Spring and summer time are such wonderful times to rejuvenation, and re-evaluation. Getting “back to basics” and taking a good look at your diet. Coming out of the winter months where our diets involve more heavy starches and baked goods, spring and summer are always fantastic months to start the switch to fresher foods (seasonal eating!)
The idea of cleansing type activities is a wholly individual thing to undertake. What to do, to what extent is healthy for your individual needs/goals/body, how long a healthy cleanse is for you, whether or not you agree that “cleansing” is even a thing, and if you should even do one at all… all depends on the single person doing it.
What your health is like, what kind of activity level you maintain, what is your reason, your goals, your intentions, and many other things SHOULD be taken into consideration. You may have absolutely no need to “cleanse” as likely your body may be working optimally already and needs no “extra support”. Needless to say I am not actually the BIGGEST fan of one-size-fits-all cleanses marketed as a healthy alternative for anyone and everyone. I DO recommend working with a dietician, naturopathic doctor, qualified nutritionist or nutritional professional, if you’re looking for more information or support specific to your unique and individual needs.
Cleansing in and of itself can mean just simply switching up your diet and eating different foods that promote the optimal function of our bodies natural “detoxification centers”, and/or starting any activity that might have beneficial health effects… i.e. helping support normal and healthy bodily functions that naturally do all the cleansing jobs for you. Cleansing can also be an emotional or mental endeavor, removing negative influences, people or thoughts from your life, or could even involve purging your home of junk and clutter.
Your body on it’s own does a wonderful job of cleansing itself with built in systems that do the work for you! Your skin, your kidneys, your bladder, your liver, your colon, all work in a synergistic way to remove toxins from your body naturally. Assisting your body by treating it well, feeding it well and doing what is within your control to maintain your healthfulness, will effectively support your bodies natural cleansing abilities!
Here is a list if things that most anyone CAN do or integrate into their diet or lifestyle, that would provide great support to your body (especially if not already a part of your life style)… without having to go on a 30 day long drink-only-carrot-and-spinach-juice “cleanse” (is that actually something? I hope not).
- First up, you guessed it, Lemon water. Consuming more water in general helps with keeping things moving optimally, and adding lemon to your water not only tastes good BUT also has been shown to have mild liver cleansing properties. This may be due to the affects of vitamin C, an antioxidant, and its prevention of oxidative damage. (This of course would be along WITH a healthy diet, do not rely on lemon water to keep your liver running smoothly, it will likely do nothing for you if you’re not treating your liver very nicely**.) Cut up a few lemons into slices and store them in bags in your freezer. This is a lovely, easy way to integrate it into your diet, just wake up, throw a frozen pre-cut lemon slice in your water and away you go. It’s also makes for great “ice cubes” on hot days.
- A simple way to “clean” your diet might be including much more fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, some raw nuts + seeds, and lots of water. Most fruits and vegetables have high water content, full of vitamins, digestive supporting enzymes, minerals, and dietary fiber, among other things. Whole grains also provide dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and the movement of material through your digestive system and it aids in stool elimination. Nuts + seeds are packed with healthy fats and vitamins such as vitamin E, selenium and zinc, among many other things which can be beneficial to skin health (again among many other benefits), all while helping to keep you feeling satiated. Switching to a diet that includes these things are an excellent way to create a balanced diet and promote healthy body and digestive function and, consequently, natural detoxification.
- SNACC. Cutting down any one, some, or all of these… added sugar, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and chemicals… can be all someone might need to help “cleanse” their body. All of these might be the hardest things to quit, but they might also be the single most important step to healthful living. Seeking professional help, speaking about your struggles, reaching out and searching for a solid support system, joining a group or program of peers, all are important options if you find yourself in a position of needing to cut yourself off from some of these types of issues (most specifically nicotine and alcohol).
- Sweat sweat sweat. As far as our detoxification systems go (liver, bladder, colon, kidneys etc.) the skin is one that is often forgot. Exercise not only does wonders for your mood by enhancing endorphins, and for your body by building muscles, burning fat and working out your heart, it can also make. you. sweat.
- Add some things! Cayenne pepper has been shown to slightly increase fluid elimination and sweat. Garlic has been shown to lower blood fats and is a natural mild antibiotic. Ginger root also stimulates sweating and circulation as well as being known for it’s ability to sooth stomach upset. Licorice root may have mild laxative properties. Parsley leaf is a mild diuretic and can assist in flushing the kidneys and there are also things like milk thistle which may be a great liver support, or ground flax seed which is very supportive of colon cleansing as a great source of insoluble fiber!
- Take it past food and exercise. Do a techno cleanse and remove yourself from all electronics (including TV) for a few days. Go through your closet, your drawers, your cupboards. Take on the idea of “if you haven’t used it in the past year, you don’t need it”. Put on your favorite music and spring clean! Have a garage sale. Go camping. Meditate and learn to breathe and clear your mind and heart. Distance yourself from behavioral influences that you believe are negatively impacting your well-being. etc. etc. etc.
You don’t need to go on a cleanse, your body does that for you, but you can always help it out.
~originally written under R. Anne. R’s previous name Sweat & Cinnamon, and edited to update.~
R. Anne. R Holistics 