An Introduction toSeasonal Detox and Cleansing

Almost everyone needs to detoxify and rest their body from time to time. Some of us need to cleanse more frequently or work more continually to rebalance our body. There are many types of cleanses that restore the body by eliminating toxins, thereby improving our ability to absorb nutrients. After cleansing, people usually find their digestion improves, resulting in clear skin, more energy and a healthier weight. Additionally, cleanses can balance moods and improve mental clarity, making you feel clear headed and present. Common toxicity symptoms include headache, fatigue, congestion, backaches, aching or swollen joints, digestive problems, allergy symptoms, and sensitivity to environmental agents. Dietary changes or avoidance of symptom causing agents is usually beneficial. It is advisable to do a cleanse 1 to 4 times a year.

Most importantly, cleansing is a form of yoga or union… and presence with what you are doing is fundamental. You will want to be aware of doing something kind for yourself, preparing foods lovingly, and making sure they are thoroughly savored and enjoyed.
Be creative when preparing a cleansing menu. Discover a variety of fruits and vegetables and make your salads colorful and adventurous. Eat only organic or local.

Cleanses can last on average 3-12 days and even longer if need be. Some people may choose a raw cleanse, an ayurvedic cleanse or even a juice fast. First you must decide the right level and length of cleanse for you, commit to it and move forward with mindful awareness. Listed below are a few recommendations:

1. Eliminate meat, chicken, seafood, eggs. Substitute with beans, nuts, tofu, tempeh. Eat Kitcheree (mung beans and rice).
   
2. Eliminate all foods including leftovers; foods with preservatives, additives or chemicals; and canned, frozen or processed foods.
   
3. Eliminate heavy desserts, cheeses, fried foods, candy and chocolate, white sugar, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
   
4. Drink lots of warm water with lemon.
   
5. Consider eliminating dairy products.
   
6. Eat only whole grains and non-yeasted breads: brown rice, quinoa, barley, millet, Ezekial bread.
   
7. Eliminate simple sugars. Substitute with brown rice syrup or agave nectar.
   
8. Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, nicotine.
   
9. Drink herbal teas such as Licorice, Red Clover, or Dandelion which are blood cleansers & detoxifiers; or teas with coriander, cumin and fennel which are digestion enhancing spices.
   
10. Cook with digestion-enhancing, detoxifying spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, clove, ginger, fennel.
    
11. Consider taking food enzymes and drinking Emergen C packets each day.
    
12. Use only natural soaps and oils on your body
    
13. Neti daily.
    
14. Do yoga, pranayama, and meditation daily.
    
15. Take warm baths and get adequate sleep.

Enjoy!