AcidAlkalineDiet.com Optimal Health with Alkaline Cleansing Foods the Body For Renewed and Optimal Health By Cecilia M. Johnson-Morris, Acid Alkaline Diet
What is Cleansing? Cleansing is the means by which a person can remove toxins and wastes that build up in the body in the everyday processes of metabolism as well as from improper diet and exercise practices. Cleansing is a natural mechanism that takes place daily within our bodies to rid toxins and excesses that build up. The Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, Lungs, and other organs throughout the body with the flow of our Blood and Lymph fluids do this in a continued fashion with every breath we take. We can assist the body with known Cleansing Protocols that will help keep these organs, tissues, and cells cleaned up and running at their best. There are different cleanses suggested to assist the body s processes. Some are fasting cleanses, meaning one follows a specific regiment and only consumes the ingredients suggested and others are non-fasting, yet utilize appropriate diet practices with it. There are cleanses to remove parasites such as Candida; cleanses to clear up toxins built up in the organs such as the Hulda Clark protocol to clear up the Liver Ducts and Gallbladder of gallstones, cholesterol, and toxins; and cleanses that address ridding the body overall of toxins and wastes, such as the Lemonade Cleanse, also known as the Master Cleanse.
How do we become toxic? Cleansing assists renewed health through the ridding of toxins from the body brought on by normal functions of the body as well as those brought on through improper diet practices and inadequate exercise. The basic functions of the body produce toxins even with proper diet and exercise, as the body itself is a metabolic machine. As it utilizes food nutrients, wastes are produced and that which isn t eliminated is stored within the body s tissues and cells, especially the Liver being a primary organ responsible for cleaning up the body s fluids. The toxins that build up in our tissues and cells produce feeding grounds for illnesses to manifest and improper balances of nutritional elements needed for sustained health is created. Improper diet practices add to metabolic waste build up. Artificial fats created from processing of natural fats and oils such as Margarine, hydrolyzed Corn Oil, etc. add to the break down of our cellular walls. The wastes become trapped within the cells and the toxins build up. Properly nourished cells have elastic walls that allow the passage of wastes out and nutrients in. On the other hand, good fats; such as Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin coconut Oil, Flaxseed and it s oils, our nuts, seeds and whole grains; assist the integrity of the cellular wall in proper nourishment. Cleansing will assist removal of the artificial bad fats so the cells can become repaired and function better. Excesses in diet practices also lead to toxin and waste build-up. Sugars, for instance, are converted into fats for later use as the body cannot keep up with the proper release of the energy sugars produce or it s elimination from the body. Cleansing helps to remove excesses, improve metabolism, and restore proper functions. Corrections in diet and exercise helps to keep the balance better managed within the body and with the excesses eliminated both in intake as well as effective removal of the excess.
What are the Side Effects of Cleansing? 1 2 3 4 During the process of cleansing, it s not uncommon to suffer Die-Off symptoms. This is reflective of the body pulling the acids and toxins out and the symptoms that show up are very individual depending on the person s prior lifestyle practices and any ailments he/she may have been suffering from before the cleanse. These can vary from nausea, muscle aches, fever, coldness, etc. If this is the case, it s best to continue through the cleanse to finish removing it. These type of symptoms usually lasts a day or two at most, so best to pull through if able. Look at any die-off symptoms as a good sign of detoxification to help. Of course, if it gets unbearable... back off until symptoms subside and then continue (it should be better). Assistance with the use of herbal supplements are fine to use and will help address better removal of the toxin being pulled out. Turmeric is especially helpful for nausea and assisting digestion and Feverfew for headaches, fevers, and/or muscle aches. Cinnamon is good with issues of Coldness, a sign of under-active adrenals, etc. Day 3 is when the body is really beginning to pull the toxins out and one shouldn t quit at that point (one will have dirty blood). If one falls off the wagon and breaks the fast, just continue the effort, adding another day or two. Those addressing ph balancing efforts as with the Acid Alkaline Diet s Guidelines, it s important to note that while doing the Lemonade Cleanse, it is normal to have a urine reading of 5 or lower during its duration. This is reflective of the acids and toxins being pulled. Don t become alarmed if the ph drops while on the cleanse itself... it s doing what it s designed to do.
