Surviving Summer - top tips for staying healthy inside and out during a heatwave!

Here in the UK we are not always blessed with long, hot, sweltering summers but we are becoming more accustomed to heatwaves, high pollen levels, strong sun rays and sweaty sleepless nights.

It's common however to get carried away by the short spells of warm weather and neglect our healthy habits in favour of binging on BBQ's, soaking up the sun, drinking gallons of G&T's and indulging in ice-creams. Of course you have to be able to treat yourself, but it's so important to take care of yourself when your body is vulnerable to the health hazards that summer presents. 

Here are some of our top tips for looking after yourself on the inside and outside during the summer months. 

Bee Pollen

A bi-product of honey, these sweet, flowery tasting pellets are a complete food with a comprehensive nutrient profile including an ideal balance of protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, lipids, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. 

Aside from its dense nutrient content, bee pollen is also a powerhouse against allergies and in particular, hay fever. Bee pollen actively reduces the production of histamine, the compound your body releases in reaction to the immune response caused by pollen (which causes itchy eyes, runny nose, etc). Essentially it works as an natural, nutrient rich alternative to over the counter anti-histamines. 

Camu Camu

Camu camu is the worlds richest source of vitamin C, in fact this small Amazonian berry carries up to 60 x more vitamin C that an orange! Available in dried, powder form, this nutritional supplement is a fantastic immune system booster than can help ward off summer colds. 

Camu camu has a tangy, tart taste and is best taken in an organic juice, smoothie or mixed in your breakfast. One teaspoon a day will boost your energy levels, provide a good amount of antioxidants and boost your immune system. 

Stay hydrated

An increase in sunshine and hot weather naturally increases the amount we sweat as our hypothalamus does the incredible work of regulating our body temperatures. But it's important to remember that you need to compensate for this by increasing your water intake. We always recommend drinking 2 litres of water a day to maintain good health, but try to add another 1/2 - 1 litre to this during a heatwave, especially if you are also exercising. 

Nutritious summer foods

Easting seasonally is never easier than in summer, during this time we have an abundance of salad veggies, summer fruits and fresh produce. Our bodies also don't require the warmth of winter foods and slow release carbs to keep our energy levels up in the cold, meaning we can fill our tums with nutritious, raw and vibrant ingredients. 

My favourite salad in summer is made up of organic: lettuce (home-grown by Amida), tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, broccoli sprouts, raw kale, courgette and peppers, some slightly more exotic mango, with lightly cooked green beans or asparagus, and if you're a cheese lover (and not vegan), a smidgen of grilled halloumi or crumbled feta on top. 

Stay smelling sweet with natural deodorant 

It's perhaps not necessary to elaborate too much here, we all know what hot days plus increased sweat means... But perhaps you're not aware that conventional deodorants contain ingredients like aluminium and parabans that can be damaging to our health. 

By swapping to a chemical free deodorant you can be safe in the knowledge that you will not only smell good, but avoid toxins that absorb straight in to your skin. We stock the Clay Cure range of natural, coconut oil based deodorants with aromas including lavender, water lily, white rose, mint and vetiver, lemon and tea tree, and ylang yang. They're so clean you could even eat them :)

 Coconutty after-sun

Coconut oil not only contains its own naturally occurring SPF, it also acts as a wonderfully soothing moisturiser after sun exposure. It helps to hydrate, nourish and replenish damaged skin and contains absolutely no artificial nasties.  

Mix coconut oil with Vitamin E oil for even better results! 

Avoid the Christmas Slump and treat your body well this festive season.

Christmas is the time for great company, delicious food, and a magical time for all. But it won’t be long before it begins to take its toll. Soon comes the Christmas Slump - that groggy feeling caused by over-eating and an un-appreciation for the needs of your body. Luckily, we’ve taken a little time to think of some simple solutions to ensure that the Christmas Slump doesn’t spoil your festive season.

Everything in Moderation

Eating and drinking is almost unavoidable this time of year, and why not indulge a little? The important thing to remember is that moderation is key - something that we hear quite a lot when it comes to food and drink. Feel free to enjoy the foods you love, you deserve it after working so hard all year but consider taking a day or two, every now and again, to rest your system and prepare for the next day of merriment. If you can stick to the 80%-20% rule that's great (80% nourishing, 20% naughty), but if not just be aware of what you are consuming and how these foods can effect you. 

