Ever stopped to think about your kidney health? – probably not. Most of us go through life torching the candle at both ends (myself included) blissfully unaware of the real value of our health until we actually get sick.

An impromptu trip to Tahiti helped me rediscover a forgotten gem that works wonders for your kidney health: Tahitian Pacific Noni. After feeling slight kidney discomfort whilst lying on the soft Bora Bora sand (yes, I know poor me right) I started chatting to a very savvy spa therapist who recommended I try taking Pacific Noni juice.

A tropical fruit baring tree that grows to about 3 meters tall, Pacific Noni or Morinda grows in Tahiti and other Pacific Islands, as well as in parts of Asia, South America and the Caribbean. When Europeans began exploring the islands of the South Pacific in the late 1700s, they made note of the use of Pacific Noni for medicinal purposes among the native people.

Arguably one of the ugliest looking fruits (taking the resemblance of a mutated green potato); Pacific Noni has an impressive array of nutrients that can help improve kidney function and support overall health and wellbeing. Noni has a rich complement of vitamins and minerals; including A, B vitamins (including the rare B-12), C, E, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc and several trace minerals. It also has 17 of 20 amino acids and powerful antioxidants. It is believed that taking Pacific Noni juice daily can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve blood circulation and blood pressure, alleviate painful swelling around joints (hypertension) as well as offering support to your vital organs and improving overall health. The only downside is the juice tastes DISGUSTING and will have you involuntarily dry reaching. Fortunately, Pacific Noni is also available in capsule form. It is best to take Pacific Noni first thing in the morning before Breakfast when your body and digestive juices are hungry for nutrients.

*If you are willing to torture your taste buds with Noni in juice form then I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of Noni juice to one cup of grape juice. Be warned it will still taste unpleasant.

Pacific Noni capsules are available online here

Should you pay triple the price for an avocado because it is organically grown? Probably not…. but you should if you’re buying celery.

There is a widely differing opinion on whether or not organic produce is nutritionally more beneficial than non-organic and as we all know buying organic can be outrageously expensive. So the real question is – how important is it to buy organic? Aside from the nutritional value the main issue is the chemical residue from pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers that are sprayed onto the produce when farmed. For example, potatoes are sprayed several times with herbicides, pesticides and fungicides in their short little lives: as sliced potato “seeds” before they are planted, the leaves are sprayed while the potatoes are growing below, and the mature potatoes are sprayed after they’re harvested.

Recently the Environmental Working Group released their Short List of the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen; the fruits and vegetables that are very low in pesticides (clean) and those that retain the most pesticides (dirty). This is a great list to keep in mind next time you’re doing the weekly grocery shop. I’m not too concerned about buying non-organic produce but I do and would recommend at least avoiding the Dirty Dozen.

The Clean 15 – Least pesticide residue found; OK to buy non-organic

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mangos
6. Sweet peas
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwifruit
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe
12.  Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14.  Sweet potato
15. Honeydew Melon

And on the flip side these are the list of fruit and vegetables you should try to buy organic (from the farmer’s markets or wholefood stores if possible)…

The Dirty Dozen – Worst; this produce should always be purchased organic:

1. (the dirtiest) Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Capsicum
8. Spinach
9. Kale
10. Cherries
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes (imported)

The EWG estimates that by avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the cleanest, consumers can reduce their pesticide exposure by 80%!  So consult your list and with a clean conscience load up your basket with fresh, seasonal produce.

If you’re anything like me your hair takes a daily ritualistic thrashing with a blow dryer and pair of GHD’s which leaves it extremely dry and looking half dead in its ungroomed state. Now the obvious solution here would be to simply stop however if that is an impossibility then may I suggest you try using coconut oil as a bi-weekly nourishing hair treatment.

Coconut oil is one of the best forms of natural nutrition for hair. The benefits come from its richness in anti fungal and anti bacterial elements and vitamins and minerals. A bi-weekly massage of coconut oil into the hair and scalp will not only maintain scalp sebum balance and improve circulation but it will also get rid of dandruff, rebuild weak hair and rehydrate every strand. Not bad right? The saturated fatty acid content in coconut oil has a softening and smoothing effect on the hair.

To get maximum results apply a small amount of coconut oil to towel dried hair and massage onto the scalp and hair from mid lengths to ends. Leave in overnight and thoroughly shampoo out the next morning. Finish with conditioner. This is suitable for all hair types.

