Welcome to a Healthy New Year 2018
January 1, 2018

Welcome to a New Year. A common New Year’s resolution and one you may be considering for yourself is to incorporate a healthier lifestyle. We are here to help you keep that resolution. And a great place to begin the new healthier year is with a detox or, as some call it, cleansing.

I am not suggesting a fasting process, as there are much easier ways to help encourage your body’s natural detoxification processes without skipping meals.

Dangerous pollutants, chemicals, pesticides, additives etc.… are everywhere in our modern world, which is why it is more important than ever to support your body’s job of breaking down and excreting these harmful substances.

There are many products on the market formulated for just this purpose. To support the function of the body’s seven channels of elimination—the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood and bowel (or colon). Together, these vital organs and organ systems work nonstop to purge and eliminate harmful toxins from deep within the cells and tissues. Additionally, an effective total-body formula will help to clear the overall detoxification pathways in the body and jumpstart its natural cleansing ability.

How Do I Choose the Best Cleanse for My Needs?

There are several options when it comes to choosing a cleansing/detox product. Below are some general guidelines to help you choose which one may be right for you.

Gentle yet Effective.

• Choose a detoxification formula offering a gentler cleansing experience for novice cleansers or those who have not cleansed in a few years. Such products generally contain whole herbs, which are milder than deep-cleansing herbal extracts. Typically, first-time cleansing formulas last about two weeks and will include a mild colon cleanse to support healthy elimination.

Powerful Overall Support.

• For those familiar with cleansing, an advanced total-body cleanse is often the next step in the detoxification process. A more powerful formula will typically contain concentrated herbal extracts in addition to whole herbs and minerals for a more potent, deep-acting cleanse and should include both a morning formula and an evening formula to nourish and support the body’s 7 channels of elimination and provide a powerful colon cleanse.
  The morning formula may include herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root and hawthorn berry to support the liver—the primary detoxification organ—and the evening formula may contain a blend of cape aloe, rhubarb, slippery elm, fennel and other herbs to support healthy bowel function. These cleanses can last two weeks to a month.

More Power, Less Time.

• If your on-the-go lifestyle leaves little time for longer detox, a rapid cleansing formula may be the right choice for you. Generally, a 7-day program designed to jumpstart metabolism and provide swift cleansing action, this type of cleanse is also ideal for those about to begin a weight loss program, as it primes the body for optimum digestive function.
  Fast-acting cleansing products combine powerful detoxification herbs with beneficial vitamins and minerals to detoxify the body and replenish needed nutrient. An added fiber component can assist with toxin elimination and healthy bowel function.

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Cleanse

No matter what type of total-body formula you choose, herbal internal cleansing is an essential part of looking and feeling your best every day. It can be a great start to the new year, and a great start to a new you.

Brenda Valen, BS, CNC, CNHP

Gulf Coast Nutrition