Fasting To Promote Cleansing

• Fasting is one of the oldest and well known methods of detoxification known to man. According to Joel Fuhrman, M.D., in his book entitled "Fasting and Eating For Health" (see "Why Fasting?" article listed in the resources), he says "The fast does not merely detoxify; it also breaks down superfluous tissue--fat, abnormal cells, atheromatous plaque and tumors--and releases diseased tissues and their cellular products into the circulation for elimination. Toxic or unwanted materials circulate in our bloodstream and lymphatic tissues, and are deposited in and released from our fat stores and other tissues. An important element of fasting detoxification is mobilizing the toxins from their storage areas."
  
  

Water and Juices

• Drinking plenty of water and juice is effective in more ways than one when attempting a cleanse. The most obvious is their helpfulness in carrying away unwanted toxins that were mobilized during the fasting process and removing them from your body. They are also important in preventing dehydration during this process. Also, many juices contain sugars that can assist in speeding up your bowel movements. Juices can also be a good natural source of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy and keep its energy during the cleansing process.
  
  

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

• Because processed and cooked foods tend to create or add to the toxins in our colon, a cleanse consisting of mostly raw fruits and vegetables is your best bet for cleaning out your system. Raw fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is possibly the safest way to remove unwanted toxins from your digestive tract. Also, they contain the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes necessary for a healthy body so you won't feel weak or unwell as you're cleansing yourself.
  
  

Supplements that Cleanse

• Taking bentoninte and flaxseed supplements are typically safe and popular ways to assist in a healthy colon cleanse. Bentonite is a type of clay that forms into a gel when mixed with water. While it is in the colon, toxic substances bind to it, which it can then transport out of the bowels. Flaxseed also absorbs and expand in water, helping to remove mucus and toxins from the system. An added bonus: flaxseed can also lower cholesterol.
  
  Mix 1 tbsp. of liquid bentonite and 1 tsp. of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water first thing in the morning--30 minutes before eating--and at bedtime. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each day while doing this to prevent constipation.