Buy Vision Products Coconut Oil 750ml only $29.95 here

*Vision Products buy their coconut oil from a model farm in Labasa, Fiji that teaches local people how to grow organically and sustainably. From coconuts wild harvested on the island, they make cold pressed 100% pure coconut oil. All profits made go to Vision for Humanity Charitable Trust which aim to raise awareness on social and global issues.

Some weeks in life really are a drag and when you’re feeling down in the dumps there’s only one remedy for it: a beautifying facial (or glass of Champagne) – last week I decided to both, the former being the healthier option.

I am extremely fussy when it comes to facials and beauty treatments (just like my Champagne), often stopping part way through if I’m not enjoying the experience. Fortunately, I have found one very talented lady who can take my week from painful to blissful in only 90 minutes. Dedicated Auckland based Guinot facialist, Rebecca Wilkinson will design a customized facial according to your skins needs and revive it back to life. Each facial is 90 minutes long (including eye-lash and brow tint) and is only $140. Rebecca’s business grew from her extensive background in beauty therapy and was inspired by her own frustration with not being able to find a good facial she was happy with.

By appointment only, her in-home boutique Guinot spa is a beautiful sanctuary that will take you far far away from life stresses.  Rebecca’s philosophy around beauty therapy and treatments is that everyone needs a ‘touch of health’; that the simple act of touching is healing. She certainly proved that when she put me to sleep with a gentle hand massage whilst my Vitamin C mask was doing its work – I literally woke up 20 minutes later in a haze forgetting where I was – the only hint being the relaxing Balinese music humming in the background. After the Guinot mask she applied an amazing product called Bioeffect EGF Serum. I bought the serum immediately after the facial it was that good. The non-greasy serum soaked straight into my skin and left it feeling and looking better than it has in a very long time. I also picked up a few extra goodies from the extensive range of Guinot products she stocks along with her own personal beauty and health product picks.

A skilled facialist indeed, I guarantee it is worth a trip to see Rebecca. For all you local Aucklander’s she’s conveniently nestled in the suburb of Remuera and her spa is a real treat. To make an appointment you must book well in advance. Email reb.wilkinson@xtra.co.nz

Forget flax seeds, Chia (known as the ancient seed of strength) is the new super-seed of choice. These powerful seeds not only nourish our beautiful bodies with more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon but are also high in protein and minerals: iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. Weight for weight they contain 3 times more iron than spinach and 3 times more antioxidant activity than blueberries. The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.

Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action. For this reason, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance. Chia is also easily digestible. The shells are effortlessly broken down, even when swallowed whole. This is an improvement over flax seed, which have to be ground up to be digested properly. If you eat flax seed whole, it will just pass through. After eating Chia seeds you will notice an almost instant lift energy levels as the nutrients travel to the cells very quickly due to this ease in digestion.

Easy to prepare, you can sprinkle ground or whole Chia seeds on cereal, yogurt or salads. They add a slightly nutty flavour to food and can also be enjoyed on their own. I love making Chia porridge for Breakfast or a quick snack. To make your own: stir two tablespoons of Chia seeds into one cup of hot water. Let them stand for five minutes then stir again and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Chia seeds are available at most Healthfood and Wholefood stores or online here

The Mayan’s called it ‘the Food of Gods’. The Aztec’s believed it would bring them power and wisdom. The French declared it a ‘dangerous drug’ and today we call it… dark chocolate. So this Valentine’s don’t worry about the silly roses just give me some 85% dark chocolate. *Please note: Other gifts of love or food still welcome.

Luckily for us the historical reputation of dark chocolate (raw cacoa) is more than just wishful thinking. Today researchers have found that chocolate contains more antioxidant properties, weight for weight, than acai berries, blueberries and green tea. It is 21 times more potent and 14 times stronger than the antioxidants in red wine and may contribute to improved cardiovascular health, healthy cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure.

Aside from the long-term health benefits, dark chocolate is also said to create those feel-good endorphins. According to Yale University Associate Professor Dr Katz (who has conducted more than 20 studies in the past decade on the healthy value of cacoa and chocolate), dark chocolate (or raw cacao) contains the naturally occurring chemical Phenylethylamine (PEA), an adrenal-related chemical that is created within the brain and released when we are in love. It also plays a role in alertness and focus. So next time you’re looking for a thoughtful present or craving some chocolate remember the words of Dr Katz “dark chocolate is good for you” …in moderation of course.

Always look for chocolate that is 70% to 85% dark. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of cocoa powder (and the more bitter the flavor). Try Green and Black’s 85% dark chocolate or buy loose cacao powder available at Huckleberries Wholefood stores.

