Candida / Yeast
Q. Doesn't the release occurring with bentonite and psyllium wipe away the probiotics so that they are ineffective?
A. Yes. That is why those with yeast problems need to take a lot of probiotics while cleansing, especially those who have yeast infections such as Candida albicans. Yeast have pretty good roots, and while some will be washed away, many can hang on, multiplying again and again within hours, creating their unpleasant byproducts. These byproducts can cause bloating, weakness, and other discomfort. Taking a friendly bacteria will help maintain good bacteria, as opposed to the bad bacteria, and help prevent the yeast from dominating. It is theorized that as long as we continue taking large amounts of probiotics during a cleanse, the yeast cannot spread, but instead, will gradually be pulled out.
For those who do not have yeast infections, it is still important to keep taking probiotics while cleansing. Some have learned this the hard way, so please follow this guideline. You will feel better while cleansing. Some people may have a yeast infection and not be aware of it because it has not yet become acute. The wiping out of friendly bacteria and the taking of lots of fruit or carrot juice feeds yeast and allows them to spread. Taking bacteria during a cleanse helps to keep the yeast from taking over. Another reason we take probiotics during a cleanse is that once the Master phase is completed, many people become ravishingly hungry. As long as there is plenty of bulk in the gut, we tend to not get so hungry, and probiotics help to provide bulk. After a cleanse it is common for some people to pig out on anything and everything they can find. After they were stuffed to the gills, they were still hungry. Remember, 40% of the stool is, or should be, bacteria. Taking the bacteria during a cleanse prevents problems. It is well worth the cost of the probiotics.
Cleansing Reactions
Q. If a person is having difficulty even after the recommended enemas, potatoes and milder phase, shouldn't they just cut out the herbs, stopping the entire cleanse? Would herbs, broth or an alkalizing formula and shakes help them to feel better faster?
A: NO! If they stop taking herbs they should stop the shakes as well. Stopping the herbs alone could cause a person to become constipated and blocked. Never, ever recommend someone take multiple shakes without my herbal cleansing formulas. Stopping a cleanse entirely, taking an alkalizing formula, juice, broth, and/or steamed vegetables most likely will help people feel better if they were having a rough time due to a lot of toxicity. There are ways of slowing the cleansing process; read Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1.
Q: I've been nauseous for a few days, but I should just push on, right?
A: Generally, it is best to try the standard approach of doing an enema (a coffee enema later, if necessary) and if no lasting relief is experienced, slow down the cleansing process by eating some cooked vegetables or a baked potato and/or cutting back on the amount of herbs one is taking. My cleansing program was designed to be gentle but effective without serious discomfort. When nausea occurs for more than a few hours, many people go back to a pre-cleanse. Afterwards, they usually have no more nausea while cleansing. Always do what feels best for you.
Q: I feel so bloated; what causes it and what can I do?
A: As the herbs begin to work on the plaque, the plaque itself "plumps up" and can cause the feeling of bloat. Parasites can become disturbed and also produce this sensation. If individuals suspect parasites and find their bloat intolerable, it is an option to do the Parasite Program for a while and then resume a cleanse. Sometimes, a bacterial imbalance is responsible; many cleansers have reported positive results after taking large amounts of probiotics for 4-5 days. I recommend 2-3 capsules of probiotics 5 minutes after lunch and dinner, along with another 1-2 capsules one hour before bed.
Q. A 60 year old woman had just come off a cleanse and she looked horrible, especially in her face. She had more lines and wrinkles along with much puffiness. It looked like her face was drawn, any explanation and advice you can offer?
A. It is not uncommon for a person at 60 years or older who is finishing a cleanse or water fast to look terrible toward the end. There are two things happening here. One, toxins and emotions are moving out through the skin, and two, they are losing weight in their face. Both conditions correct themselves in time and leave a better skin than before. The only exception to this is if a person stopped a cleanse or fast before the toxins had moved out. The other day I ran into a friend that I hadn't seen for almost a year. He looked about 10 years younger. Then I took another look. He had a potbelly and he was getting fat. His face looked better, but I knew that he was worse off. Have you ever noticed that fat people have fewer wrinkles? Thin people might look worse, but they will live longer, healthier, and more energetically than obese people. So, when we come off of a cleanse, we often have lost some unnecessary fat and for a few days look bad; however, we are actually in better condition than when we started.
Q. I had a heavy bitter taste in my mouth after two weeks on a cleanse. Why?
A: It is not unusual to have a bad taste in one's mouth during the cleansing process. Notice how the tongue becomes coated when toxins are leaving. On my second cleanse, my tongue was black for 6 days of the Master phase, and I had the worst metallic taste in my mouth the entire time. I think it was metals exiting my system. The tongue is a wonderful gauge to help determine how clean we are. If you finish a cleanse and your tongue is still coated and/or your mouth tastes and smells like a sewer, than you know that you still have a ways to go. The gray coating is the breakdown of toxic metabolic waste. It is rot; fermenting, decaying rot. It is what makes people sick. This is what needs to come out.
Q: How can I stop headaches after cleansing?
A. After cleansing? I have never known anyone that still had a headache after cleansing. Anyone who follows the directions properly and completes a cleanse as directed should not have a headache. I would be asking questions. Did you pass the pH tests before the cleanse? How long were you on a pre-cleanse? How long on the Master phase? Did you use enemas? How much probiotic did you take during and after the cleanse? Have you ever had a liver disease? What have you been eating?
How to stop a headache: Liquid Extracts of Osha (3 or 4 squirts), Ginkgo (2 or 3 squirts) Lobelia (1 or 2 squirts) in a hot cup of water. This works for some people very quickly. Enemas work about 80% of the time; coffee enemas work about 95% of the time. If the enema worked, then it was a toxic colon that caused the headache. If the enema did not work but the coffee enema did, then it was a congested liver that caused the headache. What does that mean? This person better work on the bowel and liver, for it is sluggish now. What do you think it will be like next year, or 5 or 10 years from now? We need to be working on ourselves as early as possible.
