Why cleanse? There is a lot to say on this subject.
There are a plethora of cleanses one can do to reset a system. There are cleanses for specific organs, there are general overhaul cleanses. What we do know, is that our bodies need a break from the onslaught attacks we put our bodies through whether ingested, inhaled or the daily stresses of work and life. It is often recommended to do a cleanse x2 a year. For some we are lucky to even get x1 in.
Nevertheless, once on a cleanse it’s fascinating to notice what the urges and cravings are. What are the forces driving you?
Cleanse equals Reset Reset Reset Reset!!! Cleanses are for a specified time. 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 21 days, 45 days…you pick your dedicated days.
"We must NOT confuse cleansing with dieting."
Ideally, you give yourself a break from all toxins. And as discussed in the farming section, the majority of our produce and farm animals are sadly toxic.
Thus, cleanses by nature eliminate toxins from the body and we do this through consumption, sweat and elimination.
Some cleanses are strictly liquid, others are organic fruit and vegetables only, while others are smoothie oriented. Everything that touches your lips must be organic, without pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones.
As I write this piece it just so happens my son, Enzo and I are on a 45-day cleanse to reset our GI tracts. This one is Doctor prescribed because Enzo had a severe case of Giardia living in the wilderness. And I jumped on it with him.
No Sugar
No Dairy
No Complex Carbohydrates
No Alcohol
Exercise
Intermittent Fasting
For much of this time Enzo and I have and are fasting between 16-17 hours.
Think protein, fruit, and vegetables. All organically grown or raised without injections, hormones or harmful chemicals
And holy shit…45 days? I have been cleansing my entire life and have never gone this long. 3, 5 ,7 10, 21 days is as long as I’ve ever gone. Being a foodie and a wino…this was gonna take will power and self-discipline.
Right around the 14th day, both Enzo and I started craving carbs and sugar. Enzo was pining for chocolate cake and I for bagel and cream cheese, pasta, risotto. Day 25 and cravings have subsided. It will be interesting to see what the next 20 holds for us.
Will you lose weight on a cleanse? Most likely. Will it stay off? Not likely. Again, cleanses are designed to reset your systems. Remove toxins, clear out the garbage we accumulate over time. Trust me your body craves and needs this. Remove the sludge, the poisons and your organs perform better. It’s that simple.
Here are some of the popular cleanses over the decades:
The Master Cleanse
10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse
Juice Cleanse
Liver Cleanse
Colon Cleanse
Detox Cleanse
Parasite Cleanse
Isagenix Cleanse (this is also a diet)
Although I have recommended, WE CARE SPA to numerous colleagues and friends, I have now been twice. Enzo and I are gonna end our 45-day cleanse there. (Just in time for Thanksgiving Feasts)
We Care Spa is in Desert Hot Springs and have been around for decades. A liquid diet is given as well as daily colonics to help clear the large and small intestines. That being their focus they also offer additional supplements for liver and kidneys detoxification. Book for 3, 5 or 7 days. Don’t let the colonics scare you. Everyone feels uneasy and nervous their first time. (My girlfriend, Kelly and I held each other’s hands the first time) The technicians are great. Do them, don’t do them, do a few or do them all. Always remember...you are in control.
We Care Spa also has and sells their own We Care Spa line designed for cleansing. This picture depicts a few of the steady keepers I always have in my home. But the choices are vast and I enjoy them as part of a cleanse and as part of daily life.
It’s a serene enviornment, gorgeous views with beautiful walking trails, yoga and large pool. They offer some beautiful body treatments. Remember this is not a luxurious spa. It’s rudimentary and still once completed your body FEELS luxurious. I am a fan.
One feels cathartic when jumping into an ocean, or after a hard workout . Trust me, rejuvenation and catharsis also go hand in hand while cleansing. Although not quite as dramatic. It's a brilliant time to meditate and take stock of yourself personally.
Do yourself a favor and start one. Start slowly and give your body it’s much needed break from the onslaught we put it through.
And if you are a seasoned cleanser…Bravo!!