AA
Read portions of our archived newsletters (excludes Lou's introductory notes, dated seminar listing, and seasonal specials):
Books/Magazines to Read:
Food and nutrition are not synonymous. You are not nourished by the food you eat, but in proportion to the amount you digest and assimilate. Fasting is only one phase of this system. Fasting Can Save Your Life by Herbert Shelton…see additional articles at the International Natural Hygiene Society website. “Preservation of life depends on a system of right living“.
Marc David (see marcdavid.com), a nutritionist with a masters degree in the psychology of eating, is the author of Nourishing Wisdom and the Slow Down Diet: Eating for Pleasure, Energy, & Weight Loss. His mantra is that you should “elevate the quality of your food. Quality is everything.” (Natural Awakenings, Nov. 2006)
Agribusiness uses 3 billion pounds each year of 50,000 different insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Read Modern Foods: The Sabotage of Earth’s Food Supply by David Casper, MA, and Thomas Stone, ND.
Eat to Liveby Joel Fuhrman, M.D., demonstrates the connection between the standard American diet, disease and early death. Dr. Fuhrman is a firm believer in fasting to restore health by letting the body detoxify from the toxins of our artificially colored, flavored, preserved, and processed food.
Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates - The BED establishes and nourishes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive tract. This 'microscopic militia' serves as your body's key line of defense against disease-causing unfriendly microbes.
The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan For Vibrant Health And Maximum Weight Loss by Natalia Rose. This is a simple, proven five-level diet plan to safely make the transition to eating raw foods, and to detoxify and achieve a perfect body no matter how you eat now.
Living Cuisine by Renee Loux Underkoffler: A complete guide to eating and living raw with more than 300 irresistible gourmet recipes. Raw foods have gone gourmet.
Simple Cleanse by Jerry Lee Hutchens suggests a weekend cleanse that can clear out chemicals, promote better elimination, and help your intestines absorb nutrients. Based on organic fruit and vegetable juices, he states that black cherry, grape, apple, and cabbage are best for healing the colon and flushing out mucus. (Let’s Live magazine, April 2006)
Drink to Your Health by Anne McIntyre - delicious juices, teas, soups and smoothies that help you look and feel great! These luscious and easy-to-prepare recipes will help lift your spirits as well as recover from a wide range of illnesses and ailments.
In his book Fasting and Eating for Health, Dr. Joel Fuhrman describes the detox symptoms with which his fasting patients frequently have to contend. Detox symptoms are mileposts on the road to better health.
The virtues of a mostly raw plant-based diet are very well explained in T. Colin Campbell’s book The China Study.
Victoria Boutenko is a prolific writer in the raw food arena. Check out 12 Steps to Raw Foods, Raw Family, and her newest release Green for Life. She explains the connection between alkalinity, health, and fresh raw greens. It also includes tested recipes for green smoothies.
I read two articles (suggested by a client) in The Sun (May 2006). The first was titled “Lost in the Supermarket” (subtitled: “On How The Food Industry Has Changed The Way We Eat”). It was an interview with Michael Pollan, the author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma. The second article was a chapter excerpted from this book. And, more recently, he wrote an article for The New York Times (October 12, 2008), in the form of a letter to the President-Elect, entitled “Farmer in Chief”. (I found it at www.nytimes.com using the date and authors name to locate it.)
Frank McCoy, M.D. stated in The Fast Way to Health, “As fasting is undertaken with the object of giving the body a chance to cure itself, it can be used in some form in the treatment of every acute or chronic disorder. I do not know of a disease where fasting is contra-indicated.”
The ultimate guide to internal cleansing has been around for years; but now one book has become even better - 2! Cleanse & Purify Thyself (Book One and Book Two) by Richard Anderson, N.D.
The Healing Power of Flax by Herb Joiner-Bey, N.D. celebrates nature’s richest source of (good) Omega-3s. This book contains 101 appetizing recipes to make the transition to flax-smart eating easy and enjoyable.
The Water Prescription: For Health, Vitality, and Rejuvenation by Christopher Vasey, N.D. offers readers a useful guide to why water is essential to health, how much we should drink, and ways to re-hydrate the body, remove toxins, and restore vital minerals.
Heard on NPR on June 9th, 2006 -- An interview with Marion Nestle about her new book called What To Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating. The author’s basic principles for a good diet are summed up in 16 words: “Eat less, move more, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and go easy on junk food.”
Diet for a Poisoned Planet: How to Choose Safe Foods for You and Your Family by David Steinman has been revised. Overall, the author reports that “things have gotten worse. There are more pesticides in foods than ever before.” Buy Organic when possible!
If you have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), you might want to read
25 Natural Ways to Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome by James Scala, PhD.Allow more time for your bowel movements; don’t rush them. The bowel is very sensitive and responds to lack of routine, travel, stress, trauma, and emotional upsets. Understanding your mind/body/bowel connection and then taking steps to remedy the situation can help keep you healthy and regular. This and many more topics are included in The New Detox Diet and Staying Healthy with the Seasons by Dr. Elson Haas.
12 Steps to Raw Foods: How to End Your Addiction to Cooked Foodby Victoria Boutenko is a 12 step approach to give up cooked food. 37 raw food recipes included.
For those of you who have read and perhaps tried the 10 day Master Cleanser(by Stanley Burroughs), there is now more information available regarding the cleanse and its effects. A client directed me to a new book by Peter Glickman calledLoseWeight, Have More Energy, & Be Happier in 10 Days. He also has a very informative website: www.themastercleanse.com
You Are What You Eat by Gillian McKeith, Ph.D. includes a list of the ‘10 Sexiest Foods‘: Sauerkraut (enzymes), Strawberries (antioxidants), Sprouts (enzymes), Blueberries (B vitamins), Pumpkin Seeds (essential fatty acids), Avocados(monounsaturated fats),Cinnamon (stimulates the brain), Ginger (improves circulation), Parsley (B12 and improved adrenal function), and Brown Rice (B vitamins and improves digestion).
As a really good guide to the always-important pH topic, check out this book by Dr. Christopher Vasey (& Graham), The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health. Two books by the same author, Dr. Don Colbert, have come to my attention: Get Healthy Through Detox And Fasting and Toxic Relief! His premise is that you can’t afford not to fast - considering we live in a toxic world. He provides a twenty-eight-day protocol (but also covers a 2 -3 day cleanse and a 2 week plan, for those who have never fasted) for detoxifying the body of harmful toxins that is designed to restore you to health - body, mind, and spirit.
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford contains a wealth of information on health, diet, alternative medicine, natural food presentation, and recipes, researched by an expert in the field. Readers will learn how to apply Chinese medicine and the five-element theory to a contemporary diet; treat illness and nervous disorders through diet; and make the transition to whole vegetable foods.
Here’s a 3-pronged solution to weight gain, health complaints, and toxic overload that begins with the age-old method of fasting. Fasting is one of the missing links to long-term weight loss. That’s because detox and weight loss go hand in hand. The more toxic your body becomes, the more difficulty you’ll have losing weight. Detoxing is the obvious solution --get rid of those poisons lodged in your organs, bloodstream, and fat cells. Information about a one-day cleanse using cranberry water, see Ann Louise Gittleman’s book My Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet. Perhaps it will help jump-start a long-term weight-loss plan for you.
