Why Cleansing is so Important for Your Health!

Yes, as it is that time of year when the house needs a thorough spring cleaning, it's also a great time to do some internal body spring cleaning. Just as the dust and clutter builds up in the corners and closets, our bodies over time build up with toxins and pollutants that do and will affect the state of our health. So a great spring cleanse is very beneficial.

So how does one cleanse?

1) a) A liquid fast is an excellent way to cleanse the blood and lymphatic system. This can be really effective for 3-6 days and you will feel so good afterwards. Liquids such as distilled water, lemon juice in water, vegetables broths, raw vegetable juices (from carrots, celery, greens, beets, etc.), and raw fruit juices (apple, citrus, grape, etc.) will help neutralize poisons in the bloodstream and will stimulate the cleansing functions of liver, bowels, and kidneys. Always make sure you are drinking lots of water in between the different juices, especially if you feel bloated. Bloating is a natural occurrence when the body is trying to cleanse faster than it is, so make sure you are getting plenty of water.
b) For an easier, more extended fast, try this: From the time you arise until dinner time, eat nothing, just drink: raw vegetable juices (especially green drinks), raw fruit juices, and lots and lots of pure water. Then eat a cleansing meal consisting of a green salad, cooked or sprouted beans or grains, maybe a baked potato or steamed vegetables, etc. Omit meats, milk, and all processed foods. Do this for at least 7-14 days.
c) Herbs such as cascara sagrada, echinacea, garlic, and dandelion are excellent to take during this period.

2) Enemas or colonics are definitely a benefit on at least a yearly basis. Cleaning the colon is like cleaning the scum out of a trash can or toilet. There is obviously a build up of debris after months and years, and it is so beneficial to get right to the source and pull the plug! Yes, get an enema bag and fill your colon 5-6 times with a warm water solution with a ½ cup apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to 2 quarts of water (that is - while laying on your right side, fill the colon, wait until you feel the need to expel, then expel and repeat).

3) Saunas or Epsom salt baths are both great ways to cleanse the skin through the pores. For an Epsom salt bath, add ½ cup Epsom salt to very warm bath water. Adding peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils doubles the benefits. You won't want to get out of the bath tub, so stay as long as the water is warm and enjoy the cleansing!

4) As always, to cleanse the lungs, exercise daily and take several deep breathing cleansing breaths to keep the lungs strong and clean. Don't exercise on a busy street where you are breathing toxic automobile fumes, but get out in the open mountain air when ever possible. Then concentrate on always breathing clean air. Don't use toxic chemicals or breath in those type of environments that have toxic pollutants.

Energy comes from having a clean system which is one reason why cleansing is so important! But also, when we are clean internally we can be free of sickness and disease, and have the health and energy to do what we desire in life. Cleansing is also a vital part of having natural wei*ght management. For more information, get the Healthy Permanent Wei*ght Management 3-CDs at: http://livingahealthylifestyle.com/cds.htm .

Enjoy a good spring cleanse, this year and every year!

For your best health,

Erleen