course of Astraforte or System Well will help to keep your immunity higher. We always have a bottle of either one at home, so that if I have been under a lot of extra stress or feel like I’m coming down with something, I take the recommended dosage for a week or 10 days. The difference is very noticeable after a course of Astra Forte or System Well.

The role of probiotics in Immunity

As 70% of your immune system is situated in your intestinal wall, it only makes sense to take a probiotic, to help with immune strengthening. If you have previously taken antibiotics, and did not take a course of probiotics to replenish the beneficial intestinal bacteria, there is a chance your immunity will have already been affected by this.  It is said that for each 1 course of antibiotics taken, it takes around 1 month of supplementing with a probiotic supplement to replenish the beneficial bacteria depleted from just this 1 course.  A problem though is, that not all probiotic supplements are created equally.  We stock two main probiotic ranges Natures Way Primadophilus family of probiotics and Ethical Nutrients family of probiotics.  Primadophilus Optima is the highest strength probiotic we stock and is designed to deliver to the gut (by way of an enteric coated capsule) the beneficial microorganisms essential to maintenance of healthy intestinal flora.  Inner Health Plus contains medical strength acidophilus & bifidobacterium with colostrum & a specially formulated matrix called probioplex. The strain of acidophilus “NCFM acidophilus” can survive the passage through the human gastro intestinal tract (bile and acid resistant) to aid in the maintenance of a normal healthy gastro intestinal system and digestive function.  If you have been taking antibiotics, a probiotic can assist in maintaining the balance of good bacteria and is also useful for symptoms of bloating, gas or flatulence. It aids in maintaining a normal healthy immune system.

Colostrum for Immunity

We are lucky here in New Zealand to have high quality dairy products, with colostrum being one of these.  Colostrum is the first secretion produced from the mammary gland, which precedes milk. During the first 24-48 hours following birth, colostrum provides life supporting immune and growth factors (IgG and IgF). These help form the building blocks for healthy development. Colostrum is so important to baby animals that they would die without it.  Colostrum comes in powder, which can be given to children and animals, capsules and also chewable tablets.  You can read more about Colostrum here.

Cats Claw and Olive Leaf extract for Immunity

Natures herbs to the rescue! Cats claw and Olive leaf are other good herbs to use at this time of year, to help with immunity and to help ward away virus’s and bacteria.  They are ideal to use at the onset of illness and then carried on for a further week once all symptoms have gone (to ensure you god rid of it properly)

Cats Claw supports a wide range of health ailments associated with the immune system and digestion, such as gastric ulcers, arthritis, intestinal disorders, certain skin disorders, herpes, candida, chronic fatigue, lupus and tumours. The root of cats claw has been studied extensively to show a significant immuno-stimulant activity.

Olive Leaf extract has been found to boost energy and aid in the treatment of viral, bacteria, yeast and fungal infections. Olive leaf compound has an ability to ‘restrain’ viral infections, by inactivating viruses, preventing virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane.

Multivitamin/mineral formula with antioxidants for better immunity

It is well documented that most of us would benefit from taking a multi vitamin/mineral formula.  When you think that here in New Zealand we have 2 key immunity antioxidants missing in our soils – Zinc and Selenium, it only makes sense to supplement with these, as well as a full assortment of the key nutrients needed for good health.  The main key antioxidant nutrients include Vitamins A, C, E zinc and selenium.  Our own Xcel Health MultiVite takes these nutrients into consideration, as does Go Multi Everyday. Alternatively, an antioxidant like Nutralife Enzogenol ACE contains these nutrients, plus you also obtain the benefits of the added Enzogenol – the New Zealand Pine Bark Extract.  You can read more about Enzogenol here.

If you are looking for a “wholefood” multivitamin, then Natures Way Alive Whole Food Energizer may be the one for you.  This multivitamin has been formulated using daily essentials, botanical energizers and system defenders including twenty five vitamins and minerals, twelve digestive enzymes, ten amino acids, fourteen green foods, twelve organically grown mushrooms, as well as a huge fourty+ antioxidants. WOW, what more could you want in a multi? As with all Alive!® multivitamins it’s also packed with high potency B-vitamins, over twenty fruits and vegetables and nutrients for whole body nourishment, to help support bone health, daily energy, colon health, eye health, heart health, and immune defense.

Eat well for better Immunity

Eating a broad diet, which contains a good variety of fresh fruit &/or veggies – ideally, at least ½ of your daily food intake, is important. These can be eaten as salad vegetables, put into a smoothy or juiced, or lightly cooked in a stir fry or by steaming these.  Many people worry about eating frozen vegetables.  Of course fresh is best, but if you didn’t get to the green grocer to get your fresh supply, then using a New Zealand grown frozen vegetable range is a lot better than missing out on your veggies altogether.  I personally think it is important to buy New Zealand grown produce.  Due to the variation in supply of vegetables, many producers source imported vegetables grown in Australia or China. Talley’s tell us that they are the only range that is absolutely 100% home grown where Wattie’s tell us that over 90% of vegetables and potatoes used in Wattie’s frozen vegetable products are home grown in NZ. These include: peas, carrots, baby carrots, corn, green & yellow beans, broad beans, and potatoes.