Digestive enzymes allow us to absorb nutrients and utilize them to repair and maintain a healthy body. If you start digesting your food, your body will be getting nutrients it never got, and you will feel balanced with less food. Read more in Micro Miracles: Discover the Healing Power of Enzymes by Ellen Cutler, D.C. (Healthy Awards, Fall 2007)
Resources for Raw Foodies: The Raw Foods Detox Diet by Natalia Rose, Rawsome! by Brigitte Mars, and The Balanced Plate by Renee Loux.
Don’t let food addiction hijack your best dietary intentions! Dr. Neal Barnard points to four culprits - sugar, chocolate, cheese, and meat as probably the only addicting foods! His books include Breaking the Food Seduction and Eat Right, Live Longer.
7 Day Detox Miracle: Revitalize Your Mind and Body with This Safe and Effective Life-Enhancing Program, by Peter Bennett ND and others. The basic program is a two-day, water-only fast, followed by five days of all-you-can-eat in the categories of rice, fruit and vegetables. (Summary from www.detox.org)
I watched Dr. Michael Roizen (You On A Diet and Cooking The Real Age Way) on PBS a while back and he says that a substance called CCK (in the brain) tells us when to stop eating. He suggested that to release CCK, we should have olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or nut oil about 30 minutes before a meal. I bet his book will have more detail about CCK and the use of oil.
Fasting and Eating for Health: A Medical Doctors Program for Conquering Diseaseby Joel Fuhrman has been suggested by a client. “Therapeutic fasting is not a mystical or magical cure. It works because the body has within it the capacity to heal when the obstacles to healing are removed. Health is the normal state.” A follow-up book is Eat to Live, where the author suggests that the more nutrient dense food you consume, the faster your health will improve. (see www.drfuhrman.com)
“Over and over I explain to patients, ‘Your pain, misery, and illness results from your own dietary mistakes and drugs. You are suffering because you are filled with toxic wastes caused by your diet of poorly selected food filled with artificial flavorings, preservatives, synthetics, and over-processed ingredients - too much stimulating food and too few natural vitamins from vegetables and fruits….’” (Henry G. Bieler, M.D. from Food is Your Best Medicine)
Another client told me about the RAVE Diet & Lifestyle (book and DVD) by Mike Anderson. RAVE is broken down as follows: No Refined foods, No Animal foods, No Vegetable oils, No Exceptions (& Exercise). In the book, the author explains why Americans cannot lose weight, why modern diets don’t work in the long run, and shows you how to reach your ideal weight by going back to the old-fashioned foods Americans used to eat, before “overweight” was a problem. See www.ravediet.com or www.vegparadise.com
Need an energy boost?? Instead of a quick fix that will boost you up and drop you back down, take 1/2 to a whole tablespoon of raw honey -- it can't be processed in any way -- sprinkled with raw chocolate powder and cinnamon. The honey releases vitamins, minerals and amino acids; cinnamon feeds the pancreas to stabilize blood sugar; chocolate stimulates the brain. Put them all together, it's like "bang!" Take it…when you hit a lull in the middle of your day and you'll have energy for four or five hours straight. So says Dr. Timothy Brantley, author of The Cure - Heal Your Body, Save Your Life. Visit www.brantleycure.com and read the article about “healthy foods for 2007” and chapter 1 of his book.
Brenda Watson, colon hydrotherapist, has another new book now, called The Fiber 35 Diet, which of course refers to the fact that we need at least 35 grams of fiber each day in our diet in order to have good bowel movements. She believes fiber is the key to not only controlling weight but reducing disease risk as well. Her book includes recipes, supplements, and more. See www.fiber35diet.com
Anna Lappe’s new book Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen lists 7 steps to an organic kitchen and includes recipes from chef Bryant Terry. The book includes an “exposé about the fake food filling our supermarkets” and the website lists ways in which you can take action! See www.eatgrub.org(Natural Awakenings, November 2007)
Notes & Tidbits:
Because of the increasing number of toxins to which our bodies are exposed daily, our cleansing organs are often overwhelmed. One way to fight back is with regular internal cleansing! Benefits include a boost in energy, better brain function and memory, and an improvement in overall health. (Brenda Watson’s e-newsletter, 9/10/09)
Maintain a natural balance of good and bad bacteria in your body and you can expect great health improvement. Your digestive tract contains more than 500 different types of bacteria and an estimated 100 trillion individual bacteria, most of which are beneficial. In fact, you have 10 times more bacteria in you gastrointestinal tract than you have cells in your entire body. (Amazing Wellness, Sept./Oct. 2009)Staying hydrated: Most people don’t drink enough water and aren’t operating at peak efficiency. In 2004, the National Academy of Sciences reported that men need about 125 oz. and women need about 91 oz. of fluid daily (read: water). The human body is approximately 2/3 water. About 75% of the brain is water, and water makes up 75% of muscle and more than 90% of blood. Nearly every bodily function depends on water, including the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to cells, regulation of body temperature, and lubrication and cushioning of joint and key organs. [Lou’s note: …not to mention the movement of toxins out of the body via the colon!!] (Amazing Wellness, Sept./Oct. 2009)
Eating a bit of high-fiber fruit such as a small apple or pear, before each meal is a proven weight-loss booster. Choose fruit that’s high in fiber but low in calories (think: high water content fruit like apples). (Possibilities newsletter, Nutrition Coalition, Inc., Aug/Sept. 2009)
Activated Charcoal (also known as carbon and Charcoal Capsules) is not a formula but the residue of burnt plant matter (Willow bark) that is carbon and copper-based and therefore electrical. It is tasteless and odorless! Carbon helps to remove all the toxic residues (especially heavy metal toxins) we unwisely put into our bodies. (part of the Full Body Detox information, at www.dherbs.com) [Lou’s note: NOW AVAILABLE at my office!!]
