Eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. One egg has 6 grams of protein with all nine “essential” amino acids, the building blocks of protein. That’s important because those are the ones your body can’t make by itself. The egg white holds about half that protein and only a small portion of the fat and cholesterol.
Time to crack the secrets of what makes the egg a yolk for wellness!
Good for the eyes
Eggs are rich in Vitamin A which is a significant nutrient for the eyes. It is important to note that Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in children in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of this nutrient. This food also contains zeaxanthin and lutein which has the ability to reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Empowers the brain
Eggs are empowered by a nutrient called choline and 1 egg contains 125.5 milligrams of it which is 1/4 of your daily choline needs. Choline plays a significant role in your heart as well as in your brain and it helps in regulating mood and memory, as well as enhancing cognitive functions such as visual and verbal memory.
High in Protein
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and contain all 9 essential amino acids. This means eggs are very good source for building muscle, making sure that cells function properly, and supplying the body with the essential proteins it needs to be healthy.
Bone Building Food
One of the naturally occurring sources of vitamin D is eggs. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, the maintenance of strong bones, the promotion of neuromuscular function, and the reduction of inflammation.
Easy Stovetop Shakshuka
Ingredients:
1 tbsp ( 15 mL )extra virgin olive oil
1small onion, diced
1yellow pepper, diced
1jalapeño, diced
1 tsp ( 5 mL )thyme
1 tsp ( 5 mL )oregano
2garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp ( 30 mL )tomato paste
14 oz ( 400 g )can diced tomatoes
½ cup ( 125 mL )chickpeas, drained & rinsed
salt and pepper to taste
⅓ cup ( 75 mL )feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
4 organic, pastured eggs
fresh basil, for serving
Direction:
Heat oil in an 11-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, yellow pepper, and jalapeño, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Add the thyme, oregano, garlic, and tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes and bring to a low boil, reduce heat to medium-low add the chickpeas and simmer, stirring occasionally for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper then stir in feta.
Using the bottom of a ladle, make four indentations into the sauce for the eggs. Crack eggs one at a time and place them into the individual indentations.
Cook until egg whites have set, but the yolks are still runny approximately 6-8 minutes. If the top of the eggs is not set up as desired, cover them with a lid for 1-2 minutes. Do not leave the lid on too long or you will lose the yellow in the yolk. Garnish with fresh basil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are excited to share the good news with you: Calcium Lactate has received a make over!
Standard Process has redesigned the Calcium Lactate tablets — a product that contains both calcium and magnesium — to provide you with a better experience.
Calcium Lactate is now available in medium oval tablets, which reduces the number of tablets you will need to take each day. The amount of calcium per serving has also been increased, and it’s now considered an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value).
Calcium Lactate is a dairy-free, vegan tablet that helps maintain healthy bone density. It is an excellent source of calcium and a good source of magnesium.
Supports muscle and nerve function
Supports normal functions of cells and cell membranes
Supports normal blood clotting process
Supports proper functioning of enzyme systems
Supports and helps maintain healthy bone density and remodeling
Provides support in the immune system response function*
Adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life
Calcium Lactate contains 20% of the daily recommended value of calcium (from calcium lactate and stearate) and 12% of the daily recommended value of magnesium.
Both of these minerals are essential for a number of metabolic functions and processes in the body, yet much of the U.S. population struggles to meet the recommended amount of either mineral.
Calcium Lactate for Maintaining Healthy Bone Density
Bone remodeling (bone turnover) is a continuous cycle of bone breakdown by osteoclasts in areas of the body where bone isn’t needed, and bone rebuilding handled by osteoblasts.1 In other words, bone itself undergoes continuous remodeling, with constant resorption and deposition of calcium into new bone. The balance between bone resorption and deposition is important for healthy bones, and it changes with age.
Both calcium and magnesium are critical to bone health. 99% of the body’s calcium supply is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports normal and healthy bone structure and function.2 Taking an additional calcium supplement can help increase the body’s supply of calcium.