Ending a Cleansing Protocol: When it s time to start eating again (depending on the person, but no less than 7 days with the Lemonade), start with small portions such as apple juice, then some fruit, increasing foods slowly. Fruits are digested quickly when eaten alone or 20 minutes before meals and are the best food to break any fasting regiment. Don t rush back into eating after a fasting Cleanse, increase foods slowly and allow the body to adjust back to eating and breaking down whole foods again. What is the Lemonade or Master Cleanse? The Lemonade, or Master Cleanse, is a very good acid and toxin Body Detox. One that most are happy to have done to get the ball rolling with diet changes and addressing health issues.
The Lemonade Master Cleanse 1) 8 oz/250ml/1 cup of water 2) 1/2 tablespoon wheat/barley grass powder (Optional) 3) 2 tablespoons real lemon juice 4) 2 tablespoons real maple syrup (Grade A or B) 5) a personalized dash of cayenne ground pepper. Can use Agave in place of Maple Syrup Can use Molasses in place of Maple Syrup (Diabetics especially) Never use Honey, it s a predigested sugar source taken up quickly into the blood stream. It is suggested to also include Senna or another herbal laxative tea before bed followed by a Salt-Water flush in the morning. Although the original protocol recommends Senna tea as it s laxative herbal inclusion, it can be habitual forming if used regularly. By Habitual it is meant that the body can become dependent on it in order to eliminate bowel movements. Better in being non-habitual would be Peppermint, Dandelion and Hibiscus or Milk thistle and Marshmallow. In following the Senna recommendation of its creator (Stanley Burroughs), just take care using the Senna and only in the beginning or as needed.
Saltwater Flush Two teaspoons of sea salt in quart/liter of water every morning for the duration of the Cleanse. The Saltwater Flush is done daily in the morning to remove fecal matter in the colon, especially that which is left in its lower end. It s made to be the composition of the body s salt balance and thus is passed through the digestive tract quickly and not digested into the bloodstream (so one doesn t have to worry about all that salt all at once). It is drunk all at once and 20 minutes later comes out the back end. Due to the taste, some have better success with consuming the salt water by drinking one cup plain, filtered water, then 2 cups salt water (the two teaspoons added), followed by the remaining one cup water. Those suffering from Gout and other Uric Acid issues will have further benefits with following up the Lemonade Cleanse with fresh minced Garlic cloves (allow to sit 15 minutes after mincing) mixed with Black Cherry Juice to further rid Uric Acid issues and help protect connective tissues.
Assistance Tips and Preparing for the Lemonade Cleanse: To assist common Die-Off symptoms, it s good to prepare the body for the Cleanse a few weeks prior. Incorporating more vegetables, whole grains, and proper hydration while adding lemons to the water does this best. Cut down on caffeine and processed foods. Also note that anyone on any type of prescription medication should not do any of the fasting types of cleanses without Doctor Supervision. Common Die-Off symptoms include headaches that usually occur on the second or third day of the Cleanse. For the most part, Lemons assist headaches, especially those caused from heat. Cinnamon is good for those suffering Cold type of headaches. Feverfew is a good alternative for headaches acting as an anti-inflammatory, and especially good for migraines. For some, lemons and other good foods can cause headaches. Anyone who drinks large amounts of caffeinated drinks or taking a MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) used for Depression should not do the Lemonade cleanse until cut down and/or out as it will interact with the amino acid tyramine found in the lemons. MAOIs also interacts with tryptophan. MAOI in natural forms is found in the Harmala alkaloid which includes Tobacco, Passion Flower, Rue, St. John s wort, Ayahuasca, and likely others as well. Caffeine also acts as a mild monoamine oxidase inhibitor. So, before undergoing the Cleanse it s best to avoid these. If one smokes or u
The Good News Is... the naturally occurring Harmala alkaloids effects and Caffeine s are reversible within a couple of days. The prescription MAOI ones, synthetically engineered for depression, can be irreversible, so keep that in mind if using one of these types. The amino acids affected (tryptophan and tyramine) play key roles in our health and the MAOI diets prescribed when taking the prescription restrict consumption of these amino acids. This type of diet can lead to additional health issues. St. John s Wort and Passion Flower will assist if one suffers depression treated by these MAOIs without long term ill effects as it works short term on the receptors for these amino acids and the body replenishes itself with proper diet. However, before doing the Lemonade Cleanse, refrain form these for at least three days for best results... The Lemonade Cleanse followed by Proper Diet should go a long way towards not needing these types of inhibitors or other medications as the body balances out.
