From rich foods and chocolate overloads, to one drink too many, your gut is probably suffering from some bloating and discomfort following the weekend’s celebrations.
We all know eating well and exercising daily is the best defence to keeping a healthy gut, but having the fridge and press packed with the right food is your guaranteed way of starting your detox with your best foot forward.
Make sure to throw these foods into the trolley for a happier gut…
Apples, apple cider vinegar
Just like the doctor said, an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Whole apples, apple sauce, apple juice, or apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a powerful cleansing food. High in fibre, apples are great for aiding digestion and are also rich in pectin, a carbohydrate compound that acts as a thickening ingredient inside the gut. Pectin can help by ridding the colon of built-up toxins.
Avocados
Much like apples, avocados are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre is also tipped as the best way to promote healthy bowel movements, cleansing the colon. Try chopping up in a bowl for a snack or adding to eggs and tomatoes over wholemeal toast for a detox breakfast with added taste.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds possess fats and fibre that help promote healthy digestion and a clean colon. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
Clean Water
Water is the best beauty tip you can ever take. Dehydration can lead to constipation and a build-up of toxins in the tummy. Aim to get 8 glasses of water a day for a healthier you.
If you’ve been drinking this weekend, be sure to keep sipping on water to ward off the signs of a hangover or dehydration.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain natural aspirin that helps lessen inflammation. The little berries also act as antibiotics by blocking bacteria in the urinary tract, helping prevent infections.
Pop in your porridge for a sweet treat, or add to natural yogurt for a healthy snack to stop you reaching for the sugar.
Cabbage
Cabbage contains antioxidant compounds, helping the liver break down excess hormones. It also strengthens the liver’s ability to detoxify, which will come in handy after those weekend drinks.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a superfood that can sneak its way onto your plate in the most delicious sauce or in a carton of juice. Cranberries are packed with vitamin C and fibre, and are only 45 calories per cup. Cranberries contain large amounts of phenols, linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. They also help clear out any bacteria in the colon.
Garlic
Eat garlic to cleanse harmful bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses from your body, especially from the blood and intestines.
Lemons
Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, a vitamin needed by the body to make an important substance called glutathione. Glutathione helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to water to help clean your gut in a morning cuppa with your breakfast.
