Cleanse? Detox? What? by Parvati Julie Hillman

I recently completed a 30-day Clean Eating/Body Cleanse Program, and the idea of “cleansing” and “detox” is very much at the forefront of my awareness. Some people consider occasional

detoxing essential for our bodies, others maintain that our bodies have built-in filter systems–the

liver and kidney– so there is no need to do a detox or cleanse. So, with this conflicting info, what is the message we are to take away?

I like the Ayurvedic concept of ama. Ama is roughly translated as toxins, but it is really a much

broader term than that. In terms of food and digestion, Ama in the body is the result of build-up

of undigested foodstuffs. This can happen when an individual’s digestive fire is weakened, or

perhaps there is disruption in the functioning of the intestines and other digestive organs, or

perhaps there is an underlying disease. Essentially it’s like a freeway: on a healthy freeway the

cars are moving at optimal speed. But when something happens, like an accident or construction,the cars slow down and perhaps even stop. More cars get on the highway, then the jam becomes bigger.

The same thing happens in our gut. When digestion is moving optimally, we digest our food with

no issue and absorb all necessary nutrients, eliminating what we don’t need. But when something goes wrong – weakened digestive fire, an illness, eating the wrong foods – then things get, well, backed-up and we have a traffic jam of foodstuffs in our gut. Sometimes things move through, but they leave a residue. To continue with the traffic example, it’s like the oil residue on the pavement left behind from leaking cars. Ayurveda proposes that, though our bodies are great at flushing out what we don’t need, it sometimes needs some help eliminating accumulated ama.

Whether the ama build-up is a result of the kinds of foods a person has been eating or because of a disruption in the flow of digestion, it’s possible that a gentle cleanse may help alleviate that build-up.

The key here is gentle. A simple diet of kitchari (recipe below), whole (think directly from the

plant) foods, introducing complementary spices can help. Eliminating foods that are known to be

irritants to the human digestive system, or common allergens is also a good practice. Consuming kitchari for one to two meals per day for five to seven days in the spring and fall is often effective.

If you are considering doing a regimented program, seek the advice of a professional (modern or

traditional) who can guide you to, and through, the best program for you. If you’re looking for

something Ayurvedic-inspired, consider a Panchakarma retreat or a guided program. And, of

course, you can contact me 4satya.wellness@gmail.com to schedule a consultation.

Here’s to your best health!

-Parvati

Kitchari Recipe:

This recipe is a 1-1-6 ratio of rice-lentils-water, so it is easy to adjust for more servings. Simply

add more spices and vegetables to your liking.

Ingredients:

½ c White Basmati Rice

½ c lentils

1-2 Tbs Ghee, plain Sesame Oil, or Olive Oil

½ c Chopped Vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, green beans, kale, garlic

Spices to taste. Try to include black pepper, turmeric, ginger, fennel, but add some others as well.

Directions:

1. Soak the rice and lentils for a minimum of 20 minutes. Drain.

2. Place rice and lentils in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and

simmer.

3. In a pan, heat the ghee or oil. Add spices and saute until fragrant. Add vegetables.

4. When the water has been absorbed into the rice and lentil mixture, add the vegetables. Stir

well to mix. Serve and enjoy.