Feature:  Are You Ready to Cleanse?
Eric Reardon, MS, CNC

You've heard about the benefits and you may even know others who have done a cleanse. You think it would be a good thing to do but aren't sure how to do it and if you can find the time. Now is your chance and the best time of year to participate. Spring cleaning is in the air and it's also the best time to do internal cleaning and reduce your toxic load. Did you know that toxicity is connected to chronic disease? Yes it's true, many chronic diseases are actually caused in part by too much toxicity in the body. Cleansing is preventative maintenance and can reduce your risk of chronic disease.

Many times people are confused when they hear the word cleanse and associate it with fasting. It is not fasting and research shows it is even better than fasting as well as being easier on the body. Three of the most common questions about cleansing are listed below to help you understand its importance.

1. How do I know I need to cleanse?
Most people are in dire need of cleansing and the body has a way of letting you know. If you are experiencing fatigue, mood swings, muscle and joint problems, brain fog, heart burn, gas and bloating, constipation, excess weight, allergies, headaches, skin problems or sleep difficulties then you would benefit from cleansing. Even those who do not experience the above symptoms will benefit because of its value in prevention.

2. What is cleansing?
Cleansing is a process that involves both dietary and lifestyle changes that help reduce the amount of toxins we take in and also helps to eliminate those toxins from the body. One of the keys to good health is your ability to detoxify. Your body has built in detoxification mechanisms but these mechanisms become overburden and need help. Think of never changing your car's oil and what that would do to the engine over time.

3. What are the benefits of cleansing?
The benefits are different for each person but overall most people experience more energy-both mentally and physically, improved digestion, weight loss, decreased stress levels and a greater sense of well-being. Many people also become more aware of what they are eating and as a result have better eating habits once the cleanse is over.

Testimonials

I would recommend Eric's detox class to anyone interested in feeling better and being healthier. By following the guidelines, I feel so much better in ways I had never anticipated. Additionally, I lost weight, gained a sense of well being and the techniques I learned I can reuse over and over. My results were so compelling that I chose to continue on with personal nutrition counseling after the class so that I could really learn how to maximize my results for a lifetime.  -- M.W.
 
After 7 years of mild to moderate fibromyalgia symptoms daily-I have felt great for the last 12 days-no symptoms.
-- T.O.
 
The 3 week cleanse was a very beneficial experience. Not only did I lose 7 lbs, I gained insight, clarity of mind and a feeling of well being. I highly recommend this program to all-it is worth the experience. -- M.R.
 
After a few days on the cleanse, I was pain free from fibromyalgia. My thinking was clearer and an overall calm to my body was evident. Doing this cleanse made me see what a difference can be made by what foods you put into your body. -- K.P.