Best cleansing regimen?

[OneGrassRoot]

Suggestions regarding your favorite, most effective overall cleansing regimen? I want to do a "system restore" and reboot.

:hippie:

Thanks in advance.

:grouphug:



edit for typo in subject line

[FirstLight]

1. good idea...mee too!

i am feeling so thrashed all the time, i don't know where to start...and i need to detox and get my bad habits GONE!

smoking, i don''t do it all the time, but it is still evil and bad, and my coughing is telling me that my bod has had enough
alcohol...well we know i have been overindulging and struggling with it, just stop already!

It's like every morning i have the desire to get back on track, but by evening i am just wanting to ZONE OUT and say screw it...
so ya, I will be watching for sugesstions too, thanks OGR for the thread :hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Healthy green smoothies, too....

I want to do a micro-alga supplement (which may replace all the others?) recommended by a brilliant ASAHer (http://www.bioage.com/bsf-formulas.html). I'm especially interested in this given the Japan nuclear disaster, and with my daughter going to Seattle.

A detox regimen and a good daily smoothie to make (that I can make easily, as I don't have a juicer or anything more intense) would be very helpful.

:hug: FirstLight!

:hi:

[arikara]

3. I am developing an avid interest in fermented foods

I was told years ago that we should eat something fermented every day but all I knew about it was dill pickles back then. It turns out that fermented foods are exceedingly healthy and cleansing. Some are readily available in the grocery store, and some are quite quick and easy to make yourself. I bought a couple of books on the process, "Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition and Craft of Live-Culture Foods" & "Preserving Food Without Freezing or Canning" both available on Amazon or my new favourite book store... bookdepository.com

For example, Miso is said to have properties that cleanse heavy metals and radiation. You can actually make it yourself, but its easier and cheap enough to buy a container of yummy organic miso from the grocery store. I read somewhere that after Japan was bombed, the people who ate lots of miso didn't get as sick from the radiation.

Kefir is something like yogurt, but actually has more probiotic properties and is quicker and easier to make yourself perpetually once you have some grains. These are available from people on the kefir yahoo groups, and possibly even on your local used*insertcityhere*.com site, but don't buy the stuff from the health food stores as that is not the living culture and doesn't contain all the benefits. I make it myself, and once I learn best how to ship the grains I will happy to share with people. Kefir is amazing stuff, I drink it straight up, use it to make smoothies, salad dressings, use it instead of yogurt (although it is much runnier) and even make a tasty cream cheese out of it. The whey that is left over from the cheese making is better for you than the whey powders that they sell in the health food store for big bucks. The whey can also be used to ferment other foods and if you wind up with too much you can even share it with your plants.

Here is the best info on kefir, pretty much everything else out there refers to Dom's site. http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html
Also some here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/kefir.html

Another good readily available fermented food is (real with the mother) apple cider vinegar for its valuable properties, lots of info here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar.html

When I can start harvesting my garden, I plan to do a lot of fermenting to preserve things this year.

[OneGrassRoot]

4. Wow, very interesting....

I used to eat a lot of miso soup in my early vegetarian days. There was a quick and easy recipe I'd make that had cabbage and carrots in miso. I'll get back to eating that. In fact, I need to return to many of the things I did originally, when I paid close attention as a newbie vegetarian.

:)

I often crave sauerkraut, so that would be my fermented food of choice.

I had NO IDEA that kefir originates from grains?! I do buy the kefir smoothies from the local health food store; bummer that it's not legit. :(

I'll check out the other sites. Thanks very much!

:hi:

[arikara]

8. I'm not sure what the health food store is selling for kefir to drink

maybe they use the real thing for their smoothies, but the stuff they sell to make it isn't the same as the living grains. If you try to re-use some for culture like you can with yogurt, it spoils.

btw... I don't know why they are called "grains", they are white and vary from the size of a seed to a good sized piece of cauliflower and have a kind of soft texture.

[OneGrassRoot]

10. Yeah, I've never seen (nor looked for) the live culture...

I've just seen the kefir drinks/smoothies themselves. Gotcha about the "grains."

:hi:

[FirstLight]

24. There are some body types that can't "do" frementation, too

and then there are those that have to steer clear of certain tannins and amino acids, so not all supplements and such are appropriate for all people.
I can't do any pro-biotics, because I am on immune suppressants and it will grow out of control. i assume that fermented things would cause a similar yeast reaction in my body.
Also can't do anything that involves mushrooms... though I can eat them here & there, the chemicals found in tomatoes and mushrooms (and potatoes, oh no!) causes my immune system to flare up and I get inflammation...all over

so ya, not really whining...just wanted to make others aware that when looking for something general like a cleanse or supplemental regimen, one has to remember to think about your meds, pre-existing conditions, and body types and tendencies towards allergens,etc.

some people can't do bee pollen either...I think that's a hayfever and allergy thing...

