A Fall Cleansing Improves Health and Weight Loss
By Dr. Jeff Bartlett
 It's that time again...time for a fall cleansing! What better way to get your body ready for the abundance of holiday treats than to cleanse out your system! It is a well known fact that the holiday season equates to an ample amount of baked goods, pumpkin pie, turkey, and a few holiday cocktails. What does this usually mean? I think the answer is quite obvious...a few new extra pounds on the scale. Don't get us wrong, we know you've worked hard all year and deserve the right to enjoy the holidays...guilt free. But, rather then ignoring the inevitable, why not try to get prepared and be proactive about your holiday indulgence. One solution we recommend is a bi-annual (November and May) colon cleansing. You may be asking, "Why is it important to cleanse?"...read on and you will soon find out!
A toxic colon is a major contributor to the development of food intolerance leading to chronic ill health. You cannot expect to be well if the main organ responsible for removing toxins from your system is not functioning properly. When the colon is irritated by diet, stress, drugs, chemicals, and other substances, it tries to protect itself by producing more mucus. This additional mucus can bind with the sludge from refined foods, such as white flour, and build up on the wall of the bowel, narrowing the lumen. This layer of gluey, hardened feces can weigh several pounds and is a good place for harmful organisms to breed. Therefore, this can also be a major contributor to weight gain. Do not think that because you have regular bowel movements, or even diarrhea, you do not have to worry about this problem. The stool can pass daily through a dirty colon and leave the accumulated residue on the walls behind. A simple analogy is the daily plaque that accumulates on your teeth, and imagine what would happen if you didn't brush your teeth. Now that you have an awareness about this condition, the next step is understanding what can be done about it. There are many benefits to colon cleansing, not only in terms of health, but also as it relates to appearance: the skin looks vibrant; cellulite, water retention, and blemishes disappear; and the whites of the eyes regain a youthful clearness.
Here are our recommendations for an intestinal cleansing:
DO'S:
- Focus on replenishing and restoring the balance of the good and bad bacteria.
- Increase your fiber! Bulking agents like a teaspoon of linseed (Whole Foods or health food store), or two teaspoons of Metamucil or Citrucel are very effective.
- We highly recommend that you take some form of protein during your entire cleanse. For example, try a whey protein shake. Remember, we don't want you to lose muscle...that is a surefire way to slow down your metabolism.
- You must take a full spectrum multi-mineral & multi-vitamin complex to ensure that you are replenishing your micronutrients.
- If you visit a health food store, feel free to talk to someone who can help direct you to a safe and effective product. We recommend a product that focuses on cleansing and detoxifying the body.
- Increase your consumption of raw foods.
- Take a more gradual approach (approx 10-30 days).
- Please consider eliminating all alcohol and caffeine products for the cleansing period. This will help improve your detoxification process, and allow your liver to cleanse as well.
- Some products we recommend: Metagenics, Standard Process, Isogenix, and Nature's Best. Many of these are only available through a licensed health care provider, such as a chiropractor.
DON'TS:
- We do not recommend a fasting cleanse. Not eating can have a negative effect on your metabolism, and therefore, a detrimental effect on your weight loss. Remember, if you starve your body, and then begin eating normally again, your body will begin storing everything it can in anticipation of your next fasting.
- We also do not recommend the "Hollywood" style diet. I cringe every time I see that big bottle in the grocery store. It is basically a bottle of fructose juice, or pure sugar. The majority of humans are intolerant to fructose, so a large consumption of this product causes "explosive diarrhea." In our opinion, this form of fasting is too fast (1-2 days), which is rather hard on your body and detrimental to your metabolism.
How Long Does It Take to Clean the Colon?
 It is unlikely that you will have a cleansed colon within a week; it could take months. You will know when things are happening: your skin and eyes will look clearer, your digestion will improve, you will have more energy, and nagging aches and pains that have been around for years will disappear. You could feel mentally better too, clear-headed, and less "on edge".
If you have not cleansed in the past, keep in mind that the build-up in your colon has likely been accumulating for several years. It will take more than a single cleanse to get your digestive system performing at an optimal level once again. Like any healthy habit, cleansing should be done on a consistent basis in order to be truly effective. You will undoubtedly see the changes in your health and your energy levels will improve dramatically. Get prepared for the holiday season this year with a fall cleansing!
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Sharron's Success Story
"A Life Changing Experience"
 Hi, my name is Sharron Montgomery and I live in Cleburne, Texas. I'm 62 years old and weighed 260 lbs in early 2004.
One day I saw a television commercial for Curves and thought, "I wish Cleburne had a Curves". I looked in the telephone book and much to my surprise, there was a Curves! I joined in June of 2004 and at the same time, started a low-carbohydrate diet. I cut out 'white' carbs and sugar and began to eat healthy.
I knew I needed support to stay on my diet and I found that encouragement with Curves. The staff is great! Every time I plateau, they encourage me and keep me going.
My knees have always given me trouble especially after I had both kneecaps removed. I started out very slowly on the circuit and now, both knees are stronger and I can do all the machines with intensity! I've regained my energy and I am so much more flexible.
For anyone wanting to change their life, my advice is to join Curves and take your time. Don't look at the big picture, cut it into smaller manageable pieces and it'll work for you.
I have a lot of grandchildren that are graduating or getting married and now I don't have to worry about looking so heavy in all the pictures! Oh by the way, I have lost a total of 106 pounds and 84 inches. Thank you Curves!
Do YOU have a success story you'd like to contribute? Just send us your story (be sure to include your phone number and email address) and we'll contact you to let you know when it will appear.
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