Targeting the kidneys and intestines

Targeting the Kidneys and Intestines
“Of one thing I am certain, the body is not the measure of healing—peace is the measure.”
George Melton
In this chapter you will learn
• How the kidneys, urinary tract, and intestines contribute to good health • The signs that the kidneys, urinary tract, and intestines need cleansing • How to cleanse the kidneys, urinary tract and intestines using food, herbs, and energy medicine Chapter .: Targeting the Kidneys and Intestines ...
In Chapter 5 you learned many of the essentials for detoxifying your body to start experiencing greater energy, mental clarity, and other health improvements. Now I am going to explain how you can reap even greater rewards by finding your body’s weakest detoxifi cation systems so you can target your eff orts there.
As you learned earlier, you can stay at any of the four phases for longer than the prescribed week, to help cleanse, strengthen, and tone these systems. In addition, you can further strengthen these systems by targeting them after you finish The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan. You can also incorporate some of the nutritional, herbal, and other types of therapies in the next five chapters into the 4-Week Plan. Let’s examine the various organs and organ systems in each phase so you have a better understanding of their functioning, then we’ll learn how to further target your efforts to maximize your results.
The four phases of The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan are these:
Phase 1: Cleansing the Kidneys and Bowels
Phase 2: Cleansing the Lymphatic System (and Cellulite)
Phase 3: Cleansing the Liver and Gallbladder (and Fat Deposits
Phase 4: Cleansing the Blood, Lungs, and Skin
I will provide nutritional advice, herbal suggestions, and ideas for other natural means to help your body most eff ectively cleanse and heal.
I have spoken to many salespeople regarding herbs, and many will tell you that everything you need for your treatment is found in whatever herb they are trying to push that month. That is simply not true. Some herbs are better than others for a specific purpose. There is no single herb that does everything. One herb may be adequate for the needs of a particular person but not for everyone.To help you determine whether you require additional cleansing of a particular organ system, I have included quizzes you can take. This is an area where The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan can be customized to suit you and your individual needs.
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If you are pregnant or have a serious health condition, consult a medical doctor before using any herbs. Consult a herbalist before combining two or more herbs or while taking medication with herbs. Avoid long-term use of any herb (longer than three weeks) without first consulting a qualifi ed herbalist.
YOUR KIDNEYS AND URINARY TRACT During Phase 1 we targeted the kidneys, urinary system, and the small and large intestines. As you learned earlier, your kidneys are two small organs in the abdominal area that have several main functions: they strive to maintain balance in your body, particularly fluid and sodium balances; excrete toxins in urine; and regulate blood pressure through hormone production. Cleansing the kidneys also has the additional effect of better enabling them to regulate blood pressure because the kidneys secrete a hormone to fulfil that function.
The kidneys allow many substances to enter the urine, where they can be filtered and reabsorbed if they are items your body needs, such as minerals.
Many toxins are created within your body merely as by-products of normal metabolic functions. These are excreted in the urine, via the kidneys, provided the kidneys can adequately filter these substances.
Since kidneys are heavily involved with regulating your body’s mineral and water balance, and thereby help to prevent your cells from becoming dehydrated or overhydrated, it is critical to help them perform optimally.
During this program, we started by cleansing the kidneys. Th e health of all the other organs in the body is dependent on the kidneys functioning well. If they are functioning up to par, they are able to remove toxins before most of the other detox organs need to start their work. If the kidneys are unable to remove toxins from the blood, toxins are deposited in your tissues. Pain and inflammation or weight gain may be the result.
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The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste products when high-protein foods are broken down into their key components, called amino acids. The waste products of metabolizing these products include urea and ammonia. These substances can become toxic if the kidneys cannot handle the amount of protein in the diet. This is an important issue. High animal-protein diets are currently a massive fad. Although these popular diets may encourage quick and seemingly eff ortless weight loss, it comes at a price—overburdened kidneys. I conduct urine tests in my laboratory and can almost always tell when a person is following a high animal-protein diet because the urine shows signs of toxicity and kidney stress. Short-term gain should not cause long-term pain.Weight loss should not come at the potential cost of disease. A far superior approach to weight loss is to try to eat well. Throughout this book, you will learn many easy-to-maintain ways to improve your eating habits.
Kidney and Urinary Tract Stress Quiz
Are you suffering from any of the following problems?
