Rolling to Rebuild

Colon cleansing has been used as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. It is based on the idea that if waste is allowed to remain in the colon for too long then the toxins that would normal be removed from the digestive system are recycled back into the body’s system. These toxins then begin to affect the body’s organs and can lead to many different symptoms such as fatigue, headache, weight gain and low energy.

When I first heard about colon cleansing, I was overweight, depressed and had low levels of energy. I certainly wasn’t regular – I was lucky to have one bowel movement a week. After my first cleanse, my energy levels significantly increased. My skin became less oily and blotchy. People began to comment that my eyes were brighter and that I was more energetic and happy. Not only that, I manged to lose 16 pounds in 7 days.

With my new found energy and positive outlook on life, I began to exercise more and eat healthy. I no longer craved the fatty junk food that had become my daily diet. Instead, I began to eat and actually enjoyed fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and lean meat and low fat dairy. This meant I was living a much healthier lifestyle than before and slowly lost the weight that I had been carrying since my teens. I still did colon cleansing on a regular basis, giving enough time between cleanses to give my body a rest.

There are two ways you can do a colon cleanse. The first is to take oral capsules containing a herbal formulation. The second is colon hydrotherapy where water is injected into the colon through the rectum using a special apparatus.

After hearing danger stories about hydrotherapy from colon cleanse reviews and not being particularly thrilled by the process, I chose the first option of using oral supplements. In my mind, it is such an easier and simple way to cleanse the colon than buying special equipment or making an appointment with a naturopath.

I’ve heard about iconic foot detox before but it has only been recently that I discovered a practitioner was near where I worked. I was interested in the idea of combining reflexology and detoxification, and what results that it could achieve. In essence, a iconic foot detox involves the client submerging their feet in a container of water and an gentle electrical current is passed through the water. The idea is that toxins are drawn out of the body by ions that are created by the electrical current.

It was a little unnerving placing my feet in the water. When the electrical current was turned on the water started to turn a dark brown and there was froth clinging to my feet. The practitioner told me that the color of the water was being turned brown by the toxins being removed from my body. It was all fine, he assured me, and that I would be better off for this toxins to be gone from my system. He also told that I won’t necessarily feel a major difference after the treatment as it can take several sessions to gain any benefits and the changes occur over time.

For most people, it is recommended that you have a iconic foot detox three times per week for 4 to 6 weeks. After that, you can drop down to maintenance sessions of 1 to 2 times a week. At $30 a session, this obviously can add up over time.

My sessions lased 30 minutes. After the treatment, I felt alert and well but nothing dramatic had changed. My wife said that I looked a little better than normal and the feeling lasted until the next day. I continued the sessions for another 3 weeks but gave up as I felt like I wasn’t getting much benefit from them. While I felt good after the sessions, I wasn’t seeing much change in my health problems.

I have suffered from asmtha and hayfever since I was a child. I still remember sitting in my childhood kitchen and sucking on my puffer as my mom held it – I think I was about four years old. Since that time, I have tried all sorts of ways to reduce my asmtha – swimming, acupuncture, massage, chiropractors and naturopaths. Nothing worked.

So it was with some skepticism that I took a recommendation by a friend to attend a salt bath. Despite my skepticism, I had heard about how researchers had found salt water could help improve the lung capacity of people suffering from various respiratory illnesses and so I was somewhat interested in seeing if there way something to it after all.

The salt bath I attend had comfortable seats, and soft and relaxing music. The room itself  was made of salt – the floors and walls were all constructed from sea salt bricks. A halogenerator was in the room which breaks the salt down and circulates them around the room. These salt particles are absorbed into the lungs where they work their magic.

After several sessions, I noticed that my asmtha and hayfever had greatly improved. I was only taking minimal levels of drugs and yet I felt terrific. Attending the salt bath has now become a regular routine of mine and my lungs are thanking me for it. No longer am I running around out of breath or my face clogged up with hayfever. I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from respiratory problems.

The Bowen Technique is a unique form of body work. It doesn’t involve pressure, adjustment or special equipment. Instead, it is a very gentle method that uses a rolling movement with the therapist only using a light touch with his or hers thumbs and fingers. The therapist will physically leave the patient in between sets of movement.

Bowen therapy can be used for a range of ailments  include musculoskeletaland neurological problems.  The theory that lies behind this method is that the therapist stimulates the body to use its own healing resources to integrate the body as a system.

My own experience with the Bowen Technique came about when I was suffering from sciatica. I had tremendous pain that went from buttock all the way down my left leg. I had a limp and couldn’t even put any weight on the left foot. I had a single session of Bowen and my whole body simply relaxed. When I stood up from the table, the pain had completely gone and I could stroll around like nothing was every wrong. Its been now four years since this single session and I haven’t suffered from sciatica since.

