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Spring clean the body – Metro US

Spring clean the body

Spring. The trees and flowers are swelling with new growth and blossoms. It’s time for rebirth. What about your body?

If you’re looking for a spring cleanse, take the advice of Ann Lawrence, a doctor of naturopathy at Dragonfly Family Health Centre in Ottawa.

“Drink lots of water and stay away from smoking, alcohol, coffee, dairy, chocolate and sugar as these aggravate the health of nearly everyone,” she says.

Eat a lighter diet concentrating on soup broths, brown rice and loads of vegetables, especially leafy greens and sprouts as they help the liver to cleanse. Probiotics help with intestinal health.

Lawrence makes a detox tea consisting of dandelion root, burdock root, milk thistle seed and stinging nettle. You can find a similar blend at many of the tea shops that are springing up. Flavour your cleansing tea with ginger, lemon, peppermint or cinnamon.

Cleaning up your act doesn’t just mean eating better. It also involves sleeping better and getting active. Lawrence suggests getting to bed by 10 p.m. if possible, as the hours of sleep before midnight are very important for the body’s renewal.

Exercise regularly – daily, if possible.

“Get outside and be in touch with nature. There is healing power in being among trees. We all need that connection to the earth and nature to rejuvenate us,” says Lawrence.

As part of spring cleansing, hang out and enjoy time with friends and laugh. Learn relaxation techniques such as yoga.

“Simplify your life by deciding what is a priority. Find endeavours that support you rather than draining you,” she suggests.