Detoxing Naturally
In the warmer weather, we tend to crave lighter, cooler foods, versus warmer and heavier foods of late fall/winter. Higher temperatures beckon us to go outside. Spring-cleaning also begins- for your body too.
Popularly known as 'detoxing', this word can take on many different meanings from a juice cleanse, water fast, to colon cleansing, and in the more medical sense, chelation of heavy metals and other toxins. Metaphorically, winter is a time of storage, so cleansing may be a more appropriate word to help us re-set our bodies and health goals, especially as our metabolism gets a natural extra boost in the spring/summer. I believe cleanses can also give us that time to focus on fine-tuning our health habits, learning how to make healthier decisions, and listening to our bodies' response to foods and activity. Spring and Fall are excellent times to experience the health benefits of a cleanse!
How do you know if you should detox?
-poor memory -hormonal problems
-fatigue -allergies
-migraines/ headaches -weight gain
-gastrointestinal dysfunction -skin problems
-low grade infections
Here's what you can do at home on a daily basis:
1) Do not use aluminum or copper cookware. Use ONLY stainless steel. No aluminum foil, antiperspirants (go for the natural brands)
Aluminum has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s (also known as Diabetes type 3), and other memory issues. In infants this can slow growth, and for everyone, it can accumulate in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver, and thyroid where it competes with calcium for absorption.
2) Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water
This advice was also given for general health, and to boost the immune system. As your body is releasing toxins on a regular basis, water helps filter them smoothly through the kidneys. Make sure your urine is clear to light yellow.
3) Achieve restful, uninterrupted, 7-9 hours of sleep
Our circadian rhythm is important for regenerating all types of cells that regulate multiple systems in our body, all at different hours of the night (e.g. cortisol is highest when we wake). However, poor sleep may be due to stress, neurotransmitter or cortisol imbalance, food allergen, or another underlying cause.
4) Practice forgiveness
Psychology Today published an article stating that you may live longer by practicing forgiveness, in which you stop judging the person who caused you the hurt, and instead display generosity and kindness. The offense still exists, but the need for their apology does not.
Popularly known as 'detoxing', this word can take on many different meanings from a juice cleanse, water fast, to colon cleansing, and in the more medical sense, chelation of heavy metals and other toxins. Metaphorically, winter is a time of storage, so cleansing may be a more appropriate word to help us re-set our bodies and health goals, especially as our metabolism gets a natural extra boost in the spring/summer. I believe cleanses can also give us that time to focus on fine-tuning our health habits, learning how to make healthier decisions, and listening to our bodies' response to foods and activity. Spring and Fall are excellent times to experience the health benefits of a cleanse!
How do you know if you should detox?
-poor memory -hormonal problems
-fatigue -allergies
-migraines/ headaches -weight gain
-gastrointestinal dysfunction -skin problems
-low grade infections
Here's what you can do at home on a daily basis:
1) Do not use aluminum or copper cookware. Use ONLY stainless steel. No aluminum foil, antiperspirants (go for the natural brands)
Aluminum has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s (also known as Diabetes type 3), and other memory issues. In infants this can slow growth, and for everyone, it can accumulate in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver, and thyroid where it competes with calcium for absorption.
2) Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water
This advice was also given for general health, and to boost the immune system. As your body is releasing toxins on a regular basis, water helps filter them smoothly through the kidneys. Make sure your urine is clear to light yellow.
3) Achieve restful, uninterrupted, 7-9 hours of sleep
Our circadian rhythm is important for regenerating all types of cells that regulate multiple systems in our body, all at different hours of the night (e.g. cortisol is highest when we wake). However, poor sleep may be due to stress, neurotransmitter or cortisol imbalance, food allergen, or another underlying cause.
4) Practice forgiveness
Psychology Today published an article stating that you may live longer by practicing forgiveness, in which you stop judging the person who caused you the hurt, and instead display generosity and kindness. The offense still exists, but the need for their apology does not.