Dry Brushing Detox

Dry brushing your skin may be one of the easiest and best ways to detoxify your body on a regular basis. The skin is estimated to eliminate over a pound of waste each day through its pores and through the elimination of dead skin cells from the body. Dry brushing is an effective way to maximize the toxin elimination channels of the skin.

The integumentary system is made up of a network of dead epidermal cells forming the skin, hair, fingernails and toenails. All of these are a form of pulling toxins out of the body. The hair is often used to measure the level of toxic heavy metals in the body. The sweat glands also play an active role in flushing toxins out through perspiration.

Detoxifying through Your Skin Cells

As skin cells get closer and closer to the outer surface of the body they lose their blood supply and die. This is an effective strategy of the body to eliminate wastes in these cells by sloughing off these old dead cells. Every minute we lose over 30,000 dead skin cells which are replaced by new healthy skin cells. Bathing and good personal hygiene practices enhance the normal eliminatory patterns of the skin.

Dry skin brushing helps to improve circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and firms the skin. The improvement in circulation improves brain function and gives an individual more energy. By improving lymphatic flow, it can help prevent the formation of unsightly cellulite. Dry brushing also sloughs off old dead skin cells and the toxic debris within them while initiating the development of new healthy skin cells.

How to Dry Brush Correctly

It is important to find a brush with soft natural bristles. Synthetic bristles often contain chemicals that are best to avoid. The brushes are typically available at a local health food store in the price range of six to ten dollars.

It is best to begin with light, gentle brushing and overtime the skin will be able to handle brushing a little deeper. The strokes should move toward the heart to improve lymphatic flow back through the venous system towards the heart. When dry brushing the stomach it is best to go in a clockwise motion as that works with the natural digestive flow.

The Dry Brushing Rules For Success

The skin may be slightly flushed afterwards but should not be red or sore. Be sure to avoid brushing over fresh wounds, burns, and cuts. The skin should be dry but not excessively dry when brushing. One can use coconut oil during the brushing process if the skin is very dry but be sure to clean the brush thoroughly after finishing brushing. Shower after brushing to help remove exfoliated skin cells.

Most individuals notice that they feel refreshed and energized after dry brushing. This is due to the elimination of toxic debris and improved circulation. The skin also glows and feels smoother after the whole body exfoliation experience.

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The SuperFood Power of Goji Berries

Foods that have an incredible array of health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered superfoods. These foods are typically loaded with a combination of critical fatty acids, anti-oxidant phytonutrients, and essential amino acids. Goji berries contain an extraordinary amount of unique nutrients and anti-oxidants , which give them amazing power as a superfood in our diets.

Goji berries are classically grown from an evergreen shrub found in China, Mongolia, and in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. Goji berries are also called wolfberries in many of these countries. These berries are a member of the Solanaceae family of plants that is also called nightshade veggies. The relatives include tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant, tomatillo, and tobacco.

Goji Berries are Loaded with Nutrition

Goji berries contain all 18 amino acids as well as mega doses of vitamin A (beta carotene), B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E. Goji berries also contain more vitamin C by weight than any other food on Earth. They also contain more iron than spinach as well as 21 other key trace minerals. Goji’s are extremely rich in the unique phytonutrient anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin ,which are some of the most important nutrients for healthy eyes and a healthy nervous system.

Goji berries are also rich in unique compounds known as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. These nutrients have been shown to enhance immunity and have a similar chemical structure to immune stimulating compounds within maitake mushrooms and Echinacea. These polysaccharides provide immune cells with special sugars that enable them to communicate more effectively.

Key Polysaccarides Enhance Immunity

These polysaccharides are also one of the preferred fuel sources of good intestinal bacteria, bacteria which also helps to orchestrate a healthy immune response . By supporting the immune cells and probiotic cells with their preferred fuel, these polysaccharides present in goji berries modulate immunity and reduce inflammation. Famous author and pharmacist Earl Mindell believes that these polysaccharides are master molecules because of their influence on many of the body’s biochemical defense systems.

These polysaccharides are very effective at enhancing detoxification within the body. They aid in the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid that accumulates in muscles during exertion. They also support the liver and protect it from damage that may occur during intense periods of exercise.