Excessive free radical activity causes irritation and injury, which initiates inflammation. Stop that Free Radical Damage!! Top ten plant foods highest in antioxidant content (highest first): small red beans (dried), wild blueberries, red kidney beans (dried), pinto beans, cultivated blueberries, cranberries, cooked artichoke hearts, blackberries, prunes, and raspberries. (Hallelujah Acres newsletter. Author Lisa Turner “10 Foods to Fight Inflammation“)
The Cayce readings recommended gelatin salads and gelatin in water for a variety of ailments. Gelatin is valuable in the diet, not for its vitamin content, but because it “works with the activities of the glands, causing the glands to take from that absorbed or digested, the vitamins that would not be active if there is not sufficient gelatin in the body”, according to reading #849-75. (Venture Inward, Nov./Dec. 1996, Solving the Riddle of Gelatin by Robert S. Drum)
“For certain body types at certain times of year, a raw food diet could be the best medicine”, says John Douillard, Ph.D., doctor of chiropractic and author of The 3-Season Diet - Eat the Way Nature Intended: Lose Weight, Beat Food Cravings, Get Fit. “But, during cold winter months, for certain body types, it can cause trouble.” (Natural Awakenings, Healing Foods: Exploring the Raw Life by Lisa Turner, July 2009)
Cruciferous vegetables, from the broccoli and cabbage family, have more than 160 different types of isothiocyanates, which are powerful anti-cancer compounds. The secret to living a longer life, free of disease, is to eat these foods every single day. (Hallelujah Acres newsletter, Joel Furhman, M.D., The Greatest Diet on Earth II (DVD))
Eating for good health isn’t rocket science! Choose foods in their natural states and foods high in protein and other nutrients and low in saturated fats and calories. Cut back on processed foods. (Nature’s Place, June 2009)
Prebiotics are antioxidant and soluble fiber compounds that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. They increase the efficacy of the probiotics you take. They may also enhance calcium and magnesium absorption. Prebiotic-rich foods include whole wheat products, fresh herbs, peanuts, barley, beans, bananas, asparagus, cherries, eggplant, peas, onions, tea, and oats. (Delicious Living, June 2009)
Traveling??? Help boost your immune system 5 days prior to your trip by taking Echinacea supplement or tincture. Continue taking it during your trip and for 5 days after your return. Support healthy digestion: pack some ginger supplements, or bags of ginger tea, to fight motion sickness. Probiotics are helpful for acute diarrhea, to aid digestion, and for fighting infections. Look for probiotics that don’t require refrigeration. (Nature’s Place, June 2009) Lou’s note: DRINK WATER!Daily tips for healthy bowel function : Eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, take a daily Essential Fatty Acid formula, use the bathroom the same time each day, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep each night. ( Healthy Living - The Constipation Solution, April, 2009, enews@brendawatson.com)
To reflect the deluge of new research supporting the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet, the nonprofit group Oldways (www.oldways.org), has updated its diet pyramid. It now lists all plant foods together to emphasize their benefits. Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially those in season and locally grown), nuts, legumes, whole grains and olive oil are featured. Both fish and shellfish are given more prominence because of their advantages for the brain and reproductive health. Herbs and spices are new additions, having earned a place based on their therapeutic qualities and great flavors. No surprise, the Mediterranean diet is low in dairy, red and processed meats, and junk food. (Nature’s Place, June 2009)The way we eat has changed more in the last 50 years than in the previous 10,000, says Eric Schlosser author and co-producer of Food, Inc., a documentary film about the food industry. The reality about our food has been deliberately hidden from view. Did you know that the so-called variety of colorful foodstuffs in our supermarkets comes from 5 corporations that now control 80% of the market? Did you kow that corn is 30% of our national crop? It goes into everything! (Fresh Air interview on June 18, 2009)
Lower your pesticide exposure by 90% by avoiding the top 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables. They are (in order) peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes (not U.S. grapes), pears, spinach, and potatoes. Think organic is too expensive? OK, compromise and pick a few from the list that you eat frequently, and buy those organic! Save money by buying these 12 conventional produce products (found to contain lower levels of pesticides): onions, avocado, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mango, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, and eggplant. (Southern Neighbor, article by Kay Schlegel-Pratt, May 2009)
More fiber, less bloating!! All too often high-fiber diets are shunned due to fear of increased gas and bloating or bowel disturbance. In fact, eating fiber can help regulate your bowel, assist your body’s normal detoxification processes, and even encourage healthy weight management! There are several causes of gas and bloating that have nothing to do with a high-fiber diet. For instance, swallowing air (while drinking, eating, talking, eating too quickly, or drinking carbonated beverages), processed foods, and poor food combining (eat fruit alone, avoid eating proteins with starchy carbohydrates, etc). (Fiberbytes, May, 2009, enews@brendawatson.com)
Superfoods are those foods which are so nutrient rich that they can help prevent or “treat” disease. What makes these foods so “super” is that they contain high concentrations of phytochemicals and phytonutrients. Some examples are: blueberries, cranberries, red grapes, mangos, mangosteen, papaya, tomatoes, apples, noni, bananas, alfalfa sprouts, spinach, blue green algae, chlorella, quinoa, soy, grasses, yogurt, bee pollen, and turkey. (The Herbal Pharmacist, Vol. 4, Issue 2)
Heard of Salba? It is a seed grown in Peru. It contains 8 times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon, 25% more fiber than flaxseed, and 6 times more calcium than whole milk. Stuffed with protein, antioxidants, and minerals, the seed has been shown to increase energy and boost your cardiovascular health. You can sprinkle it on salad or cereal, blend into smoothies, or grind into flour for baking. (www.salba.com)
According to the National Institutes of Health, Americans spend more than $725 million a year on over-the-counter laxatives. Considering it is estimated that 4 million Americans suffer from recurrent constipation, that means an average of $181.25 per person is spent on these over-the-counter laxatives. Improving your diet by adding more whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, PLUS more water (at least ½ your body weight in ounces of water per day!), PLUS exercise, PLUS less stress could be a better, long-term solution!! People shouldn’t count on probiotics alone (like in Activia), to keep their digestive systems in order. (article by Jennifer Huget, March 24, 2009) (Lou’s note: Couldn’t hurt to have a few colonics, either!! )
The best way to reach your goal weight and maintain it forever (as opposed to fad diets) is to change your lifestyle. It may mean getting more activity, or cutting out a few o f those foods/beverages you love so much. Eliminate animal protein and refined foods (pasta, bread, and sugar); Try to eat a vegetarian-type diet; Eliminate dairy (products containing milk). (The Herbal Pharmacist, Volume 4, Issue I) You know what you gotta do!
