Detoxification & Healthy Eating for BODY, MIND, and SPIRIT by Grace Van Berkum, R.H.N.
Detoxification is a process that rids the body of harmful pollutants improving our immune system and our entire functioning. Detoxing the body by going on a juice fast is a great way to flush out toxic germs, bacteria, and waste to slow down aging and help prevent disease.
Who Needs to Detox?
Everyone can benefit from juice fasting! Regardless of how healthy one’s lifestyle or diet might be, we live in a toxic world. We are regularly exposed to harmful chemicals in our environment. Many foods contain pesticides, preservatives, additives, and metals that are difficult for the body to eliminate. Pollution is in our air and water. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and other drugs clog the liver and contaminate the blood resulting in an unbalanced body affected on many levels. Moreover, negative or stressful thoughts have injurious effects on the body and mind. Our advancing world and fast-paced lifestyle that we are becoming accustomed to are disrupting our internal eco-system and taking a toll on our body, mind, and spirit. A juice fast can help remove these harmful substances and recalibrate the body and mind toward a healthier lifestyle and a more positive outlook on life.
How does detoxing work?
Our bodies naturally detoxify everyday as part of a normal body process. Detoxification is one of the body’s most basic automatic functions of eliminating and neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Most bodies cannot sustain the demands placed on them, which results in imbalances, diseases, and a decreased capacity to function optimally. When our bodies become overloaded, elimination processes are not efficient, organs become overworked and are unable to finish their duties, and toxins keep circulating in our systems. Body systems and organs that were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely overloaded to the point where toxic material remain inside our tissues.
Common symptoms of toxic overload are:
low energy/ fatigue
poor concentration/memory
strong food cravings
depression
digestive problems
aches and pains
sugar/caffeine/alcohol/drug dependence
frequent illnesses
excess weight
disease
premature aging
A juice fast can help the body’s natural cleaning process by:
resting the organs stimulating the liver to eliminate toxins
promotes elimination through the intestines, kidneys and skin
detoxes the body at a cellular level
improves circulation of the blood
balances digestion
increases absorption of nutrients
eases pain and inflammation
reduces skin problems
re-energizes body and mind
improves clarity and concentration
In simplest terms, juice fasting allows the organs to rest and speeds up the detoxification process by focusing on the removal of toxins, acidity, and hardened deposits in the cells and body. Fresh juices are rich in live enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and alkalizing nutrients for speedy absorption, helping to boost the immune system and improve digestion.
Fasting for Spiritual Evolution
Fasting is also conducive to spiritual evolution. It helps bring clarity, peace, and a feeling of interconnectedness. Meditation, yoga, and spiritual discussions at satsangs offer the opportunity to enhance the journey of self-discovery and expand consciousness.
Maintaining Healthy Eating After The Fast
Immediately after the juice fast is complete it is important to maintain healthy eating habits. Continue reading my blog for more tips and tricks or better yet join me at one of my upcoming retreats and learn how to create wheat-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, soy-free alkalinizing, energizing meals in the kitchen. While also learning about how vegan and raw foods help to heal on physical, spiritual, and ecological levels.
Wellness is not just about nutrition. What’s on our plates and what’s happening in our bodies is a direct correlation of what’s happening to our planet. Heal the body, heal the planet!
You are what you eat. You are what you think. Gracious Living Lifestyle