On teatox as an alternative to other cleanses…
“There are plenty of benefits of doing a ‘teatox detox’ rather than another method of cleansing. Primarily, it allows for a detox without fasting or going to a health retreat, things that can be uncomfortable and costly, respectively. It is a cheaper, fantastic alternative to achieve better health. Like most detoxes, the direct health benefits include getting rid of excess waste in the body, increasing energy levels, strengthening of the immune system, an increase of mental focus, clearer skin and healthier hair.”
On the foods you should (and shouldn’t) eat while teatoxing…
“Foods that we encourage people to eat more of include grains and legumes (such as black beans, kidney beans, chick peas, quinoa and lentils), nuts and seeds, fruits (such as blueberries, raspberries, bananas, avocados, apples, grapefruit and watermelon), vegetables (such as kale, spinach and broccoli) fresh salmon, brown rice, low-fat dairy options such as Greek yoghurt, eggs and green tea.
Foods that we encourage a limited intake of include sugar, table salt, fatty animal meats, most dairy products, refined (white) flour products, (white rice, white pasta, white bread) processed foods (including canned foods, packaged foods, frozen foods, chips, chocolate, donuts, cakes, biscuits, jams, fruit spreads, margarine and peanut butter). Also, polyunsaturated and saturated oils and spreads, including cold pressed oils, all alcoholic beverages and artificial sweeteners.”
On the important extras to consider when undertaking a teatox...
"Drinking lots of water and green tea to keep fluids up while on the teatox is essential. This is because it assists in digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. All of which are important aspects of achieving optimum health. Other tips that we recommend while completing a teatox include:- Try having between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night
- Try meditating once a day for 20 minutes. Try yoga, as it can assist weight loss and can also help posture and positive thinking.
- Drink lemon water during the day to help boost your metabolism.
- Try exfoliating to improve your skin; we like to use frank body scrub.
- Avoid substances such as alcohol, tobacco and caffeine (green tea is fine). Prescription medications are usually fine but you should always consult your GP before starting a teatox if you are taking any medication.
- If you have recently taken antibiotics or have been generally unwell do not begin a teatox as the detoxification process puts extra strain on your body. It is better to wait a few weeks until you are fully recovered."
On how moderation is key…
“Just like any other type of food or drink that we consume, it’s important to have everything in moderation. Tea in general holds some incredible nutritional and healing properties, so having several cups a day can do wonders for your health. However, it’s important to not overdo your tea intake, especially if the tea you’re drinking contains caffeine or if you have a propensity to add milk or sugar to your mug.”
On the fact that tea cleansing is in no way a “quick fix”…
“A common misconception with SMT is that it’s a “quick fix” for weight loss, a stigma that we ourselves do no associate with. SMT is a product that’s designed to be a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle, not just something to make you look good for the weekend. We believe that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being that’s best achieved by a balanced lifestyle, not something that’s defined just by the contents of your fridge and your measurement of your waist.”
On the teas you can (and, um, the ones you shouldn’t) drink on the regular…
“Our Loose Leaf Teatox, Acai Blend and HealthyMe tea Blend are all brews that offer a high amount of nutritional content and can be consumed regularly. However our night tea, the colon cleanse, is a product that we would not recommend drinking longer than the duration of the specified teatox due to its cleansing capabilities.”
—Raleigh Seldon