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My Detox Routine




Yum

July 18, 2015 by Andrea Fabry 37 Comments

Since our family’s health crisis in 2008, I have learned that healing is not only a process, it is also an opportunity.

Healing is a matter of time quote by Hippocrates

Once I began to understand that detoxification is a lifelong process, I slowly integrated the following detox routine into my daily regimen.

1. Sleeping Grounded

My day begins by finding the floor at the foot of our organic latex mattress – an expensive but worthwhile investment. (We purchased ours from Plush Beds.) We keep the mattress on the floor to keep our bodies closer to the ground. For many years we slept on an air mattress on the floor until we could afford an organic option. Either way, I love sleeping on the floor! My sleep has been much deeper -especially since we removed all wireless devices and created a sleep sanctuary. (Learn more about a sleep sanctuary here.)

Keeping your body close the ground is part of the Earthing concept which states that the ground helps restore the body’s natural electrical balance.

2. Bentonite Clay

Upon awakening, I drink 1-2 teaspoons of bentonite clay mixed with 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon psyllium, 1 teaspoon spirulina, and water. Bentonite clay has a pH of 9.7 and carries a negative electrical charge while unfriendly microbes carry a positive charge. The clay molecule acts like a magnet, attracting the toxins and impurities and carrying them out when the clay is expelled. (Both spirulina and bentonite clay offer unique anti-radiation properties. See 7 Anti-Radiation Foods.)

Sources of Bentonite Clay:

Living Clay

Redmond Clay

Bernard Jensen

3. Oil Pulling

Then, I oil pull. This is a simple detoxification tool requiring an organic oil such as sesame or coconut. Since I began oil pulling, my teeth and gums feel stronger and healthier. I add a bit of activated charcoal for added whitening and detoxifying benefit.

4. Neti Pot

I don’t do this every day, but when I do, I’m glad. Nasal irrigation is another age-old remedy for general health, not just sinus health. The most efficient and hygienic option, in my opinion, is this stainless steel neti pot.

My favorite recipe:

8 c. distilled water (purified water is essential!)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tbsp. sea salt
10 drops grapefruit seed extract

Shake before each use.

5. Coffee Enema

I began to consider enemas when I read Hippocrates’ quote, “An enema is better than herbs or laxatives.” Upon reading that simple sentence, something clicked. Relieving the digestive tract of toxins and waste made sense.

The more I researched enemas, the more I kept being drawn to coffee enemas in particular. The fact that the coffee stimulates the activity of glutathione S-transferase solidified my decision to try it.

According to the Gerson Institute:

The coffee enema has a very specific purpose: lowering serum toxins. Coffee enemas have a definite effect on the colon which can be observed with an endoscope. The palmitic acid found in coffee promotes the activity of glutathione S-transferase and other ligands many times above the norm. It is this enzyme group that is responsible primarily for the conjugation of free electrophile radicals which the gall bladder will then release.

Next to mold avoidance and diet, coffee enemas have changed my life. (For more, see my post The Health Benefits of Coffee Enemas.)

Someone wrote me recently, “After only 2 CE’s I can’t believe the difference in the rash all over my body!”

6. Skin Brushing

Skin brushing comes next. This is a very simple and straightforward addition to any health routine. The skin is responsible for 1/4 of our detoxification each day and is often deemed “the third kidney.” This is a simple way to stimulate the lymphatic system, which in turn boosts the immune system. Directions can be found here.

7. Natural Hair and Body Care

I stopped using shampoo 5 years ago. Rhassoul clay makes a wonderful, completely natural hair-cleansing product. (See Rhassoul Clay for Natural Beauty Care.) Since going all natural, I have reduced the need to wash my hair dramatically. I wash my hair every 7-10 days!

I rarely use deodorant, but when needed, I rely on a homemade deodorant powder recipe found here. I also make my own which is available for sale at Just So Natural Products.

I use natural soap sparingly to allow my skin flora to stay strong and healthy. (See 4 Ways to Protect Your Skin Microbiome.)

I spend at least 10 minutes on my teeth. After three crowns and nearly 10 mercury filling removals this last year, I am determined not to find myself back in a dentist’s chair if I can help it. I make my own tooth powder using this recipe and use a miswak. (See The Ultimate Natural Toothbrush.)

8. Breakfast

Breakfast was once a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee. Now I pay careful attention to my gut flora by consuming a 1/2 cup of beet kvass with a probiotic. Many times I will fast until noon or keep it simple with a fresh green juice. Other times I may consume a bit of homemade goat yogurt with ground flax and a bit of fruit. I have found frequent fasting to be one of the most beneficial ways for my body to detox.

How to Make Beet Kvass

How to Choose a Probiotic

The entire routine takes approximately 90 minutes, all done in the comfort of my own home. Just as Hippocrates said, healing is an opportunity. For me, an opportunity to take charge of my health.

For more ways I practice healing as a lifestyle, see 8 Ways I’m Minimizing My Breast Cancer Risk.

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Filed Under: Detox, Natural Health, slider, slider Tagged With: bentonite, clay, coffee, coffee enema, detox, detoxification, detoxing, enemas, ground, healing, health, hippocrates, natural, oil, oil pulling, probiotics, skin, sleep, sleeping, toxins

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Comments

  1. Julia says

    July 23, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Andrea, I really enjoyed reading this post. I would like to make you aware that some of the links you directed your readers to don’t work. i.e A Candid Colon-Cleansing Conversation and the directions to skin brushing. Thank you for this valuable information. Very informative

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      July 23, 2015 at 1:52 pm

      I’m on it. Thanks Julia!

      Reply
  2. Kristy says

    July 23, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    Timely post as we are starting research for a new bed. Can you give any quick opinions on firmness if the plush bed that you purchased? We have the firmest regular bed we could find, denver mattress, and want to make our new bed is also firm. And also, I fear when hearing latex…it makes me think memory foam bed…which I just fall right into and hate as I sink down and am uncomfortable. Latex must be better, right .

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      July 23, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      Yes, organic latex is much better. I find this to be very firm, Kristy.

      Reply
  3. Julia says

    July 25, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Andrea, could you kindly provide the specific measurements for the Raw Apple cider vinegar, psyllium husk, and water? You only mentioned a teaspoon of the Bentonite clay. I have all the ingredients, just unsure of the exact measurements. As always, thanks for being so prompt. Love your posts & I’m a big fan of your work. I am learning a great deal about empowered living! Blessings

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      July 25, 2015 at 11:33 am

      Thank you, Julia! I got this recipe from Bernard Jensen. It is a combination of his 2 cleansing drinks. The first is:
      8 ounces water, 2 ounces apple juice, 1 tablespoon clay water and 1 teaspoon psyllium.
      (Combine and shake – drink immediately)
      The second is: 2 ounces apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon honey. Stir and drink. (No need to rush on this one.)

      The reason I combine is I’m generally not on a true cleanse/fast. I don’t keep apple juice on hand and don’t feel like I need the honey. I have done his 7 day cleanse with great success and did follow the 2 parts. Since I’m more on maintenance I find a teaspoon is plenty for the clay. It’s all very individual though. See what you think.

      I think I will add this to the post. Others will be asking as well. Thank you.

      Reply
  4. Deborah Gatz says

    August 18, 2015 at 7:59 am

    Hi Andrea ~ I love listening to your Toxic Tuesday sessions on Chris Fabry Live. While I am often overwhelmed with the volume of information, I always have a takeaway and never ever regret listening! Everything that’s “new news” to me takes a while to get processed (slow brain). This weekend I spoke with someone who takes Redmond clay daily. In looking on your website, I’m glad to see you have a recipe for use. My questions are 1) how much water do you use in this recipe? 2) I assume there a purpose for each ingredient and I’m wondering if people fine-turn it for their own particular needs or if this is THE way to drink it? Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned and continue to learn. Don’t stop sharing! In Christ alone, Deb Gatz

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      August 18, 2015 at 8:21 am

      Hi, Deb. I completely understand getting overwhelmed. This is the reason I named my blog It Takes Time. 🙂
      This is the recipe I use:

      8 ounces water, 2 ounces vinegar, 1 tablespoon clay water (or 2 tsp clay) and 1 teaspoon psyllium.
      (Combine and shake – drink immediately)

      I am convinced this is not the only way to utilize clay. There are lots of suggestions on the internet. I am going on a recipe provided by Bernard Jensen. Thanks for the encouragement!

      Reply
      • Deborah Gatz says

        August 18, 2015 at 8:43 am

        Thank you – will be talking this over with my oncologist so she knows what I’d like to try. Hopefully it won’t interfere with treatment protocol & hoping it will enhance it!

        Deb

        Reply
        • Andrea Fabry says

          August 18, 2015 at 9:12 am

          I hope so too, Deb. It’s not an easy road to sort through all of this. Good for you!

