Tag Archive for: detox

Day 3 of My Detox

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Day 3 of my detox has been another new experience. The headaches have subsided, except for one very brief one. However, my tongue was heavily coated and white. It was quite disgusting and now I wish I had taken a photo of it.

The hunger wasn’t a problem at all but, I was sick of drinking the same thing. I realized I’m such a variety girl. I don’t do well eating or drinking the same foods over and over.  I love all juices but was losing my desire for these quickly. I made it through each of them deciding to pass on the final Mean Green juice. I skipped it and went to the almond Mylk which is the final drink of each day! It’s a wonderful blend of dates, almonds, vanilla and sea salt.

I decided to retire early as I knew when I would awaken that I could break the fast if I chose to.  Sleep and rest is so important during a fast. This is when the body and mind rebuild and repair. Unfortunately, I was wide awake and actually almost wired. It was as if I had drank caffeine! One theory is that fasting can create abnormal adrenaline secretion that can also cause insomnia.

Another concern with people detoxing is that they will spend the day in the bathroom. By day three the colon was moving more than in the previous two days but nothing that would impact my normal routine. When there isn’t much going in, there isn’t much coming out…besides liquids!

Day 4 wasn’t much different than the previous three. I wasn’t really that hungry so I added a half scoop of plant protein to my Mean Green juice. It was a whole lot more appealing this way!

So bottom-line, I would definitely do this cleanse again. If you have an organic juice bar in your town, take advantage of the convenience.  It was so easy having the juices pre-made and a detailed guide of what I needed to drink and when.

My positive results: 1) I was unable to eat as much as I had been when I returned to a whole food diet. 2) I lost about six pounds and 3) eliminated sugar cravings and 4) experienced a great sense of accomplishment in taking control of my eating habits!

Are you ready to drop the weight and lose the sugar cravings? Let me know as I’d love to help.

Exhausted Woman's head on desk

What are the Signs of Adrenal Fatigue?

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What are the signs of adrenal fatigue and what can you do? Take the quiz and find out. Learn if you are just tired or if you truly may have adrenal fatigue.

I was in Phase 3 adrenal fatigue a few years ago and it was debilitating. I ignored most of the symptoms because it creeps in overtime to the point where you don’t even recognize how bad you really feel. Phase 3 is an advanced phase and can be dangerous if ignored. I would break down and cry for no reason, leaving work daily by 2 pm as I could no longer function mentally or physically.  The thought of making the bed or taking a shower could feel overwhelming and exhausting. 

Conventional medicine uses the term adrenal insufficiency and WebMD explains it here. Holistic medicine uses the term adrenal fatigue. Whatever label you use, it can be serious and you need to seek professional help. When the body isn’t producing sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone, that creates the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue. The condition is usually put in one of three categories under different names. To simplify, the labels (one, two, or three) are referring to mild, moderate, and/or severe conditions. I was in a severe category.

With any chronic health issue, you should always seek the help of a professional to test your cortisol, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Adrenal fatigue must be approached from an emotional perspective first as habits need to change. Adrenal fatigue seems to be predominant with more driven, control junkies or people pleasers. It is very common in caretakers which could be a special-needs child or an elderly parent. 

Care options

Conventional medicine only uses steroids to treat adrenal insufficiency.  The holistic community uses whole clean foods, detox, stress management, and supplementation. I’ve outlined the program that worked for me as steroids were not an option for me.  However, each of us is unique so seek the help of a qualified professional. It is highly beneficial to seek the help of someone who has experienced it.   

Take the Quiz

Answer the following questions and see if you have symptoms associated with adrenal stress.

  1. Do you wake up exhausted after sleeping 6-8 hours or more?
  2. Do you find it hard to stay asleep?
  3. Do you go to bed exhausted only to feel wired again and unable to sleep?
  4. Is your blood pressure dropping on occasion?
  5. Have you noticed more hair loss?
  6. Are your nails weak or thin?
  7. Do you feel wiped out in the afternoons?
  8. Do you crave salt?
  9. Do you have muscle weakness?
  10. Are you emotionally sensitive?
  11. Are you or were you under a high amount of constant stress?
  12. Do you feel dizzy, especially when getting up from lying down?
  13. Are you gaining or losing weight for no apparent reason?
  14. Do everyday tasks seem overwhelming?
  15. Are you sensitive to bright lights?
  16. Lack of interest or enthusiasm or feeling is withdrawn for what typically brings you joy?

