You Are What You Absorb (or don’t absorb!)

by Linda Rafferty, Nutritional and Wellness Educator©

linda1@pathtogoodhealth.com

 

Detoxification and cleansing of our digestive systems is an important process for restoring energy, diminishing pain, guarding against bacteria, yeast, viruses, and premature aging. When your digestion and metabolism are optimal, your body is taking full and active advantage of the food you eat, the water you drink and any vitamins you take.


Six of the ten leading causes of death are related to diet including Heart Attack, Stroke, Arteriosclerosis, Cancer, Cirrhosis of the Liver and Diabetes.


      Many medical and nutritional experts believe that All Disease Begins in the Colon. Yuck, you say! The phrase “You are what you eat” - more correctly is, “You are what you absorb (or don’t absorb!)”.


      Every cell in your body is nourished by blood that has been nourished by the foods and vitamins we consume. When our digestive and elimination systems don’t function optimally, the end result is a slow poisoning of the body because the walls of the colon are slowly accumulating toxins and improperly digested food.


      Our bodies (and skin) have a distinct acid/alkaline balance that keeps us healthy. Eating white flour, refined sugar, red meat, using over-the-counter and prescription medications, and of course, stress upsets this acid-alkaline balance. This imbalance may also contribute to cravings, fatigue, constipation, bloating, gas, indigestion, diarrhea, arthritis, even allergies. Most people believe that these symptoms are just part of life and something they need to get used to.


      We cannot afford to add any more toxic stress to our bodies especially when it is avoidable. Many use prescription meds to manage symptoms. Because of hectic schedules, not feeling well (physically and mentally), and the convenience of fast foods, we just do not eat a healthful diet. Our digestive systems are already compromised from a variety of factors including aging, over-the-counter and prescription meds, smoking, and even lack of exercise. Instinctively we seem to know that we need vitamin/mineral supplementation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, because our systems are not working optimally, these supplements become “bed-pan bullets” and pass through us with little or no absorption. Think about it - a cleaner digestive system may also improve the effectiveness of medications that we rely on..


      Choose supplementation that is backed by published, clinical research. Test your supplements -they should dissolve (in a glass of water) within 30 minutes. Rapid disintegration is vital so that the nutrients can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream so the benefits will be rapidly available to our cells.


      An excellent way to keep your digestive and metabolic systems in peak condition is periodic cleansing. Several times a year it is very beneficial to do a Five Day Cleansing Program.


Which includes:


      ~ Using balanced, advanced nutritional supplements,

         cleansing herbs and proper fiber.


      ~ Modifying or eliminating your intake of meat protein,

         white flour, refined sugar, diet drinks, fried foods.

         Increasing your raw fruits and vegetables to at least

         5 per day as recommended by the FDA Food Guide

         Pyramid.


  ~ Choosing whole grain breads and cereals.


  ~ Drinking lots of purified or filtered water to assist your

     body in eliminating toxins.


      During this cleansing phase, you may feel a little under-the-weather. Let the gifts of nature do what they are meant to do so that you can get onto the next stage of rebuilding and regenerating healthy cells. The benefits of a proper cleansing program are well worth the wait. If you have been exposed to many toxins and/or if your diet has been nutrient-poor for a long time, the cleansing phase may last longer. Remember you deserve the optimum health and vitality that will follow!

 

These suggestions are never meant to replace your doctor’s medical treatment and/or advice.


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