Back pain
Blood in your urine
Cloudy urine
Congestive heart failure
Dark-coloured urine
Difficult, frequent, or painful urination
Edema or bloating
Frequent chills, fevers, or nausea
High blood pressure
Kidney or bladder cancer
Kidney stones
Puffiness around the eyes
Swollen fingers, ankles, legs, etc.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your kidneys and urinary tract could use further detoxifi cation.
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Eat for Clean Kidneys and Urinary Tract
Since the kidneys work to balance the acidity and alkalinity in your body, it is imperative to lighten the acid load by improving your diet. You will want to eat a diet rich in alkaline foods such as fresh raw fruits and raw or cooked vegetables. Cooked fruit becomes acidic and should be avoided while cleansing the urinary tract.
All the kidney’s jobs require enough water. The most common type of stress that the kidneys face is dehydration due to lack of water intake. If you do not drink enough water, your kidneys will not be able to perform their many important functions, and your cells will become dehydrated, making virtually every function in your body less efficient. It is important to drink enough water to adequately bathe your cells in fluid to enable them to function properly. A simple way to improve kidney function is to drink large amounts of water: at least two litres per day, and more to assist with cleansing.
Kidney health depends on many factors but can be aff ected by diet, exercise, stress, cardiovascular disease, genetic weaknesses, infections, and kidney stones.
One of the best ways to assist your kidneys and urinary tract to improve their functioning is to reduce your intake of salt and increase your consumption of potassium-rich foods. A diet that is rich in nutrients, including potassium, but other minerals as well, is beneficial to the kidneys. Unfortunately, much of our produce supply is quickly losing minerals due to substandard soil and today’s agricultural practices. Research consistently proves that organic fruits and vegetables contain substantially greater quantities of vitamins and minerals than their conventional counterparts. Opt for organic produce wherever possible.
Cranberries and cranberry juice are powerful cleansers of the kidneys and urinary tract. Cranberries contain a substance called arbutin, which pulls excess fluid from your tissues to be eliminated
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through your kidneys.1 In addition, cranberries and their juice help break down the fatty deposits in the lymphatic system that lead to cellulite. It improves the cleansing ability of the body’s tissues. I have included cranberry juice in this chapter, but you will fi nd that it is continued through Phase 2 of the program,“Targeting Your Lymphatic System and Cellulite” as well.
Herbs for Deep Cleansing Your Kidneys and Urinary Tract
Herbs that increase the flow of urine are beneficial to the kidneys and urinary tract. Some of the best herbs for this purpose include dandelion, cleavers, boldo, buchu, couchgrass, bearberry, birch, celery seed, juniper, and one of my favourites, yarrow.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion has a bad reputation as nothing more than a pesky weed. Like most other weeds that people regard as a mere nuisance, it has scientifically proven medicinal properties. We spend billions, if not trillions, of dollars searching for the one little miracle pill that will cure what ails us, while Mother Nature has provided medicine right beneath our noses. If we’d only stop whining about the “weeds” we have to deal with and start cultivating these powerful healing herbs, we’d be much healthier. I am not suggesting that you start eating dandelions off your lawn, although it is something that is possible with a little knowledge and the assurance of an organic lawn.
An Arabian doctor first recorded dandelion’s curative properties in the tenth century. Dandelion was once called “piddley bed” because of its ability to increase urine fl ow. The French have a less tactful name for the plant as well. It is called “pissenlit.” For those of you who don’t speak any French, I’ll let you know that“en lit” means “in bed.” I’ll leave you to figure out the rest.
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Dandelion is one of the best detoxification and healing herbs. Th e leaves tend to be best for cleansing the kidneys, but the root can be used as well.You will learn more about dandelion root below, since it is beneficial for the liver. Unlike pharmaceutical diuretics that can cause mineral depletion and, ultimately, dehydration, dandelion comes with a high supply of potassium and calcium to help prevent this problem. Dandelion is also packed with protein, healthy sugars, vitamins A and C, iron, and other minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. Use one teaspoon of the dried leaves per cup of water to make an infusion. Drink one cup, three times daily. If you have gallstones or obstructed bile ducts, consult a holistic physician before using dandelion.
Cleavers (also known as Goosegrass or Grip Grass)
Don’t be alarmed by the name of this herb—it is actually an amazing herb for the kidneys. It helps the kidneys eliminate toxins and waste fluids, thereby draining excess toxins and fluid from the tissues. For cleavers tea, use two to three teaspoons of the dried herb per cup of water. Drink one cup three times daily. Alternatively use a half to one teaspoon of tincture three times per day. Avoid using cleavers if you suffer from diabetes or have diabetic tendencies.
