Are you happy to be alive when you wake up in the mornings?

Do you feel well rested and relaxed?

Or do you stumble to the washroom, hoping that a shower will bring you back to life? Or rely on that morning mug of coffee to help you revive and get moving?

Why this listlessness?

Toxic build-up
We constantly expose our bodies to toxins. We eat processed foods, lead stressful lives, inhale cigarette smoke (whether passively or actively), live in polluted environments and focus so little on healthy eating and active living.

What does all this result in, then?
This result in accumulated toxins – and these factors contribute to their build-up.

Understanding signals
Many of us accept lethargy and ill health as a normal consequence of our fast paced, stressful lives. Constantly living on the edge, leaves us feeling tired, unwell and tensed. Feeling persistently fatigued causes physical and mental strain.

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Inspite of all the abuse our body endures, the human body has the ability to heal itself. We need to tune in to ourselves and understand these signals. And then work on overcoming them.

What can toxins do?
When there is toxin build-up, our body’s vulnerability to infection, virus and other disease, increases. The body functions less efficiently.

The symptoms can vary from headaches, irritability and lack of concentration to constipation and weight gain.

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Toxins in our cells weaken our immune system, making it susceptible to everyday ailments, such as a common cold, cough or even sneezing!

What is detox?
Detoxification is an approach to life. It involves every aspect of our existence.

It deals with our physical, mental and emotional states. It is a process of self-cleansing, self-repairing and positive health.

There are several ways to detoxify - exercise, Reiki, reflexology, massage, breathing techniques, meditation, relaxation and a proper diet.

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Important components of detoxification include nutrition, adequate water intake, stress-releasing techniques, rest, sunshine and fresh air.

A cleansing diet
One of the most effective and safest methods of detoxifying and enhancing the healing of the body is adhering to a cleansing diet. This diet primarily consists of easy-to-digest foods, such as fruits, juices, vegetables and herbal teas. The purpose of this is to eliminate toxins and provide the body with essential nutrients.

A kick start to weight loss
An internal cleanse helps organs to respond well to the weight loss process.
They function better and more effectively.

To lose weight the body has to release waste products by the process of elimination. This isn’t easy if the body is already congested with toxins. So this a great way to kick start a weight loss plan.

Duration
Short diets of one to three days are recommended, as they are safe.

“One-day” detox diets could be carried out once a week and “three-day” diets once every month. Diets of a longer duration should be undertaken only under the supervision of a health care professional.

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Detoxification is not a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make it a habit!

Cleanse your system at regular intervals.

The cleansing process
During the diet, the body breaks down and removes tissues and cells that are damaged, diseased or inferior. The result is elimination of metabolic wastes.

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The liver acts as an “in-line” filter for removal of wastes from the blood.

The kidneys flush out toxins and the lungs remove carbon dioxide as we breathe.

What is detox?
“Detox” is to the body what “spring cleaning” is to a house. Periodically, the body needs to rid itself of these toxins as they enter the blood stream. If they stay in the body for too long, they can cause the body and mind to experience a “low” phase.

Well worth the effort
The diet leaves us rejuvenated and revitalized. Losing a few pounds will ensure that we feel lighter and energized. We not only look better, but also feel fitter and recharged. Feeling good entices us to form lasting healthy habits and makes us less inclined to slip back into old ways. It is a fresh start to a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality of our skin and hair improves.

Mentally, we are more alert and relaxed.

Taking charge
We need to make up our minds and stay focused if we want to improve our health. When we are able to accept the responsibility of being in-charge, we can then control our well-being. No matter what our current status of health is, we can definitely improve. All we need to do is make a beginning.

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It is important to keep our health objectives in mind – and be motivated by how good it feels to have the energy and enthusiasm for life.

Preparation for the cleansing diet
Preparation for the cleansing diet is as important an aspect as the diet itself.

In order to ensure that the body is able to perform this task of elimination, we need to make sure that the pathways for elimination are open. This is possible when the body consumes adequate roughage, nutrients and water – at least a week before the diet.

The one-week preparatory period
• Consume fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals.
• Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and other stimulants.
• Cut down on intake of red meat, fats and sugar.

Herbs
Based on individual constitutions and requirements, herbs or herbal teas can be effective add-ons to the diet. These need to be prescribed and endorsed by a nutritionist. While detoxification diets are effective by themselves, this supplementation can help reinforce, speed up and stimulate the eliminative organs.

A word about exercise
Strenuous exercise should not be undertaken while on this diet. It is best to engage in light exercises such as yoga, walking or stretching. Deep breathing exercises are encouraged, as they assist in bringing in oxygen eliminating carbon dioxide from our system.

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Rest and relaxation are a part of the detox process.

Our body utilizes a lot of energy during the cleansing process. So why deplete our system of its energy requirements?

Returning to a regular diet
Returning to a regular eating pattern is a significant aspect of the cleansing diet.

We need to gradually reintroduce foods that were omitted from the diet.

For example, on day one, post the diet, start by introducing cooked vegetables. Add on the cereals the next day. Avoid red meat, fried foods, desserts and other hard -to-digest foods for at least 7 to 10 days after the cleansing process.

This way you are giving the body time to adapt to foods.
Or else, the body can suddenly go into a state of shock with the overload of work on the digestive system.

The cleansing diet
There are several ways to plan a cleansing diet. A good method is to stick to fresh juices, fruits and raw vegetables. It is essential to consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water during this plan.

It is up to you to decide how many days you would like to follow the cleansing diet. Options given here are from one to three days. Now, let the cleaning begin!

Caution
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, receiving any form of medical treatment or suffering from any illness, you should consult your doctor before undertaking any of these recommendations.

One-day detox (The Juice Diet)
Drink a glass of fresh fruit juice every 2 to 3 hours after rising.

(You can dilute the juices with water if you wish.)

Juice choices: Orange, watermelon, carrot, sweet lime, pineapple

Two-day detox (The Juice and Fruit Diet)
Day 1: Follow the one-day detox plan.

Day 2: Add a fresh fruit salad for lunch and dinner.

Fresh fruit salad: apples, papaya, pomegranate, sweet lime.

(One serving of any or all of the above fruits)

Three-day detox (The Juice, Fruit and Raw Vegetable Diet)
Day 1 and 2: Follow the two-day detox plan.

Day 3: Add one serving of a raw vegetable salad 3-hours post lunch.

Vegetable salad choices: lettuce, carrot, tomato, cucumber, beetroot.

The Cleansing logic
Juice fasting

Fresh juices contain an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. When the pulp (fibre) is removed the body is able to consume an abundance of nutrients, with minimal effort placed on the digestive system.

Juice and fruits

Gradually, adding fibre found in fresh fruits equips the body with roughage that is required for effective elimination to take place. Consuming fruits and juices is a great way to cleanse the body.

Juice, fruits and vegetables

Along with juices and fruits, the body needs a method to get further nourishment and also to improve its immunity levels. Raw vegetables are a part of this immunity-building process. Raw vegetables also provide ample roughage to aid the process of cleansing.

Meet the new you

Once the detox process is over, you will feel a difference in yourself.

You will be happier, healthier - and yes - glad to be alive, too!

Tags: cleansing diet, cleansing your body, detox diet, detoxification, detoxification diet, detoxify your body

This entry was posted on Monday, April 27th, 2009 at 11:24 am and is filed under Health Update. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.