Seasonal Detox

The individual life experience varies from person to person.  Although, there is an common theme among most of the population to do the necessary seasonal clean-up, whether it be socially, emotionally, physically or otherwise .  As I spend more time delving into the minds and lives of others I find profound similarities across the board and there’s true comfort in that.  We are not alone. ;)

And while the majority of my clients prefer to focus on matters of emotional, familial and social growth; I am noticing an emerging common interest.  Whole human health; that is, where traditionally a seasonal detox might be deemed physically-specific now encompasses areas of personal development, emotional recharge, and spiritual deepening. 

And while there is not yet a specific professional field or academic path associated with this type of holistic care approach; health psychology seems promising.  In the meantime while I am not yet a naturopathic doctor and my foundations are in psychology; I have committed myself to a lifestyle rich in investigating all variables for whole health.  My time is spent researching health and wellness of the body, mind, and spirit.  I hope to one day bridge the gap such that a person might seek whole human health when determining how to best prevent and treat themselves. 

In said spirit, I have had several people request a portion of my fall detox regimen, a detox soup recipe that I like to incorporate in my life.  The list of ingredients has attributing benefits that I’ve sourced from various references throughout the vast depths of the internet.   Enjoy.     

                             Spicy Veggie Soup

Ingredients and Benefits:

Onions- Quercetin, an antioxidant that acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory agent.  Quercetin may help to maintain good blood pressure and can inhibit hardening of the arteries.  Allyl propyl disulphide, the essential oil in onions can lower glucose.   

Jalapeno- Capsaicin the chemical that makes jalapenos spicy can potentially help with migraine headaches, foster sinus health, inhibit cancer cells specific to prostate area.  It also has the anti-inflammatory properties like the onion. It also can promote weight loss because it is a thermogenic and high in Vitamin A and C.

Celery- Antioxidant properties and high in Vitamin C which can support the immune system, high in electrolytes for rehydration as well as diuretic properties which can support kidney health. Celery has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in magnesium, potassium and calcium which can help the digestive and cardiovascular systems.   

Garlic- Ooh GARLIC!  Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic properties that can rid the body of pathogens and toxins while supporting cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems.  This can aid in nutrient absorption, artery health, and immune response.  Again, anti-inflammatory properties present that can potentially fight against cortisol damage to the body derived from stress.

Peppercorn- Can aid nutrient absorption, can help aid digestive tract in disposal of waste.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes-  Capsaicin thus the anti-inflammatory properties and thermogenic properties.  

Cilantro- Main benefit per most naturopathic doctors is toxic metal cleansing.  High levels of toxic metals can happen via metal fillings, dental crowns, and water consumption.  Signs of metal toxicity are general malaise, un-diagnosable joint pain, brain fog, chronic candida infection.  

Zucchini- Also an anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering food.  Zucchini is low calorie, high nutrient, and antioxidant properties; folate, manganese, potassium, copper, calcium, protein, fiber, zinc, beta-carotene, carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamins B-1 and 2.  The high fiber content in zucchini aids in cleansing the colon.

Kale- It’s a low calorie, high fiber and nearly zero fat food.  Very high in iron, Vitamin A, C, K and calcium and has the anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits like all the above mentioned foods.  The fiber and sulfur in kale aid in cleaning the colon and detoxifying the liver.

Spinach- It has a wealth of nutrients, vitamins and amino acids like sodium, magnesium, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and arginine and lysine.  Spinach aids in digestion, immune defense, and colon cleansing.

All the above information I’ve researched in trying health times as well as for preventative measures.  I generally make a week’s worth in regular chicken broth.  I consume it for both lunch and dinner with green or white tea.  For breakfast I do a raw green chocolate protein shake with coconut oil, coffee, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, ground oats, vanilla extract, banana (every two days) and ice. 

For those of you who need a bit more sustenance I recommend a Shar par-baked baguette because this is not a wheat source, but provides the bulk for comfort.  Thus those of you dealing with candida overgrowth issues can rest easy with this bread.   Obviously, I am not a nutritionist or doctor and only recommend this as my personal experience has yielded great results.  I am not huge on specifics per quantity per ingredient, the only important factor is the process such that your soup still yields a nice texture, especially when it’s most of what you’ll be consuming for a week or two (whichever you prefer).

Instructions:  

1.       Boil 2-3 (depending on how much you want to make) cartons of chicken broth   

2.        In another pan, sauté in chicken broth (butter optional) the 1-2 chopped onions, 6-10 stalks of chopped celery, 1-3 chopped jalapenos until softened and onions are translucent.  Add 2-3 tablespoons of minced garlic, handful of peppercorns, and a dash or few of crushed red pepper; sauté a minute or so longer.

3.       Add the mixture to the boiling broth as well as chunky chopped cilantro (as much as you want) and 1-4 quartered zucchinis.  Add another 1-3 cartons of chicken broth and bring back to a boil.  Boil until zucchini is tender.

4.       Finish by adding as much baby spinach and largely ribboned kale as you desire.  Cook until kale and spinach are soft which is generally rather quick.  I divide the soup into a week’s worth of individual containers such that when hunger hits I have easy access to sustenance.

Light, Love, and Blessings-

Haley Lee Hallock