We made it! What's next...

The liver detox was a success!  I feel fantastic.  I have so much energy.  I can think clearly.  I cannot stress enough how amazed I am by this process.  I knew that a liver detox is very beneficial to achieving a more optimal level of health.  I cannot describe the difference I feel.  It is something that every person must experience.

I have learned that it is not enough to simply change your eating habits.  While this is very good and important to do, it is necessary to change your "filter".  Think about what would happen to your car if you never changed the oil.  It would start causing you problems and eventually break down.  Our bodies also need to be cleaned out to process food and absorb nutrients correctly. 

My level of inflammation was quite high.  I experienced a true detox the first night.  It was horrific.  It provided me with a visual of the massive toxic load stored in my body.

Now what?

I can introduce new foods into my diet.  I will want to do this very slowly and take notice at which foods cause me inflammatory stress.  Moving forward, I am going to cut back the amount of caffeine I drink each day.  I love a cup of coffee in the morning and will not cut it out completely but I will not rely on it to get me through the day.  I will also avoid gluten as much as possible.  This food additive is linked to many auto-immune diseases. 

I will continue taking the Alpha Base capsules, increasing the dose to four a day.  Alpha Base is an amazing pharmaceutical grade multivitamin. 

Fish oil and probiotics are two stables in my health regimen.  Fish oil is important for heart health, immune support and cognitive function.  Probiotics have a long list of benefits including maintaining optimal gut and immune health.

Finally, vitamin D.  It is so important to know your vitamin D level.  Almost everyone living in the midwest will need a vitamin D supplement.  We simply cannot get enough from the sun's rays (which we want to avoid anyway).  Vitamin D is essential in all aspects of health.  The following Web site is a great resource for vitamin D:  http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/

I maintained a weight loss of 6 lbs on the liver detox protocol.  This is a great jump start to a weight loss program.  We have seen an extraordinary amount of success with patients using low doses of HCG for weight loss.  A liver detox is actually the precursor to this program.  Your body will not allow you to lose weight after a certain point if your liver is not working optimally.  Our pharmacy offers an HCG consultation program that has been extremely successful.  My mother participated in this program.  She lost a lot of weight on HCG and says that having an expert hold her accountable and being a resource was the key to her weight loss success.

I will definitely do the Core Restore liver detox again.  My goal is to do it once a year.  I found it very beneficial to do it in a group.  Detoxing isn't a joyful experience.  Your body is eliminating stored toxins.  You will experience this in headaches, mood swings, body ache, hunger, etc...  It makes such a difference to know others are experiencing the same effects.  You are not alone in the process.  I now know what the end result feels like.  It is a breath of fresh air.  A new start.  I truly feel like a million bucks :)

I feel SO good!

It's Day 6 and I feel great.  I did not know I could feel this good.  I have been feeling bad for so long that it turned into my normal.  I used to suffer from exhaustion, mood swings, body ache, poor sleep, etc...  I attributed this to stress, post partum, thyroid and my very busy life.  Meanwhile, I kept fueling my body with quick bites and easy, stress free meals.  I was not taking care of me.

The food choices we make are powerful.  The right choices will make us feel great.  The wrong ones will make us "crash".  I am completely taken aback by how much energy I have.  And, IT IS EASY!  Why did I think it was so difficult to eat right?  I was too exhausted to think about it before.  I am not too exhausted now.

One more day to go and then I can start introducing other REAL food items.

Maintained weight loss, 6 lbs total

Recipes

I have tried a few recipes out of the Core Restore.  Some have been successful, some have not.  I would love to know what you have tried!  Please comment if you have a recipe to share, good or bad.

Day 4 wrap up

Today starts day 5.  I am continuing on the protocol by taking 2 Alpha Base capsules, 2 Phytocore capsules and 2 scoops of Core Support twice daily.  I also can eat certain food items.  I was hungry yesterday.  The food items I choose were not fulfilling me.  I bought some grass feed beef on my way home last night.  It was delicious.  I was missing meat :)  My belly was full and happy. 

Other than being hungry, everything went very well.  I did not suffer from a headache.  I felt positive, uplifted and in a good mood.

The fruit smoothie I drink every morning will remain a staple in my diet.  I combine 1 banana, 1/2 c. blueberries, 1/2 c. strawberries, 1 c. rice milk, 2 scoops of Core Support powder (full of protein, fiber and essential nutrients) and 1/2 c. ice.  It is delicious and turns me into a fireball of energy!

I lost 1 1/2 lbs  Total weight lost = 6 lbs

Day 3 wrap up

Day 3 went very well.  I noticed I was (mentally) wanting food more than I had wanted it the previous days.  I chose the berry smoothie recipe out of the Core Restore Patient Guide for breakfast.  This smoothie provided me with a lot of energy.  I had an overall good feeling the entire day. 

I'm starting day 4 finally headache free!  I chose the smoothie again for breakfast and I am feeling strong and energized. 

