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Take Out the Trash: Detoxify

Start with Internal Cleansing

Very simply, detoxification involves some basic steps: internal cleansing, followed by restoration and rebuilding of intestinal health. Thereafter, paying more attention to what you eat is critical. There are additional detox support actions you can adopt, and these will be a matter of individual need or preference.

First, colon cleansing is done with fiber, pre-biotics and probiotics, and nutraceuticals. Intestinal wastes have built up, and their toxins can impair digestive enzymes, nutrient production, immunity, and nutrient absorption. It’s astounding (and true) that 70 percent of our immune system is located in our gastrointestinal tract, and it needs our help.

Use an herbal and fiber combination for a week or two to draw out waste. Drink plenty of water, because otherwise fiber can constipate you. It absorbs large quantities of water. Fiber products should include both the soluble and insoluble varieties.

A cleanser doesn’t need lots of nutrients; in fact, it can keep many nutrients from being absorbed. The real purpose of a cleanser is to support purification and alkalization, and to deodorize. My favorite detox program is the Whole Body Cleanse kit from Enzymatic Therapy, now available in most health food stores. The kit contains a laxative formula to loosen stools, bind toxins, and flush them out, while soothing and supporting intestinal health. There are no harsh stimulant laxative herbs, which I suggest you avoid; they can cause pain, and you can become dependent on them.

The advanced fiber formula uses True Dispersion technology, so you get the benefit of fiber throughout the intestinal tract without the plugs often formed by most other fiber products. This fiber is superior in helping to bind toxins loosened by the laxative formula. It utilizes oat bran (the most soluble fiber of any grain), pectin from citrus fruit, and psyllium husks. This is a state-of-the-art fiber product. To get state-of-the-art results, follow instructions and drink plenty of water while taking it.

As you phase out of the focused colon-cleansing regimen, you can continue to use fiber, digestive enzymes, acidophilus, etc., as your particular needs dictate. The laxative formula, however, is reserved for a few times a year, unless otherwise directed and supervised by your health care practitioner.

Detoxing in this fashion should be fairly straightforward and should subject you to little or no discomfort. During a more intense detox program, you could expect to experience aches and pains, possibly chills, abnormal lethargy, headaches, palpitations, rashes, etc. If you reach the point where you feel worse than before you began the detox, don’t worry.
This is what is often referred to as a healing crisis. It can last from one day to a week.

What’s happening is that stored toxins, as they are released, can recirculate before they are bound and excreted. This produces some transitory discomfort as your body improves. You should not experience dramatic or intense symptoms when you apply the detox kit as directed. If you do, drink additional fluids, take it easy, and know that it is temporary.