According to the Mayo Clinic, medical professionals do not recommend body cleansing and detoxification; however, many people look to this alternative health care method for a variety of reasons. Weight loss, improved energy levels and overall enhanced health are all reasons why people consider body cleansing and detox. In addition, cleansing and detoxification are a part of the regimen for many holistic approaches to alternative disease treatments.
Cleanse vs. Detox
There is no clear difference between cleansing the body and detoxing the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, our bodies are able to cleanse themselves of toxins naturally through the skin, liver, kidneys, lymph, lungs and colon without any additional help from us. Although this is true, when months go by when there are more toxins being ingested than the body can deal with, a time of depriving the body of poisonous foods and toxic substances may be necessary so that the body is able to use its elimination processes.
Why Cleanse/Detox?
Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D, is a noted herbal nutritionist and author who says that a whole body cleansing and detoxification is a perfect way to jump-start a healthy lifestyle change. Page says that energy levels, elimination problems and circulatory problems all improve as the cleanse continues and that weight loss is a natural by-product of the process.
How to Begin Cleansing/Detoxing
Beginning a cleanse/detox program can be as simple as changing the diet. Eliminating processed foods and toxic substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, white sugar and flour, sodas, artificial sweeteners and caffeine from the diet allows the body time to deal with the toxins that have built up over time. Including fresh whole fruits and vegetables, water, herbal teas and whole grain fibers will provide the nutrition your body needs to get the cleansing work done.
How Long to Cleanse/Detox
Some nutritionists, including Page, suggest a two to three day juice/water fast to begin an intense, initial whole body cleanse. Drinking nothing but fresh fruit and vegetables juices allows the digestive system to rest while providing plenty of nutrition for the cleansing process. Typically, a whole body cleanse can last up to seven days of juice/water intake, fresh fruits and vegetables, while avoiding all toxic foods and substances.
Cleansing/Detoxing for a Lifetime
Natalia Rose, nutritionist and author of "The Raw Food Detox Diet," suggests that eating raw food will help to detoxify the body by flushing out poisons and setting us on course for greater energy and a healthier body. On any given day, you can choose to eat "raw" with a big salad, veggies or fruit to allow your body cleansing time. In addition, there are many herbs available to help cleanse and detox the body, says lovetoknow.com. Senna, cascara sagrada, milk thistle, slippery elm, burdock root and black walnut are all available as herbal teas that can be incorporated into your daily routine.
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