“I’ll just have a bite of one of my easter eggs.”
5 minutes later… “Okay, I’ll just eat half of it.”
10 minutes later… “Alright, I’ll just finish this one have the nibble of a hot cross bun.”
Half an hour later… “Ahh stuff it, it’s Easter — I’ll get back on track tomorrow.”
If the above scenario sounds familiar, chances you’re feeling sluggish, bloated and a little guilty right now. Before you go beating yourself up about it, signing up for a marathon and swearing off carbs, remember that it’s normal to indulge over the Easter period.
Instead, why not get back on track by kick-starting your metabolism and cleansing your system by adding some nourishing foods to your diet? We spoke to clinical naturopath and TV Presenter, Emma Sutherland about the best ingredients for improving digestion and here’s what she had to say.
6 natural foods that aid digestion
Kiwi fruit
Kiwi fruit has an incredibly high vitamin C content, which helps to boost the immune system. It also protects cell DNA from oxidative damage, improves digestive health and helps to clean out toxins. Best of all, all of these actions contribute to glowing skin.
Apples
Apples contain dietary fibre content, which helps the overall digestive process. Apples are high in pectin, which is a type of fibre that binds to cholesterol and heavy metals in the body. Therefore, they help to cleanse the intestines and eliminate toxic build up in the body.
Apples have also been shown to lower cholesterol and help prevent DNA damage and certain diseases. It is also thought that green apples can help prevent certain skin diseases, so if you suffer from rashes or any other skin conditions, they may be beneficial for you.
Beetroot
Beetroot contains a unique mixture of natural plant compounds that make them a great blood purifier and liver cleanser. They are also loaded with fibre and folate, which is great for digestive health.
Cucumber
Cucumber not only assists in detoxification and digestion, but it also helps to strengthen and synthesise skin tissue and induce improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation. Furthermore, it helps to boost the immune system and alkalize the body.
Celery
Celery is an excellent blood cleanser. It contains many different anti-cancer compounds that helps to detoxify cancer cells from the body and it contains over 20 anti-inflammatory substances. It is particularly good for detoxifying substances found in cigarette smoke.
Lemon
We all know that lemons are great for the digestive system, but what is it that they do exactly? Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is needed by the body to help produce glutathione. Glutathione then helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals. It is one of the best natural detoxifying ingredients that you can get, so add it to your salads and in your water for the benefits.
Liverlicious Smoothie Recipe
1/2green apple
1/2 cup blanched kale
½ cup spinach
A Handful of mint
A Handful of parsley
A handful of celery
½ cucumber
1 tbs camu camu
1 tsp flaxseeds
½ cup coconut water
Mix in a blender and voila!
This smoothie recipe by Mick Gay, founder of Sydney’s popular smoothie bar, O Superfood. The combination of ingredients mixed into the Liverlicious were specifically chosen to improve digestion, immune function and overall gut health.
