The floods that have hit parts of Australia across New South Wales and Queensland have been nothing short of heartbreaking and so many people have been badly affected.

The clean-up and restoration process has begun as things start to settle, however mould and pathogens often succeed floods, which can pose a severe health hazard to many, so I'd love to share with you some ways to prevent and deal with mould if it is a problem for you. 

What Can Happen If You’re Exposed to Mould?

You may not be aware of it, but mould could be affecting your health. Mould toxicity or exposure is often misdiagnosed, as it can act like many other conditions.  

Mould exposure can cause:

• Irritated eyes
• A sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
• Dry, scaly skin
• Digestive problems 

These symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to more severe. 

Moulds produce allergens, irritants and toxic substances and can induce asthma, trigger sinusitis and even contribute to lung disease. Some people are more sensitive to moulds than others. 

How to Alleviate Mould in the Home After Flooding 

The most common indoor moulds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Stachybotrys, or black mold, is the most dangerous type.  Mycotoxins are produced which if inhaled, eaten, or touched are toxic to humans. Getting on top of mould issues is really important.

If there are signs of mould in your house due to flooding, be sure to do the following:

• Cut the plasterboard about 50 centimetres above the waterline and remove it.  
• When removing gyprock treat it like asbestos. Anything that disturbs mould spores could possibly also redistribute them. Removal of gyprock should not occur without containment and anyone attempting it should be adequately masked and protected.
• Remove any wall insulation as this can store bacteria and dampness.
• For any timber or metal studs, try using a pressure wash. Then, spray the studs with antimicrobial disinfectant and leave them to dry completely.
• If you have any hardwood furnishings such as tables, you may be able to save them through proper scrubbing with hot water and antimicrobial disinfectant to wipe the mould away from the surface.
• It’s not worth trying to salvage any soft furnishings, such as couches or mattresses.
• Replace or remove carpets that have been soaked and can’t be dried right away. 

How to Stop Mould from Growing After Flooding

• Use a dehumidifier in your home to keep humidity levels as low as you can. I have been running my dehumidifier ongoing since the floods and it's amazing how much water it's collecting.
• Consider installing an air conditioner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter attachment – this can trap mould spores from the outdoor air before they circulate inside the home.
• Ventilate all bathrooms and run the exhaust fan during and after a shower or bath to dry the air. If you don’t have a fan, open a window or door while you’re showering or bathing.
• Fix any leaks in the roof, walls or plumbing.  

How to Internally Treat Mould

Even if you don’t feel particularly sensitive to mould, your body may still need help safely clearing it out of your system. 

To help your body detox mould, it is a good idea to focus on the following:

1. Reducing inflammation

Prolonged mould exposure can trigger and exacerbate chronic inflammation, so I encourage you to focus on getting enough anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.

Anti-inflammatory bone broth, my omega-rich crispy salmon, and this delicious smoothie are all sure-fire ways to help lower your inflammation. 

2. Strengthening your gut microbiome

A healthy gut may just be able to save you from mould toxicity. The research shows that the gut microbiome can eliminate toxins from the body if the gut bacteria is in a healthy balance.¹

To give yourself the best chance against mould toxicity, add Love Your Gut powder or Love Your Gut capsules to your regime. Love Your Gut can help strengthen the lining of the gut walls and remove a build-up of plaque, bacteria and waste. Plus, Love Your Gut improves your digestion capacity, which means you’ll be able to eliminate toxins faster.  

How to Know When You Need Expert Help

While you may be able to tackle mould extermination yourself, it’s best to call a professional if you find mould that’s larger than the size of your hand, as this means the mould has a constant source of moisture and may be spreading across ceilings and walls. 

The Best Way to Help Others

If you’re near a flood-affected area and want to help, it’s essential to look after your wellbeing while you’re doing it. Anyone involved in clean-up should wear complete protective equipment, including gumboots, gloves, and a mask to avoid ingesting harmful pathogens. 

If you cannot donate your time, there’s plenty that can be done, including donating money or dropping items to local organisations that send them to people who have been impacted. Supercharged Food are part of the Northern Rivers Community Herbal Care program run by Erin Lovell Verinder which is a program to help sustain and rebuild a community who has been shattered on many levels by recent events.

I’m thinking of everyone being affected and am sending my love and support. 

