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"Body Pollution"
How to maintain your health and vitality
through internal cleansing
an article written by By Dr. Lynn Hardy, ND, CNC
Director of the Global
Institute For Alternative Medicine
Each year the average American consumes 150 lbs of sugar and 566 cans
of soft drinks (“liquid candy”)(1). According to the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, that is equal to “52 teaspoonfuls of added sugars per
person per day.”(2) Can you imagine yourself sitting at the kitchen
table gobbling down 52 teaspoons of white sugar – every single day?
Well, that’s exactly what most of us are doing without even realizing
it!
Why is every other American chronically ill?
Junk food consumption has increased drastically in the last few
decades. Compared to 1981, in 2001 the average American consumed in
one year: 45 large bags of potato chips - up 78%; 120 orders of French
fries - up 130%; 190 candy bars - up 80%; 120 pastries or desserts -
up 95%; 150 slices of pizza - up 143%(3)
What long-term effects may we expect from such progressive dietary
degeneration? A new movie called Super Size Me documents precisely
what physical and psychological changes take place when one consumes
too much junk food. Last February, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock decided
to become a human guinea pig by eating three meals a day for 30 days
at McDonald’s. The film centers around the impact this had on his
health and life. As reported by the New York Post on January 22, 2004.
:
“Scores of cheeseburgers, hundreds of fries and dozens of chocolate
shakes later, the formerly strapping 6-foot-2 New Yorker - who started
out at a healthy 185 pounds - had packed on 25 pounds. But his
supersized shape was the least of his problems. Within a few days of
beginning his drive-through diet, Spurlock, 33, was vomiting out the
window of his car, and doctors who examined him were shocked at how
rapidly Spurlock's entire body deteriorated.
‘It was really crazy - my body basically fell apart over the course
of 30 days,’ Spurlock told The Post. His liver became toxic, his
cholesterol shot up from a low 165 to 230, his libido flagged and he
suffered headaches and depression.” (4)
Toxins “stimulate neurons to death”
Junk foods and soft drinks contain dangerous additives, chemicals, and
many are laced with excitotoxins “found in such ingredients as
monosodium glutamate [MSG], aspartame (NutraSweet®), cysteine,
hydrolyzed protein, and aspartic acid”. Excitotoxins are “substances
added to foods and beverages that literally stimulate neurons to
death, causing brain damage of varying degrees.”(5)
No one’s put it better than nutritionist, Carol Simontacchi, in her
best-selling book The Crazy Makers: “Food industries wantonly destroy
our bodies and our brains, all in the name of profit.”
Our health has become a victim
of someone else’s profit margin
No wonder nearly
half of the U.S. population has at least one chronic
condition, and 60 million have more than one.
How to maintain health and vitality?
Understanding that our quality of life is determined by our daily
choices, we have the power to improve our health and well-being
quickly and dramatically. Optimum nutrition is a key factor, but our
health depends not only on what nutrients we eat, but how much of
those nutrients are absorbed and how well and regularly the body’s
waste products are eliminated.
“Through my 25 years in medical practice and health care
…I have come
to believe that the cleansing/detoxification process
is the missing
link in Western nutrition and one of the keys
to real healing. I have
seen hundreds of patients over the
years transform regular or
persistent illness into health
and greatly improved vitality.” –
Elson M. Haas, M.D. founder
and medical director of the Preventive
Medical Center
of Marin and author of several popular health books
With the proper use of cleansing and detoxification we can
maintain health and vitality, even as we age.
Where to start?
Any cleansing program should begin in the colon, the last portion of
the digestive system. The colon’s job is to compact the chime, absorb
water, and receive B-vitamins that are produced by healthy intestinal
bacteria. One of the most renowned nutrition experts in the world,
Dr. Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph.D., author of many popular health books,
states:
“In the 50 years I’ve spent helping people to overcome illness,
disability and disease, it has become crystal clear that poor bowel
management lies at the root of most people’s health problems. In
treating over 300,000 patients, it is the bowel that invariably has
to be cared for first before any effective healing can take place.”(6)
We could actually compare the function of the colon in our bodies to
a sewer system in a large city. Just imagine for a second what would
happen if the sewers in our area became clogged by some debris.
