Monday, March 23, 2009

How to Maximize the Effectiveness of Ionic Foot Detox

By Mark Axelson

Ionic Foot Detox Systems are used to rid the body of toxins accumulated by the consumption of unhealthy foods or drinks, breathing unhealthy air, taking drugs or being exposed to harmful chemicals. You will often find them in day spas, beauty salons, and chiropractic offices. Ionic Foot Detox works by generating negative ions, which will travel throughout a person's body collecting positively charged toxic elements. The person who is undergoing treatment places their feet into water that holds an ionizer (array) which is connected to a control unit. The array then ionizes the water, splitting it into H+ and OH- ions (and sometimes into H3O+ and H2O2 ions.) These ions enter the body through the feet, where the circulatory and lymphatic systems transport them throughout the entire body. These ions attach themselves to oppositely charged toxins, neutralizing them so they can be excreted from the body. During the process all of the body's organs are energized and stimulated, helping them to function optimally. Once this neutralization takes place, the toxins them are sent to different systems of the body so they can be excreted naturally through perspiration, urination and defecation.

To get the best results out of ionic foot detoxification, it is important to use the machine correctly for each user's situation. If ionic detox is attempted too frequently or for too many minutes, this could lead to excess tiredness, dizziness, headaches, hunger or fatigue. When the machine is used too infrequently, the benefits will be minimal. It is recommended that the average healthy adult undergo 30 minute sessions two times per week for 5 weeks. Following the 10 sessions, a maintenance program of 1 session every 7-10 days is recommended. It is recommended that the average healthy 13-17 year old, using the machine with adult supervision, should undergo 15-20 minute sessions one time per week for 10 weeks. Following the 10 sessions, a maintenance program of 1 session every 14 days is recommended. For healthy 10-12 year old children, sessions should be 10-15 minutes. Ionic detox is not recommended for children less than 10 years old. Do not eat or drink anything during the session. After the session, do not move rapidly. Take 3-5 minutes of rest and get up slowly. However, if you become hungry or thirsty, eat or drink 15-20 minutes after the session.

These steps will work for most people under most circumstances. However, we understand that there are exceptions for every rule. If you are interested in recovering from specific ailments, be sure to speak with someone about your condition. Oftentimes you can set up an ionic detox machine to perform a custom program. Adjustable functions of the machine include the modes, treatment durations, frequencies of treatment and total number of treatments should can be customized to fit your objectives, health situation and lifestyle. For example, those recovering from illness and/or surgery may prefer more frequent maintenance treatments to aid in recovery. Therefore, it is important to work together with a health practitioner that is knowledgeable about ionic detox.

In addition, it is important to take to take in specific nutrients that will help the body better function to release toxins. The goal is to bring the body back to optimal health. You should never undergo ionic detox without these four nutrients:

WATER: It is important to drink 5-7 glasses of pure water daily. Be sure to test the water you are using. The body needs water with a pH of 9.0-10.0 because it helps counteract acids ingested by food and produced in the body.

HEALTHY FOOD: Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits (limit sweet fruits, wash thoroughly) and grains.

FIBER: During an ionic detox protocol, it is important to consume enough fiber, both soluble and insoluble. This rejuvenates the colon and accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body. It is very important for boosting immunity. The best sources of fiber are whole foods (fruits, vegetables and grains). Because it is not always possible to get enough fiber this way, one can take a scoop of fiber supplement 15 minutes before breakfast and dinner with a large glass of water.

MINERALS: While ionic detox will change the body's mineral levels and help it maintain homeostasis, studies have found that it can reduce some trace minerals that the body needs to maintain optimal health. Therefore, it is important to always take a highly assimilable mineral supplement.

These four nutrients are recommended but not required.

PROBIOTIC: Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the person using them. They can improve the function of the immune system and colon, aiding the body's ability to filter out toxins and increase the absorption of nutrients. It is recommended that a person on an ionic detox program take probiotics three times per day. A 100% plant-based, broad spectrum formula is recommended because it includes a higher lactobacillus strain. This bacteria helps the body to convert lactose into lactic acid, making the environment acidic, which inhibits the growth of some harmful bacteria.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: Working in a similar way to probiotics, digestive enzymes can be added to a diet to help the body maintain health. These energized protein molecules are essential for the digestion of food, brain stimulation, cell, tissue, and organ repair and generating cellular energy. They work with the body to break down food so that the body can absorb the nutrients contained therein. While digestive enzymes are found in the food we eat, they burn off or die when they are cooked. If we eat too many foods that lack an adequate amount of these proteins, the body will try to create more. This results in a higher amount of stress being placed on the digestive system and the organs. As the body focuses on generating the digestive enzymes that are absent in food, it takes away energy that would otherwise be used to support the immune and other systems. In order to support the digestive system, it is important to eat plenty of raw foods and/or take a high quality whole food enzyme supplement during meals. Once a proper diet of whole green foods or green food supplements is established, dosages of enzymes can be reduced.

FISH OIL: Fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help maintain normal serotonin levels and reduce inflammation in the body. All of these acids are found in oily fish, which collect them from the algae that they feed on. A diet that lacks EPA and DHA is harder on the body because of the metabolic work required to synthesize EPA and because of the use of EPA to metabolize DHA. We recommend that a person take a daily dose of omega-3 fish oil which should consist of two soft gels with breakfast and dinner.

GREENS: Take a 100% vegetarian whole food greens formula. This will provide primary support for all the body systems. - 14130

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