Enjoy a spring clean - inside and out

Open a magazine, pop into a health food shop or log on to the internet and different forms of cleansing or detoxing seem to be everywhere. From foot patches to body scrubs and juices, detox has become a health buzzword. Naturopathy views detox as a period of rest from your normal eating patterns - which for many of us can be a series of take home meals, quick lunches and missed breakfast. Taking in an increased amount of fresh vegetables, quality protein and whole grains is great for getting yourself in optimal health in the lead up to summer. But what are the essential components of a healthy cleanse? We asked Naturopath and lecturer Rebecca Edwards to explain the main aim of cleansing.

Detoxification rituals have been part of human medical care for centuries. Many societies have used an annual detox or purification ritual to heighten and maintain wellness. The main aim is to provide the body with an increased amount of the vital nutrients it needs to perform its functions, restore and maintain homoeostasis. There are various ways of achieving this.

EAT & DRINK CLEANSE

Finding the time to prepare food and balanced nutrition for a cleanse can be time consuming. Luckily there are a number of companies offering delivery options that take the stress out of your cleanse. Try a delivery service choosing a reputable company who have a qualified nutritionist on board. We have used two and love them both.



• Raw Fairies (www.rawfairies.com) offers a 5-day nutritional cleanse for busy people. A combination of gourmet raw food, fresh fruit, vegetable juices and nutritionist-designed supplements to make sure you are getting all the essential nutrients for a safe cleanse.

• Radiance Cleanse (www.radiancecleanse.com) is great for juice cleanse fans. The new Greens Juice Cleanse contains 5 different green juices and supplements daily. Perfect for if you, like us, are sensitive to sugar and want to improve your body's acid-alkaline balance in favour of greater alkalinity.

DO-IT-YOURSELF CLEANSE

• Eat balanced ‘clean' meals, taking in healthy oils, complex carbohydrates and proteins - often overlooked, it is in fact crucial that you take in good quality protein during this rest phase.



• Check you are getting the correct amino acids. The liver is the primary organ of detoxification. It is responsible for breaking down toxins and rendering them able to be excreted. In order to function well the liver needs certain amino acids. During a period of fasting or only eating low-protein foods decrease in liver function by denying the liver these essential amino acids may occur, which leaves your body unable to remove the toxins from the body. If you decide to follow such a programme guidance is recommended to ensure the required amino acids are supplemented during this time.

• Rejuvenate the digestive system with the all important ‘good' bacteria such as yoghurt, crème fraîche and even vinegar.

BEAUTY CLEANSE

• Detox the bathroom cabinet - begin by switching out the products you use on your body for natural and organic skincare. Deodorants are a good place to start. Switch to a trusted natural brand like Weleda, Green People or Lavera. Some people love the unscented mineral salts, others combine these with a natural spray deodorants to enhance the effectiveness. Experiment and see what works best for you. Your body may take a little time to adjust from an antiperspirant to a deodorant but it will. Some manage to get away with not using anything eventually.



•  Scrub Up - use a natural body scrub to exfoliate and smooth skin. You can easily make you own with sea salt (not table salt) or organic sugar, some olive oil and a drop or two of your favourite essential oils. If you prefer buying something off the shelf there are some great products such as the Amala Detoxing Body Scrub or the Weleda Birch Body Scrub. Use daily during your detox or try dry skin brushing before showering.

•  Switch to Body Oils - If you are serious about detoxing you can avoid lots of ingredients by using simple body oils. Although there are fantastic organic skin care body creams available they do tend to have, by their nature, more ingredients, so simple is best while detoxing. We love the Tri-Dosha Body Oils and raw, organic coconut oil works a treat. Checkout an organic skincare boutique or your local health store for a selection of organic oils. To make your own, use a base oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba and add detoxing essential oils such as juniper, grapefruit and laurel with a touch of lemon for a fresh spring scent.

MIND CLEANSE

•  Stress, fears and anxiety are just like ‘toxins' of your mind. If we allow them to be present for long periods of time, they too may influence our health. The benefit of an emotional 'spring clean' is far reaching and may lead to many positive changes in your life. By being focused, calm and relaxed, you will begin to understand what your true goals are. This gives you the control to change old habits, and replace them with new healthier ones.



•  Set aside 10 minutes per day during your cleanse to have a mental ‘clear out'. Allow yourself to get used to sitting still and controlling your breathing pattern and clearing your thoughts. This will encourage a deep state of relaxation which you can continue once your cleanse has ended to maintain your healthy glow. If meditation is new to you remember the art is in the practice. Don't give up!

HOME CLEANSE

•  Spring clean the home by switching to natural products that avoid strong chemicals and fragrances. Better still make you own. Scrub with baking soda, shine with vinegar, refresh with lemons.



•  Switch from drinking vodka to using it for household cleaning. It has some wonderful uses including: killing odor-causing bacteria with spray application; leaving chrome, glass and porcelain fixtures shining; naturally repelling insects; and eliminating mould and stains. So no reason to abstain completely.

•  Swap home scents for organic room sprays and soy candles to avoid synthetic fragrance and soot from burning candles. Try the Neom Organic room sprays and candles or the Amala Room and Linen Mists. Candles scented with organic essential oils need to be burnt for less time to fill the whole house and have additional therapeutic effects of aromatherapy

Please note: it is recommended that you see your Health Professional prior to undertaking a detox or cleanse. Not recommended whilst pregnant or breast-feeding.

Rebecca Edwards is an Australian trained Naturopath. She consults at Content Beauty/Wellbeing every Wednesday.

5th April 2011