Western Dining

When you eat the typical Western diet, emphasizing heavy animal proteins and processed foods, you create acidity that adds to your health woes. Even worse, eating these foods regularly can increase the levels of toxins in your body, while causing significant wear and tear on other systems, particularly digestion. This way of eating is sometimes referred to as the Standard American Diet (SAD). According to many well-documented studies, the SAD produces a chronic low-grade, overly acidic state in the body. By understanding the impact your diet has on your overall health in terms of pH (acid/alkaline) balance, it becomes clear that an alkalizing diet can offer numerous benefits for long-term wellness and vitality.

The Meaning Of pH

You may have heard the term pH and been puzzled about its meaning. pH refers to the “potential of hydrogen.” Hydrogen ions contribute acidity to tissues and organs, such as the contribution of hydrochloric acid to the high acidity of stomach secretions. The scale used to measure pH is a logarithmic scale, which means that there is a tenfold difference between each number — ranging from 1 to 14. The lower numbers (1-6.99) represent the acid (or H+ donating) range and the higher numbers (7.01-14) represent the alkaline (or H+ accepting) range. Neutral is 7.0. Some body systems such as the blood (7.35-7.45) are more strictly regulated in terms of acidity/alkalinity than others. Urine has a broader pH range, from 4.5-8.0, which makes it an ideal body fluid for keeping track of adjustments and changes in pH.

Acid/Alkaline Levels In The Body

A nourishing diet is one of the single most important factors in health and healing. The body works hard to maintain specific acid/alkaline levels in its various organs, tissues and fluids. The very controlled range of pH balance found within different systems of the body includes:

• Blood: 7.35-7.45 pH
• Muscle: 6.1 pH
• Liver: 6.9 pH
• Gastric juice: 1.2-3.0 pH
• Saliva: 6.35-6.85 pH
• Urine: 4.5-8.0 pH
• Pancreatic juice: 7.8-8.0 pH

Many of our key systems and organs including the kidneys, lungs, bones and others have homeostatic mechanisms in place to respond to pH changes and readjust alkaline/acid levels as needed. A chronically acidic state can tax these homeostatic mechanisms, contributing to a number of chronic degenerative conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, osteoporosis, kidney disease, cardiac and circulatory issues, muscle wasting, and many others. For example, bone is called upon repeatedly to contribute calcium to the blood to help buffer an overly acidic environment. This process demineralizes the skeleton because the alkaline minerals calcium and magnesium are continuously removed from the bone to help reduce acidity. Increased calcium excretion from bone can also increase the risk of kidney stones.

Factors That Affect pH Levels

The foods you eat are one of the primary influences on the body’s pH. The right modifications toward a more alkaline diet can positively influence pH values within various systems of the body. Most fruits, for example, are acid-forming, with the exception of a few such as lemons and limes. Lemons and limes certainly have acidic properties, but are actually alkalizing once digested, which is why these fruits are so highly recommended during a seasonal cleanse or detoxification program.

Test Your pH Levels

There are various schools of thought on testing the body’s pH. Some clinicians advise testing urine, others advise testing saliva. pH paper or test strips are widely available at your local pharmacy or online, so you can experiment with both body fluids to see for yourself what the correlations are for your system. A fasting urine sample gives the most accurate reading. However, a first-morning urine may be overly acidic due to the retention of urine in the bladder for an extended period of time. Second-morning urine, prior to breakfast, can give a good baseline.

It is also important to note that any one reading has limited value, being just one data point. Since you are looking for a pattern, you should check your urine several times throughout the day and record your results over time. Two hours after a meal is a good time to test to see how your dietary intake has impacted your pH. Studies have shown that urine pH can show modifications in as little as two hours after a meal. Your goal is to be in the green or slightly alkaline range, which should be fairly easily accomplished by consuming a diet high in green leafy vegetables (alkalinizing foods) and lower in proteins and carbohydrates (acidifying foods).

Alkalinizing The Urine Increases Toxin Excretion

An added benefit of alkalinizing has been demonstrated in ongoing studies that show an enhanced detoxification effect with urine alkalization. In the Western medical setting, intravenous sodium bicarbonate (alkaline) is used to treat cases of acute drug poisoning. Other studies have shown that alkaline urine enhances the excretion of a number of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, and inhibits the reabsorption by the kidney of xenobiotics (hormone-mimicking chemicals).

It makes sense that adopting a dietary lifestyle of ongoing alkalization can encourage small quantities of toxins to be removed from our bodies on a daily basis. We know that cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli, kale, cauliflower, collards and Brussels sprouts) have powerful compounds that aid the liver in its Phase I and Phase II detoxification processes and alkalinize the urine. Alkalinizing the urine while following a seasonal fall cleanse is a perfect adjunctive combination for safely excreting toxins. One of my favorite recommendations within this approach is to use a lemon olive oil drink, which has an alkalizing effect and also stimulates the liver and gall bladder to discharge toxins.

Another recommendation is a supplement called PectaSol Chelation Complex, which combines modified citrus pectin and modified alginates (derived from kelp). This safe and gentle formula has been clinically researched and shown to assist the body in eliminating harmful, acid-forming toxins and heavy metals, without removing essential alkalizing minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

The Best Way To Alkalinize

The safest and most natural way to increase your alkalinity is to balance your diet. Some advocates of alkalinizing tend to make proteins and carbohydrates into the “bad guys.” This is an extreme view that doesn’t acknowledge the importance of these types of foods for normal metabolism, immune system support, muscle repair and building, ongoing detoxification, and energy metabolism.

However, the carbohydrate category in the Western diet tends to be highly processed, lacking nutritional value and containing chemical additives. Similarly, the protein category in the Western diet tends to be overused with large portions of commercial animal proteins. An excellent alternative is to consume organic nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates, along with smaller portions of organic and grass-fed animal protein sources and high quality plant protein sources, which are less acidic than their over-processed, commercial counterparts. These substitutions are not problematic in terms of alkalization; however, they do need to be balanced with frequent abundant portions of fresh organic alkalizing foods — mainly vegetables. You can ensure you’re achieving an alkalinizing balance by testing your pH levels regularly.

Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits high in alkalinizing minerals, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. Foods that provide excellent sources of potassium include red potatoes, avocado, Brussels sprouts and many others. Green leafy vegetables have high magnesium content; and broccoli, sea veggies, collards, chard and other greens are rich in calcium.

An alkalinizing mineral broth can be easily made by combining potatoes, celery, parsley, green beans, zucchini, beet tops, kale, onions and seaweed in a full pot of water; simmering for an hour or two; and pouring off the liquid for use. This makes a wonderful, mineral-rich liquid for a seasonal cleanse. Other alkalinizing food sources include liquid chlorophyll, green powder supplements which can be added to smoothies, soups or warm water, or the highly alkaline umeboshi plum paste made from a sour plum commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Since gastrointestinal function can become compromised when the body reaches an overly acidic state, I also recommend my all-natural digestive supplement, called Integrative Digestive Formula, which contains a blend of digestive enzymes, herbs and minerals. This formula can help to alleviate digestive discomfort such as heartburn and nausea, while improving overall digestive function and nutrient absorption.

By making these relatively simple yet important changes in your diet, you will quickly feel the benefits of increased alkalization like reduced inflammatory symptoms and improved energy. For more diet recommendations and tips for a successful seasonal cleanse, visit www.dreliaz.org.

For sinuses, springtime may be the cruelest months as a profusion of airborne plant allergens cause uncomfortable and energy-robbing symptoms for many people. While chronic sinus problems may not seem like a serious health threat, they can indicate imbalances in other systems such as digestion and immunity. Sinus infections may also cause symptoms like chronic headaches, abdominal pain and menstrual problems. There is only a thin plate of bone between the sinuses and the brain, so sinus infections can also negatively affect the brain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this is known as a “phlegm condition,” resulting in mental fog.

Test Yourself

Chronic sinusitis is most effectively addressed using safe and natural remedies, since antibiotics provide only temporary, partial relief. It’s actually very easy to tell if you are suffering from an ongoing hidden sinus infection by performing a simple screening test: Push your three middle fingers into your maxillary sinuses (just under the bone under your eyes) or frontal sinuses (in your forehead). If you feel pressure, keep applying the same pressure and wait. If the pressure increases over time, you may have chronic sinusitis.

Natural Solutions

The holistic treatment of chronic sinusitis requires a dynamic approach that addresses allergies, the digestive system, dental health, immune support, circulation and drainage. Key components include gentle detoxification, herbs and botanicals, diet, acupuncture, nutrients, and homeopathic remedies. These natural therapies can offer long-term support for sinuses while improving overall health in the process.

The Link Between Allergies And Digestion

It may seem like a stretch to link allergies with digestion, but they are very closely connected.

One common source of allergies is intestinal inflammation which allows large molecules to pass through the gut wall, entering the circulation. When the immune system identifies these foreign molecules, an immune attack is launched. This allergic reaction initiates an inflammatory process that can significantly affect the sinuses. Two dietary sources known to cause sinus congestion and allergies in many people are dairy products and gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt and kamut). By avoiding these two food groups, allergy-prone individuals can find significant relief from acute and chronic sinus problems.

Circulation And Drainage

Promoting healthy circulation helps to drain the sinuses and relieve chronic inflammation. Effective therapies that help promote circulation and drainage of the sinuses include:

• Infrared sauna: An infrared sauna gives off therapeutic infrared heat that can be absorbed by the body, promoting circulation in the sinuses.

• Neural therapy: For more severe sinus conditions, I often use neural therapy in my clinical practice that involves injecting the tonsils and sinuses with homeopathic remedies and an anesthetic. From my experience as a holistic medical doctor, it is apparent that many emotions are stored in the sinuses. My patients often report a major release of grief, sadness and trauma in conjunction with sinus drainage.

• Cranialsacral therapy: Cranialsacral therapy can help improve sinus conditions by creating more space between the cranial bones, promoting normal drainage and relieving sinus pressure.

• Neti pot: Irrigating the sinuses with a traditional Ayurvedic neti pot is a simple way to promote drainage. A 5 percent salt solution may be used, or tea tree oil may be added to the water. Another option is to add powdered extracts of Hydrastis canadensis, Berberis vulgaris or Berberis aquifolium. These herbs contain berberine, a plant alkaloid with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. For complete instructions on safe use of a Neti pot, go here.

Supplements And Herbs

A variety of herbs and supplements can be useful in reducing allergic reactions, decreasing inflammation, boosting immunity and helping to thin and expel mucous in chronic sinusitis.

• A highly researched Tibetan Herbal Formula has been shown effective in sinusitis by regulating inflammation and enhancing the immune response.

• Medicinal mushrooms, particularly reishi and cordyceps, support immunity, digestion and circulation and help reduce inflammation. I recommend a formula that includes these and other species of medicinal mushrooms grown on a blend of immunity-enhancing herbs for extra support.

• Honokiol, a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis bark, offers powerful anti-inflammation and immune support, along with additional critical health benefits.

• Vitamin C has antihistamine, anti-inflammation and immunity-boosting properties.

• Zinc is a nutrient that is necessary for optimal immune function; a deficiency can impair immunity and increase inflammation.

• Quercetin and hesperidin are plant flavonoids that inhibit inflammation-producing enzymes and reduce the release of histamine from immune cells.

• Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps thin and expel mucous. Clinical trials have shown that bromelain helps reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa in acute sinusitis patients.

• Jin Yin Hua and Lian Qiao are two Chinese herbal combinations that can reduce inflammation and increase immune response.

Breathe Easy

Chronic sinusitis is a painful condition that is often not treated comprehensively by conventional medicine. With strategic, integrative medical approaches, however, chronic sinusitis can be successfully addressed for long-term relief. By understanding the underlying causes and developing a holistic treatment plan that uses various integrative therapies, chronic and acute sinusitis can be cleared effectively and overall health can be improved safely and naturally.

For more practical information on all-natural remedies, visit http://www.dreliaz.org/.

