10 Good Reasons To Give Up Gluten

1. Before 10,000 years ago our main food source was wild animal meat, not grains. Since the birth of agriculture there has been a steady increase in the amount of grains consumed daily. Ten thousand years is a very short time when you compare it to the 2.6 million of years of human evolution. Over the past 130 years in the western world where chronic disease is very widespread people have consumed a greater percentage of their calories from processed grains and gluten. Many scientists believe our digestive systems have not adapted to digesting grains. Our hunter gather ancestors were taller, free of cavities, and had low infant mortality rates which indicates a nutritious diet. They also did not have the degenerative conditions we have today such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

2. All grains contain a phytic acid which inhibits the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Soaking grains overnight can eliminate some of these issues but most people are not eating bread and pastas that have not been properly prepared. Phytates can also interfere and neutralize our digestive enzymes in the stomach increasing disorders such as heartburn.

3. Whole grains are stripped of nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, chromium, manganese and iron during processing of bread, pasta and flour.

4. Grains contain a proven cancer causing substance called Aflotoxin which is formed by molds that grow when in storage.

5. In numerous studies gluten the protein found in wheat, spelt, barley, and rye that is linked to numerous auto-immune diseases such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. The molecular structure of gluten so closely resembles the molecular structure of the thyroid gland that the immune system mistakes the thyroid as a foreign invader and the body begins attacking itself. Every time someone eats even one bite of gluten it flares up the immune system and increases the destruction of our own tissues which can cause digestive symptoms, joint pain, skin issues, breathing issues and memory problems.

6. Approximately 1 out of 10 people have Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks it’s own small intestine. A majority of people with Celiac are unaware because they have no gastrointestinal symptoms. It is estimated that 20 percent of Americans have autoimmune diseases and not eating gluten can help to calm the immune system in these people.

7. Experts believe that 81 percent of people have some form of gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance is very common for people of Northern European origin.

8. Eating gluten over time weakens the digestive system which can start a process called Leaky Gut syndrome where tiny cracks develop in the protective intestinal lining letting undigested food particles into the blood stream. These gluten antigens flare up a protective reaction by the immune system that can lead to allergic, cognitive, physical or emotional food sensitivity reactions.

9. Gluten grains contains compounds called exorphins which are addictive and leave many people in denial about negative impact these grains have on health and digestion.

10. Eating gluten causes inflammation which shuts down blood flow to the frontal cortex. This part of the brain that help us focus, plan, organize, manage emotions, and use our short term memory. This decreased blood supply to the brain is powerfully linked with depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Product Spotlight: NutriClean® Probiotics

Did you know that your digestive tract is home to over 400 different types of microbes? These microbes include healthy bacteria called probiotics, and potentially unhealthy bacteria. With all those different types of bacteria, finding the best way to maintain optimal digestive health can be daunting.
When choosing a probiotic supplement, it’s important to select a product that provides your body with numerous strains of probiotics. While many products on the market deliver a high total probiotic count, they are only coming from one or two strains. We developed NutriClean® Probiotics to deliver comprehensive support by providing the body with 10 different strains of probiotics with patented LiveBac® and Bio-tract® technologies. Each strain has a unique purpose and work together to support everything from immune health to digestive regularity.
Rather than listing each probiotic individually and bogging you down with hard-to-pronounce names like Lactobacillus plantarum, let’s talk about how these hand-picked probiotic strains benefit you. Probiotics are probably best known for promoting good digestive health and bowel regularity. NutriClean® contains several strains that have been shown to do all that plus promote overall digestive comfort. And let’s be honest: there’s nothing worse than being an on-the-go entrepreneur who suffers from the discomfort resulting from an occasional irregular digestive tract.
In addition to promoting good digestive health, NutriClean® includes probiotic strains that play a major role in supporting your metabolism and immune system, while at the same time reducing potentially unhealthy bacteria that are naturally present in the body. Your body is a bacteria battlefield; NutriClean® can give you the support you need to stay healthy and win the fight for digestive health!

For my favorite mild 7-day Detox- click here!

10 Ways to Detoxify Your Body

Body cleanse and detox diet tips for beginners

Three naturopathic physicians share insight on why and when to detox, what type of detox program is right for you, and 10 ways to start.

by Deborahann Smith

 Feeling sluggish or out of sync? Having skin problems, aches and pains, or digestive problems? Straying from your healthier habits lately? Having trouble kicking off your weight loss? It might be time for a body detox.
Practiced for centuries by many cultures around the world — including ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems — detoxification is about resting, cleaning and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health.

