Could
your body use some cleaning ?
Optimize your health with our Detox Program.
This three week 4 class program reduces the
toxic burden on your body and eliminates chemicals that collect in our organs
and tissues. Classes to be held at the Middletown office.
Optimize your health with our Detox Program.
This three week 4 class program reduces the toxic burden on your body and
eliminates chemicals that collect in our organs and tissues. Classes to be held
at the Middletown office.
Our physician led program is ideal for:
- Reducing chronic symptoms
- Improving health and vitality
- Losing Weight
- Removing a cause of chronic disease
- Identifying food intolerance The deadline to register
is Thursday December 28th. Phone us today to register. - Please call 860-347-8600 for details .
- Cost for this program is $299.00. You will find the
valuable information you learn exceeds the cost. - Please note that this program requires your physician’s
approval. Make time to see your physician for a follow up visit before the
program begins.
Next program starts January 6th . Don’t delay! Join us!At any given
point in time, liver contains 10% of the total blood in the body. It filters
around 1.4 liters of blood every single minute.
Taking Care of Your
Liver for Optimal Health
Treat your liver well and it will treat you well in return. One of our
body’s largest organs, it’s a workhorse, designed to keep the the blood
cleansed of toxins and chemicals. The liver breaks down everything – good or
bad – that enters your body through air, water, food, medications or
supplements. It also breaks down your hormones, that may be in excess, helping
to keep body chemistry in balance. Once the liver metabolizes these substances,
it prepares them to be more easily utilized or excreted.
The fats, carbohydrates, and proteins you consume are metabolized by the
liver for different functions in the body. After you eat carbohydrates, the
liver helps maintain blood sugar balance. Fats are broken-down for the
production of energy. Amino acids in protein foods are also broken down for
energy, or to make more carbohydrates or fats, as the body needs. The liver
also facilitates the storage of vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, as well as iron
and copper.
Additionally, over half of the body’s lymph fluid is produced in the liver.
The lymphatic system is responsible for healthy immune function and acts as
your body’s internal janitor, collecting cellular waste products for
elimination. These vital functions make the liver a major organ in metabolism
and detoxification.
When the Liver Fails
Dysfunction of the liver can first manifest as symptoms in various body
systems, including digestive, metabolic, and immune systems before the root
cause is identified. A natural medicine practitioner will work with you to
assess symptoms, run appropriate tests, and evaluate the overall functioning of
your vital systems to determine the root cause. Here are three diseases and
dysfunctions of the liver that can affect your health.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty
Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a group of conditions affecting people who drink
little to no alcohol but their liver cells store too much fat. This causes
liver inflammation, which may progress to scarring and irreversible damage
similar to the damage caused by heavy alcohol use. In the United States,
it’s the most common form of chronic liver disease, affecting an estimated
80 to 100 million people, typically 40 – 50 years old. - Cirrhosis occurs when fibrous
(scar) tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, often leading to cancer,
destruction of liver cells and acute liver failure. It can be caused by
toxins, alcohol abuse, and hepatitis. - Hepatitis is commonly caused by
viruses, but also by toxins or an autoimmune problem. Hepatitis causes
inflammation in the liver, which can often be healed; if not addressed, it
will result in liver failure.
Tips for a Healthy Liver
- Eat Whole Foods. The liver has a role in
metabolising the major nutrients you take in through diet. A whole foods
diet is your best prevention against stressing your liver with too much
fat, sugar, or excessive protein. Choose healthy fats, whole grains, and
organic sources of fish and meat while avoiding processed and packaged foods. - Reduce Alcohol Intake. Over time, excess
consumption of alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver. The breakdown of
alcohol produces chemicals, such as free radicals, that are toxic to the
liver. General health guidelines suggest moderate use of alcohol — one
drink/day for women and two drinks/day for men. - Don’t Mix Drugs. Drug interactions can
have serious health consequences. This includes mixing prescription
medicine, street drugs, alcohol, herbal or other natural remedies. - Airborne Chemical
Exposure.
When using strong or industrial cleaning, painting or gardening chemicals,
ventilate the area or wear a mask. - Protect Against
Hepatitis.
Viral Hepatitis A is contracted by eating or drinking contaminated water.
Hepatitis B and C are spread through blood and body fluids. To cut your
risk, don’t share personal hygiene items, limit the number of sex partners
you have, and always use latex condoms.
Food for Thought. .
.
“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to
bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a
man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom
and virtue will naturally come to him.” – Buddha
Improve Your Health
With Cauliflower
Known as broccoli’s pale cousin, cauliflower offers just as many fantastic
health benefits as other members of the cruciferous vegetable family.
Cauliflower is a great source of glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds
that support optimal functioning of our cardiovascular, digestive, immune and
detoxification systems. Sulfur, the third most abundant mineral in the body, is
highly concentrated in the muscles, skin and bones. It’s essential to processes
that create protein for cells, tissues, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
Research also shows a strong relationship between glucosinolates and the
antioxidant properties of cauliflower. Some of the more colorful versions of
cauliflower such as Grafiti (purple) cauliflower, have a strong profile of
these two powerful plant nutrients. But don’t feel you have to go on a hunt for
colored cauliflower; white, the most commonly consumed variety of cauliflower,
is rich in nutrients and plays an important role in a whole foods diet.
Cauliflower can be prepared in many ways. It can be roasted, sautéed,
steamed, or boiled. Studies have shown equivalent benefits from raw and cooked
cauliflower, as long as it’s not overcooked. Sautéed cauliflower is a better
option than boiling, steaming or microwaving, which changes its consistency
depleting flavor and nutrition. To spice up sautéed cauliflower, add herbs such
as turmeric, garlic, or shallot.
