So, it is that intermittent season, autumn, replete with rain and dampness. The perfect time to reminisce about summer, to catch that cold that is going around, (the constant temperature variations do not help); and to begin to accept the inevitable approach of winter.
The fluctuations of late fall and early winter also make it an optimum time to go on a detoxifying dietary cleanse. It is easier in this season, say most streams of alternative medicine, to change our habits and inject new life into our tired routines.
Simply put, a cleanse can give your body a short break from the effort it expends digesting food (40% of your body's energy goes into digestion-that's a lot) and instead, divert some of that energy into expelling toxins and healing.
Cleansing is essential in detoxifying our bodies from the various pollutants we come in contact with in our daily lives, such as environmental toxins, residue from household or cosmetic products, pesticides in food etc. It also allows us to reduce the possibilities of succumbing to allergies, degenerative disease, and even cancer. Think of it as a tune up to keep your body functioning as health-fully as possible. It can last anywhere from 2–3 days or as long as 10–12 days, depending on your needs and goals.
And lest you shudder in recollection of your last experience with one of the many packaged cleanses that clog up the shelves at your local natural foods market, breathe.
Tips from the experts quoted in this article:
*Fall is a great time for a gentle cleanse with lightly steamed veggies and soups.
Do drink camomile tea: It has a nice cleansing effect, gentle enough for most people
Do sip tea made from Dandelion, yellowdock root, cleavers, and nettle (all local and in season now)
Do Eat Beets, steamed, baked, or drink their juice
Do add lemon to your drinking water in the morning
Take a good probiotic. Ijaz recommends Primal Defense
Do move towards a vegetarian / vegan diet a short while
Avoid processed soy or soy milk
Do approach Bitters with caution: they are not always appropriate to all constitutions
Do eliminate allergen such as wheat and dairy and meat for a while.
Get a massage and steam bath with herbal aromas
Post a cleanse, rejuvenate with a healthy fall diet rich in the bountiful harvest of squashes, leafy greens, crunchy apples, whole grains and organic meats and dairy
Supplement with Vitamin D and an extra B vitamin if needed.
