RENEW LIFE RAPID TOTAL CLEANSE: Great Results with Limited Time

Awhile back, I did numerous series on CLEANSING, and numerous ways in which to enhance the bodies natural channels of elimination. One of the companies/products I recommended and reviewed, were the products by the company RENEW LIFE. I particularly was impressed with their then new
RAPID TOTAL CLEANSE.I'm usually not a fan of 'quick cleanses' as your body accumulates toxins throughout your life, and I find these 'short' cleanses are ineffective, glorified fiber supplements, or laxatives. Renew Life's formula is really well researched, comprehensive, effective and well put together. It targets all channels of elimination and doesn't contain any laxatives. For anyone looking to help their bodies and get healthier, I recommend this product. I was sent the complete info sheet on this by the company, and thought I would share it with you so that you can learn about it, how it works, who it's for etc. What I really love about Renew Life's formulas are that they are complete! They ensure that you DO NOT reabsorb the toxins that you have just leeched out of you. This is why so many people get what is referred to as the 'Cleansing Reaction'- dizzy, headaches, acne, malaise, bad breath etc. This formula ensures that you are releasing the toxins and eliminating them from the body.

I was not compensated or contacted by the company to share this with you. I am posting it as it is my continuous hope that I may educate, inform, and encourage you to live a healthier life.

RENEW LIFE'S RAPID TOTAL CLEANSE:

7-day Deep-acting Total-body Cleanse & Energize Formula for Those with Limited Time

-Great Pre-diet Cleanse

-Deep-cleansing Liver & Organ Support

-Eliminates Toxins & Improves Digestion

-Potent Colon Cleanse Promotes Regularity

In today’s toxic world, we are all looking for ways to improve our health and keep our energy at a high level. However, the affects of our toxic world, processed foods, and high stress start to take their toll. Slowly, but surely, our energy declines and our bodies begin to deteriorate. What starts out as a small ache and pain will eventually turn into something more serious unless we begin to take charge of our health and reverse the damage that is being done.

Cleaner, healthier living begins from the inside out. Reducing your exposure to the harmful toxins that surround you every day and supporting your body's natural cleansing power is the key to achieving optimum wellness.

Total Body Rapid Cleanse is an advanced, 7 day natural herbal cleansing program that works to eliminate toxins, pollutants, and free radicals from the body. It is a 3 part cleanse. Part 1 and 3 are a combination of herbs, minerals, and amino acids contained in vegetable capsules. Part 2 is a powdered fibre supplement from acacia fibre. It is formulated to stimulate the cleansing and detoxification process of the body's 7 channels of elimination: the liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, blood, skin, and lymphatic system.

Total Body Rapid Cleanse Part 1 works by directly stimulating the organs, thereby enhancing the detoxification process of the body. It contains herbs, such as milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric, which stimulate the liver's production of bile. The liver transfers toxins into the bile, which is then carried into the intestine, where it is absorbed by fibre and then removed from the body. Total Body Rapid Cleanse Part 1 also contains herbs that stimulate elimination of toxins through the bladder, skin lungs and lymphatic system.

Total Body Rapid Cleanse Part 2 is acacia fibre. Due to the strong focus on the liver in Part 1 it is important to have soluble fibre to soak up the toxins as they are being excreted by the liver.

Total Body Rapid Cleanse Part 3 helps with elimination from the colon. It contains magnesium hydroxide which helps to regulate water into the bowel. When the colon is fully hydrated, elimination can occur more easily, without the need of harsh laxatives. Part 3 also contains the herbs cape aloe, rhubarb, and triphala which stimulate peristalsis (contraction of the colon). Once the colon has been hydrated and peristalsis has been properly stimulated, elimination can be achieved at a normal level (2-3 times per day).

Who Should Use Total Body Rapid Cleanse?

• If a person only has 7 days to cleanse, Rapid Cleanse is the best choice for complete, total body cleansing.

• Can be done on a monthly basis for people who want to do more consistent cleansing or maintain results between 30 day cleanses.

• Persons who are constipated.

Did you know?

• There are more than 80,000 chemicals currently in use today and 1,000 more introduced each year.

• Cleansing works to alleviate and improve constipation, it reduces toxic load, improves absorption of

nutrients, reduces the risk of chronic disease, helps to maintain or lose weight and increases energy.

• Total Body Rapid Cleanse is a powerful cleanse so people should take it at half strength for the first

few days to allow their bodies to adjust and avoid strong cleansing reactions.