Results and Next Steps

If you checked more than eight of the fifteen, it’s a good idea to seek help and testing with an integrative doctor or Naturopath. If you would like to learn more, request our free guide called Top 3 Tips to Overcome Adrenal Stress to begin your path to balance your body and regain your energy. Or if you are looking for the best diet, foods, and supplements for adrenal fatigue, check out our Best Foods & Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue Guide.  I wrote these guides from my personal experience and recovery. I understand what you are going through and it’s not easy. 

If you have any questions, please reach out anytime as we are here to listen and help. You can connect with those who have been where you are. Please comment below and let me know how you scored on your quiz. 

Health Issues and Heavy Metals

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Health Issues and Heavy Metals

The presence of toxic metals and chemicals can potentially present serious health issues. A major concern today is that a large number of babies are born with high levels of toxic metals due to toxicity in the mothers. A review of over 400 medical studies by the US Environmental Protection Agency revealed that hair tissue mineral analysis is a beneficial test to detect toxic metals.

Toxic metals can cause hundreds of symptoms and contribute to many serious health conditions. There are no safe levels of toxic metals and reducing the presence of toxic metals is a primary goal of your nutritional balancing protocol.

Utilize Testing to Determine Levels of Heavy Metals

We utilize Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis to detect quantitatively the levels of toxic metals and chemicals in the body. This test does not provide levels of toxic chemicals such as pesticides and solvents. Hair tissue mineral analysis only detects metals present in the hair tissue. No test can detect all toxic metals as some are hidden deep within the tissues and organs. The unique value of hair mineral tissue analysis is not so much to detect toxic metals but to guide the balancing of body chemistry to assure their safe and swift removal. By using the seven methods, the metals will be removed without the need for synthetic chelators.

Toxic metals are often layered deep within body tissues. The recommended diet, supplementation, lifestyle, and detoxification program will slowly release layer after layer. Hidden metals will often be revealed on future mineral tests as they are eliminated through the hair, skin, and other eliminatory routes.

Most common Heavy Metals
The most common heavy metals and what we test for include:

  • lead
  • mercury
  • cadmium
  • arsenic
  • aluminum

In reference to the six steps to rebalancing the body, there are additional methods that I have found are effective. Infrared saunas can be extremely beneficial for heavy metal detoxification. Saunas are often more effective for heavy metal detox vacation than steam baths, hot tubs, or tub baths, by stimulating the skin, the largest organ of detoxification. They can also help enhance circulation and oxygenation of the body. The best times for using them are first thing in the morning or last in the evening before bedtime.

Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • shortness of breath
  • tingling in your hands and feet
  • chills
  • weakness

Balancing the Body 
Balancing the body requires time. In many cases, vital minerals have been replaced in the body tissues with toxic metals. These toxic metals are often bound in the tissues and may not show up in your initial hair tissue mineral analysis. The process of correct healing and rebuilding of body chemistry may require many months or even years depending on your condition at the beginning of the program. It is a well-known fact that it often takes six months to replenish one mineral, such as iron (reserves) in an individual with iron deficiency anemia. Additional factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, and medications can all impact mineral levels and ratios which impact the rate of improvement and healing.

Six Steps to Rebalance the Body

Six different methods are used simultaneously within a dietary supplement and lifestyle program to assist in the reduction of toxic metals. These are

    1. Improve your energy level
    2. Provide support for the organs of elimination
    3. Reducing exposure
    4. Supplements with the heavy metal antagonist
    5. Supplement with natural heavy-metal chelators
    6. Recommend other natural detoxification methods

Healing and Retracing
Healing reactions are symptoms that accompany changes in body chemistry as deep healing occurs. Retracing is the process where the body goes back and revisits chronic conditions in order to heal them completely. These may include sites of infections or injuries. An inflammatory process may occur for a few days or less.

Most people experience half a dozen or more low-grade chronic infections of which they are not aware. These may flare up or become more painful as the healing process proceeds. Common sites are the eyes, ears, throat, sinuses, bladder, and intestines. These types of symptoms will usually pass within a few days with supportive measures such as additional rest and sleep. Also, be sure to contact your healthcare provider as they may have you temporarily stop your detox supplement protocol.

How Toxic Metals are Eliminated
When a heavy metal elimination occurs, toxic metals are first moved from storage tissues into the bloodstream. They are then sent to the liver, kidneys, bowel, and skin for removal from the body. During the time the toxic metals are present in the blood, you may experience symptoms such as a headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea constipation, or stomach pain.

These reactions are normal and part of the deep healing of the body. They usually pass within a day or two. It is best to temporarily stop your nutritional supplement protocol and rest more during this time. As always, drink plenty of purified water as well.