Nutrient-rich raw foods provide an impressive array of enzymes and minerals. The minerals are needed to build healthy cells and the enzymes digest and absorb nutrients from our food. “I believe in a diet that is 65% to 80% raw” says Sally Kravich, natural-health expert. If you eat a raw diet, make sure to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, and plenty of protein. (Healthy Awards, Jan/Feb 2009)
What’s Internal cleansing all about? “It is getting your body to eliminate old waste that can contain toxins, and to regenerate and renew tissue so all of your bodily systems can functions at the best of their ability.” For more intensive internal cleansing, take a combination of aloe vera, chlorophyll and psyllium husk. But keep the process gentle! (Sally Kravich, Healthy Awards, Jan/Feb 2009)
If you need a laxative, there are a couple of herbal types: bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium, flaxseed, fenugreek, and glucomannan; and stimulant laxatives include senna, cascara sagrada, and aloe. (Healthy Awards, Jan/Feb 2009)
A recent meta-analysis of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) suggests that probiotics may reduce global IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain. A combination of probiotics and prebiotics may improve intestinal flora, cell function, and the mucosal immune system in people with irritable bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and colitis. (Remedies, July 2008)
Burping or passing gas is normal. Flatulence becomes more common with age, but it can be reduced by chewing foods well, and avoiding these: carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and drinking from a straw. More tips from Victoria Dolby Toews in User‘s Guide to Healthy Digestion. (Healthy Awards, Jan/Feb 2009)
If you’re a sugar junkie or eat most of your foods from a box, your abs (along with the rest of your body) are suffering because of it. Highly processed foods are classically low in nutrients and high in salt, sugar, and trans fats. In essence, they are a quick way to pump up your spare tire! Instead, eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, ideally those that are certified organic. If you don’t consume heart-healthy fish twice a week, take a high-quality fish oil (or other Omega-3). (Remedies, Sept. 2008)It has been said that artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, dairy, and meat cause weight gain….that is, they are all treated as toxins by the body. The body tries to neutralize and eliminate toxins. When it has more to eliminate than the body can handle, it stores the toxins in fat cells to protect the rest of the cells [and vital organs]. Lose the toxins, lose the weight. Eat junk instead of real food and you’ll gain weight. (Master Cleanse & Raw Food Newsletter, 1/7/07) Additionally, if you are a woman, chances are you are hauling around even more toxins than men, since the fairer sex typically carries as much as 10% more body fat. (Energy Times, 1/07)
Let’s talk about irregularity! The checklist may be long, but the 4 biggest contributors are dehydration, lack of fiber, diet, and stress. The “Four Pillars of Great Health” are fairly easy to include in your day: Increase fiber - we need 25 - 40 grams per day. Increase activity - a 20 - 30 minute walk will help get your bowels moving. Some supplementation - Magnesium (200 - 1000 mg at bedtime) will bring immediate results, and Probiotics (friendly bacteria) help finish the digestive process and speed elimination. Water - add 2 - 4 additional glasses of water a day to your diet (this is above the amount recommended for daily consumption - ½ your body weight in ounces). (The Herbal Pharmacist, Issue V)
Peter Glickman’s Raw Food Newsletter (11/26), lists the Detox Diet Continuum (sorted by the speed with which these diets will detoxify a person): 1. Water Fast (nothing but distilled water), 2. Master Cleanse, 3.Fruit Juice Fast (fresh fruit juices and distilled water), 4. Vegetable Juice Fast (nothing but fresh vegetable juices and distilled water), 5. 100% raw vegan diet, 6. 50% raw vegan diet and 50% cooked, non-processed vegan diet.
Inner Cleansing for Outer Beauty: In addition to hydrating the skin, water helps flush toxins out of the body. By limiting your toxic exposure (processed foods, hydrogenated fats, fried foods, sugars, food additives, etc.) and by increasing your consumption of water, fruits, and vegetables (especially raw), your body will begin to cleanse. You may note some temporary skin blemishes, but they will usually only last for a day or two. (“Love the Skin You’re In” by Michelle Cook, D.N.M. Well Being Journal, May/June 2007)
A quick list - Acid-Forming foods: Meat, Soda, and Dairy; Alkaline-Forming foods: Vegetables, Fruits, Soy (milk, tofu), Almonds, and Herbal Tea. (“Health Basic” by H.K. Jones, Energy Times, June 2007) Contact me for a more comprehensive listing - (919) 960-9580.
Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion and kill harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. Look for cold-pressed, unpasteurized and organic apple cider vinegar. (Well Being Journal, May/June 2007)
The pH of the body is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the body. An acidic pH is associated with many chronic illnesses, in fact, an acidic pH is a marker of the absence of health in the body. The food we eat can have a dramatic effect on pH (i.e., avoid refined foods, devitalized foods). Minerals are one of the most alkalinizing agents to the body. Refined salt has no minerals in it, while unrefined salt is loaded with minerals (perfectly balanced to the body). Choose Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Crystal Salt (contains 84 minerals essential to human life). (“The Difference Between Refined Salt and Unrefined Salt” by David Brownstein, M.D., Well Being Journal, May/June 2007)
A proper inner ecosystem is your body’s best defense against disease. Americans and other modern societies are suffering from higher rates of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colon polyps, and colo-rectal cancer every year. It’s imperative, and so easy, to create and maintain a healthy digestive system to achieve optimal health. The foods we eat can make or break that equation. (“Eliminating Candidiasis” by Susan Garth, Well Being Journal, July/August 2007, see www.candida-cure-recipes.com)
Top 10 reasons to go Organic (listed in order from the highest to lower levels of pesticide residues): Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Pears, Imported Grapes, and Spinach. (Energy Times, July/August 2007)
Just FYI, the foods lowest in pesticide residues are: Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn (frozen), Pineapple, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet Peas (frozen), Kiwi, Bananas, Cabbage. (PESTed News, Summer 2007)
Dehydration can lead to many problems, including fatigue, headaches, a decrease in mental alertness, heat exhaustion, and even death. Waiting until your mouth is dry is too late…it can take hours to re-hydrate. Drink half your body weight in ounces. Eat more fruit, especially melons. Think of fruit as “time-released water”. (The Herbal Pharmacist, Volume II, Issue III)
Feeling fatigued and achy while doing a whole body cleanse? These flu-like symptoms are a result of cleansing and detoxifying. Flush out the toxins quicker with drinking more water, consuming more fiber, and adding a probiotic to your daily regimen. If you are increasing your fiber, DO IT SLOWLY, and drink plenty of water. Adding too much fiber all at once can stress out your digestive system and lead to gas, bloating, and constipation. (The Herbal Pharmacist, Volume II, Issue IV)
The truth about Splenda: “Splenda is not sugar.… Although Sucralose is manufactured from sugar, processing transforms it into a chemical by replacing 3 atoms found in natural sugar with 3 atoms of chlorine (a known cancer-causing chemical). Choose stevia, agave nectar, or xylitol instead. (June 2006, Remedies)
To break foods into materials our bodies can use, we need three basic digestive enzyme groups: proteolytic enzymes (protease) which break down proteins; lipolytic enzymes (lipase) which break down fats; and amylolytic enzymes (amylase) which break down carbohydrates. These 3 enzymes require water to be activated, so you’ll want to take digestive enzymes with water just before, during, or after meals. (Healthy Awards, Fall 2007) Also see: www.enzymestuff.com
When to take your Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Take in divided doses to assure better absorption; Avoid taking with fluids; Take with a digestive enzyme containing lipase; keep away from fiber supplements and foods high in fiber (which may limit absorption. (The Herbal Pharmacist, Vol. II, Issue VI)
The simplest, most dramatic thing you can do for your health is: Simply to balance your acid and alkaline level. Almost all of the body’s functions require a slightly alkaline state. The older we get, the harder our bodies have to work to maintain the acid/alkaline balance. How to correct this? Cut down on meats, dairy, and starches, while eating more fresh vegetables [and fruits]. (Women’s Wellness Today, 1-800-829-5876)
“Digestive problems contribute to toxicity and inflammation. If you block acid production with antacids, you can’t properly digest food. The first step in resolving virtually any digestive problem is taking digestive enzymes and/or bitters. In addition, don’t eat on the run, stay away from processed foods and chemical food ingredients, eat fruit either 20 minutes before or 45 minutes after other food, rather than mixing it with meals or snacks, and don’t drink water or soda during a meal - consuming liquids with food may weaken digestive fires.” (Vera Tweed article in Better Nutrition, March 2007)
Decker Weiss, NMD (naturopathic cardiologist) recommends psyllium combined with herbs marshmallow, plantain, slippery elm or peppermint. Psyllium can be constipating, but the other ingredients listed contain soluble fibers that protect the lining of the intestinal tract and provide a more slippery surface to keep the intestinal contents moving along. Drink 12 oz. Of water with each tablespoon of psyllium to stay hydrated the rest of the day, as all fibers absorb water. (Vera Tweed article in Better Nutrition, March 2007)
Oat fiber (oatmeal or steel cut oats): the gel it forms within the digestive tract traps cholesterol-containing bile and carries it out of the body; it may also stabilize glucose levels (Lou‘s note: not to mention increased bulk in your bowel movements!). (Energy Times, Feb. 2007)
You can suppress the taste of sweet foods (carbohydrates) and consequently the desire to eat them with Gymnema tablets. This herbal product comes from a vine-like plant which grows in South India. It came to be known as “destroyer of sugar” because, in ancient times, Ayurvedic physicians observed that chewing a few leaves of Gymnema suppressed the taste of sugar.
