| OUT WITH THE OLD: A SPRING CLEANSING PLAN
By Emily Wells, CMT Hi, ladies! Spring is the perfect season for detoxifying our bodies. During the winter, our bodies may have become sluggish and lethargic. Many of us tend to eat too much, eat the wrong things, and exercise too little. But as the earth renews herself with new life, our bodies yearn for replenishment. Our bodies continually undergo natural detoxification processes on a daily basis. Our five main detoxification systems � lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin � work in concert to eliminate potential harmful substances, both environmental (pollutants, pesticides, food additives, airborne allergies), and internal (metabolic waste products, free radicals). However, if too many harmful substances accumulate, our bodies are unable to eliminate them, and toxicity results. Short-term symptoms of toxicity include headache, fatigue, congestion, backaches, painful or swollen joints, digestive problems, allergy symptoms, and hypersensitivity to environmental agents such as chemicals, perfumes, and synthetics; long-term effects can include auto-immune disease (including cancer), and organ damage. DETOX DIET One of the simplest ways to detoxify is by following a 3-day cleansing diet. This involves eliminating processed foods, wheat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and red meat; and would include the following on a daily basis: eight ounces of lean protein, unlimited leafy green and high-fiber vegetables, steamed or raw; four servings of fruit; and, of course, lots of filtered water. The following foods are particularly helpful for detoxification: Apples and grapes. High in fiber for cleansing the colon. Apple pectin helps detoxify the gastrointestinal system, while the phytonutrients in grapes support the immune system. Artichokes. A source of antioxidants and the liver-supporting substance, cynarin. Artichokes help convert the inactive T4 thyroid hormone to an active T3, facilitating metabolism and weight loss; this vegetable also helps the liver decongest fat. Cranberries. This fruit kills bacteria in the urinary tract and helps cleanse the lymphatic. Choose unsweetened cranberry juice, available at health food stores. Cranberry extract is also available in a tea or supplement form. Leafy green vegetables. Chard, kale, spinach, dandelion, and chickweed are nutrient-rich and help purge the GI tract. Dandelion is particularly helpful for detoxifying the liver. Lemons. Contains antioxidant, antiseptic, and cleansing substances; its alkaline effect helps counter excess acidity, while its high vitamin-C content bolsters the immune system. Whey. A milk protein rich in amino acids; supports immune system and bone health. Whey also helps the body produce glutathione, a molecule made up of amino acids. Glutathione binds with harmful wastes, tagging them for expulsion from our cells. CLEANSING HERBS Depending on your personal needs, you may want to include one or more of the following herbs in your detoxification plan. Consult your health care professional first. Milk thistle. A liver cleanser. Has been clinically shown to increase levels of glutathione, the amino-acid compound necessary for toxin removal. Licorice. Supports the liver, adrenals, and immune system. Also acts a gentle laxative. May not be appropriate for people with high blood pressure. Dandelion. Stimulates the gallbladder, the kidneys, and the liver; increases bile production. Schisandra. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory; protects the liver. Burdock. Helps protect the liver; clears toxins that cause eczema and acne. Red clover blossoms. Excellent blood cleanser; stimulates healing. Echinacea. Lymph cleanser; stimulates the immune system by supporting lymphocyte and phagocyte activity. Sarsaparilla root. Blood and lymph cleanser; contains saponins, which reduce microbes and toxins. Parsley leaf. Diuretic; flushes kidneys . ADDITIONAL THERAPIES In addition to your cleansing diet, you may want to include some of the following therapies in your detoxification plan: Skin brushing. Prior to bathing, use a dry, soft brush on the entire surface of your skin; brush toward the heart. This will help clear toxins from the skin. Steams and saunas. Stimulates white blood cell production by raising the body temperature; helps eliminates toxins through perspiration. Exercise. Stimulates the immune system; promotes circulation; stimulates the peristaltic action of the colon. Skeletal muscle contraction is essential for lymphatic health. Non-impact exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are best for promoting the activity of the lymphatic system. Colonic hydrotherapy. Best performed by a trained therapist with modern equipment. Improves activity of the large intestine by eliminating wastes which may have been collecting for years in the walls of our intestines. Manual lymph drainage (my personal favorite, since I specialize in this technique). This gentle, rhythmic massage technique is most effect for stimulating the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid, toxins, and waste products from our tissues. A powerful immune system stimulant. |