Telluride Times, April 16, 2026

“Balance is the secret ingredient to a happy and meaningful life.” — Deepak Chopra

Many years ago—probably in the early ’90s—there was a cleanse going around Telluride that consisted mostly of psyllium seed husk (the key ingredient in Metamucil) and apple juice. It lasted four to seven days and was offered, if I recall correctly, through a Montrose nutritionist.

Whether or not I originally did that cleanse in the spring, I’m not sure. But if you’re like me, spring is the season that truly urges us—on every level—to clear out the stale and the stuck and engage in some version of a mind-body rebalancing act. In the mountains, this goes double, as the season ends, snow melts, and dandelion buds drill through the topsoil, ready to send their yellow fireworks up.

For some, spring simply requires a change of scene or routine; for others, more time grounding or deeper levels of rest. Many of us look for ways to detox or nourish, or some combination of the two, because this time of year is about renewal; and our bodies, whether we listen or not, often seem ready and even to yearn for it.

There’s still nothing wrong with that simple, old-school apple juice cleanse. The husk of the psyllium seed provides prebiotic soluble fiber for the gut microbiome, can help bind and carry out waste, and can, remarkably, relieve both constipation and diarrhea in its mission to restore balance. This humble plant (Plantago ovata), like so many of the thousands that serve humanity, has been used throughout history—from Ayurvedic traditions to Greek, Roman, and Arabic medicine—in support of digestive health and intestinal balance.

With native roots in India, the plant itself is low-growing, with small, spike-like flower heads that produce tiny seeds. The seed coating is a gel-forming husk, which is the part we use. In the gut, this soluble fiber becomes mucilaginous—gel-like—absorbing up to 10–20 times its weight in water. Its action soothes the intestinal tract, adds bulk, and slows the absorption of sugars and cholesterol, potentially supporting healthy glucose and LDL levels.

Adding psyllium to the diet is especially appealing for those who value ease. It’s inexpensive and easy to take, whether in capsules or powder, and requires only a few moments—or a few more if followed by an extra glass of water (recommended). Super-achiever points: visualize a vibrant and balanced body as you drink it down.

Of course, there are now countless cleanse options available, all of which can be seen as forms of rebalancing—a distinction that matters to me, as it implies alignment with the body’s natural tendency toward homeostasis rather than something corrective or punitive. We could also include methods for calming the nervous system in a spring rebalance—simple practices like getting morning light, reducing overstimulation, or pausing long enough for the body to settle back into its own natural rhythm.

Recently, a friend, seeking both physical and emotional release, completed a 30-day inpatient, medically supervised water fast and lost over 40 pounds. For many of us, something far simpler can feel like a reset: a single day of water fasting, or even a renewed commitment to hydration. There are endless variations—juice fasts, broth fasts, tea fasts, and forms of intermittent fasting ranging from circadian eating (only when it’s light out) to one meal a day to many versions of time-restricted eating.

Is spring a time to shake up long-standing habits? Mark Bittman, the well-known chef, adopted a “vegan before 6 PM” (VB6) approach years ago, eating as an omnivore only at night. His permanent weight loss was significant, as was his lowered blood sugar. Reducing sugar certainly rebalances, as does cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods. Eat more vegetables! These small adjustments move us toward equilibrium.

In fact, small shifts may be the best way to have a conversation with our bodies, whether it be better hydration; stepping outside first thing in the morning; eating one meal slowly and without distraction; going to bed a little earlier; stretching for five minutes; spending time on the ground; or taking a short break from the news. Simply noticing what drains energy and what reenergizes us is powerful information.

Are you feeling the call to listen to your body and hear what it has to say? Start small. Give yourself credit for inching toward more balance in mind, body, and spirit. It’s spring, after all, when everything around us in the natural world is doing something utterly natural and spectacular—whether it’s plopping down onto the ground as a brand new calf, breaking through snow as a Pasqueflower, or honking across the evening sky as a Canada goose.