Author Archives: Velile Ndebele

About Velile Ndebele

Miss Velile Ndebele RGN (Registered General Nurse), Colon Hydrotherapist I-ACT Instructor has been working in Healthcare in both the NHS public sector as well as private sector since 1994, working for major public hospitals as well as respected private healthcare companies like BUPA. She is Founder and Clinical Director of Aqualibria Colon Hydrotherapy MediSpa since its inception in 2005.

Keep your Immune System Healthy and Strong this Spring 2020 !

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Winter is a challenging time for your body’s immune system: viruses and germs are more likely to spread during the winter, increasing your chances of contracting a seasonal cold or flu. But of course, what we are all worried about at the moment is the coronavirus: as scientist try to find a vaccine against it, we wonder what we can do apart from hoping not to get in contact with an infected person – and get infected ourselves. (Please observe the guidelines of Public Health England and ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly at all times and for at least 20 seconds.)

What we know for sure is that we can protect ourself better by taking care of our immune system and make sure that it is optimised.

How Our Immune System Works

Your immune system is your body’s line of defense against illness and disease. You can only do so much to minimize your risks of coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses, so your body’s immune system takes over when you are exposed to these dangerous germs and helps to protect you from illness.

Your immune system produces white blood cells, which fight off infectious disease and foreign materials. When your immune system isn’t functioning properly or is depressed, it can’t produce enough white blood cells to fight off infection and you become sick. White blood cells fight off bacteria and infectious disease.

Another important element of your immune system is antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi – even to the point of battling cancerous cells. Your body naturally produces antimicrobial peptides, but you can take supplements to stimulate your body’s production of these little warriors. Antimicrobial peptides also have other immunomodulatory benefits.

Protect your Immune System Part 1 – Nutrition Planning

One of the easiest things you can do to ensure that your immune system is functioning at its best is to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs. Healthy eating habits are essential in winter as unhealthy habits can lead to depressed immune system responses.

You hear year-round that eating healthy is important. Eating healthy always is important, but it is a vital function to ensure that your immune system is functioning properly. Try to eat plenty of vegetables and protein, and reduce your carbohydrate and processed food intake. You don’t have to eat perfectly all of the time, but improving your eating habits meal-by-meal can produce direct results in how well your immune system deals with the challenges of winter.

In addition to focusing on your eating habits, consider taking nutritional supplements that help to boost your immune system and help your body to create good chemicals and get the most from your food:

· Vitamin C: Vitamin C is one of the most important supplements you can take to help boost your body’s immune system responses. Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant, and it is an important factor in several vital enzymatic reactions. You can improve your Vitamin C intake by eating more fruits rich in Vitamin C, or taking Vitamin C supplements.

· Zinc: Zinc plays a direct roll in how well your immune system functions. Zinc stimulates the white blood cells that fight off infection, and help keep your body healthy. Zinc and Vitamin C have a synergy that results in improved effectiveness when taken together.

· Histidine: To improve your Zinc intake, you must take Histidine, too. Histidine is an amino acid that enables your body to more effectively absorb Zinc. Taking Zinc supplements without Histidine may be ineffective because certain foods, especially vegetables, can interfere with Zinc absorption. Histidine counteracts that interference and enables your body to effectively process Zinc.

· Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 functions in your body as a powerful antibiotic. Vitamin D3 boosts your body’s production of antimicrobial peptides which destroy pathogenic organisms, such as the influenza virus. Vitamin D3 isn’t a cure for the flu, but it can help your body become more effective at combating the flu.

A detox program that includes colon hydrotherapy can help your body effectively rid itself of unwanted compounds and boost your body’s metabolism and immune system functionality. By removing toxic materials from your body and improving your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, colonic hydrotherapy can help boost your immune system.

But – don’t try to make too many changes too quickly, or your body will have a difficult time to adjust. Make transitions to healthier eating habits gradually so your body can become accustomed to the change. Don’t deprive yourself of the occasional treat, either, or you may find it more difficult to be healthy overall.

Protect your Immune System Part 2 – Stress Management

Stress makes it more difficult for your immune system to function properly, thus increasing your risk during the cold winter months when you are more likely to contract an illness. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which weakens your white blood cells’ ability to fight viruses. Cortisol also increases blood pressure and blood sugar, increasing your body’s risk for other medical complications in addition to repressed immune function.

Reduce your stress levels to reduce your body’s production of cortisol, and boost your immune responses. Try to get a full night of sleep every night, and practice relaxation techniques to lower your overall stress levels. Take a magnesium supplement in conjunction with aerobic exercise to reduce cortisol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin C can also reduce the negative impact of cortisol, making it easier for your body to fight off illness and lowering your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Therapeutic, relaxing techniques can help lower your stress levels. These techniques include things like massage and music therapy. Aqualibria has a unique ambience with candles, fresh flowers, mood-enhancing scents and your choice of CDs and music to help you relax. Your personal electronic massager can literally help to melt your cares away, so treat yourself to a colonic hydrotherapy session at Aqualibria to reduce your stress and cortisol levels.

Finally, Your body responds to emotions. Reducing direct stress is only one part of the equation to keeping your body healthy and happy. Nurture yourself, spend quality time with friends and enjoy relaxing activities that make you happy. Keeping your mental state elevated has a direct impact on your stress and cortisol levels, which has a direct impact on how well your body’s immune system functions!

Protect your Immune System Part 3 – Natural Sunlight

Sunlight is an important part of your body’s immune system functionality. During the winter, we typically don’t get as much direct exposure to sunlight as you do during the summer. That is particularly the case during long, cold winters such as London is currently experiencing. Why does your body need sunlight?

When light enters your eyes, it stimulates your brain’s hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates automatic bodily functions, and controls metabolic functions. The hypothalamus plays a role in producing the stress hormone cortisol, as well as other vital hormone secretions. Finally, the hypothalamus controls the production of serotonin, the mood-enhancing brain hormone.

Direct exposure to sunlight in the form of sun shining on our skin stimulates our body’s production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D boosts your body’s ability to absorb calcium and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Decreased sunlight and subsequently lower Vitamin D levels plays a direct role in our body’s ability to fight off colds and flu during the winter months when we don’t get enough exposure to sunlight.

Try to spend more time outdoors in the winter, even though its cold. Take a short walk outside during your lunch break, or quick walks before and after work. Any exposure to sunlight boosts your mood, helps to regulate your hypothalamus and can increase your body’s Vitamin D production – keeping you healthier even in the cold months. The exercise you’ll get on a quick walk also helps to boost your immune system!

Just as increased sunlight can play a direct role in your mood and energy levels, so can colonic hydrotherapy. Clients who undergo colonic hydrotherapy sessions at Aqualibria report improved metabolism, a surge in energy levels and enhanced mental clarity. Your body needs all the tools it can get to help keep your immune system functioning well during the long winter. (click here for more client reviews).

Try to spend more time outdoors, even though it’s still cold. Take a short walk outside during your lunch break, or quick walks before and after work. Any exposure to sunlight boosts your mood, helps to regulate your hypothalamus and can increase your body’s Vitamin D production – keeping you healthier even in the cold months. The exercise you’ll get on a quick walk also helps to boost your immune system!

In doubt? Get Your Immune System tested

If you have reasons to believe your immune system may be compromised, at Aqualibria we offer the following diagnostic tools:

  • Gut Immunology: a comprehensive stool test to evaluate immunological imbalance specific to gastrointestinal tract inflammatory disease activity.
  • Immunogenomic Profile: a saliva swab to determine genetic variations in genes that modulate immune and inflammatory activity.

