by Dr. Marita Schauch – Tall Tree Integrated, Health Centre –
Just like spring cleaning, spring cleansing is an effective way to transition into a new season feeling healthy, nourished and balanced. A cleanse gives your digestive system a reset, allowing your body to get rid of stored toxins.
Cleansing goes deeper than losing a couple pounds or making up for bad eating habits over the winter – it affects the entire functioning of the body. For a truly holistic approach to wellness, it’s important to cleanse several facets of our lives at this time of year, such as the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the products we use.
Cleanse the air in your house. While we have little control over the outdoors, we can clean up the air indoors. Eliminate artificial air fresheners, perfumes and chemical-based cleaners. Instead, try using essential oils to clean your home and an air purifier.
Hydrate. Without adequate hydration, toxins can’t properly be eliminated and may re-accumulate. Drink at least one to two litres of water daily to ensure an effective detox. You can also drink herbal teas and cold-pressed juices (depending on your cleanse), but minimize caffeine as it can be taxing on the liver which is already working hard to detoxify your system.
Sober up your skincare. Our skin absorbs everything we put on it, allowing chemicals to directly enter our bloodstream. Limit the products you use on your skin and check out www.ewg.org or www.certclean.com for a list of chemical free beauty products.
Set yourself up for success. There are a few things you need to pay special attention to before, during and after your cleanse:
• Prepare your body: As tempting as it may be to enter a cleanse after one last indulgent night of pizza and beer, before and after your cleanse is just as important as the cleanse itself. This time period can influence how effectively your body can remove toxins, so it’s important to eliminate all fried and processed foods, refined flour and sugar, and alcohol at least a few days before and after your cleanse.
• Rest: During a cleanse, it’s common for fatigue, brain fog, anxiety or sadness to come up. Prepare for these symptoms and plan to spend more time on self-care.
• Stay active: Don’t over-exert yourself, but it is a good idea to do some light exercise like walking or yoga.
• Key Supplements: Certain supplements can support your detox, such as milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric, probiotics, adequate fibre, B vitamins and vitamin C.
Eat Organic. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the easier it is to stick with it. Seek out sustainable ways to keep up a healthy lifestyle. Although eating organic may be more expensive, it’s crucial to lessen your exposure to pesticides, chemicals and toxins post-cleanse.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with one thing and move on when you feel ready. Every little bit counts, and it’s more important to work on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than drastic change.
