Complete Cleanse Instructions

Cleansing the body is an important step for good health. The body cleans itself with the help of the colon, liver, kidneys and skin, but sometimes the buildup of wastes and other toxic substances is too much for the body. The filtering organs become sluggish and in some situation diseases develop. A complete cleanse or detoxification rids the body of harmful materials and stimulates the organs to start functioning better. While there may not be one best way to cleanse the body that suits everyone, there are methods that are most commonly suggested by alternative medical practitioners.

Consider a Fast

• A fast is an excellent way to not only clean the body internally but also promote self-cleansing and self-healing. There are a variety of fasting regimens available, but for the most part no food at all is eaten during a fast. Only water is taken to keep the body hydrated. The article "Fasting for Detox" by Patricia Bragg, PhD on the Pure Inside Out website suggests doing only a one- to three-day fast. Longer fasts should be done only under a doctor's supervision. During a fast the digestive system is not used. The body uses the extra energy for self-cleaning.

Eat a Healthier Diet

• Every day a person needs to drink eight to 10 cups of fluids, according to the article "Water, Water Everywhere...How Much Should You Drink?" on the American Dietetic Association website. The water flushes out all the toxins that are in the system. Eating fiber also helps to detoxify the body. Fiber-rich foods like vegetables, grains, fruits and legumes help to move waste through the digestive tract and out of the body. Fiber relieves constipation and promotes regular elimination. The article "Constipation" on the Mayo Clinic website recommends eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day for good digestion.

Exercise Regularly

• Exercise is one of the best means of cleansing the body. Exercise helps the body to detoxify in a few ways. During cardiovascular activity you sweat and the pores release poisons and toxins. Exercise also helps to burn fat. The more high-impact cardiovascular exercise you do, like running and cycling, the more toxins you remove from the body. By burning fat, you help to detoxify the body. The body stores toxins in fat cells. According to the article "Be Active Your Way" on the U.S. Health and Human Services website, a person should exercise a few times a week for 20 minutes. The article also points out that walking is a good exercise that is just as beneficial as jogging.