11 Surefire Tips to Clarify Mind, Body & Spirit by Dr. Susan Smith Jones

March 8, 2014 -
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Hi all! Happy Saturday! Today I’ve got a special friend, Susan Smith Jones, joining us for a guest post! I met Susan during my Nutrex-Hawaii Nutrition Summit Trip a few months ago & instantly realized the wealth of knowledge that Susan has. We also share a common love for Spirulina and she shared some great ideas for recipes including adding the powder to your salad dressing!

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Today Susan is going to speak about 11 Surefire Tips to Cleanse Mind, Body & Spirit. Why I am happy to have Susan here is because it’s not your usual “cleanse” talk – it’s all about looking at other ways to really open up & clarify different parts of not only your body, but mind & spirit.

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Susan Smith Jones, PhD: For a woman with three of America’s most ordinary names, Dr. Susan Smith Jones has certainly made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan is the founder and president of Health Unlimited, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm dedicated to optimal wellness, health education and human potential. Susan travels internationally as a frequent radio and TV talk show guest and motivational speaker; she’s also the author of over 25 books, including Recipes for Health Bliss, Detoxify & Rejuvenate, The Joy Factor and Walking on Air: Your 30 Day Inside and Out Rejuvenation Makeover.

Susan is giving away free copies of her two popular ebooks The Curative Kitchen and Detoxify & Rejuvenate. To get your personal copies today, please refer to the homepage of her website.

YOU: Detoxified, Beautified & Energized

By Susan Smith Jones, PhD • www.SusanSmithJones.com

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.

– Jane Austen

 

When I was just a teenager, my grandmother, Fritzie, used to say to me that… life and all of its magnificence is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Each day plant seeds of high self-esteem, support them with all of your actions, and always be tender with yourself and others.

I have never forgotten this sage advice and I think Jane Austen would agree. She also reminded me often that… the most important relationship we have is with our own body. She was right about this, too. When your body is not operating from a foundation of health, balance and peace, the rest of your life inevitably suffers. One of the best places to start building health is by keeping your body detoxified year-round. Anytime of the month or year is a perfect time to embark on a full-body detox program. Fritzie always encouraged me to mindfully self-cleanse with each change of season.

There is an epidemic sweeping America that I refer to as “internal toxic pollution.” Many people suffer from chronic disease and loss of health not only as a direct result of unhealthy conditions environmentally, but internally as well—within the human body. We often think of health as the absence of disease. But, is this truly health? Are we healthy one day and then all of a sudden sick the next? There’s a plethora of evidence that demonstrates to us that health or sickness is a process that develops over a period of time (often years) and is based at the cellular level.

Our bodies are made of over 70 trillion cells. Cells of the same ilk join together to form organs, tissue, bones, blood, etc. Each cell is constantly in the process of dying and being replaced. Each cell receives nutrition and expels waste and toxins, which must be eliminated from the body in a timely manner. When the cells are deficient in nutrients or are overpowered with toxins and waste, cellular malfunction begins and thus the slow decline in the level of health until one day a disease state is recognized by the manifestation of symptoms.

There are thousands of toxic chemicals all around us. There are pesticides in our foods, chemicals in our water and pollutants in the air we breathe. Even common cosmetics are full of chemicals. We drink, eat, breathe and live in a soup of toxic chemicals. One of the greatest health secrets is that you have control over the pollution in your body. If you keep a balanced and clean internal environment, you won’t succumb to the toxic build-up so prevalent in most people’s bodies. Those who cleanse regularly look and feel younger, are much healthier, and live a longer life than those who ignore the need to internally cleanse.

Are You Toxic?

The following are some of the possible symptoms of toxic build-up in the body: constipation; chronic yeast infections; brittle hand and toe nails; frequent colds; weight gain; acne, dry or pale skin; mood swings or depression; low sex drive; lack of concentration; feckless short term memory; sleeping problems; frequent headaches; chronic urinary tract infections; arthritic bone pains or rheumatism; allergies, gas, bloating, flatulence; general weakness; and frequent/chronic fatigue or lack of energy, just to name a few.

Our modern diets are to blame for many of our most common ailments. Disease often occurs as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, which causes the body to become sluggish, congested, acidic and polluted. Antibiotics, excess sugar, carbonated beverages, chemical food additives and over-the-counter drugs can alter the acid/alkaline balance of the intestinal tract, often killing beneficial bacteria and creating the perfect environment for harmful microbes to grow. Without the “good” or “friendly” bacteria to keep them in check, these “bad” bacteria can eventually overrun our body and severely depress our immune system.