[OneGrassRoot]

33. Good point, FL...

Dang, I would have a huge problem not eating mushrooms. :( I hope you can find something that balances your system out for you so you're not so sensitive to such foods.

:hug:

BTW, the coffee thing is THE hardest thing for me. Honestly, I'm not so sure I believe coffee is that bad for us. I don't have any intention (for now, at least) of eliminating it permanently, just during a cleanse stage (though I haven't eliminated coffee yet...lol)

[Why Syzygy]

28. I am interested...

I would be interested when you do figure out how to ship. This is fascinating. Did your cream cheese recipe come from a book?

Do you know anything about the pH balance of fermented foods? I've been reading a bit about that.

Thanks for the great links!

[arikara]

59. If you are interested in trying it

check the yahoo groups on kefir. I think there are 3 of them, I'm on 2 and one is quite active. They share lots of info and if you tell the list where you are, someone may be in your area and be able to share some with you. Once you have it, there is no shortage for sharing because they increase quickly. You can pm me with your location though, we may be closer than we know.

I don't know for sure, but I've read comments that its like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar as it it starts out acidic but turns alkaline in the body.

As for the cream cheese, the links for Dom's site tell more. I just drip the kefir through an organic coffee filter to make my cheese, then throw in some sea salt, spices and garlic for flavour, or just eat it plain. I'm going to try a nylon stocking though the filters are a little delicate.

[Why Syzygy]

60. Thank you. I will do that.

I think you're right about the pH. I actually bought some coconut kefir this week. I've never seen it before. If someone doesn't use dairy, they can still have the kefir benefits!

[Flying Dream Blues]

5. I did the Master Cleanse and really had good results.

That's the one where you do the maple syrup/lemon juice/cayenne pepper drinks and lots of water along with some fiber supplements. This is a little intense for some people, (read: crazy, ha) but it really wasn't bad except for the first few days when your body is detoxing. After the first several days, it's strange but you start really thinking differently about food, in a good way. :)

Also regarding what someone said about fermented things, I love doing a "shot" of the organic apple cider vinegar at night (especially if I've had wine or other things not so good for me), and I really LOVE Kombucha, too.

I'm far from a perfect-health kind of person...I enjoy my indulgences but these things can really help get me back in balance.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. Apple cider vinegar

That is a popular cleanse ingredient! Interesting given the fermented food info from arikara above.

Oooooh, I'll check into Kombucha, too!

Thanks. :hi:

[Melissa G]

6. Here is my favorite (so far) cleanse

It takes 10 days. I figure I can do anything for 10 days. There are herbs with it, but they are expensive, so I blow them off.

Day 1-2: One is allowed Any fruit, nut, seed or vegetable, quinoa or millet.

Day 3,4,5: Same as above, but no nuts. Add a liver cleanse which has citrus, parsley, olive oil and garlic in it (yuck) One glass each day.

Day 6,7,8: Three days of only green food. (onions and garlic are also allowed)

Day 9,10: Same as Day 1-2

Worked for me. The more raw food, the more intense the cleanse. More cooked, less.

I'm doing a blood type diet this week. I'm avoiding wheat, corn and dairy. Sigh...

My daughter is flying to Seattle tomorrow for a week to see if she wants to move there. Needless to say, the mom unit is opposed to the idea.

[OneGrassRoot]

12. "mom unit"....lol

I hear ya! :hug:

Thanks for sharing your cleanse regimen. Oddly, the citrus, parsley, olive oil and garlic drink appeals to me. ;) I'm eating a lot of nasturtium; the flowers and leaves have gallbladder/liver cleansing properties, and periodically take dandelion root and milk thistle for the same. It an only help so much when my general diet needs ravamped, however.

:eyes:

[Kind of Blue]

7. Thanks for the thread, OGR.

This has been on my mind for a week now :thumbsup:

[OneGrassRoot]

13. ...

:hug:

You're welcome. :)

[Celebration]

9. I agree with KOB

After eating what my husband has had to feed me I think I am ready for a master cleanse, too!

Thanks for the thread...............

Good luck with your cleanse!

[OneGrassRoot]

14. You poor thing...

I hope your recovery is much faster than anticipated. Relying on others for so many basic activities of daily life must be such a challenge; no doubt some good lessons come along with the challenge. :)

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[findrskeep]

15. Doing a cleanse has been on my mind for WEEKS now...

there must be a reason we've all been thinking about it. I love doing a juice fast. I've done 3 six day fasts in the past and I can't tell you how AMAZING you feel. After the 2nd day, you're not hungry at all and the feeling you have is incredible. I've been wanting to do a longer one. So is anyone up for us all starting the cleanse of our choice at the same time and doing it together?? We could all support and motivate each other!

