Juice cleansing works best when you make it a part of your lifestyle and daily health routine.  A routine encourages repetition, which in turn helps create habits.  A healthy lifestyle in my view, includes a regular juice detox.  There are also a number of other healthy practices I like to include when I’m juicing and detoxing.  These are like “cleanse boosters” that support the body and aid the healing process.

1. Hydrotherapy – There are a number of different techniques used in hydrotherapy.  Aromatherapy baths relax the body and mind with herbs.  Saunas help the body release toxins through sweating.  Hot/cold alternating water in the shower stimulates the immune system.
2. Exercise – A light routine of exercise along with a juice cleanse helps to oxygenate the blood and lift the spirits.  Walking, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are some of the methods I prefer.
3. Herbs and supplements – Prior to and after a cleanse we can help our body’s ongoing detoxification with natural herbs and supplements.  Herbs are natural medicines.  Some can help build the immune system while others assist the colon, liver, and kidneys to remove wastes.  There are too many specifics for me to address in this post.  For more information on herbs and products that assist the digestive system I recommend you visit Dr. Brenda Watson’s site.  Probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants are some of the other supplements that assist the digestive/detoxification process and Dr. Watson addresses those as well.

With a holistic approach you’ll enjoy much greater success on your next your juice cleanse. Try adding some of these tips into your daily routine and notice the benefits.

The origins of juicing for health purposes can be traced back to Ayurvedic practices in ancient India which means juicing is a nearly 5000 year old tradition. Throughout the years people have discovered that the juice of specific fruits and vegetables can help improve body functions and eliminate symptoms of disease, sometimes eliminating the disease itself.  Juicing can be especially helpful for chronic conditions, allergies, and impaired digestion, because the cause of these conditions can often be traced back to toxins in the diet.

Juice refers to the water and nutrients that have been separated from the indigestible fiber.  It is a much more concentrated form since several fruits or vegetables are used to yield one glass of juice.  When the nutrients are released from the juicing process they are more readily absorbed and assimilated by the body.  You could receive the benefits in as little as 15 minutes.

Typically it is hard for the average person to consume the daily requirements of fruits and vegetables.  Drinking fresh juices is and excellent way to incorporate them into the diet.  One eight ounce glass of juice equals about one-third of your daily needs.  Juicing also makes it easier to consume a variety of fruits and veggies so that you can benefit from all the various vitamins and nutrients contained in them.

You may also notice some of these improvements when you drink juice on a regular basis:

• improved immunity
• clearing of the digestive tract
• strengthened bones
• increased energy
• clearer skin
• balanced moods

Lemons, those bright, cheery and sour fruits are one of your best bets for cleansing the body.  You may expect that they contain lots of vitamin C, and they do.  Lemons also contain vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, pantothenic acid, magnesium, copper, and dietary fiber.  They’re also low on the Glycemic Index which means  that they don’t cause large fluctuations in blood sugar levels after eating them.  Lemons help to alkalize the body which creates an unfavorable environment  for viruses and bacteria.

It’s really simple to get fresh lemons into your daily diet.  It’s not necessary to do the master cleanse (diluted lemon juice with cayenne pepper) and starve yourself for days.  A simple routine of drinking lemon juice in the morning can give you a healthy start to the day.

Simple Lemon Juice Cleanse

Juice of one lemon
8 oz filtered water
8 drops stevia

Try this juice first thing in the morning before consuming other foods or drinks.  Wait at least 30 minutes after drinking this juice before eating a healthy breakfast.  That’s it!

photo credit: alasam