Q. What can I do if I vomit after eating herbs?
A. You should try taking only one capsule at a time. Wait for 5 minutes and take another one. You also may find that eating an apple or something else will help calm your sensitive stomach. After a few days, you probably will not have this problem any more. Usually, the only people who have this problem are those who are environmentally ill. What they need to do, if necessary, is just take 1/2 the capsule. If after a few days, they still have a problem, then tell them to stop and consider that they may have a sensitivity to one of the herbs.
Q. During the Mild phase, what does it mean when someone vomits bile in the morning when they get up?
A: It means that their pyloric valve is not working properly. Such a person can drink peppermint tea to feel better. Continuing on the Mild phase and through a cleanse will most likely give them wonderful benefits. This occasionally happens after a coffee enema. In such a case, the person should take a psyllium bentonite shake and drink plenty of peppermint tea.
Q. What about feet and ankle swelling during a cleanse?
A. 1. A potassium deficiency can cause edema of the feet and ankles. Anyone with a potassium deficiency will not pass the pH tests and should not do a cleanse. Anyone who has a potassium deficiency also has an organic sodium deficiency. 2. Too much protein, in the form of fibrinogen, can settle in the feet and lower legs. That is common with those who have diabetes. That means their diet was poor, they had constipation, and have serious liver and pancreas congestion. If a person is a borderline diabetic, or has some other protein disease, a cleanse could cause temporary congestion simply because there are so many toxins entering the blood and lymph circulation that the body cannot get rid of them fast enough, and swelling occurs. These are the people who need to cleanse more than anyone else and are the least likely to do it.
Q. Blood was seen in the stool after the 4th day of the Master phase of a cleanse. What was happening? This has happened twice. (This was red blood, not blackened.)
A. Question 1) Had there ever been blood in the stool prior to cleansing? 2) What is the history of bowel disturbance? 3) Were there any white, yellow, or off-white particles or specks seen during the cleanse? If so, this is probably polyps being removed. 4) Were there any fuzzy looking globs being eliminated and are there any stringy tentacle-like things coming out? This could be tumor related pieces. One thing is for certain, something is being removed. There have been several people who have done a cleanse successfully and beneficially who had severe colitis, Crohn's disease or irritable bowel. It is my opinion that my cleansing program is beneficial for any bowel disturbance. If bleeding occurs, it can be because something that should not be there is being challenged and that is exactly what needs to happen. I would be watching this person carefully. I would be recommending probiotics 3 times daily. I would recommend fresh vegetable juices 3 times daily and probably antioxidants.
Q. Is a 10% loss of body weight with a large loss of strength during the first 2 or 3 days of a cleanse a cause for concern? If so, what can be done about it?
A. It is not hard to believe that some people could lose 8 or 9 pounds of fecal matter in the first few days of a cleanse. Yes, some people have that much garbage, even more, rotting away in their gut. Anyone that would be this full of toxic debris is quite likely to experience a temporary loss of strength due to extreme toxic elimination. This kind of person is a classic example of one who needs to go slowly. They should stay on the mildest phase longer than most and gradually go in and out of deeper levels until at last they have reduced the toxic level enough to feel strong and vitally alive on a gentle cleansing phase
Back To Top
Q: This is my first cleanse and I've been a vegetarian/vegan for x years (or I've done lots of cleansing and fasting in the past) so it's acceptable for me to do just 1 week of the gentle phase and then do the master phase? Right?
A: I do not recommend it, generally speaking, since an individual may have a significant build-up of plaque from a previous history of a poor lifestyle/diet, it is best to gradually move into your first program by doing the full 3 weeks of pre-cleansing (mild/gentle Phase) and then a week of the Power or Master phase. Reason: many vegetarians still consume many acid-forming or processed/refined foods such as soy products (tofu), bread, pasta, and grains; such that your electrolyte reserves may be low you may still be very toxic. By jumping quickly into the Master or Power phases with only a week of the Gentle Phase, one may put an unnecessary burden on their liver and kidneys if the body detoxifies too rapidly. These individuals sometimes also assume that they need not do the pH tests, and may further put themselves at risk. Remember that if one is deficient of electrolyte minerals, the cleansing process itself can generate acids that might force the body to seek out (rob) electrolyte minerals from other various fluids, tissues and organs. The three weeks of gentle phase give the herbs time to soften plaque for removal.
Q.What about exercise while cleansing?
A. While cleansing, it is recommended that you limit your excercise to gentle yoga, tai chi, swimming and walking. Jogging, rebounding or any activity that creates a bouncing of the intestine is not recommended. Remember that when you excercise vigorously, you are using electrolyte minerals which you may need for cleansing.
Q. How come some people report spaciness and ungroundedness when they eat just raw fruits and veggies?
A. Most likely their body is going into a cleansing mode, and the stirred up toxins are causing this reaction. This is probably because the liver is not performing properly.
Q. How about a cleanse for children?
A: It is not recommended that children cleanse. While many children ages 5 and above have wonderful results with a cleanse, we do not recommend a cleanse for children. However, in this toxic age, children need it too. Dealing with children and pregnant women is risky, not because a cleanse could hurt them, but because so many people simply do not understand natural healing and cleansing reactions, and sometimes overreact. People, having been conditioned by conventional medicine, freak out when something fails to go the way they expect. There are many highly toxic people out there, so it is better play it safe. For those who are determined to put their children on a cleanse, remember this: compare their weight with an adult and adjust the dosages accordingly. Don't push them too hard. Children often have better intuition than adults and they should be listened to. Don't force them to cleanse. Each situation is different and I hesitate to give too many general directions, but the most important thing we can do for children is feed them natural fresh organically grown food, help them to be happy and confident, and keep their bowels moving. If they do not have at least two BMs daily, there is a problem developing.
