The following suggestions outline a healthy lifestyle essential to optimizing physical, mental and spiritual health. By enhancing metabolism through the digestive system, liver, kidneys, skin and lungs, these recommendations will help your body properly eliminate metabolic waste with minimal aggravation or detoxification side effects. These are an appropriate addition to any current health or treatment plan you are currently on. (Please consult with your current provider or schedule a naturopathic consultation with me here if you have any specific questions regarding your health plan).
For your digestive health:
Follow anti-inflammatory dietary guidelines.
Chew your food well, do not drink anything while eating. Include at least one serving of steamed or raw greens a day.
Add one Tbs of organic apple cider vinegar to 8 oz of water and drink 15-30 minutes before each meal. HCl/betaine capsules can be used here as well.
Add 1-2 Tbs of fresh ground flax or pumpkin seeds to any of your meals daily from Day 1 of your menses to Day 14 of your menses. If you're no longer menstruating, do this practice daily from the New Moon to the Full Moon. Additionally you can do 1 Tbs of Super EFA liquid (Krill or Cod Liver Oil) daily during this same period.
Add 1-2 Tbs of organic sesame or sunflower seeds to any meal you're eating daily from Day 15 of your cycle to menses. If you're no longer menstruating, this can be from the full moon to the new moon. Additionally you can add 1 Tbs of Evening Primrose Oil or Black Currant Oil daily from full moon to new moon or day 15 to menses.
Probiotics: A strain of human acidophilus is an essential component to your regimen. Look for 10+ parts per billion (ppb) and at least 4+ strains of probiotics.
For your kidney health
Water - drink at least the equivalent of one-half your body weight in ounces. You can include green drinks such as chlorophyll, chlorella, and spirulina.
Hydrotherapy - end your shower with a cool water spray, starting with the extremities and finishing with the low back, for 15-30 seconds, to return blood flow to your internal organs.
For your skin and lymphatic circulation
Dry Skin brushing - to help stimulate circulation, thoroughly brush all of your skin, using short, light, frequent strokes to the heart for 45-60 seconds. Best to do this on dry skin before bed. Use a vegetable fiber brush, natural sponge or a loofah sponge.
For your liver, lymphatic circulation and immune system
Castor Oil Packs - this is essential to the success of your treatment. Use the castor oil pack for at least 45 minutes each day.
For your lungs
Deep Breathing - you can do this in conjunction with the castor oil pack. Inhale deeply through the nose and fill your abdomen and chest, then purse your lips and exhale slowly. Try to exhale as long you can before inhaling again. Breathing may be done many times throughout the day. Try to do at least 100 deep breaths each day.
For overall physical, mental and spiritual health
Sleep - try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Every hour of sleep before midnight is equal to 2 hours after midnight. A good night's sleep will also improve your memory and help balance your hormonal system. I recommend between 7-8.5 hours of sleep EVERY night for optimal wellness.
Movement - as another aid to circulation, you must move your muscles daily. Walking, rebounding, yoga or qi gong are excellent ideas. Aerobic activity and stretching are also very helpful.
Get Outside Everyday at least 30 minutes.
Play - do something fun everyday. Laughter is essential for stress management.
