Organic Gallbladder Cleanse

A three-day organic gallbladder cleanse contains two simple ingredients: olive oil and lemon juice. Drinking apple juice or eating many organic apples before a cleanse helps soften any stones in the gallbladder, making them easier to pass. It also helps clean out bile ducts that connect the liver to the gallbladder.

Starting the cleanse

Before you start the cleanse, get approval from your doctor. Some individuals may have large stones in their gallbladder, which will be immensely painful and even dangerous to pass on your own. Have the doctor check if there are gallstones in your system, and determine the size.

For the first two days of the cleanse, you are to eat as many organic apples as you can, or drink organic apple juice. No other food or drink is allowed during the cleanse, to make it more effective. If you choose to drink apple juice, it must be squeezed fresh from the organic apples. Pre-made organic juice must be free of additives, such as ascorbic acid.

While organic apples are preferred, you may use regular apples as long as they are thoroughly cleaned to remove any waxy residue or possible pesticide remnants. Cores must also be removed, since they can accumulate any pesticide spray toxins.

Gallbladder Cleanse

On the final of the three-day cleanse you will be creating a mixture that will flush the liver and gallbladder. At dinner, drink 1 cup of prune juice to help things start flowing. Before bed, mix 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil with the juice of an organic lemon. Shake well and drink, then lie down immediately on your right side so that the mixture will settle in the gallbladder.

Lie for 30 minutes before moving to another position. For breakfast the following day, drink 1 cup of prune juice, which will encourage your body to release the gallstones through frequent bowel movements.

After the Cleanse

Once you have completed the cleanse, introduce food back into your diet slowly. Start by eating fresh fruit, and then moving on to normal foods. Prevent gallstone buildup by improving the diet, and avoiding too much high-fat food. Eat frequent, small meals to prevent the buildup of bile in the gallbladder, which contributes to stone formation.

Detoxifying Diets

The purpose of a detoxification diet is to rid the body of toxins. Generally, toxins make contact with the body and are absorbed into the blood stream through the nose and mouth. The most common toxins that are absorbed by the body are cigarette smoke, chemically ridden cleaning products, pollution and food additives. Though detoxification diets are intended to rid the body of harmful toxins, they have become notorious because of their rapid and drastic weight loss effects. If followed closely, certain detoxification diets can produce a weight loss of up to 20 pounds in a 10-day period.However, doctors caution that losing more than 2 pounds per week is an unhealthy practice. Dieters also should be aware that once regular eating habits are resumed, detox dieters gain back the majority of weight lost.

Water Fasting

It has been said that long-term water fasting has the ability to flush away cancer. However, the claim remains unproven. Water fasting is the most powerful detoxification diet because of the strict intake allotment. During a water fast, the only substance to be consumed is water. The duration periods of water fasting vary from mild three-day periods to over 40-day periods; the longer the fast, the more rejuvenating the results. The average weight loss throughout a water fast is 1 to 2 pounds per day.

Juice Fasting

Juice fasting is a purely liquid-based detoxification diet. Throughout a juice fast the only substance to be consumed is all natural fruit and vegetable juices. In order to avoid sugar and additives found in store bought juices, juice fasters are prompted to blend their daily "meals" themselves in a juicer using only all natural fruits and vegetables. Because calories are still being consumed, juice fasting produces weaker weight loss results than water fasting. On average, juice fasters can expect to lose 1 pound per day.

Raw Food Detoxification Diet

The raw food detoxification diet promotes internal rejuvenation and overall weight loss by the consumption of unprocessed and uncooked foods. The daily diet regimen of those on the raw food detoxification diet consists of raw vegetables, fruits and all natural fruit juices. The weight loss potential on the raw food diet varies widely and is directly controlled by caloric intake.

Master Cleanse Detoxification Diet

The master cleanse detoxification diet became popular in 2006 when American R&B singer Beyonce lost 20 pounds in 14 days on the diet. While following the master cleanse detoxification diet, the only substance to be consumed is a "lemonade concoction." The concoction consists of cayenne pepper, fresh lemon juice, natural maple syrup and water. The diet is intended to be followed for a period ranging between 10 days and 40 days. Typical weight loss is approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds per day.

Martha's Vineyard Detoxification Diet

The Martha's Vineyard detoxification diet isn't as extreme as the above mentioned detoxification diets. While following the Martha's Vineyard detoxification diet, you are only permitted to consume all natural fruit juices, herb teas, supplements and 1 cup of soup per day. The diet promises to promote a weight loss of 1 pound per day. The diet plan is intended to be followed for a 21-day period.

Foods to Break a Fast

Fasting is a powerful way to cleanse and detoxify the body. Fasting as a method of cleansing is a practice that goes back to ancient times. Equally as important to not eating during the fasting period is knowing what to eat, and in what quantities, after the fasting period has ended. Remember to take it easy on your digestive system and take advantage of the opportunity to work with a clean slate.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetable such as spinach, lettuce, celery, kale and chard are excellent after fasting. These foods are very easy on the digestive system and also have high alkalinity--ideal for optimum health. These are best when digested raw with light apple cider vinegar (blood purifier/insulin balance).

Seeds and Nuts

Nuts and seeds offer are excellent sources for protein, and are also easy on the digestive tract. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts (omega-3 source), almonds, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts and macadamia nuts are healthy seeds and nuts to eat after a fast, and really at any period when a healthy snack is desired.

Fruits

Fruits are arguably nature's most perfect food. Fruits such as pears, apples, bananas, oranges, pomegranate, kiwi, melons and grapes are good fruits to eat after a fast. Fruits are very light on the stomach, easy to digest and offer the body a variety of needed nutrients that help to make the transition much easier.

Lentils

Lentils in the form of lentil soup is an excellent way to end a fast. Lentils are protein-rich and not heavy on the stomach. Add any additional vegetable to accent the lentils and flavor the soup. Use sea salt rather than iodized salt when preparing meals.

Brown Rice

After a fast it is never a bad idea to eat a serving of brown rice. Brown rice differs from white rice because the grain section in the brown rice is still intact. Nutritionists and dietitians recommend brown rice as an all-around source of nutrition.

Oats

Oats are ideal to eat after fasting. Eating oats has a wide range of benefits, and particularly after fasting. Eating one serving of oats after a fast is a good way to provide the body with vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese, protein and magnesium.

How to Detox on a Lemon Diet

Even if we lead health-conscious lives, there are toxins in the air we breathe and the food we eat that can lead to permanent damage to our physical and mental health over time. The lemon detox diet is designed to not only help you lose weight, but to flush the build-up of unhealthy toxins and chemicals from your body.

Instructions

1

Prepare one week before you start the lemon detox diet program by cutting back on the amount of regular toxins you put into your body. Reduce your caffeine intake, cut back on the number of cigarettes you smoke, and cut out as much junk food as you can. This will prepare your body in advance, making some of the side effects easier to cope with.

2

Set aside a period of at least three days during which you will have minimal outside stress. Outside stress can make a rigorous, fasting diet even more difficult, so you may want to do this diet during a holiday weekend.

3

Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of maple syrup into a 10 oz. glass of water on the morning of the first day of your diet. Drink six glasses of this mixture throughout the day.

4

Drink glasses of plain water in between the detox mixture, but do not eat anything else throughout the day. The water, lemon juice and maple syrup mixture will flush the toxins from your body.

5

Repeat this process for up to three days, drinking only plain water between glasses of lemon and maple syrup water.

6

Slowly ease yourself back into eating regular food on the fourth day. Don't overdo it, as this may cause you to feel nauseous and sick.