Raw Coconut Cacoa Balls

1 1/2 cup Raw cacao powder
1/2 cup Cashew nuts
1/4 cup Chia seeds
1/2 cup Coconut Oil (Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Oil)
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp Raw Honey
2 pinches Celtic Sea Salt
Shredded dried coconut

• Place Cashew nuts in food processor and grind until crumbly powder. Add all other ingredients and blend until well mixed into a doughy consistency.
• Roll batter into balls and then cover with shredded coconut
• Place balls on a plate and put in freezer for an hour and then place in refrigerator.

Salt is a topic close to my heart (and tongue). Simply open my kitchen cupboard and you’ll find a large collection of sea salts: Maldon, Hawaiian, Celtic, Kelp, Himalayan, Black Lava sea salt and the list goes on. However, the one salt you will never find in my house is nasty old-fashioned iodized salt. If you’re now thinking salt’s salt right? …it’s all sodium. And hang on, isn’t it bad for you? - you’d be very wrong.

Human beings need salt to stay alive. The human body is 75% water, all of which is maintained as a salt-water solution. Salt helps maintain the fluid in our blood cells and is used to transmit information in our nerves and muscles. It is also used in the uptake of certain nutrients from our small intestines. The body cannot make salt and so we are reliant on food to ensure that we get the required intake. The recommended daily intake of salt (sodium) is around 250 mg/day. Individual needs, however, vary enormously based on a person’s genetic make-up and their lifestyle.

Table salt (iodized salt) is potentially health damaging. It is mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is heavily processed to remove all minerals but sodium chloride and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping. Some table salts are even bleached. Sea salt (Hawaiian, Celtic, Kelp) on the other hand is produced through evaporation of seawater, usually with little processing, which leaves behind over 80 trace minerals and elements depending on its water source. These minerals add flavor and color to the sea salt.

Health benefits of sea salt:

Alkalizing – Sea salt is alkalizing to the body, as it has not been exposed to high heat and stripped of its minerals, nor does it have any harmful man-made ingredients added to it. Thus it can help you to prevent and reverse high levels of acids in the body, which in turn eliminates the risks for serious and life-threatening diseases.

Weight Loss – Believe it or not, but sea salt can also help you in weight loss. It helps the body to create digestive juices so that the foods you eat are digested faster, and it helps to prevent buildup in the digestive tract, which eventually can lead to constipation and weight gain.

Skin Conditions – A sea salt bath can help to relieve dry and itchy skin as well as serious conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The bath naturally opens up the pores, improves circulation in the skin and hydrates the tissues so that your skin can heal.

Rehydration – Doctors often recommend replacing water and salt lost in exercise and when working outside. Wilderness hikers know the importance of salt tablets to combat hyperthermia. Oral rehydration involves replacing both water and salt. A pinch of sea salt in water will do the same.

Muscle Spasms – Potassium is essential for helping the muscles to function properly. Sea salt not only contains small amounts of potassium, but it also helps the body to absorb it better from other foods. Thus it is effective in helping to prevent muscle pains, spasms and cramps.

*When buying sea salt always check that it is unrefined (refined sea salt lack any essential minerals). I recommend Maldon Sea Salt and Celtic Sea Salt available at most leading supermarkets and wholefood stores.

Happily finding myself kicking back in Maui (miles away from Auckland’s spectacular weather) I have discovered that there’s nowhere better to detox than Hawaii…. infact, there’s nowhere better to do anything than Hawaii. So here I sit in the sunshine armed with my laptop and a cleansing coconut and spinach smoothie working away.

Hawaii is known for its rich history of traditional natural therapies. Detox being one of my main interests (along with sunbathing) this month I was particularly drawn to Bentonite: volcanic clay popular in Hawaii. Bentonite clay (a sedimentary clay made from volcanic ash) has been used by many civilizations and cultures over the years due to its believed healing and calming properties and is particularly useful for cleansing the body’s colon. When ingested, Bentonite attracts and neutralizes poisons in the intestinal tract. It can be combined with water and also psyllium husk to make a bowel-cleansing regime. If you suffer from irregular bowel movements, constipation, wind, bloating or always seem to be feeling hungry, your digestive system may not be working properly and could perhaps benefit from a gentle cleanse.

Bentonite and psyllium colon cleanse recipe:
Bentonite clay and psyllium smoothies are a traditional naturopathic regime to cleanse the bowel of excess toxin build up. To make your own simply add one tablespoon of bentonite clay liquid and one tablespoon of psyllium husk powder to half a glass apple juice and water. Have this smoothie before Breakfast (on an empty stomach) for 2 – 3 days. You must not eat one hour before or after drinking the smoothie. The Bentonite clay needs to absorb the toxins and the psyllium husks need to scrub your intestines uninterrupted by the food. Eat fresh leafy greens and avoid processed foods and sugar for these 2 – 3 days.

