Cleanses

[Amber]

I was wondering what some peoples' opinions were on major cleanses that come in a kit? Are they safe and if so, which ones are good? If not, any other suggestions? (I've heard things like tea and homeopathic)

[Cindy Kelly]

If you aren't working with a practitioner the kits can be quite good. They will give you the diet guidelines and supplements that are specific to the type of cleanse you're doing. As far as brands go, I can't really comment.....because I don't use kits. Maybe someone else has some insight for you. You don't need to go with a kit though.....you can find diet and supplement guidelines from many different websites, books etc.
My concern would be, how do you know what cleanse you should be doing without seeing a practitioner first? I suppose if you are just doing a general type of cleanse it wouldn't be an issue, but most people need to target specific areas to see great benefits. It would be hard to know whether you need to work on your candida, parasite, colon, liver etc. without first having a work up done.

[Aaronson's Pharmacy]

Enzymatic Therapy is a good brand. Very high quality products, and well trusted.
Their Whole Body Cleans kit is really good. It's a two week program where you take a lot of antioxidants, fibers, etc. Browse around and have a look at that one.
It worked well for me, but I don't really use kits anymore.
For a general cleanse: The best way, really, is to just eat raw fruits and veges and lots of water for a period of time. :) Enjoy

[Diane Goodman]

Hi Amber,

Isagenix is a world leader in nutritional cleansing - safe, gentle, whole body (not a colon cleanse), - the side effect is weight loss, if that is what you need or weight gain/maintenance if that is what you need. Used by many athletes, marathon runners, body builders, chiropractors, message therapists, doctors, etc. My whole family loves it! See www.dsgoodman.isagenix.com or give me a call 416.255.8442. Obviously show your doctor first!

[Amy Orrell-Branco]

As far as a cleanse goes, Cindy Kelly is right on with her information. I have done numerous cleanses and you really need to be working with someone. You also need to have a very low key lifestyle for that time. I think some of the best are seasonal ayurvedic cleanses. Panchakarma is done during the springtime to re-balance your system.

Be wary of doing it on your own because you can get very sick during the course of it. That is where a well trained professional would guide you through it.

[Erica]

I've read that it's best to start with a colon cleanse. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Amy Mahon & Garrett Head]

My opinion on cleanses (and any other supplements) is that unless you are properly hydrated, they are a waste of your money. Detoxification is solely dependent on the body's ability to hydrate. If you are dehdyrated (which almost everyone is - even if they drink enough water), your body's ability to flush toxins is basically non-existent.

We live in an increasingly toxic world with less and less ability to flush toxins out. My advice is before cleansing, ensure you are properly hydrated.

Amy :)

[David Orman]

Cleanses IF done correctly can be beneficial. From what I see, they are usually not done correctly.

Think of 3 levels -- excess, normal and deficient. If a person is "excess," they would greatly benefit from an ANNUAL cleanse, particularly in the Spring. The typical time period lasts 5-7 days. For those in the "normal" range, they can benefit from an annual 3-5 day cleanse. For those deficient, it is a complete disaster. They are already drained. Why would you want to drain even more so?

I belong to a group where cleanses are popular. It is unfortunate to watch how misused and abused this process has become. With athletes, particularly endurance athletes, there really is nothing to cleanse for the most part. They are rigorously activating their lymphatic system which is the body's main "cleanser" so to speak, along with the liver. Endurance athletes need to build, NOT drain. I am watching them get smaller and weaker and sicker.

To summarize, it can be very helpful with the right people at the right time --- excess and during the spring.

[David Orman]

I think the question is more WHO should be doing these versus which are "good." Most of these cleanses are virtually identical. They take primarily purgative herbs along with some digestive based herb and mix.

Who would be doing these? Those people characterized as excess. They are loud, usually overweight, sweat a lot, high energy (hyper) and basically have too much energy and/or substance. They would benefit by flushing some of this toxic energy from their system and being more balance.

Who should not? Athletes and those very active, those who are older and those who are generally considered deficient. "I'm always tired" would be a common phrase used by deficient people. If they do a cleanse, they are draining an already drained system. End results would be terrible. Unfortunately, I have treated many people in this category. These are the individuals who would best be served by eating more, taking pinpoint supplements and resting.

Thank you.

David Orman
www.hghplus.net
www.Ormaninstitute.com

[Diane Goodman]

Your are right about most cleanses and for this reason isagenix is worth looking into - everyone from 2 - 92 can use most of the products. Isagenix has many athletes using the bars, vitamins, shakes, etc. - the difference being that it is a nutrient rich food with minerals, trace minerals, folic acid, active enzymes etc - the result is the body is being replenished and nourished. When my kids go off to school with a shake in them I know they have had a great breakfast - a piece of toast or sugery cereal just wouldn't cut it for them again....... The 30 day program for those wishing to do a "cleanse" is based on 2 shakes and a sensible meal per day, with one day of cleanse per week. Even of this day, a nutrient dense drink is in the program. John Anderson is the formulator and he is a trusted name in the industry - known as the "mineral man". See www.shake.yourbeauty.isagenix.com for a short 8 min video if interested.

Cheers,
Diane G