Please contact us for more details about either of the tests above.

Focus on Dehydration – Winter 2019

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Dehydration – A Definition

Dehydration is the loss of water and electrolytes from the body. Water is needed to maintain enough blood and other fluids for the body to function properly. The body uses fluids to expel toxins and for lubrication in order to keep everything running smoothly. Along with fluids, the body also needs electrolytes, which are salts (sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate) found in the blood, other fluids, and cells. A lack of electrolytes in the body can interfere with the chemical reactions needed for healthy cell function. If a significant amount of fluids and salts are lost and not quickly replaced, the body starts to become dehydrated.

Dehydration and Digestion – The Stomach

The most important organ for the process of human digestion is the stomach. The stomach secretes acids to break down proteins and sterilize foods. One of the most common acids is hydrochloric acid (HCI).

Once food has begun to be broken down, the stomach contents pass through the pyloric sphincter, which connects the stomach to the small intestine. The lining of the small intestine is not protected against HCI like the stomach lining is, so the HCI must be neutralized. This is a function of the pancreas. The pancreas secretes bicarbonate ions, which neutralizes the HCI, making it safe for the stomach contents to enter the small intestine.

Large amounts of water are needed to produce enough bicarbonate ions to neutralize the HCI. If the pancreas does not have enough water to do its job, the contents of the stomach will not be allowed to move along. Instead, they remain in the stomach, significantly slowing down the digestive process.

As well as affecting HCI neutralization, a stomach without sufficient water is the perfect environment for H.pylori bacteria to colonize.

Dehydration and its effects on the Colon

If the body is not supplied with enough water to support the vital organs (the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver and glands), it will borrow water from the gastro-intestinal tract. A colon without sufficient water will produce hard stools and become constipated. This can put pressure on the stomach. Constipation can also damage the colon lining.

Without sufficient amounts of water the colon can also reabsorb its water reserves. Without clean water to utilize, it will use wastewater, which needs to be filtered through the liver and kidneys, which may place additional strain on these organs.

Dehydration causes, signs and symptoms

There are many causes of dehydration. The most common are:
· vomiting
· diarrhoea
· fever
· diuretic medications
· not drinking enough water

Vigorous exercise and heat can also cause dehydration.

The signs and symptoms of mild dehydration in adults appear when the body has lost about 2% of its total fluid.

Symptoms of early or mild dehydration include:
· flushed face
· extreme thirst
· dry, warm skin
· decreased amounts of urine or unable to pass urine
· dark yellow urine
· dizziness made worse by standing
· weakness
· cramping in the arms and legs
· sleepiness
· irritability
· headaches
· dry mouth and tongue
· thick saliva

Preventing dehydration

During an average day, an adult living in a temperate climate loses approximately 2.5 litres of water, through breathing, sweating, urinating and bowel movements. Vigorous exercise can cause the body to lose more than 2 litres an hour.

To prevent dehydration you need to replace the liquids that are lost throughout the day. The amount of water needed varies from one person to another. Aqualibria recommend drinking a litre of water for every 50lb of body weight. This is based on a person of healthy weight, with a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and foods such as rice that have high levels of moisture. If you have less moisture from your food or are overweight, you will probably need more water. Drink more water during and after exercise. Aqualibria recommend using a good water filtering system.

How do you know if you are drinking enough water?

By the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.

Your urine should be clear or lightly coloured. Darker coloured urine may be an indication that you are dehydrated.

If you are not drinking enough water, daily intake should be increased gradually.

Treatment of mild dehydration

The best treatment for mild dehydration is an electrolyte-balanced fluid, such as a sports drink. However, Aqualibria strongly believe that prevention is better than cure.

Dehydration and Constipation

Getting enough water is an incredibly important part of balancing your health. There are many health implications that can result from dehydration, including constipation.

When water is in short supply in the body, the colon will restrict unnecessary water loss through the stools. The colon muscles contract to squeeze out the water and reabsorb it back into circulation. This can result in harder stools which are difficult to pass, and which may irritate and weaken the walls of the colon, resulting in diverticula (pockets of tissue that push out from the colonic walls) and colon malfunctions, such as fistulas, polyps and tumors.

For our clients who suffer with constipation, bloating or IBS, Aqualibria recommends a course of colon hydrotherapy treatments to help gently cleanse and hydrate the digestive system, break up dehydrated waste materials on the intestinal walls and prevent the re-absorption of toxic materials.

If you find it hard to drink the required amount of water every day, try adding a small piece of root ginger to a glass of hot water. This will flavour the water and is also a great treatment for constipation.

Can I get dehydrated in Winter? This time of the year?!?

The winter holidays can offer many opportunities for parties and social events, for relaxation and catching up with family and friends. It can also be a time when the alcohol flows freely. So, what does this mean in context of dehydration and digestion? Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing fluid loss from the body, which can lead to dehydration. The liver is the main organ that gets rid of alcohol. As it metabolises the alcohol, it produces acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that affects the stomach lining, resulting in nausea, vomiting and heartburn. The toxins from alcohol can irritate the stomach, causing gastritis, which can delay digestion and cause vomiting. Alcohol also interferes with the small and large intestines’ ability to absorb water and salt, which may cause diarrhoea.

For our clients who wish to maintain their social schedule without compromising their wellbeing, Aqualibria recommends a course of colon hydrotherapy treatments to assist the body in eliminating toxins and to ensure that the digestive system remains healthy and hydrated.

Tips to beat dehydration during the Christmas holiday season

Did you know? It takes 8 ounces of water to make up for drinking 1.5 ounces of alcohol.
These are the steps that you can take to help avoid dehydration and digestive problems caused by alcohol:
· don’t drink on an empty stomach
· take a teaspoon or two of olive oil before drinking alcohol, to help protect the stomach membrane
· drink a glass of water between each glass of alcohol
· don’t drink to excess.

Dehydration in the Workplace

Did you know? A 4-5% reduction in water in your body can cause as much as a 30% decline in work performance.

Dehydration impairs both physical and mental performance. Lifestyle can affect health in many different ways, and the short-term gains of some lifestyle choices can have longer-term repercussions on wellbeing. Caffeine may help to keep you temporarily alert, but it is a mild diuretic and can contribute to dehydration. High protein diets may be convenient and good for sustaining energy levels, but a diet that is too high in protein can lead to dehydration. By keeping your body well hydrated, your performance will be consistently higher than if your body is constantly struggling to cope with the effects of dehydration.

For our clients who have demanding work lives, Aqualibria recommend a course of colon hydrotherapy treatments to assist the digestive system in staying hydrated and to help you perform at your peak.

Aqualibria Tip! Keep a bottle of water on your desk at all times. This way, you will be able to ensure that you are getting enough water throughout even the busiest of days.

Keep your Immune System Healthy and Strong this Fall 2019 !

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Winter is a challenging time for our body’s immune system, but the way we approach the arrival of winter presents even more challenges.

Viruses and germs are more likely to spread during the winter, increasing our chances of contracting a cold or flu.

London has just plunged into colder, shorter days, which means our immune system is working harder at this time of the year.

In this blog post, we analyse how we can protect ourself from illness by taking care of our immune system.

How Our Immune System Works

Your immune system is your body’s line of defense against illness and disease. You can only do so much to minimize your risks of coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses, so your body’s immune system takes over when you are exposed to these dangerous germs and helps to protect you from illness.

