Starting a Cleanse

I first contacted Meghan because I wanted to learn more about food, nutrition and digestion.  I thought that she would prescribe a cleanse in pretty general terms–I did not expect the food diary and the lengthy questionnaire.  In doing what she asked, however, she identified digestive/nutritional concerns that I had never identified myself. 

After going through my diary and my responses to her questions, she identified four concerns that are diet-related: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome and irregularity), headaches/migraines, sleeping and hormonal imbalance.  The cleanse that she prescribed was tailored to me and targeted toward my specific symptoms. The additions and eliminations to my diet were not arbitrary–she had a reason behind each one. 

Meghan explained that efficient digestion and elimination is the foundation for health.  If waste sits around in the digestive tract for too long and/or is not broken down properly, immunity can be compromised and can lead to food sensitivities, allergic responses, exhaustion, insomnia and a reduced ability to handle stress. 

It seems as though all of my problems are related to poo. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s constipation or diarrhoea–it’s unpleasant, painful and–depending on where you are and who you’re with–it can be embarrassing.   When foods are properly broken down, nutrients are absorbed and waste is efficiently eliminated. If something prevents proper digestion, then you can end up with major problems.  Even if you’re not up to starting a cleanse, you can take small steps to improving your digestion–something as simple as increasing your water intake (I found this more helpful than increasing my vegetable/fruit intake).  Reducing meat (or other animal-based proteins) can also help and I think that people agree that meat-eaters are eating far too much meat–it should be a side dish rather than a main. 

Breanna turned my attention to an article in The Guardian. Freeman argues that “ruling out whole food groups, whether it be dairy or wheat, for whatever length of time, is unlikely to provide the kind of health nirvana to which the detoxer aspires.”  As I am no expert, I am not in a position to argue with Freeman.  On the one hand, she makes a great points: “Yes, fruit and vegetables are good for us. This does not mean that everything else is, ergo, bad and needs to be flushed out. ”  I completely agree–but Freeman presumes that other people are eating real food–and I do not believe that is always the case. 

I can only tell you what has worked for me and while I would not want to continue the cleanse indefinitely, it has done me no harm and has, in fact, broadened my grocery list and got me back into the kitchen cooking my own food.

Even if some of my symptoms persist, I will continue to exercise caution with food–but I will no longer agonize over menus.