I recommend Yerba Prima Bentonite Liquid Clay available here

With new years over its time to say hasta la vista to the Champagne, pastries and caffeine, and hello to green juices, vegetables and water. Oh yes indeed, it’s detox time.

Always a sucker for the ‘latest’ and ‘greatest’ natural health products I have tried just about everything when it comes to detox and detox formulas only to reach the conclusion that nothing beats good old fruit and vegetables. Fortunately, one of my job perks is that I get to create health food products that I’d use. With this in mind I decided to investigate which vegetables / herbs are the most detoxifying. The result was Green Cleanse capsules, a unique blend of Barley grass, Alfalfa, Psyllium, Liquorice root and Slippery Elm. Here’s what each ingredient does:

Alfalfa – Rich in chlorophyll it has strong blood cleansing and building properties. It contains all 27 vitamins and aminos, 28 minerals and antioxidants. Alfalfa is well known as a nutritive tonic, which cleanses and detoxifies the body.

Barley grass – Barley grass contains one of the highest known herbal quantities of blood purifying chlorophyll.

Psyllium hulls – Supports healthy bowel movements and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Slippery Elm – A highly nutritive tonic food for all conditions of deficiency. It helps to rebuild the body at a cellular level and calms inflamation. High in niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamins E, F, and K. It also contains the minerals calcium, iron, sodium, selenium, iodine, copper, zinc, potassium.

Liquorice root – A natural anti-inflammatory which aids in the relief of muscle spasms and inflammation. Licourice root will help expel excess toxins and mucus from the bowel.

So if you’re half way through a detox or just starting one, Nature’s Relief Green Cleanse capsules will support your bodies cleanse and can even speed up the detox process. It’s recommended you take 2 capsules a day before Breakfast for 4 weeks. When doing a detox it’s important to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day (ideally you should aim for 2-3 litres) and include a generous portion of leafy greens with every meal. It hopefully goes without saying that you should cut out all sugar, caffeine and processed foods. Do this for 2 – 4 weeks and your body will be glowing after. Detoxing may leave you feeling low energy – especially if your body is used to running on sugar and caffeine. Take it easy by trying light walking, yoga or pilates.

Green Cleanse is available online here green-cleanse

If the legs on your Santa sleigh are already starting to fall off then why not plan your new year’s detox now. Not only will it ease some of the guilt from the back to back nights of overindulgent eating and drinking, it’ll give you a healthy goal to kick off your new year right.

There’s many ways to detox, you can fast on a liquid only diet consisting of only vegetable juice and water for 3-7 days, go see a colonic irrigation specialist (yes, this is where they stick a hose up your rear end and ‘flush’ out your bowel) or perhaps start spending half your day in an infrared sauna. Most of them have their merit but it’s about finding what’s going to work for you. I’ve tried just about everything (aside from the ayuvedic detox which involves very pricey massages and specially prepared meals) and what I have found is that I cannot ‘fast’ (obstaining from solid food) for longer than a 15-hour period. Even as a kid my 40-hour famine for charity was more like a 5-hour famine with 2 empty boxes of barley sugars left at the end.

So what I personally recommend when embarking on a detox is to start slow and simple.  Decide how long you want to do your detox for – 2 weeks is a good amount of time. You may choose to do small fasts in the morning to give your system time to cleanse (rather than busy itself with digesting more food).  I often fast until lunchtime by replacing Breakfast with a boysenberry smoothie or pure cucumber, lemon and celery juice.  During the 2 weeks you should cut out all caffeine, alcohol, sugar and processed foods. If you have a strong sugar addiction (like myself) then try 85% dark chocolate for an after meal treat. Increase your water intake to 2 litres of water a day (it sounds excessive but hydration is the key to a successful detox). Each meal should include leafy greens. Aim for a small salad bowl serving of crisp lettuce leaves, delicious cherry tomatoes, capsicum, avocado and alfalfa sprouts, or whatever wets your appetite. A nutritionist once explained to me that vegetables, especially vegetable juice, is like Drain-O on our internal system and since then I have chugged down a vegetable juice every day.

Whatever your Summer modus operandi is you should set aside 2 weeks to do a gentle detox. The benefits are huge, your eyes will be brighter and whiter, your liver and kidney function will improve and your digestive system will be helped. Treat your body like a temple it will pay off later I promise.