Some food rules to assist you in ageing well:

1. Limit your intake – research has shown that the less you eat the longer you live. This is because as food intake decreases, metabolic action decreases and free radicals formed by this metabolic process are decreased. Less free radicals means less cellular damage.
2. Balanced sugar levels – High blood sugar causes damage to your tissues, organs and skin. Reduce your consumption of all refined sugars.
3. Eat colourful foods – Colourful fruit and vegetables derive from pigments. These are high in antioxidants which decrease free radical damage. Include raspberries, blueberries,  carrots, beetroots
4. Cook at Low temperatures – High heat cooking generally produces harmful substances.  Both foods high in fat and carbohydrates are known to produce carcinogenic substances. Cooking at low vegetables or steaming is a better way to preserve nutritional content, however eating more raw live foods will provide you with the most nutritional content and life force.
5. Eat organic -  Organic foods have shown to have more nutritional value than non-organic foods.  Organic food is virtually free of contaminants such as herbicides and pesticides which place fewer demands on your body’s detoxification processes.
6. Eat Superfoods – these foods are high in nutritional value and easy to assimilate placing less load on the body. These include acai, maca, goji and cocoa
7. Juice daily – concentrated form of high nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes which are easily absorbed and assimilated in the body.
8. Drink purified water – Your body is 70-80% made up of water. It regulates your metabolism and facilitates millions of biochemical processes within the body. Drink between 2-3 litres a day as drying is dying.  Drink water and stay hydrated!

Christmas and New Year is here again and we all know what that usually means?
A time of over indulgence, lots of parties, celebrations, food and drink! How can we avoid putting on extra weight, feeling toxic and still have a great time? Well you can. We have listed a few helpful tips to get you through the festive season so that you can still feel and look great:
1. Drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres a day to keep the body hydrated and help flush toxins out of the body.

2. If drinking alcohol be sure to drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink and before going to bed drink at least 3 large glasses of water

3. Be moderate in alcohol and food intake as overindulgence is harmful to the body

4. Take the focus off food and alcohol. Focus more on joining and connecting with your loved ones

5. A large glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon first thing in the morning will help support the liver, improve digestion and hydrate the system

6. Multivitamin and B complex provide energy and support the liver and nervous system because alcohol depletes B vitamins.
7. St Mary’s Milk Thistle silybum marianum is the number one herb for the liver. It protects, detoxifies and restores the liver.

8. Replace coffee with dandelion coffee or tea. Dandelion, taraxacum officinale is a herb that removes toxins from the organs and blood.

9. Reduce caffeine intake because it dehydrates your system and puts extra stress on the adrenal glands.

10. Drink fresh vegetable juice daily to provide living phytonutrients for greater vitality and nutritional support.

11. Apples, pears, fennel, and peppermint provide a calming effect on the stomach and digestive system.

12. Slippery Elm provides relief to any heartburn or over acidity of the stomach.

13. Hangover Fix: Banana smoothie with protein powder, spirulina, linseeds, frozen mixed berries, rice milk or water, blend and drink

14. Add liquid Chlorophyll to your water. It has the power to regenerate our bodies and is known to help cleanse and alkalise the body.

15. Probiotic supplement and ½ cup yoghurt daily to maintain the friendly gut microflora and to keep the immune system strong.

16. Homoeopathic remedy: Nux Vomica 30c is a brilliant remedy for treating hangovers, nausea, indigestion and general overindulgence.

17. Be sure to get enough sleep and rest and take that afternoon nap if needed. Adequate sleep reduces stress and cortisol levels leading to healthier eating habits and reduces sugar and stimulant cravings.

18. Don’t go to a party hungry. Eat a wholesome meal before you go to avoid overindulging in the wrong foods.

19. Don’t deny yourself 100% of the Christmas goodies. Enjoy a small amount as a treat and know when to stop.

20. Know that you don’t need to partake in all that is offered and it is ok to say no. Test and trust your willpower and self discipline.

21. Organise some fun after lunch physical activities with the family and friends whether it be a stroll together, swim at the beach or a game of cricket.