[OneGrassRoot]

17. That sounds great!!!

I don't have a specific plan as yet other than getting organic apple cider vinegar today. I'm going to start taking that right away.

I know I need to cut out my near daily small glass of wine (boo-hoo), coffee (boo-hoo-hoo-hoo), and then eliminate the other things in the diet that are bad (any refined foods, sugars).

Maybe I should go cold turkey? I don't know...I'm pretty cranky as it is, so I could go ballistic if I lose my coffee. Maybe I could make myself do three minutes on the rebounder and/or elliptical (thus far acting as a repository for jackets) when I feel myself ready to explode.


:evilgrin:

[Flying Dream Blues]

19. For a good coffee substitute, you might try

Yerba Mate. It isn't going to taste like coffee, but it gives you a really nice lift. I'm really sensitive to caffeine and I found it gave me the same energy and focus as coffee without the jitters. It seems to be allowed on many cleanse diets.

Good luck!
:hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

21. I have a box of that and have yet to try it.

Thanks for the reminder. I'll substitute that.

In fact, I think I'll start with removing the coffee ASAP.

:hug:

[FirstLight]

25. can't ....stop....coffee!!!!!

waaaaa...!

I haven't fasted in a decade, I just know i need to get a bit cleaner if I plan on having surgery by the end of summer...

The next eclipse is this wed and then the first of July...

anyone want to start a thread and do a 'group cleanse'

that could be good for us ;)

:hug:

[Celebration]

16. so far my cleanse has been................

grapes and yoghurt!

Seriously, while I am laying around I should probably do a REAL cleanse, or at least in a week or two.

Cleanses are really good ideas, but crazy diets aren't. Sometimes it is hard to draw the line........

[OneGrassRoot]

18. True....

I've thought about doing this, that and the other, but I've never been a "diet" person. When I got in shape and was the healthiest, I simply changed my lifestyle -- in a reasonable way -- and stuck with it. I ate very healthy 6 out of 7 days a week, and allowed myself one day to splurge on whatever. I think I tried to fast one of the seven days, too; I don't recall that I was very successful in that regard...lol. And walking daily.

Simple.

Yet they are things I have not been able to do at all these last few years. Now that Taylor has graduated, even though it'll still be chaotic over the summer, I'm determined to take my life back and regain control over my health, dammit!!! I may be one of those people who runs away for a few weeks. Gawd, I so want to run away......

:bounce:

[findrskeep]

20. Ok, well I just spoke to a friend who's been wanting to diet

with me and I've convinced her to do a juice fast with me. Right now we are planning on starting on Saturday. I have loads of information on juicing that I could post if anyone is interested. So, OGR...do you think you'd want to start a fast this coming Saturday? Maybe we could make another thread devoted to fasting for everyone who wants to do it...I SO need to do this! I think if we had several of us doing it, that would keep us all motivated.

[OneGrassRoot]

22. I'm not sure I can do full-on juice fasting....

CLEANSING and greatly reducing intake is one thing, but I'm honestly not sure I can FAST for three days. Maybe if I can cut out some of the worst things (coffee, sugar, wine) in the next few days a fast may seem more realistic.

I can commit to a hardcore cleanse as of Saturday though, even if not a fast. :)

Also, I don't have a juicer so doing juice drinks and smoothies aren't doable for me. Maybe there are decent over-the-counter juices at Whole Foods or something I could drink instead during the fast? The kefir drinks are of interest to me for that.

[Celebration]

23. That sounds like a good idea.

I quit coffee and wine with this injury. I had two glasses last night and now I realize I haven't been missing much. Whole foods here has a juice bar but I don't think that all of them do.

[findrskeep]

26. Here's a great website that has lots of info and plans

for juicing. Not all plans include just juicing. You can eat veggies and fruit too and some of it can be cooked too.

jointhereboot

[OneGrassRoot]

30. Thanks!

:hug:

[Melissa G]

29. Greens Plus is a drink carried by Whole Foods that one of my staff likes.

I was thinking of picking it up.

I am on my third day of the Blood type O diet. Mostly no wheat, no corn and no dairy. :cry: I do feel better and am trying to go a week. I'll see if I want to go longer after that.

One of the most important things to do is drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.Example:
120 lbs=60 oz water.

[OneGrassRoot]

31. I'll check that out.

Wow, I've never heard of that diet. My biggest downfall of those three items you mention is cheese, but there are cheese substitutes to try. :)

Good luck, Melissa G....:hug:

[Melissa G]

34. To do this diet you need to know your blood type.

If you are blood type A, B or AB you should not do a blood type O diet. There are diets for the other types. I'm not totally convinced of the science behind these diets, but I will tel you my husband has lost 5 lbs in 3 days so far doing this. I'm feeling better, but I don't have a lot to lose weight wise anyway. I'm just doing this for a week as an experiment.

http://www.dadamo.com/typebase4/typeindexer.htm

[Matariki]

47. Oh, let me know how your blood type diet goes

Mine is type A and I kind of adopted the diet years ago. Actually, I was already kind of eating that way, so 'adopting' might be a misnomer. I did reduce the amount of dairy I was eating, although now my doctor wants me to eat more dairy for the calcium.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

27. Not technically a cleanse, but...mud

Great Plains bentonite.

This is liquid mud. You drink a bit of it each day and then have a glass of water with psyllium husks in it.
This will combine in your stomach and take out toxins.

Cheap site: www.vitacost.com

[OneGrassRoot]

32. WOW!

I've never heard of anything like this. A mud cleanse!!!

Makes sense though. I'll check this out as well.

Thanks much. :hug:

[Kind of Blue]

38. Years ago, I got a hankering for clay.

The desire for it just popped up out of nowhere. Told my mother about it and she said it's a regular thing in our culture. Went to the Spanish/African store and there it was, imported for ingesting. It was delicious but after a few months I lost the need for it.

I think this is the way I'll go. It just feels natural and so glad there's more written about its use as a cleanser, like French clay and Kaolin clay.

Thanks for the reminder, M_o_L! :thumbsup:

[OneGrassRoot]

39. There's a condition called pica...

They call it a "disorder" but I believe much of it is based on the lack of nutrients and minerals in the modern diet, and our bodies exhibiting this deficiency with seemingly odd cravings. Dirt is a common pica craving.

Until MOL mentioned it, I had never heard of a mud cleanse. Fascinating!

:thumbsup:

[Kind of Blue]

40. Ooh, thanks! I wondered

where the need came from. I've got to look it up. I'm finding tons on clay cleansing. There's one called the 3-Day Earth Diet that looks good.

I can't believe I'm looking forward to this :rofl:

on edit: just found could be due to loss of iron. at the time of the craving, I was dealing with horrible fibroids that definitely caused my anemia. Oh, vey!

"While IDA (iron deficiency anemia) is usually easily treated with iron supplements, it is often overlooked. There are a wide variety of symptoms associated with IDA... Some unusual symptoms include brittle nails (sometimes with a concave shape), decreased appetite (especially in children), or cravings for ice or unusual non-food substances like clay or chalk (this is called pica)." http://www.drdonnica.com/today/00009165.htm

Makes sense!

[OneGrassRoot]

41. I just got back with bentonite clay cleanse!

And "Quantum Wellness" -- a book I got from the library with (I hope) recipes that cut out all the bad stuff. It's a 21-day diet to wellness.

:bounce:

[Kind of Blue]

43. OGR, I have been reading a lot of research for hours

on bentonite! It is definitely the way for me to go too. And here I thought I was KaRayZy eating clay. I've read university research from Arizona, Tennessee, even my alma matar in D.C., Canada, U.K., Australia, NIH-funded research, et cetera, et cetera.
:bounce:

[Why Syzygy]

56. I love the Earth Diet!!!

I haven't exactly fully implemented yet. But I'm feeling a lot of energy from the Intentions. I really like the attitude of the site.
http://www.theearthdiet.org/free-3-day-cleanse.html
I'm going to sub ACV for the lemon, and I have been averse to drinking it. BUT I just made garlic coleslaw and the ACV smelled very good.

I feel myself becoming more aware of what I put in my mouth. There's something going on inside on a deep level. I haven't felt this way in a very long time. I find it so hard to change. This one sparks the power to change. At least this is what I'm getting so far.

I've been looking for the right eating plan for me. I've been reading books for about a year. I just discovered "Serotonin Power Diet". I don't like her low-fat and low-cal approach. But the meal constructions have potential. I crave carbs and they are my hound :P This way, to start out there are three carb diet snacks through the day. (I L.O.V.E. the recipes on the Earth Diet site.) The dieter eats protein at breakfast and a larger serving at lunch. For dinner there are only carbs and veges allowed. It's about the Serotonin being able to cross the brain barrier. Protein slows it down, carbs facilitate.

In the book she also has stupid snacks like Cheerios. I haven't read the label yet, but I betcha that's something I don't want to eat. So I'm going to have to do some carb count conversions to pick the right snacks.

I'm going to do a combo of these two plans. I think the reason I didn't age much was because in my early twenties I ate clean. Baked bread. It was very healthy. Of course since then, ahem. I've been all fired up about cooking for the past several months. Trying new recipes all the time. I love the Pioneer Woman website.

