Spring Cleansing

The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming and all rejoice because spring is finally here! Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth, and growth which has been associated with Spring cleaning your house, implementing internal spring cleanses via fasting and gentle herbal allies, or renewing oneself through various techniques such as retreats, a new exercise routine, or some dietary changes incorporating more fresh fruits, veggies and herbs.

How does my body eliminate toxins?
Your body has four major pathways for eliminating toxins: the lungs, skin, kidneys and the colon. 1) The lungs exchanges gaseous waste (such as carbon dioxide) with each breath, 2) The skin excretes waste products via perspiration, 3) The kidneys filter out metabolic by-products and 4) The colon is where solid waste is formed which includes undigested foods, partially digested foods, and toxins filtered out by the liver.

Why do I get seasonal allergies in the spring?
Many individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies often have food sensitivities/intolerances as well. Why do some people react while others don't? Imagine that you have an allergy glass.

For example, Beth has a glass that is ¼ full and chooses to reduce her allergenic load (exposure to substances that trigger symptoms in her body). She therefore doesn't experience any symptoms because she is consciously decreasing her load by avoiding foods that give her gas and bloating and choosing organic as much as possible (decreasing her body's need to filter out any toxins such as pesticide residues and man-made preservatives).

Tim on the other hand was born with an allergy glass 7/8 full and continues to eat everything under the sun, doesn't get enough rest, and uses products with petroleum by-products. Naturally, his allergy cup overflows and he suffers every year from seasonal allergies.

This is overly simplified but illustrates how the body works. Everyone has a different constitution from birth (your genetics and predispositions). Your lifestyle (food choices, exercise regimen, stress reduction techniques, personal care products and exposure to environmental fumes (dry cleaning, smoking, car exhaust, off-gassing of carpets or plastics)) all are involved in contributing to your overall allergenic load. Making wise choices about healthy, fresh, organic produce, non-toxic personal care products, and avoiding food sensitivities can all contribute to a lowering your overall allergenic load. Consider visiting the following websites for more details on healthy living:
http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

Coming soon, Spring Cleansing Part 2, Herbal Allies for Cleansing

Written by Lorina Shinsato, ND, LAc

Dr. Shinsato is a naturopathic physician, acupuncturist and owner of Primavita Family Medicine providing primary and preventive healthcare in the Greater Seattle Area. She is a Bastyr University graduate and has a special interest in helping people invest in their health through awareness, empowerment and choice.

Visit her at http://www.primavitamedicine.com.