How to Get Started?

If you are ready to determine if you have heavy metals call, email, or text us to learn what the first steps are to testing. This will vary by individual depending on where you are at on your wellness journey. We’d love to help wherever you need us.

Personal Care Products that could be Harming Your Family

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As I was cleaning out cabinets, I decided to glance over the ingredient list of some hair care products that I used to use. To be honest, it scared me. I used to put these on my body and didn’t think about the impact to my skin, lungs or other vital organs!

Think about the personal care products that you and your family use on a daily basis…lotions, shampoo, conditioner, soap, sanitizer, nail polish, baby soaps, make up, perfumes/colognes, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent.  EWG.org (Environmental Working Group) concluded in a study that on average people use 9 personal care products daily and applied an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily. That’s a lot of chemicals!

Do you feel safe knowing that the government does not require long term safety studies or pre-market testing for most ingredients in personal care products? According to the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, “a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from the FDA.” The cosmetic industry is authorized to police it’s own ingredient safety and many of these ingredients have the potential to harm humans and animals. The FDA panel has only banned 11 ingredients while the European Union has taken action on hundreds of toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

Your skin is your largest organ and is porous, so whatever you put on it will be absorbed within moments of application. And what about your lungs? You are inhaling the chemicals as well, even if you aren’t applying them to your skin.  If the products you use contain harmful ingredients such as harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances, those ingredients make their way into your body, your blood and lymphatic system. The majority of mainstream personal care products contain carcinogenic chemicals, allergens, endocrine disruptors or xenoestrogens, irritants and can cause harm to your reproductive system. It is easy to see why it is so important to be diligent to watch what is in the products that you are using.

So what ingredients should you avoid? There are countless toxic ingredients in the products that we use on a daily basis and so it is important to do your research and always look at the ingredient list in everything that you buy. A few ingredients to avoid are fragrance, perfume, substances that generate formaldehyde (nearly 1 in 5 cosmetic products contains a substance that generates cancer causing formaldehyde–see list below), mineral oil and petroleum, parabens, ethanolmines (DEA, MEA, TEA), benzones, triclosan, heavy metals such as cadmium, aluminum, mercury, lead, and arsenic, phthalates, and styrene. This list unfortunately is not all-inclusive. Plus these chemicals are xenoestrogens which can disrupt our hormone balance and health.

You can easily switch over to safe products by accessing easy to use Apps and websites like ThinkDirty, EWG’s Skin Deep, and the Good Guide which will rate your personal care products for safety and toxicity. Always read the ingredient label and do not be fooled by labels such as natural and even partial organic products can contain harmful ingredients. I especially avoid parfum or fragrances as I will have an immediate reaction to these. Use products with the MADE SAFE® seal. Also, support hair and nail salons that offer safer and more natural products. I ask lots of questions before making an appointment and conduct my own research on their product lines. Knowing which companies test on animals is a top priority as well. Check out the company’s testing practices on sites such a PETA.org to find which do and do not test.

Avoid these ingredients/chemicals as they contains a formaldehyde-releasing chemical:

  • DMDM hydantoin
  • Imidazolidinyl urea
  • Diazolidinyl urea
  • Quaternium-15
  • Bronopol (2–bromo–2–nitropropane–1,3-diol )
  • 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
  • Hydroxymethylglycinate

For your safety, schedule time to review and clean out the harmful products that you are using and replace them with safe nontoxic options! I’d love to chat more about healthier options, set up your call here!

Liquid Soap, Harmless or Hazardous?

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Not too long ago while visiting a relative’s house, I began to wash my hands with the liquid soap provided in the attractive dispenser. After being taken a back by the strong perfume smell, and I tried to re-wash to remove the overpowering smell to no avail. Finally with the use of some vinegar, I was able to eliminate the strong perfume smell. Next, I found the actual container to determine the ingredient list and was horrified!

Consider how many times per day you are using this to “clean” you hands but in fact you could be adding more toxins to your body and environment. This moment reinforced the need to be vigilant no matter where I am, to read labels and know what I am putting on or in my body. The number of toxic ingredients that are added to something so innocent as a soap product is killing our fish & wildlife and adding hazardous toxins into our body. Below is a list of just a few of the ingredients in this brand of liquid soap along with the toxicity concern courtesy of the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org).

HIGH CONCERN – Can include, but is not limited to: Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) acute aquatic toxicity, skin irritation/allergies/damage, damage to DNA.

