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detoxification

  • The Purification Process: Healing for Modern Times

    This is an article about thinking simply, in a new way, and using commonsense in your choices about your health. A choice I often recommend is cleaning up your act, your relationships, your home and planet, and supporting you to lighten up and heal. I encourage all of you to think about health and health care from the philosophy of Integrated Medicine.

    As a doctor, I view any problem from the deeper true causes, which most often have to do with our lifestyle choices—the way we live. This involves what we eat, our level of physical activity and how much we require during our in-body experience to keep our energy moving, getting the sleep we need to recharge our core systems, and how we create and manage our daily stress— all to see how things add up for or against our health.

    A basic philosophy of Integrated (Multidisciplinary) Medicine in regards to healing is: Lifestyle first, Natural Therapies next, and Drugs last. This article is much about Lifestyle.

    When our overall attitude is one of positive life enhancement, we will nurture this treasure of our life force – our vitality. Clearly, a balanced mind has a beneficial influence on our body and allows our heart and spirit to join in life’s uplifting, full-of-potential moments. Health issues challenge us to grow and change for the better if we can claim our truth within our inner being.

    I discuss here what I call “preventive challenges,” making changes in advance, before you fall apart, and for the purpose of improving health and preventing disease. Ease can be the outcome of these healthful choices and dis-ease is the crisis created from years of bad habits, poor choices, and a lack of understanding of your personal needs within Nature’s cycles.

    Won’t you join me in this Quest for Health—keeping your body clean, available to your life, nourished and thankful for the changes you are able to make either through crisis or wiser prevention? For many though, health is a great lifetime challenge.

    In most areas of the country now, we have farmer’s markets, natural food stores, and our deck and yard gardens to produce plentiful produce during much of the year. Keeping clean shouldn’t mean keeping you too far from dirt, the Earth— play in it, get in touch with where things come from and where they go. Be a human being, not just a human doing! Garden, shop, and prepare your meals with and for those you care about. If you need further tips on health and chemical —free shopping and eating, check out my book, Staying Healthy with Nutrition (Celestial Arts, 2006).

    Overview of Detoxification
    The simplest way to understand symptoms and disease integrates Western linear (commonsense) thinking, Chinese medicine and its philosophy of yin and yang, and the naturopathic approach to health and illness. Problems in the body (and mind) often arise from (the duality of) either deficiency, where we are not acquiring sufficient necessary nutrients to meet our needs and body functions, or from congestion, where we are having excessive intake, both from reduced eliminative functions and the repetitive over-consumption of food or nonfood substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, refined sugar and food chemicals, as well as driving more than walking, and talking more than listening.

    With yin and yang imbalances, it is not merely one or the other, but a mixture, meaning that most people have some deficiency along with their toxicity. Clearly, in these modern times of processed and treated foods, and the chemicals used in our environment, we all have exposures to these substances. This stresses our body. Along with that, food nutrient levels are lower from lack of soil minerals. With the typically poor choices of eating by most people and the many temptations of modern markets (even sweetened and processed foods in the best natural food stores), we just don’t obtain all the necessary nutrients our bodies need to function optimally—vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and the many phytonutrients found in fresh, healthy and colorful foods. Nutritional supplements can help here in obtaining all of these vital nutrients.

    Naturopathically, deficiency and toxicity are the continuum of nutritional balance, or lack of balance. People who are deficient may experience such problems as fatigue, coldness, hair loss or dry skin, and the healing choice is to be nourished with wholesome foods to stimulate and support healing. However, congestive problems are more common in Western, industrialized civilizations, starting from acute colds and sinus or allergic problems to skin rashes and digestive disturbances. Likewise, many chronic diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes to cardiovascular disease and cancer, most often come from long-term health-destroying habits.

    Of course, these many health problems are not only from poor food choices. We are constantly dabbing, spraying, and imbibing/inhaling more chemicals from the air, water, foods, and from our vehicles and medications than ever before. Many of our acute and chronic diseases and dilemmas result from the clogging of our tissues and tubes and the suffocating of our cells and vital energy to support our ability to make healthful choices. These medical problems may be prevented or treated at least in part and often dramatically by embarking on a process of cleansing and detoxification. The detoxification process is the ‘natural’ way to heal!

    The incorporation of dietary changes, including consumption of more fresh fruits, vegetables and water while reducing animal fats and proteins and eliminating any damaging substance abuses—is the beginning of the rejuvenation process for the human body. This was discovered long ago and is still true today even though medical science may make light of it in deference to the quick solution to major diseases. Western doctors are trained primarily to name the disease and then prescribe a bill, a pill, and a refill, which is often not even related to the needs of the body’s healing process—the true solution for disease. Of course, as a physician, I do this too when it seems like it will work or the patient requests this approach.

