|
||||||
Bowel CleansingFirst, we should focus on how to get the colon functioning optimally as well as how to eliminate the many years of toxic fecal build-up—the breeding ground for parasites and Candida. Remember, the final stages of a neglected colon can lead to colon cancer and even death. A clean, strong and well-functioning colon is essential for maintaining optimal health. We must start by eliminating everything in our diet that contributes to the problem. This means cutting out all processed foods, sugar, white flour and white flour products, most dairy, fruit and vegetables treated with pesticides, food additives, colorings and preservatives, alcohol and caffeine. Instead, we need to eat a diet high in fiber and nutrients. Choose whole grains, oat bran, organic fruit and vegetables, brown rice, fish and soy products. Additional fiber is also recommended to keep the bowels moving freely and to help break down and remove existing build-up. A good fiber supplement containing both soluble and insoluble fiber can be essential to a cleansing and maintenance program. Soluble fibers are plant fibers that dissolve in water. Good sources of this kind of fiber include fruits, certain beans, oats and barley. Soluble fibers slow the emptying time of the stomach, delay the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and lower serum cholesterol. Insoluble fibers are plant fibers that do not dissolve in water. These are found in wheat and vegetables. Insoluble fibers increase fecal bulk and cause feces to move through the intestines quicker. The National Cancer Institute recommends consuming 20-30 grams of fiber a day. Other authorities recommend approximately 40 grams and those with diabetes should be consuming about 50 grams a day. A good fiber supplement can be very helpful to make sure you’re getting adequate amounts of fiber. When choosing a fiber supplement, always make sure the product contains psyllium husks—one of the best sources of fiber. Psyllium husks provide bulk and lubrication for the bowels. Psyllium is considered an excellent colon and intestinal cleanser, strengthening colonic tissues and restoring tone. When fiber intake is increased, some people experience intestinal fullness and more gas than usual. Over time, the bowels do get used to this essential part of the diet. Lack of dietary fiber is not only a cause of such gastrointestinal problems as diverticulitis and constipation—it is also implicated in high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and obesity-related disorders, such as diabetes. Herbal & Dietary Support Herbal supplements can be very helpful in addressing the problems of parasites and Candida. Look for products that contain: • Wormwood (to combat parasites, stimulate the liver and gallbladder), Additionally, you should consider the following as helpful aides in detoxification: Calcium and magnesium are a must for proper thyroid function and should be taken with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for boosting the immune system, strengthening body tissues and promoting the expulsion of toxins. Ester C is the most absorbable form of Vitamin C. Vitamin E helps increase the body’s resistance to stress and disease. Digestive enzymes should be taken after each meal to normalize digestion and break down protein which can remain in the colon. B-Complex vitamins can be helpful, especially the high potency, yeast-free kind. Frequently, malabsorption accompanies infections like Candida. Bowel disorders are commonly seen with the infection. B-Complex can help to offset nutritional depletion and inhibit the growth of the Candida fungus. Essential fatty acids, such as those found in flax seed oil, are important in healing and preventing fungus from destroying cells. Acidophilus, one of the beneficial bacteria naturally occurring in the colon, is also very important in restoring colon health. When the bowels aren’t functioning properly and there’s a presence of parasites, an overgrowth of Candida or other harmful bacteria, then acidophilus is usually in very short supply. Acidophilus helps to speed intestinal recovery from antibiotic therapy, which also destroys the intestinal flora responsible for proper digestion and B vitamin production. When use of antibiotics is unavoidable, acidophilus should always be taken in conjunction with them, and for at least two weeks after the treatment has ended. Acidophilus helps reduce the amount of histamine liberated by putrefactive bacteria and is crucial for anyone who wants to prevent recurring yeast infections and candidiasis. It is also effective in the prevention of constipation, which can further burden the immune system. Taking an acidophilus supplement will help replenish friendly bacteria which will in turn help fight the battle against “bad” bacteria. This will help reestablish intestinal balance and proper bowel function. Organic, unsweetened yogurt can be a good source of acidophilus, but there are also some great supplements on the market. Always keep acidophilus in the fridge and take it on an empty stomach. A strong natural laxative, (e.g. Senna leaves) may be necessary to help in the removal of toxins, intestinal plaque build-up and parasites. This should not be used for longer than about three months—by which time normal bowel function should be restored. For a milder laxative try cascara sagrada bark. This is one of the world’s most popular medicinal herbs. It is found in dozens of over-the-counter laxatives and is essential in any colon-detoxification program. Cascara contains chemicals called anthraquinones that stimulate bowel elimination. The herb also works to restore bowel tone. It is absolutely essential to drink at least 8-10 glasses of pure, filtered water with any type of cleansing program and for general well being. This is especially the case during bowel cleansing. Exercise is also important for colon health. It speeds up bowel action and encourages healthy elimination. The bowel and parasite detoxification program should last between 1-3 months depending on the severity of the symptoms. It should be continued until the stool becomes light brown in color, fluffy in texture, floating on top of the water and free of offensive odors. You also shouldn’t need to use a lot of toilet paper to wipe yourself clean. Some diet tips that help in ridding yourself of parasites are: Pineapple and papaya, either as fresh juice or a supplement form, eaten in combination with pepsin and betaine hydrochloric acid (stomach acid supplement). Finely ground pumpkin seeds, fresh figs, papaya seeds and garlic will also help to get rid of parasites. Do not eat any meat or dairy product for one week when you start your initial program. This will help you to get a kick start in getting rid of your guests. Also include blackberries, raw cabbage, onions, kelp and ground almonds into your diet. Limit your intake of raw fruit and vegetables as well during the cleansing process. The best ratio for nutrients is 25% fat, 25% protein, and 50% complex carbs for people with parasite infections. Vitamins and minerals should be a part of everyone’s diet each and every day. A good multivitamin without iron is recommended for everyone. Antioxidants are especially useful in minimizing free radical damage and keeping the immune system strong. A good fiber supplement can be used on a daily basis along with a healthy diet to help maintain regularity, colon health, and to prevent plaque build-up from reoccurring. During the detoxification program, people may experience a severity of their symptoms in the beginning as well as foul smelling stool, lots of mucus, visible parasites, headaches, light-headedness and various other signs of the cleansing process. These are all normal reactions and no cause for alarm. Usually, the worse the reactions one experiences, the more they are in need of detoxification. While colon cleansing is not a weight-loss procedure, it is interesting to note that many people who start detoxifying their colons on a regular basis do report significant weight loss. Fiber is especially useful in providing a feeling of fullness and decreasing appetite. A series of colon irrigations are also recommended, especially for people with serious bowel problems. Colon irrigations help break down plaque build-up and tone the bowels. People with chronic constipation should be advised to engage in colonic irrigations in conjunction with their detoxification program. Generally speaking, most people can benefit from a colon cleanse twice yearly. Emphasis must be on prevention and dietary changes. Mystically yours, Dr. Michael Holt, NC, CHI Related Reading: |
||||||
|
Copyright © 2010 Magi Institute of Natural Medicine - All Rights Reserved © 2009-2010 Magi Institute of Natural Medicine All Rights Reserved |
||||||
