CLEANSING? DETOXING?
Are you a
little tempted to try it?
Do you wonder
about it?
Cleansing has
become very popular lately. Popular and controversial. There has
not been a lot of research or study on colon cleansing so there is no empirical
data or ironclad answer. Some doctors say steer clear because it is
unnecessary and dangerous and others prescribe it as a way to unclog your pipes
and flush away the toxins.
WHY?
If you eat a
lot and only eliminate once a day or worse (LESS!!!!) then you are not
getting rid of all that is going in! If we are clogged up (even with a
healthy diet) then we get sick. Our colon gets crusted over from eating
meat, dairy, breads, processed foods, cakes, candy and bad fat. It is
just gross, think of all the fried foods and weight you are still carrying
around with you and what is building on it.
The intestine
draws in needed nutrients for the body and if your intestines are not able to
get the nutrients, your food is wasted. If food doesn’t move easily
through the intestines, then it starts to build up and we become constipated,
cramped, gain weight, become depressed and our immune system quits working and
we ultimately become sick.
Are you
depressed? Has your doctor ever prescribed colonic treatment as a
cure? I doubt it! Our belly has serotonin receptors, the build up
and sickness in our belly can cause depression.
If you are not
convinced by now that you need to clear some of the goo away, there is
more. Our stomach produces mucus to guard against acids, this is
healthy. It is when we continually eat McDonalds and Burger King that we
overproduce the stuff and it all gets clogged up…ick.
Along with
eliminating daily waste, our body has the job to defend itself against
toxins. The normal detoxification process is pretty amazing:
- Toxins enter the blood.
- Antioxidants grab them and neutralize them
and move them to the liver.
- The liver takes the toxins and gives the
antioxidants back to circulate.
- The liver neutralizes and either eliminates
the toxins either through feces, sweat or urine or it turns the toxin into
a more toxic compound.
It is the
hormones, artificial flavoring and coloring that are added to processed foods
that causes the liver to turn the toxins into bigger and badder toxins.
Eating a diet fresh and whole, along with avoiding the type of toxins we
breathe in will help to eliminate #3 from happening. By taking in all
these toxins, we create a problem that our body was not designed to deal with.
So, by now you
should be convinced that our bodies need help.
HOW
There are
different ways to detox and cleanse your body. Some are very natural, non
controversial and extremely healthy. Some may seem extreme and others are
simple. How you choose to cleanse is important.
Different
cleansing aids:
- Eat clean
- Wheatgrass
- Green Juices & Green Vegetables
- Apples
- Garlic
- Lemons, Limes and Oranges
- Omega 3 Oils
- Green Tea
- Mung Beans
- Take enzymes
- Food combining
- Probiotics
- Enemas
- Colon irrigation (professional)
- Magnesium
- Kits with powders and potions
IMAGINE FIT is currently working with a group of amazing ladies on a
12 DAY NATURAL DETOX...this will be available again soon!
On
Enemas and Colon Cleansing
This is the
controversial part. ANd I must admit I have not tried this, but I want to share all I can. The Mayo Clinic says “don’t do it”. However,
colon cleansing is prescribed more and more by doctors looking for a more
holistic approach to wellness.
If you are
planning to do an enema or colon cleanse, go to a good and well-trained colon
hydro therapist.
Colon
cleansing could possibly have an effect on the nervous system. The
reflexes in the bowel affect the nervous system. There is no debate that a lot
of symptoms that are caused by being constipated can be relieved with colon
therapy.
Colon
cleansing can be achieved with processed powders and liquid potions. You take
some supplements used for colon cleansing by mouth or through the rectum.
These products help the colon to expel its contents. There is no evidence
that they have any long term benefit of building immunity or repairing the
body’s systems.
Colon
cleansing with colon irrigation. The irrigation works like an enema. There
is no odor or discomfort if you have a good hydro therapist. You lay down on a
table and a low-pressure pump or a gravity-based reservoir flushes several
gallons of water through a small tube inserted into your rectum. The
therapist sits with you the entire time. After a while, the therapist
might massage your belly to loosen things up a little. This process
comfortably flushes the fluid and waste through. It usually takes about
an hour. Most colon hydro therapists suggest regular visits. Maybe
once a month for a while and then progressing to once every other month. You
should always drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration after as well as
taking probiotics to restore good bacteria and wheatgrass (and because I think
you should have wheatgrass with everything!)
Many doctors
say your digestive system and bowel naturally eliminate waste material and
bacteria — your body doesn’t need colon cleansing to do this.
Those who like
colon cleansing, think that toxins cause many health problems, like arthritis,
allergies and asthma. They believe a colonic or a colonic irrigation —removes
toxins and strengthens your immune system.
You are the
only one who can decide whether this type of cleansing is right for you.
**You should
not use colonics if you have Crohn’s disease, IBS, acute diverticulitis,
pregnancy, or diarrhea or if part of your colon has been removed.
Cheryl Love, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
imaginefit4life@gmail.com
©2015 The Health Coach Group