Boldo (Peumus boldo)
This unusual-sounding herb helps deal with excess fluid in the tissues by strengthening the kidney’s ability to eliminate toxins. Boldo also helps with urinary tract infections such as cystitis. If you are prone to these types of infections, or are uncertain whether an older infection ever healed fully, then boldo is one of the herbs of choice. While cleansing the urinary tract, it also helps to soothe mucous membranes that line the bladder and urethra. Make an infusion from one teaspoon of dried leaves to one cup of boiling water. Let sit for five to ten minutes. Drink one cup, three times per day. Alternatively, take 1/4 teaspoon of the tincture three times daily.
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Buchu (Agathosma betulina)
Buchu is a fabulous herb for the kidneys. It helps increase urinary fl ow, thereby helping the kidneys to eliminate toxins. It also helps with urinary tract infections. Its main use is for the kidneys and urinary tract, unlike many other herbs that also tend to work on different parts of the body.As a result, it is beneficial for conditions such as cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, and burning and painful urination. Use one teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water. Drink one cup three times daily.
Couchgrass (Agropyron repens)
This is not the grass that grows beneath the feet of couch potatoes. This cleansing and healing herb is also helpful for many inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract, including cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, prostate hypertrophy, and kidney stones and gravel. Like dandelion, it is rich in potassium. Allow two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for twenty minutes. Strain. Drink one cup three times per day. Alternatively, take 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons of tincture twice daily.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva ursi)
Bearberry helps primarily with infections and kidney stones or gravel, but it is also helpful with vaginal infections and vaginitis. It is an excellent kidney and urinary tract cleanser, particularly if there is inflammation in these areas. Consult an herbalist before using this herb in combination with others. Avoid large doses, which can lead to nausea or vomiting. For an infusion, use one teaspoon of the dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to sit for twenty minutes. Drink one cup, three times daily.
Birch (Betula pendula, also known as Silver Birch)
In addition to helping with urinary tract infections, birch leaves and bark are good for reducing fluid retention in the body, and for
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rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to remove excess fl uid from the body’s tissues and eases pain. For an infusion, use one to two teaspoons of the dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to sit for twenty minutes. Drink one cup, three times daily. Alternatively, take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the tincture three times per day.
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Not only do celery seeds provide excellent assistance with urinary tract cleansing and infections, but James Duke, author of Th e Green Pharmacy, found more than twenty anti-infl ammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds, including a substance called apigenin, which is powerful in its anti-inflammatory action. Incidentally, Hildegard von Bingen, a writer, scientist, musician, nun, and visionary, wrote about celery’s anti-inflammatory properties over nine hundred years ago.
In addition to taking celery seeds as a herbal supplement or in herb teas, you can also cook with them. Simply add them to soups and stews or use them as a salt substitute in many recipes. One of my favourite appetizers is celery bread. See Chapter 13: Th e Ultimate Body Detox Plan Recipes.
Celery seeds have a slightly salty taste like celery but don’t let their good taste fool you. They are potent medicine. Th ey help with arthritis, rheumatism, and gout while cleansing the kidneys and helping to alleviate infections. Use one to two teaspoons of freshly crushed celery seeds per cup of boiling water to make a tea that not only helps with cleansing the urinary tract but also helps normalize high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, ease the pain of gout and arthritis, and alleviate bloating during menstruation.
Avoid eating or taking celery seeds while pregnant.
Juniper ( Juniperus, various species)
Juniper berries are mildly cleansing and restorative of the kidneys. The other herbs mentioned above are certainly more powerful, but
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juniper is also effective for arthritis and rheumatism as well as generalized muscular and joint pain. Be sure to work with an herbalist if you choose to use this herb because the berries can be toxic in large amounts. Avoid using juniper berries if you are pregnant or have any inflammatory disorder of the kidneys. Use one teaspoon of dried juniper berries per cup of boiling water. Allow to infuse for at least ten minutes. Drink one cup, three times daily. Alternatively, take one teaspoon of tincture, three times daily or take as directed on the package.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
The leaves, stems, and flowers of this plant make an eff ective remedy for cleansing the kidneys, while promoting cleansing of the skin through perspiration, helping to regulate high blood pressure, and improving immune system function. I always go wildcrafting (to collect herbs in the wilderness or other areas they are found) to collect wild yarrow during the summer months to dry and store for use throughout the year. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of boiling water. Drink one cup three times per day.
