For some reason, it is easy for us to accept that our vehicles need an oil change and a tune-up once in awhile, but it is very hard for us to think of our bodies in the same way. But, I see the concepts as very similar.
For example, gas that is riddled with too much water causes damage to our vehicle’s fuel injection system and results in anything from sputtering and lowered fuel efficiency, to a complete breakdown. Why then do we fight against the idea that what we put in our bodies could also cause damage over time?
Up to 85% of our immune system resides in our digestive system. Good digestion requires a delicate balance of differing bacteria that work together to aid in digestion, support proper immune function, and assist with toxin removal. If we regularly put in “bad gas,” which includes highly processed foods riddled with genetically modified ingredients and synthetic preservatives, large amounts of processed sugars and bleached grains, or synthetic pharmaceuticals such as Tylenol, antibiotics, or antacids…then that “bad gas” can allow the wrong bacteria to flourish and can damage both the beneficial bacterial and your gut walls.
The following table illustrates why restoring our vehicle after exposure to contaminated gas is similar to choosing a whole food cleanse to restore healthy digestive balance after exposure to tainted foods and medications.
| Steps to Restore a… | …Vehicle After Bad Gas Exposure | …Body After “Bad Gas” Exposure |
| 1 | Clear the bad gas from the System | Clear the “bad gas” from your body |
| 2 | Flush the fuel system to remove any buildup of remaining water than can cause further damage | Flush your digestive and filtering systems to remove any buildup of toxins that can cause further damage |
| 3 | Replace the filter(s) | Replace the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract |
| 4 | Add good gas back in | Add healthy, whole foods and natural healthcare/cleaning products back in |
| 5 | Add an additive to your gas to help remove any remaining water, to protect against future water buildup, and to increase overall fuel efficiency | Add targeted supplements or complementary healthcare therapies to keep your body in balance so it can do its job and protect against and heal from illness and disease |
Consider tuning-up your gut if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Irregular bowels (e.g., bloating, diarrhea or constipation)
- Pain or discomfort after eating
- Difficulty in reaching or maintaining an alkaline state
- Eczema, Rosacea, hives or other skin rashes
- Sensitivity to strong scents, skin- or health-care products and/or foods
- Severe seasonal/environmental allergies
- Strong cravings for sugary foods and/or empty carbohydrates
- Autoimmune conditions
- Concentration issues such as poor memory, general ‘brain fog,’ ADD/ADHD or lack of focus
- Irritability, moodiness, anxiety or depression
- Reflux or heartburn
Please be sure to work with an educated healthcare professional if you decide to proceed. If you want me to, I will work with you to choose the best approach to incorporate into your lifestyle and support you along the way. But, regardless of whom you choose, please be sure that they are recommending a whole food approach and that, if recommended, supplements and essential oils are certified pure, all natural and free of common allergens.
Important: Beware of juice-only cleanses especially ones that include supplements or essential oils to help with cleansing. Your body needs fiber and protein to effectively eliminate toxins. If you speed up toxin removal, but do not provide what is needed to remove those toxins, you will feel worse and could get very ill. Juice cleanses for short periods of time without the additional use of supplements or essential oils are still considered beneficial.
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To learn more about the cleanse options, supplements, or essential oils I recommend, contact me using the form below or at alicia@healthytangents.com to request information or to schedule a wellness consultation.
Disclaimer: I am not a Physician. I am a wife, a mom, a certified health coach, and someone who loves learning about natural wellness tools and sharing with others the incredible things I learn through my classes, research, personal experiences, and the experiences of friends and family. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Rather, they are intended to support your body in its efforts to restore balance and maintain health.
Healthy Tangents 