Since our family’s health crisis in 2008, I have learned that healing is not only a process, it is also an opportunity.
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:
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.
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.
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
I’m on it. Thanks Julia!
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 .
Yes, organic latex is much better. I find this to be very firm, Kristy.
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
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.
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
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!
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
I hope so too, Deb. It’s not an easy road to sort through all of this. Good for you!
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!
Yes, Maria 8 cups! Thanks for clarifying.
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.
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!
I was concerned about the xantham gum in the Lypo-spheric Vit. C. But it doesn’t bother you?
It doesn’t, but I tend to take camu camu powder because it’s not a supplement – just a food.
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!
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/
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?
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!
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.
Thank you. I will fix it! Sorry about that, Julia.
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
I certainly have on numerous occasions. Some people put clay in their enemas as well.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
How often did you do the coffee enemas when you were beginning to detox?
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.