According to holistic practitioners, spring is an ideal time to consider a body cleanse. Though there are many ways to cleanse the body, people often start with some of the most drastic and difficult cleanses instead of starting gently. If you’re considering a cleanse, start with your diet. Eating clean, easily digested foods that are high in fiber, will assist in digestion and help cleanse debris from your digestive tract.
One simple thing you can do to is squeeze half of a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach about 30-60 minutes before a meal. This helps detoxify your liver, alkalize your body (by balancing your PH levels) and loosen mucous from your esophagus. You can also add the lemon to a cup of green tea for antioxidant benefits.
A sample cleansing nutrition plan would look like the following:
Sample Nutrition Program for Detoxification
Digestive Health and AlkalizingBREAKFAST (Meal 1)
Oatmeal (or Brown Rice) 1/2 Cup
Almond or Rice Milk, Unsweetened, 4 Oz
Veggies, raw 1/2 Cup
Fruit, Orange, 1 Med
A.M. SNACK (Meal 2) Rice Protein or Goat Milk Whey, 2 TBSP Dry Powder
Almond Milk, Unsweetened, 4 Oz
Udo’s Choice Oil Blend, 1 TBSP
Wheat Grass, 1 Shot or Tablets
LUNCH (Meal 3) Green Lentils, 1/2 Cup
Vegetables, 1/2 Cup
Brown Rice, 1/2 Cup
Plain Yogurt, 1/2 Cup
This is good mixed together with a little garlic powder and cayenne pepper!
P.M. SNACK (Meal 4)Rice Protein or Goat Milk Whey, 2 TBSP Dry Powder
Almond Milk, Unsweetened, 4 Oz
Udo’s Choice Oil Blend, 1 TBSP
Wheat Grass, 1 Shot or TabletsDINNER (Meal 5)
White Fish, Wild, Not Farmed, 4 oz
Asparagus or Low Carb Veggie, 1/2 Cup
Salad, Romaine (or your choice), 2 Cups
Lemon Juice for salad, 1/2 Lemon
P.M. SNACK (Meal 6)
Apple, 1 Med
PLEASE NOTE: You should obtain permission from your physician before starting a new nutritional program. This sample is not prescriptive and is used as an example only!
Reasons you may want to start a detoxifying regimen:
1) You eat too may refined foods and sugar.
2) You eat excessive amounts of unhealthy, fatty or rich foods.
3) You are overeating and failing to chew food more than once or twice per mouthful.
4) You ingest food chemicals, pesticides, and are exposed to environmental toxins.
5) You regularly consume alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
6) You utilize prescription drugs, over-the-counter, and/or recreational drugs.
7) You lack fiber and whole foods in your diet.
8) You lack fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in your diet.
9) You eat too many different foods at a time and doing so over the course of many years causes a chronic breakdown in digestive function and health.
There are many alternative therapies that support optimal health and detoxification. Massage therapy helps stimulate lymphatic drainage and eliminate toxins. Dry skin brushing can also stimulate lymphatic drainage and can easily be performed at home with a natural vegetable bristle brush before showering. Exercise, sauna therapy, acupuncture, ionic foot cleansing and therapeutic showers are additional ways to eliminate toxins and improve your overall health. For more information and education about detoxification, please feel free to call or e-mail me for a consultation!