Mucoid plaque is a slimy gel-like substance that covers the inner lining of the intestines and bowel. Plaque harbors toxins and interferes with nutrient absorption. The colon is known to hold up to 30 or more pounds of old matter and can be packed with undigested foods and disease-promoting bacteria.

Benefits of Cleansing

So what can internal cleansing do for you? Here are some of the most commonly reported benefits of cleansing and detoxifying the body: relief from bloating; flatter abdominal area; relief from constipation; clearer thinking; greater sense of well being; stronger immune system; improved digestion; better sleep; youthful appearance and healthier skin; more energy and confidence! Simply put, internal cleansing can dramatically improve the quality of your overall health. It’s also one of the best ways to break any food habits you might have such as always salting foods, being addicted to white sugar/white flour products and sodas, etc.

When the colon and liver are clear of excess toxins and waste, it frees up energy to be used by the rest of the body. It also helps the liver and intestinal tract to manufacture nutrients as well as absorb them from your food much more efficiently. This supports the healing, repair and maintenance of your entire body.

When to Cleanse and What to Expect

During the past four decades, I have embraced the following cleansing schedule. One day a week, 2-3 days monthly, 7-10 days with each change of season, and 30-40 days every two to three years, I engage in some kind of detox/cleanse program to preclude a toxic build-up in my body and to keep me vibrantly healthy. In addition, for over 30 years I have also created custom-designed cleanses and health programs for my clients worldwide, depending on their personal needs. In other words, I’m passionate about the healing power of whole-body cleansing. It may also interest you to know that I’ve never taken any prescription drugs in my life and haven’t had a cold or the flu in almost 30 years. I am convinced that it’s because I keep my body detoxified year-round with the simple steps you’ll read about below.

Depending on how toxic your body may be, and how long you choose to cleanse, during your detox, you may feel a bit more tired than usual. If that’s the case, just make sure to get more rest. Some people report feeling more energy; others have broken out with rashes on the skin, but these go away in a few days; some experience a slight fever or headaches (that’s a sign that your body is house-cleaning); most people release lots of mucus during the cleanse; others experience mood swings or depression. At the end of a detox program, most will feel “lighter” and more peaceful; certainly you’ll feel in more control over your body and experience an increase in self-esteem and confidence.

The Body’s Largest Organ—Your Skin

Weighing in at approximately six pounds and covering an area of about two square yards, your skin is the largest organ of the body. Not only is it an organ, but the skin is also a major area for the elimination of toxic wastes from our systems. It has been called our “third kidney” because it works closely with the kidneys to help release uric acid. Our body must eliminate large amounts of waste products from our systems daily or we will die. The bowel, lungs, kidneys and skin are our four channels of elimination. Each of these organs ideally should release two pounds of toxins per day. Therefore, our skin is responsible for getting rid of nearly a fourth of our bodily toxins each and every day. If the skin is not doing its job, the kidneys, lungs and bowel will have an extra load to deal with.

Skin brushing is one of the finest ways to detoxify the skin and promote good circulation. While I discuss the healing power of dry skin brushing (as well as the healthiest foods to eat with recipes) in my 3-book Hay House healthy eating and living set — The Healing Power of NatureFoods, Recipes for Health Bliss, and Health Bliss , here’s a brief summary. Make a commitment for 30 days of dry skin brushing.  After one month, your skin will feel and look about 10 years younger with daily dry skin brushing. Your brush should be made from natural vegetable fibers, not nylon or other synthetic material. Brush your entire body (except your face and private areas) before you shower or bathe. Brushing the skin dry rather than wet is very important because it does a much better job of removing dead skin cells and toxins. I use a special smaller, softer brush for my face and neck. (I always get my dry skin brushes from www.BernardJensen.com.)

Your Personal Cleanse

There are many aspects to internal cleansing that are too numerous to mention in this brief article. But as a brief summary, whether it’s a 1-Day or 30-Day Cleanse, here are many of the things I embrace as part of my cleansing program. See how many you can incorporate into your program. You can find more detailed information on everything mentioned below on my website and in my latest books The Joy Factor: 10 Sacred Practices for Radiant Health and Walking on Air: Your 30-Day Inside and Out Rejuvenation Makeover, which is a step-by-step program to detoxify and rejuvenate your body and life. Breaking down life changes into a manageable 30-day plan, I show you how to make simple, yet effective, choices with your food, home, relationships, lifestyle, and your state of mind. Their cumulative effect is designed to bring you to a new level of vibrant health, deeper joy, and a more peaceful, balanced life so that your spirit soars.

