spring cleaning
It’s my favorite month! As the cherry blossoms burst open and the days grow longer, nature reminds us that spring is a season of renewal. I love this time of year—watching my garden come back to life, opening the windows to fresh air, and feeling that natural surge of energy that comes with the changing season.
Just as we might feel inspired to clean out our closets or tackle those dusty corners of our homes, spring is also the perfect time to support our body's natural detoxification processes. Our bodies are constantly working to eliminate toxins, but in our modern world, these systems can become overburdened. Supporting them isn't about harsh cleanses or deprivation—it's about gentle, sustainable practices that enhance what your body already knows how to do.
why detox in spring?
Traditional healing systems across cultures recognize spring as an ideal time for gentle detoxification. After winter's heavier foods, less movement, and more time indoors, our bodies naturally crave a reset.
The transition to spring offers us an opportunity to shed what no longer serves us—both literally and figuratively. Our livers, which do much of the heavy lifting in detoxification, naturally go through a cycle of renewal in spring. By supporting this process, we can experience greater energy, clearer thinking, improved digestion, and an overall improvement in vitality.
your body’s detox pathways
Detoxification isn't just a trendy wellness term—it's a critical bodily function happening 24/7. Your body has four primary "emunctories" or organs of elimination:
Liver: Converts toxins into less harmful substances so they can be eliminated
Kidneys: Filter waste products from the blood
Bowels: Remove waste through regular bowel movements
Lungs: Eliminate gaseous waste and help maintain proper pH balance
When these systems are functioning optimally, you'll notice the difference in how you feel—more energetic, clear-headed, and resilient. But when they're overloaded, you might experience symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, digestive problems, or frequent illness.
nourish your detox organs
The foods you eat can either support or hinder your body's natural detoxification processes. Here are some of my favorite foods to support each detox pathway:
liver support:
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale)
Beets and beet greens
Artichokes and dandelion greens
Turmeric (with a pinch of black pepper for absorption)
kidney support:
Stay well-hydrated! Aim for half your body weight in ounces of filtered water daily
Add a pinch of high-quality salt (pink Himalayan, Redmond's, or Celtic sea salt) to your water for optimal absorption
Cranberries, blueberries, and tart cherries
Celery, parsley, and cilantro
bowel support:
Focus on fiber-rich foods: leafy greens, ground flax seeds, chia seeds
Include fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi for gut microbiome support
Psyllium! Add psyllium husk to water or smoothies for additional fiber (start with a small amount and increase gradually)
lung support:
Foods rich in vitamin C, like bell peppers and citrus fruits
Warming spices that support respiratory health: ginger, garlic, and cayenne
movement for detox
Movement is essential for healthy detoxification—particularly for your lymphatic system, which doesn't have its own pump (unlike blood, which is pumped by your heart). Try these simple practices:
Dry skin brushing before showering to stimulate lymphatic flow
Contrast showers (alternating between hot and cold water) to improve circulation
Rebounding (jumping on a mini-trampoline) or simply walking each day
"Legs up the wall" pose for 5-10 minutes before bed to enhance lymphatic drainage
Remember, even gentle movement makes a difference! The body thrives on consistency rather than intensity.
spring clean your home environment
Did you know that indoor air is typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air? Our homes can harbor numerous toxins that add to our body's toxic burden. Here are my top recommendations for reducing exposure:
Remove synthetic fragrances from your home (air fresheners, scented candles, dryer sheets). These often contain phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Switch to non-toxic cleaning products or make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Avoid plastics, especially for food storage and heating. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead.
Open your windows for at least 5-10 minutes daily to improve air circulation.
Consider an air filter for your bedroom to reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants while you sleep.
simply daily detox habits
You don't need to overhaul your entire life to support detoxification. Start with these easy-to-implement practices:
Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water to gently stimulate your digestive system and support liver function.
Practice food hygiene: sit down to eat, chew thoroughly, and avoid screens during meals to optimize digestion.
Add rather than subtract: Instead of focusing on what to eliminate, add in detox-supporting foods and practices. The beneficial additions will naturally crowd out the less supportive habits.
Breathwork: Try the 4-7-8 breath several times daily (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8) to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for proper detoxification.
