Part 1: My introduction to cleanses and detoxes for health and weightloss.
If you’re here you’ve decided that you want to learn more about or start a cleansing program. More and more people are becoming educated on the importance of cleansing the body and that makes me happy. Let’s first discuss what a cleanse or detox program is and why you should do one.
Why Cleanse?
Cleansing or detoxing is the best way to clean your system (colon, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, skin, blood, etc) of waste and toxic buildup that occurs in the body. A cleanse is the process of removing and metabolizing unwanted toxins and/or chemical compounds that can disrupt normal bodily functions. Cleansing also provides care and allows our bodies to heal. There are full body cleanses as well as cleanses that targets specific organs.
If you think about all the processed foods we eat, the toxic chemicals we use on our skin and the harmful chemicals we use to clean out homes, it’s no wonder we are walking landfills. Unless you detoxify your body you will be holding on to all that toxic junk that can cause countless physical and emotional ailments.
Other harmful things that we come into contact with include pollution, stress, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, preservatives, electromagnetic fields, radiation, negative energy and airborne pathogens; just to name a few. It’s important that we help restore our body’s natural balance by eliminating these toxins so that we can lead the best lives we can.
When your body can’t take enough toxins or naturally cleanse itself any longer it will respond in a negative way. If you show any of these symptoms it’s time to detox your body:
- Frequent headaches
- Poor concentration
- Joint pains
- Frequent colds or flu
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Night sweats
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Poor dexterity
- Dark circles under your eyes
- Memory loss
- Always thirsty or never thirsty
- Shallow breathing
- Bruises that take a long time to heal
- Feelings of anxiousness and nervousness
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Sensitivity to odors
- Bad breath
- Psoriasis
When your body is functioning in top shape there is no reason for it to hold on to extra fat. Many people who are trying to lose weight find that detoxing the body first is the best way to kick start a weightloss program. Ideally one should cleanse their body four times a year; once every quarter.
Before Your Cleanse
Before you cleanse there are a few things you should do. First off is do your homework and research why types of cleanses and detoxification programs are out there. Talk to a holistic practitioner, other people who have tried cleanses, as well as those who work in your local health food store; I have found them to be pretty educated and helpful.
Second, you should start adopting these habits 1-2 weeks before your cleanse to prepare your body (taken from a book called Super Cleanse: Detox Your Body For Long-Lasting Health and Beauty, by Adina Niemerow):
- If you don’t drink much water, start adding a few additional glasses of purified, alkalized water to your daily routine.
- If you start your day with coffee, consider switching to herbal teas.
- If you make pasta, rice, or noodles with dinner, try substituting those with an additional vegetable
- If you regularly eat frozen or processed foods, consider making simple, fresh meals at home
- If you smoke or drink alcohol, cut back your daily intake so you are not going cold turkey during the cleanse.
- Dust off your blender/juicer. Maybe instead of your cup of joe in the morning, try filling your travel cup with a homemade fruit smoothie.
- Stock your pantry and fridge with organic foods and items you’ll need before your cleanse. Some detox programs include literature that will tell you what you should be eating.
- When at work and on your cleanse, come prepared with prepacked snacks and foods so you don’t give into the temptation of processed junk food.
My Cleansing Experience
There are so many different types of cleansing programs out there. It can be hard to know which one to chose or which ones will be right for your body. Various methods for body cleansing include dietary restrictions and/or herbal supplements, colon hydrotherapy and yoga. Sometimes its just a matter of trial and error to find what works best for you.
I have tried a few cleanses in my time, including the Master Cleanse, Dr. Nutura’s Colonix Cleanse, Standard Process Cleanse, Renew Life Cleanse and a raw food cleanse.
I have had positive results with raw food cleansing, Standard Process and Dr. Nurura’s Colonix Cleanse. The Master Cleanser is only for masochists who want to deprive themselves of food and drink nothing but lemon water spiked with maple syrup and cayenne pepper. It’s enough to drive anyone mad. You will lose weight, but only because you are not eating and as soon as you do you gain whatever weight you lose right back. It’s pointless, a waste of time and not a true cleanse. I feel the best when doing nothing but raw food for three weeks. Standard Process is also an excellent option that I highly recommend.
Upon completing your detoxification you will feel high on life, energized, rejuvenated, have clearer/brighter skin and eyes, need less sleep and have a great sense of renewal.
Part 2 will come soon: How to Cleanse Using Raw Foods
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