Chances are when
you hear the words “spring cleaning” you think about
things like getting rid of the clutter in your closets or finally
getting to those unpacked boxes in the garage. But there’s
another side of spring cleaning that’s just as important,
and it has to do with tidying up your internal environment. Adopting
a detox-friendly lifestyle can make all the difference when it
comes to looking and feeling your best every day, and it includes
choosing the right internal cleansing formula that best suits
your individual needs.
Cleansing 101
First-time cleansers should
look for a detoxification formula that incorporates whole herbs
rather than concentrated herbal extracts, as they typically have
a milder effect on the body. This type of cleanse will often
include both a morning and an evening formula and may last up
to two weeks.
Ingredients such as parsley leaf, artichoke
leaf, blessed thistle and turmeric root support and stimulate
the organs and organ systems used to funnel health-threatening
toxins out of the body, specifically the lungs, liver, lymphatic
system, kidneys, skin, blood and bowel (or colon). Herbs such
as buckthorn bark and rhubarb root may also be included to help
stimulate elimination through the bowel, and ginger root, peppermint
and cumin seed may be present to assist with healthy digestion.
The enzyme cellulase may also be added to help break down the
cell wall of the whole herbs in the formulation.
When Time is of the Essence
Nowadays many of us lead hectic lifestyles
that keep us constantly on the go. Such individuals may prefer
a more rapid cleanse, often a week-long program designed for
maximum efficiency. Ingredients such as amino acids (protein
building blocks that help the body regenerate tissue) and milk
thistle may be added to support healthy liver function, as the
liver is often considered the primary detoxification organ.
Additional elements of a rapid detoxification
program may include a soluble fiber source, such as acacia, that
works to absorb toxins in the digestive tract and eliminate them
through the bowel. This type of cleanse may also contain magnesium
hydroxide, a mineral that helps hydrate the bowel, as well as
herbs such as marshmallow root and slippery elm, which help protect
the large intestine from irritation.
Experience Counts
Experienced cleansers looking
for a deeper, more prolonged detoxification experience may benefit
from a month-long program that cleanses the colon and simultaneously
supports the cleansing organs and organ systems. In these formulas,
herbs to be taken at the beginning of the day should include
dandelion root (a diuretic), milk thistle seed (for liver support)
and turmeric root (a powerful antioxidant). In the evening, herbal
extracts including cape aloe and rhubarb root are suitable for
stimulating healthy bowel function.
Another alternative for those
who adhere to ‘green living’ principles is a cleanse
that utilizes a blend of organically grown herbs and fiber. This
type of detoxification program may include detoxification herbs
such as burdock root, garlic bulb and yellow dock, which contains
natural chemicals that help destroy harmful bacteria and act
as antioxidants. It may also include an organic fiber source
to help speed toxins out of the digestive tract. Marshmallow
root is also important to stimulate peristalsis (the natural
muscle contractions that move food through the intestines).
A Cleaner, Healthier You
Though it may be a
while before you get around to dusting the knick-knacks or tossing
out old magazines, spring is the perfect time to begin cleaning
up the way you live from the inside out. Talk to your natural
health practitioner about choosing the right cleansing formula
for your lifestyle, and start reaping the benefits of a cleaner,
healthier you.
For more information, visit www.detoxstrategy.com
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