How to Analyze Your Toxic Load

As you may realize if you've been reading our blog posts for a while, your body is a pretty complex organism. It handles many thousands of tasks each day - many of which you’re completely unaware of. When something isn’t right, your body will start sending you warning messages.

The problem is that not many people understand that these warning messages come in the form of symptoms. When there’s an issue, your body tries to get you to address it by causing something to hurt, to swell, or by taking up more energy than it normally would.

Far too many people ignore these messages in the form of symptoms until they reach a point where they feel too poorly to keep up with the tasks involved in their day-to-day living.

Toxic. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the reasons that your body can start sending out warning messages is because it can reach a point where toxins build up, leading to toxicity. By the time you reach that point, you’ll feel pretty bad!

You can do a lot to help your body stay in good health by checking to see if your mind or body have been showing symptoms commonly associated with a toxin build up (also called toxic load).

In the mind, the number one symptom is mental fog. When this happens, you’ll begin to experience trouble with the way that you think. You’ll lack the clarity that you once had.

At first, you might not even notice that your mind isn’t as quick as it used to be but as time passes and toxins continue to build up, the mental fog will only grow worse.

Mental fog can vary from one person to the next, depending on the level of toxins you’ve been exposed to and how your body reacts to those toxins. What can be kind of frustrating is that testing for toxins isn’t easy. In fact, many lab tests will come back within normal parameters when you actually do have a problem, because they're not really testing for the things that are causing the problems..

Your body will also show symptoms of fatigue when you have a build up of toxins in your body. This fatigue can reach the point where it leaves you unable to function. This type of fatigue is often attributed to other conditions, rather than looking at your toxic load.

When toxins stay in your body, over time, it takes away your energy stores and that’s why you feel drained of energy. Your body can only handle so much and when your toxic load is high, your system tries to get rid of them, but unfortunately, it often can’t keep up with the volume of toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis in the modern post-industrial world.

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That’s why your body needs a detox. When you go through a detox plan, you can cleanse your body of all these toxins, even if the toxins have built up over time. You can restore clarity of mind and get the energy that you lost back. However, you need to do this the right way.

Some "cleanses" and detoxification programs can actually cause additional stress to the body - which is not helpful. This month, we'll be discussing some ways to cleanse and detoxify your system gently, and naturally reduce your toxic load. Be sure to check back next week, when we'll be discussing one of the best little-known ways to rid your body of toxins naturally!

In the meantime, grab a copy of our Free Report that discusses some popular means of detoxifying that are NOT healthy for you:

http://www.newholisticliving.com/request-free-detox-e-book-b.html

The Detoxifying Benefits of A Raw Foods Diet

One of the most popular diets for cleansing and detoxifying your body is the raw foods diet. There are actually many variations of the raw foods diet - from eating mostly raw foods, with some lightly cooked thrown in, to eating entirely raw fruits and vegetables only. This extreme diet may not be all that healthy, as you may not be able to get all of the protein you need, but for sure, throwing some raw foods into your diet can definitely be a healthy way to eat. Often raw food diets are used for a defined period of time, such as a week or two, as a cleansing and detoxification program. The Total Wellness Cleanse, for example, incorporates lots of raw foods into the 30-day program, while also including some healthy cooked foods.

Raw foods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The benefits attributed to a raw foods diet seem nearly endless: lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, eliminating cravings, preventing overeating, purging the body of accumulated toxins, balancing hormones, maintaining blood glucose levels and reversing degenerative diseases are just a few of the purported benefits.

Followers of a raw diet cite numerous health improvements, including increased energy levels, improved appearance of skin, improved digestion, weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease, just to name a few. Proponents believe that enzymes are the life force of a food and that every food contains its own perfect mix. These enzymes help us digest foods completely, without relying on our body to produce its own cocktail of digestive enzymes.

There can be some side effects when you are first starting a raw foods diet. Some detoxification effects may be experienced as your body attempts to shed some toxicity. This may include occasional headaches, nausea sensations and mild depression. If these symptoms persist, you should seek the help of somebody who is experienced with detoxification symptoms.

Following a raw food diet means that you have to carefully plan your meals to make sure you don't fall short of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In some instances it might be appropriate to consider taking dietary supplements, especially when just starting out.  You'll need to invest in some appliances so that you are able to prepare the food, if you don’t already have them available.  A durable juicer, a blender, and a large food processor make raw food preparation a breeze. You may also want to look into purchasing large containers to soak sprouts, grains and beans, as well as for storage.

The smoothest way to begin a raw foods lifestyle is to slowly transition into it. Try starting off by eating approximately 70 to 80 percent raw foods in your diet. Have fruit and salads throughout the day and a cooked vegetable meal with a salad in the evening. This should help make the transition easier on your body and hopefully lessen side effects associated with detoxification. This is an emotional time as well, so you should allow yourself plenty of time to make the switch.  Journaling during the process can help. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling the positive effects of a healthy, detoxifying raw foods diet. 