Your immune system produces white blood cells, which fight off infectious disease and foreign materials. When your immune system isn’t functioning properly or is depressed, it can’t produce enough white blood cells to fight off infection and you become sick. White blood cells fight off bacteria and infectious disease.

Another important element of your immune system is antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi – even to the point of battling cancerous cells. Your body naturally produces antimicrobial peptides, but you can take supplements to stimulate your body’s production of these little warriors. Antimicrobial peptides also have other immunomodulatory benefits.

Protect your Immune System Part 1 – Nutrition Planning

One of the easiest things you can do to ensure that your immune system is functioning at its best is to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs. Healthy eating habits are essential in winter as unhealthy habits can lead to depressed immune system responses.

You hear year-round that eating healthy is important. Eating healthy always is important, but it is a vital function to ensure that your immune system is functioning properly. Try to eat plenty of vegetables and protein, and reduce your carbohydrate and processed food intake. You don’t have to eat perfectly all of the time, but improving your eating habits meal-by-meal can produce direct results in how well your immune system deals with the challenges of winter.

In addition to focusing on your eating habits, consider taking nutritional supplements that help to boost your immune system and help your body to create good chemicals and get the most from your food:

· Vitamin C: Vitamin C is one of the most important supplements you can take to help boost your body’s immune system responses. Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant, and it is an important factor in several vital enzymatic reactions. You can improve your Vitamin C intake by eating more fruits rich in Vitamin C, or taking Vitamin C supplements.

· Zinc: Zinc plays a direct roll in how well your immune system functions. Zinc stimulates the white blood cells that fight off infection, and help keep your body healthy. Zinc and Vitamin C have a synergy that results in improved effectiveness when taken together.

· Histidine: To improve your Zinc intake, you must take Histidine, too. Histidine is an amino acid that enables your body to more effectively absorb Zinc. Taking Zinc supplements without Histidine may be ineffective because certain foods, especially vegetables, can interfere with Zinc absorption. Histidine counteracts that interference and enables your body to effectively process Zinc.

· Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 functions in your body as a powerful antibiotic. Vitamin D3 boosts your body’s production of antimicrobial peptides which destroy pathogenic organisms, such as the influenza virus. Vitamin D3 isn’t a cure for the flu, but it can help your body become more effective at combating the flu.

A detox program that includes colon hydrotherapy can help your body effectively rid itself of unwanted compounds and boost your body’s metabolism and immune system functionality. By removing toxic materials from your body and improving your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, colonic hydrotherapy can help boost your immune system.

But – don’t try to make too many changes too quickly, or your body will have a difficult time to adjust. Make transitions to healthier eating habits gradually so your body can become accustomed to the change. Don’t deprive yourself of the occasional treat, either, or you may find it more difficult to be healthy overall.

Protect your Immune System Part 2 – Stress Management

Stress makes it more difficult for your immune system to function properly, thus increasing your risk during the cold winter months when you are more likely to contract an illness. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which weakens your white blood cells’ ability to fight viruses. Cortisol also increases blood pressure and blood sugar, increasing your body’s risk for other medical complications in addition to repressed immune function.

Reduce your stress levels to reduce your body’s production of cortisol, and boost your immune responses. Try to get a full night of sleep every night, and practice relaxation techniques to lower your overall stress levels. Take a magnesium supplement in conjunction with aerobic exercise to reduce cortisol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin C can also reduce the negative impact of cortisol, making it easier for your body to fight off illness and lowering your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Therapeutic, relaxing techniques can help lower your stress levels. These techniques include things like massage and music therapy. Aqualibria has a unique ambience with candles, fresh flowers, mood-enhancing scents and your choice of CDs and music to help you relax. Your personal electronic massager can literally help to melt your cares away, so treat yourself to a colonic hydrotherapy session at Aqualibria to reduce your stress and cortisol levels.

Finally, Your body responds to emotions. Reducing direct stress is only one part of the equation to keeping your body healthy and happy. Nurture yourself, spend quality time with friends and enjoy relaxing activities that make you happy. Keeping your mental state elevated has a direct impact on your stress and cortisol levels, which has a direct impact on how well your body’s immune system functions!

Protect your Immune System Part 3 – Natural Sunlight

Sunlight is an important part of your body’s immune system functionality. During the winter, we typically don’t get as much direct exposure to sunlight as you do during the summer. That is particularly the case during long, cold winters such as London is currently experiencing. Why does your body need sunlight?

When light enters your eyes, it stimulates your brain’s hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates automatic bodily functions, and controls metabolic functions. The hypothalamus plays a role in producing the stress hormone cortisol, as well as other vital hormone secretions. Finally, the hypothalamus controls the production of serotonin, the mood-enhancing brain hormone.

Direct exposure to sunlight in the form of sun shining on our skin stimulates our body’s production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D boosts your body’s ability to absorb calcium and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Decreased sunlight and subsequently lower Vitamin D levels plays a direct role in our body’s ability to fight off colds and flu during the winter months when we don’t get enough exposure to sunlight.

Try to spend more time outdoors in the winter, even though its cold. Take a short walk outside during your lunch break, or quick walks before and after work. Any exposure to sunlight boosts your mood, helps to regulate your hypothalamus and can increase your body’s Vitamin D production – keeping you healthier even in the cold months. The exercise you’ll get on a quick walk also helps to boost your immune system!

Just as increased sunlight can play a direct role in your mood and energy levels, so can colonic hydrotherapy. Clients who undergo colonic hydrotherapy sessions at Aqualibria report improved metabolism, a surge in energy levels and enhanced mental clarity. Your body needs all the tools it can get to help keep your immune system functioning well during the long winter.

In doubt? Get tested

If you have reasons to believe your immune system may be compromised, at Aqualibria we offer the following diagnostic tools:

  • Gut Immunology: a comprehensive stool test to evaluate immunological imbalance specific to gastrointestinal tract inflammatory disease activity.
  • Immunogenomic Profile: a saliva swab to determine genetic variations in genes that modulate immune and inflammatory activity.

Please contact us for more details about either of the tests above.

Conclusions

The long winter has just started, and we begin to see enough cold and rain to reduce the amount of time we spend outdoors, in the sunlight. Your body’s immune system is all that stands between you and illness, so take these important steps to help your immune system function as best as it possibly can and keep you well. Use all of the tools you have to increase your body’s natural immune responses and cleanse unhealthy toxins from your system.

Colonic Irrigation Risks

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Colon Hydrotherapy – What are the Risks? A Complete Review of Medical Literature 1978-2018

I decided to create this page to offer what I believe is a balanced view on colonic irrigation risks – and dangers reported around colon hydrotherapy (or commonly known as colonic irrigation).
There is a lot of confusing -or I should say incomplete information- that is misguiding patients and consumers. Hopefully this page will resolve some of that.

First of all, we should agree on basic terminology. A lot of articles and studies use the terms colon cleansing, bowel cleansing, very generally by lumping together a series of activities:
– The practice of using oral supplements (herbs or medications) for cleansing or clearing the bowels
– The practice of using enemas: this should be further split into two categories, whether enemas are self-administered or administered in a hospital or nursing home setting
– The practice of colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy at a colon hydrotherapy clinic: this involves a therapist that should be certified by a recognised association
– The practice of using additives in addition to water when performing enemas or as implants after colonic irrigation: phosphate enemas, but also the use of herbs and other additives.