Q: I'm pregnant/breast feeding; can I do a cleanse?
A: It is not recommended since the toxins that are released may release into the bloodstream and therefore, eventually, into the fetus or nursing child. I do recommend some other products such as a super green food blend, a concentrated liquid mineral formula and probiotics. It is vital to keep the bowels moving or else toxins will accumulate.
Q. Can probiotics be used during pregnancy?
A. Yes, absolutely. This is highly recommended.
Q. What do you recommend to use and not use during pregnancy?
A. We recommend that women not cleanse while pregnant and nursing. Pregnant women can safely use alkalizing formulas, probiotics, antioxidants, a super green food blend and enzyme products.
Q. What can you say about a very thin person with a bad case of pimples? Her goals are to be able to put on muscle mass and clear up her facial acne. How can I help her attain her goals?
A: Encourage her to keep with the program. Most people who have acne should be on a vegan diet. MSM and L-Glutamine may help her put on muscle mass. Acne is a sign of extreme toxicity and poor digestion.
Q. Muscle mass vs. fat mass: cleansing seems to reduce muscle rather than fat. How come? How do we reduce the fats?
A. This is not the norm. Muscle should not be coming off people when they are cleansing. The fat under the skin comes off and they look thinner, but this is not muscle. Fat around the abdomen takes longer to remove. If someone is truly loosing muscle mass while cleansing, then this could be a liver or an electrolyte problem. If it is the liver, they could be deficient in glutathione. The body then breaks down muscle to retrieve glutamine and then glutamic acid to combine with l-cysteine to make glutathione, which is used for important liver enzymes that are necessary for life. This can be compensated by taking L-Glutamine and antioxidants. Cleansing reduces the fats.
Q. I know of people who have passed pieces of undigested food during the Gentle Phase. The concern is that the herbs may be pushing the food through too fast.
A: You should not see this unless you are taking enemas. If you are seeing it, then you should be taking more probiotics. Bacteria are necessary to help break down food.
Q. What modifications to a cleanse program are required if a person is taking high blood pressure or other medication?
A. Any person taking medication should consult with the doctor prescribing that medication before embarking upon a cleanse. It has been reported that persons often have had to have their medication reduced while cleansing, due to better absorption and a cleaner circulatory system. There have been cases where the doctor monitoring the progress of a cleanser has eliminated medication. We recommend that people on high blood pressure medicine be tested daily by their doctor; they may be very pleased with the results. Remember, taking medication is a serious thing and no one should ever just stop taking a medication without consulting with his or her doctor. Do not play doctor unless you are a doctor.
Q: Can I take my vitamins/supplements while on the program?
A: This is strictly up to you. While many individuals feel satisfied with what they are receiving nutritionally from organic foods/produce and their juices, and from the herbs, chlorophyll supplements (like a super green food blend) and concentrated liquid minerals, others feel they would like to continue their own vitamins. I generally recommend that vitamins be consumed with a meal, as opposed to taking them with the herbs because they may interfere with the action of the herbs. Avoid any soy/rice-based supplements as they are acid forming and may slow down a cleanse.
Q: How many times a year can I do a cleanse?
A: Generally, most individuals can do 3-4 Cleanses (every 2 months) their first year and then 3 per year after that.
Q. I know of people who can't even do the mild phase! What do you do?
A. Can't or won't? Never push anyone to cleanse. If a person sincerely wants to cleanse and has difficulty (i.e. they feel terrible), then it is because they are extremely toxic. They need to spend a lot of time on an alkaline diet. When they can pass all of the pH tests (see my first book) then they should stay on the mild or gentle phase according to the directions. I haven't seen anyone unable to do the Mildest Phase yet. But if I did, I would have them dilute the Mildest phase for a few weeks until they detoxify enough to do the Mildest Phase. After a while they can try the next phase, if they feel bad, they should back down to an easier phase. Stay on that easier phase for several days then try the next phase again. Repeat this process until they do the phase for an entire week, then they can try the Power Phase or go off a cleanse for a while. Between cleanses they need to maintain a diet of almost all, if not all, alkaline forming foods. Then go back on a cleanse after a few weeks. Remember, no one should ever start anything deeper than the Mildest Phase until they can pass all of the pH tests, and this includes the lemon test! People who have cleansing reactions on the Mildest or Gentle Phases have sluggish livers. A good herbal liver support formula may help these extremely toxic people. This may be the only answer for the weak-willed. don't forget, some people have a subconscious death wish, and we cannot change that. But you could help them see it and they may be able to eliminate it. I figure about 20% of the population has this death wish and they will subconsciously sabotage their cleansing process. Look out for this kind of people.
Q. What about body building when a protein is needed?
A. Cleansing is not body building. As far as protein is concerned, the body's requirement for protein after extreme hard workouts and sleeping is about the same. The body's requirement is between 20 to 30 grams of protein daily. This is the equivalent of 1 to 2 eggs a day. Any more than that causes electrolyte deficiencies, unnecessary stress upon the digestive system, and protein accumulation in the body that will eventually cause disease. All foods, except oils, contain protein. All the protein we need is easily obtained from fruits and vegetables. The only people who have protein problems are those who have destroyed their digestive system. You want good quality protein, not deathly, rotting, used protein from animals. Where do you think gorillas, elephants, and cows (all vegetarians) get their protein? Get the facts; read Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1, Conscious Eating, by Gabriel Cousens MD., Are You Confused? by Paavo Airola, and especially read Diet for a New America, by John Robbins.
