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Everything you wanted to know about internal cleanses but were afraid to ask. In this episode we will speak with two nutritionists and a MD about how cleansing can help your body run more efficiently, what ingredients to look for when purchasing a cleanse product and tips on how to manage some of the side effects of cleansing.
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Summer is here, and I am jumping into a cleanse! The Whole Foods staff was great in recommending a cleanse program which will fit my style, and I think that is a key to success for my follow through!
June 21st, 2007 at 9:48 am
I just wanted to know about the different kinds of body cleanses i can do that don’t have soy products in them i am a 3 year cancer free person.
June 28th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Barbara,
Thank you for your question. Because the products in our stores are not the same in all our stores, Whole Foods Market does not have a specific list of soy-free products at this time. We suggest looking at specific cleansing product labels to find those that do not contain soy. This will be easy to determine, since all foods or supplements that contain soy as an ingredient or sub-ingredient must now list “contains soy” somewhere in the ingredient listing. Contacting the manufacturer will also be a sure way to identify products that do not contain soy. My favorite soy-free cleansing product is Renew Life CleanseSMART. Check it out!
July 10th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
I listen to the recording, and I know what the benefits are of cleansing. My question is how do I determine a good cleanse for me? I have tried a few and they didn’t cleanse as well as they should. Currently I’m going 3-4 days without a bowl movement, so I am in dyer need of a cleanse. I am looking for some reccomendations. Please!!
January 28th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Kamani, it’s true that one type of cleanse can seem to work on some people while others have less positive experiences. The first piece of advice would be to try a different one, which you have already done.
Water is the most important factor for avoiding constipation during a cleanse; it is possible that for your body type, you need even more than what’s recommended in the directions. Assuming you’ve already tried that, it is also a good idea to take it even slower than recommended when building up the fiber intake. Quality cleanses will start with a small amount and add more capsules after a few days; your body may need longer to adjust. Stay on the initial amount of fiber for a few additional days before increasing.
And finally, it is certainly ok to increase the gentle laxative that should be included in the cleanse. Adding another capsule is safe and you will know when to go back to the recommended amount.
It is in fact hard to tell for sure whether or not a cleanse has worked. Our best judgment is how we feel afterwards (particularly after any detox symptoms have ended.) That said, constipation over a number of days can be harmful, and it is a sign that something is not right. If problems continue, you should see a practitioner just to be on the safe side.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I am doing a whole body cleanse for the first time and after the first week my legs
and feet have broken out with red bumps.
Sometimes there is itching as well. What could cause this and should I continue with the cleanse?
March 1st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Diana, the red bumps could be a sign of an allergic reaction. This is not a common complaint, but you are wise to question any reaction like this. Yes, it would be best to stop the cleanse. If the symptoms are still present, you should consider seeing your health practitioner.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Can you reccomend some body cleansers. I am 29-years old and just found out that I have small kidney stones and I’ve been suffering from symptoms of IBS. I want to go the natural route and liked to know what to look for when I visit WFS.
October 21st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
@Marie You will find a variety of cleansing products in our Whole Body department in our stores; however, we recommend consulting with your doctor or other health care professional before embarking upon any new health care program.
October 21st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Ok, thanks so much. Will do.
October 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I’m relatively healthy and in my early 30’s…not interested in losing weight so much as relieving the symptoms of bloating, fatigue and the occasionally moderate digestive woes.
Never done a cleanse before…want to avoid side effects. What would you recommend to get started?
November 26th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I would like a site where I can see the prices and purchase on line. I am specifically interested in your Whole Body Cleanse,
January 12th, 2009 at 11:38 am
I’m interested in a body cleanse and detox product that aids in weight loss. Can you name a product at the Whole Food Market that is recommended for this purpose?