Regular Meditation

Over the years, published research has demonstrated that the practice of regular meditation can increase brain density, boost connections between neurons, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, provide clarity of thought and increase positive mood endorphins. Other published studies have shown meditation can improve physical functioning, decrease chronic disease risks and enhance overall quality of life. These studies demonstrate that regular meditation effectively supports mental, emotional and physical health in numerous tangible ways. In building upon this strong body of evidence, researchers are continuing to deepen our understanding of the profound and inspirational benefits offered by regular meditation practice in everyday life.

UCLA Researchers Uncover Brain Benefits Of Meditation

Most recently, neuroscientists at UCLA have shown another fascinating neural effect of regular meditation: the ability to increase “cortical gyrification” of the brain. Cortical gyrification refers to the folding of the cerebral cortex, a function that allows the brain to process information faster. The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of neural tissue in the brain and serves an important role in controlling memory, consciousness, thought processing, decision making, attention and awareness. During cortical gyrification, the tissues of the cerebral cortex fold, creating indented fissures and creases called sulci and gyri, which increase neural processing and neurotransmitter communication. Increased gyrification enhances the brain’s capacity for computing information, maintaining focus and attention, creating and retrieving memory, processing logic, forming decisions, and performing other mental tasks.

The neuroscientists at UCLA compared meditators who possessed various levels of experience and frequency of practice to people who never meditated. Among the meditators, they found significant increases in cortical folding across a wide area of the brain responsible for numerous functions beyond rapid information processing and retrieval. Additional areas of the brain that are shown to be markedly affected by meditation involve emotional and mental health capacities, ability to control emotions, heightened awareness, introspection, and more. This finding supports some of the more noticeable results of regular meditation: increased compassion for self and others, enhanced self-awareness and introspection, and greater emotional stability.

Researchers also found significant increases in cortical gyrification among more experienced practitioners. In other words, the longer a person had been practicing regular meditation, the greater the beneficial changes in his brain.

Long-Term Health

As a holistic physician and meditation practitioner with more than 25 years of experience, I have always believed strongly in the mental and emotional benefits of regular mindful meditation practice. And the physical payoffs are equally impressive. We all know that reducing stress can dramatically improve health on a number of levels. Regular mindful meditation has been shown to protect against and reverse DNA (telomere) damage, boost immune function, reduce cardiovascular disease risks, decrease inflammation, improve outcomes in cancer, reduce side effects of conventional treatment, increase vital energy and expand physical capacity.

As regular meditation practice becomes better understood and more widely practiced, more and more doctors and health practitioners are recommending these ancient disciplines to their patients. If you’re a health provider, meditation can help you become a better healer and clinician, increasing your diagnostic and therapeutic skills significantly and allowing you to connect in more meaningful ways with your patients and community. And if you are looking for some extra healing energy to improve your own health, regular meditation can provide a powerful solution.

As evidenced by this UCLA study, meditation is most effective when practiced regularly. Even just 10 minutes a day can offer significant and noticeable benefits over a short period of time. 

Tips For Getting Started

While there are countless styles of meditation practice, one of the most profound is the ancient Tibetan practice of Shamatha meditation. Shamatha is Sanskrit for “calm abiding.” This form of meditation is intended to help people access a natural state of tranquility and clarity. The technique involves focusing the breath on a specific object and letting go of all other thoughts, as attention is consistently trained on the process of breathing.

Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit, and pick a small object such as a rock to place on the ground in front of you. Focus your eyes and your breathing on the rock. As thoughts inevitably arise, simply acknowledge and then release them, letting them slip away with each out-breath. When your mind wanders off, gently bring your attention back to your breathing and the rock, visualizing each inhalation and exhalation going to and from the rock.

Meditation And Healing Retreat

I frequently teach meditation techniques to health practitioners, patients and the general public, to help expand people’s understandings of these simple yet profound practices. With a strong focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy and practice, these in-depth meditation workshop retreats are approved for 28.5 CEUs for acupuncturists in California and nationwide. For more information about these events, visit www.dreliaz.org/events.

Exponential Benefits

As you become more practiced at meditation, you will likely notice significant improvements in your energy, health and mental/emotional balance. You may find that as distractions and obscurities are peeled away during mindful meditation practice, the space between thoughts becomes greater and more profound. As we slowly turn down the constant chatter of our minds, we can begin to access deeper aspects of consciousness for growth and healing. This peeling process can make room for your true inner nature of love, compassion, peace and tranquility to arise and expand naturally, benefiting yourself and those around you exponentially.

To me, one of the most beautiful and profound aspects of meditation is that this process of growth and unfolding (as well as cortical folding) can continue throughout our lives. After all, we can never have too much love, compassion and clarity.

Dangerous Sugar

Various lifestyle factors can contribute to dangerous blood sugar levels. Predominant causes include a diet high in refined sugars, processed foods and simple carbohydrates; excess levels of toxins in the body; ongoing use of specific pharmaceutical drugs; chronic stress or sleep deprivation; and other imbalances. Consider that the number of type 2 diabetes cases that are diagnosed each year continues to break records. This steady climb in new cases is particularly disturbing among teenagers and children, since type 2 diabetes among this vulnerable population was almost unheard of before the 21st century.

It’s clear from these troubling statistics that our society faces a skyrocketing epidemic linked to modern lifestyles and environments. The good news: Metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes can be successfully avoided or addressed using the right natural approaches.

Early Diagnosis Possible With The A1C Test

Early detection plays a critical role in preventing and reversing serious metabolic health issues and related chronic conditions. The sooner that blood glucose abnormalities are detected, the easier it is to correct them. A simple and accurate way to test long-term blood sugar imbalance is the A1C blood test. Precise and informational, an A1C test can detect chronically elevated blood glucose levels that are often missed with the standard fasting blood glucose test which reads only current blood sugar levels.

The A1C is unique: It shows where blood sugar levels have been during the past two to three months, providing an accurate picture of blood glucose over time.

An international committee of experts from the American Diabetes Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the International Diabetes Federation, recommends that the A1C test be the primary test used to diagnose pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Clinically, however, doctors have been using the A1C only for diabetic patients or for patients they think already have diabetes.

But this simple test could save many more lives if it were included as part of routine screening exams.