22. Dedicate half an hour a day for some time to yourself. Take a walk in the park or beach, meditate, sit in the garden, read a book or get a massage. Keep the peace and connection with self within the busy season.

Coconut water is the clear liquid from young coconuts and is one of  nature’s most refreshing drinks consumed worldwide for its nutritious and health benefiting properties.  It contains electrolytes, calcium, potassium, magnesium, enzymes, zinc, selenium, Vit C and amino acids. It is low in fat and carbohydrates and has a similar chemical profile to our blood plasma.

Many studies have shown that coconut water has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and may help with a number of minor to severe health conditions.

This nutrient rich drink has been used to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and it has been found to boost energy levels and increase metabolism in the human body. Other conditions that it has been found to be effective at treating include stomach flu, dysentery, indigestion, constipation, intestinal worms, cholera, urinary abnormalities, urethral stone, malfunctioning kidneys, dry and itchy skin, age spots, and wrinkles.

Research on these health benefits:

• The cytokinins and lauric acid help regulate the cell growth and their divisions and can minimize the aging of skin cells, balance PH levels, and keep the connective tissues strong and hydrated.

• The high potassium levels and lauric acid can help regulate blood pressure and can help increase HDL (good) cholesterol, which makes it a wonderful natural treatment for maintaining good cardiovascular health.

• The high potassium levels and minerals helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body so great after exercise, in warm climates and after dysentery.

• The natural electrolytes help increase the body’s metabolism and may benefit people who are struggling with weight issues.

• Lauric acid in coconut water is converted into monolaurin which has great antiviral, antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity which helps fight against intestinal worms, parasites, lipid-coated viruses and other gastrointestinal tract infections in children and adults.

Coconut oil has shown to protect heart function and cardiac tissue and is protective against cardiovascular disease. It is a medium-chain fatty acid helping with energy production, speeding up the rate at which the body burns fat and supporting healthy fat metabolism. It is also a great oil to cook with as it does not become a trans fatty acid and can be heated up to 120C. It is so versatile that it can also be used on the body as a natural moisturizer, as remember anything you put on your body you should be able to eat too!

It is such a versatile plant providing us with food, medicine and fuel. Incorporate this amazing plant in to your life and allow your health to benefit.

Apple cider vinegar & its many health benefits:

• Breaks down the body’s fatty, mucous and phlegm therefore improving the health and function of your liver, bladder, and kidneys
• Maintains the body’s acid/alkaline balance
• Maintains cholesterol levels
• Helps thin the blood, which prevents high blood pressure
• Promotes and assists with digestion, the assimilation and the elimination processes
• Helps get rid of toxic substances that can be harmful
• Supports healthy skin and hair and soothes irritated skin
• Relieves muscle aches and pain

Uses:

• Start the day with a glass of water with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. If you need a sweetener, add a half teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. If you’re really keen, have another glass 15 minutes prior to dinner.
• Add apple cider vinegar to your salad dressings with extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil and a pinch of cracked pepper and sea salt.
• Gently pat your skin with a soft cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar to help exfoliate dry skin and clear non-cystic acne.
• After you wash your hair do a rinse with apple cider vinegar to give your hair improved shine as well as an itchy scalp relief.
• Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath to help relieve dry, irritated skin. An apple cider vinegar bath is also helpful in relieving muscle pain after exercise by helping to restore the acid-alkaline balance.
• Is used as a powerful household cleaning, antibacterial and deodorizing agent

Important: Make sure you use organic raw apple cider vinegar with the mother. Here at Byron Bay Detox Health Retreats we recommend Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. Never choose dead, distilled vinegar because the natural enzymes, minerals and nutrients are destroyed in the distilling process. Natural raw apple cider vinegar should be pungent, with a rich, brownish colour and a visible strand-like substance at the bottom of the bottle.

