Cleansing By Detoxing

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.

Are you a little tempted to try it? Do you wonder about it?

WHY?

If you eat a lot and only eliminate once a day or less (even worse!) then you are not getting rid of all that is going in! If we are clogged up (even when eating healthily) then we can get sick. Our colon gets crusted over from eating meat, dairy, breads, processed foods, cakes, candy and bad fat.  It is just disgusting, 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? Serotonin is one of our neurotransmitters that are responsible for our mood. Over 95% of the body’s serotonin is found in the bowels. Since our gut has serotonin receptors, the buildup of toxins causes sickness in our belly and lead to depression.

If you are not convinced by now that you need to clear some of the colon contents, there is more. Our stomach produces mucus to guard against acids, this is healthy. It is when we continually eat McDonald’s and Burger King that we overproduce the stuff and it all gets clogged up. If you had a video of your intestines it would look disgusting.

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 added hormones, artificial flavoring and coloring that are added to processed foods that cause the liver to turn the toxins into bigger and badder toxins. Eating fresh and whole foods, along with avoiding the type of toxins we breathe in will help to eliminate these things from happening. By taking in all these toxins, we create a problem that our body was not designed to deal with.

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
• Digestive enzymes
• Food combining
• Probiotics
• Magnesium
• Enemas
• Colon irrigation (professional)
• Kits with powders and potions

On Enemas and Colon Cleansing

This is the controversial part. The Mayo Clinic advises against it. However, colon cleansing is prescribed more and more by doctors looking for a more holistic approach to wellness. I only suggest it when other natural solutions do not solve the issue.

If you are planning to do a colon cleanse, go to a knowledgeable 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 tonics. 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 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.

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, diarrhea or are pregnant or if part of your colon has been removed.

 

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/
http://www.webmd.com/