Our bodies detox continuously as a natural function. It’s only when our detox mechanisms become overloaded that the process becomes less efficient and symptoms may occur. Some of the first symptoms of an overwhelmed detoxification system can include sore muscles, tiredness or sluggishness, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, constipation, post-nasal drip, or skin problems.
Toxins may be internal (endogenous) or external (exogenous) in origin. Pollution or pesticides in our food source put undue stress on our detox organs, the kidneys and liver. Improper digestion and imbalanced gut ecology provide internal forms of toxins in the way of metabolic by-products stemming from certain bacteria which have toxic side effects and therefore impact negatively on overall health by compromising detox pathways.
It has been suggested that toxic overload contributes to more serious conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory/rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The goal of an effective detoxification method is to gently and slowly cleanse your body of toxins that add an extra burden so serious diseases like these can be avoided. This program should turn your liver into a healthy, cleansing machine.
Symptoms which may be relieved by following an effective detox program include:
Digestive problems
Bad breath
Fatigue
Irritability
General malaise
Constipation
Headaches
Itchy skin
Skin rashes
Joint pain
Weight loss resistance
Poor concentration
What a carefully planned detoxification program can offer you:
Anti-aging effects
Clearer skin and eyes
Increased productivity
Greater motivation
Weight loss and creativity
Reduction of allergic symptoms
Mental Detoxification:
The cleansing of our mind of negative thought patterns is essential to health and physical detoxification and can aid in this process. Emotionally, detoxification helps us uncover and express hidden frustrations, anger, resentments and fear and replace them with forgiveness, love, joy and hope.
Nutritional Supplements for Gentle Cleansing/Detox
To stimulate an effective detoxification process that will leave you feeling vibrant and energized instead of deprived and depleted, I recommend the use of the following nutritional supplements:
Detoxification Support Packets
We are being inundated with toxins on a daily basis. Our ability to handle these toxins is dependent on our body’s ability to detoxify them. Cleaning up our diet is a great first step. Less toxins going in means less toxins that have to come out. The following supplements are crucial for preventing toxins from getting partially detoxified into more harmful compounds and then being dumped back into the bloodstream. Therefore, these packets are just as important to the success of this cleanse as is the dietary changes. Each packet contains:
• Detox Antiox (1) (antioxidants to protect the cells from toxins)
• LV-GB Complex (1) (liver/gallbladder support)
• Amino-D-Tox (3) (prevents toxins from getting stuck in the body)
Dose: Take 2 packets daily (1 am packet and 1 pm packet).
PaleoCleanse
A comprehensive functional food powder that is the backbone of support for the detoxification program. PaleoCleanse is available in either a plant derived base of pea protein isolate, or in a whey protein base for those who can tolerate dairy. Its nutrients and herbs fuel detoxification pathways and promote liver function. PaleoCleanse also contains a full multivitamin/mineral and antioxidant complex.
Dose: Titrated up and down to a maximum of 2 scoops 3 times a day.
PaleoMeal
A complete protein powder used as a meal replacement. The nutrient combination in PaleoMeal is ideal for use within a detoxification program. It provides protein and minerals that are in greater demand while one is detoxifying, and helps to prevent muscle loss. It comes as either a whey (dairy) or or a dairy free version made with Peatein,TM a natural food-grade pea protein concentrate.
Dose: 1 scoop per meal, as desired for meal replacement.
Dairy-free PaleoMeal dose is 2 scoops per serving.
PaleoFiber
This blend of soluble and insoluble fibers from nature will aid regularity as well as move toxins out of the gastrointestinal tract quickly.
Dose: 1 Tbs per day in water or with PaleoCleanse.
PaleoGreens & PaleoReds
PaleoGreens and PaleoReds are combination of vegetable, fruit and berries high in antioxidants and polyphenols to help prevent disease processes caused by oxidation and inflammation.
5 Fun & Easy Tips for Enhancing the Detox
Drink 1 liter of hot water with apple cider vinegar (about 2 teaspoonfuls), lemon juice (from one whole lemon), and stevia (to taste) first thing upon waking (on an empty stomach). You will be amazed by how much this one simple strategy will improve your day and your overall well-being.
Use a ‘dry brush’ to massage your entire body before getting into the shower. Use a circular motion and work towards the heart. Then shower or bathe. This facilitates circulation and toxic elimination through the skin.
Take a warm bath with Epsom salt added to soothe, relax and detox. Additionally you may rub on the salt with a warm, wet washcloth in bath or shower-very invigorating.
Jump on a rebounder (mini trampoline) for 3-5 minutes at a time. This shakes up your whole body and is particularly useful for stimulating your lymph drainage system, thereby moving those toxins OUT!
Try your own ‘hydrotherapy’ in the shower by alternating hot/cold. This stimulates circulation and your immune system. You can also do a sauna/cold shower/sauna etc., if you belong to a gym. This is not for the faint of heart! You’ll feel like a million bucks when you’re done. Of course, just a sauna and a shower are beneficial as well.
Detox Program Guidelines
Follow these guidelines THROUGHOUT the 21 Day Detoxification Program (including precleanse week):
- Drink one ounce per pound of body weight of purified water each and every day for the entire 21 day program. Remember to not use tap water that has been chlorinated or medicated with fluoride.
- Take two Detoxification Support Packets each day, one first thing in the morning and one before bed at night.
- Eliminate sugars, desserts & artificial sweeteners. Natural low-impact sweeteners, such as stevia & polyols
xylitol & erythritol) are allowed. Remember to avoid agave nectar.
- Eliminate dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. If you feel healthier when you consume some dairy, you may use organic, unsweetened, live culture yogurt and low-heat-processed whey protein products. If you have access to raw dairy, this is recommended over pasteurized dairy.
- Eliminate gluten by avoiding foods which contain wheat, oats, rye, spelt, kamut, bulgur, couscous, and barley, as well as seitan and other “faux” meat products. Just one bite of gluten is enough to off-set the detoxification process and provoke symptoms.
Remember to avoid pastas, bread, crackers, cereals, and other products made from grains. Quinoa, buckwheat, and rice are okay to consume on a limited basis.
- Choose lean, clean quality protein. Organic/grass fed meat & poultry are allowed. Cold water fish (preferably wild instead of farm-raised) is acceptable.
- Eliminate all alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages including coffee, tea and soda.