During cleansing it is important to support the adrenals, thyroid, and blood sugar levels. The high levels of stress in our daily living cause most individuals to have increased cortizol levels. Without support to the adrenals, the individual is going to reach for their stimulant of choice whether it is caffeine, tobacco, sugar, or alcohol. Using a combination of botanicals (herbs, Chinese herbs, and certain spices) we can provide support without artificial stimulation. I do not force a person to stop their “daily coffee” until this support is well established. In this way we can reduce their stimulant need and possible cleansing symptoms.Blood sugar is the next aspect of cleansing which I address, since the success of the cleanse will depend on the ability to have “will power.” We know that will power can produce short term change, but it creates a constant internal stress since we have not yet dealt with the root cause. By using specific products as directed we are working at the cause which will ultimately support long term success. I counsel my patients to understand that a drop in blood sugar will decrease their ability to exercise “will power.” Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is a key factor to their overall success. Armed with this knowledge, they are then empowered to make healthier choices both during a cleanse and after it is completed.

Supplementation with specific amino acids (L-carnitine, L-tartrate, Choline, L-glutamine, L-methionine) supports blood sugar regulation. If a product also has Betaine HCL included in the combination then digestion is insured and the stress is removed from the digestive organs in the process. Taking this type of supplement every two hours during their waking day (at least 6 times) will insure that blood sugar levels remain constant; thus reducing the need and desire to consume sugars and simple carbohydrates. I have found sugar cravings reduce rapidly when on this type of regime and patients remark: “I feel like I’ve slain the sugar dragon.” Generally 2 to 5 days is the time needed for this response to begin.

As we are supporting the endocrine system, we can begin to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. On the cleansing days, I use an aloe vera based drink since aloe is one of the most healing agencies we have among the herbs. It is also one of the best for colon cleansing since it doesn’t promote gripes and it soothes wherever it goes. It also cleans morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder.

I use an aloe based drink which has cleansing botanicals compounded into the formula along with the 72 essential minerals. (Be sure the minerals are from organic plant sources for greatest absorption.) Some of the most important teas needed are Burdock, Fennel Seed, Licorice, Pau D’Arco, Peppermint, Siberian Ginseng, and Suma. In this way, we have the components to comprehensively cleanse.

On the cleansing days, food is eliminated with the aloe/botanical/mineral formula being consumed in one of two ways. It can be sipped continuously throughout the day diluted in water or divided into four separate portions and consumed at four hour intervals. It is very important that patients consume large amounts of water so that urination is hourly or for those who are highly toxic, every 30 minutes. I divide the body weight by 1.5 and that amount (in ounces) is the minimum amount of water suggested for the cleansing days. (ie: 150 lbs would drink 100 oz; 250 lbs would drink 166 oz)

It is important to keep the bowels open as well. Many patients experience constipation having no urge to eliminate since no bulk is being consumed. I encourage some fiber blend be included morning and evening to bind to the toxins in the colon and encourage elimination. For those patients with a history of chronic constipation, I will recommend an herbal laxative such as cascara sagrada or senna. However, the aloe is a natural laxative and is often sufficient in many cases. Some patients experience diarrhea and the increase in fiber will help to slow this down as it binds to the toxins. Look for a combination which has different forms of fiber including psyllium, oat fiber, non GMO soy fiber, as well as acacia gum and apple pectin.

The more toxic patients may have cleansing reactions such as: headache, light headedness, gassiness, and fatigue. It is important to give your body a chance to rest while it is cleansing at such a deep and comprehensive level. Exercise should be kept to a minimum on the first day with walking, jumping on a trampoline, or swimming encouraged should the patient feel the desire. This type of exercise will stimulate additional lymphatic cleansing. On the second day, the normal routine of exercise is encouraged with a caution to stop should the patient feel light headed or fatigued. Resting or napping gives the body additional energy to focus on the cleansing; and baths with epsom salt or other drawing herbs can soothe and support increased lymphatic cleansing through the skin. I suggest brushing the skin with a loofa during the bath to stimulate lymphatics and circulation especially to the extremities or areas of edema and adipose tissue. For those with coating on the tongue, brushing with a tongue cleaner will assist in supporting the digestive system.

I have found that two days of intensive cleansing is best followed with a few days of rejuvenation or revitalization. Its a matter of clean up and then build up, with these days being composed of a replacement shake for two meals and the consumption of one meal, either at lunch or dinner. The product I use is very nutrient dense having 242 nutrients, herbs, and antioxidants as well as an enzyme delivery system. In this way the nutrition is rapidly delivered to the cells. It is balanced in protein, carbohydrates, and fat with as many ingredients as possible being organic. The protein source is organic whey from grass fed cows in New Zealand. The protein has only .05% lactose so most patients with lactose sensitivity still handle this very well. It has the best immunoglobulin and amino acid profile available which protects muscle tissue and promotes dynamic muscle density and energy. Those who desire to lose weight will find their lean mass increases with the reduction in adiposity

The final two days are cleansing days, which are identical to the first two days I previously described. Upon the completion of a cleanse, patients generally remark about an increase in energy, less subjective pain, better sleep, a more even temperament, and improvement in certain body functions.
Patients who are on medication need to have their appropriate functions monitored. In some individuals, blood pressure will shift and normalize, cholesterol may lower, and blood sugar levels may change. It is important for these patients to communicate with their doctor frequently whenever their symptoms change.

