Each living thing, from the largest animal down to smallest single cell amoeba, is dependent upon its environment. Environment is what dictates whether a life form thrives or merely survives. One’s internal environment is just as important as one’s appearing external environment; a strong, healthy Spirit-mind-body can resist and transform an onslaught of environmental pollutants—those toxins that are so prevalent in modern society—more effectively than one that is sluggish and compromised.
When we look to nature, we can see there is much to be remembered about cleanliness. The filth of pollutants degenerates living ecosystems and creatures be they of land, air or sea and we as living breathing creatures are included. Once weakened by pollutants, plants and animals attract illness, disease and parasites. Strong and vibrant life forms are much better suited to thrive. In his book Toxemia Explained, Dr. John Tilden notes that “the most deadly thing to a germ is a healthy human body!”
Upon much observation, it seems reasonable to say that disease is not so often acquired, but rather is frequently made by, and can be the result of, an unnatural lifestyle coupled with the toxic effects that our challenged environment has on the human body. It’s true that cleaning up our external environment will require a massive effort, largely dependent upon the successful coordination and cooperation of millions of people. While that may appear overwhelming, there is something each of us can do individually to help the process along. We can start in our own homes, with our own bodies, cleansing in harmony with nature using herbs, clay and probiotics and proper PH and nutrients and hydration. Inspired by personal successes in cleansing, some of us will find the initiative, creativity and other resources to assist on a larger scale.
Cleansing and its counterpart, fasting, go back thousands of years. The first recorded account of fasting that we know of it is written about in the “Essene Gospel of Peace,” also known as “The Gospel According to John,” which was translated from Aramic by E. B. Szekey in the 1930s. In this account, Jesus encourages fasting and even instructs a group of lepers in the taking of enemas.
Observing the natural world, we see sick animals fasting. They abstain from food, a process that effectively cleans them out so they may regain health. Until the advent of modern allopathic medicine less than 100 years ago, people went to sanitariums to eat fresh foods, rest and bathe in the sunshine to restore good health. Modern society’s “silver bullet” pills for everything that ails, combined with the fast pace of living, have made those retreats a thing of the past for the most part. Yet the enormous benefits of fresh air, sunshine, clean foods, pure water and natural ways remain.
Cleansing refers to the process of removing toxins, debris and waste from the colon and intestines and from other bodily organs, tissues and cells. There are many schools of thought about the proper process of cleansing. Most health experts agree, however, that there are a multitude of healthful benefits associated with ridding your body of toxins.
When a person uses a truly effective, all-natural program of removing toxins
and unwanted waste from the body they enjoy the following benefits:
Increased Energy and Vitality
More Efficient Digestion
Greater Stamina
Increased Clarity of Mind
Overall Feeling of Improved Health
More Radiant Complexion and Fewer Blemishes
If you desire to achieve the above benefits and are in relatively good health, the answer is absolutely! It is amazing how quickly people respond to a simple and effective cleanse program. When the digestive tract functions efficiently, the efficiency spreads throughout the entire body. The number one report we hear from our customers is that they have more energy. It is common to feel an increased sense of well-being, greater mental clarity and release from pains and other discomforts. Those who meditate tell us their meditations deepen and new perspectives open before them. The testimonies reflect a broad spectrum of benefits and experiences, ranging from basic through profound.
It has been said that the digestive system is the “hub” of the entire body. It feeds all of our organs, all of our glands, and every single cell. When the digestive system becomes sluggish, over-acid and toxic, it becomes less and less efficient. In America, many people have become addicted to a diet of over-processed, unnatural “fast food,” which is high in rancid fats and empty calories. This diet commonly causes the bowel to become unnaturally acidic. When this happens, the epithelium1 secretes a glycoprotein substance, or mucus. If the mucus is not eliminated from the intestinal tract, it becomes what we term “mucoid plaque,” a substance that is created in an attempt to protect the intestinal wall. This condition can occur anywhere in the digestive tract as a response to over-acidity, including the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine and the colon. Once this coating of mucus develops, proper digestion increasingly diminishes, opening the door for one problem after another. As the bowel becomes toxic, the body’s blood supply also becomes toxic. This is because blood travels from the bowel, carrying the necessary nutrients that feed all the body’s cells, tissues and organs. And because every drop of the body’s blood must travel through the liver for “clean-up,” the liver becomes increasingly sluggish as it attempts to process relentless toxicity, day after day, year after year.
A well-functioning liver is the key to a long and vibrant life. There are more than 500 known functions of the liver, many of which are essential for life, and all of which are essential for good health and vitality. It is almost impossible for any disease condition to develop until the liver becomes sluggish and weak. Long before the liver begins to weaken, most likely the bowel has already been excessively toxic and sluggish. Cleansing the bowel allows the liver to release built-up toxins; once cleansed, it can strengthen itself.
