Spring Detox: Supporting Your Body’s Natural Cleansing

Spring Detox: Supporting Your Body’s Natural Cleansing

A detox aims to cleanse and rejuvenate the body, and Spring is a great time to do this. During the winter, many of us turn to comfort foods and reduce the amount of exercise we do, but as the season changes, the springtime energy can inspire a new regime that supports the body and gets you feeling great for the summer.

The body naturally detoxifies itself using the liver, kidneys and other digestive organs, but there are many ways to support these systems and improve health and well-being with a seasonal detox. Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, we believe that holistic healthcare is the best way to support your physical and mental health and we can advise you on dietary and lifestyle changes to help you with specific ailments or just to benefit your overall health and wellbeing.

Detox tips you’ll love

Different medical approaches offer different detox options, from juice fasts to Ayurvedic cleanses, and some specific programmes can be helpful for certain goals or conditions. However, getting started with any kind of detox is easier if your body is prepared for the change and does not need to go ‘cold turkey’ from your usual lifestyle. We recommend the following for detoxing daily and to support your system before you begin a specific detox programme:

• Drink plenty. When your body is well hydrated, your system will work effectively to flush out toxins and function optimally. Herbal teas may be used to support the system, and drinking water with lemon is renowned as an excellent way to detoxify.

• Eat a good diet. A balanced diet should include as many whole foods as possible, and avoid processed foods and refined sugars. Good nutrition supports the body and a gradual detox will focus on introducing a good diet before doing any more extreme practices such as fasting or restricting your food intake. If you are planning to take a specific detox such as a juice fast or a water fast, you should ensure that your diet is clean for at least a week beforehand to make the most of the benefits and support your system as it detoxes. Some foods, such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables and some herbs and spices can be very helpful in the detoxification process and it is a good idea to include these in your diet before, during and after your detox in many cases.

• Cut down on toxins. We all accumulate toxins in our daily lives and minimising your exposure to these can make a big difference to your detox process. Cutting down or cutting out alcohol and caffeine is a helpful step as these are not kind to the liver and kidneys, affecting their ability to detoxify your body. Avoiding chemicals wherever you can and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and car fumes as much as possible will be a positive step in caring for your health at any time.

• Manage your stress levels. Many of us lead very stressful lives and this can have a big impact on both physical and mental health. It can feel very difficult to eliminate stress, but taking an honest look at your life to see where you can reduce stress and introducing practices such as meditation and mindfulness can be transformative. Bringing elements such as this into your detox will be extremely beneficial for your body and your mind.

• Exercise effectively. Exercise is a vital way to keep the body healthy and if you don’t exercise already, it’s never too late to get started. Choose an activity you enjoy, such as walking, cycling or swimming, and enjoy the social benefits of exercise when you get together with friends to work out together. If you haven’t exercised before, consult a medical professional before starting an intense regime. Exercise will benefit your detox process in many ways, supporting your circulatory system, encouraging lymphatic drainage and helping to move toxins through the body.

• Sleep well. Sleep is vital for the body and mind, especially during a detox that focuses on cellular repair, which happens during sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, you should introduce a calming evening routine that helps you to wind down, turning off screens at least an hour before you go to bed. Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night will usually help you to find a pattern that suits you, but you may find that you sleep more or less during a detox programme as things are changing in your body.

These are all standard practices that will benefit your health and well-being and are great preparation for a specific detox plan. Read on to find out more about detox programmes and options to support your system in your wellness journey.

Popular Detox Programmes

Many people use dietary supplements or herbs to support their detox programme, and ingredients such as milk thistle and dandelion root are popular choices as they are known for their ability to support the liver and the detoxifying process. We do not advise a specific detox programme but we would always suggest looking at the options and checking that your detox is appropriate for your body and your lifestyle. Some examples of popular detox plans include:

Juice detox. A juice detox or juice cleanse, involves consuming only fresh fruit and vegetable juices for some time, usually 2-3 days. This aims to remove toxins from the body and help with weight loss. However, this type of liquid diet is low in calories so may not sustain your energy levels and weight loss is likely to be temporary.

Intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting involves adapting your lifestyle to eat only during a specific window of time each day, usually 8 hours. This gives your digestive system time to detoxify and heal and can help you manage your health, control your weight and sleep better. Intermittent fasting may be introduced as a short-term measure to detox, but it is better seen as a long-term lifestyle change and is particularly helpful for evening snackers!

Ayurvedic cleanse. Ayurveda is the natural medicine system established in India thousands of years ago, and it advocates working with the body to balance the body and mind. An Ayurvedic spring cleanse involves drinking lemon water and eating only kitchari, a daal made with mung beans, for a few days to reset the digestive system and detoxify. Ayurvedic cleanses will also make use of massage, oils and lifestyle changes.

There are many other detox programmes available, and we would advise caution with all of these options as sudden changes can be difficult for your body to adjust to. Most detox plans incorporate some element of lifestyle change, and you can introduce these measures gradually to support your health. For instance, getting up earlier and exercising gently can set you up for the day, and limiting your food intake to simple, whole foods that are easier to digest will give your system a break and allow your body to reset. Drinking plenty of water is vital, and prioritising healthy sleep and minimising stress will make all the difference.

Get support on your detox

Any detox plan or lifestyle change will be much more likely to stick if you have good support. Talk to your friends and family about your plans and find out if any of them would like to join you in the process. This can be a great way to share ideas and stay accountable, and you can encourage and motivate each other as you go. You may find a local or online support group that can offer advice and support with your detox, and this can be a great way to embrace the process and make new friends.

Remember that it is important to approach any detox programme with caution, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Detox regimes and supplements should usually be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so be sure to check out your plan with a healthcare professional before you make significant changes to your diet or your lifestyle. We will always be happy to discuss the options with you and support you in moving towards a healthier lifestyle, whether you are using a detox plan or introducing small changes gradually to create a more sustainable life for yourself.

Healthcare Products To Support Your Wellbeing

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, our mission is to support our local community with lifelong healthcare, empowering you to take care of your well-being. We have an excellent range of products for all ages, including healthcare, personal care and beauty and we are committed to helping you make the lifestyle changes you need to benefit your health.

Our experienced pharmacists are on hand to help you with a range of services, including medication management and health screenings, and we can provide tips and advice on your healthcare queries. We are an approachable and friendly team of experienced professionals and we are here for you and your family. You can shop online and have your products discreetly delivered to your door, or pop into our community pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick for all your healthcare needs.