This free 3 day detox diet will provide you with a small taste of what is possible with a detox. You can also use it once a month just to give your body a break from the normal routine. If you would like to undertake a full blown holistic detox it takes much longer to complete and there is much more involved but it will transform your life!

Firday night is preparation for the detox. Eat a light meal, such as a salad, bowl of soup or some lightly steamed vegetables. Avoid bread, caffeine and alcohol (as these stress the body) and take psyllium capsules or linseeds to help the bowels eliminate toxins. A face and neck massage will remove any stored tension and help you to get a good nights sleep. Go to bed early.

On Saturday morning wake up slowly and slowly sip a hot lemon drink (add hot water to a freshly squeezed lemon. Lemons are a great natural cleanse ingredient as they are diuretics (cleanse the liver and flush toxins from the body) and help to balance stomach acids. Begin the day with a skin brush to remove dead skin cells, followed by a shower or bath.

Breakfast should consist of a large bowl of fruit. This is easy to digest and will help the liver. Use different chopped fruits and add some pumpkin, sunflower and/or flaxseeds to provide essential fatty acids. Fruit or nuts (raw and unsalted!) can be used for snacks.

Lunch should consist of a large salad with a variety of different leaves to add flavours with extra nutrition provided from bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, carrot, celery, chickpea sprouts, courgette, lentil sprouts, avocado, onion, cress, cucumber, mustard sprouts, radish, peppers (red, green, yellow), spring tomato. Add nuts, seeds and fresh herbs (basil, chervil, chives, coriander, mint, parsley) to taste.

Your evening meal may include lightly steam vegetables with olive oil and some fresh herbs. It is important to have a variety of vegetables. For example, runner beans, spring greens, spinach, broad beans, broccoli, courgette, cabbage, carrots, leek, sugar snap peas.

In between meals drink lots of water to help flush toxins from the body and fill up your day by pampering yourself. For example, a head massage and natural face mask, a relaxing walk, a manicure and hand massage, meditation, listening to some relaxing music or reading a new book. It’s a good idea to end the idea with a body scrub and relaxing bath to remove the first day’s release of toxins from your skin.

On Sunday morning wake up whenever you feel like it and make yourself a hot lemon drink again. Brush your skin to remove dead skin cells again and then take a shower or bath to remove toxins sweated out over night.

For breakfast eat a large bowl of fruit or make a fruit smoothie. This simply consists of fruit and 1/2 litre of blended soya milk. Some of the better fruit choices include apricots, bananas, blueberries, pears, raspberries, loganberries, nectarines, peaches, strawberries.

As with the previous day you can snack on should fruit or nuts and lunch and your evening meal are similar but try using a different combination of vegetables and herbs. In between your meals continue to pamper yourself with hair de gunker, hair food, alternate nostril breathing, foot scrubs, foot pedicure and massage, meditation and end your day with an oatmeal bath.

On Monday resist the temptation of grabbing a coffee, chocolate or wine! Your body is still detoxing and it needs to be slowly brought back to your normal diet.

Take fruit again for breakfast but add a slice of wholemeal bread if you are still hungry. Try to stick to a light lunch, such as a salad and jacket potato. For the evening meal stir fry some vegetables and have with some rice or couscous. Continue with herbal teas and plenty of water.

Congratulations, you have completed a basic detox – it wasn’t so bad pampering yourself like this and simply chilling out, was it?!

CAUSES AND TREATMENT OF ACNE SKIN

The skin is oily, enlarged pores, blotchy, uneven skin texture and color, pimples, pustules, blackheads and difficulty in healing. Excessive oil production is seen, combined with blackheads, pimples and pustules.   Acne Vulgaris: The most common form of acne; usually affects people from puberty to young adulthood. The condition can be recognized by exacerbated amounts of pustules and pimples, constant out-break of slow healing pustules and a very red or purple hue to the skin.

Acne Rosacea: A skin disease of adults (more often women) in which blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed appearance. Acne Rosacea will occur at a more mature age; usually around the ages of 30 to 50. The appearance of the skin is red, inflamed, can be painful and itchy; especially around the cheek areas.

