Symptoms that I have been watching out for that may suggest I have a sensitivity (and therefore should continue to avoid or at least limit) include:
- Fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, food cravings, obesity
- Infections (recurrent colds, urinary tract infections, sore throats, ear infections, yeast infections)
- Ear, Nose and Throat problems (chronic nasal congestion, postnasal drip, asthma)
- Digestive symptoms (Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal cramping)
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives)
- Muscle aches, joint pains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological symptoms (migraines and other headaches, numbness, sleepiness)
- Eggs – no problem
- Oats – no problem
- Potatoes – no problem
- Tomatoes – no problem
- Dairy products – got a bit bloated and nauseous, especially when drinking a large amount of milk, though cheese wasn’t so bad. Plus nose and sinuses became congested.
- Other fruits and vegetables – all seem fine so far, except for red peppers which made me a bit bloated.
- Other meat and fish – all seem fine, though of course haven’t got round to trying all the different types
- Bread – uh oh, definite bloating and feeling sudden tiredness after eating just one slice - definitely one to avoid!
Eye-opener
This whole programme has been a fantastic educator and eye-opener. Before the programme, if you had asked me to give up wheat I would have run a mile (clutching my homemade bread and favourite sandwich). However, I have realised that I really don’t miss it and feel so much better and less bloated without it. I am even thinking about continuing not eating wheat or at least cutting it down considerably. The same goes for tea and coffee and that odd biscuit that I used to help keep me going during the day, plus alcohol. I really didn’t miss any of them and so am thinking of also continuing to avoid these, after all they all play havoc with blood sugar levels, digestive function and the liver, and I don’t want to undo all that good I have done.
I’m going to keep on eating loads of vegetables at each meal – a rainbow of colours and all that. Not that I didn’t enjoy my vegetables pre-detox, making sure that I got my 5-a-day, it’s just that the programme really drummed into me the importance of vegetables – they really do make a difference to your health. In fact I think I’ve become addicted to vegetables! I get an anxious twitch when there are less than 3 types of vegetable on my supper / lunch plate!!
It has also shown me just how delicious, quick and easy simple home cooked ‘detox-friendly’ foods can be - many of the detox recipes will be added to my kitchen recipe repertoire, such as the grilled salmon and nicoise salad, kale chips, green rice, red rice salad, lemon garlic cod and quinoa flake porridge (though have tweaked the recipe to include ½ oats and ½ quinoa flakes), and of course all those yummy soups – so easy and delicious!
And also how important it is to know exactly what is in your food by steering away from processed, ready-made, convenience foods (which are full of refined sugars and fats, salt and other nasty additives, but usually stripped bare of any nutrients) and sticking to real, whole foods and cooking from scratch. And of course choosing organic as much as possible to keep toxic exposure from pesticides, artificial fertilizers and hormone treatments / medicines as low as possible – remember the ‘Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen’.
Over the last week my jeans have continued to get looser, so decided to weigh myself again – OMG, have lost another 0.6kg, which brings my weight down to 60.4kg! And an overall weight loss of 3.5kg!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, so I’m still off processed foods, alcohol and bread, which would explain the additional weight loss, but I also think that helping my liver and digestive system to function optimally again has had an immensely beneficial knock-on effect on my thyroid function, hormone and blood sugar balances and other bodily processes and has helped kick-start my metabolism. Will be interesting to see whether my weight loss continues over the next few months….
Don’t just take my word for it – how the others got on
I have also heard how successful the metabolic detox programme has been for my other friends and colleagues, a quick tally up of the results has shown:
94% of participants* reported weight loss and a reduction in BMI, with an average loss = 2.1kg
96% of participants* reported a reduction in health symptoms, including: Fatigue, poor concentration, headaches, mood swings, frequent coughs and colds, insomnia, bags / dark circles under the eyes, blocked nose / sinus problems, skin rashes and spots, hot flashes, itchy / dry skin, digestive problems (bloating, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation), aches and pains, binge eating / drinking, and food cravings.
Wow – so it’s not just me who has found this programme so effective and successful.
(* Data and feedback from 220 health practitioners who completed the Metabolic Detox Programme, 2013 / 2014)
Although there had been one or two participants who found the programme difficult, mainly due to underlying chronic digestive problems and severe sensitivities, the majority were really pleased with the results and how it improved their health. Quotes from participants include:
“More energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy. Clean headed, no cravings, no mood swings/grumpiness, very positive. This has been my first detox and I have learnt a lot from it, both about myself and my lifestyle.” Polly Glazebrook, Practitioner
“After detox felt clear headed and energetic, stable mood all day, less stressed by work pressures, feel leaner and no cravings at all. Feel better than ever!” Caroline Peyton, Practitioner
“Finally feel back in control of my body - no longer a slave to sugar cravings. I now believe I can keep going and get back to the real me: slim, fit and healthy. Mentally, I feel so much more positive. Best money I ever spent!” Jan Barr, Practitioner
“After detox felt much lighter, less bloated, more clear headed, more energy and just much healthier.” Lucy Osborne, Practitioner
So, what a great way to end on such a high! The Metabolic Detox Programme really has been the most amazing, health inspiring and thought provoking experience – I do hope you have enjoyed reading my blog and that it has given you some inspiration to try the programme out yourself, or, if you are already on it, given you some useful tips and information and loads of motivation to keep at it.
Please feel free to post any comments, experiences and ideas, I would love to hear from you….
And if you would like some more information, or would like to have a go at the Metabolic Detox Programme, please do email me or come and see me at Napiers Clinic.
Look forward to hearing from you!