#43 - Full Body Detox

This week we will go through three ways to support the natural detoxification process. Your body has the ability to purify itself, what we can do is to not disturb the process (healthy lifestyle), and support it.

We will start with one of the most powerful ways to give powerful boosts for this process. Water fasting is connected with enema known in many traditional cultures for its great benefits.

After we complete this process you can apply window-restricted eating with special detox support herbs.

Our goal is to boost the process called autophagy. Its self-eating, an intracellular degradation system wherein unwanted cargo, such as old or damaged organelles, unneeded proteins, as well as pathogenic agents, are digested and the macromolecular contents from the digestion are released back into the cytosol.

That's another step to invite more fresh energy into your cells and let the system regenerate.

Potential benefits include:

• Weight loss as the body uses fats for its energy.

• Reducing the risk of cancer.

• Reducing the risk of diabetes.

• Reducing the risk of heart disease.

• Improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

• It has the potential to delay aging.

• Sharpen your body and mind connection, and become more resilient to temptations.

Be aware, as if done responsibly it can cause more harm than good! If you have any health concerns make sure to check with your doctor.

Let's jump straight into the first process - water fasting.

Below are instructions to proceed with water fasting:

• Slowly prepare your consciousness for the particular day that must be reserved for water fasting. Mentally prepare yourself to be hungry on that day. You will be drinking only water from the moment you wake up till the moment you will wake up the next day. This way your mind has the information needed to stay strong and accept the condition even if you feel temptation or hunger. You discover that drinking water would also fill your stomach to the point that there won’t be space for any meal. If you’re sure that it won’t be a problem for you to not eat for 24 hours then you can skip step 1.

• If you want to eat during that day - drink water. If you drink water but still feel hungry then focus on something else that would make you less hungry. Or you can decide to test your strong will. Just observe yourself. Stay strong. With time, food won't trigger any temptations.

• Dig inside your mind. It's a great time to build up gratitude, you are actually very lucky, as you can have food anytime.

• Yes, you can exercise, during this day, as the body has a lot of accumulated calories. Meditate, do yoga, exercise, take a nap, go for a walk, jogging just follow your standard everyday routine.

• Surround yourself with supportive minds. Ask your accountability partner to do the detox with you. Talk to your roommates, friends, or family members you live with beforehand, so nobody will invite you out to eat or cook for you, and so on. Obviously, it might happen accidentally, when somebody would ask you to taste a soup they’re making then you unconsciously have a sip, then you failed, and you will need to start over again. Keep conscious about your fasting as much as you can. They might try to convince you to eat something out of worry, or because they’re not aware that you’re water fasting, so it’s good to explain its importance for you and that you keep it in balance making it beneficial for your health. Once your close ones are sure you are doing okay and everything’s under control, get to know about water fasting, maybe they’ll try it themselves too. Together to a healthier lifestyle.

• You can break it anytime you need. Necessity or emergency is a very strong word to describe the situation, but if you feel you are not doing well on this water fasting day and feel like you must break it caused by pain or stress on your body - you must do it. If you feel it’s causing you unexpected harm or discomfort you should stop fasting, anytime, anywhere. It is definitely allowed. Water fasting should not cause you to fade, pain or sickness. After all, it’s intended to make you good, not damage.

What to eat when breaking fasting?

Depending on how many hours you've been fasting, a starving stomach is more vulnerable to irritation. Use common sense. Go for the simplest and easiest-to-digest food like fruit juices and raw fruits. Beforehand drink a lot of water. After you can eat some unsweetened yogurt then cooked/raw vegetables, afterwards eat some vegetable soups, cooked beans.

How long?

There is no set time that water fasting should last, but medical advice generally suggests anywhere from 24 hours to 3 days as the maximum time to go without food. If you never did it before try it for 1 full day - from the moment when you wake up until the next day morning.

How often?

I encourage you to respect and listen to body feedback if you decide to do more than 24h. Obviously, to get maximum benefits out of it, it’s recommended to do it at least once per month, ultimately once a week if you can.

What to expect?

Lack of food can make people dizzy, weak, nauseous, if these symptoms are particularly bad, it's important to eat something. During this practice, it’s normal to feel irritable or tired.

It’s the perfect time to engage in slow, movements, observe your thoughts, do simple stretches, read the book.

There are some cases where is not recommended to water fast.