Q: How important is it to drink a lot of water, and does it have to be distilled?
A: It is very important. Distilled water is preferable to purified water because of its ability to remove inorganic waste from the body. If one is unable to get distilled, purified water is the next best choice (even a combination of the two is all right). Do not drink or take baths in water with chlorine or fluoride in it, as chlorine has been proven to cause cancer in people. There is extensive research showing that fluoride is very toxic, as well.
Q: Will I be able to do a cleanse and still work?
A: Most individuals are able to do the whole program while still working, and some prefer to take time off during the Master phase so they can rest when needed and do the enemas without rushing. This question usually indicates a fear of unexpected trips to the bathroom. Although there's no guarantee that this won't happen, one's bowel movements should NOT include diarrhea or cramping and so should not be a great inconvenience.
Q: I do strenuous workouts daily; can I continue them during the program?
A: Perhaps during the first week of the mild phase but moving further into the program, one's workouts should become lighter with only light walking and perhaps gentle swimming during the Power or Master phase. Remember that strenuous workouts generate acids which draw on the electrolyte mineral reserves. It is also important to note that the body is working very hard to detoxify during this period and whenever energy reserves are demanded for a workout, the body cannot focus its energy on detoxification efforts. While cleansing, one should avoid bouncing, such as with running or trampoline workouts; while the intestines are loaded with psyllium, this action could cause a prolapse.
Back to Top
Enemas
Q: Can I use those little premixed enemas (similar to a Fleet enema) for my enemas on the Master phase?
A: No, we recommend the use of a standard 2-quart enema bag (for water or herb enemas) which can be purchased from your local drugstore. Instructions for the enema can be found in Cleanse & Purify Thyself. Book 1. No toxic substance is to be put in the body during this program.
Q. Is a full 4-week cleanse without colonics more effective than a 10-day cleanse with colonics?
A. Yes. A cleanse will clean more than just the colon. A colonic does not remove mucoid plaque unless it is already loosened and ready to go. A colonic only flushes out the colon, which is about 4 to 6 feet in length. A cleanse is working on 22 feet of the small intestine plus the colon. It also releases toxins from the entire body, which takes time. The colonic is only effective in removing everything that is not tied down in the colon, and mucoid plaque could be described as being tied down. What is underneath the mucoid plaque? Do you have the picture? Colonics are good, but not deep. They do not compare to a cleanse, but they can assist a cleanse.
Q. Do those who have a desire to continue coffee enemas have a toxic, sluggish liver?
A. Even though coffee enemas flush the liver of toxins, the procedure is stressful to the liver and should be used sparingly. Once the liver is functioning perfectly, there will be little or no reaction, including the feeling of relief, after a coffee enema.
Q: How often should I do coffee enemas while cleansing?
A: Coffee enemas are only recommended when a regular water enema has failed to relieve a severe cleansing reaction, such as headache or nausea. It is also recommended that they be done only once or twice a week. Be sure the coffee is at body temperature!
Q: Should I do enemas daily while cleansing?
A: No. Enemas can interfere with peristalsis. 1-2 enemas per week on a pre-cleanse are acceptable but ideally, the bowels should be moving on their own during this phase (except when a cleansing reaction merits an enema). I recommend enemas twice a day, morning and evening, during the Master phase.
Q. I do not tolerate caffeine very well - I get seriously agitated and shaky, sometimes mean. Will a coffee enema have this effect?
A. Drinking coffee causes the following problems: increased reflex response; lowered blood pressure; increased heart rate; insomnia and heart palpitations, over stimulation of the adrenals, irritated stomach, and a toxic residue in the body. A coffee enema when done properly will not product these effects. It is the caffeine that makes the coffee enema work so well. It is 100% useless without caffeine. Read about it in Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1.
Q. Can you say more about how a coffee enema helps herbs into the portal vein?
A. The caffeine acts as a carrier. Caffeine stimulates and triggers permeability.
Q. Does putting herbs that benefit the liver in a coffee enema help them absorb more efficiently?
A. Yes.
Q: Should I use the bentonite in my enemas?
A: It is not recommended. It can cause damage to the colon if too much is used.
Back to Top
Mucoid Plaque
Q. Is it possible for someone to have "healthy" pH and a buildup of mucoid plaque? If so, why?
A: Yes. If they have had a poor diet at an earlier stage in life, most likely they created the plaque and there it is awaiting removal. Antibiotics destroy all the friendly bacteria, and chances are that about 90% of people who used these drugs have the wrong bacteria established in their guts, which probably contribute towards mucoid plaque. Parasites abound in American bowels, and can also stimulate plaque increase. Salt, alcohol, drugs, and processed foods all take their toll.
Q: I'm getting green stuff out, but that's just the psyllium shakes and the herbs, right?
A: Chances are really good that the green stuff is mucoid fecal matter or lymph. Psyllium is never green unless one dyes it green!
Q: How do I know if I'm passing mucoid plaque?
A: This is not always an easy question to answer since it takes many different forms. Generally speaking, anything that looks atypical to one's usual fecal matter is possible plaque. One way to check it out (though some will resist), is to pull a suspect piece of matter to the side of the toilet bowl with chopsticks and attempt to cut through it. Most will be surprised to find it quite rubbery and difficult ,if not impossible, to sever. For some, this little test can lend itself to increased enthusiasm ("It really is plaque!") regarding the program.
Q. Why do doctors say that they do not see any plaque with sigmoidoscopes - that they see pink intestinal skin. Does a cleanse create plaque?
A. No, a cleanse does not create plaque, it removes it. Doctors do not know what they are looking for when they say they can't see it. Read chapter 3 of the Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 2 . This subject is described in detail and is verified with photographs. Plaque has been around far longer than a cleanse. People who had done 40-day water fasts found that late into their fasts they suddenly expelled long black rubbery ropes (as they described them). Read Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1.
