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Why YOU Need a Detox this New Year

Toxins are Everywhere

You are exposed to toxins Every. Single. Day. There are approximately 80,000 chemicals registered for use in the U.S., and 800,000,000+ pounds of herbicides are used yearly on our crops. 1-3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that hundreds of these chemicals are present in our bodies. Research shows that certain chemicals may affect our immune, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems.

In fact, your body produces its own toxins, or waste known as endogenous toxins, simply by functioning. Your body also encounters external (exogenous) toxins, or chemicals made outside of your body. They are in the air you breathe, the food you eat, the water you drink, and the products you touch.4,5  

External Toxins

  • Air and Water Pollutants
  • Cigarette Smoke
  • Certain Personal Care Products
  • Dyes and Paints
  • Heavy Metals
  • Household Cleaning Products
  • Pesticides and Insecticides
  • Preservatives and Additives
  • Trans Fats

Internal Toxins

  • Ammonia
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Free radicals

You become what you eat

The typical America diet favors processed foods that tend to be high in refined sugar, trans fats, and salt.  Processed foods often contain pesticides, artificial ingredients, and genetically modified organisms that can contribute to toxin build up in the body.6  Exposure to these toxins can overburden your system’s natural ability to detoxify.

Reducing your toxic burden can reduce your odds of asthma, cancer, Alzheimer’s, infertility, hormonal and period problems and so much more. Reducing your toxic load can help you lose weight, restore your energy levels and balance your hormones. It can help you conceive a healthy baby and raise a healthy child.

When the body is overloaded with toxins, these toxins cannot be eliminated from the body and they slow down cellular function. This translates to decreasing your body’s function; the brain won’t fire as quickly so you become foggy and forgetful. This can mean you gain weight or feel tired and/or unmotivated.  Many people experience symptoms of toxicity but don’t recognize what these signs really can mean.  How many of the symptoms below do you have?

Symptoms of Toxin Exposure

  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • Indigestion and other gastrointestinal upset
  • Food cravings and weight gain
  • Reduced mental clarity (brain fog)
  • Low libido
  • Skin issues – eczema, acne, dark circles under the eyes
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Headaches
  • Female hormone disturbances
  • Sinus issues
  • Water retention
  • Bad breath
  • Insomnia

Your Organs of Detoxification

My 21 day Reset Detox Programs are designed to stimulate specific detoxification organs in the body—the liver, kidneys, and intestines. With help from these organs, your toxic load can decrease, and your body can concentrate its energy on detoxifying and cleaning up. This can help you achieve optimal health by cleansing your body from the inside out.  The goal is to learn how to enhance your body’s ability to detox and remove these toxins on a daily basis. No matter where start, everyone can benefit from a detox program.

Liver

  • Filters toxins
  • Aids the body in metabolizing fat, protein, and carbohydrates
  • Helps transform many toxins into harmless agents

Kidneys

  • Filter waste and excess fluid from the blood
  • Regulate and release the right balance of sodium, phosphorus, and
    potassium for the body to function properly

Small Intestine

  • Digests food so that nutrients can be absorbed into the blood and transported to the liver
  • Provides a barrier that blocks toxins from the rest of the body

Large Intestine

  • Absorbs water and electrolytes, forming waste that is excreted from the body
  • Produces antibodies for gastrointestinal health
  • Contains bacteria that create fatty acids and some vitamins for extra nutritional support

Why you may not be losing weight

If your body can’t release toxins through your intestines (poop) or kidney (urine) then they can be deposited and stored in the body.  Over months, years, or even decades these can build up in the body and create havoc.

One of the most common sites for us to deposit toxins is in our fat cells since many of the chemicals in today’s environment and food are lipotrophic, meaning that they LOVE FAT.  The challenge is that we have to release those stored toxins from the fat cells before the fat cells can shrink.  This is one reason why you may have been eating better and working out more but still seeing NO weight loss results. 

Where We Store Toxins

  • Fat Cells
  • Bone Marrow
  • Joints
  • Liver
  • Blood
  • Muscle
  • Central Nervous System

What the heck is metabolic detoxification anyway?

Metabolic detoxification is your body’s natural process of neutralizing and eliminating toxins from your body.  This three-phase process unlocks fat-soluble toxins and converts them to a water-soluble state that is easier for your body to remove. Your body needs key nutrients and phytonutrients to support each of these phases.

Three phases of metabolic detoxification

  • Phase I: Unlock – Stored fat-soluble toxins transform into an “unlocked” state that is more water-soluble, and in many cases, more toxic than its original form.  The foods and supplements recommended in the 21 day Reset Detox program delivers nutrients that activate enzymes required for Phase I reactions. It also supplies antioxidants that reduce stress on your body, such as tissue damage sometimes caused by these enzyme activities.
  • Phase II: Neutralize – The highly toxic substances produced in Phase I convert to non-toxic molecules and become even more water-soluble. The foods and supplements recommended in the 21 day Reset Detox program supplies key nutrients and amino acids needed to support Phase II enzymes. These enzymes enhance the water solubility of toxins.
  • Phase III: Eliminate – Water-soluble toxins leave your cells, and your body eliminates them. The foods and supplements recommended in the 21 Day Detox Program provides your body with plant-based fiber and water, which aid in toxin elimination.

A Simple, Effective Answer is HERE!

You can create more efficiency around detoxification by modifying your daily food choices, and habits to support your body’s natural ability to detoxify.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or feel like it’s just time for a reset, I encourage you to check out my upcoming Virtual Group 21 Day Detox Reset Program. The 21 Day Group Detox Program is designed for balancing hormones, resetting your digestive system, weight loss, improved energy, better sleep and so much more!

