Originally published December 18 2008
Tips for Restoring Optimal Health with a Body Cleanse
by Jo Hartley
(NaturalNews) Many people are tired of not feeling their best and have a sense that they could feel better. It may be worth considering a body cleanse to restore good health and well-being. Americans have become accustomed to not feeling their best but the good news is there is something that can be done to feel better!
One thing that is a good idea is to eat seasonally. This means incorporating the seasonal changes into one`s diet. During the winter it is natural to eat heavier winter foods like meat and grains. During the growing seasons, however, our bodies will benefit from fresh greens and plants. Above all � do not rely on processed foods for nutrition!
Here are some guidelines for an detoxifying body cleanse.
A modified cleansing diet contains rice because whole grain rice is easily digested and contains an acid that is beneficial for the intestines. Consuming rice every day is important. Make it a point to stay away from wheat while cleansing, however. Wheat is hard to digest and often people have sensitivities to wheat without even realizing it.
It is also important to eliminate alcohol, meat, eggs, dairy, and soda pop while cleansing. As surprising as it may seem, also eliminate grapefruit during a cleanse because grapefruit contains a chemical that inhibits the liver from functioning properly.
Do consume large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is fine to eat these either steamed or raw. Two of the best vegetables to include in your cleansing diet are beets and broccoli. Broccoli helps cleans your system of chemicals. Try to choose organic fruits and vegetables if at all possible.
It is paramount to completely eliminate sugar from your diet during a cleanse. As crazy as it sounds, a typical American now consumes 150 pounds of sugar per year! Sugar is present in almost every food and if one is not careful it will be consumed without even realizing it. Each time one eats sugar, the body will not work properly for five hours afterward. Honey also suppresses the immune system. Do not substitute products like aspartame, either. Stevia is a beneficial sweetener and is fine to consume.
Prior to starting a cleanse, preparation is a good idea. Cutting back or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and smoking is recommended.
Exercise is also beneficial. Be aware that the lymph system will contain toxins. Unlike the heart that pumps blood, the lymph system does not pump and the only way to keep this system moving effectively is by exercise. If one does not exercise, the toxins will not move out of the lymph system as necessary. Engaging in activity that produces a sweat is a great way to remove toxins from the body.
Liver support is very important during a cleanse. Effective herbs for this are dandelion root, milk thistle, and licorice root. The liver functions at a peak level between 2 am and 4 am so taking liver herbs right before bed can help support this function. For kidney support try dandelion leaf, burdock root or Gobo.
Utilizing herbs to both relieve discomfort and build up the immune system is important for long term health and total well-being. There are many pieces to the puzzle of the human body and finding the root of conditions and problems naturally is the key to solving these problems naturally. A cleanse can be a great way to get to the bottom of many health problems.
About the author
Jo Hartley
Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2
Jo is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!
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