SPRING RENEWAL

SPRING RENEWAL ~ A simple approach to detoxing your body

 

Did you know the body is designed to heal itself? In order for your body to achieve and maintain optimum health you have to remove the barriers within, which are keeping the body from functioning properly. Detoxifying the body is like removing corrosion from battery cables or cleaning your car engine.  Detoxifying can help protect you from disease and give your body the ability to maintain optimum health. Detoxification is about resting, cleaning and nourishing the body from the inside out.  A good detox program will eliminate and remove toxins while providing your body with healthy nutrients  

Detoxification removes impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. Many believe detoxification works because it addresses the needs of individual cells in the body. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and skin. A detox program can help the body’s own “cleaning process”  by stimulating the liver to remove toxins, assisting elimination of toxins through the intestines, kidneys and skin, improving circulation of the blood, resting the organs from needing to eliminate processed foods, and by providing the body with healthy nutrients.

Today we deal with more toxins in our environment than ever before. If you are having unexplained symptoms of fatigue, allergies, low-grade infections, mental confusion, irritated skin conditions or a distended stomach then a detox may well be for you.  Most people should try to detox at least once a year

There are many detox programs out there, depending on individual needs. A good detox should last about 10 days. It took awhile for your body to get in the condition it is in. It will take time for the body to cleanse and begin the healing process. Based upon your needs, you may choose to stay on this program for up to 21 days. Some people choose a version of this as their way of eating on a daily basis.

 

A great way to start you detox is with a 2 to 3 day juice fast.

1. During the detox process, eliminate all animal protein and dairy products. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats. . Fried and sugary foods, and the 3 Ps: processed, prepared and packaged food since they tend to be full of Trans fats, sugar and food additives. If you find ingredients that you can’t read or pronounce don’t buy it and definitely don’t eat. These act as toxins in the body and are road blocks to your healing process. Choose fresh foods that come in Nature’s packaging: fruit and veggies.

2. Eat 75% fruits and veggies ~ raw if possible. This may sound hard but it really is not. Have a green smoothie or fresh juice or fruit for breakfast. If you feel you need protein add a small hand full of nuts to your morning meal. Lunch can be a huge salad, nori rolls with avocadoes, lettuce boats filled with veggies, whole grain tortilla rolls with tons of veggies and beans.

3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Smaller Meals~ Small, simple meals eaten more frequently throughout the day not only help ease the burden on your digestive system, they also balance blood sugar levels.

 

5. Use herbs to give your body a boost.~Milk thistle is a proven liver-regenerator and detoxifier, dandelion and uva ursi are well-established kidney-restoring herbs sea buckthorn extract powder helps heal the lungs and flaxseeds help eliminate toxic material from the intestines. I highly recommend Mountain Rose Herb (see link on the right of this post) for quality and freshness. 

6. Take a Warm Bath ~ Add a cup of Dead sea salts and baking soda to your bath (1/2 cup of each). Both alkalize the water to help neutralize acidic toxins. Epsom salts help your body to absorb magnesium–a mineral some experts estimate is deficient in 80 percent of people. Magnesium neutralizes acidic toxins, relaxes muscles and is required by hundreds of functions. Relax for 20 minutes or more. I have herbal bath therapies that contain herbs that help with a detox but if you do not have these you use a simple Epsom & baking soda bath will do. 

7. Drink your water ~ Water flushes out the toxins from the body. For a really great detoxifying drink, add the fresh juice of one lemon to a large glass of water first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and drink it either warm or room temperature. Lemons help alkalize your body chemistry, contain more than 20 anti-cancer compounds and help cleanse your liver, kidneys and colon. Drink at least 2 quarts a day of water during your cleanse.

8. Eat your beans ~ Add 1/2 cup of cooked legumes (beans) to your diet daily to boost your fiber and nutrient intake and balance your blood sugar levels-one of the keys to balanced energy and weight.

 9. Snack ~ Snacking throughout the day helps with weight loss, energy and balancing moods. Just make healthy choices. Here are some quick and simple ideas: a handful of raw, unsalted almonds, almond butter on celery sticks, nori rolls with avocado (vegetarian sushi), a veggie and sprout wrap, or maybe a berry smoothie with rice or almond milk.

 

10. Move ~ Exercise improves circulation, which brings fresh, oxygenated blood to your organs and tissues, thereby revitalizing them. Try to get in 30 minutes to an hour every day." Walking and yoga are great. Also try Qigong, a martial-arts based exercise system that includes exercises specifically for detoxifying or cleansing, as well as many other exercises with specific health benefits.

 

11. Do a dry body brush daily ~A dry skin brush is inexpensive, and to brush your whole body can take as little as 10 minutes. You will be stimulating your lymphatic system as you brush, which is a very important detox system.

These simple detox steps can help you heal, nurture and care for your body.