What to be aware of in considering the cleanses: There are many other cleanses one can consider, especially when faced with an illness showing up. Candida is a very common problem people have, so if symptoms show up such as a white tongue, thrush, eczema, etc. would follow the specific cleanses known to address the ailment in question. Common signs associated with Cleansing Protocol include the Candida as described earlier; Eczema and other skin disorders with the Liver; Cold hands and feet, Circulation and the Adrenals; Painful lower back, urination or stones, the Kidneys and Bladder; etc. The Lemonade will help overall, yet the specific cleanses of the ailment or symptoms will get to the specific issue at hand. The lemonade to bring a proper balance of cellular ph and metabolic waste removal. The Cleanses will go a long way towards improving and maintaining Optimal Health. It s important to be gentle with oneself and to pay attention to any die-off symptoms. The Die-Off symptoms will help to recognize that which the body needs to address and its cleanse known to assist the ailment followed next.
All Body Cleansing Protocol Some are particularly motivated in getting the body freed up of toxins and want more than a general cleansing such as the Lemonade Cleanse. This is fine to do provided there are two week breaks done in between each and the Blood in particular is cleaned up during that break. This is so the body is cleaned up before commencing a new cleanse. The Blood is cleaned up and fed with Burdock Root, Red Clover and Walnut Hulls Tincture. Best as a soft simmered tea (low boil with a lid), capsules are fine if one doesn t like tea. Drink one or 2 cups three times a day 20 minutes before meals. This tea is ok to drink everyday and can add flavor notes such as Green Tea, Ginger, Hibiscus, etc. A good progression of cleansing one can do (Blood Cleansing/Nourishing Tea in between each): 1) Lemonade or Master Cleanse 2) Candida: 3) Colon Cleanse 4) Kidney and Bladder Cleanse 5) Lymph 6) Parasite
Other Efforts in Cleansing: There are other simple means to assist cleansing as well. Using the Greens (dried and powdered vegetables, grasses, and herbs) in filtered water, Astragalus and Vegetable Broth, Vegetable and Fruit juicing, etc. These can be done for 3 to 10 days, but best as follow-up cleanses after the Lemonade or if in good health overall and just want to get the body cleaned up better. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Good Juicing Cleanses include: Carrots Green, leafy veggies, broccoli, carrots, avocados, mung sprouts Celery sticks, apple, and a beet Beets with Apples and Bean Sprouts Parsley, Kale, Spinach, Ginger, and Celery sticks Raw vegetable juicing is especially good for the immune and lymphatic systems. It s also a great means to get a wide range of vegetables into the diet, and goes a long way with proper nourishment and balancing of cellular ph health. Raw veggies, especially sprouts, are important with Immune assistance as well, helping to provide a better balance of the T and B cells especially associated with auto-immune diseases. So if incorporating a raw vegetable juicing detoxification, it s good to include the sprouts in the cleanse mix.