January 12th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
@Beverly Holbrook We do not have online ordering and prices vary from region to region – so it’s best to check with your nearest store. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/all/index.php
January 12th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
@Marilyn You can ask a representative in the Whole Body department of your store for some guidance, but we strongly recommend consulting a doctor before embarking upon any new health regiment.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Mara,
I purchased Complete Body Cleanse 365 at Whole Foods at Cranbrook in Ann Arbor Mi. I listened to your audio on the complete body cleanse on the Whole Foods website. The audio was informative but I have a question. Should I do all three cleanses at the same time or could I do one at a time? It seems like a lot for the body to adust to. I’m very interested in your feedback. The package and instruction don’t give options.
Thanks,
John White
January 20th, 2009 at 8:49 am
@John It’s best to use all the supplements in the Whole Body Cleanse kit together because they work synergistically. Rather than being three separate cleanses, each ingredient actually plays an important role in the overall cleanse (the cleansing fiber, the gentle herbal laxative, and the liver-protective milk thistle.)
January 26th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Hi, i am also interested in purchasing the Complete Body Cleanse from 365. I was wondering how much one can expect to lose on such a cleanse?
February 7th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I have just started the Complete Body Cleanse, 365 Everyday value, and I’m not sure on what my eating habbits should be for this 2 week process?
February 9th, 2009 at 11:38 am
@cora We cannot make any promises as to the amount of weight loss expected with any cleansing program as it will vary from person to person based on a variety of factors.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
@Marc There are some basic guidelines in the podcast. In general, cleansing is a great time to examine your eating habits and observing how different foods make you feel.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Hi, I’m on day 4 of the body cleanse 365 and am having a peculiar side effect. I feel dirty – my hair, my skin, everything. Is this normal???
February 9th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I just found out I have elevated LFT’s and am going for an ultrasound.
Is there any kind of product at Whole Foods that would be safe for me to cleanse the liver?
February 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
@Ellen Before embarking upon any cleansing program, we highly recommend seeking the advise of a doctor or other health care professional.
February 19th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I have purchased the Whole Foods Complete Body Cleanse and am excited to begin. I am currently on Lipitor for elevated cholesterol. Will this cleanse have any effect on the Lipitor?
February 22nd, 2009 at 6:12 pm
@Mary We recommend seeking the advice of a medical professional regarding the effects of a cleansing program with any prescription or over the counter medication.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:39 am
I purchased the 365 Complete Body Cleanse–can I continue taking my prescriptions, Effexor and Metformin, while I am on the cleanse?
March 11th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
@Melinda We recommend seeking the advice of a medical professional regarding the effects of a cleansing program with any prescription or over the counter medication.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I am taking the 365 complete body cleanse. Should I continue taking my vitamins (everday, calcium, vit E, fish oil) while I am on the cleanse?
March 30th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I am looking for a cleanse that will clean the toxins out of my body. Actually I’m looking for relief from arthritis and I’ve read that a cleanse is a good way to start with that. As well, I am starting a weight loss program and would like to clear my system before I start. I have tried cleanses before but the effects are too intense. Can you recommend something that will give the effects that I want without the feeling of losing control?
May 14th, 2009 at 8:32 am
I finished using the Complete Body Cleanse 365 three weeks ago. I am already feeling like I need to do another detox. How often should I do a whole body cleanse?
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:49 am
I never did any kind of detox before. but was interested in 2 day detox. how does that work
June 4th, 2009 at 9:07 am
hi i’ve been taking the 365 full body cleanse now for 4 days and i haven’t noticed any change except that i started getting headaches the worst was yesterday it lasted from about 4pm in the after noon until this morning when i couldn’t take the pain anymore and i took some Tylenol . it helped a little but not long after my headache came back is this a side affect of the cleanse.
June 26th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I had a mother that passed away from colon cancer that spreaded to her liver and throughout her body and she passed away from that. And my oldest sister just passed away from breast cancer that spreaded to her bones and lungs. I am ready to start taking better care of my body and I believe that a total thorough cleanse and detox would really help me get rid of whatever that my be trying to develop in my body. I was told that you all had a product by the name of The Women’s Detox System and that’s it’s real good with cleansing the colon and liver. I’ve taken other colon cleanse products and they didn’t do anything for me at all. I would be lucky if i would have 1 bowel movement in one day. I have not had a chance yet to find a good product. This product that was suggested to me, will it get the job done? Please respond.
