Spring into Health

April is a great month for a little spring cleaning! But your home isn't the only place that deserves a thorough cleaning--your body does, too! Spring is the season for cleansing and healing. A gentle cleanse or detox can help to rejuvenate and jump-start your health for the new season. And best of all, anyone can do it!

A detox is a safe and effective way to clear out toxic substances that infiltrate our bodies through the (non-organic) food and water we consume and the air we breathe. These toxins accumulate in fat tissue and our organs, causing sluggishness, poor concentration and over time, can lead to an array of health conditions.

The liver acts as the body's garbageman through phase I and phase II detoxification. When it becomes overloaded with too much junk, it can't do its job as efficiently, causing fatigue and poor digestion, among many symptoms. Since the liver is the organ that is responsible for filtering out all the foreign chemicals and toxins that enter the body, my advice is to eat foods that will support the liver.

Here is a list of foods that help support detoxification:
Adapted from kristin@foodtherapysf.com

1) Artichokes: Contains plant compounds known as caffeoylquinic acids, which increase the flow of bile and help to digest fats and remove toxins. BONUS: They are IN SEASON in Spring!

2) Beets: Beets contain betaine, which promotes the regeneration of liver cells and the flow of bile. It also has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism and removal of toxins.

3) Cruciferous Veggies: Cabbage, brussel sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, mustard greens, turnips, radish, cauliflower, kohlrabi, collard greens, daikon, kale, bok choy, watercress: support the liver's detoxification enzymes. They contain potent phytochemicals and antioxidants that support Phase II detoxification.

4) Lemon: D-limonene contained in lemons induces Phase 1 and 2 detoxification to neutralize carcinogens. Its also improves glutathione, a powerful detoxification agent.

5) Sea Vegetables: such as sea palm, dulse, kombu, kelp, hijiki, wakame, nori. Loaded with minerals. Binds to heavy metals and chemical pollutants in the intestinal tract allowing them to be safely eliminated from the body.

Simple Liver Flush:
Combine:
Juice from 1 lemon
about 1/2 cup of water
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
For best results, drink this on an empty stomach upon waking.

Are you ready for the new season? What changes are you making to tidy up your diet?