To cleanse or not to cleanse
Spring is in the air, and with it one of the most popular practices of the season: Cleansing.
There can be different reasons propelling your desire to dive full into it: winter is over, summer is approaching, you have been indulging since Christmas, or perhaps you are simply ready to follow the intuitive rhythm of nature and want to give your body the chance to blossom.
Cleansing and detoxing, which are often used interchangeably, are terms that are well known in the Natural Health world. Labeled as a “dubious practice” by western medicine, as it doesn’t show conclusive medical evidence, detoxification methods have been used in ancient traditions to boost health and even correct ailments of the body and mind. Think for example of fasting – practised by many religions, Ayuverda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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In modern times there are many different approaches to this practice, from juice cleanses and colonics to eliminating entire food groups for a short period of time. and This is where things can perhaps become a little bit confusing. Still, there is no denying that this is an approach to health loved by many, and when done correctly, it could be an introductory step for some into a healthier lifestyle.
When I first graduated as a Holistic Nutritionist, cleansing was one of the first services I provided. I found fascinating the quick behavioural adaptation my clients had to embrace new eating and lifestyle changes. But most importantly, I started to notice a pattern: most of my clients were seeking an excuse to unapologetically focus on their diets and lifestyle habits.
It was almost as if by doing a cleanse they were able to book this time slot in their busy schedule for themselves. They were able to tell their friends and family they were doing a cleanse, therefore they couldn’t drink, eat sugar, or grab the usual pastry at the coffee shop. They enthusiastically followed food and lifestyle guidelines, they carved out the time to focus on their health, with the support, and better yet, approval of their immediate circle.
The ethos of this practice, when done correctly, under the right circumstances, and in alignment with your own personal why, can be a moment where you can honestly and curiously give your body the amazing chance of nourishment, love, and self-care. That is what a proper cleanse can bring to you.
Deciding if a cleanse is the right and smart move for you in your current circumstances and becoming clear on your WHY, are the first steps in embarking on this practice for all the right reasons. Making sure you consult a health care practitioner if you have any underlying health concerns is your next.
Ease into your cleanse by doing this:
- Be aware of your stress levels. If they are high, it is time to nourish and not deprive yourself.
- Start by drinking the best quality water available to you. (how much??)
- Add before you take away. Great additions are herbs such as parsley and cilantro, and nutrient dense foods that are easily blended into your everyday flavours, such as nuts and seeds.
- Start small and gentle. There is no need to go to extremes to see benefits. A good starting point could be to practice food combining. The basic principles are to eat fruit alone, don’t mix carbohydrate rich foods with protein, avoid more than one protein per meal and remember that greens and vegetables go well with everything.
- Pay attention to the good habits you might develop during a cleanse, learn what works for your body and how it reacts to particular practices. Your body knows best.