There is something about spring that welcomes a fresh start. Out with the old and in with the new. We spring clean our homes, reorganize our lives, maybe pick up some new outfits- all prepping for sunny, refreshing days.
So naturally, spring is the perfect time of year to give our inner/outer bodies a deep clean as well- including our minds.
Overview of Toxins
We accumulate toxins in our bodies throughout the day not even realizing it. Through the foods we eat, pollutants in the air, household cleaning products, even toxic ingredients in our skincare products.
Our lymphatic system, liver, kidneys, blood, lungs, and skin work hard to eliminate these toxins and detoxify our bodies.
By “Clean Eating” along with other complimentary lifestyle practices, we can help these pathways out and really get our bodies and minds to a healthy place without ever needing to rely on extreme detox programs.
Why cleanse?
Built up toxins in our bodies can lead to disease, weight gain, skin problems, energy problems, mood problems and brain fog.
Your Spring Cleanse Guide
You can choose to incorporate as many of the following tips and for as many days as you'd like. Everyone is different and it is ok to meet yourself where you're at and do what feels best for you.
As a general guideline 7-10 days is a good starting point and certainly carrying over into your lifestyle regularly is great.
It is normal to not feel great for the first couple of days. You might go through sugar withdrawals and feel a little foggy, fatigued etc. but after your cleanse you will feel so much better than before.
Foods to Eliminate
Processed foods, refined sugar, and refined grains such as white breads and flours, are stripped of their nutrients and give the body a quick burst of energy and then we crash, compared to unrefined grains that slowly and steadily provide the body with energy throughout the day (think whole grains, brown rice, oats).
Foods to eliminate during your cleanse:
Refined sugar
Refined grains
High fructose corn syrup
Artificial sweeteners
Hydrogenated fats (trans fats)
BHA- endocrine disruptor :butylated hydroxyanisole- found in preserved foods
MSG- monosodium glutamate (makes food taste better)
Excessive caffeine
Alcohol
Pesticides- Eat organic or at least eliminate foods on the dirty dozen list
Add In More Whole Foods
Ditch foods that come in packages- which goes back to number one (eliminate processed foods). This will help eliminate excess sugar, sodium and artificial ingredients. Stock up on lots on lots of veggies, healthy fats like avocados, and nuts and seeds to eat as snacks throughout the day.
Ways to Support your Detox Pathways
Liver Phase 1
Eat more cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, brussel sprouts etc.
Add in Vitamins -B, C, E.
Liver Phase 2
Add green tea, turmeric, broccoli to diet.
Colon Extraction
Add rice bran fiber and chlorophyl to diet (organic spinach , kale, matcha green tea).
Kidney extraction
Alkalinize urine by drinking sparkling water.
Skin Extraction
Sweat through Infrared Sauna (combine with dry brushing) and exercise.
Infrared Saunas are more effective for detoxification compared to dry saunas. To detoxify we need to stay in longer than we can in a dry sauna to slowly burn and excrete fat soluble toxins. Infrared rays penetrate deeper- about an inch and a half into the fat and cause pores to open up to properly detox.
Outer Body Cleanse
Facial and Body Treatments
Our skin is the largest organ of detoxification. A facial especially when paired with an infrared sauna session will help deeply purify the skin, draw out impurities, then add a dose of hydration and a brightening boost. A body treatment will help stimulate the lymphatic system and remove dead skin cells with dry brushing to aid in detoxification and nourish the skin with a moisturizing body oil.
Detox Your Mind
Ridding yourself of negative thoughts and self-talk is another important element of a whole body cleanse.
Some of the best ways to cleanse the mind of stressful thinking is to:
Meditate
Gratitude
Yoga
Mindfulness
Happy spring and happy cleansing!
Need more support? Reserve a 30 min consult with one of our health coaches or fill out a virtual skin or wellness consultation form.
Be well!
Christina