Lee x

References 

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5834427/

Pregnancy is a time when every decision regarding your health is more significant than usual because it is the first moment when you can ensure your child gets a good start in life. Your dietary choices in this period are exceptionally vital, as eating a nutritious diet can reduce the risk of many congenital disabilities.

So, besides using Aesop promo codes to address skin conditions during pregnancy, you might also want to review your nutritional status. The diet changes you make should be based on your individual circumstances, such as your weight and eating habits. The bottom line here is to satisfy the increased caloric needs without consuming unhealthy foods.

A well-balanced pregnancy diet allows you to lead a healthy lifestyle, providing good brain development and healthy birth weight. Eating pasteurized milk and cheese can protect you and your baby from a bacterial or parasitic infection. Similarly, eating enough iron is crucial for your baby's growth and brain development, while calcium can reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

Below, we outline the importance of good nutrition choices during pregnancy and the unique nutrition needs you need to address.

Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy

Good nutrition is essential for everyone, but it is especially vital during pregnancy. In this time, your body goes through a lot of changes. As a result, you need to take additional nutrients for the baby's growth and your own health.

The most critical part of nutrition is to support your growing baby with healthy foods during pregnancy. Nevertheless, you should be aware that some foods can increase the risk of congenital disabilities, while others can harm your health or affect your baby's development. As such, it is essential to choose wisely and avoid certain foods as much as possible during pregnancy.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Drinking heavily is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
• Excessive sugar consumption can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and gestational diabetes. These conditions can cause complications for both mother and child, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.
• Too much salt during pregnancy can cause hypertension in the mother and growth problems for the fetus.
• The use of recreational drugs during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight or even death in the baby.

Special Nutritional Needs

Here is a list of the key nutrients your body needs during pregnancy:

Folic Acid

Folic acid is an essential vitamin B necessary for developing the baby’s nervous system. It can help prevent neural tube defects that occur in the early stages of pregnancy. Foods high in folate (a form of folic acid) include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods.

All women who plan to become pregnant should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Doing so can help prevent disabilities of the brain and spine.

A deficiency in folic acid can lead to a higher risk of having a child with spina bifida or anencephaly. Both these conditions are life-threatening, but they can be prevented by taking enough folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy.

Chicken Biryani with Cauliflower Rice

Iron

Your body needs more iron during pregnancy to support your and your baby’s growth. It is especially vital for developing your baby's brain and red blood cells. Pregnant women with anemia should take iron supplements.

You should aim to eat 27 mg of iron per day. Good sources of iron include lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and iron-fortified foods.

Calcium

The importance of calcium as a nutrient during pregnancy cannot be emphasized enough. It is crucial for the development of your baby's teeth, bones, and muscles. Furthermore, calcium is vital for the formation of the placenta and your baby's brain development, especially in the last three months of pregnancy.

You should aim to get around 1,000 mg of calcium per day. To meet the recommended daily calcium intake, you can consume a list of calcium-rich foods, which includes dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), dark leafy greens (collard greens, kale, spinach), breakfast cereals, tofu, salmon, figs, and almonds.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Its role during pregnancy is to strengthen your immune system and improve the absorption of calcium, which is vital for your baby's growth. It is also crucial for the development of your baby's bones and teeth.

Vitamin D’s recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 600 IU/day. However, some studies suggest that this amount might still be insufficient for most pregnant women. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, fortified foods, and sunlight.

One Pan Salmon with Greens

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that your body cannot create by itself. They provide great benefits for both you and your baby, including improving your child’s brain development and reducing the risks of asthma, eczema, and allergies.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil, chia seeds, fatty fish, eggs, and walnuts. In addition to these food sources, you can also take an omega-3 supplement to help increase the amount of this nutrient in your body.

Zinc

One of the most important nutrients during pregnancy is zinc. It is an essential mineral that your body needs to keep a healthy immune system and maintain healthy cells.

Pregnant women ages 19 and older require 11 milligrams (mg) of zinc per day. The good news is that you can meet these recommendations by eating foods rich in zinc, such as red meat, poultry, and fish. Alternatively, you can also take zinc supplements, but make sure to consult your doctor before doing so.

Conclusion

Every choice you make during your pregnancy impacts the child's health and development. One of the crucial decisions is your diet, which can have a significant impact on your baby's health.

