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Reversing Obesity through Detoxification
Getting the toxins out of your body through a slow and careful detoxification regimen can make the difference between illness and health.
Possibly one of the most effective self-help steps you can take to ensure lasting health is to go through a detoxification program. People ordinarily think of detoxification in terms of substance abuse, but I use the term far more broadly. You can become toxic from foods—that is, the wrong ones.
A lifetime of poor eating habits— the standard American fare of fast, processed, and junk foods—leads to both nutritional depletion and a dangerous accumulation of toxins throughout the body. This state of chronic toxicity, if not reversed, can lead to the emergence of many debilitating, even life-threatening illnesses.
If you suffer from a chronic condition, such as weight gain, getting the toxins out of your body can mean the difference between continued illness and remarkable recovery.
A Self-Described “Sodaholic”
When Florrie, 49, first consulted me, she presented with a host of debilitating symptoms. These included obesity, severe gastrointestinal dysfunction (chronic diarrhea and diverticulitis, an inflammation of little pouches in the intestinal lining), lack of muscle tone in her thighs, gum disease, possible food allergies, and recurring depression. Florrie, who weighed 220 pounds, said she had almost never exercised in her life and that her weight gain and lack of muscle tone had become such a problem that “I can’t even see my knees anymore.”
When I took her health history, the reasons for her multiple problems became clear. For example, Florrie explained that for the last 14 years she had consumed an average of 16 to18 Diet Pepsi’s every day. She had started this habit during her student years when she needed the quick caffeine boost the sodas provide. As a self-described “sodaholic,” Florrie kept two cases of sodas in her car, just in case she needed a boost while on the road.
She had tried numerous popular brand-name diet plans, such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and Slim Fast, but had gained no apparent benefit. Her life wasn’t working, and she knew it. “Every morning I woke up feeling bad,” she said. “I was in a lot of pain from my diverticulitis. I never cooked. I primarily ate out, and when I did eat vegetables (which was seldom), they were the microwaved, frozen variety.”Over the years, conventional doctors had prescribed a series of prescriptions drugs such as Zantac and Tagamet for Florrie’s diverticulitis; others had given her Zoloft and lithium for her bouts of depression. Both her parents had died young, in their fifties, one from diabetes and heart disease, the other from cancer. In other words, neither Florrie’s lifestyle choices nor her parental genes favored health.
For someone in this state of ill health and gastrointestinal dysfunction, you cannot rush into a detoxification program. It may sound ironic but in patients who are chronically ill and whose systems are deeply imbalanced, the body lacks the energy and proper organ function to run the complex processes of detoxifying itself.
Rather, you must prepare for detoxification carefully and in stages. The body (and mind) of such a person is deeply entrenched in what is technically a ruinous lifestyle but which to them seems like an ordinary way of living. As evidence of this habituation to harmful dietary habits, it took Florrie about five months before she was ready or able to drop the daily sodas.
To prepare Florrie for the detoxification program, I started her slowly on supplements that would help her immune and digestive systems. Specifically, vitamin C, garlic, and an immune system complex would build up her immune vitality, while pancreatic enzymes, hydrochloric acid (the stomach’s primary digestive “juice”), and flaxseed oil would assist her digestion. I also encouraged Florrie to start eating more fresh vegetables and fish.
On the matter of preparing for detoxification, if a person is very toxic to start with, the internal cleansing regimen may sometimes worsen their condition. An intensive detoxification at the start of treatment could send them “over the edge.” This is why it is necessary in some cases to build up a person’s energy and nutrients before detoxifying them.
After five months of this preparation, Florrie was still unable to handle detoxification. Following the initial steps in the detoxification program, Florrie started vomiting and having more diarrhea, and it soon became clear that she needed even more time to get her system ready. I decided to focus on repairing Florrie’s gastrointestinal tract using a well-tested product called UltraClear Sustain®.
This is a “medical food” that provides vegetarian-based nutritional support for patients with chronic gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach), a lack of integrity in the mucosal lining of the intestines, and a serious imbalance of intestinal bacteria (called dysbiosis).
A lifetime of poor eating habits and 14 years of steady diet soda intake had seriously imbalanced (and failed to nourish, nutritionally) the numerous intestinal bacteria Florrie needed for good digestion. Over the next month, Florrie gradually increased her dosage of this multinutrient formula in powder form, increasing by 1/2 scoop every seven days to two scoops every day.
To complement the benefits of this product, I added UltraDophilus, UltraBifidus, and a product based on milk whey called Probioplex. This final formula supplies concentrated whey protein with protein structures and enzymes intact and biologically active, capable of promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. I added aloe vera juice to improve her intestinal health. Together, these substances would help replenish Florrie’s depleted and unbalanced intestinal microflora.
