A Detoxification Lifestyle

Our bodies have a total of seven channels of elimination. The primary ones are: the colon or large intestine, the kidneys, the skin, which is the largest, the lungs and the liver. The other two channels are the blood and the lymphatic system. The first channel in the detoxification process is the colon. With the cleansing of the colon, first with herbs and than with colon hydrotherapy, a pathway is cleared for the rest of the organs to start to detoxify. People are usually unaware of having a colon that is clogged and backed up with toxic waste. Unfortunately, even if people have one elimination a day, they can still have considerable collection of waste sitting in the colon creating toxins that can eventually lead to a debilitating and chronic condition. A clogged colon must be cleared, before embarking on any further cleansing programs specifically designed to treat Candida or parasites.

There are a number of approaches that can be used to facilitate cleansing and detoxification. Some of the most effective methods are: dietary changes, herbal cleansing programs, colon hydrotherapy, saunas/steam baths/skin brushing, nutrient supplementation and exercise.

Dietary changes are the best way to start a general detoxification program. This is a list of helpful tips to include in your dietary regimen, in following these, the body becomes ready to begin detoxification with a clear pathway to further eliminate other toxins. Remember to change your diet slowly, drinking plenty of water and adding more fruits and vegetables, especially organic ones. In addition, supplement with a good daily fiber and reduce the amount of refined starches, sugars and processed foods in your diet.

GENERAL DIETARY CLEANSE

Step 1: Dietary Changes;

Regularly include these foods in your diet:
Plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables especially high fiber vegetables.
Organic meat, use it as a condiment in your meals (just 2 ounces in each meal for women, 3 1/2 - 4 ounces in each meal for men).
Sprouted whole grain bread or if it is not available use a good whole grain bread.
Herbal teas and green tea.
Purified water, 7 to 10 glasses daily
Fresh vegetable juices when they are available(optional).
Cold-pressed (unrefined) olive oil.
Real butter (not margarine or other butter substitute, our bodies like what is real).

Step 2: CLEANSING HERBAL CHANGES

An effective herbal cleansing formula would include:

Milk thistle stimulates the secretion of bile salts and acts as an antioxidant.
It strengthens the cells of the liver and protects them.
Dandelion further stimulates bile from the liver and acts as a gentle laxative.
Beets helps reduce fats that damage the liver.
Artichoke leaf simulates secretion of bile and protects the liver cells.
Mullein helps clear mucus from the lungs.
Burdock leaf helps the skin to purge toxins that cause skin conditions
Corn silk flushes the kidneys of toxins.
Red clover is a blood purifier and expectorant which helps to clear the lungs.
Larch gum helps the lymphatic system to carry toxins from our organs.
Hawthorne berries to strengthen and support our the heart, veins and arteries.
Ashwaganda supports the adrenal glands, they are the natural chemical messengers in
our bodies.

HERBAL COLON CLEANSING

In a colon cleansing formula you would want to include;
Aloe,
Rhubarb,
Triphala to stimulate peristalsis (contractions of the colon which cause elimination).
Mineral compound magnesium hydroxide as it regulates water in the bowel.

SKIN DETOXIFICATION

You may want to add one of these therapeutic skin detoxifying agents to your 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.

Other herbs can be added to the bath to enhance the experience but these are two that are added for detoxification purposes.

BREATH-WORK FOR LUNG DETOXIFICATION

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 body 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.

Using yoga breathing methods can enhance your regular deep breathing. During yoga breathing your breath should fill the lower lungs, expanding the belly first and than the upper lungs. The breath should come in through the lips while the tip of the tongue rests just inside the mouth at the base of the front teeth. When you breath out you should be exhaled through your nose. You should try to breath in to the count of four and out to the count of eight, or double the count of the inhalation.