How to Transition to a Raw Diet After Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse is a liquid diet where the body receives no food and only water lightly sweetened with fresh lemon juice or raw maple syrup. This diet lasts anywhere from seven days to two weeks. Transitioning to a raw diet after this cleanse must be done carefully because of the extreme nature of the cleanse and the drastic change in eating habits. It will also take time and patience because, according to a study at Vanderbilt University, "Living and raw foods are foods that are organic and have not been heated, cooked, or processed in any way." (See References 1)

Instructions

Transition Steps

1

Drink only water and fresh fruit juices (not canned or packaged) the first day after the Master Cleanse. Sip these juices every three to four hours starting with breakfast. Add one to two raw foods back into your diet. Examples of raw foods are half an apple or fresh seasonal fruit as a snack in the morning. Have a half-cup serving of fresh vegetables such as broccoli for dinner.

2

Drink a vegetable broth or soup (preferably homemade) on the second day for lunch and dinner. Simmer the vegetables in broth or soup until very tender so the vegetables are easy to chew. Continue to drink your fruit juices for breakfast and eat your fruit for a morning snack. Eat a few more fresh vegetables for dinner or have one cup of fresh vegetables, depending on how your body feels.

3

Boost your raw-food intake by adding a salad in your diet on day three. Have a salad for lunch and add more vegetables for dinner. Make an eating plan. Stock your kitchen at least once a week with enough fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts to last you through the week. Plan a day in advance for foods that need to be sprouted or soaked overnight. Get rid of meats, packaged foods, cheeses and any other foods that are not raw.

4

Continue to eat raw fruits and vegetables by day four, but begin to add nuts, seeds and grains. Eat some fruit for breakfast for variety. Have some fresh fruit and a salad for lunch and a small salad with carrots and broccoli for dinner. Snack on a handful of nuts or seeds throughout the day. Follow the same eating plan on day five and six, but vary the fruits and vegetables to maintain interest and variety.

5

On day seven, eat three raw meals per day and one to two snacks throughout the day. Look for local sources of raw foods such as farmers markets and health food stores.

Colon Cleanser Made From Water, Lemons & Herbs

The colon is responsible for eliminating waste from the body. Natural therapists believe that a buildup in waste can lead to a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, headaches and fatigue and, in more serious cases, colon cancer. A variety of herbs are believed to help cleanse the colon and keep it healthy.

Fasting

Lemons are believed to be a natural cleanser for the liver and the colon. They are thought to contain antibacterial properties as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals to assist with overall health and well-being. Cayenne pepper is said to speed up the metabolism, improve circulation and cleanse the colon by stimulating the bowels. It can be added to meals to speed the rate of digestion.

Add 1 tbsp of honey, the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to a glass of purified water. This mixture is known to have a very cleansing effect on the colon.

Natural therapists recommend fasting to cleanse the colon. To undergo a colon-cleansing fast, drink 12 glasses of this lemon, honey and cayenne pepper mixture every day for 3 to10 days.

Food

Turmeric and mustard aid with digestion and speed up the metabolism by stimulating the production of bile. This improves the health of the digestive system and encourages the cleansing of waste from the colon. These can be added to food or a pinch of each can be added to a cup of water that contains 1 tbsp. of honey. Drink the mixture after meals to improve digestion.

Tea

Marshmallow root, fennel and licorice root are all known to soothe, cleanse and coat the lining of the colon, improving digestion and soothing digestive upsets. These herbs can be used to make a tea taken one to three times daily. Place 1 tsp. of the herb into a cup of boiled water. Allow it to steep for three to five minutes, then strain and drink. Lemon can be added to improve the cleansing action of the tea.

Fiber

Fiber is necessary for the health of the colon. Fiber absorbs water and sweeps waste from the colon. Water assists in flushing the waste from the bowels. Psyllium husk and flaxseeds are very high in fiber and form a gel-like substance in the colon that not only improves the elimination of waste from the colon but also has a way of clearing away old waste and debris that may have built up over time.

What is the Meaning of Optimal Health?

If there's one thing everyone wants, it's good health. That's why there are so many diet books, lifestyle guides and health programs available. That being, said, it is still difficult to attain ideal levels of health in this busy world of ours. But it is possible to attain optimal health. Before you can do that, however, you must have a solid understanding of what optimal health is and how you can achieve it practically in your day-to-day life.

Definition

To be brief, optimal health is an individual person's physical, emotional and mental health abilities. That is, it is the health goals that a person can realistically achieve to feel their personal best. No two people's health goals are the same, that's why optimal health is such an individualized matter. One person might focus on physical health while to another healing emotional wounds is a more pressing matter. It really just depends on what is important to you. Likewise, one person's optimal health may be another's bare minimum. There is no right or wrong when it comes to optimal health--really, it's just a matter of finding what best suits you and your abilities.

Health Types

There are several types of health that might be of concern to you in the attempt to achieve optimal health. The first is physical health. Establishing a sound diet, your exercise routine and getting routine checkups are the biggest aspects. Another type is emotional health, which involves how you feel and react to stressful situations. How you feel about yourself and your role in the world are also included in this category. Other areas include your social health and your intellectual health, that is, how you interact with others and how you find new ways to stimulate your mind. For some, spiritual health will also be a factor, but again, how much of a role this will play in your life depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Physical Optimal Health

In order to attain your own personal physical optimal health, there are certain things you'll need to do. A few common concerns involve maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, smoking and substance abuse, exercising to the best of your ability and seeing your doctor regularly. However, for some the idea of optimal physical health demands extreme exercise regimes and continuously pushing the boundaries of the human body. It just depends on your tolerance and physical abilities. In some cases, adopting an alternate health regimen, like a vegan diet, is involved in a person's optimal health. Likewise, partaking in regular system cleanses can be a part of this as well like colon cleansing with cayenne-based lemonade or having enemas.

Emotional Optimal Health

Achieving your goals for emotional optimal health will vary, but there are some common goals most people share. These include taking time each day to relax and "come down" from the day, actively expressing your feelings, communicating your emotions and learning to deal with stressful situations. For some it might mean being more open about your feelings or seeking the advice of a psychiatrist.

Mental Optimal Health

Obtaining mental optimal health, again, will vary depending on your personal goals, but people tend to share a few of these goals in common. For instance, you may wish to reduce the time you spend watching TV or increase the time you spend reading. You might wish keep up with the news or participate in other mentally stimulating activities. Goals will differ, but finding the right type and amount of mental stimulation you need is the key to your optimal health.

Spiritual Optimal Health

Spirituality is a very individual aspect of our lives. It would make sense, then that your optimal spiritual health would be a highly individualized determination. Going to church everyday might be one person's idea of optimal health, while another's might be meditating in the middle of a forest. However you connect (or don't connect) to the powers of the universe is up to you and your optimal health will depend on what satisfies your soul.

How to Diet to Reduce Uric Acid

The main way to diet to reduce uric acid is to avoid foods that have high levels of purines. Purines are a natural substance found in many foods. Uric acid is formed when purines are broken down by the body. Even though uric acid is an antioxidant and is important for protecting blood vessels, excess purines can become deposited in joints, tendons, kidneys, and other organs causing gout. To diet to reduce uric acid, follow the steps below.

Instructions

1

Lower total daily purine intake to 100 to 150 milligrams. Some foods contain as much as 1000 milligrams of purines. Avoid foods high in purines such as herring, kidneys, liver, anchovies, mackerel, meat extracts, mincemeat, sardines, mussels, brains, gravies, sweetbreads, and yeast.

2

Eat sparingly foods that are moderately high in purine. These include beef, bacon, bluefish, chicken, chicken soup, turkey, veal, venison, and ham. Most vegetables are low in purine, but some, including asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach are moderately high in the substance. These foods contain up to 100 mg for a 3.5 ounce serving. Oats, lima beans and peas also fall into this category.

3

Avoid artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, beer, liquor, white-flour pastries and cakes, sugar, brown sugar, nuts, jams and jellies, chocolate, white rice, pasta, tea, salt and vinegar.

4

Maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that obesity increases purine levels, and that losing weight may help reduce uric acid levels.

How to Make Blueberry Lemonade

Put a little different spin on lemonade by adding blueberries. For the best results, use fresh berries, squeeze the lemon juice rather than buying a prepared drink and cook up a simple syrup. This method may take a few extra minutes, but it's well worth the time. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Combine 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water in a pan over medium heat. Continue stirring until it comes to a boil.

