What is a detox? Doesn't the body detox itself naturally?

Basically Detoxification means cleansing the blood. This is done by removing impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin. So yes, the only thing that can detox your body is your body.

But what if we can give it a helping hand? What if we could give our body the essential nutrients it needs to get back into balance and eliminate the toxins that are causing our bodies problems. What if we cut out caffeine and sugar for just 9 days and focus instead on giving our body fresh foods, good carbs and healthy fats and protein. Giving our bodies all the macro and micronutrients it needs while also getting our mind back in control. Often we don't see our bad habits because they have become second nature but by following even a short plan we can start to realise our bad habits and change them into good ones. This is why a 9 day plan is so much more than a 9 day plan. Our C9 is a 9 day cleanse. 9 days where we will work together to get you back on track to a healthy mind and body. The problem with a lot of cleanses are that they fail to provide the protein needed for a healthy balance and lack important vitamins and minerals. This is where our plan shines. It has been expertly put together with your bodies needs as the utmost important factor. Our main focus is eating well and taking supplements and protein shakes that compliment our diet - not replace it.

If you want a quick fix then stop reading now, there are no quick fixes when it comes to health. You have to take what you learn on the cleanse and use it to guide you after. Weight loss can be one common result of a cleanse but it is definitely not the point of it. If you want to focus more on weight loss and toning after we have follow on plans with much more advice on nutrition and workout schedules to suit you - with the added bonus of videos to workout along to. Its kind of like a personal trainer in a box ;) And of course you will have my support and guidance whenever needed.

If you would like more info about any of our plans including the c9 or Fit15 programs please feel free to give me a message or head to my supplement advice page. You can change all your negativity energy and start enjoying life to it's fullest. It just takes 1 healthy change at a time. You got this.

#cleanse #detox #mindfullness #hope #strong #takecontrol #mindandbody #healthyliving #healthymind #wellness #c9 #forever #foreverfit

What is Digestion? 

Digestion starts as soon as we put that yummy piece of food in our mouths. We break it up using our teeth as we chew and the saliva helps this process by adding moisture. The saliva also has an enzyme called amylase which helps break down the carbohydrates. Our food now resembled a round piece which is now called a bolus. We then swallow and it continues it's journey down our esophagus.  

The esophagus is approx 10 inches long and connected to our stomachs. The bolus moves down the esophagus with peristalsis movement. The stomach receives the food and mixes it with gastric juices. The protein starts being digested in the stomach. The stomach can only absorb a limited amount - mainly water, salt and lipid-soluble medications. The food that was originally put into our mouths is now called a chyme and is moved along to the small intestine.  

The pancreas, a long soft gland behind the stomach, then stows digestive enzymes into the opening of the small intestine. The carbohydrates, proteins and fats can now be broken down. There are different pancreatic juices for different aspects of our food. 

The liver makes bile. The bile salts will help with the digestion of any fats. The bile will join the pancreatic juices in the small intestine. If you are lucky enough to still have a gallbladder this bile can be stored for later use which explains why my gallbladder-less body has some trouble digesting a high fat diet!  

One of the largest glands in the body is the liver. It has many jobs in the body, one being to help us digest our food. It does this by producing bile that breaks down the fats. It also carbohydrates and proteins turning them into fat molecules. Our bodies will then carry these molecules to our adipose cells where we then store them.  
The peristalsis movement, as mentioned earlier, moves the 'food' to the small intestine. A lot of the absorption of nutrients takes place here and it has plenty of opportunity to do so in the 18 to 20 feet of small intestine! The pancreatic juices and bile from Gallbladder will help digest the food here too. This is also where the nutrients from the chyme will be absorbed. The villi (little structures) is where the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.  

The remainder of the chyme will travel on to the large intestine where water and electrolytes are absorbed. Any leftovers are stored in the large intestine and will now be feces where they will stay until it is time to poop!  

Ok so now we know the science of it – How can we improve our digestion?

What can we do to help our body out? What steps can we take to reduce bloating, constipation, IBS and any other problems we may be experiencing? Or maybe we just want to help it out to avoid getting any problems in the first place!  
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80% of our immune system is located in our digestive tract so it is soo important we look after it! 
 

• Aloe vera.  

Aloe vera has been proven to soothe and relax the GI track which is great for anyone suffering inflammation. It contains enzymes that help to break down food and move easily through the intestines. Along with its rich nutrient content, aloe vera has antibacterial and antiviral properties. For this reason, aloe vera helps rid the body of harmful toxins and food buildup.  

• Water  

 So many reasons to be drinking water but one job it has in the digestion process is to help break down the foods and allow for the nutrients to be more readily absorbed by the body. It can also soften the stool which helps prevent constipation.  It is important to stay hydrated.  

• Probiotics 

Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. We will go into more details about taking a good probiotic on another blog :)  

• Fiber 

It is very important we get enough fiber in our diet to help food move through the digestive track. It helps you to pass healthy stools so you are not left constipated or with diarrhea. 

• Exercise 

Exercise helps with our blood flow which includes the digestive system. Wether its walking regularly or even some gentle yoga – just get moving and it will help avoid a sluggish digestive system.  

• Chew your food properly 
• Eat GOOD foods 
• Manage your stress – it's amazing how much stress can affect our bodies. 
• Reset your body with a healthy cleanse 

Recommendations for this on my facebook page.  

• Take a food intolerance test  

Listen to your body. We are all different and handle different foods in different ways. Seeing what foods you are sensitive to by taking a test at your local health store or pharmacist can really help you to eliminate foods that are causing you to bloat out or react badly to.  
 
You can find more information about good supplements to take on my page here.  
 
Comment below if you found this helpful. What would you like to know more about? 

I have just discovered putting a few drops of essential oil on my yoga Matt and oh man, I am in love!!

Why have I never thought of it before?! Not only does it smell great but did you know different oils have different health benefits? People have been using these organic compounds extracted from plants for over 5000 years. Many use them for healing purposes but they are also good for relaxation, beauty care and cleaning (I make a fantastic natural lemon one).  
There are so many different oils available that I will not go into all of them but I will tell you about my favorite three.

Peppermint: Supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, fever reducer, headache and muscle pain relief.
Lemon: Great to use in homemade cleaning products, improves lymph drainage and cleanses the body.
Lavender: Calming, good for anxiety, helps with sleep, good for insect bites/bee stings, good for cuts (Drop Lavender oil on cut to stop bleeding, clean wound, and kill bacteria) and can also add to recipes! 


Essential oils are very small so they can pass through the skin and into the body quickly. If you want them to last a bit longer and be more gentle on your skin, you can dilute them by combining them with carrier oils.
These larger oils that come from the fatty part of the plant can increase the length of time the essential oils stay on your skin and also prolong the aromatherapy effects.

Common carrier oils include:

• Almond oil
• Avocado
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Olive oil
• Pomegranate seed oil

Using an Essential Oil diffuser is also a great way to use these oils.
hat are your favorite essential oils? Do you know what they are good for?
​Tell me below in the comments.


You can find the essential oils pictured using this link here.