  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), also referred to as MCI, is a preservative with antibacterial and anti-fungal effects within the group of isothiazolinones. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
  • Methylisothiazolinone, MIT, or MI, (sometimes erroneously called methylisothiazoline), is a powerful synthetic biocide and preservative within the group of isothiazolinones, which is used in numerous personal care products and a wide range of industrial applications.
  • DMDM Hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative with the trade name Glydant. DMDM hydantoin is an organic compound belonging to a class of compounds known as hydantoins.
  • Sodium Hydroxide is a strongly alkaline white deliquescent compound used in many industrial processes, e.g., the manufacture of soap and paper.

MODERATE CONCERN – Some potential for hazards to health or the environment. Can include, but not limited to: Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions, Contamination concerns.

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (commonly known as SLS) is a widely used and inexpensive chemical found in many mainstream personal hygiene products such as shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes, bodywash, soaps, detergents and body wash , along with Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS).
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) Is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. CAPB is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products.
  • Polyquaternium-7 is a synthetic polymer based on quaternary ammonium compounds.
  • Tetrasodium EDTA is a water-soluble ingredient used as a chelating agent in cosmetics and personal care products because of its ability to sequester metal ions and allow them to remain in formulas but lose their ability to react with other ingredients.
  • PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of natural Methylglucoseand Oleic Acid. It is used in beauty products and cosmetics as a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used as a thickener in hair and skin care products.
  • Poloxamer 124 (P1168) is a surfactant and emulsifying agent… In cosmetic and personal care product formulations, it functions as a surfactant – emulsifying agent and surfactant – solubilizing agent. It can be used in soaps and cleansers. It is soluble in water.
  • Benzophenone-4 is a white sweet-smelling crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of organic compounds and in perfume.

SOME CONCERN – Can include, but not limited to: skin irritation/allergies/damage, acute aquatic toxicity, nervous system effects, respiratory effects, biodegradation.

  • Fragrance (Parfum) a substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell.

This is just one example of a typical household product. Despite the known dangers associated with many of the ingredients in personal care products and cleaning products, some manufacturers continue to use them. Many household products carry health risks for not only you, but also your children, pets, wildlife or the environment. Reading labels can go a long way in helping protect your family.

 

My 3-day Cleanse Journey – Day 2

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Day 1 is done! So where do you think I struggled most? I caught myself in my daily habit of getting up from my desk to grab a snack. I realized that when I feel stressed, overwhelmed or anxious, I distract myself with a snack. Most of you know I am not grabbing a candy bar or cookie (we eat predominantly whole, clean) but, eating when your body doesn’t need food is not healthy! So how did I cope knowing that I couldn’t grab a snack? I decided to try some deep breathing and downloaded a meditation app. I believe this is a new healthy habit that I will incorporate long after the cleanse.

As far as detox symptoms, I dropped a couple pounds (toxins!) and had a few minor headaches throughout the day as well. My tongue has the usual thick white coating which is a sure sign of detoxing. But overall, I had great clarity and focus. My overall sense of well-being has improved. Less anxious. More calm.

My sugar cravings have subsided much faster than I imagined as well. The dark chocolate bar stashed in my freezer is no longer calling me!

The biggest benefit was not having to think about what we are having for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Then you have prep time, cook time and cleanup, so time savings was an unexpected positive benefit.

I was also blessed that my husband joined me, so the temptations were not there. If I had to prepare a meal for someone else, I’m sure it would have been a bit more challenging. If you have children heading to summer camp or, your hubby is traveling, this would be a great time to try a cleanse/fast.

I’m not sure I can say it was easy but, it wasn’t that hard. When you are drinking juice every 2 hours from 7am to 7pm, it helps you focus on that task. I rewarded myself at the end of the day with an organic bubble bath and some lavender essential oil. Sending a positive message to the brain is important when tackling something new or a bit more challenging then the norm.

 

My 3-day Cleanse Journey

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It’s day one of my 3-day cleanse which started with a 2.5-mile walk on July 4th. What a perfect day to celebrate freedom from toxins! Instead of focusing on what I won’t be eating, I’m focusing on the benefits such as mental clarity, focus, and increased energy.

I prepared my body by eliminating meat and increased my consumption of fresh, raw organic fruits and vegetables. If you consume alcohol, caffeine, or dairy on a regular basis, I  would eliminate these products a few days before as well. Except for an occasional (organic) ice cream, I swore off these vices years ago. However, with dark chocolate, I still have issues!

I typically make my own juices but due to time constraints and the fact I sold my juicer a few years back (in lieu of a Vitamix), I purchased the organic juices from a local company called Sunshine Juice. I’m not being paid to endorse their products, I just wanted to share my experience with others. Their cleanse consists of seven juices per day which you consume every two hours.

