Most of us cannot escape to a safe haven, free from toxins and pollutants. The air that we breathe is polluted, the water that we drink is full of chlorine, the clothing we wear is made of artificial fabrics and chemicals, the lotions and shampoos that we use all contain chemicals. Once these chemicals are inside us, we can never fully eliminate them unless we undergo a detoxification process. As a result, most of us need some form of detoxification.

Our bodies are clearly designed to be self-cleansing and self-healing. The internal detoxification process is an automatic daily procedure of the major detoxification organs. In the past, detoxification was for reformed alcoholics and drugs addicts, people with severe allergies, cancer patients. Nowadays it is adopted by healthy individuals to maintain their body systems in pristine condition.

A weekly, monthly or even quarterly detoxification program can make a big difference in optimizing the bodily functions. In fact, it might even help prevent chronic opportunistic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue and arthritis.

Signs that Detoxification is Needed

If you have unexplained headaches or back pain
If you have joint pain or arthritis
If your memory is failing
If you are depressed or lack energy
If you have brittle nails and hair
If you have abnormal body odor, coated tongue or bad breath
If you have an unexplained weight gain
If you have psoriasis
If you have frequent allergies
If you have a history of heavy alcohol use
If you have a history of natural and synthetic steroid hormone use.
If you have an exposure to cleaning solvents, pesticides, diuretics and certain drugs

Benefits of Detoxification

Digestive tract is cleansed of accumulated waste and fermenting bacteria.
Liver, kidney, and blood purification can take place that is not possible during regular eating patterns
Mental clarity is enhanced as chemical and food additive overload is reduced
Reduced dependency on habit forming substances such as sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and drugs
Stomach size is returned to normal as bad eating habits can be stopped
Hormonal system is enhanced which is especially true for growth hormone
Immune system is stimulated.

Major Detoxification Centers of the Body

Skin - excretes toxins such as DDT, heavy metals and lead through sweat
Liver - filters blood to rid of bacteria, bile secretion to rid of cholesterol, hemoglobin breakdown products and extra calcium. It also gets rid of prescription drugs from amphetamines, digitals, nicotine, sulfonamides, acetaminophens, morphine and diazepam
Intestine - mucosal detoxification to rid toxins from bowel bacteria and excretion through feces of fat-soluble toxins excreted in the bile
Kidneys - excretion through urine of toxins after they are made water-soluble by the liver.

Detoxification Protocol

3 Principles of a Detoxification Program

A. Cleansing

B. Rebuilding

C. Maintenance

A. Cleansing

Cleansing of the body system is done internally through fasting and externally through thorough skin cleansing. Enemas can also be used but are normally reserved for cases where intense cleansing is required, as is often the case in using detoxification as a way to treat cancer (such as coffee enema used in the Gerson Therapy).

Fasting Cleanse

This is best accomplished by simple fasting. Dramatic changes can be seen as masses of accumulated waste is expelled as the body rids itself of toxins. Short bouts of headaches, fatigue, body odor, bad breath, diarrhea or mouth sores are commonly accompanied by accelerated excretion. However, digestion usually improves immediately as do many organ and nerve functions.

Cleansing by fasting can last from one day to a week. This depends on the timeframe, the body's requirements, toxic load and the patient's overall heath.

One of the most important studies regarding fasting and detoxification appeared in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine in 1984. In this study, patients who had consumed rice oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs went on a seven to 10 day fast. All subjects reported improvements in their health and some observed "dramatic" relief after fasting. Similar studies have shown that fasting is an aid to detoxification.

During fasting, the release of toxins is common. This is especially so if you are overloaded with toxins or have a long history of exposure to fat-soluble toxins such as pesticides. Stored toxins in the cells are released into our system during fasting. For example, the pesticide DDT has been shown to be mobilized during a fast and may reach blood levels toxic to the nervous system. You may actually feel worse before feeling better.

The best way to proceed is to start slow with a three-day vegetable juice fast. Longer fasts require strict medical supervision while the shorter fast can usually be conducted at home. It is essential to consult a physician especially if you have medical conditions such as diabetes that may be worsened during a fast.

Prepare for fasting on the day before with fresh fruits and vegetables on the last meal. During the fast, take a high potency multiple-vitamin-and-mineral formula to provide general support. Take 1000 mg of vitamin C three times a day and one to two tablespoons of a fiber supplement at night before sleep. If you are particularly overloaded with toxins, consume 70 to 210 mg of silymarin thrice a day.

Exercise is not usually encouraged while fasting to conserve energy. It is also important to rest during a fast. A nap or two during the day is recommended. Less sleep will be needed at night since daytime activity is lower. During a fast, the body temperature usually falls. Blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates will also drop to reflect a slow down of the body's metabolic rate. It is therefore important to stay warm. More rest is encouraged to yield better results as energy can then be directed towards healing instead of other bodily functions. When it comes to breaking your fast, it is important to re-introduce solid foods gradually by limiting portions. It is a good idea to eat slowly and chew thoroughly at room temperature. Do not overeat.

