Nutrition: Curious About Cleansing?
Curious about Cleansing and want to learn about ALL the dirty deets when it comes to doing one? It’s something in the Health and Wellness industry that is so hot right now, but many people are not thinking about why they’re doing it and what possible side effects can happen.
Remember this important piece of information: Cleansing your body should not be about losing weight. Yes, it may be a side effect, but it should not be the ultimate reason for you to try one out. Giving yourself a cleanse every now and again (personally I try and do it twice a year for a few days at a time) will rid your body of impurities; regain balance, normalizing digestion and metabolism. Cleanses are designed for people to give their digestive track a rest while simultaneously going on about their daily lives.
What Does a Typical Cleanse Involve?
Certain cleanses recommend a colonic before and after the process, though personally I haven’t mustered up enough courage to get one done (eek!). A colonic is gallons of water shot into your rectum through a tube, only to pass out of you again, this time with the contents of your intestines.
Seven or more days before reduce or eliminate any alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, dairy, wheat, animal meat, fish and eggs from the diet. This preparation often consists mainly of organic fruits, vegetables, and beans. It’s important to prepare your body for fasting.
Sometimes a Cleanse requires you to only sip on Juice, while others include raw solid foods depending on the program you move forward with based on what you need to accomplish during your cleanse.
Approximately 6 glasses of filtered water is often recommended throughout your day.
A combination of fruits and vegetables is recommended; try to choose locally grown or organic produce. Best bet? Shop at your local Farmers Market!
Who Shouldn’t Try a Cleanse?
Pregnant or nursing women and children
People with diabetes, low blood sugar, eating disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, addictions, underweight, anemia, impaired immune function, infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, cancer, terminal illness, epilepsy or other chronic conditions or should do so only under strict medical supervision.
People shouldn’t try a cleanse before or after surgical procedures.
Cleansing can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body. People taking prescription medications should consult a health professional skilled in detoxification before trying a juice fast, and should never discontinue or reduce their medications on their own.
Possible Side Effects of a Cleanse
Common temporary side effects of a cleanse may include headaches, tiredness, constipation. Other possible side effects of a cleanse can include fainting, dizziness, low blood pressure and of course, weight loss. If these side effects occur, there is a worsening of symptoms, or new symptoms appear, the fast should be discontinued and it should prompt an immediate visit to a qualified health professional.
Another possible side effect of a cleanse is diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss (so be sure to consume enough water to stay hydrated!)
If continued for too long, a cleanse can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein and calcium deficiency.
What Should People Eat After Completing a Cleanse?
There should be a gradual return to solid foods, starting back with raw fruits and veggies and then slowly adding other elements of your diet back in.
