Detoxification & Letting Go

DETOXIFICATION & LETTING GO

IsaacEliaz,MD

INTEGRATIVE PHYSICIAN | BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine with more than 30 years of experience as a physician and researcher. He has partnered with some of the nation’s leading research institutes, including Harvard and Columbia Universities. As an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases, Dr. Eliaz embraces a whole-person approach to healing. He is the author of The Survival Paradox, as well as the owner and formulator of EcoNugenics, a line of science-backed supplements. He is also the founder and medical director of Amitabha Medical Clinic & Healing Center in Santa Rosa, Calif.

“I’ve learned to let go of our current medical system’s dogmatic paradigms, both conventional and alternative. People often say I think ‘outside the box,’ to which I reply, there was never a box to begin with.”

— Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc

Thise-bookisChapters1,13&14fromDr.E book,TheSurvivalParadox:ReversingThe AgingAndChronicDisease

CHAPTER

ONE

WHAT IS THE SURVIVAL PARADOX?

RebeccafirstcametoseemeatAmitabhaMedicalClinicin2011.Shewas seventy,withstage4lungcancerthathadmetastasizedtoherbones.Shehadno familyandlivedalone;hercompanionthatdaywasastone-facedchauffeur waitinginacaroutsidetheclinic.Withtearsinhereyes,shetoldmeshehad justbeendiagnosed.Handsshaking,sheshowedmethePETscanreport highlightingthemultipletumorsthroughoutherbody.Basedonwhatthe oncologistsaid,sheunderstoodthatherlifecouldcometoanendverysoon.

“Idon’twanttodie,”shesaid.“I’mnotreadytogo.”Everycellinherbody wasreelingwithanxietyandfear.Herrestlessnesswaspalpableintheair.

Asanintegrativephysicianwhotreatscancer,I’dhadthisconversationmany times.Ihandedheratissueandshewipedhertears.“IwilldoanythingIcanto overcomethiscancer,”shesaidfirmly.Iacknowledgedherfiercedetermination, herresolve.Afterall,determinationiswhat’sneededfirstandforemostto overcomeadeadlydisease,right?

Withheranxietysopalpable,Iwonderedhowthisfearmustbeaffectingher. Notjustonthelevelofheremotionsorqualityoflife;Iwonderedhowitwas affectingthecancercells.Willthisfear-baseddeterminationnottodiehelpher overcomeherdisease?Orwillitcausehertobecomesickerandshortenherlife? Heranxietywassoprominentthatitinfusedhersurroundings,affectingher abilitytotakeadeepbreath.Itwasconstantsuffering,anditwasclearshewas in“survivalmode.”

Beinginsurvivalmodemeantthathersympatheticnervoussystem hormones,thedriversofherinnatebiochemicalresponsepatterns,weredialed allthewayup.Heradrenaline,noradrenaline,andcortisolwereelevated,and herinsulinwasspiking.Herimmuneresponsewasbeingsuppressed,andher metabolic function was altered. Ultimately, it meant that many of the compoundssheexcretedinanefforttosurvivewouldverylikelynourishher cancerandallowittogrowandsurviveaswell.

Survivalmodeisoftenastateofstressandpanic.Thebodyfeelsrushedand doesn’tslowdown,andallcells,whethernormalorcancerous,fightharderto survive.Thus,Rebecca’sanxietyandfearofdyingcould“feed”thecancerous cells.Herbestchanceatbeatingthecancerandlivingalongerlifewastoshift awayfromsurvivalmodeandmoveintoastateofgreaterrelaxation,withless reactivityonthecellular,emotional,andpsychologicallevels.

Basedonresearchandmyyearsofworkwithpatients,onethinghasbecome clear: when facing a life-threatening or debilitating illness, the natural biochemicalstressresponse,ourinnatefight-or-flightmechanismsthatare drivenbyourinstincttosurvivearefundamentallyatoddswithourabilityto healandthrive.Thissurvivaldrive,rootedinoursympatheticnervoussystem andexpressedbyourbiochemicalalertsystem,isnotgoingtosaveus.Infact,it canharmus.

Howdoesthisphysiologicalresponsesystemturnagainstussodramatically, fuelingdiseaseprocessesandprematureaging?Andmoreimportantly,whatcan wedoaboutit?

Thegoodnewsis,wecandoalot.Andwecandoitinawaythatisactually simplerthananyonefacingacomplexhealthcondition—patientorprovider— mighthaveimagined.

We’llcontinuetodiscussthedetailsofRebecca’streatmentandoutcomesin thenextchapter.Iwitnessedsomethingincredibleinhercase,aswellasin manyothers.SomethingthatBruceLipton,DeepakChopra,andmanyothers havewrittenabout,andwhattheyogisandmysticshavebeensayingfor millennia: the mind can influence the body to heal spontaneously and completely.Themindcandeliverthebodyfromthebrinkofdeathanddisease tovitalityandlongevity.

THE CATCH-22 OF “POSITIVE THINKING”

Publishedevidenceonthemind-bodyconnectionissignificantandgrowing rapidly,andbasedonmypersonalandclinicalexperience,theresultscanbe exponential.Itspoweriswithinusallthetime,andit’sabsolutelyavailablefor ustouse.

So,

whydoesn’titalwayswork?

Ifmind-bodymedicineistheclinicallystudiedgoldstandard“alternative” deemedthesafestandmostbeneficialtreatmentandincreasinglyadoptedand appliedinclinicalsettingsaroundtheworld,itstandstoreasonthatmanymore peoplewouldbeabletomeditateor“positivelythink”theirdiseaseinto remission.

It’stheultimatecatch-22:whensomeoneisfacingalife-threateningdisease, askingthemtorelax,changetheirthoughtpatterns,andfocusonhappy, healingenergyismucheasiersaidthandone.It’slikeaskingsomeonewhose houseisonfiretostaycalm,thinkpositively,anddeeplyinhalethesmokefrom theirburninghome.

We’rebuiltforsurvival.Wedon’tjustwantbutintrinsicallyneedto overcomediseaseandtoheal.I’vecometofind,basedonextensivepublished researchandyearsofclinicalobservation,thatthissurvivaldriveistheone majorblockagestandinginthewayofwould-besuccesses.