"The body has its own natural healing system," says Peter Bennett, N.D., medical director of Helios Clinic in Victoria, B.C., and co-author with Stephen Barrie, N.D. and Sara Faye, of 7-Day Detox Miracle (Prima Health). "Detoxification enhances this system," he explains.

How does detoxification work?

Basically, detoxification means cleaning the blood. It does this mainly by removing impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and skin. However, when this system is compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and every cell in the body is adversely affected.

A detox program can help the body's natural cleaning process by:

1) Resting the organs through fasting;
2) Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body;
3) Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys and skin;
4) Improving circulation of the blood; and
5) Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.

"Detoxification works because it addresses the needs of individual cells, the smallest units of human life," says Bennett.

How do you know if you need to detoxify?

Bennett suggests that everyone should detox at least once a year. A short detoxifying program or whole body cleanse is generally safe; in fact, scientific studies show that a detox is beneficial for health. However, Bennett cautions against detoxifying for nursing mothers, children, and patients with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis. Consult your health care practitioner if you have questions about whether detoxing is right for you.

Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, "it's critical to detox," says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications). Page recommends detoxing for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections; bags under the eyes; a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin; menstrual difficulties; or mental confusion.

Where do you begin?

First, lighten up your toxin load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing process. Also, minimize use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal health care products (cleansers, shampoos, deodorants and toothpastes), and substitute natural alternatives.

Another deterrent to good health is stress, which triggers your body to release stress hormones into your system. While these hormones can provide the "adrenaline rush" to win a race or meet a deadline, in large amounts they create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. So it's a good idea to detox stressful life situations along with detoxifying your body. Yoga, Qigong and meditation are simple and effective ways to relieve stress by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable stress life will bring.

Which detox program is best for you?

There are many detoxification programs and detox recipes, depending on your individual needs. Many programs follow a 7-day schedule because, as Bennett explains, "it takes the body some time to clean the blood." His program involves fasting on liquids for two days, followed by a carefully-planned five-day detox diet to allow the digestive system to rest. He also advises supplements, herbs, exercise, and practices such as dry-skin brushing and hydrotherapy to enhance circulation.

Page recommends a 3-7 day juice fast (drinking only fresh fruit and vegetable juices and water) as an effective way to release toxins.

Other popular detoxing programs and natural body cleanses include:

• Cleansing supplement packages, which generally contain fiber, vitamins, herbs and minerals. There are several safe products on the market, with easy-to-follow instructions.
• A routine of drinking only water one day each week — an ancient practice of many cultures.

10 ways to help your body detoxify

After a detoxification program, you can cleanse your body daily through diet, supplements and lifestyle practices.

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.

2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking green tea.

3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Drink at least two quarts of water daily.

5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.

6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.

7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.

9. Dry-brush your skin or try detox foot spas/foot baths to remove toxins through your pores. Special brushes are available at natural products stores.

10. What is the most important way to detoxify? "Exercise," says Bennett. "Yoga or jump-roping are good. One hour every day." Also try Qigong, a martial-arts based exercise system that includes exercises specifically for detoxifying or cleansing, as well as many other exercises with specific health benefits.     

5 Delicious, Healthy and Easy-to-Make Dairy-Free Smoothie Recipes

by Levana Kirschenbaum of Gaiam.com

Smoothies are a wonderful way to sneak nutrients into a diet, and you can make endless variations. My trick is, don’t use ice — use frozen fruit instead! In one fell swoop, you get the fruit and the ice and so much more flavor. Plus, frozen fruit often tastes better than fresh because they are picked at their ripest and sweetest, and they require no cleaning or rinsing. Bananas got too ripe? Just stick them in the freezer, the riper the better, and when you need them, run them under warm water—the peels will come right off.
Make a large smoothie batch and save the rest for later in the blender. If the mixture separates, give the blender a few turns again. If you’re thinking of offering grownup brunch drinks, simply add half a cup of vodka to the mix!

Berry Smoothies

Makes 5 cups

1 cup cranberry or pomegranate juice
1 cup silken tofu, soy or other non-dairy milk, such as almond, rice, coconut or hemp (we love So Delicious® Dairy Free)
2 cups frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, alone or in any combination)
2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or cranberry or pomegranate concentrate (health food stores), only if you like it sweeter

Mix all ingredients in the blender a full minute at high speed until smooth and frothy.

