It would be unthinkable for anyone to go
for decades without cleaning their house or drive thousands of kilometers
without an oil or filter-change in their cars. Yet most of us go through our
entire lives without once cleaning out the 190,000 Km of piping inside our
bodies!
Most experts agree that toxicity should be a
primary health concern in the modern world filled with chemicals, pesticides,
heavy metals, air and water pollutants. Add to this the fact that we overuse pharmaceutical
drugs; eat lots of sugar and other refined foods.
Diseases
of Toxicity
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are two
of the front runners, followed by arthritis, obesity, allergies and skin
problems. Headaches, fatigue, pains, coughs, gastro-intestinal problems and a
weakened immune system can all be related to toxicity in one way or another.
What
is Toxicity?
Toxicity can occur on two basic levels:
internal and external. Internal toxins are acquired through normal everyday metabolic
functions of the body. External toxins are acquired from the environment
through breathing, ingestion or physical contact.
Internal
Toxins
The body’s various activities, such as
digestion, repair and movement produce toxins as by-products that need to be
eliminated. Some of these toxins are known as “free-radicals.” When free-radicals
are not eliminated or neutralized, they can cause irritation or inflammation of
the cells thereby interfering with the body’s normal functions. The buildup of
internal toxins can also give rise to opportunistic parasites and yeasts. This leads
to a weakened immune system, resulting in a dramatic loss of energy and focus. Negative
emotions and stress can also generate bio-chemical toxicity.
External
Toxins
Most of the toxins that exist in our food
and water originate in the air: industrial heavy metals, pesticides,
insecticides, etc. Add to this automobile exhaust fumes and you have
overwhelming waves of pollution! Chemicals in our diets pose major health
risks; eg: Cadmium can cause kidney disease. Lead, a well-known poison, is
found in prepared foods, fast foods, certain fats and oils. Drinking water is a
major source of toxins such as Mercury.
Toxins
Can Make You Fat
When chemicals and toxins are allowed to
build up in the body, they are stored in fat cells. The more toxins that need
to be stored, the more fat the body manufactures! Any attempt at weight loss
without first getting rid of the toxins will lead to failure, leaving you
puzzled and frustrated.
Detoxify
One can easily avoid these pitfalls through
regular detoxification or cleansing. There are many ways to detoxify. Some of
them are complex, requiring the help of a naturopath skilled in ‘detox’
procedure. However, you can perform a simple ‘detox’ in the comfort of your own
home. Follow these simple guidelines and you will reap the benefits.
The 7-Day
Cleansing Program
For the first 3 days go on a vegetable
juice regimen.
(You will consume as much vegetable juice
as you need, as often as you need and not feel hungry).
If you feel like eating some solid food,
eat ONLY fresh, raw vegetables while drinking plenty of the vegetable juice.
The vegetables you should use for juicing
are: Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, tops of carrots and beets, broccoli,
cabbage, wheat grass, green beans, etc.
As far as possible, leave the skin intact.
Do not consume any fruits during this
period!
(Note:
Wash all vegetables in a diluted solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen
peroxide by soaking for 15 minutes and washing off. Use only distilled water
for juicing and drinking during this period. Drink plenty of water through the
day. Do not add salt to your juices.)
After the 3-day juice regimen, follow these
guidelines for the next 4 days:
- Do not eat any processed foods
- Eat only whole, fresh foods
- Eat only fruits, vegetables (cooked or raw), raw nuts (almonds and walnuts) and raw seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.)
- Avoid all grains (substitute with sprouted pulses such as moong dal)
- Do at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day to sweat out some of the toxins (the skin is also an important organ of elimination)
- Drink lots of water throughout the day.
Following this simple procedure twice a
year will ensure a clean bio-system, free from the maladies of modern living. A
life of health and boundless energy awaits you!