As winter gives way to the sunny days of spring, new life is all around us. The markets are abundant with tender greens and plump red berries as we enjoy longer days. But as we make this seasonal transition, we’re also exposed to a host of pesticides and hormone disruptors that can make it difficult for our bodies to do what comes naturally. Here are a few simple ways to avoid toxins and support your body’s natural detoxification processes as we welcome spring.
Buy Organic Berries & Greens
Fragrant, ruby-red strawberries are one of the best things about spring. But strawberries are also the most heavily sprayed crop. Spinach, kale, and mustard greens– reaching peak season in spring–are also heavily treated with pesticides. To ensure that your body is receiving beneficial nutrients without toxic chemicals, shop organic versions of these nourishing spring ingredients. They will cost a little more than the conventional varieties, but you can make up for the extra investment by buying conventional versions of spring veg like asparagus and shelling peas–these crops are not heavily sprayed and are ready-to-eat with just a simple wash. For more information on how to avoid toxins in produce, check out the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list to discover which ingredients you should always buy organic.
Support Your Liver with Herbal Bitters
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is ruled by the wood element, which is associated with the liver. When the liver is not functioning at its best, TCM tells us that we might notice neck tension, digestive upset, hormonal mood swings, irritability and sleep disturbances. In addition to eating plenty of fresh leafy greens, you can also support your liver’s natural detoxification processes with herbal bitters. The bitter flavor awakens the liver–just a few dashes of herbal bitters in a small amount of water is all it takes. You can find herbal bitters, often made with ingredients like dandelion, artichoke leaf or citrus peel, at your local health food store.
Show Your Lymph Some Love
Our lymphatic system is essential to hormone regulation and the processing of both internal and external toxins. When our lymphatic system is not functioning at its best, we might feel tired, bloated, or notice puffiness in our hands and feet. Regular exercise and healthy eating are essential to keeping your lymph system healthy, but surface-level treatments like dry brushing and gua sha can also help get your lymph moving. We like dry brushing before bathing, on dry skin using gentle sweeping motions towards the heart. Apply body oil after bathing to soothe and hydrate the skin. To de-puff your face, check out our Facial Sculpting System, which comes with a soothing oil and step-by-step instructions.
Detoxing doesn’t require an austere juice cleanse or other extreme measures: our bodies naturally detoxify themselves with wisdom perfected over millennia of evolution. But today, we’re also exposed to many chemicals and pollutants that are unique to modern living. By simply supporting the body’s natural detoxification–and doing our best to limit our exposure to toxins we know don’t serve us–we can keep ourselves feeling well all year long.
