I started by getting as many patients as possible to do my cleanse|detoxification protocol. This would allow me to give a talk on the benefits of doing a cleanse while reminding my patients the importance of food and the kinds of food that they should be eating every day.

Oprah mentioned several times the importance of eating consciously. Essentially being aware of what we are putting into our body and more importantly knowing what is in the foods and the source of the ingredients/food  we consume from the super market and the restaurants we frequent. This is key. Understanding the food available on super market shelves, meat/produce/dairy departments, and fast food restaurants, sadly is void of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins, but rather latent with chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics and hormones. Once an individual fully grasps the concept to eat by being fully aware of what they consume has an origin, the sooner maintaining healthy habits and good health can be attained.

The beauty of doing a cleanse is that not only will it benefit the detoxification pathways in the body, and as a result you’ll feel better, but you’ll also find that eating whole food, organic food during the cleanse will soon become (and desired) a lifetime commitment.

I encourage my patients to eat as much whole food, organic fruits, vegetables grains, and food in it’s most natural state. Consuming less packaged foods or preservative-filled foods, and eliminating anything with high fructose corn syrup. And to be sure to use these guidelines when purchasing produce, it is called “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Clean Fifteen”:

Dirty Dozen — Foods You Should Consume Organic

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Kale
11. Carrots
12. Potatoes

Clean Fifteen — Food Lowest in Pesticides

1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn (Frozen)
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas (Frozen)
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato

Once you become connected with the concept that “what your are is what you eat” the sooner you will find yourself on the path to better health and wellness. It is not just a mantra I use in my practice, but I also believe simply enough, a system of living that will greatly improve your quality of life.

In my medical practice, I recommend that my patients participate in a cleanse at least twice a year, making the beginning of the year an ideal time for implementing a detox protocol and a great new year’s resolution. Much like staying off a sprained ankle or nursing a sore throat, it makes sense to rest the main detoxification organ in the body — the liver.

The liver acts like a filter or a sieve for our blood. It works around the clock to ensure that everything that goes into your body especially harmful substances such as medications, alcohol, chemicals, and pollutants are safely and properly eliminated. On the other hand it also provides storage and conversion of vital nutrients (minerals, vitamins, sugars) delivering them as needed to cells through out the body. A highly functioning liver will also produce the necessary levels of bile that is needed for optimal digestion.

The benefits of a cleanse can be vary from individual to individual, but some of the common improvements include: improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, increased concentration and clarity and may even decrease the appearance of cellulite.

If the liver becomes compromised from constant exposure to these harmful substances then the filtering mechanism begins to get “clogged” and the by-products of these harmful substances can begin to accumulate in our system. This of course creates negative effect throughout the body such as headaches, fatigue, skin reactions, and digestive issues to name a few. This also compromises the livers ability to properly release important nutrients to their delivery sites where they play role in preventing disease or chronic illness.

So what is a detox? Quite simply a practice of supporting the liver’s ability to reduce unwanted metabolites (or toxins) from the body and properly eliminating them to be excreted by the intestines, colon and kidneys. My naturopathic approach to a post-holiday cleanse entails looking at many aspects of health. Usually I recommend patients eliminate ALL reactive foods (dairy, sugar, wheat, gluten, eggs) from the diet. Over the course of a cleanse I want ensure they get gentle yet effective support to their over-burdened liver and kidneys by introducing a medical grade protein drink. It is also vital to clean up the environment by removing or reducing exposure to common toxins. Switching over from harsh chemical-based products to natural based cleaning and hygiene products can easily help you to accomplish this.

Maintaining some level of physical activity (never increasing or starting up to a strenuous level), usually 30-minutes a day, practice meditative rituals using breathing techniques either to start the day or at the conclusion. Sleep is not only essential but next to water it is very important. The body does need rest and the sleep hours are when the body on so many levels can re-charge itself — so shoot to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night during the cleanse period.

“Water is the essence of life”. Not only should one be drinking plenty of purified water on a daily basis, but during a cleanse it is essential. Keeping hydrated will aid in proper elimination and excretion from all the organs. On a cleanse it is important to increase your intake of water by an additional 2-3 liters depending on your size. Typically one should drink enough water to produce colorless or slightly straw-yellow urine and to prevent becoming thirsty, as thirst is typically a sign that your are not adequately hydrated.

A typical cleanse can last anywhere from 7 to 21 days. If you decide to maintain a longer time frame or any type of fast, it is always best to work with a qualified health care practitioner. Pregnant and lactating women, children, extremely weakened individuals, anyone with an eating disorder or anyone with a chronic illness cannot participate in a detox.

So if you recently gave up chocolate or you goal is to lose those 10-15 extra pounds this year, consider starting off those New Year’s resolution with a cleanse, it may give you the extra bit of motivation and be the exact catalyst to make the New Year a new you!