As a practicing integrative physician, I’ve observed that merely taking one isolated reading using the standard fasting blood sugar test does not give an accurate determination of how an individual is handling blood sugar over the long term. As a result, doctor and patient may fail to detect harmful blood sugar trends early on, opening the door to serious chronic conditions down the road.

A1C Test Details

The A1C test is also called the hemoglobin A1C test or HgA1C. Hemoglobin is a protein found within red blood cells that retains a record of blood sugar levels. When blood glucose reacts with hemoglobin, the hemoglobin becomes glycated and remains in that state. During the 120 days that red blood cells stay in the blood before being replaced (and during the lifespan of the red blood cell), the hemoglobin preserves an imprinted memory of the body’s blood sugar levels. By measuring this glycated hemoglobin, the A1C test shows how blood sugar levels have behaved over the past two to three months and can detect a chronic imbalance with great accuracy and insight.

Lifestyle: The Benefits Of Diet And Exercise

The most important way to maintain a healthy blood sugar level is to stick to a strictly low glycemic-index diet emphasizing low-sugar foods that sustain and nourish blood glucose. Otherwise, when you eat highly sweetened and processed foods, you spike and crash blood sugar. The second most important factor is regular exercise, which triggers numerous hormonal and biological effects critical for metabolic health and glucose balance.

These lifestyle changes have been shown to be as effective as drug therapy for normalizing blood sugar levels over a short period of time. Furthermore, studies and clinical evidence suggest that over the long term, a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise is the only sustainable solution to keep your blood sugar levels stable and protect overall health.

Recently, a research meta-analysis was published that helped identify the benefits of two different kinds of exercise training programs: combining aerobic exercise with weight lifting or merely taking part in aerobic exercise. The results demonstrate that a combined program of resistance exercise along with aerobic workouts improves blood sugar control beyond just doing aerobics alone. The average effect of the training programs was similar to that of long-term diet and insulin therapy.

Natural Supplements

In addition to diet and exercise, a number of herbs, botanical compounds and nutrients have been shown to help prevent and even reverse metabolic conditions over time. These targeted natural solutions work to:

• Re-sensitize insulin receptors.
• Prevent blood glucose spikes.
• Improve metabolism of fats and sugars.
• Increase antioxidant activity.
• Decrease inflammation.
• Prevent excess blood glucose from wreaking havoc on proteins, cells, tissues and organs.

Some top recommended supplements for metabolic health include:

• Berberis.
• Bitter melon.
• Gymnema leaf.
• Cinnamon.
• Jambolan seed.
• Fenugreek.
• Holy basil.
• Siberian ginseng.
• Astragalus.
• Integrative Metabolic Formula.
• Medicinal mushrooms.
• Alpha lipoic acid.
• Sodium alginates.
• Chromium polynicotinate.

Don’t Let This Silent Culprit Progress Undetected

Ask your health care provider to order the A1C test as part of your annual health exam. With this easy and advanced diagnostic tool, you can catch possible blood sugar problems at an early stage, in time to address them with simple diet, supplement and lifestyle adjuncts, which help reverse unhealthy trends. Even if you eat well and take good care of yourself, you may find that metabolic issues are developing silently as you age.

The A1C test is a good way to gain clear insight into your overall wellness, helping to protect and promote health and vitality throughout your life. For more practical information on all-natural remedies, visit http://www.dreliaz.org/.

Medicinal Plants

Today, it’s easy to forget that some of the most beneficial medicinal plants can be found growing in our own backyards. Some are considered pesky weeds even though they are valuable herbs.

While Western medicine relies heavily on prescription drugs, most practitioners of Eastern medicine disciplines, as well as traditional naturopathic doctors and herbalists, consider many herbs and botanicals to be safer — and sometimes more effective — alternatives. As an integrative medical doctor and natural product formulator, I base much of my clinical practice and my formulations on the use of all-natural nutrients, herbs and botanicals which promote health via numerous mechanisms of action. Using medicinal herbs and botanicals in their whole, natural form allows you to benefit from the synergistic effects of complex chemical components such as antioxidants and phytonutrients, as they occur in nature. Surround your home and fill your gardens with healing herbs and plants, and support your health from multiple angles.

Here are some commonly grown herbs and botanicals which offer powerful health benefits.

Thyme

Thyme contains potent therapeutic essential oils and compounds and is considered one of nature’s most powerful antibiotic, antifungal and antimicrobial plants. Thyme is most commonly taken as a tea, and has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout the centuries. As a decongestant, it is useful in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is a powerful agent for boosting immunity and treating various types of infections. Thyme tea can also help relieve headaches and menstrual pain, and helps alleviate digestive issues.

Garlic

Garlic contains a number of active components, including allicin, alliinase and sulfur compounds, which contribute to its potent antibiotic, antiviral and fungicidal properties. These components make garlic highly potent in protecting against infection, lowering high blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system. Garlic can effectively protect blood cells and blood vessels from inflammatory and oxidative stress, and can naturally decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Garlic’s diverse cardiovascular benefits derive from its sulfur compounds and its high levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that protects against damage to blood vessel walls and reduces levels of oxidizing free radicals in the bloodstream. Vitamin B6 lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage blood vessel walls. Garlic is also a sulfur agent helpful for the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Mint

In addition to carrying a distinct, pleasing fragrance, mint is a cooling herb that can settle the digestive tract or decrease the severity and length of stomach aches and digestive discomfort. The herb can be added to teas, salads or eaten raw to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, hinder the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and reduce inflammation of the digestive tract. Mint is highly useful for clearing congestion of the nose, throat and lungs, helping to provide relief of respiratory distress in people with asthma, colds or allergies.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a popular Mediterranean herb whose leaves and seeds (known as coriander) contain powerful compounds known to efficiently remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. The compounds in this herb bind to heavy metals, loosen them from the tissues, blood and organs, and then assist in transporting these toxins out of the body through the body’s organs of elimination. Cilantro is naturally rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, helping to reduce LDL or “bad cholesterol,” while increasing HDL or “good cholesterol.” The plant’s leaves and stems contain an abundance of polyphenolic flavonoids like quercetin, which have been shown to modulate proteins linked to cell survival and healthy cellular growth/behavior.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the cruciferous vegetables, a group of plants including cabbage, collards, cauliflower and kale, that offer powerful health benefits. Broccoli is high in vitamin C, and is a natural source of critical compounds that support health like DIM and indole-3-carbinol. These and other phytonutrients in broccoli help boost immunity, increase DNA repair, protect cardiovascular health, fight against cancer growth and proliferation, and support overall health and wellness. Your mother was right to urge you to “Eat your broccoli!”

