Diana Hooper
2644 Moonshine Park Road
Logsden, OR 97357
diana@essentialsoflife.net
EssentialsOfLife.net

A Simple, Non-Fasting Approach to Cleansing

“Every tissue in the body is fed by the bloodstream, which is supplied by the bowel. When the bowel is dirty, the blood is dirty and so are the organs and tissues. It is the bowel that must be cared for first.” – Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management by Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph.D., Nutritionist

"Death begins in the colon," is a familiar statement often alluded to in the health industry when discussing the importance of bowel cleansing. While the assertion seems to be correct, long before actual death occurs a number of problematic symptoms torment the body, all starting with poor bowel health, ranging from mild fatigue and headaches to chronic disorders.

The significance of proper bowel cleansing cannot be overemphasized, as it is commonly the beginning protocol for many severe, degenerative diseases. However, people often take cleansing to an extreme, incorporating heroic measures before trying many of the simple steps that lead to optimal bowel and digestive health. As a preventative measure, taking consistent, minor, yet important actions early may prevent the need for drastic cleansing measures later.

For instance, lethargy and low energy are major complaints of patients visiting their health care providers. Many of these health seekers, wanting to feel good again, are informed that they are growing older and need to accept their tired lot in life. Yet many integrative health practitioners know that toxic bowel build-up causes many of the same symptoms as those identified with old age. Mild cleansing steps may prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown diseases. Unless you try a cleanse you may never know which is true-whether you are feeling the ravages of old age or that you merely need to rid your body of toxins. It seems an easy task to determine which is true.

Besides feeling tired and run down, there are generally other symptoms that point to bowel toxicity - constipation being one of the most common. The colon, which is part of the large intestine, serves as a temporary holding tank for the materials that the upper digestive tract does not break down or assimilate. When this waste sits for long periods in the colon, the growth of unfavorable organisms occurs. Certain bad bacteria convert bile acids to dangerous carcinogens, which in time may contribute to the development of colon and rectal cancer. In addition, unhealthful microorganisms in the lower bowel produce toxic metabolites (waste) that damage tissues and poison important body enzyme systems, including those in the brain and nervous system.(1) Some of this waste mimics brain neurotransmitters. Inappropriate levels of abnormal transmitters cause significant dysfunction and alterations in behavior.(2)

Some of the chemicals produced by unfavorable bacteria possess very similar structures and activities to those found in the Krebs Cycle, the energy system of the cells. As the immune system tries to rid the body of the unwanted bacteria, it also attacks the look-alike enzymes that produce energy. The result is a significant increase in fatigue.

Toxic bowel build-up becomes even more detrimental if the intestinal mucosa becomes irritated and damaged by the bad bacteria. When the intestines are damaged, undigested proteins, bad bacteria, and waste seep into the blood stream creating a condition referred to as "leaky gut" syndrome. This process initiates a heightened, ongoing immune response referred to as hyper-immune or autoimmune. In its excited state, the immune system begins to assault more than invading, undigested protein particles; it actually identifies your body as a foreign substance and attacks you. The results can be as mild and annoying as an allergy, or severe and devastating as lupus.

In addition to the toxins produced by unwanted bacteria, there are more than 12,000 artificial additives found in common foods and over 700 different chemicals used to "purify" our drinking water. Artificial and refined sugars and poor trans fats are consumed at an alarming rate-160 pounds per person per year in the U.S.! Sugar chemically alters the proteins in your body in a process called glycosylation, which causes skin to lose elasticity, an increase in inflammation, damage to the joints, and diabetes. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and lower the good. All of these symptoms-pain, inflammation, high cholesterol-are associated with old age. Yet these are avoidable through regular steps of cleansing.(3)

When you decide to cleanse, be aware that the rapid release of toxins may set off immune chemicals that actually trigger inflammation.(4) This is why drastic cleansing has the tendency to produce what is referred to as a "healing crisis," which involves flu-like symptoms of fever, headache, and achiness. Also, when excessive toxins are released too quickly, the elimination organs themselves are burdened. This puts a huge strain on your body.(5) If you are not battling a chronic disease, but want the healthy benefits of cleansing, you may want to start with the following small steps, and then if necessary, progress to a more stringent cleanse. Cleansing should occur periodically and for no more than five days.