Magnesium also contributes to the structural development of bone, with 50% to 60% present in the bones. 3 In particular, magnesium is involved in bone formation and influences the activities of osteoblasts (bone rebuilding) and osteoclasts (bone breakdown).4
Calcium Lactate for Immune System Health
Both calcium and magnesium are involved in supporting aspects of the body’s healthy immune system. Calcium (Ca2+) signals control various aspects of cell functioning such as T lymphocytes.5 T lymphocytes – along with other immune cells – respond to foreign particles in the body. These T cells, which are made in bone marrow and are essential for cell-mediated immunity, need a sustained Calcium ion flow for regulation, activation, and proliferation.5
Emerging research indicates magnesium may also play a role in the human immune system response such as through magnesium transporters. A number of magnesium transporters have been identified in immune cells such as Magnesium transporter 1 (MagT1).6 MagT1 is expressed in the spleen, thymus, T and B lymphocytes, suggesting that MagT1 may be involved in the human immune system functions. 7
Does lactate come from milk?
The term “lactate” sounds similar to “lactose,” and you may assume that it comes from cow’s milk, but that is not the case. Calcium Lactate is a non-dairy product.
The “lactate” in Calcium Lactate is a calcium salt of lactic acid. Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacterial fermentation of sugar. In this case, it does not come from milk.
Need to place an order? You can now order this product on our authorized online retail website and have your orders delivered directly from the farm to your home!
1. Wardlaw GM, Hampl JS, DiSilvestro RA. Perspectives in Nutrition. 6th edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Higher Education; 2004.2. Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2010. 3. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1997. 4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ 5. Oh-hora M, Rao A. Calcium signaling in T-lymphocytes. Curr Opin Immunol. 2008 June; 20(3): 250–258. 6. Schmitz C, Perraud AL. Chapter 26 – Magnesium and the Immune Response, Editor(s): James F. Collins. Molecular, Genetic, and Nutritional Aspects of Major and Trace Minerals, Academic Press, 2017, Pages 319-331. 7. Al Alawi AM, Al Badi A, Al Huraizi A, Falhammar H. Chapter Six – Magnesium: The recent research and developments. Editor(s): N.A. Michael Eskin. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, Academic Press, Volume 96, 2021, Pages 193-218.
We are excited to share the good news with you: MediHerb® Tribulus tablets are now back in stock! Previously, MediHerb had been unable to source Tribulus terrestris herb that met our shared quality standards. After much persistence, we are happy to share that we can once again produce the product so that it upholds the quality that Standard Process® and MediHerb are known for. Tribulus contains an extract of Tribulus terrestris herb (aerial parts – leaves and stems) and contains steroidal saponins, mainly furostanol glycosides (including protodioscin and protogracillin) and small quantities of spirostanol glycosides, sterols and other compounds. This product is standardized to contain 90 mg per tablet of furostanol saponins to ensure optimal strength and quality. Protodioscin, a furanostanol saponin from Tribulus terrestris, is considered responsible for the plant’s effects on libido and vitality. M1445 | 40 tablets |
The compounds in Tribulus have been used traditionally to:
*support healthy libido in men and women *promote normal menstrual flow *tonify and promote vitality *promote an overall feeling of well-being *support during menopause
Whether you are going for a vacation or just taking a stroll along the neighborhood, it is essential to wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. According to one study, excessive exposure to UV rays that are received from the sun may cause skin cancer, and this gives us more reason to start lathering our skin with some protection.
Not all skin types are the same; some people are sensitive to a particular ingredient which is why choosing the right sunscreen can be tricky. There are also ingredients which can cause harm rather than help which is why for this article, we are going to focus on what ingredients should be AVOIDED in a sunscreen.
Parabens
This ingredient has been associated with breast cancer, and they also disrupt the hormones. They are not just used in sunscreen, but also in other skincare products as well.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles
These nanoparticles can absorb the sun’s radiation, and when they slither into the system, it can cause inflammation. Titanium Dioxide can also cause lung damage and is a potential carcinogen.
Retinol
A form of Vitamin A which can be useful for the skin because of its anti-aging effects but when it comes to contact with sunlight, it can cause damage such as tumors or skin lesions.
Chemical Filters
These chemicals are supposed to help the sunscreen to penetrate our skin, even more, when it is exposed to sunlight. But when they enters our body, they can damage the endocrine system and distort the hormones. The chemicals to watch out for under this category are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxat.
Not all products that promise protection are safe, and we are thankful for this generation because of the vast information and advanced technology that supports the research of the people from the skincare division keeping the consumers safe and healthy.
Finally, the Environmental Working Group has created a sunscreen database where you can look up how your current sunscreen scores as far as toxic chemicals goes. Or you can also you that site to search for a better brand for yourself and your family.
I have some very exciting news that made me jump for joy when I heard it because I know this is aGAME CHANGER for many of you.
The current pandemic has brought lots of change – I’ve redesigned how I see patients by offering more virtual and zoom style appointments. We’ve been shipping out your protocols to you and offering curbside pick ups as well.
Last week I was invited by Standard Process to be one of their health care practitioners with a full integrated website!!!
I jumped with joy!!!
What this means for Lime and Lotus is that our office is now an approved and authorized distributor and seller of Standard Process and MediHerb products online!
What this means for you is that you can now order and buy Standard Process and MediHerb products online through this website. Products will be shipped from the company directly to you anywhere in the United States.
Online orders through the site over $100 also receive FREE SHIPPING!
I am happy and excited to be able to bring you this additional resource. We will still continue to offer curb side pick up and products from the office but this will be one more option to make your life easier!
Balancing Female Hormones Naturally is Only a Test Away
As a doctor in clinical practice, I am frequently asked by my female patients, “Is it possible to manage my female hormone issues naturally, without the use of drugs, synthetic or bio-identical hormones?” The quick answer to that question is a resounding YES. The biggest challenge, however, is in knowing exactly where you stand with your current hormone status.
Your body has a number of hormones that need to be in balance with each other in order to achieve proper female health and function. The two that will be discussed in this article are estrogen and progesterone. If these are out of balance, women can experience a variety of symptoms and conditions such as weight gain, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, breast tenderness, fibroids, ovarian cysts, heavy bleeding or clotting, menstrual cramps, hot flashes, low libido, migraines and even osteoporosis! The interesting fact is that whether you have too much or too little of the hormone, the symptoms are usually the SAME, so testing for hormones becomes vitally important in determining a specific natural protocol for each woman.
Your hormones are made by glands in the body and deposited directly into your blood stream. They are very powerful, yet made in very small amounts. Your estrogen and progesterone are measured in nanograms (parts per billion), and picograms (parts per trillion). These are very small amounts; a nanogram is equivalent to a pinch of salt in 10 tons of popcorn, and a picogram is equivalent to one drop of water in a 6 mile long train.
I have had many patients who have been prescribed medications or creams from their physicians and when asked how the doctor decided on that treatment, the patient’s answer was “he just wanted me to try this for a bit to see if it helped.” Because these hormones are made in such small amounts, it can be easy to unbalance them if you consume herbs, creams, or hormone replacement therapy without knowing if it is truly necessary.
So how do you determine if you need some support for your hormonal health?
The easiest and most convenient way to test all of your hormones is via a saliva test. This is much different than the routine blood tests that are typically performed.
Routine blood tests will test for the protein bound form of each hormone. In this instance the hormone is bound to a protein and in its INACTIVE form. Approximately 99% of your hormones are in this form and considered the “hormone reserves.” This is why many women can experience symptoms, go to the doctor for a blood test and that test comes back negative. A saliva test, however, will test for the unbound form of each hormone. In this instance the hormone is not bound to a protein and this is the ACTIVE form or functional form of the hormone. It is when we test these hormones that we truly see an accurate picture of a woman’s health.
So if you are experiencing symptoms, the first step is proper testing of your hormones to determine the most appropriate course of action!
Symptoms your hormones
are out of balance:
Do you wake up tired, but have trouble winding down to sleep at night?
Do you struggle with sugar cravings or energy crashes through the day?