For this reason, you need to take good nutrition choices into focus during your pregnancy. Your pregnancy diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein from lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Remember that a balanced diet during pregnancy is the best way to provide your baby with a great start in life. It is essential to eat a variety of foods to ensure that you get all the nutrients you need. Besides, a good diet can help you avoid complications and make your pregnancy easier.

If you think mushrooms are the new superfood on the block, think again. Mushrooms have been used for decades for their healing properties; from their ability to support the immune system to their impact on the heart, mighty mushrooms are the perfect example of using food as medicine. 

The amount of research on medicinal mushrooms (get your head out of the clouds; not those mushrooms) is growing daily. So, let’s dive into it, shall we?

Shrooms with Benefits

Vitamin D-Rich 

Mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources of Vitamin D, a vitamin deficient in almost 1 in 4 Australians.^1-2 Vitamin D is essential in keeping our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Plus, Vitamin D plays an integral role in the immune system. 

Modern Medicine

Mushrooms have been at the forefront of pharmaceuticals for decades. From penicillin to statins, mushrooms are a significant component of modern medications.³

Read more to learn about how mushrooms can affect your life and how to cook them in the best ways possible.

Natural Immune Boosters

Mushrooms contain a type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which assists the immune system in fighting infection and stopping the growth of harmful bacteria. Shrooms also offer a potent source of selenium, which is a major immune-boosting antioxidant.⁴

Gut Love

It wouldn’t be a supercharged blog without mentioning gut health, would it? A compound within mushrooms is known to act as a prebiotic, boosting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy environment within the gut.⁵ Mushrooms get the supercharged gut-kick tick from me! Speaking of a healthy gut environment, our brand new Love Your Gut Synbiotic Formula contains 20+ Billion probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and dietary fibre.

Supercharged Food Love Your Gut Capsules

Heart Health

Mushrooms have therapeutic properties, which may help lower cholesterol and reduce plaque build-up; this means mushrooms may protect the heart by maintaining healthy blood pressure and good circulation.⁶ 

Are All Mushrooms Equal?

All mushrooms offer health benefits, but these benefits vary from shroom to shroom. Here are just a few common and unique mushrooms and how they may benefit health. It’s essential to remember that mushroom research is growing, so some of this is based on traditional use and anecdotal evidence. 

White Button Mushrooms

Let’s start with the standard variety you find in the supermarket and on your avo toast in your local café. White button mushrooms are rich in phytochemicals that may aid in the prevention of prostate cancer in men.⁷ Button mushrooms are also rich in protein, great for the immune system, and offer an incredible amount of fibre antioxidants and vitamin D. 

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are a favourite among vegetarians, often acting as a burger substitute, but that’s not all they’re good for. These shrooms have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce free radicals, plus it offers a great source of selenium and plant-based vitamin D.⁸

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms may assist energy, increase memory, support the immune system, reduce stress, regulate blood sugar levels, and even help the heart.⁹

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms have traditionally been used to support kidney and liver health, improving the body’s ability to remove toxins, improve energy and potentially control blood glucose levels.¹⁰

Oyster Mushrooms

Who doesn’t love oyster mushrooms? They are delicious in soups or with steamed veggies. Oyster mushrooms are known for reducing inflammation, containing an antioxidant called ergothioneine which helps protect DNA in cases of chronic inflammation. These mushrooms also show promising results in reducing the common flu. Oyster mushrooms contain B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc and potassium.¹¹

Sauteed Scallops with Mushrooms and Spinach

Where can you find mushrooms?

I believe every single person can benefit from increasing their shroom intake. While portobello mushrooms and smaller button mushrooms can be found in supermarkets, more unique mushrooms like reiki and cordyceps can be found in powder form in health food stores.  

Mushroom Soup

My favourite way to have mushrooms in the cooler months is in soup. I believe mushroom soup stands out from all other soups because it’s oh so flavoursome and earthy. This soup is full of immune-supporting button mushrooms and protein-rich quinoa, making it the perfect recipe for a night in.

Mushroom with Red Quinoa Soup 

Serves 4 

This soup screams love and attention like a big protective hug. Warming and hearty, the mushrooms and quinoa muddle together, combining earthy and bold to bring your soup bowl alive with outstanding flavours. 