July 28th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
@Michelle Sorry to hear about your mother and your sister. We do carry a wide variety of cleansing products, but strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor or other health care practitioner before embarking upon any new regiment. Thanks and good luck!
July 28th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Do you recommend that Lemon diet detox Cleansing with the maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper for people that have High blood pressure. I know that it says not to take any vitaims but do I still keep taking my blood pressure medicine while doing detox
August 7th, 2009 at 11:21 am
HI
I recently purchased 365- Whole Body Cleanse. I have hypertension and want to know if all the ingredients are safe for someone with this health challenge.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:57 am
@Roz & JaySmith Thanks for your questions, alas, we highly recommend that you ask your doctor or other health care practitioner for guidance on medicinal and health condition interactions before embarking upon any new cleansing regimen. Thanks.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Hi. I did the lemon cleanse about a month ago and had this rash that i’ve been dealing with for over a month now..the dr. did run allergy test on me and it came back that I have an elevated ALT.. do you have any reccomendations,,should I do liver cleanse, if there is such a thing or any supplement for this?
August 11th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
What cleanse do you recomment for Gallstones and to improve the health of your Gallbladder?
August 20th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I am a high school student and I was wondering if there is a cleanse that won’t be harmful for young people?
August 20th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Am I aloud to eat soy products during the cleanse?
October 24th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I have been taking the 365 Total Body Cleanse for several days now and after the first day I caught a cold. Could taking this Total Body Cleanse affect my immune system in an adverse way?
November 17th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Everyone’s body reacts differently to cleanses and in some cases, it is possible for a temporary weakening of the immune system as your body detoxes. If you have any specific concerns, your best bet is to get in touch with your doctor or other health care practitioner for advice. Thanks!
November 27th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Hi I was wondering where to start. I am having a problem with yeast and would like to do a yeast cleanse however I am not sure I should start there. Should I start with a colon cleanse first? Does it really matter?
December 10th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I just started the 365 Body cleanse on Sunday morning. By Monday, I had a > 100 degree fever and my body aches like I have the flu. Could this be a response to the cleanse, or is it more likely bad timing on my part and I actually have a seasonal flu?
Thanks
January 12th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Does the 365 Whole Body Cleanse remove parasites? I’ve been reading other cleansing blogs and people are always mentioning the removal of parasites they were unaware they had.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
We recommend checking in with your health care practitioner regarding specific health concerns and goals before embarking upon any new diet, exercise or supplement regiment.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
i have been on this cleanse for alittle over a week. my question is, could i cleanse longer than two weeks?
February 4th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I am looking for a natural remedy to detox the nicotine from my urine. I have stopped smoking;and would like something
that will naturally remove the nicotine from my system. Do you
have any suggestions? Are cranberry products of any assistance? Please assist me; thank you so much.
Guillermo
February 4th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
The first cleanse I tried was the Master Cleanse which had so many detox effects it was almost scary. Now I’m on Day 3 of 365 Complete & have no “detox” symptoms so I don’t know if this is working. My stomach stays bloated & I’m gassy all day & that’s it. Should this be all the effects I expect?
February 17th, 2010 at 7:26 am
I started taking the 365 whole body cleanse. Iam now on my 5th day and feel nothing different. I drink tons of water and do not eat unhealthy. The only thing I feel is frustration with not being able to workout. Can some one educate me on how long it will take before I feel lighter? And no so much with weight, but with my bloating and feeling heavy. This is the 1st time I have ever done a cleanse and I am 34, I feel it is important and just want to make sure it is doing it’s job.
Thank you so very much,
Misty
February 19th, 2010 at 8:34 am
I have been taking the Complete Body Cleanse which is the 365 whole foods brand of cleanse. I do not see on the packaging any recommendations on usage past the 2 week period. I would like to take it “all” the time. Is there a reason I can’t do that? Is there a recommended time I should take a break between subsequent cleanses?
