Sunday, May 9, 2010

Why You Need a Cleansing Diet.

Why You Need a Cleansing Diet.

In my San Diego Chiropractic Center we treat people as a whole.  In general, chiropractors are concerned about the typical neck pain and low back pain complaints that our patients have, however, dietary concerns are addressed as well.  The value of a properly spine can’t be ignored but if you have a poor diet consisting of high calorie, difficult to digest junk food you are not being as respectful to your body as you could be. 

Cleansing diets can help you turn your health around.  A cleansing diet should be used any time your digestion is sluggish or if you feel heavy, congested or lethargic.  There are a variety of other symptoms for which a cleansing diet may be appropriate include headaches, fatigue, bad breath or if you experience other digestive discomforts like gas, bloating and constipation. 

The first step with any type of cleansing diet is to cut out the junk food.  Junk food includes:  food additives, snacks, desserts, canned foods, processed foods and salty foods.  The basic idea is to eat fresh foods that are freshly prepared and to keep meals very simple.  Also, try to decrease the size and frequency of meals, and be sure to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. 

The next step is to distinguish between the heavy and light food groups. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are considered heavy food groups while fruits, vegetables and herbs are considered light food groups.  The light food groups are the foods that we use for cleansing.  In a balanced diet, heavy food group meals are evenly counterbalanced with portions from the light food groups.  For the purposes of a cleansing diet, the heavy foods portions are reduced while we increase the portions from the light food groups.

Next, simple carbohydrates like sugars and refined flours should be eliminated completely. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains can also be eliminated or sharply reduced for up to a week.
The next step is to eliminate animal-based proteins. Animal-based proteins include pork, red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. These proteins are dense and highly nourishing foods and are unsuitable for a cleanse. These foods come from animals that are high on the food chain and are likely to carry environmental toxins.

During this cleanse, we can eat plant-sourced protein in small quantities.  The best choice for plant based proteins is simple well-cooked whole grain and bean combinations.  In general the smaller the bean, the easier it is to digest.  The mung bean is well-known for its cleansing and protective qualities.  Brown rice and lentils are another good complete protein combination. Nuts and seeds also provide protein but are higher in fat and best eaten fresh in very small quantities or avoided altogether.

Organic fruits are perhaps the best cleansers and are best if eaten alone.
Your cleansing diet can be supported by gentle stretching, aerobic exercise, deep breathing, chiropractic care and massage. Remember to leave ample time between meals and limit your eating times so that no food is eaten between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. A short cleanse can be accomplished in three days.


Writers Bio

Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.

Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.

Call Steve Jones at

(619) 280 0554

San Diego Chiropractic


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