Living with the Seasons: Gentle Detox for Spring

Seedlings are bursting forth, cleavers are clinging to my boots, and the air feels fresh & vibrant-spring is a magical time in the natural world! This is the season to clear the clutter, look ahead, make new plans, formulate new ideas, make decisions, determine direction for the coming year, and take action. No need to feel overwhelmed (that’s what I tell myself)... breathe, walk, put your feet on the planet and welcome growth.

When you think of spring cleaning do you think of your liver? Your liver is an internal cleaning service and spring is when its energy peaks. So now is the time to give your liver the extra support it needs to cleanse & detoxify. In this day & age, everyone's liver could use a little extra TLC. Some symptoms of a stressed liver can include fatigue, allergies, brain fog, headaches, and mood swings. The liver is easily heated by spicy foods, alcohol, frustration and anger. Healthy living in today’s world requires informed lifestyle choices. 

Below is a list of gentle & effective detox activities to embrace the joyful energy of spring.

Dry Brush Your Skin. Look for a brush with soft natural bristles. Begin with light, gentle brushing over the skin (don't make the skin red). Always brush towards the heart. Shower immediately after to rinse off exfoliated skin.

Get Wet. Therapeutic use of water also supports detoxification. A steam or sauna can accelerate the release of toxins. Hydrotherapy provides support to the muscles and promotes relaxation. Mineral bath salts also help release toxins while providing an added bonus of relaxation.

Sweat it Out- Exercise facilitates digestion, circulation, metabolism and hormone balancing. During a detox, decrease the intensity of your usual exercise routine, but do break a moderate sweat. Get outdoors for fresh air and natural sunlight. Good exercise options are easy hiking, dancing, walking, yoga, or tai chi.

Rest. For your mind and body to fully assimilate the benefits of detoxing, you need good quality sleep. Plan your least stimulating activities (reading, meditation, bathing) for right before bed.

Hydrate! Without enough water, toxins will not be sufficiently flushed from the body. Aim to drink at least 2 quarts of water per day with lemon/lime during a detox. Herbal tea anyone?

Minimize Toxin Exposure: Eating a nutrient-dense organic diet, choosing harmless natural body care products, and otherwise lifestyle choices help to minimize exposure to toxicants.  

Embrace Bitter Flavors: Is it a coincidence that nettles and dandelions pop-up in spring? These nutrient packed foods wake up our liver and digestive system from the long winter. This action is largely due to their nutrient content and bitter flavor. The liver strongly responds to the bitter flavor. Bitter enhances the flushing of inflammatory compounds and irritating substances from our body. The liver detoxification function is optimized, blood is cleansed and inflammation is reduced. This is why bitter herbs are recommended to help alleviate headache, pain, fatigue, allergies, asthma and skin conditions including acne. Spring is the time to embrace bitter!

Wishing you a bountiful, joyful, and healthy spring!