Body Cleansing

Candida Cleanse Summary

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:58:23 +0000

Keeping in mind I am going through a continual body cleanse – detox, I want to summarize this part of my experience. It is very clear to me how important a healthy functioning digestive tract is. They say 80% of our immune system is in our gut. That should be a wakeup call for everyone. Good health begins with a well functioning gut.

While the subject of Candida is still very controversial, it should be something everyone is aware of. It is one of the most basic forms of imbalance and whether you look at it as a root cause or more of a symptom of imbalance, either way it disserves some attention. My current Doctor, Dr Warren Levin, certainly sees it as an under treated complication that influences whether or not a patient with chronic disease can recover from illness.

My recent experience with the Candida Cleansing diet has indicated a few things to me. The major thing is that my daily diet affects my daily ability to think clearly and lead a productive and happy life. My weight, specifically around my waist, is very sensitive to the balance of my gut. From my own experience and what I have read, there may be pounds of yeast overgrowth that should go away with a good Candida Cleanse. The negative reactions from the diet were from the lack of carbs and die off. At one point I was becoming noticeably weak to the point that I could not do my regular work out at the gym. Once I reintroduced some healthy carbohydrates, my strength quickly returned. I am not saying you should just eat the carbs in the beginning. I believe it is sometimes necessary that we make adjustments temporarily to get the results and balance that we need. Once you make the correction our bodies will function on a more “normal” diet. The die off is also temporary. Every effective cleanse or detox will have some negative side effects temporarily.

It is also clear to me that my motivation and sense of well being are directly affected by what I eat and the health of my gut. Just because I spent the first half of my life eating a certain way, and for a long time was ok with that, does not mean I can live that way for the rest of my life. Things change in our environment and our bodies. I believe much of this change is simply the accumulative affects of toxins or unhealthy substances and lifestyle.

The wonderful thing is that we all can take responsibility for our own health and well being. Not only can diet and lifestyle changes be preventive but they can be corrective. Before undergoing any unnatural or pharmaceutical treatments for any number of conditions, a person should do what they can do get a grip on their most basic health functions. You don’t even need to spend the money I have on all the testing. Simply gain an understanding of how our health actually works and experiment with food sensitivities and natural body cleansing methods. When it comes down to it, the doctors just make their best diagnosis based on the evidence before them and then it is trial and error. No matter how many tests you have done, the proof is in the pudding. If your symptoms don’t improve, you try something else. Once you start down the natural health road, it is just one big adventure.

Test Results

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:53:43 +0000

I went to the Doctor today to review my recent tests.

Heavy Metal Test

My test results for heavy metals were greatly improved. The levels of lead and mercury in my blood have come down to minimal levels. The doctor does not see any need for further chelation. This is a crucial step in creating a basic healthy balanced environment and is a serious stumbling block in recovery that can be dealt with relatively easily.

Parasite – Stool analysis done by Genova diagnostics

Now this test really shows some interesting indicators of your overall digestive health. This is one test, this or an organic acid profile (urinalysis), should be done by anyone looking to balance their overall health.

The test shows several markers that specifically indicate how well your digestive tract is functioning. It is broken down into 4 main areas.

Digestion
Absorption
Metabolism
Microbiology (parasites and bacteria)

Results:

My test showed an elevated level of undigested meat fiber. This may be due to an inadequate hydrochloric acid/pepsin level (HCL supplement), pancreatic enzyme deficiency, or inadequate chewing of the food. The funny thing about the chewing is I remember my first appointment with a Doctor of Oriental medicine and she asked about my eating habits. Specifically if I take the time to chew my food. It is not only the physical mastication of the food, but the introduction of digestive enzymes that are meant to take place initially in the mouth.

Low levels of some beneficial bacteria were found and suggest the need for probiotic supplementation.

Otherwise things looked good. My fat digestion, protein digesting enzymes, fat absorption, dietary fat intake, many intestinal flora markers, soluble fiber in the diet, GI tract PH (acid) levels, markers of inflammation, pancreatic function, colorectal cancer markers, were all within a good reference range. There was specifically an absence of parasite by-products indicating no parasite infection. Most notable was the absence of Candida markers. In the organic acid profile I had done prior to the Candida diet, I had elevated waste or by-products from yeast overgrowth. This test had no evidence of Candida, suggesting the Candida diet was effective.

