Rid your body of digestive toxins

Interestingly, records show that in most years, the groundhog saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter. After a long snowy winter, I know I'm anxious for spring and hope Phil is correct.
    We can learn a lot from groundhogs, especially their eating habits. A groundhog's diet consists of lots of greens, fruits and vegetables. After being woken from his slumber, Phil had no interest in eating a cookie. Animals instinctively know what is best for their health, and the groundhog, one of the few animals that really hibernate, does not complete its hibernation cycle by Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. During hibernation, groundhogs go into a deep coma: the body temperature drops to a few degrees above freezing, the heart barely beats, the blood scarcely flows and breathing nearly stops.  Eating a cookie would take an exertion of energy required for digestion.
    Native Americans used the wintertime to let go of any negative events, and they spent time dreaming of the next year. They depleted almost all of their fall crops and got ready to prepare their gardens for another season.
    Our modern day hibernation is mainly being cooped up in our homes, with little activity and snacking on junk foods that we purchased at the grocery store each time there was a threat of a winter storm.
    As we approach the spring equinox on March 20, it is time for spring cleaning and removing toxins. Each of us is exposed to environmental toxins such as household chemicals, industrial pollutants, food additives and pesticides and internal waste toxins created by normal metabolic processes within the body. Digestive toxins are produced as a result of our bodies breaking down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Pharmaceutical drugs, caffeine and alcohol are technically toxins because they are foreign substances that your body, especially your liver, has to process. That is why you need to have periodic blood tests of your liver enzymes when taking statin drugs.
    The liver is the largest internal organ and performs many tasks: it metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins; it stores glycogen (for energy), iron, blood and vitamins A, D, and B12; and it filters blood and destroys toxic chemicals. The liver is the primary organ of elimination that serves as the manager of the entire detoxification process in the body.
    Detoxification, as termed by Brenda Watson, certified nutritional consultant, is "the act of supporting your body's innate detoxification methods." The body has seven channels of elimination - the colon, kidneys, lungs, skin and liver. All must be functioning optimally for effective total-body detoxification. As you renew your body, attention to diet and exercise are important.   
    Constipation is the top gastrointestinal complaint and when chronic, it can amplify your toxic load. Vegetables will help prevent constipation while also provide detoxification-supporting nutrients and the fiber you need to keep your bowels healthy and moving along your digestive tract. A high intake of dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, decreases absorption of toxins from stools and helps increase frequency and quantity of bowel movements.
    Consumption of liquids is also important to avoid dehydration. The rule of thumb is to take half your body weight in ounces. For instance, if you weigh 120 pounds, you need to drink 60 ounces each day.  If you don't have a bowel movement each day, make changes to your diet and exercise and consult your health practitioner for additional assistance.  Prolonged chronic constipation can lead to numerous health issues and puts a strain on your liver.  

    Diane Stacy is a nutrition educator and coach. She can be reached at (401) 949-2917 or dchoices@verizon.net.  Her Web site is www.choicesandprevention.com.