After the Fast

  So what do you think? Are you ready to get started with your own detox program? If you're even the tiniest bit concerned about the many forms of toxic waste that lie dormant in body, I would say, "yes".

This is the last in a series of articles on detoxing the body that I am writing for now. I chose to share with you that which I am most familiar with...fasting! I have found this to be one of the most ancient and efficient self-purifying techniques known to man. For some unfortunate reason, this rarely talked about "health wonder" has been virtually stripped of its title and quietly swept under the rug.

Take time to review for a moment what was touched upon earlier in the series of articles:

1)  Introduction to Detoxing the Body
2)  Benefits of Fasting
3)  Preparing Yourself to Fast
4)  The 7 day fast
5)  Breaking a Fast

Before I end my discussion on detoxing the body, I would like to voice to you the importance of keeping the momentum of the fast going by making healthier choices as to what goes into your body and becoming more consciously aware of the life that you are choosing to live.

Just because I performed a week-long fast does not mean that I can become careless once again and revert back to my old ways. It's up to me to continue the process by making better decisions regarding my health. The body, like a car, needs proper maintenance to keep it running at its best. It would be foolish for me to spend the time going through a lengthy cleansing process only to regress back to the way I once was. Now, is the time to achieve the life that was intended for me.

I would like to share with you a few ideas that I have adapted into my daily health routine that carry over from the momentum that I achieved when performing my fast. Here are a few helpful hints:

• A glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice and water first thing in the morning. This is a great detoxify and it keeps the blood alkaline.
• Buy organic! Spend more time consuming organic foods. This is crucial to keeping unwanted chemicals and processed foods out of your system - Try watching this extraordinary DVD...read my review on "The Future of Food".
• Adapt yourself to eating more raw foods in your diet. Limit the amount of cooked foods. I will even be bold and say - "throw out your microwave".
• Take a digestive enzyme with your meals. This will aid the body during the digestive process by helping to breakdown our food. Most people continue to eat a relatively enzymeless diet.
• A probiotic - I encourage people to maintain a healthy supply of good bacteria. I often get fresh yogurt made from raw milk from my farmer friends. This is an excellent way to replenish the good bacteria in the body.
• Proper elimination through squatting. This may seem ridiculous, but trust me when I say this is important. The modern toilet does not truly support the proper mechanical posture to create a complete elimination. I recommend the Healthstep .
• Incorporate 1 to 3 day fast throughout the year. Personally, I like to do a juice fast when performing a shorter fast than 7 days.
• Drink filtered water. I prefer steam distilled . Tap water contains a significant amount of harmful chemicals.
• Make sure that the air you are breathing is relatively clean. The air in our homes can become polluted from chemicals in our carpets, furniture, paint or other building materials. The use of an air purifier. Even certain house plants act as excellent filters. You might even enjoy reading this book... "How To Grow Fresh Air" ,by Dr. B.C. Wolverton - 50 houseplants that purify your home or office.
• Exercise - helps to remove the toxins in your body through perspiration. It also increases your blood flow stimulating your lymphatic system. Try rebounding on the Cellerciser! An excellent way to exercise.
• Reduce stress - stress can interrupt the digestive process contributing to toxic buildup. Learn to manage your stress and create emotional balance. 

I hope this series on detox has been helpful to everyone. If you are still not sure that fasting is for you, certainly, other choices are available. I find that most people resort to an herbal cleanse when they are not willing to undertake a fast. The problem that I have with these forms of detox is that most people make no significant change in their diet before, during and after the detox. Also, &quote;whole body&quote; detox can never be achieved through an herbal cleanse. Just because you "poop" a little more doesn't constitute a detox. Unfortunately, most people view it this way. Again, this is my feeling! Another way of detoxing the body is by eating a 100% raw organic diet. I will discuss this more in a future article. For now, you can learn more by reading, "We Want To Live, The Primal Diet" by Aajonus Vonderplanitz. I have personally met with Aajonus and have adapted many of his views on raw foods. Check it out for yourself!

No doubt, caring for your body is a primary necessity and I feel, a routine cleansing should be a part of everyone’s livelihood. Waiting until your body reaches a crisis situation is not the most effective way of paying attention to your bodies needs. I look forward to hearing everyone's comments. 

Dr. Jim