Ginger

Ginger has long been used to relieve gastrointestinal issues like nausea, indigestion and infection. Studies show that compounds called gingerols, naturally present in the ginger plant, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Fighting inflammation is perhaps the most critical quality of ginger’s natural healing properties, since chronic inflammation is the precursor to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Ginger is a warming herb that promotes circulation, heat and sweating, helping to clear your body’s systems of toxic buildup and fight infections. Ginger is hearty and can grow outside of its native tropical climate. But if you live in a colder area, simply keep it in a pot and bring it indoors during winter to avoid freezing.

Easy To Grow

There are numerous common herbs, botanicals, fruits and vegetables that can be easily grown from seeds or starters, and provide a multitude of health benefits, especially when eaten fresh. Turning to your garden for safe and natural plant-based remedies is a simple, eco-friendly and affordable way to maintain health and vitality, while building immunity and preventing many common illnesses. Spring is the perfect time of year to cultivate a healing garden, and nurture your blossoming health. For more practical information on all-natural remedies, visit http://www.dreliaz.org/.

Natural stress solutions can provide numerous additional benefits for improving overall health and wellness.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, a plant used traditionally throughout the world as an herbal remedy, treats inflammation, fights infection, enhances immunity, improves memory and promotes overall well-being. Ashwagandha is one of the most highly regarded and commonly used adaptogens by Ayurvedic healers. Adaptogens are a special class of botanicals that help balance your system for optimal energy during stressful periods. Ashwagandha helps the body resist stress and maintain mental and physical energy throughout the day, while supporting restful sleep at night. Its ability to reduce anxiety, ease restlessness and stabilize moods is highly valued by many herbalists.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy basil, an herb native to India (where it is known as Tulsi), has been shown to decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Studies show that chronically elevated levels of cortisol contribute to numerous degenerative conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Holy basil also operates as an adaptogen, naturally improving the body’s response to physical and emotional stress during periods of high anxiety and physical exhaustion. Taking a holy basil herbal supplement or drinking Tulsi tea can help stabilize the brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels to calm and relax you without making you feel drowsy. Holy basil also helps to balance blood sugar and cholesterol, and provides a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

B Vitamins

It’s well-established that B vitamins support metabolic and immune health. In addition, research shows that healthy levels of B vitamins — especially B6, B9 and B12 — may also contribute to the reduction of anxiety and depression, and help boost energy. Whether you supplement your diet with these essential B vitamins or obtain them through foods such as dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts and eggs, they can have a direct impact on your brain’s serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Evidence shows that B vitamins help balance and metabolize neurotoxic chemicals associated with psychological conditions like anxiety and depression. A number of B vitamins effectively benefit your mental health, particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), which may improve mood and memory, and increase energy levels. Additionally, studies have shown that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCL) — combined with other B-complex vitamins — can reduce levels of the toxic amino acid homocysteine and has a direct effect on GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters. This combination can reduce feelings of rage, anxiety, despair and depression. When taking B vitamins, it is essential to accompany them with minerals such as zinc and trace elements. These serve as co-factors that support the health benefits of B vitamins.

Green Tea (EGCG)

Researchers have found that people who drink four or more cups of green tea daily are 44 percent less likely to have symptoms of depression than those who drink only one cup per day or less. Studies show that the component responsible for green tea’s potential antidepressant effects is L-theanine — a calming amino acid known to reduce mental and physical stress and enhance critical neurotransmitter activity. Green tea is also abundant in a class of phytochemicals called polyphenols, including the potent antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which contributes to an increase in brain alpha wave activity. Alpha waves are associated with a state of being awake but relaxed, so EGCG combined with green tea’s L-theanine, work together synergistically to promote an enhanced state of “alert relaxation.” High levels of caffeine can have the opposite effect, so it is important to choose decaffeinated green tea in order to avoid overstimulation and anxiogenic (anxiety-promoting) effects.

Yoga And Tai Chi

Natural herbs and supplements can make a difference in helping reduce stress, but for many, these remedies are only half of the necessary equation. Consequently, a number of people also rely on physical activity to relieve stress and lower anxiety. Yoga and Tai Chi are two of the most well-researched stress-relieving exercises. They’ve been shown to dramatically reduce stress levels and empower those practicing these ancient art forms. Yoga purposefully relaxes and rejuvenates and can also invigorate depending on which type you practice. Similarly, Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art designed to facilitate a state of mental calmness and clarity while improving physical energy and function. The strategic breathing involved in both yoga and Tai Chi naturally boosts energy levels, while the postures and meditations keep your mind, body and spirit focused and grounded. These exercises create a platform for centering yourself in order to let go of stress and anxieties, and they re-focus your energy on positive thoughts and feelings.

Meditation

Mindful meditation is another well-researched method (and my personal favorite!) for relieving stress and improving energy and focus. A simple 10-minute daily meditation session can offer significant improvements in your mood and energy levels. More and more peer-reviewed research confirms that meditation is a viable method for improving health, energy and emotional well-being — reducing anxiety, depression, mental imbalances and risk of chronic disease. Published studies show that daily meditation is more effective than antidepressants in improving mental clarity and emotional balance.

Healing Retreat

For the opportunity to learn and experience mind-body meditation and exercise practices specific to healing, I invite you to join me for a unique educational retreat April 26-29 at the Institute of Noetic Sciences Retreat Center in Petaluma, Calif. Participants will have the chance to learn in-depth meditation and healing techniques and receive a highly refined set of practical meditation tools to facilitate the release of stress, anxiety and health blockages on all levels. This is a secular event open to the public, with 28.5 CEU and PDA credits for acupuncturists available with this program as well. For more information, visit www.betterhealthpublishing.com.

