Winter can be a time of excess eating and often people feel quite sluggish, bloated, spotty and tired after several months of overeating and reduced activity. Spring is a good time to consider a seasonal cleanse.
Cleanses come in a wide variety of types, including food elimination, homeopathic, colon, cellular and master cleanses. However, it is important to consult a doctor or qualified naturopath for advice if you are new to cleansing and/or have any health concerns or conditions and choose a cleanse that is right for you.
Start Slowly
Most health care practitioners advise starting a cleanse slowly and carefully. Switching immediately from eating a high calorie, sugar and additive filled diet to fasting, or some other strict cleanse, is not healthy for the body.
Transition
Spend several days (or weeks depending on your health) and slowly eliminate common allergens, additives and stimulants. For most people, this may mean reducing alcohol intake, sugar, processed food and caffeine. Gradually eliminate items, perhaps one every three to seven days, depending on your diet. Individuals with more toxins in their diet will need to eliminate slower than people with existing healthier diets.
Go Organic
Spend another few days switching your diet to organic food or pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. If you consume meat, chicken or dairy, you might consider switching to sources that are free of hormones, antibiotics, genetically modified food crops and are cruelty free.
Drink Filter Water
Drink plenty of filtered water at all stages of your cleanse. Filtered tap water is fine; run your water through a simple carbon filter to eliminate excess chlorine.
Rest
Often when cleansing, people will feel quite tired and need additional rest. It is important to listen to your body and get extra sleep. The body heals itself when sleeping and it is important that your body has enough rest during the cleansing process.
Reduce Exercise
Cleanses can be quite tiring for people and it is important to reduce any strenuous exercise during the cleansing period. Walking, light cycling or swimming is fine but avoid the two-hour workouts or marathon running during the elimination process.
Sauna & Massage
Help your body eliminate toxins and relax with regular saunas, steambaths or massage during the cleanse.
Upheaval
Some people experience symptoms of tiredness, irritation or even feel flu-like symptoms during their cleanse. These symptoms are due, in part, to changes in your diet and may also be part of the elimination process of toxic build-up in your body.
Choose Your Cleanse
Do some research, speak to a qualified health practitioner and find the cleanse that is right for you. A good quality cleanse, that is appropriate to you, is designed to help reduce the toxic load in your body, assist your body in the healing process and should leave you feeling energized, healthy and strong.
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