Spring is the BEST season to DETOX!
Welcome to our spring detox newsletter! If you’re familiar with functional medicine and TCM, you know how important detoxification is for optimizing our body’s function and reducing its burden. In this newsletter, we’ll share with you the benefits of detoxification, why springtime is a great time for a detox, and how to detox with everyday foods.
A spring detox plan can be especially beneficial for those who have been indulging in fatty, rich foods or have been leading a sedentary lifestyle during the winter months, leading to toxic overload and inflammation. Additionally, anyone who has experienced periods of stress, illness, exposure to environmental toxins, or feelings of fatigue, low energy, and gut dysfunction can benefit from a detox.
Detoxification is a three-phase process that occurs in our body: phase 1 bioactivation, phase 2 conjugation, and phase 3 transportation/excretion. Each phase is critical and requires nutrients, particularly phytonutrients, to function effectively.
Toxic overload in our body can hinder normal function and cause cellular damage, leading to oxidative stress and cellular death. While any time is a good time to detox, spring is especially beneficial.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), spring is the season of the liver, with liver Qi representing the rising energy of the element, wood. During spring, liver Qi thrives most, and can overact on the spleen Qi, which reflects the element of earth. A balanced interaction between liver and spleen Qi is essential for efficient detoxification and a healthy digestive system.
Toxins accumulate through food, environment, and stress, and directly affect the digestive organs that process and transform nutrients and toxins. Detoxification is especially important during periods of stress, illness, or exposure to environmental toxins. Supporting detoxification enhances the health of the gut, which links closely to immune, neurological, and hormonal health.
A spring detox plan can be especially beneficial for those who have been indulging in fatty, rich foods or have been leading a sedentary lifestyle during the winter months, leading to toxic overload and inflammation. Additionally, anyone who has experienced periods of stress, illness, exposure to environmental toxins, or feelings of fatigue, low energy, and gut dysfunction can benefit from a detox.
Detoxification is a three-phase process that occurs in our body: phase 1 bioactivation, phase 2 conjugation, and phase 3 transportation/excretion. Each phase is critical and requires nutrients, particularly phytonutrients, to function effectively.
Toxic overload in our body can hinder normal function and cause cellular damage, leading to oxidative stress and cellular death. While any time is a good time to detox, spring is especially beneficial.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), spring is the season of the liver, with liver Qi representing the rising energy of the element, wood. During spring, liver Qi thrives most, and can overact on the spleen Qi, which reflects the element of earth. A balanced interaction between liver and spleen Qi is essential for efficient detoxification and a healthy digestive system.
Toxins accumulate through food, environment, and stress, and directly affect the digestive organs that process and transform nutrients and toxins. Detoxification is especially important during periods of stress, illness, or exposure to environmental toxins. Supporting detoxification enhances the health of the gut, which links closely to immune, neurological, and hormonal health.
The first step in the functional medicine protocol for detoxification is always removal. We recommend removing food high in sugar, salt, processed foods high in omega-6, nitrates, preservatives, hormone-disruptive chemicals, food additives or flavors, and allergens.
The second step is to incorporate therapeutic foods into the diet. Polyphenols such as quercetin and EGCG from green tea, resveratrol from red wine, and curcumin from turmeric are plant-based compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in supporting detoxification. Additionally, sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can help support phase 2 conjugation in the liver.
The third step is promoting excretion. This step is just as important as the bioactivation and conjugation stages of detoxification. Once toxins transform into a hydrolyzed form ready for excretion, we can get rid of them through sweat, urination, lymphatic drainage, and bowel movements. Foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, also support the detoxification process by promoting bowel regularity and preventing constipation. Promoting sweat through exercise, infrared saunas, massage, and shortening colon transit time are also good ways to support detoxification.
In clinical practice, we support patients in detox through a detox food plan, coaching through physical and mental changes and challenges throughout detox, and support with supplements and acupuncture. Although we sometimes recommend supplements to aid in detoxification, we promote the use of therapeutic foods and lifestyle changes for a profound change instead of supplements. Supplements should only be used when what we can do on our own is optimized.
Acupuncture can be especially beneficial for detoxification as it reduces inflammation, promotes neuromodulation, and supports gut function.
Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points on the body, promoting the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which can help reduce inflammation and stress response. By promoting neuromodulation, acupuncture can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which can positively affect the gut function and promote healthy digestion. With the right support, including acupuncture, therapeutic foods, and lifestyle coaching, you can experience profound change and improve your overall health and well-being.
In summary, spring detoxification is a great way to jumpstart your journey toward optimal function and reduce the toxic burden on your system. By incorporating therapeutic foods, promoting excretion, and supporting detoxification with acupuncture and lifestyle changes, you can improve your overall health and well-being. We encourage our patients to stay engaged and connected with us throughout their detox journey, so we can provide ongoing guidance, monitoring, and holistic support to help manage any detox-related symptoms that may arise.
SPRING DETOX PROGRAM SPECIAL!
In light of this, we are excited to invite you to our new Spring Detox Program in the coming month, where Dr. Wang guides you on a one on one, step by step 4 week journey for your comprehensive, full body detoxification!