Acne Rosacea is said to be caused by hormonal imbalance, severe stress, climatic extremes, alcohol abuse, excessive intake of spicy foods, lack of sleep and harsh skin care products.

There are many causes of acne; in my experience, I have found the main causes to be:

• Acid imbalance in the body;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• Colon disorders;
• Incorrect diet;
• Incorrect skincare products;
• Lack of sufficient water intake;
• Use of certain medications and
• Smoking and illegal drugs.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF POSSIBLE CAUSES:

Acid imbalance in the body:

The symptoms of acid imbalance are a fine, pimple-like rash on the upper arms and forehead; stiff and painful joints; acne in general, especially prevalent on the chest and back areas; the outer part of the palms tend to appear pink/ reddish; jewelery tends to go black when worn. Causes of acid imbalance are mainly due to a lack of sufficient water intake, acidic foods and also severe stress and lack of sleep. Examples of some acidic foods and drinks are:

• Excessive coffee, tea and soft drinks;
• Sugar, candy and refined starchy foods;
• Citrus fruits; e.g. Oranges, grapefruit;
• Nuts, pulses;
• Foods that tend to cause bloating;
• Smoking and
• Alcohol; especially wine; since it is high in acids.

A very effective method of breaking down acid build-up in the body is by consuming lemon juice daily. Squeeze one fresh lemon (not bottled); add to a glass of luke-warm water and drink daily. Unlike other citrus fruits, lemon has the ability to break down acids. Lemon juice also aids in healing acne; application to the affected area is helpful. Also, rinsing the skin twice daily in a water- lemon juice combination aids in reducing oil secretion.

Hormonal imbalance:

Hormonal imbalance is actually the least likely cause of acne; despite the general belief. Symptoms are usually moodiness; depression; lack of concentration; weight gain (especially around the waist and back areas); water retention, irregular menstrual cycle and acne on the cheek, neck and chest areas. Pimples are slow to heal, due to the hormonal imbalance.

The natural way to treat hormonal imbalance is by using a supplement of Flax Seed Oil. This oil contains Omega 3, 6 and 9; which means that it is safe for both men and women to use. It is also plant derived and can thus reduce cholesterol and excess unwanted “bad” fats. The fatty acid complex is also beneficial in the treatment of hormonal imbalance, dry and brittle hair and nails; as well as the treatment of fibro adenoma (Benign, movable, firm and often tender tumor of the breast; common in young women and caused by high levels of estrogen.). This oil is not easily supplemented in the diet, since it is found in raw green leafy vegetables and the flax seed itself. Hence, a supplement is essential.   Other useful supplements are Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin D, Zinc and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Colon Disorders:

Colon disorders are usually coincided with stomach cramps, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, bloating, constipation, hair loss, slow healing of skin lesions and wounds, depression, lack of concentration, anemia (iron shortage), weak nails, lethargy and general bad health. Candid Albicans, yeast infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and various other indigestion disorders are often also related to colon parasites.   The skin appears sallow and coincides with a poor complexion. Acne is most prevalent on the forehead, chin and neck areas.   The reason that colon disorders cause all of these symptoms is in truth very simple, if only understood and treated correctly. Should a colon disorder be left untreated, the repercussions are rather dire and sad, simultaneously.

Many physicians will not agree with these symptoms and treatments that I am about to discuss; but in the 15 years that I have been involved with treating skin disorders, colon disorders have been the main cause of acne, eczema and many other skin disorders.  I will try to explain this as simply as possible, since it is extremely important for overall health and disease prevention; especially acne, cancer, bone degeneration and diabetes.

