By Jessica Freeman and Brent Hauver

Generally when we hear about doing a cleanse, the first thing that comes to mindis weight loss. However, cleansing our bodies has more benefits than just weight loss. Cleansing can help us to detoxify our bodies and minds, feel better, live healthier, and boost our mood and outlook on life in general. Often times, weight loss is merely a side effect of doing a cleanse.

Detoxifying, or cleansing, our bodies is a process that we should do often. Our bodies build up and store toxins very easily due to our high exposure rates to them. They enter our bodies through our mouths, airways, skin, etc. and come in the forms of processed foods, chemicals, skin and beauty products, the air we breathe, drugs, etc. When we ingest these toxins, it begins to affect our bodies in negative ways, causing body system malfunctions, depression, and weight gain. Toxins are,for the most part, stored in the fatty tissues within our bodies. Sometimes when doing a cleanse, one may begin to feel sick. This is due to the toxins being released from the fatty tissues during weight loss. If the cleanse does make you sick, you should stop and drink lots of fluids and eat (good foods) as normal until you feel better. At that time a less invasive cleanse can be tried. People who have major health problems such as cancer, diabetes, heart weakness, etc. should be very careful when choosing a cleanse and be sure it is one that is recommended for their condition.

Some signs and symptoms of toxicity can manifest themselves in the form of headaches, fatigue, mucous problems, aches and pains, skin rashes, colds, joint pain, hives, insomnia, immune weakness, indigestion, mood changes, anxiety, bad breath, digestive problems, constipation, weight gain, etc. To rid our bodies of these toxins and let our systems rest, a cleanse should be done whenever we are sick or feel congested, and with the changing of seasons in the spring and fall.

The Master Cleanser Lemonade Diet is a good cleanse to use for a person who is in good health. However, the maple syrup that is recommended for use in the cleanse recipe, should be swapped out with Stevia or Xylitol to avoid taking in too much sugar. There is such a thing as cleansing too much, which results in unhealthy effects on the body. Cleansing should not be abused and used as a regular weight loss measure. Cleansing is a pre-cursor to a healthier lifestyle and weight can only be kept off if the cleanse is followed by good diet and regular exercise.

In order to maintain balance and help your body receive the nourishment it needs during the cleanse, it is also recommended that super greens be taken as well. Vitamins A and C can aid in protecting the body from the toxins being released. As always, research should be done to determine the best cleanse for your level of health and circumstances. Happy cleansing!

Brent Hauver is a Holistic Health Researcher who owns and operates Sage Health and Empowerment Center in Overton, NV.