| There are numerous benefits to effective | | | | supplements to a pure fast. Please consult a |
| detoxing that not only occur physically but also | | | | professional for assistance. |
| mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Most of us | | | | Here are some physical components to consider: |
| have heard that by eliminating toxins stored in the | | | | 1) Drink plenty of water. Your body will be |
| body we can experience greater energy, | | | | releasing toxins as you cleanse and it is important |
| strengthen our immune system, and facilitate | | | | you drink plenty of water to aid in the excretion |
| healing. As well, when we detox our bodies we | | | | of these. Drink at least 10-12 eight ounce glasses |
| can disengage from our habitual thoughts and | | | | of water per day, between meals. |
| behaviors and connect more fully with our Inner | | | | 2) Drink detox herbal teas to assist the kidneys. |
| Being. By freeing ourselves from our toxic habits | | | | 3) Use organic fruits and vegetables if you are |
| physically and mentally, we begin to create more | | | | eating or juicing. |
| wellness throughout our lives. | | | | 4) Eat fruits alone. They need their own digestive |
| On a physical level, our bodies are always working | | | | enzymes and no other food should be eaten for |
| to detox but with the increased factors of internal | | | | at least 2-3 hours before or after. |
| and external pollution it is difficult for them to | | | | 5) Use colonics or natural laxative processes (like |
| keep up. This is especially true when you take | | | | a saltwater flush) to ensure toxins are being |
| into account the diets of most Americans which | | | | effectively excreted. |
| include refined and processed foods that | | | | 6) Eliminate meat and dairy during detox. |
| contribute to a highly acidic diet. Other sources like | | | | 7) Reduce or eliminate grains because most are |
| polluted air, water, electromagnetic fields, and | | | | acidic and during a cleanse you want to alkalize |
| prescription drugs also lead to the toxicity of | | | | your body. (Millet is the exception because it is |
| most Americans. | | | | alkaline.) |
| By engaging in a detox plan our bodies begin | | | | 8) Move your body. Include light exercise like |
| eliminating the toxins that have been accumulated | | | | stretching, yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gung to help |
| so we can experience greater health and wellness. | | | | facilitate the movement of toxins. (Avoid |
| By the time you have completed an effective | | | | strenuous exercise that will produce lactic acid) |
| detox you will experience increased energy and | | | | 9) Take Epsom salt baths to assist the skin with |
| an overall feeling of better health. As well, you will | | | | detox. |
| notice addictions to sugar and processed foods | | | | 10) Include deep breathing exercises to help |
| diminish, while a desire for healthy foods increases. | | | | cleanse the lungs. |
| Detoxing will "reset" your body to a healthier | | | | Mental and Emotional components: |
| lifestyle, but unless you address the component | | | | 1) Turn off the TV and eliminate your exposure |
| of your mind you will eventually begin engaging in | | | | to the media during your detox. This is a time to |
| old unhealthy habits again. Many of us have used | | | | go within so be sure to take quiet time for |
| food as emotional comfort even if we are | | | | yourself. |
| unaware of it. By reducing or eliminating our food | | | | 2) Journal about the thoughts and feelings you |
| intake in the form of a detox program we can | | | | notice during detox. What are you ready to let go |
| see what our mental and emotional habits are and | | | | of? |
| how they affect us. | | | | 3) Forgiveness can be a profound aspect of |
| When doing a fast or detox pay attention to your | | | | detoxing. Ask yourself what you need to forgive |
| thoughts about food. When do you notice | | | | yourself and others for and release it now. |
| cravings arise? Is it your mind or body that is | | | | 4) Take time each day to recognize what you |
| really hungry? Do you use food as a distraction? | | | | are grateful for. |
| Often times it is our mind searching for | | | | A detox program gives you an opportunity to |
| something, not our body. Pay attention to | | | | disengage from your normal routine and habitual |
| emotions that come up for you during your detox | | | | thinking and acting. It is not only an opportunity to |
| and let go of patterns that are no longer serving | | | | cleanse your body for the short term, but also to |
| you. | | | | create new habits. |
| The Basics of Detoxing: | | | | Upon completion of a detox, create a new plan |
| Depending on what your current health habits are, | | | | for your life. What old habits are you ready to let |
| you will need to choose the best detoxing plan for | | | | go of? What new habits do you want to create? |
| you. This may range from a specific diet with | | | | Happy Detoxing! |