Since the leading causes of hemorrhoids are related to bowel habits (constipation and diarrhea), we need to address fiber and water. Get your fiber from fruits and veggies (hydrated fiber). Add to your diet slowly -- too much fiber too quickly can add to gastric upset and more constipation! When adding other fibers (grains, nuts, seeds), adding water is critical. Your daily fiber intake should be up to 35 grams per day. Water helps soften your stool, easing bowel movements. Adding water supports digestion and elimination without use of harmful stimulants. Your water drinking goal should be ‘half your body weight in ounces of water’ per day! (The Herbal Pharmacist, Vol. III, Issue 1)
Occasional indigestion often responds well to activated charcoal tablets. (Energy Times, November/December 2007)
A client told me about Boiron’s product, Gasalia, for temporary relief of the bloating, pressure and pain associated with gas.
Remember to say grace. This is a Buddhist verse shared by Vietnamese Monk Thich Nhat Hanh: “This food is the gift of the whole universe - the earth, the sky, and much hard work. May we live in a way that makes us worthy to receive it.” (Natural Awakenings, Nov. 2007)
When you chew your food thoroughly, your saliva releases amylase, an enzyme that helps carbohydrates to be used immediately for fuel, rather than stored as fat. Chewing well also reduces the amount of air you swallow, which in turn diminishes bloating. (AARP Magazine, May & June 2008)To preserve muscle, eat salads! Diets rich in potassium appear to protect muscle. And fruits and veggies are a prime source of dietary potassium. Potassium-heavy diets, being alkaline, can buffer the acids (from protein and cereal grains) which breakdown muscle. (Science News, March 28, 2008)
Using supplements like fiber and magnesium can be a great help to avoid becoming constipated. When adding fiber, don’t forget your water. Too little water will constipate you further. (The Herbal Pharmacist, Vol. III, Issue II)
As High Fructose Corn Syrup sales figures have increased over the years, it is no coincidence that American waistlines have kept pace. The human body processes fructose differently than it does glucose. Glucose triggers the pancreas to release insulin, suppressing appetite. Fructose, however, is processed only in the liver, so no insulin is released. As a result, people are more likely to habitually overindulge. (Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 112, Number 14, October 2004)
The Great American Plague: BOWEL DISEASE - What causes 100% of Americans to end up with Bowel Disease? The vast majority of all colon disease and colon cancer is caused by constipation. The toxic waste in our colon, instead of being regularly eliminated once or more daily, just sits in our bellies for days. Slowly it starts to poison us (in many ways). But, what causes this constipation? The answer is simple: the typical average American lifestyle. Fast food, meat eating, obesity, junk food, and sugar/soft drinks. The average American stores from 10 - 12 pounds of fecal waste in their colon, which is NOT healthy. (Dr. Schulze’s brochure, March 2006)
AARP (Sept/Oct 2006) has an article called Live Longer Diet…No specific diet mentioned here, but rather some great information about “calorie restriction”(a JAMA published study). The author prefers to think of “caloric selection“, suggesting the importance of eating many antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, nuts and flaxseed. Free radicals can naturally be reduced when we take in less food. And, skipping a meal here and there (periodic fasting) is suggested. Five foods that can add years to your life are: spirulina; cranberries, blueberries, blackberries; leafy greens (kale/spinach); almonds and walnuts; flaxseed.
Decrease the chance of traveler’s diarrhea by using probiotics on a daily basis. Use a fiber supplement or magnesium, drink plenty of water, and consume charcoal capsules if the probiotic isn’t enough. Avoid refined foods and dairy! (The Herbal Pharmacist, Summer 2006)
Probiotics attach themselves to the intestinal wall and produce a mildly acidic environment that curbs the growth of harmful, disease-causing bacteria. Probiotics strengthen the immune system, neutralize toxins, normalize bowel movements, help alleviate allergies and skin problems, and may prevent yeast and other fungal infections. (The Doctor’s Prescription for Healthy Living)
“Nutritional Approaches for Acid Indigestion” is the title of an article from July’s New Life Journal. Indigestion is caused or aggravated by poor eating habits such as eating irregularly, too much or too rapidly, not chewing food enough, eating when anxious, or eating the wrong food combinations. There are many kitchen spices that are helpful in assisting the digestive system. Ginger is helpful to the stomach, intestines, and circulation. Caraway is excellent aid to digestion. Rosemary is useful for indigestion and gas. Organic apple cider vinegar (not pasteurized or filtered) contains many enzymes. It stimulates digestion if taken 5 minutes before meals. Miso (fermented soy) is a preliminary digestive aid since it contains a number of valuable bacteria.
Astonishing fact: The average U.S. consumer eats around 19 pounds of apples a year, or about one apple per week!! OMG! Remember fruits are cleansing for the body because they contain soluble and insoluble fibers. That’s why you need ‘an apple a day’!
How to Detoxify: Things you can do to stay cleaner on the inside include: not smoking, avoiding excessive medications, limiting alcohol consumption, eating organic foods, exercising regularly, fasting periodically, and using a whole body internal cleanse. (brochure from Nature’s Way Thisilyn Cleanse Internal Detox Formulas)
The body’s production of certain digestive enzymes slows down with age (proteases, lipases, and amylases). An autodigestive enzyme supplement would typically contain all of these. If you’re a healthy person with minor digestive problems, some research suggests that tablets, rather than capsules, may work best. (Remedies magazine, April 2006)
Taking your salivary pH: Most authors suggest that you take your pH first thing in the morning before you take a drink or eat anything, and before you exercise or brush your teeth. Look for a reading of 7.0 to 7.4 to start the day. If you are below 7.0, you are acidic, so put the juice of a half lemon in your first glass of water and eat more vegetables and fruits!
