Spring is the best time to cleanse your body of built-up toxins and excess weight. Down to Earth is your source for all the tools and information you need to start a full body cleanse. Our knowledgeable Wellness Team Members can help you choose the best cleansing system for your body. We recommend taking cleansing supplements and, to maximize the effectiveness of your cleanse, consider these tips:
Drink Enough Water!
Water is essential for flushing unwanted toxins out the body. A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water.
When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot. Twenty percent of your water need will come from the foods you eat. The rest of your water need should come from the beverages you drink.
Water is the best choice. Sodas have a lot of sugar in them, so if you drink sodas, you may take in more calories than you need. Herbal teas that aren't diuretic are fine. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you don't need.
Juices are good because they have vitamins and nutrients. Caffeinated beverages will also add to your daily water need. Even though caffeine is a diuretic, if you regularly consume caffeine, your body will regulate itself to that diuretic effect. It may be difficult to drink enough water on a busy day. Be sure you have water handy at all times by keeping a bottle for water with you when you are working, traveling, or exercising.
If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor. There are some brands of flavored water available, but watch for extra calories. To read more about the importance of drinking the right amount of water click here.
Exercise
Exercise gets your blood moving and makes you sweat. That makes it a great aid in flushing out toxins as well circulating fresh blood and cleansing the lymphatic system.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are alkaline-forming and essential for cleansing the body. They also supply necessary nutrients, antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant nutrients known to fight cancer) as well as fiber, which is necessary for the effective elimination of toxins.
Eat organic and natural plant-based foods as much as possible
This is crucial because while cleansing you are trying to eliminate synthetic chemicals and artificial contaminants from your body. Eating processed food is counter-productive. Meat is especially high in contaminants and is very difficult on the digestive system and should therefore be eliminated from your diet during a cleanse. We of course encourage an organic, plant-based diet rich in whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits as part of your daily life, but it is especially important while cleansing.
Replenish good flora
After a cleanse, it is important to replenish the friendly bacteria in your system with probiotics. Along with the unwanted waste that gets flushed out, much of the beneficial flora is also lost. Fortunately, it is easy to replenish with probiotic supplements. Stop by Down to Earth to find more information and a wide array of products to assist you in cleansing. We look forward to helping you on your path to a healthier life!