Spring is here! Longer days, sunshine, blossoms and fresh starts. It's a time of renewal and refresh. This makes it a perfect time to do a detox. Over the winter months, we naturally tend toward warming, hearty dishes like roasts and stews with winter squash and potatoes. Winter is a time for rest and slowing down, and now the season has come to lighten up and get moving again.
Did you know that our bodies actually gently detox on a daily basis? However, because we live in a world full of toxins, pollutants, chemicals, and other harmful substances, it can be too much for our bodies to keep up with. That is why doing a detox can be helpful to ease the total load of all of these combined.
A detox helps boost the digestive and lymphatic systems as well as the kidneys. Once these systems are cleared of excess toxins and begin to function optimally you may notice a clearer head, less aches and pains as well as less bloating, improved bowel movements, clearer sinuses and an increase in overall energy.
Incorporating foods that support detox can have a huge impact. Here are a few that can get you started:
Asparagus - It comes into season in the spring for a reason! Asparagus contains glutathione, an antioxidant that aids in detoxification. It is also a good source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. This green veggie is also known to help cleanse the kidney and bladder. Try this delicious recipe to get started!
Broccoli - Broccoli has sulforaphane, which is great for fighting off infectious cells in our bodies. As a cruciferous vegetable, it also boosts the liver’s ability to clear chemicals from the body.
Avocado- Avocados are loaded with antioxidants that help your body remove harmful toxins while keeping you feeling satiated with healthy fat.
Beets - Beets are high in antioxidants and betaine, which helps the liver rid itself of toxins. They are also high in a fiber called pectin that clears toxins that have been removed from the liver.
Lemon- Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C which helps the body eliminate free radicals. The sourness of lemon also helps give the liver a boost to do its job optimally.
Along with these foods, there are other ways you can assist your body's natural detox pathways. Try some of these other supporting detox strategies to get the most out of these spring detox days:
Stay hydrated - Drink at least eight cups of filtered water a day. You will need to drink even more if you are exercising to replace what you sweat out.
Dry brush daily – Dry brushing is great for getting your lymphatic fluid moving. This helps overall circulation and allows your body to carry away toxins. Start down at your feet and work your way up your legs. For the top half of your body start at your fingertips and brush towards the center of your body. Use short brush strokes with gentle pressure.
Exercise regularly – Get in daily mindful movement. Do whatever makes you feel good! Try dance, Zumba, yoga, running, walks or anything that moves the body and gets your heart rate elevated. Aim for 30 minutes a day.
Be gentle on yourself – Listen to your body and what it needs. If it is asking for rest, give it rest. A slower day can give your body the downtime it needs for repair and maintenance.
Doing a spring detox is a great way to kick off the season! You also don’t need to go at it alone. If you would like support going through your detox schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me. Let’s spring forward together!
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