by Mark Axelson

Ionic Foot Detox Systems are often found in spas, beauty salons and chiropractic offices. They 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. Ionic Foot Detox is said to work by the principle of negative ion generation. The user places their feet in a basin of water along with a pinch of salt and the array (ionizer) which is connected to the control unit. The theory is that, when water is ionized and split into H+ and OH- ions (and sometimes into H3O+ and H2O2 ions), these ions are able to enter the body through the 4,000 large pores of the feet. Then the circulatory and lymphatic systems transport the ions throughout the body. These ions neutralize oppositely charged toxins in the cells that are normally slow to exit the body. In this way, all the body’s organs are energized and stimulated to function optimally. This neutralization of toxins enables them to become excreted in natural ways like perspiration, urination and defecation.

To get the best results out of ionic foot detoxification, it is important to use the machine correctly for each user’s situation. If ionic detox is attempted too frequently or for too many minutes, this could lead to excess tiredness, dizziness, headaches, hunger or fatigue. When the machine is used too infrequently, the benefits will be minimal. It is recommended that the average healthy adult undergo 30 minute sessions two times per week for 5 weeks. Following the 10 sessions, a maintenance program of 1 session every 7-10 days is recommended. It is recommended that the average healthy 13-17 year old, using the machine with adult supervision, should undergo 15-20 minute sessions one time per week for 10 weeks. Following the 10 sessions, a maintenance program of 1 session every 14 days is recommended. For healthy 10-12 year old children, sessions should be 10-15 minutes. Ionic detox is not recommended for children less than 10 years old. Do not eat or drink anything during the session. After the session, do not move rapidly. Take 3-5 minutes of rest and get up slowly. However, if you become hungry or thirsty, eat or drink 15-20 minutes after the session.

These are the general guidelines, but not everyone is average. Ionic detox treatment protocols which include the modes, treatment durations, frequencies of treatment and total number of treatments should be customized to fit your objectives, health situation and lifestyle. For example, those recovering from illness and/or surgery may prefer more frequent maintenance treatments to aid in recovery. Therefore, it is important to work together with a health practitioner that is knowledgeable about 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: Drink 2/3 of a gallon or 2.5 liters of pure water (preferably pH 9.0 to 10.0) daily. Alkalized water helps counteract acids ingested via food and produced by 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: Most likely, some good minerals will become depleted during each detox session. Therefore, it is important to always take a highly assimilable mineral supplement. Since women can lose minerals in other natural ways as well, replenishment of minerals is a must.

It is recommended that these four nutrients are taken when undergoing Ionic Detox treatments.

PROBIOTIC: Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the person using them. They can improve the function of the immune system and colon, aiding the body’s ability to filter out toxins and increase the absorption of nutrients. It is recommended that a person on an ionic detox program take probiotics three times per day. A 100% plant-based, broad spectrum formula is recommended because it includes a higher lactobacillus strain. This bacteria helps the body to convert lactose into lactic acid, making the environment acidic, which inhibits the growth of some harmful bacteria.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: Working in a similar way to probiotics, digestive enzymes can be added to a diet to help the body maintain health. These energized protein molecules are essential for the digestion of food, brain stimulation, cell, tissue, and organ repair and generating cellular energy. They work with the body to break down food so that the body can absorb the nutrients contained therein. While digestive enzymes are found in the food we eat, they burn off or die when they are cooked. If we eat too many foods that lack an adequate amount of these proteins, the body will try to create more. This results in a higher amount of stress being placed on the digestive system and the organs. As the body focuses on generating the digestive enzymes that are absent in food, it takes away energy that would otherwise be used to support the immune and other systems. In order to support the digestive system, it is important to eat plenty of raw foods and/or take a high quality whole food enzyme supplement during meals. Once a proper diet of whole green foods or green food supplements is established, dosages of enzymes can be reduced.

FISH OIL: A high quality, pharmaceutical grade omega-3 fish oil can be an important part of an ionic detox program. They contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA,) which help the body to maintain a healthy lipid level. This helps with cardiovascular health, it boosts immunity and has been proven to increase the level of serotonin in the brain. 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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