March 1st, 2010 at 9:54 am
Hey thats a good blog. Body Cleanse is very important in summer times.Abundant Life Wellness Centre is a health retreat and spa offering body detox program, detox retreats, juice fasting and detoxification for individuals with mild to medium health conditions. The body detox and cleansing extends over a 5, 10 or 14 day program that promotes self-care and holistic well-being. Hope to visit again.
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:08 am
I an doing the365 complete body cleanse, can i still take my vitamins,thanks
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:09 pm
[...] interested in cleansing last year. I did a lot of research online and listened to an informative podcast that thoroughly explained its benefits. Each and every day we are exposed to environmental toxins [...]
March 13th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
This information was very helpful. My boyfriend and I have considered detoxing our bodies, but due to our lack of experience with internal cleansing, we were not certain of the effects nor impact that it would have on our health. We’ve researched a number of products and will try the Renew Life line of products.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:02 am
I started the 365 Whole Body cleanse Friday evening – now I’m on my 4th day of the cleanse. I am experiencing some very strange and irritating detox symptoms: For the past 2 days, all over my body (including palms and soles of my feet) my skin gets really red-hot and itchy. Once I scratch the area several different sized white bumps appear, which look like mosquito bites. This drives me crazy for a little while, then it seems to go away after about 15 minutes.
Many people have told me this is normal, especially since it is my first cleanse.
Has anyone else experienced such symptoms?
March 16th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
[...] Fleishman on the Whole Foods website talks with several cleansing experts on her podcast Cleansing by Mara Fleishman. Talk to others who have tried detox products and read unbiased customer reviews of the product’s [...]
April 5th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
[...] can also go to the Whole Foods website and listen to several cleansing experts on the podcast Cleansing by Mara Fleishman. Talk to others who have tried detox products and read unbiased customer reviews of the product’s [...]
April 6th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
[...] can also go to the Whole Foods website and listen to several cleansing experts on the podcast “Cleansing” by Mara Fleishman. Talk to others who have tried detox products and read unbiased customer reviews [...]
April 21st, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I am currently on day 5 of the whole body cleanse and am feeling good- except for a few abdominal cramps and discomfort. However, I started my husband on the regimen too and he is not doing so well. He had constipation on day 1 and it still doesn’t feel good for him. I made him drink a lot of water but it still did not work for him. So he has discontinued after 2 days. How do I get him on board? May be it was too much fiber for him. Any suggestions?
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I’m on day 5 of the cleanse, and I have actually GAINED 4lbs, feel more constipated, and am miserable. I’ve had more bowl movements, but I feel like I’m not going consistently. I’m eating very healthy, loads of vegetables, and lean protein, yet I feel like this cleanse is really not helping. The bloat has me wearing dresses, I can’t even fit in my pants. ugh.. will this phase pass or should I just stop? No sugar, no caffeine, nothing fried- tons of organic, tons of fiber.. but its just.. meh.
July 7th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I’m starting the 365 complete body cleanse after the holidays. My concern is this: I’m on thyroid meds and daily iron supplements for anemia. I don’t absorb iron from food caused by a partial gastrectomy several years ago. I must take the iron or my blood count goes down. Will my body still be able to detox while taking these things? If you tell me to get the advise of a doctor, I don’t think he or she would be supportive of a cleanse in the first place.
January 1st, 2011 at 5:44 pm
This is day 12 for me. Although I am eating clean with plenty of water and fiber, there has been no significant change. In my opinion, taking 365 cleanse is similar to taking a bunch of metamucil for several days. Anyone else feel the same?
March 1st, 2011 at 7:11 pm
hi, i am returning from a mexico vacation, and i was told that a parasite cleanse would be a good idea to do whenever i travel to mexico. is there one that you would recommend over others? thank you
April 14th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@Ruby: Our product selection varies from store to store, so the best thing to do is ask a Whole Body Team Member at the location where you shop. They are experts and can help you find what you’re looking for.
April 15th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
I have been thru 4 rounds of prednisone for allergic outbreaks. I would like to do a cleanse to aid in flushing out the steroids.
