Let’s take a look at other ways we can cleanse our livers in Spring. Cleansing means eliminating toxins from our body (de-tox) whilst ideally slowly down the re-tox, and this isn’t only about eating and drinking cleaner.
Detox’ begins in the colon, then the liver, and then the other organs, then our blood and skin. Everything that has been gathered up by the liver (phase 1 detox) and by your cholesterol is dumped into the colon and most of it is expelled through your bowel movements (ideally). If it stays too long in the colon (more than 24 hrs after eating), it is then reabsorbed – contributing to a toxic, acidic system.
A good cleansing program should begin by removing the waste in your colon, the last portion of your food processing chain. If you attempt to clean your liver without first addressing a waste- filled bowel, the toxins will only get recycled back into your body.
COLONIC IRRIGATION
What: Colonic irrigation is a procedure that removes waste material including toxins gathered in the bowel over time/years. It is also known as ‘colonic hydrotherapy’ – a method of hydrating and toning the large intestine.
Why: I tend to do this at the beginning of a detox/cleanse, so I know many toxins are being removed before I start. Colonics are known to improve your digestion – specifically by reducing nausea, IBS symptoms, bloating, bad breath, constipation and diarrhea; help to remove parasites, strengthen immunity, improve your skin, stimulate weight loss (don’t do it for this reason please), reduce allergic reactions, help reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue, prevent infection, increases nutrient absorption, and potentially improve sleep and decrease headaches.
How: It’s really important to seek out an experienced practitioner, and remember that colonic irrigation is not for everyone. Asking a friend for a referral is probably the best way, but if this isn’t possible, then when you call the potential clinic be sure to state it is your first colonic, so would like to know exactly what the procedure involves, and the cost. I wouldn’t recommend having anymore than 6 treatments over a month, and it’s not a good idea to have them often, so probably do a course like this once a year – ideally at the beginning of a Spring cleanse. This is generally how I do it anyway. The first couple of treatments probably aren’t going to be fun at all, but after the water has softened the compacted faecal matter, the ‘release’ will be easier. Remember to take a good probiotic for a few days afterwards.
