It’s official: spring is finally upon us. The weather is warmer, the days are longer and we have the sudden urge to clean everything in sight – our cupboards, our closets, our garages and, most importantly, ourselves.

It’s time to give our bodies a bit of a vacation.

Detoxification is a natural occurrence. Our liver, kidneys and bowels work hard to neutralize toxins, free radicals and pollutants that have accumulated in fat, joints, the brain and other parts of the body. Chances are, if you’ve been feeling sluggish and congested, it may be a sign that your detoxifying mechanisms need a break.

Cleansing is a great way to relieve the body of its enormous duty of digesting and metabolizing large quantities of food. Although for some, the idea of a detox “diet” seems daunting, just a few simple changes to your diet can make a big difference. Unlike fasting or crash diets, traditional cleansing focuses on consuming healthy, whole foods and energy-boosting ingredients to remove toxins, boost the immune system and stabilize the nervous system.

What we eat plays a huge role in how well our bodies cleanse. Although there are several cleansing products on the market, ranging in price, length of time, ingredients and restrictions, we can effectively cleanse our liver, kidneys and other organs without the use of herbal supplements.

Eliminating or cutting back on caffeine, saturated fats, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, additives and sugars promotes natural detoxification along with a diet rich in leafy greens, certain fruits, whole grains and lean proteins such as fish, poultry and legumes.

If you’re ready to spring cleanse, here are some other tips to consider:

• Eat naturally: Choose organic ingredients whenever possible.
• Check your social calendar: Alcohol consumption is not recommended while cleansing. – Drink more water: A minimum of 8 glasses daily will help flush toxins out of your system.
• Read your labels: Avoid ingredients such as “partially hydrogenated oil”, “sodium nitrate”, “castoreum”, “MSG” and “benzoic acid”.
• Feed your liver: The liver benefits from garlic, onions, brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, bok choy) and carotenoids (orange and yellow fruits and vegetables that promote Vitamin A)

If you are currently taking medications or have an underlying health condition, it’s always best to check with your health care professional prior to cleansing.

Here’s to a cleaner, healthier you!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Ashely Gordon, BSc., ND

Dr. Ashely Gordon is a Naturopathic Physician and owner of Garibaldi Health Clinic, an integrative health care facility offering Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Massage, Midwifery and Physical Therapy. For more information visit www.garibaldihealthclinic.com or call 604 898 1999.