          Reply
  5. Maria says

    October 21, 2015 at 6:43 am

    Hi Andrea! I love your blog!
    I want to ask you in the recipe for the solution to use in the neti pot, 8 c. Means 8 cups?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      October 21, 2015 at 9:57 am

      Yes, Maria 8 cups! Thanks for clarifying.

      Reply
  6. Shirl says

    November 9, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Do you recommend a certain vitamin c? I’m not sure which to buy. I try to get quality food based ones but they are a little too big for some of my teens to swallow.

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      November 9, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      That’s a hard one, Shirl. I’ve seen some awesome recipes for DIY vitamin C powder by dehydrating citrus peels. We like the Liposomal Vitamin C offered by Live On
      http://www.amazon.com/Lypo-Spheric-Vitamin-Bioavailability-Professionally-Phospholipids/dp/B000CD9XGC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1447096201&sr=8-2&keywords=vitamin+c+liposomal+organic
      See what you think!

      Reply
      • Gloris says

        November 5, 2017 at 8:59 am

        I was concerned about the xantham gum in the Lypo-spheric Vit. C. But it doesn’t bother you?

        Reply
        • Andrea Fabry says

          November 6, 2017 at 7:42 am

          It doesn’t, but I tend to take camu camu powder because it’s not a supplement – just a food.

          Reply
  7. Jessie says

    November 30, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    Hi Andrea,

    I just wondered if you still have your mattress directly on the floor – have you researched much about a way to provide some air flow underneath it? Is that important? And when you were on an air mattress saving up for your plush bed, did you find a certain kind that was healthier and/or more comfortable? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      December 1, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Air flow is a good idea from what I understand. A wooden platform bed with natural flooring would be ideal I think. We still have ours on the floor and if we had natural flooring I would probably feel fine about that too. (We have carpeting for now. I would love bamboo.)
      We just went for the most affordable air mattresses. We slept fine and didn’t notice too much difference with the more expensive. Here is an awesome article with some greener alternatives:
      http://thegreenmomreview.com/2015/07/13/non-toxic-air-mattresses/

      Reply
  8. Julia says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:12 am

    Hi Andrea,
    Happy New year! I just wanted to clarify something, on the second cleanse, you suggested: 10 ounces apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon honey. Stir and drink. (No need to rush on this one.) . 10oz just sounds like a lot of ACV. Last time I tried that, I threw up everywhere and felt sick? Did I misunderstand you?

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      January 1, 2016 at 9:43 am

      I thought I said 2 ounces vinegar. I’m not seeing where it says 10 ounces, but you’re right that would be a bit much!

      Reply
      • Julia says

        January 1, 2016 at 10:43 am

        Andrea, thanks for clarifying that, I appreciate it. If you’re wondering where it says 10oz, it’s your comment on July 25, 2015 at 11:33 am.

        Reply
        • Andrea Fabry says

          January 1, 2016 at 1:24 pm

          Thank you. I will fix it! Sorry about that, Julia.

          Reply
  9. Christian says

    June 4, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I would like to know if I can drink the bentonite clay and do a coffee enema the dame day or even the dame hour?
    Thank you.
    cymh3005@gmail.com

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      June 4, 2016 at 6:21 pm

      I certainly have on numerous occasions. Some people put clay in their enemas as well.

      Reply
  10. Kathy Falkowski says

    September 5, 2016 at 5:38 am

    Hello Andrea,

    My son developed black mold in his feet. He was wearing the same sneakers most of the summer with his feet always sweating. Also, the apartment we just moved out of had a very serious mold issue behind the walls with mushrooms growing out of the walls but the prior owner plastered over this. My car had mold spores transferred in all the upholstery and we feel achy and sick in there although we cant see it. Getting back to my son’s sneakers; I noticed when walking next to him I felt very toxic and wasn’t sure why; I questioned was this issue following us on our clothes etc. So we put 2 and 2 together and my son mentioned his feet sweat very easily and his feet ached. He took off his sneakers and the toxin from his feet immediately got into my lungs and abdomen and I felt my liver and spine ache so badly. I looked inside his shoes and sure enough there was black mold. The spores were feeding off his skin and you could see spots in his toes. He now has a fungal infection in his mouth and when he walks or just sits there the toxin continuously emits gr his feet and makes others around him very sick. As he has walked around the new apartment pushing the toxin out of his feet the spores or whatever have gotten into our carpets and sinks and tub drain. Now we have contaminated a brand new apartment. We are going to doctor’s today just need some advice how to combat this.