Total Body Rapid Cleanse is perfect:

• If a person only has 7 days to cleanse.

• If a person has cleansed before.

• If someone wants to cleanse after overindulging after the holidays and wants to get back on track

and does not have a lot of time.

• If someone is going away on holidays and wants a quick cleanse.

• 7 day cleanses are effective and are useful if you are struggling to find the time for a longer

program. However, to achieve the full benefits of cleansing and detoxification, it is recommended

to perform a 30 day cleanse 2 to 4 times per year (CleanseSMART).

What does it contain?

Total Body Rapid Cleanse 1

There are several categories of herbs used in Rapid Cleanse Part 1. These herbs support detoxification through the body’s 7 channels of elimination.

Herbs for the Liver

Cholagogues (Herbs that stimulate bile flow in the liver) - Artichoke, burdock, dandelion, milk thistle, turmeric

Hepatoprotective (Herbs that protect the cells of the liver) - Milk thistle, turmeric

N-Acetyl-Cysteine

Converts into 'glutathione', which is essential for Phase II detoxification. Has protective effect on glutathione, and prevents it's depletion during toxic overload.

L-Glutathione

Attaches itself to toxic chemicals in the liver and renders them into a state suitable for elimination from the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

Herbs for the Lungs

Expectorant (Herbs that aid in the discharge of respiratory mucous) - Mullein, red clover, turmeric

Demulcent (Herbs that help soothe the mucous membrane) - Mullein

Herbs for the Kidneys

Diuretic (Herbs that increase urine flow) - Artichoke, burdock, dandelion, red clover, oatstraw, stinging nettle leaf

Herbs for the Skin

Herbs used to improve the skin (when toxins are released through the skin, mild irritation can occur. These herbs help to reduce or eliminate this effect). - Burdock root, dandelion, red clover, oatstraw

Herbs for the Blood

Alteratives (Blood purifying herbs) - Artichoke, burdock root, dandelion, red clover, turmeric

Herbs for the Adrenal Glands

Balances adrenal function - Ashwagandha

Herbs for the Lymphatic System

Lymphagogues (Herbs that stimulate lymphatic flow) - Red clover

Total Body Rapid Cleanse 2

Toxin absorption - Acacia Fibre

Total Body Rapid Cleanse 3

There are many categories of herbs and minerals used in Rapid Cleanse Part 3. These ingredients are used

to gently stimulate the bowel and to promote regular elimination of toxins.

Herbs/Minerals for the Bowel

Increase bowel hydration - Magnesium hydroxide

Stimulate peristalsis - Rhubarb root, cape aloe gel, triphala

Soothe intestinal lining – Marshmallow, slippery elm

Tone and strengthen - Triphala

Expectorant (removes mucus from bowel) - Marshmallow root

Digestive Aid

Ginger root, fennel
 
 
To read some of my other reviews and articles you can click on the REVIEW link at the top of the page, go to ARTICLES, or follow these:
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/search/label/Cleansing
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/07/top-10-summer-detox-foods.html
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-innovite-total-body-cleanse.html
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/09/supplement-spotlight-4fiber-review.html
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/04/recleanse-apple-berry-fiber-review.html

Cleansing 101: Essential Cleansing Part 1.

I have finally gotten around to the promised mini-course on Cleansing, as part of my 'Cleansing Series' 101. For additional related info go to my 'Top 10 Summer Foods For Detox" post and my review on "Inno-vite Innoclease 7 Day Total Cleanse".

Essential Cleansing

With all the stress in today's society (economy, job security, uncertainty, money, school, poor diet and exercise, pressure, family, relationships, illness, responsibilities etc) taking a shower may feel like a giant accomplishment worthy of  Olympic Gold. We are so busy keeping up, our health, diets and nutrition often fall to the wayside and take a backseat to our daily responsibilities.

 As we progress towards the future, our stress levels are at an all time high, and our time is at a premium. Unfortunately, so is our health. Our body is being assailed by so many stressors, and is becoming so weakened due to poor lifestyle habits, that we are oxidizing healthy cells, leaching metabolic enzymes to use as digestive enzymes, and plummeting our immune health-and therefore well-being, into further decline.

It is no wonder chronic diseases are showing up faster than ever. The more we place our bodies under stress, the more we leach B vitamins and lose the gastric juices that we so need for digesting our food and assimilating nutrients to keep us healthy. We eat processed food, are sleep deprived and breath polluted air. Our soils are dumped with chemicals and our oceans are polluted with our garbage. We are destroying the delicate ecosystem and equilibrium our earth needs to sustain not only itself, but us as well.