• 1 tablespoon cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 brown onion, finely diced 
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 
• 2 large carrots, diced 
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary leaves 
• 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt 
• freshly ground black pepper 
• 750 g (1 lb 10 oz) button mushrooms, sliced 
• 1.25 litres (44 fl oz/5 cups) vegetable stock 
• 2 tablespoons wheat-free tamari 
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
• 2 tablespoons tomato passata (puréed tomatoes) 
• 50 g (13/4 oz/1/4 cup) red quinoa 
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes, to serve 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, rosemary and seasonings and sauté for 7 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Add the mushroom and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the stock, tamari, apple cider vinegar, tomato passata and quinoa and cook for 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is soft. 
5. Ladle into bowls and serve sprinkled with the nutritional yeast flakes.

Enjoy !

Lee xo

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320875/

²https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/australian-health-survey-biomedical-results-nutrients/latest-release

³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC123731/

⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2698273/

⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/

⁶https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33309597/

⁷https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19005974/

⁸https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056650/

⁹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

¹⁰https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356751/

¹¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230384/

The holidays have come and gone, and if you’re like many people, you might have resolved to get back in shape and lose some weight.

What’s the best way to do so without punishing yourself? Here are eight tips for a healthy post-holiday diet and exercise routine.

1. Invest in Quality Food Storage

What’s sadder than tossing soggy strawberries before you get to savor the sweetness? Quality food storage containers may seem like a luxury if you’re on a budget, but they save you money in the long run by preserving what you buy at the store. If you have a bit extra, gadgets like vacuum sealers and dehydrators can help you keep garden goodies longer.

2. Learn to Meal-Prep

Fast food sings a sweet siren song when your day is long and you’re exhausted and famished. Meal prepping helps you stick to your resolution to ban junk.

It’s much more efficient to cook once per week and portion freezer meals that you can pop in the slow cooker when you get home. You’ll save money and time once you master the knack.

3. Ban the Bottle

You can’t do much worse than consuming alcohol when it comes to sucking down empty calories. What’s worse is your body prioritizes metabolizing this substance before the food you eat. Do you know how you crave a huge, fattening breakfast the night after overindulging? That’s partially because your body didn’t absorb enough vital nutrients while processing what you drank.

Excess alcohol consumption can also cause blood sugar woes. If you can’t abstain, stick to the recommended portions of one drink per day for women, two for men.

 4. Make Your Plate a Clock

Many Americans fail to get their recommended intake of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. While they may consume sufficient calories, missing out on vital antioxidants and phytonutrients can adversely affect health.

One simple solution is to treat your plate as a clock. When you sit down to a meal, fill half of it with fresh or steamed vegetables like salad greens, peas and carrots.

5. Experiment With Alternative Flour

White flour might lurk behind the soaring diabetes rate in many parts of the developed world. Manufacturing this substance creates a chemical byproduct called alloxan that scientists use to induce diabetes in laboratory animals. This stuff also absorbs quickly into your bloodstream, causing your glucose levels to spike. The combination is a recipe for disaster.

Fortunately, alternatives exist for breading and baked goods that play a substantial role in many diets. Chickpea and almond flour offer vegan protein that keeps you fuller for far longer than the white stuff. Coconut flour lends an extra touch of sweetness to many baked goods.

6. Consider an E-Bike

E-bikes combine two benefits — they help you reduce your carbon footprint while increasing your exercise quotient. If you live within a reasonable distance of your workplace, one of these devices could get you a workout while you commute.

You still burn calories even when you engage pedal assist. However, the boost from the electric motor means you won’t arrive at your cubicle all sweaty.

7. Make a Gym Date

People who work out with a partner tend to stick to their programs better than those who go it solo. It isn’t hard to see why. It’s one thing to cave to a Netflix binge when you’re alone, but most people would feel guilty if they knew they left their BFF waiting at the ellipticals.

If you have a friend who is similarly resolved to getting healthy, combine your resolutions. Your post-holiday diet and exercise routine will go more smoothly with support.

8. Begin Your Day With Movement

The first few waking minutes of your day set the tone for the next 24 hours. Why not make them active?

You don’t have to bounce directly from bed into your running shoes. Take a few minutes to perform some yoga while still on your mattress. As you breathe, visualize how you want the day ahead to go.

Get Healthy After the Holidays

If you have resolved to get back to a healthy diet and exercise routine post-holiday, you don’t even have to embark on a fad diet or spend hours doing HIIT. The eight tips above will help you make self-improvement effortless in 2022.

