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Spring Cleaning For Your Body

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Spring brings with it the desire for renewal. That is why we launch into a frenzy of spring cleaning in our homes. We find ourselves wanting to freshen things up by cleaning out closets, washing the curtains and shining the kitchen floors until they gleam. This year, why not do some spring cleaning where it matters most: your body!

During the past several years the concept of detoxing our bodies has gained popularity as holistic practitioners and mainstream health providers have confirmed the benefits it can have on our health. Detoxification, which has been practiced for centuries by cultures throughout the world, focuses on resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. It can remove dangerous toxins from your body thereby protecting you from disease and renewing your ability to enjoy vibrant health.

The unfortunate truth is that we are surrounded by toxic substances in our environment. There are toxins in the air we breathe, the food we consume and the water we drink. Our bodies naturally try to rid our system of toxins. When we are young and healthy, the liver, kidneys, bowels and lymphatic system work to rid our bodies of toxins through breathing, sweating, urinating and bowel movements. As we age, however, our bodies slow down and it becomes more difficult for us to rid our systems of toxins without some added help.

A wide variety of detoxifying herbs and supplements can be found in health food stores. To detox your liver, consider using botanicals such as dandelion, milk thistle and barberry. Herbs like burdock, yellow dock and nettle are excellent herbs to use to detox the whole body because they will cleanse and strengthen all the organs that are involved in elimination. Since everybody is different, it’s a good idea to talk to your holistic practitioner to determine the detox plan that best suits your needs.

Once you have completed your detox you should “spring clean” in your kitchen cabinets and get rid of foods that interfere with your body’s ability to function at its fullest potential. One of the healthiest things you can do is throw out the salt shaker. According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 percent of Americans consume more than double the daily recommended amount of sodium. Fresh herbs, which are abundant this time of year, can provide fragrant and delicious flavor to your favorite dishes.

Get all refined sugar out of your kitchen. Studies show that the average person in the United States eats a whopping 153 pounds of sugar a year. Our bodies are not programmed to effectively digest the amounts of sugar we are consuming. Eliminate sugar-laden soft drinks from your refrigerator and replace them with water and juice.

Eliminate white bread from your diet.  Unfortunately white bread is a staple in the diet of millions of Americans. White bread contains only poor quality proteins and lots of fattening starch as well as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

Spend this month renewing your body by detoxifying and then keep it healthy by eliminating processed foods from your diet. Get ready for plenty of compliments because when you are healthy from the inside it will be reflected in your skin, your body and your attitude.