I gained back 1 pound.  Total weight loss = 4.5 lbs

Day 3 is finally here!

I am so excited!  It is day three and I can include meals in my liver detox protocol.  Last night went very well.  I did not have any "detoxing" episodes. 

I have a dull headache.  Inspight of this headache, I feel very well.  I am awake.  I feel energized.  I feel positive.  I feel good.

I started the detox knowing it was essential for my body.  I studied the detox and completely understand the science behind it.  I absolutely believe it is a "must do" for everyone.  I expected that it would make me feel better.  I was struggling with exhaustion, dark eye circles, foggy thinking, Hashimoto's disease, etc... I knew it would help with these issues.  I did not expect or even consider that it would clear the rash I had from a reaction to gold.  I have been fighting this rash since October.  It is gone!  Completely gone!  It was gone after the first elimination day.  I am astonished.

I lost another 3 lbs.  Total weight loss = 5.5 lbs.

I cheated

I cheated, slightly.  I ate a couple bites of raw veggies.  This is ok to do if needed.  I needed it.  Today was not too bad.  I wanted food more than I need food.  My stomach wasn't growling but I was looking forward to the smoothies and delicious recipes I am going to make tomorrow. 

I think I can officially say I made it!  The rest of the week should be a breeze. 

So excited! 

The First Night

The first night of detox was interesting.  I was pleasantly surprised that I had no problem getting to sleep.  I do not even remember my head hitting the pillow.  I was out.  I haven't slept well since the birth of my second child so sleep like this was very welcome.

However, I woke up at 1:00 am with some awful cramps.  The cramps turned into an experience similar to food poisoning and lasted for about a half hour.  To be honest, it was quite frightening.  But, it left as quickly as it came.  I believe my body is using spared energy from a resting digestive system to pull out stored toxins.  The elimination of these toxins was making me sick.

I do have some surprising news!  When your body is full of inflammation and your "filter" needs to be changed, you may experience an allergy or visible skin rash.  I started having a reaction to gold jewelry.  I have been fighting this reaction for several months.  It has completely disappeared!  I am having a hard time believing this.  But, it is true.  I am going to watch closely to see if anything returns but as of today it is gone.

I have lost 2.5 lbs from the first day of detox. 

Day One!

One day down.  It wasn't so bad.  I'm somewhat surprised.  Today we were allowed 2 Alpha Base capsules and 2 scoops of Core Support powder (in water, pure fruit juice or rice milk) in the morning and evening.  Green tea helped control the caffeine cravings as well as warm up my belly on such a cold day. 

Tomorrow will be the same regimen.  We just have to get through tomorrow and then it is smooth sailing.  Great things are happening!   

Get prepared

Tomorrow is the big day!  January 21, the start of the detox.  I am excited to cleanse my body and start feeling better. 

It is very important to be prepared.  Never allow yourself the opportunity to lose track of the goal.  The Core Restore Patient guide includes recipes, sample meals and even a grocery list to assist you.  Being a working mom, I am choosing to do this as simply as possible.  I chose a few recipes that I thought would be tasty and filling.  I purchased all my groceries for the week.  I am going to prepare the recipes in large batches.  When day three comes, I will be ready with my approved meals and not reach for something to quickly satisfy my hunger. 

I am re-reading my patient guide to make sure all questions are answered. 
I am excited!  I am ready!

Fasting and NO CAFFEINE!

The most intimidating part of the detox protocol for me is not the fasting, it's the elimination of caffeine!  Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, industrial chemicals create imbalance in the detoxification process.  Caffeine is currently a food group in my diet; another sign I need to detox.  You are encouraged to drink filtered water and lots of it (6-8 8oz. glasses).  Water will help flush out the toxins.  You are allowed organic herbal tea and/or organic green tea. 
All detox protocols include some sort of fast, modified fast or elimination.  It is essential to eliminate the toxic burden entering the body.  Your body needs to rest and heal itself.  This spared energy is used to eliminate toxins currently stored in the body.

The detox that Moudry Rx-Compounding promotes uses a modified fast.  You are allowed a drink mixture that includes two scoops of a supplemental nutrient powder twice daily.  I currently drink this mixture every morning for breakfast.  I only use one scoop now and it definitely sustains me to lunch.  It is full of protein and tastes quite good.  I like it in rice milk.  If the modified fast cannot be followed, you can add in some organic fruits and vegetables. 

It is important to note that you may experience unpleasant symptoms during the detox.  Especially during the first two days while your body is undergoing the process of toxin removal.  Some of these symptoms include headache, fatigue, body-ache, nausea, mood change.  My mood changed with the thought of caffeine removal.  I may want to let my coworkers know that I will have a case of "the Mondays" :) 

After foods are eliminated, they can be reintroduced into the body one at a time.  Today's modern conveniences unfortunately include foods that increase inflammation in the body.  Every person is built differently and certain foods will not agree with us.  These may not show up in the form of an allergic reaction.  Mental fogginess, headaches and body-ache can be symptoms of a food intolerance.  The slow process of re-introducing food will help uncover the food items that cause inflammation in the body.

