Simply Woman! by Crystal Andrus

Most of us are aware that toxins such as nicotine and pesticides are pollutants that cause harm to our bodies. While these are two of the most obvious and dangerous ones, toxins come in many forms that are often overlooked. A toxic relationship or job can seriously impair our immune systems and cause damage to our bodies. Similarly, too much stress and lack of relaxation can put us into toxic overload, causing premature aging and an endless list of ailments.
In the right frame of mind, detoxification can truly be a time to connect with your higher self. Stress reduction, adequate sleep, supplementation, bathing, and meditation are also important. As outlined in Simply…Woman!, a three-day juice detox can have your body singing to the heavens. It is a very detailed process, so don’t attempt it unless you are prepared to encompass the entire experience.
Your three-day detox
Choose three consecutive days that are as stress free as possible. Try to do your detox over a weekend, or when you can get up and go to bed an hour earlier than normal. You need plenty of sleep at night and solitary time in the morning. During the detox, focus on all the beauty and goodness that surrounds you. Take a break from the news as well; avoid newspapers, radio, and TV. Read at least one book or story that is uplifting or empowering, and try meditating – it is the most effective way to spark your intuition. Elevate yourself to a higher level, and don’t worry if it sounds self righteous. You are simply making the choice to eliminate negative and energy-draining things from your life, and electing instead to surround yourself with positive energy.
Nutrition
Leading into your detox, eat plenty of green salads and fresh fruits, and drink lots of water and herbal tea to mitigate the discomfort of the body chemistry changes initiated by the detox. During the three-day cleanse, avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, and red meat, as well as all dairy products, protein, and cooked foods. These are all difficult to digest, and you want to give your system a chance to rest and heal.
The ideal technique for a successful detox is to drink fresh, raw, fruit and vegetable juices. A good juicer can juice all of a fruit or vegetable (including rinds, stems, peels, and seeds) to provide up to 95 percent of the plant’s food and nutritive value. Numerous juices, and combinations of juices, are available, and each affects the digestive system differently. It’s important to choose juices that are appropriate for your specific needs. For weight loss, you can use grapefruit and cucumber juices generously when combined with the juice of a dark, leafy vegetable, such as romaine lettuce. Celery, spinach, and cabbage are other great staple juices. Although fruit and vegetable juices don’t always compliment each other, certain combinations are still delicious and healthy.
You can also cleanse your body with one of the green drinks sold widely in health food stores. Look for products that contain organic alfalfa, barley, wheatgrass, beet root, spirulina, apple pectin, chlorella, soy sprouts, bee pollen, ginseng, Nova Scotia dulse, green tea, gingko biloba, and grape extract. In addition to your juices, be sure to drink eight glasses of water every day, however, do not drink unfiltered tap water. You can also drink herbal, non-caffeinated green, licorice, or dandelion root teas.
You may find that you experience some physical discomfort as your body begins to purge toxins. While headaches are common, resist taking a painkiller. You may also notice other side effects, such as bad breath. Just be aware that this is an indication that cleansing is occurring. Continue to take your multi-vitamin/mineral, vitamins C and E, essential fatty acids, and calcium/magnesium. After the cleanse, eat only fresh and simply prepared foods for the remainder of the week.
Exercise
Throughout the three days, begin each day with yoga, stretching, a relaxing meditation, or a light cardio workout, but avoid any heavy workouts or weight training exercises.

Crystal Andrus’s column is a condensed version of her new book on personal transformation. She is an authority on women’s health, a sought after speaker and author of the best seller Simply Woman! The 12 Week Body/Mind/Soul Total Transformation Program. www.hayhouse.com/details.php?id=2247
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