A flush is not quite the same as fasting, but has a similar purpose. Removing toxins naturally and replenishing nutrients is a simple, necessary part of optimum health.
Cleansing is an important part of any health regimen. Detoxification does more than clean out a digestive system; it is thought to restore your balance, refresh and maintain healthy skin and mental clarity, plus a myriad of other benefits, including better sleep, ridding the body of impurities and even reducing or eliminating pain.
Who should detoxify? Anyone who wants to improve their health. However, some health conditions require monitoring during detoxifying. Nursing or pregnant mothers should not detoxify, nor should people with certain illnesses. If you have any issues that would warrant care, check with your physician before cleansing.
How often should we cleanse?
Many health care practitioners suggest detoxifying at least twice a year. Some people choose to cleanse more frequently, especially with the overabundance of toxins in our environment today. However, moderation is important. Cleansing too frequently can deplete nutrients.
There are many prepackaged body and colon cleansing products. Most also supply additional nutrients, which are important while cleansing. If you choose to use a commercial cleanse, make sure it is from a reputable company and that it is not past the expiration date.
Flush:To really clean out your system, increase your water consumption, more than the normal eight-ten a day rule. Herbal teas are good too. Extra fluids helps clean the liver, colon and blood.
Cleanse: A two-to-four day regimen is most common. Before starting, it is best to prepare for detoxing by easing off things that stress the body. Caffeine, fats and of course, smoking all wreak havoc and should be reduced or eliminated.
How long is a detox?
To be really effective, a strict three-day diet of pure, diluted juices is best, but may be too stringent for some people. If that's the case, try the juice diet for at least one day and then maintain the juice for breakfast and lunch and eat a light supper of low fat, high fiber, fresh and minimally processed foods. If possible, in place of normal meals, fill your stomach with broths made of juice, and eat melon. This will satisfy that empty feeling and keep you on track.
Typical Detox Recipe:
First thing each morning: Drink one cup warm water with several tablespoons of lemon juice, a pinch cayenne pepper (1/16 tsp) and a teaspoon honey.
Breakfast and mid morning:
8 ounces of juice blend made up of any combination of :apples, celery, pineapple and berries (fresh or frozen), a pinch of ginger and cinnamon. A juicer or high speed blender works well, water can be added to dilute.
Lunch and mid afternoon:
8 ounces of juice or broth made from any combination of several carrots, a cucumber, a few beets, 1/4 cabbage, spinach, kale, three apples, fresh parsley (important for cleansing) and several stalks of celery. (For broth, leave out the apple. Garlic and onion can be added for flavor).
There really is no limit to how much you can have, which is very satisfying and helps to keep you full.
Important Hints and Reminders:
- Use organic whenever possible.
- Most large grocery retailers sell organic juices in a variety of flavors. It is easy to make a diluted juice or broth by simply buying a few of the juices and mixing them together or with a few other ingredients as needed.
- "Green protein", such as Spirulina in tablet or powder, will help cleanse and adds nutrients back into your system.
- Milk Thistle (also called silymarin) will speed up cleansing and heal the liver.
- Extra rest and deep breathing are important
- Exercising will increase the cleansing effect
- Dry massage (with a brush, loofah or dry wash cloth) sloughs off dead skin cells and removes toxins. Rub your entire body vigorously and then bathe or shower.
As your body eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph symptom and skin, you may feel a little sluggish or run down. Remember that the feeling is temporary and you will feel incredible after a detox. Increasing your water will help flush out the impurities quicker and get you on your way to a healthier you.
