Best Health — December 01, 2017

BH: I feel like detoxing fits into this
idea of reconnecting with yourself and
listening to your body. I know you
advocate for total body cleansing versus
colon cleansing. Why is that important?

SC: We often associate cleansing with the colon, but
we need to recognize that there are other pathways
of elimination beyond the colon. In fact, there are seven
pathways of elimination: liver, lungs, lymphatic sys-
tem, blood, colon, kidneys and skin. We eliminate
through all those pathways, so our cleanses are total
body cleanses. Also, Renew Life is a digestive care
company, which means we honour the digestive sys-
tem. We recognize that the digestive system is the
engine in a person’s body. If your engine isn’t working,
you won’t absorb nutrients, you’ll feel lousy and your
body will tell you. It doesn’t necessarily have to be with
your digestive system either. Your skin is also a ref lec-
tion of what’s happening inside.

BH: So, eczema?

SC: As naturopathic doctors, we treat eczema, acne,
psoriasis, rashes, redness and rosacea on the inside.
Even if we give a topical coagulant to soothe irritation,

Start the new year singing a new tune – one that

involves using the word “no” more often. According

to naturopathic doctor Sara Celik, women often

feel depleted and suffer burnout because they have

a hard time saying “no” to others. “They give, give,

give without refilling their gas tanks,” she says.

“Women need to start honouring their needs and

themselves,” she says. The best way to do that?

“Say ‘no’ once a week to something that you

would’ve said ‘yes’ to,” she says. “It starts a healthy

process of setting healthy boundaries.”

Other ways to live healthy? Take a page from

popular wellness retreats and follow a routine

of balanced living: Practise yoga, meditate, take

nature walks, make a habit of eating fresh, healthy

food and try a cleanse.

we always look at gut health because toxicity in the gut

is the reason why skin shows symptoms – it’s an indica-

tor of what’s happening on the inside.

BH: Can you start a cleanse without

seeing a doctor first?

SC: Yes, most people know when they need a cleanse.

Their body cues them: They feel tired or sluggish or

their digestion is off. Even if somebody doesn’t neces-

sarily have symptoms, we have to recognize our

exposure to toxins and acknowledge that every single

person needs a cleanse. There are some people who

shouldn’t cleanse – those who are pregnant or nursing,

take certain medications or have autoimmune diseases

• but most people will generally feel when it’s time for
  a cleanse.

BH: How often should you do it?

SC: At least twice a year, and some people will do

it seasonally. It doesn’t always have to be a 30-day

cleanse – some will do a seven-day cleanse. It depends

on the individual, but at least twice a year. bh

This Q+A has been edited and condensed.

SIGN UP FOR YOGA

TO RECONNECT WITH

YOUR BODY

TAKE A DAILY WALK

TO DISCONNECT FROM

THE WORLD

ADD MORE VEGGIES

TO MEET YOUR

DIETARY NEEDS

TRY A DETOX

WE LIKE RENEW LIFE

FIRST CLEANSE, $25

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F24 DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018 best health besthealthmag.ca