Do you ever feel stuck?

You know, like life isn't moving in the direction you want it to, and things aren't evolving, but you're not sure why.

Perhaps, you're eating foods that nourish you, moving your body, progressing in your career, and connecting in with loved ones. And yet, it feels like you're not truly happy or moving forward.

Can you relate?

I was there last year. 

And so, I set out on an intentional ever-evolving self-development journey. It's taken time, but I can now say that I'm committed to shifting how I process my thoughts and emotions and how I perceive the world around me.  

In saying that, it has taken time and work. Evolving is a conscious choice I make every day. At its core, this evolution has allowed me to see that I am an active participant in my life; things happen for me, not to me. Do you understand the difference?  

This radical shift in thinking takes time and means you have to change some thinking modes, priorities and habits. I know that sounds tough, but the rewards are worth it. 

I'm going to show you how you, too, can live your best life. Yes, even in the middle of a global pandemic where the sands are constantly shifting. 

Here are the ten top things that have helped me and I hope that if this resonates with you, they will help you too 🙂

1. Know Your Values

What matters most to you? 

While society has told us for so long that certain things matter, like cars, shoes and big houses, we all know the fulfilling stuff in life isn't stuff at all; it's the connection to self and love.  

So, ask yourself, what matters most to you? 

Is it your family? Friendships? Kindness? Love? Changing the world? Laughter? Meditation?

And now ask yourself: are you living life in a way that serves that purpose?

If family matters most to you, but you're constantly spending time on your phone or doing overtime at the office, are you living in a way that serves that purpose? 

While we can't always control things (and hey, I'm not going to tell you that work's unimportant), perhaps commit to one thing a day that helps you move towards that purpose.

If you do have to spend a long time at the office, but family matters most to you, why not call a relative on the way home from work? Do something each day to help you move closer to living your life aligned with what you care most about. 

2. Deal with any Unresolved Trauma 

It's so common to regret or feel shame about your past. No matter how traumatic your past was, you can learn so much about yourself and the world around you if you can process the complex emotions that you attach to past experiences.

Teaching your brain to learn from the past can help you think more clearly in the present. Sometimes our feelings and behaviours can interfere with everyday life, work and our relationships with others.

If you feel you may have some unresolved trauma in your life some of the symptoms to look out for are:

• Flashbacks of the traumatic happenings 
• Nightmares or intrusive thoughts about past events
• Feeling angry, or agitated or having outbursts for no apparent reason
• Blaming yourself or others
• Not sleeping well and feeling jumpy or impatient
• Health anxiety and putting your body under a microscope
• Going into flight or flight mode
• Avoiding people or places that trigger you
• Feeling detached from the world and dissociated and not wanting to be around people
• Avoiding the issue and using drugs, alcohol, food to numb you
• Heightened vigilance and anticipating danger

One way that you can help heal trauma yourself is remind yourself that you are safe every day, and practice creating safety in the body. Tell yourself you are not afraid or fearful. Commit to regulating your nervous system through psychology, meditation, journaling and yoga.

3. Do More of What you Love

As a kid, did you do things that you loved for the pure joy of it? 

Sport? You were there. 

Dance lessons? Of course.

Art classes? You're totally in.

Drama? Sure, why not?

But, as an adult, do you do things you love for the pure joy of it? Hobbies are linked to improved wellbeing and reduced stress.¹

So, what do you love to do for pure joy? 

If you can't think of something that you do now, is there something you used to love doing as a kid?

Perhaps it's painting, reading or writing stories? 

Or maybe it's your love of animals? Have you ever played with your dog or groomed your cute puppy? As you progress through the process, you become more aware of details, such as the fact that 100% cotton papers are excellent for painting with watercolors, or that special biodegradable dog wipes are used exclusively for your dog.

By the way, my dog Cashew gets jealous when I eat these fritters.

I've always loved gardening and find time to do it weekly. And I just started knitting a chunky blanket.

For you, it may be time to pick up a pen and write poems or book in for dance lessons again.

Whatever it is, commit to doing it at least once a fortnight. I promise once you start, you'll want to do it more. 

4. Be Present

After one of the most challenging years of my life, I committed to a daily Vedic meditation practice, and I can honestly say it's been life-changing. You can read more about my meditation practice here.

