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Getting Started
Your cleansing program should enhance the body’s natural cleansing process,
which includes the liver, kidneys, digestive system, lymphatics, and blood.
Here’s how these systems work together to keep the body healthy.
The lymphatic system filters fluid from the tissues and captures any toxins it
finds. The toxins are then carried into the bloodstream, where they are
transported to the liver and the kidneys, the primary organs of detoxification.
Toxins are processed in the liver and kidneys and then eliminated through the
digestive and urinary systems. An effective detoxification program supports each
part of the body’s natural elimination system.
Kinds of Cleansing
Products Many cleansing and detoxification products are available on the market
today. Let’s look at a few.
Tea cleanses involve drinking a specific herbal tea for one to two weeks. These
cleanses are usually quite mild and well tolerated by the body. They help to
gradually open the detoxification pathways and support the organs of
elimination. Although most tea cleanses do not specify an associated diet, it is
important to eat healthy foods and drink at least 8 cups (2 L) of water
throughout a tea cleanse. The disadvantage of tea cleanses is that dosages can
vary greatly based on the strength of the tea and the contents of the dry herbs
combined within the tea bag.
Herbal cleanses usually involve taking a botanical tincture for three to seven
days. Often the cleanse will focus on aiding a certain aspect of the
detoxification process; for example, as a colon cleanse or a liver cleanse.
However, a cleanse that focuses on only one aspect of the detoxification process
can potentially lead to further health problems. The herbs used in the cleansing
product are usually quite strong. They may be effective at mobilizing toxins
from the targeted tissues, but if the pathways of elimination have not been
properly opened and supported, there is no way for the toxins to be safely
eliminated from the body. Thus the toxins may be moved from one area of the body
to another.
Homeopathic cleanses use complex homeopathic remedies that are able to increase
the blood supply to the organs of detoxification and open the pathways of
elimination. They are best done in combination with a hypoallergenic diet and
probiotics to support proper digestion. Often these cleanses will last for 30
days and are an excellent way to slowly and safely detoxify the body.
Major cleanses typically are comprised of herbal products combined within a kit.
The best major cleanses are those that provide the liver with a constant supply
of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, detoxification is best combined
with a diet that includes nutrient-rich, chemical-free foods, not a fast. It is
also important to drink at least 8 cups (2 L) of clean, filtered water per day.
The water helps to flush out toxins as well as rehydrate the cells and tissues.
Major cleanses are beneficial to most people when they last three to seven days
and are done two to four times a year. Doing a cleanse at the change of the
seasons is an excellent way to rejuvenate the body and follow the cycles of
change with the environment.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Since most cleanses on the market can be quite aggressive, they are best done
under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner. Ask your health
care practitioner to help you select and then monitor your cleanse in order to
minimize side effects and maximize results. If you experience any unusual
symptoms or unpleasant effects, be sure to contact your health care
practitioner. Cleanses should not be done if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cleanses should be done with caution if you suffer from a chronic condition such
as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
By safely and effectively cleansing and detoxifying your body, you can reap the
benefits of better health, brighter skin, more energy, and weight loss–true
health is achieved by cleansing from the inside out.
Understanding the Side Effects
How your body responds to a cleanse depends on your individual biochemistry.
Many people begin to experience the health benefits of detoxification within a
few days to a few weeks. Others take longer to notice results.
During the cleanse you may experience mild headaches, muscle aches, or changes
in bowel habits. These symptoms occur as toxins are mobilized and circulate in
the blood. Symptoms are usually mild and temporary, so stop the cleanse if side
effects last more than 24 hours, if they intensify, or if you experience
symptoms not specified here.
Most detoxification programs are not designed as weight-loss programs, but as
the body starts to function at a better level, weight loss can sometimes be a
natural side effect. Most people have no problems maintaining sufficient energy
levels to continue with regular daily activities while on a good cleansing
program. Some people may have to curtail more strenuous physical activity during
a cleansing program.
Source: alive #305, March 2008
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