Energy Exercises to Supercharge Your Kidney Cleansing
As you learned in Chapter 6, there are points along energy pathways called acupressure points that can be used for healing the body. To supercharge your kidney cleansing efforts, Donna Eden and David Feinstein, the authors of Energy Medicine, recommend the following acupressure points. Use the points for the kidneys and the bladder to help detoxify the whole urinary tract.
Apply firm pressure to the following points. Hold each point for a minute or two. You can work on both sides simultaneously. For example, Kidney 1 is located in a slight depression beneath the balls of both feet, described below. You can apply pressure to this
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point on both feet at the same time. There are two sets of points for each organ. The exercise is most effective if you apply pressure to the points in the order I give them below.
If you are pregnant, avoid using the point Stomach 36 and consult an acupuncturist before proceeding with acupressure.
..............................................................................................................Figure 8.1 Kidney acupressure points & urinary bladder acupressure points
For the kidneys, use the following points:
• Liver 1 (Liv 1) is located on the edge of the big toe near the bottom corner of the toenail, on the edge near the second toe. • Kidney 1 (K 1) is located on the base of the ball of the foot. This point is found in a slight depression. Th en:
• Spleen 3 (Sp 3) is located on the inside of the foot, at the base of the protrusion behind the big toe. • Kidney 5 (K 5) is located just behind the ankle bone, on the inside of the foot. Chapter .: Targeting the Kidneys and Intestines ...
For the bladder, use the following points:
• Gallbladder 41 (GB 41) is located on the top of the foot toward the outside edge, about an inch and a half above the fourth toe (the toe nearest the little toe). • Urinary Bladder 65 (UB 65) is located on the outside edge of the foot, about an inch below the base of the little toe. Th en:
• Stomach 36 (St 36) is located in the space where the two lower leg bones meet just below and to the outer edge of the kneecap. • Urinary Bladder 54 (UB 54) is located toward the outside edge of the base of the knee. YOUR INTESTINAL TRACT You are what you eat, according to the old adage. But, I think “you are what you digest, assimilate, and absorb” is an important addition to the saying. After all, what you eat, digest, assimilate, and absorb will become the building blocks of every cell in your body.
Digestion 1012
I discussed digestion earlier, but it’s important to review it here. Digestion begins in the mouth. The act of chewing stimulates the digestive juices, both in the mouth as well as lower in the digestive tract. The saliva in the mouth contains an enzyme called amylase that starts the digestion of starchy foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, and bread.Your mother may have told you to“chew your food well”—she was right. Foods need time to mingle with this enzyme to be properly broken down. If you gulp your food down quickly, you are missing a vital stage of the digestion process.
Once you swallow, the food travels down a tube called the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach secretes a powerful acid that starts the digestion of protein-based foods such as meat, fish, legumes,
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dairy products, nuts, and seeds. This acid is so powerful that it would burn a hole through your skin if it were located anywhere but the stomach. The stomach contains a thick coat of mucus that acts as a barrier.
After food leaves the stomach, it passes into the small intestine. The intestinal tract is one of the most important detox systems in the body. The approximately twenty-two-foot-long small intestine aids with food digestion. It also allows nutrients and water to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The small intestine also produces some digestive enzymes: peptidase breaks down protein, maltase breaks down maltose (a form of sugar), and sucrase breaks down sucrose (another form of sugar). Some people’s intestines also secrete lactase to break down lactose (milk sugar). The pancreas secretes many enzymes into the small intestine to aid in the digestive process. The gall bladder secretes bile—a digestive juice produced by the liver—into the small intestines to assist with fat digestion. Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the small intestine.
Then the remaining food is passed down to the large intestine. At this point, the waste matter is mostly liquid. The large intestine, which is about five feet long and two and a half inches across, does not digest food. Instead it absorbs substances such as vitamins B1, B2, B12, and K, produced by healthy bacteria found in undigested waste matter. Th e large intestine also helps maintain the body’s fluid balance by absorbing about 90 percent of the water in undigested waste.
The food molecules that are absorbed into the blood through the intestinal walls are transferred to the liver by the bloodstream. There, some food molecules are broken down further while others are converted into fuel that can be stored by the body.
Toxins move from the blood into the intestines, where they are detoxified, eliminated, or reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Toxins are also sent to the liver for detoxifi cation. The remaining waste product of the food, which can contain some toxins, is then eliminated.
