The 30 Day Detox Protocol

The Go Green Guy | September 20, 2012 | 0 Comments

The 30 Day Detox Protocol

Go Green America TV is proud to have this Guest Post from New York Times bestselling author and digestive care expert Brenda Watson

Since most of us in today’s world lead busy, stressful lives, it is of the utmost importance to keep a cleansing program as simple as possible. There are two areas to address in beginning a cleanse: The first focuses on the cleansing of the colon, while the second targets the remaining channels of elimination – liver, blood, lymph, skin, kidneys and lungs – supporting them with herbs. This is whole body detoxification.

When the liver is overburdened with toxins, the load is passed on through blood and lymph circulation to the other organs of elimination: liver, colon, kidneys, lungs and skin. It is therefore wise to begin a general cleanse that is designed to support all of these organs simultaneously, with special emphasis on the liver. General cleanse kits are easy to use and constitute a 30-day cleansing program. Such kits should include herbs that provide support for all organs and systems of elimination. Included in an effective herbal cleansing formula would be:

Milk thistle – stimulates bile secretion, acts as an antioxidant, and strengthens the cells of the liver to protect them.
Dandelion – stimulates bile and acts as a gentle laxative.
Beet – helps reduce damaging fats in the liver.
Artichoke leaf – stimulates secretion of bile and protects cells of the liver.
Mullein, an expectorant – helps expel mucus from the lungs.
Burdock – helps purge toxins that cause skin conditions.
Corn silk – a diuretic to flush the kidneys
Red clover – a blood purifier and expectorant
Larch gum – helps the lymphatic system.

The formula should also include herbs to support the heart (hawthorne berry) and the adrenal glands (ashwaganda). It must also address colon detoxification. Among other colon cleansing herbs, it would contain aloe, rhubarb, and triphala to stimulate peristalsis and magnesium hydroxide to regulate water in the bowel. It is very important that the colon function properly or it will not be capable of eliminating toxins from the liver. These toxins will then recirculate, creating more of a problem. Formulas like this should be taken in the evening before retiring. Kits containing these herbs that address both colon and whole body cleansing make your cleanse very easy to perform.

Fiber is also important in a preventative or beginning detox program. Cleansing stimulates the liver to release toxins into the bile, which is then secreted back into the digestive tract (via the gallbladder), It is necessary to ingest extra fiber for the toxins to be absorbed and removed in the bowel elimination. One of the best fiber supplements is flax, as it is about 50% soluble and 50% insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber absorbs the toxins and insoluble fiber sweeps the colon. Flax is also available in organic (pesticide-free) form, which is a plus. Never do a cleansing program without adding fiber for support to pick up and eliminate toxins.

A final component in your complete body detox program would be daily intake of essential fatty acids from good quality oils. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fats the body cannot make from other materials and therefore must obtain from outside food sources. EFAs lubricate and soothe the colon. They are also crucial in virtually every vital function of the body including heart health and immunity. While there are several good sources of essential fatty acids, some of the best are:

Fish oils – high in Omega-3
Flax – high in vegetable Omega-3
Borage – high in Omega-9

These essential oils are important in the digestive tract. A good product has the digestive enzyme lipase in the gel cap. Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fat. It is a great way to enhance a detox program, for consuming oils without lipase puts a strain on the digestive system.

To summarize, a simplified 30-day whole body cleanse would look like this:

1. Maintain a clean, healthy diet, one which excludes refined starches and includes the following:

Plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables
Organic meat, (2 ½ ounces per meal for women, 3 ½-4 ounces per meal for men)
Ezekiel bread (sprouted whole grain)
Herbal teas
Purified water (with minerals added back) – 7 to 10 glasses daily
Fresh juices (optional)
Cold-pressed (unrefined) olive oil
Real butter

2. Take an herbal detox formula morning and night for 30 days. To help support the body in the cleansing process during this time, also add:

Essential oils after breakfast and dinner (one to two capsules)
A balanced flax fiber supplement before bed
Vitamins, minerals after meals
Super foods such as green drinks
Plant enzymes (containing HCI, if necessary) with meals.

3. Skin brush.

4. Take a hot therapeutic bath, steam bath or sauna three times a week.

5. Try colon hydrotherapy at least three times or more during the 30-day detox.

6. Exercise for 30 minutes: walking, yoga or rebounder.

Brenda Watson, C.N.C., is a New York Times bestselling author, PBS health educator and digestive care expert, and is considered one of the foremost authorities on natural digestive health and the gut connection to total-body health.