Spring Cleaning - Time for Natural Detox

It's spring and time for spring cleaning. ...Not just for your house but for your body systems as well. We are constantly bombarded by external toxins and create our own just through the basic metabolic process. These toxins build up over time and affect our health and wellness. In order to restore your holistic well-being, detoxification should be used to clean your internal house, so to speak. Detoxing helps the body to cleanse itself and heal. We can naturally detox in various ways: nutrition, herbal medicine, enzyme supplementation, hydrotherapy, and exercise. Let's briefly look at each of these methods.


By applying a targeted approach to our basic diet, we can minimize the impact of toxins with nutrition. By avoiding the problem foods that trigger toxic reactions, we can improve elimination and aid digestion. Foods such as unrefined sugars, dairy, wheat gluten, and meats which more often than not contain harmful amounts of hormones and antibiotics should be avoided or minimized. Adding lots of fresh fruit and vegetables provides the fiber necessary in the diet and adds loads of antioxidants and vitamins as well.


Herbal medicine can be used to supplement nutrition as it can help the organs cope with the detox process. Dandelion helps the kidney and bladder and is a great toning and cleansing herb. The herb milk thistle is particularly great in helping the liver cope with toxic stress and helping to eliminate toxins. Various herbs as well can be used as a gentle herbal laxative to cleanse the colon and small intestine.


Enzymes aid digestion. They are produced naturally by the body. But as we age, we do not produce the necessary amounts needed for proper digestion. They can be found naturally in raw fruits and vegetables or may be purchased in supplement form. Supplementing your diet with enzymes between meals can be especially helpful during a detox.


Drink plenty of water during a detox. This is very important. The water is necessary to dilute the toxins, hydrate the cells and organs, and assist with elimination. However, hydrotherapy can assist in external ways as well. Soaking detox baths containing epsom salts or baking soda can do wonders as they help draw heavy metals from the skin and support the kidneys. Be sure to soak at least 20 minutes in a warm bath and scrub with a natural fiber gently on the skin.


Heavy exercise make you sweat and sweating helps to eliminate toxins. Not only does this help with detox, but the act of exercise itself speeds up metabolism and releases toxins. It helps to oxygenate the body and mind and helps improve blood flow -- both of which move toxins out of the body.


By implementing these simple strategies, you will be well on your way to a healthy spring cleaning and natural spring detox.



To find out more about herbal support for detox, visit

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To find out more about natural methods of health and healing with alternative medicine, visit

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To find out about natural health education, visit

Certified Natural Health Professionals - SC Chapter

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Children's nutrition gets a holistic boost

This week, the national news reported that many of our nation's schools are changing their school lunch menus to offer a more nutrition based, health-oriented meal plan. This major change in direction is based on the unprecedented incidents of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. Considering the overwhelming evidence supporting the links between nutrition and health, it's amazing that it has taken this long for action to take place in this area. The long-term effect of junk food served both at home and in our nation's schools has been devastating.

Insulin resistance is on the rise and is being seen in younger and younger victims. Cancer rates have skyrocketed and incidents of morbid obesity have soared. Heart attacks are now claiming our youth. Poor food choices ( or lack of good choices as has been the case with school lunches) and lack of exercise due to diminished physical education programs does not allow our children to thrive.

Americans are among the fattest and most unhealthy population on the planet. We are literally eating ourselves to death! Basic naturopathic medicine principles re-enforce the concept of you are what you eat. It's no wonder kids have so many problems with A.D.D., A.D.H.D., allergies and asthma when they only eat hamburgers, french fries, sloppy joes, and soft drinks! When I was growing up, there were generally only one or two overweight kids in the class. Now, it seems that being overweight is the norm.

I applaud the education system for finally recognizing this link and moving to include healthy food choices in its lunch menus and vending machines. By teaching children healthy eating habits, we can solve this nutritional crisis. Hopefully, the next target will be requiring daily exercise by bringing back PE!


Certified Natural Health Professionals nationally offers natural health education on advanced nutrition and have a capstone training seminar entitled "Childrens Nutrition & Vaccinations". To find out more about CNHP and their course offerings and local chapters, click this link:

Certified Natural Health Professionals of South Carolina


To find out more about naturopathic medicine and the impact of nutrition and healthy living, check out

Naturopathic-Medicine.net


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