Daily Dietary Guidelines

 Level 1: Guiding Principles

 Level 2: Foods List

 Level 3: Rotational Diet

 Selected Bibliography

Introduction
The origins of many common health problems can be traced to impaired digestive function and exposure to toxins. Damage from these conditions may be difficult to detect at first, since it often occurs without obvious signs or symptoms. Over time however, damage can accumulate and produce serious health consequences. 

Research has shown that lifestyle, environmental and dietary factors can play an important role in preventing and correcting the problems caused by impaired digestion and toxicity. A well chosen diet can help to reduce the body's total load of toxins by limiting exposure both to foreign chemicals and to toxins produced within the digestive tract. The following dietary guidelines are designed to assist in choosing foods that are the most nutritious and which help to support the body's detoxification system. 

For most people, food is the main source of exposure to toxins. Approximately 3,000 chemicals are used by the food industry during processing. An additional 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging materials. Pesticide residues may be found in up to 90% of food samples, according to some studies, In addition to these external sources of toxins, we create toxins within our bodies (endotoxins) through the process of digestion, elimination, fighting infections and dealing with stress. Toxins are also produced through food allergies and sensitivity reactions to food. 

The liver is the main organ responsible for detoxification in the body. Toxic compounds are chemically altered by the liver (detoxified) so they can be safely eliminated from the body. It is possible to supply the liver with dietary supplements that will support this organ in removing toxins from the body. Effective whole body detoxification is best achieved by a combined effort that includes avoiding environmental toxins, restoring normal digestive function and supporting the liver's detoxification capacity.
 
 

Daily Dietary Guidelines
There are three levels of dietary support for detoxification depending on individual needs. In general, the greater your toxic exposure, the higher the level of dietary support you need. Your health care professional can guide you in deciding which level is right for you.

Level 1 is for those who need the least amount of dietary support for detoxification. Persons in this group follow the dietary Guiding Principles and take dietary supplements that support detoxification.

Level 2 is for those who need more through dietary support for detoxification. People on Level 2 can select foods to eat form the Foods List, follow the dietary Guiding Principles and take dietary supplements that support detoxification.

Level 3 is for those who need the greatest amount of dietary support for detoxification. Persons on Level 3 follow the Rotational Diet. Following the Rotational Diet gives the greatest level of protection in avoiding the production of toxins and inflammation due to food allergies and sensitivity reactions. People on Level 3 also follow the dietary Guiding Principles and take dietary supplements for nutritional support of detoxification. 

Each diet is recommended to be used from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the needs of the individual. The portions of food may be adjusted to avoid hunger, keeping in mind that calorie restriction is not the goal of these dietary guidelines. This diet is not designed to be a weight-loss program, however, it is common to experience some weight loss (1 to 5 lbs.) after the first few days, especially if there is excess water weight due to toxins, or if food allergies have been present. 

The foods that are included in these diets are those that have a high water content, are highly nutritious, and are easily digested in most people. Common allergens are avoided including wheat, dairy, eggs, most nuts and citrus fruits.

Level 1:
Guiding Principles 
Avoid known allergenic or sensitive foods. Allergenic or sensitive foods are commonly associated with reactions such as gas, bloating, heartburn, heaviness after eating, constipation, diarrhea, mucus congestion, headaches, sinus problems, skin rashes and joint pains. 

Avoid problem foods. These include animal fats, saturated fats (e.g. margarine, shortening mayonnaise), red meats, sugar (including fructose, glucose, dextrose, corn syrup, high fructose corn sweetener, honey, raisins, raisin syrup, brown sugar, etc.), refined carbohydrates (e.g, white flour, unbleached flour). Salt alcohol, and caffeine should be used in moderation in Level 1 diets and avoided in Level 2 and 3 diets. 

Avoid environmental toxins wherever possible. Eat foods in their natural state rather than processed, packaged or refined. The less processing, the more food value. Include vegetables and fruits in your diet that are raw or only lightly cooked. Eat organic foods if possible. 

Eat a diet that has adequate but not excessive amounts of protein and calories. Research has shown that the liver's detoxification capacity functions best with a diet that has adequate protein and calories (see food to include). 

Drink pure water. Use uncontaminated spring water, filtered or bottled water whenever possible. An adequate intake of pure water is vital to effective detoxification. Two quarts a day is recommended. 

Additional Considerations
Eat a wide variety of foods. Food allergies and sensitivities often develop from the foods we eat most often (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, etc.). 

Eat in moderation
A basic requirement for good nutrition is not overeating or undereating. 

Chew foods thoroughly. Eat in a relaxed frame of mind. 

Avoid eating meats and complex carbohydrates (grains and starchy vegetable) together at the same meal. (Optional Some people experience a significant improvement in their digestion when high protein foods are eaten away from high carbohydrate foods). 

Foods to include:

Carbohydrates: 55-65% of total daily calories. Sources of carbohydrate include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. 

Eat a wide variety. Use your appetite as a guide. Vegetables and fruits: 5 or more servings per day. For those who find this difficult, consider Juice Plus supplementation as an alternative. Grains and starchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes, squashes): 4 or more servings per day (see Foods List for serving sizes). 

Proteins: 15-20% of total daily calories. Eat 1 to 2 servings per day (Average servings are 2-3 oz. of meat, 1/2 cup of beans). Sources of proteins include combinations of beans and whole grains, fish, poultry (without skin) and lean meats (see Food List for other protein foods). 

Fats: 20-25% of total daily calories. Use sparingly, 2 to 3 tablespoons per day. The best sources of fats are cold pressed vegetable oils (see Foods List for examples). Flax seed oil is especially nutritious. 

Seasonings: Use in moderation. Herbs, spices vinegar, garlic, onions, miso.