These include:

• have an eating disorder;

• are underweight;

• are pregnant or breast-feeding;

• have heart problems;

• have type 1 diabetes;

• have uncontrolled migraines;

• are undergoing a blood transfusion;

• are taking specific medication;

• under 18 years old.

In any of those cases seek medical advice.

Choose some day off work and try to engage in this simple but very powerful process.

Should I do enemas during water fasting? I did, and there is nothing to be ashamed.

The general answer is yes, especially if you want to get the maximum out of this cleansing process. It’s not obligatory, especially if you decide to do short water fasting. In longer water fasts (over 3 days), I can't say it's a must but it greatly decreases the chance of unpleasant headaches for example.

Enemas and colonics are what's called colon hydrotherapy. They enable water to enter the large intestine, to hydrate and reconstitute the waste matter in the large intestine and usher it out. When the waste is reconstituted, the peristaltic activity which is natural to the movement of the intestines kicks in, enabling the waste to harmoniously leave the system.

Properly administered colonics and enemas very gently work in harmony with the large intestine to mobilise the accumulated waste out.

There are a variety of different enemas that can be administered. You have a bulb enema, a fleet enema, or a two-port gravity enema. I personally did the two-port gravity enema.

If it comes to types of enema solutions we can distinguish:

• Cleansing enemas - water-based, meant to be held in the rectum for short time to flush the colon. The body, automatically, after a few minutes rids itself of the fluid, along with loose matter and impacted stool in your bowel. Most common cleansing enema solutions include: water or saline, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt, and soap suds (for ex. Castille soap).

• Retention enemas - designed to be held in the bowel for an extended period - on average 10 - 15 min. Based on water or oils which works to soften stool. Most common retention enema solutions include: herbal (i.e. garlic), probiotics, mineral oil, coffee. Each of them has its own added benefits.

Which one is the best? The answer depends on your goal. Because for many of us, we are going to do an enema for the first time, we will start with the least irritating cleansing enema based on saline water.

Both colonics and enemas are extremely beneficial during fasting.

Some advocates claim that enemas can support weight loss, remove toxins and heavy metals from your body, and improve your skin, immunity, blood pressure, and energy levels. It aids constipation, fatigue and backaches.

Some even suggest that, for example, coffee enemas can help treating people with cancer.

As mentioned, there are many different types of solutions for enemas. Such as herbal, coffee, water, saline. I would recommend starting only with pure body temperature water or saline as it's the least irritating.

Prepare enema saline solution:

• Use pure filtered, distilled water, you can also boil it and let it overnight in a closed container.

• Use 1 teaspoon of good quality table salt for each 1 liter of water.

• It's crucial that water will have a perfect temperature of 35-38°C during the time of the process. It's better to stick to the lower, rather than the upper limit.

• Pay careful attention to the way that you prepare the enema solution, make sure everything is sterile.

• If done for the first time start small with 500 ml of liquid is enough, later on around 1 - 1,5 l.

Here are the standard instructions:

• Make sure you have all the equipment sterilized.

• To lessen the pressure felt in your colon, empty your bladder before you begin the enema. You may also want to place a towel or cloth down in the area between your bathtub and your toilet, in case fluid leaks out of your bowels when you get up to empty your colon.

• Fill the enema bag with your desired solution. Make sure the clamp is shut. Hold the bag with the hose end down and open the clamp for a moment or so to get rid of any air bubbles, which you do not want to introduce into the colon.

• Hang the bag alongside the bathtub so that you can access it while lying on your left side.

• Lubricate the end of the tube to make insertion more comfortable before inserting the tube, no more than 10 cm (4 inches) into your rectum. Bear down and push the anus out as you insert the tube to make it more comfortable. Lie on your left side and pull your knees to your chest.

• Wait for the fluid to enter your rectum, breathing deeply and watching the bag until it is empty.

• Remove the nozzle from your rectum slowly.

• You will probably feel the urge to use the bathroom (“evacuate”) immediately. Try to hold for few minutes. If you are doing a cleansing enema, carefully stand up and move to the toilet. If your goal is retention, follow the instructions of your desired enema.

• You can still be laying on your back and massage your stomach with circular movements in a clockwise direction.

• It's good to take a shower after and take some probiotics.

The enema is performed to stimulate the intestinal peristalsis to expel any residual fecal matter.