My hope is to provide you with easy, effective tools to help you liver YOUR. BEST. LIFE.

Cheers,

Author:

Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen, DC, MS, CNS, CCN is a licensed chiropractor, certified clinical nutritionist, and owner of Lime and Lotus, LLC with offices in both Charleston, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia.  She utilizes saliva testing, herbs, and whole food supplements to correct female hormones imbalances in her patients.  Download her free guide: Dr. Stephanie’s Naughty List – The Top Five Foods that Wreck Your Hormone Health here

References:

  1. “About,” National Toxicology Program, US Department of Health and Human Services, accessed March 13, 2018, https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/about/index.html.
  2. Arthur Grube, David Donaldson, Timothy Kiely, and La Wu, “Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage 2006 and 2007 Market Estimates,” Washington, D.C.: United States Environmental Protection Agency, February 2011, PDF e-book, http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/iles/2015-10/documents/market_estimates2007.pdf.
  3. Michael N. Antoniou et al., “Concerns Over Use of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risks Associated with Exposures: a Consensus Statement.” Environmental Health 15, no. 1 (2016): 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-016-0117-0.
  4. Romilly E. Hodges and Deanna M. Minich, “Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application,” Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism (2015): 16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/760689.
  5. Joseph W. Thornton, Michael McCally, and Jane Houlihan, “Biomonitoring of Industrial Pollutants: Health and Policy Implications of the Chemical Body Burden,” Public Health Reports 117, no. 4 (2002): 315-23, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1497458/pdf/12477912.pdf.
  6. Ian A. Myles, “Fast Food Fever: Reviewing the Impacts of the Western Diet on Immunity,” Nutrition Journal 13 (2014): 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-61.

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Health Benefits of Rosemary

Rosemary is a well-known culinary aromatic and its usage stretches far beyond the kitchen due to a myriad of health benefits. As the health industry continues to push its research on safer alternative medicine, rosemary is no exception as one of the best candidates in this matter. In fact, more companies are manufacturing this herb in different forms from essential oil to capsules. 

Here are the health benefits of rosemary:

ANTI Power

Sometimes, anti has a negative connotation but in this case, this is what makes this herb highly potent due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial abilities. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prowess of rosemary is largely ascribed to polyphenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid which help protect your body from oxidative damage and inflammation.

Memory and Mood Enhancer

Drinking rosemary tea or inhaling the scent of this herb can boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Moreover, rosemary extract helps balance out the good bacteria in your guts and reduces inflammation in your hippocampus, a part of your brain that is linked to your memories, learning, and emotions.

Regulates Your Blood Sugar

An unhealthy level of blood sugar can affect numerous sections of your body such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system. This is why it is imperative to monitor your blood sugar level.  

Rosemary contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid which promotes the absorption of glucose into muscle cells, lowering blood sugar.

Festive Rosemary Beet Phyllo Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 jar (16 ounces) whole beets, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 2 cups fresh arugula, torn
  • 72 frozen miniature phyllo tart shells
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

  1. Pat beets dry with paper towels; place in a small bowl. Add the olive oil, rosemary and orange zest; toss to combine.
  2. Divide arugula among tart shells; top with beet mixture. Sprinkle with feta cheese.

If you’re gluten-free and want a great recipe to make your own GF phyllo dough check out this link.

Adapted from Taste of Home

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Health Benefits of Turkey

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and do you ever wonder why turkey is the most served food during this special occasion? It actually traces back to the 19th century when the turkey become a favorite first because it was plentiful and second because hens and cows were more useful for their produce (eggs, milk) rather than their meat; and third, a single turkey can feed a whole family. 

Beyond the bountiful history of this food is a flock of nutrients waiting to be discovered including a healthy turkey recipe! 

Reinforces your Immune System

Turkey is rich in selenium, an antioxidant that promotes a healthy heart and thyroid. 

Source of Protein

Aside from reinforcing your muscle growth, this abundance in protein also assists in regulating insulin levels and preventing fatigue.

Sleep inducing

Ever wonder why after a hefty bite of turkey makes you feel sleepy? That’s because this meat is rich in the amino acid L-tryptophan which promotes serotonin and melatonin. So if you are having a hard time sleeping, you might want to have a mouthful of turkey-enriched food beforehand. 

Improves Vision

Not recognized for vision like carrots or squash but turkey can help improve your eyesight and protect your eyes from cataracts due to the zinc and the B-vitamin Niacin. 

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 (28 ounces) can no-salt-added organic crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 ounces) can organic kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh garlic
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ cup sliced scallions, for serving
  • Hot sauce, for serving

Directions

  1. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook, breaking it up into chunks, until no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, onion, squash, water, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic, cinnamon, salt and cayenne to the slow cooker; stir to combine. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours.
  3. Remove lid and stir to combine. Serve hot, topped with scallions and hot sauce, if desired.

Adapted from eatingwell.com

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Puppy Paw Print Ornaments – DIY

It’s that time of year again where we desire to purchase (or create) fun and meaningful gifts for family, friends and co-workers.  This year get your fur babies involved with my DIY Ornaments. 

This is a super easy and fun project that even the kids can take part in creating!

I hope you enjoy this one!

XOXO

Dr Stephanie and Brie Cheese Nicole

Puppy Paw Print Ornaments

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Straw/pen for punching a hole

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees
  • Mix the salt, flour, and water in a bowl until it becomes firm
  • Knead the dough for 30 seconds
  • Cut out individual circles with a round cookie cutter or drinking glass
  • Gently press your dog’s paw into the dough
  • Use a straw to create a small hole at the top
  • Bake at 200 degrees in the oven for 2-3 hours or until completely dry
  • Once cooled, grab some acrylic paint to decorate