2

Lower the heat after the syrup boils and let it simmer about 1 minute.

3

Remove the syrup from the stove and let it cool.

4

Puree the blueberries in the blender with 2 tablespoons sugar.

5

Pour the syrup, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and pureed blueberries into a pitcher.

6

Measure about 1/4 cup of the syrup mixture into each glass and fill with ice and water to serve.

How to Quickly Lose Weight by Drinking Water

Most people struggling to drop pounds are desperate for a way to speed up their weight loss. While there are many different diet plans and supplements that promise weight loss these programs can often be difficult and unsuccessful. Instead of wasting time trying dozens of different plans try drinking water for quick weight loss.

Instructions

1

Before you start using water to quickly lose weight document your weight and measurements. This will help you accurately track whether or not drinking water is actually helping you. If you do not have a measuring tape at home borrow one from a friend or purchase one at any store that sells craft supplies. Documenting measurements is extremely important since sometimes, especially if a person is working out a great deal, inches will be lost instead of pounds. Always measure your waist, hips, thighs, chest and arms. Thighs and arms should be measured one at a time and do not be surprised if right and left arms or thighs have slightly different measurements.

2

Start drinking at least 12.5 glasses of water each day or 100 oz. of water daily. If you do not want to keep track of how many glasses of water you are drinking purchase a large water bottle that will hold at least 32 oz. of water. This will help ensure that you are keeping accurate count of your water intake and will increase your chances of actually drinking the right amount of water. Even though many diets recommend eight glasses of water each day this amount is considered normal for those that are of average weight. Those who are overweight should drink more water to boost their metabolism and increase weight loss results.

3

Stop drinking soda and alcohol. Reducing beverage options will increase your chances of drinking all 12.5 glasses of water daily. When a person is able to choose between water or soda it is too easy to make the less healthy choice. Ceasing to drink alcohol and soda will also eliminate a source of empty calories which will help boost weight loss. Lastly, drinking other beverages can also cause the daily water intake count to become confused.

4

Get into the habit of drinking a full glass of water before every meal. This will help ensure that you are drinking the correct amount of water daily while also helping to naturally suppress your appetite.

5

If you are having a hard time drinking 100 oz. of water each day and staying motivated try adding things to your water. A pinch of lime juice or lemon juice will change the flavor of your water without adding calories to your drink. There are also flavor packets which can be added to waters to make them taste like fruit punch, lemonade or iced tea. These packets are often 10 or 20 calories and can provide a nice daily treat to those who are dieting.

10 Day Diet of Fruit

The 10-day fruit diet is a detoxifying cleanse whose roots go back to biblical times. Based on the Old Testament's Book of Daniel, the diet is derived from the reported nutritional habits of Daniel. Banished to a lion's den, Daniel walks out unharmed when God closes the mouths of the hungry lions. But Philip Bridgeman, author of "Daniel's Diet," remembers Daniel not for this heroic bout with the lions but for his ability to maintain a strict and healthy diet in the face of temptation of the greatest foods and wines.

History

According to the Bible, Daniel was a slave of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after conquering Jerusalem in 605 BC. Babylonians believed in integrating select slaves into their culture, teaching them their language so they could be put to work doing clerical duties. Daniel was one of those selected to live on the king's grounds and be taught. In order to entice these slaves, they were allowed to eat and drink anything from the king's own kitchen, however much they liked. Daniel refused to go crazy and eat everything in sight like the other slaves. He chose to be physically and spiritually healthy, eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only water.

10-Day Challenge

The king was unhappy with Daniel's refusal to eat as the others did, and Daniel made an offer. After 10 days, he would be measured against the other slaves, and their appearance would be compared and judged. If Daniel did not look healthier than these other men, then he would be used as slave labor or, worse yet, put to death. According to the Book of Daniel, "At the end of 10 days Daniel looked healthier and better nourished than the youths who had been eating the food supplied by the king."

Fruit

Bridgeman makes the case for fruit, saying it is one of the most nutritious food groups yet is eaten the least. Eating solid, healthy, natural foods not only improves your spiritual heath but relieves your digestive system of the burden of unnatural foods. And according to nutritionist Jay Robb, fruit is nature's perfect cleansing food. A diet of fruit can rid your body of the toxins of everyday life, leaving your body feeling physical fit and your mind at ease. Throughout the 10 days, fresh fruit should be consumed every two to three hours, at least five times a day.

Foods

While fruit is the primary ingredient, other wholesome vegetables or nuts can substitute a couple of meals. Kathleen Roberts of Lovetoknow.com lists these foods as:

Artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, peppers, radish, rutabaga, scallions, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips and zucchini.

Additionally, nuts and seeds, brown rice, whole grain oats and barley are allowed.

Warnings

The 10-day fruit diet is a cleansing program and should not be continued past 10 days. Consult your doctor before drastically changing your eating habits. Take a few days before starting the program to gradually ease your body into the diet change; a sudden change in diet can cause vomiting, irritability and fatigue.

How to Make a Lemon Water Diet Drink

Lemon water diet drinks help to flush toxins out of the body. People consume the beverages as a way to lose weight, essentially by cleansing their body for 10 to 14 days. While the detox drinks are a popular weight-loss aid, they promote only temporary weight loss. They are, however, effective at revving up your metabolism. Sipping the lemony beverages while following a healthy diet and exercise plan can help you shed pounds effectively, and for the long term.

Instructions

1

Fill a drinking glass with 10 oz. of filtered water.

2

Add 3 tbsp. of Grade B maple syrup to the water.

3

Pour in 3 tbsp. of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

4

Add 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper helps to increase blood flow and speed up your metabolism.

5

Stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed together.

6

Consume the freshly made drink.

Diets Celebrities Use to Lose Weight Fast

With everyone in such a rush to shed pounds, many people turn to celebrities for the way they lose weight for a movie role or some other work-related reasons. While these fad diets are not ideal for long-term weight loss and are considered to be unhealthy by health experts, there are some methods that celebrities use to drop quick pounds that even the average person can find useful.

Master Cleanse/ The Lemonade Diet

Singer Beyonce Knowles and Robin Quivers of Howard Stern Radio fame have both gone public about their use of this diet method to shed pounds quickly. This diet is composed of a daily regiment of drinking a concoction that supposedly makes you lose your cravings for junk food, feel more energetic and detox your body as well as lose weight. The regiment can last as long as you choose, but it is not recommended for more than 14 days.

The drink is made of pure filtered water, organic lemons, organic cayenne pepper, grade B organic maple syrup, sea or Epsom salt and laxative tea as an option. The idea is to drink this several times a day instead of eating foods to rid your body of harmful toxins. The optional laxative tea is to help cleanse your system by excreting the toxins into your waste.

Once your allotted time for the detox diet has expired, you slowly progress into eating solid foods. The first day off of the detox, you drink orange juice. On day two, you drink orange juice and vegetable soup. On day three you can eat whole vegetables, fruit and salad. Normal eating is allowed on day four.

The down side to this diet is quite obvious: extreme hunger. Most people are accustomed to eating several meals a day and complain of feeling faint and dizzy after being on the master cleanse diet for even one day. There are also complaints of loose stools and frequent bowel movements because of the addition of the laxative tea and the saltwater.

The Cabbage Soup Diet

The cabbage soup diet is a seven-day crash diet that severely limits your dietary intake to two daily bowls of fat-free cabbage soup and fruit, vegetables and meat on alternate days of that week. There are varying recipes for the cabbage soup, but it mostly contains diced cabbage, vegetables, salt, pepper and whatever natural seasonings you like.

Though this plan does encourage eating fruits and vegetables, it has no other real benefits and is only effective because of the severe low calorie intake. It is only recommended to do this diet one week at a time, if at all.

