Spring Awakening Helping the Body Cleanse and Rejuvenate

Feb 27, 2024

As winter loosens its grip and nature begins to emerge in vibrant greens, a natural desire for renewal awakens within us. This seasonal shift is an opportune moment to initiate a gentle "cleanse," not in the restrictive, fad-diet sense, but as a holistic approach to supporting our body's natural detoxification and renewal processes.


It's important to understand that our bodies are remarkably adept at detoxifying themselves. Organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin work tirelessly to eliminate waste and toxins. However, modern life, with its environmental pollutants, processed foods, and chronic stress, can overload this system. The goal, then, isn't to force an artificial cleanse, but to optimize the body's inherent detox pathways. A spring cleanse aims to provide additional support for optimal functioning.

Focus on Nourishment

Forget restrictive cleanses that leave you feeling drained and deprived! Instead, focus on nourishing your body with wholesome, easily digestible foods that aid its natural detoxification pathways. Here's how:

Embrace Fresh Produce: Make fruits and vegetables the stars of your plate. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, essential for detoxification and rebuilding tissues. Greens that are naturally stimulating to the liver and kidneys are coming into season now. Choose seasonal options like young spring mix for salads, mature leafy greens like kale and dandelion, asparagus, berries, and citrus fruits.


Hydration is Key: Water is the universal solvent, flushing toxins and carrying nutrients throughout the body. Aim for 8-12 glasses of water daily. Consider herbal teas between meals that are formulated to support the body. Here are some wonderful options available at Marlene’s: Traditional Medicinals EveryDay Detox, Yogi DeTox, The Republic of Tea Get Clean and Detox Green.


Fiber is Your Very Best Friend: Fiber helps bind toxins and move them through the digestive system. Include whole grains, legumes, flax and chia seeds in your diet. Consider supplementing with a fiber drink to help move waste through your system efficiently.


Go Lean on Protein: Choose lean protein sources like beans, fish or poultry, which provide essential amino acids for rebuilding tissues without taxing the digestive system. Another great option is the broad variety of highly digestible protein powders available at Marlene’s.

Limit Processed Foods

Processed foods are often loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives that can hinder detoxification. Choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever you can.


Supporting Digestion and Elimination

A healthy gut is crucial for efficient detoxification. Here are some strategies to optimize digestion and elimination:


Probiotics: These friendly bacteria support gut health and aid in nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut or consider probiotic supplements.


Digestive Enzymes: Certain enzymes like bromelain and papain can help break down food molecules, easing digestion and reducing potential for bloating and discomfort.


Gentle Movement: Regular exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous or boring! Do things you enjoy and move in ways that are joyful for you, like dancing and laughing. Even moderate walks play a vital role in waste removal by stimulating the lymphatic system.


Promoting Rebuilding and Renewal

While your body eliminates toxins, it's also crucial to provide it with the building blocks for repair and rejuvenation:


Rest and Relaxation: Chronic stress disrupts hormonal balance and hinders healing. Prioritize getting enough sleep, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and engage in activities you find enjoyable. You may find you want to slow down a bit or take naps during this time. Allow yourself!


Sunshine: Sunlight exposure helps regulate various bodily functions, including detoxification. Spend time outdoors getting some natural light (but remember sun safety practices).


• Self-Care Rituals: Pamper yourself with activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Take a warm bath with Epsom salts, indulge in a massage and spend time in nature.


Please consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any new cleanse or supplement regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.


A spring cleanse is not a quick fix, but rather a lifestyle shift towards overall well-being. Make sustainable changes you can incorporate into your daily routine all season long for long-term benefits. Listen to your body. If you experience negative effects from your modifications, adjust your approach or stop altogether.


Embrace spring as an opportunity to nurture your body's innate wisdom and support its natural detoxification processes! By setting your mind on wholesome nourishment, gentle support methods and self-care, you can cultivate vibrant health and step into the new season feeling renewed and revitalized.

Spring Cleansing Support Recipes


Spring Cleanse Support Broth

Simple bone broth is a nutrient rich beverage that has amino acids that your liver needs to remove toxins and potentially harmful chemicals from the body. Other bone broth benefits include blood sugar balancing, reducing inflammation and promoting gut health and digestion. Ginger and cayenne are used in many detox recipes because of their ability to cleanse the body by stimulating digestion and circulation. Fresh lemon, miso paste and raw apple cider vinegar add a dose of enzymes that aid digestion and counter inflammation.


From the first sip, there are so many delicious things going on in this robust and satisfying broth, you’ll forget you’re eating it for any reason other than pleasure!


  • 1 cup plain bone broth
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ tsp cayenne powder
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tsp miso paste
  • ¼ cup minced parsley
  • 1 Tbl fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbl Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tsp olive oil


In a saucepan over medium low heat, pour bone broth and vegetable broth, ginger, garlic lemon zest and cayenne.


Bring to a simmer and adjust heat to low. Allow to simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Add miso paste and stir until dissolved. Add parsley and simmer 2 minutes more, until parsley is a vibrant green. Just before serving, add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Enjoy!

Secret Salad Smoothie

There is an entire meal’s worth of greens in this smoothie, but it tastes like a creamy dessert! If you’re looking for ways to tuck in more green energy, protein and fiber into your day, try blending this surprisingly delicious drink. Each smoothie has about 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber.


  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (18.5 grams)
  • ½ avocado
  • ½ banana, sliced, frozen
  • ½ cup raspberries, frozen (or other frozen berries)
  • 1 cup spinach or romaine, chopped
  • 2-3 cups Spring greens mix
  • ¾ - 1 cup plant milk


Blend until completely smooth and pourable. Enjoy all the vibrant green energy! Serves 1.

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