Spring is a time of renewal and growth, it is also the perfect season to undergo a gentle natural detox and eliminate any toxins that can build up over the winter months.
The body does a great job of detoxing on its own, but you can give it an extra boost by taking a load off the organs that detoxify the body by supporting and improving their function.
Cleanse the holistic way
Start by marking a week in your diary where you have no functions or events that might sabotage your detox. Some people may experience a detox healing crisis, or Herxheimer reaction in the first few days of a detox which may include headaches, skin eruptions and or heightened emotions. The reason is that your body’s elimination pathways become overwhelmed by the amount of toxins being released. This puts extra pressure on the remaining detoxification organs causing a reaction. In some cases, there may be bacteria or yeast feeding on sugars in your diet which start to die when they are deprived of their preferred food source, releasing toxins into the bloodstream.
Foods to avoid during the week
Alcohol
Milk products (except for unsweetened yoghurt or kefir)
Sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners
Coffee
Grains such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt and white rice
Dried fruit
Processes meat
Processed oils (corn, soybean, canola, safflower and sunflower oils)
Process foods (they contain many preservatives that are hard to digest and wear out the body’s energy and digestion cycle increasing inflammation)
Foods to eat during the week
Kick start your digestion first thing in the morning by consuming 1/2 lemon juice in a cup of hot water before breakfast.
Eat plenty of organic fresh vegetables.
Include protein – Fish, lean chicken (without the skin), organic free range eggs. Protein is an essential nutrient to help your body recover, repair and detox effectively. Increasing protein can also help support stress levels by stabilising blood sugar levels reducing mood swings.
Use healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil, rich in anti-inflammatory benefits.
Herbal teas – Drink plenty of cleansing teas to help support the detoxification process. Try our detox and glow herbal tea.
Increase water – Aim to drink two litres of fluids per day. This will help move the lymphatic system and support kidney detoxification.
Exercise can kickstart the natural detox process as we work up a sweat. Avoid long training sessions during your detox as it can leave you feeling faint, instead switch to a 30 minute brisk walk.