Spring Cleansing -Tune into Nature’s Rhythms

After a diet heavy in fats and protein that kept us insulated and warm through the winter, our bodies are ready to reset. Historically a time of scarcity, early spring naturally lends itself to burning off the extra insulative fat from the winter, that otherwise would clog our digestion and lymph systems. With food stores used up we mainly had roots and the first spring greens available to eat. Then, a little later comes the berries with high amounts of cleansing antioxidants.

Spring is nature’s new year, time to rejuvenate and set the body up for optimal health in the coming seasons.

Cleansing at this time is one of the natural cycles of nature. And we humans are an integral part of the natural world. The Nobel Prize winning science of Circadian medicine, has brought attention back to the wisdom of living in harmony with nature and most fundamentally, the seasons. Our gut microbiome changes with the seasons, adapting to the seasonal foods available in our local ecosystems.

Eating with the natural rhythms, optimizes cleansing.

Our 2 main systems responsible for cleansing (the digestive and lymph systems) are also the 2 main body systems that need to be unclogged in order to function optimally. This makes it doubly important and beneficial to take action. 

See my new recipe blog for healthy cooking ideas

And of course this is also the natural time for yearly cleansing of our body’s accumulated environmental toxins so prevalent in our modern world. The cleaner we are internally, the better we can handle all the toxins and stressors that inevitably come our way.   

It’s fairly common knowledge now that cleansing is in large part accomplished by the digestive system – the liver, large and small intestines and gallbladder. Less commonly understood is how your lymphatic system, skin and lungs play a large part as well.

 

Here is a list of suggestions to optimize your spring renewal:

1. Eat bitter spring greens (arugula, turnip greens, kale, parsley, dandelion, mustard greens, nettles, endive, escarole, lettuces, cress, mache) – they contain chlorophyll to cleanse, fiber to scrub the intestines and feed the beneficial microbes, and contain much needed minerals and phytonutrients that your body requires for cleansing. The bitter greens also stimulate the gallbladder to break down fats, but chickweed is the best known for emulsifying fats. It is a wild edible that should be identified by an expert or a wild edible guide such as Petersons and is also available in capsule form. Bitter greens are best eaten with a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice sprinkled over them to assist in assimilation.

   My Nettle Ramp Pesto recipe is a delicious and easy way to incorporate these super nutritious wild greens into your diet.

    

2. Bitter roots are astringent, and balancing to the dampness of Spring. These include turnips, ginger, burdock, dandelion, carrots, beets and ramps. Dandelion and beet root are known to support cleansing of the liver. 

    

3. Cook with Ghee. Ghee is clarified butter that contains no lactose – the part of dairy products that many people are allergic to. It contains butyric acid which is very beneficial to gut health.

    

4. Berries and cherries flush toxins via the lymph system, and provide antioxidants which support the health of all the body systems.

   My Strawberry Spelt Shortcake is a healthy alternative to the classic favorite. I use whole spelt flour, whole sugar and non dairy milk and cream for this quick and easy wholesome treat.

    

5. Hike or run and breathe deep out in nature where the air is pure. This moves the lymph so it can flush out the wastes from cell metabolism and cleanses the lungs.

    

6. Use a dry brush on your skin before bathing to unclog pores, increase blood circulation and promote elimination of toxins through flushing of the lymph.

Here are a few supplements that can support your spring cleansing:

• Nature’s Sunshine Products amazing Ultrabiome is patent pending drink mix packets that support: the elimination of heavy metals, healthy intestinal permeability, whole body purification, beneficial bacteria in the gut, sustained energy, optimal nutrient absorption, and a balanced glucose response.

• Psyllium Hulls are a fiber supplement which feeds the beneficial microbes, absorbs toxins, scrubs the intestinal walls and assists bowel elimination.

• Liquid Chlorophyll alkalizes the body, builds red blood cells, cleanses the colon and liver, increases energy and deodorizes the body.

• Cleavers, Red Clover, and Parthenium – cleanse the lymph system. They are available in combination formulas.

• Milk Thistle – supports the liver and its ability to cleanse toxins from the body, assists the gallbladder in making bile to emulsify fats and fights bacterial infections.

And let’s not forget that in our Holistic approach, we need to do some cleansing on the emotional and spiritual levels as well. Spending time in nature, meditation, and journaling are just a couple of practices that can help you move forward to greater peace, meaning, and fulfillment. Doing this deeper work can address the root causes of physical issues and help us live in greater alignment with what’s for our highest good.

We might find that we make healthier choices, our cravings lessen, and we are better able to handle the stresses of our modern lives when we pay attention to our emotional health.

We might find that we make healthier choices, our cravings lessen, and we are better able to handle the stresses of our modern lives when we pay attention to our emotional health.

Working with a Holistic Natural Health Consultant can be much easier and more effective than going it alone. We were designed to support one another –  reflecting, pointing out blind spots and providing accountability and encouragement.

April and May special: 20% off all initial Zyto scan appointments. Or if you are a returning client, refer a friend and receive 20% off your next service 

Important Note: Every single snowflake since the beginning of time is entirely unique. Each and every one of our bodies are no less so, and a lot more complex. We do best to personalize our approach to cleansing according to our individual body’s needs. What’s effective to one might be harmful to another.

Some, with a certain constitution, have wonderful results with a strong cleanse while others would be depleted and extremely set back by this same cleanse. Not everyone has the energy and nutrient reserves required for cleansing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Medicine both developed a system of understanding the different human constitutions long ago, which is still quite pertinent today. We do well to work with a health professional who can determine our individual constitution and also the best cleansing program for our individual needs.

Warning: All but the most gentle cleansing is contraindicated if you are pregnant, nursing or in a depleted or weakened state. The balance of cleansing and building is an important principle in the natural approach to healing.

Please consult with a Natural Health Consultant to determine which combination of cleansing foods, supplements and practices is optimal for your particular body.

 

 I’d love to assist you in discovering what’s best for your body’s individualized cleansing, and emotional reset.

 I offer FDA approved Zyto Biocommunication scans that communicate exactly which supplements, foods, flower essences, essential oils, exercises, services, thought patterns, etc, best bring your body into balance. I combine this with Muscle Response Testing to determine the best overall program to optimize your health.

 

 Begin your journey to Vibrant Health today!

 

 

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