Penticton Aro Clinic I heard doing a cleanse is a good to do before the winter comes. Are cleanses a good thing to do? Cleansing is the new hub word. But what does it really mean to cleanse the body?Basically, you are cleaning up some of the body's collected bugs, viruses, bacteria etc., not to mention some other good elimination..wink). There are numerous types of cleanses and detox kits out there, but it is important to know what you are cleansing and why. This requires a cleanse that pays attention to the cues the body gives. Detoxification is a normal process of the human body and works to clear toxins and waste products from the body Detoxification occurs in the liver, kidney, digestive tract, and skin Everyone will require a different type of cleanse. Some people may require a liver or gastrointestinal/bowel cleanse, and others may need a gentle cleanse of the lymphatic or urinary tract systems. Once finished cleansing, you may have more energy, improved digestion, you may sleep better, and usually results in overall feeling better, and more energy. A cleanse can also initiate a path to better health habits and for those who need it helps with weight loss. To try a basic 3 day cleanse: Eliminate: dairy, wheat, sugar, coffee, alcohol, and red meat. Include: water, brown rice, oats, unlimited veggies (especially the green leafy vegetables), 2 fruits per day, and herbal tea. Regular probiotic intake also plays a large part in a good cleanse. It helps to reseed to digestive tract with beneficial flora (probiotics) to support good digestion. Probiotics are found mostly in fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir (try water kefir grains too), miso, natto, as well as in yoghurt (although we try to avoid dairy during a detox) Acupuncture, can also help to guide the body's own detox mechanisms. It helps to reduce toxins in the body, decrease inflammation, and to encourage to liver functions to work more efficiently and effective. Cleansing may not be for everyone which is why it is always best to speak to a health practitioner before undertaking a major cleanse, to help you determine which type of cleanse is best for you. For this season change, eating warm, cooked, easily digested foods and probiotics will go a long way to getting you ready for the cold weather. Jud Mazurin B.Sc., R.A. PENTICTON NATUROPATHIC CLINIC Suite 106-3310 Skaha Lake Rd., Penticton 250-492-3181