The categories listed are all different practices, and I believe magazine articles and even research publications fail, in their summary (which is the only part accessible to the public without membership) to be very specific about which exact category they refer to. When someone is considering colon hydrotherapy and doing his/her own research, make sure you keep the above in mind.

However, it is also true that, while these risks have to be taken into account, a properly trained professional should never have any of the issues presented. Having said so, I agree that risks have to be presented clearly. I just personally feel that some magazine articles are quick to point out risks that in the overwhelming majority of cases, have been reported to be very sporadic cases.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

I think some background context is needed in order to offer this.
We are very fortunate to have had the first colon hydrotherapists create some associations back some 30 years ago in the US and UK and many other parts of the world. ARCH was founded in 1987, and I-ACT was founded in 1989.

This has given colon hydrotherapists as a profession 30 years of practice during which many beneficial results have been observed in the day to day work with patients. Therapists all over the world have obviously shared benefits obtained from clients in a quite enthusiastic manner even when there is no medical evidence to substantiate those claims. Now anecdotal evidence does matter, but we cannot make medical claims unless benefits have been verified under a controlled environment. But I reserve a discussion about benefits for another time.
The problem I highlight above has been written about by Prof Stephen Holt MD PhD, author of the book “The Definitive Guide to Colon Hydrotherapy”. Because of this often over enthusiastic approach in claiming that colonics are good for everything under the sun, it is understandable that sceptics -or just someone with less enthusiasm about the topic- would take the other side and point out all the risks that are instead associated with the procedure. It is correct to have a balanced view, and I believe both sides have the best intentions in mind: one to protect the consumers and keep them away from charlatans, and the other wanting to help as many people as possible.

It is true, as a lot of magazine articles point out, that colon hydrotherapy carries risks and has not to be taken lightly. Someone considering colonic irrigation should definitely choose very carefully where they decide to go to have the procedure done.

Let’s take a look at the Four Main Categories of colonic irrigation risks associated with the procedure and analyse the evidence from the medical articles:
– Risks about the person: certain individuals should not have colon hydrotherapy – many studies document severe issues following colon hydrotherapy where the person simply should not have received the procedure due to contra-indications
– Risks about the procedure
– Risks about sanitary conditions of the establishment: contaminations and infections
– Risks associated with substances (herbs or other products) inserted into the colon

In some cases, a combination of these is true, for example someone who should not have the procedure due to a pre-existing condition who also had procedure done wrongly or used/abused unproven substances/products.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS – CONTRAINDICATIONS

The main category of risks undertaking colon hydrotherapy or some form of self-administered enemas or implants are pre-existing conditions like diverticulitis, chron’s disease, cancer, hypertension, pre-existing electrolyte imbalances, and more.

These are red flags and are part of the contraindication list in all (as far as I know) Colon Hydrotherapy Associations curriculums around the world. In most cases the patient presenting will know that they are suffering from one of these (for example, an individual will be aware of diverticulitis as they do cause pain and discomfort) however it is always important to check the patient for suitability – this is why I insist on carrying out a thorough consultation before anyone has the treatment. Even if they had colon hydrotherapy elsewhere. Our consultation is not merely paper filling. We ask the patient to fill in the medical questionnaire in advance, so the consultation is a proper consultation where we go through the medical history and check for potential issues that may have gone unnoticed. This is especially through for medications that weaken the intestinal wall and could potentially make colon hydrotherapy harmful. I am a trained nurse, so I understand the importance of this – I feel this is an area that could be improved at Curriculum level and surprisingly one that is not mentioned much by the magazine articles but perhaps should – such articles preferring to focus on the sensationalised issues of the one in a million perforation cases mentioned above.

The following published articles report incidents with colon hydrotherapy where, looking at the details, it was administered to someone who should not have had the procedure done.

+ The Dangers of Colon Cleansing (Journal of Family Practice, 2011, Mishori et al)

https://www.mdedge.com/sites/default/files/Document/September-2017/6008JFP_Article1.pdf

The article reports a case of a 31-year-old lady with Chron’s disease who had complications following colon cleansing at a clinic in USA. The person had Chron’s disease with a partial colectomy (removal of part of the colon) from 5 years before. This should have raised multiple red flags – This person should not have been given colon hydrotherapy as Chron’s disease is a contraindication. Also, clearly due to a partial colectomy her colon was not intact and had been partially removed so further consideration should have been given to this case.

Unfortunately, I have come across a few more of these in reviewing all the papers I mention below where patients with cancer and other issues were given the treatment. This should not happen.

More importantly, and perhaps more dangerous, is people undertaking self-administered procedures without establishing first whether they are suitable or not. It is very important to make sure one is safe to go ahead, and it should not be taken lightly.

RISKS OF PERFORATION

The risk of bowel perforations is the one always mentioned in any journal. There have been cases of hospitalisation due to bowel perforation.

Let’s take a look at these in details, I examined all the articles that seems to reference perforations, and this is what I found.

+ Enema-induced perforation of the rectum in chronically constipated patients. (1999, Haim Paran, Gavriel Butnar, David Neufeld, Amalia Magen, Uri Freund, “Diseases of the Colon and the Rectum)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10613482

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02236216

This is a report of findings conducted between January 1995 and December 1997 on elderly patients suffering from chronic constipation. In this report, 13 patients were reported to hospital with rectal or sigmoid perforation, following enema in 10 cases performed in nursing home and 3 cases at the patients home. For the three patients living at home, the enema was self-administered. Of the other 10 cases, only 2 were referred by the institution and we have no further data to ascertain the procedure used for the administration of the enema and whether any force was used. It has to be highlighted that all cases referred to elderly patients. Extra care should always be used when dealing with elderlies and I definitely consult the GP and/or other doctors when this is the case. In one passage it also highlights that “other abdominal pathology was found”, and mentions “repeated use of retrograde irrigation enema”. It should also be pointed out that this study refers to enemas and not colon hydrotherapy / colonic irrigation performed using a specific equipment. Nursing homes should be under medical supervision especially when dealing with elderlies, and we can only assume that for these elders the enema was a regular occurrence. It would be more useful to understand circumstances upon which those enemas were performed, how they were performed, how impacted the colon was, etc.

+ Unusual Rectal Perforation – An Individualised Approach to Management (Singapore Medical Journal, 1994 (Eu, Seow-Choen, Goh)

http://www.smj.org.sg/article/unusual-rectal-perforation-individualised-approach-management

This is more of a collection of unfortunate incidents: one case of a 24-year old construction worker who fell and landed on a metal rod and penetrated the anal canal. Another case of a 17-year-old who impaled himself while riding his bike when the seat fell off. There is however a case of a 70-year old woman who was given a barium enema that showed a sigmoid carcinoma. Following this a thorough septic work-up was done but she had complications. This is unusual but a recognised complication of the procedure. At this point, it is important to highlight that a barium enema is completely different from colon hydrotherapy, none the less the risks of barium inflammatory reaction. In most cases, this is due to weakness of intestinal wall or poor technical execution. Moreover, during barium enema air may be pumped into the colon. Nothing it pumped in the colon during a colon hydrotherapy procedure.