Little Steps for Big Results

Step One: Stop Eating Bad Stuff.

Some people have the fortitude to go on a prolonged, rigorous cleansing program, but when it is completed their discipline wanes and they begin to eat the same foods that originally polluted their bodies. One simple step to reduce the toxic load on the body and improve digestion is to stop eating foods that are bad for you. This list includes foods loaded with artificial colors, preservatives, and highly refined foods, particularly those high in sugars such as cane sugar, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, dextrose, and any other word ending in "ose," which is an indication of sugar.

Another "food group" to avoid is partially hydrogenated oils and fats. This type of fat is commonly found in most packaged foods such as candy, cookies, pastries, crackers, potato chips, boxed dinners, mayonnaise, margarine, French fries, and bottles of vegetable oil found in the supermarket. Hydrogenation preserves oils and extends shelf life. It also changes liquid, unsaturated oils into a more solid, saturated state. The downside, however, is that hydrogenation turns oil into trans fat. Trans fats increase low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol, in the bloodstream and lower the levels of good high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. The best cooking-oil choices are unrefined, extra virgin olive oil, or organic coconut oil (although partially saturated, it is not hydrogenated).

Just eliminating the above toxic foods will begin to change how you feel. Ridding the body of the burdens caused by caustic foods will take some of the load off of your elimination system, freeing up energy to be used in other, more productive ways.

Step Two: Eat Good Bacteria

Adding frequent servings of live culture that exist in fermented foods to the diet is extremely beneficial for synthesizing B vitamins and crowding out yeast, parasites, and bad bacteria. It is also excellent for healing and strengthening the intestinal mucosa. One recent study showed that one strain of good bacteria is actually able to turn down an overactive immune response and block inflammation.(6) Fermented foods include unsweetened yogurt, raw or uncooked sauerkraut, and a high-quality miso (a fermented soy condiment). These foods, found in local health food stores, supply good sources of beneficial bacteria. By introducing good bacteria to your intestinal tract, you will help crowd out and destroy bad, disease causing strains. In addition to helping with digestion, including ginger in your diet inhibits the growth of bad bacteria while optimizing the friendly bacteria.(7) You will also find that your digestion improves as the friendly bacteria in these foods help break down the foods that you eat.

Step Three: Eat More Fiber

Highly beneficial to colon and digestive health is the addition of fiber. Unfortunately, fad diets make it taboo to consume the rich supply naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables because these foods also contain the dreaded carbohydrate. Avoiding this source of fiber, however, also diverts you from the benefits of a vast array of phytochemicals that protect the body from chronic diseases, including cancer.

Fiber-rich foods provide a number of bowel benefits, including a timely bowel evacuation. This prevents damage to the intestinal mucosa and the leakage of toxins into the bloodstream. Higher amounts of fiber encourage the growth of favorable bacteria and slow the proliferation of bad bacteria and yeast. Fiber has also been shown to bind with heavy metals such as lead and mercury, with bile acids, and with bad cholesterol. Fiber reduces hunger by encouraging a full feeling, which helps prevent overeating and obesity.

Fiber also slows the release of sugar from the intestinal tract and helps keep blood sugar properly balanced. Maintaining blood sugar at proper levels is critical to good health. When sugar rushes into the bloodstream too quickly, large amounts of insulin are released from the pancreas to pull the sugar out of the blood. If continued high levels of sugar are present, excessive amounts of insulin circulate, reeking damage to vital tissues and vessels, as well as storing sugars as fat. If blood sugars are too low, you may experience lethargy, poor concentration, and severe mood swings. Fiber is extremely helpful to keep the blood sugars at a constant level.
There are two types of fiber: soluble, which can be broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream, and insoluble, which stays in and cleans the digestive tract. Soluble fibers include plant gums, mucilages, pectins, and guar. These are the fibers that lower cholesterol, nourish good bacteria, slow sugar absorption, and bind with heavy metals. They are found in apples, oat bran, psyllium husks, and a few other vegetables and fruits. Insoluble fiber, found in wheat bran and brown rice flax seeds, stays in the intestinal tract, binds with bile acids, and increases stool bulk to speed transit time.

(When taking the following recommended supplements, be sure to read all labels and warnings carefully.)

Young Living's ICP™

Young Living's complete fiber formula includes soluble and insoluble fiber, enzymes, and the powerful benefits of essential oils. This unique blend includes gentle, high-bulking flax seed, oat and rice bran, and psyllium seed powder to speed up the transit time of waste through the colon. The guar gum in ICP is a soluble fiber, which is reported to slow sugar absorption, enhance good bacteria, and lower cholesterol. This high-quality fiber is a must for those wanting to eliminate toxins, cleanse the bowel, and improve proper colon function. Be sure to increase water intake when taking any fiber product.

Step Four: Add Essential Enzymes

All of the body's chemical processes are dependent on the action of enzymes. The body normally produces an adequate supply. However, under certain conditions, they are used up more quickly than the body is able to replenish them. Dr. Edward Howell, a prominent enzyme researcher, states in the first chapter of his book, Enzyme Nutrition, that the body has a finite amount of enzyme activity. When the body's limited amount of enzymes is used up, the body begins to die unless supplementation is provided. Junk foods, medications, and excessive amounts of certain foods containing enzyme inhibitors (undercooked beans, potatoes, and grains) inhibit or deplete normal enzyme activity. Without enzyme action, health and vitality suffer, and if serious enough, death occurs.

There are three types of enzymes:

• Metabolic enzymes spark activity inside of our cells. This allows our organs, tissues, and cells to function properly.
• Digestive enzymes are secreted by the pancreas or taken as supplements. They break down the foods that we eat.
• Food enzymes, as the name implies, are found in raw foods. They assist in helping to break down the foods that we consume. Cooking destroys food enzymes.

The addition of enzymes as supplements is important to rid the intestines of undigested proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Total breakdown of food also prevents undigested particles from leaking into the bloodstream, causing strain on the immune system, liver, and kidneys. By assisting the body's digestive process, more metabolic enzyme activity is freed to perform vital functions that increase energy and vitality.

Essentialzyme ™

This formula contains a potent mixture of digestive and metabolic-activating enzymes that have been shown to aid in digestion and inflammation. This formula is particularly helpful for those who are experiencing an imbalance of pancreatic function, have low stomach acids, or who have poor digestive function. Essentialzyme contains some animal products.

Detoxzyme®

A complete vegetable enzyme that aids digestion and helps promote detoxification of the body is Detoxzyme. This enzyme contains phytase, an enzyme essential for unlocking the mineral content of grains, seeds, and beans. These foods contain phytate, an indigestible substance that binds the minerals normally found in these foods. This enzyme blend is particularly good for vegetarians who eat a high seed, grain, and nut diet, but it is also good for anyone wishing to cleanse and improve digestion.

Lipozyme™

This product is a powerful enzyme complex designed specifically to enhance the digestion and absorption of fat. Lipozyme contains enzymes that are particularly effective for those who are experiencing pancreatic weakness.

Carbozyme™

Carbozyme is an enzymatic blend made specifically for the digestion of sugars and starches. Carbozyme is designed to relieve bloating, cramping, and intestinal distress caused by poor digestion. Carbozyme is also a helpful component for those who are fighting candida yeast.

Step 5: Soothe, Cleanse, and Support the Intestinal Mucosa

When it comes to strengthening and rebuilding damaged intestinal linings, the plant kingdom has plenty to offer. Licorice root, for example, has been used in conventional medicine to relieve peptic ulcers and inflammation.(8) In addition to promoting proper digestion, German chamomile soothes and helps mend the intestinal walls.(9) Dried ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as an ability to aid in digestion. (10)

For an occasional bowel cleanse, cascara sagrada is the plant of choice. Called the "sacred bark," cascara has been used as a natural herbal laxative for hundreds of years. In small amounts, cascara does more than stimulate the bowel. According to herbalist John Christopher, it is very toning to the muscles that cause peristalsis, or the movement of waste from the bowel. When used in conjunction with other plant ingredients, cascara is the best choice for bowel-cleansing purposes.