Undoubtedly, within a short time the whole neighborhood would be
filled with filth and an unbearable stench. This is the same process
that occurs in our bodies when the elimination system is not
functioning properly. When the colon is clean and healthy, we
experience an overall well-being. When it is congested with stagnant
waste, poisons back up into the system and pollute the inner
environment. This is called autointoxication or self-poisoning.
Signs of self-poisoning
In her best-selling book,
Internal Cleansing, Dr. Linda Berry, a chiropractor and
clinical nutritionist, summarizes the symptoms of self-poisoning.
“If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be
experiencing autointoxication (a process whereby you are poisoned by
substances produced by your own body as a result of inadequate
digestion and elimination), and therefore you might want to consider
some type of internal cleansing program:
- Allergy or intolerance to certain foods
- Bad breath and foul-smelling gas and stools
- Constipation, diarrhea, sluggish elimination, irregular bowel movements
- Frequent congestion, colds, viruses
- Flatulence or gas and frequent intestinal disorders
- Frequent headaches for no apparent reason
- General aches and pains that migrate from one place to another
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Low energy; loss of vitality for no apparent reason
- Lower back pain
- Lowered resistance to infections
- Needing to sleep a long time
- Pain in your liver or gall bladder
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast soreness, vaginal infections
- Skin problems, rashes, boils, pimples, acne
If you have severe symptoms or any serious disorders, seek the
attention of a competent health care provider. The above list is only
meant to indicate some of the symptoms of autointoxication. Anyone who
has been on a Standard American Diet for more than two years would
benefit from periodic cleansing, especially if you live in an urban
area.”(7)
Every cell of our body is affected by self-poisoning. When the toxins
accumulate in the nervous system, we feel irritable and depressed. We
feel weak if they back up into the heart, bloated if they reach the
stomach and our breath is foul if they reach the lungs. If the poisons
try to escape through our skin, rashes and blotches develop, or we look
pale and our skin appears wrinkly. If the toxins make it to the glands,
we feel fatigued, lethargic, our sex drive may cease and we appear to
look much older than our actual age.
Constipation – common sign of a toxic colon
The most common sign of a toxic colon is chronic constipation.
Constipation is commonly defined as a condition where the fecal matter
is so tightly packed together that bowel movements are infrequent and
incomplete, causing much difficulty and straining, and producing dry,
hardened feces. The accumulation of this old, hardened feces sticks to
the walls of the colon, inhibiting its proper function of absorbing the
remaining nutrients. Instead it is forced to absorb the toxins from the
build-up and fight the parasites that make this debris their breeding
ground. The passage through which the feces are forced to travel is
also greatly reduced in diameter so the stools become much narrower,
even as thin as a pencil sometimes. In our society, bowel movements of
the chronically constipated may be looked upon as normal. But going to
the bathroom once every few days, sitting there straining for half an
hour and passing black, hard pebbles that drop to the bottom is not
only abnormal, it is also serious trouble waiting to happen.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward
through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places
in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum while the condition
diverticulosis. About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have
diverticulosis. The condition becomes more common as people age. About
half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis. When the
pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is called
diverticulitis(8) The main cause of diverticular disease is a
low-fiber diet.
The role of fiber
Our widespread colon problems begin with our unhealthy Western diet
that is deficient in plant fibers. Fiber is indispensable in
maintaining a healthy colon. A person with a healthy colon should in
fact have two to three bowel movements per day. With the help of fiber,
elimination should be complete, fast and easy.
(See transit time graph.)
Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in the proper function and
maintenance of the colon. “Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet
may reduce symptoms of diverticulosis and prevent complications such
as diverticulitis. Fiber keeps stool soft and lowers pressure inside
the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. The American
Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day.” (9)
For colon cleansing it is best to use 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 colors 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.”(10)
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 caucasian 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. We need to use specific herbal formulas to deal with this
issue. Some of the most potent herbs for parasite cleansing include
Black Walnut hulls, Wormwood, Pau D’Arco, Garlic, Yellow Dock, Pumpkin
seed, Male Fern root, False Unicorn, Fenugreek, Grapefruit Seed
extract and Prickley Ash bark.
Personal experiences
To better explain what one might expect during an internal cleanse, I
will share some personal experiences of others who have already been
through it. Cleansing and detoxification played a fundamental role in
my studies to become a Naturopathic Doctor. It is also something that
I have been actively engaged in for many years. I’m sure I’m not alone
when I say, “I’ll never forget my first colon cleanse”.
(To read my personal story please click here.)
Once I completed my first cleanse, which consisted of a fiber
supplement, anti-parasite capsules and a detoxifying tea, I managed
to convince my husband to also give it a try. He ended up continuing
the program for three months and throughout this period not a day went
by without something rather “unusual” leaving his body. His stools
contained a lot of mucus, chunks of debris that resembled cooked liver,
long black twisted rope-like pieces, and the things he was most
ashamed of – parasites.
My husband’s childhood friend was also on the
program for a
couple of
weeks when interesting things started happening. He was beside himself
when he called us late one evening:
“I’ve been standing over the toilet for an hour. I can’t imagine
where these things could possibly be coming from! One is about 25
inches long, the other looks to be about 15 inches. I don’t know what
they are, but I do know that I’ve never eaten anything that resembles
these!”
He was only 33 years old at the time and for three weeks straight he
kept passing the strangest and grossest things one could imagine. If
this happens to such a young person, what “surprises” could someone
much older be harboring?
The Lochness Monster
I’ve received letters and emails from a great number of people who
have completed the same cleansing program. One of the most typical
letters came from Eva Reichert of London, Ontario, whose entire family
started detoxifying at the same time. She wrote the following:
“The first week was a little difficult. We have never drunk so much
water before. We kept asking one another about the results but there
wasn’t much to report during the first week. Then various forms of
‘creatures’ began appearing in the toilet. We are now on the 30th day
and so far each day brought on a new surprise – sometimes smaller and
other times quite large ones.
One family member reported the other day, ‘This is very strange! I’m
sure I’ve never eaten anything resembling this my whole life. The
things I did eat, I always chewed really well. And still, something
the size of my hand resembling a rubber glove came out of me.’
Another observation from a different family member, ‘At first I saw
only tiny little creatures and then a few days later the Lochness
Monster arrived!’
We are all thrilled to have completed this program… The final results
have surpassed all our expectations. In my personal opinion, if these
creatures suck away all the vitamins from us than they must be nice
and fat from all the vitamins we’ve taken. (One of us was taking six
different supplements a day, which he stopped for the duration of the
cleanse.) I’m pretty sure that we all need to continue our
detoxification since after 30 days we still see plenty of ‘surprises’.
Please accept our gratitude for this priceless program!”
More energy – better state of mind
Lack of energy is among the most common complaints today. While
fatigue can be caused by many different factors, it can also be a key
symptom of inner toxicity. Even if you’re eating a fairly healthy
diet, a toxic build-up may prevent your body from converting the
essential nutrients you consume into the energy you require. Almost
everyone who’s completed this program boasts about having increased
energy and a better state of mind. Dr. Persanyi of Ottawa, Canada
writes:
“My disposition is much better, I feel rejuvenated both physically
and mentally. The cleanse was surprisingly comfortable. I didn’t
experience any unpleasant side effects. I was able to continue on with
my work and didn’t have any sudden urges to run to the bathroom… I am
very grateful to you for writing this article about the toxins and
parasites that lurk inside our bodies. This was the first time I’ve
heard of such things, which prompted me to try the program right away.”
