A body that is toxic is a body holding on to fat cells. So losing weight will be difficult when the body is toxic. The double wham- my for anyone struggling with weight loss is that toxins also dam- age mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of the body. This leads to low energy and a sluggish metabolism, adding to the weight loss struggle. Even worse, toxins can also accumulate directly in the fatty lining of any cell in the body - muscle, brain, nerve, skin, gut and more – leading to chronic illness and disease.
If toxins are allowed to accumulate, it can lead to many health issues, including: • Allergies and Asthma • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid conditions • Bone marrow cancers such as lymphomas and leukemia • Chemical sensitivities and extreme sensitivity to odors • Chronic fatigue • Cognitive problems, poor memory and brain fog • Diabetes • Digestive issues such as bloating, burping, excessive gas, food allergies, diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Fibromyalgia • Infertility
• Muscle pain, weakness and fatigue • Numbness and tingling • Parkinson’s • Persistent infections, colds and flus • Skin conditions such as hives, eczema and itching • Vertigo • Weight gain and inability to lose weight
Luckily, there are certain foods that support the liver, assist in detoxification and set you on a path to your ideal weight!
Power of Food Food is powerful. It can give you energy or send you crashing.
It can lift your mood or fill you with guilt. It can enhance digestion or rush you to the bathroom. Something this powerful should not be taken lightly, yet little attention is paid to what foods are best for your health and why. Many whole foods help reduce inflamma- tion, fight against oxidative stress, decrease risk of cancer, enhance immunity or even help detoxify the body. Amazingly, one particu- lar family of vegetables does all of these. It’s time to welcome the Brassica family into your home!
The Brassica vegetables are better known as the cruciferous
vegetables. They include: • Arugula, Land cress, Shepard’s purse and Watercress • Kale, Collard greens and Mustard greens • Bok choy and Kohlrabi • Broccoli and Cauliflower • Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage and Chinese cabbage • Radish and Daikon radish • Rutabaga and Turnip • Horseradish, Brown mustard seed and Yellow mustard seed
Each member of this family is high in vitamins and minerals
such as vitamins A, C, E, K, folic acid, several B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and more. They are also high in protein, fiber and omega 3 fats. These nutrients alone help reduce inflammation, fight oxidative damage and enhance immunity.
24 Essential Living Maine ~ March/April 2017
Additionally, the Brassica family is very high in phytonutrients, specifically isothiocyanates and one of its precursors called glucosinolates.
These two groups of phytonutrients have been found to be powerful health promoters.
Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates: • Deactivate potential cancer-causing substances before they can damage DNA.
• Alter communication between cells to prevent them from becoming cancerous. • Neutralize carcinogens and stimulate their removal from the body.
• Inhibit cancer cells from multiplying and induce apoptosis (cell death).
• Regulates the inflammatory system by decreasing the inflammatory response.
• May prevent damage to blood vessels in people with chronic blood sugar problems.
• May prevent bacterial overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori. • Increase detoxification of toxins that may increase cancer risk. • Increase Phase II detoxification while regulating Phase I detoxification.
By adding cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli into your
daily meals you can optimize health and detoxify the body! The cruciferous veggies are not the only powerhouse foods to
put on your plate. Here are some other great detoxifying foods: • Beets increase phase II detoxification • Pomegranate regulates phase I detoxification • Artichoke has liver protective effects • Flax seeds and psyllium husk powder help bind toxins for elimination
• Green tea increases both phase I and II detoxification • Essential fatty acids from cold water fish and flax seed oil assists with detoxification
• Fresh fruits and vegetables replenish glutathione, a necessary compound for phase II detoxification
• Turmeric also increases glutathione levels • High quality protein such as free range eggs and meat provide amino acids necessary for all detoxification pathways
Steps to Detoxify Your Life In truth, inside your home, including the food you eat, can be more toxic than the outdoors. Here are some tips to reduce your toxins at home: • Take your shoes off at the door. Not only does it reduce toxins tracked in from outside, it makes cleaning the house much easier.
• Swap plastic storage containers for glass. This includes pur- chasing non-heated foods like olive oil and milk. Glass is a great non-toxic, microwavable storage option. • Choose only canned foods listed as BPA free. • Replace non-stick pans with cast iron or stainless steel. • When upgrading your home, think about wood flooring, real wood for furniture and cabinetry, and organic upholstery fabric. • Switch to “green” cleaning products. • If you absolutely need to dry-clean clothes, let them air out in your car or outside for 48 hours.
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