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All of you have probably heard about the value of detoxification. Different detoxification programs do exist and may be done during the year. Spring and summer is the recommended best time but winter detoxification programs can be very effective and not very difficult. I would like to give you some brief information on the topic of detoxification. itself and why we need it. We are what we eat and assimilate, so our gastrointestinal tract is very important in nourishing our body with nutrients and in the elimination of toxins. We would be overloaded with toxins if elimination were deficient. Unfortunately, it happens quite frequently with a bad colon, which is necessary for the elimination of toxins as part of the GI tract. It is very important to maintain the proper level of friendly bacteria within the colon. Overgrowth of abnormal bacteria, parasites, and yeast can cause chronic inflammation in the sensitive mucosa of the intestine and cause abnormal permeability often called “Leaky Gut Syndrome”. There are some very informative tests that can help to evaluate and treat GI tract problems and support detoxification.

Alkaline Detoxification Diet

Overeating of dairy, meat, sugars and refined carbohydrates over a long period of time will create an acidic environment in your body and set the stage for development of chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, arthritis and others. So, your goal is to create an alkaline environment in your body to clean it from waste and make it healthier. The Alkaline detoxification Diet is the smoothest and the most healing program. It is a great biochemical balancer and it is easy to implement. For three weeks you eat only fruits, vegetables and cooked whole grains. You drink a lot of fluids such as water, herbal and green tea. Most people can handle it easily with 2-3 days of transition from their current diet; some may experience some fatigue that will go away. The green leafy vegetables have high chlorophyll content and high cleaning properties.

The Detoxification Diet Daily Menu Plan:

In the morning: 1 glass of water with ½ lemon juice

Breakfast: One piece of fruit, (apple, banana, pear, citrus) and 15 minutes later a bowl of cooked whole grains, such as millet, buckwheat, brown rice, or quinoa.

Lunch: 1or 2 bowls of cooked vegetables, using a variety including stems, roots, and greens. For example, potatoes, kale, asparagus, carrots or beets, chard, cabbage.

Dinner: The same as lunch, You can use some olive oil or butter and drink herbal teas, as much you want.
Usually, people on this diet lose 5 pounds /week and feel much more energetic.

You can also make a special drink with 1-2 cups of veggie water, saved from steamed vegetables with some sea salt or kelp for taste.

During the detoxification. period you can safely use the following herbs for cleansing:
1.Garlic- a blood cleanser, lowers fats, and is a natural antibiotic
2.Red clover- a blood cleanser
3.Dandelion root-a liver and blood cleanser, and a tonic and diuretic
4.Cayenne pepper-a blood cleanser and circulation stimulator
5.Ginger root-stimulates circulation and relieves congestion
6.Parsley leaf-a diuretic – cleans kidney and liver
7.Yellow dock root- a skin, blood and liver cleanser
All these herbs you can buy in a good natural food store.

During the three weeks of the Detoxification Diet you can use the following supplements to enhance cleansing and healing:
1.Vitamins C, E, D, B, A
2.Calcium
3.Chromium
4.Selenium
5.Zinc
6.Bioflavonoids
7.Apple cider vinegar (1-2 table spoons/day)
8.Olive oil (3-6 teaspoons/day)
9.L-glutamine (250-500mg/day)

For people who are interested in more serious detoxification of their intestinal tract I would recommend this 5R Plan which can be discussed in the office. This plan should be individually tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

The 5R Plan
The 5R Gastrointestinal Support Plan is a progressive therapeutic program that normalizes function, environment and tissue health of the GI tract and should be individually tailored.

1.Rebalance – your diet, your lifestyle and your life. Staying away from sugar, alcohol, refined food, and caffeine can make a big difference. Learning how to deal with stress and learning relaxation techniques are very important in coping with life’s challenges. Changing habits is not easy, I would be happy to help you with this process.
2.Remove – any pathogenic microflora and food causing allergic reactions. It is also important to follow an elimination diet by avoiding allergenic foods such as milk, peanuts, eggs, chocolate and any other foods that you know are allergens for you.
3.Replace – inadequate amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCL), digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, lactase and fiber (soluble and insoluble), which are needed for proper elimination of toxins.
4.Reinoculation – introduction of good friendly bacterial flora -probiotics and special nutrients needed for normal function of friendly bacteria. FOS-fructooligosaccharides from chicory root or onion are called prebiotics.
5.Repair -providing nutritional support for the regeneration and healing of the gastrointestinal lining. Some of the important nutrients for healing the GI tract are:
L-glutamine needed for healing of the GI tract mucosa and as a main fuel
Pantothenic acid, (Vitamin B5) needed for energy production and to handle stress
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Zinc
Selenium – always needed for tissue repair and healing wounds in the intestine, and as antioxidants
Quercitin- bioflavonoid with antihistamin and anti-inflammatory effects, very effective for reducing food allergy;
Fiber – (soluble and insoluble), to promote movement of feces and increase gut detoxification.