It’s been several years since my husband and I fasted. He is a great support as he offered to join me…with modifications (as he tossed the pound of grass-fed beef back in the freezer). His modified liquid diet will consist of using our favorite plant-based powder, Juice Plus Complete, with almond milk. We’ve used the shakes for several years (love them) and this is what I will transition to prior to starting back on whole food.

I remember how much fun with had with it last time as we started to get a little slap-happy around the second and third day. Watching television wasn’t a good idea as we realized almost every commercial promoted food! Even though most of it isn’t stuff we would ever eat, it all started to look good. We decided that reading was our best bet and I spent lots of time in prayer and meditation.

For me, this isn’t about weight loss, although I put on a few extra pounds over the winter. Cleansing is more for the emotional and spiritual aspects of my life. Spending time with my creator without distractions is my ultimate goal.

Natural Health Care and Detox

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You are probably already aware that toxins are virtually everywhere. They are found in foods, in the environment, in our personal care products, in our cooking tools, and much, much more.

You might even know some of the ins and outs of avoiding toxin intake. Things like…

  • Eating whole foods
  • Eating organic, non-GMO, or locally grown clean (pesticide/herbicide-free) foods
  • Skipping processed/packaged foods
  • Switching from conventional chemical-based cleaning & personal care products to natural
  • Using EMF protection with your electronics like Q-Link

… are just a few basic ways to avoid toxins. There are lots of toxins that are more difficult to avoid, like toxins in the air and soil. Plus, even when you do your best to avoid toxins there can even be a buildup of existing toxins within your body that need to be cleared. If you want a personalized look at your body’s toxin load as well as a look at where you stand nutritionally I strongly recommend having Hair Tissue Mineral Testing done.

A Hair Tissue Mineral Test is a screening test for the level of 21 minerals and toxic metals in a sample of hair. It is a tissue mineral biopsy that is non-invasive, and extremely accurate.

Regular detoxification of the body is essential to prevent toxic overload and enjoy optimal wellness.

Detoxification is an already natural process for the body. Our feces, urine, lungs, and skin (sweat) are great examples of how the body already unloads much of the useless or harmful substances that enter our body.

To aid in the detoxification natural process you can try any number of the following tips & ideas:

LEMONADE DIET RECIPE 

Lemons are great for weight-loss and detox from many ailments including the flu. I’ve used this recipe for years anytime I feel I need to detox or feel I’m starting to catch something I didn’t want.

(1 SERVING) From: http://www.thelemonadesite.com

* 1/2 lemon or 2 tbsp of lemon juice
* 1-2 tbsp of pure grade B maple syrup (1tbsp recommended for weight loss)
* 1/10 tsp cayenne pepper (red) or to taste
* 8 oz of purified water

Lemon juice has beneficial properties that aid in cleansing, detoxifying, and healing the body. The rinds have powerful detox properties as well which are quite different. Lemon essential oil is extracted from the rind and is great for sore throats.

Hydrate to help your body flush out the bad!

Be sure you are drinking enough water! Without water, the body can’t flush and without flushing, toxins won’t leave the body.

Wondering how much is enough water? Take your body weight and divide it by 2, that is how many ounces of water you need each day. So a 150 lb person/2 = 75 oz of water needed a day  or 9 glasses a day. Remember liquids from clean sources of broth, herbal (noncaffeine) teas, juice from fruit, etc. all count too. Peppermint or spearmint herbal tea are two of my favorites.

Jump in the tub!

Detox baths are great anytime but especially during periods of compromised health or when you aren’t feeling your best. Here’s a great recipe using simple ingredients.

ULTIMATE DETOX BATH

Recipe from: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/11/the-ultimate-detox-bath.html

  • 2 cups Epsom Salt (or Sea Salt) – draws out toxins from your body while relieving aches and pains
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar – soothes and softens dry, itchy skin while balancing the bodies and neutralizing the bodies pH.
  • 1/2 cup Bentonite Clay  – stimulates the lymphatic system to deeply cleanse the body’s largest breathing organ, the skin.
  • 5-10 drops of your favorite Essential Oil – lavender, geranium, sandalwood, and blue tansy are all known for their detoxifying properties.

Run your bath water as hot as you like. Add your “ingredients” and agitate to dissolve. Soak for 20-40 minutes. Drink a full glass of water when you’re finished.

However, if you don’t have bentonite clay, you can use it without it. I like to switch ingredients, one night it’s ACV, and the next use Epsom salts. What are your favorite detox bath ingredients?