Every cleanse is different. Some focus on weight loss, others on decreasing allergy symptoms, killing parasites, cleaning out the circulatory system for better health of the heart, or boosting the immune system. Some cleanses can take days, others weeks or months. For the sake of simplicity, most cleanses can be classified as either dietary cleanses or cleanses that involve supplements.
Why Use a Supplement to Cleanse?
Dietary cleanses are generally gentler than cleanses that require supplements. But supplement cleanses can make all the difference for those who are too busy or don’t wish to overhaul their diet. Most supplement cleanses involve only minimal changes to the diet, and are still effective while you eat whatever food is normal for you.
Types of Supplements that Help Cleanse the Body
- Enzymes
- Fiber
- Juice Supplements
- Herbs
The Power of Enzymes
The raw food movement is driven by its emphasis on consuming foods that contain live enzymes, which are damaged at cooking temperatures. Enzymes are needed to break down food and to process toxins.
People with arthritis, chronic pain or stiffness can benefit from taking more enzymes – whether in their food or by taking an enzyme supplement. Enzymes taken between meals (several hours away from food) break down accumulated toxins that contribute to inflammation or pain. Enzymes taken with meals improve digestion and aid in cleansing the digestive tract.
Fabulous Fiber
Fiber is a form of carbohydrate that the human body is not able to digest for energy. As such, it passes through the human digestive tract unchanged. Insoluble fiber, such as that found in most kinds of bran and in psyllium husks, acts as bulk and encourages the colon to move - flushing out by-products of metabolism and old toxins that are released during a cleanse. Apples are high in pectin and other fiber, explaining the proverbial “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Juice Supplements
Vegetable juices are one of the most simple and natural ways to cleanse the inside of the body, helping to draw out toxins while supplying minerals, antioxidants and vitamins.
Most packaged juices, however, do not contain the vital energy or the total nutrients that are available in fresh juices. Packaged and bottled juices may be pasteurized or contain preservatives, increasing acidity and robbing them of nutritional value and of their value in a cleanse. Read labels closely for the addition of “junk juices” like grape, apple, or pear that add very little in the way of nutrients and whose only function is to sweeten the juice.
Herbs
Most herbs and spices support the immune system and promote health. Several are useful in cleansing.
- garlic - parasite cleanse. In pets, garlic taken internally discourages fleas as well as worms and other digestive parasites.
- cilantro - chelates (draws out) heavy metals
- peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, anise, cardamom, cayenne - these herbs and spices cleanse the digestive system, speed metabolism and improve digestive function
- milk thistle - promotes liver cleansing
This is not an exhaustive list: hundreds of other herbs and herbal formulas may be useful in cleansing. Herbs can be very helpful in enabling the liver and other tissues to release stored wastes. Be aware, however, that some herbal formulas may contain ingredients that, however “natural,” are not safe and may cause illness or contribute to cleansing reactions. Please consult with an expert before using any herbal supplements to cleanse.
More on cleansing:
- What is Cleansing?
- Who Needs to Cleanse?
- Dietary Cleanses
- Aids to Easier Cleansing
- The Master Cleanse
- Cleansing Crisis
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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