Want more guidance or help with the transition? Try the Total Wellness Cleanse for a step-by-step program that will ease you into eating more raw foods, and also naturally and gently cleanse and detoxify all of your bodily systems.

Healthier & Greener Beauty Products Make Great Holiday Gifts!

The average woman in America wears 515 chemicals every day, just from the beauty products, skin care, and personal care items she uses on a regular basis. And it's not just women; men are also exposed to many harmful chemicals in deodorants, shampoos, shaving lotions, and more. Buying healthier products is not only better for your health, it's also a great way to give the gift of health this holiday season!

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic beauty, personal care, & cleaning products.
Party Code: 42532

There are a number of companies boasting "natural" or organic products these days, but not all of them are all they claim to be. Many "natural" products still contain harmful chemicals - or chemicals which can combine to form harmful substances, such as formaldehyde. And it only gets more confusing as more and more companies jump on the "natural" bandwagon. By law, manufacturers can put the "natural" label on just about anything, as long as it contains even ONE naturally-sourced ingredient! Organic is a bit stricter, but companies can still advertise "organic ingredients," while including other chemicals as well.

So how can you be sure you're choosing safer products? Check out our recent blog posts at New Holistic Living for a list of 18 chemicals to avoid when shopping for beauty and personal care products.

Or choose products from companies such as Miessence, and Ava Anderson, which use ONLY natural ingredients - and most are also organically grown. (For a special on Ava Anderson products this month, use "Party Code: 42532" when checking out - good through December 31.)

And visit NewHolisticLiving.com for a list of recommended safer, cleaner, and greener products to help you reduce your toxic load and live (and shop) greener this year!

4 Simple & Effective Detoxing Methods

Some of you may know that my husband and I are in the process of buying a house. We closed on Monday, and are in the process of moving, so for the next couple of weeks, we will only be posting once a week on this blog until we get settled in. So be sure to check back on Wednesdays for helpful info on how to live a cleaner, greener, and healthier life! And remember to visit our main blog at http://www.newholisticliving.com/blog.html for more healthy living topics and resources for natural living.

And now on to this week's topic - how to cleanse and detox without disrupting your life!

It can feel a bit intimidating to hear about other people's detoxification efforts.  Perhaps you know of people who have paid large sums of money, and spent weeks in detox "camps" where their diets are strictly regulated.  Maybe you know of people who have received enemas, gone on very restrictive diets, have felt terribly ill, or otherwise have had to take large amounts of time out of their lives to detox.

Most of us cannot just stop our lives in order to do a hard-core detox.

If you want to detoxify while still getting on with your life, here are some gentle but effective methods:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Raw Vegetables and Fruits

In this kind of detox, you simply eat only raw fruits and vegetables for two or three days, and drink only water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juice.  All foods consumed in this detox diet need to be organic.  Much of the principle behind this type of detoxification is to reduce the intake of toxins, as well as flushing them from the system.

2. Meditation

Many proponents of detoxification claim that meditation helps cleanse the mind and body.  Because meditation relaxes the body and brings focus, it makes sense that it would be a healthy means of personal cleansing.  Some practitioners of meditation use visualization and energy channeling to move toxins out of the body.  Meditation can easily be worked into your schedule, either performed every day or just a few times a week.

3. Smoothies

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This can be a very tasty, creative detox!  As long as the ingredients are fresh and organic and based on fruits and vegetables, you can mix all sorts of smoothies for your daily meals. 

Some foods to consider in your smoothies are: kale, broccoli, spinach, apples (unpeeled), berries, citrus fruits, pears, peaches, and so forth.

Another advantage of the smoothie detox is that you can add any supplements you want to take, such as probiotics, organic whey protein, or fiber, to the smoothie ingredients before mixing them in the blender.

4. Overall Lifestyle

Instead of a temporary detox diet, you can simply make some long-term simple lifestyle changes to detoxify your body and keep it that way.

Some ways to do that include:

• Switch to organic, whole, fresh foods rather than conventionally grown, processed, or prepackaged foods.

• Exercise regularly - it keeps things moving in the body, and induces sweating, another form of detox your body naturally employs.

• Use only natural, toxin-free cleaners to clean your home. (Visit our website for some suggestions.)

• Use only natural, toxin-free soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and styling products. (Visit our website for some good options.)

• Eat meat only a couple of times a week, and switch to organic, grass-fed, free-range meats.

• Cut back on dairy products and eat only organic products.

• Eliminate or reduce your refined sugar intake and, when you do need a sweetener, consider raw, unfiltered honey, maple syrup, or the calorie-free herb, stevia.

• Drink plenty of water.

Above, you have been provided with several simple ideas on how to incorporate detoxification into your life, without disrupting your life and health, or undertaking an arduous cleansing regimen. Living a cleaner, healthier lifestyle can result in a life filled with increased health and wellness.  

For more suggestions about how to reduce toxins in your home, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/reducing-your-toxic-load.html and be sure to download your FREE Home Checklist!