After about five months, as she realized her weight was dropping, Florrie finally gave up the daily sodas. Her decision to abstain completely from these soft drinks was a psychological victory for her. Her bowel movements were much improved, increasingly well-formed, which indicated health and greater function returning to the mucosal lining of her intestines and its ability to eliminate more materials through a naturally effective peristalsis. This contrasted with the more agitated, spasmodic movement that had resulted in frequent diarrhea.
At the start of the sixth month of preparation, Florrie seemed ready to begin the full detoxification regimen. This would consist of a two-week “intensive” phase in which she would take primarily foods that produced no allergic reactions or excessive mucus in her system, and avoid foods such as dairy products, white flour foods, wheat, corn, and sugar.
The core of this two-week phase was another medical food called UltraClear®, billed by its manufacturer as a “metabolic detoxification program for food-based clearing.” This product (in powder form) contains high-protein white rice concentrate, rice carbohydrates, safflower oil, and other beneficial essential fatty acids and can be combined with other foods as part of a meal.
UltraClear helps the liver, the body’s chief organ of detoxification, begin its processes of ridding the body of toxins and accumulated cellular waste matter. Toxins are also cleared from the kidneys, bladder, intestines, skin, lungs, lymph, and even the mind. In a curious but physiologically rational way, the state of our intestines has a lot to do with the state of our mind and the tenor of our emotions.
As waste matter and toxins are flushed out of the body, many people report feeling an “uplifting” of their thoughts and a “lightening” of their mood. On the other hand, in the process of clearing the toxins from the body, there may be moments of mental agitation, irritation, and sudden mood shifts, and there may also be headaches and muscle pains, but these are temporary (one or two days at most). As cleansing is happening on the physical and psychological levels at the same time, it is advisable that this program be done under the supervision of a trained health-care practitioner.
Listening to Her Body
To keep myself consistently informed about Florrie’s progress, I had her regularly fill out three questionaires I use with patients. The first, called “Metabolic Clearing Questionnaire,” is a toxicity self-test. It asks for details about which major organ, system, or body area worsened, improved, or stayed the same over the preceding 30 days. For example, patients rank (from 0 to 4) the degree to which they have had a problem. Under “Emotions,” they evaluate mood swings, anxiety, anger, or depression; under “Joints / Muscles,” whether there has been joint pain, arthritis, muscle aches, or weakness. If the final tally exceeds 50, the patient may benefit from a detoxification program.
Second is the “Food Response Chart” in which patients record how they feel and how their body functions after reintroducing certain foods (usually the least allergenic) which had been removed from their diet. For example, the patient fills in the food eaten, time of day, pulse reading before and after consumption, then tracks digestion, bowel function, and any other symptoms that arise such as headache, abdominal pressure, nasal or chest congestion, and low energy level. The goal is to teach the patient to quietly listen to their physiology for several minutes and to notice how they feel after consuming each new food. Then they score their system’s response to this food (0 to 10).
The third survey, called “Diet/Activity Report,” records the details of daily diet. Patients list what they had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whether it was fresh, frozen, or canned, and the various snacks indulged in, total water intake, supplements and spices used, and any exercise performed including duration and pulse readings.
These evaluations are valuable for both practitioner and patient because they show us the emerging results of the nutritional program. They also coach patients, perhaps for the first time, to pay attention—to listen—to their body and its functioning according to what they eat and do, such as detoxification or nutritional fortification.
Another aspect of my patient information–gathering process is laboratory tests such as blood chemistry, hair analysis (for mineral and heavy metals content), stool analysis (for digestion and absorption competence), and hormone panels (levels of key hormones).
Florrie Loses 60 Pounds
Usually during the intensive phase of the detoxification program, I do not give nutritional supplements. However, if a person complains of a headache (sometimes caused by withdrawal from caffeine-based foods such as coffee, tea, or sodas) within the first few days of starting the program, I suggest vitamin C.
In Florrie’s case, I gave her antioxidants in two formulas to help flush out toxins and free radicals from her cells. The first was Oxygenics™, a free radical quencher and antioxidant containing herbs, vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals, and the second was ProAntho-C, containing vitamin C with proanthocyanidin, a vitamin C helper or bioflavonoid from grape seeds.
Florrie had no significant problems during the two-week detoxification program. We had carefully healed her gastrointestinal tract of the inflammations (diverticulitis) and fortified her system sufficiently so that she was strong enough to handle the toxin elimination. During the weeks before and after detoxification, Florrie did emotional release work and, with the help of other practitioners, undertook further health supportive measures such as bodywork and chiropractic adjustments.
Generally during the middle of the two-week intensive period (days 4-8), I recommend using one teaspoon of ground flaxseed with each drink of UltraClear. If the patient feels hungry, I advise adding steamed vegetables and/or nuts and seeds to the program.
