Having been on a raw diet for 2 months during the summer of 2010, I know first hand what a drastic change in healthier eating can do for your body and how amazing it can make you feel.
During and after an intense, full body cleanse, you can expect to feel refreshed, like your body has become younger and lighter. To experience the greatest possible benefits during your intense cleanse, it's important that you minimize your exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxins.
Minimizing your exposure to endogenous toxins is relatively simple - you just need to follow a similar diet to Dr. Kim's full body cleanse diet, chew your foods well, and do your best not to overeat. This combination of actions will minimize production of toxins in your digestive tract and within your cells.
What follows is a list of suggestions by Dr. Kim on how to minimize your exposure to exogenous toxins:
- Minimize use of cosmetics - it's best to use none at all during an intense cleansing period. It's most important to avoid use of cosmetics around your mouth to prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals found in many cosmetic products.
- Minimize use of moisturizer and chapstick / lip balm. If you must use something on your skin and lips, consider using a small amount of coconut oil...that works wonders.
- Try not to use deodorants, and never antiperspirants, or perfumes/colognes. Use a non-toxic mineral salt based one if you must or magnesium oil.
- Use the smallest amount of shampoo possible, and if your life circumstances permit, use a brand made with natural ingredients - there are plenty of such brands at most department stores these days that are well worth it.
Here are some additional suggestions on how to conserve energy and allow your body to devote the bulk of its resources to cleansing and detoxification:
- Minimize use of soap - sounds strange, but warm or hot water is sufficient for cleaning...plus Much better for your skin in retaining its moisture, especially in winter.
- In looking to get as much physical rest as possible, don't neglect resting your eyes. Even while awake, you can enhance physical rest by closing your eyes for a minute or more at a time. Practicing deep breathing during breaks help too.
- As your circumstances permit, take a break from activities that tend to promote emotional distress. For example, taking a week-long break from watching the evening news, or even taking a two-day break from surfing the internet and checking your e-mail may give your nervous system much needed rest.
- Get plenty of fresh air. Your lungs are constantly expelling carbon dioxide into the air around you, and your cleansing mechanisms are best served by a steady stream of fresh, oxygen-rich air. If you live in a relatively unpolluted environment, sleep with your window cracked open if the weather permits.
- Get sunlight exposure on your skin without getting burned, but be careful not to get so much sun that you become exhausted - about 15 minutes of direct sunlight exposure each day while at rest is optimal for many people; this doesn't include exposure while going about your daily activities.
- Engage in light stretching, walking, and even mild sports activities, but don't participate in strenuous exercise during your intense cleanse. The goal is to keep your body moving and your blood circulation strong, but to conserve as much energy as possible for your cleansing mechanisms. A light yoga practice is ideal.
Clearly, the suggestions provided above can be beneficial to your health after you complete an intense period of cleansing, and I highly suggest incorporating them in your every day life. As you experience the intense, full body cleanse perhaps you can make it a goal to adopt some or many of these dietary and lifestyle suggestions into your everyday routine for the long term:) It's a fantastic way to kick of 2012! Make it your healthiest year yet!
If you're serious about using an intense period of detoxification to greatly improve your health, I encourage you to try this program with a close friend or family member. Having a partner to experience this with can make a huge difference in your commitment level, and in the results that you obtain.
