After weeks of gluttony, virtually all of us are ready to clean our systems and start fresh. So it’s no surprise that cleansing is something people are talking about this time of year.

It’s a trend many people latch onto. But, as with everything, there are pros and cons. For many, cleansing can be a good thing. It can signify a commitment to healthier eating. It can help stem cravings or put an end to poor dietary habits.

For instance, there are cleanses that can target parasite infections, fungal infections and Candida or yeast overgrowths. There also are cleanses for certain organs such as the liver and kidneys and cleanses to draw heavy metals from the body. It imperative that you discuss a cleanse with your doctor before committing to one, especially if you are pregnant, take medications or have other medical conditions. Once you’ve got the OK, make the cleanse part of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I discourage people from performing a cleanse if they are going to return to the same bad habits that necessitated it. In other words, don’t use a cleanse as an excuse to continue bad habits. Most health food stores carry various cleaning kits. Costs vary from £30 to £100, The number of days for each cleanse will vary, just follow the instructions on the box.

Read On…..

Here’s what’s available.

 General or first-time cleanse – This is good for those who want an overall cleanse to flush out toxins or as a commitment to better eating.

 A general cleanse includes drinking half your body weight (in ounces) of water each day. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink 50 ounces of water daily. Besides drinking plenty of water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits that are raw or lightly cooked; avoid caffeine or keep it to a minimum; avoid acidic foods such as dairy products, fruit juices and meats; and stay away from heavily processed foods that usually contain artificial flavorings or preservatives. In short, keep the diet as fresh and light as possible.

 Candida/parasite or fungal cleanse – If you experience symptoms such as night sweats, unexplainable food cravings, bloating, gas, headaches or nausea after eating or have fungus infections such as athlete’s foot or yeast infections, a parasite, fungal or candida cleanse might help battle the cause of your symptoms. Parasite cleanses are often recommended for those who eat a lot of raw or lightly cooked foods that can harbor parasites such as sushi.

 Heavy metal or liver cleanses – These can be particularly helpful for those who have had surgeries, eat a lot of fish or work in environments where heavy metals are common.

 With any cleanse, remember that it should be done with a purpose. Focus on cleaner living with a better diet and you’re bound to feel better.

What are Parasites Intestinal parasites are parasites that populate the gastro-intestinal tract in humans and other animals. They can live throughout the body, but most prefer the intestinal wall. Means of exposure include: ingestion of undercooked meat, drinking infected water, and skin absorption. The major groups of parasites include protozoans (organisms having only one cell) and parasitic worms (helminths). Of these, protozoans, including cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and isospora, are most common in HIV-infected persons. Each of these parasites can infect the digestive tract, and sometimes two or more can cause infection at the same time. Infection Parasites can get into the intestine by going through the mouth from uncooked or unwashed food, contaminated water or hands, or by skin contact with larva infected soil. When the organisms are swallowed, they move into the intestine, where they can reproduce and cause symptoms. Children are particularly susceptible if they are not thoroughly sterilized after coming into contact with infected soil that is present in environments that they may frequently visit such as sandboxes and school playgrounds. People in developing countries are also at particular risk due to drinking water from sources that may be contaminated with parasites that colonize the gastrointestinal tract. A list of common symptoms: Abdominal pain, Myositis, Constipation, Anaemia, Anorexia, B-12 deficiency, Rectal hemorrhage, Blindness, Hematochezia, Hemoptysis, Dysuria, Central nervous system impairment, Chest pain, Chills, Chronic fatigue, Colitis, Coughing, Diarrhea, Digestive disturbance, Dizziness, Fever, Enlargement of various organs, Headaches, Vaginitis, Jaundice, Joint Pain, Weight loss due to malnutrition, Weakness, Immunodeficiency, Nausea / Vomiting, Swelling of facial features, Sweating, Insomnia, Skin ulcers, Rectal prolaspe, Mental problems, Lung congestion, Memory loss, Night sweats, Muscle spasms. In some people, intestinal worms do not cause any symptoms, or the symptoms may come and go. If you have some of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you are infected. These symptoms may also indicate to other diseases. Common signs and complaints include coughing, cramping abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. In more serious infections, diminished sex drive, skin-itching, fever, nausea, vomiting, or bloody stools may occur. Some parasites also cause low red blood cell count (anemia), and some travel from the lungs to the intestine, or from the intestine to the lungs and other parts of the body. Many other conditions can result in these symptoms, so laboratory tests are necessary to determine their cause. In children, irritability and restlessness are commonly reported by parents.