Where do you get the biggest bang for your organic-food buck? Fruits and vegetables. USDA data reported the highest pesticide residue in apples, nectarines, peaches, pears, and strawberries. BUY ORGANIC! (AARP magazine, May/June 2006)
“I believe weight gain is a result of accumulated toxins. It's been shown that the body protects itself from toxins that are too numerous for the liver to handle by putting them into fat cells. That's…why people who go back to eating the Standard American Diet… immediately regain any weight they lose on any diet…. The better your diet afterwards, the less weight you put back on.” (Peter Glickman, The Master Cleanse & Raw Food Newsletter, 9/4/06)
“…fasting [promotes] introspection which often results in heightened self awareness - …a new understanding which often helps a faster to develop new values and priorities….” Herbert Shelton, M.D., who treated more than 30,000 patients with fasting. (The Master Cleanse & Raw Food Newsletter, 6/5/06)
Summer or holiday potlucks coming up? Eat strategically! Variety can be dangerous -- the more there is, the more you want to try. Take full portions of the vegetable dishes and one forkful of everything else. Set an example with the dish you take -- go for quality rather than quantity. Get the best produce available and stick to delicious but simple recipes. (Natural Awakenings magazine, December 2005)
Most consumers are still new to the idea of probiotics, a key to inner body harmony. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria the body needs for digestion, nutrient assimilation, maintaining alkalinity and many other health processes. They synthesize certain vitamins and short-chain fatty acids to support a healthy intestinal lining that in turn deprives unwelcome microorganisms of both space and nutrients. (The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living, Vol.10, #5)
Who can benefit from Aloe Vera? Anybody taking painkillers ought to ingest aloe vera to help protect the lining of the stomach from the damaging effects of medications. Be sure to buy whole leaf juice concentrates with no water or sulfites added. (The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living, Vol.10, #5)
pH is the potential of Hydrogen scale (from 0 to 14). Neutral is 7.0. People who maintain slight alkalinity (above 7.0) live life to the fullest and have great energy. Saliva pH measurement is more accurate than blood pH levels. Test saliva twice daily (before eating) at the same time of day for a week with pH test paper. Yellow color = acid, green = neutral, blue = alkalinity. Drinking alkaline water will not raise pH. Correct pH imbalances by eating more vegetables and fruits. Alkalizing minerals are calcium, magnesium, and potassium. (The Healthy Plate, Jan. 2006 and The Doctor’s Prescription for Healthy Living, Volume 10, Number 1 www.healthywalk.org)
Wondering what “leaky gut syndrome” is? It is when the colon “allows undigested foods and bacterial enzymes to leak into the blood. Since the body is not used to processing this material, it calls forth an immune response. The resulting release of histamine aggravates the problem.” (Energy Times, Feb. 2006)
Choose healthy, natural, high-quality oils! For no-heat recipes, choose flaxseed oil or extra-virgin olive oil. For cooking, the best choice is extra-virgin olive oil or extra-virgin coconut oil or butter. (Great Life, Jan. 2006)
After a case of food poisoning, a bout of intestinal flu, an internal cleanse, a round of antibiotics, or even routine health tests (like a colonoscopy), you’ll want to restore beneficial bacteria to your digestive tract. Probiotics sold as a live culture are the gold standard, but they might only contain one or two live culture products. A dry capsule product can provide a mix of more different species - up to six or eight! Restocking your intestines with “good bugs” is necessary for balance to be restored. (Remedies, Feb. 2006)
How do I know if I need to cleanse? In a world where dietary choices are poor, environmental pollution is heavy, stress levels are high, and exercise is often a last priority, internal cleansing is more important than ever for optimum health. Without preventative maintenance, our cars begin to perform poorly, eventually breaking down. And so it is with the human body. Internal cleansing and detoxification is maintenance and insurance all rolled into one! (4Total Health, Issue #2, 2004)
Digestive troubles? Take control of the things you can (before you take a pill):1) Are you chewing? The mouth pre-digests the food for your stomach. 2) What are you eating? Whole foods and fiber supports healthy digestion; 3) Excess intake of sugary foods? Creates an ideal environment for unfriendly yeasts, bacteria, and parasites to grow & thrive; 4) Still drinking with meals? Drink no more than 4 oz. of water with a meal. More will dilute your digestive juices. Focus on drinking only between meals; 5) Natural digestive aids include freshly ground pepper, parsley, and radishes; 6) Lubricate your intestines and strengthen your immune system by adding flaxseed oil to your diet; 7) Ginger stimulates digestion and destroys intestinal parasites. (The Healthy Plate, Dec. 2005)
Strategies for Healthy Digestion: Eat Slowly - Savor your food; Eat Well - Lots of fiber & Organic; Drink plenty of water - half your body weight in ounces; Avoid Stress - stress affects assimilation of your food; Get Enough Exercise - at least 30 minutes 3 times a week; Supplement Your Diet - digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber are important additions. (Source Naturals brochure)
Fiber has emerged as the superstar of the nutritional world. Studies have shown it can detoxify the colon of carcinogenic substances, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer, decrease serum cholesterol, suppress the appetite, lower blood sugar, reduce weight, alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, prevent diverticulitis, and promote regularity. Fiber also nourishes the good bacteria that inhabit a healthy gastrointestinal tract and plays a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. (Vitamin Research News, August 2004)
Ten Best Cleansing Foods: They include fiber and antioxidants. Choose organic, of course! 1. Small Red Beans (dried); 2. Wild Blueberries; 3. Red Kidney Beans; 4. Pinto Beans; 5. Blueberries (cultivated); 6. Cranberries; 7. Artichokes (cooked); 8. Blackberries; 9. Prunes; and 10. Raspberries. (Essential Cleansing, Vol. 1; this magazine is available free at EarthFare in the health & herbs department)
Some of the greatest healers of all time recommend internal cleansing before embarking on any type of health building program in order to attain optimum results. Educate yourself on the benefits of internal cleansing and how it can increase energy levels. (Nutritional Newsletter from Nature’s Secret)
Enzymes turn the food we eat into energy and unlock this energy for use in the body. Three primary groups of enzymes: metabolic, digestive, and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes run your body. Digestive enzymes digest your food. Our bodies naturally produce both digestive and metabolic enzymes. Food enzymes are naturally present in all raw foods. Everyone is born with a certain “enzyme potential” which represents the limited number of enzymes that our bodies can produce in a lifetime. To bolster our body’s natural enzyme potential, we need to eat enzyme-rich raw foods and supplement our diet with plant enzymes. (Transformation Enzyme Corporation brochure) Plant enzymes are able to survive a broader range of pH differences and provide a wider range of activity throughout the gastrointestinal tract. (Ask The Doctor brochure, also see www.ATDonline.org)
Digestive enzymes or friendly bacteria, promote intestinal health, as long as they’re in balance in your digestive tract. Residing in the small intestine, Lactobacillus acidophilus slows the growth of harmful bacteria, while strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. longum inhibit the colonization of the large intestine by pathogens. Try yogurt and/or probiotic supplements to get these friendly bacteria. (The Healthy Plate, July 2005)
Probiotics, Additionally, probiotic bacteria need to be ingested regularly for their health-promoting effects to persist. (Ask The Doctor brochure) are produced in the pancreas and the lining of the intestines, but the amounts diminish as we age! Three primary categories of enzymes: amylase, protease, and lipase - assist with digestion by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively. Follow directions for proper use, as some products are designed for use with meals and others are best taken before or after meals. (GreatLife, July 2005)
Spinach recently beat out asparagus and broccoli as American’s favorite vegetable. Spinach is packed with antioxidants, including lutein, folate, manganese, and iron. Because oxalic acid increases when you cook spinach, sauté it only briefly. Then sprinkle with a little lemon juice to improve mineral absorption. (The Healthy Plate, July 2005)
If you’re looking for a juicy burger without wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy, taro burgers could be just the thing for you. They are low-fat, all natural, and have a tasty, satisfying texture. The purple taro contains the same healthful antioxidant that gives red wine its rich color. Popular in Hawaii, on cruise ships, and at select markets and natural food stores across the mainland. (Great Life, June 2005)
Five Steps to Better Digestion: 1. Chew slowly; saliva is loaded with amylase, a starch-digesting enzyme; 2. Avoid antacids; most people have insufficient stomach acid, and a digestive enzyme might be more helpful; 3. Don’t drink while eating; fluids can dilute stomach acid and all the digestive enzymes; 4. Eat in a relaxed environment, sitting down; you need to be calm and relaxed for the digestive juices to kick in optimally; and 5. Vary your diet, include high-fiber fruits and vegetables, whole grains, as well as protein and healthy fats. (GreatLife, July 2005)
Websites of Note:
Directions for using a Castor Oil pack (search for 'castor oil pack') are at: http://www.youtube.com/user/edgarcaycetv
An interview with me (video taken by Triangle Vitamins at corner of Hwys. 54 and 751) can be viewed by searching for Lou Umscheid or ColonHealthCenter at www.YouTube.com
You can find much helpful information at www.dherbs.com, like under the product called Full Body Detox. “Detoxifying our bodies answers our body’s prayer for us to give it an internal shower and tune-up. We are conscious about cleaning our external body, but not the internal body.” The ‘internal shower’, of course, refers to a colonic, which supports the herbal cleanse product you choose!
