by Mark Axelson
Ionic Foot Detox Systems are used to rid the body of toxins accumulated by the consumption of unhealthy foods or drinks, breathing unhealthy air, taking drugs or being exposed to harmful chemicals. You will often find them in day spas, beauty salons, and chiropractic offices. Ionic Foot Detox works by generating negative ions, which will travel throughout a person’s body collecting positively charged toxic elements. The person who is undergoing treatment places their feet into water that holds an ionizer (array) which is connected to a control unit. The array then ionizes the water, splitting it into H+ and OH- ions (and sometimes into H3O+ and H2O2 ions.) These ions enter the body through the feet, where the circulatory and lymphatic systems transport them throughout the entire body. These ions attach themselves to oppositely charged toxins, neutralizing them so they can be excreted from the body. During the process all of the body’s organs are energized and stimulated, helping them to function optimally. Once this neutralization takes place, the toxins them are sent to different systems of the body so they can be excreted naturally through perspiration, urination and defecation.
In order to optimize the efficiency of an Ionic Detox program, it is important for a user to follow the specific regimen that has been assigned to them. It is possible to cause complications by setting detox sessions too close together, while setting sessions too far apart has been found to reduce the effectiveness of program. In order to negative side effects that are caused by overusing the machine, a common set of rules can be found throughout the industry. It is recommended that the average healthy adult undergo two 30 minute sessions per week for a period of five weeks. Following the 10 sessions, a maintenance program should be followed. This program consists of one session every 7-10 days. It is recommended that the average healthy 13-17 year old should undergo one 15-20 minute session per week over the course of 10 weeks. Following the 10 sessions, a maintenance program of 1 session every 14 days is recommended. For healthy 10-12 year old children, detox sessions should be between 10-15 minutes. Ionic detox is not recommended for children less than 10 years old. While on a detox program the user should not eat or drink anything during a session, as it can throw off the unit’s ability to properly cleanse their system.
These steps are recommended for most people in most situations. However, there are circumstances that may alter these guidelines. It can be beneficial to seek a professional opinion, as some conditions may call for changes that should be made to a specific detox program. Some Ionic Detox Systems can be customized to alter treatment durations and target different elements in the body. With a more dynamic unit comes the ability to custom tailor a detox program to achieve different health objectives. For example, those recovering from illness and/or surgery may prefer more frequent maintenance treatments to aid in recovery. Those who may be suffering from joint stiffness may want to set up their therapy to focus on targeting the areas of the body with the most pain. It is important to consult a health practitioner or other professional before a program has started. With sound advice the user will be able to maximize the effect of ionic detox.
Once an ionic detox program has been customized for the user, they may be able to maximize the effectiveness by adding nutritional supplements to their diet. Depending on the user’s condition, there may be specific nutrients that will aid the body in releasing toxins. If the goal is to bring the body back to optimal health, a user should never undergo ionic detox without four specific nutrients:
WATER: It is important to drink 5-7 glasses of pure water daily. Be sure to test the water you are using. The body needs water with a pH of 9.0-10.0 because it helps counteract acids ingested by food and produced in the body.
HEALTHY FOOD: Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits (limit sweet fruits, wash thoroughly) and grains.
FIBER: During an ionic detox protocol, it is important to consume enough fiber, both soluble and insoluble. This rejuvenates the colon and accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body. It is very important for boosting immunity. The best sources of fiber are whole foods (fruits, vegetables and grains). Because it is not always possible to get enough fiber this way, one can take a scoop of fiber supplement 15 minutes before breakfast and dinner with a large glass of water.
MINERALS: Studies have found that Ionic Detoxing removes many trace minerals that are vital to maintaining optimal health. Therefore, it is important to always take a highly assimilable mineral supplement.
It is recommended that these four nutrients are taken when undergoing Ionic Detox treatments.
PROBIOTIC: Probiotics are composed of live microorganisms that are beneficial to the user by enhancing the body’s existing gut flora which live in the digestive tract. Probiotics can improve the function of the immune system and colon, thus aiding the body’s ability to fight toxins and increase the absorption of nutrients. Take probiotics three times per day, preferably a 100% plant based broad spectrum formula that includes a higher lactobacillus strain.
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: Digestive enzymes are energized protein molecules essential for the digestion of food, brain stimulation, cell, tissue and organ repair and generating cellular energy. These enzymes are secreted along the gastrointestinal tract and break down food in the body so that nutrients can be absorbed properly. Digestive enzymes are also present in the food we eat but they are inactivated when cooked. They are turned off at a dry-heat temperature of 150F (65C) and a wet temperature of 118F (48C). If our bodies rely too much on their own digestive enzymes, the result is more stress placed on our systems and organs. This leaves less time and energy for other jobs such as rebuilding and replacing damaged cells and tissues and keeping the immune system strong. When one eats plenty of raw foods and takes a high quality whole food enzyme supplement during meals, this can help avoid depletion of the body’s own enzymes, thereby reducing stress. When one is eating enough whole green foods or taking green food supplements, dosages of enzymes may be reduced.
FISH OIL: Omega-3 fish oil is an important part of an ionic detox program because it helps the body to balance at a healthy lipid level, helps with cardiovascular health, boosts immunity and has numerous other health benefits. Unless the fish oil is pharmaceutical grade and molecularly distilled, it is likely to contain high levels of hazardous contaminants. We recommend taking 2 soft gels of omega 3 fish oil with breakfast and dinner (depending on tolerance) during the ionic detox protocol.
GREENS: Take a vegetarian whole food greens formula. This will provide primary support for the boday.
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