Cleansing
What does it mean to cleanse?
Cleansing is considered by many as a way to help your body clear out accumulated waste and potentially toxic material. Many people have reported that removing some of this "toxic load" has helped them feel healthier, more energetic, mentally clearer, and reduced their health issues. Fasting reportedly gives your body (specifically the digestive system) a rest. Some people fast during a cleanse, but you can also cleanse while eating a simple, nutritious diet.
What are these toxins everyone is talking about?
There are several types of toxins: Your own body, each cell and each tissue, produces waste products that must be eliminated from your system. There are chemical toxins in the water we shower in (chlorine, flouride, MTBE and so on), the air we breathe (think pesticides from the orange trees in the Ojai valley, car exhaust, fumes in the workplace), and the food we eat, just to name a few sources. There are also bacteria and other microbes living inside each of us busily producing waste products.
What should I do to cleanse?
There are many ways to cleanse including juice fasts, food cleanses and enough products that it can become a bit confusing. While I cannot tell you what is best for you, below are some suggestions to help you through whatever protocol you choose.
Please consult your doctor before beginning any cleansing program.
Cleansing is considered by many as a way to help your body clear out accumulated waste and potentially toxic material. Many people have reported that removing some of this "toxic load" has helped them feel healthier, more energetic, mentally clearer, and reduced their health issues. Fasting reportedly gives your body (specifically the digestive system) a rest. Some people fast during a cleanse, but you can also cleanse while eating a simple, nutritious diet.
What are these toxins everyone is talking about?
There are several types of toxins: Your own body, each cell and each tissue, produces waste products that must be eliminated from your system. There are chemical toxins in the water we shower in (chlorine, flouride, MTBE and so on), the air we breathe (think pesticides from the orange trees in the Ojai valley, car exhaust, fumes in the workplace), and the food we eat, just to name a few sources. There are also bacteria and other microbes living inside each of us busily producing waste products.
What should I do to cleanse?
There are many ways to cleanse including juice fasts, food cleanses and enough products that it can become a bit confusing. While I cannot tell you what is best for you, below are some suggestions to help you through whatever protocol you choose.
- Include lots of high-vitamin, high-mineral juices or foods. Not just fruit juices. That quantity of sugar may be damaging to the pancreas.
- Drink lots of water.
- Set reasonable goals and be willing to change them if it is appropriate.
- Do not push yourself to do more than your body and mind feel able to do. Do not fast longer than you feel able to, even if your friend or spouse did. Your body is unique and needs to be listened to and honored.
- Lighten your schedule for the time you are cleansing.
- Allow time for rest and reflection.
- Ensure that you are having regular bowel movements, although try to avoid taking any products containing senna or cascara sagrada. These products are laxatives and can lead to dependence and may even be damaging. I strongly recommend colon hydrotherapy during and at the end of any cleanse - intestinal, liver or overall.
- Avoid taking any product containing bentonite clay or charcoal if you are eating "normal" foods. These products can absorb nutrients and can bind up your digestive system. Although they are often used during a juice fast.
- Expect that you may experience a wide range of emotions during and just after the cleanse, including irritability, anger, sadness, elation and contentment.
- Transition back to eating slowly and gently.
- Seek professional advice on your first cleanse or if you have any questions at all. If you have long-term or acute health concerns, I recommend working with Dr. Edie Resto, ND, DC, or the doctor of your choice.
Please consult your doctor before beginning any cleansing program.