It is used in the following situations:

• in case of persistent constipation, which has failed other methods, such as changes in diet and lifestyle, oral preparations or glycerin suppositories (even in such situations, it is recommended that it should be performed sporadically);

• before some examinations and surgeries in the lower gastrointestinal tract, as well as the urogenital system, e.g. before examining the large intestine with an endoscope, i.e. colonoscopy (fecal masses remaining in the intestine would make it impossible to assess it);

• before childbirth, to ensure the comfort of the woman (it is not an obligatory procedure and it is performed for hygienic and aesthetic reasons, and not for medical reasons, in order to avoid unintentional stools during labor);

• and as you already know it can be used for detoxification and weight loss reasons.

According to supporters of this method, the enema also helps in the following ways:

• eliminates headaches,

• improves immunity and condition of the skin,

• releases energy,

• regulates the work of other authorities,

• cleans the blood.

Side effects of rectal infusions.

Side effects that may occur, mainly during home infusions:

• dehydration of the person who underwent the procedure,

• irritation of the rectal mucosa, damage to the intestines or perineum (especially if the procedure is performed by an inexperienced person),

• problems with bowel function when the enema is done too often,

It's generally a safe process with great benefits for the health. However Ít's good to mention that there are some potential risks for taking an enema without precautions.

That's why:

• Make sure everything is sterile (free of harmful germs),

• Choose rather gentle and neutral solutions. Water or saline are the best options,

• Make sure to keep the temperature of the solution perfect,

• Make sure that you don't do it too often.

Contraindications for rectal enemas are:

• bowel obstruction,

• atresia of the anus,

• perforation, obstruction, or ulcerative colitis (or suspicion of these),

• abdominal diseases and gastrointestinal bleeding,

• hypertension,

• kidney failure,

• inflammation or symptoms of appendicitis,

• unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting,

• recent bowel procedures and surgeries,

• dehydration,

• pregnancy (excluding the time before the birth itself),

• age below 3 years (in the youngest children, a possible enema can be performed only in hospital conditions under constant medical supervision!).

After successfully completing the first part of detox (water fasting and enemas) it's time to continue our journey to support the cleansing process. You can apply one of the eating patterns, even though fasting once or twice a week is one of the best.

There are several methods of this eating pattern:

• The 16/8 method. It’s both great to master strong will as well as being more conscious about what we eat. I’d look at it as an easier way to eat more healthily. It’s simple to understand: the first meal is eaten at 12 PM and lasts by 8 PM. Before 12 PM drink different types of herbs, and after 8 PM drink only water. You can eat every 2 or 3 hours and stick to healthy meals.

• 5/2 days method. This means to eat 5 days a week normally like you usually eat regarding your routine, but 2 days must not exceed 500 calories each. You can choose any 2 days in one week to eat so much less than normal, and also it might be best if those days are not following each other, but a day off in between. For example, on Monday you eat according to your normal routine, then on Tuesday you fast eating only 500-600 calories, consequently on Wednesday and Friday no fasting, then Saturday is a fasting sequence. Or 1-1-0-1-0-1-1 where 0 are fasting days and 1 are non-fasting days.

• 24h fasting once or twice a week. This method is a bit different since every day you have a meal but only once. Make sure you eat well at that time without suffering overeating, it must be just enough, but more solid food. How is it done? On the starting day of the fast, you have a breakfast, good and healthy breakfast then the next mealtime is the breakfast of the next day making it 24 hours of fasting.

• Mix method. Every other day you can perform fasting by either the 24 hours method or by eating only a couple of hundred calories (100-200 max) per day. It’s something between 5/2 and 24h methods, however, it’s difficult to fast every other day without food for 24h. Considering it carefully would benefit and keep you away from breaking the fast.

• Ori Hofmekler's Warrior diet where you get to eat a large amount of meal once per day before 4 pm, keeping your energy only on fruits and vegetables beforehand.

• Spontaneous meal skipping. Skipping meals intentionally might not be in your plans but it sure counts as part of the diet where your body starts to digest those previously consumed foods. For example, you can skip dinner on Monday, then skip lunch on Friday, or breakfast on Saturday.

Remember the habit of drinking morning warm water. Some of us might prefer to use some detox herbs instead. If you decide on an eating pattern, drink herbs in breaks from food.

It's good to follow labels of the chosen herbs as it might not be ideal to stick to detox teas over an extended period of time So, after detox, do research about herbs choose ones that you enjoy taste and properties that fit your needs.

There’s a good tip for preparing herbal teas, it's to check what is the best temperature for preparing brew, as it might vary.

