Wellness Podcast Ep. 1: Detox, Cleanse or Fast? - 1:15:18, 10.39 AM

Eureka Natural Foods

You may have noticed it's 2018! And with the new year comes a renewed focus on health. With that in mind we are launching a new podcast centered around health and wellness with the goal of answering all of your wellness queries. So listen in and if you have questions of your own send them our way and maybe we'll answer them in an upcoming episode. For our first episode we are focusing on the differences between detox, cleanse and fasting. If this topic has vexed you then this episode is for you! Cleanse v. Detox v. Fast -What is the difference? Cleanses are the most common and their main function is to clean out the digestive tract, which in turn eliminates toxins, fecal matter, parasites, and harmful bacteria. Detoxification is a natural bodily process by which toxins are converted into waste to be eliminated. A detox eliminates toxins in the body by enhancing natural elimination pathways, such as the liver. A fast, in turn, is a form of detoxification by which you are restricting yourself to a fluid only diet. -What do each of these involve? A Cleanse requires a clean diet, whole foods are very important to cleanses. This includes NO dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, corn, sugar, alcohol, or caffeine. Rest, exercise and plenty of water is of the utmost importance when doing a cleanse. Often, cleanses include support supplements and a regimen of colon cleansing fibers. A Detox requires the same dietary rules as a cleanse, but includes a supplemental and food support regimen. Detox kits available can also be organ specific, such as liver or kidney detoxes. During a detox it is good to take a fiber supplement or colon cleanse to clear out toxic debris from the digestive tract (i.e. colon). A fast involves a severe restriction of calories by only consuming juices or water. Due the extreme restriction, some fasts require the consumption of a nutritional powder while others prohibit any supplement, vitamin, or herbal intake. One issue with a fast is a lack of fiber; fasts, such as the Master Cleanse, require a tea based laxative to ensure bowel movement. -How do I do it? Depending on what your goal is by cleansing or detoxing, there are a number of comprehensive herbal blends available. If the goal is kickstarting a weight loss regimen, there is the Renew Life Flush and be Fit. Colon cleanses mostly come in the form of comforting herbal blends mixed with fiber to clear the digestive tract, such as the Yerba Prima Colon Cleanse or Himalaya Comfort Cleanse. If you are cleansing because of constipation issues, you will find there are a few herbal blends which are gentle daily cleanses, which support healthy bowel movements, like Irwin Naturals Daily Gentle Cleanse. You want to choose a program that benefits your needs then follow the general protocols of a cleanse, detox, or fast. -What can I expect? Generally, when you do a cleanse or detox you want to start the dietary changes immediately and up your water intake. If you are using supplement support, it is good to make sure you are taking a good omega, multi-vitamin and probiotics. Probiotics will be discussed more in the next podcast. Most people can expect the first day and up to three days of fatigue, this is your body working harder to expel toxins and opening up natural detoxification pathways. There are also generally some changes in bowel movements and stool. Disclaimer: We are not doctors and we are not diagnosing you. Statements have not been verified by the FDA. Please consult doctor. We cannot recommend or prescribe anything for medical treatment. If you are thinking of making major lifestyle changes you should consult your physician first.