The more brightly coloured the vegetable, the higher the level of antioxidants this contains.  Purple, red and orange are good ones to choose.  You can read more about Antioxidants here.

Fresh air and exercise for better Immunity

Getting outside to get some fresh air every day is vital.  There are so many reasons why this is vital, but if we are talking about Immunity, then getting your daily dose of Vitamin D by exposing your skin to direct sunlight is vital.  It is common to find that those with a lowered immune system also have low vitamin D levels.  Vitamin D is involved with T-cell activation, the killer cells that detect and then kill bacteria and viruses.  Don’t bother asking your GP to test your Vitamin D levels though, as they have been instructed to not offer this “expensive” blood test, but to just treat with Vitamin D if they think levels are low.

If I am feeling low, stressed or just plain bored, then there is no better medicine for me than going for a walk along the beach and breathing in that fresh sea air, to blow away those cob webs.  If you need motivation, get a walking partner.

If you need some specific advice with regard to winter immunity, don’t hesitate to contact our naturopathic team, who will be happy to steer you in the right direction.

So, as the title states, its been 10 weeks that I have been taking the Super African Mango extract for now and I am pleased to tell you that I have lost a total of 4kg. At first I didnt think this sounded like a lot, but then Mike told me this was the equivalent of 3/4 of a block of butter a week and this made me feel a lot better   I have been consistently loosing 400 grams  each week i have been taking the Super African Mango.

A surprising thing about Super African Mango

I think the really surprising thing for me is where I have lost the fat from – my stomach and butt.  Im sure its coming off other areas too, but these are the areas where it is most noticeable for me.  I thought you had to do sit ups to loose belly/abdominal fat? I can tell my abdominal fat has halved already.  Yippee.

I am still loving taking the Super African Mango and have come to the conclusion that what ever i am doing, dont change it, as its working.

Dont get me wrong, its not all easy and I am really trying to stay focused and “on track”.  I am still walking 2-4 times a week, depending on this terrible, un predictable summer weather we are having.  I have managed to get in 3 swims since January.  Burr Burr.  Im sure I burned fat just from the shivering in the cold water.

Super African Mango the miracle product for me

I still really think the Super African Mango is the miracle product for me.  I feel really good taking it, it really helps to control my appetite, which helps with my portion control, I hardly crave for carbohydrates and if I do, its because my previous meal was not balanced well enough.  As well as this, I am feeling so much better about the way my body looks.  Im sure my blood pressure will improve with the more fat I loose.  Still a long way to go though, as I probably need to loose another 10kg.

Let me know how you are going.  What a great way to start the year, getting rid of our excess fat and get healthier! Good on us.

You can read more about Super African Mango here

Until my next update on Super African Mango

Myself, Avalon and Kerry have started the new year with a herbal detox.   I believe January is the perfect time of the year to give your eliminative organs a bit of a “tune up” and help to support them in their functioning ability.

When we think about detoxing, I like to use the analogy of our car, which most of us ensure we take to the garage once a year for a tune up – But what about our own “vehicle”, our body?  When you think of everything we have put in our mouth over the year, and then, what has come out or what we have eliminated, often the 2 dont match up.  Some people think that having a bowel motion every 2nd day is efficient enough, however I can assure you, that this really is not regular at all.

Typical symptoms that could point to needing to complete a detox include skin problems, a foggy brain, fatigue, waking and not feeling refreshed from your sleep, headaches, bad breath, an erratic bowel and generally not feeling like yourself.  Of course, these symptoms could relate to other things too, but for a lot of us, they show that we really do need to support elimination better.

We decided to use the Natures Sunshine (NSP) Clean Start herbal detox pack.  I am a big fan of all of the NSP herbal detox packs.   They really have tried to make these as easy as they can for us, by having single serve packets, rather than a number of bottles of pills, where we take 1 of these 2 of these and 4 of these ones.  What I mean by the single serve packets is they include all of your morning detox capsules in a convenient AM pack and all of your evening capsules in a PM pack.  I love this concept, as it means i really don’t have to think about it and what I have to take – its all there, in a small packet that i can put in my hand bag and take out with me, if I need to.  Thanks NSP!  You really were thinking of people in the real world, where convenience is an important factor too.

The Clean Start herbal detox pack comes with the AM and PM pack, but also a powdered fibre supplement that you mix with water and have 30 minutes before eating.  Remember if you take a pharmacy medicine, you must have a good separation of time between taking fibre and anything else, or it may interfere with the absorption of this.  Avalon and I are taking the Clean Start Berry and Kerry the Clean Start Apple Cinnamon.  Unfortunately NSP have since deleted the Berry flavour, but the Apple cinnamon is still available.

