I have to be honest and tell you I was never much of a believer in a detox and cleanses when they started getting more popular in the last few years.  I think because the diet and restrictions some programs wanted people to adhere to just seemed unhealthy and even possibly downright dangerous.  I saw all the pop up headlines and all the trendy cleanses that were going on but I never took to any of them.  But recently my views have changed.  After enrolling at IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) and learning from some of the most amazing teachers I have changed my views on Detoxification (detox) and cleanses.

What I have learned is that your body accumulates much more toxins in the world today than its natural detoxification system (your liver, kidneys and lungs) can get rid of.  Over time chemicals we get exposed to and ingest from pesticides, chlorine, bleach and ammonia, and carbon monoxide build up and can cause disease.  According to Dr. Josh Axe, death begins in the colon.  “The colon is the body’s sewage system. But like all healthy and properly functioning sewage systems it needs to be cleaned, emptied, and maintained to function properly.”

When we eat highly processed, refined, or what Dr. Axe calls ‘fake,’ foods our colons become laden with the unhealthy debris from these foods that do damage to our vital organs and entire body systems.

Detoxing and cleansing your body of toxins periodically can definitely help counteract some of this damage from the environmental toxins and diet related toxic buildup.  It’s important to help your colon to remove these deadly wastes.  Remember you skin eliminates toxins too so vigorous exercise and sauna’s can be helpful in this process.

The first step in Detoxing is switching to a REAL WHOLE FOOD diet and

•  Eliminating processed, packaged, fast food , pop and processed sugars.
• Avoiding all Soy EXCEPT tempeh, miso, natto, and soy sauce
• Only choosing to buy Organic pastured (grass-fed) meats and dairy (preferably raw and some cultured).
• Exercise

Next to jump start your efforts you can try an actual DETOX diet program.  This will help the liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood and lymphatic systems work together to ensure that toxins are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted from the body.

There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:

• Minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (for example, by eating organic food).
• Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
• Contains foods, such as high fiber foods and water, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination. source:www.mercola.com

 *Note- before you consider a detox make sure you have established a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits.  If you do this a cleanse will be more beneficial helping your liver do its job properly.  Do not attempt a detox if you are sick.

How do I know what one is right for me?  

Well lucky you I have just teamed up with my friend Angelle for the ultimate 14 day detox for busy moms (and dads!) or anyone!  What makes this detox stand out from others is that you are encouraged to eat vegetables, cultured dairy and herbs like tumeric and holy basil that have an amazing detoxifying effects on the body.

Some results you can expect are:  

*Weight Loss {9+ pounds in 2 weeks!}
*Increased Energy
*Less Swelling and Bloating
*Cravings Disappeared
*Less Hunger
*Good Mood
*No Need for Mid-Day Naps
*Increased Motivation to Keep Going AND
*Being asked by another mom, ‘What exactly are you doing – you look amazing?!’

If you are interested Registration is going on NOW!! and ends this Friday August 2.  Click on and follow this link through to register.  http://www.angellebatten.com/14daycleanse/

Its time to take time for YOU!  I will be hosting the fitness portion of the the detox program and will provide support along with specific exercise to compliment the cleanse, burn fat, and increase energy!  

For more information on the AWESOME products used in this detox and REAL WHOLE FOOD + supplements visit  SusieR.mybeyondorganic.com.