Last month we discussed the why and how of cleansing and detoxification.

This month we are discussing some support for cleansing and parasite cleanses.

CLEANSING SUPPORT

Our digestive systems require an average of 30-50 g of fiber daily to stimulate healthy peristaltic contractions, which are bowel contractions that stimulate healthy bowel evacuation.

Most Canadians need more fiber in their diets. We average less than 15 g a day, about one third of the amount that health authorities recommend to help reduce the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

It is amazing how much fiber a little flax contains. Just ¼ cup of ground flaxseed delivers 6 grams (g) of fiber, as much fiber as 1½ cups of cooked oatmeal! Studies prove that when flaxseed is added to the diet, levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL, the bad cholesterol) drop, while levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the beneficial cholesterol) stay put, probably due to all the fiber (including the soluble kind). Regularity improves, as well.

PROBIOTIC

Bacteria thrive in our bodies. There are more bacteria in the digestive system than there are cells in the body – some hundred trillion. The intestinal flora is made of billions of bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly. Friendly bacteria must be present in high numbers in the intestine to ensure proper function of the digestive system and maintain the fragile balance of good health. When unfriendly bacteria dominate, the effects include gas, bloating, intestinal toxicity, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients.

Probiotics is the term used to describe either the healthy bacteria that naturally occur in the gut or supplements of this friendly bacteria. Probiotics or friendly bacteria are normal residents of the human gastrointestinal tract. They are part of the bacterial ecosystem which protects the health of the intestinal tract and stimulates normal physiological functions. Friendly bacteria do much more than counteract the unfriendly bacteria. Studies in human nutrition have shown dozens of health benefits associated with the consumption of these bacteria: aid in the digestion of lactose and protein; clean and purify the colon, promote regular bowel movements; produce antibiotics and antifungal agents that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi; contribute to the destruction of molds, viruses, and parasites; protect us from environmental toxins such as pesticides and pollutants; increase the number of immune system cells; manufacture vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, A and K, and essential fatty acids; help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels; and break down and rebuild hormones.

Many diseases result from a lack of friendly bacteria. Without a sufficient number of friendly bacteria in the GI tract, the body’s ability to absorb all nutrients is compromised, Pathogenic bacteria are then able to proliferate and weaken our natural defenses. The solution? Give your body the friendly bacteria it needs!

 PARASITE CLEANSE

Although North Americans often consider parasites something you only worry about when traveling, this is not true. As long ago as 1976, a nationwide survey in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control revealed that one in every six people selected at random had one or more parasites. It is quite possible that we are hosting a dinner party for some 130 types of parasites. As all animals, humans are also parasitized.

What are parasites? The word parasite comes from the Greek para, meaning “beside,” and sitos, meaning “food”. This means “an animal or plant that lives on or in another organism from which it obtains nutrients.” Parasites are larger than bacteria and viruses but are usually so small that you cannot see them without a microscope. Four major groups of parasites include Protozoa (amoebas, giardia), Nematode (round, pin and hookworms), Cestode (tapeworms), and Trematode (flukes). Bacteria can also be parasitic.

Parasites enter your body in one of four ways: through food and water intake; through a transmitting agent, such as a mosquito; through sexual conduct; and via the nose and skin. Parasites are often harmful, destroying cells faster than cells can be regenerated, producing toxic substances that irritate body tissue, invade body tissue (including the skin and intestinal lining), depress the immune system function while activating an immune response, and can cause nutrient malabsorption.

There are a number of things you can do to avoid or eliminate parasites, naturally, including washing your hands before eating, wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them, cleansing the intestinal tract, modifying the diet, using a herbal substance that kills the parasites, re-colonizing the intestinal bacteria, and taking preventive measures. Herbal parasite cleanses are recommended 1-2 times a year for general health maintenance.

Recipe click here for more recipes

MUESLI

7 medium apples
1 cup of rolled oats
1/4 cup of raisins
1/4 cup almonds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cut the apples into wedges and remove the core.
Juice the apple wedges and reserve 2 1/4 cups of the juice and 1/2 cup of the pulp.
In a medium size bowl, combine the apple juice and pulp with the oats, raisins, almonds and cinnamon; mix well.
Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator.
Allow the muesli to soak overnight.
To serve, pour some of the muesli into a bowl an