Spring Cleaning

While you repeat the mantra, "my body is my temple," you might want
to think about cleansing your system with a detoxification program of
fluids and wholesome foods.

When most people think of spring cleaning, they picture scrubbing
the floors and organizing the garage. And there is something to the idea
of starting the new season without excess baggage. Clearing out the
clutter from your home and turning cramped quarters into clean, well-lit
spaces can be cathartic.

But a solid spring renewal program should also include the body and
the mind. Just like a house, the body can become cluttered, but this junk
is unwanted molecules. Over the course of the winter, waste products can
build up in the liver and intestines. Some of this waste derives from the
breakdown of food and alcohol consumed during the holidays, other waste
products may come from metabolizing common medications. Such waste
material, some doctors believe, can cause fatigue and leave the body less
able to fight off infection.

Waste products can be cleared from the system through
detoxification. European spas have long offered medically supervised
detox programs. And though few researchers have rigorously studied
detoxification as a means of cleansing the body of harmful chemicals,
many Americans have embraced the concept.

Detoxification is not for everyone; doctors discourage pregnant
women and people with serious medical conditions from embarking on such a
program. But if you are able and ready, you could begin a week long detox
regime with two straight days of liquids, the purer the better. Spring or
filtered water and herbal teas are recommended, as are freshly squeezed
fruit juices. Imbibing water and other fluids in large amounts (eight
glasses a day is a minimum) will help flush out the body.

After a few days of fluids, return to solids, but stick to a
vegetarian diet. Some experts advise limiting your intake to wholesome,
unprocessed foods such as brown rice, fresh fruits and organically grown
vegetables. Green vegetables are extremely important to a thorough
cleansing because they contain chemicals produced during photosynthesis
that are especially adept at sopping up toxins. There are even herbal
supplements devised to assist the detoxification process.

One of the most important steps in a detoxification regime is
getting a good night's sleep. But insomnia may be an obstacle; more than
100 million Americans suffer from sleeping difficulties. As an
alternative to sleeping aids, some experts recommend a soak in a hot tub.
Studies indicate that a warm-water massage can relieve muscle and joint
pain. And it helps stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's own
"stress busting" hormone.

Some people suggest detoxifying the spirit as well as the body.
Taking a vacation from television and the newspaper is a good way to
start. Meditating may help reduce levels of stress, while saunas can
provide relaxation as well as help sweat out unwanted toxins. Ultimately,
whatever path you choose, the goal is the same: a cleaner body and a
healthier psyche.