The Green Secret’s April articles will cover the complete spectrum of cleansing and detoxification. We will demystify the difference between cleanse and detox; the best ways to do it and the right equipment to use.

April always reminds me of spring, and spring cleaning! In western countries such as Europe and the USA, spring cleaning means that anything they do not need even refrigerators, sofa beds and other big appliances are thrown out. Although the Philippines does not have a spring season, we are still a part of nature’s cycle of birth, life, decay and death that helps keep the planet in proper balance.

Spring is a season of renewal, cleansing and transformation both of home and our bodies. Thus, it is an ideal time for doing a cleanse or detox, which helps the body rid itself of toxins (including pesticides, chemicals, xenoestrogens and stress). Let us focus on clearing out any toxins, unhealthy food and water contents that we have ingested, as well as any mental thought patterns and stuck emotions that have lodged their way within our psyche.

Our Physical body

Even if we do not have a terrible diet, our body accumulates toxins from everyday life – the pollutants in the air and water, chemicals and pesticides in our foods. Over time, the excess toxins build up in our body and cause chronic fatigue, headaches, joint pains, food sensitivities or allergies, mood swings, anxiety and depression, high blood pressure, constipation, headaches, muscle aches and muscle fatigue, persistent skin conditions, including acne, eczema and rosacea, hormonal imbalances and fertility issues, weight gain and redistribution of weight (caused by overexposure to xenoestrogens). In women, this manifests as carrying more weight on the hips, buttocks and thighs; in men, think “man boobs” and more fat deposits around the hips.

What is the Green Secret’s way to cleanse or detoxify?

Detoxification is a metabolic process. It is our body’s natural system of eliminating, repairing, rebuilding or neutralizing toxic materials from cells, tissues, organs and the bloodstream.

It involves the process of reducing intake of toxins and improve elimination of specific waste products or substances: pesticides, heavy metals, pollutants, chemicals and fat deposits that accumulate in the body and pose harm.

A cleanse is short in duration. It focuses mainly on clearing out and cleaning up the digestive tract. Cleanses safely remove parasites, worms, chemicals, candida yeast, and heavy metals like arsenic and mercury.

Both detoxes and cleanses have several similar advantages. Who needs detoxification or cleansing? Everyone needs to detoxify, cleanse and rest their body functions at times. With a balanced diet devoid of excesses, we will need less intensive detoxification or cleansing. However, when we eat a congesting diet higher in fats, meats, dairy products, refined foods and chemicals, detoxification or cleansing becomes more imperative.

One of The Green Secret’s detoxification juices is Spring Cleaning Elixir. Make sure to scrub and wash well all vegetables and fruits before juicing. It is IDEAL to use organic vegetables only.

• 1 cup of spinach or kale 3-5 stems Malunggay
• 1/4 cup fresh Mint
• 1/2 fresh Pineapple (avoid canned)
• 3 calamansi
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 small cucumber
• 1/2 inch ginger

Juice all ingredients. Stir and serve at room temperature or chilled, as desired.

Armed with the green secret, jump start your health with proper detoxification so we can break the chain of chronic diseases. Wishing you a healthy, beautiful, vibrant spring and fun filled summer. cleaning & greening! Thank you IAJ Wellness for making this article available to the public. For more info and questions, please email me at [email protected].

Christine E.V. Gonzalez is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and holds PhDs
in holistic nutrition and natural medicine. LLM (MS Environmental Laws & Labor)
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