How to Rebuild Internal Cleansing

Doing a cleanse may evoke images of models and movie stars. But carrying out a detox on your body is a healthy practice that everyone can try, regardless of your celebrity status. An internal cleanse does not mean starving yourself on a gimmicky diet, but listening to your body and cleansing your colon of waste that may have been building for years. A colon cleanse can improve your digestion, clear up skin, and even help you lose weight.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a cleansing supplement. There are many on the market. Look for one that is rich in nutrients and vitamins to support your system while you cleanse. Taking a supplement is a good way to start an internal cleanse, but ensure you complement with other steps like healthy eating and exercise. The herbs in a supplement will aid the body's natural cleansing, not perform the entire cleanse for you.

• 2

  Exercise, but be gentle with yourself. Because you will be changing from your usual diet of heavier foods, it is best to take light walks and do mild stretching rather than strenuous exercise. Movement will help your body rid itself of toxins in tandem with the other steps of your cleansing regimen.

• 3

  Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Some believe starving yourself and drinking only pure fruit juices is the key to cleaning out your system. Others believe eating four or five small, healthy meals a day during a cleanse is acceptable. The most important thing is to listen to your body. It is usually best to avoid foods with high amounts of wheat, sugar, caffeine, dairy, gluten, alcohol and preservatives. Instead, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, herbal teas, soy or rice milk, nuts, seeds, beans, and other grains like millet and buckwheat.

• 4

  Have a course of lymphatic drainage massages. If you are prepared to dish out a bit of extra cash, these are worth the investment. A lymphatic massage helps to regulate the lymph nodes--what some call "the body's plumbing system." Restimulating the system through massage helps eliminate excess fluid, metabolic wastes, and toxins from the body; transports nutrients to cells; and increases metabolic efficiency, according to website BalanceTheClinic.com. The massage is especially effective when followed by a colonic.

• 5

  Have a colonic. Again, this is something that can have a fairly high cost, but may be worth the investment. The idea of having pipes placed into you is not the most comforting thought for most people, but if you want long-term results, it may be worth it. Look for clinics with highly trained staff who make you feel comfortable. A colonic is especially recommended after a course of lymphatic drainage massage. Begin with a course of three, and maintain with one colonic every year or two, depending on your lifestyle and dietary habits.