Body cleanse, a simpler approach.

Body Cleanse

Often we feel the need to cleanse our body, weather by an external influence such as reading an article or watching a video, or by the persistent feeling of "something isn't working in my body", there is no rule in here, yet you should know that your body is an excellent communicator and also knows how to detox itself, and nature with it's various change and offerings each season gives the hints & opportunities that yes, it's time to cleanse.

So let's agree that with each season we should listen carefully to the body as well as nature, looking at what's happening inside of us and what is available in the market as a local produce, but first let me make things easier for you, and list 9 main symptoms that tells you "You need to take an action"

1. Bloat

2. Sugar cravings

3. Constipation or bowel change

4. Gas

5. Skin problems

6. Lower energy

7. Bad breath

8. Food cravings especially ugar, carbs or processed food

9. Mood swings

There are of course more symptoms but these are the main ones, where your body is basically telling you, that the metabolism has changed or got affected wither by season, diet, lifestyle, stress...etc. Ayurveda teaches us that there are 4 types of agni ( digestive fire) or we can call it Digestive strength in the modern world.

Sama = Normal

Vishama = Irregular (related to vata)

Tikshna = Very strong ( related to pitta)

Manda = Slow/weak (related to kapha)

I will cover the 3 mentined doshas in other articles, however let me point out that whether you are vata pitta or kapha our aim here is to balance the digestive strength to achieve the sama agni, as all the other 3 are signs of imbalances.

As much as it seems complicated, the solution is very simple and should be simple and gradual. First things first "Water".

Water is a natural cleanser, your body knows how to heal itself and wants to, just give it the right tools and start with warm water, especially if your digestion is slow or irregular, the warm water especially in the morning will help you drop accumulated wastes out of your system through stool and urine, you might even notice some slimy substance in the stool.

In case you have the type of body that overheats easily, then stick to slightly warm or room temp water, and avid cold water as it weakens and dilutes digestive enzymes and encourages the overgrowth of candida.

Drink water first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before meals, sip warm water during meals not more than a 1/3, and 1 or 2 hours after a meal.

Avoid water fasts especially if you are a vata type, and eat a simple light diet that consists of the seasonal produce, and remember that cooked food means easier digestion and that fats are important for you to feel full and fulfilled.

Here is an infographic lists of seasonal produce:

I'd like to conclude this by saying, that you know what works for you, you know what food, lifestyle..etc that caused the feeling of blockage, so stop it, and gradually look at what nature offers you locally, a cleanse is simple, no need for buying so much stuff and imported superfoods, if your digestion is already weak, benefiting from these superfoods will go to waste! because you are what you digest, not what you eat! So increase digestion by warm water, and help absorption by giving your gut bacteria soft foods, and trust that the real superfoods that your body needs are available in the right amounts and quality, take charge of your life, health and budget.