1. A Positive Tone: Just as the first 40 minutes of each day sets the tone for the entire day, the first day of a detox program sets the tone for the entire regimen. In other words, do what needs to be done to get ready for the cleanse, which should include shopping for the best foods and teas, having a good source of alkaline water, getting a dry skin brush, and organizing other things recommended below. I also suggest that you put clean bedding (linens) on your bed and make your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary, where you can enjoy quality rest-time and sweet dreams while detoxifying.

 

2. Plant-Based Food & Fresh Juices: While on a cleanse, it’s great to add in plant based foods with as many raw or “living” foods as possible. I also drink organic detox teas that I purchase from my local health food store. High water content foods—especially fresh fruit and vegetables—are easy to digest. Emphasize any leafy greens because the greens are very detoxifying and rejuvenating. These fresh, colorful foods take stress off of your digestive system. I always make sure that I eat at least one cup of fresh, homegrown sprouts daily. Rich in nutrients and enzymes, these gems of nature benefit health in so many ways. For over 25 years, I have purchased my organic sprouting supplies from Handy Pantry. Their3-Tray Stackable Sprout Garden is so easy to use and makes great gifts, too.

3. Hawaiian Vitality: I bet I have your attention now. There are two natural products I would never be without. One is the superfood extraordinaire, Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica known to be the most nutrient-rich food on the planet. There are many brands of Spirulina on the market, but the best one comes from the Kona coast of Hawaii at Nutrex Hawaii. For 28 years, I have taken this superfood in both tablet and powder forms and wouldn’t be without it. Front and center in my healthy kitchen, it’s a high protein, low calorie, immune-boosting, energizing, detoxifying and rejuvenating superfood. Each day, I also take 12 mg of Hawaiian Astaxanthin, a supernutrient known worldwide as the “King of Antioxidants” that supports the eyes, joints, skin, brain, and circulation; quells inflammation; and helps in the process of detoxification and rejuvenation. These are the two, main natural supplements I take every day of the year, whether I am on a detox program or not. When detoxifying, I take a few extra milligrams of each one, too. With over 500 worldwide, scientific studies backing up their efficacy, they are, indeed, an extraordinary natural superfood and supernutrient. You will find many articles about them on my website.

4. Sunshine, Air, Deep Breathing and Home Environment: Enjoy approximately 10-20 minutes of healing sunshine on as much of your body’s skin as possible; avoid the mid-day sun. During your cleanse, breathe in fresh, clean air. This is the perfect time to do your deep breathing practice several times each day. And just as your body is your temple, your home is your sanctuary. For your living space, here are three quick tips to keep your home environment more toxin-free.

Don’t wear shoes inside your home. This will help reduce petrochemical residue, sewage, tar, etc., on the soles of your shoes from being distributed around the house and adversely impacting home air quality.

Open your windows. Air quality inside the home is negatively affected by off-gassing of fabrics on household furniture, carpets, conventional cleaning products, etc. An easy solution: open the windows and let the fresh air in!

Buy a mattress pad or cover. A good hypoallergenic mattress pad helps eliminate exposure to allergens while resting.

5. Water and Hydration: Our bodies are 70% water. Our cells are 70% water and our planet Earth is 70% water. That’s no coincidence. Each day we need to drink at least 8 glasses of purified water. Lack of moisture in faces causes wrinkles the way lack of moisture in plums causes prunes. Drinking “liquids” won’t do. Although herbal tea, freshly extracted vegetable juice and diluted fruit juice can count in the water tally, coffee, caffeinated tea, colas, and alcoholic beverages actually dehydrate the body. They’re wet, but they’re not water; in fact, they dehydrate the body.

Get into the habit of carrying a reusable, earth-friendly bottle of water when you walk or drive. If it’s there, you’re more likely to drink it. You can refill them from your filtered or purified water source at home. For 20 years, I have been drinking purified alkaline water from the stellar Ionizer Plus device in my kitchen, which I write about on my website. Most poisons and toxins are acidic. Chronic acidification can hinder the body’s ability to detoxify itself and compromise the liver and digestive system. That’s why it’s important to drink the best alkaline water daily — several glasses. It’s one of the quickest ways to keep your body detoxified, even if your quotidian diet is less than perfect.

6. Heat Therapy: Sweating is not only an important part of our physical well-being, but in these modern times of water and air-borne pollution, toxic chemicals, heavy metals and poor dietary and exercise habits, the therapeutic internal cleansing of regular sweating is critical to maintain a healthy body and mind. And the easiest key to a “good sweat” is a sauna. I learned about the benefits of taking saunas from my grandmother when I was barely a teenager and have been taking them regularly ever since. But now I only use an infrared sauna called Thermal Life. Since you sweat out many toxins when taking a sauna, I prefer to use my personal home sauna. While it’s not inexpensive, it’s such an important part of a healthy living program, and especially if you want to keep your body detoxified and rejuvenated year-round. When you invest in a Thermal Life Infrared Sauna  (you’ll find info on my website comparing an infrared sauna to a traditional dry sauna and a steam room), you’re making an investment not only in your health, but also an investment for life.

