Benefits of a body cleanse

Have you ever tried a body cleanse? I am not talking about taking a "detox" pill and then going and eating processed junk for lunch. Nor am I talking about a complete fast. I am talking about a system designed that helps you clean out your body's toxins and lets your liver and digestive system take a break. One commonly used cleanse system is the infamous homemade maple syrup drink (otherwise known as the Master Cleanse: http://www.google.com/search?q=master+cleanse&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a . Another great option that I prefer is Isagenix cleanse drinks: http://www.isagenixcleanse.net/. Note that both of these systems are designed differently and you must use wise judgment in choosing the best option for YOU. I have tried both, and I see benefits to both. The Master Cleanse is home-made and the ingredients are readily accessible. However, the price is probably about the same as Isagenix if you are buying all of the ingredients. I like Isagenix better because I prefer the taste, and I am not left with hunger pangs as sometimes experienced with the Master Cleanse.

As a new cleanser, I suggest only doing the cleanse for one day. Usually this consists of NO caffeine, tobacco or other similar substance. If you must use one of these substances, do so sparingly. Note that the whole idea of this is to give your body a BREAK, so you're only cheating yourself if you cheat :)

Typically on a cleanse day, eating actual food is recommended at a minimum. The only food you should eat is a few small handfuls of almonds throughout the day if you are experiencing hunger pangs, maybe a small piece of dark chocolate, and a few slices of pear. Herbal tea is okay and will help you fall asleep the night of your cleanse. You will awake the next day feeling a new sense of energy and your body will feel clean. Cravings will usually go away in addition. Use this time to treat your body to healthy foods, which your body will start to crave in place of junk. Just try it for yourself and see that it works!!

A few recommendations:
- Take a fiber tablet before going to bed on your cleanse day. This will aide in the flushing process the next day. (Don't worry, you will not experience diarrhea, but perhaps a larger bowel movement than normal that may be black or green)
-Do not binge eat or drink alcohol the day before the cleanse, the day of or the day after.
-Smoking should be at a minimum or best not at all the day of the cleanse. Same with caffeine.
-Repeat the cleanse once or twice a month for three months.