In reality, our bodies are exposed to heavy metals every day via meat, food, water, pharmaceuticals, manufactured products, pollution, and more, however the detox tea would support cleansing the body out of their harm.

Here is a list of some of the best herbs to support natural detoxification systems. Time to visit a healthy store :) Ask about herbs and other products which support natural detox.

Schisandra chinensis - five flavour fruit.

Purple-red berries described as having five tastes: bitter, pungent, salty, sour, and sweet. Each taste corresponds to a different natural element, organ system, and therapeutic action. Also, it is said to replenish the body’s vital energy (also known as ch’i or qi), and modern research validates its liver-supportive nature, as well it's one of the berries used to support the natural detoxification processes. Seeds that contain lignans (plant compounds) - have shown anticancer effects, used in some cultures (Asia and Russia) to treat certain medical problems. It can be found in powdered, pill, liquid form, dried, juiced or supplement forms.

Good to notice that this is highly effective strong plant, and it's recommended to follow dosage strictly.

It may have a positive effect on several conditions and diseases:

• Liver disease

• Menopause

• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Moreover, it has stress-relieving benefits, along with calming the nervous system, additionally affects heart rate, digestion, and muscle movement.

This plant might not be appropriate for pregnant, breastfeeding women, and people with gastric conditions. Contact your doctor before you begin taking it.

Nettle - a stingy, hairy but rich with vitamins plant

Have you ever seen a nettle leave? If yes, then you remember how itchy it is for the skin? Do you know why? Well, it is because of the small hair on leaves which produces acids. But when handled properly, it is an antibacterial antioxidant that can be used even in medicine.

Tea from nettle leaves could have even bigger benefits, because of its minerals and amino acids.

Traditionally used for skin support, nettle is known for its ability to support the whole body as well as joint health. This is a fantastic herb to support your body when it feels stagnated, tired of the pollution, and stressed.

If you decide to try this, remember to boil it correctly so the leaves’ hair is not stingy for the beverage to be consumed.

Overall, it has a good effect on health, but not recommended for people with health issues like stomach problems and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar problem).

Green tea - usually leaves of a tea plant (tea tree).

The beneficial effects of green tea leaves (often dried) have been known for a long time and it is very reasonable.

Its pleasant taste combined with its fresh flavour make wonders for the health:

• Support weight loss,

• Detoxifying support,

• Protecting against cancer,

• Improve brain functions,

• Lower the risk of heart disease,

• May reduce bad breath,

You could easily mix it with dried berries or fruits to make its taste richer and sweeter. To customise it you can add a lemon wedge, dried raspberries, ginger, or other berries and flowers depending on what you'd like.

Drink a cup a day, however, it might affect your blood pressure, so try to keep it balanced.

Hundreds of years triphala herb had been used to heal and nourish in an ayurverdic medicine. It's known for detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties.

It consists of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry plant), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Berecilla, Beleric tree), and Haritaki (Myrobalan, tree), and that's the reason it is also called a three-fruit plant.

Used as a multi-purpose remedy:

• Possible Anti-Inflammatory effect,

• May protect against cancer,

• If used as a mouthwash may benefit dental health,

• Can help weight loss,

• Could work as a laxative (be careful here, because it might cause abdominal discomfort).

It is suggested to take it between meals on an empty stomach to maximise absorption.

Triphala is not recommended for pregnant, lactating women, children. Moreover it might decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, bleeding disorders.

Mint is a plant that is widely available around the world. It's very popular in meals and drinks.

Mint has high levels of antioxidants and helps indigestion. Drinking mint tea cleanses the stomach and helps with irritated bowel syndrome. It acts as a cooling ingredient for the skin and helps deal with skin irritation. It helps with teeth whitening, fights bad breath, and is an excellent blood cleanser, detoxifying the body from within.

These herbs are easily available in the market and can be used regularly to cleanse the body of toxins. Add them to your food or make detox drinks for maximum benefits.

You can consider even growing mint in pots.

It is a natural herb that comes from the neem tree, other names for which include Azadirachta indica and Indian lilac. Neem is known for its pesticide and insecticidal properties, but people also use it in hair and dental products

Neem leaves may be extremely bitter in taste, but they are excellent for your liver and also boost digestion. Consuming neem leaves on a daily basis is known to destroy bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the intestinal tract and cleanse the colon, further facilitating smoother digestion. It is replete with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-viral properties.

How to brew a neem tea. Neem tea is typically served hot. About 1 teaspoon should be used per 1 cup of 100-degree water (simmering but not boiling) and steeped for 5 to 10 minutes. It can also be chilled and served cold.

It is a wild and bitter weed. Its properties gently stimulate the liver and help your body’s natural detoxification process, moreover, it is full of vitamins A, B6, C, D and K+ minerals, such as iron, potassium, zinc, and higher levels of beta carotene, its leaves are also a diuretic.

The bitter compounds found in dandelion stimulate taste buds, setting off a chain reaction of flowing juices from saliva to bile and setting the digestive tract in motion. This helps the breakdown of fats during digestion and flushes waste away, making it one of the most valuable general tonics used in Western herbalism.

Dandelion has traditionally been used as a diuretic, and preliminary research suggests that it may help improve liver and gallbladder function.

Try steeping the roots to make dandelion tea, sautéing the flowers as a side or adding the raw leaves to your favorite salad. This well-known detox herb helps cleanse the liver by stimulating the production of bile and its flow to the gallbladder, one avenue through which the body naturally removes toxins. And enjoy.

It is a famous herb, flavourful and fragrant and packed with antioxidants. This common herb contains detoxifying, antibacterial and immune-enhancing essential oils, and can help remove heavy metals from the body.

Cilantro also aids digestion, fights nausea and stomach cramps, balances blood sugar levels, and is mildly laxative.

When heavy metals accumulate to reach toxic levels, they can lead to an array of symptoms and chronic conditions. The chemical compounds in cilantro act as natural cleansing agents, binding to toxic metals and loosening them for easier transport out of the body.

Cilantro binds to heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and aluminium, making it easier to push them out of the body.

Once a day try steaming a packed ¼ cup of cilantro for three weeks everyday. Cilantro tea is a healthy and refreshing drink that's incredibly easy to make, just leave it in boiled water for 5-10 minutes before drinking, then remove leaves if you want.

Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family that has been widely used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat digestion and liver disorders.

Turmeric increases the flow of bile, helping to remove toxins from the body. Take a supplement daily, or use it more in your cooking.

Cur-cumin is the powerful phytochemical component that gives turmeric its distinctive bright yellow colour and stimulates the production of bile by the gallbladder. Bile eliminates toxins in the liver and rejuvenates cells that break down harmful compounds. The root bark has been scientifically proven to promote healthy microbial balance and exhibit antagonistic activity towards 13 pathogens.

Cur-cumin is also recognised for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Studies show it may even be useful in preventing and treating cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Its earthy taste enhances pasta, grains, soups, eggs, beans and leafy green sautés. Put turmeric (minced) or fresh in small stripes into a pan or a kettle, and boil water to make turmeric tea. Heat on high heat just until the tea starts to boil. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Then let the tea cool for a minute or two, then drink.

Red clover has long been harvested for use in a variety of preparations, including teas, tinctures, capsules and topical products.

The blossoms support liver function by stimulating bile production and acts as an effective diuretic, helping to cleanse the blood and rid the body of excess fluids.

They’re rich in isoflavones (natural chemical compounds) — water-soluble compounds that improve circulation, heart health, and menopause symptoms. Red clover is also a valuable source of many nutrients, including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin, and vitamin C.

Its action on the body is known for its ability to support healthy skin, making it an excellent choice for a gentle daily detox routine. Make tea with a few tablespoons of dried blossoms in a cup of water. You can drink it even several times per day.

This root has long been praised for its alternative action, which supports channels of elimination in the body and supports healthy nutrient assimilation. Rich with inulin and prebiotic starches, burdock root is used to help support healthy kidneys and beautiful, glowing skin.

Burdock is high in fructooligosaccharides or FOS (natural compound found in plants), which will eliminate the bacterial pathogens that can build up in the gut. Additionally, burdock increases saliva and bile secretions to help break down, bind, and excrete toxins from the body.

Burdock root tea - is a tea made from the root of the burdock plant. Long used in Chinese medicine. Some herbal medicine specialists believe that the drink can improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, heal damaged liver, and improve your hair condition.

It is brewed using parts of the burdock plant which do not contain any caffeine. To make a cup of tea from it, place about 1 tsp. dried burdock root in a teacup, pour approximately 7 ounces (200 ml) of hot or boiling spring or filtered water over the herbs, and let it steep for at least 1 minute, and a maximum of 20 minutes, depending on how strong you'd like your tea.