Back to Top
Health Problems
Q. What precautions should be taken while detoxifying and deep cleansing? What do you recommend if a person has a condition of diabetes, multiple sclerosis or lung conditions.
A. People with health problems should work with a qualified practitioner while cleansing. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis and lung conditions are serious conditions. DO NOT TRY TO PLAY DOCTOR! It is a shame that we have to keep saying these things to protect you and ourselves. The truth is there are few good doctors out there and I only know a few I think I can trust. I have never heard of a medical doctor treating diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or lung problems effectively. I absolutely do not agree with what they do and as far as I am concerned, they should not be doctors. If they were auto mechanics, they would be much more beneficial to their patients. I believe that I know what to do, but I have to be so careful talking about it that I prefer not to. We live in a country that has lost its freedom of speech and freedom to choose regarding who we select to give us medical treatment. The best that I have been able to do is write my theories in Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1. If you really study this, you should be able to pick up everything you need to treat yourself. There is a tremendous amount of information there.
Q: Can I start a cleanse if I suspect an ulcer?
A: I strongly recommend that you do not proceed with a cleanse if you suspect an ulcer. Other conditions that preclude doing a cleanse are: ulcerative colitis, bleeding hemorrhoids, anal fissures and any suspected internal bleeding. I recommend working with a health care practitioner that uses raw juice and similar therapies to heal the condition first and only when full healing is established, proceed with the mildest phase to begin the program.
Q. How would you tell someone who's convinced of a clean intestinal tract after having a colonoscopy that a cleanse will still be effective for them? They are asking for help and are on a doctor's prescription for hepatitis C. (No cirrhosis) They want a natural way, so they can go off medication due to side effects disrupting their life?
A. People taking prescription drugs are people in serious situations and I cannot recommend they go off their prescriptions (although I certainly would not use them under any circumstances). Encourage the person to read the book, Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1 then encourage them or assist them in locating a practitioner who can assist them in their goals. Each individual is different, when a person is removing themselves from drugs they need monitoring and personal assistance from someone trained to guide them. Do not attempt to do this unless you are properly qualified. Anyone who has hepatitis of any kind has a problem with his or her bowels.
Q. How to cleanse with blood sugar problems or chemical imbalances?
A. Seek the guidance of a practitioner experienced with cleansing and fasting. One thing that would help is to avoid all fruit and carrot juices. Green drinks made from vegetables such as cucumbers and kale are lower in natural sugars and should make the process easier. Diabetics need to monitor their insulin carefully. Their normal dosages will change during a cleanse and they may need to decrease their dosages. People with sugar problems need to work on the liver and suppressed emotions. Look for the "poor me" attitudes, feelings of rejection, childhood abuses, or suppressed anger.
Q. If a person has had their duodenum and most of their jejunum removed - can he do a cleanse and is that maybe why he can't gain weight?
A. Yes he can do a cleanse. If you can eat, you can cleanse. The duodenum and jejunum are the most important parts of the alimentary canal for digestion and assimilation. No wonder it is difficult to gain weight. What else did the doctors do to this person? What else will they do to them in the future? This is a typical example of why doctor Robert Mendelsohn said that the most dangerous place in the world is in a hospital and the second most dangerous place is in a doctor's office. I agree with him. Doctors do these things because they simply don't know how to treat the body's problems naturally.
Q. Will a cleanse help a person with irritable bowel or ulcerative colitis? Can a cleanse be started if the person still has some mucus or blood in stool and a lot of flatulence?
A. It is possible; you must remember that we cannot claim to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Testimonies indicate that people benefit greatly from a cleanse. If a person is generally in good health and has the conditions stated above they can start a cleanse. They should pace themselves and be observant that they do not cleanse too fast. Irritable bowel and colitis are caused by what? Think! There has to be a cause! Most of the time there are specific pathogenic microorganisms, including Candida, various bacteria, and often protozoan parasites. I have seen several lab tests verifying this. Medical doctor's antibiotics are not always effective and when they are not, they don't know what to do. Medical doctors can do some amazing things sometimes, but they flunk when it comes to chronic and degenerative disease. Follow the advice of a medical doctor when it comes to treating bowel problems and some day you'll probably have bowel cancer. Why is it that conventional medicine cannot successfully treat these bowel conditions? Simply because their drugs do not always work and they do not understand natural healing or cleansing. It is foreign to them. Do I dare say that I know the cure? Absolutely not, even if it were 100% effective. It may even be risky for me to say that I don't know of anything that is better than my cleansing program, the proper bacteria, and my formulas for building the bowel. And, just in case you forgot, a good vegetarian diet, full of fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of fresh vegetable juices are ideal. And you know what? This treatment works wonders on just about anything. What a blessing to know about these simple natural things.
Q. What special measures do you take when cleansing someone without a gallbladder? Especially when there is chronic diarrhea present?
A: This is a horrible disaster and over 99% of the time, the gallbladder did not need to be removed. But once it is, it is very difficult to maintain good health. These people will usually start gaining weight. Their bowels will become weaker and more and more polluted. Many will develop sugar problems. Some may end up with diabetes. So what would I do? It is not easy to grow back a gallbladder, but I would try. I would take great care of my body. I would feed it only the most perfect clean foods. I would work diligently in removing my bad food desires and I would cleanse. I would expect to do a full Cleanse at least 2 times a year and do a mini-cleanse in between. I would do juice fasting about one week per month, every month. And then I would water fast for 2 or 3 days once a month. I would also practice mediation and if it felt right, practice yoga. I would learn to visualize and breathe. In my visualization, I would see myself filled with vibrant health, enthusiasm for life, joy and love being expressed to everyone. Most of all, I would make every attempt to truly connect with God.
