Produce Spotlight: Garlic
The body naturally cleanses itself every spring just as much as we have a tendency to cleanse our homes. Perhaps you’ve noticed as the weather warms up, we gravitate towards purging ourselves of that which does not serve us. Ridding our surroundings of excess, whether that means our kitchen cupboards, the closet, the basement, the garage or even our bodies. It is an organic process driven by forces beyond what is within our control. Better to go with the flow & support it than try to fight it.
Supporting natural detoxification within the body can be done in a number of ways including:
- exercise
- dry brushing/lymphatic stimulation
- sauna
- proper nutrition
- increase fibre
- proper hydration
After a long cold winter, it’s nice to get outside and take in the fresh air. A run through the trails within Forests For The World or just a walk around the block from your home will get your blood pumping. Increased cardiovascular activity allows the body to oxygenate the blood and redistribute it throughout the body more readily, keeping the heart healthy. Plus you’ll feel better on account of the endorphins released as a result of physical activity & enjoy boosted energy levels throughout the day. Try a different class at the NSC or a new yogateacher in town for a great alternative.
The lymphatic system works hand in hand with the cardiovascular system. It is made of up lymph nodes that carry the lymph fluid throughout the body as well as the spleen. This system does not have a pump as the cardiovascular system has the heart, therefore it relies on gravity along with the activity of the surrounding muscles to move the lymph through the body. A lack of muscular engagement on a regular basis (exercise!) results in stagnating lymph, which is the opposite of detoxifying. Dry brushing & hydrotherapy are also great ways to get your lymph moving!
Time spent in a sauna or steam room encourages the body to sweat, coaxing toxins out of the body through the skin: the bodies largest elimination organ. Be sure to hydrate yourself well before & afterwards.
The addition of more raw veggies into the diet will raise the overall health via higher levels of enzymes, vitamins & minerals. Providing the body with better nutritive care relieves some of the stress of manufacturing its own enzymes for example. This energy can then be redirected towards other efforts making the body overall more efficient.
Increasing the fibre intake through diet will aid in moving any material stuck within the large intestine out of the body. This vitally important part of the digestive system can hold nearly 100lbs of excess weight in partially digested compacted food. Consuming plenty of uncaffeinated fluids in combination with this effort will increase its effectiveness.
While you may or may not notice a difference in the way your body is behaving during it’s natural spring detoxification, I assure you it’s keeping busy. Keep yourself busy with the suggestions above & your body will thank you! After all, it’s the only place you have to live in- you’d better take care of it.
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