The change of seasons serves to remind us of the cyclical nature of our lives and surroundings. Spring represents birth and growth of life, leads to the maturity of summer, followed by the decline of autumn, and finally entering the stillness of winter. We see these cycles in nature with the planting and growing seasons, autumn harvest, and winter dormancy.
Cycles of birth, growth, and renewal found in nature are also present in our bodies, with changes in appetite, metabolism, and energy levels following the cyclical patterns of the seasons.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Wood Element dominates in springtime. This correlates to the meridians and organs of Liver and Gallbladder, vital organs for detoxification in the body. Spring is the perfect time to support these organs of detoxification as they begin their natural cleansing functions following the more dormant winter months.
The health and proper functioning of the liver is vital to the health of the entire person. A powerful filter, the liver processes all substances that are circulating in the blood, protecting the body from pathogenic organisms, removing toxic wastes, and regulating many metabolic functions.
The liver is responsible for:
- Storing blood and glycogen for use in the body
- Regulating blood sugar and blood volume throughout the entire body
- Producing bile to be used to digest fats, and in the detoxification process
- Transforming protein, carbohydrates, and fats into energy
- Hormonal balance (i.e. converts thyroid and adrenal hormones to active form)
- Assimilating vitamins and minerals and converting them to forms easily used by the rest of the body
- Protecting the body from bacteria, viruses, and parasites
- Detoxification of harmful substances
Poor dietary habits, processed foods, frequent antibiotic use, prescription and recreational drugs, alcohol, and pathogenic organisms all lead to a heavy burden on the liver. Over time, this burden adds up, and the liver becomes sluggish and congested, unable to adequately perform its many important roles.
Signs of a sluggish and congested liver may include:
- Poor digestion
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Hormonal imbalances and PMS
- Constipation or diarrhea
- High blood
- Weakened immunity
- Pain in muscles or joints, Fibromyalgia, etc.
- Skin eruptions (i.e. psoriasis, eczema, rashes)
- Difficulty losing weight
Almost all diseases involve some compromise of liver function. Digestive disorders, cancers, arthritis, heart disease, thyroid imbalances, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, anxiety, etc. are some examples of conditions affected by a sluggish liver.
Support Natural Detoxification through Diet and Exercise
The best way to support the natural detoxification processes that have already begun with the change in seasons is through diet and exercise.
- Go green. Green leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, beet greens, arugula, etc. contain a plethora of nutrients and help promote the flow of bile, which is essential for the cleansing process
- Eat raw foods each day. Raw foods contain vital enzymes that are destroyed in the cooking process. These enzymes assist in the detoxification process.
- Eat foods high in phytonutrients. Beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and carrots are high in phytonutrients that support liver function and aid in detoxification. Enjoy these foods raw or lightly steamed
- Add healthy fats. Healthy fats and oils in the form of flax oil, olive oil, borage oil, hemp oil, etc. help build healthy cell membranes and are critical for healthy liver function.
- Choose organic when possible. The drugs, pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers used in most farming applications will counteract your efforts to clear and support your liver. Organic produce and drug free animal products help to decrease the toxic load entering your body.
- Drink pure, fresh water. Pure, fresh (unchlorinated!) water hydrates the cells of the body and helps to flush out toxins. Approximately half of your body weight in ounces is a good amount of water to consume (i.e. a 160 lb person should consume approximately 80 ounces, or 10 cups of water daily).
- Exercise! Aerobic exercise such as walking, biking, running, dancing, etc., will help get the blood and lymphatic fluids moving, flushing out toxins, and bringing more nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body.
Above all else, be gentle, go slowly, and use common sense. Due to the build-up of environmental toxins in our water and food supply, the air we breathe, and all around us, many of us are way more toxic than we realize. We need to listen to our bodies, and learn when too much is going on. Symptoms of “purging”, headaches, diarrhea, etc. are signs that your body is pushing toxins out faster than it can handle, and needs to slow down.
Embarking on a more intense detoxification should only be done with the support and guidance of a qualified practitioner. Despite the presence of “detox kits”, “cleanses”, and programs that are widely available in our society, care must be taken to support ALL of the body’s requirements during detoxification. We are all biochemically unique. In order to support natural detoxification processes, it is imperative that we understand how the body works, and to support the areas of weakness or imbalance, which may be different for each person. Working with a qualified practitioner ensures the proper removal of toxins, while supporting the repair and rebuilding processes required for optimal health.