At Bradbury Clinic we like to use real, living, nutrient dense foods for a cleanse each season. Both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Holistic nutrition places strong emphasis on digestive health. Healthy digestion is the keystone to good health. A great way to support digestive health is to start by giving your body the opportunity to ‘Rest and Digest’ by eating high fibre and nutrient-dense foods.
A real food cleanse supports digestion with ease by using juices, smoothies and pureed vegetable soups. All of these foods are easy on the digestive system and nourish the body with antioxidants and phytonutrients (nutrients from colorful plant-based sources). Developing a clean diet habit has many benefits. Fresh plants have natural energy and infuse your body with vitality. While ‘eating clean’, you should not feel hungry or deprived especially if you are choosing low glycemic-load and high-fibre foods, which fill you up and keep your blood sugars stable. A real food cleanse can last anywhere from three to twenty-one days.
We love to cleanse with juices for a couple of days at the beginning of every season to empty and strengthen the system. Our favorite fresh pressed juices are from our neighbors across the street at Wild Island: www.wildislandrestaurant.com. Their green juices Glow and Restore are our favorites! Even if you don’t own a juicer you can pick up a 3 pack or 6 pack of juices from Wild Island to support you in your first juice cleanse! We get a wonderful energy boost and clarity of mind during a long day when we replace a meal with a juice. During a cleanse, or if you are ill, it's wonderful to drink juices both pulped and pulp free because they support gentler digestion leaving more energy for detoxification and regeneration.
Detoxification of the body opens all the channels of elimination. The kidneys, skin, intestines, blood, lymph, and perspiration are good to open and get moving before you start detoxifying the liver. Otherwise, your liver may feel overburdened and you could start to experience headaches and malaise which are signs of a healing crisis. Your skin is your largest detoxification organ so a great way to jump start detoxification is by exercising and sweating. Dry brushing also stimulates your circulation to help you to detox further. You can use a dry brush to rub your skin (or a stiff towel) before getting in the shower.
Detoxification does not mean fasting. Most people do not have the proper blood sugar control to fast and end up feeling dizzy, hungry and may even find it difficult to participate in everyday activities. A real food cleanse or simply eating clean is supportive and easy if you are new to cleansing. Some of our favorite clean real food meals also compliment detoxification and support the liver. Try a simple brothy miso soup with a small amount of leafy greens simmered with dried shiitake mushroom – it is both medicinal and light on the liver. Another cleansing vegetable dish is peeled and cubed beets, slow cooked with a little water and a pinch of salt. Garnish with a dash of Umeboshi vinegar and a squeeze of lemon. Our all-time favorite spring liver remedies is fresh vegetable juice with a squeeze of lemon juice.
At Bradbury Clinic we provide chiropractic care and acupuncture, as well as herbal medicines used in Chinese Medicine to support the liver. We welcome you to our clinic Saturdays 10:30 - 6:00, Mondays and Tuesdays 10:00 - 6:00: www.bradburyclinic.com
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