With spring knocking ever so gently on our weather-proofed windows, it is that time to get ready for longer days, sunnier skies and more time spent outdoors. According to older systems of holistic healing like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, spring is a call to do a clean sweep of our bodies and diets. The stagnant air of winter in combination with the lack of sunshine, exercise and too much time spent on the couch hibernating indoors has made us feel a little sluggish and perhaps even weightier, if you are one of the millions of Americans who puts on a minimum of one pound during November to March.
While detox products and cleansing programs line supplement shelves, you can do your own detox program at home without investing in fancy or expensive products or tonics. Yahoo Health recently posted a 5-step DIY detox regimen that includes a diet and herbal supplement regimen. The routine, which was created by Dr. Mao from the Tao of Wellness, is meant to spring clean your body and get it ready for the bright days of this celebrated season.
1) Morning Ritual: Every morning, drink a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon squeezed into it. Also, pop a probiotic supplement to improve the good flora in your gut and to keep your digestive fire burning.
2) Whole Foods Diet: Banish all sugars, refined flours, processed foods, sodas, coffee and alcohol from your diet. Instead, eat a high fiber hot or cold cereal for breakfast with unsweetened soy milk. For lunch and dinner opt for whole foods that are simple in taste and to make and keep your portions small. Fresh vegetables, steamed rice, organic chicken, tofu or wild salmon are excellent detox meals.
3) Sip a detox tea or broth: Dr. Mao has created a few simple recipes for a detox tonics that can be sipped throughout the day. These liquids are loaded with tons of colorful veggies and can keep for a few days in your fridge.
4) Herbal supplements: Add a few extra supplements to your daily multivitamin and calcium regimen. Sip some green tea, steep a few slices of fresh ginger into hot water and drink before or after meals to aid digestion, and top your salad with a tablespoon of flaxseed or walnut oil.
5) Hot Baths: Soak in a tub infused with Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to your bath.
Dr. Mao recommends doing a one-day detox and then gradually work your way up to one full week. Best of all, this detox program can be followed throughout the year during any change of seasons.
Check out Heather’s Spring detox cleanse.