The body needs to rid itself of unwanted toxins and excessive food intake on a daily basis; it was designed to do this naturally. The lymphatic system of the body does this automatically (part of the venous system) and also the colon. What goes wrong, though, is the colon may become blocked and unable to relieve the body of toxins. The first signs are usually the stomach cramps, acne and lethargy. What actually happens is that the colon is not able to absorb the nutrients in its naturally designed way, due to blockages or parasites.   Parasites are very easily contracted, since the cross infection is by mouth. Parasites thrive on sugars, starch and acidic foods. Once the parasites lodge themselves to the wall of the colon and start to grow, due to the starch and food given, they tend to cause a blockage inside of the colon; which is what causes the extremely uncomfortable and painful cramps.

What exacerbates the condition is the ingestion of whole wheat bread, baked muesli, seeds or anything hard to digest. These seeds tend to get lodged in the parasites and start to swell and ferment; hence the flatulence, constipation and uncomfortable feeling.   Why this disorder then causes acne is quite simple. Since the body is not able to rid itself of unwanted toxins, the toxins remain in the body and tend to show up as a skin disorder. Fermentation causes acid build up; also a cause of acne, as stated before. Further, the seeds lodged inside of the colon wall may also cause a rupturing of the actual intestinal wall; which will cause the toxins to enter the body itself. The disorder is extremely dangerous in general and is the cause of many illnesses, unbeknownst the victim.

TREATMENT:

Avoid all refined starches, sugars, soft drinks, caffeine, foods that tend to bloat (pulses, beans etc), seeds, baked cereals etc. Try to avoid too many acidic foods and beverages. The parasites feed on sugar, which turns acidic inside the intestinal tract.

Extremely helpful in killing the parasites are the following products:

• Any parasite treatment product available at your local pharmacy, health shop or drug store.
• Dried pumpkin seeds- sounds awful, but they taste like nuts and contain fatty acids.

Foods that assist the colon to function normally again are:

Raw carrots, beetroot, spinach, oats, plain yoghurt (must contain live A & B cultures) paw-paw or any vegetable that is low in sugar and high in fiber. Consume sufficient water daily to assist with toxin removal.

Since I am no expert on colon disorders and am merely giving a basic explanation concerning effects of the disorder, please feel free to visit the Aim web site for in depth understanding and explanation of colon parasites and diseases.

Incorrect diet:

Diet coincides with acid imbalance and colon disorders, so it is quite obvious that diet plays a major role in skin disorders. Yes, chocolate, candy and refined starchy foods do worsen acne. Please read the extract on acid imbalance and colon disorders again to understand how this works. Fatty and rich foods also cause the skin to produce more oils, since the body is receiving the wrong oils in excessive quantities; thus avoid these foods.

Incorrect skincare products:

There are many products on the market for oily and acne skin, making it very hard to decide which are better for each person and each condition. I will try to give some useful advice and guidance as to which products to avoid. Use a soap free foaming cleanser, as this does not dry skin out. Refrain from using toners that contain alcohol; a useful; alternative is rose water or witch hazel. Do not use a cream or oil based cleanser; these products are not able to cleanse the skin and will prevent treatment products from penetrating the skin.

Do not use a facial scrub on acne vulgaris, as the pressure applied during scrubbing may cause pustules to rupture internally and in so doing spread the acne. It also tends to be painful and can over stimulate the skin, causing excessive oil production.  Anything that contains alcohol, acetone, hydroquinine and benzoil peroxide can dry the skin out over long term use. Short term use, applied on the affected areas only, may be useful in healing and drying out the pimples; but please be sure to apply to affected areas only.

Let me try to simplify the dangers in drying out the skin too harshly. The skin is naturally designed to produce oil in order to moisturize and protect itself from harmful bacteria. When it is continuously dried out, the skin will begin to over compensate by producing extra oil, since the products are destroying the natural protective barrier. This is why moisturizers are in actual fact not always necessary for acne or oily skins, since the oil production is sufficient. Sunscreen is a necessity, though, since it is the best remedy in preventing acne from forming scars, since it is in actual fact sun exposure that causes most scarring. The reason is really quite obvious, once you comprehend the functioning of your skin. A lesion, pimple or open wound has no skin to protect it from sun damage, thus sun rays are able to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin (Dermis) and are then able to destroy exposed skin cells, causing indentations or holes in your skin (ice pick scarring).