May 19th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Last year I found out that I am intolerant to gluten. Since then I have avoided it as much as possible. But, since that time I have become more sensitive to other foods. By sensitive I mean I become bloated, gassy and constipated. I am wanting to do a cleanses to basically cleanse out my system and then reintroduce foods again (not including gluten). Which cleanse would be good for me?
May 19th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@Jessica: We recommend to follow the advice of your health-care provider. Thanks!
May 20th, 2011 at 9:46 am
you have got a wonderful blog here! do you wish to have the invite posts in my weblog?
June 1st, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Hi. I know there is a certain type of product that helps when you are cleansing that binds together most of the junk in your food system to help cleanse your body. I heard that if it sits in water for a while it actually turns into a gel like form. I am not sure what it is, so I was wondering what the name of it is. It might start with a C?
July 19th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Our product selection varies from store to store. Please check in with your local store directly. Thanks!
August 4th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
I am preparing to start the 365 body cleanse tomorrow, but am concerned about the size of the fiber pills. Is it ok for me to cut them in half before swallowing them? Thank you.
September 11th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Dawn Thanks for asking this question! It should be totally fine to split your fiber pills in half. Make sure to take them with lots of water. Good luck on your cleanse!
September 14th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
When doing a whole body cleanse should I continue to take my vitamins and supplelments?
October 14th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
I stared the cleanse 3 days ago. I have cut back on fatty foods. I have not noticed any change in my body as of yet. I am still working out every morning I’m wondering if there is a specific food I should eat more of or stay away from.
Thank you.
November 27th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Bob Unfortunately, since every body operates differently, this lack of change could be due to any number of variable. Thus, we are unable to offer a suggestion for change without much more information. I encourage you to reach out to a health care professional for a recommendation of this nature. Also, 3 days is not a ton of time for change to occur; so if you stay on your same cleansing path for 2 weeks, it is much more likely you’ll see a change.
November 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
I have a 13 year old daughter who has been having bad acne, some cystic. Several friends have recommended a yeast cleanse followed by a skin detox, as well as coming off of yeast products and limiting her dairy intake. I would appreciate your opinion here.
Also, for the past 3 weeks, under doctor supervision, I have been going through a miscarriage. During which time I have also suffered from a sinus cold and now have a yeast infection in my ear. My body seems rather stressed. I wonder if it would be wise to also do a yeast cleanse or some type of detox and if so, is there one you could recommend or should I talk with someone at our local store?
Thank you in advance for your help. Blessings on your day. Shelly
December 27th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@Shelly Wow, that’s a lot to deal with at one time. I’m sorry for your misfortune. Unfortunately, we are unable to give medical advice due to limitations set in place by DSHEA, the key law which regulates dietary supplements in the US. The best option is to reach out to your general health care provider regarding these questions. Best of luck and thanks for reaching out.
December 27th, 2011 at 10:41 am
I have dogs that have had worms. My question is, is there a specific type of detox for me and my family to take to rid any possible parasites we may have in our bodies due to the possible transition from our animals?
January 9th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
@L.C. Unfortunately we are unable to make recommendations of this nature. We encourage you to reach out to your doctor for a healthy recommendation to ward off parasites. Best of luck!
January 17th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I’m in my second week of the “365 Complete Body Cleanse” . I must say that I’m extremely satisfied with the results. My question: How often can I repeat this 2-week regimen? and is it safe to continue to take 1-2 caps/day of the 365 Milk Thistle Liver Cleanse after completing the full “365 Complete Body Cleanse” program?
January 30th, 2012 at 9:33 am
@Mohamed We would like to remind you that the number one source for health information is going to be your physician. Please consult your physician for all health related inquiries. However, I have reached out to our specialists/nutritionists and they have offered the following response. I will update this information when I hear more.
“It is safe to continue taking the milk thistle (1-2 caps/day) after the cleanse is over. Some experts actually suggest taking milk thistle on a regular basis for liver support. “
February 1st, 2012 at 10:13 am