Before attempting any cleanses, ask your naturopathic doctor what type of detox plan would be most suitable for you specifically. Remember no two individuals are alike neither are their bodies for that matter. Your health care provider should first assess you using scientific methods, making sure that cleanse is not overwhelming for your body and that you do indeed need a cleanse.
For general colon cleansing, its good to start with a fiber supplement designed specifically for this purpose. Good-quality supplements contain both soluble and insoluble fiber and are formulated to loosen the stool, absorb and sweep away fat and toxins, reduce transit time, and make elimination effortless and complete.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CLEANSING?
When we start using an effective fiber supplement, we can expect some startling occurrences within a few days. The fiber goes to work immediately by loosening the hardened feces on the walls of the large intestine and gradually sweeping it out of the body. If we are not repulsed to look at what’s leaving our body, we’ll be surprised to see a lot of mucus and all the different colours of debris. It’s hard to believe that all these things could actually be lurking inside us. What’s even more shocking is that among the different colors and shapes people often notice various forms of parasites.
ARE YOU CARRYING PARASITES AROUND IN YOUR BODY?
This is unfortunately a lot more frequent than most would like to believe. According to United Nations data: " Overall, about 1.5 billion people have roundworms, making it the third most common human infection in the world. Whipworm infects 1 billion people… More than 1.3 billion people carry hookworm in their gut, and 265 million people are infected with schistosomes."
It is true that most of these infections occur in developing countries, but the rate of parasitic-related disorders in North America is skyrocketing. An astounding number of people would test positive for parasites. This is from the Parasitology Department of the University of Cambridge, England: "Pinworm. An extremely common nematode infection, particularly in temperate areas such as Western Europe and North America
It has been estimated that the annual incidence of infection is over 200 million, this probably being a conservative figure. Samples of children in the USA and Canada have shown incidences of infection of 30% to 80%, with similar levels in Europe."
Humans can actually play host to more than a hundred different types of parasites, ranging from microscopic ones to tapeworms that are several feet long.
Contrary to popular belief, parasites are not restricted to our colon alone, but can be found in any other part of the body - in the lungs, the liver, in the muscles and joints, in the esophagus, the brain, the blood, the skin and even in the eyes!
"Parasites are the missing diagnosis in the genesis of many chronic health problems, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system. Most individuals would be truly amazed if they knew the extraordinarily high number of Americans who are unknowingly infected by parasites…"
– Dr. Hermann R. Bueno, Fellow of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene of London
It is extremely easy to come in contact with parasites. Contaminated water, undercooked meats, improperly washed fruits and vegetables, are just some of the common sources of infections. Transmission from pets or other infected persons is also quite common.
Overuse of antibiotics further adds to this problem as this can interfere with normal intestinal flora and lower the body’s resistance.
Fiber supplements help to get rid of parasites, but they are not enough. Specific herbal formulas are used deal with this issue, which are usually chosen once your doctor or naturopath correctly identifies what parasites you are harboring.
WEIGHT LOSS
There’s an important added benefit to internal cleansing that most people experience: weight loss. With a sluggish, toxic digestive system, metabolism slows down, the energy level drops and we’re simply not strong enough to start burning off stored fat through exercise or other means. An internal cleansing program can help restore balance in the body and increase the metabolism, reactivating the body’s fat-burning mechanism.
Plus, after a thorough detoxification program, you’ll find yourself much more inclined to make healthier dietary and lifestyle choices. Through a detoxified system, improved digestion, balanced metabolism and a healthier diet you will have no trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
Added benefits of an effective detoxification program:
1. The Prevention of Illness
2. An Improvement in Physical Appearance
3. A Boost in Emotional Well-Being
4. A Sharpening of Mental Capabilities
5. An Enhancement in Digestion and Elimination of Unhealthy Food Addictions & Allergies
6. The Attainment of Ideal Weight
7. A Minimizing of the Effects of Aging
(As with any type of treatment or therapy, you should consult with your health practitioner...)