Why a January ‘detox’ can do more harm than good AOk Drinks nutritionist says: “There are no quick fixes”

Feeling bloated after too much bubbly? Partied out? Stuffed after too much Christmas cake and turkey sandwiches? Stuart Roberts, nutritionist and founder of antioxidant juice AOk Drinks (www.aokdrinks.com), confirms recent media reports that short-term detox programmes to ‘flush out your system’ are a waste of time and money.

“Do-it-yourself detox kits are widely available to buy, but your body has its own incredible detoxification system known as your liver and kidneys. DIY kits can cause more harm than good, particularly if your body has become accustomed to over-indulgence over a long period of time. The body can go into shock if you go from one extreme to another. You may end up feeling more tired, looking washed out and lack any energy to get yourself to work, let alone do any exercise.

“Quick fixes are not the answer to long-term health improvements. Instead, I recommend small lifestyle changes that you can incorporate into your daily life throughout the year – rather than just focusing on January. You can increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat by adding chopped fruit and nuts to your morning cereal or making a winter salad for a lighter evening meal.

"You can try cutting out processed foods particularly those containing saturated and trans (man-made) fats. I also recommend walking more regularly, avoiding sitting down for long periods of time without moving, drinking more water, upping your vitamin and antioxidant intake and, when possible, getting more quality sleep during the night,” says Stuart Roberts.

“There are no quick-fixes to health and nutrition, however, there are small steps that we can take that add up to massive changes in how we look and feel.”

AOk is a red grape, cherry, aloe vera and ginger drink, with a hint of vanilla. One 250ml bottle of AOk provides your daily recommendation of antioxidants (nutritionists recommend 3,000-5,000 per day and AOk contains 3,600) and just 145 calories.

Stuart created the drink in 2008 to provide a synergistic combination of antioxidant packed ingredients. Designed to meet consumer demands for healthy convenience, the drink is a tasty alternative to mainstream flavours and offers an original taste.

Stuart Roberts says: “Antioxidants are vital in our diets. With most things, consistency makes the difference. Consuming your ‘five-a-day’ and recommended amount of antioxidants (which can help prevent injury and muscle soreness after exercise too) will all add up to make you look and feel better over time.”

FACTFILE:
AOk retails for £1.69 per 250ml bottle and is available at selected Waitrose stores nationwide (www.aokdrinks.com/antioxidants/file/stores.php), www.Waitrose.com and www.Ocado.com.

What's in AOk?
One 250ml bottle of AOk provides:
Your daily recommended requirement of antioxidants.
One of your ‘five a day’.
Only 145 calories.