SPRING CLEANING THE NATUROPATHIC WAY!
Shannon Taylor, B.Sc., N.D.
Naturopathic Doctor

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to do some spring cleaning! After a long winter of dark days, snow storms and frigid temperatures, we all need to feel the sunshine and warm breeze. It’s a time of rejuvenation, growth and new beginnings. Spring is the perfect time of year to focus on detoxification…spring cleaning for our bodies and minds!

Every day, we are exposed to both external and internal toxins. Detoxification is the process of clearing these toxins from the body through our elimination systems: our gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, respiration (lungs) and skin. We can acquire toxins from our environment by breathing them (e.g. smog, cigarette smoke), ingesting them (e.g. pesticides, food additives and hormones from meat) or coming into physical contact with them. On an internal level, our body produces toxins through its normal, everyday functions. A healthy body is designed to cope with a certain "toxic load". If the organs of elimination are working optimally, our body is able to safely rid itself of these toxins. "Toxicity" occurs when we take in more toxins than we can process and eliminate. Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce our intake of toxins while improving our processing and elimination of the toxins that are already in our bodies.

Continuous stress also adds to our toxic load. We all know that there is a strong connection between our physical health and our mental health. Research shows that high levels of stress hormones (e.g. adrenaline and cortisol) can impair our ability to deal with toxins and contribute to our toxic load. Some ways to "detox" our mind include daily mediation, positive attitude, visualizations, affirmations and stress management tools like journaling.

The Benefits of Detoxification

  • Increased energy
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved mental clarity
  • A feeling of rejuvenation, peace and calm
  • Reduced aches and pains
  • Decreased bloating and fluid retention
  • Improved digestion

So, what can you do at home to support detoxification?

A healthy diet:

  • All good detoxification programs include a nutritious diet that focuses on whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and quality sources of protein.
  • We should always limit or avoid overly processed and refined foods such as white flour, processed meats, desserts and "junk foods".
  • First thing in the morning, add the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon into a big glass of water. This helps to replenish water lost overnight and also gently stimulates the liver’s detoxification functions.
  • Make sure your diet is high in fiber. Daily bowel movements are essential to your body’s cleansing process.
  • Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine and drinks high in sugar (e.g. "fruit drinks")
  • Talk to your naturopathic doctor or other health care provider for more detailed information about nutrition and detoxification.

For our kidneys:

  • Drink lots of water! To find out how much water you need, divide your body weight in half. That’s how many ounces of water you need per day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 ounces of water (about 8-10 glasses).

For our skin:

  • Skin brushing- Use a dry, natural loofah or soft bristle brush. Prior to bathing or showering, start at your feet and gently stroke towards your heart using short, very light strokes. This helps to keep skin healthy, increases circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage.
  • Saunas- frequent saunas get us sweating and help to clear toxins from our bodies.

Other aspects of cleansing:

  • Alternating hot and cold during your shower is invigorating, improves your metabolism and has a general tonification effect on the body. Ease in by ending your shower with 1 minute of cold water. Eventually, alternate 3 minutes of warm water with 1 minute of cold water throughout the duration of your shower. Always end with cold water!
  • Gentle exercise: moderate exercise for 30 minutes per day is a great way to boost metabolism, increase circulation and get you sweating! Avoid exercise that is too vigorous during a cleansing program…you don’t want to further stress your body.
  • Meditation and relaxation: always a wonderful way to reduce stress and encourage mental wellness!

If you would like further information about a more detailed, individualized, detoxification program, contact the clinic or your current health care provider.