I don't remember what first triggered me to make my own sauerkraut. I didn't even eat the stuff at the time, and it was years before I was level 19 concerned with gut health. But whatever the source of the fermentation inspiration, I was going to make this thing happen.
The Most Important Supplements for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis
How to DIY a Detox
Smoothies; 3 baddies and 3 goodies
Smoothies. They're the drink that keeps on giving. Whether in their recent metamorphosis as gloriously topped and striped bowls, or overflowing from a vintage mason jar with a trendy, compostable straw, we can’t get enough of liquefying our fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into a one-stop meal shop.
How to Prepare for a Detox
If you think detox preparation starts and ends with finally choosing that calendar date and committing to a week or two of starvation... well, I got news for ya. There's more. Much, much more. But it's good, non-restrictive news. A detox regimen doesn't have to be- shouldn't be- an extreme dive into the dietary deep end. As we discussed in an earlier post, that approach can actually hurt more than help. The healthy detox is something that you ease into and out of, and it supports the body with ALL the nutrients, not just the ones found in green juices. Because of that, preparation is more than just picking a date; it's part of the detox diet bell curve.
Who Should Detox?
It's not news: an occasional cleansing protocol that focuses on healthy, whole-food nutrients while avoiding toxin exposure is good for all of us. For some, however, a detox doesn't come with the luxury of choice. And for the rest of us, we may simply not realize how hard our bodies are struggling to maintain homeostasis. But symptomatic or not, it’s safe to assume that everyone's detox pathways are working overtime to keep us healthy in today's world.
The Science of Detox
Our body is carrying out detoxification processes constantly. Every minute we’re building up and breaking down hormones, enzymes, proteins, and a bajillion other compounds. These actions cause reactions. Reactions include byproducts. Byproducts and compounds that can’t be used or recycled must enter the detoxification pathways. It sounds exhausting; it can be for certain organs in your body.
What is a Toxin and Where Do They Come From?
Imagine you’re running a 5K for your favorite charity. It’s your first race and you’ve trained very seriously for it. There are butterflies in your stomach as you cross the starting line that shift into something closer to steel by the time you reach the last half mile. Your heart is thrumming, your energy is pulsing, and you pound out that last half mile, high on endorphins and success. As you lean over your knees at the finish line taking deep, rapid breathes, you feel a gratifying burn in your muscles and the tickle of sweat on your back.
Detox Diets - Hello January Resolutions!
January's got me thinking detox. I'm not alone; sales in products related to cleanses and wellness skyrocket this time of year while advertisements for smoothie and juicing systems abound. We don't care that it's 15 degrees outside and our cars are frosted over. We've resolved to drink light, frosty beverages and we are DOING THIS THING.
Great. But what exactly is it and why are we doing it again?
Elimination Diet: Phase I
Elimination diets are not for the faint of heart. They’re very restrictive, last longer than convenient, and generally require extra prep time in the kitchen or more money at the store. Still, the potential benefits are huge. From autoimmune disease to autism (to IBS, leaky gut, food allergies, depression, neurological issues, etc.) elimination diets can induce remission, heal the digestive tract, pinpoint food allergies, jumpstart weight loss, and restore overall health and vitality.