Spring has sprung and is the perfect time for NEW beginnings and hitting the reset button. These 8 powerful tips will help you feel fresh and new and put that spring back into your step.

1. GATHER THE INGREDIENTS

The first one being knowledge—understanding how the detoxification process works is pivotal. This helps you make educated decisions about the parameters of your detox plan: what type, how long and what to expect during the process. Next, cleanse your kitchen, remove or hide foods that are not included on your detox plan. If in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to follow Michael Pollan’s advice “Don’t eat anything your great-great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” Finally, hit up your local grocery or farmers market. Organic foods are ideal. If cost and availability are a concern—resort to the DIRTY DOZEN andCLEAN FIFTEEN lists to guide you in smart shopping.

2. AWAKEN YOUR SKIN AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Skin, the largest organ in the body,  absorbs everything we expose it to. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using lotions, soaps and cosmetics that contain toxic chemicals. SWEATING is a very effective for detoxifying. Plan on using your gym’s SAUNA, visiting a day SPA or taking a HOT GINGER BATH at home by adding ½ cup of freshly grated ginger. Activate a sluggish lymphatic system by using a technique called DRY SKIN BRUSHING to help cleanse cells and dump toxins into the blood for later excretion.

3. LIBERATE YOUR LIVER

Your liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body; it processes everything you eat and drink and then decides to eliminate or repackage it for later use. Consuming liver-cleansing foods greatly facilitates this process. These include: artichoke, lemon, beets, carrots, broccoli, garlic and onions. A powerful liver-supporting herb is milk thistle (Silybum marianum). The seeds of this plant are effective in supporting hepatic cell protection, boosting antioxidant activity, cell regeneration and anti-fibrotic actions.

4. BE KIND TO YOUR KIDNEYS

Your kidneys are on duty 24/7 filtering toxins from your blood. Consuming adequate amounts of WATER is the most gentle and effective method to aid in flushing out toxins. Aim for drinking 2-5 liters of water per day (depending on sweating amounts).

5. LOVE YOUR LUNGS

The lungs are often overlooked as an organ of detoxification, yet they play a critical role in expelling toxins in the form of gas and phlegm. Set aside time in your day for DEEP BREATHING exercises that focus on effectively using your diaphragm. STEAM INHALATION using essential oils such as oregano, rosemary, eucalyptus help facilitate expelling phlegm from the lungs.

6. TRAP THE TOXINS

To reduce common side effects of detoxification such as headache, acne, joint pain and moodiness—incorporate FIBER and CHELATORS into your detox plan. Fiber binds to fats, hormones, metals, chemicals, and other toxins. Healthy sources of fiber include beans, apples, and crunchy vegetables. Cilantro and chlorella are powerful chelators that are able to bind heavy metals such as aluminum, cadmium and mercury.

7. ANTIOXIDANT POWERHOUSE TO THE RESCUE—GLUTATHIONE

To put it lightly, glutathione is the “Mother of Antioxidants.” This molecule binds and eliminates toxins. It reverses oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants, pesticides, inflammation and aging. Foods that are rich in glutathione include asparagus, avocado, spinach, garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables (kale, collard, broccoli, cabbage), cantaloupe, carrot and grapefruits. Intravenous Nutrient Therapy (IVNT) is a great method for delivering glutathione directly to your bloodstream.

8. NOURISH THYSELF

Use this time for rejuvenating your mind, body and soul. This is a great opportunity for adopting mindfulness practices into your life. Take and break from technology. Follow you instincts in restoring your body. Get out in nature, read a book, journal your thoughts, reconnect with a friend, take a nap or sleep in. Most importantly BE KIND TO YOURSELF during this process. Doing a detox is hard work. Commend yourself for getting through each minute, hour and day. YOU will feel AMAZING at the end of this journey!