Research has revealed that a simple way to be happier and live your best life comes from the ability to enjoy and be mindful in every moment.²

Mindfulness provides a plethora of benefits, including improved physical and mental health. 

You can start right now.

Close your eyes and take five deep breaths in and out of your nose. 

Then, observe five things you can hear, five you can see, and five you can feel without judgment.

It really can be as easy as that.

5. Be Kind to You

How kind are you to you? 

I know, I know, it can sound incredibly cheesy, but many of us have learned to be self-critical in the face of challenges, and we're wired to look for things that we dislike about ourselves. However, the research shows that self-criticism can have a considerable impact on the quality of our lives and our health.

On the flip side of that coin, self-compassion and the ability to reassure ourselves can help lower our risk of depression, anxiety and stress.

Next time stress creeps in, and you find yourself being self-critical, visualise comforting images.

Other ways to be kind to yourself are:

• Take time out for yourself
• Learn the art of forgiveness
• Practice daily self care
• Give up trying to be perfect
• Follow your passions and dreams
• Tell yourself you are enough
• Recognise your achievements and give yourself a pat on the back
• Be your biggest cheerleader
• Learn how to self soothe
• Trust yourself and set solid boundaries
• Just be you!

Sometimes, life sends us curveballs that we're not prepared for (shoutout to 2020 and 2021), so it's essential to know how to realign ourselves and connect to our goals. If you find yourself talking negatively to yourself, re-focus through deep breaths, journaling or meditation. 

6. Nervous System Food

There's a sophisticated system between the gut and the brain called the gut-brain-axis, which you can read about here. If the gut is thriving, likely, the nervous system is too. Unfortunately, that does mean if the digestive system is imbalanced, you're more likely to experience feelings of worry, stress and anxiety. 

To support the gut-brain axis, cleanse your gut with Love Your Gut powder and Love Your Gut capsules. As many gut issues can be traced back to an unclean and inefficient digestive tract, Love Your Gut helps clean out the accumulated build-up of waste toxins, metals and mucous in the digestive tract. It's also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. You can try it in powder form here or, for easy on-the-go use, get it in capsule form here.

Then follow up with a prebiotic, probiotic, fibre and digestive enzyme formula like our Love Your Gut Synbiotic. It populates your gut microbiome with quality probiotics, feeds the microflora with prebiotics, and supports the digestive system with dietary fibre and digestive enzymes to facilitate a postbiotic environment. A healthy gut means a healthy, active brain environment!

Be sure you're consuming enough B vitamins. B vitamins help maintain a healthy nervous system and can help fight stress.³ In one clinical trial, 60 participants took either a placebo or vitamin B complex for three months. The group that took the B complex experienced lower personal strain, reduced confusion and an improved mood than the placebo group. Find Vitamin B in whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, vegetables and legumes.

Steer clear of caffeine and refined sugar, as these can elevate cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and lead to prolonged adverse effects on your physical and mental wellbeing.⁴

7. Social Connections

If we've learned anything from a certain disease (not mentioning any names) taking over the world, it's the importance of social connections. Having a sense of community is essential in making us feel happy and like we belong, plus it's integral to wellbeing and health.⁵

However, if you're on a healing or personal development journey, it's common to feel disconnected from your old friendships. If you feel like your current friends aren't supporting you, you're not alone. It's important to remember that hurt people hurt people, and healed people heal people. It's okay to let go and create healthy boundaries with people who don't support you or drain your energy. 

If you feel disconnected or like you want to strengthen different connections, consider calling a friend each day, joining a group or book club or exploring community events where you'll meet people with shared interests. 

8. Find Your Flow  

I touched on flow a little earlier, but I want to focus on it. Finding flow is a powerful way to connect with yourself and experience positive emotions.⁶

If you've never heard of flow, allow me to explain. Flow is when you are so engrossed in what you're doing and get in the zone that you stop thinking about anything else, including that negative inner-critic. Flow is mindfulness in action. You may experience flow when reading a book, writing, playing an instrument, running, doing yoga or cooking. 

Being in flow increases happiness, boosts creativity and will help you reach optimal performance. Find things that transfer your mind to a flow state to start living your best life today. 

9. Develop Routines and Positive Habits 

Do you sweat the small stuff?

I know I have.

