HEALTH

Detox is now the word on everyone’s lips, and academics at Birmingham University have come up with a few simple steps to help us recover from the festive period.

Dr Matthew Cole, senior lecturer, and students from his sports and exercise nutrition course, came up with the following advice:

Drink more water to flush out toxins, rehydrate and help the immune system.

Take some form of exercise – it helps to prevent a reduction in bone and muscle strength, while boosting mood.

Increase your vitamin intake by eating foods rich in potassium (bananas), magnesium, iron and zinc. Dried fruit and green vegetables are good examples.

The research group found that toxins from alcohol, extra sugars from so-called healthy drinks and physical inactivity were the key issues in damage to our health.