Spring cleaning is a yearly ritual for many people.
It is the time when we all go through the clutter and mess we have accumulated over the past year in order to toss out those things that are unnecessary, obsolete, or simply in the way.
While the actual process of spring cleaning can be arduous and frustrating (particularly if you happen to be a pack rat), we all feel a great sense of accomplishment when all is said and done. The office desk is neatly organized, the kitchen counters are not cluttered, and we can now actually find our favorite book in the bookcase. We emerge out the other end of spring cleaning feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready to take on the world.
In the same vein, a yearly spring cleansing can rid the body of toxins it has accumulated over time, allowing it to work at its optimum. There is a multitude of detox cleansing methods out there—the key is to find the one that fits best with your lifestyle. Below are several tips to help you get the most out of your cleansing ritual.
Give the body time to heal
A detox cleansing should not be rushed or jammed into an already full schedule. Instead, it is best to specifically set aside time to do so. For example, a good juice detox cleansing will take up an entire weekend.1 While not all cleansing detox routines are as extreme as this, there has been evidence showing that even changing eating habits to rid the body of toxins can show benefits in as little as 10 days.2
Change how you eat
A detox cleansing is all about ridding the body of the foods that contain toxins and replacing them with foods that actually provide the body with proper nutrition in order for it to begin healing itself.
Toxic foods: Most common grains should actually be avoided, as they make the body too acidic, which can lead to a buildup of toxins. Such grains include corn, wheat, white rice, and white flour. In addition, meat from grain-fed animals should also be avoided.2
Cleansing foods: Whole grains, quinoa, and brown rice all provide the body with proper nutrition from grains. In addition, a cleansing diet should include plenty of fruits and green vegetables. Meat from grass-fed animals will also provide the body with the requisite protein it needs, but is far less acidic.2
Nutritional supplements: In addition to changing to a detox diet, certain nutritional supplements can also help the body rid itself of toxins. Chief among these is a good probiotic, which will help the digestive system increase the amount of good bacteria necessary for proper digestion of food. A good multi-vitamin, including vitamins A, C, E, and the spectrum of B vitamins will help support proper detoxification of the body, as well.2
Just as a freshly cleaned house or apartment will give us a sense of accomplishment, so too can a detox cleansing ritual.
References
1 Davis J. “Detox diets: Cleansing the body.” WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/diet/detox-diets-cleansing-body. Published 2002. Accessed April 2015.
2 Silverman R. Risk reduction. Chiropractic Economics. 2015;61(1):23–25.