GOOD EATS ~ Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Good health and organic living starts with what you put in your body. Removing processed, pre packaged food is the first step. Then start adding in all the good stuff ~  fresh fruits and veggies, in a rainbow of colors; high quality oils;  and fresh herbs are at the top of my list.

 Right now I am eating about 75% raw. Breakfast and lunch are almost, always raw. Dinner consist of half veggies, one quarter carbs and one quarter protein. This helps cleanse toxins out of your body and supply your cells with pure energy. When you eat like this you just feel lighter and healthier.  Nothing processed or pre packaged allowed ~ just real, whole foods.

Salads are a great way to up your raw veggie intake. I am not talking about more than the iceburg lettuce and tomato salads. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a nice normal salad. But let’s be honest, that can get a little boring.  Some of my favorite salads do not even have lettuce in them!  I love coming up with different ways to play with flavors and textures.

 Try this Fresh Tomato Salad to kick start your health. It is one of our summer time favorites. You don’t have to be eating raw to enjoy great tasting salads. You make this salad; heat up the grill; and let the salad set while your seafood or chicken (organic of course!) is cooking.

To impress place on a big beautiful platter to let all the colors and textures stand out

 

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

 4 large heirloom beefsteak tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges

2 large cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut in 1/4-inch thick slices

1 jar pitted kalamata olives, drained and halved

1 small jar capers, drained

 1 small jar green olives, drained and halved

 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons fresh basil thinly sliced

3 tablespoons Italian red wine vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

 Directions

 In a large salad bowl place the tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, red onion, and basil.

In a small non-reactive bowl whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until the salt have dissolved. Add the oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking until completely incorporated. Pour dressing over salad and toss to thoroughly combine. Let salad sit for 10 minutes for flavors to mingle, then serve.

The salad ingredients may be prepared up to several hours in advance and refrigerated, undressed and covered with plastic wrap, until ready to serve. Add dressing and toss to combine just before serving.

HOMEMADE VITAMIN FRUIT WATERS ~ 

Water does a body good. Pure, real water provides great health benefits including:

Overall hydration

Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells

Moisturizes the air in lungs

Helps with metabolism

Protects our vital organ

Helps our organs to absorb nutrients bettee

Regulates body temperature

Detoxifies

Protects and moisturizes our joints

Then we have the commercial "Vitamin Waters" that through smart marketing, gives an illusion of a healthy, hydrating drink. The truth is these are nothing more than sugar water. One of the labels on Glaceau ( the makers of Vitamin Water, Smart Water and Fruit Water)
Tells the story.

Nutrition Facts:Serving Size 8 fl oz; Servings per Container 2.5
Calories 50
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 0mg
Total Carbohydrate 13g
Total Sugar 13g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 60%; vitamin B3 10%; vitamin B6 10%; vitamin B12 10%; vitamin B5 10%, Zinc 10%
Ingredients:
vapor distilled/deionized water, crystalline fructose, citric acid, vegetable juice (color), natural flavor, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), natural flavor, vitamin E acetate, magnesium lactate (elecrolyte), calcium lactate (electrolyte), zinc picolinate, monopotassium phosphate (electrolyte), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), cyanocobalamine (B12)

Each bottle is not one serving but 2.3 servings. That means one bottle of Vitamin Water contain 125 calories and 33 grams of sugar. that is more than a 12 oz can of Coke. Yes they use some vitamins but the vitamins do not override the sugar and calorie content. Drinks with sugar in them dehydrate the body.

There is a healthier choice. Make your own Vitamin Fruit Waters. They are simple and delicious. Here are 10 homemade vitamin water recipes. Make the waters up the night before and let set in the refrigerator over night. Most of these are good for 24 to 48 hours. Just choose one that sounds good and give it a try.. It is all about the water intake should drink one a day ( you can do more if you want)





 1)Spa Water ~ Cucumber & Herbs - Mix 10 cups of water, 1 cucumber & 1 lemon, thinly sliced add 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf & 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves.

2)Spring Blitz ~ Berry, Lime & Mint - Mix 10 cups of water, 7 strawberries / 0r Raspberries and one thinly sliced lime add 12 finely chopped fresh mint leaves.

3)Good Digestion: ~Fennel & Citrus - Infuse 3/4 teaspoon of dried crushed fennel in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Let set to room temperature. Mix 10 cups of water, the juice of one lemon juice, a small thinly sliced orange, 12 fresh chopped mint leaves and add the infusion of fennel seeds.

4)Antioxidant ~ Blackberry & Sage – Mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of blackberries that have been slightly crushed and 4 sage leaves.

5) Summer Time ~ Watermelon & Rosemary - Mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of watermelon cut into cubes add 2 fresh rosemary stems.

6)Tropical Dreams ~ Pineapple & Mint – Mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes add 12 finely chopped mint leaves.

7) Apple Delight ~ Apple & Cinnamon – Mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of apple cut into cubes, whole 2 cinnamon sticks add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

8.)Spicy Ginger ~: Ginger & Green Tea – Make 2 cups of green tea add 1 teaspoon of ginger. Let cool. Mix 10 cups of water with the 2 cups of ginger and green tea, add a 3 inch slice of fresh ginger cut into cube

9) Citrus Sunrise – Citrus Fruit – Mix 10 cups of cold water, 3 Oranges, 2 Lemons, 1 Lime & 1 Ruby Red Grapefruit and 2 Springs of Thyme. ( From a follower !)

10) Immunity ~ Mix 10 cups of cold water Sage, Thyme, Orange & Lemon ~ 3 Oranges, 2 Lemons, 2 sprigs of sage, 2 springs of Thyme.

DIY Air Freshener ~

Ingredients:

Distilled water
1 Tbs. Baking soda
2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour the baking soda into a small dish and add the drops of essential oils (if adding). Mix well with a spoon.

2. Pour baking soda into the empty spray bottle and fill it to the top with water. Shake well to mix the baking soda and water. You can use this to freshen the air in a room. You can also use it on carpets, couches, shoes, etc.

 Here are some of the ingredients you will find in store bought air-fresheners_

 Acetaldehyde: This is a known carcinogen that has reproductive and development effects, immune system toxin, and irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Fragrance: One of the most generalize terms that can contain up to 400 ingredients, most of which have a long list of health concerns from depression to headaches to skin irritations and beyond.

Propylene Glycol: Another known carcinogen, propylene glycol is toxic to the immune system, is linked to allergies, accumulates in the body and irritates the skin, eyes, and lungs.

1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol: A cancer causing toxin.

Limonene: An allergen, immune system toxin, and irritant to the eyes, skin, and lungs.

Methyl pyrrolidone: Reproductive system toxin linked to birth defects, allergies, immune system toxicity, and skin, eyes, and lung irritation.

Alcohol, denatured: In this form it is linked to cancer, birth defects, organ system toxicity, and skin, eyes, and lung irritation.

Butylphenyl methylpropional: An allergen, irritant, and immune system toxin.

Ethyl acetate: This is a neurotoxin which is also linked to developmental and reproductive issues.

Benzaldehyde: Also a neurotoxin and skin, lung, and eye irritator

HERBAL ALLIES ~ Parsley for Acne

 

Parsely is a great anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herb. When my children were teens and suffering with acne I made a Parsley Facial Toner for them. It worked like magic. Here is my recipe.

Chop up 1/2 cup of fresh parsley. Put in a medium bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the parsley. Let set until cool. Strain and add 1/4 cup of Witch Hazel to the parsley water. Put in bottle and store in fridge. To use put on a cotton ball and dap on face 2 to 3 times a day

The Ultimate Detoxing Bath ~

 

I just finished making a batch of our Tub Therapy Salts for next weeks farmers market. While crafting the herbal blend I begin thinking about the bath itself. I realized many people may be using inferior products and/or not taking the bath correctly. Here are a few tips to get a truly detoxifying bath.

1. Look for bath salts that contain 100% organic ingredients

2. The salts should be a good combination of Dead Sea Salts, Himalayan Salts, Sea Salts & Epsom.

3.The blend should also contain a purifying clay. We use bentonite due to its ability to pull toxins from the body.

4. Only therapeutic grade essential oils should be used.

5. When taking your bath use tepid to warm water. Water that is too hot can actually constrict your pores and you will not benefit from the detox or minerals.

6. You should soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

7. Drink a full glass of purified water after your bath.

8. Rest. You may feel very tired but the next day you should be refreshed and ready to go

go.

PLEASE PICK THE DANDELIONS ~ FOR YOUR HEALTH! 

 

 

 

Did you know the lowely Dandelion is a powerhouse of nutriton? According to the USDA Bulletin #8, "Composition of Foods" (Haytowitz and Matthews 1984), dandelions rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. Minnich, in "Gardening for Better Nutrition" ranks them, out of all vegetables, including grains, seeds and greens, as tied for 9th best. According to these data, dandelions are nature's richest green vegetable source of beta-carotene, from which Vitamin A is created, and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver! They also are particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein. You can use the flower & leaf portion in salads, saute in olivie oil or make a dandelion infused vinegar. In addition to being a nutritional powerhouse dandelions are a very useful herb. Try this delicious and healthy recipe

 

Dandelion Greens & Onions

 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dandelion greens
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 whole small dried hot chile pepper, seeds removed, crushed
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Discard dandelion green roots; wash greens well in salted water. Cut leaves into 2-inch pieces. Cook greens uncovered in small amount of salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Sauté onion, garlic, and chile pepper in oil. Drain greens; add to onion garlic mixture. Taste dandelion greens and season with salt and pepper. Serve dandelion greens with grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe for dandelion greens serves 4.