Spring Detoxification: Cleansing In Your Everyday Life

Spring is a time of renewal, regrowth, regeneration…and a perfect time to cleanse your body and move out stagnant energy, gently clearing out toxins from the winter.

by Kristin Hoppe
BS, NC, Certified Nutrition Consultant

Detoxification, the cleansing of the inner self, has been around for centuries. But what does detoxification really mean for us today?

What is Your Toxic Load?

We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with toxins: the food we eat, the air we breathe, the products we use in our homes.  Even thoughts can produce negative effects in the body.  And let’s not forget stress!  Stress can wreak havoc on your body, depleting vital nutrients that regulate your weight, your mood, and your health.  

All these toxins sum up to what is called your “toxic load”.  When detoxifying, it is important to identify all the areas in your life that contribute to your toxic load and then look to reduce those toxic inputs as much as possible. All while supporting your body’s own natural ability to detoxify. 

Our organs are detoxifying all the time – the liver, for example, being the primary cleansing organ.  Often times the liver can become overworked, which could result in: fatigue, poor skin, constipation and other digestive issues, inconsistent mood, brain fog, insomnia, joint pain, and weight loss resistance.

Support Your Body’s Natural Detoxification Process

The good news is there are simple things you can do in your everyday life to support your body’s natural detoxification process.

Eat Clean Whole Foods

By eating whole foods, which are not processed or packaged, you avoid ingesting food additives, chemicals, fillers, and foods devoid of nutrients. Fresh vegetables and fruits are loaded with enzymes and packed with phytonutrients (aka: antioxidants). These help our bodies combat any damage caused by stress, environmental toxins, and less than healthy eating habits.

If you don’t know the farming practices from where your produce was grown, be sure to visit the Environmental Working Group’s website. The non-profit organization publishes a shopper’s guide to pesticides so you will know what produce you should buy organically and which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are acceptable when organic is not available.

Eat Fiber

Fiber is essential for detoxification. Soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains binds to toxins and provides the bulk that allows digested food and toxins to move out easily. Aim for 50 grams per day.

Drink Water

Dehydration causes the accumulation of waste in the body. Water will help flush toxins and ease elimination.  And add lemon to your water.  The lemon alkalizes your body and stimulates liver cleansing activities and digestion. Aim for 2 liters per day. 

A Note on Structured Detoxification Programs

There are many cleanses and detoxification programs out there, all of varying qualities and intensities. Many are helpful and some are potentially harmful.  A professionally designed and facilitated detoxification program can enhance and accelerate the cleansing process giving amazing results. 

Before stepping into a program, get clear on your desired outcomes and seek the help of a health care professional to help navigate you through the process.

Kristin Hoppe, BS, NC, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, Educator, and Natural Chef. She received her nutrition and culinary training from Bauman College, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College.

Her practice, Food Therapy, is dedicated to improving people’s health through an inspiring and comprehensive nutritional approach that celebrates food. Kristin takes a holistic approach to health, providing clients with coaching and nutrition programs designed to facilitate healing with lasting results. She specializes in weight management, food allergies, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression & anxiety, and detoxification & cleansing. Please visit FoodTherapySF to learn more.

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Tags: diet, highlight, nutrition, Wellness, Women's Health

Category: Diet & Nutrition