When you clean your house, depending on how dirty it is, there is a point where it is difficult to know what you are doing. If someone came in while you’re cleaning your closet or cabinets, they may think you’re just making a big mess. The same is true when you are detoxifying or cleansing your body. The body really cleans itself when it is working properly. However, you may think that this cleaning process is a “virus” or an “infection” and see your doctor for an antibiotic to stop the process. You don’t recognize the detoxification process. Actually, things like diarrhea, fever, and increased mucus are “symptoms” of the cleansing process the body goes through naturally. Sneezing, coughing, fever, and vomiting are tools that the body uses to rid itself of harmful toxins. Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor kill not only the bad bacteria, but the good ones that keep yeast infections at bay. Anti-diarrhea medications stop the cleansing process completely. This only adds to the toxic build-up in the body.

There are times when the body needs help to cleanse itself. Knowing when it is necessary is vital to an effective detox. When the body is naturally detoxifying, it feels uncomfortable, just as it would with a cold, a bout of flu-like symptoms, or even a stomach “flu.” A natural cleanse lasts only a few days, and you will usually feel optimistic despite unpleasant physical symptoms. This is called a “healing crisis.” Usually patience is all it takes to get through this. At this time, you can help the body by changing your diet to fresh or steamed vegetables, fruits and juices, as well as homemade soups. However, if symptoms persist, additional help may be needed to assist the body in the cleansing process. This help can be in the form of herbs or vitamins that correspond to the system you are cleaning. Symptoms in the nasal cavities, such as sinus drainage, excess mucus in the lungs, diarrhea, and vomiting, are symptoms of the system you are cleaning. A herbal supplement for the particular system would be fine.

When a “sickness” crisis occurs, chronic symptoms persist. If the body is full of mucus, the symptoms will last for weeks or even years. Chronic constipation or diarrhea is a crisis of “illness”. These nagging problems are the body’s way of telling you that it needs help to rid itself of toxins. A feeling of depression often accompanies a crisis of “illness”. When this is the case, it is time to get serious about performing a detox program. When you’re in this state, a juice detox is best. For several days, drink nothing but green drinks, fruit juices, and vegetable broths. Herbal teas and enemas may also be suitable. Enemas will be necessary if constipation is a problem. The body must have a way to eliminate the toxins that cause the problems.

After doing the juice detox for a few days, a diet of soft foods should be introduced for a period of time. A soft food diet consists of fruits and vegetables. Starchy vegetables should be baked, but other vegetables should be eaten raw. Dressings made with cold-pressed oils, vinegar or lemon juice and herbs are allowed, but processed dressings such as mayonnaise, French, or ranch are not allowed. No sugar, refined foods, eggs, dried beans, meat, peanuts, grains, French fries, or refined foods of any kind are allowed. Vegetables and fruits are the easiest foods to digest and provide the simple nutrients the body needs to heal and cleanse itself.