Why Pistachios Are So Good for You

It’s always been a tug of war when it comes to which side of the fence nuts are on. Many think that nuts are bad for you but that is not the case. Nuts are actually one of healthiest foods you can eat, and that includes pistachios.

We hear a lot about these green nuts. They are found at circuses and in ice cream, but is that all? Are they just occasional treats? We will revisit the ice cream later, but right now we are going to focus on plain nuts.

The Skinny on Nuts

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nuts have always gotten a bad rap. They are high in fat which is true, but their value goes deeper than that. All fat is not created equal. There are saturated fats, unsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

While people think that saturated fat is bad, that's actually not the case (see our main blog for several articles on this topic). The body needs a certain amount of saturated fats each day to help with cellular membrane integrity, immune function, brain health, and many other areas. Also, the amount of saturated fat found in some nuts, particularly pistachios, is minimal.

Unsaturated fats are also good fats. They help to increase the HDL (good) cholesterol numbers. This is the type of cholesterol that keeps blood vessels clean and elastic so they can function properly. Nuts contain some of this type of fat as well.

Polyunsaturated fats are the bad ones; these are what you find in most processed vegetable oils. But most nuts contain little of this type of fat.

Nuts also contain protein. Eating protein at each meal can reduce cravings for sugar throughout the day. Nuts make a great snack! They provide energy and keep you from feeling hungry between meals.

Speaking of Pistachios

Now, let’s get down to the pistachios. Speaking of them specifically, a one-ounce serving of this nut contains about 13 grams of fat. This may seem like a lot, but most of the fat is unsaturated so it contributes to the good cholesterol profile.

Pistachios (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pistachios are also low in carbohydrates. Since many people are looking for what carbs they can eat and maintain a healthy diet, here is one good choice. They also contain dietary fiber which works to fill you up and keep your blood sugar level throughout the day.

If you are in need of vitamins and minerals, try eating pistachios. They are full of B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for a healthy metabolism, healthy skin, muscles, eyes and nerve tissue. Other essential elements include arginine, copper and manganese. All are important for immune and nerve function.

Beware

When it comes to nuts there are a few things to beware of. For one, eat in moderation. Nuts are good for you but eating too many can increase your fat and caloric intake, which can be a problem for those looking to lose weight. Stick to one serving at a time for a snack.

Also, nuts that you purchase in the store can contain some extra unneeded ingredients. Don’t purchase nuts that have added salt and sugar in the form of honey roasted or praline nuts. And, a word about pistachio ice cream (or any ice cream) – use as an occasional treat. Otherwise, stick with plain pistachios.

But if you love pistachios, keep eating them. They are good for you!

5 Of The Healthiest Fruits And Vegetables

“We are what we eat”, or so the saying goes - which is why the foods you eat are so important to your health. Different foods help our bodies to grow, to heal, and to keep the immune system running properly. More than that, they stop our bodies from falling apart: the absence of many different nutrients can lead to various physical ailments.* It’s really important to eat healthily - and fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat, so let’s look at five of the best fruits and vegetables to include in your diet.

Broccoli (Photo credit: wanko)

Broccoli: Green vegetables are widely considered among the healthiest foods we can eat, and broccoli is definitely one of the most nutrient-rich green vegetables. It’s a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate, vitamin B and fiber. In addition, it contains potassium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, protein and calcium.

Broccoli can assist in lowering cholesterol levels which improves cardiovascular health. It supports the body’s detoxification system, aids vitamin D uptake and may also reduce our susceptibility to certain allergies.

Spinach: Spinach is one of the best green vegetables for your health. It contains a huge quantity of nutrients, and offers several specific health benefits.  Among the most concentrated nutrients are magnesium, folate, iron, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, protein and zinc.

Spinach may help reduce the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, meaning it may help reduce our susceptibility to allergies. The vitamin K, magnesium and calcium content of spinach is good for maintaining healthy bones and there are also antioxidants in spinach that help remove harmful free radicals from the body.

Peas: Green peas are another fantastic source of nutrients. They contain a huge range of nutrients in high quantities, including manganese, fiber, vitamin K and C, phosphorus, protein, copper, iron and zinc.

Peas can help to regulate blood sugar levels thanks to their fiber and protein content. Fiber and protein slow down the pace of digestion, which also means that carbohydrates are digested more slowly too. Peas are also known to reduce the chance of developing cardiovascular disease and to help protect against stomach cancer.

Blueberries. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Blueberries: Blueberries have a low glycemic index (GI) which means they have a low impact on our blood sugar levels., so you won’t get a sugar rush from eating blueberries. Eating foods with a low glycemic index is also believed to reduce the risk of developing type-II diabetes as well as coronary heart disease.

Blueberries are also a very rich source of antioxidants, which are thought to help reduce the risk of developing cancer. They are a good source of vitamin K, manganese and vitamin C too, placing them high on the nutrient-density scale.