So myself, Avalon and Kerry are all completing exactly the same herbal detox, however the lifestyle changes we are making while taking this are very different.  Kerry is being super diligent and has made some major dietary changes, Avalon has cut out energy drinks, junk food and take aways and Myself, because I am taking the Super African Mango and have already changed a lot of things in my diet, I am sticking to this.

I have asked Avalon and Kerry to keep a diary of  what they have been doing while completing the detox and I will summarise all of our progress, as we go along.   Heres our Detox experience.

Our experience with NSP Clean Start herbal detox pack

Leanne:  I was really keen to complete a detox, to help me with my weight loss goals while taking the Super African mango.  Because I have been taking the African mango for 3 months now, I haven’t had a problem cutting out foods I shouldnt be eating, or with over eating.   The African mango has really helped to curb those uncontrollable carbohydrate cravings I usually get, and that feeling of  “What can I eat!”.  I have lost my pre occupation with food and finally feel satisfied after eating.  Yippee!

I started the Clean Start herbal detox 1 week ago. Because I have already made a lot of changes, I havnt found it difficult.  Often when you start a detox, head aches and skin breakouts are common, but I didnt notice anything like this.  I have definitely cut my carbohydrate content down at meals and have tried to dramatically increase my water intake.  I have to admit I am not a good water drinker, so this has been harder for me to be diligent about.  What I have done is found some really nice water, that i enjoy drinking.  At the moment I am drinking Gerolsteiner Sprudel Natural Mineral Water, which I absolutely love.  I found this at Farro, for a small $2.95 a bottle (a soft drink can cost more than this).  It sounds poncy to say Im drinking bottled Sparkling water, but it really does feel like a treat to have this and it has helped me to drink more water.  Before I found this water, I had been drinking the Santa Vittoria Sparkling Water, which is available at Countdown and Pac N Save for a small $1.70 -$1.80 a bottle.   Yummy and it feels extra special to drink.

I took the capsules morning and night, ensuring I had a 2 hour separation from my BP medication.  I also had to take the fibre away from my meds, to ensure I absorbed them properly.

My conclusion of the herbal detox was it was an easy and effective program to follow.  You could alter the foods you were eating, depending on your own specific dietary “limitations” or requirements for example follow a gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian diet.  I suggest an easy regime to follow is those dietary recommendations outlined in The Liver Cleansing Book by Dr Sandra Cabot.  Half of the book is easy to follow recipes.   Always remember to take a probiotic after completing any detox, to replenish all of the beneficial bacteria.

Kerry’s experience on her herbal detox

Kerry:  So today is the first day on my detox. After all the overindulging of Christmas and New Year, I am ready to get clean. I can’t think of a better time to do a detox- New Year clean start.   I have decided that whilst on this detox, I will be focusing on having fruit, vegetables, green tea and good protein sources such as eggs, whey protein, pea protein and possibly some fish. I am giving up my coffee, all refined foods and meat.  I started my day taking my CleanStart supplements. I was surprised that the CleanStart cleanse packet, mixed with water, was quite pleasant tasting. The capsules were easy to take – I like that there are only 3 capsules to swallow (as some herbal detox kits have you swallowing a lot more). I have had a little bit of a foggy head today, but otherwise I feel fine.  This is what I have been eating.

Breakfast: Vanilla Isowhey smoothie with blueberries and rice milk. Midmorning: Green tea

Lunch: Vanilla Isowhey with mixed berries and rice milk

Midafternoon: CarbRite bar- chocolate mint cookie

Dinner: Cabbage soup and Vital pea protein + rice milk drink

I have had more that 2 litres of water to drink today, which I have sipped all throughout the day… bring on a healthier 2012.

So today is day two on the detox. I have a headache and a bit of a foggy head today. I have a funny taste in mouth.  I ate similar things to yesterday, except my dinner consisted of  Green and yellow beans with braggs all purpose seasoning, cabbage soup and Vital pea protein + linseed + rice milk.

I have had more than 2 litres of water to drink.

So today is day three. My head isn’t as foggy as yesterday, and I only have a dull headache hanging around. I am making sure I am drinking lots and lots of water, sipping it all day long.  I ate the same kinds of things during the day, but had a 2 egg omelette with cherry tomatoes (no cheese, just eggs and tomatoes); vital pea protein with linseed and rice milk.

Day 4.   I don’t have a headache today, but I still have a little fogginess I can feel hanging around. I had a “gurgly” tummy last night and this morning. The last two nights I have woken up at 2:30am and I am feeling a little tired today. I am aware of that funny taste in my mouth again all day today.  I ate the same kinds of things throughout the day, but had Beetroot and orange salad, 2 egg omelette with cherry tomatoes; isowhey smoothie for dinner. I have had more than 2 litres of water today.

