Introduction to Cleansing and Detoxification
We live in a toxic world. The soil where our food is grown and the air we breathe are loaded with chemicals, PCB’s pesticides, and even jet fuel! Pharmaceutical drugs and processed foods are commonplace.
You do have a choice. You can continue to be victimized from our environment and suffer from illness and take drugs that create and compound the problem or you can choose to be proactive and take responsibility for our own health care choices.
Cleansing, also called detoxification, is part of our body’s normal process of waste elimination, which occurs through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. The most obvious forms are sweat, urine, and feces. In spite of the fact that we eliminate continuously, our bodies have difficulty keeping up because we keep accumulating an unnatural amount of toxins daily. The toxic overload prevents these organs from doing their jobs efficiently, and toxins collect throughout our bodies.
The most common symptoms of toxic overload are constipation, stress, low energy, lack of motivation food cravings, sugar consumption, caffeine dependency and unidentifiable illnesses. Most of us don’t drink enough PURE water or eat organic foods. We may not exercise, sleep well and wake rested. It’s obvious that an individual with these habits would have a greater toxic load than someone who is practicing a healthier lifestyle. However, the sad truth is that no one is safe. Even with impeccable habits, there are still environmental toxins to contend with.
Our bodies manage the build-up by storing the extra toxins in our cells. fat and mucous to protect us from further damage. This overload will affect our overall health, energy, and ability to heal. These toxins make us ill, fat, constipated, uncomfortable in our bodies, depressed, drug dependent, diseased and powerless to make important changes and choices that will help us to be well.
Consider the following questions to help you decide if you are suffering from Toxic Overload: Do you wake up stiff, lethargic, congested, and disoriented? Do you need coffee or medication to even begin thinking? Do you rush out the door stressed, fretting about the day ahead, without a proper bowel movement? Do you need coffee or other stimulants to stay energized? Do you eat whatever you can grab, using sugar or processed food as your main staple? Are you stuck inside all day long, then go home and veg out in front of the TV? Do you have a health problem you suspect may be related to your diet or lifestyle choices? Do you have frequent headaches, body pain, respiratory or sinus problems? Are you over or under weight? Do you get frequent colds? Is your skin dull, dry and prone to breakouts? Are you irritable and tired, making daily coping and relationships more difficult?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, first know that your situation is not hopeless. You can and will heal. First consider the benefits of cleansing: Improved digestion, better elimination, less constipation, gas, bloating and indigestion. Freedom to breathe more deeply Less allergic or reactive responses to food and environment. Less mucous, congestion, sniffles and coughing. More energy, better nutrient absorption Balanced pH, improved alkalinity, less acidic, overall improved health. A sense of satisfaction, greater vitality, and the inspiration to continue improving your diet and lifestyle. A desire to choose better foods and develop better eating habits Weight loss and the realization that you actually enjoy eating better. A deeper understanding of how to take good care of yourself with your new found skills.
Pre-Cleanse Guidelines
Most of this program is very different from your usual diet and routine, so please read through all of this material. The pre-cleanse guideline can help you transition smoothly into a healthier lifestyle and prepare your body for cleansing. Although steps 1-5 are specifically designed to be part of the cleanse, they are excellent permanent additions or changes to make in your life. Guidelines 6-10 are important to begin 1 week before you get started on the cleanse. See a licensed alternative healthcare practitioner. This is important to make sure that there is no health condition including, but not limited to, a terminal, genetic or autoimmune disease; chronic digestive problems, diabetes, hypoglycemia or if you are taking prescription or non-prescription drugs. Obtain pure water for drinking, showering and cooking. Handle this first and foremost. Pure water is the most important thing you can do for your body. Change what you eat and where you buy your food. Shop at health food stores and organic markets. Good online sources can also be found to purchase organic foods. Keep your kitchen well stocked with organic fruits and vegetables and raw nuts and seeds. Choose whole grain and sprouted breads. Cook and use whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. Try to limit, but choose organic animal protein and dairy. Begin using healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil, high lignan flax oil, and virgin coconut butter/oil. These are considered WHOLE FOODS. Rather than consuming large amounts of processed, chemically laden foods, transition the majority of your diet to whole foods. Exercise consistently. Walking, yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong can be relaxing and invigorating. Whatever activity you choose, it is important to do some form of daily movement. Cut back on smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. These are not part of a cleanse. Plan ahead, be ready, make the cleanse part of you schedule. Reaffirm; “Yes, I want to do this, I am ready and I am starting my cleanse on ______”. Tell your health care practitioner, family and friends about your cleanse and diet change. Enlist support and perhaps even someone to do the cleanse with you. Buy or borrow a juicer and blender. Become familiar with how to use it and some good recipes for juices and smoothies. Read the pH information and measure your pH levels before starting the cleanse. Having a before and after comparison is valuable information, especially over the course of a year. Track your pH levels in your journal. Read Natural Cures “they” don’t want you to know about by Kevin Trudeau for inspiration and more tips on healthy life choices. Read over the shopping list and cleansing plan a week before your start date. Become familiar with the information. Be sure you are clear on what you need and how the plan works. Clean out your fridge and cupboards; remove anything you might be tempted to eat that is not on the plan. Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and logistically. Collect your items prior to starting the cleanse. Cleansing could be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.