To help Jordan heal from the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) "treatment," we underwent a natural detox cleanse together. Overall, we had some interesting results....
IDEA: We got the idea of attempting a natural detox cleanse after OTC meds weren't lessening Jordan's brain pain and after our friend James regaled us with his experience of TMS. James has been a on healing path since his first TMS treatment 5 years ago caused serious damage. He now runs a webiste called TMS Side Effects where he discusses facts and findings about TMS and connects with other survivors hoping to heal. In one conversion with James, he advocated for water cleanses lasting multiple days or weeks as a means of neural healing. While Jordan and I aren't quite sold on it, it was very interesting to hear some facts about water fasting....
James: "Take a guess at the world record for longest duration without food."
Me: "Um...I dunno...60 days?"
James: "One year!"
Me: *jaw hits the floor*
We weren't ready for that, but it was time to examine what we eat nevertheless.
"Each patient carries his own doctor inside him" - Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness
ENTER SMART PRESSED JUICE: While we weren't looking to do a water cleanse, we did want to try a nutrition-focused cleanse with the hope of lessening the brain pain that Jordan was still experiencing from her TMS "treatment." We decided to cleanse together for 3 days, and Jordan would do an extra day after. If at any point, it felt very uncomfortable or her head pain hadn't changed after 72 hours, we would stop and eat whatever we wanted.
Jordan found the Smart Pressed Juice company and ordered:
- 7-day supply of powder for smoothies (beet, greens, vanilla protein, and pineapple chia packets)
- Pineapple Chia Powder (nectar of the gods)
- Vegan Vanilla Proteini
VERDICT: Calorie intake was sufficient. We opted to make smoothies with each packet - this cleanse was more about pumping our bodies full of delicious and nutritious foods than it was about restricting and detoxing through juice alone. We followed the suggested smoothie recipes provided by the cleanse with a few minor adjustments to the Vanilla Proteini and roughly consumed 2,100 calories each day. The smoothies were tasty. Jordan and I don't normally consume protein shakes in the morning, so having to down one every morning at 0800 felt like a chore. Ultimately, her brain pain didn't improve from the cleanse, but I did feel a lot healthier afterwards, and would recommend it if you're looking for a natural detox cleanse.
Thanks for reading world,
~ Jordan's Hubby
P.S - Not to make this too confusing, but I couldn't help but add a few pieces of bonus information in my husband's awesome cleanse recap! If you happen to buy this cleanse and don't want to take time to calculate the calories for each smoothie, here is a breakdown:
Smart Pressed Smoothie Calories
Vanilla Proteini: 100 Calorie Packet + Nut Milk (62 Calories) + 1 Medium Banana (105 Calories) + 2 TBS Nut Butter (190 Calories) + 2 Pitted Dates (133 Calories) = 590 Calories
Revive Beets + Roots: 40 Calorie Packet + Orange Juice (111 Calories) + Blueberries (84 Calories) + 2 TBS Granola (132 Calories) + 2 Pitted Dates (133 Calories) = 500 Calories
Organic Pressed Greens: 20 Calorie Packet + Orange Juice (140 Calories) + 1/2 Banana (52.5 Calories) + 1/2 Avocado (160 Calories) + Pineapple (41 Calories) = 413.5 Calories
Pineapple Chia Cleanse: 60 Calorie Packet + Nut Milk (62 Calories) + 1 Medium Banana (105 Calories) + Blueberries (84 Calories) + 2 Pitted Dates (133 Calories) = 444 Calories
TOTAL Calories = 2,538 (smoothie) vs. 757 (packets with nut milk or juice and ice)
As you can see from above, we got plenty of calories to accommodate my brain's efforts in healing and to aid in providing us enough fuel and energy to keep up with our two pups during walks and play sessions.
Now, as mentioned, we aimed to make this cleanse less about a caloric reset from eating too much or kickstart a weight loss program and more about pumping the body full of amazingly beneficial fruits and veggies. So you may be wondering, what's so healthy about each ingredient? Well, here is a VERY BRIEF overview of some of the ingredients that are included in this cleanse and their health benefits. I bolded some of the benefits that I was most seeking as this cleanse was about reducing my head pain and healing my brain after the adverse effects I experienced from TMS. You can find my first TMS blog entry here: My Experience with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - What Is TMS Therapy?
I encourage you to check out Smart Pressed's website for a full list of all the incredible ingredients they hand picked for their cleanse ad why!
Natural Detox Cleanse Fruit and Veggie Benefits:
Banana - protects kidneys, elevates mood, reduces stress, improves digestion, powers our brains
Beets - provides energy, keeps the heart happy, improves brain function, cleanses the blood
Turmeric - purifies the blood, improves blood circulation, prevents headaches, fights inflammation
Ginger - supports the immune system, improves digestive health, boosts bone health
Kale - improves eye health, reduces inflammation, helps activate detoxifying liver enzymes
Spirulina - aids in repair of skin, detoxifies heavy metals, reduces anxiety, helps reduce sinus allergies
Dates - clears skin and strengthens hair, provides energy, promotes the health our of nervous system
Flax Seed - contains lignans which reduces risk of cancer, lowers hypertension, promotes healthy digestion, high in Omega 3 & 6 which is great for the brain
Chia Seed - loaded with antioxidants for the brain, boosts heart health, reduces inflammation
Have you ever tried a cleanse? Let me know which one and how it went with a comment below!
I hope this post inspires you to look at food a little differently than something our bodies crave throughout the day. I hope you look at food as truly nourishing and healing. It is incredible how many health benefits are hidden in every fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, and legume that we use in our daily cooking and baking. It's about time we embrace each ingredient and try to add more nutrition packed ingredients into our every day diet.
All my light. All my love.
Namaste,
Jordan
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