7. Meditate & Rest: Find time for quiet reflection and relaxation during your detoxification program. This is not the time to fill your life with unlimited activity. Instead, choose to slow down, smell the flowers, keep a gratitude journal and simplify your life. Whenever possible, meditate outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by greenery to refresh your body, mind and spirit. As so beautifully put by author Jane Austen… To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.

8. Simplification, Books and Gratitude: When I’m doing a cleanse, long or short, I will often find simple ways to de-clutter my surroundings. In other words, I cleanse my body, soul and environment. This is also an excellent time to read books on how to take better care of your body. Any of my books are perfect to read, including The Joy Factor . Each and every day, especially when you embark on a detox program, take a moment to be grateful for all you have in life. Gratitude, after all, is a great stress-buster and whole-body purifier. What you think about consistently brings more of the same into your life. So focusing on the positive, even during cleansing or difficult times, is the best way to alleviate stress, rejuvenate your body and transform your life.

9. Exercise and Massage: It’s important to workout during a detox program. If you’re feeling tired, do some yoga stretches or other simple movements. Make sure to include aerobic activity such as walking to help with your circulation. As well, schedule in time to get a massage. If possible, find a massage therapist who knows how to do a lymph massage, which will also help flush the toxins out of your body. Or, perhaps, you can ask a family member or close friend to give you a foot massage.

10. Constipation Begone — The #1 Way to Go #2: In Ayurvedic and Chinese medical traditions, one of the first things that practitioners want to know is whether a patient is having regular bowel movements, urination and sweating. This is important because these processes are the body’s ways of eliminating toxins. Once toxins have been released into the blood and neutralized by the liver, they must be eliminated safely from the body, otherwise they may become reabsorbed. The bowel is the body’s main elimination organ, yet amongst many Americans and others worldwide today, this central elimination system is compromised, as evidenced by high rates of constipation.

My best recommendation to prevent or heal constipation is the Squatty Potty toilet stool that I wouldn’t be without and recommend to everyone. Once again, it was my wise grandmother who taught me how to use the toilet properly. Has anyone ever taught you about the importance of squatting when you have bowel movements? Probably not. The Squatty Potty stool is a simple, 100% natural solution for better elimination. This sturdy, custom-designed stool allows for full squatting and semi-squat positions on our existing toilets. And when it’s not in use, it slides conveniently out of the way under the toilet. To learn more about this toilet stool, detoxification and no more constipation, please click here to read my article.

11. Buddy Cleanse: Sometimes I’ll find a friend who will do the cleanse with me. Even though we might both live in different homes, or across the country, or even in different countries, it is still comforting to know that there’s someone else (friend or family) joining you on the cleanse. Each day, visit with that person, even if it’s over the telephone, FaceTime or email and compare notes and encourage each other on.

In conclusion, keep in mind the following thoughts.

The secret to vibrant health and youthful vitality at any age is in cleansing the body and mind, and then adopting a lifestyle that includes positive, grateful thoughts, natural foods, pure water, fresh air, sunshine and exercise. Learning to cleanse the body and mind is an essential part of healing. When the body is burdened with toxic waste material, it will be tired and have low immune function. When the body is clean, it can absorb the essential nutrients it needs to heal, repair and maintain good health. So the next time you hear the expression, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” you may understand better that it conveys an extremely important aspect of health and rejuvenation. The more cleansed you keep your miraculous body, the more room you’ll have to be filled with Light.

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Thank you Susan for all of your positive insight & tips! I think with anything- taking small steps towards your health goals is KEY and Susan offers many options to start with! With any information – totally take what you’ve learned and apply it to your life! (Hence, be true to you) right? It can be as simple as opening your windows and taking relaxing “cleansing” deep breaths, or maybe adding in something like spirulina or trying a new recipe! It really is simple to make small changes towards your best self.

 

I hope you guys have a great day!

 

Be true to you,

xo Kasey

 

Do you have a simple tip to start your day off?

I tend to start my mornings off with a simple Apple Pie Cleanser in the morning before breafkast to really jump start my day & digestion! I recommend drinking with a straw to keep your teeth safe from the vinegar.

 

And while we’re on this topic – I do use the “Squatty Potty” Method and it is a life changer. Just sayinnn ‘