Spring Detox
Spring Detox 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Cleansing Your System! Spring is a season of rejuvenation and renewal. The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming, and the air is crisp and fresh. It’s the perfect time to clear the cobwebs, cleanse body and mind, and start fresh for the new season.
As Naturopathic doctors we believe that supporting your body’s detox and repair processes is one of the foundations for building higher health.
You see, toxins, inflammation and associated deficiencies can be a root cause of many health problems; which is why supporting your body’s detoxifying pathways is an excellent way to improve your health and well-being. By removing toxins from your body and repairing cellular processes, you can reduce your risk of disease, improve your energy levels, and even lose unwanted weight.
At our Naturopathic clinic, we emphasize the use of natural, non-invasive methods to support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some natural ways to detoxify your body that you can do at home and one of our favorites that you can do at Higher Health.
Why Detoxify Your Body?
Your body is constantly exposed to toxins, whether from the air you breathe, the food you eat, or the products you use. For many people that will also include the foods they eat (which would be whole article on its own. So, we won’t be diving into that here.)
Simply living in the GTA amidst the busy main streets and nearby highways will greatly increase your toxic load. There are many papers that have been published about the increased risk of health issues the closer you live to busy roadways.
That being said, we all cannot just pick up and move to Northern Ontario, so it’s important to know how to help your body reduce its toxic load.
Toxins can build up in your body over time and lead to a wide range of health problems, resultant inflammation, blocked detox pathways, and nutrient depletion. Some common symptoms of toxin buildup include fatigue, brain fog, headaches, skin problems, digestive issues, and unwanted weight.
By detoxifying your body, you can remove these toxins, reduce inflammation, repair and restore function, and improve your overall health and well-being.
When it comes to unwanted weight, toxins can disrupt your body’s natural processes, including your metabolism.
By removing toxins from your body, you can help your metabolism function more efficiently, which can help lead to weight loss.
What Are Some Natural Ways to Detoxify Your Body
As Naturopathic doctors, we have many ways to help you detox your system. Here are a few examples you can do at home. They may seem simple, but they are powerful and you can start doing them right away.
A little further down, we’ll get into one of our naturopathic clinic’s preferred treatments.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest and most effective and simplest ways to flush toxins out of your body. It also helps keep your body hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or doing any type of sauna routine. Quality of water matters, and that is a separate conversation…
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is another essential part of detoxifying your body, and it is underappreciated! Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains (avoiding refined), and lean protein. These foods provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly, and they also help support your body’s natural detoxification processes.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is another important part of detoxifying your body. Exercise helps improve circulation, which can help flush toxins out of your body. It also helps support your body’s natural detoxification processes by improving the function of your liver and kidneys.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can also help detoxify your body. Stress can lead to the buildup of toxins in your body, so finding ways to manage your stress is important for detoxification. Try practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help reduce your stress levels.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is another essential part of detoxifying your body. Your body does most of its detoxification while you’re asleep, so getting enough sleep is important for this process. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is a great way to stimulate organ systems like your liver to preform it’s natural detoxifying processes. Lemons are rich in antioxidants, which can help remove toxins from your body (I don’t think this is accurate…) They also help alkalize your body, which can help improve digestion and boost your immune system. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a technique that involves brushing your skin with a dry brush. This can help stimulate your lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from your body. Use a natural bristle brush and brush your skin in circular motions, starting at your feet and working your way up. Do this for five to ten minutes before taking a shower.
Epsom Salt Bath
Taking an Epsom salt bath is another natural way to detoxify your body in the spring. It is rich in magnesium and helps to draw out toxins from your body while also improving your sleep, reducing stress, and supporting your digestion. Add two cups of Epsom salt to your bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
At Higher Health we use Ancient Mineral magnesium salts (magnesium chloride) because they are naturally-occurring trace minerals that deliver the fastest, most potent therapeutic benefits. It contains essential elements that no longer exist in ocean water today, and is totally free of any toxic contaminant.
Now we’re going to dive into an actual therapy to help you detoxify your body.
Our naturopathic clinic has been offering IV Vitamin Therapy for 13 years. Our naturopathic doctors have literally administered thousands of IV Drips.
While IV Therapy is great for many health benefits, it can also be great as part of a detox protocol.
IV (intravenous) vitamin therapy can help support detoxification in several ways:
- Increased hydration: IV vitamin therapy delivers fluids directly into the bloodstream, which can help support hydration and aid in the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body.
- Boosted immune system: Certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and zinc can help boost immune function and promote the body’s natural detoxification processes.
- Antioxidant support: IV vitamin therapy can provide high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione, which can help protect against cellular damage and support the liver’s detoxification processes.
- Improved liver function: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, and amino acids, which can support liver function and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
- Reduced inflammation: Certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium can help reduce inflammation, which can support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
- Improved digestion: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as vitamin B12 and magnesium, which can help support digestion and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
- Reduced oxidative stress: Certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and glutathione can help reduce oxidative stress and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
- Better sleep: Certain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin B6 can help support the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin, which can help improve sleep quality.
- Hormonal balance: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as vitamin B6 and magnesium, which act as cofactors for hormone production.
- Reduced inflammation: IV vitamin therapy can provide nutrients such as bicarbonate, vitamin C and magnesium, which can help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Supporting the body’s natural detoxification process is essential for optimal health and wellbeing. With our range of natural therapies, including IV vitamin therapy, we can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes and help you achieve your health goals.
Why Detox in Spring?
Spring is a good time to consider detoxifying your body for several reasons:
Fresh Start
Spring is a season of renewal and fresh starts. Detoxifying your body in the spring can help you start the new season off on the right foot and give you a fresh start for the rest of the year.
Increased Activity
As the weather warms up, you may find yourself more active and spending more time outdoors. Regular exercise is an important part of detoxifying your body, so taking advantage of the warmer weather can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes.
Less Comfort Food
During the winter months, many people tend to indulge in comfort food and may not make the healthiest food choices. Spring is a good time to break this cycle and start eating a healthier, nutrient-dense diet.
Our team of naturopathic doctors are dedicated to helping you feel your best, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about detoxification and health in general.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a healthier you. We look forward to working with you!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25912765/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23612527/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34347034/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33046888/