Most people wouldn't even think of going out in public before they took their daily shower.  Besides, it just feels good when our skin and hair is clean.  The question is, if it feels so good when we are clean on the outside, how much better does it feel when we are clean on the inside?  Does it make a difference?

When you cleanse you body, you can help undo years of damage due to toxic build up.  Let's face it, we put lots of toxic food in our bodies, we breathe toxic air, we drink toxic water laced with chlorine and fluoride, and we wonder why we have low energy, allergies, and lots of other health problems.  Toxicity is really a problem in todays world.

In the U.S., cleansing became a popular practice during the 1920s and 1930s, but it actually dates back to ancient Greece. Today, it is a practice done by a large number of people who accept that proper digestion is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness.

When our digestion is working properly, all of the food we eat is broken down and used by our bodies, or flushed out as a waste product.  On the flip side, when our digestive systems are sluggish and aren't working properly, food particles often get left behind.  It is believed that this food that gets left in the digestive system eventually creates a buildup that can produce toxins, which can then contribute to symptoms of fatigue and eventually be linked to many other illnesses. Sluggish digestion and sludge in the bowels  may also reduce our bodies efficiency in eliminating toxins and waste.

CleanStart is a comprehensive approach to cleansing the whole body. It contains laxative herbs to facilitate the cleansing of the intestinal tract. Soothing herbs blended into the formula help support gentle cleansing. Herbs that help rekindle the ability of the digestive system to properly handle digestion, absorption and waste elimination are also part of this product. Because the digestive system is not alone in the waste-elimination process, herbs for detoxifying the accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) and the urinary system are incorporated into this formula. Blood purification is also an important aspect of body cleansing; hence, reputable blood-purifying herbs are also components of the CleanStart program.

Laxative Herbs

The laxative herbs in this formula help remove toxic debris that build up in the colon. Psyllium and fenugreek seeds are high in fiber and have a bulk laxative action, which helps support optimal gastrointestinal transit. Cascara sagrada, yellow dock, buckthorn and Turkey rhubarb are high in anthraquinones. These substances act on the large intestines, stimulating colon peristalsis to promote elimination.

Marshmallow, licorice, aloe and ginger soothe the digestive system while cleansing. Marshmallow root contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that help protect and soothe tissues. Licorice and ginger are reported to have antispasmodic and gastroprotective effects.

Sarsaparilla, red clover, echinacea, burdock, Oregon grape, couch grass, milk thistle and dandelion are purifying herbs in this pack. They are recommended for periodic “spring cleaning” of the body. Their mild diuretic effects are beneficial in promoting the elimination of toxins via the urinary system. In addition, sarsaparilla, through its sweat-promoting properties, enhances toxin elimination from the lymph and circulatory systems.

Bentonite and sodium copper chlorophyllin are detoxifying ingredients. Bentonite adsorbs toxins, facilitating their removal from the bowel. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a green pigment found in almost all plants. It has been used to aid in the removal of various toxins via the liver and remains a key compound for improving the function of essential detoxification pathways.

Pepsin, capsicum, potassium citrate and lactobacillus help restore improved function of the digestive system. Anytime a deficiency of proteolytic enzymes exists, bits of undigested protein may remain in the body, causing difficulties. Pepsin supports efficient protein digestion and protects the intestines from foreign invaders. Capsicum is used to improve digestion and relieve occasional gastrointestinal problems. Potassium citrate plays a role in gastric secretion and enzyme reactions, helping to support digestion. Lactobacillus spores were thoughtfully blended into this cleanse to help re-establish the balance of these beneficial organisms. CleanStart is a thorough, yet gentle cleanse that is perfect for just about anyone. The ingredients in CleanStart are incorporated into a capsule packet and a powder drink mix packet (available in Apple-Cinnamon and Wild Berry flavors) that make cleansing easy and convenient.

References
1. Leung AY and Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 1996;2d ed.:427-429.
2. Yang WX, Jin ZG, Xu WS, Tian ZS, Guo SD. Effects of sennosides on cellular electric activities in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig taenia coli. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1993 Sep;14(5):430-2
3. Mowery, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Cannan, Connecticut:Keats Publishing, Inc. 1986:58
4. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2007.
5. Wu H; Ye D; Bai Y; Zhao Y. Effect of dry ginger and roasted ginger on experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih, 15(5):278- 80, 317-8 1990 May
6. al-Yahya MA; Rafatullah S; Mossa JS; Ageel AM; Parmar NS; Tariq M. Gastroprotective activity of ginger zingiber officinale rosc., in albino rats. Am J Chin Med, 17(1-2):51-6 1989
7. Mowrey, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc. 198
8. Fahey, J. W., Stephenson, K. K., DinkovaKostova, A. T., Egner, P. A., Kensler, T. W., and Talalay, P. Chlorophyll, chlorophyllin and related tetrapyrroles are significant inducers of mammalian phase 2 cytoprotective genes. Carcinogenesis 2005;26(7):1247-1255.
9. Information from Nature's Sunshine Blog at http://naturessunshine.com/blog/post/cleanstart-cleanse-detox.aspx




 

There are many dietary and nutritional supplements out there in the marketplace.  It's hard sometimes to know what to take, or even where to begin.  What helps which part of the body?

This infographic shows some of the basics that can help support various body systems. If you want to find out more specifics about what may be of benefit to you, try out our Health Assesment quiz (click on the yellow "Health Assessment" tab).

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Supplements for the Heart:

• Omega 3 EFAs
• Soluble Fiber
• B-Complex Vitamins
• Reservatrol
• Calcium and Magnesium
• Vitamins A, C, and E

Is Time Running Out to Protect Ourselves? - An infographic by the team at HippieHerbalist.com


<img src="http://www.inspirationsofthepast.com/Infographics/ToxinsInfographic_HippieHer.jpg" width="540"> <p> Is Time Running Out to Protect Ourselves? - An infographic by the team at <a href="http://hippieherbalist.com">The Hippie Herbalist</a></p>

Ever wonder what's really in that fast food your kids love so much?  Now is your chance to find out.  It is truly unbelievable that some of these toxic food practices are authorized as being okay!  No wonder cancer and heart disease are the top two killer diseases in America!

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Source:What Your Poop and Pee Mean

Several of my favorite products to aid the digestive and instesinal systems are:

Digestive System Pack

Intestinal System Pack

Some complementary products for the above items are:

Food Enzymes

GastroHealth

Stomach Comfort

Spleen Activator (TCM)

LBSII

Gentle Move

Intestinal Soothe & Build

Anti-Gas (TCM)

All of the products listed above are available at: