Here is the list of things you can drink during your cleanse period.
Water
We’re often infiltrated with such unique beverages that that we avoid the important and basic necessity of life: water. Water doesn’t just hydrate the body, but also helps digest and detoxify the system. Drink plenty while on a cleanse to reduce die-off effects, flush out excess candida, and help keep your liver, kidneys, blood and whole system cleaned out and in working order.
Can’t stand plain water? Consider keeping a pitcher in your fridge with added sliced cucumber, celery, and lemon with the water. The taste will satisfy and cool you down, particularly during hot summer months. Consume this infused water within a day and replace the ingredients to keep everything fresh.
You can also give your water a cleansing boost by dissolving 1/2tsp pink Himalayan salt per 8oz warm water. Candida cringes at salt. Just be sure not to overdo sodium intake as this can lead to other health concerns. If your body is on the acidic side, dissolve 2tsp baking soda in 8oz of warm water in the evening to help alkalize the body and fight candida.
Smoothies
In a rush or need a simple to-go meal? Make your own custom smoothies to help detoxify your body. While some smoothie bars offer fresh-squeezed juice and veggies, the sugar content can add up fast in these blends. Instead, blend your own mix of vegetables such as celery and kale, and use water as a base. Add fiber powder to thicken the mixture and help your body cleanse out candida. Using herbs such as garlic, rosemary, cinnamon, and ginger will add flavor and benefits.
If you find that smoothies are not creamy enough when using only water, non-dairy milk is an option when made at home (most companies use unnecessary additives such as guar gum). For example, almond or cashew milk is easily made by using 1c almonds or cashews soaked in water for 12 hours, and 3 cups fresh water. Drain the nuts and rinse out until water runs clear. Put the almonds and water (don’t use the same water that the nuts were soaked in) in a blender, and turn on high until a smooth consistency is obtained. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or nut bag, making sure to squeeze out all liquid to get the most milk. Extra ingredients such as raw nut butters, vanilla bean, cinnamon, ginger, or lavender can be added to experiment and enhance the milk.
Cooling Smoothie:
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 celery stocks
2 mint sprigs
8oz water or homemade nut milk
1-2c ice
Blend ingredients together.
Dessert Blend:
1/2c raw nut butter
1c spinach
1 avocado
1c lavender water (boil water, brew 2tsp lavender buds for 3-4 minutes, discard lavender buds and let blend cool)
8oz water or homemade nut milk
1-2c Ice
Blend ingredients together.
Teas
Herbal tea is an excellent way to change up routine and replace caffeine. The most effective teas are made from fresh herbs. For example, tearing up peppermint leaves or grating ginger yields more flavorful, nutritious tea than a bagged form. Fresh herbs and spices can be mixed and matched to create unique blends. Steep 1-3tsp of herbs per 8-12oz of boiling water, to taste. Here are some notable herbs to try out:
Peppermint: Anti-headache, anti-migraine, fungal-fighting, and cooling.
Pau d’arco: The root contains high antifungal, antibacterial, and immune boosting properties.
Clove: Also contains yeast-fighting benefits.
Oregano: Antiseptic that also has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Stinging Nettle: May have antifungal properties, and is commonly used for allergy relief and inflammation.
Green Tea: When introducing nutrients back into the diet after a few days of cleansing, consider green tea. The tea has natural antifungal properties, lower caffeine than black tea
For every tea, I like to warm up the mug or teaware first which will acclimate the herbs before pouring boiling water over them. This draws out more flavor and locks in heat. Simply pour hot water (does not have to be boiling) into the mug or teaware, let sit for 30 seconds, and dump out before putting herbs in the container. I also prefer to cover my tea while it’s steeping to keep the steam (nutrients and temperature) in the cup.
Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:
Insight:
1tsp or bag of grated ginger (about 1 inch ginger root)
3tsp chopped, or 1 bag, lemongrass
Place herbs in strainer or tea filter (these can be found near coffee filters at a grocery store), add boiling water, and steep 4-7 minutes.
Uplift:
2tsp torn cilantro, or 1 teabag. I use both stems and leaves
1tsp torn peppermint leaves, or 1 teabag
Place herbs in strainer, add below boiling water (let water cool down for 2 minutes after boiling before pouring) and steep 4-5 minutes. Press out any extra juice from herbs before removing from water.
After the Cleanse
Can’t live with just water for the long term? Before and after your cleanse, consider diluting juice with water, which will cut down on sugar, carbs, and cost. Fresh squeezed juice is preferable to better measure how much fruit you’re getting per serving. You can make custom sodas with pure club soda and ingredients such as fruit juice, spices, or vanilla extract.