Detox post for Christmas

Kidneys

These filter the excess protein that's stockpiled when you tuck into those extra-thick slabs of turkey, ham and goose. Drink a glass of cranberry juice each day - it's a powerful healing tonic filled with quinine which removes toxic build-ups in your prostate gland, bladder and kidneys. You'll also increase your levels of good cholesterol and help to mobilise your fat cells which, in turn, will help to banish your plump belly.

Eyes
Toxins don't gather in your eyes but they will hang around below them in dark circles, making you look tired. These are caused by lack of sleep, which results in poor blood circulation. Get your blood pumping and peepers sparkling by eating a handful of pumpkin seeds each day. They are a circulation booster and are also rich in vitamins C and E that can help prevent age-related cataracts.

Liver
It won't be a surprise that this organ felt the pressure of you being merry. Every drop of alcohol was passed through this tireless percolator. Help it get over its hangover by taking a milk thistle supplement. Studies in the Journal of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology found that this is one of the most effective antioxidants for removing toxins in your liver, so you can keep the party going until well into 20014. If you look after your liver properly, you'll also shed a few kilos.


Lungs
Even if you're a non-smoker, air pollution (especially if you travel on the roads) causes a build up of toxins in your lungs. Eat a head of broccoli each day.The Faculty of Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia found that taking broccoli extract helped to clear smokers' lungs. Another study at the Duke University, North Carolina, USA discovered that broccoli makes cigarettes less appetising, although we didn't think they were tasty to begin with.

Heart
A failing ticker kills more people in the UK than anything else, especially around January when people are returning to exercise. Fortunately, the solution is an appetising one. Simply eat Mediterranean-style food at least once a day. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found when a group of 605 Western blokes ate as if they were on holiday in the Med, they had 70 per cent fewer heart problems. This was put down to the high levels of heart-cleansing antioxidants - vitamins C and E - that were discovered in their blood. Not sure what to eat? Google is your friend.

Bowel
A fork heavy with meat and potatoes can block you up and make your flatulence seem as if it belongs to Chemical Ali's arsenal. Infrequent toilet visits means the waste in your intestines can start to grow toxins, which will get distributed throughout your body. Make sure you eat at least a cup and a half of the foods richest in fibre each day. Oats, wholemeal bread, brown rice and pasta all fit the bill and will help you keep lean.


Brain
It's one the hardest-working organs in your body which means it produces free radicals, which need to be mopped up with antioxidants. If you want a haze-free memory on January 1st, reach for a handful of nuts each day. A recent study by the US Department of Agriculture found that pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts have the highest number of antioxidants among all of the nut varieties. You'll also get a firm helping of muscle-building protein and omega 3, which is proven to improve brain function.

Visit www.menshealth.co.uk for more tips.