Chances are when you hear the words “spring cleaning” you think about things like getting rid of the clutter in your closets or finally getting to those unpacked boxes in the garage. But there’s another side of spring cleaning that’s just as important, and it has to do with tidying up your internal environment. Adopting a detox-friendly lifestyle can make all the difference when it comes to looking and feeling your best every day, and it includes choosing the right internal cleansing formula that best suits your individual needs.

Cleansing 101

First-time cleansers should look for a detoxification formula that incorporates whole herbs rather than concentrated herbal extracts, as they typically have a milder effect on the body. This type of cleanse will often include both a morning and an evening formula and may last up to two weeks.

Ingredients such as parsley leaf, artichoke leaf, blessed thistle and turmeric root support and stimulate the organs and organ systems used to funnel health-threatening toxins out of the body, specifically the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood and bowel (or colon). Herbs such as buckthorn bark and rhubarb root may also be included to help stimulate elimination through the bowel, and ginger root, peppermint and cumin seed may be present to assist with healthy digestion. The enzyme cellulase may also be added to help break down the cell wall of the whole herbs in the formulation.

When Time is of the Essence

Nowadays many of us lead hectic lifestyles that keep us constantly on the go. Such individuals may prefer a more rapid cleanse, often a week-long program designed for maximum efficiency. Ingredients such as amino acids (protein building blocks that help the body regenerate tissue) and milk thistle may be added to support healthy liver function, as the liver is often considered the primary detoxification organ.

Additional elements of a rapid detoxification program may include a soluble fiber source, such as acacia, that works to absorb toxins in the digestive tract and eliminate them through the bowel. This type of cleanse may also contain magnesium hydroxide, a mineral that helps hydrate the bowel, as well as herbs such as marshmallow root and slippery elm, which help protect the large intestine from irritation.

Experience Counts

Experienced cleansers looking for a deeper, more prolonged detoxification experience may benefit from a month-long program that cleanses the colon and simultaneously supports the cleansing organs and organ systems. In these formulas, herbs to be taken at the beginning of the day should include dandelion root (a diuretic), milk thistle seed (for liver support) and turmeric root (a powerful antioxidant). In the evening, herbal extracts including cape aloe and rhubarb root are suitable for stimulating healthy bowel function.

Another alternative for those who adhere to ‘green living’ principles is a cleanse that utilizes a blend of organically grown herbs and fiber. This type of detoxification program may include detoxification herbs such as burdock root, garlic bulb and yellow dock, which contains natural chemicals that help destroy harmful bacteria and act as antioxidants. It may also include an organic fiber source to help speed toxins out of the digestive tract. Marshmallow root is also important to stimulate peristalsis (the natural muscle contractions that move food through the intestines).

A Cleaner, Healthier You

Though it may be a while before you get around to dusting the knick-knacks or tossing out old magazines, spring is the perfect time to begin cleaning up the way you live from the inside out. Talk to your natural health practitioner about choosing the right cleansing formula for your lifestyle, and start reaping the benefits of a cleaner, healthier you.

For more information, visit www.detoxstrategy.com