Welcome to Spring: Take the Simple Seven-Day Cleanse
Spring is the time when we clean out our closets and prepare to start anew. It is also the perfect time to cleanse our body of toxins accumulated over the winter, and to eat more consciously to nourish the body—which also nourishes the mind and spirit.
This suggested spring cleansing is simple to carry out and lasts for just one week. It has been referred to as the “Master Cleanse,” and has been adapted from a more intensive cleanse described by Elson Haas in his book, Staying Healthy with the Seasons. (Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts; 2003.)
Why do the cleanse? Over time the body accumulates toxins from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the stresses we endure. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the organ most responsible for detoxification is the Liver. In Western medicine it is known that the liver breaks down the food and drink we consume and filters the blood, separating the pure nourishment from the toxins; the liver also eliminates the toxins either through the bowels, urine, or skin (lymphatic drainage).
Even if you eat as pure a diet as possible, food additives, toxins in the environment, and everyday stresses may still force the liver to work overtime. A carefully prepared cleanse might help us become aware of some inappropriate patterns of eating we may have created over the winter months, and gives us the opportunity to reevaluate our food choices.
I often encourage my clients and friends to join me in taking this cleanse at the end of May or at the beginning of June, when the weather is more predictably warm. Ask your friends or partner if they would like to take the cleanse when you do; sharing this experience adds to the sense of the richness of the cleanse.
The Seven-Day Cleanse
Every Day of the Seven-Day Cleanse
1. Drink plenty of water
Throughout the entire cleanse, drink a minimum of eight glasses a day of pure water, preferably filtered. Water is probably the single most important catalyst in losing and keeping off weight. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and metabolizes stored fat. Studies have shown that drinking too little water will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water consumption can reduce fat deposits.
Without sufficient water, the kidneys cannot function properly and begin to overwork, placing a greater burden on the liver function. Water also helps the liver do its job of detoxification more efficiently by diluting bile, and supports the liver’s role of fat metabolism, by reducing the fat in the body.
Water also relieves constipation: By helping the gut contents to “bulk,” water promotes more regular bowel movements.
2. Take a naturally formulated herbal colon pill
I recommend taking Colon Cleanse & Detox made by Harmony Formulas (100 tablets); it has some very gentle laxative qualities and contains herbs that support digestion. This herbal formula helps to nourish the bowels and support colon cleansing.
Dosage: Take one pill twice daily.
3. Take a bulking agent
I also recommend taking extra bulk as soluble psyllium powder; ask for good organically grown brands in your health food store. I use Yerba Prima’s Soluble Fiber Formula (12 Ounces) or Harmony Formulas’ Fiber Formula powder (7.9 Ounces) that contains pure psyllium husks, among other healthful ingredients.
Dosage: Take a heaping tablespoon twice daily, and be sure to drink plenty of water with it, so that it doesn’t cake in the gut. Bulking agents need a lot of water to bulk out and cleanse the gut.
Note: We carry these cleansing and bulking products recommended in sections 2 and 3 in our online Integral Health Apothecary store. If you purchase a combination package of one cleansing agent and one bulking agent from our store, we offer a 10% discount on the combination package. These products are also available either at a health food store or at other online Web sites.
Days One and Two
On days One and Two, do not eat anything except fresh fruits and vegetables. This means NO protein in the form of dairy, meat, fish or poultry, and NO nuts and dried fruit.
Also eliminate all carbohydrates from your diet, which means DO NOT eat any type of grains, breads, pasta, or anything containing flour of any kind (including chips, potatoes, and pretzels).
What you can eat is plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (NOT from cans or frozen). The fresh vegetables can be eaten raw, steamed, or sautéed with a little olive oil and seasonings. You can eat salads with a little oil and vinegar, and drink juices you have prepared yourself from any combination of fresh fruit and vegetables. You can have as much of these allowed foods as you wish, so you will not go hungry.
Day Three
On Day Three drink only juices and water—as much as you like. DO NOT eat any solid food. You can try mixing different fruits and vegetables in the juicer—you might discover the new “in” health drink!
Day Four
Day Four is the liver cleanse day: Drink only water and the “Master-Cleanse lemonade” described below. Drink as much as you like, but be sure to drink at least eight glasses of the lemonade during the course of the day, as well as the daily water amount.
Recipe for “Master-Cleanse Lemonade”*
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (if desired)
1/10 (one-tenth) teaspoon of cayenne pepper
8 ounces of pure water
*From Elson Haas. Staying Healthy with the Seasons. (Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts; 2003.)
Before bedtime, swallow a tablespoon of pure extra virgin olive oil. If this makes you nauseous, it is because the liver is eliminating toxins. If you need to, try drinking some salt water, and attempt to vomit. If you do not feel nauseous, then relax and get a good night’s sleep. The reactions to this liver cleanse tend to be mild.
Day Five
Same procedure as on Day Three.
Days Six and Seven
Same procedure as on Days One and Two.
Enjoy the renewed feeling of the Spring cleanse, and take this opportunity to create a healthier diet, savoring the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season.
~ Jason
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