Questionnaire

79!  My inflammation score is 79!  Ouch
I am looking forward to a large improvement when I take the questionnaire after detox.

This questionnaire identifies signs and symptoms that address the underlying cause of your G.I.-related illness (toxins, inflammation, etc...).  This questionnaire is to be completed before and after the liver detox.  It will help track your progress over time.

Point Scale:

0 = Never or almost never have the symptom

1 = Occasionally have it; effect is not severe

2 = Occasionally have it; effect is severe

3 = Frequently have it; effect is not severe

4 = Frequently have it; effect is severe

HEAD

___Headaches

___Dizziness

___Insomnia

___Faintness

____TOTAL

EARS

___Itchy ears

___Ringing in ears/loss of hearing

___Earaches/ear infections

___Drainage from ear

____TOTAL

EYES

___Bags or dark circles under eyes

___Watery or itchy eyes

___Swollen, reddened, or sticky eyelids

___Blurred or tunnel vision (excluding near- or far- sightedness)

____TOTAL

NOSE

___Stuffy nose

___Sinus congestion, sinus infection

___Constant sneezing

___Hay fever/allergies

___Excess mucus formation

____TOTAL

MOUTH/THROAT

___Chronic coughing

___Sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice

___Gagging, frequent need to clear throat

___Swollen tongue, gums or lips

___Swollen lymph nodes

___Canker sores, mouth ulcers

____TOTAL

HEART

___Chest pain

___Irregular or skipped heartbeat

___Rapid or pounding heartbeat

____TOTAL

LUNGS

___Asthma, bronchitis

___Chest congestion

___Shortness of breath

___Difficulty breathing

____TOTAL

SKIN

___Acne or brown “age/liver spots”

___Hives, rashes, cysts, boils

___Eczema or psoriasis

___Itchy skin/dermatitis

___Hair loss, hair thinning

___Body odor

___Excessive sweating

____TOTAL

JOINTS/MUSCLES

___Pain or aches in joints or lower back

___Stiffness or limitation of movement

___Arthritis

___Pain or aches in muscles

____TOTAL

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL

___Poor memory

___Difficulty concentrating

___Mood swings

___Depression

___Anxiety, fear or nervousness

___Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

___Insomnia

____TOTAL

ENERGY LEVEL

___Fatigue/low energy

___Restlessness

___Hyperactivity

___Feeling of weakness

____TOTAL

WEIGHT

___Underweight

___Overweight

___Difficulty losing weight

___Crave certain foods

____TOTAL

DIGESTIVE TRACT

___Nausea, vomiting

___Diarrhea

___Constipation

___Bloated feeling

___Belching, passing gas

___Heartburn

___Intestinal/stomach pain

____TOTAL

OTHER

___PMS

___Frequent colds, flus

___Chemical or environmental sensitivities

___Food allergies/sensitivities

____TOTAL

Please add the numbers from each section and write the section total in the spaces provided, then add all the section totals together and put that total in the space below.

____GRAND TOTAL

Interpreting Your GRAND TOTAL Toxicity Score:

15 or lower: You have a low level of inflammation.

16 to 49: You have a moderate level of inflammation.

50 or higher: You have a high level of inflammation.

Why detox?

I believe in a science-based, physician approved liver detox.  I understand and value its purpose.  Every energy system in our body is compromised without a properly functioning liver.  The benefits include:  Uncovering food allergens, weight loss, energy and recharging the body on the path to good health.  There are so many reasons to detox.  It is important to detox every year.  That being said, I have not participated in a liver detox. 

Why?  No time, no energy, no drive, no focus, too much going on, stress, juggling too many things,etc...Where will I fit this in my day between work and taking care of my growing family?  My excuses not to detox are looking exactly like the detox symptom checklist.  I am suffering from emotional, internal and external toxins.  Taking care of myself has not been a priority.  Many people start 2013 off with resolutions.  I am joining the bandwagon with a resolution to simply take care of my body.  It is the only body I'll have.

My resolution of taking care of myself and achieving a more optimal level of health is going to be rewarding in the end.  However, change is hard and often scary.  I, believe, that shared encouragement is very beneficial when embarking on a lifestyle change.  This is why I am trying to recruit others to join this experience with me.  Starting with a liver detox. 

"U.S. EPA biopsy studies of chemicals stored in the fat of human beings show 100% of people studied had dioxins, PCB's (dioxins and PCB's are among the most potent causes of cancers known to man), dichlorobenzene and xylene.  CDC's report in 2006 found that the average American has 116 of 148 synthetic compounds in the body.  The average umbilical cord blood contains 217 neurotoxins, 208 are known to cause birth defects." orthomolecularproducts.com

From prescription medications to car exhaust, we are exposed to toxins every day.  It is time to change my "filter" and recharge. My liver detox begins January 21.