Spring is a wonderful time of renewal and hope. We tend to get a “spring” back in our step and this can be a time where we find ourselves more motivated to make healthy changes after hibernating throughout the winter months.
This is a good place to be, but without being too gung-ho and doing damage to ourselves, we can discuss some ways to incorporate these healthy changes without setbacks or setting ourselves up for failure.
Detoxification
Our bodies detoxify naturally, but when we have eaten too many of the wrong types of foods and have been inactive for some time, our bodies may need some help to excrete the accumulated build-up of toxins. Some individuals don’t make enough enzymes to convert fat soluble toxins to water soluble toxins so that they can be excreted which causes a backlog that can contribute to health issues and feeling sluggish. I don’t believe in extreme detox measures, but I do think that eliminating foods such as sugars, refined carbs, alcohol, and coffee, while increasing water intake as well as vegetables and some fruits is a good start and a gentler approach to helping the body rid itself of toxins. Some people may need to use a supplement such as milk thistle, but generally avoiding the foods and medications that increase toxins can be enough to improve your energy and sense of wellbeing.
Exercise
As it starts to get lighter in the mornings, getting up early to go for a walk or to do some physical activity becomes a lot easier. If you have been inactive for some time beware of starting with bootcamp! Rather start your exercise regime slowly and at a pace that works for your body. Once you have built up strength and fitness you can increase the intensity and you will be less likely to injure yourself in the process.
Water Intake
This is a priority for our bodies. Our bodies are made up of a large percentage of water so if we do not drink enough pure water our bodies become dehydrated, which inhibits many cellular functions and prevents toxins from being flushed from the body.
Diet
Spring and summer bring an array of colorful fruits and vegetables which are great additions to a balanced diet. This is the time for salads, smoothies and less of the comfort foods that winter tends to have us eating.
What about allergies and hay fever or sinus problems?
Along with Spring comes wind, dust and pollen which can cause hay fever or sinus problems for many, but eating foods that have natural antihistamine properties can be helpful to combat the effects more naturally.
Natural Antihistamines
- Honey – Eating honey that is local to your area can help to desensitize you to some of the plants that surround you
- Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, cherries, guavas, and kiwi fruit are good sources.
- Quercetin – Fruits and vegetables are the primary dietary sources of quercetin, particularly citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and red wine. Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries are also high in quercetin and other flavonoids.
- Capsaicin – this is found in chilies and can be eaten to open the sinuses if there is congestion
- Natural Homeopathic Nasal Sprays such as Euphorbium and Sinus Relief Nasal spray with Luffa
Wearing a mask can help to stop you inhaling pollens and dust, but if you are not in a place where you need to wear a mask you can put some Vaseline or coconut oil into your nostrils to prevent the particles from being inhaled.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 9 September 2021 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am