Benefits of Probiotics

• promote a healthy and strong immune system
• maintain healthy colon cells
• attack toxins for elimination
• assist with detoxification
• promote regularity
• help manufacture vitamin B and K
• help manufacture some digestive enzymes to assist with the digestion of  food
• create an unfriendly environment for potentially harmful bacteria and yeast

The following foods are high in good bacteria and encourage healthy populations. These include yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha and miso. Soluble fibre is the food and fuel source for beneficial bacteria encouraging them to multiply. You can also support your bacterial balance by taking a high potency probiotic.

When it comes to probiotics start with small amounts and increase gradually to allow your digestion to adjust to the changing balance of bacteria.

Keeping your bacteria in balance is essential in maintaining your overall health.

Fibre is essential to detoxification. Fibre feeds the good bacteria in your digestive tract and also binds with toxins and waste products in your gut, preventing their reabsorption and allowing them to be excreted. Fibre also binds with excess oestrogen and can help balance hormones.

There are two basic types of fibre: soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fibre breaks down in water in to  a thick gel. It absorbs toxins for removal, can help lower cholesterol,  normalise blood sugar and reduce your risk of heart and colon cancer.Some food sources of soluble fibre include apples, chia seeds, beets, carrots, lentils, oat bran, peaches and peas.

Insoluble fibre also known as roughage and adds bulk to your stool and does not break down. It moves bulk through the intestines and controls and balances the PH of the bowel to prevent microbes from producing cancerous substances. It can be helpful for some types of constipation as it tones the colon. Sources of insoluble fibre include oats, quinoa, wheat bran, whole grains, flaxseed, fruit skins, potato and root vegetable skins.

To ensure you’re benefiting daily from the detoxifying effects of functional fibre, get into the habit of sprinkling chia, linseed or LSA on your breakfast or in smoothies and eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. Both these insoluble and soluble fibres will create a brilliant orchestration of collecting toxins and carrying them out of your body.

Live Longer Eat Fibre.

See the many health benefits and active constituents of these amazing fruits, vegetables and herbs that we are blessed with by nature. Make fresh juices a part of your every day diet and start to feel an increase in your health and vitality.

Celery: Apium Graveolens

Healing properties:

Actions: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, carminative, reduces blood pressure, sedative, urinary antiseptic

Uses: Celery is an aromatic, tonic herb that is used to treat gout, inflammation of the urinary tract, cystitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Dandelion Leaf: Taraxacum offinalis

Healing Properties

Actions: diuretic, liver and digestive tonic

Uses: Dandelion is used for live, gall bladder, kidney and bladder ailments, including hepatitis and jaundice and to promote the flow of urine. The leaf is used to specifically support kidney function.

Fennel: Foeniculum vulgare

Healing properties

Actions: soothing diuretic, anti inflammatory, anti spasmodic, soothing digestive, expectorant

Uses: indigestion, flatulence, coughs

Fenugreek: Trigonella foenum-graecum

Healing Properties

Actions: expectorant, soothing digestive, protects intestinal surfaces, reduces blood sugar levels

Uses: bronchitis, coughs, diabetes, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, menstrual pain, peptic ulcer, stomach upsets

Lemon Balm: Melissa officinalis

Healing Properties

Actions: antioxidant, antihistamine, carminative, anti spasmodic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, nerve relaxant, anti- depressive, stimulates bile flow, lowers blood pressure

Uses: anxiety, depression, stress, flatulence, indigestion, insomnia

Parsley: Petroselinum crispum

Healing Properties

Actions: Antioxidant, tonic, digestive, diuretic,

Uses: As a diuretic, parsley helps the body expel excess water by flushing the kidneys. As a nutrient, is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C

Peppermint: Mentha piperita

Healing Properties

Actions: antispasmodic, digestive tonic, prevents vomiting, carminative, peripheral vasodilator, promotes sweating, promotes bile flow, analgesic

Uses:  helps to stimulate liver and gall bladder function by increasing bile flow to the liver and intestines. Well know for its ability to quell nausea and vomiting. Used in ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, fevers, colds, flu’s, and to improve the appetite