    However, ultimately I believe in and consider the cleansing/fasting/ detoxification process (they are different degrees of the same process of reduced toxin intake and enhanced toxin elimination) to be the missing link in Western nutrition and a key to the health and vitality of our civilization. In more than 35 years of medical practice, I have utilized extensively various detox and healing/rejuvenation practices for both myself and literally thousands of patients. I offer cleansing group support in the autumn and spring (and the new year) at my office. I truly believe that cleansing and detoxification—the Purification Process— is virtually one of the most powerful healing (real healing of ailments and not just suppression of symptoms) therapies I have witnessed as well as participated in for as long as I have practiced medicine. Its effects offer rebalance for the body/ mind and are preventive for many health problems.

    I have written extensively about detoxification, as can be seen in the last section of my 1,000 page Staying Healthy With Nutrition book and which is the focus of my new book, The Detox Diet: The Complete Guide for Lifelong Vitality with Recipes, Menus, & Detox Plans (new 2012 edition), wherein I discuss both the medical and health factors of the cleansing process. The Detox Diet basics follow here to give you a clear idea of what is involved.

    Two Key Levels to the Purification Process.
    The first is mentioned above as the clearing from any substance habits or abuses, even addictions for some, which are a serious type of imbalanced relationship to one’s true nurturing needs. This program encourages you to take a break, which may be temporary or lifelong, to such common habits as the daily intake of what I call the SNACCs—Sugar (as refined sugar and corn syrups—they put them in everything, it seems), Nicotine, Alcohol, Caffeine and Chemicals in foods and our environment. Especially watch the regular use of aspartame, and as able, minimize your use of over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals and chemically-loaded beauty products, foods, and household cleansers. To me, this is very often the first step in health liberation, freeing ourselves from the emotional connection and dependence on certain items to give us energy or sedate us. All of these substances can alter our moods and vitality, both immediately and over time.

    Of course, many of us may eat a healthy diet of wholesome foods and don’t have too many bad habits. I also see people often who exercise and eat well, and are still not well.

    The next level then is to look at food reactions. This typically occurs from the most common foods we eat and the most common food available in society, that is what I call The Sensitive Seven—Wheat, Cow’s milk, and Sugar as The Big Three, followed by Eggs, Corn, Soy, and Peanuts. My book about this topic, called The False Fat Diet, is all about the many ways we react to foods and the great variety of health conditions caused by these reactions. Following the healing dietary and supplement programs of avoidance and challenge will help discover the individual reactions and needs of each person.

    The Sensitive Seven* • Wheat • Sugar • Cow’s Milk • Eggs • Corn • Soy • Peanuts
    *Seven most common food reactions, mainly due to the persistent intake of these foods in the diet and as the base of most processed foods.

    Food reactions are quite common and often result from digestive dysfunction as well as inherent allergy and over-consumption of the particular foods. There are many factors that cause the breakdown in optimal function of the gastrointestinal tract. Overeating, too many foods combined at once, incomplete chewing, drinking too much while eating which dilutes the digestive juices, and chronic stress all weaken our ability to digest foods thoroughly. Furthermore, many people have an imbalance of intestinal flora, where they have killed off their healthy bacteria from overuse of antibiotics, which is common in modern medicine. Other irritating bacteria may flourish, or fermenting types of yeast organisms or parasites will take up residence within our intestines. These cause an irritation of the membranes, and this affects our proper absorption of nutrients, causing abnormal absorption of larger molecules, often referred to as “leaky gut” syndrome. Allowing ‘toxins’ to enter the blood stream can affect our brain function, mood, and energy level, and cause secondary immune and biochemical reactions to these toxins. Our digestive tract has the highest amount of immune activity of any area in the human body.

    Food reactions are generated through multiple systems in our body—digestive, immune, biochemical, and hormonal— causing bloating and swelling in the body and gut, plus many other possible problems. These reactions caused by an allergic or depleted system make us more sensitive to environmental toxins. Allowing these reactions to quiet and clear can help those suffering from them to feel much better rather quickly. Following an elimination diet, avoiding our habit foods or commonly eaten foods as well as the most reactive foods, is part of this Purification Process.

    After a week or two or four of this avoidance (once you get started and get through the fear, you’ll be clear), then you can challenge yourself by eating one of these foods, giving it awhile to check your experience of any untoward effects. Usually I have my patients watch three different time periods for these food reactions, since many responses can be ‘delayed.’ First, watch immediately and over the first hour after eating the food. Also pay attention to later in the day, several hours up to six hours later. Then, observe how you are when you wake up the next morning. Do you feel a little foggy or have a hangover? If you had any reaction to the food or substance, if you feel worse (fatigue, irritability, itchy skin, digestive upset, and mood or energy changes are some possible reactions) or have any of the symptoms you had previously experienced, you are likely reactive to that food.

