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One of the most beneficial immune-rejuvenating habits you can establish for yourself is a periodic intestinal cleanse and liver detoxification. Many health practicioners believe that the change of season is a good time for such cleanses, since our immune systems are often more susceptible to pathogens at these times.

A complete cleansing program will address both the colon and the liver. The colon needs to release the accumulated toxins which can build up along the walls of the intestines.

Sluggish elimination, reabsorption of toxins, bad breath, weight gain, and an increase in allergy symptoms are some of the problems which may result from long-term build-up in the colon.

The herbs Psyllium and Cascara Sagrada are two of the most commonly used remedies in colon-cleansing programs. Psyllium acts as a bulking agent and Cascara stimulates the intestinal lining. It’s very important to drink plenty of fresh, filtered water at all times, but for a successful cleanse, drinking plenty of water is crucial. If you are consuming concentrated fiber foods such as psyllium which absorb fluids like a sponge, constipation or intestinal cramping may result without sufficient water. Drink at least three liters of purified water daily during your cleanse.

Detoxifying the liver is also very important in a comprehensive cleansing program. A healthy liver is a vital part of your body’s “detox” mechanism, and it cannot do its job properly if it’s not functioning at its best. The herb Milk Thistle is one of the primary therapies used to detoxify and protect the liver. Over 100 studies show that this herb not only protects the liver, but also helps to generate healthy new liver cells. Other herbs traditionally used to support healthy liver function include Dandelion, Yellow Dock, Artichoke, and the Chinese herb Bupleurum.

Your diet during the cleanse will also play a role in your body’s elimination of toxins. Eliminate intake of red meats, dairy foods, flour and bread products, dressings, butter and vegetable oils, extra-virgin olive oil may be consumed during your cleanse, however, since it assists in the eliminative process. Emphasize intake of steamed vegetables, which usually are more digestable than raw veggies, and clear broths or soups with garlic and ginger. Organic, homemade chicken broth and miso soup (free of grains) are excellent choices to help facilitate the detoxification process. Small amounts of steamed fish or baked poultry are also advisable during your cleanse so as not to become deficient in your protein intake.

It is best to eat 5-6 smaller meals daily every three hours, instead of 2-3 larger ones less often. This is well-advised regardless of whether you’re cleansing or not, due to it metabolic stimulating benefits. Larger, less frequent meals will tend to over-burden the digestive system.

Exert yourself to the point of perspiration, since this is another way the body will detoxify itself. Jogging, stairstepping, cycling and brisk walking are all suitable forms of cardiovascular exercise. To obtain their full benefits, try to maintain a moderate level of intensity for at least 20-30 minutes before stopping.

If you’re taking nutritional supplements on a regular basis, you may choose to discontinue them during your cleanse, or not according to your preference. An occasional short break from your supplements may be well-advised, but if you choose to stay on them during your cleanse, make sure you continue taking them with food which contains some fat. This will be easy to do if you consume some extra-virgin olive oil, as previously recommended.

Consider that regular, seasonal cleanses are a very important part of maintaining optimal health, and certainly one of the most effective tools available to keep your immune system and energy level functioning at their best!