We are approaching the ideal time of year to be performing a spring cleaning on our bodies. The health of the entire body is maintained when the detoxification systems are working properly. The following approach will assist all channels of elimination; including the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, bloodstream, skin, and lymphatic system. Regular bowel movements will ensure that the toxins being released from your cells are actually being fully removed from the body.

Your diet should consist of mostly whole, raw, live, fresh foods with the emphasis on fruits & vegetables, with small quantities of whole grains, legumes and poultry or fish. Many small, light meals throughout the day are helpful in easing the burden of overload.

Avoid sugar, black teas, coffee, potatoes, bananas, red meat, pork, chocolate, alcohol, diary, wheat, corn, pop, additives, preservatives and processed, pickled or smoked foods.

It is imperative that you drink plenty of pure, clean water to flush out the toxins - a lemon wedge squeezed in each glass is beneficial.

Aim to do something active every day - even 15 minutes of walking. This will assist with the lymphatic system drainage.

Saunas (dry, steam or infrared) or soaking in an Epsom salt bath once per week releases the toxins through the skin via perspiration.

Deep breathing for 10 minutes, once or twice per day clears the lungs and gives the entire body oxygen to clean up all the cells.

I recommend taking an herbal-fiber supplement during a cleanse - preferably one that contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber will absorb toxins and the insoluble fiber acts like a broom to sweep the colon clean and ensure that the toxins are being flushed out of the body.

Probiotics are important to reinstate the good bacteria in the gut.

Magnesium is crucial for peristalsis (relaxing the bowels for proper elimination). I do not suggest anything that stimulates the bowels artificially, such as laxatives, enemas or colonics - we do not want the colon to become lazy and dependent on these methods.

The idea behind fasting is to give the digestive organs a break and allow cleaning to take place uninterrupted, however, unless you are experienced with detox/cleansing, I do not recommend fasting due to blood sugar irregularities and the possibility of strong cleansing reactions. Sometimes the release of toxins can cause initial, mild discomfort such as headaches, nausea or brain fog - so progress slowly. Also, detoxifying is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

By following the correct protocol you should experience an increased sense of well-being, sustained energy throughout the day, clear skin, focused thinking, better digestion, peaceful & restful sleep, and feeling refreshed and alert upon awakening. You may experience weight loss (from fat, cellular debris and impacted fecal matter), balanced cholesterol readings and blood sugar regularity. The long-term benefits of detoxifying include improved immune functioning, hormone balancing and stress reduction.

If this is your first experience with detoxifying, I suggest you work with a qualified, natural health care practitioner to ensure your body is prepared and currently strong enough to handle a detoxification cleansing protocol.