Nicotine Cleansing

An effective cleanse should rid the body of as many toxins as possible. Cleanses are typically carried out by adhering to a strict altered diet, sometimes drastically cut down to include only a handful of foods and drinks. Nicotine and other compounds that enter your body as a result of smoking must be flushed out--the goal of a nicotine cleanse. This type of cleanse will entail quitting smoking, the intake of more antioxidants and adherence to a generally healthy diet.

Quit Smoking

First things first: quit smoking. You can't carry out a nicotine cleanse yet continue to smoke, even if it's only a few times a week. To clear out the nicotine and other harmful compounds (the toxins) from your system, you must decide not to smoke anymore from this moment forward.

Antioxidants

Up your intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants naturally lower the toxicity levels of the body, so generously including them into your diet is extremely helpful. Foods that are good sources of antioxidants include raspberries and blueberries, broccoli, red grapes, tomatoes, garlic, spinach, carrots, soy and whole grains in general.

Proper Eating

Avoid anything that contains sugar (check the ingredients for corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose or brown sugar)---and that includes artificial sweeteners. Also avoid dairy products if you can, including milk, cream cheese, sour cream, butter and yogurt. Grains that contain gluten, including some wheat, barley and rye, should also be avoided. Fatty foods are obviously out when it comes to a cleanse, as is junk food in any quantity. Also avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

All sorts of fruits and vegetables, whether frozen or fresh, are recommended for those attempting a nicotine cleanse. Rice is a highly recommended grain, particularly brown rice. A nicotine cleanse can be improved by the inclusion of other grains as well, such as millet, buckwheat and amaranth. Kidney beans and pinto beans are great for such a diet, as are lentils, garbanzo beans and mung beans. Raw nuts and seeds are also recommended, except for peanuts and peanut butter.

Cosmo Drink Ideas

The Cosmopolitan, brought to mass popularity in the late '90s as the favorite drink of the ladies on "Sex and the City," originated in San Francisco singles bars in the 1970s. It's juicy, tart blend of lime, citrus-infused vodka and cranberry juice was developed by bartenders who were looking for for a sweeter, more universally appealing take on the martini. Since the Cosmo's revival, there have been new variations of this now modern classic cocktail, playing off of it's adaptable ingredients and presentation. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Basic Cosmopolitan

Bartender and writer Rob Chirico suggests the following recipe for a basic Cosmopolitan: Pour 2 oz. of lemon-infused vodka, 1/2 oz. orange-flavored liquor (like triple sec), 3/4 oz. cranberry juice and a splash of lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon. The Cosmo should be the color of pink lemonade, says Toby Cecchini, who helped popularize the cocktail in New York City in the '80s, with a frothy and opaque consistency. The edge of the glass can be rimmed with lime juice and sugar.

Blue Cosmopolitan

This blue-colored version of the Cosmo was, according to Chirico, created by the Boston Bartenders School of America and is best served very cold. Chill a martini glass in your freezer for five minutes. Shake 2 oz. blackberry flavored vodka, 1/2 oz. Blue Curacao, 1/2 oz. white cranberry juice, 1/2 oz. lime juice. Pour into the chilled martini glass and garnish with lemon peel. Serve immediately.

Cosmo Slush

This is a fun, sweeter way to make a Cosmopolitan in a large batch to serve at parties or to help you keep cool during the summer. The test kitchens at Betty Crocker came up with the following recipe: Place half a can of thawed limeade concentrate in a blender with 3 tbsp. of powdered sugar. Add two cups of lemon-flavored vodka and one cup orange juice or orange-flavored liqueur. Blend until completely mixed. Cover and freeze for at least eight hours. Stir and pour into martini glasses with an orange or lemon peel in the bottom of each glass.

The Stray Dog

New York Times columnist Pete Wells has his own twist on the Cosmopolitan that he calls The Stray Dog which makes use of the surprisingly complementary flavors of pomegranate and licorice. The recipe calls for pouring a splash of licorice-flavored liquor like Pernod or ouzo in a martini glass, stirring it around and pouring it out. Then pour into an iced shaker 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 1 tbsp. of orange liquor, 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lime juice and 1 oz. pomegranate juice. Shake and pour into the glass.

Easy Homemade Lemonade Recipes

If you're craving the fresh taste of lemonade but assume that making it from scratch is too much trouble, you may be surprised at how easy it is to make your own homemade lemonade. Packaged drink mixes are popular and convenient, but their flavor can't compete with the real thing. An ice cold glass of homemade lemonade flavored with a touch of your favorite fruit syrup and made with sparkling water is a delicious, refreshing change that elevates your beverage from mundane to fabulous. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Adding Other Flavors

When made in a shaker or glass, you can sample different flavors and sweetening ingredients to find your favorite without making too much and risk wasting a large batch if it isn't to your liking. Check the coffee aisle in your grocery store for fruit-flavored syrups.

Single-Serving Cherry Lemonade

Pour 2 oz. of cherry syrup into a 12 oz. glass filled halfway with crushed ice. Cut a small lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the glass. Fill the glass with sparkling water. Add a cherry or mint sprig for garnish.

Single-Serving, Old-Fashioned Lemonade

In a shaker, combine cup of crushed ice, 3 tbsp. of powdered sugar and 8 oz. of cold water. Cut a small lemon in quarters and squeeze the juice into the shaker. Add lemon quarters, cover and shake vigorously. Pour into a 12 oz. glass and garnish with an orange slice or cherry.

Easy Honey Lemonade

Cut a small lemon into -inch slices. In a 2 qt. pitcher, mix 5 cups of water and cup of honey until blended. Add 1 cups of lemon juice from concentrate and stir well. Add 3 cups of crushed ice and lemon slices; stir and serve.

Simple Vanilla Lemonade

Pour 1 cup of lemon juice from concentrate into a 2 qt. pitcher. Add cup of sugar or the equivalent amount of low-calorie sugar substitute. Stir. Add 6 cups of cold water, 2 tbsp. vanilla syrup and 1 cup of ice cubes and mix well. Serve in tall tumblers. If desired, add a stemmed cherry for garnish.

About the Lemonade Detox

The lemonade detox diet is also known as the Master Cleanse. It is intended as a detox for the body and has the added benefits of dramatic weight loss when followed correctly, the website says (see References below). The ingredients are easy to find, and the drink is simple to make. The website touts this regimen as a great way to cleanse the body of toxins and shed large amounts of weight.

Ingredients

To begin the lemonade detox, you will need four ingredients: fresh lemons, organic grade B maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. The drink is simple to make. Squeeze the lemons for fresh lemon juice. Add a tablespoon each of lemon juice and maple syrup to 8 ounces of water. Add 1 to 3 dashes, according to taste, of the cayenne pepper. Stir and your drink is ready.

Instructions

The lemonade drink should be consumed all day for the duration of the cleanse. As much of the drink can be taken, but most people drink from 40 ounces to 60 ounces per day. No other food is allowed on the lemonade detox. Some people find that it is easier to mix up a pitcher of the detox drink early in the morning, so it is readily available all day long.

Duration

The lemonade detox should be followed for a minimum of seven days. However, the actual detox is for a period of 14 days, but this may be too long for some people, especially for beginners. Talk to your doctor about how long you should perform the detox. As every body is different, you should always follow a plan that is specific to your individual needs.

Effects

The effects of following the lemonade detox are generally fast. As the body starts to rid itself of all the impurities and toxins that have been put into it over the years, it will eliminate them through urine and bowel movements. When followed correctly, bowel movements will increase and may be softer. Energy is increased, and many people find that they are relieved of maladies such as upset stomachs, headaches and joint pain.

Function

The lemonade detox is a good choice for those who have been digesting too many bad substances for a long period of time. Those who follow it will benefit by experiencing better bowel movements, which can really help those who suffer from constipation. Increased energy is also a major side effect of the detox. As the body gets rid of the toxins in the colon and intestines, a person's weight will also come off.

