Q&A between Kayse Gehret, founder of Soulstice Spa (www.soulsticespa.com) and Neka Pasquale, founder of Urban Remedy (www.urbanremedy.com)…

Kayse: Why should I do a cleanse? What are the greatest benefits?

Neka: Fresh, cold-pressed juice rapidly supplies the body with health promoting enzymes, vitamins, minerals, pigments and phytonutrients. Enzymes are the workforce of the body. They are essential for digestion of food and energy production. They are also critical for most of the metabolic activities taking place in your body. By juicing, you are giving your digestive system a break while flooding your cells with the healing benefits of the fruits and veggies. Juicing helps to cleanse the body on a cellular level, as well as creating a more alkaline body. Specific health benefits include increased energy, promoting clear skin and mental well being, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy body weight.

Kayse: Are cleanses safe?

Neka: Yes, you are drinking your vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you have a specific health concern it’s best to check with your doctor before beginning. Those with certain health conditions like diabetes should not do a cleanse unless under physician supervision.

Kayse: Can I still drink coffee while I’m on a cleanse?

Neka: It is not recommended. Coffee is very acid forming which works against the cleanse. If you experience headaches you can try green tea.

Kayse: Is it better to do a cleanse when the weather is warm(spring/summer) vs. cold (fall/winter)?

Neka: In general the best time to cleanse is the spring time. This is the season of new growth and renewal and is a great time to do a cleanse. It is also the best time of year from a Chinese medicine perspective as this season corresponds with the liver. In contrast winter is a time to go inward and be still this is usually not the best time of year to do a cleanse. If you choose to do a cleanse in winter adding warming herbs and spices to the juice works wonderfully things like ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne.

Kayse: How do I know how many days I should stay on a cleanse?

Neka: 1 day cleanse is a great introduction to the idea of cleansing as well as a great way to maintain the benefits of a longer cleanse. Do this once a month, before a big date, or after a little too much indulging and you’ll feel the difference.

3-5 day cleanse will eliminate toxins, bolster your immune system, boost energy, clear your skin and help you get glowing, stimulate weight loss, and address many basic gastro-intestinal imbalances.

5-7 day cleanse is recommended to address many common health concerns, like a high-stress lifestyle, a habit of eating fast/processed foods, smoking, drinking, or taking prescription/non-prescription drugs.

2-4 weeks: For chronic health concerns, inflammation, or to lose a good amount of weight, a longer program may be needed.

Kayse: I’m worried that I’ll be too hungry just drinking juice; are there any foods I can eat while on a cleanse?

Neka: We recommend a 100% juice cleanse, if possible, because eating slows down the cleansing process. If you feel that you need to eat during your cleanse, choose organic fruits, vegetables or soaked nuts and seeds.

Kayse: Can I work, exercise and maintain my normal routine while on a cleanse?

Neka: Yes, most people work and function well when doing our Signature cleanse. It includes green juice, spicy acai lemonade, cucumber mint flush, carrot beet root and greens ginger lemon and apple juice, a chia shake which is great for energy levels as well as a vanilla and cinnamon nut milk.

Kayse: Do people usually feel sick, lousy or grumpy during a cleanse?

Neka: Some do the first day or two but most feel renewed and energized especially after the second day. It all depends on how healthy the person is before beginning the cleanse. If someone has a history of eating fast foods, drinking alcohol every day, not exercising then they may feel worse than someone who eats a healthy diet, exercises, and incorporates healthy practices into their life.

Kayse: I take medications (birth control, antidepressants, etc.); will a cleanse affect my medications?

Neka: No, taking medications as prescribed is recommended.

For more information on the cleansing process, please visit us at www.urbanremedy.com.