+ Traumatic rectal perforation presenting as necrotising fasciitis of the lower limb (Singapore Medical Journal, 2009 (Fu, Quah, Eu)

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/fada/b3e134d0c51ad46162066a7fcd5c5939c184.pdf

This case of rectal perforation again is a case of a 73-year old Chinese man, cancer patient. The paper, I quote, states that “Further history-taking revealed that in the week prior to presentation, he had been using tap water directly from a rubber hose inserted per rectum, as a form of irrigation enema to relieve his constipation”. Does this sound like common sense to anyone? This should not have been done at home, using a connection direct to tap water (with risk of high pressure) and by a 73-year old cancer patient.
+ Rectal perforation from colonic irrigation administered by alternative practitioners (Medical Journal of Australia, 2004, Handley, Rieger, Rodda)
https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2004/181/10/rectal-perforation-colonic-irrigation-administered-alternative-practitioners
I was not able to obtain the full paper at the time of writing of this piece. However, the abstract shows the following:

“The fluid may be driven by gravitational or mechanical force” –Recognised risks from colonic irrigation are electrolyte imbalance, bowel perforation and communicable diseases such as amoebiasis

We will go into details about these one by one. First of all, about the equipment. No colon hydrotherapy equipment does or should use mechanical force. This implies we use an external force to inject water into the bowels. All colon hydrotherapy equipment should (and is to my knowledge) using gravitational force. Simply put, the water reservoir used for the treatment is positioned above the bed where the patient lies during the treatment, and the water reaches the patient by way of gravity: this means, the person can never take more water that the body allows, and when he/she has taken enough, will feel a sense of fullness and release. Only at this point, more water than the bowels can possibly take will be gently fed again by way of gravity.

In conclusion, all these cases report someone who either self-administered, or was given a barium enema in a hospital settings, or had some pre-existing conditions that a qualified colon therapist should have checked and therefore not administered the treatment. Statistically, this does not stack up against the thousands of treatments (we alone at Aqualibria have performed over 19,000 in the last 13 years) performed all over the world by properly qualified practitioners who follow all protocol and do not administer the treatment to someone who is not suitable.

We are going to examine the other risks mentioned in the abstract above in the following paragraphs.

RISK OF INFECTION / CONTAMINATION / COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Another risk that is often mentioned is the risk of infection and contamination. This risk is common to any treatment that involves bodily fluids which is risk of infection. This could be said of any treatment that involves needles, injections, shared surfaces. A properly sanitised clinic should never have these kind of issues (we have a dedicated hygiene assistant whose only job is to keep our clinic clinically clean), and it has been years now since all major colon hydrotherapy associations mandated the use of single-use disposable nozzles and other implements.

The following papers have been published and quoted about this subject.

+ Escherichia coli Septic Shock Following Colonic Hydrotherapy (American Journal of Medicine – Dore, Gleeson, 2015)

https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(15)00516-1/fulltext

This case involves a 78-year-old man with a history of hyper- tension, type II diabetes mellitus, and diverticulitis 8 months before admission. The patient had undergone colonic cleansing treatments at a spa, which involved per rectum instillation of large volumes of herb-infused water into the patient’s colon. He presented with E. coli which was postulated happened because of intraluminal pressure.
Again, this person presented multiple contra-indications: This person should not have been given colon hydrotherapy because of diverticulitis, possibly hyper-tension if it was uncontrolled. And definitely not been given herb-infused water (more about this further down).

The paper above quotes another article where the contamination was due to poor sanitary conditions in the clinic:

+ An outbreak of amebiasis spread by colonic irrigation at a chiropractic clinic. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1982, Various Authors)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6283354

This case refers to 1978-1980 outbreak of amoebiasis and E-coli in a clinic in Colorado: following this, 36 cases of amebiasis occurred in persons who had had colonic-irrigation therapy at a chiropractic clinic in western Colorado. Tests conducted after concluded the equipment were not properly sanitised.
After this in the early 1980s the FDA mandated use of single-use disposable equipment that we have been using since and adopted pretty much world-wise these days and we definitely abide to this by only using single use disposables.
Since then, as documented in the 2015 article above, the only other outbreak was in an infection attributable to colonic hydrotherapy is a case of rectal perforation with polymicrobial infection in a patient who had received recent chemotherapy. One case in 35 years luckily.
Risk of contamination and infections do exist but if a clinic follows the proper sanitisation procedures, and use single use disposables, this should not happen. The same could be said about any health clinic / hospital dealing with injectables and needles. I advise the public i.e. the consumer to do your own research, check reviews and do your own research to satisfy yourself with the quality of the establishment you plan to visit.

RISK OF ELECTROLITE IMBALANCE

Other reported risks have been associated with electrolyte imbalances.

There are a couple of studies that have been done on this.

+ Effects of Colon Irrigation on Serum Electrolytes (National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon,1990, Collins, Pittman)

http://www.gpact.org/electrolytes.php

This study with 17 people (11 female, 6 men) aged 22-54, had three colonic treatments in a week period, and were measured for serum electrolytes immediately after the treatments.
There was a measured drop in electrolytes but not under clinically significant levels nor any of the subjects presented any symptom.

+ The Influence of Colonic Irrigation on Human Intestinal Microbiota (Yoko Clinic, 2012, Yoko Uchiyama-Tanaka)

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Influence-of-Colonic-Irrigation-on-Human-Uchiyama-Tanaka/b13f1ca7d24754e1a3353ff372dde3c4dc349d61

In this similar study, 10 subjects with no history of malignant or inflammatory disease had 3 colonics over the period of 2 weeks. The results are as follow: “In conclusion, colonic irrigation has no influence on serum electrolytes and may induce improvements in symptoms without any effects on the intestinal microbiota. “
There are however, risks if the individual is not healthy, has some pre-existing conditions, or some herbs or additives are used during the procedure.
We will examine this in the last section of this article.

USE OF ADDITIVES

The last category of risks that I want to mention is the use of herbs and additives. This is where some articles are mixing things up and making things confusing for the average Joe to understand, because they mix colon hydrotherapy with colon cleansing products used at home, being orally or administered via an enema. Franky, I don’t understand why the two things are being mixed in such manner. I appreciate the need to cover colon cleansing in general but it is very confusing and unfair to put apple and pears in the same basket and group together colon hydrotherapy which is a treatment that is (or should, if done by a professional) done within controlled environment and strictly defined safety guidelines, and some colon cleansing products which someone can buy off the shelf and then ingest or insert directly in the column by use of an enema.

Such articles like Mishori articles, websites like WebMD and Mayo Clinic, are very clear to point out that herbs and supplements should not be used lightly, and I agree – such use definitely falls under the umbrella of self-diagnosis and it is at best an educated guess and at worst a gamble.

I agree completely with the risks associated with potassium depletion, minerals depletion and disruption of the gut flora when using such products (which could be said by the way for the use of laxatives too), and therefore we decided as a practice not to administer any additives or implants during our colon hydrotherapy treatments. I want to see further evidence before we introduce these in our daily practice.

These articles reference the precautions to take when considering herbs and additives, whether in enema form, as an implant with or without a colonic, or ingested orally.

The following article from Mayo Clinic cautions against using herbs and additives without prior checking its suitability:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435

The Mishori article in the Journal of Family Practice – already referenced above – quotes a 49-year-old African-American who had used 3 days earlier a non-specified colon cleanser and presented to hospital with severe symptoms.

Another case study mentions a case of hyponatremia (lack of sodium).

+ Colonic irrigation-induced hyponatremia (Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004, Norlela, Izham, Khalid)

http://www.mjpath.org.my/past_issue/MJP2004.2/06-colonic.pdf

In this case, a 42-year old chinese woman “was diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus one year before but defaulted treatment; instead she was using self-prescribed herbs to control her diabetes. She visited a clinic several times, and… the procedure required her to instil (using a plastic tube) into her rectum 400-500 ml of tap or distilled water to which was added a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or coffee … Individuals undertaking colonic irrigations were advised to take several kinds of oral supplements which include potassium salts prior to the procedure.”

I am not sure why this person would be advised to follow such a procedure because it is not part of our training. We do not require taking any supplements before undertaking colonic irrigation let alone potassium salts. And we not add apple cider vinegar or coffee to our colonics….

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a properly qualified Colon Hydrotherapist – even better if they have some form of medical training or they work with referrals from doctors – should never put any patient at risk of any of the above-mentioned risks by checking things thoroughly and making sure that the patient is completely safe before administering colon hydrotherapy. Under proper safety boundaries, in a clinic that observes proper hygienic procedures, colonic irrigation risks should be minimal and none of the above should ever occur.

This is clearly indicated in the following PubMed published study:

+ Colonic irrigations: a review of the historical controversy and the potential for adverse effects” (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2006, Various Authors)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16722789

The article concludes that: “Although there is little specific literature on colonic irrigations, a review of the literature on related procedures such as enemas and sigmoidoscopies suggest that the risk of serious adverse effects is very low when the irrigations are performed by trained personnel using appropriate equipment.”

The key is the last part of the sentence, trained personnel and appropriate equipment. Since 2005, we delivered safely over 19,000 treatments and we never had anyone get to hospital or have any major complaints. I did turn away many clients who in my opinion were not suitable for the treatment and I do prefer to go above and beyond the safety guidelines.

Written October 2018 by: Velile Ndebele, Clinical Director RGN

Autumn – Season for cleansing

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autumn

It is the end of September, colder weather is coming and it is time to look at what to do to prime our bodies before the cold weather sets in.

Late summer and autumn are, contrary to popular belief, the best season for cleansing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body’s energy system follows a seasonal pattern, so that there are seasons when it is best to nourish it and seasons when it is best to detoxify it. The coming months are those associated to the colon and the skin. It is the ideal time to flush the toxins out in preparation for the winter months, during which our body needs all the energy it can find to fight the cold weather and the gloomy days.

Aqualibria’s Advice for Autumn

1. Start eating pulses (peas, beans and lentils) in the form of soups or salads to build your strength in preparation for the winter.

2. A balanced diet now will avoid cravings later on when the weather starts getting cold.

3. Engage in some forms of exercise to get the endorphins going and to keep the lymphatic system moving.

4. Remember: If you have been traveling to warm exotic countries this summer, your intestine may be harboring parasites even if you feel perfectly normal!

Why not prime your body and take advantage of our Autumn Special Cleansing Package ! Designed to prime your body and help you get ready for the colder season coming !

Yacon: natural prebiotic and much more

yacon

We want to bring to the attention of our readers this little known plant from South America with excellent properties.

Yacon is rich in Inulin which is a slow release sugar: it helps balance sugar levels and because of its low calories it is excellent for weight control.

Most importantly for us, it is a potent natural prebiotic, in that it strengthens the good intestinal flora therefore helping toxin elimination as well as helping restore regular bowel movements.

Yacon is becoming more and more available in health food stores in the form of dried slices or syrup.

October’s fruit and veg

Finally, eating in season is healthier. Here is a list of October’s fruit and veg for those who enjoy eating in season:

– Apple
– Beetroot
– Broccoli
– Cabbage
– Carrot
– Cauliflower
– Celery
– Garlic
– Iceberg Lettuce
– Onion
– Pepper
– Potato

If you want to discuss further how you can help your body get primed for autumn, contact us today !

The Wrong Way to Detox

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https://www.dreamstime.com/-image2664668

1 – What is Detox?

Our definition of Detox is Getting rid of toxins in the body in order to improve physical and mental health, increase energy, boost the immune system and assist with losing weight.

There are various ways to detox. It is very important that you choose a method that is suitable for you, as getting it wrong can cause more problems than it solves.

We are focusing on methods of detox using diet, as these have most relevance to digestion and digestive health.

Methods of detoxification include:

· Cutting out certain foods (such as processed foods, foods containing artificial additives, preservatives, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, dairy, sugar or artificial sweeteners, spices, red meat and pork) and eating more whole foods (such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, fish, oils, herbs and herbal teas)

· Fasting (this may be a complete fast, a liquid fast, such as water or juice or a single food fast, such as one variety of fruit, vegetable or wholegrain)

· Eating more fish

· Food combining

· Restricting calories

· Herbal detoxification

· Master Cleanse (a regime created by Stanley Burroughs based on drinking a combination of lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper)

· Only eating raw foods (raw foodism)

· Veganism

· Detox teas, containing ingredients which are considered beneficial to the body, such as ginger, fennel, liquorice and dandelion.

2 – What are the dangers?

danger2

Problems and pitfalls of detoxing

Beware of these when detoxing:

· Lack of essential nutrients can cause symptoms such as tiredness and lethargy.

· Long-term detox diets and fasting can cause headaches, constipation and bad breath, which may be caused by the body burning muscle instead of fat.

· Fasting actually slows down the rate at which toxins are eliminated.

· Restricting calorie intake too much slows the metabolism and inhibits liver function, leading to decreased weight loss.

· High mercury content in some fish can cause a wide variety of health problems. If you choose a diet that emphasizes fish it is important to choose varieties that have low mercury levels. Low mercury fish include: anchovies, pollock, haddock, hake, herring, sole, salmon, sardines and freshwater trout.

· Water fasting, Master Cleanse and other very restricted diets may result in nutrient deficiencies. Particularly dangerous is lack of protein, which may cause wasting of muscle tissue.

· Radically changing your diet can cause toxins to be released into the bloodstream faster than the body can eliminate them. If this happens, the body can become polluted, leading to the Herxheimer reaction, with symptoms including fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain and skin lesions.

· Many detox diets advocate drinking at least two to three litres of water a day, with the aim of helping the kidneys to flush out toxins. Drinking a lot more than the recommended two litres of fluids a day can be damaging to the body’s natural fluid control systems, flush the body of sodium and lead to water intoxication (hyponatremia) and potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).

Liquid detox diets generally need to be balanced with supplements. We at Aqualibria strongly recommend that you consult us before undertaking an all-liquid diet, and that the diet should not exceed 7 days.

How to detox safely

budhabig
Taking the mindful approach

Most importantly, remember that your body is incredibly well designed for getting rid of toxins on its own. If your body is out of balance, you can assist with detoxifying, but take care not to disrupt the system.

· Make small, well considered changes to your diet. This is the best way to detox.

· Make sure any detox diet that you choose provides enough nutrients.

· Add more fibre to your diet to promote regular bowel movements and help to keep the colon cleansed and healthy.

· Avoid diuretics and laxatives. You may get rid of more waste, but they can cause dehydration which may lead to a variety of health problems.

· Speak to Aqualibria about any changes that you are considering making to your diet.

· A thoughtfully planned diet based on fresh, natural wholefoods, used in combination with a course of colon hydrotherapy treatments is a very good way to gently detoxify the body.

Detox diets vary in length from one day to a week or more. We at Aqualibria do not recommend undertaking a detox diet for more than two weeks.

We recommend a body detox diet, comprising of a combination of lightly steamed or raw vegetables, fruits, pulses, sprouted seeds, grains and beans (particularly mung beans), fresh juices and well-cooked wholegrains. Emphasize local, seasonal foods.

To support your body during the detox and assist with cleansing the system you may wish to include supplements such as:

· Antioxidant vitamins and minerals
· Digestive and liver cleansing herbs
· Fresh root ginger
· Fresh lemon juice
· Cider vinegar

Aqualibria Tip!

If you really want to get things moving, rhubarb provides a highly effective natural laxative. Try it gently stewed in a little water and drizzled with honey as an accompaniment to porridge for breakfast.

rebalance2

Why Detox with Colon Hydrotherapy

A healthy colon is key in many aspects of your wellbeing. If waste materials build up in the colon, not only do they prevent proper absorption of nutrients, they also begin to putrefy and provide the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and toxins. The gentle cleansing of Colon hydrotherapy removes the build up of waste, as well as mucous, gas and parasites, assisting in the treatment of a wide range of physical and mental conditions.

Detox done the right way can be ideal for:

  • Those who suffer with constipation, IBS, candida or bloating: consider at least a mini-detox, and we would recommend a full course of treatments to see you through the coming colder months.
  • Those who wish to enhance their wellbeing, achieve healthy weight-loss and improve the vitality of their appearance, the transition to autumn is the perfect time to detox and a great time to re-new or continue a regular maintenance programme of colonic hydrotherapy treatments.
  • For our clients who are over-worked and over-stimulated, consider this: if you are not able to absorb the strengthening foods that give you vitality if your body is clogged up with waste and toxins. A detox combined with a series of colonic hydrotherapy treatments, can help you bring your energy levels into line with the the demands of this time of the year and leave the sluggishness of the coming colder season behind.

Check out our prices and opening times and our current special offer , and if you are thinking about a course of treatments, you can find out more information about our colon hydrotherapy courses here.

Finally

Making considered choices about what you put into your body can have a positive impact on other areas of your life. Practicing kindness to yourself and others can allow you to release emotional toxins that can have just as much of an impact on your digestive health as physical toxins.

 

Transitioning from Winter to Spring (Part 1)

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Spring has arrived, and with it comes a change in our bodies. The longer, warmer days and bright sunshine have a direct impact on mental and physical health. The change in our bodies isn’t just a mental one; the arrival of spring has a direct correlation with the body’s physical health and well-being.

The Aqualibria guide on how to get that spring into your step emphasizes certain aspects for rebalancing, rejuvenating and reenergising, but all the suggestions for improving your well-being can be applied to everybody!

Physical Changes in the Spring

1

Vitamin D deficiency is common during the winter, as Vitaming D is produced, in part, by exposure to natural sunlight. During the winter, people get very little exposure to natural sunlight, due to the cold weather necessitating long coats and more time indoors. Vitamin D deficiency can cause bone-thinning disease, as well as a susceptibility to chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, cancer, multiple sclerosis, memory loss, autoimmune diseases, and many more.

The arrival of spring signals a return to warmer weather and increased sun exposure, which can reduce Vitamin D deficiency and all of the health risks that go along with it. In addition to the body’s changes related to Vitamin D, the Chinese believe that various bodily organs are related to and function better during certain seasons. Spring is associated with the liver. As the liver is the organ that is responsible for removing toxins from the body, spring is a time when the body becomes more efficient at toxins’ elimination. By helping the liver and removing toxins from our bodies and diets, we can enhance the bodily ‘spring cleaning’ thus preparing us for improved health.

Mental Changes in the Spring

2

In addition to the physical changes, spring also brings along mental changes. Serotonin is responsible, in part, for those mental changes. A decrease in the amount of serotonin in the body, caused by lack of exposure to sunlight, can lead to symptoms of depression. Symptoms of serotonin deficiency include loss of energy, decrease in exercise habits, increased sleeping, and craving starchy and sugary foods.

When we start being exposed to sunlight in the spring, these symptoms decrease and may even reverse. You might find yourself with more energy, and find it easier to follow exercise programmes. Finally, your food cravings will likely change. With the mental changes associated with spring, it’s a great time to change your lifestyle.

Rebalance

3

To facilitate the transition from winter to spring, it’s time to look at a change in diet. As the new season arrives, you’ll naturally begin craving healthier food, including fruits and vegetables, instead of the winter cravings for starchy, heavy food.

Rebalance your body by changing your diet this spring. Foods that will help balance your body during the transition from winter to spring include:

· Whole grains
· Broccoli
· Green Beans
· Zucchini
· Leafy Greens
· Carrots
· Sea Weeds
· Alfalfa Sprouts

While fruits and vegetables are a healthy supplement to any diet, you should maintain a ratio of eating more vegetables than fruits. Fruits are higher in carbohydrates than vegetables, and should be eaten in the morning so that your body can burn the sugar during the day. Vegetables are a good choice at lunch time and during the evening.

As you switch to a diet rich in greens and healthy vegetables, you should decrease your intake of food that adds toxins to the body. To reduce toxicity and help your liver function more efficiently, drastically reduce or eliminate the following foods from your diet:

· Caffeine
· Alcohol
· Red Meat
· Eggs
· Whole Milk Products

To help your body prepare for spring, you might consider a cleanse. A cleanse can help remove some of the toxins that have built in your body all winter, and make it easier for you to assume a healthier diet this spring that can provide your body with nutrients and help keep it free of toxins.

REBALANCE SPECIAL OFFER

The liver is the organ that is most closely associated with spring, and it’s the organ that is related to removing toxins from the body. Colon hydrotherapy helps in aiding this process, making it possible for your liver to function more efficiently.

***Personalised Rebalance detox cleanse juice plan + 4 colon hydrotherapy treatments scheduled to your needs and objectives > Only £340 pounds! Limited availability, quote A0410B when booking! More about special offer

Aqualibria Tip!

Hydration is key to eliminating toxins in the spring. Consider drinking a mixture of three parts mineral water and one part organic apple juice or carrot juice. The nutrients in the juice make it easier for your body to absorb and process the water, thus hydrating your body more efficiently.

Rejuvenate

4

Skin care changes during the transition from winter to spring. During the winter, the air is dry and you typically need to hydrate and use a richer moisturizer. With spring’s arrival, the air is warmer and has more humidity, which changes your skin care needs. Rejuvenate your skin by cleansing your whole body through a course of colonics.

· Adjust your moisturizer.
With the increase in humidity during the spring, you should switch to a lighter moisturizer. You don’t need the heavy moisturizers from winter, as a lighter moisturizer can help avoid break outs. Use a moisturizer that isn’t oil based, as the spring increases your body’s production of natural oils. A moisturizer with a higher SPF rating can help protect you from dangerous UV rays as you spend more time in the sun.

· Exfoliate.
Dry skin is inevitable during the winter, so as spring returns, it’s time to exfoliate. Use a good exfoliant in the shower to remove dry skin build up. Avoid using strong exfoliants on the face, as they can damage skin and cause breakouts.

· Diet and Skin Care Unite.
Your diet is directly related to your skin’s health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for your body, and they’re also good for your skin. Leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits and berries can help you rejuvenate your skin and help you maintain good skin throughout the season.

REJUVENATE SPECIAL OFFER

Colon hydrotherapy can help prevent skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis, sallow complexion, and acne. Colonics removes toxins from your body, which could otherwise build and cause chronic skin conditions. Combine a course of colonic hydrotherapy with good diet and a proper skincare regimen to rejuvenate your skin.

***Personalised Rejuvenate detox cleanse juice plan + 4 colon hydrotherapy treatments scheduled to your needs and objectives > Only £340 pounds! Limited availability, quote A0410J when booking! More about special offer

Aqualibria Tip!

Spring means warmer temperatures, more exercise, and more sweating. Sweating can lead to breakouts. Use a diligent skin care regimen to avoid acne breakouts. Beware of skin care products that contain harsh chemicals, as they can actually damage your skin. Instead, focus on natural remedies, such as using steam rooms or hot showers to open your pores and prevent acne.

Reenergise

5

The spring is a time for naturally improved energy levels. As we transition from winter to spring, you’ll find your energy levels rising, and may find it easier to maintain a workout programme. Utilize this increase in your natural energy levels to reenergise your body through an invigorating combination mind and body workout.

A mind and body workout combines cardiovascular exercise with relaxing flexibility training, such as yoga or tai chi. Start by running or hiking, preferably outdoors. After 30 minutes of hiking or running, stop and practice a 10 or 15 minute yoga or tai chi sequence. This will help to relax your mind and improve strength and flexibility. When your sequence is complete, hike or run back to your starting point, or for another 30 minutes, to complete your workout.

This combination workout not only helps you build your body’s strength and energy levels, but rebalance and reenergise your mind. By stopping for a relaxing yoga or tai chi sequence, you maximise the cardiovascular benefits of the cardio exercise and enjoy the relaxing and calming yoga or tai chi sequence, leaving your body full of energy and well-being.

REENERGISE SPECIAL OFFER

Colon hydrotherapy improves your metabolism, and produces a surge in energy levels. Capitalise on spring by combining a spring diet, mind/body exercise programme and colonics to produce a significant change in your energy levels, and prepare you for the warmer season ahead!

***Personalised Reenergise detox cleanse juice plan + 4 colon hydrotherapy treatments scheduled to your needs and objectives > Only £340 pounds! Limited availability, quote A0410E when booking! More about special offer

Aqualibria Tip!

Make sure to hydrate sufficiently during exercise so that you don’t deplete necessary moisture from your body. Your body needs hydration to function effectively, and if you don’t hydrate sufficiently during exercise, you can easily experience negative side effects from dehydration.

Finally

Spring is a time of natural rejuvenation, but you can help your body eliminate the winter toxins and move into spring with renewed energy. Utilize an effective spring diet, rejuvenating exercise techniques and proper spring skin care to maintain your body throughout this transition from winter to spring. With the right care, your body can become healthier during this new season, and you can eliminate chronic illness and low energy levels – just by taking better care of yourself during the spring transition!

We value your opinion

Aqualibria Feedback Survey
Please give us feedback !

We put a lot of effort in ensuring that the information we provide you is both useful and relevant, but we want to hear what you think!

We can always do better, so please take a moment to comment below and give us some feedback about this blog post.

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming in the next few days !

Clean Gut Book Review

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Dr. Alejandro Junger brings us Clean Gut to show us that “life these days is not gut friendly.” With the help of what he calls the four pillars of gut repair – Remove, Replace, Reinoculate and Repair – Dr. Junger explains the essential steps that need to be taken in order to clean the gut and begin a healthier life full of energy and disease-free. In Clean Gut, Dr. Junger traces some of the most common chronic symptoms and diseases in the world back to their origins in the gut.

In the first half of the book, Dr. Junger talks about how he learned that gut repair was the answer to most illnesses, both ordinary and chronic, through personal experience from past struggles with his own health. With the help of clever analogies of LEGO pieces, bamboo shoots, wildfires, terrorists, artillery and other things, Dr. Junger helps readers to understand how the gut and the immune system work and how the condition of both, the immune system and the gut, affect our overall health.

Dr. Junger shares his journey in the medical field and describes how the diet plan explained in Clean Gut worked wonders for his past patients, friends and even for him. While Dr. Junger makes it easy for audiences of all backgrounds to understand the book through stories and analogies, he is still able to explain things in a literal and scientific way to backup his claims. Clean Gut is simply the perfect mix of personal experience with professional facts and knowledge.

Source: drchadedwards.com

As you read Clean Gut, you will find that Dr. Junger’s message is all about food and that “food is medicine, and the gut is the key to a long, vibrant life.” He emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition along with cleansing of the colon as the secret to prosperous health. According to Dr. Junger, “the most common toxins come in our food, and your gut bears the brunt of these toxins.” – based on this fact, Dr. Junger created the Clean Gut diet to help people like you eliminate these toxins that come into your body with food.

Not only does Dr. Junger explain the basics of cleansing the colon in Clean Gut, but he also shows us how to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, depression, back pain, etc and why poor health of the gut is responsible for these illnesses. “Before chronic disease, there is inflammation; but before inflammation comes gut dysfunction. Anti-inflammation treatments help, but gut repair corrects the problem right at its source.”

The second half of the book gives you a detailed diet plan that is referred to as “The Clean Gut programme,” which is based on the four Rs of functional medicine –

  • Remove
  • Replace
  • Reinoculate
  • Repair

The programme is divided into two phases. The first phase consists of a twenty-one day diet that cleanses the system and repairs the gut by only allowing for easily digestible food to be consumed during this phase. The second phase is a seven-day process that reintroduces normal food into your diet in a way that allows you to identify which foods cause the most harm to your gut, so that you can stay away from toxic triggers.

As “the body’s health begins in the gut, its own internal roots,” Dr. Junger advices to do everything possible to have a healthy colon with the help of colonic hydrotherapy and a healthy diet.

“I received colonic hydrotherapy treatments daily to help flush out all the toxins that were being released from my tissues via my intestines. By the third day of the detox program, my energy was returning and my constant hunger and headaches were dissipating.”

-Dr. Alejandro Junger

Clean Gut encourages people to take the necessary steps to get healthy and spreads the message that “we no longer have to get sick to get healthy.” Taking a step forward to better health will prevent chronic illnesses and provide a longer and better quality of life.

While the book is about why and how we should maintain a clean and healthy gut, the message is not just for patients, but for doctors as well. In the book, Dr. Junger encourages professionals in the medical field to be more prudent and vigilant about prescribing antibiotics so promptly, which could weaken the immune system and kill good bacteria in the gut, causing a long-term negative impact rather than positive.

After having been introduced to a plethora of gut-health-related information and the Clean Gut diet programme, you can find numerous recipes for the diet, such as Shepherd’s Pie, chicken pot pie, turkey chilli, garlic lemon chicken, sweet and spicy chicken wings, salmon salad, fish and chips and much more. Plus, so that you don’t cheat, there is also a list of recipes for salad dressings, like clean Caesar dressing and clean ranch dressing.

Overall, Clean Gut is a very complete guide that provides valuable nutritional information to keep your gut clean and healthy. Dr. Junger does an excellent job describing how chronic and regular illnesses happen so that you can do everything you can to prevent them to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Junger approaches health in a relatable way by discussing his own dilemmas with his personal health and takes it a step further by providing samples of special cases from his patients that were chronically ill and improved their health significantly thanks to the Clean Gut programme.

Clean Gut is undoubtedly an invaluable, reliable and life-changing resource for anyone – healthy or ill. This is a great way to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle with professional advice from one of the most sought-after doctors.

As a professional, not only do I recommend Clean Gut, but I praise it as a valuable source of information for anyone who would like to change their lives significantly. I highly recommend Clean Gut and encourage everyone to try the Clean Gut programme complemented with colon hydrotherapy, just as Dr. Junger did. This is a great read – so interesting that you will not be able to put it down until the end. When you finish reading the book, you will see why Dr. Junger is Gwyneth Paltrow’s go-to doctor.

What do you think? Have you read the book yourself? Do you agree with its content? Let me know by commenting below, I will attempt to reply as soon as possible.