Certified nutritionist and New York Times best-selling author Brenda Watson is among today’s leading authorities on natural digestive care, optimum nutrition, and internal cleansing and detoxification. A PBS mainstay and national media presence, Brenda is dedicated to helping people everywhere achieve vibrant, lasting health. The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps has just been released --March, 2008.

Brenda Watson--

Nowadays we hear a lot about the devastating effects of widespread pollution on our planet’s environment. But how often do we stop to consider its effect on our bodies? With more than 80,000 chemicals currently in use today and 1,000 more introduced each year, we can no longer deny that we are living in a toxic world—one in which the rate of illness and chronic disease is rising at an alarming rate. Because our bodies were never meant to handle the overwhelming number of toxins we now face in today’s modern world, a fundamental component of the RENEW program is herbal internal cleansing.

Used throughout history as a means of purging waste from the body and promoting overall health, herbal internal cleansing supports the body’s natural detoxification process, which involves a combination of organs and organ systems collectively known as the ‘seven channels of elimination.' They are the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood and bowel (or colon), and they work together to filter and eliminate toxin substances and waste.

Choosing the Right Cleanse for You

Periodic cleansing, coupled with a daily maintenance program, is an essential part of maintaining the body’s overall health. If you have never cleansed before, you may benefit from beginning with a gentle, total-body cleanse formulated specifically for first-time cleansers. Such products generally contain whole herbs, which are milder than deep-cleansing herbal extracts, as well as a blend of enzymes and nutrients to help enhance the absorption of the formulation. More often than not, first-time cleansing formulas will include a gentle colon cleanse to support healthy elimination.

For experienced cleansers, an advanced total-body cleanse is often the next step in the detoxification process. Advanced internal cleansing formulas will typically contain concentrated herbal extracts in addition to whole herbs and minerals for a more potent, deep-acting cleanse. They may last up to 30 days and are designed to support the digestive system by promoting healthy, regular bowel movements.

Following a total-body cleanse, targeted internal cleansing formulas are designed to provide support to specific organs or areas of the body. For example, a natural kidney cleanse formula may help support healthy kidney, bladder and urinary tract function with herbs such as stinging nettle, cornsilk, parsley and dandelion extract. Likewise, a comprehensive liver cleanse will often contain a blend of liver-specific herbs, antioxidants and amino acids to promote healthy liver detoxification.

Finally, because your body works constantly to cleanse itself of toxins, a daily cleansing formula designed to assist all seven channels of elimination and promote healthy digestion is the last step in a comprehensive total-body detoxification program. Rather than providing a purgative effect, such daily formulas offer gentle, nutritive assistance. An ideal daily cleanse should include herbs, nutraceuticals, antioxidants and amino acids, as well as beneficial enzymes to enhance the absorption of the natural ingredients.

The Importance of Oil and Fiber

While taking an herbal cleanse, added fiber and essential fatty acids are highly recommended to support the detoxification process. A natural (preferably organic) fiber supplement is an important addition to any cleansing program, as fiber has been shown to support elimination and absorb toxins in the intestinal tract, preventing them from being reabsorbed back into the body.

Beneficial oil formulas with Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids also play an important role in the detoxification process. They help soothe and lubricate the intestines and colon, and they work in the body to promote the 2 to 3 healthy daily bowel movements that many experts recommend. Look for a formula made with lipase, an enzyme that helps the body digest and absorb oils.

Natural Support for the 21st Century

While exposure to harmful chemicals may be unavoidable in today’s increasingly toxic world, there are ways in which you can combat toxins and support your body’s natural detoxification processes. A personal detoxification program like Brenda Watson’s Detox Strategy, which combines the benefits of herbal internal cleansing with healthy diet and lifestyle habits, is often the simplest way to ensure lasting health for your whole body.

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