In Asia, goji berries have been used as a cultural medicinal for inflammatory based disorders such as asthma, allergies, chronic pain, and cancer. The polysaccharides also show promise in blunting auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease.

Goji Berries Stimulate HGH

Goji berries are also a rich source of sesquiterpenoids which help to stimulate human growth hormone secretion by the pituitary gland. This is the only known food source that is known to stimulate HGH. Additionally, goji berries contain L-arginine and L-glutamine along with potassium. These nutrients further promote growth hormone production.

These key nutrients synergize to have a very powerful effect on the key endocrine glands such as the adrenals, thymus, thyroid, and pituitary. Goji berries can be classified as an adaptogenic aid in that they enhance the body’s ability to successfully adapt to stress. This unique array of supernutrients make goji berries one of the world’s premier foods for optimal performance and longevity.

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Fibromyalgia – Natural Remedies

Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory condition consisting of muscular and joint pain and fatigue. Three to five percent of the population suffers with this condition; more than eighty percent are women. This is one of the fastest growing disabling conditions in the US. You can beat Fibromyalgia with natural lifestyle strategies.

Fibromyalgia is classically diagnosed with positive reaction to 11 of 18 specific tender point sites on the body. Other classic findings include chronic fatigue, sleep challenges, normal blood tests, and a history of widespread pain, particularly in the neck and back. It is believed to be a chronic inflammatory condition of the muscle fascia.

Chronic inflammation is a sign of a mal-coordinated hyper responsive immune system. In order to modulate and stabilize the immune response, it is critical to avoid inflammatory foods and food allergens, repair the gut, optimize vitamin D3 levels, and improve neurological connections.

Chronic Inflammation and Leaky Gut Syndrome

Most individuals with chronic inflammatory based pain have a leaky gut that allows large food particles to pass thru easily and end up in the bloodstream. These undigested food particles are tagged as foreign invaders by the immune system. The immune cells then create a massive inflammatory reaction to destroy the food particle. This results in varying levels of insensitivity and allergenic reactions that damage many systems of the body.

The most common food allergens to avoid include all processed foods, artificial sweeteners/preservatives and foods containing gluten. Soy, peanuts (and often other nuts), pasteurized dairy, eggs. and other heavy proteins are often not tolerated well. The nightshade vegetables, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes are often challenging as well.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Lifestyle

Anti-inflammatory foods help to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory activity in the body. Great anti-inflammatory foods include coconut products, avocados, olive oil, berries and phytonutrient rich vegetables. Healthy meat sources such as grass-fed beef, wild game, wild salmon, organic poultry, and organic eggs are great if the gut can tolerate them.

Fermented Foods are Key to Rebuild the Gut

It is advisable for anyone with chronic inflammation to include loads of organic vegetable juices, fermented foods, and functional beverages in their diet. Homemade sauerkraut, kombucha, coconut water kefir, and kimchi are great. Fermented dairy products from grass-fed cows and goats are highly advisable. These include amasai, fermented whey drinks, and raw cheese. Often a probiotic supplement with a bio-diverse range of cultures and over 50 billion colony forming units is advisable.

Non-denatured whey protein from grass-fed cows is also very good for rebuilding the gut. Whey is loaded with L-glutamine and enhances cellular glutathione stores which are both needed to repair the intestinal wall and de-inflame the body. Powerful herbs such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and oregano should be used as much as possible to improve immune coordination.

Healthy Vitamin D3 Levels and Specific Chiropractic Care

Healthy vitamin D3 levels are especially important for aiding the body’s ability to recognize foreign and self-proteins. This improved immune recognition reduces inflammation and auto-immune reactions. Vitamin D also helps drive immune cells to destroy pathogenic microbes and prevent and destroy infection. Chronic infection results in hyper-inflammatory levels in the body. Vitamin D3 (25-OH) levels should be between 70-100ng/ml for optimal immune function.

People with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and fatigue are highly likely to have neurological dysfunction in their upper neck. Subluxation, or neurological interference, at the bottom of the skull, C1 and C2 alter endorphin release into the body. This leads to increased states of pain, fatigue, anxiety, and accelerated stress as well as mal-coordinated immunity. Well trained chiropractors can analyze these regions of the spine and give specific corrective adjustments to restore balance and optimal neurological expression in these regions.

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Beat Eczema Naturally

Eczema is known as a chronic dermatological condition that is characterized by skin rashes, dryness, crusting, and flaking skin. Research indicates that eczema is caused by chronic inflammation that affects the skin cells and causes scarring. Natural lifestyle strategies allow the body to “de-inflame” and beat eczema.

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as eczema are characterized by a hyper responsive immune system. The signs of eczema should warn the individual that inflammatory destruction is taking place within the body as well and must be addressed to prevent further sickness and disease. Overcoming this abnormal immune control begins by rebuilding the intestinal wall, avoiding inflammatory triggers, increasing anti-inflammatory compounds, and optimizing vitamin D3 levels.

Immune Dysfunction and Eczema

Individuals with eczema have an overpopulation of pathogenic organisms in the gut that are damaging the intestinal wall and allowing food particles to pass into the bloodstream. These undigested food particles are tagged as foreign invaders by the immune system. When the immune system encounters these food particles in the bloodstream, it unleashes a massive inflammatory assault that causes a systemic allergenic response.

The most common food allergens include gluten, corn, soy products, artificial flavors, preservatives, starches, peanuts, eggs, and pasteurized dairy. Any processed or genetically modified food product would be considered highly allergenic.

Rebuild the Gut

Rebuilding the gut is absolutely essential to fully ward off eczema and chronic inflammatory disease the natural way. High quality fermented foods are powerful weapons to use to reinstate a natural order within the gut. These foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented veggies, fermented fruit, apple cider vinegar, kombucha and coconut kefir. Fermented, raw dairy from 100% grass-fed animals is especially useful in the form of amasai, kefir, whey, and cheese.

All of these fermented foods provide high powered enzymes, probiotics, and key amino acids that help to destroy the pathogenic microorganisms and repair the lining of the gut to prevent food particles from jumping across. Intermediate fasting is especially beneficial during the healing phases and beyond. Fasting from solid foods for periods of 16-18 hours each day can help the body store enzymes and repair the gut faster.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan

The daily diet should focus on anti-inflammatory superfoods to help modulate the immune system so it will not over-inflame when stimulated. This means restricting all man-made foods, sugars, and food allergens. Loading up on anti-oxidant rich vegetables and using healthy fat sources such as avocados, extra virgin olive oil, 100% grass-fed red meat and raw dairy, wild-caught salmon, and organic eggs are fantastic foods to calm the immune system.

Other great foods for “de-inflaming” the body include coconut products, berries, and non-denatured grass-fed cows and goats. This form of protein enhances cellular glutathione stores which protect the DNA within the cell and play an important role in coordinating immunity. Superfood herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, basil, and boswellia should be used as much as possible. A combination of coconut oil and essential oil of peppermint is also very helpful as an ointment to put onto skin rashes and eczema.

Optimize Vitamin D3 Levels

Vitamin D3 is especially important for anyone with eczema or other chronic inflammatory conditions. UV light therapy has been shown to be very helpful for individuals with eczema as well as sun-bathing for short periods of time. Both of these techniques help to raise circulating vitamin D3 levels.

Optimal Vitamin D3 should be between 70-100 ng/ml, which is significantly higher than the medically acceptable level of 32 ng/ml. Spend 20-30 minutes in the sun each day or supplement with 10,000 IU of a high quality emulsified vitamin D3 for a period of time to reach the desired level.

Editor’s Note

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The benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a flowering plant that is part of the daisy family. It gets its name from its bristly and prickly nature and the “milky” sap that oozes out of the plant. The leaves, fruits, and seeds of milk thistle have been used for centuries as a natural medicine. Milk thistle is one of the world’s most powerful liver detoxifying agents.

Milk thistle was used by medical herbalists in the late nineteenth century to treat varicose veins and liver, spleen, and kidney disorders. Today, it is primarily used to improve the function of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. Many individuals have seen dramatic improvement using milk thistle for health issues such as psoriasis, menstrual problems, jaundice, and poor circulation.

Milk Thistle and Liver Health

The active antioxidant compound within milk thistle is the flavonoid complex called Silymarin. This anti-oxidant is one of the most powerful liver detoxifying agents. It helps to boost glutathione and superoxide dismutase which are two the body’s master super antioxidants. One study found that silymarin increased glutathione content in the intestines and liver by up to 50%. Boosting glutathione helps protect the intestines from inflammatory damage that leads to ulcers and colitis.

Milk thistle guards the liver’s numerous hepatic cell membranes and slows the rate at which toxins can be absorbed into the liver. Research has shown that silymarin enhances protein synthesis to enhance liver cell regeneration and counteract the effects of poisons on the liver. It has been used to treat alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, cirrhosis-liver poisoning, and viral hepatitis.

Silymarin and Kidney Health

Silymarin concentrates in kidney cells where it helps repair and regenerate protein enzymes and DNA. One study indicated that it increased kidney cell replication by 25-30% over control groups. This is extremely important for individuals who have suffered mild-to-severe kidney damage from infections, kidney stone formation, or environmental toxins.

The kidneys are one of the major organs that are damaged by chemotherapy agents. Research has shown that the major compounds in silymarin protect the kidneys from these dangerous drugs. In particular, they protect the cell membrane of the kidney, cells allowing for healthy cell receptor activity.

Silymarin is considered to be 10 times as potent as vitamin E and increases the activity of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red and white blood cells in patients suffering with liver disease. This increases oxygenation and immunity.

Studies have shown that the major compounds of silymarin are silybin and silychristin. These compounds have a low absorption rate at about 20-50%. It is better to use milk thistle in a standardized extract. Milk thistle can also be fermented in an organic acid base for optimal digestion and nutrient assimilation.

Milk Thistle as a Demulcent

Milk Thistle is a demulcent that improves the health of the body’s mucous membranes. This reduces inflammation within the skin cells, sinus and respiratory tract, and kidney and bladder wall lining. It also reduces inflammatory stress in the bile duct and inhibits the formation of gall stones. This improves the functionality of the gall bladder and allows for complete bile release.

Milk Thistle also helps soften and improve the moisturization of the skin, This is especially helpful for individuals with acne and exzema and other skin impurities. It has also been shown to improve the overall glow and radiance of the skin quality.

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Cure Gout Naturally

Gout is a disease in which uric acid levels accumulate and cause massive damage and swelling to various joints of the body. The uric acid is caused by poor dietary habits and metabolic stress. Specific lifestyle strategies can help reduce the symptoms of gout and restore proper metabolic function to beat gout naturally.

When uric acid accumulates it forms sharp crystals called urates which penetrate and irritate the joints. The most common areas to be effected by urates are the big toe, feet, ankles, wrists, knees, and elbows. Gout is extremely painful and most physicians are unable to treat it effectively without dangerous medications.

For years doctors have been telling us gout is caused by a disruption in purine metabolism. Purines are molecules that are formed by a grouping of nucleic acids that are prevalent in foods such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and alcohol. Organ meats such as kidney and liver contain the most purines by far.

Gout and Fructose Metabolism

Recent research has linked gout formation with elevated fructose consumption. This second biochemical pathway indicated that fructose triggers the body’s production of uric acid from an important energy molecule, adenosine triphosphate.

In New Zealand, the Maori people rarely encountered gout. Now, ten to fifteen percent of their population has gout symptoms in their lifetime. Seafood seems to be the major trigger for these Pacific islanders; however, they have always eaten a lot of seafood. These people eat fifty times more sugar and fructose (much like typical Americans) than they did 100 years ago.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that individuals who drink one fructose-rich beverage a day are 74% more likely of developing gout than those who drink the same beverage once per month. Individuals who drank two or more fructose sweetened beverages are 97 percent more likely to develop the disease.

Fructose is a form of sugar molecule that is most often found in corn, fruit, and many plant based sweeteners such as agave nectar and honey. It is important to reduce fructose consumption by avoiding anything with high fructose corn syrup and minimizing the consumption of fruit juices, agave nectar, and honey. Minimize the use of all fruit other than low fructose fruits such as berries, avocados, lemons, limes and grapefruit.

