If we give our home a top-to-bottom spring house cleaning, change our air conditioning filters every 60 to 90 days to keep the units running in top notch condition and schedule regular maintenance for our car, perhaps for good measure we should schedule a spring cleanse for our body. Due to the pesticides and herbicides used in commercial agriculture, particularly glyphosate, as well as the unhealthy animal feed and antibiotics used in raising beef, pork, poultry and fish, we might even consider cleansing and detoxifying more than once a year.  

Natural Awakenings turned to Karen Walker, owner of Sunshine Discount Vitamins, in Naples and Barbara Lewin, a functional nutritionist and registered dietitian also in Naples, for insights and tips regarding simple approaches to regular cleansing.

Easy-Peasy Spring Cleansing

Walker confidently carries the brand names and products that she trusts and has personally used the majority of them over the 26 years of operating the store. Glancing at shelves, she points to three-, 14- and 15-day gentle cleanse kits that she is familiar with.

“These are the easiest and most convenient methods that customers prefer. They are prepackaged blends of herbs and natural compounds formulated to eliminate digestive toxins, restore regularity, reduce bloating and water retention, eliminate toxins from the digestive tract and promote overall digestive wellness. Most consist of morning and evening encapsulated formulated blends. I also carry daily gentle cleanse brands,” says Walker, noting that she enjoys helping first time customers learn about the supplements she carries. I appreciate being able to use the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained in this business.” 

What and How to Eat While Cleansing

Lewin contributes essential tips on what and how to eat while cleansing. “First things first; plan meals ahead to stay on track and avoid getting overly hungry. Drinking plenty of clean, filtered water with lemon water keeps the ‘hungries’ at bay. Avoid coffee, dairy, and animal protein.

“Avoid eating on the run. Make mealtimes enjoyable experiences. Chew food slowly and stop eating when the stomach is 80 percent full. The Okinawans eat this way, and they are among the longest-living people in the world.

“Include plenty of fiber, which is found mostly in leafy plant foods. Choose organic when possible and follow EWG.org’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 guidelines.

“Eat easily digestible foods such as smoothies, green drinks and organic green tea (not from China).

“Include fermented foods or choose a good probiotic.

“Consider making a cleanse a body and mind experience. Avoid toxic people. Spend time in nature. Get adequate rest. Learn to meditate, do visualization or try journaling. Check out the free app, InsightTimer.com. 

“Hold on to these new habits. They are useful well beyond any cleanse.”

Sunshine Discount Vitamins, 2608 Tamiami Tr., N., Naples. For more information, call 239-436-6659 or visit Vitamins-Discount.com.

Barbara Lewin, 239-300-0072. For more information, visit Sports-Nutritionist.com.