Spring is the perfect time to detoxify, to renew and restore your body after the winter months. A time to get rid of any accumulated toxins or cellular sludge that you may have built up during the slowdown of winter. Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body to improve overall health and well-being. Detoxifying will aid in increasing your metabolism and help you feel more energized. There are various methods of detoxification, including juice cleanses, fasting, specific supplementation along with dietary changes. It is important to note that the body naturally detoxifies itself through organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin but if you have accumulated toxins, your natural detoxification systems may not be working at their best. Here are strategies to detoxify as we move into spring.

Eliminate Inflammatory Foods and Substances: I recommend eliminating several things that will aid in detoxification. These all lead to inflammation of your cells, tissues and organs which will impair their function and ability to detoxify.
1. Gluten– Whether you are gluten intolerant or not, it does cause inflammation. There are a wide variety of gluten free options available at most grocery stores. Remember that eggs, meats, poultry, fruits, and vegetables are gluten free.
2. Processed Foods – The chemicals, dyes, additives, and preservatives in processed foods all lead to inflammation and toxicity. Eat fresh or fresh frozen foods and avoid anything in a box or a package. Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is an effortless way to eliminate processed foods.
3. SUGAR– Added sugars are the main cause of inflammation that lead to chronic illness and disease.
4. Dairy – I know this is a tough one living in Wisconsin, but dairy is inherently inflammatory. You do not have to be lactose intolerant to suffer the inflammatory effects of dairy on your body.
5. Alcohol – Alcohol has been touted to have health benefits but is a toxin and is readily converted to sugar once ingested.
6. Nicotine – Nicotine is a drug and has many deleterious toxic effects.

Keep Your Diet Simple: Eating a diet rich in organic vegetables and fruits along with good fats and organic proteins will give your body the antioxidants, phytochemicals, and nutrients to aid in removing toxins from your organs, tissues, and cells. Your plate should be ¾ vegetables and include protein and good fats from eggs, wild caught SMASH (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring), grass fed beef, wild game, organic poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Avoid bread, pasta, cereals, granola, and keep other starches to ½ cup serving per meal.

Work Up a Sweat: Your skin is your largest organ and a means for natural detoxification. Sweating whether from exercise or infrared sauna is a fantastic way to aid in detoxification. Aim to sweat every day. Exercise will also help eliminate toxins through your bowels.

Drink Water: I recommend drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. Coffee, tea, and other beverages do not count. Water is necessary for every cellular activity in your body. It will help eliminate toxins through your kidneys.

Add Specific Supplementation: Adding specific supplements to aid in mobilizing and carrying toxins out of your body can be part of your detox program. These programs are effective and include the strategies listed above but should be supervised by your natural healthcare provider.

Detoxification is a complement to a healthy lifestyle and will aid in increasing your metabolism and your overall energy. If you are considering a detox program, I recommend you consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Remember, it is never too late to make a Shift in Health.