“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
I say this every morning when I wake up, because I want my heart cleansed and my spirit renewed according to His ways and His will, not my own. It is a daily reminder to realign my heart with God. My hope is that you begin a similar declaration rooted in faith and surrender.
And so here we are in March, preparing to say goodbye to winter as the spring season approaches.
As winter fades and first signs of spring appear, nature quietly enters a season of cleansing, and our bodies follow a similar rhythm. After winter’s slower pace and heavier foods, the body begins preparing for renewal.
For many Christians, this time coincides with lent (originally comes from an old English word meaning “spring”). For others, it may simply be a time of consecration or a spiritual reset - a season devoted to fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Interestingly, this spiritual practice aligns closely with what the body itself is already trying to do during spring: cleanse. They invite us into a season of cleansing for the body, soul, and spirit.
But what exactly does cleaning mean in today’s world, where our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins, stress, and processed foods?
To understand this, we need to look at what naturally health coaches and providers call the terrain.
Awakening the Terrain Within
When I first hear the word terrain, I thought it was another health buzz word that is constantly changing and will probably fade away soon- trying not to be cynical! As I looked a little deeper into it, I understand the broader message – the terrain represents the condition of our internal ecosystem. It includes the health of our cells, the balance of the gut microbiome, mineral levels, detoxification pathways, immune function, and the biochemical signals that regulate healing. This term I can get behind! Because it is all encompassing – looking at our body as a whole and interconnected because yes, even mineral deficiencies can wreak havoc in the body and be a root cause of dis-ease.
An example: The terrain is like soil in a garden. When soil is rich, balanced, and full of life, plant grow strong and resilient. But when soil becomes depleted or contaminated, plants struggle to thrive. The same principle applies to the human body. When the terrain is nourished and balanced, the body has the ability to repair, defend, and regenerate. But when the terrain becomes burdened by toxins, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and inflammation, the environment within the body begins to shift.
Instead of vitality, the body begins operating in survival mode.
Healing, then, becomes less about fighting disease and more about restoring the terrain in where health can flourish.
The Terrain in Today’s World
In today’s modern and fast-paced environment, our internal terrain faces challenges unlike any previous generation or history. The next talking points is nothing new for the reader, as many times I have spoken about internal and external toxins impacting our body. But let’s review again….
Every day we are exposed to substances and stressors that quietly disrupt the body’s balance:
- Environmental chemicals
- Highly processed foods
- Pesticides and food additives
- Medication overload
- Chronic stress, and
- Sleep disruption
Over time, these factors place a heavy burden on the body’s detoxification systems, particularly the liver and digestive system.
When these become overwhelmed, toxins can begin circulation throughout the body instead of being eliminated.
This is why many people today experience symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance.
Often the root cause is not one single factor but a terrain that has become overloaded.
Spring offers a natural opportunity to begin restoring balance. Our bodies are changing in this season as hibernation is ending, our bodies are asking for a cleansing!
Fasting: An Ancient Practice with Profound Wisdom
For the Lord give wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
Fasting has been practiced for centuries as a spiritual discipline.
In scripture, fasting was a way to quite distractions, seek God’s guidance, and strengthen prayer. It was never meant to be a punishment or deprivation, but rather a way to draw closer to God and realign the heart.
Fasting also carries powerful physical benefits. When we reduce constant eating and simplify our diet, the digestive system is given a break. During this time, the body can redirect energy toward deeper processes such as cellular repair, toxin elimination, metabolic reset, and reduction of inflammation.
An important note about fasting. Jumping in “cold turkey” is not always the best approach. Instead, consider starting with intermittent fasting, which simply means choosing a consistent time each day to stop eating and allowing your body to rest from digestion until the following day.
Begin with a manageable schedule and practice it consistently. For example, start with a 12:12 rhythm - 12 hour of fasting and a 12 hour for eating. Once your body adjusts, you can gradually extend the fasting period.
You might move to 14:10 (14 hrs fasting, 10 hours eating), and eventually to 16:8, which is a common intermittent fasting pattern.
The goal is not restriction but giving the body time to rest, repair, and reset.
Many people are surprised at how much better they feel when they allow their digestion system regular periods of rest.
Modern science now confirms that fasting activates a process known as autophagy, where the body cleans up damaged cells and recycles them.
In many ways, fasting mirrors the cleansing process we see happening in nature during spring. It is a time of clearing and preparation.
Supporting the Liver & Gut During Spring Cleansing
During this season of renewal, two organs play a central role in cleansing the terrain: the liver and the gut.
The liver functions as the body’s primary filtration system, processing toxins, hormones, and metabolic waste. The digestive system works closely with the liver by eliminating these compounds from the body.
To support these systems, you do not have to complicate the cleansing and detoxing, it can be done in a simple and gentle way.
Some foundational practices include:
Hydration:
Mineral-rich hydration supports cellular detoxification. Adding lemon or apple cider vinegar to water (~16 oz – 32oz) can stimulate digestion. Doing this first thing in the morning helps keep your body hydrated throughout the day.
Bitter and Green Foods
Leafy greens such as arugula, dandelion greens, and cruciferous vegetables help stimulate liver detoxification and bile flow.
Fiber- Rich Foods
Vegetable and whole foods help support elimination and prevent toxins from being reabsorbed
Fermented Foods
Sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt support beneficial gut bacteria and microbiome balance
Rest and Reflection
Healing accelerates when the body moves out of constant stress and into a state of restoration. Lymphatic drainage exercises and movement are great ways to de-stress the body by using gentle movement.
These simple practices help the body release what has accumulated during the winter months.
Cleansing Beyond the Physical
True cleansing extends beyond the physical body. Many of us carry emotional and spiritual burdens that quietly affect our health. Chronic stress, fear, unforgiveness, and unresolved experiences can disrupt hormones, weaken immune function, and contribute to inflammation.
Just as the body stores toxins, the heart and mind can store heavy experiences. Lent reminds us that cleansing also involves releasing what weights on the soul.
Through prayer, reflection, forgiveness, and stillness, we begin creating space for deeper healing.
A Season of Renewal
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:12
Spring reminds us that renewal is built into creation. The earth releases what is old so that new life can grow.
In the same way, this season invites us to clear what has accumulated, restore balance within the body, and prepare the terrain for new vitality.
March marks the beginning of The Season of Cleansing.
A time to awaken the terrain.
A time to simplify.
A time to realign with the rhythms of healing God designed within us.
And when the terrain begins to shift, the body can do what it was created to do:
Restore. Repair. Renew.
Until next time.
Coach Rio
Recommended Support for Spring Cleansing
As we enter this Season of Cleansing, supporting the body’s natural detox pathways can make the process smoother and more effective. While whole foods, hydration, and fasting, and rest are foundational, certain natural supplements can help support the body’s detoxification systems.
Below are a few products I personally recommend supporting the liver, gut, and overall cleansing process.
Liver and Detox Support
Gut Cleansing and Digestive Support
Affiliate disclosure: I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through these links. I only recommend products that align with my approach to natural, root-cause healing.
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