Putting Cauliflower
Center Stage
Most people think of cauliflower as a side to steak, not the “meat of
the meal.” But cut into thick slabs and roasted with spices, this plain
vegetable is easily transformed into a flavorful dish. Roasting brings out the
subtle nutty flavor of cauliflower. The brilliant colors and flavors of
turmeric, ginger, cumin, and cilantro create cauliflower “steaks”
that are simple to prepare and fancy enough for a dinner party or to add pizazz
to an ordinary family dinner.
Cauliflower Steaks with Cumin, Ginger & Turmeric
Serves 3
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- Salt and pepper
- 2 Tbs olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- Small handful of cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Remove leaves and trim the stem end of the cauliflower,
leaving the core intact. Using a large knife, cut the cauliflower from top
to base into three 3/4-inch-thick “steaks.” - Season each steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
(Reserve any loose florets for another use.) - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over
medium-high heat. Sear the cauliflower steaks until golden brown–about 2
minutes on each side. - Gently transfer the steaks to a baking sheet.
- Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
ginger, cumin, and turmeric. Brush or spoon the mixture onto the
cauliflower steaks. - Roast in the oven until tender, about 15 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Mighty Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a member of the B Complex, a group of vitamins, each with a
unique function in the body, but synergistically regarded for how they help the
body’s cells produce energy. Vitamin B12, along with thiamin (B1), niacin (B3),
riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin, and folate
make up the B Complex. B12 is essential to the production of new DNA, red blood
cells, proteins, hormones and fats, as well as regulating mood and maintaining
healthy nervous and immune systems.
If you aren’t getting enough B12 through diet, or your body isn’t absorbing
or using it efficiently, you can become deficient. This can lead to a range of
health problems: intense fatigue, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating,
anemia, and depression. B12 deficiency affects up to 15% of people in the U.S.
The aging process, a vegan diet, stress, certain medications, and illness
can alter your body’s ability to utilize B12 from food. Medications, such as
those for reflux or Type 2 diabetes, affect B12 absorption. Also, if you’ve had
major surgery, have digestive problems, or Celiac Disease you have an increased
risk for B12 deficiency.
Most people who eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products get enough B12.
Vegans are advised to eat fortified food and take supplements because B12 is
not found in sufficient amounts in plant foods. Carefully read labels for
fortified food claims, as these foods can be loaded with preservatives that
don’t contribute to your health.
For nutrition supplements, B12 is available as
- a multivitamin — often the best approach for people
who don’t have a deficiency - a prescription for injection or as a nasal gel
- a tablet that dissolves under the tongue (sublingual).
Taking a B12 supplement when you don’t have a deficiency doesn’t provide any
health benefit. A holistic health practitioner can determine a B12 deficiency
by blood test and then work with you to determine the best form of supplement
for your health needs.
A Potent Berry for
Liver Health: Schisandra chinensis
With its sweet, sour, salty, pungent, and bitter flavor profile, it’s no
surprise the Chinese call Schisandra chinensis “the five flavored
fruit,” or wu wei zi. Regarded as the most important herb in Traditional
Chinese Medicine, the schisandra berry might more aptly be called the
“fruit of life.”
Schisandra belongs to a unique class of herbs known as adaptogens, which
enhance the body’s ability to adapt to, and recover from, stress. The source of
the stress could be emotional, mental, environmental, or physical, such as when
you become sick. In addition to supporting the body across physiological
systems, it provides protective benefits for the liver, the body’s engine for
detoxification. Studies show schisandra reduces inflammation, keeps hormones in
balance, helps regenerate liver tissue, and lowers levels of an enzyme
associated with liver damage.
Traditional Chinese physicians have long used schisandra to:
- stimulate the immune system and support adrenal gland
function - enhance recovery from illness or surgery
- reduce inflammation and fatigue
- improve blood circulation and enhance detoxification
Dried schizandra berries can be made into powder, capsule, tincture, tonic, tea
and even wine. Schisandra is safe for most people, but precautions must be used
if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have epilepsy, or reflux disease. Your
holistic practitioner can identify the type of schisandra supplement that is
best for you.
Detox Your Liver
with A Castor Oil Pack
If you’re looking for a topical way to support the health of your liver and
lymphatic system, consider castor oil. The thick, pale yellow oil, extracted
from the seed of the castor bean plant, is native to India and has been used in
topical medicinal applications around the world, including Egypt, Japan, China,
and India. Today, castor oil is still used by holistic physicians, as well as
in commercial products such as cosmetics, soaps, textiles, and massage oils.
Castor oil’s healing abilities are derived from its high concentration of
unsaturated fatty acids, especially ricinoleic acid. It works by way of
absorption through the skin and into lymphatic circulation where it stimulates
flow of lymph fluid and helps draw out waste products from the cells of the
body. This enhances the body’s natural detoxification process, while supporting
immune system function. Critical Information: Don’t use the seed itself — it
can be deadly and is never used medicinally. Also, ingesting castor oil can
cause serious health issues including severe diarrhea.
Always use castor oil topically. A pack is an excellent approach and there
are many ways to prepare one. Some methods are more suitable than others for
particular needs. For example, for some health conditions, the pack is used
with heat; for others, without heat. Castor oil packs are not recommended for
women who are pregnant and should not be used by anyone who has recently
undergone surgery. Before following random instructions found on the Internet
for making a castor oil pack, consult with your natural health practitioner to
determine which method is best for your health needs.