Warnings

The lemonade detox is not meant as a long-term weight loss plan. There may be harsh side effects from the elimination process, including cramping and abdominal pain. Concerns have been raised by experts because of the almost non-existent amount of nutrients that are involved in this detox (see second and third references below). Although many do lose weight while on this detox, it is very easy to gain it back once you go back to eating regularly.

Some people, such as pregnant or nursing women or those who suffer from hemorrhoids, should not attempt this detox. Talk to your doctor before starting the lemonade detox to find out if it is right for you.

How Does Massage Help Fibroids?

Overview

Fibroid Tumors

Fibroids are benign (non cancerous) tumors that grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus or underneath the endometrial lining of the uterine wall. Fibroids commonly occur in women between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Women often have more than one fibroid tumor at a time. Fibroid tumors can be the size of a pea or grow to be larger than a grapefruit. After menopause, fibroid tumors shrink. The exact cause of fibroid formation is not known. There is a genetic link, meaning fibroids tend to run in families. The hormones estrogen and progesterone, seem to play a role in fibroid formation. Fibroid tumors are not dangerous, but they can cause undesirable symptoms in some women. Women who have large fibroid tumors or a large number of fibroid tumors, may experience heavy menstrual periods and abdominal pain. The most common conventional treatment for painful fibroids, is surgery to remove the tumor. Some alternative health practitioners use abdominal massage to treat fibroid tumors.

Abdominal-Sacral Massage

Abdominal-Sacral Massage is a massage technique where the lower back and abdomen are externally manipulated to realign the pelvic bones into the proper position. When the pelvic bones are misaligned, blood flow is reduced to the female organs. Realigning the pelvic bones allows the uterus and other female organs to go back into their proper position, where they receive sufficient blood flow. Pelvic bones become misaligned throughout everyday life from activities such as prolonged sitting, pregnancy, poor posture and car accidents. Alternative health practitioners suggest fibroids are caused by unhealthy uterine conditions, including reduced blood flow and a poor diet.

How Abdominal-Sacral Massage is Performed

Abdominal-Sacral Massage is performed by a licensed massage therapist or alternative health practitioner who has been trained in Abdominal-Sacral Massage techniques. The therapist or practitioner uses their hands to massage the lower back and abdomen. Massages last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Dietary changes and stress reduction lifestyle changes are often recommended to enhance the healing process. Sometimes, patients are instructed on self massage methods that they can do at home between treatments. The recommended frequency to receive treatments varies depending on the therapist or practitioner and the patient's responsiveness to the treatment.

Good Diet Plan for Truck Drivers

While a nice crock pot filled with vegetables, potatoes and chunks of turkey would be a fantastic healthy meal, truck drivers do not get this luxury. They must cope without ovens, blenders, freezers, and many amenities other people use without much thought. In addition, truck drivers are relegated to whatever food happens to await them at a certain mile marker, making food choices very limited. As such, they must be very smart about food preparation on the road in order to stay healthy.

Make smart choices at pit stops

During late hours, fast food chains may be the only option. Chains that offer the most variety of healthy foods are Subway and Quiznos. At sandwich chains, opt for turkey and lean cuts of meat over salami and meatballs. Given the choice between beef or chicken, opt for grilled chicken. Taco Bell's fresco menu has many popular items like tacos and burritos for fewer calories and fat.
For sides and condiments, skip the mayo and use mustard or ketchup instead. Avoid French fries and ask for sides of fruit or vegetables if available.
"How to Buy And Sell Just About Everything" recommends getting junior meals instead of the largest meal, and choosing unsweetened beverages like iced tea, water, or half-lemonade half-water.
Healthy choices at gas stations are sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, bananas, and power bars. Skip the soda and get water.
Making a quick detour to a grocery store is the best possible option. Grocery stores provide fruit, vegetables, salads, soup, juice and sandwiches. Stores also provide healthier alternatives to common snack foods, like dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, as well as baked potato chips instead of regular potato chips.

Pack healthy portable snacks

To curtail cravings on the road, trail mix is a great snack. The book "Perricone Weight Loss Diet" mentions that nuts keep you satiated, but also offer healthy fats and minerals like selenium and magnesium. Raisins provide a sugar boost, which can spike energy levels without causing a sugar crash. Steer clear of trail mix with crystallized fruit; such fruit is loaded with refined sugars. In the book "Lick the Sugar Habit," author Nancy Appleton explains that refined sugars (table sugar) can contribute to diabetes, constipation and can suppress the immune system. For this reason, abstain from eating too many candy bars or sugar-candy like Skittles and taffy.
Many truckers eat out of sheer boredom. If this is you, pack carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber. These foods are low in calories, but take a long time to chew. Otherwise, chew on gum.

If possible, invest in a refrigerator and microwave

Few trucks provide refrigerators. Getting a dorm room sized refrigerator will enable you to keep produce at a cool temperature, which will make the food last longer (and likely tastier, as few enjoy the taste of a warm apple subjected to humidity).

A microwave allows truckers to make soup quickly and easily, especially since many soups no longer require a can opener. Choose broth-based soups, as they have fewer calories and fat than cream-based soups. If possible, pay a little extra for soup that isn't instant noodles. Instant noodles are laden with preservatives, MSG, high in fat and calories, and provide little nutrition. Look for soups high in fiber and veggies, like minestrone or black bean soup.

Fruits Allowed on a Candida Diet

When afflicted by candida (yeast infection), a proper diet is important to maintain a healthy life style. Certain foods trigger outbreaks and a person must be very vigilant in order to prevent outbreaks. A diet for candida reduction can be strict and hard to maintain. If you keep a list of your food options available it will be easy to refer to when you need it. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fruits Allowed on a Candida Diet

Fruit is high in sugar, and by limiting it you will control your outbreaks in a more efficient manner. When choosing your daily fruit, take into account its sugar content and choose low-GI (low-glycemic index) fruits such as apples or citrus.

Allowed fruits include green apples, citrus, berries and avocado. You are only allowed one fruit serving per day on a candida diet. A serving is about 1 cup of fruit. The fruit cannot be any type of melon or grapes because these fruits contain a lot of sugar and may trigger an outbreak.

Consider eating berries for your daily fruit intake; they are allowed and are high in antioxidants. Raspberries are an excellent fruit and can be eaten without any sweetener. Avoid strawberries, however, which are higher in sugar than raspberries or blackberries. Blueberries are a good choice at breakfast.

Avocado is allowed on the diet and is also a source of good (healthy) fat. You need fat to keep your brain function normal. Avocados can be mixed with other food such as beef and tomatoes.

Squeezing fresh lime or lemon juice in your water or on your food is a great way to get in some vitamin C. You cannot substitute a glass of juice for your daily fruit. Juice contains too much sugar and can be detrimental to a person with candida. Also stay away from dried fruit because manufacturers add extra sugar when they dry the fruit.

Canned fruit contains extra sugar as a preservative, so stay away from this type of fruit. If you chop up your citrus and apples, you can create a delicious fruit salad that will replace anything you might want from a can. By adding different berries, you can change up the salad from time to time.

If your candida is particularly aggressive, you may have to forgo fruit completely. Wean yourself from fruit by slowly decreasing your fruit intake each day. Start by removing apples and berries from your diet. Next, limit your citrus consumption to a teaspoon of squeezed lemon or lime juice a day. If your candida is still aggressive, remove avocado from your diet.

3 Day Cleansing Diet Recipe

Frustrated with your weight loss regime? Feeling sluggish and tired? Jump-start your weight loss program or simply enhance your health with a 3-day cleanse that will put you on the fast track to feeling your best. Utilize this simple and effective cleansing recipe three to four times a year to detoxify and rejuvenate your body.

3-Day Cleanse Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this 3-day cleansing regimen:

100 percent whole leaf aloe vera juice
Prune juice (not from concentrate)
Apple juice (not from concentrate)
Fresh lemons
Flax seed oil
Fresh ginger
Distilled water
Raw apples (optional)
Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel Formula (optional)
Senna tea (optional)
Psyllium husk powder (optional)

Procedure

First thing in the morning, drink 14 to 16 oz. of prune juice to stimulate the intestinal tract and draw toxic waste out of your body to be eliminated. When possible, choose organic juice, and avoid any juice that has been reconstituted or artificially sweetened. Only 100 percent juice is beneficial for a cleanse.

