In the past, we’ve discussed a liver cleanse or detox along with a colon cleanse and the jury is still out on the benefits versus harms of these types of detox or cleanses. Many say they are beneficial to overall health and needed on a regular basis while others say that such an intense cleanse or detox can trigger adverse effects in many people whose systems are not strong enough to tolerate the sudden changes. Sometimes, a cleanse can aggravate other medical conditions or illnesses, making the person sicker and leaving them weaker.

One should consult with their doctor or nutritionist before undertaking any kind of cleanse or detox, but you should know that doctors usually have strong opinions on detoxing or cleansing which can be for and against.

My best advice is to seek the doctor’s input but know your body and all conditions and ailments that could be aggravated by a detox or cleanse. Evaluate if you are strong enough to handle the immediate impact which in some cases can make you feel quite ill for a few days as your body flushes out a variety and toxins. However, the ultimate decision is yours and yours alone and you need to be ready to own your decision and the results of that decision.

Since many forms of detox and cleansing can be harsh and have a strong sudden impact on the body, if you choose to undergo such a process, you may want to look at the AARP Gentle Detox Diet, especially with the holiday season being upon us.

They say that taking a break from processed foods, sugary foods, salt and caffeine helps lead to a healthier body and possibly a longer life. They also warn that their detox diet is not designed to help anyone lose weight as it is designed to help purge the body of toxins and a number of food allergens that could be affecting your health. They also agree with my recommendation above about seeing a doctor before undertaking any kind of detox or cleanse, especially if you have any serious or major illnesses or conditions.

If you decide to try the AARP Gentle Detox Diet, they recommend you stick to it for a minimum of two weeks and then gradually add your favorite foods that you had to give up during that time, but do so with moderation. They also warn that any type of detox, even their gentle one, may cause adverse effects which could include headaches, nausea and low energy levels. These are often associated with withdrawal from caffeine and sugar.

The AARP Gentle Detox Diet consists of:

• Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of filtered water every day. The kidneys rid waste products from our bodies and water plays a key supporting role.
• Eliminate white flour and white sugar.
• Eat six or eight little meals every day of whole unprocessed foods that include vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains.
• Each of those meals should include a serving of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts. Garlic, onions and cilantro all contain properties that aid detoxification.
• Eat real fruit, rather than drinking fruit juice, which is often high in sugar.
• Unless you are a vegetarian, include small portions of lean animal proteins and fish. If possible, organic and pasture-raised meats and dairy products are recommended to avoid ingesting additional hormones or antibiotics.
• Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine.
• No drugs or alcohol.
• If you suspect you might have food sensitivities, try eliminating wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy, yeast, soy and corn products, and see if you feel noticeably better after a few weeks.
• Take a daily multivitamin.

AARP also recommends that you include some form of exercise on a regular basis to help with your detox diet. From everything I’ve been reading, the older we get, the more important regular exercise is to a healthier life, physically and mentally. Yes, physical exercise also helps your mental faculties.