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Cleanse Your Body Spring Detox Nutritionist for Henry’s Farmers Market, Janet Little CN, share her tips and favorite products for a springtime detoxifying cleanse. Springtime is my favorite time of year; longer daylight hours, burgeoning flowers, and some internal spring-cleaning. What do I mean by internal spring-cleaning? Detoxifying the body! Although most people think of a detox at the beginning of the year, springtime is actually the best time for a cleansing program. First, and most importantly, you need to be cautious before going on a detoxification program. Check with your doctor first, especially if you are overweight, if you are on any type of medication, if you have blood sugar problems or any other health problems. How our body rids itself of toxins Our liver is the master cleanser. Did you know that our livers perform over 400 different functions in our bodies, and that almost 2 quarts of blood pass through our liver for detoxification every minute? The liver filters blood to remove toxins, secretes bile full of cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and the liver disassembles unwanted chemicals. It’s a 2-step process in which the liver performs these functions. In phase I, a group of enzymes in the liver, P450, neutralizes some chemicals, and converts others to a more chemically active and toxic form. In phase II detoxification, these active toxic compounds are then neutralized and excreted out of the body. At Henry’s, we have many products that can assist the liver with the detoxifying process. One of my personal favorite products for detox is milk thistle (silybum marainum), which helps to protect the liver from damage and enhances the detoxification process. Some other herbs that assist the body with the cleansing process are: Burdock: a gentle liver and blood cleanser Yellow Dock: improves absorption Dandelion: a cleansing herb for toxic skin conditions, mild diuretic Red Root: assists the lymph glands Ginger: increases circulation, helps digestion In addition to the liver, other organs help to cleanse toxins from our body, including: Skin Small and large intestines Kidneys Lymph glands What type of detox program is right for you? Just as we are different types of individuals, there are different types of detoxification programs. Personally, I prefer to take a vitamin and herbal program like Whole Body Cleanse® by Enzymatic Therapy or Thisilyn Cleanse® by Nature’s Way. Natural Factors also has a wonderful product called Detoxitech® Liver Health. All of these products are great to try because their formulas assist all your organs with the detoxification process. Lastly, be sure to increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables are nature’s paragon of cleansing. The compounds found in these Superfoods helps to reduce our risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Here’s to spring cleaning our internals! |
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