First and foremost, thank you for visiting and supporting BeWellWarrior. Your comments and questions are much appreciated and I’m thrilled to have offered useful info for some and simply shared a similar experience with others.  On that note, let’s jump right into last week’s most frequently posed question.

Cleansing…

It’s perfectly logical with the onset of summer. A change in season often signals us to take special care in tidying and cleaning our homes, and feeling inspired to do the same for the body is a natural extension of this instinct. Cleansing gives the body the opportunity to rid itself of accumulated waste from undigested foods, preservatives, additives and other substances absorbed from the environment like exhaust, fumes, and even chemicals from water, detergents and cosmetics.

Signs that it may be time to cleanse:

• Feelings of lethargy and/or irritability
• Indigestion, constipation or irregular bowel movements
• Fluid retention and bloating
• Skin eruptions such as acne and/or rashes
• Dullness or discoloration in the whites of the eyes
• Phlegm and lung congestion
• Dizziness, migraines or headaches
• Nausea, gas and weight loss

The types of symptoms you are experiencing will help determine which organs and systems are affected, what types of cleansers are appropriate, and which nutrients may be helpful.

*Speak with your physician first if you are taking cholesterol lowering medications.

**Consult with your physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

When we experience more than one of these symptoms simultaneously,  are planning to change our diet (i.e. switching to vegetarianism, starting a weight loss program), or its been more than six months since our last cleanse, a total body detox may be warranted.

Renew Life’s line includes a first timers’ total body cleansing system that is both gentle and effective. The line also carries heavy metal and parasite removal systems. Nature’s Secret makes colon and total body cleansers including, my system of choice, the Ultimate Cleanse. This is a strong system that works through all of the body’s elimination channels. It also contains laxative herbs that can make using it during a busy week less than ideal. I’d suggest taking a probiotic complex afterward to replace the protective bacteria stripped by the process, especially if you are planning to travel out of your home country or spend time in any environment that might stress the immune system.

How should I prepare for a cleanse?

Because cleansing can weaken the body’s defenses, doing so while you are fighting or recuperating from an illness is not advised. Strengthen the body with vegetables, whole grains and highly nutritious foods. Take your multi-vitamin for a nutritional boost before the cleanse.

How long should the cleanse last?

Depending on your individual constitution and type of cleanser used, detoxification can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. The length of time you choose to cleanse should be determined by the demands of your lifestyle, your current state of health, and your goals for cleansing. If your current daily life involves a lot of multi-tasking and errand running, you may want to wait until you have a period of downtime as the process can be draining. If you are cleansing to prepare for a dramatic change in your diet or lifestyle, then you may benefit from the discipline required to complete a month-long program.

Do I have to fast while cleansing?

Though fasting is used as a cleansing method, it is neither necessary for thorough cleansing nor appropriate for everyone’s lifestyle. Eating light, simple and wholesome meals is fine, and choosing organic and fresh or minimally processed foods over fast and frozen is even better. Fruit naturally detoxifies and helps the process along. If you can eliminate complex seasonings and complicated food combinations, this will help reduce the body’s workload and give it more energy to cleanse and repair itself. Drinking 8-10 glasses of filtered water is also important as it helps flush accumulated toxins from the body.

Most importantly, have patience with the cleansing process and respond to your body’s needs. The subsequent after glow and light energetic feelings are worth it. 

As Always, BeWell!