3 Top Tips to Avoid Illness Whilst Dieting and Detoxing

When dieting & detoxing I often fall ill. How can I boost my immune system to ensure I avoid bugs whilst trying to get fit?’ Article by Nutritionist Erin McCann ND NT DipCNM mBANT

A number of factors may compromise your natural defences during your efforts to be healthier. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve immune health. However high intensity exercise (often a feature of ‘New Year’s’ fitness routines), can actually compromise immune function, reducing the body’s natural defences against bacterial and viral infections and other illnesses. In addition, fat cells store pollutants and toxins. As you lose weight, these toxins are released into your blood stream, which may also tax immune function. Here are 3 key ways to make sure you feel your best when embarking on a fitness, diet or detoxing regime:

Ensure pathways of elimination are functioning well.

Drink 2 litres of water daily to improve toxin elimination. Adding lemon juice is helpful.
Increase fibre intake. Quality sources include: apples, ground flaxseeds, oats and green leafy vegetables.
Mind your gut health by taking probiotics or eating live yogurt.

Eat foods rich in nutrients that support liver detoxification.

Protein, from fish, eggs, and legumes, provide essential amino acids which are essential for detoxification.
B vitamins are also crucial when detoxing and dieting. Quality sources include eggs, fish, legumes, avocado, mushrooms, spelt, dark green vegetables.
Milk thistle supplements may also help

Increase antioxidant and immune supporting nutrients.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and immune supporting nutrient. Sources include berries, citrus fruit, and green vegetables. Acerola cherry has been shown to help speed muscle recovery and has more vitamin C than any other fruit and can be found in nutritional supplements.

Bee propolis, olive leaf and beta glucans are 3 natural ingredients which all have a proven history of benefits when it comes to strengthening immunity. Black elderberry has been shown to reduce the number of days one is ill and is rich in antioxidants. Bee Prepared Daily Defence immune support is a great natural supplement to take when detoxing and dieting as it combines all of these nutrients as well as acerola.

Unbeelievable Green Detox Smoothie.

1 apple, cored and sliced
1/3 cup organic apple juice
1/3 cup coconut water
2 cups spinach
1/3 cup parsley
1 lemon, peeled and seeded
1 tbsp flax seeds * 1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and crushed.
Open in 1 capsule Bee Prepared immune support

Apples contain nutrients and fibre that support toxin breakdown and elimination.

Lemon stimulates the release of enzymes to metabolise toxins and has an alkalising effect in the body.
Spinach contains liver supporting nutrients as well as chlorophyll which is a powerful antioxidant. Parsley contains antioxidant nutrients and chlorophyll while also having a diuretic effect which aids in the clearing of toxins through the kidneys.

Ginger is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antibacterial.
Flax seeds are a terrific source of omega 3s, fatty acids & fiber.

This green detox smoothie will support your body’s elimination pathways and clearing of naturally occurring toxins.

Weight Loss May Release Stored Toxins http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/EnvironmentalHealth/22080
By John Gever, Senior Editor, MedPage Today
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Dorothy Caputo, MA, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, Nurse Planner

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