Why do a cleanse or detox?

An annual spring cleanse has long been regarded as a necessity for the maintenance of abundant good health. It was a priority even when all of the food we consumed was what we now call “organic.” Even in those environmentally pristine times, our ancestors recognized that our own digestive processes inevitably leave a toxic residue that in particular was known to accumulate in the course of the long winter. 

Simply put, a “cleanse” or “detox” refers to the action of decreasing the body’s toxic burden. This is accomplished through such means as fasting, incorporating certain foods that facilitate detoxification and abstaining from foods that increase toxic load. A cleanse can also incorporate various herbs or concoctions that promote toxic elimination.

The word “toxin” comes to us from the Greek work toxikon, which means poison. Today we refer to toxins as those substances that cause the human body disease or harm.

Our bodies are equipped with natural detoxification systems to prevent toxic accumulation in the body. However, when one or more of these natural detoxification channels becomes impaired or overloaded, toxins accumulate in the body and ill health can result.

In our modern world, we are beset with toxins before we are even born. Umbilical cord studies show industrial chemicals and pollutants in every sample of umbilical cord blood tested, with up to 287 different toxins found. Of these, 180 are known to cause cancer in human or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.1

It is no wonder that “cleanses” and “detoxes” seem to be all around us these days. From lemon water fasts to nothing-but-juice cleanses, detoxing is certainly a buzzword in the health community.

Cleanses and detoxes are not new. In truth, we have been purifying our bodies through fasting, medicinal herbs and other means for thousands of years. In fact, we know of written Chinese herbal prescriptions dating all the way back to 2700 BC.

However, our level of toxic exposure through pollutants, processed foods, pesticides and chemicals is quite a bit different than it was these thousands of years ago.

As a result, embarking upon high-intensity detoxification protocols, such as pure juice fasts, can be too steep of a gradient for many people in our modern age and can result in feeling very ill as the toxic load is dumped faster than their body is able to process it.

A gentle cleanse like my 14 day RESET and CLEANSE has been developed to gently assist the body’s innate detoxification mechanisms, providing support as opposed to overwhelm. The body’s 5 main detoxification pathways, the liver, colon, kidneys, skin and lungs are all supported in a highly effective and easy program that you can do on your own, or with support from the 14 day RESET and CLEANSE Facebook community. 

When to cleanse?

Spring cleaning is one of the best times to do a cleanse. With the new growth of spring we are inspired to clear out the clutter in many ways. Just like clearing out the old from our closets or garages, we want to clear out the toxic burdens that have been put on our body from processed foods, sugar and alcohol. This opens up space to feel lighter, more energized and create some healthy eating habits to build upon. Late Spring or Summer is a great time to try your first cleanse of the year.

Fall is a good time to do a cleanse too. In general as soon as it gets colder we start eating more, not only that but we turn to rich and generally unhealthy foods. It’s also easier for us to eat more than we need. It’s a good idea to do a second cleanse during the fall if you feel that the summer months have left been filled with over indulgences from vacation or parties or just generally letting go of those healthy eating habits you want to get back to.

Doing a gentle cleanse twice a year keeps your body healthy and happy and resets your mind to get back on track to eating real whole nutrient dense foods. 

How to Cleanse?

My 14 day RESET and CLEANSE is a gentle and effective cleanse to support your body and mind in clearing out  toxic habits of unhealthy eating and assist the body’s detoxification pathways to clear the toxic burden from processed sugar and refined food. You eat nutrient dense real food that is delicious and satisfying and gives the body what it needs to rebalance. 

You get a complete program that includes:

1- A Program Manual to guide you every step of the way

2- A getting started guide to educate and give you tips to be successful

3- A cleanse companion with additional ways to support your body during the cleanse. Practices like dry brushing, sweating and detoxifying teas are just a few of what is included

4- A Recipe book with cleanse friendly recipes for breakfast, smoothies, lunch, dinner, sides, snacks and desserts. Lots of delicious meals to eat during and after your cleanse too.

5- A Food and mood journal to help you see how food affects your mind and body

6- Suggested meals plans and recipes to follow for both the omnivore and vegetarian

7- Shopping lists for the omnivore and vegetarian 

8- A guide on the proper preparation of non- gluten grains, beans, nuts and seeds to make them easier to digest

9- Self Assessment worksheet to see your results from the cleanse

10- Introduction protocol to help you discern which foods you want to keep in your diet and which foods may be causing your body distress.

11-Going forward guidelines to support you further with eating and living a healthy lifestyle. 

All of this for only $67

 Think you might want some extra support? Purchase the cleanse plus program and you will get access to the private Facebook Community, a daily email to motivate, encourage and educate you during your cleanse, a 45 minute one on one coaching session and email access to me as your health coach during your program.  

The Cleanse plus program is only $147

Want to take your cleanse further with even more support? You get everything included in the cleanse plus program, PLUS 2 additional personal one on one coaching sessions to really help you get clear  and uncover what’s been stopping you, slowing you down or keeping you from showing up for yourself and from having the body – and the health – you want. We will develop a powerful vision for your total health and what it means for you and your life and put some steps in place to help you make that transformation. 

The Cleanse and Coaching program is only $297

So do some spring cleaning and take the time for you to feel your best and most radiant self. You will be so glad you did! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to chat. You can send me a message using the contact tab or send an email to info@shine-wellness.com.

Shine Brightly friend, 

Chris

1 Source: Environmental Working Group analysis of tests of 10 umbilical cord blood samples conducted by AXYS Analytical Services (Sydney, BC) and Flett Research Ltd. (Winnipeg, MB)