Spring Cleaning... Naturally

Gather the Cares from winter and offer them to the spring breeze! Spring is finally here ---well for my friends in the north...sort of. All winter we have sat inside in the warmth and packed in holiday cookies, New Year’s drinks, Super Bowl junk food and Valentine’s Day candy. After a long hard winter the body needs to prepare for spring, sunshine and fresh alive foods. Springtime is a time for cleansing and rejuvenation, and a time to rethink how we eat. In Chinese medicine, spring is connected with the wood element, which governs the gallbladder and liver. These are (in addition to skin) our main organs of elimination. So it’s no surprise why spring is an important time to focus on detoxification and cleansing.  

Due to the limitations of my writing and the philosophies instilled in my Naturopathic training I cannot endorse a particular detox protocol as this depends heavily on the individual, and their medical readiness. However I do feel that everyone should know how to do detox correctly and safely.  A proper detox varies in intensity and duration (5- 30 days), but effective ones blend nutrition, herbs, rest and movement to stimulate and enhance our natural systems.

It’s all about eating the right foods at the right time.  Begin a detox by eating fewer animal products and increase intake of fresh, organic fruits and veggies. Avoid substances like alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, refined sugars, preservatives, and tobacco.  The body must work harder to eliminate these things and the buildup of toxins in these foods can cause illness---not to mention that these substances have surplus calories without much nourishment.

The way you eat is a significant part of a healthy diet. Taking a moment to relax before eating prepares your body for the nourishment of the meal. You shouldn’t eat when you are tense or upset, or in a stressful environment. Breathe deeply, chew well, eat only what you need, and take time to digest your foods.

It is also a good idea to mix protein and healthy fats (avocados, coconuts, nuts) for an energy boost. Instead of eating a whole apple, eat half with a tablespoon of nut butter to benefit from protein and healthy nutrients that prevent energy crashes later.

Green is the liver’s color and during the detox such foods become your best friend! Leafy greens such as chard, kale, spinach are among the most nutrient rich veggies and help to purify the digestive tract. You can enjoy them in salads or in juices. Fresh juice is rejuvenating and detoxifying on a cellular level and is a powerful way to heal and renew the body. Try blending these with ginger, coconut water, wheatgrass, beets, papaya or antioxidant rich citrus fruits to support liver function.

There are several herbs that can help jumpstart the detox process. Milk Thistle, Dandelion and Burdock have been known for centuries as effective detoxifiers.  They help stimulate the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and contain bitter compounds to optimize digestion and toxin removal. Licorice (the herb not the candy) supports the liver, the adrenals, and the immune system. It also acts as a gentle laxative. Try combining with fennel, anise or fenugreek for a digestive tea.  Increasing fiber (from nutrient dense fruits and veggies, oats, Psyllium husks) is also a must during detox time.

Now a healthy detox isn’t just about diet, changes in our everyday habits can be critical, especially if a balanced lifestyle isn’t part of our weekly routine. I suggest incorporating gentle exercise (yoga, Tai-chi, bellydance, swimming) or meditation.  Skin brushing using a soft brush before bathing can even help clear toxins. Also remember to drink plenty of water. You should ideally be consuming 1/2 your body weight in ounces on a daily basis. When detoxing however that amount is usually mildly increased.

In cleansing, you may find that your senses may become clearer along with your mind. Decision making and the ability to follow through usually improve. Many people find that even procrastination may disappear. Take a couple of times daily to sit quietly, breath freely and let the mind rest.

A detox can be a very eye opening experience to the way our bodies, perceive and react to what we put into them. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for people to uncover food sensitivities when cleansing. Keep a detox journal. It is completely normal to experience some rather uncomfortable symptoms (fatigue, headache, irritability) during the first few days. This is your body’s response to ridding months (or years) of junk however if they persist or worsen discontinue or see a doctor.

Spring Cleaning is the theme of the month!! All month I will be posting helpful detox hints. Stay tuned ~~