The Season of Wine, Cheese and Biscuits...

As we settle into the warmer months and Christmas looms over us the season of wine, cheese and biscuits sets in.. This short article will cover the 'do's and don'ts' of the festive season whilst still highlighting the need for some fun. 

Diet and Lifestyle 

Choosing foods over Christmas can be quite a challenge with the mince pies, mulled wine and roast ham, however making tiny changes will support your health and get you through unscathed. 

1. Picking green Brassica veggies such as brussel sprouts, kale, chard and broccoli support the detoxification pathways, boost your immune system, inhibit CY1A2 enzyme activation via their phytochemical content + high levels of vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, folate and beta-carotene).  Cook your greens in high quality extra virgin olive oil and squeeze some lemon over the top at serving to increase absorption of these vital nutrients. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/ - this article provides further information on dietary choices to improve metabolic detoxification 'Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways using foods and food-derived components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application" (Hodges & Minich, 2015). 

2. Choose more veg over meat on your plate - loading up on vegetables and reducing your meat consumption will help with overall digestions due to the fibre content, lower levels of saturated fat (unless you smother them in butter!!) and lower caloric intake. 

3. Water - drinking plenty of water away from meals will help to improve metabolism of large portions and help to detoxify the body of alcohol. 

4. If you can get off the couch after Christmas lunch, some light exercise an hour after eating a high fat meal will help to lower triglycerides in the blood 

5. The most important thing over the Christmas is to REST, REST, REST!! To support the adrenals and improve your stress response for the new year  

Herbs and Teas to Support 

Silybum marianum (St. Mary's Thistle), Cynara Scolymus (Globe Artichoke), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion root) - liver and body trophorestoratives, choleretic, cholagogue

Products such as 'Legalon', MediHerbs 'LivCo' and BioCeuticals 'Liver Care' are all appropriate for detoxifying the liver, gallbladder and pancreas 

Other herbs with adaptogenic properties (Withania, Siberian ginseng, Astragalus and Bacopa) will support energy/stress levels 

Teas - 'After Party Tea'  at Healthy Heights 
- containing organic thistle, fennel, licorice root, calendula, dandelion, coriander, nettle, mint 

ASSESS YOUR NEED WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING.