Posts from — August 2009

Hi Fibro Friends,

Dr. Mike Swierczynski is back with the following important detoxification information to help fibromyalgia sufferer’s clean their bodies of toxins. I have followed this plan and have not only felt better but also eliminated some weight as well!  Thank you Dr. Mike! You are sooo caring!

As I mentioned earlier, there are many different types of detox programs available on the market but, if the program is too complicated or too long, most people have a difficult time following it or sticking to it.  If you decide not to try a “formal” program, you can incorporate your own detox program by following these simple guidelines:

·        Eat as “clean” as possible.  Cut out all junk type foods such as any packaged snacks.

·        You should increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains (but limit the amount of grains you eat).

·        Increase your intake of water.  The typical recommendation is to drink 8 glasses of water per day but if you are detoxing, I would increase to around 10 or so.

·        Eat more natural foods. 

·        If you don’t exercise, begin a gentle but consistent walking program for the week.  If you do exercise, keep doing so.

·        You should limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, to one to two small serving per day. I like to recommend consuming only around 4 - 5 ounces.

·        Cut back on your protein (eggs, meat) intake. Protein contains ammonia, which must be filtered by the liver and with this detox, we are trying to “clean out” the liver.

·        Add a fiber product such as psyllium husk into your diet.   

·        Avoid refined sugars should be avoided, including cookies, crackers and other foods in a bag or box to decrease stimulation of insulin secretion during the detox. Also, stay away from artificial sweeteners and MSG, a common additive, and any other ingredients that do not occur naturally in foods to avoid additional stress on the liver.

·        Avoid processed foods – such as luncheon/deli meats, white bread and most cheeses.

·        Avoid soft drinks (soda / cola) – soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar and phosphoric acid which can affect the pH balance in our digestive tract.   Soft drinks (even sugar-free) also leach calcium from our bodies.  

·        Avoid fruit juices because they too usually contain a large amount of sugar. 

·        Avoid hydrogenated oils or Trans fats.  

These are just some of the suggestion you can implement to help detox your body whether you try a “formal” program or just your own detox.  For overall health, many of these recommendations should be followed anyway, regardless if you are detoxing or not.  

Dr. Mike Swierczynski