Q:  This is my first cleanse and I've been a vegetarian/vegan for x years (or I've done lots of cleansing and fasting in the past) so it's acceptable for me to do just 1 week of the gentle phase and then do the master phase?

A:  We do not recommend it, generally speaking, since an individual may have a significant build-up of plaque from a previous history of a poor lifestyle/diet, it is best to gradually move into your first program by doing the full 3 weeks of pre-cleansing (mild/gentle Phase)  and then a week of the Power or Master phase.  Reason: many vegetarians still consume many acid-forming or processed/refined foods such as soy products (tofu, etc.), bread, pasta, and grains; such that your electrolyte reserves may be low you may still be very toxic.  By jumping quickly into the Master or Power phases with only a week of the Gentle Phase, one may put an unnecessary burden on their liver and kidneys if the body detoxifies  too rapidly.  These individuals sometimes also assume that they need not do the pH tests, and may further put themselves at risk. Remember that if one is deficient of electrolyte minerals, the cleansing process itself can generate acids that might force the body to seek out (rob) electrolyte minerals from other various fluids, tissues and organs.  The three weeks of gentle phase give the herbs time to soften plaque for removal.

 

Q. What about exercise while cleansing?

A. While cleansing it is recommended that you limit your excercise to gentle yoga, tai chi, swimming and walking. Jogging, rebounding or any activity that creates a bouncing of the intestine is not recommended. Remember that when you excercise vigorously you are using electrolyte minerals which you may need for cleansing.

 

Q.  How come some people report spaciness and ungroundedness when we eat just raw fruits and veggies?

A.  Most likely your body is going into a cleansing mode and the stirred up toxins are causing this reaction.  We believe that it is because the liver is not performing properly.

 

Q.  How about a cleanse for children?

A: We do not recommend that children cleanse. We have seen many children ages 5 and above have wonderful results with a cleanse. We say that we do not recommend a cleanse for children mainly to protect ourselves.  For we  all know that in this toxic age, children need it too. Dealing with children and pregnant women is risky.  Not because a cleanse could hurt them, but because so many people simply do not understand natural healing and cleansing reactions, and sometimes overreact. People, having been conditioned by conventional medicine, freak out when something fails to go the way they expect. And there are so many highly toxic people out there,  well; we just better play it safe.  For those who are determined to put their children on a cleanse, remember this: compare their weight with an adult and adjust the dosages accordingly.  don't push them too hard.  Children often have better intuition than adults and they should be listened to. don't force them to cleanse. Each situation is different and I hesitate to give too many general directions, but the most important thing we can do for children is feed them natural fresh organically grown food, help them to be happy and confident, and keep their bowels moving.  If they do not have at least two BMs daily, there is a problem developing.

 

Q:  I'm pregnant/breast feeding; can I do a cleanse?

A:  It is not recommended since the toxins that are released may release into the bloodstream and therefore, eventually, into the fetus or nursing child.  We do recommend some other wonderful products such as  a super green food blend, a concentrated liquid mineral formula and Probiotics.  It is vital to keep the bowels moving or else toxins will accumulate. We especially like to take this opportunity to recommend Dr. Ted Mortar's Infant Information tape which is a terrific source of information.

 

Q.  Can Probiotics be used during pregnancy?

A.  Yes, absolutely.  Highly recommended.

Q.  What do you recommend to use and not use during pregnancy?

A.  We recommend that women not cleanse while pregnant and nursing.  Pregnant women can safely use alkalizing formulas, Probiotics, antioxidants, a super green food blend and enzyme products.

 

Q. What can you say about a very thin person with a bad case of pimples? Her goals are to be able to put on muscle mass and clear up her facial acne.  How can I help her attain her goals?

A:  Encourage her to keep with the program.  Most people who have acne should be on a vegan diet.  MSM and L-Glutamine may help her put on muscle mass. Acne is a sign of extreme toxicity and poor digestion.

 

Q.  Muscle mass vs. fat mass: cleansing seems to reduce muscle rather than fat.  How come?  How do we reduce the fats?

A.  No. This is not the norm.  Muscle should not be coming off people when they are cleansing.  The fat under the skin comes off and they look thinner, but this is not muscle. Fat around the abdomen takes longer to remove.  If someone is truly loosing muscle mass while cleansing, then this could be a liver or an electrolyte problem.  If it is the liver, they could be deficient in glutathione.  The body then  breaks down muscle to retrieve glutamine and then glutamic acid to combine with l-cysteine to make glutathione which is used for important liver enzymes which are necessary for life.  This can be compensated by taking L-Glutamine and antioxidants.  Cleansing reduces the fats.

 

Q.  I have had many customers pass pieces of undigested food during the Gentle Phase. The concern is that the Herbs may be pushing the food through too fast.  

A: You should not see this unless you were taking enemas.  If you are seeing it, then you should be taking more bacteria.  Bacteria are necessary to help break down food.

