Now is the time to prepare for the quickened pace of the final weeks of the year.  We encourage all of our clients to be mindful of the impact that the festive season can have on your health - particularly around sleep, diet and alcohol consumption. However, if you choose to indulge occasionally, there are steps you can take to minimise the damage so that you can return to optimal health as quickly as possible. 

With the throng of office parties, pre-Christmas catch-ups and family dinners appearing in your calendar, you may need to give your body extra support to stay healthy and replace much-needed antioxidants. This is important for anyone interested in health and healthy ageing because this time of year can overload your natural detoxification pathways resulting in oxidative damage, one of the key hallmarks of ageing. 

An antioxidant-rich diet has been shown in the research to provide a protective effect against the development of heart disease, cancers and age-related deterioration(1). Antioxidant compounds including the plant polyphenols found in green leafy vegetables, berries, cherries, grapes, green tea, dark chocolate and coffee prevent oxidative damage at a cellular level. One specific polyphenol, resveratrol, found in grapes and wine has been shown to suppress the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, supporting healthy ageing and longevity(2). Plant polyphenols may also offer a specific protective effect to the brain because of their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier(3)

During periods where your diet is less than optimal, you may need to supplement these antioxidant compounds to provide ongoing support to your detoxification and immune systems. 

Each product in the Functional Self detoxification range provides powerful antioxidants and natural detoxifiers that have been specially selected to support your immune system, detoxification pathways and cardiovascular health. Our liver and kidneys are continuously detoxifying, but will benefit from support to help remove additional toxins from the body, particularly when we don’t always get the sleep we need leading up to Christmas and New Year.      

Some of our detox favourites include: 

Glutathione - Glutathione is the most potent antioxidant in your body. It is naturally produced in the liver and found in every cell, and protects the body from inflammation, toxins, and pathogens. When your body doesn’t make enough glutathione, for example, during times of added stress or overscheduling, normal health functions and your immune system can become compromised. 

The PushCatch™ Liver Detox - a versatile two-step cleansing protocol designed to help support the liver. In the body, powerful antioxidants buttress a liposomal blend of bitters to “push” toxins to the gut. There, natural binders “catch” the toxins to be safely eliminated by the body. 

Liver Support - works to protect your liver from damage by providing natural antioxidants including Vitamin C and L-Methionine - the primary methylating agent in the liver. 

Coconut Charcoal - a highly absorbent charcoal product with millions of tiny pores that can capture, bind, and remove up to 100 times the charcoal’s weight in toxins. This inexpensive detox product can be taken before going to bed for rapid detoxification and removal of toxins while you sleep.   

H2 Elite – is a molecular hydrogen tablet that can be easily added to pure drinking water, providing powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. 

Throat spray – one quick application of balanced botanicals can help soothe a sensitive and sore throat. Have you been exposed to cigarette smoke, street dust and environmental debris? Use this to help reduce infection rates in the nasal and pharnyx region by supporting a healthy microbiome balance.  

Bloat Relief - Regain your confidence by easing digestive discomfort after meals without having to forego your favourite outfits. Heavy meals can take their toll, so reduce stomach bloating and gas to keep you feeling your best.  

Have you seen our recent detoxification blog series? This includes ways you can support your natural detoxification pathways and five myths about detoxification

If you are concerned about detoxification, we recommend diagnostic testing to know what you are dealing with. We offer non-invasive testing and can provide a liver detoxification profile to ensure your liver is functioning well. Get in touch on our health coaching page if you would like to find out more. 

References
1. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease 
2. Resveratrol: a multitargeted agent for age-associated chronic diseases. 
3.
Do polyphenols enter the brain and does it matter? Some theoretical and practical considerations