In today’s world, man-made chemicals are everywhere. From environmental pollution to unnatural ingredients found in processed foods, our bodies are burdened with an ongoing task of detoxification. Many health experts believe that the increase in toxic load over the last 100 years is to blame for numerous chronic diseases and poor gut health.

The good news is that natural herbal cleansing can support the body’s seven elimination pathways – liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, lymphatic system, blood, and skin – and enhance the elimination of toxins via sweat, stool, and urine.

If you’re feeling sluggish after the cold, dark winter months, there’s no better time than now to cleanse your gut and support a healthier immune system. With 70% of the immune system in the gut, cleansing is an important step for better immunity and overall good health.

This Spring season, why not jumpstart a healthy cleanse by eating local organic fruits and vegetables, taking natural cleansing herbs, and increasing your intake of fibre?

Here are 3 easy ways to get the most out of your Spring cleanse:

1. Eat Cleanse-Friendly Foods

Cleansing requires energy and one of the best ways to provide your body with energy is by eating nutritious foods. Whether you’re in the east coast or the west coast, include a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables in your diet such as dark green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, apples, fennel, and asparagus.

In addition to fruits and veggies, pay attention to your intake of protein (e.g. wild fish, organic chicken, and lamb) and healthy fats (e.g coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados). By eating a well-balanced diet, your body receives key nutrients required for both phases of detoxification.

2. Pick a User-Friendly Cleansing Kit

Many people think that cleansing requires mixing an assortment of herbs at home. You’ll be happy to know that this isn’t the case.

For today’s busy on-the-go Canadian, cleansing couldn’t be easier. Health foods stores across the country provide simple herbal cleansing programs (e.g. 7 Day Kits, 15 Day Kits, or 30 Day Kits) that make cleansing stress-free. Cleansing kits combine detoxifying ingredients such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root and Burdock Root so that you don’t have to. For a positive cleansing experience, my recommendation is to avoid cleanses that contain harsh laxatives like Senna or Cascara Sagrada. Ingredients like Magnesium Hydroxide, Cape Aloe Leaf, and Triphala can gently stimulate the bowels without the need for harsh laxatives.

Ask a qualified nutritional advisor in store to help you choose the right cleanse based on your needs and be prepared to take herbal capsules in the morning and before bed. While it’s a good idea to eat healthy, you don’t have to follow a strict diet and you definitely don’t have to live off lemonade, gritty shakes, or detox juices. Remember, cleansing is designed to enhance your life, not disrupt it.

3. Aim For 30-40 Grams Of Fibre Per Day

Toxins are eliminated via stool and for optimal elimination, fibre is a must. In order to experience the numerous health benefits that cleansing can offer such as better immune health, reduced bloating, increased energy, and decreased risk of developing chronic health issues, you need to ensure toxins are eliminated and not re-circulated.

Include fibre-rich foods such as berries, chia seeds, quinoa, and oats in your diet. If you’re not getting enough fibre in your diet, look for a flax-based fibre supplement (50% soluble and 50% insoluble fibre) to help you meet your daily requirement.

As you pack away winter clothes, de-clutter your home, and feel the benefits of Spring cleaning, don’t forget to cleanse your body too. Spring is a great time of year to renew your health, elevate your energy, and let go of things that you don’t need, like toxins.

By Dr. Sara Celik

About the Author: Dr. Sara Celik, ND

Dr. Sara is a licensed naturopathic doctor with 13 years of clinical experience. With her extensive educational background, she is a sought-after speaker and leader in natural health that has contributed to various media outlets.