My wife has since attend the same clinic as myself for neck and shoulder pain. Her pain was dramatically reduce in one session and completely gone by the third.

If you are suffering from a pain for condition like back, shoulder, hip or knee pain then I would urge you to investigate Bowen therapy as a way to solve your problems.

There are a range of supplements available that can go a long way to helping you live a healthy life and to assist in any positive benefits that you get from colon cleansing. Whatever supplements you choose is up to you but I have outlined below the main one that I use and why.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin which is found in a only a limited number of foods and is mainly produced by the body in response to sunlight striking the skin. It has a number of roles in the body. It helps with the absorption of calcium and assists to build strong, healthy bones. Without enough Vitamin D, adults can end up with brittle bones and can be susceptible to osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the growth of cells, the functioning of neuromuscular cells and the immune system, and helps to reduce levels of inflammation in the body.

Recent research has linked a lack of vitamin D  to osteoporosis, auto immune diseases, colon cancer and heart disease.

I first realized the importance of Vitamin D when I was researching a natural approach to Multiple Sclerosis. A work colleague of mine informed me that she had MS and I went about looking for natural treatments on the internet. I found a website containing good, scientific information that stood out from the rest: Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. The website is provided by an Emergency Physician who has MS himself and the information is based on actual scientific research around diet, meditation and exercise. I will leave it to you to read the information on the site about Vitamin D but I personally found the information compelling that I decided to take Vitamin D supplements myself even though I don’t have MS.

Since then I found further information on how Vitamin D is extremely low in 3/4s of Americans. I – like many other Americans – work in an office and rarely get out in the sunshine accept when walking the 2 minutes from the car to work.

I take a high dose of Vitamin D of about 5000IU per day and you can read more about why this is the case here – scroll down to “Vitamin D Supplements” heading. Also, here is a really great site on Vitamin D if you want more information.

The term “superfoods” is more of a marketing ploy than gospel. It typically refers to foods which have high levels of phytonutrient content such as antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. However, most respectable scientists reject the claim that eating a certain type of food can have such dramatic health benefits.

Nonetheless, reason would have it eating foods high in nutritious content is better than eating those with minimal amounts. Here is a list of super foods that can help prevent heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol and more.

Blueberries

Bluberries are filled with antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C. They have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. It is thought that their ability to reduce inflammation is one of the reasons why it reduces a person’s risk of chronic disease.

Omega 3

Research has shown a link between Omega 3 and lower risk of heart disease, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s. You can find large amounts of Omega 3 in fish like herring, sardines and salmon. Most foods rich in Omega 3 are also high in monounsaturated fat, which is the good fat which helps to reduce your cholesterol levels.

Dark Chochlate

Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants and clinical research has shown a link with lowering blood pressure. The darker the chocolate the stronger the potential health benefits.

Nuts

Small amounts of nuts can help with weight loss and to reduce your cholesterol levels. They have good amounts of protein, good fats for a healthy fats, lots of fiber and antioxidants.

Broccoli

Broccoli has high levels of Vitamins A, C and K; and has high levels of fiber.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and helps to relieve gastrointestinal upsets and can help with colon cleansing, especially if it has have added Lactobacillus GG.

Generally speaking, there are two different types of colon cleansers and the ingredients differ between them.

Oxygen based colon cleansers are a new form of product. These cleansers use an oxygenating action to slowly liquefy and break down the waste in the colon. Typically, they contain ozonated magnesium oxides and organic germanium-132. Ozonated magnesium is an essential mineral which releases oxygen into the digestive tract and relaxes the muscles of the colon. Germanium-132 promotes the absorption of oxygen by human cells, boosts the immune system and helps in resisting bacteria.

The more traditional cleansers are formed using colon cleansing herbs. Most herbal based cleansers have Cascara Sagrada – an effective but mild herbal laxative – as their main ingredient. Psyllium seed husks are also a common ingredient and are used as a bulking agent which scrubs the walls of the intestine and pushes out impacted waste.

Bentonite is another popular herbal ingredient. It is a form of clay which can be safely consumed and works both as a mild laxative and an absorber of toxins. Finally, Senna is a commonly used herb which stimulates the increase in secretion in the bowels and smooth out the muscle contractions of the colon. This increases the movement in the bowel, improving regularity.

Of course, the list of ingredients on the bottle’s label is only the first thing you need consider. The next is the quality of ingredients. Higher quality ingredients will mean a better response with less side effects. Quality can be a hard thing to judge but you can get a relatively good idea from the reputation of the company and the reviews from customers. Avoid those products where many customers complain about side effects as this could be an indication of poor quality ingredients. Also avoid companies with poorer reputations or discounted or very cheap products as they will tend to use poor quality ingredients which are cheaper to purchase.

