As our environment becomes increasingly toxic, and with the average American battling obesity, IBS, fatigue and countless other problems caused by lifestyle, it is no surprise that experts are calling for us to cleanse and detoxify our bodies.
Cleansing is the elimination of toxins, stored wastes and other unwanted substances from the body. Detoxification is the body's natural process of changing these harmful toxins into a less harmful form. Cleansing & detoxification are total body processes. A healthy body will cleanse and detoxify by utilizing the seven channels of elimination: liver, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood, and bowel.
Each organ of elimination requires specific tools to properly function. For example, the liver uses amino acids and sulfur compounds. The colon is helped by our consumption of fiber, which promotes regularity and absorbs excess toxins, eliminating them in a healthy bowel movement. Sadly, due to relatively recent changes in our environment and diet, our body does not always get the nutritional support or tools it needs to successfully detoxify and eliminate properly.
For the bulk of our history, humans have practiced cleansing, fasting, and purification rituals to rid their body of toxic buildup due to lifestyle and environment. Historically, our ancestors not only recognized the need to cleanse and detoxify, but they would also address their diet and nutrition as a means of providing nourishment both during and following periods of cleansing.
For example, Europeans & Americans traditionally drank tonics, such as fortified vegetable juices and fermented drinks like Beet Kvass and Rejuvelac. They would take these tonics to support their health and wellbeing, as well as to provide energy during times of fasting or seasonal change. In the Ayurvedic tradition, they refer to their cleansing method as Pancha Karma, a seasonal dietary rejuvenation program. Individuals partake in Pancha Karma while simultaneously taking herbs and making lifestyle adjustments.
Digestive care experts encourage individuals to consume a well balanced diet, rich in whole foods. Such a diet favors fare high in macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as phyto-nutrients and antioxidants. In the modern age, we can apply the lessons from our healthy ancestors, and adjust our diet so that we too can support our channels of elimination.
So choose a salad with your entrée or a smoothie for breakfast. Take supplemental fiber to assist your colon to cleanse and detoxify. These are simple changes that will go a long way to promote good health. They will help strengthen and nourish the constitution, as well as assist your body in the cellular processes required for health and survival.
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