Continued Detoxing For A Better Life After Addiction

It doesn't matter if we're talking about crazy thoughts, feelings like depression, anxiety, fear or anger, everything in recovery starts with detox. Detox is directly and inseparably linked to diet. I'm going to use this page to write down everything I think people might be able to start doing - right away - to start feeling better.

The first thing we must deal with in addiction detox is the stomach and digestive system. We want to make sure it has what it needs to work.

Since 80% of your immune system lives in your gut, using a high-quality pro-biotic that supports both your digestive and immune health is vital. See how to get this double benefit by simply providing your gut with health-replenishing "friendly" bacteria in an affordable multi-strain probiotic formula.

Also problems with constipation, gas, and bloating can be dealt with through proper diet.

You can free your body of all the accumulated toxins, and other waste material that have been building up like a septic tank. Pro-biotic is also known to provide an energy boost and may help you keep your waistline slim - no kidding... Learn about Pro-biotics

You'll also need minerals and trace elements. You can get these from Celtic Salt:

(I gathered this up from different places so you could get some at-a-glance info)
Although certain body processes are attributed to certain minerals, each mineral needs one or more other minerals to properly function. For instance, a proper calcium-phosphorus balance is necessary to the body in that an imbalance reduces resistance to disease, increases fatigue, weakens intellectual faculties and leads to premature ageing. Magnesium can only be used if calcium and phosphorus are in a proper balance. An over abundance of one mineral can result in a deficiency of another. Obtaining minerals from whole food sources provides the body with the wide variety of minerals it needs. Supplementing with one or two minerals is rarely a good idea unless it is under the supervision of a doctor or nutritional counsellor.

Chloride
Chloride, along with sodium, regulates the acid/alkali balance in the body. It is also necessary for the production of gastric acid which is a component of hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Iron
Only trace amounts of iron are essential for living cells of plants and animals. Iron has the ability to interact reversibly with oxygen and to function in electron transfer reactions that makes it biologically indispensable. Iron is necessary for cell function and blood utilization. Blood loss is the most common cause of iron deficiency. Pallor and extreme fatigue are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

Sodium
Sodium regulates the pH of intracellular fluids and with potassium, regulates the acid/ alkali balance in the body. Sodium and chloride are necessary for maintaining osmosis and electrolyte balance.

Aluminium
Aluminium is a natural component of many foods. Although it is found in small quantities in plant and animal tissues and in blood and urine, there is no evidence that this element is essential for any metabolic function in humans or animals. In fact, there is evidence that elevated aluminium can result in neurological disorders, bone disease, gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite and loss of energy.

Because aluminium is a natural constituent of some foods and is in a growing number of modern foods and pharmaceutical preparations, an understanding of aluminium and aluminium containing foods and cooking utensils can benefit all people. In healthy people, more than 98% of the ingested aluminium is passed through the gastrointestinal tract. Silicon, a constituent of Celtic Sea Salt, prevents the absorption of aluminum and actually helps the body eliminate aluminium that is bound in the tissues.

Sulphur
Sulphur is found in all cells, especially in skin, connective tissues, and hair. Inadequate dietary sulphur has been associated with skin and nail diseases. Increased intake of dietary sulphur sometimes helps psoriasis and rheumatic conditions.

Strontium
Strontium (not Strontium 90, the radioactive form of the element) may help harden the calcium-magnesium-phosphorus structures of the body. Strontium may influence the intake or structural use of calcium, according to Bernard Jensen, Ph.D.

Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral of primary importance in the body because it aids in the activation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy source for cell functioning. Magnesium also activates several enzyme systems and is important for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Magnesium is necessary for normal muscle contraction and important for the synthesis of several amino acids.

Zinc
Although adults only require an average of 15 mg of zinc per day, zinc is a very important trace element that is essential to many biological factors. Zinc is required for growth, for immune system function, and for sexual development. Zinc is a cofactor in over 90 enzymes. Zinc is required for the synthesis of insulin. Proper zinc metabolism is needed for wound healing, and carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Zinc is considered an antibacterial factor in the pro-static fluid, and may contribute to the prevention of chronic bacterial prostatitis and urinary tract infections.

Potassium
Potassium exists primarily in intracellular fluids (the fluid inside cells). Potassium stimulates nerve impulses and muscle contractions and is important for the maintenance of osmotic pressure. Potassium regulates the body’s acid-alkali balance, stimulates kidney and adrenal functioning, and assists in converting glucose to glycogen. Also, potassium is important for bio-synthesis of protein.

Gallium
Gallium has no known biological role, although it may stimulate metabolism. Small concentrations of gallium are normally found in human tissue.

Calcium
Calcium is necessary to build healthy bones and teeth. Calcium influences blood coagulation, stimulates muscles and nerves, and acts a s a cofactor for vitamin D and the function of the parathyroid gland. Muscles cannot contract without calcium. Calcium is essential for the regulation of heartbeat. Calcium depletion can result in a number of symptoms, the most notable is osteoporosis which results in decreased bone mass and increased chances of bone breakage.

Titanium
Titanium is an abundant mineral, yet it appears to have no function to plant and animal life. In general, humans may eat and excrete titanium with no side effects as it is considered essentially non-toxic. Titanium may be carcinogenic, but not at the levels humans are generally exposed to.

Silicon
Silicon is necessary for normal growth and bone formation. With calcium, silicon is a contributing factor in good skeletal integrity. Silicon is a main component of osteoblasts, the bone forming cells. Silicon may help to maintain youthful skin, hair and nails.

Fluoride
Fluoride has a direct effect on the calcium and phosphate metabolism and in small amounts may reduce osteoporosis. Trace amounts of fluoride produce stronger tooth enamel that is more resistant to bacterial degradation. However, an increased intake through fluoridated drinking water can potentially overload the human system.

Copper
Copper facilitates in the absorption of iron and supports vitamin C absorption. Copper is also involved in protein synthesis and an important factor in the production of RNA.

Rubidium
Rubidium has a close physiochemical relationship to potassium. In fact, it may have the ability to act as a nutritional substitute for potassium. Although rubidium is not considered "essential," some evidence suggests that rubidium may have a role in free radical pathology and serve as a mineral transporter across defective cell membranes, especially in cells associated with aging. Clinical studies have suggested that rubidium increases memory and mental acuity in the elderly.

Tin
Small amounts of tin appear to be necessary for normal growth. Because tin is common in soil, foods, and water, deficiencies are rare. Because of poor absorption, low tissue accumulation and rapid tissue turnover, tin has a low level of toxicity.

Manganese
Manganese is essential for glucose utilization, for lipid synthesis and for lipid metabolism. Manganese plays a role in cholesterol metabolism and pancreatic function and development. Manganese in involved in normal skeletal growth and it activates enzyme functions.

Sources:
Blaurock-Busch, E. pH.D. Mineral and Trace Element Analysis. Boulder, CO. TMI/MTM Books. 1996.
Jensen, B. DC, pH.D. Come Alive! Total Health through an Understanding of Minerals, Trace Elements & Electrolytes
Dr. B. Jensen's Master Nutrition Course. Escondido, CA. Jensen. 1997.
Bergner, P. The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and Trace Elements. Rocklin, CA. Pima Publishing. 1997.
Fallon, S. Nourishing Traditions. Washington D.C. New Trends Publishing. 1999.