Here’s what Mr. Takacs of Norwalk, Ohio experienced:
“I ordered my first pack of the internal cleansing program in May
1997. I must say that the results were very surprising! I had a lot
of build-up in my bowels and I had clumps of mucus the size of my
hand leaving my body… My body has changed completely. I feel
rejuvenated, healthy and youthful. Despite being 82 years old, I ride
my bike, swim and maintain a beautiful garden. I would not have been
able to do all this without your help.”
Despite the sometimes shocking effects of this program, all of us
who’ve tried it have become big fans of internal cleansing and would
not let a year go by without repeating it. Only when we see with our
own eyes the many years of built-up debris, not to mention the
parasites, do we realize the possible serious consequences of not
eliminating these toxins. This also helps remove any doubt that
detoxifying our colon on a regular basis is an indispensable part of
maintaining our good health.
Weight Loss Is Almost Guaranteed with Internal Cleansing
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.
Other Benefits
High energy and weight loss are just some of the many benefits you
can achieve through a comprehensive cleansing program. In her
excellent book, The Detox Solution - The Missing Link to Radiant
Health, Abundant Energy, Ideal Weight, and Peace of Mind, nutritionist
Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald lists the following added benefits of an
effective detoxification program:
- The Prevention of Illness
- An Improvement in Physical Appearance
- A Boost in Emotional Well-Being
- A Sharpening of Mental Capabilities
- An Enhancement in Digestion
- The Elimination of Unhealthy Food Addictions & Allergies
- The Attainment of Ideal Weight
- A Minimizing of the Effects of Aging
- Spiritual Renewal (11)
“The secret to great health”
In my opinion, we are not going to change the catastrophic situation
where every second person is chronically ill until we place as much
emphasis on internal cleansing as we do on external hygiene, such as
brushing our teeth or washing our hands. If you are middle-aged,
you’ve taken about 15,000 showers in your lifetime, and you’ve brushed
your teeth close to 30,000 times. Still, you won’t stop doing that
just because you’ve done it so many times. Here’s an interesting
question: If you have to keep cleansing your skin and teeth daily,
then wouldn't you think it makes equal sense to clean the inside of
your body at least periodically?
Of course detoxification should not be limited to the colon. It is
just as important to detoxify the liver, kidneys, arteries, and in
general, every cell in the body. [You can read an excellent article
about this here.] But internal cleansing must start with the colon,
because if this region is kept unclean, it will contaminate every
other part of the system.
The importance of internal cleansing can best be summed up in the
words of Dr. Paul Bragg, one of the “fathers” of natural medicine in
the U.S. and the author of dozens of highly successful health books:
“The secret to great health can be described in three words: Cleanse
Your Body! Engrave these three words permanently in your memory.”
[If you’d like to read more about the specific cleansing program used
by Dr. Hardy, click here.]
Copyright © 2003 by GIFAM. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Hardy is a Naturopathic Doctor and Certified Nutrition Consultant.
Currently she is pursuing a degree in homeopathy. She is the Director
of the Global Institute For Alternative Medicine and a member of the
American Naturopathic Medical Association and the American Association
of Nutritional Consultants.
REFERENCES:
- Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH: Soft Drink “Pouring Rights”:
Marketing Empty Calories
- United States Department of Agriculture: Agriculture Fact Book
2001-2002
- Dr. Robert Osgoodby: Food For Thought
- New York Post: Arch Enemy, 01/22/2004
- Russel L. Blaylock, M.D.: Excitotoxins, The Taste that Kills;
Health Press 1997
- Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph.D.: Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel
Management, ISBN 0960836071
- Linda Berry: Internal Cleansing; Prima Publishing 1997
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, part of
the National Institutes of Health
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, part of
the National Institutes of Health
- UNICEF: The State of the World’s Children 1998
- Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald: The Detox Solution,
Illumination Press, 2001
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