My Monthly Cleanse

“Everyone can perform magic, everyone can reach his goals, if
he is able to think, if he is able to wait, if he is able to fast.”
(Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha)

Consider these two contradictory statements:

“The need to cleanse is vital in today’s dangerously toxic world.¹”

“Anyone who says, ‘I have a detox treatment’ is profiting from a false claim and is by definition a crook.²”

How do we know what’s true and what’s not? The volume of information on nearly every subject seems staggering and the contradictory and misinformation is often overwhelming.

I have decided that when something is important to me, I need to question, educate, and act.

The practice of regular cleansing and fasting is one of those important matters. For many years, I was interested but intimidated by the concept of cleansing. I figured it would be good for me but I was uncertain what I should do, if I could do it, and if it would really help me. Five years ago, I decided to give it a go.

What I expected

When I started, I was expecting health benefits like weight loss, reduction of toxins, and a decrease of inflammation in my body. I also hoped for a reduction in visceral fat, which is the type of body fat that exists in the abdomen and surrounds the internal organs. Visceral fat is associated with many serious health problems including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and increased blood pressure.

What I practice

Once every month, I cleanse with herbs and natural botanicals to support my body’s natural ability to remove toxins and impurities. Throughout the day, I drink four 4-ounce servings of the cleansing mixture, take my daily vitamins and nutritional supplements, and drink water.

I do not eat food of any kind, nor do I drink any alcohol on cleansing day. I do permit myself to enjoy my cherished morning coffee.

On cleansing days, I slow my daily pace, schedule less, meditate more, and go to bed a little earlier. I spend time in nature with longer, slower hikes through the woods. I dedicate time to reflection, giving appreciation to all I have and thinking deeply about what I want to create with the rest of my life.

After each monthly cleanse, I review my calendar and schedule the next one considering family, travel and social obligations. If something comes up that makes cleansing more difficult or inappropriate, I just move the cleanse to another day.

What I have experienced

In the first 90 days, I lost 8.4 pounds! Since that time, my weight has been very stable, fluctuating just 3.2 pounds up and down from my new normal weight.

My cholesterol measurements improved:

LDL dropped from 150 to 113
HDL increased from 74 to 108
Triglycerides dropped from 69 to 49

My resting heart rate measures about 15 percent lower after my cleansing day than it does on the days before and after.

My persistent sniffles and runny nose have disappeared. The constant bloated feeling that I had for years (from inflammation?) is gone and my stomach has flattened (loss of visceral fat?).

I just feel healthier… and that feels great!!

What I know for now

No, I do not have scientific evidence to support that cleansing is “vital in today’s dangerously toxic world” or to refute that cleansing is a scam concept perpetuated by “crooks.”

However, I have detoxed my body each month for five years with a full day cleanse. I know that over those years I have also developed and implemented philosophies for lifelong exercise and nutrition that also improve my health metrics.

I know that I continue to learn about cleansing, continue reading different points of view, and continue my search for the truth.

So for now, I plan to keep on learning, keep on cleansing, and keep innovating my philosophies and practices for lifelong health.

If this post has inspired you to continue the conversation, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation. During our call we can discuss my cleansing routine in more detail and address any of your questions. I hope to connect with you soon!

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