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The average person’s low-fibre, low-water, high-protein, high-sugar, and high-fat diet disrupts the natural processes in the intestines. Lack of fibre in the diet results in inadequate bulk to push digested food through the intestines. Low water also delays the process and disrupts the natural fluid balance in the body. High amounts of protein create acidity in the intestines that allow harmful bacteria to overgrow. Excess sugar can cause harmful bacteria or fungi to overgrow in the intestines, preventing healthy bacteria from producing the nutrients the body needs. When harmful bacteria or fungi overgrow, health can be negatively aff ected.
Inefficient elimination allows toxins to back up and be absorbed through the walls of the intestines into the blood, where they can cause problems. Toxin reabsorption can also occur when you avoid Nature’s call. When you feel like you have to use the bathroom, go immediately. Do not wait. Many experts believe that holding back the urge to have a bowel movement is linked with cellulite, in addition to many dangerous toxins being absorbed into your bloodstream.
Many studies show the link between intestinal toxicity and health problems. The medical journal Th e Lancet reported a study that showed the link between poor intestinal health and breast disease. Out of 1,500 women, the study found less breast disease in those who had daily bowel movements. The women who had two or fewer bowel movements per week had four times the likelihood of breast disease.3
Another study reported in the American Journal of Public Health of over 7,000 women found an increased incidence of breast cancer in women who experienced constipation, infrequent bowel movements, or hard stools.4
Ancient Egyptians also understood the importance of intestinal health on overall health. They had seven levels of doctors. Th e highest level was the doctor who was reserved for royalty in Egypt. Only a physician who specialized in intestinal health could hold the position of top doctor. The title for the prestigious position translates as “The Guardian of the Royal Ass.”5
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Intestinal Stress Quiz
Do you suffer from any of the following?6 Acne Allergies Anxiety Appendicitis Autoimmune disorders Back pain Bladder or vaginal infections Brain fog (lack of mental clarity) Breast cancer Breast tenderness Brittle nails or hair Cancer Candida albicans overgrowth Chronic fatigue syndrome Coated tongue Colon cancer Constipation Crohn’s disease Depression Diarrhea Diverticulosis Earaches Eczema or psoriasis Fatigue Fibromyalgia Flatulence Food sensitivities Frequent sore throats Headaches or migraines High cholesterol Infections
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Insomnia
Intestinal polyps
Irritability
Irritable bowel syndrome
Mood swings
Muscle or joint pain
Nausea and bloating
Premenstrual syndrome
Protruding abdomen
Recurrent fevers
Sinus problems
Skin problems
Unpleasant breath or body odour
Vaginitis
Eat for a Clean Intestinal Tract7
Before we delve into the factors that help ensure a clean intestinal tract, let’s look at some of the causes of poor digestion. Once we have a better idea about the factors that contribute to poor digestion, we can work to improve digestion. Once digestion is improved, we have eliminated half the battle for a clean intestinal tract.
Failure to chew food properly is a major contributor to poor digestion and a backed-up intestinal system. This is usually the result of eating too quickly or on the run. Because the rest of the digestive system depends on food being properly chewed, inadequate chewing may result in indigestion or other uncomfortable symptoms later. So the first step to a cleaner intestinal tract is to chew your food well.
Drinking large amounts of fluids with meals (drinking too much at mealtimes) dilutes the digestive secretions and enzymes, thereby reducing their efficiency. In addition, a mechanism in the stomach tells it when to move food onward in the digestive tract. When food has been adequately broken down by the acid medium in the
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stomach, the stomach becomes slightly less acidic. This is a signal the body uses to inform the stomach that its job is done. Drinking with meals can improperly trick the stomach into thinking it has finished digestion because the fluids dilute the acid. This makes the stomach dump the food prematurely into the small intestines. Th e small intestines cannot perform the work of the stomach. Only the stomach can do the stomach’s work, so avoid drinking at mealtimes. If you have supplements to take with food, drink only enough to help swallow them. It is better to drink one-half hour before or one to two hours after meals.
Conversely, not drinking enough water between meals can result in inadequate water in the intestines, which means hard stools that are difficult to pass and a slow transit time in the intestines. Toxins can get backed up and be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Caff einated beverages dehydrate the body so it is imperative to drink an additional two cups of water for every cup of a caff einated beverage. Drink plenty of pure water between meals.