Back to Top
Cleansing and Supplements
Q. How can a person cleanse if they are extremely allergic to psyllium?
A: One can cleanse only using the herbs. Sipping bentonite water (one teaspoon to an 8-10 glass of water) if one feels toxic has worked when it is not possible to do an enema. Otherwise combine equal parts of corn silk, guar gum, apple pectin, and slippery elm bark.
Q. What is your opinion of pharmaceutical grade bentonite?
A: It is very poor. The only difference between pharmaceutical grade bentonite and other bentonite is that pharmaceutical grade bentonite has been irradiated!
Q. Why are the toxic metals in the minerals not a problem (like chlorine, arsenic, aluminum, and lead.)
A: These minerals are in small, trace amounts and organic in nature. They are not toxic in this medium. They are derived from ancient vegetation and are naturally chelated to plant proteins. Organic aluminum actually transmutes into silica and then into calcium according to Professor Louis Kervran. This is explained in his book Biological Transmutations and Modern Physics on page 157. (Magalia, California: Happiness Press, 1988.)
Q. Would you recommend supplementing with liquid minerals when taking lots of bentonite? Is it true that bentonite absorbs minerals and nutrients as well as toxins?
A. No, the bentonite will not absorb minerals and nutrients from the cells of the body. It only absorbs that which is cell-free in the intestinal tract as it moves through.
Q. Why is maltodextrin in products?
A. It is used a flow agent and in very small amounts. Maltodextrin is a sugar that comes from malt and dextrin. Malt is found in roasted malt, which comes from barley. It is commonly used in bread, cakes, ice cream, candy, baked goods, gelatin desserts, chewing gum, and jelly. There is no known toxicity. Dextrin comes from starch and is used in beer, and cereals. Flow agents are essential in the bottling process and maltodextrin is one of the most natural ingredients available.
Q. Can you take probiotics on a daily basis, long term?
A. Yes.
Q. If I forget to take probiotics after cleansing for a few days, would you advise doing the probiotics implant or just start taking the probiotics daily again and for how long?
A: We do not recommend doing an implant after you have started eating. Just start taking the probiotics daily until the bottle is gone. Take about 3 capsules 3 times daily for a few days and you will make up for it quickly.
Q. What about people who say they are allergic to psyllium?
A: In the early days of the cleanse, we didn't use the shakes. It was only the herbs. However, most people feel much better using the shakes. A person can do a cleanse without the shakes if necessary. But they are approximately four times more likely to experience toxic cleansing reactions. They should do two enemas daily, especially if they feel bad.
Q. How much is too much enzymes?
A. Take enzymes as recommended on the bottle. While one could safely take more for short periods of time, only take large amounts of enzymes under the guidance and supervision of a practitioner, as a therapy. We have seen damage in the blood of people who take lots of enzymes daily, for extended periods of time. These people were taking 8 or more capsules a day relentlessly. Oftentimes they were taking very high potency enzymes as well. There are a lot of enzymes on the market, some of which are only available through practitioners. I do not know whose enzymes these people were taking; one woman actually owned her own enzyme company. Unfortunately, her health was deteriorating rapidly and she looked pretty bad.
Q. Since some people get upset stomachs with concentrated liquid minerals, it is okay to just take with meals? Or must they be taken with herbs?
A. For maximum use it is ideal to take between meals. They should be diluted when taken. Use with fresh squeezed citrus juice and you are unlikely to have an upset stomach. If that continues, dilute it more. Tolerance increases with use. If necessary, it is okay to take them with meals.
Q. Where can one get chelated sodium?
A. There are two kinds of chelated minerals. Natural and processed. No one chelates sodium. The only chelated or organic sodium comes from food sources. There is no 100% pure organic sodium available in a bottle, if that is your question. That is why I created my alkalizing formula. Foods that are naturally high in organic sodium (that is, sodium chelated to a plant protein) are: celery, okra, chard, black mission figs, carrot juice, and goat (not cow) whey.
Q: Is it really necessary to take probiotics during cleansing? A friend told me it would all get moved out with the herbs and the shakes, so what's the point?
A: Yes, it's very important! Your friend is correct, but even though a certain amount of friendly bacteria (which some individuals might already be somewhat deficient in) is pulled out during a pre-cleanse, it's important to replace it daily, since the body requires friendly bacteria for a host of functions, including the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients of food (and herbs!). Most people have an imbalance of friendly bacteria. By using probiotics daily throughout a cleanse, one substantially increases his chances of achieving the desirable bacterial environment.
Q: I know cayenne is highly recommended during your cleansing program; any suggestions on how to proceed?
A: If you already know you have stomach sensitivities, I would not recommend it. Otherwise, if you have never taken cayenne, I recommend starting with 1 capsule in the middle of a meal. If okay, proceed to taking 1 capsule with a set or two of the herbs. If any discomfort arises, a few bites of apple or some apple juice usually helps. Most individuals take 1-2 capsules with each set of herbs.
Q. Is cayenne pepper good for high blood pressure?
A. Cayenne pepper is known for its beneficial properties on the circulatory system, and is traditionally known to be one of the most effective herbs for the heart.
Q. I have heard a few rumors that bentonite is high in aluminum. Is this true?
A: It is true that bentonite is high in naturally occurring aluminum. Aluminum is probably second only to silica in abundance on this planet. It is in almost every food. The aluminum in bentonite is not processed and the body does not absorb it. The electrical charge of the bentonite causes it to be repelled by the intestinal wall and it passes through, absorbing up to 40 times its weight in toxins. It has been used safely for hundreds, if not thousands, of years by native peoples. It is on the FDA's GRAS list, that is, it is Generally Recognized As Safe. I have even had hair analysis performed after using lots of bentonite, there was no indication of a problem.