1 For 1

The 1 for 1 rule is very simple, if you decide to have a few cheeky tipples this season make sure that for every alcoholic beverage that you have, you also finish a glass of water immediately after. This is a good way to ensure that you stay refreshed and hydrated, helping you to avoid the horrendous Christmas hangover that we all know too well. Increased water intake will help to aid digestion, improve kidney and liver function, and keep your skin looking great throughout the winter season.

Flush out your system

Christmas is notorious for its heavy comfort food. There’s no denying that it all tastes amazing, but after a while, it can all get a bit much for your body. It’s important to clear your system of all the toxins that these foods and drinks bring with them, to keep you feeling fresh and ready to take on the festivities.

Foods high in fibre, Vitamin C, and antioxidants are known for their digestive properties. If you’re looking for an alternative solution, however, there are a number of herbal teas that offer fantastic detoxing benefits, such as our deliciously spiced Purifying Tea.

Invest in Quality Skincare

The skin is the largest organ in the body, which is why it’s just as important to look after it this winter as anything else in your body. We’ve already suggested that you increase your water intake - trust us, your skin will be glowing - but it’s also worth investing in some natural and organic skincare products to see you through the season.

The cold weather, combined with the increased food intake will have a noticeable impact on your skin. Having an effective skincare regime filled with good quality products will ensure that your skin remains smooth, even, and blemish free.

Tip: Try using coconut oil as a moisturiser, it's nourishing and completely natural. For a fantastic face mask give one of our clays a go, clay face masks can helps clear pores, reduce redness and brighten complexion. 

Start your day with a Superfood Smoothie

The benefits of a superfood smoothie every morning are undeniable. You have a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, and your system will thank you for starting the day the nourishing way. With effective preparation, it doesn’t even need to be a chore. Plan your smoothies a week in advance if you can (not all schedules are flexible and we understand that), by pre-cutting your fruit and vegetables and freezing them in five separate bags (for five days worth of smoothies). When breakfast comes around, simply empty a freezer bag into your blender with a little nut milk, coconut water or organic juice, and you’re ready to go.

For an extra boost in the morning, why not add some flax seeds for added fibre, protein powder for an energy burst, or a specially selected superfood powder to maximise your vitamin and mineral intake.

Detox Trading offers a fantastic selection of organic superfoods to enhance your life. Visit our website to view our great range of products, and find out exactly how they could benefit you this festive season.

8 Tips to help detox mind and body

Daily life takes its toll on our mind and body. With constant exposure to airborne pollutants and diets that are high in processed foods, it’s important to take some time to flush out those harmful toxins. To help reset our mind and body, here are a few tips for a full body detox.  

1.      Cut the sugar

I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all been guilty of eating too many foods that are high in sugar. If your diet consists of a lot of sugary foods, this could eventually lead to chronic fatigue and weight gain. High sugar intake increases your blood glucose levels, which in turn can make you hungry again quicker and in the long term cause problems with insulin production, leading to type 2 diabetes and other health problems. 

2.      Get moving 

Regular exercise improves blood circulation. The release of endorphins will help to improve your overall mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. Your body will feel stronger, and you’ll feel more energised. It will even help improve your quality of sleep. 

3.      Drink more water 

It sounds simple but drinking more water is one of the key elements to good health and is essential to help detox both your body and mind. Obviously water is extremely hydrating but it also helps important minerals move freely in to the cells while also helping flush out toxins. Water can ease a headache, relieve fatigue, improve skin, aids weight loss and improves energy levels. 8 glasses or 2 litres is an ideal daily amount, try adding a slice of lemon, some fresh cucumber or mint to mix up the flavour. 

4.      Sweat it out 

Traditional detoxing solutions can require some lifestyle adjustment, but for something a little simpler, taking a steam could be an excellent and relaxing solution. Regular trips to the sauna will help to flush out any toxins through your sweat. Always remember to effectively rehydrate following a sauna session, as your body would have lost valuable liquids during the process.

5.      Treat yourself to a massage 

While using the sauna at your local spa, why not book yourself in for an exfoliating massage? Not only is this an indulgent and relaxing treat for yourself, but the therapist will also be tackling those toxins through the circulation and massage process. Again, ensure to hydrate after your massage to help flush out those harmful toxins.

6.      Meditate 

An effective detox isn’t just about the body, but also requires focus on your overall mental wellbeing. Meditation is an effective stress and anxiety buster. It will also help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Deep breathing will help to focus your mind and calm your body, encouraging an overall sense of wellness.