Inanerawhenwetendtolookforquickfixesandsymptomsuppressors, we’rereallyjustsuppressingourhealingcapacity.Wedon’ttakethetimeto stop,slowdown,andlookwithin.Theideathatwedon’thavetime—thatwe must rush, and must compete with everyone, including ourselves—is detrimentaltoourhealthandwell-being.

WhatRebeccaneededaboveallelsewastoslowthissympatheticnervous systemresponse,butshecouldn’t.Herhousewasburningdown,and shecouldn’ttakeadeepbreathinthemidstofwhatappearedtobealifethreateningsituation.

Whenweexperienceasenseofrestlessness,notfeelingsafe,ornottrusting ourenvironmentandcommunity,itcantranslateallthewaydowntothe cellularlevel.Whenwefeelunsafeandbelieveweneedtosurviveonourown, itchangesthemetabolismandfunctionofourcells—theyreceivesignalsfrom theirenvironmentthatthereisalackofoxygen.Theformaltermforlackof oxygenishypoxia,andthehypoxiccellcan’tbreatheornaturallyrelax.(In cancerhowever,thecellsbehavethiswayeveninthepresenceofoxygen, whichwe’lldiscussindetaillaterinthebook.)

Tobeginthehealingprocess,weneedtomoveahypoxiccelltoaplace whereitfeelsitcanbreathe,createanormalmetabolism,andreturntonormal mitochondrialfunction.Todothis,thecellandthepersonmustshiftawayfrom astateofsurvivaltowardastateofrelaxation.Toachievesuchachange,the personasawholemustexperiencesafetyandbalanceallthewaytothecellular level.Thesurvivalalarmhastobeturnedoff!

So,howdidRebeccaandIbeginaddressinghercancer?Howwassheableto takeadeepbreath?Weworkeddirectlyonherbiochemistry.Wedidn’tjust circumventherfearandanxiety—wetransformedit.Weusedcertainnatural compoundstoquietthealarmsystem,normalizethecell,andfightthecancer.

Wecombinedthosecompoundswithmeditation,breathingexercises,regular acupuncture,andhealingsessionswithdifferentmodalities,includinghands-on osteopathic,craniosacral,sound,andvisualizationtherapies.Mostimportantly, we surrounded her with unconditional love and affection, a sense of community,andanenvironmentthatheldherwithoutjudgment—wecreateda worldwhereshefeltsafeandloved.

A DEEPER HEART-BODY CONNECTION

Themind-bodyconnectionisamazing,andit’snotaone-waystreet.Emotions, thoughts, and subconscious responses clearly affect our biochemistry, our physiology,andoursubjectiveandobjectiveexperiencesofhealthanddisease. Atthesametime,ourbiochemistrysharplyaffectsouremotionsandour thoughts.Itaffectswhoweareatthecore.

Meditationandothermind-bodypracticescanundoubtedlygiveusthe quantumedgeinhealing.Theyworknotonlybecausetheycancalmour anxiety,reduceinflammation,andreverseourbiochemicaldiseaseprocesses— theyalsoworkbecausetheymeltourrigidityandrelaxourfixations.They dissolvetheliteralboundariesbetweenthepersonandthedisease,allowingthe person to reach and engage the tumor, the atherosclerotic plaque, the burrowingLymespirochete,oranyotheropportunisticinfection.

However,mind-bodymethodslikemeditationcanonlyunleashourinnate healingpotentialwhenwefigureouthowtotrulyengageourhearts.Inthis regard,amoreaccuratetermforthistypeofhealingis“heart-bodymedicine” ratherthan“mind-bodymedicine.”Itisheartfulnessratherthanmindfulness.I callthis“openheartmedicine.”

Thebasicphysiologyofourheartandthefundamentalmechanicsofthisvital organfunctioninawaythatactuallyallowsandsupports“miracle”healing—an unexpectedpositiveoutcomethatdefiesprobability.

Ultimately,wehavetogetthroughthethinveneerof“positivethinking”and penetratethedeeperlayersofourdefenses.Ourinstinctualfearsandanxieties, whilepartofourinnatesurvivaldrive,obstructourhealingcapacityby triggeringbiochemicalchangesinourbodythatcreateliteralphysicalbarriers. Thesebarriersaremadeofdifferentcomponentsthatneedtobetreated.For example,therecanbehyperviscosity,whichisthicknessofthebloodthat hamperscirculationandtheabilitytodeliveroxygentothetissue;fibrosis, whichisthescarringorhardeningoftissuesandorgans;biofilmstructures, whichformprotectiveshieldsaroundtumorsandpathogens;andmore.Andall ofthiswilltranslateintochangesincommunicationsbetweenthecellandits environment.Thiscauseschangesinsidethecellsandaffectstheirfunction.

So,whatisthekeytoshiftingusfromsurvivaltoharmony?Fromdiseaseto longevity?Whatisthismetabolicsurvivalalarmthatmustbeturnedoff?

Researchershaveidentifiedonemasterproteinproducedbythebody,which isattheheadwatersofourbiochemicalalarmsystem.Thisproteindictatesour biochemicalandphysiologicalresponsetostress,illness,andinjury.

Themorestresswe’reunder,themoreourbodieswillviewlifeasabattle, leadingtoongoingconflictandfrictionwithin.Productionofthissurvival proteinwillrampupinanefforttoresolvetheconflictingdialoguebetweenthe bodyandtheoutsideworldandbetweendifferentsystemsandcellswithinthe body.Hereiswherewecanseetheparadoxofthissurvivalproteininaction.

Themolecularendresultofthisreactivedefensestrategyiscontraction, isolation,andoftendisease.Thesearesurvivalresponses,whicharedrivenby self-preservationbutunfortunatelyleadtoinflammationandfibrosis.These responsesalsoleadtodegenerationatthecellularlevel,organsystemlevel,and atthelevelofourwell-beingandlongevity.Theyhaltthecooperationbetween ourtrillionsofcellsthatwouldotherwiseseamlesslycommunicatewitheach otherinthemiracleoflife.Thebodyhasaninnatecapacitytohealitself—when thesurvivalresponsedoesn’tstandinitsway.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN DETOXIFICATION AND LETTING GO

Detoxificationisatermusedquitefrequentlytodaybutwithoutcomplete clarityaboutwhatitreallymeans.Peopleoftentalkabout“detoxing”their colonorliver,butwhataretheydoingexactly?

Somanybookshavebeenwrittenaboutdetoxificationandhowtodetoxify, andtheseresourcesarefullofpracticaladvice.InAppendixE,Iwillalsoprovide detailedpracticaladvice,alongwithprotocolsandguidelinesfortheexecution ofahealthydetoxificationdietorprogram.Butwiththischapter,Iaimtooffer adeeperunderstandingofwhatdetoxificationisspecificallyinrelationshipto thesurvivalparadoxandhowwecanbestusedetoxificationfortransformation, healing,andgrowth.

Ifweexaminehumanphysiology,weseethatthehumanbodyisina constantstateofdetoxification.Ourbreathingcycleistheperfectexampleof this:wenourishthebodybytakinginoxygenwhenweinhale,andwedetoxify bylettinggoofcarbondioxidewhenweexhale.Andwhathappensduringthe gapbetweenthetwoactions?

Transformationoccurs,achangehappens.Throughoutourphysiology,wesee suchanongoingdialoguebetweenactionandrest.Actioncreatesmovement, andthetimeofrestallowsforrealchange.

Aprocesssimilartothecycleofbreathinganddetoxificationhappensinthe cellmembrane.Thecell“inhales”orabsorbsnutrients,andthenit“exhales”or detoxifies unnecessary compounds through membrane transport into the extracellularmatrix.Thecellgoesthroughacontinuousprocessofnourishment anddetoxification,whichimpactsitselfanditssurroundings.

Forexample,theextracellularmatrixtakesinnourishmentfromthe capillaries,butitalsoreleaseswhatit doesn’t need directlyintothevenousblood thatreturnstotheheart.Inaddition,thesewasteproductsarecleanedbythe lymphaticsystem,whicheventuallydrainsunwantedmaterialsintothevenous systemandbackintotheheart.

Thedetoxificationprocessofthebodyisongoing;ithappensateverylevelof theentirebodysimultaneously,includingthecellularlevel.Interestingly,when weareborn,thefirstthingwedois“exhale”fluidsoutofthelungssowecan breathe,effectivelydetoxifying.Exhalingisalsothelastthingwedowhenwe die.Dyingisthefinalstageof“lettinggo,”showingusthatdetoxificationis fundamentaltoourexistence.

DISCHARGE AND ELIMINATION

Tobetterunderstanddetoxification,let’sexploretworelatedconcepts:discharge andelimination. Discharge istheprocessofreleasingunwantedby-products, suchastoxinsormetabolitesfromthecell,tissue,andorgan,andexpellingthem intothecirculation.Ioftenlikenittosomeoneopeningallthedrawersintheir kitchenandthrowingeverythingoutontothefloororthecounter.This exposestoxinsanddamagingcompoundsthathavebeensequesteredand hidden.Andthisprocesstranscendsthephysical.

Fromapsychologicalperspective,thismeansthatsomethingburiedor hiddeninoursubconsciouscancometoourawarenessorconsciousness.An examplewouldbehiddentraumascomingtolight.Whenweburyourtraumas, wephysiologicallydepositsuchissuesinthemostinerttissueofthebody:fatty tissue.Ifyou’veeverfollowedadetoxregimen,youmayhaveexperienceda reductioninfatstorage,aswellasareleaseofmemoriesandemotionsyou weren’tawareyouhadbeencarrying.Asimilarprocesstakesplacewhenthe bodysequesterspesticides,heavymetals,andtoxins.Thisiswhyweoftenfind toxinsandheavymetalsinfattytissue.Duringthedetoxprocess,thesecanbe releasedaswell.

Thetoxinsreleasedbyabreakdownoffattytissueduringdetoxificationwill enterthecirculation.Thismeanstheycanendupindifferentplacesinthebody withthepotentialtocausedamage.Howdowegetridofthesedamagingbyproducts?Throughhealthy elimination,theprocessoftakingexposedtoxinsand excretingthemoutsideofthebody.Eliminationtakesplacethroughthestools, urine,skin,andbreath.Ifthere’sanimbalanceandwehaveexcessivedischarge withinsufficientelimination,itwillresultinsymptomsonalllevels—physical, emotionalandpsychological.Thisiswhyanauthenticandcomplete“letting go,”whichcharacterizesthefullprocessofdischargeandelimination,isso important.Refusingtoletgoisthehallmarkofsurvival(andthesurvivalurge willdriveandactivategalectin-3).

WHAT IS GALECTIN-3?

Asoursurvivalprotein,galectin-3isproducedbythebodywhenwe experience threats like injury, infection, toxin exposure, or stress. Galectin-3instigatesacascadeofinflammatoryreactionsaspartofthe repairprocess.However,ifgalectin-3activitydoesn’tturnoff(becauseof ongoing exposure to stress and other triggers) it can be highly destructive.

WHAT IS GALECTIN-3? ( C O N T I N U E D )

Excessgalectin-3isaprimarydriverofinflammation,fibrosis(excessive scarring)andorganfailure,immunesuppression,neurodegeneration, cancerformationandmetastasis.Infectionsandpathogenscanalso highjackgalectin-3anduseitfortheirownsurvival,bycreating biofilmsandevadingimmunesurveillance.

Research into the field of galectin-3 is rapidly expanding, with thousandsofstudiesnowshowinghowthisbiologicalproteindrives our most serious conditions. Blocking galectin-3 with the mostresearchedgalectin-3inhibitor,modifiedcitruspectin,isaproven strategyforhaltingandreversingproinflammatory,degenerativedisease processesandimprovingtreatmentsuccess.Modifiedcitruspectinnot onlyblocksgalectin-3toreducebiofilms,inflammationandfibrosis—it alsobindsandremovesheavymetalsandtoxins,providingunparalleled supportfordetoxificationandtissuerepair.

Whenweblockexcessgalectin-3withmodifiedcitruspectin,we control overactive inflammatory and immune responses, break up biofilms,increasedetoxification,andimprovenumerousmarkersof health.

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF DETOXIFICATION

AsImentionedearlier,manypeopleengagein“detox”onaregularbasis,but whattheytrytodetoxifycanvarygreatly.Somepeoplefocusondetoxingfrom aphysicalperspective,andothersworktogetridofnegativeemotions,like jealousy,anger,andfear,ortheytrytobreakfreeofmentalfixationsand traumas.

Determiningwhatyouwanttodetoxifyisacrucialstartingpointofthedetox process.Butnomatterthegoal,detoxificationfollowsaparticularcycle.

InChapter9,wediscussedtheliver,whichisalsoourbigstorageand detoxificationorgan.Itstoresmorebloodthananyoftheotherorgans,andit governsendlessmetabolicprocesses,makingitafactoryfordischarge.When theliverreleaseswasteintothebloodstreamthroughthehepaticveins,this wastethentravelsthroughoutthecirculationandcanlodgeindifferentorgans andtissues.

Dischargedtoxinsaffectdifferentorgansbasedonwherethetoxinstravel whentheyleavetheliverandthespecificrelationshipsbetweenorgans.In Chinesemedicine,thisflowofdetoxificationiscalledthe“detoxcycle.”Ifthe detoxificationprocessiswelldesigned,andeliminationisabletoclearwhatever isbeingdischargedfromtheorgans,thedetoxificationprocesswillunfoldmore smoothlywithoutthesideeffectsthatcanoccurateachstage.

Whenthedetoxificationprocessisnottrulybalanced,itispossibleto experiencedifferentsymptoms.Understandingthesymptoms,thesequence, andthetimeittakesforthesymptomstomovefromonestagetoanothercan allowustoevaluateandpredicttheendofthedetoxificationprocess,andto bettersupportthebodyandtheperson.

Whenweengageinadetoxprogram,somesymptomsmayoccur,andthe firstonesareoftenrelatedtobreathing.Thismakessensebecauseintheprocess ofcirculation,venousbloodtravelsfromtheliver,throughtherightventricleof theheart,andthenfromthehearttothelungs.Dischargedmaterialthenarrives atthelungs,thefirststageinthedetoxcycle.Congestion,cough,andincreased mucusproductionareallby-productsofthisfirststageinthedetoxcycle.

Ifthetoxinsdon’tgeteliminatedthroughbreathing,theyreturntotheheart andgobackintothebodythroughthearterialcirculation.Aswe’vepreviously discussed,whenthearterialbloodleavestheheart,itfirstnourishestheheart itselfthroughthecoronaryarteries.Therefore,theheartisthesecondstagein thedetoxcycle,andthisstagecanoftenproducesymptomsthatrelatetothe heart,suchaspalpitations.

Given the strong heart-brain connection—the heart secretes its own neurotransmittersandsendsmoresignalstothebrainthananyotherorgan— thisphasecanalsotriggersymptomsthatarementallyoremotionallyexpressed, suchasinsomnia,excessivedreams,andneworuniqueinsights.

Ifthebloodanddetoxifiedmaterialcontinuetotravel,theycanaffectthe digestivesystemandthejoints,thethirdandfourthstagesinthedetoxcycle, andwilleventuallymaketheirwaytothekidneys,thefinalstage.Thekidneys mayeliminatethetoxins,butiftheyareunabletodoso,thetoxinscancirculate backandreturntotheliver.Themovementbetweenthesestageswillflowat differentspeedsindifferentindividuals.

Oftenwhenpatientsgetworseduringdetoxification,doctorscallita “healingcrisis.”Whilethismaybetrue,itcanalsosignifyanimbalanced detoxification process. When detoxification is done in a harmonized and balancedway,wecanpreventsideeffectsfromoccurringateachstage.Itcan beasstraightforwardasprovidingadditionalsupportforaspecificorganinthe detoxcycle.Forexample,givingherbstosupportthelungsinapersonwho manifestssymptomsofweaklungsorprovidingadditionalsleepsupportfor someonewhotendstowardinsomnia.Iwilloftenprepareaspecifictincturethat supportsalltheorgansinthedetoxcycle.Byprovidingspecificherbsthat supporteachorgantargetedinthedetoxcyclewithinasingletincture,weare abletosupporteachorganindividually,whileatthesametimesupportingthe entiretyofthedetoxprocess.

DETOXIFICATION AND THE UNIVERSE

We’vediscussedthebreathingandtheexchangeofairinthelungsafewtimes —howthisexchangeallowsustodetoxifyandthenreleasetoxinsintothe environmentanduniverse.Fortunately,theuniversehastheinfinitecapacityto holdanythingandeverything.

Asacontainer,theuniversecanhandlethingsthataretoxictousasindividuals, andinreturn,itprovidesuswithoxygenatedcleanair.Whateveristoxictous asmereindividualsiseasilycontainedbytheinfinitudeoftheuniverse.The universeiskindenoughtoacceptourtoxicity,butifourenvironmentbecomes too toxic, the outside world will no longer be able to provide us with nourishmentinreturn.Thishasprofoundimplicationsonmultiplelevels beyondthisbook,butwhatweneedtorecognizeisthatwehaveanintricate, interdependentrelationshipwiththeoutsideworld,withourenvironment,and withtheuniverse.

Sincecellscontinuallyproducewaste,detoxificationmustbeanongoing process. And although detoxification is never ending, it’s not a real or permanentsolutiontocellulartoxicity—itdoesnotuprootthe cause ofthe toxicity.Butinherentinthedetoxificationprocessisthepotentialforustolet go,whetheronacellularorpsychologicallevel.Theprocessoftransformation beginswhenwerecognizeandconnecttotheuniverseasourinfinitereservoir ofelimination.Thisconnectionisforgedbyattendingtoourbreathtobalance nourishment and elimination. It is in the gap between elimination and nourishmentthattransformationtakesplace.

STAGES OF A DETOXIFICATION PROTOCOL

Supportingthedetoxificationprocessisatwo-prongedapproach:wecan supporttheconstantdetoxificationourbodiesnaturallyundergoonadailybasis throughlifestyleanddietarychanges.Inaddition,itisimportanttoperiodically engageinanactivedetoxificationprotocol,whichallowsustoshiftand improveourhealth.(Findsuggestedprotocolstoachievebothofthesegoalsin AppendixE.)

Preparation: Everydetoxificationprogrambeginswithpreparation.Agood waytodothisonthephysicallevelistoshiftourdiettoaclean,antiinflammatoryone.

It’seasytothinkthatstartingadetoxisalicensetogototownandindulgein junkfoodbeforeitbegins,butitreallymakesmoresensetobeginclearingthe systembeforehand.

Inadditiontoeatingabetterdiet,weshouldreduceourexposuretotoxinsas muchaspossible,includingthoseinourenvironment,inourfood,andin differentproductswemightuse,suchaslotionsandshampoos.Wecanalso begintosupportoureliminationorgans:theliver,bladder,lungs,skin,and digestive system. In particular, we need to support our gut, because detoxification can be hard on the microbiome. On an emotional and psychologicallevel,wecanpreparebydecidingwhatwewanttoreleaseinthe detoxprocess,beittrauma,memories,emotions,certainreactivity,etc.

Exposing the targets of detoxification: Oncewearepreparedfor detoxification,wehavetoexposewhatwewanttogetridof.Wehaveto exposetoxins,heavymetals,andchronicinfections.Theseoftenhidefromusby usingthegalectin-3latticeformation,soexposinganddismantlingthebiofilm ispartofthisstage.Weexposethemthroughalighter,morecatabolicdietthat allowsforabreakdownoftoxictissue,bybreakingthelatticeformation through the use of galectin-3 blocker modified citrus pectin (MCP), by improvingcirculationtosequesteredareasthroughexerciseandinfraredsauna, andbyuncoveringburiedemotionsandtraumas.

Binding: Onceweengageintheexposureprocess,itisessentialtobindthe toxinsthatarebeingexposed.Doingsopreventsthetoxinsfrombeingabsorbed bythedigestivesystem,andhelpseliminatethetoxinsfromthecirculationand thetissue.UsingacombinationofMCPandalginatesisaneffectivemeansto bindtoxinsandheavymetalsinboththedigestivesystemandthecirculation. Oncewehaveachievedexposureandbindingsupport,wearetrulyreadyto createchange.

Discharge and Elimination: Detoxificationoccursthroughdischargeand elimination. This is achieved by utilizing phase 1 and 2 of the liver detoxification pathways. This is where we need the necessary vitamins, minerals,andhelpermoleculestoallowforahealthyandwell-regulated detoxificationprocess.Wealsoneedtosupportthebody’senergyproduction, mitochondrialfunction,andthecirculatorysystem,aswell.

PhasesofLiverDetoxification

Theliverplaysakeyroleinthelargerdetoxificationprotocol. Thelivernaturallydetoxifiesonanongoingbasis,aprocessthat isdividedintotwophases.Supportingthistwo-phaseprocessis keytothesuccessofyourlargerdetoxregimen.

Eachphaserequiresspecificnutrientsinorderfortheprocesstooccursmoothly and effectively. There are also differences in how any two people physiologicallyhandledetoxification.Thisisrelatedtogeneticorepigenetic mutationsthatcanaffecttheworkingsoftheliveranditscapacitytohandle change.WecanovercometheselimitationsbysupportingPhase1and2 detoxificationthroughthedifferentnutrientsrecommendedbelow.

Phase 1 Liver Detoxification: Inthisinitialphase,toxinsaremadewatersolublesotheycanbeeliminated.Phase1isessentialfortheeliminationof manyforeignsubstances,includingalcohol,caffeine,pesticides,environmental toxins,andpharmaceuticals.

Phase 1 requires different nutrients, such as B-vitamins, folic acid, glutathione,antioxidants(likemilkthistleandturmeric),carotenoids,vitaminsE andC,andminerals(suchasselenium,copper,zinc,magnesium,andiron).

Phase 2 Liver Detoxification: Neutralizes the water-soluble toxins producedinphase1throughtheprocessofconjugation.Phase2eliminatesfree radicals.Therefore,insufficientPhase2detoxificationcancontributetothe developmentofdifferentdiseases,suchascancer,Parkinson’s,fibromyalgia, chronicfatigue,lupus,andimmunedysfunction.

Phase2requiresdifferentnutrients,suchasaminoacids(glutamine,glycine, taurine,cysteine,methionine),sulfatedphytochemicals(likethosefoundin garlic,cruciferousvegetables,meat,eggyolks),tracemineralmolybdenum (foundinleafygreens)andvitaminB12(foundinfishandmeat).Other nutrientsthathelpPhase2detoxificationareflavonoids(containedinfruits, vegetables,andmanyherbs)andellagicacid(foundinredgrapeskin,different berries,andwalnuts,amongotherfoods).Youwillwanttoensureyourdietis richinthesenutrients.

Support and Balance: Weneedtosupportandbalancethedetoxification processthroughoutallitsphases.Thiscanbedonethroughsupportingthe body’senergyproductionandmitochondrialfunction.Ourcellsrequireenough energytoactivatedifferentdetoxificationpathwaysthatareenhancedduring theactivedetoxprogram.Supportingthecirculatorysystemallowsnutrientsto bedeliveredtothetargettissuesbeingdetoxifiedandsupportsthedrainageof toxinsandwasteproductsfromthesetissues.Often,anintensedetoxification processproducesexcessivefreeradicals,puttingadditionalpressureonour antioxidant system. Supporting the antioxidant pathways and providing abundant antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients supports the organs of eliminationandisessentialtosuccessfuldetoxification.

THE ROLE OF THE GUT

Thegutanditsmicrobiomeplayakeyroleindetoxification.Whilethesmall intestineisresponsiblefornutrientabsorption,ourlargeintestineisapivotal eliminationorgan.Supportingtheintegrityofthegutsustainsthebalance betweennourishment anddetoxification. Thisisessentialforasuccessful detoxificationprogramandforouroverallwell-being.Theintegrityofourgut ischallengedbyvarioustoxinsandpesticides,especiallyglyphosate(Roundup). If you have significant glyphosate or other pesticide exposure, your detoxificationprogrammayneedtobeadjustedtoprovideadditionalsupportto thegut,usingaspecializedpesticidebindingformulathathelpseliminate pesticidesandpreventtheirbioaccumulationinyourbody.

Wecansupportourmicrobiomebyeatingtherightfoods,andbyutilizing prebioticsandprobiotics.AsI’vesaid,Irecommendacombinationofprebiotics andprobiotics(withapreferencefor“livepreparations”inliquidformrather thancapsulesandtablets),becauseprebioticsprovidenourishmentforhealthy bacteria, help prevent the build-up of biofilm, support healthy digestive function,andpreventaggressivebacteriafromgrowing.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DETOXIFICATION AND GALECTIN-3

Despitethepotentialharmitcando,galectin-3servesafewimportantpurposes withinthebody.Ithelpsintranuclearcelldevelopmentandextracellularinjury repairandsurvival.However,whenthebodyisincrisisandthereisan upregulationofgalectin-3production,itcanhavedetrimentalconsequences.

Duetocomplexbiochemicalstructuresandgenetictendencieswithineach person,thereisnostandard,predictableresponsewhenitcomestogalectin-3. Thisproteincanbeatdifferentlevelsindifferentpeopleandtriggerdifferent responses,eveniftheyhavethesamecondition.Forexample,somepeople’s bodiesare“hypervigilant,”alwaysonthealert,andtheyrespondtoastimulusor triggerwithoverinflammation.Otherpeoplemaynothaveagood“survival sense,”andtheylacktheabilitytofightandcreatetheproperinflammation. Instead,theyhaveatendencytoshutdownandendupwithsuppressed immunityoranincreaseinfibrosis.

Furthermore,thereisanadaptiveresponsewithgalectin-3,meaningthe reactionisamplifiedduetopreviousphysical,emotional,orpsychological trauma.Inanadaptiveresponse,oursystemhasbeenconditionedtorespondto specifictriggersinaparticularway.Inotherwords,itrepeatsthepatternsitis accustomedto,allthewaytothelevelofourcellularmemory.

APPENDIX E CLEANSING AND DETOX PROTOCOLS

Mostoftheworld’straditionalmedicalsystemsemphasizetheimportanceof periodic,seasonalcleansinganddetoxification—particularlyduringthefalland springseasons.

Throughdecadesofresearchandclinicalpractice,I’verefinedverygentleyet highlyeffectivedetoxificationprotocolsthatcanbeusedanytimeofyearby anyoneseekingtolightentheirtoxicload.Whiletheseapproachesareverysafe, evenforadvancedconditions,pleaseremembertoconsultwithahealthcare practitionerforadditionaldetoxificationguidanceifyouarebeingtreatedfora seriouscondition.

IN-DEPTH DETOX FUNDAMENTALS

Core Strategies

Thecoreelementsofthisprogramincluderesearched detoxification supplements and herbal formulas, detox diet recommendations, and supportive at-home detox therapies. Theseelementsarecustomizableandcompatiblewithotherdetox programsandtherapies,makingiteasytocreateyourownpersonalprotocol basedonyourpreferencesanduniqueneeds.

Length of Time

Howlongyouengageinadetoxprogramisanindividualchoiceandcan depend on different factors like toxic body burden and personal time commitment. Ideally, an in-depth periodic cleanse consists of a ten-day program with a week on either side to gradually transition (eliminating particularfoodcategoriespriortothecleanse,andthentransitioningtoyour postcleansediet).However,gentledetoxprogramsevenaslongastwotothree monthscanalsobeveryusefulforpeoplewithelevatedtoxicbodyburden, increasedtoxinexposure,orlife-threateningdiseases.

Inaddition,thereareahandfulof daily detox formulas Irecommendbelow thatareidealforongoingprotectionagainsttoxins.Theseformulasprovide dailydetoxbenefitswhileactivelysupportinghealthycells,tissues,andorgans.

Inmyexperience,gentledailydetoxcombinedwithperiodic,intensivedetox onaregularbasisoffersthegreatestprotectionandsupportforlong-term health.

Preparation

Isuggestplanningyourcleanseforaweekwhenyou’reabletohavesome personaltime,ifpossible.Lookthroughthefooditemsandat-hometherapies, andmakeashoppinglist.Andjustasimportant,makealistofthethingsyou wish to release that are no longer serving you—physically, mentally, emotionally,andpsychospiritually.

Goals of Detox Supplements and Formulas

Inmypractice,Irelyonahandfuloftargeteddetoxificationformulasthatoffer comprehensive support for the body’s major detoxification systems and pathways. These research-based formulas remove toxins, enhance detox functions and provide comprehensive protection via multiple mechanisms which:

Bindheavymetalsandtoxinsinthecirculationanddigestion,allowingfor saferemovalthroughtheurinaryandGItracts

Encouragecells,tissues,andorganstoreleasestoredtoxins

Enhancethenaturaldetoxfunctionsoftheliver,kidneys,and otherorgansofelimination

Balanceandoptimizethetwophasesofliverdetoxificationforcomplete toxinmetabolism

Preventtoxinreabsorptionandredistributiontootherparts ofthebody

Protectandsupportmicrobiomehealthanddiversity

Provideantioxidantsupportagainstdamagingfreeradicals Forinformationonthedifferentstagesofdetoxification,seeChapter14.

Periodic In-Depth Detox Formulas

Thesearethekeyformulasusedduringperiodicin-depthdetoxprograms. Theycanallbeusedatthesametime.

Modified Citrus Pectin and Alginates Formula (PectaClear® Toxic Metal Cleanse)

Thisresearchedformulasafelyremovestoxicmetalslikelead,mercury,and arsenic,aswellasenvironmentaltoxins,fromthecirculationanddigestion.It worksbytightlybindingtoxinsforsafeeliminationwithoutdisruptingessential mineralsthewayotherchelatorsdo.TheMCPinthisformulabindstotoxinsin thecirculation,whilethealginatesbindtotoxinsintheGItractandprevent reabsorption.Together,thesepowerfulnaturalbinderssafelyeliminateabroad rangeoftoxins,includingradioactiveions,fromthebody.

Dosage:3capsules,twicedailyonanemptystomach.

Total Body Detox Formula (ecoDetox® Total Body Detox)

Thisbotanical-nutrientformulaenhancesthebody’snaturaldetoxfunctionsand supportsoptimalbalanceofthephase1and2liverdetoxstages.Theformula encouragesthereleaseoftoxinsfromtissuesintothecirculationandprovides critical antioxidant support. It’s recommended as a two-part system with PectaClear(above)forbroad-spectrumdetoxsupportandprotection.While ecoDetox supports toxin discharge and processing, PectaClear binds to circulatingtoxinsforsafeeliminationfromthebody.

Dosage:3capsules,twicedailywithfood.

Fermented Herbal Probiotics with Prebiotic Nutrients (ecoProbiotic)

Thisliquidprobiotichasbeenagame-changerinmypractice,providingrapid reliefanddigestivesupportwhileenhancingbeneficialbacterialpopulationsand ahealthyGIenvironment.Effectivemicrobiomesupportiscriticalduringdetox toprotectbeneficialmicrobesagainstcirculatingtoxinsandsupportoptimal digestiverenewal.

Dosage:2–3Tbsp,twicedailyinwater,awayfromfood.

Medicinalmushroomsactlikespongesandareexcellentalliesfordetoxification. Theyworktoabsorbwastewhiledeliveringpowerfulnutrientstotissues impactedbytoxicburden.Inmypractice,Irecommendablendoften organicallygrownmushroomsthatprovidebroad-spectrumdetoxificationand nourishment,withbenefitsforimmunity,digestion,circulation,metabolism, andotherareas.

Dosage:4capsules,twicedaily.

Organic Mushroom Formula (Ten Mushroom Formula®)

Everyday Detox Support and Protection Formulas

Toxin exposure is an everyday issue. In addition to periodic, in-depth detoxification,gentledailysupportcanhelppreventdangeroustoxinsfrom accumulatinginthebodywhileprotectingvulnerableorgansandtissuesagainst ongoingexposure.

Foreverydaydetox,protection,andoptimalcellularandorgansupport,mytop recommendationistheresearchedformofModifiedCitrusPectinbecauseofits broadrangeofcellularandtotal-bodybenefits.Italsogentlybindsandremoves toxinsfromthecirculationforsafeelimination.

Dosage:Fordailymaintenanceagainsttoxins—5grams,daily,onanempty stomach.

Forintensivecellularandorgansupport—15grams,daily,in2–3divided doses,onanemptystomach.

Intoday’senvironment,eatingorganicisn’tenoughtoprotectagainstexposure topesticides,likethetoxicweedkillerglyphosate.We’reconstantlyexposedto pesticides through our foods, products, air, water, and surrounding environments. Fordailysupportandprotection, Irecommendatargeted pesticidedetoxformulacontainingnaturalbindersthathelpremovepesticides andagricultural/environmentalchemicals,andprotectvulnerableorgansand tissues,likethethyroid.

Dosage:3capsules,onceortwicedaily,awayfromfood.

Modified Citrus Pectin (PectaSol®)

Pesticide Detox Formula (GlyphoCleanse®)

Fermented Organic Herbal Probiotics with Prebiotic Nutrients (ecoProbiotic)

Thisliquidprobiotichasbeenagame-changerinmypractice,providingrapid reliefanddigestivesupportwhilesupportingbeneficialbacterialpopulationsand ahealthyGIterrain.

Dosage:2–3Tbsp,twicedailyinwater,awayfromfood.

Thegoalsofadetoxdietaremultifold:

Helpremoveheavymetals,pesticides,andchemicalandmicrobialtoxins

Eliminatefoodsthathavestrongproinflammatorypotential

Restyourdigestivesystemfromthedifficultyofdigestingconcentrated proteins,fats,andnutritionallydepletedfoodssuchas sugar,refinedflourproducts,etc.

Alkalinizeyoursystem,promotingoxygenationandreleaseoftoxins

Provideenergyforyourorgansofelimination

Providenutrientstodeeplyrevitalizeatthecellularlevel

RepopulatetheGItractwithbeneficialbacteria

Improvedigestionandnutrientassimilation

Improveboweltransittime

Healandminimizeintestinalpermeability

Improveimmunefunction

Balancehormones

A note about organic: Whenselectingfoodsforyourcleanseprogram,it’s importanttochooseorganicwheneverpossibletoreducetoxinexposureand helpkeepyourdetoxificationpathwaysclear.Somestudiesevensuggestthat switchingtoorganicfoodsallowsthebodytobegineliminatingpesticidesand environmentaltoxinsthathavebeenstoredintissues.

Detox Diet and Foods

Foods to Emphasize During Detox

Vegetables

Greenleafyvegetables,especiallybittergreens:dandeliongreens,endive, parsley,beet,kale,chard,mustardgreens,bokchoy, arugula,mixedsaladgreens

Cruciferousvegetables:kale,broccoli,broccolisprouts,cauliflower,Brussels sprouts

Onionfamily:onions,shallots,garlic,leeks

ArtichokesandJerusalemartichokes

Other vegetables: beets, celery, asparagus, zucchini, cucumbers, string beans,naturallyfermentedsauerkraut,seavegetables

Preparation: Raw,juiced,orsteamed/boiled,baked,watersautéed.

Vegetable Juices

Vegetablejuicesarealkalinerich,mineralrich,andphytonutrientrich.When tissuesholdwasteoraredamagedbyfreeradicals,theybecomeacidic.Vege‐tablejuicesandbrothsprovideanalkalinereservethatmineralizesandalters tissuepH,allowingcellsandtissuestoridthemselvesofmetabolicwasteand toxins.

Freshjuicemadefromleafygreensasabasisisidealfordetox.Forexample, kale/parsley/celery/beet, or kale/cucumber/parsley/cilantro/carrot, or kale/parsley/celery/apple.Addfreshgingerorgarlicforadditionalbenefit. Wheatgrassjuiceandbarleygrassjuicearealsoexcellent,asarepowderedjuice concentratesforconvenience.Veggiejuicesshouldbetakentwotothreetimes perdayifpossible.

Fruits

Inordertokeepbloodsugarlevelsstableduringdetox,onlycertainfruitsare recommendedduringacleanse,andinsmallamounts.Theseincludeapples, pears,peaches,citrus(eatenseparately),blueberries,andraspberries.Avoidother fruitsduringdetox.Itisbesttoavoidfruitsaltogetherduringacleanse.

Hydration

Drinkaminimumofeight8-oz.glassesoffilteredwaterperday.Addlemonto yourwaterasdesiredforextradetoxificationeffect.Herbaldetoxteasarealso excellent.

Herbal teas

Noncaffeinatedherbalteahelpsyoustayhydratedandsupportsyourdetox process.Avarietyofcommerciallyavailabledetoxteasareavailable,oryoucan makeyourownusinganycombinationofthefollowing:dandelionroot, burdockroot,astragalusroot,gingerroot,licoriceroot,nettle,cleavers,mint, horsetail,oatstraw,fennel,cardamom.Simmerrootsforfifteenminutes,then addmoredelicateherbsandletsteepfortenminutes.

Protein

Duringdetox,anorganicrice-basedorseed-basedproteinpowder(likehemp seed)severaltimesperdaycanhelpkeepyourbloodsugarlevelsstable. Sproutedseeds(sunflower,pumpkin,sesame)andsproutedbeans(likemung beans)arerichinenzymesandproteintosupportoptimaldetoxificationand nourishment.

Carbohydrates

Alkalinizing Broth

Organicbrownbasmatirice,quinoa,amaranth,andmilletaregoodsourcesof carbohydratestosustainyourenergythroughoutthecleanse. Simmerthefollowingvegetablesforforty-fiveminutes:celery,greenbeans, zucchini,parsley,spinach.Strainanddrinkthebroththroughouttheday.You canalsopureethevegetablesaftercookingandconsumeasathickersoup.Can keeprefrigeratedforthreedays.

Mineral Broth

Makeasabovewiththeadditionofanyofthefollowing:beets,kale,mustardor dandeliongreens,seaweed,flaxseed,nettle,astragalusroot,burdockroot, turmericroot,garlic,onion.

Herbs and Condiments

Ginger,cayenne,dandelion,licorice,burdockroot,milkthistle,dandelionroot, curry,turmeric,nutmeg,andcinnamonmaybeaddedliberallytoyourdishes forvarietyandfortheirbenefitsondigestionanddetoxification.

Oils

Upto2Tbspperdayofoliveoil,coconutoil,orflaxseedoil(unheated).

Fiber and Elimination

It’simportanttoaimforatleasttwobowelmovementsperdayduringdetox, andyoumayfindyouneedsomeassistancewiththis.Thehigh-fibercontentof thevegetablesmaybeadequate,butifnot,consideraddingafibersourceto yourprogram.Fresh-groundflaxseed,ricebran,orpsylliumhuskcanbeused to assist your bowels in emptying regularly. Otherwise, toxins may get reabsorbedintoyoursystem.

Foods to Avoid

Thesefoodsareknowntocauseinflammationandcanhinderdigestionand elimination,whileincreasingtoxicbodyburden.Avoidingthemduringa cleansecanhelptoresetyourdigestionandallowformoreeffectiveand efficientdetoxificationprocess.

Meat,fish,poultry,eggs

Dairyproducts

Glutencontaininggrains:wheat,rye,oats,barley

Cornandallproductscontainingcorn

Sugar,honey,molasses,artificialsweeteners

Tablesalt

Fruitjuices(eatonlywholefruits—seeabovelist)

Colddrinks

Cookedoils

Anyrawfatsoroilsasidefromasmallamountofolive, coconutoil,orflaxoil

Alcohol

Blacktea

Coffee

Ketchup,mayonnaise,barbequesauce,relishes,commercial saladdressingsormarinades

Chocolate

Soy

SUPPORTIVE DETOX THERAPIES AND ACTIVITIES

Indetoxification,thegoalistoprovidemultifacetedsupporttotheorgansof elimination,includingtheliver,bowels,lymph,skin,lungs,andkidneys.We alsowanttosupportthereleaseofdeeperemotions,stress,andmentalpatterns thatmaynolongerserveus.

Thefollowingtherapiesandpracticescanhelprelievestressandblockages, andsupportamoreholisticandcompletedetoxexperiencethatencompassesall aspectsofyourbeing:

Drybrushlymphaticmassage

Hotandcoldalternatingshower

Bakingsoda/seasalt/Epsomsaltbaths

Minitrampolinereboundingexercise

Jumpingrope

Lightaerobicexercise

Self-massagewithsesameoilandessentialoils

Massage/energetichealing

Acupuncture

Steamorsauna

Meditation

Breathingexercises

TaiChi

Qigong

Laughter/singing

Journalwriting(Whatdoyouwanttoreleaseinallareasof yourlife?)

Consideringhowyoucanturnyourlifemoretowardreleasingthan holdingon

Spendingtimeinnature

Givingawaythingsyoudon’tneed

Lemon and Olive Oil Drink

Thissimpleyetpowerfuldetoxdrinkhelpstosupportthedetoxfunctionsofthe liverandgallbladder,andstimulatesbileflow.It’sastapleinmanyofthedetox programsIrecommend,andoftentimes,patientsreportthatithelpsthemsleep better.Itshouldnotbeingestedifyouhavegallstones.

Theoptimaltimetotakethisdrinkisrightbeforebed(butyoucanalsoingest itearlyinthemorningwhenyouwakeup).Itcanbedoneduringa2–3week detoxprogramorongoingasadailydetox.It’sbesttodrinkduringthespring andfallaspartofaseasonalcleanse.

Ingredients:

1organiclemon

1Tbsporganicextra-virginoliveoil

1¼cupswater(10oz.)

Directions:

Cuttheendsoffthelemons.Cutintoquartersandtakethe seedsout.

Putlemon,oliveoil,andwaterintoablender(usuallymakes 3drinkservingsperblender).

Blenduntilassmoothaspossible.Youcanstrainoffanddiscardthepulpor drinkwithoutstraining(mypersonalpreference).

Thefirstnight,youmaystartwith¾lemon,thenuseonewholelemonthe nextnight.Startwith½Tbspoforganicoliveoilandgraduallyincreaseto1 Tbsp.

Formoreinformation,visitSurvivalParadox.com.

GAINING MOMENTUM

Whateveryourhealthgoalsmaybe,thepracticeofgentle,safedetoxification usingresearchedtherapiesandtreatmentscanofferprofoundmomentumand someofthemosttangibleresultsonyourpersonalhealingjourney.