by Bill Haggard

Originally published in the September/October 2017 issue of Truly Alive magazine

Healthy gut microbes have been studied more and more in recent years; bringing us closer to understanding their roles in preventing disease (and how disease prevails when toxic buildup and an imbalance of healthy microbes exist and increase over time without intervention).

If approximately 70% of our immune function is located in our colons (some estimates are as high as more than 80%; even 90%), cleansing and maintaining a healthy balance of friendly bacteria is paramount. However, our Standard American Diet works against, rather than in favor of our immune functioning and leads to standard American diseases that lead to standard American deaths.

The Standard American Diet (aptly referred to as SAD):

• 63% of America’s calories come from refined and processed foods (e.g. soft drinks, packaged snacks like potato chips, packaged desserts, etc.)
• 25% of America’s calories come from animal-based foods
• 12% of America’s calories come from plant-based foods
• Unfortunately, half of the plant-based calories (6%) come from french fries. That means only 6% of America’s calories are coming from health-promoting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

In our society, it’s not easy to “go against the grain” so to speak and commit to a healthy diet. Yummy (unhealthy) foods are all around all of the time. TV commercials abound with offerings of pizza (the hardest food to digest), inexpensive (poor quality) fast food and more. The majority of American restaurants feature deep fried foods coated with white flour. They also add sugar to many food items (which we would never think to add in at home). Restaurant desserts have increased in popularity, despite their premium prices. Cupcake shops have popped up all over and the promotional efforts of sugary foods play on our emotional connection between “celebrations”, sugar and white flour-laden options. Brewery restaurants have increased in amazing numbers; Americans are indulging in every type of flavor of beer imaginable (and some we would never have thought to be combined with beer).

When our culture and society promotes such prolific choices of unhealthy food and drink, and we want to socialize and indulge, what do we do to counter the assaults and avoid disease? We must be diligent with regular cleansing and replacing the friendly bacteria which are lost when we toxify our systems. And if we really care about healthy long-term functioning, after we indulge, cleanse and repopulate our guts with friendly bacteria, we get right back to a healthy balance of good fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds while limiting animal products.

What about organic foods? Studies focusing on the amount of food contaminants and reduced nutritional value of conventional foods vs. organic foods (over the years) have produced mixed results. (I say, consider the source of the studies.) The best test of how organic foods vs. conventional foods react with your body (if you are sensitive enough) is in how you feel. If you cannot immediately feel the difference, over time, you certainly will. You will start enjoying more energy, better brain function and more. It only makes sense; eliminate as many of the toxins you are taking in, provide health-producing foods and your toxic load will be reduced. Your reward is greater vitality, enhanced functioning and an improved quality of life.

If you have “indulged” a lot over your life and are already experiencing health issues, you may (as many of my clients do) find that regular colonics make a huge difference in your quality of life. Typically, the more toxic a client is when they come to me, the better they will feel.

Is it time for you to cleanse? Call All About Health for an appointment today. You’ll be glad you did! 505-888-5858 – allabouthealthinc.com