Spring is a time of change. We adjust to warmer temperatures, become more active and even do some spring cleaning. As we make the dietary transition from the heavy, dense ‘yin’ foods of winter to the energetically lighter foods of spring and summer, it is the perfect time for a personal spring cleaning of our bodies.
With all the medications, refined foods, additives, alcohol, pesticides and other chemicals we are exposed to in the environment and in our homes, our body’s natural ability to adapt and detoxify can become overwhelmed.
We have five principle emunctories (routes of elimination): liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, skin and lungs that work in concert to neutralize and eliminate toxins. Toxicity occurs when this natural mechanism is over-stressed or when our routes of elimination become blocked. Toxicity also occurs when we take in more that we can utilize.
Poor digestion, colon sluggishness, reduced liver function and poor elimination through our kidneys, respiratory tract and skin add to increased toxicity. Vague symptoms such as fatigue, allergies (see below for more information about allergies), skin problems, headaches, bad breath, body odor, abdominal discomfort and poor digestion may indicate impaired liver function and a need for spring cleaning.
A nutritional detoxification diet reduces the risk of chronic disease by lowering the overall burden on our liver and by strengthening our immune systems. A nutritional detox involves eating a whole-foods based diet rich in vegetables and non-animal protein sources (nuts, beans). It involves eliminating foods which are either considered inflammatory or are common food allergens: sugar, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, and dairy products, citrus, peanuts, corn, and all processed foods. Drinking a master cleanser twice daily will enhance liver function and performing dry skin brushing will move the lymphatic system (directions on both below).
Following a cleansing diet such as this has the immediate health benefits of improved vitality, better digestion, weight loss, decreased allergies, and clarity of mind. It is a transformative process that affects many areas of our lives. We may experience emotional release and subsequent insights. We become more sensitive to the subtleties of our personal interactions, emotions, and nature. Intuition is often enhanced and procrastination tends to disappear. For more specifics about the benefits of following a nutritional detox consider attending Dr. Rodriguez�s upcoming workshop Sat. May 6th at boundless yoga studio.
Detox Workshop - Sat. May 6th from 1-3 pm
Detox should be a cornerstone of well-being that helps us maintain our health and vitality as we age. Explore both Western cleansing practices with an introduction to Panchakarma - the Ayurvedic approach to detox - in a workshop taught by Dr. Rodriguez and Ify Nwokoye, RYT
Saturday May 6th from 1-3 pm at boundless yoga. Dress comfortably as we will be performing yoga asanas that facilitate release of toxins.
Master Cleanser
Below is a recipe for a well-known detox staple. It is quick and easy and gets things moving. Its sour/spicy taste stimulates digestive juices and the release of bile from the liver.
Drink up to 3 glasses daily to enhance your cleansing process.
- 1 glass of hot water
- juice of 1 lemon
- pinch cayenne (and a little honey or maple syrup if you want)
Dry Skin Brushing
The practice of dry skin brushing helps to move our lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of channels that filter wastes from our tissues and brings them to the circulatory system for processing by the liver and elimination by the kidneys. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn�t have a �heart� to pump it, so we need to engage in activities that move the lymph: yoga, rebounding, and dry skin brushing are some examples.
Using a loofah, brush for 45 - 60 seconds with quick strokes covering the entire body. Start brushing from the head, the tips of the fingers and the tips of the toes, moving progressively towards the heart. In addition to helping remove harmful toxins, dry skin brushing removed dead cells and improves circulation, giving the skin a healthy glow.
Visit www.drmarierodriguez.com to learn about many naturopathic services including:
- biotherapeutic drainage
- craniosacral therapy
- nutrition and detoxification
- natural hormone balancing