Apples: Apples are a fantastic source of fiber which helps promote a healthy digestive system. This also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels. They are also a great source of vitamin C. Although apples aren’t as nutrient-rich as some other fruits and vegetables, they are thought to have both anti-cancer and anti-asthma properties. In addition, they’re good for cardiovascular health.


*Please Note: Information on this blog is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Health claims above are not verified by the FDA.

6 Benefits of Green Tea Consumption

Green tea has been used as a standard drink in Asian countries for hundreds of years. It is often touted as helping to maintain youth and vitality. It has come to the attention of the Western world in recent years, and  more and more people are discovering its health benefits.*

Green tea is still grown and manufactured in Asia. It is cultivated, dried, pressed and processed from a variety of different trees. Some companies still do the work by hand.

Want to know why you may benefit from drinking it? Keep reading.

The appearance of green tea at three different stages (from left to right): the infused leaves, the dry leaves, and the liquor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Antioxidant protection – Green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidant substances called polyphenols. These substances can retard some of the signs of aging. They also help neutralize free radical action in the body that can lead to cataracts, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, joint problems and wrinkling.

2. Weight loss – Some studies have shown that green tea extract led to increased weight loss in study participants. It has been proposed that drinking a cup a day can help increase your metabolism so you burn more calories even at rest.

3. Dental health – Drinking green tea might be good for your body beginning with your mouth. It has been suspected that substances in green tea actually neutralize the bacteria in the mouth that can lead to tooth decay and dental plaques.

4. Disease prevention – Studies are being conducted that show promising results for those with Parkinson’s disease. Drinking green tea may be able to help prevent the condition. Green tea can help prevent the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain leading to a depletion of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for movement in the body.

Green tea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Infection management – If it can work on the bacteria in the mouth, it can help in other areas of the body as well. Green tea has been shown to help reverse sepsis in laboratory mice. Drinking green tea may boost your immunity to fight off infections.

6. Heart disease – Regularly drinking green tea may help you control your risk of heart disease. It has been shown that substances in green tea help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood by blocking its oxidation. Not only that, but it also may help to improve levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and keep the arteries pliable and clear.

Are you looking for ways to improve your health? Green tea may be a healthy addition to your diet.

* This article is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice.

Video: Detoxification Is About Food - Not Pills

No matter what your goals are for detoxing, it's a great way to make your body healthier. This short video gives you a brief overview of our favorite cleanse and detox program - The Total Wellness Cleanse. As he explains in the video, cleansing is about food - not pills! Or at least it should be....

In order to give your body the support it needs to detoxify itself naturally, you need to give it the correct nutrition. The Total Wellness Cleanse is a nutrition program that will teach you how to do just this. No crazy lemon juice diets, weeks where you can only eat soup, or anything like that. This is a program that teaches you how to eat real foods that feed and heal your body, and support all of its detoxification systems. With daily guidance, step-by-step instructions, and delicious recipes and daily menu ideas, this system is the complete package when it comes to natural and gentle detoxification.

Check out the video and you'll see why....



Click Here to Learn More About The Total Wellness Cleanse:

What You Need to Know About Doing A Detox

As you go about your everyday activities, your body has mechanisms in place for ridding itself of toxins.  When you use the bathroom, exhale, and sweat, your body is excreting substances for which it has no use or that might cause harm.

The organs involved in these processes sometimes get overwhelmed and need a break.  Like any system that works 24 hours a day, the human body sometimes just needs some "down time."

What Does a Detox Involve?

In some cultures and religions, fasting is part of religious observance.  A "detox" is a sort of variation of the fasting theme, designed to purify and cleanse.  A detox, like a fast, is always to be regarded as a temporary dietary adjustment, not a permanent one.  Most detoxes last anywhere from one to five days, with most lasting three.  Do not ever attempt a detox if you are pregnant or nursing.

There are several different types of detoxes, or cleanses, that are prevalent today.  Among them are:

(Photo credit: Livin' Spoonful)

1. Juicing

* This is probably the most common and popular kind of detox.  "Green" juices made from raw cabbage, kale, or other leafy greens are allowed, as well as some fruit juices.

* Some nutritionists recommend preparing for the juice detox a day or two before by eating only raw fruits and vegetables.  When coming off the juice detox, eat only raw fruits and vegetables for another two days, then gradually introduce small meals of other items back into the diet.

* The lemonade diet, where the participant drinks only maple-syrup sweetened lemon juice mixed with water for several days, is one of the best-known juice-based detoxes, but it can be very hard on the body, and reported results vary.

2. Fruit and Veggie

* This detox is said to be good for anyone wishing to relieve the body of the stresses caused by digesting dairy and meat products.  On this detox diet, the fruits and vegetables can be raw or cooked - and they often include beans, so you have a good source of protein.

3. Water Only (Fasting)

* While this is a fairly popular form of detox, some experts strongly advise against it.  Drinking water only can upset your electrolyte balance, and it also tends to result in a too-rapid release of toxins into the bloodstream for elimination.  If you do choose to do a water only detox, make it for just one day.

