Horseman’s Health: Spring Cleaning Your Body

Many of us think about cleaning out our living spaces for a good Spring cleaning. But do you also think about cleaning out your body? According to naturopathic doctor and author of the book Detoxification, Linda Page, ND, PhD, giving yourself a good Spring cleansing or detoxifying your body is a great way to come out of a winter slump period by renewing and recharging. Some experts like Page recommend going heavy on juices for a Spring cleansing while others such as research psychologist at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, Chris Strychacz, PhD, go with fasting and only drinking water. Whatever method of cleansing is used, the body is able to get rid of toxins and fat stored through the winter and many find it restores their energy levels.

Adding mushrooms to your diet regularly is being found to have many health benefits including supporting your body’s natural detox system. The type of mushrooms found to be most beneficial for health are the type known as adaptogens. The best mushrooms to look for are those labeled as organic. Mushrooms are very porous and as such they absorb toxins such as pesticides very easily. Adding more toxins to your system just doesn’t make sense especially when concentrating on flushing out all the toxins from your body. Here are some of the top medicinal mushrooms and the benefits research reports they can offer.

Oyster Mushroom – Are a good source of B vitamins, protein, minerals, beta glucans, and the super-powered antioxidant, ergothioneine.
Reishi – A complete whole food that is a rich source of protein, enzymes, minerals and more than 130 triterpenoid compounds.
Maitake – Also called ‘Hen of the Woods’ and are an excellent source of phospholipids, polysaccharides, antioxidants, and plant sterols.
Cordyceps – A good source of the antioxidants glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and have been found beneficial in balancing hormones and boosting energy.
Poria – Popular in Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years, this mushroom found on the roots of pine trees is very high in fiber and has been found helpful in boosting kidney function, reducing cholesterol and inflammation, and supports immune system function.
Wild Black Trumpet – Found near hardwood trees, this delicious mushroom is rich in polyphenols, beta glucans, polysaccharides, and trace minerals.

If you are not a fan of the taste or texture of mushrooms, you can still benefit with powdered forms or mushroom supplements such as this one that gives you organic cordyceps, reishi, maitake, poria, and wild black trumpet mushrooms all in a convenient to take capsule.

Sources:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/mushrooms-how-to-use-them-for-age-reversing-detox-and-inflammation-fighting
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-cleansing-body#1
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-246/poria-mushroom
https://nourish.newearth.com/02-19-19/