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Digestive System Cleanse
By: Cathy Wong
This digestive system cleanse is suited for first-timers, as a
pre-cleanse before a fast, for people with mild digestive symptoms,
or as a general preventative measure. This duration of this cleanse
is usually two to three weeks.
Instructions
1. Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal binds intestinal toxins and unfriendly microbial
growth and excretes them in the stools. 500-600 mg three times per
day 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals and medication.
2. Bentonite clay
If activated charcoal is unavailable, bentonite clay can be used.
Bentonite is a type of edible clay that acts as a bulk laxative
by absorbing water to form a gel. It binds toxins such as pesticides
and helps to carry them out of the colon. It can be found at the
health food store. 1 tablespoon liquid bentonite 2-3 times per day
1 hour before or 2 hours after meals and medication.
3. Psyllium
Psyllium is a dietary fiber that supports normal bowel function.
It cleanses the mucus lining of the intestines and increases the
bulk of the stools. 1 teaspoon psyllium powder three times per day.
Stir psyllium into 8 oz water and drink immediately. Take with activated
charcoal or if using bentonite, stir it into the psyllium water.
4. Probiotics
The digestive tract maintains a balance between healthy and potentially
harmful micro-organisms. Probiotics, the supplement form of healthy
micro-organisms, have been used for many years to increase the proportion
of protective bacteria and for the prevention and treatment of many
health conditions. 1 capsule three times per day. Continue taking
probiotics for several weeks after the cleansing period is over.
Here are some things to look for in a probiotics supplement:
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The most common strains of probiotics are Lactobacillus
acidophilus for the small intestine and Bifidobacterium bifidum
for the large intestine. Look for a combination of the two strains.
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Probiotics should always be refrigerated before and after
opening. |
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Each capsule or dose should contain more than 1 billion viable
bacteria. The minimum therapeutic dose is suggested to be 108-109
cells per day. More bacteria per capsule or dose is preferable,
since the bacteria must survive during shelf life and then after
ingestion, during transit through the acidic conditions of the
stomach and hydrolytic enzymes and bile salts in the small intestine.
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5. Diet - Foods to Enjoy
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FRESH VEGETABLES -- except corn, which can be
an allergenic food. Great detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower,
broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and
green vegetables. Approximately 40% of your diet should be fruits
and vegetables. |
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RICE -- Rice is easily digested by most people. Choose brown
or basmati rice, rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta. |
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QUINOA, AMARANTH, MILLET, BUCKWHEAT -- can be used instead
of rice. They can be purchased at a health food store. |
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BEANS -- Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easy
to digest and require less soaking time. Other beans include
kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
and adzuki beans. |
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NUTS and SEEDS -- Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters can
be sprinkled over any meal. Includes flaxseed, pumpkin seeds,
sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts.
Avoid peanuts. |
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FISH -- Poached, broiled or steamed fish in moderation. |
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EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, GRAPESEED OIL |
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CONDIMENTS -- Vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, naturally
fermented soy sauce or tamari, any culinary herbs or spices,
limited amounts of honey. |
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HERBAL TEA -- Herbal non-caffeinated teas, except green tea.
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WATER, LEMON WATER, JUICES, RICE MILK |
Diet - Foods to avoid
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SUGAR -- Refined sugar and mixtures containing
refined sugar including sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, brown
sugar, turbinado. Avoid artificial sweeteners. |
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DAIRY PRODUCTS -- Milk, eggs, butter and other dairy products.
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WHEAT -- Wheat and products containing wheat. |
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CORN -- Corn and all corn products |
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YEAST |
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CAFFEINE -- Coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, black
tea, green tea and other drinks containing caffeine. |
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RED MEAT |
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ALCOHOL |
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FOOD ADDITIVES AND PRESERVATIVES |
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CHOCOLATE |
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HIGH-FAT FOODS |
6. Vegetable Broth
Vegetables in this alkaline vegetable broth contain minerals that
are necessary for tissue cleansing. Drink 2 cups per day.
7. Fluids
Adequate fluids are essential when taking psyllium, activated charcoal,
or bentonite clay. Drink 8-12 glasses per day. When calculating
total fluid intake per day, be sure to include intake of herbal
tea and alkaline broth.
8. Contrast showers
The contrast between hot and cold water increases circulation, promotes
detoxification and strengthens the immune system. This helps bring
nutrients, oxygen and immune cells to damaged and stressed tissues
and carries away metabolic waste, inflammatory by-products and other
toxic substances. Start with three minutes of hot water followed
by less than one minute of cold water. Repeat this pattern at least
once, always finishing with cold (e.g. 3 minutes hot - 1 minute
cold - 3 minutes hot - 1 minute cold).
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