Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Monday, January 21st, 2013
Photo Credit opare.net
So, my cleanse is finished. I actually feel really good! However, I don’t feel as though the cleanse I did was quite as intense as I would have liked. Not that I desired some abrupt change within the inner workings of my intestine, but I had hoped to feel a bit more energetic and a bit more “healthy” overall.
As such, I’ve decided to do a short juice fast to exacerbate the results of the cleanse.
As I’ve looked into this effort, I’ve begun to worry about nutritional gaps. It’s very important to me that I am getting the exact nutrition I need on a daily basis. With a juice fast, many dietary components will be missing from my dialy routine.
I decided to do a bit of research on nutrition so I can get to the bottom of this ‘gap’ fear and decide how best to approach this fast. Yes, I understand that people can go days without food, but it doesn’t seem to make sense from the health perspective to simply starve.
I want to clean out and jump start, not lose muscle and run down. The good news is, I was worried for nothing.
From what I learned, your body will not experience significant nutritional gaps unless you fast for longer than 3 days. Number one, I dont’ think I have the willpower to do that. Number two, I REALLY like to eat.
Still, many of the resources I cited said the use of a high quality supplement during a fast is a good idea, especially if you have a concern about your electrolyte levels, which I do.
I plan a short, cleansing juice fast. Any fast that lasts more than three days can be detrimental to health — Unless you’re doing it for spiritual/religious reasons, doctors don’t recommend fasting for an extended period of time.
Experts agree that such unbalanced plans are not only ineffective, but are also potentially dangerous, depending on how long you stay on them. Fasting can rob your intestines of healthy bacteria that aid digestion and boost immunity.” WebMD
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Friday, January 18th, 2013
Photo Credit Care2.com
So my detox continues. At this point, I’m not seeing anything dramatically different than what I’ve been experiencing for the last several days. Everything seems rather gradual and gentle. It seems to me that the slow and steady approach to this thing has worked out quite nicely. Nothing has been too jarring or abrupt. The sugar cravings have all but disappeared over the last few days and I’m excited about having more control over myself when I’m faced with my old nemesis: chocolate.
The thirst has become less intense, perhaps because I’m finally well hydrated for the first time in my life!
I have decided to close out the cleanse (Saturday and Sunday) with an intense juice fast; that is if I can handle it. I believe (after doing some research) that it will give me that final boost and I can start Monday like a new person.
From what I’ve read about juice fasting…
Even if you “Think you live in a relatively toxic free environment? Think again. On a daily basis, we’re exposed to a wide range of environmental toxins which are released from fabrics, vehicle exhaust, plastics and filtering systems in our phones and computers. This interactive graphic tool gives you an idea of the large number of toxins leaching from your home.
This point was driven home by author David E. Duncan. He used himself as a guinea pig to test the amount of chemicals in his body. Researchers tested for 320 toxins and detected 165 in his body including high concentrations of flame-retardants, pesticides and PCBs. Duncan wrote about his experience and the implications to human health in “The Pollution Within”, an article that appeared in National Geographic magazine.”
I’m hoping that a juice fast will catapult my healthy lifestyle to the next level. Shortly thereafter, I plan to begin a more intense exercise regime and I’ll likely take you on that journey as well.
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
- Photo Credit realdoctorstu.com
Well, it’s Wednesday. Things are moving right along with my cleansing. Thus far I’ve noticed a gradual decrease in sugar cravings, intense thirst that just seems to be growing, and a dramatic up-tick in trips to the bathroom. My skin is clear, and even less dry than prior to beginning my supplements. I continue to drink more and more water, which is a good thing. And I have, in fact, lost weight! I plan to do more research on cleansing and weight loss as the journey continues. I assume the weight loss is due in part to the fact that I’m eating next to no sugar or starch. It certainly helps that I am having fewer sugar cravings. Nothing miraculous, but markedly better than when I started. I feel rather well also. My energy levels seem to be increasing. This is an exciting prospect for me. I began looking into detox and energy and was surprised by what I found.
Apparently, cleansing the toxins from my body can and will increase my energy levels. This has been a concern of mine for quite some time. I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Supplements, good sleep, exercise and a healthy diet didn’t seem to alleviate all my problems. Little did I know, the damage was already done and hiding in wait within my very person!
If you’ve never done an official detox program, you are long overdue for a cleansing experience that will give you renewed energy, reduced food cravings, an improved metabolism, clear radiant skin, better sleep and a stronger immune system.
Annika Rockwell
What are benefits of reducing everyday toxins in our bodies?
