Detox Program Final Notes

Well life doesn't seem to stop just because you're detoxing and that's exactly what happened to me!  Things were busy, thus the late post on the detox I've been wanting to get out. I haven't heard from those who tried it but would love your experience and feedback. Every time I do a detox it reminds me why it's best to eat healthy, and to learn about your body in all stages of life and know about your specific needs. I definitely had sugar, wheat, and dairy withdrawal which caused a bit of weakness and irritability. But it is SO necessary to give your body a break from these foods so it can heal any problems its struggling with and have some relief from a possible irritant or allergy. I discovered that chocolate is definitely giving me headaches; either it's an allergy for me or the caffeine, as I am VERY sensitive to caffeine (typical for Blood Type O and HSP!). Also, wheat and other gluten grains like oats are giving me acid reflux; another typical issue for the Blood Type O or those with digestive issues, as they can be harder to digest than non-gluten grains like rice, corn, quinoa, millet, etc.....  Sugar and caffeine are also causing significant anxiety, irritability, IBS, and sleep disturbances for me, so I was glad to get the reminder to make a huge reduction in these substances, and enjoy iced green tea and summer fruit instead!  Anyway, I hope this was of benefit to those who tried. Every little bit counts even if you can't do the full detox. Find ways to make it enjoyable, and try again this fall!  I'll send a reminder.... :)

Day 3! Sugar - An Addictive Drug

For years I was so unwell I could not eat any refined carbs, sugar, or even fruit without having a hypoglycemic reaction. In the past several years I have been able to eat more of it and certainly have become addicted. This has been the hardest part of the detox and a big eye opener for me. I am actually having some withdrawal symptoms. It doesn't help that I work at Starbucks!  I discovered yesterday that even the matcha powder has sugar in it........ho hum.  So I'm drinking tea with stevia. I am so much less anxious than usual and I can tell the longer I do this the more energy I will have. I saw an ad for the Dr. Oz show and he was going to speak about how dangerous sugar can be. He said that if you cut out refined sugar from your diet it is almost impossible to have a heart attack. Also, that if you cut your sugar intake by 200 calories a day you could lose ten pounds in a month. I'm glad he is speaking about this subject as we all need to make a change in this area to be well. I hope the detox is going well for those who are taking the plunge!  Please let me know if your ideas, experiences, and questions. There is a great comment attached to the post "Time to begin!" that you will find encouraging. Check it out on my blog and keep up the good work!

Time to begin!

I've had a busy week as I'm sure most of you have as well. It can be difficult to fit detoxing in with all of your other activities. But even if you're only able to do a little bit at a time just keep working on it and you will see some changes and learn things about yourself and your body. I finally meal planned for the week today and have purchased the supplements I need. Now just a few things to get tomorrow food-wise. I actually am looking forward to the structure, getting a break from some of my constant desires, like sugar. Sugar just causes more want for sugar and you'll find if you stop it you may get a little more hungry at first and then less hungry after a couple days with the chance of losing a little bit of weight (which I'd like to do)!  So be positive and let's get going!  Please post comments or questions or send me an email. Would love to hear your progress and stories!

Lao Tzu Amazing Light and Sound Master

"Would you like to save the world from the degradation and destruction it seems destined for?  Then step away from shallow mass movements and quietly go to work on your own self-awareness.  If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself.  If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself.  Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation."

Detox Instructions - Lightweight Version

Lightweight Version – 8 Days

First 4 Days:

No wheat flour in any form

No sugars or sweeteners of any kind except whole fruit at a minimum.  Pure stevia sweetener (with no additives) may be used.

Absolutely no alcohol

Decrease caffeine use to green or black tea only if needed; if absolutely necessary, one cup of coffee per day.

Supplements for improving healthy gut flora and blood sugar/insulin: 

Grapefruit Seed Extract in 125mg tablet form, one with breakfast

The herb Pau d’arco in capsule form, one with breakfast (pau d’arco tea may be used)

A good quality probiotic kept refrigerated at a health food or vitamin store, one at bed time.

Chromium Picolinate in 200 mcg tablets, 1-3 tablets per day depending on level of blood sugar issues like hypoglycemia.

Supplement for elimination NOT containing senna or aloe, if elimination daily is a problem or trouble with constipation.

Second 4 Days:

Continue with first program but also eliminate all dairy products except a good quality whole milk plain yogurt (not Brown Cow).

General Guidelines:

Increase veggies and fruits throughout the day; include in all meals and snacks (especially veggies!)

Increase pure water intake and herbal non-caffeinated teas

Avoid refined foods, fried foods, deli meats/products, food additives, chemicals, etc.

If possible decrease your daily activities and use mild exercise during the cleanse

Get extra rest and relaxation

Body Detox Program - The Lightweight Version

Detoxification is a must for anyone over 30 who wants to avoid imbalance and disease as they age, yet can be beneficial for those as early as in their teens and 20s as well.  We accumulate many toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals in our bodies through the food we eat, what we drink, and our interaction with the environment.  The body needs to be relieved of these toxins to function properly.  It is also important to create a more alkaline environment in the body to balance gut flora and help the body heal. The liver, which filters much of these toxins, naturally enters into detoxification on its own in the spring so this is the perfect time to cleanse.  I also feel a second cleanse in the fall is useful.

 There are many ways to detoxify the body, from the lazy way of taking gobs of cleansing supplements without any diet change (which truly doesn’t do much), to the extreme of fasting for weeks on end, drinking endless green shakes, and doing colonics, which for many is not feasible, possible, nor tolerable, and can be unsafe.  In my 25 years of practice and knowledge of natural health, detoxification doesn’t have to be that hard.  Each time you do it, it is a bit of an experiment as our body changes over time, but gets a little easier with experience.  The process needs to be something you can do once or twice a year while working and living your busy life, or you won’t do it at all.  I suggest 1-2 weeks once or twice a year.  Your results will be based on how often you do it and how much you put into it; you will get better at it over time.  Don’t give up, just give this a try……..

Depending on how addicted you are to refined foods and how toxic you are, you may experience hypoglycemia, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, tiredness, or weakness due to dumping of toxins.  It is a must that you are eliminating easily on a daily basis; if not please include a product or supplement for safe daily elimination.  Also drink lots of pure water!  Email me at evolvingwellness@yahoo.com or Message me with questions.  Good luck and trust the process! 

Spring Cleanse! Follow Along......

It's time for a spring cleanse/body detoxification!  If you are interested you can follow along with me and send any questions you have to me at evolvingwellness@yahoo.com, or post your comments and experiences here on the blog.  I will post instructions for the cleanse tomorrow and this will give you a week to prepare, beginning the cleanse with me on Saturday April 2nd.  You will need to read food labels and plan meals and snacks so you can be successful with the cleanse.  If you would like to receive automatic blog posts regarding this cleanse, please send me your email address or sign up as a follower of my blog.  Let's get going!  😀