Supporting Your Springtime Health

Spring is here!  It's been a gradual transition this year, but it's finally starting to feel a lot different than the wintertime.  I'm really hoping these April showers pay off ;) 

The energy of spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts, and awakening from the slumber.  Where we might have been sleepy and craving comfort foods, now we are starting to get moving and make preparations for the warmth and sunshine to come.  In your body this might feel like:  extra energy, making plans, choosing more raw foods, and enjoying seasonal produce.

During this time of change we have special considerations for supporting our health.

1.  Prepare for Change

• Every change, even good change, is recognized as a stressor on our bodies.  As we learn to adapt it puts extra pressure on our nervous system and adrenal glands.  You can continue to prioritize sleep to improve your recovery.  
• Begin to strengthen and prepare for spring and summertime activities to avoid injuries.  Moving topsoil and woodchips or raking can take its toll if you aren't ready.
• Make plans to build excitement - spice up your life with novelty and goals.  This also helps to create boundaries and avoid over-scheduling in the months to come.
• If you've never had a garden at home, consider starting with some herbs, a pot of tomatoes or a lettuce bowl.  The experience is so rewarding and the flavour is outstanding!  I know that some of you have seedlings growing, just waiting to make the transition outside later next month.

2.  New Rhythms

• The way you nurture your circadian rhythm starts to change and gets easier with more hours of daylight. Get natural light on your body as soon as possible in the morning, and enjoy the sunset in the evening.
• Spring sunshine also prepares our bodies for the stronger rays of summer and helps to prevent sunburns - isn't nature cool?!
• Fresher produce is becoming available too, and our spring palate starts to ask for salads, smoothies, and enjoy seasonal foods like asparagus.  If you're meals are changing, now you know why.
• Nicer weather and longer hours of daylight also allow more opportunities to get outside, enjoy evening walks, and extend our days.

3.  Liver Health

• Spring is an important time to consider your liver health. Leafy green veggies, lemon water, beets, drinking dandelion tea and avoiding alcohol are very beneficial to the liver and keep bile flowing.
• Consider adding castor oil packs or milk thistle for additional support.
• Spring and fall are great times to think about detox strategies to incorporate daily. You will know your liver needs attention if you are quickly angry, irritable and have a temper, or if you have hormone disruptions, metabolic issues (cholesterol, blood sugar, extra weight), skin concerns or have been diagnosed with "fatty liver".

4.  Start Moving

• Unless you had outdoor hobbies or a gym routine, I found a lot of people got away from their movement habits as the cold and snow kept them home this past winter.  Less walking, missing fitness classes, lots of injuries and a pull towards hibernation were more common than usual this past winter.
• The good news is that the snow is gone and temperatures are warming up! Remember to work back into your activities gradually to build strength, stamina and prevent injury.  You might not be able to lift or run like before, but you will be able to soon.

5.  Connection

• Community and connection are human needs that are often getting missed in our fast-paced and tech-filled lives. It’s been my observation that while division seems extreme right now, we actually have so much more in common with each other than we believe. 
• A winter of hibernation can also mean a period of isolation. Now it’s time to reach out and find your people, hug more, or enjoy the quiet energy of others in a group setting like a yoga class if you seek togetherness without the talking ;)
• There is plenty of research that shows improvement of all sorts of health metrics solely from having a sense of community.
  
  

6.  Book an Appointment

• These discussion points are really just scratching the surface.  For more personalized recommendations we need to discuss your health one-to-one.  Each season provides a unique opportunity to approach your health habits in a new way.  Let's build a plan for your health together!

Happy Spring!
Dr Christa