Detoxification drinks have a powerful effect on the body’s recuperative powers because of their rich, easily absorbed nutrients. Fresh juices contain proteins, carbohydrates, chlorophyll, mineral electrolytes and healing aromatic oils. But most importantly, fresh juice therapy makes available to every cell in our bodies large amounts of plant enzymes, an integral part of the healing and restoration process. Nothing gets done in our bodies without enzymes. They are the activity components of life. Digestive function, assimilation and elimination are all instigated or assisted by enzymes. Enzymes cause every chemical reaction in our bodies. They play a vital part in breaking down foreign matter (like toxins) as well as food. Enzymes and mineral electrolytes (which restore peristaltic bowel activity) are major contributors to moving toxins out of the body instead of building up and poisoning us. When your diet is full of cooked foods without enzymes, or low residue, processed foods (which have a higher tendency to stagnate and putrefy), the process of internal decay develops far more rapidly.

Should you get a juicer?

Juicers are expensive appliances, but they can really boost the nutrient power of your cleansing drinks. A good juicer essentially predigests fresh fruits and vegetables for almost immediate assimilation by your body. Fresh juices can accelerate your cleanse and noticeably boost your energy level. A juicer can juice all of a fruit or vegetable (even rinds, stems, peels, seeds) to give you up to 95% of the plant’s food and nutritive value.

Champion, JuiceMan and Acme are all good juicers for a detox program.

Potassium Juice

This is the single most effective juice for cleansing, neutralizing acids and rebuilding the body. It is a blood and body tonic that provides rapid energy and system balance.

• For one 12-oz. glass:
• In a juicer, juice 3 Carrots, 3 Stalks Celery, 1/2 Bunch Spinach, and 1/2 Bunch Parsley.

Potassium Essence Broth

If you don’t have a juicer, make a potassium broth in a soup pot. While not as concentrated or pure, it is still an excellent source of energy, minerals and electrolytes.

• For a 2 day supply:
• Cover with water in a soup pot 3 to 4 Carrots, 3 Stalks Celery, 1/2 Bunch Parsley, 2 Potatoes with skins, 1/2 Head Cabbage, 1 Onion, and 1/2 Bunch Broccoli.
• —Simmer covered 30 minutes. Strain and discard solids.
• —Add 1 tsp. Miso. Store in the fridge, covered.

I include these drinks in many of my healthy detoxification programs. They produce real results for healing. Try them! Your body will thank you for it. I have many more healthy, cleansing recipes in my new book, Healthy Healing's Detoxifcation: Programs To Cleanse, Purify and Renew.