For those patients who have excessive detoxification symptoms, I recommend one day of cleansing with 4 or 5 days of rejuvenation before moving on to two consecutive days of cleansing. In those patients who I suspect high exposure to chemicals, I often recommend one cleansing drink in the morning followed with a shake for breakfast and then two healthy meals for lunch and dinner. In this way, I can monitor the reactions and not detoxify them too quickly. Patients with a long history of prescription drug use are also suspect for increased cleansing symptoms. I may keep a patient at this level for 2 to 4 weeks before the 9 day system.

For those with large amount of weight to lose, I suggest two different approaches. For most rapid weight loss, to do 2 days of cleansing and 5 days of rejuvenation every week, repeating until goal weight is achieved. The second method is a 9 day cleanse followed by 21 days of maintenance and repeated until goal weight is achieved.

My easy does it approach lends sensitivity to my practice; as I am more concerned with long term results and patient’s personal commitment to a lifestyle change which will serve them well for years and decades to come.

The Effects of a New Food Technology on Body Composition, Body Systems and Blood Chemistries. Harper DO, McNeilis, DO, Watson, MD and Turner, DVM, MD. April 2003.
In a recent study of 100 patients ranging in age from 20 to 68 with an average weight of 235 pounds, the Null Hypothesis was that consumption of the food technology would have no significant effects on body composition, body systems review or blood chemistry.

Body composition results: The average weight loss was 7.6 pounds, 7.2 for women and 8.3 for men. The body mass index decreased 2.4 for women and 2.3 or men. Skin fold analysis involved 25 patients, two dropped out and one completed 8 days. The average total inches lost (from 13 areas measured) was 16.6 inches.

Basic Metabolic Profile: Serum measurements remained unchanged for sodium, potassium, blood urea, nitrogen, creatinine, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, and glucose. The one exception was average serum glucose which declined 11 gm/dl in men. Total cholesterol declined an average of 24 mg/dl in men and 14 mg/dl in women. Triglycerides decreased by 68 mg/dl in men and 25 mg/dl in women. LDL cholesterol dropped an average 13 mg/dl in men and 7 mg/dl in women. HDL cholesterol declined 0.7 mg/dl in women but increased 1.3 mg/dl in men.

Body Systems Review: A questionnaire consisting of 175 questions divided into groups were graded from 0 (no problem) to 3 (severe problem). The systems groups were labeled neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, urinary tract, skin, and gynecological. Each subset was totaled. There was an 11 point decrease in somatic complains and a better overall sense of well being. The most changed review of symptoms was neurological/psychological, with mood improving the most.
In the closing discussion, the study noted the safety of the system tested, as the electrolytes, renal function, and serum calcium remained stable. Lean body mass was generally preserved, blood sugars were stabilized and lipids levels improved. Body composition was markedly improved with significant decrease in weight and body fat percentages. The conclusion was that the total inches lost was a measure of the total body fat lost as indicated by the drop in the body mass index.

Subjectively, subjects reported more energy, a more even temperament, less subjective pain, and improvements in several of the body system groups.

Case Hx: SL, 46 yo female; 5’0”; 289 pounds;

Family Hx includes obesity and diabetes. Her maternal grandmother died of a febrile stroke at 48 yo, although she was not overweight.

This patient had 2 C sections. Her blood pressure was typically maintained at 158/80, on three medications. She had tried most every advertized dietary program and had the typical yo-yo effect. She was scheduled for gastric bypass when she became aware of the possibilities for weight loss through cleansing.

Symptoms included sleep apnea, edema in the legs and feet, and numbness in the feet. Her arches had broken down and her feet hurt when slipped into shoes. She was able to walk 50’ without shortness of breath but could not manage stairs. She regularly swam.

She began the cleanse on 4/20/03 at 289 pounds.

She says her energy is unbelieveable high, with an increase in her emotional sense of well being. Her doctor has noted there is no further edema or low back pain. He has set her goal weight at 135 pounds.

Over the holidays, there were stressful times which she recognized she handled easily and successfully. She also remarked that she will continue to cleanse because of how good she feels and that the weight loss has become a secondary side benefit although it was initially her motivating factor.

Case Hx: SE, 50 yo female; 5’5”; 132 pounds

Family Hx includes Alzheimer's and father with colon CA. Her physician thinks solvents and chemicals are as great a risk factor for Alzheimer's as a heavy metal load. She had her amalgams removed in 1985. Surgery includes removal of one fallopian tube due to an ectopic pregnancy and one ovary because of an ovarian cyst.

She has done one 9 day cleanse every month and then 21 days of maintenance. Lab tests (which follows) were taken after 10 months of cleansing. Her weight is now 125 pounds.

Lab results: Accu-Chem laboratories tested:

Conclusion:
As holistic practitioners, it is our responsibility to present methods which will reduce the probability of morbidity in our patients. The cleansing of our immediate environment (our body) is a safeguard against the damaging effects of the environment in which we live. Cleansing is a viable modality worth exploring for ourselves and our patients.

Victoria Bowmann, D.H.M., Ph.D., earned her doctorate in homeopathic medicine from the British Institute of Homeopathy and her Ph.D. in homeopathy and natural medicine from Westbrook University from Wierton, WV. She has been in private practice in Phoenix AZ since 1978 specializing in detoxification, cleansing, and the process of increased well being.