There’s no doubt that spring is a time of renewal. It’s nature’s fresh start—a time for plants to grow, flowers to bloom, and rain to replenish the soil. Spring is also the perfect time to detoxify the harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants that may have taken up residence in our bodies due to the environment we live in, as well as those created by normal bodily chemical reactions.
By helping our bodies naturally shed these toxins, our energy and health can be improved. And of course, whatever is good for us, is also good for our horses. They are just as affected by environmental toxins as we are, after all.
The Body’s Natural Detox Mechanisms
The body is naturally equipped with its own detoxification mechanisms. The lungs remove gases. The skin reduces penetration of toxic substances. The digestive system eliminates toxic foods by vomiting (for humans and some animals) and/or diarrhea. The kidneys secrete or filter toxins out of the blood and into urine. And finally, the liver works to change the chemical nature of many toxins.
Of these organs, the kidney and liver are especially important for detoxification. However, in today’s world, the body can easily become overwhelmed by toxins in food, water, and air, as well as in many products we use around the house, yard, barn, or even on our animals or ourselves. In this case, the body may need some help with the detoxification process.
Eat Clean and Exercise
Eating clean, whole foods can go a long ways in supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Avoid processed foods and sugar and stay well hydrated. We can provide the same clean diet for our horses as well by eliminating processed feeds (especially sweet feeds) and allowing them to graze on healthy pasture in spring. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water as well.
Exercise also helps the body detox. In fact, sweating can safely and effectively eliminate heavy metals like nickel, lead, copper, arsenic, and mercury. This, of course, can work for our horses too!
Detoxifying Herbs
A number of natural herbs can help safely detox the body. Some of the herbs that can be used for both people and horses include:
- Milk thistle
- Dandelion
- Burdock
- Turmeric
- Spirulina
- Cilantro (coriander)
These herbs can be fed individually or combined in order to detox the body. Work with an herbalist or follow manufacturer directions when taking or feeding herbs, however.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay is another great detox ingredient which gets its name from Fort Benton in Wyoming, where it naturally occurs in large amounts. However, this type of clay can also be found in a number of places where volcanic ash has settled onto the ground.
A number of studies have shown the beneficial detoxification effects of bentonite clay. For example, a study on chicks found that it reduced effects of aflatoxin B1 from certain types of mold and other studies have shown similar detoxifying effects.
The Holistic Horse has bentonite clay available for both people and horses.
Spring is a great time to focus on detox. By implementing some of the above information, you and your horse can be on your way to better health!