The everyday Healthy Living cleanse

There are a lot of benefits to cleansing, but because there are so many intensities of cleanses out there, it can be confusing and hard to follow. The best cleanse of all, though, is an everyday Healthy Living cleanse.

An everyday Healthy Living cleanse allows us to adjust our lifestyle and dietary choices and manage stress on a daily basis. Instead of undergoing an intense cleanse, we can gently cleanse our bodies every single day simply by following these guidelines:

* Start your day with ¼ to ½ freshly squeezed lemon in a tall glass of pure filtered water.

* Drink 8-10 glasses of pure filtered water every day. Add liquid chlorophyll to enhance purifying the blood.

* Enjoy herbal teas.

* Increase fiber intake to help flush out toxins. Include fresh fruits with skin where applicable and especially dark berries; vegetables, especially dark leafy greens like kale, bok choy, spinach, arugula, collards (try these in a smoothie!); whole grains such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, brown rice; legumes, nuts, seeds and ground flax/chia seeds.

* Eat organic foods as much as possible. If cost is an issue, prioritize by avoiding non-organic produce that tests high in pesticides, often known as the Dirty Dozen (www.ewg.org). Instead, choose organic versions of at least those 12 foods. Also choose only organic dairy and meats, and fish that is low in mercury such as wild salmon, rainbow trout and mackerel.

* Eat whole, live and fresh seasonal and local foods most often.

* Minimize red meats and avoid cured/luncheon/organ meats.

* Consciously avoid processed foods and sugars, canned foods, especially if fatty or acidic, as well as white flour products, including breads. Avoid table salt, nicotine, unhealthy fats, coffee and alcohol.

* Rotate foods (do not eat the same foods every day) especially common allergen foods such as eggs, dairy, wheat and red meat.

* Prepare food in healthy ways (raw, broiled, steamed, sautéed) and in healthy cookware (glass, iron, stainless steel, porcelain).

* Enhance digestion and elimination by practicing food combining principles  (e.g. eat fruit alone) most often. Chew your foods well.

* Keep a positive attitude, manage stress and avoid toxic/negative relationships and thoughts.

* Exercise every day. Move your Healthy Body, clear your mind, get some fresh air and sunshine.

* Enjoy a massage, yoga, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, or infrared sauna to help promote detox and healing.

* Try deep breathing techniques whenever you are feeling stress, have a worrisome or  negative thought or need to relax your Healthy Body, especially before going to sleep.

* Get adequate sleep. Try to get to bed by 10 p.m. to enjoy the best quality of sleep.

* Laugh heartily and smile often!

Resources: Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Dr. Elson M. Haas