by Olga Aura

As stories of snow and ice hit the national news, if you live in the Bay Area you probably give thanks, once again, for the milder weather that allows you to enjoy the outdoors year-round. You stay out in the garden planting new seeds. You go on road trips to hike, bike and kayak, changing the oil in your car regularly. But have you ever thought about “changing the oil” in your body so that you are fit and healthy — and can live long enough to truly enjoy the beautiful coastal living?

Why Cleanse?

If you answer “yes” to at least one of the following questions, it’s time for a cleanse:

• Do winter foods have you feeling a bit sluggish these days?

• Are you suffering from allergies, poor digestion, acne or depression? 

• Would you like to have more energy? 

Toxins are everywhere in our modern world: in the water we drink, in the air we breathe, and in the food we eat. Many children and adults suffer from food allergies because what we often eat is not food. Allergic reaction, weight gain and mood imbalance are the body’s response to foods that use refined grains and sugars, pesticides, preservatives and antibiotics. These foods do not successfully eliminate through the body. They get lodged inside.

Cleansing is a detoxification process by which poisonous compounds in the body are eliminated or changed into less toxic substances. Cleansing can also eliminate strong cell-memory cravings, making it easier for people to overcome addictive tendencies such as poor food choices, coffee, cigarettes and other stimulants.

Cleanse vs. Diet

Submerged in a culture of dieting, you are not taught the skills of gradual transformation. You want fast results, but can’t sustain them. And you don’t want deprivation, because you yo-yo right back to eating the “forbidden” foods. So what kind of game plan will assure long-term results? Choose a cleanse where you are gradually adding in healthier food choices like non-mucus-forming grains, lots of veggies and fruits, and non-processed snacks; eventually these will naturally crowd out the foods that no longer serve you. Yvonne Lorvan, a participant in my 21-Day Cleanse, says, “I love green smoothies for breakfast. I now actually crave greens. Who would have thought?”

Poisoned Blood Causes Aging and Disease

The pH balance of the bodily  fluids, including the blood, should be 7.4, slightly alkaline. Acidity in the blood (pH below 7.0) leads to chronic inflammatory conditions such as chronic fatigue, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, depression and allergies. No disease can take root in an alkaline environment. So how do we alkalize the body? Add more minerals into your diet. Where are the minerals found in abundance? Greens! And you probably already have them in your own garden. Green leafy vegetables include spinach, kale, parsley, dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, collard greens, mustard greens and Swiss chard. In the mornings drink a green juice, green powder in water, or a green smoothie. In the evenings eat green soups and large salads  with herbs.

Reynold Samoranos was told by his physician that his cholesterol level was dangerously high. Samoranos began to drink green smoothies daily without changing anything else in his lifestyle; three weeks later the doctor was shocked by his cholesterol drop of 75 points. A New York Times Health Guide dated Jan. 20, 2008 states, “On average, every time a person’s cholesterol level drops by a point, the risk of heart disease drops by 2 percent.” 

Food as Medicine

Is it really that simple — add fresh vibrant produce to your daily routine and watch your energy skyrocket, your mind become clear and sharp, your body look, smell and taste great? Yes! But don’t just blindly believe what I say. Do it and find out for yourself! Allow the food to work on you.

Elizabeth Zamora, a 21-Day Cleanse participant who has been struggling with diabetes, was shocked; after adding 80 percent natural green foods to her diet for two weeks, her blood sugar level dropped from 300 to 126.

Are you ready to break out of a rut and live your best life? What do you have to lose except for constipation? Do a spring cleanse.

Olga Aura is an intuitive health counselor, public speaker, writer and the founder of the 21-Day Seasonal Cleanse. Visit www.IamFullyAlive.com or call her at 415-512-5775.

The views expressed in this column are the opinion of the author.