Body Cleansing
toxins.
When Is the Best Time to Detoxify? Whenever we feel congested, our first step is to follow detoxification procedures fine-tuned to our specific needs.
Our bodies have natural cleansing cycles when they want a lighter diet, more liquids, and greater elimination than intake. This occurs daily (usually from the night until midmorning, about an hour after we wake) and it may occur weekly and more commonly for a few days a month. Women, in particular, are aware of this natural cleansing time with their menstrual cycle. In fact, many women feel better both premenstrually and during their periods if they follow a simple cleansing program of more juices, greens, lighter foods, and herbs.
To summarize, seasonal changes are key times of stress when we need to reduce our outer demands and consumptions and listen to the way our inner world mirrors the natural cycles. Spring is the key time for detoxification; autumn is also important. In spring, we may eat more citrus fruits, fresh greens, juices; while in autumn we may dine on harvest fruits, such as apples or grapes, and seasonal vegetables. An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables are appropriate for summer; and whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and soups best simplify our diet in winter.
The sample yearly program provided here is designed for a basically healthy person who eats well. It is not appropriate for people with heart problems, extreme fatigue, underweight conditions, or poor circulation (those who experience coldness). More complete, in-depth fasting programs may release even greater amounts of toxins. Releasing too much toxicity can make sick people sicker; if this happens, they need to increase fluids and eat normally again until they feel better. People with cancer need to be very careful about how they detoxify, and often they need regular, quality nourishment. Fasting should be done only under the care of an experienced physician. All people should avoid fasting just prior to surgery, and should wait four to six weeks before detoxifying after it. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid heavy detoxification, though they can usually handle mild programs, which should be undertaken only with the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Where Can We Detoxify? During basic, simple detoxification programs, most of us can maintain our normal daily routine. In fact, energy, performance, and health often improve. For some, the detox process may produce headaches, fatigue, irritability, mucous congestions, or aches and pains for the first few days. Any of the symptoms of toxicity may appear, however usually they don’t. Symptoms that have been experienced previously may reoccur transiently during detoxification; sometimes it is hard to know whether or not to treat them.
It is wise to begin new programs, diets, or lifestyle changes with a few days at home. In time, experience will show what works best. Most of us can maintain a regular work schedule during a cleanse or detox program (and we may even be more productive). However, it might be easier to begin a program on a Friday, as the first few days are usually the hardest. Some of us may be more sensitive during cleansing to the stress of our work environment or to chemical exposures. Also, co-workers or family members may provide temptations or challenge our decisions. Having supportive guides or co-cleansers can be a great comfort and source of positive reinforcement when our inner resolve begins to fade. At the end of the first or second day, usually around dinnertime, symptoms like headache and fatigue may begin to appear, and it is good to be able to rest and spend time in familiar, undemanding surroundings. By the third day, we usually feel pretty stable and ready for work.
Still, many people like to start new programs on a Monday, knowing that they will do fine, using willpower and visualization to see themselves through. People often feel better than ever and are able to accomplish tasks and meet challenges more easily than usual. In fact, experienced fasters may utilize fasting during busy work periods to improve their productivity. Preparing and planning, clearing doubts and fears, and keeping a daily journal are all useful during this vital process and are crucial to any successful undertaking.
Why Detoxify? We detoxify/cleanse for health, vitality, and rejuvenation-to clear symptoms, treat disease, and prevent future problems. A cleansing program is an ideal way to help us reevaluate our lives, make changes, or clear abuses and addictions. Withdrawal happens fairly rapidly, and as cravings are reduced we can begin a new life without the addictive habits or drugs.
Detoxification can be helpful for weight loss, although this is not its primary purpose. However, just the simplification of our diet will have some detoxifying effects in our body. Anyone eating 4,000 calories daily of fatty, sweet foods in a poorly balanced diet,