Recharge your batteries with a spring detox
In today's world, synthetic chemicals are everywhere. From environmental pollution to unnatural ingredients in processed foods, our bodies are tasked with a continuous detoxification process. Many health experts believe that the increased toxic load over the past 100 years is responsible for many chronic diseases and poor gut health.
The good news is that a natural herbal cleanse can support the body's seven elimination pathways: the liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, lymphatic system, blood, and skin, and promote the elimination of toxins through sweat, stool, and urine.
If you feel sluggish after the cold, dark winter months, there's no better time than now to cleanse your gut and promote a healthier immune system. Many health experts believe that the increased toxic load over the past 100 years is responsible for many chronic diseases and poor gut health. Since nearly 70% of the immune system is found in the gut, cleansing is an important step towards better immunity and overall health.
This spring, why not start a good cleanse by eating local organic fruits and vegetables, taking natural cleansing herbs, and increasing your fiber intake?
Here are three simple ways to get the most out of your spring cleanse:
- Eat foods that promote cleansing
Cleansing the body requires energy, and one of the best ways to provide that energy is by eating nutritious foods. Whether you're on the East Coast or the West Coast, include a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet, including dark leafy greens, cucumbers, apples, fennel, and asparagus.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, pay attention to your intake of protein (wild fish, organic chicken and lamb) and healthy fatty acids (coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados). By having a well-balanced diet, the body receives the essential nutrients needed for both phases of detoxification.
- Choose a user-friendly cleanse kit
Many people believe that cleansing requires mixing a variety of herbs at home. You'll be happy to know that this is not the case.
For today's busy Canadian, cleansing couldn't be easier. Health food stores across the country offer simple herbal cleansing programs (7-day, 15-day, or 30-day kits) that make cleansing easier. Cleansing kits combine detoxifying ingredients, including milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock root so you don't have to. For a positive cleansing experience, I recommend avoiding kits that contain strong laxatives, including senna or cascara sagrada. Ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, Cape aloe leaf, and Triphala can gently stimulate the bowels without the need for strong laxatives.
Ask a qualified nutritional counselor in-store to help you choose the right cleanse kit for your needs and be prepared to take herbal capsules in the morning and at night before bed. While healthy eating is a good idea, there's no need to follow a strict diet or live on lemonade, grainy smoothies, or detox juices. Remember, cleansing is designed to improve your life, not disrupt it.
- Eat 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day
Toxins are eliminated through stool, and for optimal elimination, fiber is essential. To benefit from the many health advantages that cleansing can provide, including improved immune health, reduced bloating, increased energy, and a reduced risk of developing chronic health problems, you need to ensure that toxins are eliminated and not recycled.
Include fiber-rich foods, including berries, chia seeds, quinoa, and oats in your diet. If your diet doesn't contain enough fiber, look for a flax-based fiber supplement (50% soluble fiber and 50% insoluble fiber) to help you meet your daily needs.
Just as you put away your winter clothes, declutter your home, and start to feel the benefits of spring, remember to cleanse your body. Spring is a great time of year to regain your health, boost your energy levels, and get rid of things you no longer need, including toxins.
by Dr. Sara Celik