With the joy, warmth, socialization, festivals and fun of summer~ comes more unhealthy eating, drinking, stress, fatigue, and skipping routines. Our bodies LOVE routine, so the waning of summer also brings back the steadiness of structure. As we get back to our roots and recover from the summer holiday, we can use this transitional time to prepare our bodies for a healthy autumn.
heal your gut: Before your body can handle a real effective detoxification, the digestive tract needs to be addressed. Are you feeling bloated after eating? Do you get cramping or see changes in your bowel patterns? For baseline indigestion, bloating, belching and flatulence a daily dose of fermented foods and probiotics may do the trick. If you are struggling to get digestion under control- invest in your health! Our nutritionist will get to the root of the problem with you and help you find the right foods to heal your gut.
sweat it out : Studies have shown that perspiration contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic. A well-hydrated work out or sauna session can activate your lymphatic system and help you sweat out some of that bad stuff.
go green : Green vegetables have a high inventory of nutrients. Many of the body’s detox processes are linked to having adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. Start cooking with generous amounts of spinach and cruciferous vegetables to maximize your detox nutrients.
citrus boost : Vitamin C is an immune booster. It helps the body produce an antioxidant that neutralizes toxins and also enhances digestive enzymes. Because we cannot produce our own vitamin C in the body, eating adequate sources in whole foods or supplements is vital to better immune health. Start and end each day with a glass of warm lemon water! (strawberry, acerola cherry, citrus fruits, papaya, black currant, kiwi, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, melons, and dark leafy greens are great food sources)
controlled breathing : Oxygen is a critical component of natural detoxification. Controlled breathing: a deep, 5 second inhalation through the nose followed by a long exhalation through the mouth- you will achieve a full oxygen exchange, swapping incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide. This supercharges your lymphatic system to ward of toxins, pathogens, and waste. Integrate this controlled breathing practice several times per day.
drink more tea : Green tea leaves are withered and steamed, rather than fermented, so it produces a beverage that is rich in compounds that eliminate free radicals. Start your day with a cup of green tea and a squeeze of lemon.
assess your water quality: It is not just about quantity! Ditch plastic bottles of commercially packaged water and invest in a stainless steel bottle. Update your water filters or start using one for all of you water needs at home. Tap water can be full of chemicals used to clean the water- but also add more to the chemical load in your body. Drinking filtered, cleaner water will help your body flush out waste at the cellular level and also support the GI tract and kidneys as they flush out those toxins. How much water? At least 1/2 to 3/4 your body weight in ounces.