So, the obvious way to prevent this is by applying sunscreen on a regular basis. Now, I understand that sun exposure does tend to heal acne; being an acne sufferer myself. But please be advised that sun merely dries lesions and pimples and adds Vitamin D to your body. So, instead of getting scars; rather take a supplement of Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Zinc, since it has the same effect and causes quicker healing and less chance of scarring. Sunscreens also tend to be oily, which is why most acne sufferers prefer not to use them. Try to find a sunscreen that contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide; these ingredients are both sun reflective and have the ability to absorb excess oil. They also have healing properties. If you really can not use a sunscreen, a useful alternative is a non-fragranced pressed powder; (preferably ones that are not fragranced- irritates the skin) since pressed powders contains Titanium Dioxide, which reflects sun and absorbs oil.

Never use a sunscreen with a sun factor higher than SPF15; since the higher the sun factor, the higher the chemical content. Chemical content tends to cause sun damage and skin irritation; exacerbating the condition.   Very useful for sporty people; Zinc Oxide on the nose and cheek areas. This is what the cricket players often use on their noses to prevent sun damage. This is usually available at most pharmacies, drug stores or health shops; and sometimes come in different colors. Zinc Oxide has extremely beneficial healing properties when used on a daily basis on affected areas only.

Natural healing remedies for acne are:

• Zinc Oxide
• Aloe extract
• Calamine lotion
• Tea Tree oil
• Lavender oil
• Grapefruit oil

Also useful in the treatment of acne is herbal teas. Not everyone enjoys the taste of pure, natural herbal teas, but there are ways to neutralize the taste.  Add lemon juice and honey; this neutralizes the taste of most herbal teas and does not destroy the properties of the herbs. Do not use artificial sweeteners or sugar, as these destroy the properties of the herbs.

GREAT FOR WEIGHT LOSS AND WATER RETENTION AS WELL!

Recipe:

• One teaspoon dried Dandelion leaves (blood, liver and gall bladder cleanser);
• One teaspoon dried Marigold leaves (Vitamin A & complexion) and
• One teaspoon dried Stinging Nettle (blood and kidney cleanser).

Add to one litre boiling water; draw for 10 -15 minutes. Add lemon juice and honey to taste. Try to drink no more than three cups daily. Effects on acne and healing can be seen within a week. Water retention and weight loss can be seen almost immediately. Please be sure to consume enough water daily to assist with toxin removal.   If irritation or adverse affects develop, refrain from using.

MASQUE FOR ACNE SKIN:

• One teaspoon Kaolin powder (healing; oil reducing);
• One teaspoon Fullers Earth powder (Healing; oil regulating) ;
• Adequate calamine lotion (healing and calming) to form a paste and
• Two drops Tea Tree oil (healing, anti-septic).

Cleanse skin using a soap free cleanser, apply masque and leave to dry. Remove gently with luke warm water. Apply treatment products as desired.   Remember to apply sunscreen if used in the morning.

Lack of sufficient water intake:

There is a very basic method of determining the correct water intake for each person.

For example:

Should you weigh 86kg; round this off to 90kg. Divide 90 by 10; which gives you 9 glasses of water. Then add 2 glasses of water to that; which gives you 11 glasses of water daily for a weight of 86kg.

Should you weigh 83kg; round this off to 80kg. Divide 80 by 10; which gives you 8 glasses of water. Then add 2 glasses of water to that; which gives you 10 glasses of water daily for a weight of 83kg.

By consuming sufficient water every day, you are helping your body to rid itself of unwanted toxins; which is essential in treating acne, weight loss and general health.

Use of certain medications, smoking and illegal drugs:

Smoking, drugs and medications can cause acne and various other skin rashes and irritations. Often medication is a necessity; thus acne and skin problems could be more difficult to treat.   Smoking and the use of illegal drugs, on the other hand, is usually by choice. These causes can be eliminated by choice.

I have been involved in the skin and natural health care industry for 15 years and I would like to share the knowledge and experience gained with others.