Sober October anyone?!

It's that time of year again! Macmillan Cancer Support are once again running their month long campaign to raise some much needed funds as well as improve our health! Whatever your reasons, giving up your chosen poison for a month is a great thing to do. However, it can be a bit of a challenge for many people, so I thought I'd write some tips to make life a bit easier.
One thing I have noticed in recent years is that alcohol has become more of a problem than it used to be. Perhaps this has to do with access, cheaper prices and also a change in culture. When I was a child, a bottle of wine was something you got for a special occasion. Nowadays, it finds its way into the shopping trolley as easily as a cabbage or a loaf of bread! I've also noticed that expressions like 'wine o'clock' find their way onto facebook pages and greeting cards in a way that makes me a little uncomfortable sometimes. What is meant as a joke is a serious issue for some people and it can creep upon us without us realizing! The British Liver Trust recommend taking a break of 2 days a week to rest the liver. There's no question that over use of alcohol such as binge drinking can lead to health problems but even small but regular drinking can present challenges as our liver gets over burdened. Remember we need our liver to support our immune health and clean out toxins, not just alcohol, so we need to protect it and treat it with respect so that it will continue to protect us!
So...tips!

• Don't buy any booze! If it's not in the cupboard we can't drink it. Some people even hide away every bottle in the drinks cabinet to avoid temptation.
• Get your family and friends to support you. It's much better working as a team as if you see others drinking you may be tempted.
• Take the opportunity to do some relaxation. Many people associate alcohol with relaxation or time out. How about going for regular walks or booking yourself an Indian head massage. Many of us literally carry the weight of the world on our shoulders and an Indian head massage can work wonders at lifting the tension and pain around the shoulder and neck areas. Try http://harriettesholistictherapies.weebly.com/indian-head-massage.html
• Burning essential oils such as Lavender on an evening can ease tension and promote relaxation.
• How about adding a few drops of lavender to your bath water along with a mug of epsom salts and half a cup of baking soda to promote relaxation and detoxification. Epsom salts provide the body with magnesium which is nature's calming mineral. When we are stressed we use more of it so replenishing the stocks is important. Bathe for 20 mins and dab dry, then relax! Purchase from    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Epsom-Salts-10-Medical-Grade/dp/B00D3YR6CK
• If you are invited to a social occasion, make a decision beforehand about what you will drink. Choose something refreshing like lime and soda or sparkling water and imagine your liver smiling with delight at your super cleansing offering! (I'm not usually a fan of mocktails because they are soooo high in sugar but I guess the odd one at a special occasion may satisfy an urge for something stronger! )
• Manage your blood sugar! This one is important as if we are hungry, we are much more likely to be tempted by those sugary alcoholic drinks and scary mixers. Ensure that at each meal and snack you have adequate sources of protein, eggs for breakfast, nuts and seeds for snacks  and a good palmful of any protein at lunch and dinner.
• Sleep well! Avoid computers late at night and if you do find yourself working late or looking at social media, download f.lux software to remove the bluelight effect. https://justgetflux.com/           Switch off all lights in the bedroom by unplugging and get yourself a blackout blind or eye mask to ensure darkness for the best quality sleep. Avoid TV late at night for the same reason, but also watching movies/programmes that are stressful and activate our sympathetic nervous system are not a great idea before sleep! If you are struggling with sleep, there are supplements which can support you eg Valerian, magnesium, hops etc. Check with your Nutritional Therapist first in case of drug/nutrient interactions. However, what you don't want is to be tempted by alcohol. Try chamomile or one of the many sleep promoting teas on offer.
• Take the opportunity to ensure good hydration by reducing caffeine intake. Did you know that herb teas count towards your overall hydration as they are naturally caffeine free? Only drink herbal options at night, again to support relaxation.
• As part of your detox you may like to supplement with milk thistle, a wonderful herb which supports liver detoxification. You may also want to support your liver with green tea, garlic, onions,  and lots of cruciferous veg like cauli and broccoli, cabbage, sprouts and watercress. Try and include these foods every day to support your cleanse.
• If you are tempted to fall off the wagon, did you know that just five minutes of deep breathing, prayer or meditation can get you back on track? Count your breaths in for 6 counts, hold for 2 and out for 8. This puts the body back into parasympathetic or rest mode. It works!
• Make a plan! As a friend of mine always says, 'fail to plan, plan to fail'. Organise your shopping, plan your epsom salt baths, order your essential oils, plan your meals (lots of good protein), tell your friends. Make a list of rewards which are good for you and build them into your programme.
• Finally, if you find that you are struggling, then you may need some extra support from a Nutritionist who can suggest supplementation and a more tailored programme for you which will address other health challenges. There is always a reason for everything and your professional Nutritionist can help you uncover just what may be sabotaging your efforts!
• Cheers! Bx