Healthy Neutralization

Antioxidants are a class of nutrients and enzymes with the power to neutralize free radicals. We frequently hear about “free radicals” in health and anti-aging discussions, but many people don’t understand them. These caustic substances are dangerous, rogue molecules that wreak havoc on cells, tissues and organs by causing oxidative stress, increased toxic body burden, inflammation and cellular damage. The body generates these unstable molecules during normal metabolic processes, but they can also accumulate after exposure to toxins, stress, strenuous exercise or illness.

Free radical molecules are short of electrons, rendering them unbalanced and unstable. As a result, free radicals attack other molecules in their attempt to steal electrons, creating new free radicals and damaging cells, proteins, and critical genetic material. This destructive cycle halts when antioxidants arrive and offer electrons to the free radicals, thereby preventing oxidation and subsequent inflammation, cellular dysfunction, DNA mutations and other molecular mayhem. Many antioxidants offer specific anti-inflammatory benefits, detoxification support, reversal of cellular damage and other critical health promoting actions.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

While our bodies work hard to maintain a balance of important antioxidants, stress, illness and the onslaught of toxins can quickly deplete our stores. And during times of depletion, we need additional support.

If you do not have enough antioxidants to neutralize an excess of free radicals, widespread cellular damage can occur. Including antioxidant-rich foods in your diet is an excellent way to support your levels of these important nutrients and protect your health. Foods rich in sulfur compounds, such as garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower) all help to boost the body’s production of glutathione, a crucial antioxidant. Beta carotene, lutein and vitamins A, C and E along with other phytonutrient antioxidants are concentrated in foods such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, plums, artichokes, black beans, prunes, pecans and other nutrient-rich fresh foods.

Because some free radicals naturally result from normal cellular actions, the body has ways of counteracting them by creating antioxidants that maintain overall health. This cellular creation of antioxidants often uses a protein called Nrf2 and Nrf2 activation triggers the production of the body’s most important antioxidants. Fortunately, certain foods also trigger the production of Nrf2. These include broccoli, turmeric, green tea, coffee and resveratrol (a polyphenol found in red wine).

Antioxidant Supplements

Numerous dietary supplements provide excellent sources of high-powered antioxidants to support health and vitality. Keep in mind that many antioxidants perform best in combination with one another and often provide synergistic effects when used together.

The top recommended antioxidants that can help prevent and even reverse oxidative damage include:

• Vitamins C, A, E and D3.
• Lipoic acid.
• Selenium.
• Glutathione.
• Beta-1, 3 glucans.
• Sea buckthorn.
• Resveratrol.
• Purified Honokiol (extracted from Magnolia bark).
• Tibetan Herbal Formula.

Antioxidant-rich foods and supplements can significantly boost your levels of this critical class of nutrients and enzymes. By increasing antioxidant intake, many people report noticeable benefits: more energy, stronger immunity, improved cognitive function, reduced pain and inflammation, healthier skin, and other markers of vitality.

With guidance from a skilled integrative physician, supplemental antioxidants can be strategically incorporated into many allopathic (Western) treatment protocols to help increase benefits and reduce side effects. Whether you are looking for daily health support or want to step up your current therapeutic regimen, including antioxidant-rich foods and quality antioxidant botanicals and nutrients is an excellent way to promote long-term wellness naturally.

Transition

Spring is a transitional season. Nature emerges from her inert, conservative wintry suspension into the high activity of summer. In a parallel fashion, the spring cleanse aims to lighten up our systems and make us more lively and efficient for increased physical challenges and activities.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is intimately related to the wood element, as well as to the liver and gall bladder. Consequently, our spring cleanse mainly focuses on the liver. The liver is linked to turbulent emotions: unresolved anger and irritability.

Spring is characterized by the strong energy of growth and change, so it is important to allow this energy to flow smoothly and unimpeded. By spending more time in a natural setting and engaging in exercises, movement and relaxation techniques beneficial for the heart and mind (such as meditation), you can simultaneously relieve congested emotions and support a healthy liver (and, as a result, the entire body).

Maximizing The Cleanse

Your personal goals should determine the intensity of your detox regimen. But remember that it’s important to begin any type of cleanse under the supervision of an experienced healthcare provider who can guide you in the process — especially if you have health concerns or chronic ailments.

Below are some of my top holistic mind/body preparation tips to help you get the most out of your spring cleanse.

Planning Your Spring Cleanse

A spring cleanse can be as short as three days or as long as 21 days. I find that 10 to 14 days is optimal for most individuals. You can choose to start with a preparation phase, followed by a middle segment that is more intense, and wind your cleanse down by repeating the preparation phase.

Diet: However you plan your detox, the foundation of the program should always be a fresh, healthy diet that focuses on plenty of organic vegetables, either steamed or raw.

Supplementation: High-quality nutritional supplements such as PectaSol Chelation Complex (PCC) helps cleanse the circulation and digestive tract in preparation for deeper and more thorough phases of detoxification. PCC contains both modified citrus pectin and a unique modified alginate compound that function synergistically to bind and eliminate toxins without depleting the body of essential vitamins and minerals.

Hydration: Don’t forget to drink plenty of pure water (and herbal tea); hydration is extremely critical during a cleanse.

Time and Space: Taking time off from work during your cleanse is ideal. Give yourself the space to expand, relax and meditate on the things you wish to let go. That can help you release toxins in all areas of health: emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. If you can’t take time away from work, try to give yourself a few hours every day to create a sacred space to unpeel the layers of obstructions that may be hindering your health and vibrancy.

Environment: Cleansing and purifying your home, work and other environments is also an important preparation step. Cleaning out the stagnant winter energy, dusting and removing pathogens that may be lingering inside your home, and getting rid of clutter in your surroundings can have profound positive impacts on the health of your body, mind and spirit.

Designating a sacred space for meditation, relaxation and contemplation sends a message to your entire being that your commitment to vibrant health, clarity and other important areas is sincere and profound. See what positive changes will arise when you focus your energy into a sacred healing space for yourself.

Preparing Your Mind For Spring Detox

If you had the opportunity to experiment with meditation and inner reflection during the winter, you’ve likely discovered aspects of yourself that you no longer need to hold onto. So, as part of the cleansing process, it’s always useful to decide what it is you’re prepared to abandon as you move forward into the spring.