Increases Energy Levels Alleviates Constipation Helps speed up the metabolism to help in weight reduction Relieves Allergies (e.g. Hay fever, Asthma)
Normalizes Blood Pressure and increases Blood Circulation Relief of Joint Pains (e.g. Arthritis) Reduces Water Retention Better Memory retention Boosts the Immune System
Five Star Wellness Centers
Q: Do cleansings help fight fatigue?
A: Absolutely…when you reduce the workload of your cleansing organs, your energy levels rise. Cleansing will help eliminate the toxins being absorbed into your body, which helps your overall energy.
Puristat
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Monday, January 14th, 2013
Photo Credit brittanicastle.blogspot.com
And so the detox journey REALLY begins…
After eating way too much sugar at my son’s birthday party, I made the command decision to begin my supplement routine the following morning. Yes, with the sugar in my system (consequences be darned). So, I got up, popped my first pack of supplements with breakfast (a very healthy breakfast mind you) and headed out to church.
Now, about a minute into choir warm up, my stomach started grumbling, rumbling and making this weird almost squeaky sound. It wasn’t particularly uncomfortable, just a little “bubbly” – but my fellow choir members sure took notice. They all chalked it up to hunger and I just let them think so, as opposed to explaining my process 30 seconds before walking into the sanctuary.
After the worship service, I found my way to my seat to listen to the pastor. Within ten minutes of sitting there, I had to scoot to the restroom. Not for numero dos, but numero uno! And it’s been just like that ever since. I haven’t (excuse the word) peed this much since I was pregnant!
Now, don’t get me wrong. The other part is working nicely also, but it’s nothing alarming — thank goodness.
For the whole first day, my food cravings stayed the same, but my appetite was less. Meaning, I wanted sugar, but not because I was hungry. Part of my goal with this cleanse is to rid myself of my sugar cravings… hopefully anyway. Thus, I was THRILLED today when my craving for sugar seemed much less powerful. I craved different things, shocking healthy things, and LOTS and LOTS of fluids. This surprised me too because I think I’m chronically dehydrated, which also probably explains a plethora of other nagging issues I have, like dry hair and eyes… but I digress.
After noticing a drop in my sugar craving, I did a little searching. Guess what I found:
Craving as an affliction. When sugar withdrawals come from an affliction, look to Candida as a cause. Use good anti-candida herbs in a detox. Eat a good diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cortlandareatribune.com
Candida overgrowth symtoms: Cravings for sugar, chocolate, alcohol and other sweets. Candidamd.com
It seems to me that maybe, just maybe, detoxing will rid me of a candida overgrowth. I for sure have many of the symptoms attributed to this issue.
Thus far, I don’t feel miserable at all. I’m eating cleanly and the only side effect seems to be an increase in trips the little girl’s room!
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Friday, January 11th, 2013
Photo Credit livelighter.com
I plan to officially begin “cleansing” on Sunday. Since I began the dietary portion of my journey, I’ve noticed a decrease in sugar cravings and major, crazy-intense thirst.
As near as I can tell, things are working well — the supplements will be a kicker for my current efforts. My skin is not going crazy, as I worried. Instead it seems clearer and softer. Some might think this belief is all in my head, but I can guarantee it’s not. I am intimately familiar with my skin (my face in particular) because I use a 7x magnifying mirror on a nightly basis. This kind of mirror is every woman’s nightmare, but it certainly keeps me on top of my game. There’s nothing like staring into cavernous pores to motivate a skin care routine.
I digress. The increase in thirst is a little annoying, but it has prompted me to drink more water. This is something I need to do anyway, so I am not complaining. As for the sugar cravings, I am hoping for a miracle. I hoped beyond hopes I wil lwake up Monday morning and despise sugar. But I don’t expect. However, my cravings ARE less as my diet improves. That’s a huge step in the right direction and only time will tell if I can overcome my issue.
I am of the belief that I have an intestinal candida overgrowth. After my last post, I did some research on candida. Now, after doing this research my eyes were opened to the world of the yeast infection. I personally thought a yeast infection showed up in one general area – if you catch my drift. The truth is the very same yeast that does “that” also causes thrush in babies, AND it’s the same yeast that builds up intestinally. Check this out:
This overgrowth of the Candida organism—the bad flora—crowds out the good flora of the intestines. The side effects from this type of Candida behavior cause an inability to absorb nutrients from food. Constipation, severe headaches, irritability, diarrhea, colitis, acne, tingling sensations, extreme fatigue, depression and hypothyroidism may result, according to Phyllis Balch in her book “Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing.” Altering the diet to eliminate all forms of sugar and starch since Candida feeds on sugar, treatment with antifungal medications and repopulating the bowel with good flora decreases the side effects of this Candida infection, states Balch. (Livestrong.com).
