When you think of spring do you think of spring cleaning? Preparing your gardens for new growth? I want you to also be thinking of spring cleaning for your body as well. The colder, winter temperatures when we eat heavier, hearty foods should now begin to change to lighter, raw, and fresh ingredients. It is because of this that spring is the most logical time of the year to embark on a detoxification program.

Detoxification is how our bodies process and eliminate metabolic waste from our cells as well as toxins from our food, water, air or other exposures as a result of our jobs, hobbies, or houses. These toxins usually accumulate in our bodies over a period of time, particularly in fat tissue. Our liver is the main organ involved in detoxification as it metabolizes compounds for elimination. Our bowels and kidneys are also important in order to eliminate these compounds that have been metabolized in the liver. Chances are if you live on planet earth you need to enhance your detoxification pathways for optimal health. We have hundreds of toxins, many of which have been classified as carcinogens, that have accumulated in our ecosystem.

The body’s capacity to carry out this complex process of detoxification starts with what you are eating. Certain foods can burden the detoxification machinery in your body, while other foods and nutrients can help it. It is very common during a detoxification program to eliminate all refined sugars (white or brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, candy, and desserts), caffeine, alcohol, red meat, dairy products, hydrogenated oils, peanuts and peanut butter, soy, gluten, and corn. During this time you are also increasing berries, green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, gluten-free grains, beans, peas, lentils, chicken, turkey or fish, dairy substitutes, olive oil, flaxseed oil, all spices, water, and herbal teas.

There are also many nutraceutical products that will enhance the detoxification process. Most people will not see significant results without using the proper supplementation. With these products however it is buyer beware. It is always important to consult your naturopathic doctor.

This year my annual detoxification will be focused on detoxifying xenoestrogens. This are the compounds that are ubiquitous in our environment today that bind to the estrogen receptors in your body  just like your own estrogen. The problem with xenoestrogens is that they bind longer and stronger than our own estrogen. This can create estrogen dominance in your body and you can end up with symptoms like painful periods, PMS, fibroids, cysts, infertility, and other hormone imbalances.

If you are on my newsletter list and you are currently a patient at QNC look for an invitation in your email to join me for a 1 Week Estrogen Detox. I will be suggesting a specific supplement protocol as well as specific dietary recommendations.

Now I would love to hear from you! What kind of detox programs have you done before? What is one thing you can start to doing to reduce your exposure to chemicals in your environment? Leave your comment now and I'll be back next week on Doctor as Teacher Tuesdays.