7-Day Detox:

Step One: Removing

I have various areas of concern, with regard to my diet, but this week I am going to focus on removing gluten. I do not consume much of it, but I have noticed that when I do, a shortbread cookie here or a cupcake there, I always pay the price: I bloat, I feel nervous, my brain feels foggy, and the list goes on.

My focus will be on eliminating gluten completely, while focusing on all of the nutrient-dense, gluten-free foods that, more often than not, I ignore: lots of organic fruits, veggies, raw nuts, lean proteins, etc.


Step Two: Adding

At the beginning of this class I chose to make changes to benefit my liver: carrot/kale/beet juice; as well as the following supplements: Spirulina, Milk Thistle, and Psyllium. I also take Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel Formula, 3 caps nightly. It contains: Cascara Sagrada Bark, Goldenseal Root, Turkey Rhubarb Root, Red Raspberry Leak, Fennel Seed, Barberry Bark, Ginger Root, Lobelia Herb, Cayenne (I’ve taken this for over a decade, as my body can’t function without it, after years of bulimia-induced laxative abuse).

I also take probiotics and enzymes daily. I hesitate to add any more supplements, but I do plan on adding celery to my juice for my kidneys. I purchased an book detailing acid/alkaline foods and will make a concerted effort to eat an alkaline heavy diet.

Step Three: Opening

Since I started school, last October, I haven’t had time to exercise as I normally do and have spent a ridiculous amount of time sitting (drive time and homework); which means my body is starting to show and feel the effects. A few days ago, I began walking again and plan to do so every night during the cleanse (4 miles). I also scheduled body work for mid-week to help relax and further aid in the detox process. Dry brushing and essential oil baths are also on my list.
I feel the weekly changes we’ve been asked to make since the beginning of class have prepared my to ease into the cleanse. If I have to start at zero, I believe it would be too overwhelming. It feels as if everything is in place and now I can focus on being gluten-free for seven days.

Phillip: Hyper-Hypo Kid

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=34905070

Mike Myer's as Phillip is one of my all time favorite SNL skits.

In real life, Phillip would be diagnosed with severe ADHD (not a joke,I know, but what is life without humor?), who probably shouldn't be eating that contraband chocolate bar.  ADHD is exacerbated by food coloring and additives found in many popular foods given to children, such as: "kid- friendly"beverages in boxes and pouches, candy, and ice cream to name a few. Here's a quick rule of thumb for moms who think the jellied, fruit snacks they are feeding their children are healthy: brightly colored processed foods contain one or more additives! 
If you want to avoid having a Phillip on your hands, here are my recommendations:
Eliminate, or greatly reduce, foods with large quantities of dyes or additives; as well as, sugary drinks.
Offer your children whole food snacks (fruit, nuts, raw veggies, etc.) instead of those that are pre-packaged.
Feed them a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats, so when they come into contact with processed foods, their little bodies will have an easier time dealing with the offending additives.
Zinc and magnesium deficiencies have also been found in children with ADHD, so be sure yours are eating foods rich in these minerals--such as: yogurt and celery (with peanut butter).

My choice for week six is fiber supplements.  Admittedly, I never consume an adequate amount of fiber, so I have chosen to use capsules.  Fiber is imperative to liver health, as it helps to quickly expel the toxins from the body—via the digestive tract—so they are not reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leaving the liver to deal with them once again.  This week, I felt as if I was experiencing a healing crisis, and therefore, went easy on the introduction of yet another supplement, but am looking forward to seeing/feeling the effects within the upcoming weeks.

Hail to the Kale-Part Deux

As we come to the end of our fifth week of this class, I am thrilled to report that my efforts are finally beginning to show on my face and my overall state of being.  It began with milk thistle capsules (prior to the start of class); one week later I added a daily glass of carrot juice, a week after that spirulina caps, and now the addition of kale.  My skin is beginning to glow again, the lines between my brows are softening, and my energy level has skyrocketed. I believe  everything is working synchronistically, but it is most definitely the addition of kale that has taken the healing process to a super sonic level.

Hail to the Kale

Kale. Cultivated in ancient Greece and Rome, this curly headed green is rich in calcium, chlorophyll, beta carotene and other nutrients perfect for aiding in the detoxification of my liver.  Although, I would benefit immensely from the high fiber content (if consumed in its whole state), I have chosen to juice two broad leaves into my daily glass of carrot juice.  It has only been one week and I can already see an immense difference in my skin and energy level.  It will be interesting to see the results that two weeks of juicing kale will make.  Stay tuned....