Anti-Gout Nutrition Plan

The typical diet for individuals with gout should be low in sugar and grains. Instead, focus on anti-oxidant rich vegetables and healthy fat sources. The best fat/protein sources include coconut products, avocados, extra-virgin olive oil, and sprouted nuts and seeds. Healthy protein sources include 100% grass-fed beef in moderation, 100% raw grass-fed cheese, organic poultry, and wild fish.

Individuals with gout do much better when they stick to an 80% raw diet. Any cooked food should be reserved for the evening meal. The daytime meals should be liquid in the form of shakes, cacao avocado mousse, and vegetable juices. Salads, guacamole with veggies or raw, sprouted seed crackers are also great. Before any cooked food is eaten, a digestive enzyme with lipase, protease, and amylase should be used to enhance digestion. Lots of clean water should be consumed during the day and intermittent fasting for periods of 16-24 hours is encouraged to help detoxify the kidneys, liver, and colon.

Individuals with gout should use apple cider vinegar and fresh squeezed lemon on salads, grains, and meat. This helps provide organic acids and more enzymes and anti-oxidants to help pre-digest the meal. Fermented foods such as non-processed sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, amasai, and coconut kefir are also very helpful.

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Beat Alzheimer’s Disease Naturally

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the fastest growing diseases in the industrial world. It is characterized by massive degeneration of the brain that causes disruptions in memory, cognition, and personality. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s results in death. Approximately, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to go up to 15 million by the year 2050. Take action now to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s disease with natural strategies.

Alzheimer’s disease cripples the brain to the point where new memories cannot be formed. In end stage Alzheimer’s, those afflicted cannot take care of their most basic needs. Most individuals survive for 5-10 years.

Alzheimer’s Disease Creates a Massive Economic Burden

These individuals need constant caregiving which creates a massive economic burden on the family. New reports show there are more than 15 million Americans providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s. This is a tremendous financial, physical, and emotional burden. The average caregiver taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s encounters over $50,000 in out of pocket expenses each year.

Research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease development and progression is highly influenced by lifestyle factors. A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease confirmed earlier reports that Alzheimer’s is characterized by chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in the brain. Researchers have titled this pathophysiological pattern type-3 diabetes.

Poor Blood Sugar Signaling

These researchers found that as blood sugar signaling patterns are disrupted, it leads to elevated blood sugar and the formation of Advanced Glycolytic End Products (AGE’s). AGEs are highly inflammatory and they cause massive destruction throughout the body and have an affinity for neurological tissue. The AGEs destroy cell membrane function and damage insulin receptor activity creating a vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar and inflammatory stress.

The brain is primarily water, fat, and cholesterol. These are all key building blocks for promoting healthy brain function and rebuilding a damaged brain. The proper diet to beat Alzheimer’s is rich in phytonutrient dense vegetables, healthy fats, and clean protein sources. Healthy fat sources such as coconut, avocados, olive oil, and sprouted nuts and seeds must take a central role in the diet to promote healthy brain function.

Clean Proteins and SuperFoods

Healthy proteins include wild-caught fish, grass-fed red meat and organic chicken, turkey, and eggs. Grass-fed beef is loaded with long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, vitamin B12, and conjugated linoleic acid, which are all necessary for healthy neurological function. Additionally, grass-fed beef contains carnosine, wild salmon contains astaxanthin, and organic pasture-fed eggs have retinol, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These fat-soluble anti-oxidants protect the brain and neurological tissue from AGEs and other damaging free radicals.

100% grass-fed raw, fermented dairy products such as amasai, kefir, cheese, and whey are packed full of brain building nutrients and they protect the gut and de-inflame the body. Superfood herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, basil, boswellia, etc. should be used as much as possible.

Regular Exercise & Vitamin D3

Regular exercise and sun exposure are extremely critical factors to boost oxygenation, anti-aging hormones, and vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D3 supplementation of 10,000 IU daily is often needed. Whole food based multivitamins, extra B complex vitamins, zinc, and selenium as well as probiotics and purified omega 3 fatty acids should be used as well.

Individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s have sleep challenges throughout their lives and have reduced melatonin signaling systems in their brain. Establishing regular sleep cycles, going to bed early, and getting 8 full hours of sleep is essential. Using certain teas with herbs like valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower can be especially useful.

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