Seeing as we live in a toxic world, it comes as no surprise that our bodies have become a condensed carbon copy (pun intended) of the world we live in. Our 'equilibrium' is out of whack. We are full of toxins, which are chemicals that harm our body's cells, organs, immune system and wreak havoc on our daily functions.

TOXINS 101

There are 2 forms of toxins:

Endotoxins: These are the toxins that are created within the body (undigested food: inflammation causes purification which creates toxins that damage the cells, organs, tissues etc).

Exotoxics: These are toxins that come from outside of our bodies- inhaled/ingested: polluted air and water, smog, cigarette smoke, alcohol, medication, food additives, household chemicals, chemicals sprayed on food etc.

As you can see, our bodies have a lot to deal with! Luckily, we have 7 personal 'body guards' or allies that help naturally detoxify us, and keep up the fight in eliminating all the toxins in our bodies. Unfortunately, as our immune system is compromised and all of our defences are overworked, these seven "body guards", or channels of elimination often are struggling to do their jobs.

The 7 Channels Of Elimination

What are these Seven 'Channels Of Elimination'?
They are:
Blood, Skin, Lungs, Lymphatic System, Liver, Colon, Kidneys.

Liver:
This is our main Glutathione producer (I will do a separate post on the AMAZING benefits of Glutathione), and most important detox ally. We would be dead without it in 24 hrs. It changes harmful toxins into substances that we can safely eliminate from our bodies. This 3lbs organ is responsible for over 500 separate metabolic functions for the body. These functions can be grouped into two main actions: one, processing digested food received from the blood, and two, filtering wastes and toxins also received from the blood. The liver works via a 2 phase Enzyme pathway detox process.



Lymphatic System:
The Lymph System works through a network of vessels that run throughout our bodies.

Lungs:
With every breath we take, our lungs are working to rid us of toxins and expel them in mucous. They are connected to the Lymphatic System, in that deep breathing stimulates the lymphatic flow to eliminate toxins.
Just think of all the pollution we breath in daily (construction, smoke, chemicals, cleaners, perfume etc) and you can imagine how important our lungs are in keeping us healthy and how hard they work!

Skin:
This huge organ eliminates toxins through perspiration. So, although sweating may not be exactly desired, it is necessary to getting waste and toxins out out of our bodies through our pores! This is part of the 'anti-perspirant' controversy.

Colon:
This is the obvious 'eliminator' (pun intended). All the toxins that are transformed by the liver are (hopefully) eliminated through the colon (also referred to as the Large Intestine). A weathered liver leads to a sluggish colon, poor elimination and toxic overload.

Kidneys:
All the water soluble toxins and waste that's changed by the liver, go to the Kidney for elimination. The Kidney further filters them and finally sends them to our bladder for elimination.

Blood:
Blood is our 'life water' and flows through our vascular system, delivering nutrients, oxygen and all that comes with it to the cells throughout our bodies. It flows throughout our bodies delivering these critical nutrients, while simultaneously removing harmful waste. We all know how blood circulates throughout our bodies, and how fast an infection in the blood can spread. You can imagine how important the removal of these 'waste' products are in preventing potentially life threatening bacteria, toxins, viruses, diseases and infections from spreading throughout.

Hopefully, you can now understand why cleansing is so important! Detoxification is our bodies natural process in eliminating these toxins, and toxic buildup from our bodies, or neutralizing them so they can't harm us. It does this by removing/neutralizing them from our cells, tissues, organs, bloodstream and processes them through the liver, kidneys (urine), colon (feces), sweat etc.

So what is Cleansing?
Cleansing, in a sense, is helping or supporting our bodies natural ability to detoxify us. Lessening the burden/stress on our bodies, and 7 channels of elimination, so that they can do their jobs more efficiently! My favorite analogy is it's like cleaning oil from your car! Or like putting Drano in your sink (especially the Colon)!

We all have a different 'toxic' build-up or tolerance depending on our lifestyles, immune health and environments. I call it our 'toxic threshhold'. However, when we reach it, undesirable side effects begin to  occur.

