Spring Cleaning Your Digestive Tract For Optimal Health

When I think of spring, I think it’s time to clean my gut! Now I usually take care of my body in general, and am pretty careful of what goes into it. And I’m not a “clean freak” (just ask my close compadres.) But I like to think of the spring as a time to rejuvenate, reboot and recharge in order to look and feel my best! While I am careful with optimizing my health, there are many toxins I could be exposed to just following my daily routine. For instance, if I walk into a building, my skin, which happens to be the body’s largest organ, can absorb any number of toxins in the air, or in direct contact with building materials, furniture, or other equipment. Also, when I walk down the street, I am inhaling environmental pollutants from buildings, factories, motor vehicles, viruses as well as allergens such as mold in the air. This weighs on the immune system, creating a more susceptible situation for getting “sick”. And then there is the water and food supply, which can potentially add to the burden on the body’s organs, blood and immune system. Since a significant number of these situations are out of my control, I take the time to follow a purification program to clean out all the gunk that has accumulated since fall (yes, I clean twice a year.) With any detox or chelation program, you want to check with your practitioner or dietitian to ensure your medical history, medications and current condition will allow a program, and if so, which program will be the most suitable for your history and degree of exposure. What you can expect with even the mildest of detox programs, if done right, is a noticeable increase in energy and stamina, more mental clarity including increased attention span and memory, the common “brain fog” disappears, lessened or elimination of a large variety of symptoms including digestive disorders, skin conditions, migraines, mood swings, fatigue/insomnia and libido issues. In addition, skin, hair, nails and the aging process naturally improves and many state they feel more ALIVE! This has become such a hot topic that I find myself answering a large number of questions pertaining to cleanses, detoxification programs, juicing, purifying the blood, fasts and heavy metal chelation. However, not everyone wants to change up his or her routine for a week or up to a month, and doing a detox takes a little extra time and effort for anyone. Let me share some easy and safe tips with you. Here are a few things that can easily be done to help you reduce your risk to exposure on a daily basis. Eat Organic: You don’t have to go crazy with buying everything organic if you can’t afford it. Get savvy on which foods are higher in chemical pesticides, antibiotics and hormones that you may want to choose organic. Some high pesticide produce you may want to switch to organic are: Berries, cherries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes, lettuces, kale, herbs, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples and grapes. I also recommend organic meat, eggs, corn, soy and dairy if these are part of your regular diet. Avoid Heavy Metals: Exposure to heavy metals is nearly impossible unless you live under a rock. That’s why it is so important to be aware of the sources in order to minimize your daily contact. Heavy metals are found in the food supply, water, agricultural soil, antacids, pain relievers, cosmetics and antiperspirants to name a few common sources. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is in a large number of processed foods and drinks, and up to 70 percent of HFCS is made using methyl mercury. Avoid consuming processed foods, snacks and drinks where HFCS is found. This one tip alone will be a great way to create a healthier family in many ways! Alternative Choices to Household Cleaning Products: There are many alternatives to toxic household cleaners. Some easy do-it-yourself finds that are effective and harmless including using white vinegar, baking soda, white cider, or lemon juice with water. Lastly, recharge your gut with live active enzymes, antioxidants and natural detoxifiers. Here is one of my favorite recipes...enjoy! Monique’s Green Goddess Nectar This will enliven your whole body, lower blood pressure, aid digestion, boost the immune system and eliminate toxins. Also good to help your body handle stress. 2 oranges, apples, or pears 1/4 lemon juice Handful of beet greens Handful of spinach and/or kale 2 stalks of celery or 1 cucumber 1-2 tbsp. cilantro 1 large carrot 2 tbsp. aloe pulp 1/2 stalk lemon grass 1-inch cube of ginger root Peel the orange and lemon, then juice with the rest of the ingredients. This makes about 2 large glasses. Cut in half if you only want one glass.