www.EatRight.org sponsored by the American Dietetic Association gives nutrition information.
www.nutraingredients-usa.com has interesting articles on topics such as: Gut Health, Weight Management, Soy-based Ingredients, Fiber and Carbohydrates, Probiotics & Prebiotics, etc. . Their by-line Is “Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition”.
www.soystache.com has a list of 88 raw food restaurants nationwide (by state), plus the largest quantity of articles regarding raw food and vegan eating you’ve ever seen! (Extraordinary Health, Volume 6)
Speaking of restaurant lists, reviews, recipes, and articles, you might also want to visit www.happycow.net to see their compassionate eating guide.
www.TheEndofOvereating.com is the website for a book by the same title by David A. Kessler, MD. It is subtitled “Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite“. It is a book that explains why we eat more than we need to and what we can do to stop the vicious and unhealthy cycle of overeating. It will change the way you think about food, forever.
All the symptoms of Syndrome X (which is characterized by the inability to budge one's metabolism) are associated with hyper-acidity. This has been caused primarily by consuming junk food and non-organic food, eating chemicals, as well as an overall focus on a "root (potato products), seed (bread products), muscle (meat, chicken), glue-like (pasteurized dairy) diet." The "root, seed, muscle, glue diet" lacks certain key foods that create alkalinity (or more specifically) an acid-alkaline balance. The alkaline-forming, organic, raw foods that can be added immediately to balance out this type of diet include vegetables, [green] superfoods, herbs, seaweeds, sprouts, grasses (wheatgrass). See www.sunfood.com for more informationI just read about a free public service website: www.HealingFoodReference.com It empowers consumers to prevent and reverse degenerative diseases with detailed natural health benefits of hundreds of foods and herbs. It cross-references food and herb nutrients and the part they play in supporting body organs and systems with the specific health conditions that each helps address. You’ll want to ’bookmark’ this one! (Natural Awakenings, Dec. 2006)
A marvelous and funny video by the Organic Trade Association about organic food done as “Store Wars”….a must-see for kids and YOU, too. www.storewars.org/flash/index.html
Water is critical to your health. For more information and research on the various types of drinking water, log on to www.bottledwaterweb.com, www.bottledwater.org, www.bottledwaterblues.com, and/or www.nrdc.org/water/drinking
I talk a lot about the water you drink….check out this clearly written and comprehensive website if you still wonder which water system you should use (it touts the Berkey system): www.911water.com
To find great digestion and detox articles/tips, spend some time at www.EnergyEffect.com. There is also information about Dr. Michelle S. Cook‘s The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan.Her book shows you how to reduce your exposure to the more than 70,000 toxic chemicals dumped into food and the environment, and guides you to eliminate them from your body.
Check out this website a client told me about: www.beyondhealth.com. Books by Raymond Francis: Never Be Sick Again and Never Be Fat Again. “Health is a choice. Every choice we make from the time we get up until the time we go to bed affects our health. Those people who are willing to work and provide for their health will discover that, with even a modest amount of education and effort, it is possible to make better choices. Such deliberate and informed choices will empower people to get well, stay well, and reduce or even eliminate the need for most medications.”
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics, and effectiveness in research. Some great articles to be found at their website: www.pcrm.org
A client told me about a website called www.drbenkim.com. Find categories such as natural health remedies, healthy eating, easy healthy recipes, and much more! Things sold there are raw, organic chocolate nibs and powder, and super green food mixture.
A client recently told me about the Martha’s Vineyard Diet/Detox program where you lose 21 pounds in 21 days….no chewing, all liquid drinks (greens, protein, vegetables) and inner cleanse capsules. If you go to the Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat, you would combine all this drinking with colonics, coffee enemas, manual lymph drainage, body wraps, meditation, etc. www.mvdietdetox.com
It’s not too late to locate a CSA close to you for a “share” of an organic farm’s seasonal harvest! Visit www.growingsmallfarms.org or www.localharvest.org
Ever wondered where you can get an enema bag? Drug Stores don’t seem to carry them any longer!! Try going to www.enemabag.com , or www.enemakit.com. These two sites are good sources for enema expertise, enema equipment, and articles.
Many of you ask me about coffee enemas. Most importantly, be sure to use organic coffee for your enemas. No need to add concentrated toxins to your body when you’re trying to detox! Buy coffee roasted specifically for enema use at www.optimalhealthnetwork.com or www.sawilsons.com. Find instructions and interesting related articles about Dr. Max Gerson and Dr. Donald Kelly (both doctors advise coffee enemas for liver detoxification) at the www.sawilsons.com website.
Want to receive access to your own online personal trainer (certified) and a proven nutrition and fitness system for reaching your goals? Check out the program and take a tour at www.changingshape.com (as recommended by Fitness magazine).
Looking for a website with wholesome and yummy recipes??? Take a look at this one, and think about signing up for their newsletter! This school is in NYC, but is affordable, with classes about once a month, so it could be the springboard to a new career for you! www.integrativenutrition.com
A client told me about the Six Week Body Makeover System. In checking out how it works (I don’t watch the infomercials), a website called www.dietbites.com gave a review and summarized by saying it “may be an effective mode of achieving weight loss”. Success was reported by many dieters. But the great news here is that there is this website that reviews ALL those diets out there, plus recipes, tips, charts, articles. Check it out!