Daily efforts in Diet and Lifestyle after cleansing: Proper diet practices are crucial to the body s wellbeing. The Acid Alkaline Diet s guidelines provide for a better balance of nutrients and will assist proper functions in the body s metabolism and waste removal. What the diet consists of is a better balance of needed nutrients through increased vegetable intake and a better balance of the other foods groups for optimal health. This assists the day to day functions of metabolism along with effective waste removal by eliminating harmful acid and toxin forming substances from the diet. The Acid Alkaline Diet is in itself a means to assist the body s functions in selfcleansing, provided the diet is followed correctly inclusive of the elimination of foods known to add to toxin and acid build up and correct consumption of the food groups. The diet will assist proper metabolism and ph balance at the cellular level. The mechanisms of cellular metabolism creates wastes and with the body properly nourished it can remove these waste products more effectively, thereby making cleansing a simple follow-up preventative measure, done periodically 2 to 4 times a year.
Understanding Basic Metabolic Wastes that occur Naturally: The mechanism of metabolism and waste production is complicated for most, but it s good to touch upon it to better understand why the Cleanses and diet are important for Optimal Health. In basic cellular metabolism, the nutrients interact with each other and in doing so waste products are created. Lactic Acid is produced though exercise and is found in milk products and Uric Acids are a result of Protein metabolism and are also found in meats and fish. These are natural parts of the body s mechanisms and do play important roles, but they need attention when there s too much. Both of theses bad acids actually have some positive roles, but their excesses cause problems such as Gout, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. Lactic Acid s positive roles include providing energy, disposing of dietary carbohydrates, it s a key player in blood glucose and liver glycogen use, as well as assisting body stress. So don t think of it as all bad, it just needs to be kept in check and not allowed to be built up. Uric Acid s Upside being it s a unique and important antioxidant with metal chelating activities. It s a byproduct of protein metabolism, something we must have, just not in excess of diet use and elimination capabilities. Lactic and Uric acids are a part of living in a human body with excesses leading to Heart disease, Diabetes, Gout, Fibromyalgia, etc. So these must be managed correctly, both in intake of food sources and the elimination of the end product. The same can be said of sugars we need glucose and glycogen for energy, but we don t need excess as it will build up in the body and the pancreas is stressed in Insulin production and fat develops on our bodies. Glucose is needed to feed and nourish the cells as well, but when there s too much, the cells break down and the body becomes acidic and sick. Diabetes being a primary example of sugar s ill effects.
How to Keep the Body Balanced & Toxin Free: The incorporation of the Acid Alkaline Diet will provide a better balance of nutrients to assist the body in effective waste, toxin, and excess removal. By keeping the diet balanced in the proper consumption of these acid forming foods with a better balance in increased alkaline forming foods, the body has a better means with ridding both the natural byproducts of metabolism and use as well as excesses consumed. Proper hydration also is an important element in keeping the body cleansed. Most do not drink enough water. Two to three quart/liters daily is a general good guideline for water intake. Without proper hydration of the body, it cannot remove the toxins and wastes effectively so this is an important step with keeping the body clean and running well. Exercise plays an important role with body functions and detoxification. Moderate exercise, even just simple 20-minute walks daily, will assist the lymph fluids in moving freely so the body can rid the toxins. With its many benefits, it s important to include an active lifestyle, be it a regimented exercise protocol or simply being aware and doing simple things such as standing when you otherwise would sit. Be active in the things being done throughout the day so the organs can be strengthened, nourished, and cleaned in the day to day activities of life.
In Closing: Cleansing is an everyday function that takes place within the body, and is assisted with proper diet, exercise, and periodic cleansing protocols outlined above. With working with the body s natural mechanisms, we can assist our bodies in repair of cellular health and assist removal of wastes and toxins that lead to illnesses and imbalances. In doing so, we assist our bodies in achieving Optimal Health along with proper diet and lifestyle practices such as those outlined with the Acid Alkaline Diet which is an ideal healthy lifestyle to continue after doing any cleanse. Wishing All the very Best In Health. Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The Information contained isn t intended as Medical Advice, but is intended as Information Sharing. Please seek Medical Attention if Ill. The Information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing or eliminating any medication or adding Supplements or Herbal inclusions to medications. Consult with your Doctor about what Supplements or Herbal inclusions you are considering taking, especially if currently on Medications.