Fortunately, cleansing is relatively easy! It’s a perfect, health-enhancing solution for people who are in reasonably good health but who have perhaps been living in the city away from nature, eat commercially grown produce or have a less-than-optimal diet. If you want to experience greater energy and vitality, the answer to the question, “Should I cleanse?” is yes!
In the early stages of cleansing, one may experience mild to moderate cleansing reactions as the body signals that it has started releasing toxins. These may include headache, fatigue, nausea, gas, bloating and other discomforts. Drinking additional pure water, taking an electrolyte supplement or consuming vegetable broth2 or peppermint tea often eliminates these symptoms. A bentonite and psyllium shake can also help.
Once in the swing of things, people feel great! A feeling of lightness, expansiveness, joy, enthusiasm and increasing energy is very common. Some also find the overwhelming desire to clean out their house, closets and drawers; it is interesting that as one cleanses within, one also feels the urge to clean up surroundings and personal spaces. Once in a while, an old, dark emotion can come to the surface as toxins are released; we find that they generally pass fairly quickly, leaving one feeling uplifted.
Cleanse 28® and Cleanse 7® have been specially formulated to assist your body in the natural removal of harmful toxic buildup and mucoid plaque. It has been rare for us to have someone report they did not eliminate any plaque while cleansing with Arise & Shine products—these are usually people who are generally healthier than average and they, too, testify to the many additional benefits of cleansing. The average person releases pounds of toxic mucoid plaque while cleansing; it’s not unusual to release 25 to 50 feet during the 7-day Master Phase. Along with this amazing removal of toxic mucoid plaque, “toxic” feelings and emotions often disappear.
Following a well thought-out and thorough cleansing program should never leave one feeling hungry or bad. If you start to feel bad, slow down and back off a bit. Did you remember to start your cleanse with adequate electrolyte reserves? Overall, we expect you will find yourself feeling refreshed and renewed during and after cleansing as directed.
Always read the directions thoroughly and if you have questions call our Cleanse Support Line at 541-282-5601, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except holidays, Pacific Standard Time. We will be very happy to answer your cleanse-related questions.
Am I Ready to Cleanse? The Importance of pH and Acid/Alkaline Balance.
Only you can answer the question of whether you’re ready to cleanse. The first step to finding an answer for yourself is to learn about pH and electrolytes. Like being prepared for a workout or other strenuous exercise, one must prepare for successful cleansing. People who work out regularly generally understand the need to maintain electrolyte balance in the body. We have learned that electrolyte balance is also very important in cleansing.
The cleansing process requires adequate electrolyte reserves to efficiently and effectively move toxins out of your body. Many need to replenish their electrolyte reserves prior to starting a cleanse. Electrolyte reserves can be easily measured with a simple pH test. A lot of people today test over-acid, a condition which prompts the body to form a protective substance termed “mucoid plaque.” Some test over-alkaline, possibly indicating Candida and even more serious health deterioration, over-alkalinity progresses from long-standing over-acidity. If you test highly acid and cannot bring your pH into balance through diet, it might be wise to consider your overall health condition.
Those who cannot pass the pH test. Pregnant and lactating women should wait to cleanse until after the child has been born and weaned. Those with diabetes and other serious health conditions should not cleanse unless supervised by an experienced Professional Health Care Practitioner.
Health-enhancing, natural, pure food and water are the best partners for an optimal cleanse. While the recommended foods may be very different from your current diet, it is exceedingly important that you consume these foods while cleansing for the most beneficial results.
Your body functions at its ideal when your eating habits predominately consist of what are defined as alkaline-forming foods as opposed to acid-forming foods. Alkaline-forming foods are those that leave an alkaline ash when metabolized, contributing to the body’s mineral reserves. Acid-forming foods dramatically slow down the cleansing process, yielding lessened results. Raw alkaline-forming foods are recommended because of their high enzyme and electrolyte mineral content.
Cleansing is more comfortable for those who feed their bodies with the adequate and proper nutrients*. Transitioning from a typical high protein, Western diet of cooked and processed foods to a largely raw vegetarian diet can be a difficult adjustment, so it is important to take small steps instead of jumping right in. You may wish to start by eating more steamed or baked vegetables. A high quality digestive enzyme formula can be helpful in assisting with the breakdown of cellulose from raw foods while you transition your eating habits. Raw soups are also a great way to incorporate delicious and easily digested foods into your diet.
Q: Should I still take my medication and daily supplements while I cleanse?
A: Your health care practitioner should monitor medication. You may take your normal daily supplements; however, they may not be needed as you will be getting the nutrition that you need for the period of time that you cleanse from the cleanse products. If you feel that you need a nutritional boost, you may superfoods. If you decide to take your daily supplement, it is best to avoid supplements that are protein-based and/or contain salt, soy, dairy or foods listed on the acid-forming foods list. It is also best to avoid probiotics that contain large amounts of lactobacillus, which is acid-forming and might interfere with probiotics.