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Photo Credit omgrey.wordpress.com
Okay, so – continuing on in my detox journey. I have not yet gotten the guts to start my supplements! I have continued the dietary portion of the detox, but my gut is telling me to wait until after this weekend (whereon I have party scheduled) to take the cleansing supplements. Perhaps it’s because I know the propensity to cheat in the dietary form could mean a sabotage of my efforts, and perhaps it’s just a fear of the unknown.
Because of this hesitancy, I am spending some time in research on the use of detox supplements.
Here’s some of what I learned:
“While the body is always naturally detoxing these days our bodies are exposed to many more contaminates than ever before due to commercially farmed food, processed foods, pharmaceutical medications, stuff we put on our bodies and all the pollutants in our environment; both in the home and outdoors. Over time this overload slows down the body’s ability to process and remove toxins and they build up – especially in fat stores. The skin, lymph, lungs, kidneys and liver are all major pathways of the body for detoxifying, but the liver does the heavy lifting. When the liver is over worked and over burdened by medications, alcohol, caffeine; poor food choices and environmental toxins proper digesting of the food you eat is much more difficult.” (Anne Baker)
“Detoxes may increase the frequency of bowel movements to eliminate toxins and undigested foods. Water is lost during this process which may lead to dehydration. Illness and not feeling well during a detox increases risks of dehydration. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily and consume clear-based soup broths to meet your fluid intake needs during a detox and if you fall ill. Gradually, break your detox if you do fall ill and increase your intake of fluids with electrolytes to replace lost minerals and soothe an upset stomach.
Detox diets commonly lead to fatigue and lethargy, particularly if you are not meeting your daily caloric needs. If you fall ill during a detox, increase fluid intake and start adding back in higher carbohydrate foods such as whole grains, including whole wheat toast and oatmeal. Grains may be restricted in favor in favor of low-carb and calorie foods, such as raw vegetable salads. However, increase protein intake gradually by eating grains that are a source of protein such as quinoa, millet and whole wheat bread; peas and lentils; and lean chicken or turkey breast that has been boiled or grilled with no added oils or fats.” (Jennifer Andrews)
Well, I’ve read all kinds of things, and while these say increased bowel movements, but nothing about diarrhea or nausea – maybe I’m tentative for nothing. Maybe I’ll wait until Monday to start the supplements and just continue with the diet until then. I plan to do a fresh juice day on Friday just to double dose on my vitamin intake before things get really skimpy!
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Monday, January 7th, 2013
- Photo Credit coachcalorie.com
MY DETOX DIARY!
Okay, in light of Friday’s post, I have decided to embark on a 7 day intensive detox. I start TODAY and I’m taking you all along for the ride.
In anticipation of this ‘event,’ I started cleaning up my diet over the weekend. Many resources confirm that it’s best to prepare to prevent the body from going into a type of shock that could devastate the metabolic system. That’s the last thing I need. SO, I began taking in more fruit and veggies and less other stuff. It wasn’t nearly so hard as I thought (though I admittedly eat fairly cleanly anyway).
Now, there are tons of diet detox options. I have opted for a detox supplement pack combined with dietary detox (a.k.a, cleanup). There is no way on earth I would have the fortitude to do a juice fast or some such thing – I just really like to eat.
As you follow me on this journey, you’ll likely have some of the same questions I had when I first decided to go for it. I will give you the “text book answer” and then give you the “real person truth” answer to go with it.
Some of my questions: Can supplements really help you safely get rid of toxic buildup in your body and jumpstart a healthy lifestyle?
Will I be running to the bathroom every 10 minutes?
Am I going to be super hungry?
Will I have an upset stomach?
Is my skin going to break out like a pre-pubescent adolescent (nobody wants to live through that twice in a lifetime)?
I will have more questions and hopefully some answers over the next seven days. In the meantime, there are tons of resources online about detoxifying the body. And of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your health professional before embarking on any new health plan.
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Friday, January 4th, 2013
Photo Credit OrthoPainCenter.com
Well, I guess it’s true what they say, you really do learn something new every day. I just learned that toxins building up within the body can result in a whole heap of un-pleasantries.
Since shortly after Christmas, I’ve been having lots of weird issues (headaches, sinus trouble, itchy skin but no rash on my legs, torso and arms, etc.) I know for a fact I overdid it with gluten, dairy, caffeine and even champagne over the holidays. I ate lots of rich food, and thought maybe I was having some form of allergic reaction.
I took some allergy medicine and snapped back into a cleaner eating pattern almost as soon as the ball dropped. However, as the days passed, my symptoms only increased. I ruled out allergy and began seeking other causes. According to an herbalist – toxins are to blame for my problems. Eating better, while a step in the right direction, didn’t undo the shock and toxic buildup I accumulated for myself over the last two months or so.
