Detox Can Help You Feel Better… Or Worse?

When engaging in a detox (aka cleanse), many people often feel worse at first. This is commonly known as a “detox crisis” and is believed to be an inevitable part of any detoxification program.

But truthfully, it’s not.

Detox symptoms, like gas, bloating, headaches and fatigue can be largely avoided by using the right supplements, diet and exercises. You have to take your time and allow your body to detox gradually.

With any detox program, you want to move at a gentle and gradual pace. It can take years for toxins to build up, so we can’t expect to remove them with a quick fix. The secret to success is slowly cleansing the blood and circulatory system first with the right diet and supplements. That way, we can experience a much more rewarding and effective cleanse.

Our fast-paced lifestyles and Western diets are highly acid-forming. Proper acid/alkaline balance within the various systems of the body, commonly referred to as pH balance, is a vital aspect to any health-promoting program. Many chronic and degenerative conditions are related to an overly acidic body. Increasing alkalinity by reducing stress and following an alkaline diet also greatly enhances our natural detoxification capacities.

Greens and cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, avocado, lemons and seaweeds are all good examples of alkalizing foods.

One of the gentlest yet most effective cleansing drinks is a lemon and olive oil mix. It’s easy to prepare and it offers a dramatic boost to any cleanse program by providing support to the liver and gallbladder.

Take the pieces of one organic lemon (seeds removed) and blend with about 1¼ cups of spring water, along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Strain the contents and drink on an empty stomach each night before bed. You may want to start this dosage at half or one-third and work your way up each night. As an added bonus, many people find that that this refreshing drink improves their sleep.

Another critical part of any detox therapy is to ensure that your digestive system has the support it needs. With digestion-enhancing herbs and enzymes, you can optimize nutrient breakdown, support the detox process and promote healthy immune function.

ecoNugenics' ecoProbiotic contains a number of traditional Asian botanicals together with targeted nutrients and plant-based enzymes to offer warmth and vitality to the digestive system*:

• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger
• Pomegranate
• Tangerine peel
• Black pepper fruit
• Zinc
• Chromium
• Digestive enzymes such as amylase and protease

A combination of natural digestive ingredients can work to gently and effectively boost sluggish digestion and relieve occasional bloating, nausea, flatulence, fluid retention and indigestion. This is critical during a cleanse when digestive capacity needs to function at its best in order to ensure efficient elimination of toxins.*

One of the safest and most effective ways to remove toxins and heavy metals from the circulation system is with ecoNugenics' PectaClear® Detox Formula, which combines PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin together with alginates from kelp. This formula works to bind and remove heavy metals, radioactive particles and environmental toxins from the circulatory and digestive systems, safely without affecting essential minerals. It also works together with ecoNugenics' ecoDetox®, for a more comprehensive toxin removal.*

Replenishing and nourishing beneficial bacteria in the GI tract with pre- and probiotics can lead to significant long-term benefits. Recent studies have shown that probiotics directly enhance our immune function as well as the brain’s neurotransmitter activity, along with numerous other health benefits. They are true “friendly flora.”

It’s critical to keep things moving during a cleanse. Toxins in the process of being eliminated can get stuck in transit and create further areas of stagnation. For this reason, it’s important to engage in mild to moderate exercise (even just 15 minutes of walking) every day of your cleanse.

In addition, specific treatments that promote the movement of vital energy throughout the body can be very helpful in deepening and enhancing the process. Acupuncture, lymphatic massage, micro-current therapy, homeopathic treatments, infrared saunas, yoga, Qi Gong and breathing exercises are some recommended modalities to support natural detoxification processes.

Many people recommend colonics and enemas during a cleanse as a way to assist the large intestines in elimination. While these therapies may be beneficial for some people (many certainly swear by them), it’s important to understand that this method of detoxification represents one small aspect of a total body cleanse — and not the most important one.

A well-planned cleanse can be equal, if not more successful than a regular schedule of colonics or enemas. That’s because colonic and enema treatments may offer immediate relief from constipation and buildup, but they don’t address the underlying causes of stagnant bowels or toxic body burden.

A successful cleanse uses herbs and nutrients, along with an unprocessed diet and regular exercise, to help re-balance the body’s innate detoxification functions. But this process doesn’t have to be a chore! By emphasizing fresh, wholesome foods, regular exercise and targeted supplements, you can gradually reduce toxic body burden and support overall health and vitality in the process. Just in time for cold and flu season!