Juice Fasting

An excellent way to develop good health and toxin cleansing is by juice fasting. This is because juices, without their pulp (fiber), contain excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Vegetable juices are preferred over fruit as one is able to drink more vegetable juice than they are able to eat. For example, one can readily drink the juice of several heads of lettuce at one go but may not be able to consume the same amount of lettuce as a whole. Juices also contain good sources of antioxidants and enzymes needed for toxin cleansing and excretion. At the same time, they are easy to digest and thus can help to eradicate digestive problems. As a result, drinking juices allows the body to receive plenty of nutrients with minimal digestive action needed. Moreover, fasting on mono-juices allows the body to have sufficient time to process these juices and valuable digestive enzymes can be preserved. During fasting, a sense of well being, renewed energy, clearer thoughts and a cleaner body system can be resulted.

Vegetable Juicing Program

Fruit juices are very different from vegetable juices. Fruit juices should be avoided as the high sugar content of fruit juices raises the blood sugar and insulin levels. This can lead to insulin resistance and ultimately diabetes in the long run.

Although carrots and beets are vegetables, they are high in sugar content and can raise the blood sugar

Vegetable juicing is not easy. Start slowly by drinking only one or two ounces and finally up to 12 ounces each time. There should be no waves of nausea or belching.

Vegetable juices are not as pleasant-tasting as fruit juices. The beginner should begin by gulping the juice as this is probably the best way to get started. This process will ensure that the juice is in minimal contact with the taste buds.

Take some vegetables before, during or after the juicing. The chewing motion will stimulate gastric juice secretion and aid digestion. It is also important to do some chewing during juicing.

As vegetable juicing is not a natural phenomenon in modern day society, the body will need some time to adapt. It is important to pay heed to your body�s signals on which vegetable juices to consume and which types to continue in small amounts.

The pulp is one of the best parts of the juice although its palatability leaves much to be desired. It adds bulk and fiber to your diet and helps bowel movements. Try mixing 10 percent of the pulp back into the juice and slowly increase the amount in accordance with your tolerance level. Very few people can consume all the pulp juice as it is quite thick and would look like a bowl of porridge instead of a glass of juice.

All vegetable juices should be consumed immediately. Vegetable juice is one of the most perishable foods. Do not keep for more than 24 hours. Storage is tricky. Oxidation should be prevented. If you have to keep the juice, put it in a glass jar with an airtight lid and fill it to the brim to minimize air space. The oxygen in the air (remember air contains 20 per cent oxygen) will "oxidize" and damage the juice. Wrap the jar with aluminum foil to block out all light, which will also damage the juice and then store it in the refrigerator. The juice should be taken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to consumption, as it should ideally be consumed at room temperature.

The beginner should start with celery, fennel (anise) and cucumbers. These vegetables may not be the most nutritious but at least they are more tolerable and palatable than others.

Once the beginner is used to the taste of vegetable juices, other recommended vegetables include spinach, cabbage, bok choy, endive and lettuce.

Herbs can also be added to juices such as parsley and cilantro.

The advanced juicer should try Collard Greens, Dandelion Greens and Mustard Greens as these vegetables are very beneficial. These greens are quite bitter tasting, but they are good for you.

To make your juice more palatable, you can also add small quantities of carrots and beets. These vegetables are relatively high in sugar content compared to their green leafy counterparts. Coconut is another option to improve the taste of vegetable juices. They are also a good source of fat to balance the meal.

Beginner Juice Recipe

CARROT JUICE. High in antioxidant: beta-carotene and full of wonder enzymes.
CELERY JUICE. High in sodium-- not the artificial version but the natural kind that promotes tissue flexibility.
BEET JUICE. Beets nourish the liver which one of the most important organs in the body as it is responsible for hundreds of different functions. If your liver is functioning well, your body is likely to be in optimal health.
CABBAGE JUICE. Cabbage juice is high in vitamin C.

Blend the above vegetables in a juicer and consume it immediately. Beets and carrots are higher in calorie content in comparison with cabbage and celery. Do not consume carrot and beet juices if you have a history of sugar imbalance.

Questions? Ask me.

Simple 24 Hour Juice Fasting Detoxification Program

Juice fasting enables the digestive system to rest and also speeds up the growth of new cells, which in turn promotes healing. A person on a juice fast should abstain from solid foods and drink fruit and vegetable juices, water and herbal teas throughout the day. While vegetable juices are superior to fruit juices on a day-to-day basis, fruit juices are often recommended in part during a fasting program. Calorie from the sugar in the fruit juice is needed to avoid hypoglycemia.. The fasting period varies from person to person although every half-hour to an hour is the norm. Frequent juicing will supply the body with adequate amounts of energy throughout the day. Drink at least four 8 to 12 glasses of water everyday during the fast. Avoid coffee, bottled, canned or frozen juice (primarily sugar) and soft drinks. Unsweetened herbal teas are acceptable.

The night before: consume a simple dinner with a green leafy salad. Dry brush your skin before you go to bed to open your pores for the night's cleansing eliminations.
On rising: one glass of two freshly squeezed lemon juice. One tablespoon of maple syrup and 8-oz of pure water at room temperature (filtered but not distilled) .
Midmorning: one glass of cranberry juice from concentrate to promote bowel movement.
Lunch: one glass of fresh apple juice.
Mid-afternoon: one cup of herbal tea.
Dinner: One glass of papaya /pineapple juice to enhance enzyme production or another glass of apple juice.
Before bed: one cup of mint tea, miso soup or hot water for relaxation.
Next morning: break your fast with fresh fruits and yogurt. Consume light, raw foods during the day and a simple, low fat dinner.

The same plan can be extended over the weekend for a three-day detoxification program.

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