We can often get caught up in the headlines and all of the Instagram posts by celebrities about the benefits of cleansing. But what’s the real truth. Local Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant Amber Paradis wades through the facts and myths of cleansing to help you deal with the hype.

Fact: Cleansing can be a controversial topic.

Myth: Our bodies can do it all on their own.

 

Fact: We can help our bodies with the dirty work. Our bodies are designed to eliminate harmful substances; however, our environment has an abundance of toxins. The volume of toxins we are exposed to can be greater than the amount our bodies are able to eliminate.

Myth: I don’t consume that many toxins…. Plus, agricultural sprays are safe to consume in trace amounts.

 

Fact: Agricultural sprays are safe in trace amounts…but you probably consume way more than trace amounts. Our day-to-day food contains pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers, and more. Assuming you eat food daily, that is a lot of exposure! Then consider the amount of lattes, fast-food, energy drinks, pop, and alcohol that is consumed and consider the chemicals in daily products like cosmetics, plastics, cleaning agents, etc. … does it make you wonder, “are we consuming more toxins than our body has the capacity to process?”

Myth: It’s not so bad, I had a green juice for lunch yesterday. That cancels it out.

 

Fact: Our toxic load is higher than we know or understand. Our exposure to toxins begins in the womb, which is the most crucial development time.

In a study by the Environmental Working Group, they found an average of 200 chemicals in the umbilical cord and they wrote:

“Of the 287 chemicals we detected in umbilical cord blood, we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.”

Coming from a Holistic perspective, gentle cleansing is beneficial to the overall functioning of the body. Remember, our exposure to toxins is greater than our bodies’ ability to eliminate them.

Although it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to toxins, we can help our body detoxify. Detoxifying your body does not need to be done in an extreme manner like “The Master Cleanse”. You can start detoxifying by creating a shift in your lifestyle. Start by choosing whole organic foods, removing processed or refined foods, and sugar. Enhance your detoxification with a supplement like milk thistle, which supports liver cell regeneration, removal of toxins, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

 

Myth: The purpose of a cleanse or detox is to help you lose weight.

Fact: The purpose of detoxification is to increase function of the body and rejuvenate your organs and tissues. The purpose of detoxification is not weight loss, although it can be an added benefit. When you experience symptoms on a daily basis – like constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, bloating, low energy, headaches, fatigue, skin problems or even irritability – your body is giving you a clear sign that it is congested with toxins. Congestion in the body can create symptoms previously listed and detoxification can help eliminate those symptoms.

 

Myth: Lose 10 pounds in 10 days.

Fact: There is no need to jump on a “crash cleanse” you find on Pinterest. I recommend that you avoid these. You can cleanse, still eat, and not be tied to the toilet.

 

Final Fact: Cleansing is a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual practice. Toxins can also build up mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Consider that it may be time to cleanse your life and your surroundings, including toxic people, a toxic job, or some pent up negative emotions. These also impact your life and the function of your body. So, when deciding to do a cleanse look at all aspect of your life and always begin with a gentle start, your body will thank you.

 

Key Takeaways:

  1. Eat whole and organic foods! And eat lots of plants.
  2. Use supplements like milk thistle, or even a pro-biotic!
  3. Cleanse more than your body; cleanse your mind, soul, and spirit.

 

Questions? Feel free to contact me on Instagram (@a.p_healing) or Facebook (Amber Paradis Healing).

Happy cleansing!

By: Amber Paradis