Spring is a beautiful time of year, the days are getting longer, the weather is hopefully becoming warmer and new life is blossoming. Generally our moods are more lifted in the spring time as we look positively ahead to spending more time outdoors, whether it being walking in the countryside or tending to the garden.
A British tradition at this time of year is to spring clean our homes, freshening them up from top to bottom and tackling those often neglected jobs that always get put aside. Perhaps, spring would also be a great time to give our bodies a little extra attention. Often, we have our own little niggles which we just put up with. Maybe a spring clean of our own body could be required to start off the new season feeling relaxed, confident and energised.
Any sort of body cleanse should start with the gut. Our digestive tract is our first line of defence against toxins and harmful bacteria and viruses entering into the body. By having regular healthy bowel movements, we can be confident that removal of these substances happens quickly and effectively.
CLEANSE THE GUT
1. WATER AND FIBRE:
Start by increasing filtered water to 2 litres per day and increasing fibre in the diet. Consume more fibre through eating at least seven portions of vegetables a day and adding in beans and lentils. This will help to improve bowel motility, form a normal stool and rid the body of toxins.
2. FERMENTED FOODS:
Including fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kefir, which contain high levels of beneficial bacteria will help to maintain the gut flora balance, helping to keep the lining of the gut healthy and also helping to improve metabolism.
3. REDUCE TOXINS:
Increase antioxidant foods, such as a rainbow of different coloured fruits and vegetables. Swap fruits, vegetables, meats and fish to organic where possible.
4. ELIMINATE STIMULANTS:
As well as increasing healthy foods, there are certain foods that should be eliminated in order to cleanse the gut. Alcohol, stimulants, such as caffeine and sugar can all cause inflammation in the gut, swap caffeine for herbal teas such as fennel or camomile and cut out both alcohol and sugar.
IMPROVE CIRCULATION & DECLUTTER THE MIND
5. LIGHT EXERCISE:
Taking part in some non-strenuous exercise, such as walking, cycling or swimming can help boost circulation, invigorate the mind and improve lymphatic draining helping the body to rid itself of toxins!
6. ESSENTIAL OILS:
Use essential oils within a vaporiser around the house depending on your desired mood; choose lavender for relaxing and calming and bergamot for uplifting and increasing mental alertness.
7. MASSAGE:
Often, we neglect little aches and pains that come and go or perhaps are continuous, but we’ve just got used to them. These seemingly small and irrelevant niggles, could actually be having a structural impact on how effectively your body is working. By improving them, we could help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
8. RELAXATION:
Take time out each day to relax the mind, incorporating mindfulness, meditation or yoga in to your daily routine should help to ease tension and focus the mind on what is important.
Written By Claire Barnes
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