Written by Sarah Shoemaker, RHN
Visit her at Holistic Approach Nutrition for more information or to book an appointment.
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Well the weather is finally warming up, that must mean we can expect to see summer soon.
I like to start a new season with a cleanse, it is a good way to signal both a change in our environment and a change with our bodies. With such as fast paced world we live in I feel that we have become disconnected from our environment, when in fact our bodies are very much connected to it. So why cleanse? Here are just a few reasons:
1 – Taking a break from something can help us asses our true relationship with these things.
Do you ever find yourself absolutely needing something in order to function? Like that morning stop at Starbucks for a coffee and something sweet or that evening glass of wine or cocktail?
Often times we become addicted to substances like caffeine, sugar, alcohol and social media. Taking a break from things can give us time and space to really figure out how much happiness or health these things contribute to our lives or how to live without them.
2 – Disease comes from stagnation and congestion. Simple as that!
Through cleansing we are able to clear this stagnation and congestion and help rid the body of accumulated toxins stored in our organs and tissues.
3 – To support our own body’s system of detoxification.
Our body does an amazing job (no fancy teas or drinks needed) of detoxing our bodies of built up toxins, why not support these systems and organs through cleansing.
The catch phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Actually has some merit. Apples and pears are high in detoxification properties and are very effective at drawing out toxins and eliminating them.
So How do we Detox Sarah?
It can be as simple as drinking a little extra water to help flush toxins out or incorporating Fresh Lemon Water in the Morning.
Eat less processed, refined, dairy or meat and instead add in more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and seeds. Try for 1 extra leafy green and a whole grain to start.
How about adding in an extra walk after dinner when you would normally sit at your phone, computer , TV or tablet aimlessly scrolling?
A good start is to switch to a Nontoxic Diet on a more regularly basis. This is a diet that incorporates natural, seasonal and local foods, with organic foods as much as possible. Many whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and wild fish make up the bulk of your food.
I eat pretty healthy I don’t need to do a cleanse!
Fantastic! But, do you experience any of the following? Some signs of toxicity are:
• Allergy
• Arthritis
• Congestion
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Digestion issues
• Irritated eyes
• Joint pains
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• increased sensitivity to environmental exposure
Here are some of the problems related to Congestion and Stagnation:
Allergy
Arthritis
Cancer
Gallstones
Gout
Heart disease
High Cholesterol
Infections
PMS
Headaches
Obesity
Peptic Ulcers
Notes On Seasonal Cleansing
Detoxification involves changes to your lifestyle and diet to reduce toxins and to increase proper elimination. Small changes go along way, start slow and be consistent!
Detoxification and regular cleanses are more and more important because we are constantly exposed to chemicals, pollution, radiation, processed or refined foods, preservatives, additives and drugs.
Cleansing can be a simple process or it can be a bit more involved, that is totally up to you. That is the beauty of doing a cleanse, a little goes along way and it is totally personalized.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or want a more in depth cleanse protocol, or more information on a Nontoxic Diet. Happy Cleansing Guys!!
All Purpose Green Goddess Dressing:
www.holisticapproachnutrition.com