Happy first day of Spring blog readers! This is the most popular time of the year to begin a detoxification program. This week many of my clients at Positive Change Nutrition, have mentioned the *detox* word. During the winter months your body naturally stores fat and in the spring we must aim to melt it away. Detoxification is SERIOUS work, and before you begin any cleansing program it is best to talk to a licensed health care professional. Detoxification kits contain herbs, vitamins and minerals that may counteract or interfer with many medication. Read directions carefully before you begin any supplementation program.

Detoxification kits are only one way to cleanse your system. Cleaning up your diet is another which is safe for anyone ( and everyone) to do. Here are my Top 10 detoxification Tips provided compliments of Positive Change Nutrition, www.rachellewood.ca .  

 Top 10 Detoxification Tips:

1. Follow a non-toxic lifestyle, eat a diet of wholesome organic natural unprocessed foods and drink plenty of good quality water.

2. If you feel congested in your sinuses or muscles/ joints you may need to detoxify with a cleansing kit.

3. If you use SNACCs (sugar, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine or chemicals) take a break from these harmful substances to see if you really need them. These are habits that pollute the body with toxins.

4. Detoxify your body by many means, including diet and lifestyle changes. Supplementation can help to give you a more thorough cleansing. The more you sweat the more toxins will be released.

5. Create a time and space for detoxification. Choose a less stressful time to begin changing your lifestyle. Detoxification is serious work, for the body and the mind.

6. Plan to include light regular physical activity while cleansing. This will improve your results. Try to exercise at the same time everyday.

7. To increase detoxifications try: saunas, skin brushing, sweating rooms and bathing. The skin is the largest organ of detoxification.

8. Keep your digestive system working optimally by chewing your food thoroughly and drinking water away from meals. Make sure your bowels empty 1-3 times per day.

9. Stay positive, all the time everyday. This will help your mind detoxify from the noise of the world.

10. Smile more and be thankful for the gift of health, afterall good health is your choice and your responsibility!

Change can`t happen overnight so be persistant. When you first begin a cleansing program you may notice symptoms which are flu like. This is normal, and will pass after a few days. As your organs release stored toxins, the toxins will circulate throughout your bloodstream until emptied through bodly wastes. That`s why it`s important to eat a high fiber diet ( bulk up stool) and drink plenty of good quality water ( to flush out your system). Towards the end of your detoxification program you will benifit from renewed energy, mental clarity, better sleep and by sheding those extra pounds.

Do you have a detoxification question you would like to ask a Registered Holistic Nutritionist- If so please post below for Rachelle to answer. Happy Spring Cleaning everyone!