One of the reasons we let the small stuff get in the way is because we haven't taken the chance to establish routines and habits. Routines can help us reduce distraction and accomplish what we need to do, including reading our emails, cooking and even cleaning.

Commit to a tiny ritual and stay committed to it for thirty days. After thirty days, a ritual will become a habit. It doesn't need to be significant. It can be anything from a ten-minute walk before work to five deep breaths upon waking. When you've mastered that ritual, add in another. Be patient and commit every day. Rituals take a lot of time but are the key to daily evolution. 

 If you struggle to stick to a ritual, try habit stacking. Habit stacking is when you put one habit in between two practices that you already do.

For example, when I first started meditating in the morning, my morning routine used to look like this: wake up, feed my pets, go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, go for a walk and have breakfast. So, I simply slotted a meditation practice in between two habits that I already did: brushing my teeth and going for a walk. It worked like a charm.

10.  Move Your Body

Exercise is essential for a happy and healthy life, with the research indicating it can prevent long-term illness, improve mood and even increase longevity.⁷ 

So, what exercise will you do? I like to do a mix of walking, yoga and Pilates, but find what works best for you and commit to moving at least three times a week. You'll notice the difference.

It's Time for You to Live Your Best Life

Living your best life requires knowing what matters the most to you and reflecting this in the way you live each day. With intention, the small changes you make can have a life-altering difference. 

I'd love to know: which of the ten pieces for living your best life resonates the most? Let me know in the comments below.

Resources: 

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/

² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5755604/

³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770181/

⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4668773/

⁵ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0004867417723990

⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551835/

⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/

Every day, we shower and brush our teeth (hopefully), but we tend to forget that our insides sometimes need a bit of cleaning up too.

That’s why I’ve created a FREE one-day liver and kidney cleanse for you all.

It’s packed full of tips to improve your digestion, inspiration and delicious recipes to supercharge your health and purify your body from the inside out. 

But, before we dive in, it’s essential to know if cleansing is suitable for you. 

Is A Cleanse Right for You? 

Anyone looking to support their health and improve their skin will benefit from a one-day cleanse. 

A cleanse is particularly beneficial if you do or have any of the following: 

• Consume refined sugar, fried food, and processed food
• Drink too much alcohol
• Regularly use pharmaceutical medication, such as antibiotics
• Live in an urban environment
• Drink unfiltered water
• Smoke cigarettes or are exposed to passive smoking
• Suffer from colds, influenza (a cleanse can help temporarily alleviate your symptoms including congestion, muscle aches and pains, or a fever) 

Those who also experience the following symptoms will benefit from doing this one-day cleanse:

• Digestive issues, including constipation, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhoea
• Frequent colds or the flu for long periods
• Skin changes, including acne, flaking, rashes, pimples, dry, dull-looking, and dehydrated skin
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Tiredness, insomnia, and lethargy

If you’re nodding your head at any of the above symptoms, you will benefit from this special one-day cleanse. 

Hey Lee, why is it essential to cleanse? 

I never thought you’d ask. To talk about the importance of cleansing, we need to do a mini biology lesson on the liver.

Think of your liver like your internal washing machine. It has two cleaning cycles or phases – phase one and phase two. These phases detoxify and help excrete toxins, chemicals, pathogens and hormones from the body. 

During phase one, your liver converts toxic chemicals in the body into less harmful chemicals. 

During phase two, we need to bring in the washing detergent, also known as sulphur-containing nutrients. Sulphur-containing nutrients include broccoli, kale, cauliflower, St Mary’s thistle and dandelion. These nutrients help convert toxins into less harmful substances and make them ready for elimination. The liver then sends these processed chemicals to the pathways of elimination – which include the bowels, lungs, or kidneys to be excreted. 

If sulphur-containing nutrients are the washing detergent, gut-healing products, like Love Your Gut Powder, are fabric softeners; they help smoothen things out (see what I did there?).

A healthy gut promotes the elimination of toxins and effectively cleanses the body in several ways. It helps ease the burden on the liver by neutralising chemicals and toxins. It also promotes elimination through the bowels, one of the body’s main elimination pathways. 

By doing this cleanse, you may experience clearer skin, more energy, a sharper mind, reduced inflammation and alleviated digestive issues.