    How do you Begin this Purification Process?
    First, take an honest self-assessment. What are you hooked into? What are your habits/abuses? What do you mostly not want to give up? (That’s often the culprit in not feeling optimal.) How ready are you to take a break from them? Then, set up a plan, in writing, stating what you will do, for how long, and what you wish to achieve. Use a program you know or can read about clearly, such as my Detox Diet or a juice cleanse. You can find these and other references on my website. It helps if someone you know and trust has done it. It’s also great if you can find a friend or family member to do it with you, to help each other get through any hard times, and to have someone with whom you can share your success.

    Benefits of Detoxification are often an improvement in mental clarity, physical wellbeing, and spiritual energy, as well as the lessening of many symptoms. And if any of these following problems are relevant, you can lower your body weight, your blood pressure, your cholesterol level, and likely use less medication. Many people claim they feel “better than they have in years.”

    In truth, what I attempt to do in my writing and practice is to place your health and that of your family back into your own hands, because so much of it is up to you. Be your own best doctor. It really matters how you live—what you do and what you eat, and what you think and feel. Take hold of yourself and your habits, and do what you can to be vital and healthy. Use the latest rage and the oldest sage—the Purification Process—to improve your health. It is really worth it! Time to Get Healthy and then STAY HEALTHY.

  • Dear Readers,

    Welcome to the July 2020 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

    Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, in Effective Natural Remedies talks about three of her favorite natural remedies. After decades of proven effectiveness for diabetic neuropathy, breaking down scar tissue, and atherosclerosis, why haven’t we heard about them? Read on to see how these natural solutions could change your life.

    Jacob Teitelbaum, MD brings us news from the, New Fibromyalgia Study – WOW! Sixty percent of people improved using this protocol. And all this from a single nutrient. Read his findings and share them with anyone you know who is suffering from fibromyalgia.

    Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, treats us to No-bake Avocado Mousse Pie. Before you say no-thank-you because you’ve been disappointed by the “unusual” taste of other desserts using avocados…check out the way Dr. Gloria brings sweetness and good taste to her recipe.

    L-Carnosine & Zinc For Ulcers, is presented by Prof. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG). He educates us on a strategy for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal lining. By using a carnosine-zinc combination, you could gain relief from the discomfort of ulcers, or other stomach issues.

    This month Shawn Messonnier, DVM, begins a new series, Vitamin B For Your Pet. Vitamin B is actually a complex of many B vitamins. This month he discusses the importance of B1 (Thiamin) as your pet’s body uses it to process fats, carbs, and proteins.

    Charles K. Bens, PhD, talks in-depth this month about, Why Detoxification Is Important. He debunks those who say toxin removal is unnecessary. He’ll explain the role of our own detox system and how it can fail us. He also provides you with a metabolic screening quiz to test how toxic your body is.

    Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers for making TotalHealth possible.

    The Wellness Imperative People

    Click here to read the full July 2020 issue.

    • Effective Natural Remedies Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
      Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
    • New Fibromyalgia Study–WOW!
      Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
    • L-Carnosine And Zinc for Ulcers
      Prof. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)
    • No Bake Avocado Chocolate Mousse Pie
      Gloria Gilbère, ND, PhD, DSC
    • Part 1 Vitamin B And Vitamin B1
      Shawn Messonnier, DVM
    • Why Detoxification Is Important
      Charles K. Bens, PhD

    Click here to read the full July 2020 issue.

  • Dear Readers,

    Welcome the September 2020 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

    Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, discusses Effectively Treating Persistent Post COVID 19 Symptoms–Including Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. Most people will recover from COVID in approximately three weeks. However, research suggests the virus is triggering persistent symptoms, some debilitating, in a large percent of cases. These symptoms are treatable; and Dr. Teitelbaum explains how.

    In Parasites and Your Autoimmune Issues, Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, talks about the widespread occurrence of parasites in the US. Parasites cause numerous health issues and can be the trigger to autoimmune disease. Read on to learn ways to rid your system of these dangerous invaders.

    Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, presents Breakfast Casserole–Roasted Sweet Potato And Turkey Sausage. This gluten-free, nightshade-free casserole is easy to make, and no need to assemble the night before.

    Shawn Messonnier, DVM, educates pet owners on Intervertebral Disk Disease. This effects mostly small breed dogs, like Dachshunds and Shih Tzus. It is a disorder that results from degeneration of the shock-absorbing disks. For some pets the only solution is surgery, however, he explains other possible interventions that may be just as successful in most stages.

    Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), advises us on Complementary Therapies For Detoxification. Some of these methods have been used for decades, and are proven to be highly effective. Each therapy has value in helping patients to promote needed detoxification.

    Charles K. Bens, PhD, provides us with a Cancer Prevention Tracking Tool. It will help you track your progress in numerous areas of cancer prevention. And if you are presently being treated for cancer, the chart can help you track your progress in preventing recurrence.

