Clinical trials have found that having artichoke on a regular basis may also help in weight loss due to its liver boosting properties which can help to speed up fat metabolism. As it helps to increase the production of bile in the system (which helps the body in digesting fats), it also keeps bowel movements regular and the blood clean.

Specifically for those who like a drink or two more than others: Artichoke has a protective and regenerative effect on the liver, helping to reverse some of the damage caused by alcohol.

That is not all. Herbalists use artichoke leaves to improve appetite and digestion. Its bitterness stimulates taste receptors on the tongue. This in turn helps to boost digestive juices and enzymes. Recent studies found that artichoke could help to reduce symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome such as nausea, bloating and constipation.

Easy to prepare and vital for overall well-being:

Have some warm water with a teaspoon of honey, a dash of vinegar and a small pinch of cayenne pepper – the drink will have a more intense cleansing effect on your body by flashing over night toxins and waste, cleansing your liver and waking your digestive system.

Causes:

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry.

Common causes of constipation are:

• Lack of fibre
• Dehydration
• Lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
• Medications: antibiotics
• Abuse of laxatives
• Milk
• Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, ageing and travel
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

Causes directly related to health:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
• Problems with the colon and rectum
• Problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Solutions:

Here are some simple and practical steps that you can introduce into your diet to beat constipation for good:

• Start your day with loads of water and fibre:
  • Warm water with lemon before having breakfast
  • Raw fruit (soluble fibre/digestive enzymes) with soaked in water overnight prunes, apricots
  • Bran cereal/grains (Quanoi, Millet, Buckwheat, Barley) with soya/ goat’s/ rice milk (try to eliminate cow milk for a short while and see if things improve)
  • Have some prunes/apricots soaked over night with your cereal
  • Continue drinking warm water with lemon while having your cereal/grains
  • Have some Linseed brown, Sunflower, Pumpkin seeds with your cereal/grains
  • Eat more raw green vegetables (digestive enzymes), onion, chicory (has Inulin (fibre))
  • Take Psyllium Husk in addition to your daily fibre intake twice a day
  • Take one tablespoonful of olive oil in the morning and one tablespoonful an hour after dinner. You can mix it with juice for better taste.
  • Increase the level of good bacteria in your gut:
    • Probiotics: Acidophilus (with 100mg Pectin)
    • Don’t delay or ignore the urge of having a bowel movement.

• Drink more water, warm water with lemon, herbal teas, still mineral water (not sparkling or fizzy drinks that full of sugar)
• Cleanse your colon: enema, colon hydrotherapy, Colosan powderhttp://www.purifyne.com/our_programme_colosan.php , Lepicol supplement
• Start exercising on a regular basis (if you are not doing it already)
• Use natural laxative: Senna, Pu’erh tea (2-3 cups a day)http://www.purifyne.com/our_programme_puerh_tea.php?programme=a

Water retention is the retention of excess fluid by the body. Water retention occurs when instead of passing water out naturally through urine and sweat, the body stores some of it up in different place.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms include gaining weight and swelling in the hands, ankles and abdomen which can feel bloated and tender. Clothes, rings and even shoes can become uncomfortable.

Causes:

Water retention can occur as a result of many other things including too much salt, some common medicines, a general lack of exercise and long periods of immobility (such as long flights, or standing for long periods). It can even occur with no discernable reason at all.

Although it is common for the hormonal activity in your body around the time of your period to cause water retention, it can also occur as a result of many other things including too much salt, some common medicines (including the contraceptive pill), a general lack of exercise and long periods of immobility (such as long flights, or standing for long periods). It can even occur with no discernable reason at all.

Here are some simple changes that you can make to your diet and lifestyle to help reduce your body’s retention of excess water.

• Drink a lot of water and herbal teas: It is somewhat paradoxically but at the same time very important to get as much fluid in your body as possible if you suffer from water retention. When our body has less water than it needs, it goes into survival mode and conserves water in spaces around the cells. If the body receives enough water on a regular basis, there is no need for it to conserve water.
• Cut down on salts: Check the sodium levels on any food you buy, and avoid heavily processed foods such as ready meals and tinned soups.
• Vegetable juices: water retention could also be a sign of high sodium in the body. Vegetable juices are perfect for their high potassium content which is needed to balance sodium in the body (http://www.purifyne.com/our_juices.php).

1. 1. Dandelion and Nettle teas both have gentle water balancing effects and contain potassium along with other minerals

• Eat ‘key’ foods: Certain foods such as celery, onion, parsley and garlic all have diuretic properties. This means they help to flush liquids from your system.
• Exercise: Not only will you sweat out excess fluids, you’ll release feel-good hormones to help you beat pre-menstrual blues.
• Take vitamin B complex (especially vitamin B6) and Evening Primrose Oil: Both are thought to be helpful in preventing water retention as well as helping with other problems such as pre-menstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and living enzymes, coconut waterhttp://www.purifyne.com/our_pack_coconut_water.php is the most naturally nutritious drink in the world. It is one of the purest, wholesome waters provided by nature. Here are just a few benefits of this natural energy drink (low on carbs, low in sugar, 99% fat free):

Body Detoxifier

Due to its content of vitamin C, coconut water consists of antioxidants that assist in removing toxic matters from the body. Hence, the drink detoxifies your body and provides vital nutrition to prevent against any nutrient deficiency.

Weight Loss

By being a natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage, coconut water helps to increase the body’s metabolism.

Age Spots, Wrinkles, and Other Skin Problems

Cytokinins and lauric acid in the water which can minimize the aging of skin cells, balance PH levels and keep the connective tissues strong and hydrated. Researchers have found that Cytokinins help regulate the cell growth and their divisions.

Boosting Energy

Packed with Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride, the drink rehydrates, replenishes and boosts the body’s energy levels after any strenuous activity or workout. It is a good idea to have some coconut water after a workout session.

Cardiovascular Health

High levels of Potassium and Lauric acid in the water can be quite effective at regulating blood pressure. It can also help increase HDL (good) cholesterol, which makes it a wonderful natural treatment for maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Dehydration

Rich in Potassium and other minerals, the water helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body.

Digestive Problems

Due to high level of Lauric acid that our body converts it into monolaurin, coconut water has great antiviral, antiprozoal and antibacterial activity. This helps fight against intestinal worms, parasites, lipid-coated viruses and other gastrointestinal tract infections.