11 quick tips to detox after the holidays

Over-indulged over the holidays? Get your body back to health with a simple detox

Supplements Every now and then, the body requires supplements to tide over nutritional deficiencies. Probiotics in your daily diet can help develop a healthy gut and digestive system. Quality fish oils and apple cider vinegar also contribute by optimizing the body’s absorption of Vitamin B12 and iron.

Lemon water Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and help detox the body and burn fat. The reason why health experts recommend drinking water with lemon every morning is to alkalise the body and improve digestion.

Cabbage Cabbage is known for its digestive cleansing properties, so having it on your plate can do your liver some good. It also has cholesterol-lowering properties when boiled or steamed.

Decaffeinate Try to cut down on your intake of caffeine. Opt for green tea as it is full of antioxidants and removes stimulants from the system.

Artichokes In several studies artichokes were found to help keep the liver and gallbladder functioning well. They contain cynarin, which helps regulate bile production and prevents indigestion.

Ginger and garlic An anti-inflammatory, ginger is also known to be good at eliminating gas. Some studies suggest garlic might supress fat cells being formed in the body.

Greens Green leafy vegetables boost chlorophyll levels in the digestive tract, which helps the body detoxify against smog and herbicides.

Whole grain Whole grains are better for the body than refined grains at any time, whether you're detoxing or not. Apart from containing a great deal of nutrients and antioxidants, they have a high amount of insoluble fibre. Whole grains are also quite effective in flushing out toxins from the body.

Watercress Watercress is great to add to salads as it keeps free radicals away from cells and boosts cleansing enzymes in the liver to help the body detox itself.