Drink your morning juice slowly, swishing each sip in your mouth for a few seconds in order to facilitate better digestion.

Throughout the day, alternate 8-oz. glasses of apple juice and lemon ginger water (distilled water with fresh squeezed lemon and grated fresh ginger, as palatable).

Do not drink the liquids too quickly. Doing so may cause nausea or disrupt the electrolyte balance of your body. Pace yourself. By the end of the day, you should consume approximately 64 oz. of apple juice, and the same portion in lemon ginger water. This amount may vary according to your body weight and size.

During the day, consume 2 additional oz. of Aloe Vera juice for a total of 4 oz. per day. Aloe Vera supports bowel and intestinal health by preventing constipation and encouraging healthy digestion.

Taking 1 tbsp. of flax oil twice daily will help to lubricate the bile ducts and facilitate the elimination of toxins.

Considerations

If you are hungry throughout the day, you may eat fresh apples as often as desired. No other foods are advised during the course of the cleanse.

Consult your doctor to determine whether a cleanse diet is appropriate for you.

Cleansing symptoms may include diarrhea, constipation, headache, nausea and fatigue. Remember to always follow your body's cues, and consult a medical expert if you experience anything that concerns you during the course of your cleanse.

If constipation arises during your cleanse, you may find additional support by taking a bowel remedy (such as Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel Formula), or by consuming senna tea or psyllium husk powder, as directed on the packaging.

Consider a visit to a colon hydrotherapist when you have finished your 3-day cleanse to magnify your results.

About Pancreas Cleanses

How to Exercise Self Control When Facing a Challenge

There is a limit to willpower. Psychologist Roy Baumeister asked some people to eat radishes while trying to solve a difficult puzzle, while others received freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. The radish eaters lasted half as long as those eating the cookies. This study explains why many of us tend to gain weight as students, or drink during difficult times. We've used up our willpower on meeting the challenge of must-do activities, and have little will left to cope with temptation. Here's how to overcome this problem.

Instructions

1

Understand the emotional limits of self control. We sometimes use the expression "I feel drained." This feeling is more than being tired. It is a recognition that we've tapped the last of our resources, that we need to replenish. If you look at the term "recreation" in its truest sense, it means that we are finding the emotional space to re-create our personalities to tackle the challenges we face. It's a different concept from relaxation, which is closer to exhalation in what it does for us physiologically. To avoid exhausting our self control, it makes sense to limit the number of demanding tasks we undertake at the same time. Think of it as drawing on a limited willpower budget.

2

Grasp the biology of willpower. According to Sandra Aamodt, the editor of Nature Neuroscience, and Professor Sam Wang at Princeton, planning and self control are two mental activities directly linked to small changes in blood sugar. In a different study, subjects who drank a glass of sugared lemonade between two tasks requiring willpower did equally well on each, while those who drank sugarless lemonade made more errors on the second task. It's a trick endurance athletes have employed for years to rise to their challenges by drinking glucose-rich Gatorade.

3

Learn how this realization applies to a real life challenge. Let's take limiting food intake as a example of a challenge that most of us should now tackle. Since dieting requires willpower, these two studies explain why diets fail so often. They are very hard to start or maintain in tough times. This finding explains the origin of the term "comfort food," which emphasizes neither taste nor nutrition, but emotional fulfillment. If you can focus your willpower on a diet, the key to success is in finding a way to maintain a constant level of blood sugar while restricting calories. Higher protein diets, like The Zone or Atkins, incorporate food that is more slowly digested than a diet with a larger percentage of carbohydrates, forestalling hunger longer. Unfortunately, according to the scientific evidence, the Atkins Diet is not conducive to long term heart health.

4

Balance tasks that require willpower with the joys in achieving them. Take mountain climbing as a metaphor. At first the trail is demanding, without immediate reward, yet willpower alone can carry us up the slope, until we reach the first view. This is the time to take a breather and relax while we replenish our energy, to soak in the emotional reward of the path that we are taking. Only by balancing joy, relaxation and recreation can we ever hope to muster the willpower to achieve the most from our lives.

How to Preserve Food With Lemon Juice

Lemons may be one of the most versatile and useful foods on the planet. Everyone loves fresh lemonade on a hot day or a squeeze of lemon juice on fish or seafood. Aside from being a nutritious fruit, lemon is a disinfectant, anti-septic, astringent and even helps to preserve and revive foods. With a few tips, you can learn to extend the life of fresh fruits and vegetables with just a simple lemon. Read on to learn more. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Crisp dull droopy lettuce with a splash of lemon juice. Fill a bowl with cold water and the juice from one small fresh lemon. Soak the lettuce in the refrigerator for one hour before serving. Your lettuce will be fresh and crisp, and the slight lemony flavor will add the perfect touch to any salad.

2

Keep a fruit salad from losing its fresh bright color by preserving it with a splash of lemon juice. Add a tablespoon or two to your fruit salad and stir well. The lemon juice will keep apples, bananas, peaches, pears and other fruits crisp and will stop them from turning brown.

3

Use lemon to preserve avocado. Avocado is a popular fruit used in face masks, salsas and salads; however, in just a short time the beautiful green color turns black. Adding lemon juice to any recipe that includes avocados will keep them looking green and fresh.

4

Preserve the color of peeled potatoes with a splash of lemon juice. If you want to peel potatoes earlier than you are going to cook them, but you don't want them to turn a purple starch color, you can soak them in lemon water or even rub the outside of them with a half a lemon to keep them white.

How Often Should a Lemon Cleanse Be Used?

A lemon cleanse, also known as the Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet, is a popular diet that consists of drinking a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper with the goal of detoxifying, cleansing the system, and losing weight. There are restrictions and guidelines concerning the length of time to do a Lemon Cleanse that should be considered before starting this diet.

Duration

A lemon cleanse is typically done from 10 days at a time to a month at a time, depending on how long it takes to detoxify your body. Your tongue is often the indicator. If it has a whitish coating--typically an indication of candida yeast--then you should continue the cleanse. When the white coating disappears, you are considered detoxified.

Frequency

The amount of times per year that you cleanse depends on the duration of your cleanses. If you do cleanse for 10 days in a given month, then four times a year is acceptable. That's every three months. However, if you cleanse for a month at a time, you should only do it twice a year, or once every six months.

Since a lemon cleanse can boost the immune system, many choose to cleanse during flu season.

Considerations

Before doing a lemon cleanse, consult your doctor. While the coating on your tongue is a guideline to determine the amount of time to be on the cleanse, a proper medical evaluation should determine whether you should begin one at all. Also, should you feel weak or sick during the cleanse, you should visit your doctor to make sure that your body is physically able to continue.

How to Make a Pitcher of Low-Calorie Mojitos

A minty mojito sounds amazing on a hot summer day. A typical mojito can carry more than 200 calories, making it tasty but tough on your midsection. Skip the sugary simple syrup in favor of a no-calorie sweetener and you'll bring the calories down to about 140, says "Fitness" magazine. Put your feet up and enjoy this Cuban treat with no guilt. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Mix the sweetener and the water in a large mixing bowl or saucepan until the powder is completely dissolved. Set aside.

2

Slice the limes into thin rounds. Place them in the pitcher with the mint leaves.

3

Fill the pitcher halfway with ice. Use a long-handled spoon to muddle the lime and mint in with the ice.

4

Pour the rum over the ice, add about half of the sweet syrup and muddle again with the spoon.

5

Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with club soda. If you prefer, you can substitute diet lemon-lime soda and skip the simple syrup.

6

Stir the contents of the pitcher until the mint and limes are distributed throughout. Pour the mojito mix into chilled glasses and top with a sprig of mint.