    Regards,

    Kathy F

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      September 6, 2016 at 9:02 am

      I’m so sorry to hear this Kathy. You’ve made a critical connection between the exposure in the previous apartment and your health (especially your son’s health). You might consider a detox foot bath such as this one available through Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N6DTNBK/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_39?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A87J55AL66VX7 I’m happy to help in any way I can. This is my direct email address: andrea@it-takes-time.com

      Reply
  11. Laura says

    May 19, 2017 at 7:14 pm

    Hi Andrea! This is a perfect combo of so many awesome things. I love how you’ve organized it thank you! I have a couple questions for you:

    1- How often do you recommend this routine? .

    2-I wondered if colloidal silver and clays and DE charcoal, coconut oil enemas etc kills off too much good Flora?

    3-Also, my son has autism and I want to help him in this way as well. He’s 9. What are your recommendations for children (especially with ASD & ADHA)?

    Thank you for this! I’m so thankful I found the you!

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      May 22, 2017 at 7:37 am

      Well, there are lots of opinions on this. I like to use colloidal silver when I’m sick only, but some take it every day. Lots of opinions on clays and detox when it comes to gut flora. I figured when I was my sickest, that I had so much bad flora I didn’t worry too much about it. I’ve cut back on my detox routine now that I feel more balanced. I think a mom knows what her child needs. With all your research, listen to your heart as to what is best for your child. I don’t think there’s one-size-fits-all when it comes to children or adults.

      Reply
  12. Andrew says

    August 19, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Andrea – I was amazed how close your regiment is to mine!! I’ve done independant research for years and now at 30yrs old I feel that I finally have a winning formula. I am curious about some details and if you include tongue scraping as well. Also, how do you incorporate excersize.

    One thing that I have adapted in 8oz carrot juice daily and eating according to my blood type.

    Would love to connect with a. Fellow natural health enthusiast.

    Reply
  13. Gloris says

    October 1, 2017 at 9:17 am

    Hi Andrea! Thanks for all the helpful information.
    I have a few questions:
    – Do you still use a plush mattress or have you found another alternative?
    – Do you still follow this routine, or do you have an updated post with changes?

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      October 2, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      Hello, Gloris. I still dry skin brush and a few other things. I stopped the coffee enemas several years ago. I should do an updated post. One thing I’ve added is deep breathing. I hope to write about that one day. We still have the plush mattress at this point.

      Reply
  14. Chelsea says

    June 12, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    How often did you do the coffee enemas when you were beginning to detox?

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      June 14, 2018 at 8:03 am

      Actually every day at least once. Sometimes twice a day. I was able to tolerate it well, but for some that could be too much.

      Reply
  15. Carol A says

    December 6, 2019 at 11:55 am

    Hi Andrea. Love your blog. Lots of good information given. Thanks.

    I read above that you can drink the clay and do a bath on the same day.

    Can a enema be given on the same day of the bath?

    Can I use some clay in the enema water? I think you mentioned above that some put clay in their enemas.

    How much clay do I put into a enema using the 8 oz enema bulb syringe?

    I want to administer enemas to my two kids when needed. Using a 8oz enema bulb syringe. I have given them enemas before with the bulb syringe.

    How much clay do I put into my 2 quart enema bag for my enemas?

    Love your blog.

    Blessings.

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      December 6, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      I wish I could tell you. For me, I have relied on intuition. I think everyone is unique so with research and gut feeling think you will get clarity on what is right for you.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Could Mold Be the Cause of Your Health Problems? One Family's Unbelievable Story - Part 2 - Whole New Mom says:
    July 18, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    […] I started an intense detox protocol for myself and began to function again. (see my article Healing as a Lifestyle.) […]

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    October 19, 2019 at 3:36 pm

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MEET ANDREA

I am a certified Building Biology Advocate, a former journalist, mother of nine, and avid CrossFitter who likes to think outside the box. After our family's health crisis in 2008, I learned to ask questions about what's in our food, our water, and our air. I hope to empower you as you seek to live safely in a complex world. Thankfully, small steps lead to big changes. Let's travel this road together, one step at a time.

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1. The answer may be right in front of you.
2. Time is often the best medicine.
3. Speak kindly to yourself.
4. The air we breathe matters.
5. It's better to know than not know.
6. Relinquishment is a balm for the soul.
7. Symptoms will instruct if we listen.
8. Sometimes you're the expert.
9. Allow hindsight to move you forward.
10. The next step is enough.

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