Turmeric: Curcuma longa

Healing Properties

Actions: antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti fungal, anti-viral, anticoagulant, analgesic, reduces, cholesterol, reduces post exercise pain, heals wounds, antispasmodic, protects the liver cells, increases bile production and flow

Fruits:

Apples:

Actions: tonic, digestive, liver stimulant, diuretic, detoxifying, laxative, antiseptic, lowers cholesterol and rheumatic

Uses: to cleanse the system, lower blood sugar cholesterol, keep blood glucose up, aid digestion. Great source of Vit A and also contain vitamins C, B and G. High in pectin which helps to lower both cholesterol and colon cancer, and boron, thought to help prevent the calcium loss that leads to osteoporosis, boost blood levels of the hormone estrogen (thus assisting menopausal women), and stimulates the electrical activity of the brain.

Lemons and Limes:

Actions: High in Vit C and limonene, thought to inhibit breast cancer. High in lycopene. Good source of choline, which supports mental functioning. The combination of carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, limonoids and coumarins make citrus fruit a total cancer fight package.

Papaya:

Actions: antioxidant, anti-cancer, aids digestion, soothes the gut

Uses: Papaya are high in Vit A, C and potassium, seeds contain protein.

Vegetables:

Asparagus:

Actions: Antioxidant, anti cancer, anti cataracts, diuretic

Uses: High in Vit E, source of Vit A, and C as well as potassium, niacin, and some iron.

Beets:

Actions: antibacterial, antioxidant, tonic, cleansing, laxative

Uses: Beet tops are high in Vit A, high in betaine, a liver and gall bladder strengthening enzyme, High source of potassium, with 8% chlorine- beets are very cleansing for the liver, kidney and gallbladder

Broccoli:

Actions: antioxidant, anti-caner, anti-cataracts

Uses: High in Vit E, High in cancer fighting indoles, glucosinolates and dithiolthiones, source of Vit, B and C

Cabbage:

Actions: immune building, anti-cancer, helps memory, antioxidant, promotes healing, detoxifying, anti-cataracts, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, antiseptic, restorative, anti-ulcer

Uses: High I cancer fighting endoles, good source of choline, high in Vit E, excellent remedy for anemia, benefits the live, effective in preventing colon cancer and may be of help to diabetics reducing blood sugar levels. Especially effective in preventing and healing ulcers.

Carrots:

Actions: antioxidant, anticancer, artery protecting, expectorant, antiseptic, diuretic, immune boosting, antibacterial, lowers cholesterol, prevents constipation

Uses: extremely nutritious, rich in Vit A, B and C, iron, calcium, potassium and sodium, They have a cleansing effect on the liver and digestive system, help counter the formation of kidney stones assisting in the relief of arthritis and gout, antioxidant properties of carotene (including beta-carotene) assist in prevention of cancer cells, protect against arterial heart disease and lower blood cholesterol, enhance mental functioning and decrease the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration

Celery:

Actions: antibacterial

Uses: Sodium

Cucumber:

Actions: diuretic

Uses: A moderate source of Vit A, iron and potassium, cucumber has very high water content, contains sterols, which support the heart to reduce cholesterol

Lettuce and Kale:

Actions: antioxidant, anti-cancer

Uses: Excellent source of Vit A and chlorophyll, with some calcium, iron, folic acid and potassium

Zucchini:

Actions: antioxidant

Uses: a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium and niacin

These are some of the vegetables and fruits that will be used during your week of cleansing at our Byron Bay Detox Health Retreats , providing your body with nutritional liquid gold to regenerate and revitalize.

Juice therapy is not only a delicious solution to assist you in your weight loss goals, it is also an incredible way to increase your vitality as well as fight disease and recover from illness faster.

Through juice cleansing you will cleanse your body, rebuild blood cells, increase your immunity, alkalise your system, reduce allergies, improve the cardiovascular system and heart health, and increase your over all wellbeing. But not only that, you are also guaranteed to lose weight.

Now doesn’t that sound like something you want to do for your body?

