The Best Season for Detoxification is Now

Regardless of how well we eat, we all carry a heavy load of toxins from processed foods, polluted air and water, industrial byproducts, chemicals in toiletries, furniture and cleaning products. Even some relationships put a daily strain on our body’s ability to detoxify. Over time, this strain on our bodies can lead to fatigue, malaise and the development of chronic disease.

Spring is a time of new awakening. Many cultures and religions typically use this time of year for detoxification; Christians fast during Lent, Muslims fast during Ramadan and in traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine, dietary changes are encouraged. Sunshine raises vitamin D levels, speeding our metabolism and encouraging us to get outside and move. Young, green spring plants are plentiful and support liver detoxification.

The effects of detox programs include an increase in energy, weight loss, reduced susceptibility to allergens, improved digestion, reduction in chronic symptoms and an opportunity to identify foods sensitivities and release attachments to toxic foods, emotions and stressors.

To many, a detoxification program means restriction and supplements. While these can be part of a detox, it is about the body needs to function optionally. Choose the freshest, highest-quality foods possible, including organic, grass-fed and pasture-raised options. If people fill up on those, it is easier to reduce intake of things that can be harmful.

Avoid processed foods, alcohol, sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial ingredients, pesticides and other possible or likely food allergens. This gives us an opportunity to see how our body reacts to different foods when we reintroduce them. Also, attention should be paid to up-regulating pathways of elimination. This can be achieved in many ways, from consuming liver-stimulating foods, teas or supplements to increasing bowel function, urination and sweating.

The most important aspect of a detox is to change our daily routines, allowing us to get to know how our lifestyle affects the way we feel, so we can choose to continue them or not. The more we get used to feeling good, the more intolerant we will become of feeling lousy.

Katherine Chavez, ND, works in an integrative setting and uses a combination of diet and safe, research-supported natural interventions to help restore the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health.