If my Serotonin perks up, what will I do with all this energy!! :bounce:

[OneGrassRoot]

57. Wow, I REALLY appreciate these links!!!

I'm going to check out everything you've mentioned, 'cause all of it appeals to me, too. If you have any more links along these lines, please share.

Awesome. Thanks. :)

:thumbsup:

[Why Syzygy]

61. I can't take credit ..

KOB posted the link for the Earth Diet above. :) I like the serotonin diet because the authors don't sell anything. I have other books that offer supplements, etc. I would rather use the brands I've tried and tested.

[Kind of Blue]

58. That's the exact site I was inspecting!

I always add lemon to my water, otherwise forget about drinking water. Yum, garlic coleslaw sounds delish!
Got a vegetarian child at home so we eat so Much fruits and vegetables (yuck). Don't fry much - even fried chicken is baked to a crisp. So I've decided that I straight up just need the bentonite. I'm going to drink it and rub it all over me body.
Stupid snacks :rofl: I've been loving Greek yogurt for months now. I have to check if that's considered a good snack. Well, maybe I don't care - I just love it.

Anyway, I think you're going to spread the love, Why Syzygy. Just spread all that good energy! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Why Syzygy]

62. I know!

I got the Earth Diet link from your post above!

It is going to depend who you ask whether or not Greek yogurt is healthy. I think so as long as there is no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
I've been reading the pH balance diet book. I will use the pH information. But he contends that any bacteria in the gut is abnormal. There is NO substantiation supporting that stance. So I've had to conclude he is wrong about that. He also doesn't like enzymes. I take papaya, and there is no way I can believe that fruit enzymes are going to 'digest' my stomach lining! HCL might be a different matter... but that isn't an enzyme. It's an acid. I can probably review just about any diet since I've been so immersed in them. I never bought a diet book until about a year ago.

This is a nifty site > http://www.everydiet.org

[Kind of Blue]

63. D'uh!

:rofl: I totally forgot.
Thanks for the link, Why Syzygy. I love papaya. Have some beautiful ones and eat them like apples - including the skin. I used to take the papaya enzymes but gave them up for the fruit - never hurt my stomach.

[Kind of Blue]

67. Nuts and Yogurt. Fascinating report covered yesterday at

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=137376133&m=137364687 "Trying To Lose Weight? Study May Have Some Pointers," by the Harvard School of Public health tracking 120,000 people over 20 years, showing nuts and yogurt were most closely correlated with accelerating weight loss because they're highly satiating. A lot of what we already know but yogurt was a surprise for the researchers.

I like this report because even though it's about weight loss, it's really good to understand how food is processed in the body so that we don't fight what we crave but choose alternatives that do not promote weight gain, if you're not on a weight loss diet.

And I found that the Greek yogurt is much better than the regular - that wasn't in the report though :)

[OneGrassRoot]

68. Ooooh, yay!

I just had healthy pumpkin seed-nut granola mixed in kefir (a consistency which is in between milk and yogurt). It IS satiating!

I'll have to check out Greek yogurt.

One snack I LOVE in the summertime is boiled peanuts (those of you not in the South may have never heard of it). I've always had a connection to the South (was born in Alabama and have always had family there, though I grew up in Pittsburgh), so I have had a love affair with boiled peanuts for my entire life.

I was trying to find out how healthy or unhealthy they are. From the links I read yesterday, boiled peanuts are the healthiest form of peanuts (versus raw and roasted), as the boiling process releases antioxidants to be more readily available and they're lower in fat (not sure why?). If they are boiled in too much salt, however, that's a downside. And, if one eats too many, that's never good.

:eyes:

I really need crunchy, salty snacks. That's one of my downfalls. In trying to find healthy alternatives, I stumbled upon recipes for "kale chips" (yum!!!) and roasted okay (again, yum!!!). Roasting veggies until they have a crispy texture -- simply lightly coated with olive oil and seasonings -- sounds like a plan for me. Gonna try this weekend. Same thing for chick peas -- that's an awesome snack.

:thumbsup:

:hug:

[Kind of Blue]

70. I love ya for starting this thread.

I like this young girl's comparison - she's got it right and I liked her looking cute at the gym video - cracked me up :rofl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALfdm2wONXg

edit: sorry, forgot to say that it's about comparing regular and Greek yogurts.

[Why Syzygy]

69. Thanks KoB

I'm reading http://www.chefmd.com/ Chef MD right now. I like it! Did I mention I've been researching diet/eating plans (my preferred term) for at least the past year? lol THIS is the one. As usual, I have to combine a few. So, I'll incorporate the serotonin booster and do the Earth cleanse for at least three days. I finally have a plan!

