Paint Lady! It's good to hear from you...sounds like a frantic pace lately! I'm fairly new to this fasting/cleansing stuff, so I don't know about the swelling...sounds odd to me. I wonder if PTree will know something about this? And both you and your daughter are experiencing this? hmmmm. Are your bowels moving regularly?? What kind of eliminations are you having? Well, I'm no help on this subject am I?! I'm rooting for you, nonetheless!

Tracey

A good way to cause the swelling to go down is to eat protein. since you are on a cleanse, probably a protein drink would be best for you. If we don't get enough protein, the toxins build up in our bodies, the extra water is retained to dilute the toxins.
Try the protein and let us know if you see a difference.

Hi Lisa,

I know there are times in my life when fasting is out of the question. For instance, I do all my fasting in the warmer months...I just have to have hot food when it's cold. I also don't fast if my schedule is crazy...too stressful. I wonder if you are having more difficulty this time because of all the running around and holiday demands on you now. Stress also has a major effect on the digestive system... blood is diverted away from it to the heart and larger muscles of the legs and arms. Since blood carries nutrients and energy it slows down the digestive process and makes it less efficient. I also know you won't release nearly as much when you're tense...I see this all them time when people are having colonics and the difference is often dramatic. If you're having such a difficult time with it, it might be better for you to stop than force it. This may be the way that your body is telling you that it is not the right time. I don't mean to discourage you...just a thought...

As for the swelling, it could be from a couple of things. When a lot of toxins are released from tissues and organs that have yet to be expelled, your body will hold onto fluid in order to dilute them. The added toxins can also put a strain on your kidneys. Often when people are retaining fluid they are afraid to consume more, but this actually increases the problem. Drinking more water will usually help. Dry skin brushing is also beneficial. Also, it is not uncommon to experience some abdominal swelling in the beginning of a colon cleanse. The gunk in the intestines starts to hydrate a bit before it loosens and expels, hence the swelling : ( ...although that doesn't account for your feet...LOL! Once you start expelling mucoid plaque your stomach will get flatter and flatter. ; )

Are you doing salt water flushes? You said that you're not seeing mucoid plaque...but are your bowels moving regularly?