Let me start by saying that I was a skeptic. Green juice. Bleck! Cleansing? Yeah right, that’s too far out there for me.

But as is often the case, life has a way of laughing at us skeptics. You see, over the last month I have been joyfully helping Green Juice Goddess Tricia Barrett prepare an upcoming e-course and cleanse program for Owning Pink that will start this spring. But before I get into those details, let me tell you how I turned from skeptic to green juice, cleansing believer.

My Green Juice Cleansing Story

I have shared my story about changing my diet and how difficult it was for a foodie to go gluten and dairy-free and start drinking liquid kale, all in the name of owning my health.  But why did I choose this path? My journey started with one book: Alkalize or Die by Dr. Theodore Barody. With a picture of a luscious waterfall and another of a barren desert on the cover to underscore the point, this book does not mince words about the importance of keeping our bodies in an alkaline state. In short, a long term acidic state can lead to numerous diseases including multiple sclerosis and cancer, as well as numerous symptoms we all deal with including acne, cold sores and fatigue.

This book was my first step in owning my health and my healing process. It is because of this book and the results I experienced from following it, that led me to become a holistic health coach.

A Science Review

Before I go any further, a little science refresher might help. Think back to high school chemistry where you learned that every molecule has a pH level, i.e., its acid or alkaline. That means that every cell in our body has a pH level. It turns out our body functions properly (i.e., keeping us alive with lots of energy and vitality) if our cells are in an alkaline range (experts debate on the ideal number but 6.4 to 7.2 -- as measured in our morning urine -- is a safe target for most of us). If our urine pH drops below 6.4 our immune system is triggered. When our immune system is triggered, inflammation occurs. Just think of the paper cut that gets swollen and red -- this is an inflammatory response we can see. What we don’t see is the inflammation that occurs in response to an invader, such as an acidic molecule. 

Our body chemistry becomes acidic through what we consume through our skin, lungs and digestive system. We consume heavy metals from paint and carpet fumes, car exhaust or smoking. We come into contact with chemicals on our food and in our cleaning products. Certain foods are also acid producing once they enter our system. These foods include all processed food, sugars, meat (especially red meat), alcohol, coffee, dairy products, and refined salt to name a few. Our emotions, stress levels and the amount of sleep we get are also important factors.

Our body wants to flush itself of the acidic invaders. But if we aren’t eating a 80/20 diet (80% alkaline producing food), our cells don’t have enough alkaline stores nor the nutrients they need to flush away the bad stuff. 

Cleansing is a Jump Start

Ok, back to my story. When I started an alkaline diet last year it was a challenge getting to a consistent alkaline state of between 6.4 to 7.2 as measured daily in my urine and as recommended by my doctor. Multiple sclerosis, like all auto-immune diseases, are inflammation promoting. My alkaline reserve was dismal. It seemed that no matter how much kale or sweet potatoes I ate, I couldn’t hit my target range. 

When I was about ready to give up, I discovered green juice and cleansing. Within days of starting a cleanse program and regular juicing, I was consistently hitting my numbers. The green juice and the absence of acid producing foods allowed my body to restore itself to its desired state. But more exciting was the fact that I was full of energy. My mind fog lifted. I felt like I was working on all cylinders. That’s because I was. Every cell in my body became focused on healing the damage caused by multiple sclerosis. Since then, cleansing and green juicing have become a regular part of my routine.

Not Just for the Sick

Between Kris Carr’s story and mine today, you might think that cleansing is for the ill. Quite to the contrary. “Cleansing is health insurance,” according to Tricia Barrett. Keeping your cells clean and periodically eliminating toxins will help you prevent disease and illness. It will also ensure that your cells are operating properly. And cells that operate properly give you the energy to be ALL YOU ALL THE TIME!

I have used cleansing not only to keep MS in check, but to eliminate toxins I picked up from working in a newly carpeted and painted office. That cleanse took me from headaches, cold sores and fatigue to having the energy to launch my coaching practice.

As Kris says in her interview with Lissa, cleansing is about PREVENTION. Really, who wants to be sick? Being sick sucks. So green juice cleanses are the perfect way to help protect you from a long list of ailments from auto-immune diseases and type-II diabetes, to cancer. Is it a guarantee that you won’t get these diseases? No -- life has no guarantees. But cleansing is about making that time we have on earth as vital and vibrant as possible. Cleansing is radical self care at its best.

Join us for the Owning Pink Green Cleanse this Spring

So has all this talk of green juice cleansing got you salivating to feel your best? We certainly hope so. We are working hard to put together a kick ass e-course with e-book, videos, support calls and a private online community aimed at making you feel your best. The book will be chockful of the whys of cleansing, instructions, tips, detailed schedules, several cleansing options, recipes and journals. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to cleanse your body in a safe and supportive Pink environment. Stay tuned for more details as we approach spring.

Are you ready to own your health by cleansing your body and soul? Will you join us for our spring cleanse?

Juicing up,

Laurie