“How often should I do a detox?”
My answer, pre-gluten-free: “Twice a year is good, quarterly is better, plus a monthly all-green juice day.”
…that was then…For almost a decade, my focus has been on people who have been diagnosed with a food related disorder, usually Celiac Disease, NCGS, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s, IBS, colitis,all the sexy disorders;) …So my answer to that simple detox question has changed to: “Regardless of when you were diagnosed, if you’re not feeling amazing yet, we’re going to do 30 days* of deep detox, then we’ll get you into quarterly maintenance mode.”
In choosing detox products, the supplement aisles can seem like Mount Everest and make most people feel overwhelmed and discouraged (at least the top of Everest is visible; not so with endless supplement and detox options).
Detox for standard diets differ from those for specialty diets because we’re more focused on gut and side effects (like mucous). With standard diets, we’re thinking more broadly and not zeroing in as much. Also, length of cleanse: 7 days in standard, 30+ in food-related disorders*.
Confession: I’m writing this article reluctantly because I never like giving advice without test results. Ideally, tests are run looking for both deficiencies and specific antibodies / toxins so that a comprehensive plan is put in place, specific to each person’s situation – that’s how you get the best results…
…That said, the most common question I get after “what do you personally eat” is usually related to cleanses, so here are a few suggestions that those with food-related disorders can benefit from…
1) Black Walnut + Wormwood. Target: parasites.
Everyone has parasites, but a compromised immune system means the body isn’t fighting them off as well and needs help.
2) NAC (N-acetyl cysteine). Target: mucous in lungs.
The lungs are one of the body’s lymphatic drainage systems. Negative reactions to food (commonly dairy) can create mucous that disables this system. NAC clears the way for the body’s own natural detox system to operate efficiently. The holistic approach is to always clear the way for the body to do its job.
3) Dandelion + Burdock + Red Clover. Target: blood stream.
Your client is doing a deep cleanse… don’t allow those toxins to float in their blood stream or worse: accumulate. This is “Operation Heave-Ho”. You heave up with some items, and ho out with others.
4) D-Glucarate. Target: liver.
Helps the liver break down pollutants, toxins from candida, excess hormones, and even environmental contaminants from plastics and such.
5) Probiotics. Target: gut.
It’s common to think of probiotics as restore helpers after detox, but detox actually happens more efficiently when the gut is loaded with good bacteria. See article “3 Probiotic Power Tips” for some useful info.
TIPS TO HELP EXCRETE BETTER:
1) 3 liters of pure water per day (avoid plastic bottles)2) 30-40 grams of soluble fiber (preferably from fresh raw vegetables, raw ground flax seeds,…)
3) Pectin (two apples a day, 20 minutes before or 2 hours after meals)
*With serious issueslike Crohn’s, diverticulitis, etc., a 6-12 month protocol, or longer, might be needed. Encourage your client to get qualified, comprehensive guidance and testing.
Jaqui Karr, CGP, CSN, CVD, is a best-selling author, speaker, and corporate consultant
who specializes in educating about gluten, celiac disease, specialty diets, and health through nutrition. Her popular “NakedFood” brand has helped thousands include more power raw and healing greens in their diet. Ms. Karr is a certified gluten practitioner, certified sports nutritionist, and certified vegan/vegetarian educator to dietitians. http://jaquikarr.comNote: The statements presented in this column should not be considered medical advice or a way to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before altering your daily dietary regimen. The opinions presented here are those of the writer, not necessarily those of the publisher.
