(Pre detox day 1) My 21 day experience with Joshi's Alkaline Diet detox programme

An embarrassing confession; over the last decade, give or take, I have abused the crap out of my body. I have overindulged in late nights, eating poorly (including some binge eating), not exercising (hello Netflix marathons), maintaining an unhealthy body weight (BMI says obese), partaking in alcohol (at times too much) and social smoking (give  or take). I have been experiencing some not so pleasant side effects of this life style (if one can call it that). Skin problems such as eczema, bloating, water retention, body odour (primarily underarm), knee pain, horrible menstrual cramps and foggy mental capacity.
    

I've known for a couple of years that my body would benefit from a cleanse. I also knew that there are so many choices out there, some harmful, some not. I knew it would become a large research endeavor to find the cleanse best suited for me. Which would most likely lead to changes and adaptations in order for it to meet my body needs. I felt overwhelmed knowing my investigation would have me studying concepts and looking up definitions in order to understand the premise of each cleanse. The cost of supplements, dietary changes and the support of a naturopath were all a huge deterrent as well. I was exasperated before I began; so I didn’t.

That changed May 8, 2015. While attending a craft fair of sorts, in Calgary with my mother and sister, we happened upon a booth offering natural body products. I was drawn to inquire, of the female owner of Earth to Body Skin Nutrition, about a product that would aid with my underarm unpleasantness. Early in our conversation she suggested a cleanse. I shared how that was an overwhelming decision for me. Which one? She suggested one she and her family use on a yearly basis, a liver cleanse. That resounded with me as I know given my wine obsession (some might call it an addiction) my liver would most likely need some serious detoxing. With the name of a cleanse and a couple of purchased products I walked away from the booth with the beginnings of a plan formulating in my mind.

Now, book in hand, I have made an appointment with Dr. Mountain (a trusted naturopath) and I have begun reading Joshi’s Alkaline Diet, The 21 day detox programme to a healthier, slimmer you – for life. I have also shared with my trusted friends, in a secret wine group on FB (see, I said I have thing for all things wine), that I am about to embark on a challenge and have asked for their support. I also contacted two trusted local health advocates, shared my plan and have asked to meet with them. Accountability will go a long way with my plan for success.

I feel inept in this journey but I have taken the beginning steps; acknowledging I have a problem and choosing to do something about it as well as setting the stage for a supportive environment with friends and family.

Some of the things I have learnt through my reading, thus far:

·        Joshi’s programme is a holistic one. I have heard the word before but wouldn’t have been able to define it fully. It means, according to Joshi, embracing the individual as a whole rather than as a collection of separate parts or (in health terms) a collage of symptoms (I have long felt that our current health system treats symptoms not causes).

·        my liver is a digestive filtration blood cleaning organ. Hmmmm..has it been that long since biology that I needed the reminder of what this vital organ is? Embarrassing.

·        That perfume is a chemical (I guess I knew this..but it saddens me…especially given my underarm situation).

·        Biodynamic farming is the best way to get the heathiest foods! (I even searched for where I can purchase foods in my area that are biodynamically farmed)

That is as far as I have gotten in my reading. I haven’t made it out of the first chapter, The Principles of Holistic Detox, but I am feeling the motivation more and more.

My next step is to read through the book as much as I can prior to my appointment with Dr. Mountain so I can be ready with questions in hand in order to make the most of my appointment.