The digestive system was not designed for many of the heavy and complex meals we eat. The larger the meal, the less likely the body can digest it properly. Also, having complex meals made up of many different ingredients can be too difficult for the body’s enzymes to adequately handle. Consider what you may have learned in high school chemistry. Because proteins require an acid medium and carbohydrates (starches) require an alkaline medium for digestion, mixing the two can neutralize the digestive juices required for each. The result: inadequate digestion. Eat small meals and occasional snacks to avoid overloading the digestive tract.
Emotional or mental stress impairs the function of the digestive system. That is why it is best not to eat when you are upset. Avoid eating while you are very stressed.
Because digestive processes slow down in the later part of the day, eating late can mean that the body does not adequately digest meals.
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Some of the main problems with eating late include weight gain, gas, heartburn, indigestion, and bloating. Avoid eating for two to three hours before bedtime and avoid heavy meals late in the day.
As we age, we tend to produce fewer digestive enzymes and less hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This inadequacy results in improper digestion or digestive problems, along with other health concerns such as allergies, flatulence, weight gain, and nutrient defi ciencies. At least half of your meal should be raw. This is quite easy to accomplish when you eat a large raw salad with both lunch and dinner.
Eating foods devoid of enzymes (all cooked foods, canned foods, fried foods, packaged foods, fast foods, basically, anything that is not raw) can cause incomplete digestion and depletion of your body’s own internal digestive enzymes. Incomplete digestion can cause foods to decay, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition to eating a high amount of raw foods, you can also take a digestive enzyme with every meal, particularly with any meals that contain cooked food.
Include foods that contain essential fatty acids in your daily diet. These foods, such as cold-pressed flax oil and extra-virgin olive oil, help lubricate your intestinal tract.
Eating refined, processed, fried, salted, or packaged foods can cause constipation. Foods that are made with white sugar, white flour, excess salt, unhealthy fats, and synthetic chemicals are basically “empty foods” that cause you to feel full without providing the fi bre, water, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other nutrients your body needs. The result is constipation and malnourishment. Avoid these empty foods while you are doing an intestinal cleanse.
Eating excessive animal products, all of which are devoid of fi bre, can also make you feel full without providing adequate fi bre. Th ese animal products include beef, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy products, and others. During your cleanse, refrain from eating meat, dairy, and all animal products.
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I have mentioned constipation and how it contributes to disease. But what exactly constitutes constipation? Ideally, you should have two to three large bowel movements per day. I am sure many people will balk at the idea of having this many bowel movements. We live in a chronically constipated society, based on unhealthy eating habits. Bear with me while I delve further into a topic that is uncomfortable for many people. It is important to understand this topic better since it is so critical to good health.Your stools should be well-formed, large, and slightly soft. Hard, small, or misshapen bowel movements suggest that you need to put more effort into cleansing the intestines, as well as eating a high-fibre, high-nutrient, and high-water diet.
Harmful bacteria overgrowth in the intestines impedes the healthy flora that are needed there to ensure you properly absorb the nutrients in your food. As many as four hundred diff erent strains of bacteria can inhabit the intestines. There can be 100 trillion microorganisms living in your intestines. Ideally, the ratio should be approximately 85 percent good bacteria to 15 percent pathogenic bacteria.8 For many people, the ratio is the opposite. Th is incorrect balance between good and pathogenic bacteria is referred to as dysbiosis. Eating a diet high in sugar and animal protein is one reason for the imbalance. Taking antibiotics for various health concerns also causes the harmful pathogens to become stronger and more resistant, and they become harder to eliminate. It is important to deal with any problems with bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
At least 150 species of yeasts are known as candida, but one particular one that frequently tends to become overgrown in the intestines is Candida albicans. The condition is referred to as candidiasis. Candida releases over eighty known toxins. Th ese toxins weaken the defences of the body and can cause the mucous membranes of the gut to leak, allowing undigested protein molecules to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This, in turn, can result in allergic reactions and food and chemical sensitivities.
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Taking a nutritional supplement of beneficial bacteria known as probiotics is helpful for cleansing the intestines and dealing with candida. Regardless of whether you suspect candida overgrowth, you would likely benefit from a probiotic supplement. The main strains of beneficial bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifi dobacterium bifi dum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus plantarum. You will sometimes see “lactobacillus” listed on the label of a nutritional supplement as“L.” For example,“L. bifi dum.”
Many factors lead to candida overgrowth, including the following:9
Alcohol intake (wine, beer, champagne, etc.)
