The types of cleanses range from herbal purges, emetics, heat applications, hydrotherapy and smoke to cleanse the various organs, from liver and gall bladder to the intestines, kidneys and lungs. Some form of fasting is also used concurrently with cleansing, whether water, juice, soups, broths or commercially prepared, nutrient laden drinks. Fasting allows the system a form of rest so that the important work of cleaning can be accomplished.
 
The reasons for cleansing today have changed somewhat since the time of the Egyptians as a result of changes in the types of foods we eat, water we drink, skin care products we use and the air we breathe. Although normally present in small amounts, environmental toxins can accumulate over a period of time. Cleansing then is a natural starting point for supporting your digestive health. Unloading toxins and cleansing the intestinal tract sets a healthy stage for reintroducing beneficial micro flora, which is critical to good health.
 
I usually recommend a digestive system cleanse to my patients 2-4 times a year depending on their overall compliance to my idea of a healthy diet and exercise. This cleanse typically happens at the turn of the seasons, summer to fall, fall to winter and so on. I sometimes recommend a high raw fruit and vegetable juices dietary cleanse but have moved away from that approach with the advent of Perfect Cleanse by Garden of Life.
 
Perfect Cleanse is designed as a gentle internal cleansing system that works in synergy with the body's own detoxification system. It offers a three tiered approach of cleansing, capturing and smoothly removing toxins from the body in one convenient 10-day program. Perfect Cleanse is unlike other more harsh cleanses in that the detoxification occurs overnight allowing you to maintain your daily routines without disruption.
 
In addition to the Perfect Cleanse I also place my patients on a chicken soup and steamed vegetable dietary for a few days to allow some gut rest, eliminating grains, dairy and all processed foods. I use a bottle of S. boulardii over the 10 day cleanse, 6 capsules per day, to support a healthy intestinal environment. At the end of the 10 days I gradually reintroduce a variety of healthy foods along with MultiProbiotic.
 
A friend of mine, Dr. Paul Goldberg, in reference to faulty digestion, always says, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". So clean up your act and keep "Momma" happy so your whole body stays happy.