Is your hair thinning/falling out?
Are you having trouble losing weight?
Are you experiencing hot flashes or night sweats?
Is your libido cooling off?
Are you struggling with brain fog, or mood swings?
Are your periods irregular, heavy, or painful?
Think you may want to get tested? Check out Dr Stephanie’s hormone testing options below. Each link lists out what hormones are tested with each panel.
Want to learn more about YOUR hormones? Dr. Stephanie offers a phone consultation to chat about your hormones, your health goals to see if natural female hormone balancing would be a good fit for you. Check out more information here.
Author:
Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen, DC, MS, CNS, CCN is a licensed chiropractor, certified clinical nutritionist, and owner of Lime and Lotus, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina. 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.
Let’s use this summer to learn more about our bodies, our health and easy ways to improve them both!
Welcome to the summer of education – So many of my patients and followers ask for resources and education to learn how to empower themselves and take charge of their own health. So I thought I’d take this summer to introduce you to some of my favorite reading and resources. I’ll even be starting a monthly book club where we can read a book as a group and start some lively discussions!
My first block of resources is focused on the Standard American Diet, how we botched it up, how to get back in check with what we’re eating/growing/producing and the drug companies that are making a fortune off of our misfortune.
Check out the list and see if any resonate with you to check out – If you’ve already read a few on the list let me know in the comments or comment on which one you’re going to read (you know for accountability 😉
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 28 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 28 day Reset Detox programs
deliver 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 28 day Reset
Detox programs supply 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 28 Day Reset Detox programs provide 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 signature 28 Day Reset Programs. The
28 Day
Hormone Reset Detox is designed for balancing hormones and the 28 Day
Autoimmune Reset Detox is specially created for those with autoimmune
issues.
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 in Charleston, South Carolina. 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.
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.
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.
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.
What you do today, will
affect your heart health tomorrow.
Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem and financial
burden costing the United States approximately 214 billion dollars a year. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the
most common form of cardiovascular disease.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to other health problems such
as congestive heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and death.
Alarming statistics show that over the past 50 years, cardiovascular
disease has been the number one cause of mortality in the United States, but
100 years ago it was not even ranked in the top ten causes of death. In other countries that have diets lower in
salt, cholesterol and fat people have a lower incidence of cardiovascular
disease. Most high blood pressure has no
identifiable or secondary cause and is considered essential hypertension.
Some causes of essential hypertension include obesity,
congestion of the liver, kidneys, or gall bladder, stress, and adrenal fatigue,
hypothyroidism, high alcohol consumption, food allergies, and unbalanced
essential fatty acids. Only a qualified
healthcare professional can test for the causes of high blood pressure and put
you on a specific protocol that would best suit your needs, but the following
are tests and recommendations to consider with your healthcare provider.
Tests to check for the causes of hypertension
Lipid profile: Many people with high blood pressure and cholesterol have been linked with thyroid problems as well
Complete thyroid profile
Liver enzyme profile
Fatty acid blood profile: breaks down the ratio of omega 3-6-9 and determines what specific nutrient(s) you are lacking
Steps that may help naturally control hypertension
Aerobic exercise: at least 30-60 minutes 3-7 days per week
Detox programs:
These can help with clearing out the kidneys, liver, and
gastro-intestinal system of any congestion and aid in weight loss (only do with
the permission and guidance of a qualified healthcare professional)
Replace regular table salt with a sea salt
Increase intake of calcium, potassium,
antioxidants, CoQ10, and essential fatty acids but make sure that you receive
these nutrients in a food based formula, not from synthetic supplements.
Learn relaxation and stress management
techniques
Herbs that are heart helpers include Hawthorne,
Coleus, and Garlic.
Already taking a prescribed Statin drug? Recent research has shown that they upset the
omega 3-6-9 ratios and they rob the body of CoQ10, which can then lead to fatigue
and shortness of breath. These
individuals need to make sure that they are replacing the CoQ10 with food based
supplements and making sure that their omega 3-6-9 ratios are balanced. It is never too late to begin the journey of
eating your way to a healthy heart.