Detox diets are often supplemented with herbs and/or fiber supplements as well.

What Are the Benefits of Doing a Detox?

1. Cleansing your body's organs

Detoxification is helpful in cleansing the blood and lymphatic systems, cleansing the colon of impurities, and giving the kidneys and liver - the main blood filtering organs - a rest.  As the intake of toxins is curtailed in a detox, the body has a chance to release stored toxins.

2. Removing toxins stored in your fat tissue

Interestingly, most agricultural chemicals, especially pesticides, are fat-soluble.  This means they tend to accumulate in fatty tissue in the body, and are found in higher concentrations in high-fat foods which are not organically grown.  As you undergo a detox, you begin to lose some fat, and as the fat gets "loosened up," the toxins get released from it.

3. Improved sense of well-being & physical healing

Detox diets are also touted as a means by which ill people can correct their illness.  Ulcers, cancer, depression, and general inflammation have all been relieved by detox diets.

Ultimately, a detox program can be very helpful when done periodically to improve your health. However, you should always use caution, listen to your body, and we generally recommend a gentle detoxification program such as the Total Wellness Cleanse, rather than an extreme program or regimen.

Fun & Healthy Summer Activity: Nature Walk With Kids

When you’re looking for something to do with your children this summer, consider taking a nature walk with them.  Studies have shown nature walks improve your child’s emotional well being.  Let’s take a look at how nature walks benefit your child and how to take a nature walk with your children.

Nature Walks Help Children Concentrate

(Photo credit: A Chilling Soul)

Take a walk outside in nature and you’ll notice a few things. You’ll notice you almost immediately feel calmer and more relaxed.  You’ll notice your mind may stop jumping from thought to thought.  Instead, of thinking about that project that’s due or that bill you have to pay, you’ll notice the rabbit sitting in the grass or the strange bird chirping in the tree.  You’ll notice the colors of the leaves on the trees and feel the sunshine on your shoulders.  In short, your mind clears and you begin to focus on the present moment. 

The same thing happens for children.  If your children are older then chances are they’re living extraordinarily busy lives.  Nature walks will help them concentrate and focus on the present. In fact studies have shown that nature walks for children with attention deficit issues were just as effective if not more so than medication to improve their concentration - and medication should only be a very last resort - especially when it comes to kids, with young and growing brains!

Nature Walks Build Confidence

Nature walks tend to generate curiosity and a sense of exploration in children.  They wonder what that funny orange moss was or why the snake was lying on that rock in the sun. This sense of wonder and curiosity helps them feel a part of something bigger than themselves.  It’s almost magical to watch children come out of their shells on a nature walk.  Their shoulders straighten, their eyes light up and confidence and curiosity beam from them. 

Nature Walks Boost Positive Emotions

Many forms of therapy use nature to treat depression, trauma, and to boost mood.  This is because nature is a proven method to boost mood and reduce aggression in children.  Scientists haven’t pinpointed the exact reasons why this occurs.  Some theorize that sunlight has a chemical effect on mood.  We do know that people suffer from SAD, seasonal affective disorder, which occurs during the long months of winter when people don’t receive enough sunlight. 

(Photo credit: erichaynes)

Other’s have studied the effects of greenery on children and have found that children with more nature in their schools, more greenery, get better grades, have fewer behavior problems, and generally perform better in school.  

If you’re new to nature walks, start small and local. Choose trails or parks nearby and let your family gradually build up to longer walks. Get your children interested by pointing out interesting features and encourage them to show you what interests them. 

Many physicians and counselors actually prescribe “nature walk therapy” for their patients who are suffering from stress and anxiety issues, who have high blood pressure, depression or other mood related concerns or who need to improve their attention span.

In addition to helping children focus, giving them more self-confidence and boosting their mood, taking a nature walk with your children helps foster the bond between you and your children.  It creates fond memories, lets your child know that you enjoy quiet time with them in nature and gives them an overall appreciation for life.

Summer is a great time to get out in nature -  both for yourself and your kids - take advantage of the summer months, and reap the health benefits for your family!

7 Dietary Ways to Remove Toxins for Healthy Skin

Have you applied all sorts of expensive creams or cleansers and wondered why your skin continued to look unhealthy?  That is because healthy skin comes from the inside out.  You might not often think of it this way, but remember, your skin is an organ, and like all organs, it benefits from a healthy, toxin-free diet.

Here are some dietary steps you can take to have healthy, beautiful skin:

1. Stay hydrated

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* You have probably heard about the importance of drinking water to stay healthy and cleanse the system, and that includes your skin.  Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, at least six 8oz. glasses a day.  In fact, all fluids you drink count towards your daily hydration needs, but limit caffeinated beverages as they have diuretic and dehydrating effects. 

* Add a squeeze of lemon juice to cleanse your liver.  In traditional Chinese medicine, poor skin indicates an unhealthy liver - which makes sense, as these are our two main organs of detoxification.

2. Bring on the fats

* For your skin to remain plump and supple, applying moisturizers can help, but taking healthy fats into your system will also have a deeper, healthier effect on your skin. 

