Hello Spring! The flowers will be blooming soon and the days are getting longer. It is believed in many cultures and by alternative health care providers that Spring is the best time to cleanse our bodies. Considering that everything in nature is renewing itself during this time of year, perhaps as humans we should follow suit.

Here are a few simple ways to get started!

Drink This, Eat That

Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley have the ability to detox heavy metals from our bodies. Including fresh herbs into salads, green smoothies and fresh juices are all great ways to incorporate them into your diet.

Dandelion Tea
We usually think of dandelions as a pesky weed, but it is much more than that. Dandelion is bitter in taste, which stimulates the production of bile, the substance produced by our liver that breaks down fat. Bile is made from a variety of substances including waste that has been removed from the blood. Without constant production of bile there would be a backup of toxic substances in the liver.

Lemon Water
Lemon juice is an amazing source of vitamin C, one of the best sources actually. Drinking lemon water will not only boost your vitamin C intake but it will promote bile production and stimulate the liver to eliminate toxins.

Chia Seeds
With 5g of fiber per tablespoon it is undeniable that chia seeds are great for digestion. You cannot cleanse efficiently without proper digestive function. The soluble and insoluble fiber in chia seeds promote regular bowel movements, which promotes the elimination of bile, bacteria and toxins from the liver via stool.

Cruciferous Vegetables 
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-cancer benefits because of its ability to detoxify estrogen from the body. Not to mention, these vegetables also contain an array of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Supplements

Probiotics 
Digestion is often the root cause of illness and disease. A large part of healthy digestion is the beneficial bacteria in our gut. A probiotic supplement will increase these friendly bacteria and promote strong, robust digestion.

Milk Thistle 
Milk thistle, when taken in the form of a tincture, liquid extract or capsule has been shown to protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs.

Chlorella 
Chlorella is a green algae known for its ability to remove heavy metals from the body. There is evidence that consuming chlorella may aid in weight-loss. Chlorella also contains an array of nutrients like vitamin A, B2 and zinc.

Detox Kits 
Using detox kits can be a simple and effective way to promote detoxification and cleanse the various systems within the body. Along with herbal and fiber supplements, many kits also provide simple lifestyle changes to increase benefits. We recommend kits like Wild Rose D-Tox, Renew Life CleanseSMART and Wholy Tea.

Lifestyle

Get Moving!
Unlike our cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump. Lymph, the fluid within our lymphatic system can only be filtered and drained through physical movement. So go for a run, purchase a trampoline, or head to the park.

Be More Mindful
Being more mindful of the products that you use in your home and on your body plays a large role in reducing the amount of toxins that enter your body. Try switching out harsh cleaning products and cosmetics for safe and natural alternatives.

How are you going to get your body ready for Spring?