Natural Cleansing Methods

The most common natural cleansing methods come in forms of fasting. Fasting is the act of cutting out a large portion of your food intake for weight loss or cleansing purposes. Keep in mind that fasting is safe when done correctly. Fasting should never last longer than a month, unless you are gradually increasing your food intake each day.

Fasting

The original form of natural cleaning is fasting. By fasting, you are restricting all food from the body except for water and herbal teas. This should last only a couple of days, followed by gradual eating of only fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. This form of cleansing removes all toxins and waste from the body, a process that leaves you feeling irritated and fatigued. While fasting cleans the body of toxins, the effect on weight loss is temporary. To prevent sudden weight gain after a fast, gradually eat more to prevent the body from going into starvation mode. When the body thinks its starving, it increases the appetite and stores fat quickly and easily.

Juice Cleanse

Another form of cleansing is through a juice diet. The juice must be natural and organic, consisting of fruits and vegetables only. Any added ingredients or pesticides can interfere with the cleansing process. This cleansing method is commonly used because the body does not feel as fatigued compared to a fast without food. The body is still receiving nutrients while cleansing out the toxins, so you feel more energized and lively. This is a way to ensure that the body is not being completely deprived, yet still allowing cleansing to occur.

Raw Diet

Another form of cleansing is done through a raw diet. This diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, all of which are not cooked. The raw diet believes that when food is cooked, it is depleted of most of its nutrients. By sticking to this diet, the body does go into a cleansing mode, yet you are still able to eat and drink. Juices are also allowed in this diet, however you must make sure that the juice was not previously boiled, as some juices are. While most cleansing methods last for short periods, this diet can last for a lifetime. Raw diet followers say that this is the sole way of eating. While its benefits are debatable, Dr. William Harris claims that his studies have led him to believe that following a raw vegan diet prevents cancer and other diseases. The United States National Cancer Institute also found that following a diet that is plant-based reduces the risk of cancer by 60 to 70 percent.