As many of you know, I am ALL about nurturing a balanced relationship with food and our bodies. Restrictive diets and extremes are not sustainable in the long term.
However, I understand that there are times in life when we may want to lighten the load on our digestive system and liver. At this time of year (especially after the post-Easter celebrations!) we can feel like our bodies just need the extra love after a little indulgence – which of course is so healthy too!
I believe in thoroughly supporting the liver and gut through foods and supplements, especially before and after the holidays. This is when I begin the gentle and gentle 5-day balanced reset.
Why do you feel amazing when you reset your gut + liver?
A healthy gut microbiome plays a key role in your well-being, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood and energy levels1. When we overdo it and eat carelessly, it can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in our gut. A gentle reset can help restore this balance.
It supports the growth of good bacteria that contribute to…
- Improved digestion: A healthy gut helps your body absorb nutrients better and get rid of waste more efficiently. This is directly related to supporting the symptoms of bloating and discomfort2!
- More energy: Studies have shown a link between gut health and energy levels3.
- Stronger Immunity: The gut microbiome is a key player in the immune system. A balanced gut can contribute to a stronger defense against disease4.
- Elevated mood: The gut/brain connection is a hot topic in research, with evidence suggesting a link between gut bacteria and mental well-being. A healthy gut can positively affect your mood and reduce stress5.
Here is what I do for these 5 days – super simple and easy to follow!
Avoidance/Limitation:
- Alcohol: Better to skip it altogether for this short period of time.
- Caffeine: Limit yourself to one cup of coffee or matcha before 10am. (the JSHealth way!). Choose non-dairy milk (my favorites are oat or almond) if you can.
- Processed sugar: Wait for the sweet treats for now.
- Reduced Dairy: Go easy on dairy for these 5 days!
- Processed FOODS: Limit takeout and restaurant meals.
- Red meat: Take a break from red meat during this reset.
Embrace:
- Abundant products: Fill your plate with a rainbow of vegetables, healthy carbs, lean protein and healthy fats at every meal.
- Nutritious soups and broths: Warm yourself from the inside out with delicious broths and soups.
- Flavor Enhancers: Season things with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Power generation proteins: Focus on fish and plant-based proteins such as salmon, white fish, tempeh, tofu and beans.
- Additional support with supplements: I recommend a liver support formula (with ingredients like milk thistle, turmeric, and dandelion), magnesium, turmeric, and a grass powder like JSHealth Vitamins Greens + Collagen.
- Hydration: Aim for 2-3 liters of water daily. You can include a splash of chlorophyll or lemon juice for an added cleansing effect (I personally like it!).
- Daily Detox Drink: Start your day with a refreshing beetroot, celery and lemon juice.
- Conscious movement: Prioritize gentle exercise such as yoga, walking, swimming and deep abdominal breathing to support your well-being and stress levels. I found it Huberman breathing technique very useful!
Looking for delicious and nutritious recipes to try? Head to it JSHealth app, Instagram or mine recipe books for inspiration!
Additional tips:
- Daily traffic: Aim for 20-30 minutes of movement in ways you love! This could look like a nature walk, a dance session or a yoga flow. Take a look at ours App for accessible workouts designed by expert trainers. For me, me love my daily swim – there is something so calming and rejuvenating about being in the water.
- Rest and recharge: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep for optimal recovery. My tip: switch off social media by 8.30pm and put your phone in another room on airplane mode – your mind and body will thank you!
- Self-care rituals: If you have access, consider spending a few minutes in a sauna every day for a truly rejuvenating experience. Finish your shower with cold to regulate circulation. Pamper yourself with dry body brushing and facial gua sha to support lymphatic drainage.
My 5 day reset is all about gently supporting the body to return to balance when needed for long term wellness. Join me in saying goodbye to fad approaches and choose small (but deep) sustainable changes and you’ll start feeling amazing.
Bibliographical references:
- Shreiner, AB, Kao, JY and Young, VB (2015). The gut microbiome in health and disease. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, [online] 31(1), pp.69–75. doi:
- Patricia, JJ and Dhamoon, AS (2022). Physiology, Digestion. [online] National Library of Medicine. Available in:
- Valdes, AM, Walter, J., Segal, E. and Spector, TD (2018). The role of gut microflora in nutrition and health. BMJ, [online] 361(361), p.k2179. doi:
- Zheng, D., Liwinski, T. and Elinav, E. (2020). Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease. Cell research, 30(6), pp.492–506. doi:
- MD, ALK (2022). What is the connection between the gut and brain health? [online] Harvard Health. Available in: