The Lifeforce Diet, now known as the McCombs Plan, markets itself as an approach to detoxification that allows you to "activate the endless life-force potential that resides in every cell of our bodies." But what medical theories are the plan based on, and how does it purport to work? Find out if the McCombs Plan is the key to a long, healthy life and if it's right for you.
About the McCombs Plan
Placing the blame for poor health on the overabundance of antibiotics and an imbalance of certain organisms in the body, the McCombs Plan claims to improve the overall health and functioning of your body with a 16-week detoxification program. In addition, the plan claims it will result in weight loss because of improved body functioning. The program was developed by Jeff McCombs, a chiropractor, and promises a healthier mind, body and spirit after detoxification. There are four main components to the plan: supplements, water, sweating and following a Yes/No foods list.
Supplements
The McCombs Plan detox program calls for a regimen of dietary supplements during the 16-week detox program and through further "maintenance" steps. "Candida Force" is said to eliminate candida, a family of fungi that live in mammals and which some alternative medicine practitioners claim cause fatigue and weight gain when overabundant. "Detox Essentials" is a blend of vitamins and herbs said to encourage detoxification. And "Flora Prime," a mix of "good" bacteria, including Acidophilus, is taken starting in the seventh week to help balance bacteria in the digestive system.
The possible efficacy of these supplements is debatable. While the benefits of vitamin C and Acidophilus have been proved and are widely accepted by medical practitioners, the theory that too much candida can cause ill health lacks credible evidence. Further, it should be noted that these supplements are only available directly from the McCombs Plan website, and carry a hefty price tag. And bear in mind that supplements are not well regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration for safety or efficacy. Talk to your doctor before taking these supplements to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Water and Sweating
Like most detoxification programs, the McCombs Plan calls for drinking water---and a lot of it. For example, a 150-lb. person needs to drink 2.8 liters of water, or about 12 8-oz. glasses to flush toxins from the body. This is in line with the Institute of Medicine's recommendations, though women can probably drink a little less. The plan also calls for getting rid of much of this water by sweating, either by taking a hot 30-minute bath or a 10-minute steam in a sauna six times a week. This is said to aid in detoxification through the skin.
Yes/No Foods
The diet component of the McCombs Plan is a Yes/No list of acceptable foods, prescribing a diet of only Yes foods for at least the first eight weeks. The Yes foods may look familiar to low-carb dieters: They include most meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs, brown rice, tea and coffee. On the No list is virtually anything else, including dairy, grains, soy and sugar. While following this diet strictly is sure to result in weight loss for many people, it should be noted that such a restrictive diet may be very difficult for some to keep up. Be sure to discuss this diet with your doctor, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions.
The Key to a Long Life?
The McCombs regimen offers a plethora of good advice on healthy living. It suggests a number of very nutritional foods, and getting enough water is always a good idea. However, the McCombs Plan also raises many concerns. The first is the cost of the program: The McCombs Plan website offers everything you'd need, including a $4,000 sauna, and costs of strictly following the program could total hundreds or thousands of dollars before you'd see any noticeable changes.
Further, the McCombs Plan is based on the alternative medicine theory of autotoxicity, the idea that your body builds up toxins that it is unable to rid itself of. While this is an ancient theory, it has been largely debunked by modern medicine. Also, the plan does not call for exercise of any kind, despite the fact that exercise is almost universally regarded as key to good health. Will this plan make you lose weight? Perhaps. Limiting certain foods and drinking lots of water will result in weight loss, though this has nothing to do with balancing your candida levels, and sweating will make you shed water weight.
As for a longer, healthier life, the plan has been around for only 15 years, so when it comes to longevity, the verdict is still out.
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