Think of a vacuum cleaner bag: the filter and bag serve to contain all the dust particles, dirt, debris etc you vacuum up, and contain them in the bag so you are not exposed to them. Over time, as you keep vacuuming the filter gets clogged and the bag gets more and more full. Eventually, there is no more room in the bag and the more you try to vacuum the more the dust/dirt etc start spewing and overflowing from the bag back into your environment and air. This is the same analogy as with our bodies. Our bodies become overwhelmed with all the stress and toxins- they no longer work at peak capacity to eliminate them. This is when we suffer the many symptoms of toxic overload. Our natural detoxification is at max capacity, and this is when degenerative and chronic diseased can start to occur.

Some symptoms of toxic overload are:

• Headaches
• Fuzzy Thinking
• Joint Pain
• Inflammation
• Allergy Symptoms
• Hemorrhoids
• Food Allergies and sensitivities
• Back Pain and Muscle Pain
• Respiratory Problems and impaired function
• Depression and mood disorders
• Insomnia
• Impaired digestion
• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Acne and Skin problems (psoriasis)
• Arthritis
• Ulcers
• Blood Disorders

Unfortunately, as we evolve into a technology-based era, we are being exposed to more and more heavy metals, chemicals and toxins.

By cleansing, we are alleviating some of the stress we place on our bodies. This leads to a decrease of potential diseases,inflammation and chronic health conditions; increased energy levels, improved digestion and immune health, healthier weight, and improved health and well-being!

Relevant content:
Toxin Ingredient List: http://www.mybodycanhealitself.ca/toxic_ingredient_directory_http.htm

Stay tuned for next weeks installment!

What areas in your life do you see impacted by toxins?

Do you suffer from any of the above symptoms?

Have you ever tried a cleanse or cleansing? What were your experiences?

How could your body benefits from cleansing?

Top 10 Summer Detox Foods

As I previously mentioned, there is such a misconception about cleansing and detoxes! Your body has 7 channels of elimination in order for it to function at its peak potential! I thought I'd take a different route this morning, and go through fresh veggies and fruit that help your body naturally detox itself! With the warmer weather, there is an abundance of fresh food options we can incorporate into our diets. Having more energy this time of year is always a welcome change to the sluggish feeling we often have from over consumption of processed foods and too much alcohol.

Detoxification is your bodies NATURAL process of removing impurities from itself, which leaves you feeling refreshed and full of energy. Lethargy, dull skin, brain fog, headaches, weight gain, cravings, sluggish bowls, digestive disorders, mood swings, fatigue plague us and are often a sign of toxic build up.

Cleansing does NOT have to be torturous, require fasting, or a celebrity bank account ($1500 for a cup of tea??!). In fact, helping your body function at it's peak can be very inexpensive, and doesn't require supplements or products (although they do help if formulated correctly).

1. Focus on healthy liquids to flush out toxins while replacing them with nutrients.
2. Increase the fiber! Nothing binds toxins, lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar and keeps your elimination (colon) moving along better! 1 cup of raspberries/blackberries has 8g of fiber and only 64 calories while bursting with juicy goodness, vitamins and antioxidants. Popcorn (air popped) is another good source!

Here are 10 FOODS that help you naturally and simply detox during the summer months:

1. Lemons
Adding fresh lemon juice to water, juices, dressings, fruits and veggies is a fantastic way to add flavor without calories, chemicals, additives and add tons of nutrients! We all know that Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which helps bind to heavy metals and help our colon working efficiently!

2. Parsley
Tabbouleh anyone? This fantastically healthy internal detoxifier is easy to add as a garnish to any dish! From salads, soups, stews, lamb, BBQ's or pureed green monsters! Parsley is known for detoxifying the blood stream, and is beneficial for the lungs, colon, liver, kidney and spleen. It contains vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables
This is an obvious, and I resisted putting it in the number one spot (although this list is in no particular order). Fresh, raw leafy greens are chock full of enzymes, nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They truly are super-food powerhouses. Throw them on the grill, in salads, smoothies, baking (yes you can add pureed spinach to those brownies), soups, stews, sautées and juices: anyway you try them they are good for you and help your body! They are full of Chlorophyll, Vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamin K, etc. The Chlorophyll helps the body get rid of environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, while protecting the liver (which is our main channel of elimination). It helps us cleanse the body more efficiently. The phyto-nutrients increase blood flow to the liver and kidneys.

