Most everyone does some spring-cleaning in their homes, but health can be improved by doing a cleansing or detoxification of the body. Some people do the cleansing regimen for one day every week or, at least, every month. Others do two days less often. However, as always, check with a doctor before beginning any such program. Some conditions, i.e. diabetes, might result in negative reactions. The medical professional can adapt the program to specific health issues, if necessary.
A periodic rest for the digestive system gives the organs, such as the liver, time to catch up on clearing toxins from the body which often relieves some nagging symptoms, i.e. arthritis and allergies. It is not necessary (or even desirable) to go to the extreme and use only clear liquids to accomplish this.
Specific Fasts for Body Cleansing
Below are listed some of the choices that will improve your health and well-being. Weight loss is usually a welcome side benefit. The article, “How to Fast on a Diet,” discusses specific suggestions and cautions in this regard.
Juice fasts are the most common and popular programs. The use of fresh fruits and vegetables ensures optimum nutrients are present. Juicing also breaks down the cellulose walls in these foods to enhance absorption of the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene. In The Doctors' Book of Home Remedies by Selene Yeager and Prevention Magazine editors (2007, Rodale), Dr. Eve Campanelli is quoted as saying, “To get all the vitamins you’d get from just six ounces of carrot juice, you’d need to eat eight carrots.” There are not many people who would eat eight carrots.
Most present-day individuals might find a fresh fruit and/or vegetable program easier to stick to. This is also similar to the Daniel Fast found in the Bible, as discussed by Jordan Rubin in his book, The Great Physician’s Rx for Health & Wellness (2005, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
The easiest compromise would be a vegetarian diet which could last as long as you like. This would include raw or cooked fruit, vegetables, nuts, and whole-grains. For most everyone, this would still give the digestive system a rest and help detox the body. This type of plan should be doable by everyone at least one day a week, two would be better. A side benefit would be money saved on meat and junk food. However, for longer periods, make sure to be well-versed in getting adequate protein on a vegetarian diet.
A Cleansed Body is a Healthier Body
Between consumption of excess junk food and meats high in fat plus the toxins present in our air today, a periodic detox or cleanse will give your body’s organs the time they need to keep you healthier and feeling chipper.
Peggy Williams - After 20 years in the workplace, I returned to school recently and graduated in May '08 with a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and ...
