Seasonal Detoxification to get back in shape
If we wish to live a long and healthy life, we need to look after our body; there is no question. By so doing, the body will keep sickness at bay as much as possible, be on watch against unwanted intruders and function efficiently and effectively.
People who are close to nature have fasted and used plants to detoxify their bodies for a long time. This would be done over a stretch of several days, especially in the spring and the fall, at times when our activities, the metabolism and the temperature change drastically.
Why detoxify and what?
It is a well-known fact that the adult North American absorbs hundreds of inorganic substances every year from the air, water, and the things we eat and drink. For example, 300 million tiny air cells, irrigated by 20 billion red globules, incessantly cleanse the blood cells in our lungs. This, over an area of 100 square meters, which equates to half a tennis court! The liver, weighing hardly 1 kg, filters 1 litres of blood every minute and it alone performs some 500 vital functions, such as the production, purification and storage of good fats, enzymes and antibodies as well as the release of numerous vitamins and minerals. The kidneys and their adrenals control blood and even nerve pressure through the adrenals, tirelessly cleansing the blood and the lymph, eliminating unwanted proteins, excess sugar and minerals, thanks to its millions of tiny, hair-like filtering nephrons. The kidneys are the ones most easily damaged, most put to work by our excesses and the ones most in demand for transplants. Take care of your kidneys by drinking at least 2 litres of pure water each day and avoid contact with cold temperatures, particularly in the lumbar region or by way of iced drinks.
What do we need to do to detoxify effectively?
Aside from drinking eight glasses of pure water between meals, it is advised to radically eliminate the following worst offenders from our diets: all cold cuts, animal and hydrogenated fats, refined starches and all sweets, not to forget alcohol and coffee; at least during the detox period and ideally for at least a few days each week.
It is recommended to temporarily, if not regularly, add seasonal certified organic vegetables, especially the dark green and coloured variety, whole cereals in any sort of form, a serving of seeds, nuts or organic legumes, which are rich in protein and which will enhance your main dishes. Drinking herbal teas, made with filtered water, either hot or cold between meals, will really complement a methodical detox composed of good quality medicinal plants, either in capsule or in liquid form, depending on your needs or taste. Ask a qualified person in your health food store to help you make the right choice.
There is no question that a well planned seasonal purification, lasting from 10 days to a month depending on your personal preference, will bring back energy, vitality and "joie de vivre" and sometimes even cause the loss of some unwanted weight. In addition, it can help improve digestion, elimination and even add a few years to your life.
If we follow this good advice, the reward will be that our bodies resist the ever-increasing demands placed on it by environmental factors and our "modern" lifestyle with all its excesses.
Anny Schneider
Herbalist and Naturopath