Chef MD teaches how to get the most from foods. For example, did you know you should buy the veges at the top of the pile? They've been exposed to more light and it actually boosts their nutrient content! He has a lot of tips like that. I think a lot of over eating is triggered by not getting enough actual nutritional support.

I'm going to listen to the NPR. Thanks for that!

[Kind of Blue]

71. ChefMD, what a wonderful site.

I love it! Salmon with mango-avocado salsa - I must make that. Three of my favorites in one meal.
Thanks you, Why Syzygy!!!

[FirstLight]

35. A question about *STARTING*

I have some cleansing supplements i have used here & there...never enough or for a thorough enough cleanse.
also have some good dandelion and milk thistle tea, etc...

SOOOO If i am gonna start TODAY, or even TOMORROW... should i prep first?
should i eat 'normally' today (weaning off the fats and carbs) and drink my water and tea and ease into the cleanse?

or is it better to just jump in both feet and commit to three days of intensity?

what seems to be the best way to make a BIG shift?

"....you guys, I am *so* seriously." (as Cartman would say :P )

[Matariki]

36. Exercise!

And a good diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.

[OneGrassRoot]

37. Raw, organic apple cider vinegar....

I've only cut out wine thus far and am being even more mindful but far from perfect, and certainly not fasting.

Over the last two days, however, I have been having apple cider vinegar (in filtered water). I'd say I'm drinking what equates to two tablespoons diluted in 32 ounces of water throughout the day (and drinking more plain water in addition), first thing in the morning, a bit before I do eat anything, and in the evening.

I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but within hours of taking it the first day I started to have noticeable sinus drainage and other symptoms of releasing toxins. Now, to try to REALLY cut out other stuff and see what it does when not competing with other foods being ingested.

Just sharing.

:thumbsup:

[Matariki]

42. I'm skeptical of "cleansing regimens"

From experience and observation of people who do them, I don't think detox diets do anything. They just seem like wishful thinking and a quest for a fast working magic bullet. At worst they're bad for you. Of course if you are talking about cutting out fried foods, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine for a while - well, that's another story. But fasting on maple syrup - I think that's not very sensible.

I was serious about suggesting exercise - that's the very best way to 'reboot' you system and build energy. That and a good diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/AN01334
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-purging-myths

[OneGrassRoot]

44. I'm not a "diet" fan....

Though I think everyone is so different that what works for one person, may not work for another. It's very individual.

Still, I'm also not a fan of diets which are time-limited. As soon as we don't do whatever it was that encouraged the weight loss, it seems like common sense that the weight will come back on if we haven't made lifestyle changes.

I believe we have to make a lifestyle change in how we eat, to incorporate exercise as best we can, etc. Some people are limited in the exercise department for different reasons, however (post-surgery, back pain, fasciitis issues).

Anyway, I do feel a cleanse -- depending on the cleanse -- can be helpful to rid the body of toxins. No doubt it should be done with a healthy eating and exercise regimen if possible. I don't view a cleanse as a "diet," although certain cleanses may be just that and I likely wouldn't be drawn to them.

Personally, I'm not sure how I feel about fasts or eating or ingesting only one thing for days. Again, I think it's probably a very good thing for some, but for me I've always had a sense that a sharp "jolt" like that to the metabolism may not be a great thing and that a sensible eating regimen, and sensible exercise, is best.

A cleansing regimen such that I was asking about in the OP, however, is a very different matter to me. I don't see it as a diet, I see it as a regimen, using herbs or whatever, that aren't incorporated into our daily regimen. It's a short-term means of helping to rid the body of toxins and jumpstart wellness (or reboot or something like that...lol), and is rather useless, imho, if it's not done in conjunction with the intention to have a healthy eating and exercise regimen during and after the cleanse itself.

I think a one-day juice fast each week, for example, can be a positive thing, if one's system can handle it okay.

Just my two cents.

:hi:

[Matariki]

46. Oh, I see what you mean.

Adding herbs like a tonic makes sense. I just meant I'm skeptical of lengthy fasts, the kind where people justify feeling utterly lousy by saying it's their bodies "getting rid of toxins". There isn't any reliable evidence supporting those sort of regimens.

[OneGrassRoot]

45. AN ODD (?) SUGGESTION.....

I'd just like to suggest that for those of us undertaking a "cleansing" regimen, in whatever form we choose to do so, we do it with the mindfulness of not only healing ourselves, but healing Mother Earth as well. Envisioning Her being cleansed simultaneously.

As above, so below...or something like that. ;)

:grouphug:

[Kind of Blue]

48. Amen to that! n/t

[FirstLight]

49. really good idea...

i am thinking for me ...starting Monday

I asked upthread about starting, whether to just start crash course style or ease into it... any input?

