There are so many tips on the internet and products on the market to help clean our systems, that it can be hard to know which is the best path to take.
The first question to ask when considering doing a cleanse is "Why do you feel the need to cleanse?"
Is it to lose weight? Gain energy? Clear your skin, sleep etter, all of the above? Do you smoke, work with chemicals and toxins? Do you have time to spend, or are you looking for something quick and time friendly?
If you are desperate to detox because of a chronic condition such as heart burn, you'll need something more aggressive than if you are detoxing just because.
So here it is - the nitty gritty on Cleanses and Detoxing.
While cleansing and detoxing sounds great, there are side effects to ANY program, product or plan you chose. As your body rids itself of problematic toxins, you may feel horrible. Skin outbreaks, soreness, diarhea, headaches and a general mental "haze" are common as your body wakes up sleeping toxins and works them through your system. These are (can you believe) GOOD THINGS. Power through, you'll thank yourself once you reach the end of the line.
The safest, cheapest, and easily BEST way to "cleanse" or detox is to go Raw. A raw food vegan diet of organic vegetables, fruit and fresh green juice over a period of time will not cost you anything above and beyond food, (which you're eating regardless), require taking pills, cause gastro-intestinal discomfort or other major healing crisis. It will however requite intense dedication, willpower and time.
When your body will have an abundance of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants required for healthy cellular function, and develop an alkalinity that prevents sicknesses such as cancer, diabetes and chronic inflammation.The clean, fresh alkaline organic material going through your body will flush and detoxify your system, relieving many ailments with it. While there are a few people hardcore enough to maintain this full time, the rest of us mere mortals generally don't find this diet to be conducive to a normal lifestyle. We can get a lot of these benefits by cutting anything processed from our diets (sugar, flour, meats, cheeses etc) and getting our 8 - 10 servings of fruit and veg a day. Not only will this help clean, but also eliminate the crap going in!
So, you eat clean, get lots of water and veg daily but still feel tired, sluggish and want to detox... What now?
Many people chose to annually or bi-annually use a herbal supplement to cleanse and detox. This is an entirely uncomplicated process, remember to KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. A few small capsules or bit of tea is all it takes. For your piece of mind, and to make sure you stick with it - avoid any sort of cleanse that has a wonky 'schedule'. You know the ones I'm talking about here... seriously folks, Keep It Simple.
Whether you chose a capsule or a tea, the ingredients should also be quite simple and straight forward. Here's a few to look for:
Alfalfa; Alfalfa the richest land source of trace minerals. A builder, cleaner, infection fighter. Breaks down poisonous carbon dioxide
Chlorella; an power-packed whole food source provides over 19 amino acids including all 8 essential, plus beta-carotene, potassium and other valuable vitamins and minerals, and enzymes. Contains natural antioxidant phytonutrient source, also a great detoxifier, cell enhancer, and blood cleansers. Liquid is popular as an internal deodorant to reduce body odors originating in the digestive tract. Also useful as a refreshing mouthwash
Holy Thistle;used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, cleans the liver and kidneys
Chickweed; helps to heal stomach ulcers and inflamed bowels. Helps to dissolve plaque and fatty substances in the system. It strengthens the stomach and bowels.
Persimmon Leaves;gently cleanses the digestive tract, removing old fecal matter
Malva Leaves; Diuretic and Anti inflammatory, removes excessive mucous, high in antioxidants that destroy free radicals, cleans the liver
Marshmallow Leaves;mild laxative
Ground Flax Seed; high in Omega 3's and fibre
Ground Psyllium Husks; lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease
Dandilion Root Powder; Digestive Aid, promotes liver and galbladder health, promotes healthy skin, promotes detoxification of every cell in the body
Burdock Root Powder; helps metabolise carbohydrates, detoxifying, aids pituitary gland in ajusting hormones and weight,promotes healthy skin and tissues, one of the best blood purifiers. Used to reduce swelling around joints, rid calcification deposits, clears blood of harmful acids.
Fenugreek Powder; aids digestion, supresses appetite, anti-inflammatory, reduces acid reflux
Avoid any products containing Senna. Herbalists and toxicologists have shared the dangers of consuming Senna, and the effects they have on the heart and digestive system. The FDA has reported at least four deaths, all as a result of using this dangerous ingredient.
