Spring Cleaning…time to detox your diet

Welcome to Spring!

Are you feeling tried? Have low energy? Is your mind foggy and sluggish? Have you gain weight? Headaches? Mood swings? Digestive Issues, bloating, abdominal pain? These could all be indicters that you need to clean up your diet and rejuvenate your liver.

This is the time of year to shake off the hibernation of the winter months, and embrace the movement of spring. In Chinese Medicine the spring is associated with the Liver Organ System. The liver has a multitude of metabolic and physiological functions, including naturally detoxing your system by filtrating your blood of substances such as hormones, drugs, alcohol and chemicals.  All these substances cause your body to work overtime to remove them. By cleaning up your diet, it gives your liver time heal and do it’s job more effectively. The spring season is when the liver energy is the strongest, it is the best time to rejuvenate and revitalize your diet!

I’m not a strong component of extreme fasts or cleanses of deprivation. They are so hard on your system physically and emotionally. An article from Mayo Clinic, says that there is little evidence to support if detox cleanses work. I agree with the author’s assessment that eliminating processed foods in the diet, results in people feeling better. Is it the cleanse or the diet? I believe it is the diet.

I recommend a 14 to 28 day liver rejuvenation. A gentle approach to cleanse your liver.  28 days is best

  1. Avoid food and substances that are hard on the liver.
  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Illicit drugs
  • Refined and artificial sugar
  • Processed foods
  • Acetaminophen
  • Fried/greasy foods
  • Vegetable Oils
  • Caffeine (please taper your caffeine intake slowly to prevent headaches or migraines)
  • Cigarettes
Junk Food
  1. Week 2 to 4: Focus your diet on plant based foods that have high nutritional value that benefit your liver. Buy as much organic fresh foods as possible.

Avoid all dairy, fatty meats like bacon and all grains and legumes.  

Your diet should be 80% plant -based. 20% animal protein. If you want do 100% plant based, go for it.

Animal proteins: Organic, pastured raised, hormone free and anti-biotics free. The best source of animal products is your local farmer’s market.

  • Eggs
  • Fish (Wild)
  • Bone Broth
  • Beef liver
  • Lean Meats

Vitamin C – toxins in the liver release damaging free radials. Vitamin C neutralizes and helps the liver flush out these toxins.

  •     Citrus
  •     Broccoli
  •     Red Peppers
  •     Kale
  •     Papaya
  •     Strawberry
  •     Cauliflower
  •     Brussel Sprouts
  •     Pineapple
  •     Kiwi
  •     Fennel
  •     Mango
Fruits High in Vitamin C

Foods high in Phytonutrients – these natural chemicals help your body function properly and strengthen your immune system. It is what gives fruits and veggies their vibrant colors. With over 25,000 different kinds of chemicals they have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-cancer properties

Specifically, food rich in carotenoids give fruits and vegetables a rich yellow, red or orange color, they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that improve over all liver function.

  •     Carrots
  •     Beets
  •     Raspberry
  •     Strawberries
beets

Foods rich in Chlorophyll: one of the best foods for the liver. Greens help to remove environmental toxins, neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides from the blood.

  •     Arugula
  •     Mustard Greens
  •     Collard Greens
  •     Kale
  •     Dandelion
  •     Asparagus
plant kale food healthy vegetable fresh
  1. Supplements and Teas
  • Chicory Root Tea- supports the liver
  • Milk Thistle – promotes liver health
  • Spirulina an amazing superfood.  Filled with vital nutrients, it protects the liver from damage.
  • Turmeric- protects the liver from damage and improves detoxication

An additional cleansing tip is exercise. Movement is key to get the liver energy moving. Also, take this time to reset your health and life, by reconnecting with the nutrition for your body. It is vital to your health and wellness. Food is medicine.

You can also add supplements to your routine. If you would like a personalize detox protocol for you and your health goals. Please email me at info@carinecamara. 

Much Love,

Carine