For someone who usually maintains a very clean lifestyle when it comes to nutrition, the buildup of internal toxins can result in health issues in a way that seems “sudden.” But if you’re not like me, you might be suffering from health problems you’ve become accustomed to, casting them aside as “part of life” when in reality, you’re suffering from toxic buildup.
Consider this:
Indications of Toxins in the Body
The effects of toxins can vary according to the level of these harmful chemicals in the body. The results may also be different in individuals, based on the exposure to these chemical compounds.
Problems in the Gastrointestinal Tract: The gastrointestinal tract is an important passage for the elimination of toxins from the body. Certain problems of the gastrointestinal tract can increase the levels of toxins in the body. Individuals who have a high amount of toxins will show symptoms like inflammation in the lining of the tract, constipation, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, pain in the abdominal region, indigestion and diverticulitis.
Imbalance in the Hormonal Levels: A synthetic agent called xenoestrogens, which when enters the body tends to act like the female hormone, estrogen. This toxin can cause hormonal imbalances in women, leading to symptoms of endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In men, this toxin can decrease the sperm count by elevating the level of estrogen.
Inflammatory Conditions: Toxins, being foreign bodies, can trigger a series of inflammations. The white blood cells present in the body try to fight against these external factors. The inflammation can lead to various health related disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, heart diseases and arthritis. If an individual is already suffering from any of the above mentioned diseases, then the toxins present in the body can make this condition severe.
Problems Related to the Skin: The skin eliminates the toxins through the process of perspiration or sweating. At times, the pores in the skin get clogged with toxins, triggering many allergic reactions. These reactions can lead to a various skin related problems like rashes, psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Cognitive Problems: An overload of toxins can lead to many cognitive problems like loss of memory, mood swings and foggy thinking or unable to think clearly. An excess of toxins or overexposure to toxins can also cause symptoms similar to dementia, even in young people. (Courtesy of Marlene Alphonse)
The good news is that quality supplementation can help to eliminate these toxins from the body. Some supplements are designed to do that and only that. I am currently in the process of toxin elimination via supplementation myself. Of course, I caution you — you should only ONLY purchase supplements from a quality, respected source.
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
Photo Credit AgingCare.com
If you’ve ever had one, you’ll empathize. The urinary tract infectionis likely one of the most annoying health concerns known to man, or at least I think so.
In fact, it’s on the list of most searched health terms! Since we’re finally normalizing after the holidays, we’ll jump right back into our regularly scheduled programming.
According to my favorite resource, the Mayo Clinic:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
And good news gals, women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections than men are. Yay-ra.
For the most part, urinary tract infections are simply annoying and can cause some nagging pain. However, if a urinary tract infections spreads to the kidneys, serious health consequences can present.
When symptoms are severe, doctors often prescribe antibiotics. However, there are a good number of natural remedies and preventative treatments for urinary tract infections. People who are prone to chronic urinary tract infections (those poor, poor souls) may benefit from preventative care.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms (courtesy of the Mayo Clinic), you should consider taking immediate action. See a doctor immediately if you’re having acute pain in your upper back, side/flank or experiencing nausea, fever and chills. These could be signs of an infection that has spread to the kidneys.
SYMPTOMS
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women
- Rectal pain, in men
Posted by
Michelle F.
on
Monday, December 31st, 2012
Photo Credit hercampus.com
Happy New Year!
Here’s to making 2013 the best year ever!
I won’t be before you long tonight because, like many of you, I’m sending 2012 out with a bang! Now, I don’t advocate heavy drinking, but I imagine there will be people everywhere tying one on tonight and that will mean lots of headaches and ill feelings tomorrow. Thus, I found my inspiration for today’s post…
the hangover.
The first step to getting rid of a hangover is knowing what causes it to begin with. People get a hangover because the ethanol in alcoholic drinks causes an increase urination, which leads to dehydration. Dehydration causes headache, fatigue, and dry mouth. Also, alcohol irritates the stomach lining, leading to nausea. Ethanol is metabolized as acetaldehyde, which is actually a lot more toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic than the alcohol itself. It takes for the acetaldehyde to break down into acetic acid, during this time people suffer with the symptoms of acetaldehyde exposure.
What does this mean? It means hydration and supplementation with electrolytes is the fastest and most effective way to combat a hangover. Water, water and more water, along with a supplement containing potassium, magnesium and sodium is the winning combo. Sometimes, a healthy dose of B vitamins speeds the road to recovery.
Most people find it beneficial to match drink for drink in the ratio of water to alcohol. That means, for every alcoholic beverage, 8oz of water should be consumed. Top it off with supplements and hit the hay. Chances are, you can head a hangover off at the pass. If you forget to take preventative action, the prescription is still applicable the following day.
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