An expansive approach to detoxification uses the cleansing process as a means of increasing your degree of freedom and openness. Take an example from nature: Just as the day expands from dawn to dusk and the weather warms with the arrival of a new season, we can allow our perceptions to expand. Meditation represents one of the most profound ways to do this. By engaging in regular meditation, we can embrace those things in life that previously troubled us. Letting go of the afflictive emotions that have so much control over our perception of reality is an important part of the cleansing process.

That’s why a cleanse should always begin with the ultimate goal of creating greater freedom and opening up of the self. This can be done with simple meditation practices that focus on your breathing, such as Shamata Meditation. I will be sharing these and other meditation practices at my upcoming Meditation and Healing Retreat, April 26-29 in Petaluma, Calif. For more information on this event, visit http://betterhealthpublishing.com/.

Unfolding

During the unfolding process of cleansing and meditation, our overloads and afflictions are released and allowed to dissipate like dew in the morning sun. As we detoxify and let go of these limiting perceptions and emotions, we find that the same stimuli no longer bring the same responses, and that life naturally grows easier.

A successful cleanse can do all this and more. In addition to more vibrant physical health, we can also develop a deeper sense of compassion and understanding while releasing and transforming negative patterns — allowing us to move forward into the next season with a healthier body and mind.

Vitality Secrets

While you may look at vitality as an isolated issue, there are actually multiple energetic systems that contribute to your overall energy level and sense of well-being. Ancient medical practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine possess well-developed understandings of these systems and recognize vitality as a manifestation of longevity.

Kidney-Adrenal Energy

The “kidney essence” system is a primary system for maintaining vitality. This aspect of the body is highly sensitive to your genetic inheritance. Certain people are born with more energy than others. Western medicine and naturopathy views this system as centered in adrenal function and the balance between cortisol, adrenalin and other adrenal hormones, as well as various sex hormones – testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, etc. Compounds that benefit the kidney and adrenal system also tend to increase sexual energy. These include Korean ginseng, the medicinal mushrooms Cordyceps and Reishi, several B vitamins and astragalus.

Mitochondrial Energy

Another vitality system involves the energy produced by mitochondria, small structures contained in each cell. The function of our cellular mitochondria determine how we use the oxygen we consume as we breathe and how much energy we can extract from our food (reliant on the efficiency of our digestive system). Supplements that contribute to this type of energy include those beneficial for digestion, such as digestive enzymes, probiotics and herbs that increase digestive “fire” or metabolism. Other beneficial botanicals and nutrients in this category include those that especially support and enhance mitochondrial energy systems (see Botanicals And Nutrients, below).

Powerful Circulation

A healthy circulatory system is crucial for promoting energy and vitality. Herbs and nutrients that create movement in the body naturally benefit energy levels and also boost mental function. One of the most effective blends is the Tibetan formula Padma Basic. This herbal combination includes a synergistic combination of 19 powerful botanicals prized for their ability to increase circulation, boost immunity, support antioxidant activity and promote healthy responses to inflammation.

Eating For Vitality

A poor diet creates imbalances that leave you suffering from low energy throughout the day. The good news: The right dietary changes and supplementation can increase your energy level significantly, sometimes in just a few days.

A nutrient-dense, balanced diet with energy-boosting foods and supplements increases natural vitality by improving digestion, balancing blood sugar, supporting circulation, reducing inflammation and nourishing cellular mitochondrial function. If your energy levels have dipped due to a hormone imbalance, a healthy diet combined with vitality boosting supplements can help balance hormone metabolism while improving overall health and energy levels.

Many people are also gluten-sensitive and experience varying degrees of fatigue after eating gluten-containing foods. Sugar is another ingredient known to drastically deplete energy and vitality, creating inflammation and causing damage to cell mitochondrial systems. If you find yourself consuming foods that rob your energy, follow them with a high-fiber snack and lots of water to help flush harmful ingredients from your system.

The Importance Of Breakfast

One in four Americans skip breakfast, leaving them sluggish and fatigued throughout the day. People who skip breakfast also tend to have higher cortisol and cholesterol levels, making them more susceptible not only to fatigue, but to developing heart disease and metabolic conditions.

It is vital to start your day with a healthy breakfast, as well as to hydrate yourself with 2-3 cups of water early in the morning to replace the significant amount of fluids lost during the night. Chronic dehydration contributes greatly to reduced energy levels. One option: An alkalizing glass of hot water with lemon before breakfast, to compensate for the body’s acid buildup in the morning. This also helps cleanse your system. Although lemons are high in citric acid, their overall nutrient profile and metabolic end products produce an alkalizing effect.

Quinoa and buckwheat are two gluten-free grains that can energize the body and provide numerous benefits as part of a healthy breakfast. Adding blueberries or other berries provides additional antioxidant protection and flavor. A nutritious shake made with fresh fruit, greens and concentrated whey protein is also an excellent morning meal that provides balanced energy and an abundance of nutrients. A proper balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat in each meal helps sustain adequate energy levels throughout the day.

Keep Snacks Handy

Between meals, eating nutrient-dense snacks helps boost energy and balance metabolism. Snacks like fresh apples and bananas are high in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber, as well as other vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that supply a quick energy boost. Eating small servings of raw, high-protein walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts or pecans provides a healthy source of potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin E and thiamine to keep you satisfied and sustain your energy levels.

One of the best snacks includes raw, peeled almonds that have been soaked in water for 12-24 hours prior to peeling. Raw vegetables such as carrot and celery sticks, with natural nut butters on top, make excellent, energy-boosting snacks.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Certain medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, cordyceps and maitake, can provide powerful support for energy and immune enhancement. I recommend the mushroom formula MycoPhyto Complex ®, which blends a combination of six medicinal mushrooms including those listed above, together with beta-glucans. This formula is grown indoors in the United States on a substrate of energy/immune-enhancing herbs, a unique botanical cultivation process that gives these mushrooms a leading edge in powerful energy and immune support.

