Re: violent cleansing reactions

Hi Jason,

I can totally relate to your experiences. I've also had C.F.S. for many years following Hep B vaccines and have tended to react pretty violently to different types of cleansing/detoxes. For me it got worse when I wasn't eating enough protein (went vegan for a while). Though whether you have C.F.S. or not, detoxing too quickly without supporting the body properly can lead to headaches, Depression etc all the things you describe.

All your symptoms suggest poor liver and digestive function (I'm sure you know that already!). Having very bad reactions just means stirring up too many toxins for your liver to cope with and too much congestion in your 'elimination channels'....bowels, kidneys, skin ie the routes via which toxins are excreted.

So before cleansing the liver, lymphatics, blood you first work on....

- bowels....cleansing through the use of enemas (can do at home...if in the UK get from http://www.wholisticresearch.com/info/artshow.php3?artid=369
fibre (veggies, flax seeds, psyllium, some people use Bentonite clay), lots of water. Herbs *are* very useful for this but you say you've also had reactions to some of these.....which herbs were you using?

- skin.....skin brushing one to a few times a week (again will stir things up) then if possible follow with a hot then cold shower, if you can bare! This will increase circulation with helps with detox. *Just adding here.... Epsom Salt baths help with detox through the skin. A cup or more per bath. Gets magnesium into the system too.*

- kidneys.....goes without saying lots of water (try and build up *slowly* to 2 litres a day as some people can't tolerate a lot of water at first).


Support your liver...not necessarily with Liver Cleansing herbs but liver *support* herbs like milk thistle or Liv 52 (a liver herb combination) which support your livers detox capabilities, though some people even find these a little cleansing too. You could just take small amounts at first.

Antioxidants like vits A C and E and selenium are really a must when doing any sort of cleansing as they support the immune system in dealing with any toxins floating around.

You need essential fats like fish, flax, borage and other healthy fats like coconut, olive, ghee, butter. Avoid damaged fats (trans, hydrogenated).

Have you ever had a hair analysis test? This is really useful to determine which minerals you need to supplement with. Common deficiencies are magnesium, zinc. These will also support your immune system. Will also show if any toxic metals are contributing to your health problems eg mercury.

You might also want to get your liver detox pathways checked out. There are various very good labs that offer tests for this eg http://www.iwdl.net and http://www.biolab.co.uk though I personally have not had any tests like this done.

What is your diet like? (presumably sugar, processed/junk free? Wheat, gluten and dairy can be problems for people with C.F.S.). Note that even dietary changes on their own can lead to profound changes in the body and bring about a kind of 'detox' for sensitive people so if you do still eat some of these things, eliminate/reduce them *gradually*.

What "supplements that pull toxins from cells" have you used?

"anti-microbials for organisims in the gut" can be too harsh for some people.

It's possible some of your reactions are due to leaky gut....l-glutamine, slippery elm and/or aloe vera help with this. Also avoiding common allerens like wheat and possibly dairy.

BTW how did your C.F.S. start? Was it gradual or sudden eg a virus?

Sorry if I've overloaded you with information!

Take care

Anne