6 Cleansing Methods to Get Clean

With the start of the new year, it is a great time to start a cleanse. Our bodies are consistently enduring many toxins and attempting to clear themselves. Cleansing detox diets are short term methods to help clear the system from toxins from processed foods and the environment. Also, cleanses are a great way to beat addictions such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. These cleanses can bring mental clarity, spiritual uplifting, and help you feel better.

6 Cleanses to Get Clean

1. Master Cleanse: This cleanse involves consuming a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper. This mix is consumed multiple times per day over a span of about ten days. Also salt water flushes in the morning and laxative teas are used at night to further cleanse the system.
pro: better sleep, improved complexion, more energy, weight loss, increased strength, reduced swelling and pain
cons: can lead to muscle breakdown, vitamin deficiencies, headaches
*read book The Complete Master Cleanse by Tom Woloshyn or research online for more info

2. Green Smoothie Detox Diet: This cleanse involves drinking fruits and vegetables through smoothies. You want to shoot for about fifteen servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Additional foods besides fruit and veggies allowed are: bee pollen, chia seeds, herbs, raw cacao, coconut, flaxseed oil, goji berries, maple syrup, stevia, honey, and avocado.
pro: good source of fiber to get things moving
cons: can experience headaches and fatigue because of toxin elimination

3. Fresh Fruit Cleanse: This cleanse was created by Leanne Hall who is a yoga instructor and nutrition enthusiast. It lasts between one to seven days. The fruit works to restore metabolism and strengthen digestive action of the intestines. Recommended foods are: mangos, pears, bananas, raspberries, plantains, dates, figs, lemons, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, eggplants, zucchinis, avocados, coconut milk, spirulina, raw cacao, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, olive oil, balsamic vinegar herbs, and spices. It is called the fresh fruit cleanse, but can include some veggies too as listed above
pro: affordable, encourages fruit an veggie intake
con: food needs to be prepped and can be time consuming
*read book Fresh Fruit Cleanse by Leanne Hall for more information

4. Raw Food Cleanse: The idea behind this cleanse is that when we eat too many cooked foods, our bodies use energy that normally goes towards detoxification to assimilate these foods. This cleanse will help to get rid of waste without gaining more junk along the way. Eating habits include organic raw vegetables, fruits, seeds, and sprouts. Avocados, nuts and coconuts aren't allowed for this cleanse because they reduce the efficacy of cleansing and can tax the liver if consumed in large quantities. You must eat at least one pound of leafy greens per day as well. This cleanse normally lasts about 7-10 days. This cleanse also recommends a 24 hour water faster prior to starting.
pro: rejuvenation, energy, weight loss, mental clarity
con: may experience discomfort as toxins leave the body

5. Juice Cleanse: This cleanse requires that you have a juicer, which can be costly. Juice cleanses last at least three days normally and require fruit and vegetable juices. Prior to this type of cleanse you want to eliminate caffeine, processed foods, and sugar from your diet. This is to help avert negative cravings and headaches. You want to drink around 32-96 ounces of juice each day. Half of the juice should come from greens. Warm water is drank between the juices too to help elimination.
pro: increased energy, heal without drugs, maintain stamina
con: costly to buy massive amounts of fruits and veggies, juicers range from $60-1000, need to consume juice immediately after it is made since phytochemicals break down.

6. PH Cleanse: With this cleanse, you consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. It prohibits meats, dairy sweets, alcohol, condiments, and artifical sweeteners. The idea behind this cleanse is that you eat foods that have a more alkaline pH. When we eat too many acidic foods such as meat and dairy, it disrupts the homeostasis within our bodies and can cause disease and illness. Balancing our pH with more alkaline foods increases our energy and helps us to recover faster and fight infections. You should do frequent saliva pH tests daily and try and shoot for a pH between 7.35-7.45. This cleanse also calls for two enemas daily
pro: alkaline foods are plant based and nourishing, can resolve pain, increase energy and sense of well being
con: two enemas daily can lead to electrolyte imbalance, negative feelings from toxins leaving body

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Karel and I tried the master cleanse about a year ago and it was great to clear out the system, but it got a bit repetitive and the drinks did not taste very good at all. With all of these cleanses feel out your body and remember that these cleanses are meant to be used for the short term. Note that you don't have to follow these cleanses directly as they are stated, but adapt them as you wish and listen to your body. Also, please consult a doctor before choosing to make any drastic dietary changes, and research each cleanse further independently so you know what to expect.

One more thing... It is BEST to start a cleanse during the spring and summer seasons.

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Style Magazine 
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