Cleansing the Body
Our bodies are exposed to toxins on a daily basis from the air we breathe to the products we use. There are several body systems that help us eliminate these toxins such as our liver, our kidneys, and even our sweat. But, these systems can get overwhelmed and often need a little help and support. This is often referred to as doing a “detoxification.” Modern living can bring us into contact with so many toxins that everyone could use a good detox, especially in the spring!
Detoxification is the process of reducing the amount of toxins that we are exposed to in order to rest the detoxification pathways in the body, as well as encourage the release of toxins that are stored in the body. There are a variety of methods for detoxing the body. Most consist of resting the body by eliminating solid foods for a short time and instead consuming cleansing foods such as special broths, juices, teas, herbs or supplements. After the cleansing period is over, a very clean diet is slowly reintroduced. My favorite detox program I always resort to is Core Restore. I’ve seen amazing results with it and it is simple, gentle and pleasant to do. After every big travel, the Core Restore detox is my reset button.
It is important to seek the assistance of a Naturopathic Doctor for any detoxification. Several hidden factors can complicate a detox if undertaken without professional help such as blood sugar issues, or if a person has been exposed to heavy metals or other dangerous toxins.
Cleansing the Environment
A clean body will only benefit us so long without the support of a clean environment. There are several sources of toxins in our environment that need to be addressed. The most important is toxins in our food supply. It is important to be eating organic fruits and vegetables, organic meats, non-GMO whole grains, and limit processed foods as these contain dyes, flavor enhancers, preservatives, and other industrial chemicals. Non-organic, GMO, processed “food” is not food at all. It is important to change our mindset in how we perceive food. Clean water is also a must, including filtered water in non-toxic containers. Glass is the best storage container for water, followed by stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic. Look into a natural spring water source near you on findaspring.com.
Another area of toxic exposure is in our homes. Household cleaners, laundry products, lawn care chemicals, and bug sprays expose us to numerous chemicals and petroleum based toxins. Even cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, face washes, deodorants, and toothpastes have chemicals that can disrupt our health. Health food stores offer environmentally-friendly, all-natural products. Also, check out the new natural skin care products we carry in our clinic, SophytoPRO.
Cleansing the Spirit
One overlooked area of detox is our thoughts and emotions. To truly embrace the benefits of a spring clean, we must also look at the mental and emotional environment we live in every day. Chronic stress is one of the most toxic emotions to live with on a daily basis. Not only can it tax the body by stimulating stress hormones, it taxes the spirit and positive mental outlook. Other toxic emotions such as anger, resentment, jealousy, anxiety, and depression need to be dealt with. Naturopathic Medicine helps support more than just your body, it helps support the whole person including one’s emotional state. By working with a Naturopathic Doctor, you can gently release negative emotions and embrace your own innate health and vitality.
Some strategies everyone can use to help support their spring cleaning include:
- Taking deep cleansing breaths
- Using a netti pot with saline solution
- Changing your air filters regularly
- Using an air purifying system in your home and car
- Keeping yourself well-hydrated with clean water to keep secretions thin
- Increasing your Vitamin C to 2,000 units a day unless you have a condition that causes you to have difficulty breaking down this vitamin
- Adding in 600 mg of NAC a day to help break down the mucous build up
- Sipping on some stinging nettles tea throughout the day
- Avoiding all your common food allergens to reduce over stimulation of your immune system
- Exercising daily followed by 15 minutes of steaming
- Doing a peppermint or eucalyptus steam in the morning and evening
- If you are very sensitive to pollens, consider wearing a face mask when you have to be outside for extended periods of time
- Meditating
- Using a humidifier at night
- Changing your pillows regularly
References
Lindlahr, Henry, and Jocelyn C. P. Proby. 1975. Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics. Saffron Walden: C.W. Daniel Co.
Pizzorno, Joseph E., and Michael T. Murray. 1999. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Vasey, Christopher. 2009. The Naturopathic Way: How To Detox, Find Quality Nutrition, and Restore Your Acid-Alkaline Balance. Rochester, Vt: Healing Arts Press.