Q. Can you overdo probiotics?
A. Too much would cause bloating for a few hours or days, but the effects would not be damaging.
Back to Top
Food
Q: The book states: "Eat all the fruit, salads and raw or cooked vegetables you want." Is this for meals only or in between too?
A: Whereas many programs (dietary or otherwise) restrict the actual quantity of food consumed, one can eat as much as he/she likes on his/her cleanse meals. It is acceptable to have a snack of juice (fresh, raw carrot/beet/celery is excellent), fruit or a few carrot/celery sticks. The general guideline on light snacks is to take them 45 minutes after a shake and 25 minutes after herbs.
Q: Can I eat potatoes everyday?
A: Generally speaking, during the mild/gentle phases, potatoes (including yams or sweet potatoes) should only be eaten 2-3 times a week, since they slow the cleansing process considerably. Remember, that a baked potato works wonders and is recommended for slowing down the process when cleansing reactions occur. It is recommended to abstain completely from baked potatoes or any grains if one has a history of colitis, Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Cystic fibrosis or other bowel infections.
Q: How detrimental is it if I eat a piece of bread during a pre-cleanse?
A: Although it seems like a minor substance transgression, consuming moderate amounts of any processed or refined foods (bread, crackers, pasta, tofu) can almost (if not totally) bring the process of removing plaque to a halt. Baked bread is a poison just like pasteurized dairy products are poison. Why poison yourself when you're trying to eliminate your poison accumulations?
Q: When can I drink carrot juice on the program?
A: As with a snack of an apple or a few pieces of dried fruit, it is recommended that the juice be taken 45 minutes after the shake and up to 25 minutes after herbs.
Q: After my cleanse, when can I start eating regular food again?
A: A diet of alkaline forming foods should be followed for two weeks after the program. At the very minimum, it is my hope that most would wait 7-14 days before consuming any grains, bread or the like.
Q: What can I use for seasoning on my food during a pre-cleanse and is Bragg's Liquid Aminos okay to use?
A: I do not advocate the use of Braggs, soy sauce or other soy derived seasonings. Kelp and dulse are acceptable as are various non-salt/pepper seasonings, as well as spices. I encourage individuals to get creative in making salad dressings with cold pressed oils (olive or flax), and with spices such as turmeric, dried mustard powder, basil, or oregano.
Q: Can I have oil on my food during a pre-cleanse?
A: Yes. Use cold-pressed olive or flax seed oil. The important note here is to not fry, sauté, or otherwise cook with oils. Other acceptable oils are avocado, coconut, grapeseed, safflower, or sunflower oils.
Q. What form of calcium is best?
A: An organic form of calcium from fresh leafy green vegetables or carrot juice would be the best. Never use calcium carbonate, it is toxic and often used because it is the cheapest. Never use bone or dolomite. Research indicates that calcium amino acid chelate is most absorbable; always look for a chelated calcium. The best calcium product should be approximately 50% magnesium. Perque makes the best formulas that we know of at this time.
Q: What can I eat on the mild/gentle phases?
A: For some individuals who are accustomed to processed/refined meals, the prospect of raw fruits, salads, and cooked/steamed vegetables, seems very difficult. I recommend getting A Cleanse Cookbook by Christine Dreher. Please note that not all the recipes in A Cleanse Cookbook are cleanse worthy, however they are great for transiting from the standard American diet.. We also recommend, Living In The Raw by Rose Lee Calabro, and Angel Foods by Cherie Soria. These books can help one considerably with variety and taste.
Q: Where do I get my protein from alkaline diet?
A: There are many schools of thought on how much protein one needs. I feel excessive protein (animal protein, or soy products,) causes electrolyte deficiencies. I feel it is difficult to not get enough protein since it is in everything one eats except oils. Where does a cow get its protein? The only way people can have a protein deficiency is because their digestive system is not functioning properly. If one is really concerned, consider spouted nuts (moderate amounts), dark leafy greens, legumes and algae products as excellent sources of protein.
Q. How can an acid fruit such as an orange, or pineapple be considered an alkaline food?
A: The term is actually alkaline-forming. While the juice may be acidic, it contains enough electrolyte minerals to more than make up for the electrolytes lost because of the acids. In other words, after all the acids were removed from the body, it actually gained alkaline potential. This means that alkaline-forming foods, even though they have some acids, provide more alkaline electrolyte minerals than were consumed by digestion. The body uses electrolyte minerals while removing acids. Acid-forming foods deplete mineral reserves by using more electrolytes than are found in the food. Interestingly, there are some "alkaline foods" that are acid-forming. Sugar and some dairy products can be either neutral or electrolyte positive, but because of the extreme metabolic stress caused by these products, they use up all the electrolytes that were in the product and then go to our inner reserves to obtain the rest of what is needed to finish the job. Read Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1 for more information on this extremely important subject.
Q. How important do you consider food combining?
A: Very important. Unless you want gas and indigestion.
Q. How does Bragg's Liquid Amino Acids interact with the body? Can it be used on a pre-cleanse?
A. Our observation is that Bragg's interacts with the body like table salt. Remember that Bragg's, like soy sauce, is very high in sodium (sodium chloride). Because of the edema that many people experience using Bragg's I feel that it is not an organic sodium and should be avoided during cleansing and used sparingly, if at all
Q. I haven't seen anything about microwaving in your literature. Can you please give some insight as to how bad it is or if it is OK?
A. It is probably one of the worst things a person could ever do to food. It reverses the polarity of the food and makes it toxic. A healthy cell has a negative polarity. A cancer cell has a positive polarity. We have learned, but have not verified, that normal food also has a negative polarity and is changed to a positive polarity when it has been microwaved.