Picrorhiza kurroa is a popular perennial herb exported from the Nepalese Himalayas. It’s used as a substitute for Indian gentian (Andrographis paniculata), which is a flowering plant that produces seeds which are both detoxifying and protective against infectious diseases.

Picrorhiza kurroa is rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants is anti-inflammatory, and contain “picrosides”, a compound that regulates detoxifying enzymes. Many of the healing properties of kurroa are due to the presence of 22 active iridoid glycosides (natural chemical compound). Picrorhiza kurroa is particularly well known for its role in detoxifying and protecting the liver and respiratory system especially.

Andrographis paniculata, more commonly known as, “Green Chiretta” is a medicinal herb native to Southern and Southeastern Asia. Filled with rare healing photochemical compounds such as curvifloruside and noriridoids. Andrographis Paniculata/Green Chiretta is a heal-all herb, and as such, it is perfect for a detox program.

Healing properties of green chiretta include: anti-microbial, anti-protozoan, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulant, anti-infective, anti-angiogenic, hepato-renal protective, sex hormone/sexual function modulation, liver enzymes modulation, insecticidal and toxicity activities.

All parts of the green chiretta plant are used for healing, from the roots to the leaves and stems. In Chinese medicine, green chiretta is used as a cold property plant, to cool the body when the internal temperature is high.

Eclipta alba - is commonly known as False Daisy, and also goes by the names Eclipta prostrata, Yerba de Tago, Karisalankanni, and Bhringraj. Interestingly, in its native land of Bangladesh, false daisy is considered a weed by farmers.

Filled with healing phytoconstituents like wedelolactone, eclalba saponins, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, eclipta alba is used in Asia for respiratory tract support, gastrointestinal support, hair growth support, liver and skin health. Eclipta alba has several healing properties such as - snake venom neutralising, support of healthy inflammatory pathways, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Tinospora cordifolia is fondly known as Heart-leaved Moonseed. Heart-leaved moonseed is native to the tropical parts of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Tinospora cordifolia is a climbing shrub with pear-colored flowers.

There is great interest in the healing properties of tinospora cordifolia due to the fact that it contains compounds such as - alkaloids, steroids, diterpenoid lactones, aliphatics, and glycosides.

The medicinal properties of tinospora cordifolia are vast and include: support of healthy inflammatory pathways, fostering microbial balance, gastrointestinal health, anti-periodic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, promoting a healthy stress response, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activities.

Boerhavia diffusa is commonly known as Punarnava, but also goes by the names like Red Spiderling, Spreading Hogweed, and Tarvine. Although punarnava has many health-supporting properties, it's used widely in culinary dishes in India.

Boerhavia diffusa promotes healthy inflammatory pathways, is an antioxidant and also performs lipid peroxidation. Boerhavia diffusa helps support healthy inflammation in part due to the inhibition of human sPLA2 (digestion and metabolism supporting compound).

Boerhavia diffusa also protects the body against oxidative stress and enhances mitochondrial function.

Short reminder about steps (first time):

• Start with short water fasting (24 hours);

• Apply saline enema or simply water enema (not obligatory, but greatly boosts the process);

• Apply chosen window-restricted eating and stick to it. Observe your body, which one works best for you? I enjoyed 16/8, but found a more suitable 24h water fast every once a week;

• In breaks from food, drink herbal teas. Follow instructions on descriptions provided on labels (on the package if there is such);

• You can repeat the process once a week or seldom.

For more advanced practitioners you can consider 72 hours of water fasting or longer. Enema is recommended then. Stick to a saline enema or reach for different ones. But remember to consider each and every factor, check if you have any contradictions, consult with your family doctor or be extra careful when performing.

If you practice it often you are familiar with this heart-warming feeling of thankfulness that makes you happy and fortunate. Therefore, water fasting is a way to express gratefulness on the next day when you finally take a bite of your first breakfasting meal.

There is also a feeling of self-awareness that you’ve empowered yourself with when you know you successfully completed a big task.

When we find out about all the benefits of this practice, we can update our diet plan. It's recommended to do it in harmony with our bodies to make sure we actually provide the best we can. We could also become better observers if we intend to listen to our body signals and signs. It's difficult to notice if we always do the same, eat the same and don't skip meals. How we know then, that fasting is beneficial for our health and body? Exactly! Be ready to try and see for yourself. Keep it balanced.