PHASE TWO
DETOX YOUR BODY

CLEANSE AND SWEEP

As your gut lining starts to heal you can begin to detox your body further. Remember that during the four-week elemental diet you’re still detoxing your body through the foods you’re eating, particularly if you’re also having adequate amounts of water. You can start further detoxing on week two of the four-week protocol if you feel up to it, or wait until you feel ready. The elemental diet also detoxifies the body, so you don’t have to be concerned that you’re not doing all you can – small steps are better than big ones. It’s taken years for your condition to arise, so healing, especially natural healing, takes time, and having patience is important. Another factor in waiting to start phase two at least two weeks into the four-week elemental diet is that once you’ve improved your digestion, this will greatly improve your detoxification capabilities.

The increase of symptoms we feel when embarking on a detox program is often known as a detox reaction or a Herxheimer reaction. These reactions occur when the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate than they can be properly disposed of. Often you may feel worse, with additional flu-like symptoms and headaches, and conclude that the treatment isn’t working. Yet these reactions are in fact signs that your body is beginning the process of cleansing itself of impurities, toxins and imbalances. The increased reactions are temporary and can occur immediately or within several days or weeks. In some cases, the symptoms can be identical to the health issues you may be experiencing, so it can be really confusing.

The type of detox reaction you’ll experience will depend on your level of health or the severity of your present health condition. As old bacteria die off and are replaced by new healthy tissue, the toxins within the bacteria (endotoxins) are released into the body. The more severe the initial state of your body, the more bacteria are present. With larger quantities of bacteria come an increased number of endotoxins and hence a stronger cleansing reaction. This is when it’s really important to rest and try to help the detox process along.

Another hydrator and detoxer to include in your morning routine is lemon juice in warm water. It’s a good digestive aid and can alleviate symptoms of indigestion, stomach pain and bloating because the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently, thus controlling constipation and diarrhea. Lemon has strong antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting powers, and is an effective liver cleanser. Lemons contain natural citric acid, calcium, magnesium, copper, folic acid, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin C and bioflavonoids to promote immunity and fight infection; the juice also makes a useful gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers. They are a very good source of dietary fiber, which helps promote good gut bacteria. Make sure you’re including your daily warm water and lemon to help the detox process along. To stimulate your adrenal glands, you can add a pinch of Celtic sea salt to your morning drink.

Dry skin brushing has many benefits. It:

* aids digestion and kidney function

* promotes cell renewal and rejuvenation

* encourages your body to discharge metabolic wastes

* stimulates acupressure points

* helps your skin absorb nutrients

* strengthens the immune system

* promotes muscle tone and even distribution of fat deposits

* removes dead skin cells and outer impurities

* stimulates and increases blood circulation

* assists the eliminative capacity of your body’s organs.

It’s time for a dose of self-care and nourishment so that you can preserve your most valuable resource: you! To begin, set your intention to heal and then just trust your gut.

Sometimes the most productive thing to do is give yourself a rest and indulge in the joy of missing out. I know it’s difficult when you have family, a job and responsibilities, but being a rebel can have its rewards. Begin by setting a few new ground rules that can help you to preserve your energy. This will enable you to recharge and rejuvenate. Make a conscious effort to switch off from your computer, devices and screens and take time off. Rest is essential for your wellbeing, and helps you fast-track your gut healing.

In Ayurvedic practices there are two oil-pulling techniques, kavala and gandusa. When you are practising kavala, you fill your mouth with liquid then close your mouth and hold the liquid there for a couple of minutes. After this, you begin to swirl the liquid around the mouth, then spit it out. The process shouldn’t exceed more than three or four minutes and it is repeated two or three times. Gandusa is a different technique whereby you hold the liquid still in the mouth for three to five minutes and do not swish it around. You then spit the liquid out and repeat the process.

To oil pull with coconut oil, simply place 1 tablespoon (20 ml) extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil in your mouth upon rising. It’s best done on an empty stomach and before you’ve consumed any liquids. Swish the oil around your mouth for 10–20 minutes before spitting out.

Never swallow the oil, which will be full of bacteria. Brush your teeth thoroughly afterward, to remove any excess oil. It’s best to buy a specific toothbrush for oil pulling, and wash it thoroughly using 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to prevent bad bacteria building up.

Including this simple ritual in your day will provide other benefits, including whiter teeth, clearer skin, healthier gums, fresher breath, clearer sinuses, for women better regulated menstrual cycles, an improved lymphatic system, better sleep and increased energy. It’s a terrific, simple practice that will provide immense health benefits. It’s well worth the swish!

Saltwater flushes and enemas can also aid your body in detoxification.

When healing myself I used natural garlic only, as I was staying away from supplements, but if you prefer you can use any of them to help the process. The most powerful ones are olive leaf extract and oil of oregano. They both taste extremely bitter and aren’t very palatable, but if you’re going to take them, follow your naturopath’s directions and start with really small amounts.

It’s important to remember with any antibiotic therapy to follow up with probiotics to repopulate the gut. If you don’t want to use fresh garlic, then taking it in capsule form (odorless) is okay. Some people are susceptible to bloating and gas when consuming garlic, so your choice of natural antibiotic needs to be a personal one. I ate garlic raw every day and it really helped with my symptoms. It’s extremely effective against yeast, fungal and viral infections.

During phase two of my healing I included a natural cleansing formula called diatomaceous earth. As many gut issues can be traced back to an unclean and inefficient digestive tract, I used diatomaceous earth to help clean out the accumulated build-up of waste, toxins, heavy metals and mucus in my digestive tract. It’s also antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-parasitic. Food-grade diatomaceous earth can be purchased online.

Once my digestive system was cleaned, I noticed I had better digestion and waste removal, and increased nutrient absorption. As mentioned earlier, 70–80 percent of your immune system is located inside your digestive system, and a clean digestive tract helps the immune system work more efficiently. Importantly, the process of regularly and gently cleaning your pipes is a better option than constant dramatic colon purges and enemas.

Your digestive tract is like your teeth, in that plaque and waste continually build up there, so it’s beneficial to “sweep away” these impurities on a daily basis and keep your colon toned, clean and efficient.

One of the most important vitamins to include when detoxing is vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body break down toxins, allowing them to be flushed out of the body. A diet high in vitamin C-rich foods also works to stabilize free radicals, lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

As I was detoxing, I included a Supercharged Shake to help me with vitamin and mineral deficiencies on the days I felt exhausted and depleted. I created this fortifying shake because it not only delivers vitamins and minerals, but also recharges your immune system. I used non-synthetic powders and included calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, dairy-free probiotic powder (see opposite) and vitamin C. The best time to have this shake is at breakfast. Combining it with good fats, such as a tablespoon of coconut oil, will help your body absorb the nutrients faster. I wouldn’t recommend having it every day, but it’s good to consume three times a week when you’re healing.

Along with the Supercharged Shake, I took krill oil about three times a week; it’s a potent anti-inflammatory and I used it to help my arthritic symptoms and boost my immune system. When I was healing, however, I preferred to stick to food and keep my supplements at a very low level.

Many of the gut programs you’ll see include endless lists of supplements that aren’t always necessary, don’t take the individual into account and are also expensive. By following my simple protocol and doing things naturally, you’ll be taking things slowly and not overwhelming your body with synthetic supplements. If you do, however, decide to take supplements, it’s good to ensure they’re non-synthetic and contain no additives or sugars, and that you speak with your healthcare provider about dosages and timings.

Some of the optional vitamins and minerals that support gut and autoimmune health, which you could look into to relieve your individual symptoms, are:

* VITAMIN A: This plays a key role in supporting immune and inflammatory functions in the digestive tract, which is made up of mucosal tissues. These tissues secrete compounds that aid digestion. Vitamin A nourishes your mucosal tissues, helping to ensure that each organ in your digestive tract can function properly. It also aids the increased production of mucins to restore the mucosal layer of the gut lining.

* B VITAMINS: These are the most important vitamins for digestive health, as they help break down the nutrients in your food.

* VITAMIN D: Your digestive tract contains a large network of nerves that communicate to regulate your digestion. Vitamin D helps control the levels of calcium in your system so your nerve cells have access to the calcium they need to function.

* VITAMIN E: The body needs vitamin E to boost its immune system so it can fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Vitamin E also inhibits inflammation.

* VITAMIN K2: This is an important micronutrient normally produced by the healthy gut flora. People with disrupted gut flora could be deficient in K2.

* L-GLUTAMINE: This provides nutritional support for the gastrointestinal mucosa as well as supporting a healthy immune system.

* ZINC: This abundant trace element in the body is essential for growth and development, immune function, and gut health and healing.

* POTASSIUM: This element is essential for the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system to operate effectively.

* COD LIVER OIL: The vitamin A in cod liver oil helps build strong mucosal linings, particularly in the lining of your digestive tract.

* FOLIC ACID: Intestinal mucosal cells need a constant supply of folic acid (or folate), which is also necessary for iron absorption.

A TYPICAL HEALING DAY, PHASE TWO

UPON RISING: Dry skin brushing followed by a hot shower. While you’re in the shower, use extra virgin coconut oil to oil pull. There’s a step-by-step guide for dry skin brushing shown here and for oil pulling shown here.

EARLY MORNING: Enjoy a glass of hot water with lemon (see here) and add 1 teaspoon chopped raw garlic, or make your Supercharged Shake.

BREAKFAST: Have a healing juice or smoothie like my Avocado Lassi or Berry Burst Smoothie.

MID-MORNING: If you’re taking an antimicrobial or supplements, take them now.

MORNING TEA: Drink a Curative Coffee and if you’ve finished the four-week elemental phase, snack on Lemony Herb Crackers (see my website) and dips. There’s a bunch of delicious recipes that can take you from breakfast to midnight snacks on my website.

LUNCH: Enjoy some immune-boosting garlic soup.

AFTERNOON TEA: Savor an Overnight Edible Smoothie.

DINNER: If you’re still on the protocol, enjoy White Fish Soup with Saffron, Celery, Leek and Thyme Soup, Lemongrass Thai Soup, or another soup made from sautéed, steamed or roasted vegetables combined with herbs, spices and Celtic or Himalayan sea salt. Blend with bone broth (see here), vegetable stock or filtered water. For a creamier soup, blend with coconut milk. If you’re not on the protocol at this stage, enjoy an easily digestible meal, such as Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash or gluten-free Supercharged Lasagna (see my website for recipes).

NIGHT: Relax and soak in an Epsom salts bath (see here).