Homeopathic Colon Cleansing Recipes

A colon cleanse is recommended by many alternative health practitioners. It is believed that the colon may not always eliminate all the waste sent to it, with fecal matter becoming compacted in the many bends of the colon walls. This waste contains toxins and prevents the colon from absorbing the nutrients the body needs to perform ideally. By cleansing the colon, you can eliminate the waste, improve your health, energy levels and ability to concentrate. Homeopathic cleanses focus on herbal tinctures to stimulate elimination.

Homeopathic Cleansing

Many might consider any cleanse a homeopathic approach to health. That being said, when most people are referring to a homeopathic colon cleanse, they are not referring to the strict fasting cleanses, such as the Master Cleanse or Fruit Juice Diet. These cleanses require eliminating solid food from your diet for up to 10 days.

These types of fasts are discouraged by doctors such as Michael Picco, MD at the Mayo Clinic who claim that the body is designed to eliminate waste with the liver, kidneys and colon. Claims of these fasts can not be substantiated with research and they pose too many other serious health risks.

A homeopathic cleanse that uses herbal supplements creates a safer environment where a person will work on dietary adjustments and use the herbs to help the liver, kidneys and colon do what it already does more effectively.

Homeopathic Ingredients

Many ingredients are available when doing a homeopathic cleanse. Your choice may depend on the underlying reason you are doing the cleanse. This may be chronic constipation, fatigue or digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Homeopathic doctors are best suited to provide you with a proper assessment and homeopathic remedy.

The common tinctures used for colon cleansing according to Herbal-Colon-Cleanse.com include anacardium, arg nit, ars alb, belladonna, carbo veg, chamomilla, chelidonium, lycopodium, nuc vom and scrophylaria.

To properly use these cleansing ingredients you should make sure you are consuming ample quantities of water daily (2-liters) and eating a high fiber diet filled with fruits and vegetables. These are easy to digest giving your liver and colon a break and the fiber helps scour the colon to remove any compacted fecal matter.

Lemon Juice Liver Cleanse

The liver is a crucial organ with a wide variety of functions. It breaks down proteins and biochemicals to aid in the digestion process. It plays a role in metabolism and rids the body of dead red blood cells. Because everything that is ingested flows through the liver, detoxifying this important organ is extremely important. Cleansing the liver will also eliminate gallstones. Lemon juice is an incredibly efficient, natural way to detoxify the liver.

1. Gallstones

   • Gallstones are balls of calcified bile and are usually surrounding parasites or harmful bacteria. Because they are extremely porous, they are susceptible to further infection. The human body has difficulty ridding itself of gallstones. A lemon juice cleanse will flush out gallstones quickly. To administer the cleanse, mix the juice from one lemon with equal parts olive oil and Epsom salts. If you can't stomach the idea of taking these cleanse ingredients alone, mix them in a tall glass of water and drink quickly. Repeat two times: once in the morning and once at night. The days before and after the cleanse, follow a non-fat diet. Since the bile is not being used to break up fat, it will build up. The added pressure will force out the stones.

   Lemon Water

   • To maintain a clean liver or for a more regular cleanse, add pure, freshly squeezed juice of one lemon to a glass of water and drink with meals. This will assist the stomach in digesting the food and will not allow undigested food to enter the bloodstream. This can be done with every meal to keep the stomach and liver cleansed continually.

Related Searches

References

• NaturalHealthRemedies.org

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Gallstones

Gallstones are balls of calcified bile and are usually surrounding parasites or harmful bacteria. Because they are extremely porous, they are susceptible to further infection. The human body has difficulty ridding itself of gallstones. A lemon juice cleanse will flush out gallstones quickly. To administer the cleanse, mix the juice from one lemon with equal parts olive oil and Epsom salts. If you can't stomach the idea of taking these cleanse ingredients alone, mix them in a tall glass of water and drink quickly. Repeat two times: once in the morning and once at night. The days before and after the cleanse, follow a non-fat diet. Since the bile is not being used to break up fat, it will build up. The added pressure will force out the stones.

Lemon Water

To maintain a clean liver or for a more regular cleanse, add pure, freshly squeezed juice of one lemon to a glass of water and drink with meals. This will assist the stomach in digesting the food and will not allow undigested food to enter the bloodstream. This can be done with every meal to keep the stomach and liver cleansed continually.

Fast and Effective Detox Diets

What Are the Health Benefits of Grade B Maple Syrup?

Grade B maple syrup is the most viscous concentration of the syrup. It is harvested during the end of the sap season, and resembles molasses more than its counterpart Grade A maple syrup. The potency and richness of Grade B maple syrup amplifies its health benefits.

Energy

Compared to Grade A, Grade B maple syrup has elevated levels of sucrose, fructose and glucose. In addition to providing a source of energy, sugars aid pain management by reducing the bodys sensitivity and enhancing natural relief.

Cholesterol

Grade B maple syrup also has elevated levels of manganese, a mineral that has antioxidant properties. Manganese supports overall body function and can help lower high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Heart Health

Consumption of Grade B maple syrup also fortifies the body with zinc. Apart from functioning as an antioxidant, the essential mineral strengthens the heart by replenishing and preserving endothelial cells.

Immune System

Manganese and zinc, the predominant minerals in Grade B maple syrup, support immune system function by contributing to cell growth and maintaining healthy levels of white blood cells.

Male Reproductive Health

The two principal minerals in Grade B maple syrup have also been observed to contribute to male reproductive health. Manganese is involved in the production of male sex hormones, and zinc can help reduce prostate size.

How to Avoid Kidney Stones Through Diet

As anyone who has ever had a kidney stone can tell you, passing a stone can be an excruciating experience. Curled up in a fetal position in bed, you feel agonizing pain in your lower back or abdomen, and may even feel nauseous or the need to vomit. Once you have had one kidney stone, you are likely to have more. Some people are more likely to develop this painful condition due to a genetic susceptibility, but diet is also a major contributing factor, especially one which is low in fiber, potassium, citrate and magnesium, and high in protein and salt. Luckily, you can reduce your chances of having kidney stones by following certain dietary guidelines.
What can you do to prevent painful kidney stones? It's a good idea to talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. They may tell you to limit some things in your diet while increasing others. There are several types of kidney stones, 70 percent of which are calcium oxalate stones and most of which are made of calcium salts. Most of the suggestions here refer to calcium oxalate stones.

Instructions

What to Limit in your Diet

1

When you hear that most kidney stones consist of calcium salts, you may be tempted to drastically reduce your calcium intake. However, that would put you at risk for osteoporosis. Of key importance is moderation and the source of the calcium. Be sure to consume normal amounts of calcium from food sources, but steer away from calcium supplements. One study shows that women who took calcium supplements experienced an increase in kidney stones by 20 percent. However, women who consumed normal amounts of calcium-rich food instead of supplements experienced a reduction in kidney stones of 34 percent. So don't deprive your bones of important calcium-rich foods, and avoid calcium supplements if you are susceptible to kidney stones.

2

Avoid eating foods that have high levels of oxalic acid in them, which contributes to oxalate kidney stones. This includes: coffee, beer, pecans, spinach, beets, soft drinks, cocoa, sweet potatoes and tea.

3

Avoid taking large doses of vitamin C in supplement form, which can increase oxalic acid in urine, promoting kidney stones.

4

Eat less salt. Salt has clearly been shown to be correlated with increased frequency of kidney stones. Read labels of prepared foods, which are often high in salt. Even better, cook more at home so you can control your salt intake!

5

Eat less meat, as animal protein raises the level of calcium secreted in your urine, thereby increasing your chances of developing kidney stones. One study showed that in a sample of high-risk individuals, a vegetarian diet low in animal protein significantly decreased frequency of kidney stones. Additionally, another study showed that simply reducing calcium intake is not nearly as effective (51 percent less so) in reducing kidney stones as limiting meat and salt.