It is reported that about 95 million Americans suffer from some kind of digestive disorder. Americans spend more than $100 billion dollars annually on digestive health care! This is over three times as much as is spent annually on weight loss (about $33 billion dollars). (Excerpted from a website selling Organic Coconut Oil, and filled with additional information about digestive health, called www.tropicaltraditions.com.
Visit Dr. Lindsey Duncan, N.D.’s website at www.genesistoday.com to find two great pages under the heading: health tools. One page is titled “Acid/Alkaline Dietary Tips“, and the other is called “12 Golden Rules”. (The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living, Vol.10, #4)
Check out Ask the Doctor, featuring Decker Weiss, NMD, at www.ATDonline.org for great information about multiple topics. I looked up two: Safe, Natural, Effective Cleansing (detoxification topic) and Fiber and Health (with information about a chewable fiber tablet). But, you can look up many more! (Ask the Doctor flyer)
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide with an estimated 80% of cases attributable to diet. Regular eaters of processed or red meat are up to 50% more likely to develop colon cancer than individuals who avoid these foods altogether. Recent research examined what it is about red meat consumption that increases colorectal cancer risk. Individuals on a high red meat diet (15 ounces) had significantly higher colon levels of N-nitrosocompounds -- compounds that can alter DNA and increase the risk of developing colon cancer. A better diet is to eat high fiber with your high meat diet; the best diet is to choose a vegetarian diet. The Cancer Project is a collaborative effort of physicians, researchers, and nutritionists who have joined together to educate individuals, families, and the public on the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival. Sign up for their “recipe of the week” (all vegetarian) and/or for their quarterly e-mail edition newsletter at www.cancerproject.org. Their Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Class Series is outstanding and free! It is often presented at NC locations!
Several Cancer information websites have come to my attention recently: www.canhelp.com is one where you can read about Madeleen Herreshoff’s visits to several alternative clinics in CA and Mexico. At www.cancerdecisions.com, there is a free Newsletter and Cancer Treatment Tips. Although cancer is not “my topic”, this information might be helpful to some of my clients and/or their families.
The DASH diet involves eating more fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat dairy. Having more fruits and vegetables in your diet is a hallmark of the DASH diet. Their Top 10 Dash Diet Tips can be very helpful! www.dashdiet.org
At Nourishing Wellness medical center, Dr. Allen Peters and his wife, Jeanne, preach the gospel of healthy eating habits. Some of the foods they recommend for optimal health and energy efficiency are: leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, whole grains, legumes, berries, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, avocados and olives, eggs, kefir, and poultry. Choose organic whenever possible. Go look at www.nourishingwellness.com (Energy Times, October 2007)
Just for fun (but serious!) - Mouths are refusing to eat unless fed real food! (a short video) www.mouthrevolution.com
3 Shortcuts to Detox (that you can do every day!) -- Get the Sugar Out, Eat Nourishing Foods, and Cleanse Naturally. See www.informedbeauty.com for more information about Total Transformation retreats ( in the Outer Banks of NC) and full body detoxing. (Kat James article, Better Nutrition, March 2007)
A client recently told me about the Wholefood Farmacy. Their mission is to supply healthy, convenient, whole food based meals & snacks, non-toxic personal care items, a website dedicated to "self-care", and to educate the public regarding a preventative based lifestyle. Check out PhiPlus and DetoxPhi products at this website: www.wholefoodfarmacy.com
www.gluten.net is the website for the Gluten Intolerance Group. Contains health information and publications, like: Restaurant Dining: 7 Tips on Staying Gluten Free. A gluten-free resource guide was published in Better Nutrition, March 2007.
It’s the artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, dairy, and meat that causes weight gain. They are all treated as toxins by the body. The body tries to neutralize and eliminate toxins. When it has more to eliminate than the body can handle, it stores the toxins in fat cells to protect the rest of the cells. (Peter Glickman, Master Cleanse newsletter Jan. 7, 2007 www.therawfoodsite.com)
Remember, staying away from your medical doctor and your local hospital may be your best way to prevent disease. If you also create a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy food program, do seasonal natural detoxification and cleansing of your elimination organs, get regular exercise, and develop a positive mental attitude, well, this is your best insurance program to not only prevent disease, but to also create powerful health. (Quote from Dr. Richard Schulze’s newsletter, www.herbdoc.com)
Take a peek at www.detoxreviews.com, the official ranking site for detox products. Since herbal and dietary supplements cannot be patented and no double-blind studies are normally conducted on them, this group of reviewers examines the quality and combination of ingredients (crucial in formulating an effective product) and user feedback (the true testament of how well a product works).
At www.chooseyourdiet.com , an expert nutritionist reviews over 100 different diets. The most popular diet is the High Fiber Diet. An eating plan high in fiber can go a long way in preventing disease, promoting weight loss and improving health. High-fiber foods include: beans, bran cereals, peas, oat bran, peanuts, raspberries, wheat bran, whole grain bread and whole-wheat pasta. In addition to filling up on high-fiber foods, plan to eliminate processed foods such as pasta, bread, and rice from your daily eating. Also found another site called www.dietsinreview.com which is basically the same.
For great information about colon hydrotherapy, visit the UK website of The Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists at www.colonic-association.com Their by-line is Colon Hydrotherapy A Healthy Move!
Juicing tip: soak the vegetables in water for 5 minutes before juicing. Additional information about juicing, sprouting, rebounding, and distilling, visit www.healthnutalternatives.com(Energy Times, March 2008)
www.rawfoodfocus.com - products, news, articles, recipes
www.healthfree.com - raw food and Dr. John Christopher
www.presentmoment.com - herbs and books, Andreas Moritz’s Kidney cleanse “tea”.
www.hippocratesinst.org – The Hippocrates Institute
www.wigmore.org – The Ann Wigmore Institute
www.drclark.net - The Hulda Clark organization; cleanses and clean-www.optimumhealth.org – The Optimum Health Institute
www.creativehealthinstitute.us – Creative Health Institute
www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com - Metal-X is a unique, clinically tested chelator that safely removes toxic heavy metals. It is comprised of Humifulvate, a natural compound found in peat from Lake Balaton in Hungary.
www.cleansingyourcolon.com information about cleanses, the toxic environment in the colon, and links to other helpful sites.
A
Edgar Cayce said it long ago…eat locally grown foods as much as possible. Now, there’s a challenge to do just that…called the 100-mile diet. Why try to be green or ecologically minded if the produce you choose to eat is shopped 1,500 to 2,500 miles across the country/world??? An article called “Eating Local: There’s No Plate Like Home” can be found at http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_1463.cfm
A
www.cspinet.org is the website for the Center for Science in the Public Interest…Click on the Nutrition Action Health Letter (with lots of archived articles), read the article on “Foods You Should Never Eat!” and “Super Foods for Better Health!”