* Flax, olive, and fish oils, as well as clean animal fats such as organic butter from grass-fed cows, and expeller-pressed organic coconut oil, should be incorporated into the diet. Eat fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon at least once a week, but make sure it is from a reputable source so that you are not adding to your body's toxic overload by eating fish that have lived in toxic waters. Only eat wild-caught fish - never farmed.

3. Fresh fruits and vegetables

* In addition to hydrating the body, fresh veggies and fruits provide vital skin-healthy nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E and toxin-absorbing fiber.  Lightly steamed or raw are the ideal ways to consume these foods, in order to preserve their vitamin and antioxidant powers. 

4. Nuts and seeds

* These little gems include important blood-building nutrients like iron, and healthy circulation and blood are key to good skin health.

* Nuts and seeds also contain healthy fats which, as noted above, keep the skin smooth and glowing.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Go organic

* If you have not already, switch to organic foods.  Your body needs to be as free from toxins as possible for your skin to be healthy, and organic food is not contaminated with synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.

* These harmful substances can also cause hormonal imbalances, which are strongly implicated in acne and other skin problems.  This goes for produce, as well as meats and dairy products. Speaking of dairy products...  

6. Limit dairy products

* Except for plain yogurt, you should sharply limit your dairy intake if you want healthier skin.  Most modern dairy products are likely to contain hormones or antibiotics or other toxins. Only eat dairy from organically raised, grass-fed animals.

7. Limit junk and fast foods

These "foods" are full of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and unhealthy fats.  Cleanse your skin from the inside by eating whole, fresh natural foods instead. They taste better and are more satisfying too!

There you have it - 7 ways to get healthy, glowing skin - naturally!  And your whole body will be healthier as well.

5 Simple Tips for Eating Green & Healthy

So you're thinking about starting to eat cleaner and greener? Good for you. But are you worried that green foods are just not going to be enough to sustain you - or that you won't be able to find the right foods? Well, there's no need to worry. You can live on truly healthy and green foods without a problem. Give yourself two weeks of eating green to create the habit. Here are some ways to eat green that you might want to try...

1. Eat lots of greens.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Eating your spinach will make you strong to the finish as Popeye says! Vegetables do a body good and filling your plate with plenty of hardy vegetables is not only healthy for you, but it's also filling and will give you plenty of energy - positive energy that's good for your muscles and your bones. It's a great way to sustain a healthy body. A good rule of thumb, without trying to count servings, is that for every meal, 2/3 of your plate should be vegetables - primarily green ones. This is literally "eating green."

2. Follow a vegetarian diet.

This doesn't just mean no meat, though. You have to make good organic food choices if you're going to go vegetarian. For example, peanut butter seems like a great source of protein that your body is craving when you switch to a vegetarian diet, but it isn't going to help you in eating green. Some processed foods like peanut butter may contain toxins or man-made additives which are difficult for the body to digest. Eating vegetarian isn't necessarily healthier if you just switch to vegetarian processed foods.

3. Go temporarily vegan.

Take it one step further and don't just cut meat out of your diet, but also milk, dairy products, and seafood. With the use of growth hormones to raise the chickens and cows there's more of a risk of there being a negative effect on our bodies when we eat or drink products made from this stuff. It is possible that the hormone residues could disrupt our hormone balance. As with the caveats in going vegetarian, going vegan isn't healthy if you just switch to vegan processed foods! Be sure you are eating natural, whole foods, and skip the processed fake meat products and that sort of thing. Typically I recommend you go vegan only for a short period of time, so you don't become deficient in certain vitamins that are found only in animal foods, but it's a great way to cleanse and detox your body periodically. And if you do choose to eat meat (or animal products), be sure it is naturally/organically raised! These are the ONLY animal products that are truly safe to eat.

Home cooked food! (Photo credit: Kai Hendry)

4. Eat healthy home cooked meals.

If you're not prepared to go full on vegetarian or vegan, that's okay. Preparing meals at home from scratch has all too often become a thing of the past. Convenience foods (aka junk foods) have taken their place, or eating out. If you prepare your meals at home from scratch then you can control more of what you put into your body. Not only that, but when you eat at home and cook from scratch you will save on energy and package waste. That makes it good for the environment and good for you too, since you can monitor how much sugar and salt is being put on your food. Visit our Cooking From Scratch blog for weekly recipe ideas and healthy cooking tips!

5. Eat super foods that sustain you.

You don't need to eat junk foods when you have a craving. There are some really tasty foods that have the added bonus of being good for you, too. Snack on a piece of dark chocolate instead of a Hershey bar, or an apple and a slice of cheese instead of greasy salty potato chips. Some other must-haves in the super food list include nuts, granola, dried fruit, yogurt, and even kale chips. Or try signing up for a service like NatureBox, which provides you with a selection of naturally healthy snacks every month, so you never have to succumb to temptation in the snack aisle!

