A motivational speaker once posed the question, “If you treated your friends like you treat your body, would you have any?”
Some of you reading this article may respond, “Yes, I would have many friends,” but others like myself are probably raising their eyebrows in shock while picturing their number of friends decreasing rapidly. I am not a fast food junkie nor do I habitually abuse my body, but I know that I could stand to make healthier choices from time to time.
One option I have yet to try is that of cleansing. Many of the times I mention the word “cleanse” to people, they shudder in disgust and quickly change the topic. It wasn’t until I saw the reactions of two people close to me that I began to consider the option of doing a cleanse…
So why the act of doing a "cleanse"?
According to Wikipedia, there is not any scientific evidence that supports the alleged benefits of colon cleansing. However, many have claimed that a cleanse is a healthy way to promote a good, functioning colon that is quite often neglected. They can appear in several forms such as pills, juices, herbs, dietary supplements or laxatives. People who practice cleansing believe that this assists with keeping out diseases, reduces blockage, and overall makes them feel “lighter,” or healthier, if you will.
Then there are also the other benefits that are aesthetic in nature, like feeling skinnier and feeling as though it has attributed to your outer appearance. When I asked a friend of mine how she felt after doing a “Cooler Cleanse,” she offered this testimony:
“I did the three-day [program] first a few weeks ago. Today is Day Number-Five of my five-day cleanse and I feel so light, full of energy and great! These cleanses really are so good for resetting your body. Processed foods seem so unappealing and fruits and veggies have so much flavor! It's like once you get all the salt and processed toxins out of your body—not only does it alleviate excess bloat—but it's like it resets your taste buds to really sense all the flavors of natural, organic foods. I crave hummus and carrots and apples and almond butter. And the idea of salty chips just seems so unappealing. Eliminating and then limiting processed foods and salt from your diet can keep over five pounds of just bloating water weight away ... and that can give you nearly an extra inch in your jeans!”
The Cooler Cleanse is a juice cleanse that incorporates a system of products that can either be purchased for the three-day or five-day period. It boasts being a gentler experience for first-timers as it gives you juices with which you replace your three major meals, and allows for even some mild snacking. For more information, visit http://www.coolercleanse.com/ or call 1-888-COOLERS.
There are other choices out there if drinking your meals does not sound appealing to you. There are herbal dietary supplements like “Colon Clenz.” This supplement is a blend of herbs intended to provide a clean internal environment, according to GNC (http://www.gnc.com/). Oxypowder is also another option but may seem intimidating to the first-time user. The Web site has a plethora of knowledge and necessary instructions for completing a successful seven-day cleanse (http://www.oxypowder.com/).
Be sure to read the caution label found on the bottles, however. Certain medications and health situations could be a hindrance to your completing a successful cleanse. If the label says you are good to go, then go for it! There are more pros than cons with regards to trying out a cleanse. Until next time…
Fitness Editor, Monique Douglas
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