A warning for a contaminated water supply
In Western cultures, we clean our cars and our homes regularly. We clean our teeth daily and our hair almost daily. So what about our bodies? We are religious about bathing, yet we often forget that our insides may need cleaning too. Meanwhile, in our modern cities, homes and diets, we encounter a large range of toxins each day that accumulate in the body over the years, eventually leading to disease. If you would like a system free of heavy metals, chemicals and radiation, follow this simple detoxification plan to remove these toxic substances.
Who Should Detox?
Although everyone can benefit from a detox or cleanse, it will be especially valuable if you experience any of the following symptoms: excess weight, cravings (especially sugar cravings), low energy, less than two bowel movements per day, allergies, premature aging, chronic pain (headaches, arthritic aches, etc.), bloating and indigestion, recurring infections or poor mental functioning (depression, brain fog, poor memory).
A detox can be as short as a weekend or as long as month. Two weeks is an optimal length for one who would like a serious cleanse without an overwhelming time commitment.
Getting Started
Begin in the places where you spend the most time: at work and/or at home. Invest in a water filtration system, as purified drinking water is essential throughout each day. Clean the carpets. Open the windows for fresh air. Next, open your calendar and carve out time for daily exercise, which can be as simple as a thirty minute walk. If you cannot always find a thirty minute block of time, try to fit in three 10-minute walks. Every minute of exercise counts in achieving good circulation and a healthier body.
Detoxify Your Diet
Stock your fridge with organic food whenever possible. In general, the most crucial products to buy organic are meat, milk, coffee, peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, leafy greens, grapes, carrots, pears, potatoes and tomatoes.
For this 14-day detox, follow an easy diet of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Incorporate both raw and lightly steamed vegetables. Shun processed foods, chemical additives, trans fats, and artificial flavors and sweeteners. Avoid sugar, alcohol, caffeine, animal products and soy products (except miso). Never re-heat food in plastic containers or packaging.
First thing each morning, cleanse the liver by drinking a cup of hot water with fresh lemon juice. Continue your water intake throughout the day, consuming a minimum of 64 ounces. Limit daily fat intake to two tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or unheated flax oil. To ensure adequate protein and calorie intake, drink a protein shake (made from whey, rice or goat's milk protein) two to three times each day.
Supplements
A high quality multivitamin is paramount, during a detox and at all times. In addition, a probiotic supplement will provide beneficial bacteria, promoting optimal digestive function. Many companies, such as New Chapter, Garden of Life and Mt. Capra, offer vitamins made from organic, whole foods as well as beneficial compounds of probiotics.
Choose an herbal detoxification formula, such as Lily of the Desert's Aloe Vera Juice Herbal Detoxifying Formula or Detox Formula by Nature's Answer, to cleanse your organs. Better yet, visit an herbalist who can evaluate your condition and tailor a detoxification program of herbs based on your specific needs. Lastly, to aid in elimination, take one tbsp. of psyllium husk with water two to three times per day.
Follow this detox plan one to two times per year, or more, depending on your environment. In fact, if you listen carefully to your body, you'll learn just when it's due for a proper cleaning.
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