All in all, eating green means reducing the amount of processed foods you eat, and meat as well. Less red meat and more green veggies makes for a green diet that will sustain you and which can help you lose weight, too. You'll feel better and more energized as your body is more capable of metabolizing non-processed foods.

Keep Your Pet Healthy With Natural Dog Foods

Many commercial dog foods are made primarily from soy or grain, which really aren't natural for dogs to eat, and don't do their health any favors. In fact, many pets fed on these foods are now suffering from some of the same diseases we humans are (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc.), after eating an abundance of grains and soy for the past 40 years! If you are going to feed your dog a commercial dog food, make sure it is a natural brand, containing natural ingredients which are healthy for dogs.

Most natural dog foods contain essential minerals and vitamins such as manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium, all of which dogs need to have in their diet. Dogs also need some antioxidants, which are contained in many vegetables that are included in most good quality natural dog foods. There are lots of branded natural dog food options available today for your pet. However, it is better to consult with a veterinary doctor before starting to feed natural food to your dog, to find out what type would be best, since some dog foods are formulated for specific breeds.

There are many advantages of feeding natural foods to dogs. Natural dog food is usually very rich in vitamin E, which is very important for their growth. Vitamins such as beta carotene are helpful in removing toxins from the body commonly known as free radicals. Dogs need vitamins to be healthy, just like you do!

(Photo credit: Finger Food)

Natural dog foods shouldn't contain artificial ingredients, and instead should consist of whole, healthy foods that a dog would naturally eat, such as meat and vegetables. This will help reduce toxins in the body, and keep your dog healthy and thriving for as long as possible. Feeding your dog natural foods is basically like an insurance policy for your pet!

You can also make your own natural dog food quite easily, from raw, natural meats and vegetables. However, there are certain foods that should not be given to dogs, such as oily food or pork, cured meat, bread, grapes, citrus, raisins, onions, pasteurized milk products, and any sugary food. These are junk foods to your dog, and aren't good for him - some can even make him sick! However, feel free to feed your dog raw meats such as beef, lamb, poultry, fish, carrots, leafy greens, and other vegetables, as well as very small amounts of cooked grains. Raw eggs are also a good healthy food for dogs.

Natural dog foods have a lot of health benefits, and many doctors suggest it is better to give natural food to dogs. Natural food can also affect the behavior of your pets, making them more active, playful and happy. Feeding your dogs natural dog food can help your treasured pets live a healthier, happier, longer life.

Natural Dog Foods Are Available for Purchase Online:

   

How to Achieve Spiritual Health and Balance in Your Life

Life can certainly seem off-balance and out of control at times. In fact, sometimes it seems like harmony is forever out of reach. It seems that we are always juggling too many things, and trying to keep them all in order is an impossible task. There are some things you can incorporate into your life, however, that can help you achieve spiritual health and balance. Here are some suggestions to consider to bring balance back into your life.

* Control - Identify what you can control, and what you can't. Once you recognize that you don't have to be solely in charge of keeping every ball in the air in your daily juggling act, you can let some of them go and focus on the ones that you can control. Diet, exercise, and learning new things are all activities and lifestyle choices you can influence and control.

Fresh vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* Diet - Instead of obsessing over weight loss and what the latest superfood is, take an honest look at your diet and make some healthy adjustments. Start small, incorporating real, whole, fresh foods and work toward a balanced diet. It's amazing how much more balanced your life can feel when your diet is.

* Exercise - Any exercise is good as long as it is regular, but if you really want to enhance your spiritual health and achieve balance, engage in exercise that promotes that. Martial arts, Yoga, Pilates, Qigong, and other meditative, stretching exercises benefit the mind, body and spirit.

* A higher power - Engage in prayer and/or meditation on a daily basis. It helps shift your focus off of your problems and onto the spiritual world. It puts things in perspective.

* Herbal tea - Drinking herbal teas can help you toward your healthful goals. Perhaps you need a relaxing blend, or maybe a stimulating one. Tea drinking is actually part of the religious ceremonies in some countries. It connects you to nature and promotes a peaceful spirit.

* Gratitude - Try to cultivate a sense of gratitude in your life. When you are grateful for what you have, it makes what you don't have much less of a concern.

* Sleep - Getting adequate sleep is important for mental, physical, and emotional health. It is a key component of achieving balance in your life.

* Mantras - Internalize a wise saying, verse of scripture, philosophical phrase, or whatever inspires you. Write it down and put it on your bathroom mirror, coffee maker, by your computer monitor, or wherever you will see it every day.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* Nature - Get out into nature. Many of us suffer from an inadequate "dose" of the outdoors, making our lives an imbalanced experience of indoor-only living. Connection with nature helps the spirit, too, and enhances spiritual health. When you can, incorporate elements of nature into your indoor living space too - such as potted plants, flowers, and more. (See Thursday's post for some ideas for incorporating nature into your indoor decor.)


And for more on balanced, holistic living, visit www.newholisticliving.com. 