So I am now beginning my antibiotic treatment hoping to kill any Lyme related bacterial infections. Antibiotics along with a strong supplement regimen, specifically designed to assist in detoxification and to boost the immune system is a must. Many people attempt to treat Lyme without pharmaceutical antibiotics. While I appreciate this, I am going with the majority of expert opinion in this area. Even doctors that practice complementary medicine, like mine, know from experience that this disease is most difficult to treat and most often needs the help of modern antibiotics. The goal is to assist the body in recognizing the invading bacteria and help the immune system to function on its own. Continuing a diet low in potentially allergic foods and low in sugar and carbs that may complicate the Candida is essential as well.

1 Month of Candida Cleansing

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:08:29 +0000

I saw the doc yesterday. It was long day. I was actually there for about 4 hours. I spent 45 minutes with him going over how I have been feeling and what our next step is. He decided to hold off for a few more days on the start of my Lyme antibiotics. He wanted to see if a low dose of daily cortisone would help my energy before starting treatment. I also had my 4th chelation treatment and did the 6 hour urine right after. This will show how much progress I have made with the heavy metal cleansing and if I need more. We also decided I should have had a comprehensive stool analysis done in the beginning which is designed to detect the presence of parasites. He did not really know what to think of what I saw in the mirror.

I will take the parasite test in a couple of days after the antifungal is stopped. I am actually going to eat a little more normal till then. I will stop my supplements as well. The stool sample test wants a “normal” condition. I will just be avoiding the allergy foods and added sugar.

I will be working on other content the next few days.

Diet Day 28

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:26:27 +0000

Yesterday was a little better. I worked a short day and was not so wiped out in the evening. I was still a little sore on my lower right side. I am headed to the doc in a little while. Got lots to talk about.

Breakfast: Cleansing Shake
Snack: Hummus and Carrots
Lunch: Chicken
Snack: Pea Protein Shake
Dinner: Chicken in the Crock Pot with Broccoli
Snack: Goat Yogurt

Day 27

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:43:51 +0000

A bit of a worry today too. At this stage of Candida cleansing most people would be feeling much better. I am sure it is my co-infections of Lyme and whatever. My mind has been pretty much the same. Not the best but Ok. I was very fatigued in the evening though. I went to gym in afternoon, had to stay a little light on the workout again and after dinner I just fell asleep on the couch. Then when I went to bed I had some trouble getting to sleep. I had some rumbling in my intestines and I have had a sore spot on my lower right side of my abdomen, I think it may be my ilio-cecal valve, but I will be talking with the doctor tomorrow.

Breakfast: Cleansing Protein Shake
Snack: Celery and Almond Butter
Lunch: Roast Beef Salad
Snack: Carrots and Hummus
Dinner: Turkey Breast and Cauliflower Mash

Parasites???

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:05:26 +0000

I had a bit of a scary or at least interesting morning. I know this will be hard to believe, it is hard to believe myself when I tell my friends and family. I have lost weight on this cleansing diet. Eliminating the sugar and limiting the carbs and killing off the Candida. After I took a shower and was standing in front of the mirror I noticed something on my chest. It freaked me out. It looked right out of a sci-fi movie. Now, I am as lean as I have ever been and have a little muscle tone. I could see 4-5 bulges under the skin on my chest. They were clearly visible just from looking in the mirror. They may have been a half inch in length and appeared to be what I can only imagine as worms or parasites. I was so freaked I was going to grab my camera and get a picture but I touched one. I felt the bump and as I pressed on it, it just went away as did the others. They were gone. I have never in my life seen anything like this. Except in a movie.
Now I am familiar with parasites. Parasites are mostly confined to your intestines and are another reason to do a good body cleanse. But given the size and location of these, I just don’t know. I already have a doctor appointment on Monday to start my Lyme treatment so I will be talking to him. I wonder if there is another explanation. I know it is not uncommon to have multiple infections like parasites when you have Lyme. When your immune system is overworked and its defenses are down, these things proliferate. This is why it is so important to do a thorough body cleanse from the start or you may end up just feeling like it failed or did not help you. Being on a Candida Diet also starves parasites. They may have been living a long time in “harmony” in your gut and then all of a sudden their environment is disrupted. I am glad I have been doing this “prep”. If I also do a parasite cleanse my body and diet are set up for success!

Breakfast: Cleansing Protein Shake
Snack: Chicken and Carrots
Lunch: Pea Protein Shake with some Broccoli and left over Beef
Snack:
Dinner: Pan Seared Tilapia and Collard Greens
Snack: Goat Yogurt with Stevia and Vanilla

Diet Day 25

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:06:34 +0000

Yesterday was a good steady day. I worked on the computer all day except to take time to go to the gym. My strength was pretty much back to normal there. My attitude has been positive. Depression and anxiety can be a side effect of body cleansing and the Candida diet. I started doing a technique known as EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique. I have done it before and it seems to help. It is just one of those things you need to discipline yourself to do on a daily basis.

Breakfast: Cleansing Protein Shake
Snack: Goat Yogurt with Stevia and Vanilla
Lunch: Left over Roast Beef and Salad
Snack: Protein Shake
Dinner: Left over Pork and Salad

Diet Day 24

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:04:32 +0000

Fairly good today. Cleansing was just another day. I worked most of the day on the computer.

Breakfast: Cleansing Protein Shake
Snack: Celery and Almond Butter
Lunch: Turkey Burger and Broccoli
Dinner: London Broil (without the marinade )

Diet Day 23

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:15:41 +0000

Yesterday was not so good. Makes me wonder what is going on in my body. You think the cleansing has run its course and then more stuff happens. I know it is not a bad thing. Just means there is more to do, which in my case I already know. My fatigue was more noticeable, when I went to the gym I could not do my usual reps. I did make it there though. In the afternoon I had some diarrhea which has not been a problem. It could have been from food but it may be from some new cleansing activity.

I added 2 cleansing supplements starting on Sunday. They are both used in treating chronic fatigue and related energy problems. Nt Factor Energy and Ribos Cardio by Researched Nutritionals. They are only sold to practitioners but again, you can find them online. They were part of my doctor’s original suggestion. I just waited because of the expense.

I also started using a new ionic foot detox machine. While the evidence is sketchy with these, many practitioners and patients swear by the results. I figure it can’t hurt. I have done them before and could not really tell if it was helping. This time I have a new machine with a better reputation. It definitely seemed to provide a more powerful session judging from the activity in the water. I also know that it can cause detox symptoms within the following days after doing a session so that may have affected me.

Either way, I feel I am moving along and boosting my immune system, getting ready and able to cleanse things my body has not been able to.

Cleansing Diet
Breakfast: Cleansing Protein Shake (Ultra Clear)
Snack: Carrots
Lunch: Turkey Burger and Guacamole (Avocado is on the phase 3 list)
Snack: Pea Protein Shake
Dinner: Pork and Sauerkraut with Broccoli
(Another questionable item is sauerkraut. It says to avoid on one of my lists but because of its preparation method. I believe they are referring to using vinegar. Now, cabbage is often listed as a good food for cleansing and detox diets. This sauerkraut was not made with vinegar, only water and salt. It added some nice variety and it is simple to do in a crock pot.)

3 Weeks Down

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:47:42 +0000

The best thing about body cleansing today? 3 weeks are down! I must admit I got caught up today with reading about Lyme disease. It can be pretty depressing, even though my symptoms are not as bad as some. I have my doctor appointment next week and will be starting my antibiotics. At least I have some understanding as to how I am feeling. The Candida diet has helped clear my mind for sure but I still have some physical drain. I know I am doing a good job of cleaning myself up and preparing myself for my next challenge. It has been easier being on the diet as time has goes by. I still get small cravings but considering I am living in a house full of tempting “treats” I am proud of myself. When I do eat food from the second phase approved list they really do taste great. I still have not had any type of added sugar, flour or fruit and I find little things like popcorn and guacamole, which I had today most tasty! Another thing to take note of, if you find yourself craving food, find something else to occupy your thoughts. This is where lifestyle changes come in. Reading, practice yoga, focus on some life goals….. More on that later…

Breakfast: RevitalX Cleansing Shake
Snack: Celery and Roast Beef
Lunch: Chicken Vegetable Soup
Snack: Carrots and Guacamole
Dinner: Pan Seared Monkfish with Sauteed Cucumbers and Dill YUM!