Mini Spring Cleanse In 5 Steps!
Guest Post by Cassie Mendoza-Jones – naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist. Feel like you need a little extra spring in your step now that summer's approaching but not ready for a full detox quite yet? Try implementing these 5 easy steps for a mini spring cleanse that will get you feeling light and healthy again, without much effort at all!
Swap your coffee for a dandelion ‘coffee’
Coffee can be delicious, I know, but it's not so good for our livers! Coffee can increase feelings of anxiety, irritability, palpitations, restlessness and insomnia, not to mention its effects on our hormones and endocrine system. It increases cortisol levels (the stress hormone, which can increase body fat and lead to adrenal issues and fatigue over time), which then blocks progesterone receptors and can lead to hormonal imbalances, PMS and even infertility in some cases. Swap your daily coffee for a delicious dandelion latte instead. If you like coffee, you will love dandelion, I guarantee it! Just like coffee, dandi is rich brown in colour and bitter. Quite unlike coffee, it’s actually good for your liver and can improve digestion, while also having the added bonus of being caffeine free. Try it with a dash of milk, cinnamon and ½ tsp honey, or some stevia if you really want to be a saint!
Make a delicious green detox soup
Try this fabulous green-detox soup and you're guaranteed to hit your daily veggie count:Ingredients:
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- Olive oil
- 4 leeks, chopped
- 4-6 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 zucchinis, chopped
- 500ml good quality vegetable stock plus extra water to dilute
- 1-2 tsp each of cumin, coriander, turmeric and a little chilli if you like your food spicy
Method:
- Heat a big stockpot and add some olive oil. Sauté the leek and celery for several minutes, then add the garlic either crushed or chopped. Stir every so often for about 10mins.
- Add the zucchini, spices and stock. Let the zucchini soften, then add the broccoli. You may need to add some more water.
- Cook on a low/medium heat for 20-30mins or until all the vegetables are soft. Blend with a hand blender.
- Serve with a boiled egg, some poached chicken or some lentils plus a drizzle of flaxseed oil. So good!!! I make a huge pot of this every few weeks and freeze in small portions. It’s delicious and filling and sorry to state the obvious, but so good for you (and your liver) with all that lovely garlic and broccoli to increase phase 2 liver detoxification.
Have an Epsom salt bath
A beautiful, nourishing and relaxing way to detoxify and cleanse your body and soothe your mind. Epsom salt is basically just magnesium, something a lot of us are deficient in these days. A good soak can help ease tired, sore muscles and calm the body and mind before bed. Throw a couple handfuls into a warm bath and lie there for at least 15-20mins a few times each week for best results - the more often the better!
Get a lymphatic massage (or dry skin brush!)
Lymphatic massage can accelerate the detoxification process by cleansing the lymphatic system. It’s also incredibly relaxing! Dry skin brushing is another wonderful way to remove toxins and increase your circulation, as the skin is a major organ of elimination. You can get good natural-bristle brushes from health food stores. Try to 'brush' before your shower. It can feel a little uncomfortable the first few times, but soon your skin will be glowing and it will all be worth it!
Cut down your ‘to-do’ list!
This one may not be as easy as the others. I think sometimes my ‘to-do’ list has it’s own postcode! While list-making is very effective in terms of improving efficiency and getting yourself organised, sometimes those lists just get overwhelming. On the days that it feels like you have way too much to do, just pick a couple of things on your list, get them done well and then have a little break: a lemon balm and ginger tea; a walk; a nap; some yoga or meditation, or master the art of doing absolutely nothing! About CassieCassie Mendoza-Jones is a dedicated, caring and passionate naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist who believes in the healing power of nature. She has particular interests in stress, exhaustion and adrenal fatigue, anxiety and depression, disordered eating, weight loss and digestive disorders as well as hormonal imbalances and women’s health issues. Cassie is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals of health, balance and wellbeing through nutritional and herbal treatment, education and motivation. You can visit her website, find her on Facebook or Twitter, or read some of her previous blog posts.