ComforTone®

This YL product is a balanced blend of botanicals, essential oils, and cleansing ingredients that tones and supports proper bowel function. ComforTone can be used for long periods of time without becoming addictive. The ingredients in ComforTone have been shown to be extremely soothing and supportive to the intestinal lining and may be used by those who desire bowel-building support. As a bowel cleanser, ComforTone exerts a varied action. Some people experience bowel movements by taking only one capsule, while others must increase the dosage substantially. Start with smaller doses, and work up to desired strength.
Taking the above small steps can increase your vitality and give you that added energy that you desire. They also improve long-term digestive health and encourage regular bowel cleansing without weakening the body or depleting needed nutrients. On occasion, a more thorough cleanse may be necessary for improving serious or chronic conditions. Meanwhile, take healthy preventative measures to keep your system healthy and happy. As a result, feel and enjoy the newfound energy that follows the simple, non-fasting steps of cleansing.

Notes:
1. Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., Total Wellness (Rocklin: Prima Publishing, 1996),111.
2. Ibid.
3. Frank Lipman, M.D., Total Renewal (New York: Penguin, 2005), 70.
4. Pizzorno, Total Wellness, 11l.
5. Ibid.
6. Andrew S. Neish, et al., "Prokaryotic Regulation of Epithelial Responses by Inhibition of IkB-a Ubiquitination." Science Magazine, 1 September 2000; 289: 1560-1563.
7. Paul Schulick, Ginger: Common Spice & Wonder Drug (Prescott: Hohm Press, 1996), 42.
8. David Hoffman, FNIMH, Medical Herbalism (Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2003), 555.
9. Ibid.
10. Schulick, Ginger, 16.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Testimonial

Nancy Sanderson passed along this one:

Hello Fellow Oilers,

I just got this Palo Santo testimonial from one of my clients who is
an "occasional oiler." I picked up a bottle of Palo Santo for him at
convention last week. He asked me to share his testimonial with
anyone who might be interested, so feel free to share with your
downline or whomever. WOW!
Darby Line in NJ

"About 7 months ago, I started experiencing pain all around my left
knee a few days after I went skiing. Since I'd never before experienced
chronic body pain, I assumed it would go away. After about a month,
it still hadn't passed, so I tried using PanAway. If anything, the added
"heat" from applying PanAway aggravated the knee.

So I stopped using any oils and would occasionally take an ibuprofen
after long walks or time on my feet. I became more conscious of how I
was using the knee and I avoided any positions or activities which I
thought might hurt it. Regardless, the pain persisted. After another
couple months, I went to see my primary physician, who told me I had
tendonitis, which had likely been aggravated by the skiing. I was told
not to do any stretching exercises (which meant discontinuing daily yoga),
but that I should start swimming and/or using a recumbent bicycle, to
"retrain" the ligaments and tendons into proper alignment. She explained
to me that otherwise, the ligaments and tendons would build up
compensatory scar tissue in a misaligned fashion. Well, I didn't have a
pool or a bike, and though I finally bought a bike, I have yet to use it.

Fast forward another few months. A couple of days ago, I bought a bottle
of Palo Santo, which is an essential oil of a South American tree commonly
known as "Holy Wood." Within a few minutes after applying the oil, the
constant pain I was experiencing disappeared. I applied the oil one more time, the next day, just for good measure. Four days later, I'm happy and amazed to report that the pain hasn't reappeared. There's still sensitivity if I stretch the knee at oblique angles, but all of the chronic pain is gone. Wow!

I always read testimonials with a degree of skepticism. This was no "miracle cure for cancer" or the like, but I would strongly recommend that folks with tendonitis give Palo Santo a try. I'll report back in a week or two.
--Robert

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or disease of the human body.