Green Smoothie

Try your best to stick some of the fruit in the freezer for an hour before blending. No need to have all of these fruits on hand; even a combination of two in larger amounts will be delicious in this green powerhouse.

Makes 5 cups

1 cup green grapes
1 large pear or green apple, unpeeled, cut in chunks
3 ripe kiwis, peeled
1 cup chunks honeydew melon
1 cup white grape juice or natural apple cider
A few leaves fresh mint, if you have them on hand

Mix all ingredients in the blender a full minute at high speed until smooth and frothy.

Chocolate Almond Date Smoothie

Consider this a whole meal. Nutritious and fabulous! This is the only smoothie I use ice with, to chill the heated mixture.

Makes 5 cups

1/2 cup whole almonds
1 cup pitted dates, packed
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
1 cup silken tofu, soy or any other non-dairy milk (almond, rice, coconut, hemp)
A dozen ice cubes

Place the almonds, dates, cocoa, and water in the blender. Cover and let the mixture rest, unblended, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the tofu or non-dairy milk and ice and blend a full minute at high speed until thick and frothy.

Tropical Smoothie

If you decide to get a little naughtier with this smoothie, add 1/2 cup dark rum. You know how the saying goes: If you can’t go to the tropics…

Makes about 6 cups

2 cups canned unsweetened pineapple chunks, juice and all
1 cup coconut milk
3 cups cubed mango, papaya, or peaches: try your best for frozen
1 banana: try your best for frozen

Mix all ingredients in the blender a full minute at high speed until smooth and frothy.

Beet Smoothie

Here is your chance to eat your beets! Who knew they were so delicious? I did; we grew up eating them every day. In America, they are sometimes treated like a poor stepchild of the vegetable family. I think it is time to adopt them wholeheartedly. They are so good for you.

Makes 1 serving

1 small can beets, juice and all
1 cup tofu or unflavored non-dairy yogurt

Mix all ingredients in the blender a full minute at high speed until smooth and frothy.

Product Spotlight: Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus

Can you believe it’s been a year since we launched our amazing Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus? Whether you’re a world class athlete, a weekend warrior, or a busy mom on the go, Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus gives you the energy you need. Read on to discover why this is one of our favorite products!

Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus is perfect for supporting the health of athletes, whether you’re a professional or just looking for a little extra exercise. Complete with vitamins, minerals, and healthy nutrients, this great product will help you stay energized all day long.

Everyone can benefit from the cutting-edge ingredients in Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus. Its formula includes select activated B vitamins to help provide energy for the muscles, decrease stress, and improve your mood, making work and play much easier and enjoyable.
To help you stay performance-ready, Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus provides antioxidant protection with Pycnogenol®, helping to combat free radicals and promote cardiovascular health.

The addition of vitamin D3 supports optimal bone health and immune function. This nutritional powerhouse completes the package by helping to minimize occasional muscle fatigue and promoting muscle growth instantized branched chain amino acid.

Thanks to its unique formula, Isotonix® Champion Blend Plus provides rapid absorption and superior delivery without the additions of binders and fillers included in other products on the market. It is specially formulated to provide you with everything you need to be a true champion, which is why it is approved by basketball superstar Carmelo Anthony.

5 Beauty Benefits of Avocado

   
A natural and effective way to get gorgeous skin and hair, avocados give your body a much needed boost without the addition of chemicals. Avocado oil has been used for many years in many beauty products like shampoo, conditioner, lotions and facial masks. Rich with essential vitamins and nutrients, the beauty benefits of avocado are countless. If you’re thinking of adding avocado to your daily beauty routine, check out this list of the beauty benefits of avocado and let me know what you think!

5 Beauty Benefits of Avocado

1. Gorgeous glowing skin. The vitamin A in avocados helps to remove dead skin cells, while the amino acids protect your skin from environmental damage.
2. Natural sunscreen. The oil from avocados can be used to protect your hair and your skin from UV damage.
3. Prevents wrinkles. Avocados are filled with antioxidants, preventing aging before it starts.
4. Super soft skin. When added to a lotion, avocado is easy for the skin to absorb. The oil in avocado helps get to the root of dry skin, leaving you totally moisturized.
5. Beautiful shiny hair. Avocado oil is a great conditioner, leaving hair silky and shiny.

The beauty benefits of avocado can be reached by using products that contain avocado, but can also be achieved by adding avocado to your diet. Have you tried avocado as part of your beauty routine?