A cleanse is a health regimen designed to remove toxins from the body. Some cleanses target the entire body, while other focus on specific organs such as the liver, kidneys, or skin. In most cases, a cleanse requires a temporary radical change of diet, although some cleanses are designed to help people transition to a healthier diet. Many proponents of natural health engage in regular body cleanses to improve their health and treat underlying medical issues. Cleanses are also used as a weight loss tool in some communities, while others engage in body cleanses as a spiritual activity.

Some caution should be used when undertaking a cleanse, especially a radical one. A medical doctor should always be consulted before making radical dietary changes, as some health conditions may be aggravated by a cleanse. Talk to your doctor about the type of cleanse you are interested in, and if he or she feels that you are unfit to undertake a cleanse, talk about alternative choices that could still leave you feeling healthier. If you start to experience extreme symptoms, you should stop the cleanse and seek medical attention promptly.

A cleanse can be accomplished in a number of ways. The most common is a dietary change: most cleanses involve fasting and the ingestion of a lot of fluids to flush toxins from the body. With some cleanses, only specific foods are allowed. In most cases, these foods are raw and high in fiber: many cleanses, for example, specify that followers can only consume fruit, juice, and water. In addition to permitted foods and fluids, some cleanses also integrate tinctures and special teas which are also supposed to help express toxins, while others add supplements such as psyllium husk in pill form.

Other types of body therapy are often part of a cleanse as well. Detoxifying massage such as lymphatic drainage massage may be a part of the regimen, along with heat or cold therapy. In some instances, a cleanse also involves the use of colonic irrigation, which is supposed to flush toxins from the digestive tract. Many naturopathic doctors believe that certain foods such as meats and refined sugars clog the digestive system, and that colonic irrigation will remove built up toxins, especially when combined with high fiber foods to further flush the intestines.

In the early stages of a cleanse, the practitioner often feels very unpleasant. This is due to the release of toxins held in the organs of the body. Drinking large amounts of water will help to flush the toxins out, and it is crucial to drink fluids while in the early stages of a cleanse so that released toxins can be expressed through the urine. Taking a sauna will also help to release toxins by opening the pores and sweating them out. The early stages of a cleanse should be frustrating, but should not be used as a cause to stop: pushing through the first few days will result in a feeling of better health which many feel is worth the early discomfort.