In the middle of the intensive phase of her detoxification, Florrie remarked that “this is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual change in lifestyle.” When it was over, she said: “I felt as if somebody had taken a vacuum cleaner through my insides and cleaned it all out. My taste buds suddenly felt alive again, for the first time in years. I started ‘craving’ foods that were good for me, such as broccoli and okra.”
These events took place two years ago. Since that time, Florrie has gone through four more detoxification programs, spaced about six months apart. She has clearly developed a commitment to her health. She reports feeling better than she ever has; she has dropped 60 pounds and two dress sizes and has grown leaner in terms of body fat. Now that she is symptom-free, she feels more positive about her life.
Florrie continues with several of the program’s key supplements, such as vitamin C, UltraClear Sustain, digestive enzymes, and Cal Apatite (a mineral supplement including calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese). Her food choices are primarily fresh vegetables, some fruits, fish, chicken, eggs, and a limited use of certain grains.
Reversing a lifetime of indolence, Florrie began a regular exercise program (which also helps eliminate toxins from the body) in the form of lunchtime walks with her co-workers. In fact, this year Florrie walked the 26-mile Los Angeles marathon, and next year she intends to run it.
Editor’s Note Monika Klein, B.H.Ec., C.N., is a clinical nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition; she is a member of the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists, California Naturopathic Association, and the Health Coach Systems International. Klein works directly with clients and presents her knowledge of detoxification at conferences and on her own cable television show (since 1994) called “Total Health Talk.”
To contact Monika Klein, B.H.Ec., C.N.: Healing Arts West, 1411 5th Street., Suite 405, Santa Monica, CA 90401; tel: 310-458-0400; fax: 310-458-7551. She may also be contacted at: Malibu Health & Rehabilitation, Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 220, Malibu, CA 90265; tel: 310-456-7721; fax: 310-456-9482.
For more information about UltraClear Sustain®, UltraClear®, UltraDophilus, InflavanoidTM, UltraBifidus, ProAntho C, Bio-zymeTM, Oxygenics, and Cal Apatite, contact: Metagenics, Inc., 971 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673; tel: 800-692-9400; fax: 714-366-0818.
For Zymex, Multizyme, and Immuplex, contact: Standard Process, 1200 W. Royal Lee Dr., Palmyra, WI 53156; tel: 414-495-2122; fax: 800-438-3799.
For Garlicin, contact: Emerson Ecologics, 18 Lomar Pk., Pepperell, MA 01463; tel: 800-654-4432; fax: 800-718-7236.
For Aloe Herbal Juice, contact: Pacific Resources, P.O. Box 4043, Malibu, CA 90264; tel: 310-457-3164; fax: 310-457-3396.
For Similase and Metazyme, contact: Tyler Encapsulations, 2204-8 NW Birdsale, Gresham, OR 97030; tel: 800-869-9705.
For Essential Balance and Udo’s Choice, contact: Health from the Sun, P.O. Box 360, Georges Mills, NH 03751; tel: 800-339-5999.
Florrie’s Weight Loss Detoxification Plan
Initial Preparatory Protocol
Zymex: two capsules, 3X daily with food Multizyme (enzymes): two capsules, 3X daily with food Immuplex: one capsule, 3X daily with food Flaxseed oil: one to two tablets daily Garlicin: one capsule, 3X daily with food
Follow-up Preparatory Plan
UltraClear Sustain: 1/2 scoop for 7 days; one scoop for 7 days; 1 1/2 scoops for 7 days; then two scoops daily Probioplex: 1 tsp daily UltraDophilus® (a specially cultured pure strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus in powder form): 1/2 tsp daily UltraBifidus® (contains a hardy strain of Bifidobacteria adolescentis): 1/2 tsp daily Aloe Herbal Juice: two ounces daily on an empty stomach
Two-Week Intensive Detoxification Protocol
UltraClear: two scoops per drink; day 1, two drinks; day 2, three drinks; day 3, four drinks; days 4-8, five drinks; day 9, four drinks; day 10, three drinks; days 11 and 12, two drinks; days 13 and 14, two drinks Esterol: 6-10 capsules daily for three days Oxygenics: 2X daily on an empty stomach Maintenance Program UltraClear Sustain: 1-2 drinks daily (four scoops total) Multigenics (a multiple mineral/vitamin formulation): 4X daily with food Cal Apatite: 2X daily with food Metazyme or Similase: one capsule, 3X daily with food Esterol: one capsule, 3X daily with food Essential Balance or Udo’s Choice: one to two tablets daily Garlicin: 2X daily Cat’s claw (known for its immune-enhancing ability): one capsule, 3X daily, on an empty stomach Aloe vera: one ounce daily, on an empty stomach