[OneGrassRoot]

50. I wondered the same....

and, like most things, it's probably an individual choice.

If I do anything drastic, it tends to not work as well for me and I don't maintain it well. Easing into things works best for me, personally.

So, I started the bentonite cleanse today, I'm going to continue to drink water with a little bit of apple cider vinegary (that will likely become part of an almost daily routine for me...it really clears the sinuses and congestion), and I just made boiled cabbage w/garlic and onions that I'll eat on, which is both a comfort food to me and also healthy and "cleansing" in and of itself.

I'm going to try really hard not to have any of the things we've all talked about eliminating (alcohol, caffeine, sugars, any processed food, even dairy) for one week. I'm hoping that will remove cravings and I won't be inclined to have them in my diet henceforth. I mentioned upthread that the best regimen that worked for me, years ago, was to eat really healthy six out of seven days a week and allow myself one day to have whatever I wanted -- not gorge one day...lol...but have whatever I wanted as part of that day's food/beverage intake.

We'll see if that can work for me again....

;)

:hug:

[FirstLight]

51. again, really good idea...

I started some minor changes this morning...
not quitting coffee, but that's a given :P

I am taking my Liver detox this morning, and my evening cleanse tonight
had a fruit smoothie and toast for brekky

just trying to eat more salad and such this weekend, water and walking with the kids, working in the yard...
and this evening is going to be a big heave-ho for shifting
got work stuff to do, so maybe i will sit in bed and do computer stuff till i get sleepy

anyway, maybe we can start a new thread monday and keep reporting our progress...

[OneGrassRoot]

52. Good luck!

Mark planted a garden this year, and greens were part of it. I've tried greens before and once it got hot, they went kaput. But he did greens in more of a container garden outside -- I mean like 5" pots, but quite a few of them -- and I can't believe how bountiful they are! He's extra careful how he harvests them, being careful not to take too much (I wouldn't have the patience for that...lol), but there's no end in sight and I'm getting a freezer bag's worth every 3-4 days. The really cool thing is that after I wash them thoroughly and put them in a freezer bag, they keep MUCH better and longer than store bought greens in a bag.

As for flavor, there's no comparison.

There are so many types -- I guess a spring mix type of thing -- and it's so flavorful, we simply must figure out a way to continue this indoors during the winter. I'm hoping he can construct a makeshift inexpensive greenhouse or something. I'm super spoiled having delicious salad at the ready any time I want now.

We're also growing nasturtium, which are edible. The flowers and leaves are YUMMY and good for cleansing the gallbladder and liver.

Yay!

:bounce:

I don't know why I haven't dropped 20 lbs already.

:rofl:

[Melissa G]

53. Hi OGR and Clay cleansers,

I did a lot of clay cleansing and clay packs in the past. Any time you use clay it steals water from your body. Such is the nature of clay. I love clay, but you have to drink WAY more water if you do it. Normal water intake should be half your body weight in ounces. Drink more than that with clay.

I was doing a lot of clay facials at one point and probably not enough water. I developed hard, small lumps under my skin from that process.

Also, charcoal steals nutrients as it detoxes. I'm not convinced that clay does not take nutrients out as well. Something to consider.

My husband is doing great on our Blood type O diet. I'm seeing less change than he is, but then again I had less need of it.

:grouphug:

[OneGrassRoot]

54. I read that in the info regarding bentonite, Melissa G.....

I think any intense internal cleansing of this type can leach nutrients in the process -- one reason I wouldn't do anything for any length of time. I hear ya. :)

And, yes, about drinking much more water than usual!

The blood type diet is really interesting. I never heard of that before you mentioned it. It makes a lot of sense though. Please keep us posted with that.

:hug:

[Melissa G]

55. Salt scrub and clay pack parties are a really fun way to detox!

A bunch of my yogini (feminine of yogi) friends and I go to a place out on the river and scrub ourselves down with salt or sugar scrubs and then jump in the river then we paint ourselves in clay, let it dry, brush it off and then jump in the river. Tons of fun spa day! :hug:

[FirstLight]

64. ...got another *zing* from the Universe...

down to 2 cigarettes ...hope NOT to buy any more till next week at least , ya well, maybe too ambitious

green smoothie ingredients in the fridge for morning and salad for dinner, with 'some' pizza

going to meditation/healing/class tonite, we'll see what comes up (been weepy today, 2nd & 3rd chakra flaring)

the drive home will be a test of will, not to stop by the store & grab a beer for later...
just come home & read or something, cable is out, so TV is limited at least

*cross fingers* here's to being healthier and in more alignment with my Self

(hoping to upgrade my contract with higher self in deep meditation tonite too...that should help)

[findrskeep]

65. I'm on DAY 5 of my juice fast!

My hubby is doing it with me which makes things a lot easier. I'm down 10lbs since Sunday!!

