Detox vs Retox (warning - long read)

[BrianC]

I know we all come from different backgrounds - some are looking to lose weight, others to cure ailments, and others (like me) just trying to be as healthy as possible. I've been learning a lot about holistic health and alternative methods to conventional medicine, and for those just looking at this from a weight loss point of view, there may be some missed points.

For reference, I am only in my first raw week, so I have no experience with this, but for those experiencing detox, I feel it is important to help your body rid itself of the toxins released from fats. If anyone has read the Lifeforce book, a program geared towards eliminating candida, the author (Jeffrey McCombs) stresses daily sweating in a sauna or bath. He says that in order to prevent symptoms associated with detox and prevent the toxins from remaining in the body, sweating must be used heavily. McCombs adds that symptoms like sore throat and cold symptoms might be the result of the body's failed attempts at detox. I've also heard some of these themes on Raw Vegan Radio.

So looking at his suggestions, it appears that some of the people who are complaining about certain symptoms may be suffering because their bodies are unable to adequately rid themselves of a toxic overload which the raw diet is allowing to occur. I see a lot of people saying that these are positive signs and encouraging them to continue, but it may not be the best way. Of course, I am only going by what I have read and do not have experience. I started a program of sweating daily (exercise sweat doesn't count) and I will let you all know how it goes with my detox.

In the meantime, please discuss what you think of my ideas...I know it's a long read especially coming from someone just starting out, but I think this could be a help to some of those suffering.

[eatyourbroccoli]

is there a reason in particular exercise sweat wouldnt count?

[rawwannabe]

V. interesting, especially in light of the fact that I've had a sore throat for the past two days. Mild flu-like symptoms too. Last night, I took two cloves of garlic pressed into some lemon water and some of Dr. Schultze's Echinacea Plus.

[JGex]

is there a reason in particular exercise sweat wouldnt count?

I'd like to hear the answer to this, too.

[BrianC]

While he doesn't specifically address this question, he emphasizes several times that exercising sweating is a different form and does not assist in detoxification. My guess would be that the act of exercising produces its own toxins, lactic acid and others like it, and the sweating helps to release those primarily. Or, the sweating is used solely to cool the body and doesn't focus on eliminating toxins from the bloodstream.

Since it's a vague answer, I'll give two quotes from the book.

"Sweating: The major detoxification organs of the body are the liver, lungs, GI tract, and skin. Fungal Candida increases the toxicity of the entire body and thus overloads the detoxification system. Therefore, it becomes essential to detoxify the body through its largest detoxification organ - the skin. Exercises sweating doesn't count. It is best to sweat 6x/week (30 minute hot baths or 10-20 minute saunas). We recommend 1-2 cups Masada salts with baths to aid in detoxifying the body. Please note: If you fail to follow the sweating protocol, your body will experience what may look like a cold, sore throat, etc., due to its attempts to detoxify the body through already overloaded systems."

"Exercise does not necessarily enhance the detoxification process and as I have explained, sweating associated with exercise is not the same as sweating in a sauna or hot bath. Many people attempt to substitute exercise for the hot baths or sauna and soon complain of cold and flu symptoms"


Luckily, my college athletic facility gives me access to a sauna. I wouldn't recommend a hot bath in tap water because of the high chlorine and fluoride content, among other toxins.

[JGex]

OK, fair enough answer......


I wouldn't recommend a hot bath in tap water because of the high chlorine and fluoride content, among other toxins.

Some of us are still on spring well water. :D

I have been considering building a sweat lodge, though. Really.

[BrianC]

wow lucky lol...city water is awful, i fear it. what exactly is a sweat lodge? i have looked on ebay and you can get a small infrared sauna (preferable because they get your body temp up w/ less heat) for about $1000.

[JGex]

wow lucky lol...city water is awful, i fear it. what exactly is a sweat lodge? i have looked on ebay and you can get a small infrared sauna (preferable because they get your body temp up w/ less heat) for about $1000.

City water does suck. I was never so happy as when we moved back to a rural area just for that reason.

Basically, a sweat lodge is a primitive sauna. Here's a basic how-to just to explain better: http://www.welcomehome.org/rob/sweat/sweat.html

Native Americans use them for church ceremonies.

Just a guess, but if you're on city water, a sweat lodge may not be possible.... ;)

[eatyourbroccoli]

hmm..true or not it makes me want to do hot yoga even more :p :)

ps
the water up here in toronto REEKS of chlorine. its terrible.

[luckitri]

What kind of rocks to you use? Here in Az it is the pumice rock which can explode if not done right. The secret of the rocks - I don't see it. Tribal sweat is great - never accepted New Age invitation. Tribal sweat people are clean and sober - New Age sweat - some are using sometimes. . . why I would not go.

There have been tribal sweats in heart of downtown Phoenix using city water. Didn't know better then.

[Zuri]

OK, fair enough answer......



Some of us are still on spring well water. :D

I have been considering building a sweat lodge, though. Really.

Do it JGex! You'll love it! I've been to a sweat lodge and it really was a great experience. If you have the land do it! It's INTENSE to say the least.

Maybe the difference in exercising to sweat and using the sauna to sweat is the fact that while in a sauna, the body is motionless so it gets to detox without doing strenuous exercise.

[luckitri]

A sweat lodge is spiritual and you need an experienced guide. The stuff that comes out is not just physical.

[Zuri]

GJex, if you read up on sweat lodges you can run it yourself. It's within your power to make it your own spiritual ceremony/ritual. The people that run the sweat lodge don't always know what you may or may not be releasing spiritually or otherwise. Sure, it's a great experience to have someone lead it AND to have a firekeeper, but if you or you/some close knit friends want to take this on, it can be done.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

I've been Raw awhile-but I am now detoxing off some meds. I started *skinbrushing* as the skin is our largest organ of elimination.


This is a very interesting thread. I grew up using*Finnish* saunas built from my Grandfather. It was so cleansing & relaxing. :)

Lana

[JGex]

A sweat lodge is spiritual and you need an experienced guide. The stuff that comes out is not just physical.

I respectfully disagree with this. SOME people may need a guide, but I'm not into having someone else involved in my personal spiritual journey at the moment.

I ran the idea of building a SL by the DH... he was a member of the Native American church at one time and participated in sweat ceremonies so I thought he might be into the idea. His reply? "Why don't we just buy a cedar barrel sauna?"

:rolleyes: