Spring’s warmth and new growth signify rejuvenation, making it the perfect time for improving our health and vitality by aligning with the revitalizing principles of the season. Throughout winter, our body struggles with issues such as low energy, weight gain, and muscle pain. With spring comes the opportunity to shed excess weight and cleanse accumulated toxins and wastes.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), spring corresponds to the liver and gall bladder. A spring cleanse effectively supports the liver’s vital detoxification processes and eliminates toxins stored in organs and tissues. This can lead to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, balanced blood sugar levels, and better immune function. A cleanse can range from 3 days to a month or more, but most people find success with a gentle 10-14 day program.
Spring Cleanse Diet
The cornerstone of a successful cleanse is a rejuvenating diet. Eat fresh, unprocessed organic foods with a focus on green vegetables. Vegetables can be juiced, eaten raw, steamed, or sautéed in liquid. Some key guidelines include:
- Emphasize alkalizing foods such as cucumber, kale, kelp, spinach, parsley, broccoli, sprouts, and sea vegetables. These foods counteract the tendency to become more acidic during cold weather and promote oxygenation and the release of stored wastes and toxins.
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Consume plenty of pure water, herbal teas, and vegetable soups or broths.
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Add fiber to your diet to ensure regular elimination, which will carry toxins out of the system.
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Avoid foods that place stress on the body and cause inflammation, such as alcohol, sugar, processed foods, cooked oils, caffeinated beverages, and non-organic foods, especially factory-farmed and processed meats.
Spring Cleanse Supplements
Some recommended supplements actively remove toxins and support long-term health and vitality:
- Honokiol extract: Derived from Magnolia officinalis bark, this extract helps protect the body and brain from damages caused by toxins, heavy metals, and unstable free radicals.
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Modified citrus pectin (MCP)/alginate formula: This formula helps gently remove heavy metals and environmental toxins from the digestive tract and circulation, combats inflammation, controls elevated Galectin-3 levels, and improves cellular health and immunity.
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Phase II detox formula: This formula contains sulfured amino acids and detoxifying herbs and nutrients such as cilantro, dandelion, milk thistle, and others for the in-depth removal of stored toxins. It also combats free radicals, fights inflammation, supports organs of elimination, and boosts vital energy.
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Herbal and nutrient digestive formula: Provides non-habit-forming digestive support with herbs, nutrients, and enzymes that help improve digestive function and relieve occasional digestive discomfort.
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Medicinal mushroom formulas: These help remove toxins and metabolic waste buildup throughout the body and support immunity, digestion, vital energy, and overall health.
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Probiotic formula: This improves digestive and overall health by reintroducing healthy probiotic flora to the digestive tract, which boosts immunity, improves nutrient assimilation, and supports long-term wellness.
Lemon and Olive Oil Liver and Gallbladder Cleanser
Incorporate a powerful yet gentle liver and gallbladder cleanser into your cleanse program by opting for a lemon and olive oil blended mix. Puree the following in a blender:
- 1 organic lemon cut into pieces with seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
- 1¼ cup filtered water
Strain the contents, add in a bit of the lemon peel for additional pectin benefits, and drink each night before bed on an empty stomach. Many people find that this cleansing drink improves their sleep as well.
An Uplifting Experience for Mind and Body
The benefits of a gentle spring cleanse extend far beyond the physical elimination of toxins, leading to improved mental clarity, emotional stability, balanced blood sugar, increased vital energy, and greater strength, flexibility, and stamina. Maximize the benefits of your cleanse by taking some time each day to meditate and reflect, stretch or do yoga poses, take a walk in nature, and rest. This can promote and sustain positive transformations on multiple levels, allowing the coldness and inactivity of winter to gradually give way to new growth, warmth, and energy in the spring. A seasonal cleanse should be a gentle, life-supporting experience, so relax, enjoy, and renew!
