Understanding the Detoxing Process (Part 2)

In Part 1 of Understanding the Detoxing Process, I shared three things I've learned. I hope they were helpful for you. 

Today I'd like to add four more insights about detoxing.

1) The detoxing process involves symptoms.

Before I started detoxing, I had symptoms all the time; they were symptoms of illness. After I began detoxing, some of my symptoms improved, but then new symptoms came up.

However, almost every time I called my herbalogist to tell her about a new symptom, she'd say "That's a good thing!" She helped me learn how to distinguish symptoms of illness from symptoms of detoxing. 

For instance, at different times I've had symptoms of ravenous appetite, skin rashes, inflammation, etc, etc. But as long as I knew they were symptoms of detoxing, then I didn't worry about them. I just kept doing my detoxing routine, and they eventually resolved.

A lot of people begin a detoxing program and then feel worse. Instead of realizing this is a GOOD sign, they get frustrated or discouraged and give up. 

(Note: It's very important to have a trusted health advisor/professional to help you through the detoxing process, because though usually you'll feel worse simply from detoxing, sometimes it's because something is wrong. You need someone who can help you discern which it is.)

So if you're beginning a detox program, be prepared that you will have symptoms. As the body cleans out the bad stuff, you will feel it. But if you persevere with the right program for you, you'll eventually see clear signs of improvement. 

2) Detoxing is like peeling an onion.

Some people have fewer layers of toxins than others. If we were comparing "onion" sizes, mine would probably win the prize at the World's Fair. =) 

For the first three years of detoxing, I mostly detoxed chemicals, toxins, medications, perfume, etc. Then over a year ago, I started detoxing old infections. I still can't believe how many ear, sinus, throat, strep, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections I've detoxed in the last year! 

My understanding is that since childhood I've had a low-functioning immune system. So even though I "got over" various infections all these years, most of them didn't truly heal. They just 'relocated' somewhere else in my body and manifested with different symptoms. Once my body cleaned out a lot of toxins, it began seeking out those infections and fighting to finally get rid of them. 

I'm thankful God created our bodies with this ability to keep peeling back layers until we're healthy once again! =)

3) Detoxing is like a stair-step process.

When I began detoxing, my body was so weak I couldn't talk or get off the couch. But after a few weeks, I was able to stand up and do stretches for about 45 seconds. As I kept detoxing, my body got strong enough that I was able to handle physical therapy. After a few months I could sit up in bed for a half hour and check my email. Etc, etc. 

If you're like me and you begin at the literal bottom of the stairs, be encouraged that your body will start where it can to get rid of toxins. Gradually as you have less toxins weighing you down, your body will feel stronger. Then it will target more toxins to get rid of. 

By the second year, whenever I'd finish detoxing some particular toxin, I'd usually have a day or two where I actually felt pretty good. I'd think, "Wow, I'm getting better! This is great!" Then the next day I'd suddenly feel much worse. My herbalogist explained that when I felt good, it was a sign of how much stronger my body was. And since it had gotten stronger, the next thing it would do is go after more toxins/infections! 

So even though it can be frustrating, I've learned to be positive about this stair-step experience. I feel better (up a step!). Then I feel worse (fighting the next thing). Then I feel better (up another step). 

Right now I'm at the point where I sometimes have 5-6 days of feeling good in between detoxing "steps." Hopefully I'll soon be at the top of the staircase! =)

Also, each person detoxes at their own pace. So try not to compare the length of your "stairs" with others.

4) Detoxing is an ongoing process.

Most people have more toxins stored in their bodies than they can effectively detox (without help). Once you start a detoxing program, the body will begin cleaning out whatever has built up. Eventually (hopefully), you'll reach the point where all the "back-toxins" are cleaned out. 

From then on, if your body stays healthy and detoxing properly, it should detox various toxic/chemical exposures quickly after they happen. 

For instance, usually a couple of days after I go to church (big perfume exposure), I'll notice that I'm detoxing perfume. This is a good sign. It means my body is keeping up with current exposures as I encounter them. If your body isn't doing this, then those toxins are being stored somewhere in your body and can result in more serious problems later on. 

Because of the extremely toxic condition of our world, it's vital that even after you're healthy, you continue doing things to aid your body in it's job of detoxing (lymphatic massage, detox baths, exercise, juicing, etc, etc.). We are surrounded by toxic chemicals, EMF's (electromagnetic frequencies), "bugs," and stress. In this world, we cannot take our health for granted. We must be proactive in helping our bodies continually detox and remain healthy. 

Do you have any questions about the detoxing process?