There are all sorts of claims out there about what benefits there are for colon cleansing. Some are simply unbelievable and are mainly about trying to sell as many of a company’s colon cleansing products as possible. Of course, there are other more believable claims which are the real benefits of cleansing the colon. These includes a reduction in bloating, increased energy, relief of constipation, improved mood and a boost to the immune system.

These benefits are derived from the process of detoxification that colon cleansing provides. Waste that moves slowly through the body causes the recycling of toxins into the body’s system and creates gas pockets, hardened waste and abdominal discomfort. By removing these blockages, toxins and bad bacteria are removed ensuring that the body is able to process and absorb more nutrients from the food that you consume. With the toxic burden removed from the body and nutrients now flowing through to the body’s cells, people often notice all sorts of positive effects like improved mood and increased energy. Some people even report an improvement in appearance such as healthier skin, a reduction in bloating around the stomach and brighter eyes.

With such positive effects, you may think that you should do colon cleansing all the time. However, a prolonged detox can have a negative effect on the body. It is a bit like any medicine or natural therapy – too much and it can reach a tipping point where it starts to cause more problems than it solves. Furthermore, adaptation can occur. This is where the colon cleanser no longer works as well or has no effect at all. To avoid these things, it is best to cleanse on a irregular basis.

The exact length of time between cleanses will depend on the type of detox you personally use, what your body is telling you and advice from your health practitioner. Most sellers of colon cleansing products argue that an intense and thorough detox probably shouldn’t be done more than twice per year. Increasing it from this frequency should probably only occur if your body is telling you that it will be a healthy thing to do so and your health provider gives it the all clear. More gentle cleansing products could be on a more regular basis. The main point is that you should: (a) follow the manufacturer’s directions; and (b) don’t expect to be on a cleanse all the time. Of course, any detox should only be done once you have had the ‘ok’ from your medical or health provider.

To reduce the number of cleanses that you need per year, you should consume a diet high in fiber, fresh fruit and vegetables and lean meat in between the periods of detox. This will keep your colon regular and healthy as possible in between your cleanses and also ensure that you will not require as an intense cleanse the next time around.

The immune system is our protection against infection and invasion. What may surprise you is that over half of our immune system is located in the digestive tract. The wall of the digestive tract and the mucus that is secreted protects the body from outside toxins, bacteria and illness and stops them from entering the blood stream. The saliva in the mouth and the acid in the stomach can destroy outside invaders before they get a chance to enter the body. The colon is where the nutrients from the food are absorbed and used by the body to enhance the immune system.

This all means what we eat and drink, and how our colon performs, can have a large influence on how our immune system works. Most importantly, when your colon is blocked or sluggish, toxins and bacteria are more likely to enter your bloodstream where they can begin to cause damage.

The key to a good working colon is the healthy bacteria that is found in the gut. This bacteria helps absorb food and nutrients, and helps to eliminate toxins and outside invaders. It also stops the growth of more harmful bacteria. When the bad bacteria out numbers the good bacteria, it can cause symptoms like bloating, constipation, reflux and diarrhea. A blocked or sluggish colon is one of the major causes of an imbalance in the different types of bacteria.

Colon cleansing can help unblock the digestive system, increase the number of good bacteria and push out the harmful toxins and bacteria. During the gaps in cleansing, make sure you eat foods that promote the growth of the good bacteria like yogurt, kefir, tempeh, miso or sauerkraut. You should also eat a diet high in fiber and fresh fruit and vegetables. Cut out carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.

Traditional colon cleansers use herbs such as Cascara Sagrada or Psyllium. Cascara Sagrada is a mild laxative which causes movement in the bowel in order to expel the waste. Psyllium is a form of fiber which bulks up in size when inside the intestines and pushes out the accumulated waste. While cleansers that utilizes these ingredients are effective, they can have some side-effects started by the abrupt chemical reaction which is caused in the colon to induce the movement. This can include emergency tips to the bathroom, painful gas or diarrhea.

In comparison, oxygen based cleansers slowly release oxygen into the colon which liquefies the waste. The controlled and steady stream of oxygen means that there are no urgent trip to the bathroom. Oxygen cleansers also boost the immune system by improving the environment with in the bowel.

When I started colon cleansing, I used herb-based products. I got good results and certainly didn’t have too many complaints. Especially considering that the herbs helped many of my long-term health complaints with only minimal side effects. However, I did decide to try an oxygen cleanser to see what the fuss was all about. I definitely preferred the results I got with the oxygen based cleanser versus the herbal one. There was no sudden onset and the pain and bloating (which had always been minimal for me) was virtually no existent. I also felt like I had more energy with the oxy-cleanser compared to the herbs.

Several people I know who used herbal colon cleansers in the past with poor side effects also got excellent results with minimal problems when using a oxy-product.

If you have tried herbal colon cleansers in the past and got bad side effects, I would suggest you try an oxygen based cleanser before you give up on colon cleansing all together. I only use oxygen based cleansers from now on and several friends have been converted too.