Spring Detox Plan

A 3-step plan to flush away toxins and revitalize your body

- Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc, MS

The transition from winter to spring offers an ideal opportunity to clear out waste— whether you’re cleaning house or removing pollutants from the body. During cold weather, metabolic waste and toxins tend to accumulate in joints, organs, and tissues. This snowdrift of buildup comes from a perfect storm of sedentary winter routines, exposure to viruses, overindulgence in rich foods, and holiday stress. Add to this the steady stream of environmental pollutants and industrial chemicals that we’re exposed to regularly, and we could really use some in-depth detox support as soon as the frost starts to thaw. By following the right steps for total-body cleansing, we can align ourselves with seasonal transitions and clear the pathways for vitality to spring forth.

STEP 1: Re-energize Your Diet

Food may be the most important medicine you have. The right foods can detoxify and heal your body, increase vitality, and add years to your life. The wrong foods are more like illicit drugs: highly addictive and dangerous.

One major advantage of a spring cleanse is that it can help reset your diet. When blood glucose and insulin levels are balanced by eating nutrient-dense, low-glycemic (i.e., low-sugar) foods, unhealthy cravings often vanish. Plus, the increased energy and sense of well-being that can result from healthy eating become key motivators to stick with the program.

A detoxifying diet serves as the foundation for a cleanse. Some tips: 

First, eliminate foods that increase your toxic load.

I recommend eliminating animal protein from your diet during a cleanse, but if that’s not practical, then use a small amount of organic, pasture-raised meats and avoid dairy products.