By Fleur Borrelli, nutritionist at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy It is a relatively unknown fact that our body produces its own toxins as part of our normal metabolism. Our intestinal bacteria may also release by-products from metabolism that can be damaging to our health. This is before we even consider the toxins that come in from the environment. Fortunately we have evolved a complex network of systems to get rid of toxins that have been created internally. The antioxidant system cleverly destroys free radicals during chemical reactions in our cells before they can damage the cell itself. The liver, amongst its multitude of tasks, will take a toxic molecule which is generally fat soluble and transforms it into a water soluble molecule to be excreted out of the body in urine via the kidneys. Even fat soluble molecules can be shifted into bile which is then squirted into the intestine and ejected from the body in faeces. Sweating can lose any heavy metals lurking ...

I will be a doing a one day raw food detox on Friday. I have chosen this day as it is my day off (well almost) and I will be using foods provided by Raw Fairies. Raw Fairies is a London-based company that delivers freshly-prepared, healthy raw food. The spaghetti is made from courgette ribbons and comes with a red pepper and walnut Bolognese sauce; the avocado almond burgers are served with raisin ginger chutney; and breakfast smoothies contain chlorella (marine algae) to support your immune system and flush out your gut. The Friday menu looks amazing. I can't wait. For more information, visit the Raw Fairies website