Q. Where can we get salad dressings?
A. Check out some of the recipe books mentioned above.
Q. How much protein is needed and how much is too much?
A. Dr. Ted Morter, Jr. explains in some of his books that the body uses between 20 to 30 grams of protein a day. This equal, in terms of mass, to about 4 to 6 level teaspoons a day. Clinical studies have shown that eating too much protein induces calcium deficiency. This is called Protein-Induced Hypercalciuria. Too much protein also reduces life expectancy, increases various diseases, especially osteoporosis, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, heart disease, and hypoglycemia. All of this is in Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1. Another great resource on this topic is: Are You Confused? by Paavo Airola.
Q. On the alkaline food list I see soaked almonds, sunflower seeds, and lima beans, what about other seeds, nuts and other beans or legumes? Are they also alkaline?
A. Generally all seeds and nuts are acid-forming. Theoretically, soaking releases certain enzymes and makes these foods more easily digestible. But we do not know if this is really happening until they sprout. Soaked almonds, sunflower seeds, and soaked and cooked lima beans may be more alkaline than all the other seeds and legumes, and marginal at best. The alkaline-forming foods are: all fresh organically grown fruit and vegetables. Steaming, baking or otherwise cooking these foods generally does not alter the alkaline-forming characteristic, but does affect the food's vitality. Acid-forming foods are beans, grains (except, quinoa and millet), processed foods, meat, and dairy. It is true that when seeds are soaked and sprouted that they become more and more alkaline-forming. As a general rule, be careful of nuts and seeds. If they are not sprouted to a certain degree, they have too much protein and many people cannot digest them properly. This could gradually cause liver and kidney congestion and you may end up with chronic fatigue.
Q. Is there an organic sodium on the market?
A. There is none that is dispensed like salt that we know of. You can use one of my alkalizing formulas on food as a salt substitute; these are decent sources of organic sodium. Celery, chard, black mission figs, and goat whey are also good sources of organic sodium.
Q. Why do certain alternative health authors include milk in their list of alkaline-forming foods?
A. Milk is an alkaline food, but is not alkaline-forming. Its acid-producing qualities are produced because Homo sapiens do not have the digestive enzymes necessary to digest milk after about 3 years of age. Pasteurized milk is even more acid-forming and harmful because its life-force and enzymes have been entirely destroyed. Pasteurized milk will kill a calf between 3 to 6 months of age. What do you suppose it does to humans?
Q: Are bottled juices okay to consume during a cleanse or do they have to be fresh, raw juices?
A: It is acceptable to drink pasteurized juices, although wIrecommend they be organic. I also recommend drinking them in moderation. It is ideal to consume fresh, raw juices when doing so for a snack, as they are full of enzymes and nutrients that pasteurizing destroys. It is also strongly recommended (unless a sugar sensitivity prevents this) that fresh, raw carrot/beet/celery/kale and similar vegetable juices are taken to boost electrolyte mineral reserves throughout, as well as after, the program.
Q: Can you consume juices or tea (herbal) after the evening probiotics?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I need to strain juice on the Master phase?
A: If you are using a Vitamix, yes. Most juicers do a good job of straining out the pulp, which is high in cellulose, remember that the energy necessary to digest pulp would slow a cleanse somewhat.
Back to Top
pH/ Electrolytes
Q. I have trouble reading the pH paper during a cleanse. Do you look at the color of the paper initially or after it dries a bit?
A. You should be able to read the pH paper within 20 seconds. I do not recommend taking pH tests during a cleanse, except for the lemon test, as you will not have meaningful results. You must pass the pH tests prior to cleansing. During a cleanse most people dump a lot of stored acids, that is part of the cleansing process. So the difficulty in reading the paper is that the reading is an acid reading. If your urine is highly acidic it will not change the color of the pH paper much, if at all.
Q. On the pH test: when we do the 3 readings of the lemon test, do we take an average or just the last numbers? Each test came up different.
A. Take the highest score.
Q: How important are the pH tests?
A: Very! Refer to Appendix I in Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1 for instructions on pH testing. These tests check electrolyte mineral reserves which are critical to the body's ability to buffer acids. Deficiencies of electrolytes have been shown to result in some kind of metabolic dysfunction. See the descriptions of my alkalizing formulas. Doing a simple pH test is very useful. It will tell you if you are healthy enough to safely do a cleanse.
Q: How do I get electrolyte minerals?
A: In addition to an alkalizing formula, two great sources of these minerals (which are NOT the same as trace minerals) are fresh, raw carrot/beet/celery juice (green, leafy vegetables too) and a fresh vegetable mineral broth. We emphasize that it is best to secure these vital electrolyte minerals from the plant kingdom which the body can readily and easily absorb.
Q: Is it okay to just do the saliva pH test or must I do all three?
A: No, the saliva test is only one indicator and can be inaccurate. It is generally best to do all three tests as various factors such as bacteria and the air a person breathes can affect the saliva pH. By doing all three at the beginning of the mild/gentle phase, it is easier to check an overall trend. Remember that once one is well into a cleanse, it is best to only do the lemon and saliva tests because acids are being released through the urine and may affect test readings.
Q: How important is it to pass the pH tests prior to doing the Power or Master phases?
A: It is extremely important. Refer to Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1. If one is already deficient in electrolytes, he may risk robbing crucial electrolyte minerals from other parts of the body during the deeper cleansing phases of the program. This could cause damage and will definitely inhibit the cleansing process.
Back to Top
Parasites
Q: What do you recommend for parasites and how do I know what kind I have?
A: It is possible to test for parasites, though it is commonly understood that these tests are partial at best since the parasites can hide in the mucoid plaque, as well as congestion in various tissues and organs.
See the Article: Basic Parasite Information on this site.
|