Antibiotics
Birth control pills
Blood sugar imbalances
Consumption of foods that contain antibiotics and hormones
(meat, chicken, dairy products)
Excessive sugar intake
High bread, wheat, or yeast consumption
Immunosuppressive drugs
(steroids, cortisone, etc.)
Mercury amalgam dental fillings
Multiple sexual partners
Nutritional defi ciencies
Poor diet
Recreational drug use
Stress
Toxic exposures, especially to mold
Weakened immunity
Studies in rats found that candida stimulates histamine production.10 Histamine is a substance in the body that is released typically
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in response to an allergen. This research indicates that candida overgrowth may be an underlying factor in some allergic reactions. Some experts estimate that 80 percent of people with multiple allergies have candida overgrowth.
Candida also produces hormone-like substances that interfere with normal hormone production.11 These hormone-like substances can disrupt the body’s normal hormone balance, particularly in women.
A diet deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids weakens the immune system and can lead to candida overgrowth.
Although the intestines are the primary site for candida overgrowth, candida can spread throughout the body. Cleansing the intestines and following a nutritional program that starves candida is the best way to deal with this insidious pathogen. To help you determine whether candida may be a problem for you, take the following Candida Quiz.
Candida Quiz
There are many symptoms of yeast overgrowth. Do you suff er from any of the following?12
Acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, or hives Allergies Anal, vaginal or jock itch Anemia Anxiety Asthma Athlete’s foot Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Autism Bloating and flatulence
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Body odour or bad breath
Brain fog or memory lapses
Chemical sensitivities
Constipation or diarrhea
Cravings for sweets, bread, or alcohol
Crohn’s disease
Depression
Difficulty gaining or losing weight
Diminished libido
Fatigue that sleep doesn’t help
Fibromyalgia
Food sensitivities
Headaches, especially frequent
Heartburn
Hormonal imbalances
Hypoglycemia
Immune dysfunction
Indecisiveness
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Joint or muscle aches
Lack of concentration
Mood swings or irritability
Nasal congestion
Premenstrual syndrome
Recurrent bladder, sinus, vaginal yeast, or respiratory infections
Th yroid conditions
Unexplained weight changes
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suff ering from candida overgrowth and might benefit from the intestinal cleansing suggestions above as well as the candida cleansing suggestions below.
... The .-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan
Candida Cleansing
If you are trying to rebalance your intestinal flora to eliminate a candida overgrowth, follow the numerous dietary and nutritional suggestions above, as well as the following ones.
Refrain from eating sugar, foods with yeast, and alcohol. Th at includes all sweets, breads made with yeast, and alcoholic beverages, especially wine and beer. Also, avoid dairy products (especially cheeses). Refrain from eating foods that typically have molds or yeasts present on them, including peanuts and all types of vinegar except apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar actually helps kill candida bacteria.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, both steamed and raw.
Eat some high-protein foods at each meal. Th at includes beans and legumes, soy milk, organic eggs, and tofu.
Eat foods such as garlic, onions, scallions, and horseradish, all of which destroy harmful yeasts and parasites. Season your food with herbs that have similar effects, including basil, dill, oregano, and ginger.
Choose anti-parasitic herbs from those mentioned below to help reduce candida overgrowth in the intestines.
Clean Up Your Intestines
It is virtually impossible to have a well-functioning intestinal tract without doing exercise. Movement is critical to help the intestines keep digested food moving through your body. Exercise also keeps the abdominal muscles healthy and toned. Walking, yoga, rebounding, hiking, climbing stairs, dancing, gardening, and many other forms of exercise help keep you regular and your intestines cleansed. Exercise for at least thirty minutes a day, fi ve days a week.
Magnesium (the mineral) is one of nature’s best natural and gentle laxatives. It adds water to the stool to assist with its easy elimination from the body.13 Eat foods that are high in magnesium,
Chapter .: Targeting the Kidneys and Intestines ...
such as apples, figs, peaches, kale, chard, celery, beet greens, brown rice, sesame seeds, sunfl ower seeds, almonds, and soybeans. In addition, take 400 milligrams of magnesium per day to supplement your diet.
