Wondering what is flooding the internet these days? You guessed right. A ton of cleansing myths.
CLEANSING MYTHS – #1:
There is no need for cleansing since the liver easily detoxifies toxins from food, alcohol, and the environment.
TRUTH:
During ancient times, this may have been true.
However, in the last 50 years, the worldwide production of chemicals surpassed 80,000.
Combined with greater than before demands of our fast-paced lifestyle, the liver’s job of detoxification is far from easy.
What forces the liver to work 24/7?
- Endotoxins (created by a person’s own body)
- Exotoxins such as POPs (persistent organic pollutants)
- Heavy metals
- Xenoestrogens
CLEANSING MYTHS – #2:
Abdominal cramping and severe diarrhea are common side-effects on a cleanse.
TRUTH:
Uncomfortable side-effects like abdominal cramping and diarrhea can happen with aggressive cleansing programs that use harsh laxative ingredients.
My advice?
Consider the following, which can minimize cleansing reactions.
1. A fibre supplement made up of 50% soluble and 50% insoluble fibre may help absorb toxins which can be eliminated via stool.
2. Adequate water may help reduce headaches and gently move the bowels.
3. Specific herbal ingredients, such as triphala, may be used to cleanse the bowels.
In clinical practice, I avoid using Senna.
I often recommend these gentle cleansing ingredients:
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Rhubarb Root
- Cape Aloe Leaf
- The Ayurvedic treasure, Triphala
CLEANSING MYTHS – #3:
You must eliminate sugar, gluten, dairy, eggs, coffee, and alcohol on a cleanse.
TRUTH:
Herbs like Artichoke Leaf, Turmeric, and Milk Thistle help protect the cells of the liver (hepatoprotective) and stimulate bile flow, without the need to make drastic changes to the diet.
(FULL DISCLOSURE: healthy food choices will make your cleanse more effective)
CLEANSING MYTHS – #4:
You do not really lose weight. You just lose water, so the weight always comes back.
TRUTH:
When cleansing is done right, it can be very effective in achieving healthy, sustainable weight loss.
Since the liver is our number one fat burning organ, this organ plays a big role in metabolizing fat. The liver secretes bile (an alkaline digestive juice), which helps in the breakdown of fats.
So, when it comes to losing weight, liver cleansing is key.
CLEANSING MYTHS – #5:
Cleansing interrupts life and requires too much time.
TRUTH:
Many people think cleansing is difficult. Thanks to extreme diets, aggressive laxative herbs, and lengthy programs, cleansing has a bad rep.
I believe that cleansing should be a positive experience – enhancing a person’s life, not interrupting it.
Happy Cleansing!
Dr. Sara has appeared on multiple radio shows/podcasts, the W Network, Breakfast Television and CP24. For almost 5 years, she worked as the National Spokesperson for a well-known digestive wellness brand, educating across the globe on gut health. Dr. Sara has been named a rising star in Canada receiving the Generation Next award for her outstanding contribution to shaping the future of Canada’s grocery industry. She frequently contributes to large publications and has been published in Best Health Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Sweat Equity, Grocery Business, Inside Fitness, Canadian Living, Elevate, HELLO, and ELLE Canada.
Dr. Sara’s approach to healthcare is not as easy as taking a pill. The “quick-fix” approach is not one she subscribes to. While there’s a pill for just about everything, rarely do prescription drugs stop the course of disease - they merely mask symptoms. Dr. Sara believes true health requires a commitment from both the doctor and the patient.
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