    Barry Shore describes himself as the Ambassador of JOY. Barry was suddenly afflicted with a crippling disease, and choose to turn his situation into JOY. Read his article to see, How To Improve Your Health Through JOY and Smiling. He also shares how to get restful deep sleep as part of your journey to JOY.

    Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), updates us on Essential Fatty Acids. Discover how to use Evening Primrose and Borage oils, along with Fish and Flax Seed oils, to help with numerous chronic conditions.

    Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers for making TotalHealth Magazine Online possible.

    Wishing you continued good health as we enter the Fall Season.

    The Wellness Imperative People

    Click here to read the full September 2020 issue.

    • Parasites And Your Autoimmune Issues
      Charles K. Bens, PhD
    • High Blood Sugar Levels And The Pandemic
      Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
    • Complementary Therapies For Detoxification
      Prof. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)
    • Breakfast Casserole—Roasted Sweet Potato And Turkey Sausage
      Gloria Gilbère, ND, PhD, DSC
    • Effectively Treating Persistent Post COVID 19 Symptoms-Including Fatigue And Fibromyalgia
      Jacob Teitelbaum MD
    • Intervertebral Disk Disease In Pets
      Shawn Messonnier, DVM
    • How To Improve Your Health Through Joy and Smiling
      Barry Shore

    Click here to read the full September 2020 issue.

  • The body naturally builds up toxins. Even within Total Life Cleanse Jonathan Glass a relatively clean environment and with a healthy diet, we benefit from regular seasonal cleansing. Cleansing has always been the foundation of natural health systems, including Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. These systems honor the body's innate intelligence to heal itself.

    Our modern condition, stressed, starved and poisoned, contributes significant amounts of toxins and stressors to our daily existence. Even though cleansing has always been essential, the need for regular cleansing is greater than ever. Cancer, heart disease and diabetes—the diseases of modern toxicity—are off the chart and on the rise.1

    Deeper reasons to cleanse
    Cleansing helps us remove toxins, maintain healthy immune systems and increase elimination—but it also helps us feel mentally clearer and more spiritually connected. It benefits us on a profound level because when we remove obstacles to our well-being, we are better able to connect to ourselves. According to Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from the East, the cause of all disease is the ignoring of our own innate intelligence and experience. Cleansing also helps to clear the slate of our minds, so that we better connect to our innate wisdom, enabling us to move forward so that we are more intimately in touch with ourselves.

    Every organ is related to emotion. Therefore, when you make positive changes on a physical level, you will also see emotional benefits. When we understand the power of our daily dietary and lifestyle habits on a deeper level, we start to wake up to a life with more joy, clarity and intention.

    What does a cleansing diet look like?

    No refined sugar
    Healthy diets call for low to no refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, two of the most addictive and disease-causing substances on the planet.

    No refined carbohydrates
    Eliminate refined carbs in the form of grains that have been stripped of nutrients, leaving just the flour. Include whole grains and starches, such as rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet and ancient forms of wheat. Most successful diets minimize or completely eliminate modern inorganic wheat and corn products.

    No processed vegetable oils
    Processed vegetable oils that have been highly refined and highly heated are often oxidized and stripped of nutritional value, and they were never part of the food chain until the past one hundred years.

    Most processed oils are high in omega-6 essential fatty acids and low in omega-3s, an imbalance that contributes to inflammatory conditions. Additionally, unless they are organic, corn, soy, canola and cottonseed oils are all genetically modified.

    No dairy
    Most healthy diets eliminate dairy products except for ghee and fresh, organic cultured products like kefir and yogurt. Dairy builds mucus in the body, is hard to digest, and burdens the immune system.

    Copious amounts of produce
    Multicolored vegetables and fruits support immunity and good elimination, regulate body weight, and feed the friendly bacteria in the gut.

    Whole foods
    Healthy diets focus on eating an abundance of whole foods instead of counting calories or obsessing about ideal macro-nutrient ratios. They don¡¦t include processed or manufactured foods.

    Outside of the cleanse diet, you might want to incorporate a few simple home practices for regular detox throughout the year.

    How do you go beyond diet when cleansing?
    There are some simple home practices that you can incorporate for regular detox throughout the year, or ramp up while focusing on a dietary detox:

    Sweating for Skin and Lymph Detoxification
    The body releases hundreds of chemicals and toxins through the skin in our sweat. In this way, sweating benefits the lymphatic system, kidneys, lungs, skin, liver and blood. Sweating can be achieved through exercise, sauna or bathing.

    Dry Brushing and External Oleation
    Using a dry brush, which can be purchased at most health food stores, removes dead skin cells from the surface. After dry brushing, lightly massaging the entire body from head to toe with sesame or coconut oil is extremely nourishing for the tissues, assists the body with drawing out fat-soluble toxins, and rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin.