NATURAL DETOX: 27 days and counting

I am overwhelmed with how the body works. Seriously! Subjecting myself to a juice fast allows my body to perform a complexity of operations for cleansing and restoration of all organs and systems. My body finds its bearings, reestablishing peak performance and function required for an energetic, healthy me. AND IT’S EASY! All I need to do is supply myself with loads of nutrients: vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and temporarily pull my internal operation away from its full time job of digestion. That is taking control people! Energy is then fully utilized to detoxify and repair damaged tissue throughout my body.

Stages of Fasting Detoxification

Day 1-3: Blood sugar drops below normal. The liver kicks in to release ½ days worth of reserved glycogen to convert to sugar. The body reduced the Balsamic Metobolic Rate (BMR). The heart slows down, reducing blood pressure. Excess Glycogen is then pulled from the muscles.

--> Headaches, body aches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes, skin releases rancid oils (symptoms similar to flu)

Day 4-7: Fatty Acids break down to convert to sugar and release stored toxins into the blood. Keteones from incomplete oxygen reduce hunger sensation. The body embraces the fast and energy moves away from digestion. White blood cells and immune system functions increase. Cleansing begins in Lymphatic organs, lungs, kidneys, gallbladder, intestines and liver.

--> Yellow mucoid releases through nose and throat, pain in lungs, hunger sensation decreases

Day 8-15: Deep tissue flush: white blood cells scour body and break down damaged tissue from past injuries. Toxins continue to be released, of which majority are stored in legs.

--> Reoccurring aches from past injuries, muscles tighten from toxin irritation, canker sours in mouth, increased energy

Day 16-30: Th body utilized newly cleansed organs and abundance of nutrients to replace damaged tissue.

--> Energy and clarity of mind, memory and concentration improve, emotional balance

(Mr. Tom McGregor, Eating in Freedom)

The benefits of detoxification are worth the cost. I started blogging weeks before the fast because I knew I needed a pep talk, excitement and purpose if I truly was going to overcome. Fasting takes endurance. It will be a full on battle for me to perform daily life with my body craving for food and rest. Mental toughness does not come easy. When it comes to facing battles, there is none more difficult then overcoming my own weaknesses. I often blame it on my personality, as if my failures are something I am stuck with for life. Who makes steps to change if they do not believe they can? This fast is all about me recognizing my issues and claiming change. I want to own up to who I know I am by ridding of the toxic waste in all areas of my person.This takes perseverance.

THE FILTER: 28 days and counting

We hear so much about pesticides and other chemicals in the air, water, food…EVERYTHING that it is no wonder cancer is rampant in our present age. It does not have to just happen; I can do something about it! First, I can limit exposure to pollutants:

· Eat organics and free-range foods

· Avoid foods that have been processed or have additives (artificial sweeteners)

· Drink filtered water

· Use sustainable cleaning agents in home

· Limit use of pharmaceutical drugs

· Remove metal tooth fillings (mercury exposure)

· Avoid artificial/synthetic fragrances (i.e. air fresheners, dryer sheets) …….and the list goes on

The other thing I can do, is build up my natural immune system which is already equipped to fight off disease. The warrior of our body is the liver. In addition to its 500+ known functions, the liver’s primary function is to detoxify (filter) our body. “One of the basic tenents of naturopathic medicine is that many diseases can be treated by enhancing liver function.” Just think about it: if you keep a clean liver in the first place, or restore it, you will not be susceptible to as many diseases. The liver produces 80% of the body’s cholesterol, filters mutated hormones, regulates blood sugar levels, converts vitamins and helps with digestion. In addition, a poor liver is the source of blood clots and therefore also the cause of heart attacks and brain strokes. Therefore most common systems of a poor liver include abnormal weight, mood swings, menstrual and menopausal problems, chemical sensitivity (allergies), fatigue, skin ailments (rashes, eczema, acne) and vitamin deficiencies. Other indicators of a sluggish liver are mole and skin tags, tight neck and shoulder muscles, leg cramping and bloating/flatulence. How to flush your liver? Juice fast!

This is a prime time to make a spiritual comparison. Throughout scripture sin is describes as a disease of the heart. Humans are asked to use the Holy Spirit and His word to filter what is good from bad, from entering and permeating. We are asked to avoid what is bad and cling to what is good. However, that is still not enough. Communion furthers this comparison and we see that Jesus’ blood is what cleanses us from sin. That's holy juice! Jesus set the example of fasting and asked His followers to do so also.

(Dr. Mary L. Reed Gates, Mary’s Herbs) (F. Batmanghelidj, 7 Day Detox Miracle)

STUDENT of LIFE: 29 days and counting

Juice, juice fast, juice diet, juicer, juicer recipes, juice fast recipes, detox diet, detox juice recipes. Google. Wikipedia. Library? As most students of this generation I survived college without checking out a book. Now I have 11 books on transfer to my local branch. Can you tell I’m serious?! I want to know all that I possibly can in order to take advantage of this short time that I will be fasting (i.e., I do not plan on making it a habit). I find the most effective way to attain knowledge is from someone with experience. If you have experience, do tell. In the mean time I will cling to books.

Adventure is all about learning. The dreams that I have, taking up hobbies or going to new places, it has everything to do with learning. I run from the static and look for ways to expand my knowledge, become better at what I do, follow unattained dreams. I want to be changed and changing. I think that being a student is the greatest opportunity in life. Dreaming alone doesn't do it for me. I want to get there and get there fast. This is why I take on challenges and complete them. To master, then move on. This juice fast is one opportunity to grow and tomorrow it may be Archery. :)

If there is anything in life worth learning it is Truth. Everyone knows there is right and wrong. In every situation there is a choice. I am all about making the right choice. Like everyone, I want to be right. I want my opinions to have worth and others to nod in agreement. I want to be the wise person who is sought after for advice and respected. It would be ignorant of me not to apply myself to understanding of all that is pure, just, true, holy, blameless, righteous.

THE PLAN: 30 days and counting

I, Molly Nelson, Coffee Addict have started to wean myself off my comfort drug of choice. I clearly remember back in 2004 crippling myself down to a half cup a day and full on passing out at work. Stars were out even with my eyelids shut and I found myself in moments of hyperventilation turned hot flash. What have I done! Doing?! This feeling I have is not just the gnawing of the stomach from withdrawal - anxiety and perfectionism are kicking in!

I suppose I cling to order to avoid my own reactions in the midst of ciaos. A simple plan sets my mind at ease. Perhaps this is why we desire to have purpose so much. It is not so much the end goal but the need to something to cling to: security, assurance, a confidence that all will be alright. Unfortunately order and planning is never enough with life so volatile. I look at me now and say, why worry? Sure I could fail, I am taking on risk. I don’t know how my body will react nor if I will be able to control myself. It is the hope, the goal that keeps me going. This is faith.

My little plan for this big fast:

· PREPARATION (June 1-9): Formulate a plan, research health benefits, research personal and family heath ailments, discover recipes, practice recipes, shop for food and supplies, wean off coffee, mentally prepare to be deprived

· THE DIVE (June 10-12): Begin fast, overcome initial hunger pain and weakness

· INNER CONFRONTATION (June 13-19): The week of the SEVEN event at Solid Rock fellowship; take personal field trip to where I was baptized 14 years ago

· (June 20-30) Don’t have a clue…survive?

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you, and you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 11-13