 

Q.  What modifications to a cleanse program are required if a person is taking high blood pressure or other medication?

A.  Any person taking medication should consult with the doctor prescribing that medication before embarking upon a cleanse.  It has been reported to us that persons often have had to have their medication reduced  while cleansing, due to better absorption and a cleaner circulatory system.  There have been cases where the doctor monitoring the progress of a cleanser has eliminated medication.  We recommend that people on high  blood pressure medicine be tested daily by their doctor; they may be very pleased with the results.  Remember, the taking of medication is a serious thing and no one should ever just stop taking any medication without consulting with his or her doctor.  Do not play doctor unless you are a doctor.

 

Q:  Can I take my vitamins/supplements while on the program?

A:  This is strictly up to the individual.  While many individuals feel satisfied with what they are receiving nutritionally from organic foods/produce and their juices, also from the herbs, chlorophyll supplements  (like a super green food blend) and concentrated liquid minerals, others feel they would like to continue their own vitamins.  We generally recommend that vitamins at least be consumed with a meal, as opposed to taking them with the herbs because they may interfere with the action of the herbs.  Any soy/rice-based supplements are acid forming and may slow down a cleanse.

 

Q:  How many times a year can I do a cleanse?

A:  Generally, most individuals can do 3-4 Cleanses (every 2 months) their first year and then 3/year after that.

 

Q.  I know of people who can't even do the mild phase.  What do you do!

A.  Can't or won't?  Never push anyone to cleanse. If a person sincerely wants to cleanse and has difficulty (i.e. they feel terrible), then it is because they are extremely toxic.  They need to spend a lot  of time on an alkaline diet.  When they can pass all of the pH tests (see my first book) then they should stay on the mild or gentle phase according to the directions.  I haven't seen anyone unable to do the Mildest Phase yet.  But if I did, I would have them dilute the Mildest phase for a few weeks until they detoxify enough to do the Mildest Phase.  After a while they can try the next phase, if they feel bad, they should back down to an easier phase.  Stay on that easier phase for several days then try the next phase again.  Repeat this process until they do the phase for an entire week, then they can try the Power Phase or go off a  cleanse for a while. Between cleanses they need to maintain a diet of almost all, if not all, alkaline forming foods.  Then go back on a cleanse after a few weeks.  Remember, no one should ever start anything deeper than the Mildest Phase until they can pass all of the pH tests, and this includes the lemon test!  People who have cleansing reactions on the Mildest or Gentle Phases have sluggish livers. A good herbal liver support formula may help  these extremely toxic people.  This may be the only answer for the weak-willed.  don't forget, some people have a subconscious death wish, and we cannot change that.  But you could help them see it and they may be able to eliminate it.  I figure about 20% of the population has this death wish and they will subconsciously sabotage their cleansing process.  Look out for this kind of people.

 

Q. What about body building when a protein is needed?

A.  Cleansing is not body building.  As far as protein is concerned, the body's requirement for protein after extreme hard workouts and sleeping is about the same.  The body's requirement is between 20 to 30 grams  of protein daily.  This is the equivalent of 1 to 2 eggs a day. Any more than that causes electrolyte deficiencies, unnecessary stress upon the digestive system, and protein accumulation in the body that will  eventually cause dis-ease.  All foods, except oils, contain protein.  All the protein we need is easily obtained from fruits and vegetables.  The only people who have protein problems are those who have destroyed their digestive system.  You want good quality protein, not death, rotting, already used protein from animals.  Where do you think gorillas, elephants, and cows (all vegetarians) get their protein?  Get the facts; read Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Book 1, Conscious Eating, by Cousins MD., Are You Confused? by Paavo Airola, and especially read Diet for a New America, by John Robbins.

Q:  How important is it to drink a lot of water and does it have to be distilled?

A:  It is very important.  Distilled water is preferable to purified water because of its ability to remove inorganic waste from the body.  If one is unable to get distilled, purified water is the next best choice  (even a combination of the two is all right).  Do not drink or take baths in water with chlorine or fluoride in it, as chlorine has been proven to cause cancer in people.  There is extensive research showing that  fluoride is very toxic, as well.

Q:  Will I be able to do a cleanse and still work?

A:  Most individuals are able to do the whole program while still working while some prefer to take time off during the Master phase so they can rest when needed and do the enemas without rushing.  This question  usually indicates a fear of unexpected trips to the bathroom.  Although there's no guarantee that this won't happen, one's bowel movements should NOT include diarrhea or cramping and so should not be a great inconvenience.

 

Q:  I do strenuous workouts daily; can I continue them during the program?

A:  Perhaps during the first week of the gentle phase but moving further into the program, one's workouts should become lighter with only light walking and perhaps gentle swimming during the Power or Master phase.   Remember that strenuous workouts generate acids which draw on the electrolyte mineral reserves.  It is also important to note that the body is working very hard to detoxify during this period and whenever energy reserves are demanded for a workout, the body cannot focus its energy on detoxification efforts.  While cleansing, one should avoid bouncing such as with running or trampoline workouts; while the intestines are loaded with  psyllium, this action could cause a prolapsed.