Periodic cleansing of the colon is one of the most important things we can do to maintain a healthy body by eliminating accumulated toxins. The benefits of a good colon cleanse include weight loss, increase in energy, improvement in digestion, control of cravings and regulation of bowel movements. By paying attention to the foods we eat while we are cleaning our bodies, we are able to get rid of residual pesticides, chemicals, oxidized fats, excess cholesterol and other impurities that clog our organs and bloodstream, inhibiting the breakdown of foods and leading to discomfort and disease.
Step 1
Breakfast should be comprised of fresh fruits. Some of the best fruits for cleansing the colon are: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, kiwi, mangos, papaya, plums, oranges and tangerines. Whenever possible, eat fruits with their skins as this provides the most amount of pectin and roughage, which is necessary for eliminating toxins. The pectin additionally helps to eliminate extra cholesterol while feeding your intestinal flora. You can also make a fresh fruit juice combination in the blender, which will deliver live enzymes, vitamins and minerals quickly into your system, as the body does not need to break the fruits down.
Step 2
If you want to add cereal to your breakfast menu, oatmeal, bran, wheat and rye are wonderful grains, especially when you add psyllium husks or flax seeds on top. Top with fresh fruit, and you have a wonderfully cleansing breakfast. Fiber from this meal will help to clean your intestinal walls. Try to avoid using milk as this can create mucus in the system.
Step 3
Lunch can consist of freshly blended vegetable juice, a salad of raw veggies, lightly steamed vegetables with a grain such as millet, quinoa or amaranth. Adding nuts or seeds to your salad helps provide even more roughage and nutrients, as well as flavor. Use organic olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon as a dressing. Some of the best vegetables to eat either raw or steamed are: leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, watercress, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips, winter squash, bean sprouts, sweet potatoes (with their skin), artichokes and beets. Some excellent nut and seed choices are almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and coconut.
Step 4
For dinner, have a fresh salad, legumes with a grain, or steamed veggies once again. Some legumes to consider are kidney, lima, or navy beans; lentils; and split peas. Take a look at some recipes online or in recipe books to find tasty dishes that are easy to make with these ingredients along with the spices and herbs that you like.
Tips and Warnings
- Snacking should consist of a fresh fruit or vegetable juice, nuts and seeds, or homemade popcorn without butter or excess salt. Remember that the less you eat, the more you will cleanse. Portions should always be no larger than the palm of your hand. The more raw foods you eat the better. Drink at least eight glasses of pure water a day. Dilute fruit juices with water if they are too strong for your system. Make sure you supplement your meals with probiotics, which keep the flora in your system healthy. This can come as a supplement or in yogurt or acidophilus.
- Avoid all processed, fast, and fried foods. If you need to eat meat, poultry or fish, make sure you get organic or farm fresh quality and eat only in the smallest quantities. Eliminate all cola products. Eliminate all pasta and cheese products as they can clog the system.
Things You'll Need
- Juicer or food processor
- Blender
- Fresh organic fruits
- Fresh organic vegetables
- Steamer
- Grains
- Cereals
- Nuts and seeds
- Purified water
Member Comments