Often why people overeat and crave sugars is because their body is starved of the nutrients that are supposed to be in your food in the first place. Unfortunately, because so much of our modern diet is void of the nutrients that our bodies desperately need, our cravings increase as our body attempts to fill this nutrient void. With this diet of the modern world most people receive more nutrients from a week of juicing compared to a month of eating.

Fresh juices are packed full of nutrients saturating each cell of the body with this “liquid gold”.

Most people are often afraid that they will be hungry whilst on a juice fast but are suprised to realise that this is not true as the body is fully supported and satiated with the optimal nutrition from juicing.

Juicing can also support your fat burning and weight loss goals by

•  reducing cravings
•  kickstarting your metabolism
•  satisfying your hunger by saturating your cells with bio-available nutrients
• supporting your body’s natural fat burning processes
•  flushing toxins stored in your fat cells
•  reducing acidity in your body

Treat yourself to a juice fast detox where you will be able to break bad habits, give your digestive system a rest, detoxify your system, gain energy, and lose weight.

The colon is the largest organ of elimination and colonics are the most rapid way to eliminate toxins from the system.

The average person is carrying anything between 2 – 6 kg of compacted matter and toxic waste in the colon.

This toxic waste sitting in the colon is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream and in to the tissues and organs of the body. Therefore it is detrimental to incorporate colonic hydrotherapy with any detox to avoid “autointoxication” which is known as a self poisoning of the system.

A build up of old, putrified fecal waste can also block proper digestion, nutrient absorption, waste elimination and provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Colonic hydrotherapy will eliminate and flush out these bad toxins, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

The many health benefits of colonic hydrotherapy include:

• improved muscle tone of the colon
• reduced toxic waste and absorption
• increased digestive function
• hydration
• purging of the liver
• increases elimination of parasites, bad bacteria and fungi
• clears the lymphatic system
• increases immunity
• clearer skin and eyes
• clarity of mind
• increased vitality

Other health benefits:

Cleansing
Toxic Material is broken down so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination.  Fecal debris built up over a long period is gently removed over a series of irrigations.  Once this impacted material is removed, your colon can again begin its normal elimination function.  A colonic hydrotherapy session may be considered a rejuvenation treatment for your body.

Exercises
The build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs its function.  Gentle filling and emptying of the colon can improve peristaltic (natural muscular contraction) activity, which aids efficient removal of waste material.

Reshapes
Over time, the natural shape of a problematic colon will become distorted…causing even more problems.  The gentle water action and massage techniques of the therapist will help eliminate protruding pockets of waste and narrow, spastic constrictions.  After a series of colonic hydrotherapy sessions, the colon gradually begins to resume its natural shape.

Stimulation of Reflex Points
Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points.  A colonic hydrotherapy session stimulates these reflex points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts… in a beneficial way, similar to reflexology.

Colon Hydrotherapy involves the gentle infusion of gravity fed, purified, temperature controlled water into the colon through a disposable tube (thinner than a pencil) into the rectum. The gentle flow of water helps loosen and soften impacted fecal matter and waste that has built up on the walls of the colon, which then stimulates natural peristalsis (muscular contraction) and the release of stored waste from the colon.

Byron Bay Detox Clinic use the state of the art FDA registered and medically approved “Libbe” colonic hydrotherapy machine and your therapist is internationally trained and certified. With this we maintain the highest standard of hygiene and practice.

Your certified therapist will explain the treatment and in total privacy you will insert the lubricated disposable tube. There should be no pain or discomfort. You will lay back and relax on our colonic bed and be draped/covered during the whole procedure. The treatment will take about 40 minutes in which there will be a continuous filling up and releasing of the water and waste. There is no mess, no odour and many people find it a very relaxing experience with a wonderfully light and empty feeling afterwards.

“Every tissue is fed by the blood, which is supplied by the bowel. When the bowel is dirty, the blood is dirty; and so on to the organs and tissues….it is the bowel that invariably has to be cared for first before any effective healing can take place.”
Dr. Bernard Jensen, DC, ND, Ph.D.

Prevention is better than Cure, so detox now to prevent the onset of any  chronic dis-ease at our health retreat or clinic.