Botanicals And Nutrients

Stress, free radicals and toxins can damage the mitochondria’s ability to turn nutrients into energy and hinder optimal cellular function. Certain herbs and botanicals, such as Siberian ginseng, support mitochondrial activity and protect these microscopic energy-generators from harm. Ginseng also naturally relaxes blood vessels, increasing oxygen delivery to cells throughout the body to naturally boost energy, without a crash. Other adaptogens that support mitochondrial as well as adrenal energy include Korean ginseng, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms such as coriolus, shitake and maitake. Acetyl L-carnitine, R-Lipoic Acid, L-taurine, B-vitamins with co-factors and minerals are several key nutrients that can enhance cellular energy and overall strength and stamina.

Tai Chi And Qi Gong

The time-honored Eastern health practices Tai Chi and Qi Gong combine movement, deep breathing and meditation in a comprehensive system of mind-body exercises. Their benefits include increased oxygenation, decreased stress, improved circulation, stronger immunity and improved digestion. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are becoming more popular in the West. They provide significant, noticeable results including increased energy levels, reduced tension and enhanced healing capacity. Many people report a feeling of balanced energy, clarity and increased well-being even after one session.

Seasonal Cleanse

A gentle body cleanse during the spring and fall can help detoxify health-robbing toxins and heavy metals, and improve digestive capacity for increased overall energy. The noticeable results of gentle detoxification often include a significant increase in vital energy, improved mental clarity and balanced well-being. Top recommendations for gentle detox include PectaSol-C Modified Citrus Pectin, sodium alginates, medicinal mushrooms and specific botanicals and nutrients such as milk thistle, MSM, dandelion, cilantro and others that support organs of elimination and overall energy.

Getting adequate rest, practicing stress relief, eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking energy-boosting supplements all play important roles in supporting and maintaining energy and vitality. These key strategies not only increase overall vitality, strength and stamina, but support and protect your long-term wellness, giving you the energy to spend doing things which bring joy and naturally give birth to even more energy!

Dehydration Issues

As your body grows accustomed to a state of chronic dehydration, you lose sensitivity to water deprivation and don’t get thirsty when you need hydration. This can be a major problem because water is essential for maintaining optimal health. It comprises more than half of your body mass in the form of intracellular fluid, interstitial fluids, cerebrospinal fluid and more.

It’s easy to see why dehydration is such a problem for your health. In Chinese Medicine, water is considered the body’s essential medium, allowing for communication between vital organs and facilitating proper flow. It seems the solution should be simple: Drink more water. Unfortunately, water that is not properly filtered may prove more harmful than beneficial. It can expose the body to various toxic chemicals, including heavy metals like lead, mercury, copper, cadmium and aluminum. It may also contain hexavalent chromium, water treatment additives such as chlorine and fluoride, and bacteria and viruses such as giardia, coliform and E-coli.

Heavy Metals In Drinking Water

Heavy metals can seep into your drinking water from the pipes and plumbing through which it travels. Once ingested, heavy metals are difficult for the body to remove and can damage the body’s systems at the cellular level. Exposure can weaken the immune system, contributing to increased risk of kidney problems, high blood pressure and chronic inflammation.

Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium compounds are found in dyes, paints, inks and plastics, as well as in agents added to paints and primers. While workers in shipyards, marine terminals and construction sites suffer the highest exposure, new information shows that drinking water across the country may be contaminated with this toxin. The chemical can seep into groundwater from natural sources and be present in soil. When inhaled from polluted air or polluted soil, it causes respiratory complications like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and nasal itch. The Environmental Protection Agency says that the presence of this compound in tap water may be carcinogenic, but the Federal government has yet to set a limit for hexavalent chromium levels in drinking water.

Water Treatment Additives

Chlorine is primarily used in municipal water treatment facilities to kill microorganisms due to its powerful disinfectant properties. However, it becomes dangerous to people when it reacts with other naturally occurring elements to form toxins called trihalomethanes (THMs). These toxins have been linked to a range of health problems including asthma, eczema, bladder cancer, heart disease and others.

Viruses And Bacteria

Although most filters and water treatments can successfully remove certain viruses and bacteria from drinking water, they are mostly inadequate. Therefore, you need to take extra precautions. Cities all over the country have experienced outbreaks of E. coli and other waterborne diseases including cholera, typhoid and dysentery originating in contaminated water. Exposure to E. coli bacteria can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and gastrointestinal diseases as well as long-term kidney problems.

Water Filtration Options

With so many risks of contamination, it’s imperative to not only choose clean, filtered water when hydrating, but also to take advanced measures to build immunity and prevent these toxins from harming your body’s systems. Installing a water filtration system in your home or office is the easiest, most effective and most economical way to ensure safe drinking water. Common Brita and PUR water filters do not remove all harmful compounds. However, various reverse-osmosis systems that are designed for the home can effectively purify most tap water. Additionally, undergoing regular cleanses to detoxify the body of harmful chemicals, toxins and heavy metals that have collected in organs and tissues can help protect your body from further damage.

Safe And Natural Detoxification

While the best way to protect yourself is by minimizing your exposure to these health-robbing chemicals, you can take action to help your body remove these toxins safely and effectively if you’ve already been put at risk. The most important aspect of any detox program is a healthy cleansing diet, which helps:

• Eliminate foods possessing strong pro-inflammatory potential.
• Alkalize your system to promote oxygenation and detoxification of tissues and organs.
• Provide nutritional support to your organs.
• Revitalize cells and tissues.
• Balance blood sugar.
• Improve digestion.
• Remove toxins and heavy metals.

Extra Support

For added support, supplement with PectaSol-C Modified Citrus Pectin to remove toxins and heavy metals from deep within the tissues and organs. Numerous studies show that Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is a safe and powerful detoxifying agent. Recent studies also prove its ability to significantly enhance immune function for both short-term and long-term immunity.

Clean drinking water is an essential health resource for the entire planet. It is one of the key components to vitality and longevity. To best ensure your health and that of your family, invest in a high-quality water filter or purchase pre-filtered water in glass jars from your local grocer. Along with proper diet and supplementation, plenty of good hydration with high-quality drinking water helps you look and feel your best, giving you the energy you need to keep up with our fast-paced world — without letting your engine overheat.