SHA_Recuperarse de los excesos-EN_EN

 Start off the year with good habits EXPERT TIPS AND TRICKS TO RECOVER FROM THE SEASONAL FESTIVITIES The excesses at Christmas associated with overeating and drinking, the lack of exercise or sleep unbalance our body and negatively affect our state of mind and mental clarity. According to the European Institute of Obesity, last year on average the Spanish put on between 3 and 5 kilos during the seasonal festivities. To start off the new year full of energy and recover our true state of health as soon as possible, a few healthy habits related to eating, exercise and sleeping have to be established, because overindulging not only results in a few more kilos, but also a dull and lifeless complexion. One of the best remedies for this is to sleep longer and stick to a certain timetable to enhance skin cell regeneration that is slightly better at night. Doctor Vicente Mera, the head of Internal Medicine and Anti-­‐aging at SHA, recommends keeping the bedroom at the right temperature when sleeping; from between 17 and 20 degrees centigrade. Sleep quality can be altered if it is either too hot or too cold in the room, which is why heating should be avoided insofar as possible. “Lowering the temperature is essential to favour the physiological process of sleep. Heat doesn’t let the body rest properly, so it is better to sleep with warm pyjamas on”, states Mera. Eating is the key to recovery here. Teresa Mizón, an expert in nutrition and natural therapy at SHA, stresses the importance of following a healthy and varied diet. She highlights the benefits of having a diet that is based on the healing principles of macrobiotics. She suggests cutting down on the amount of dairy products, refined flour and animal proteins consumed and increasing the intake of vegetables, whole grain cereals and herbal teas. Eating too many sweets, refined grains or meat result in fat accumulating in the organs and this hinders their normal functions. One of the ingredients that help purify the body and eliminate toxins is the daikon radish. “The daikon is an excellent source of energy and fibre; it is a good way to purify the body and cut down on cholesterol. It also has toning, diuretic and alkalizing properties; it helps the digestive system too. Adding a small amount to each meal is enough to reap the benefits”, insists Mizón. If the acidity levels caused by bad eating habits have to be reduced, Kukicha tea is what is needed due to its antioxidant, mineralizing effect; the umeboshi plum or prune is ideal for anyone who feels bloated and it also has an antiseptic and alkalizing effect. For individuals who apparently have not put on weight, Gloria Sabater, an expert in anti-­‐aging medicine at SHA, recommends the Tanita study to determine the body mass index (BMI), as well as the body-­‐fat percentage. The lack of exercise and heavy meals can result in a loss of muscle and an increase of fat, “an indicator of deteriorated health and even the patient’s biological age, because a higher percentage of visceral fat increases the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases”. Furthermore, Sabater points out that the treatment must be personalised and the right genetic studies must be carried out to determine exactly what has to be prevented. Establishing short-­‐term objectives to get rid of those unhealthy habits helps us not give up so easily. Gloria Sabater suggests giving up smoking to stop the aging of the organs, seeing as tobacco is harmful inside and out. “The beginning of the year can be a good time to give up bad habits and vices, although you must be convinced that you really want to change your lifestyle”. In turn, starting off with moderate, gentle exercise after going back to the routine is another way to make a positive change. The ideal thing to do is join guided group classes or activities such as Zumba, Pilates or CrossFit, which could be a good way to motivate yourself and burn off calories. The best way to make the most of your training is to have a personal trainer to help you; a professional who will improve your physical condition, in such a way that you do exercise, get healthier and have fun at the same time. About SHA SHA is an international pioneering wellness clinic that is dedicated to improving and prolonging people’s health and well-­‐being by combining the best natural therapies originating mainly from ancient Eastern wisdom with the most advanced Western techniques. At SHA health isn’t just the absence of illness, it’s more of an overall state of physical and mental well-­‐being, ideal weight and vitality.