Our bodies are extraordinary machines.
The human body is capable of healing itself, adapting to new environments, and defending itself from environmental threats. Our body is equipped with the tools to identify what it needs and what doesn’t belong, so do we really need to cleanse? The liver and kidneys do that for us already, don’t they?
Not exactly. The liver IS responsible for removing toxins from the body, that part is correct, but it isn’t that simple. There are some other factors that need to be considered.
Environmental Toxins are at an All Time High
It’s not nihilist, or a big conspiracy theory to acknowledge that we live in a toxic environment. The herbicides and pesticides used in industrial agriculture end up in our drinking water and the air we breathe. Commercial skincare products and household cleaners are loaded with hormone disrupting chemicals, and even if we choose not to use those types of products, they also end up in our water. And don’t get me started on the overuse of pharmaceuticals that also end up – yes, you guessed it – in our drinking water!
We Live in a Stressed Out Society
There is so much emphasis put on what you are worth, what you can provide, what you make, how much you can produce, that we’ve forgotten how to SLOW DOWN and take care of ourselves. Self-care has become a health buzz-word, but with good reason! We’ve been convinced that we have no choice but to go! Go! GO! So we do. We run non-stop until we HAVE to stop because our immune and nervous systems just can’t handle all the stress that we’ve learned to ignore and push through. It doesn’t have to be this way, but it is the reality for too many of us.
Benefits of Cleansing for All
Do you see now why even the healthiest of people will not only benefit from a cleanse, but likely NEED one? As extraordinary as our bodies are, we’ve got the deck stacked against us these days, so at least a few times a year I give my body a little reset. Here are some of the benefits I’ve seen in my experiences with cleansing:
- Increased energy
- Strengthened immune system
- Mental Clarity
- Improved Digestion
- And, as a bonus, I’ve even lost a few pounds!
It’s Not About Starvation
Juice fasts, extended fasting with water only – I’ve seen so many different cleanse protocols on the market, and while I won’t knock them (especially since I haven’t tried them), I think it’s important to note that you do not have to starve yourself to support your body’s ability to cleanse! I facilitate a 30 day cleanse 3 times per year, and while I do recommend removing or modifying some foods from your diet during that time, the real focus is on making gradual changes that can easily be adopted into a healthier routine.
Participating in a structured, supported cleanse is not only about the physical outcome, but also about shifting your mindset toward eating, exercise, and self-care. If you’d like more information on the cleanse that I run, join my group on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter.
Live radiantly! xoxo Dr. Marissa