The Hay Diet for Good Health

Dr. William Howard Hay introduced food combining in 1911. After 16 yrs of medical practice his own health began to deteriorate, and he developed high blood pressure, Brights disease (now more commonly known as acute or chronic nephritis, a kidney disease) and a dilated heart. There being no treatment available for dilated heart at the time, Dr. Hay was inspired to treat his own symptoms. His basic premise is that there is one underlying cause for health problems and that is the wrong chemical condition in the body (also sometimes caused by toxic load).

Chart from How to Always Be Well, Dr. William Howard Hay (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He did this by eating 'fundamentally' as he called it; taking foods in a natural form and not mixing proteins and starches at the same meal. The wrong chemical condition is acidity which is caused by the manufacture and accumulation of acid from the products of digestion and metabolism in amounts greater than the body can eliminate. 

Along with dietary changes, Dr. Hay also advised fresh air, exercise and general lifestyle changes. The basic rules of this diet are: starches and sugar should not be eaten with proteins and acid fruits at the same meal; vegetables, salads and fruits should play a major part in the diet; proteins, starches and fats should be eaten in small quantities and only whole-grain unprocessed starches should be used; and finally at least 4 hours should elapse between meals of different food groups. It is also known as the "food combining" diet. 

Acid foods are protein rich, meat, fish, dairy, etc., and alkaline the carbohydrate-rich starch foods like rice, grains and potatoes.

Following the simple rules of the Hay Diet has shown great potential in reversing chronic and degenerative conditions such as constipation, indigestion and arthritis. It can be beneficial to asthma and allergy sufferers. It can also stimulate natural weight loss, thus reducing the health risks linked to obesity, such as diabetes, gallstones and coronary heart disease. 

 To Learn More About the Hay Diet, Consult These Resources:

   

 

How Can Foods Contribute to Cleansing & Detoxification?

Cleansing the body of toxins is a popular topic these days, and for good reason.  We do, in fact, live in an environment where our bodies are bombarded with toxic substances on a daily basis. 

Exercise, supplement programs, fasts, meditation, yoga, etc. are employed to varying degrees in order to bring cleansing to the body.  However, the important role that food plays in cleansing - simply what we eat - cannot be ignored. (For lots more articles on how important food is to your health, visit our main blog at www.newholisticliving.com/blog.html)

Americans have a tendency to want quick fixes to problems and symptoms.  We love our pills.  We can swallow a capsule or tablet and go on about our business with no lifestyle changes necessary.

Why isn't it okay to employ quick fixes?

The problem with this approach is that it completely eliminates the connection between food and health that is so vital!

Pills may mask symptoms, but the underlying problem of a poor diet will not be addressed.  In other words, toxins are still building while the symptoms are being alleviated. What does this mean? It means that your long-term health is still being compromised. You may not have immediate symptoms, but eventually this continual build-up of toxins can (and in many cases will) lead to serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimers, and more.

Sometimes, we look at food as our enemy - we think the less we eat, the healthier and thinner we will be.  But what you do eat is very important.   

"Let your food be your medicine and your medicine your food," said Hippocrates (from whom doctors get the "Hippocratic Oath").  (This is pretty much my favorite quote ever!!!)

Let's look briefly at some of the constituents in whole foods and their various cleansing benefits.

* Fiber

This is a big one.  Fiber is one of the primary ways to eliminate waste from the colon.  Without it, bowel movements lack bulk, and toxins can build up in the colon.  Fiber absorbs poisons and waste matter as it moves along the intestinal tract, picking it up, and moving it out.

High-fiber diets are also associated with a decreased risk of colon and rectal cancer, as well as heart disease.

* Vitamins and Minerals

Healthy, whole foods contain these vital nutrients.  These substances have more roles in the body's health than can be discussed here, but some particular vitamins, such as C and E, have specific antioxidant effects.

Iron builds the blood; other vitamins and minerals build bone and tissue; still others play an active role in cell regeneration.  Without vitamins and minerals, the body cannot repair and rebuild itself from a cleanse.

Healthy Berries are Good Food for Health (Photo credit: epSos.de)

* Antioxidants

Many foods contain these bodily scavengers that fight free radical damage in the body.

Green tea, berries, tomatoes, and many other foods have antioxidant properties.

Cranberries, for example, promote bladder and kidney health, which are important organs involved in bodily cleansing.

* Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3's)

More and more, we are hearing about the importance of good fats in the diet.  It turns out that they are crucial, and, among other things, help support liver health.  The liver is a major cleansing organ. They also compose much of the matter that brain tissue is made of, so be sure to eat your healthy fats!

* Phytonutrients

These are simply the nutrients found in plant foods, and they tend to have anti-cancer and antioxidant benefits.

All in all, what you do choose to eat has a significant role in the cleansing of your body (as does what you avoid eating).  Refined sugar, white flour, and processed foods full of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors will have the effect of building toxic waste in your tissues, so be sure to choose foods wisely.


For a good, natural food-based cleansing & detoxification program, check out The Total Wellness Cleanse.