Follow this cleanse with my NEW! Love Your Gut Synbiotic powder which populates your gut microbiome with quality probiotics, feeds the microflora with prebiotics, and supports the digestive system with dietary fibre and digestive enzymes to facilitate a postbiotic environment.

So, let’s shower your insides with some TLC.

Here are the top eight essentials to do for your one-day cleanse: 

1. Try to minimise your exposure to toxic chemicals found in your home, foods and environment, as much as possible. While it can be challenging to avoid these toxins entirely, there are a few simple ways to limit your exposure.  
2. Organic food is excellent for reducing your toxic load, but if you’re not opting for organic, make sure you wash your veggies in filtered water and apple cider vinegar to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
3. Speaking of filtered water, avoid single-use plastic water bottles as these can potentially leach harmful substances. Aim to drink filtered water only.
4. Review your skincare – commercial beauty and personal care products often contain toxic ingredients. Where possible, choose organic and natural skincare and beauty options. 
5. Avoid gluten, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, fried, burnt, or charred foods.
6. Include as many different coloured vegetables as you can, and focus on the sulphur-rich vegetables, including kale, rocket, Brussels sprouts and collard greens. These naturally help the liver. You’ll find loads of veggie-rich dishes in the meal plan below.
7. Drink herbal teas, including dandelion, licorice and fennel tea – these are all rich in antioxidants and help fight inflammation. 
8. To help supercharge the cleansing process, Love Your Gut Powder is a must. Love Your Gut Powder, made from organic food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, clears harmful bacteria from the system, eliminates parasites and worms from the body, and keeps the bowels clean. Love Your Gut Powder cleans and detoxifies the body, reducing the load on your liver. To take Love Your Gut Powder, start by taking one teaspoon a day (1.8gms) and continue with that.  When taking Love Your Gut Powder, be sure to drink lots of water. 

I know the word cleanse can bring on a few nerves for some, so I’d like to assure you that the meal plan is full of delicious and nourishing recipes that you’ll love. 

Breakfast

Microalgae Green Smoothie

Start the day with my favourite gut-friendly green smoothie. Thanks to the frozen banana and blueberries, this mid-level greenie packs a green punch but is irresistibly sweet and creamy. If you’re a newbie to taking Love Your Gut Powder, this smoothie is an excellent place to start. 

Or try my Basic Green Smoothie

Lunch 

Kale and Blood Orange Salad

This salad is an easy way to get in your antioxidants, show your liver some love and give your gut microbiome what it truly desires: fibre. Plus, it looks fabulous if I do say so myself. You can find the recipe here.

Sunflower Falafel Balls

While deep-fried falafels don’t usually fit into a cleanse, these falafels have a gut-healing twist. These baked falafels are created with cashews and sunflower seeds, making them satiating and full of omega-3 fats to reduce inflammation. Find the recipe here.

Afternoon Snack

Cozy Green Soup

There’s no afternoon snack quite like a zucchini soup; it’s delicious, filling and feels like an afternoon hug. This flavoursome anti-inflammatory green soup is a quick and easy one-pot dish filled with nutritious veggies and delicious spices. While the herbs are excellent for brightening the flavour, they also contain potent plant compounds that help reduce inflammation. Get the recipe here.

Dinner 

For the fish eaters:

Gut-Friendly Salmon Chowder

Holy mackerel – this salmon chowder is good. It’s a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavour, protein and anti-inflammatory fats. It’ll leave you feeling satiated, without any digestive discomfort. Make sure you use wild-caught salmon and avoid salmon that shows signs of browning and bruising. You can fish for the recipe here.

For those who prefer a plant-based option: 

Bohemian Baked Vegetable Bowl

Who doesn’t want to finish a cleanse with a big bowl of goodness? This bowl is the perfect way to get in all of your colourful vegetables, increase your nutrients and reduce inflammation. It’s packed to the brim with greens, roasted vegetables, roasted nuts and seeds, plus a drool-worthy tahini dressing. Get the recipe that will bowl you over here.

If you’re not feeling well during the cleanse, I recommend the following: 

• Make sure you’re drinking at least 2-3 litres of filtered water.
• Rest when you need to.
• Reduce your exercise intensity and opt for moderate exercise if you feel up to it.
• Eat your last meal early so you can go to bed early.
• Speak to your healthcare practitioner. 

So, there you have it. The liver and kidney one day cleanse.

Let me know how you go with it in the comments below.