LET'S TALK ABOUT DETOXING

LET’S TALK ABOUT DETOXING

Detox is defined as the process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.  How do the toxic and unhealthy substances get there?  Well, we put them there!  Did you know that everything you consume is processed by your body?  How does the body process everything you ask?  It is done by the largest internal organ…that’s right the liver!

The liver serves as a sifter for our bodies.

Everything we eat, drink, and apply to our skin has to be processed/metabolized via the liver.  Everything from the toothpaste and mouthwash you use, down to what you drink and eat, including medications, lotions, perfume, soaps, alcohol and tobacco, just to name a few.  When the liver is over-stressed, and the digestive system is experiencing toxic overload, your body will let you know in the form of sickness, dis-order or dis-ease.

Here are a few indications that you (your body) may be in need of a detox:

• Sweat a lot and have strong body odor
• Stomach ulcer
• Indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diverticulitis
• Autoimmune Disease
• Hemorrhoids
• Facial and Body Acne
• Eczema
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Joint or muscle aches and pains, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia
• Hypertension
• PMS
• Excessive mucus, stuffy nose, sinus problems
• Behavioral Disorders
• Depression
• Allergies

Detox:  How to…

There are many ways to detox on a regular basis! I will start with 4 simple changes that will become habitual and very beneficial to your health.

Lemon and Water

• Start your day with hot water and fresh lemon juice.
• SKIP THE COFFEE (yeah I said it) and drink hot water and lemon instead!
• If you are new to this use the half the juice of one lemon to at least 8oz of hot/warm water, stir sip.
• Repeat throughout the day
• Add slices of lemon to the water(room temperature) you drink throughout the day
• Organic lemons are best especially if you are using the peel.
• Cut away the yellow part of the peel so that it doesn’t turn bitter. You can also add limes.
• You can also skip the slices and just add fresh lemon juice to your water and enjoy it that way.

Water Water Water

Drinking distilled water aids in detoxing as well.  It pulls on impurities and toxins to draw them from the body. Keep in mind though if you are going to drink distilled water be sure you are filling up on nutrients from plenty of fruits and vegetables. Be sure to limit distilled water to 7 -10 days unless you are doing a full body detox or are experienced.  Then switch to spring water.

As a guide, drink half your body weight of water in ounces each day.  So, if you weigh 220 pounds you should drink 110 ounces of water per day.  If this is new for you at least drink 8 to 10 cups of water per day for starters.

Eat To Detox

Another form of detox is by the foods you eat. 

If you consume plenty of RAW fruit and vegetables, including RAW smoothies and RAW juices, this will also aid in detoxification.

Meatless Mondays

Excluding meat (flesh of dead animal…eggs too), and dairy products (milk, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, etc.) on Monday’s is a great start creating healthier habits and aids in detoxification.

Have you ever heard of a RAW food regimen?  Have you ever considered a RAW food regimen?  For more information on how to change or transition into a natural wellness lifestyle, join the Facebook Group 40 Day Fruit Fast and also visit http://40dayfruitfast.com/ .

Until next time,

I bid you better love, health, and clear vision!

~Latrice

Help!....I have dandruff

Miko wrote:

Hey Latrice, I have been having dandruff issue every since I can remember and I have been using sooooo many products for my dandruff and nothing have been working. I believe I might need to take something internal because I am thinking I'm lacking something in my diet, So I was wondering if u can suggest anything that's natural that can help my dandruff?

Thanks for your question Miko!
Dandruff is an indication of nutrient deficiencies in the body and inflammation in the scalp area as a result of an overloaded liver.  Eating foods that are mucous forming can contribute to dandruff and other skin related issues.  Changing and improving your diet can positively improve body functions resulting in a healthier scalp as well as other health benefits.  Herbal supplements and detoxing help the body to function better lessening disorders and malfunctions! Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day keeps your body hydrated and helps circulation of all liquids flowing throughout the body and assist in transporting toxins out of the body.


Foods to avoid or use sparingly as they are mucous forming:

• Meat/animal proteins - including turkey, chicken and fish
• Dairy - milk, yogurt, cheeses, creams, butter, ice cream and whey
• Gluten grains - wheat, barley, spelt

Here are some foods that you can include in your diet or increase if you already consume them on a regular basis for a healthier scalp.
Healthy Scalp Foods:

• Carrots - great source of vitamin A promoting good vision and a healthy scalp
• Dark Green Vegetables - provides iron and calcium and are a great source of vitamins A and C, all needed for our bodies to produce sebum, the oily substance secreted by hair follicles; sort of a natural hair conditioner.  A few vegetables are Swiss chard, arugula, spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce and kale.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - dark green vegetables need some dietary fat in order for the body to absorb some vitamins they contain.  Drizzle EVOO over raw or steamed vegetables and/or enjoy them with a salad dressing whose first ingredient is olive oil, such as Newman's Own Olive Oil Dressing.
• Brazil Nuts - contains one of the highest natural sources of selenium, an important mineral for a healthy scalp.  Brazil nuts can be eaten along with walnuts, almonds, cashews and pecans for a healthy snack packed with zinc, alpha-liolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids that help condition your hair.
• Salmon - contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, filled with vitamin B-12 and iron; make sure it's wild caught salmon!
• Ground Flaxseed - plant based omega-3 fatty acids; at least 2 tablespoons daily.

An herbal detox can help remove waste matter from the liver, providing potent herbs formulated to strengthen the liver making it more efficient at detoxifying our bodies.  I suggest the Liver Detox, a 30-day program taken along with FiberSMART (contains flax fiber) from ReNew Life, a natural health company that specializes in natural digestive health, detoxification and internal cleansing.  I first experienced ReNew Life a few years ago and have been in love with their digestive formulas ever since!

                                                                                                                                               
Last but not least, shampoo and conditioner from Aubrey Organics a natural hair, skin and body care company that produces natural, plant-based and synthetic-free products.  Try J.A. Y. Desert Herb Revitalizing Shampoo (Jojoba, Aloe, Yucca) and Jojoba & Aloe Desert Herb Revitalizing Conditioner, as part of your daily or weekly shampoo and conditioner regimen.  I discovered Aubrey Organics a few years ago when I was growing my relaxer out to transition to natural hair!  It kept my hair and scalp shiny and healthy!

Hopefully you will find the information in this post to be helpful!  Best wishes on your journey towards a healthy scalp!  Always remember THE CHOICE IS YOURS!


Until next time,
I bid you better health and clear vision.
Latrice