4. GREEN TEA
This has been everywhere in the new in the past few years, but Green Tea truly is a fantastic aid for helping us naturally cleanse ourselves. Science has proven that certain compounds in Green Tea help boost the production of detoxifying enzymes that neutralize cancer causing substances. Green Tea also protects the liver and digestive track, boosts our energy and metabolism, and is loaded with antioxidants! Besides that, it keeps us hydrated, which enhances detoxification and prevents dehydration! Drink Up! If you don't like it on its own, steep it, let it cool and make it into iced tea, a base for smoothies, boil your rice/grains in it and add it to beverages and soups!

5. Garlic
I grew up with Garlic on everything. To this day I still recommend it to most of my clients for any and all ailments and use it daily in my cooking! 1/2 clove of Garlic a day has been shown to decrease LDL Cholesterol. The active compound Allicin, is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and parasites. Garlic contains many sulphur compounds, vitamin C and flavonoids which combat free radical damage!

6. Artichokes
Artichokes have long been used to help the body heal and cleanse itself. They are very commonly seen in cleansing formulas (specifically liver formulas) as well as the dinner table. They reduce fatty deposits in the liver and assist in the proper function of the gallbladder- which is essential to proper digestion! They are also known to have diuretic properties, further helping us flush out that alcohol from last night (or that Ice Cream Sundae, Pina Colada, Margarita, Beer, Slurpee, Daiquiri.....)

7. Watercress

The blog world is going Kale crazy, so I thought I'd focus on this peppery tasting super-food instead. Watercress increases our detoxifying enzymes in the body and some studies suggest they act directly on certain toxins. Watercress also helps with lung health and is rich in Chlorophyll and minerals, which helps promote healthy circulation and blood! They are a great internal deodorant, help prevent bad breath, and act as a diuretic by helping flush out toxins! Throw some into your wrap, sandwich, pita, soup or salad with some grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, oregano, almonds, lemon juice, red onions and goat cheese!

8. Beets
Beets are the ultimate blood detoxifier! I grew up eating these (Borscht!) bright veggies sometime referred to as Natures Candy. These sweet blood red veggies are extremely effective for liver detoxification. They help with digestion, and stimulate the kidney and lymphatic systems. They are rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium,calcium, fibre, phytochemicals and antioxidants! They are great as a side dish, grilled, pureed, in smoothies, brownies or on their own! Just be careful, as they will stain anything they touch!

9. Broccoli Sprouts
These deserve a separate post for their amazing anti-cancer benefits (colon specifically), but for the purpose of this post I will stick to their detoxifying benefits. Broccoli has a key compound called sulforaphane that stimulate detoxifying enzymes. Sprouts contain a high amount of this compound, and are chock full of live enzymes (as they are still growing and 'alive'). In fact, some studies claim sprouts contain 10-100x more sulforaphane than mature broccoli. Dr. John Talalay of Johns Hopkins University, said about a 1997 study of sulforaphane, a compound that is the body's strongest natural inducer of enzymes which destroy carcinogens:Indole-3-Carbinol!

"In animals and human cells, we have demonstated, unequivocably, that this compound (suforaphane) can substantially reduce the incidence, rate of development, and size of tumors."

They are also full of other Anti-cancer/estrogenic compounds such as

10. Fresh Fruit
I thought I'd just group these all together! Fruit is so refreshing in the summer! Nothing beats biting into a fresh pineapple (enzymes- bromelain), papaya (papain), watermelon, berries, grapes, jack fruit and apples! So sweet and refreshing! We all know that fruits are loaded with nutrients! Vitamin C, fiber, fluids, and antioxidants! Watermelon is a great detoxifying aid, as it is loaded with water. It leaves you feeling full for longer periods of time and helps you flush out toxins. Watermelon also contains high amounts of Lycopene which has known anti-cancer benefits (prostate, breast, endometrial, ling and colorectal cancers specifically).
Apples are fantastic for detoxifying. Their skins are full of pectin (fiber) and the compound Quercetin (antioxidant, anti inflammatory, anti prostate cancer benefits,great for lung health). The pectin (fiber) help absorb toxins, such as metals and ensure they are removed from the body! An added bonus of the Quercetin in apples is that it acts as an Anti- Histamine!
Load up on Raspberries and blackberries which each have 8 grams of fiber per cup and contain Ellagic acid (prevents free radical damage, can help repair damaged skin and protect us from the sun's harmful UV rays)!

If I may suggest, invest in some Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics. You can most certainly get them from food, but the amounts vary. This will go a long way to helping your body rebuild itself and prevent future problems, illnesses and toxic build ups!