Are you feeling sluggish or fatigued and craving some alone time? Are the short days and cool nights starting to slow your metabolism? It could be time to light your fall fire with the infrared sauna at the Integrative Health Institute. Autumn is the perfect time of year to focus on your detoxification lifestyle. Detoxification means supporting your liver, kidneys and bowel, increasing your metabolism, and decreasing inflammation. The therapeutic elements of a seasonal cleansing program are simple and supportive, and include:

Eating Clean

The bountiful fall harvest in the perfect time to select warm, colourful, easy to digest vegetables that nourish your body on a cellular level. Hearty deep greens, such as kale and brussels sprouts, are in season at the perfect time to support your liver and promote detoxification. Avoiding common food sensitivities, such as dairy, eggs, soy, gluten and sugar, and eliminating chemicals and additives will calm inflammation and sooth your digestive system.

Infrared Sauna

The heat from the sauna penetrates 2-3 inches into the body, warming and stimulating circulation into the tissues. This process increases oxygen exchange and allows the body to facilitate detoxification by pulling toxins out of fat storage and flushing them out through your sweat. The sauna is a gentle and relaxing way to increase your metabolism and a quiet escape from your busy day. As part of a detoxification protocol, infrared sauna is usually recommended 1-2 times a week for 3-6 weeks.

Hydration

Water is an essential part of every cleansing program, especially one that requires you to sweat. Drinking 2- 4 Liters of water per day is recommended while using the infrared sauna. Squeezing lemon into your water is a great way to replenish your electrolytes. Additional electrolytes and minerals may be added to your detoxification protocol based on your individual needs.

Nutritional Supplements

Your Naturopathic Doctor is the health professional best suited to choose clinically effectively supplements designed to suit your unique health needs. Cleansing supplements are designed to support your liver, kidney and bowel function while safely removing chemicals and toxins from your system. During the fall season, nourishing botanical teas are often a favourite choice, as they warm, hydrate, and nourish your system. Supplements should never contain sugar or artificial colours, chemicals or preservatives.

The infrared sauna and a clean diet, combined with supportive supplements and optimal hydration are a simple way to help your body function at its best. The benefits of a fall cleanse include decreased pain and inflammation, weight loss, an energy boost from your increased metabolism, clear skin and a calm mind. So what are you waiting for?

The Naturopathic medical team at IHI is ready to design a cleanse that is perfect for you! Call today to book your appointment or join Dr. Erin Wiley ND on Thursday October 18^th for IHI’s Fall Detoxification Refresher, a detoxification seminar and sauna package.

Have a happy and healthy fall harvest season!