Herbs for Deep Cleansing Your Intestinal Tract
Many herbs promote intestinal cleansing and the elimination of toxins and built-up fecal matter; however, not all herbs are suitable for taking for long periods of time. Some people take herbs such as senna and cascara sagrada, which are incredibly powerful and may be beneficial for acute problems but they are too aggressive for cleansing the bowels over the long term or for people whose bodies are more sensitive. I have selected herbs that are also powerful, but lack the harsh action of senna and cascara sagrada. Th e following ones are assertive without being aggressive.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice acts as a natural stimulant to the colon.14 Aloe vera has been used for over four thousand years for its ability to heal digestive tract ailments such as ulcers, dysentery, and kidney infections. It is full of amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll, essential oils, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that are benefi cial.
Aloe vera is known among herbalists as having antibacterial, antiviral, pain-killing, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, and cleansing properties. It also helps dilate capillaries and enhances normal cell growth, making it helpful for diseases such as arteriosclerosis and cancer.
Drink a quartercup of aloe vera juice, twice a day. Note that aloe vera juice is not the same as the gel, which tends to be more concentrated. Avoid using “aloes” or “aloe latex” since its strong purgative action can be too harsh on the intestinal tract and result in severe cramping or diarrhea. Avoid taking aloe vera juice during pregnancy and lactation.
... The .-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan
Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra)
Slippery elm bark soothes the lining of the intestines and helps minimize gas and bloating. For centuries it has been used as an expectorant and emollient. It is also high in mucilage,15 thereby offering a protective coating to the digestive tract to help heal infl amed mucous membranes. It is helpful for disorders such as ulcers, gastritis, peptic ulcers, enteritis, colitis, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Make a decoction of slippery elm bark using two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Drink one cup, three times daily. Alternatively, take one teaspoon of the tincture, three times daily. If you are prone to allergies, be cautious while using slippery elm bark.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea offi cinalis)
Marshmallow root helps pull excess mucus from the respiratory tract, soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It helps to gently eliminate waste material from the intestines. Boil one teaspoon of dried marshmallow root per cup of water for ten to fi fteen minutes. Drink one cup, three times daily.
Rhubarb Root (Rheum officinale)
Long used by the Chinese, rhubarb root has numerous medicinal properties. It alleviates diarrhea, reduces stomach and intestinal discomfort, and promotes menstruation. It also helps loosen old fecal matter from the intestines. Boil half a teaspoon of dried root per cup of water for ten minutes. Take one tablespoon at a time, up to one cup daily. Alternatively, take quarter a teaspoon of tincture daily.
Acupressure for Intestinal Cleansing
Acupressure helps improve the flow of energy for intestinal cleansing. When I asked Donna Eden and David Feinstein, two of the foremost energy medicine experts, for the energy exercise they most
Chapter .: Targeting the Kidneys and Intestines ...
recommend for intestinal cleansing, they recommended the following points. Apply firm pressure to the point and hold each point for a minute or two. You can work on both sides at the same time. For example, Stomach 36 is located below the lower and outer edges of both kneecaps. You can apply pressure to both points at the same time. To help you find the points, I have included a drawing that follows. There are two sets for each organ. The exercise is most effective if you follow the order in which they appear. Avoid Stomach 36 if you are pregnant.
Small Intestine Acupressure Points
• Small Intestine 8(SI 8) is located just below the elbow on the back of the arm. • Stomach 36 (St 36) is located in the space where the two lower leg bones meet just below and to the outer edge of the kneecap. Th en:
• Small Intestine 2 (SI 2) is located on the top of the hand about an inch above the meeting point of the ring and little fingers. • Urinary Bladder 66 (UB 66) is located on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the little toe. Large Intestine Acupressure Points:
• Large Intestine 2 (LI 2) is located at the level of the base of the forefinger on the top of back of the hand. • Urinary Bladder 66 (UB 66) is located at the base of the little toe where there is a change in skin colour.Th en:
• Large Intestine 5 (LI 5) is located in the depression found on the thumb side of the wrist. • Small Intestine 5 (SI 5) is located on the top of the hand at the level of the wrist, on the little finger side. ... The .-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan
You are what you eat, digest, absorb, and assimilate. By improving your digestion and cleansing your kidneys and intestinal tracts, you’ll be making big strides toward improving your overall health. Your body will thank you in the form of fewer problems with digestion, greater energy, weight normalization, and better health.
..............................................................................Figure 8.2 Small intestine and large intestine accupressure points.
In this chapter you learned
• The importance of the kidneys, urinary tract, and intestines to good health • The symptoms you may be suffering indicate that the kidneys, urinary tract, and intestines may need cleansing • How to cleanse the kidneys, urinary tract and intestines using food, herbs, and energy medicine Chapter .: Targeting the Kidneys and Intestines ...