[OneGrassRoot]

66. ...

:applause:

:bounce:

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

72. Healthy salty, crunchy snack? KALE CHIPS!!!!

OMG, OMG, OMG....

:bounce:

I'm so excited!

I crave salty, crunchy snacks and most are too fattening to have much of them without feeling guilty.

I read about kale chips and gave it a try. SO easy and SO YUMMY!!!!

You simply tear (or cut) bite-size pieces from the center stalk, lightly coat in olive oil and sprinkle with salt, and bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes, until the tips of the leaves start to roast.

They are crunchy and awesome!

I'm trying to do the same with okra but haven't gotten them crunchy yet. ;)

Now I need something sweet, and I just remembered I got a watermelon at the local farmer's market this morning

:bounce:

[Melissa G]

73. Kale 'Crack'

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/617694

There is a company in Austin that makes it with turmeric or maybe curry in a dehydrator. Delish, but too expensive at 7 plus bucks for a small bag. Love it, though! Need to try some this week! :loveya:

[OneGrassRoot]

74. Turmeric! I'm ready to experiment with more flavors....something spicey...

that may do the trick!

I got a HUGE bag for $2. It will make several gallon bags' worth of kale chips. Of course, I'll make it gradually.

It IS addicting!

:hi:

[findrskeep]

75. OGR...we used to do raw food, i.e. living foods...

hence one of the reasons I'm doing a juice fast, so I can transition easily back to raw foods...(Day 7 BTW!) Anyway, one of my "specialties" was dehydrated kale chips. You dehydrate them so that you don't kill any of the nutrients and enzymes, therefore keeping them "live". If you don't have a dehydrator, do them in the oven, on the lowest setting, with the oven door cracked. It will take a few hours so keep an eye on them. They will be ready when the edges curl. (FYI, when I do them in the dehydrator, I do 115 degrees overnight) Enzymes start to die at 120 degrees.

Now, if you REALLY want to have an awesome kale chip...here's what I coat them with. Get some raw cashews, pumpkin seeds and you can even add in some raw sunflower seeds. You can get these on the bulk food isle of Whole Foods if you have one of those near you. Soak the cashews in water for 2 hours. Then put them in a food processor along with the pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds. I would use about half a cup of cashews per bunch of kale. Lesser amounts of the seeds. That will keep the calories lower. Then add in an onion, fresh garlic, a red pepper, celery (any watery veggie to add water to the mix) and a dash of olive oil. Add sea salt/pepper to taste If the mix it too thick still, add in more celery (high water content) or add a bit of spring or filtered water to get the mix to a level where you can coat the kale easily. Last but not least, add in about 1/2 a cup of Nutritional Yeast. It's SO good for you. Loaded with B vitamins, regulates blood sugar, and it's a compete protein with all the amino acids! But the most important thing is it tastes like CHEESE, so your kale chips will have a delicious cheesy flavor..omg, they are SO GOOD..my kid beg for them!

Make WAY more of these than you think you'll need because you cannot believe how delicious they are and ADDICTIVE!

[OneGrassRoot]

76. Oh wow.....

Now a dehydrator is on my wishlist (though I'm not sure where I'd put it?). Along with a juicer. I used to have a Vitamix but lost it in the divorce a decade ago. Along with the breadmaker. Along with everything except for my Miele vacuum cleaner.

I'll have to do the slow-roast oven thing for now.

:rofl:

Dear Goddess, that recipe sounds DIVINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like you could put a nice little recipe book together yourself, findrskeepI Please let me know if you do.

OMG, we could put together an ASAH recipe book.

:bounce:

Thanks for all the wonderful info. Much appreciated. :loveya:

[MagickMuffin]

77. Whew, reading through this thread was very imformative

At first I thought you might be talking about a psychic cleansing, but soon found out it was more about food intake.


There are a lot of good info here.


For those who still like or need a pretty easy and very good for you Fruit Smoothie or as I like to refer to it "soft serve fruit ice cream" I have done this in the past. My freezer is on the brink of disrepair so I haven't been able to make them anymore.


For this you need frozen fruit. I preferred Black Cherries, Peaches, Blueberries. Whatever fruit you like should work. You just have to make sure they are rock hard frozen.

Add frozen fruit to blender, add enough soy milk just to get the fruit mixable, along with a tablespoon of sugar. When you notice it is whipped up it is ready to gobble up.




A blend of Black Cherries, and Peaches


Sheesh, I wish my freezer was working. Seeing this pic makes me want one.

:hi: to everyone