7.      Go fresh and organic 

Fresh and organic vegetables are rich in the vital nutrients that will help improve digestion. Consider starting your day with a vegetable-rich smoothie to help kick-start your system and prepare for the day.

Adjusting your diet also means eliminating harmful oils from your diet, including vegetable, peanut, and sunflower oil. There are plenty of good oils that can be used in cooking, but all in moderation. Try switching to coconut oil or ghee for a healthier alternative when cooking. 

8.      Boost our vitamin intake 

If your body is lacking in key vitamins and minerals you will likely feel sluggish, lethargic, and just not on top of your game. B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are all excellent to help a cleanse your system and improve your wellbeing. 

Filled with essential pre and probiotics for gut, liver, and digestive tract detox, the Detoxifying Superfood Blend available from Detox Trading is wonderfully cleansing and detoxifying. It’s also full of vital vitamins including A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, and minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium to help tackle harmful toxins and detox your system. 

Detox Trading supplies premium quality organic superfoods that are fully certified by the UK Soil Association. Visit our website for more information on the fantastic products that we supply.

Living Healthy on the Go

“Work to live, don’t live to work” is a saying I hear so much these days. And so often I meet people who are completely burnt out from working all hours, a lack of sleep, eating fast/convenient foods and not taking the time to rest or nurture themselves.

I completely support high achievers and admire career driven individuals who thrive on success. I do however hugely encourage everyone to create a healthy work/life balance. Making time and space to relax, give yourself a little TLC and feed yourself nourishing, live and vibrant foods is so important.

I also understand it’s not always easy to make this time when you have a career, children, a commute to or travel with work while also maintaining a social life. The pressures of balancing all these things can be hugely demanding.

I have lived in the London rat race and know first hand how easy it can be to slip in to an unbalanced lifestyle that in the long run is unsustainable. So here are a few suggestions I have learnt along the way for living healthy on the go…

Hydration Hydration Hydration

Keeping hydrated is absolutely fundamental to maintaining your health. Ideally we need to be drinking at least 2 liters of water each day. This will simultaneously help with the flow of key minerals in to your cells while aiding the elimination of toxins. Drinking this much water can help clear headaches, retain concentration and keep you awake. Trying having a pint of water instead of a coffee and see how you feel…

TIP: If you travel a lot, particularly on airplanes, it is especially important to keep the water up. Flying is one of the most dehydrating things we can do to our body so really bug those air stewards for regular water top ups.

Meals on the Move

Finding truly healthy foods when you’re grabbing a bite from a local supermarket, deli or train station can be really difficult. Often the options include poor quality ingredients on soggy white bread. Take a well-known supermarket (who shall not be named, but my Dad calls them Mordor) meal deal, a sandwich, a packet of crisps or choc bar and a fizzy drink for a few pounds… it hardly screams ‘healthy’ to me.

• I suggest preparing some wholesome snacks on a Sunday ready for your busy week ahead. A trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and seeds will fill you up, contains essential fats and vitamins and can be carried around easily. Or make oat and nut bars, store them in an airtight container and take one with you each day.
• One-cup smoothie makers are perfect for a morning mineral and fibre injection. Blend up fruit and nut milk with your favourite superfood powders or use it for making a portable chia pudding.
• Make a big batch of soup that can be divided in to portions and frozen. Then grab one each day to heat up in the office.
•  For me fruit is the ultimate snack, there’s nothing better than a juicy nectarine or box of blueberries to satisfy a hunger pang on the move.

Or if you are grabbing lunch out, these are a few of my fave healthy eateries around the UK...

-       Tanyas Café – Chelsea, London

-       Sweet Greens – Bournemouth, Dorset

-       Café Kino – Stokes Croft, Bristol

Yoga on the Train

Yes you heard me, I did say yoga on the train.

Last year I went to Colourfest Yoga Festival and met Eugene from AcroYoga Brighton. He taught us about his fantastic idea of fitting exercise in to your life even when you think you don’t have time.

Now, I’m not talking about headstands in the aisles or down dog on the seats, but you can often find space in the corridors or near doors to do some stretching, a few back bends or even a cheeky warrior pose. You might get a funny look or two but be brave, your body will feel the benefits far beyond the blush that your cheeks feel!

Sophia Harvey is one one of the owners of the successful online health food retailer DetoxTrading.co.uk and is currently studying to become a nutritional therapist with the nutritional healing foundation. Complementary therapy has been in the Harvey family for four generations, Sophia's great grandfather being one of the UK's first Osteopaths.