So today is day 5. I had a headache around midday today. I also noted that my tongue was coated with a white layer all the way to the tip. I often have a white layer towards the back of my tongue, but not usually covering my whole tongue. I have had more bowel motions today than usual.  I ate the same kinds of things as on other detox days and had a 2 egg omelette with cherry tomatoes; lettuce, tomato, cucumber, celery; Vanilla Isowhey smoothie with blueberries and rice milk for dinner. I drank 2 litres of water today.

Day 6,7 and 8 I noticed a thick white layer on my tongue in the morning, which I gently removed using floss.  I ate the same things throughout the day, except had some grilled salmon at lunch and an omelet for dinner.  The following evening I had a Moroccan chickpea soup; Vanilla Isowhey with mixed berries and rice milk for dinner. I had more than 2 litres of water today.  Day 8 was the first day I didn’t have that fogginess I was experiencing last week and I don’t have a headache. I am still aware of the taste in my mouth and my white coated tongue.  I had the same things throughout the day and for dinner I had Mushroom soup, salad with lettuce, tomato, olives, capers & olive oil. We went out for dinner, so I made sure I checked the menu during the day so that I was prepared (the last thing I wanted was to feel flustered and choose the wrong food!). I had more than 2 litres of water today.

So today is day 9. I have reached that point in the detox where I feel really good. Although I am looking forward to a cup of coffee and some yummy curry, I don’t have any real cravings. I feel really settled in myself and I have a general sense of satisfaction. I will make sure I get a different flavoured Isowhey tomorrow as I feel I need a flavour change !

Day 10.  I had very little to clean off my tongue this morning. I find myself thinking about next week, when the detox is over, and how I want to eat. I am enjoying how I am feeling and I want that to continue. I feel I need to be prepared, and I need to know what my next step is.  Changed to Chocolate Isowhey – mmmm yum- enjoyed the change Had organic pumpkin soup; chocolate isowhey smoothie with rice milk and mixed berries for dinner.

So today is day 11… not many days left on the detox!

Summary:

I am finished doing the detox, and my experience has been very positive. I feel really good. I loved not having any cravings during the detox- it was important for me to make sure I was prepared with the right foods, and that I was eating regularly. This meant that I felt focused and satisfied. The main benefits of this detox are: I feel more energised, I have a ‘clear’ head and I have lost a little bit of weight. The plan is to continue eating well, and to indulge in moderation. I have been looking forward to a good cup of coffee and a yummy curry!

Avalon’s experience with her herbal detox

Avalon: Today we are starting our detox. This is the first real detox that I have done. Well I have done one, but gave up very quickly, so am looking forward to having some other peoples support to keep me on the right track. I am quite a bit of a foody so am just going to cut out any of kind of soft drink, energy drink, lollies, choc and most processed foods/takeaways. I am really bad when it comes to taking yukky tasting liquids, so was thrilled when I tried the Fiber sachet in this pack and it was actually nice!!! And having the individual packets made it so much easier too.

Started today. Took the fibre sachet at 8am then had a protein bar and first lot of capsules at 8.30. Still had a coffee though…. Really trying to drink lots of water! Had a protein shake at about 11.  Lunch of rice, broccoli, tomato and tuna.

Around 2pm stomach started gurgling but I think that this may have been something else. Feeling fine, just a little gurgly. Drunk 3 750ml bottles of water as well as a cup of green tea and a glass of water with Zinc Fix in it.   Woke up in the middle of the night having to “go”.  Went 3 more times before I got to work.   Either my dinner didn’t agree with me or I am cleansing!!!

Havent felt bad at all though. No headaches so all positive. Spoke to Kerry when she got here and we think that it is my body trying to eliminate something bad first.

Should have organized some more stuff to eat and recipes so that I ate better, but we still have 12 days left so I am sure that I will get there. Already drunk 1 cup of green tea mixed with Digest Tea and 1 cup of water with my zinc fix and 4 and a ½ 750ml bottles of water.  Tried to be good and had a yummy stir fry for dinner.

Day 3 – Still not having any real detox symptoms (headaches, foggy head, feeling yukky). Suppose if I stopped drinking coffee I would get some of those detox symptoms. Drunk 3ish bottles of water, but dinner wasn’t as good. Food during the day was though.

Day 4,5 6,7.  Pretty much the same. I wish i could be as disciplined as Kerry is being.   I think the main problem for me is not being as organised with enough healthy food.  I have been taking the capsules morning and night and also the fibre supplement.

Something came up and i was unable to finish this completely, however I still think I really benefited from this detox AND my digestion is a lot better than it was when i started it (I think i eliminated something bad) I have remembered to take my probiotic to replenish all of the good bacteria.