How Do We Detoxify/Cleanse?

• Acid-forming foods, such as meats, milk products, breads and baked goods, and especially the refined sugar and carbohydrate products, will increase body acidity and lead to more mucus production and congestion to attempt to balance the body chemistry, whereas the more alkaline, wholesome vegetarian foods enhance cleansing and clarity in the body.
  The right balance of acid and alkaline foods for each of us is, of course, the key.
  
  
• The green vegetables, especially the high-nutrient leafy greens, are very cleansing and supportive for purification of the gastrointestinal tract and the whole body
  
  
• Herbs such as garlic, red clover, echinacea, or cayenne may also induce detoxification.
  
  
• Saunas, sweats, and niacin therapy have been used to cleanse the body.
  
  
• Simply increasing liquids and decreasing fats will shift the balance strongly toward improved elimination and less toxin buildup. Increased consumption of filtered water, herb teas, fruits, and vegetables and reducing fats, especially most fried food, red meats, and milk products will also help detoxification
  
  
• To improve elimination through the skin, regular exercise is important to stimulate sweating
  
  
• Another detoxification supporter is fiber, as psyllium seed husks, often combined with other detox nutrients, such as pectin, aloe vera, alginates, and/or colon herbs. This helps cleanse mucus along the small intestine, create bulk in the colon, and pull toxins from the gastrointestinal tract.

When setting up a detox/cleansing program, its of prime importance that we evaluate each individual with a history, physical exam, biochemistry tests, dietary analysis, mineral levels, and any other specific tests indicated to determine his status.

Looking at the patient's current state of health, symptoms, and disease as an outcome of their diet, lifestyle, and inherent/familial patterns, and then considering their health goals would be the right approach. As is true with any healing process, the plan must be followed, reevaluated, and fine- tuned to make it work to its best potential.