How to Do a Seasonal Cleanse: A Naturopathic Guide
As the seasons shift, our bodies naturally transition, making it the perfect time to start a seasonal cleanse. After indulging in rich foods while celebrating my mother’s 80th birthday and my parents' 60th wedding anniversary, I’m beginning my cleanse today to reset my digestion, boost my energy, and finish the year strong.
By aligning with nature’s rhythms, you can detoxify, improve digestion, and restore balance through this simple, natural process.
Naturopathic cleanses are designed to gently detoxify the body, reset digestion, and restore energy by focusing on whole foods, herbs, and lifestyle practices.
Below, I’ll guide you through a simple seasonal cleanse that can help you reset your body naturally.
Why Do a Seasonal Cleanse?
It's that time of the year again, and as the major seasons are changing, now is a great time to cleanse. Each season brings different environmental factors that influence our body's function:
- Spring is associated with renewal, perfect for detoxing.
- Summer is about cooling the body and keeping digestion light.
- Autumn invites cleansing foods to boost your immune system before winter
- Winter focuses on warming and nourishing.
A cleanse during these transitions helps the body adjust, improve digestion, boost energy, and clear out toxins accumulated from the environment, processed foods, and stress.
Critical Components of a Seasonal Cleanse
1. Hydration and Herbal Support
Start with ample hydration. Your body needs water to eliminate toxins efficiently. Add lemon to your water for added vitamin C and liver support.
- Herbal teas like dandelion, nettle, or burdock root help cleanse the liver and kidneys. In colder months, include warming teas like ginger or cinnamon to boost circulation.
- Mineralise your water by adding 1 tsp of Celtic Sea Salt to 2L of water, or try our Wellness and Detox Water recipes.
2. Eat Seasonal, Whole Foods
Choose fresh, organic, and local produce to support the detoxification process. Here's a breakdown by season:
- Spring: Leafy greens (kale, spinach), sprouts, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage) support liver detox.
- Summer: Light, hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon and fresh herbs like mint help cool the body.
- Autumn: Focus on grounding root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and squash, which nourish and stabilise the digestive system.
- Winter: Hearty soups, warming spices (turmeric, cumin), and fermented foods like sauerkraut help keep the gut healthy and balanced.
3. Gut Health Support
Cleansing should always support gut function to improve digestion and elimination:
- Add fibre-rich foods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and vegetables to help with bowel movements.
- Take probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yoghurt, and kimchi to restore gut flora.
4. Gentle Detoxification
- Bone or vegetable broth can provide essential minerals and support the digestive lining.
- To rest your digestive system, try a 24-hour fast once a week or a 3-day juice cleanse with freshly pressed vegetables and fruits.
5. Herbal and Supplement Support
Specific herbs and supplements can aid the body's detoxification processes. Depending on your goals, we have a variety of packs that come with a complimentary wellness protocol and nutritional plan.
- Gut Healing Pack is great for gut issues, including bloating and IBS.
- Metabolic Reset Pack supports fat loss, balancing blood sugar levels and a healthy metabolism.
- Seasonal Cleanse Pack a complete cleanse to heal your gut, boost your immune system, calm inflammation and reduce body fat
6. Detoxifying Practices
Incorporate lifestyle practices to aid detoxification:
- Dry brushing: Stimulates lymphatic drainage and exfoliates the skin.
- Epsom salt baths: Rich in magnesium, they help relax muscles and remove toxins.
- Dry or FIR Sauna: Sweating is a powerful way to expel toxins, and I love Therasage portable FIR sauna and custom-built FIR saunas in the UAE by Biohackn (Use code REJUV at both links to get your discounts)
7. Mind-Body Practices
During your cleanse, it's crucial to reduce stress, which can hinder detoxification:
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to calm the nervous system.
- Try breathwork or grounding exercises like walking in nature to reconnect with the earth.
8. After the Cleanse
Post-cleanse, slowly reintroduce more variety into your diet, but prioritise whole foods and hydration. Stay mindful of how certain foods affect your digestion and energy levels. Aim to carry forward some detox practices into your routine.
A seasonal cleanse helps your body reset supports digestion, boosts your immune system, shifts unwanted body fat, and enhances overall health. By aligning your diet and lifestyle with nature's rhythms, you can promote detoxification, restore balance, and feel energised throughout each season.
The Wellness Profile
To further support your health journey, consider taking the Wellness Profile quiz.
This personalised tool helps identify your unique wellness needs, offering tailored insights and recommendations to level up your health. It's a fantastic next step to fine-tune your cleanse and overall well-being, giving you the tools to feel your best all year long.
