This story is Part 3 in a series from one of the country's most respected detox experts and colon therapists, Brenda Watson, author of Renew Your Life. I've asked her to explain the proper way to detox and she'll be taking us all through the proper detox over the next seven weeks! Follow along!

The Steps to Digestive Health

Cleansing and detoxification are essential to healing the digestive tract and restoring good liver function. Embarking on a 30-day general cleanse program is designed to support all seven elimination channels of the body; colon (large intestine), kidneys, skin, lungs, liver, blood and the lymphatic system simultaneously.

Once a person has begun a general cleansing program, additional supportive therapies can be incorporated to enhance the body's response to the detox. Therapies that include saunas/steam baths, colon hydrotherapy and exercise/deep breathing can be used to facilitate a person's cleansing and detoxification. These therapies not only complement a detox program by helping with the elimination of toxins, but also help the body to adjust to these changes. Eliminating toxins along with supportive therapies is the third step on the road to digestive wellness and vibrant health.

General Cleanse

Step 3: Supportive Therapies and Eliminating Toxins


Eliminating Toxins

While the net result of a cleanse will be elimination of toxins from the body, improved health and more energy, it is quite common to feel worse before feeling better. As herbal cleansing formulas kill disease-causing microorganisms such as Candida and parasites, toxins are released into the system. If they are released faster than the body can eliminate them, a person may experience such symptoms as fever, fatigue, diarrhea, cramps, headache, increased thirst, loss of appetite, flu-like conditions, skin eruptions or irritations. The following steps will help to avoid, reduce or eliminate a severe healing crisis:

Included in an effective herbal cleansing formula would be:

  • Start at a very low dose of your herbal cleansing formula--half the suggested amount (or less if necessary), and then gradually increase to the recommended level during a 30-day period.
  • Make sure liver-support herbs are part of the cleansing formula.
  • Begin colon hydrotherapy sessions.
  • Increase water intake.
  • Always take a fiber supplement.
  • Resist the temptation to suppress symptoms with drugs because it will increase the toxic load and halt the cleansing process.

As stated earlier, it is important to realize that a healing crisis, while uncomfortable to experience, is actually a sign of healing in progress. However, additional therapies are also available to alleviate these symptoms.

Supportive Therapies

Incorporating the following therapies into a personŐs 30-day detox program will help to eliminate toxins and aid a personŐs body on the road to a full general cleanse.

Saunas/Steam Baths:  The use of saunas (dry heat) or steam baths (wet heat) creates sweat intentionally for therapeutic purposes. This 'sweat (hyperthermic) therapy' not only releases toxins from the skin, but also relaxes muscles by easing aches and pains. Releasing toxins via the skin through perspiration removes the load from the kidneys and liver, so those with impaired liver or kidney function may safely detoxify in this manner. However, if a person does not have access to a sauna or steam bath, a person may want to do their own detoxification bath at home. This is prepared by filling a clean tub with hot filtered water (a shower filter or whole house filter is recommended) as hot as one can tolerate. Then add one of the following therapeutic substances to the bath:

  • Epsom salts-Start with 1/4 cup and gradually increase to as much as two to four pounds per bath.
  • Ginger root-Place half inch slices in boiling water; turn off the heat, and steep for 30 minutes. Remove the ginger, and pour the water into the tub.

It is recommended to take a hot therapeutic bath, steam bath or sauna three times a week.

Colon Hydrotherapy:  It is in the colon that the digestive process is completed; certain vitamins are synthesized and water-soluble nutrients are absorbed. Colon hydrotherapy, the therapeutic application of water in the colon, is one way to help this elimination process. The most familiar form of colon hydrotherapy is the enema. Published success of treating patients with enemas had led to the development of advanced colon cleansing equipment to perform the colon-cleansing procedures now known as colonics or colonic irrigations. A colonic is an extended and more complete form of an enema. An enema, is a one-time infusion; the patient takes in as much as a quart of water, holds it for a time, and then evacuates directly into the toilet. In contrast, colonic treatment (colon hydrotherapy) involves repeated infusions of filtered, warm water into the colon by a certified colon therapist, while the gowned patient lies on a treatment table. While water is only sent through the sigmoid (a small portion of the lower colon) with an enema, the water from a colonic travels throughout all sections of the large intestine. It is advised to try colon hydrotherapy at least three times during the 30-day detox.

The therapeutic benefits of colon hydrotherapy are numerous and include:

  • Improved muscle tone
  • Reduced stagnation
  • Reduced toxic waste absorption
  • Thorough colon cleansing and balancing

Exercise/Deep Breathing:  Exercise is an important element in a health-building regimen and the detoxification process. When a person breathes in and out, blood flow is increased and the body is stimulated. Breathing deeply helps eliminate poisons from the cells, and also enhances immunity, since the lymphatic system is actually part of the immune system. The lymphatic system depends on the movement (exercise) and breath for stimulation. Deep breathing enhances immunity by eliminating toxins. Combining deep breathing with exercise will improve the body's detoxification ability and general state of health.

These complementary therapies help to support a general cleanse, but what if a person has a specific condition that requires a more advanced cleanse. The next article in our series will discuss these more serious conditions and how to detox accordingly.

Please continue to visit informedbeauty.com to learn more about detoxification:

For more information about detoxification or cleansing please visit www.renewyourlife.com or check out Brenda Watson's book, Renew Your Life on Amazon.com.

 
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