What you should eat and drink

6

Eat more plant foods, vegetables, fruits and whole grains, especially those rich in magnesium, potassium and citrate. Foods rich in magnesium include kiwi, bananas, strawberries, avocado, peas, corn, summer squash, cashews and almonds. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, Lima beans, potatoes, kale, carrots, mushrooms, onions, cauliflower and asparagus. Foods rich in citric acid include limes, lemons and other citrus fruits. Your doctor may also suggest potassium-citrate or potassium-magnesium citrate supplements, which have been found to reduce kidney stones.

7

Hydrate! When you are hydrated, tiny kidney stones may pass through you without your awareness or may not be as easily formed. However, when dehydrated, the spiky stones are not as easily flushed from your body and are more likely to snag on the inside of your urethra, resulting in intense pain. So drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day!

8

Better yet, add lemon to that water to make it easier going down, or drink lemonade made with a sugar substitute. Lemons are high in citrate, which reduces kidney stones. One study showed that 12 subjects on a "lemonade therapy" for four years had a marked reduction in the frequency of kidney stones. A sweet solution that doesn't require a prescription!

After consulting with your doctor, consider these simple dietary steps to improve your chances of having fewer painful kidney stones!

Detox Program Diet

The body's natural method of cleansing itself of impurities and toxins is known as detoxification. Proponents of detox diets claim that these programs will speed and improve the body's natural purification process, enabling dieters to lose weight as well as rid their body of harmful chemicals. Notable detox diets include the lemonade diet, master cleanse, the hallelujah diet, the raw food diet and many liquid diet plans. While many people testify to the efficacy of these plans, there is no scientific evidence indicating they work, and they carry serious potential health risks.

Types of Foods and Beverages Consumed

While the exact elements of each diet vary according to the details of each plan, you can expect to eat primarily organic fruits and vegetables and unprocessed foods such as nuts and grains, drink a large amount of water every day, and consume certain herbs that purportedly help the detox process including milk thistle, yucca, licorice root and gentian root. Some plans use enemas and herbal laxatives to assist in the detoxification process.

In most cases, you will also need to avoid meat, dairy products, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and caffeine. You will probably begin with a fasting period and then move to a diet in which you eat primarily raw fruits and vegetables, juices and water. Expect to stay on this plan for a period of 7 to 10 days until you feel "lighter" and healthier.

What to Expect

During the initial fasting component of the diet, you might feel dizzy, weak and light-headed. Headaches tend to be another common complaint, primarily because of caffeine withdrawal. Because of the large amounts of fruits and vegetables and juices consumed, some dieters suffer chronic diarrhea, which lasts throughout the program. This can be dangerous and result in dehydration and serious electrolyte imbalances, so if you suffer from diarrhea, consult your doctor to see whether it is safe for you to remain on the diet.

While most detox diets do not have weight loss as their goal, you will probably lose weight on this program because of the severe caloric restriction. Because of the nature of these diet plans, the loss consists primarily of water, which you will likely gain back after discontinuing the diet.

Health Risks

According to the Mayo Clinic, no scientific evidence shows any type of health benefits from these detoxification plans. Doctors maintain that your body does a good job of ridding itself of excess toxins without any type of assistance from a special diet plan. Long-term health risks on these plans include nutritional deficiencies, anemia, irregular heartbeat and low blood sugar.

Dallas dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson Lona Sandon warns that the lack of adequate nutrition on these diets can "actually weaken the body's ability to fight infections and inflammation." Talk to your doctor before beginning any type of diet plan to make sure it is a good choice for you.

What Juices Are Acidic?

The pH of the foods you eat can affect the pH balance of your body. Too much acid can wear down the enamel on your teeth, so certain fruits with high acidic content should be consumed in moderation. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14; the lower the pH number of a food, the more acidic it is. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Lemon and Lime Juices

With a pH of 2 to 2.60, lemon juice is one of the most acidic juices in a typical diet. The small yellow fruits are grown in warm climates and are used to make sauces, lemonade and lemon desserts like tarts and pies. Limes, the small green fruit closely related to lemons, are also acidic. They have a pH of 2 to 2.35. Both juices are high in vitamin C.

Pineapple Juice

The tropical pineapple is large and juicy, which makes it ideal for juicing. Fresh and canned juice have a sweet tart flavor and are used in cocktails, baked goods and served straight. The pH of pineapple juice ranges from 3.30 to 3.60. Canned pineapple juice contains just over 5 teaspoons of natural sugars per 12 ounces.

Orange and Grapefruit Juices

A common breakfast meal companion, orange and grapefruit juices are both acidic. The pH of orange juice ranges from 3.30 to 4.19. California orange juice can be slightly more acidic than Florida juice, though many store brands are a mixture of both. Grapefruit juice from the large, yellow-orange citrus fruit, has a pH balance of 3. Grapefruit juice cocktails, however, will have a lower pH and higher sugar content than straight grapefruit juice, due to additional juices and sweeteners added during processing.

Cranberry Juice

The small, tart, red berry is grown in the northwest and northeast regions of the U.S. It is consumed straight or with liquor and blended with sugars and other juices for cranberry juice cocktail. Unsweetened cranberry juice has been recommended for urinary tract health. The pH of cranberry juice is between 2.45 and 3.

How to Achieve Weight Loss If You Can't Exercise

Weight loss is a sore subject, right? You want to lose weight but you can't exercise. Maybe you've been injured in an accident or perhaps you're too heavy to safely exercise. You might be feeling like it's a hopeless situation. You need (or want) to lose weight but without being able to get on the treadmill or hit the walking track, you're thinking you'll have to stay the size and weight you are right now. That isn't true. To jump start your metabolism, curb your appetite, and start melting those pounds away, all you have to do is follow the steps I'll be addressing below. By spending a few dollars and dedicating some time and flexibility into your daily regimen, you'll see results that will have you skipping down the road of weight loss success!

Instructions

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Take the pen and paper and write down your goals. If you have a visual of what you're wanting to accomplish, it will help you to stay focused and succeed to lose weight. Also write down the benefits of losing weight. Write down anything else you think of. It could also be beneficial to keep a food journal. Seeing what you put into your mouth can be a big wake up call and help you reach your weight loss goal.

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Go to the health food store. Purchase organic apple cider vinegar with Mother. ("Mother" simply means that the vinegar is not processed and the living enzymes remain intact.) This will cost between $3 and $5. Not a huge investment for something so precious as your health and self-esteem. (Not everyone suffers low self-esteem from being overweight. But if you are, you'll realize that spending a few dollars to feel better about yourself is a small price to pay.) What are you going to do with organic apple cider vinegar, you ask? You're going to drink it every day, religiously, to curb your appetite, promote a healthy bowel, give you glowing skin, and start melting that fat right off your body!

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Recipe for organic apple cider vinegar weight loss drink:

Put 1 teaspoon organic apple cider vinegar in 4-8 ounces of water. Add
1 packet of Stevia Balance packet. (Stevia Balance is a healthy, natural sweetener that helps balance your blood sugar and can help you lose weight). Add ice if you'd like, stir, and enjoy! (It is similar in taste to Lemonade in that the tartness of the vinegar balances out with the sweetness of the Stevia.)

Alternately, if you prefer hot drinks you can add 1 teaspoon of the organic apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot water and a drizzle of (raw) honey or Stevia Balance packet.

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While you're at the health food store, pick up a box of organic green tea. Make yourself a cup of hot tea each morning before you eat. You can also drink it (hot or cold) throughout the day. Several cups per day is perfectly safe. It will curb your appetite, help melt away fat, help your metabolism, and also helps fight cancer and disease!

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Go to the grocery store. Choose your favorite vegetables. Don't like vegetables? Try at least one or two. Work in raw foods whenever possible. By limiting your intake of processed foods and beverages, you'll discover that pounds come off a lot easier.

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Start eating organic, omega eggs. These are a wonderful source of protein that are rich in nutrients and will help your heart, skin, hair, and overall health. If you eat a healthy protein for breakfast - such as an organic, omega egg - you'll notice that your appetite is held over quite nicely until lunchtime. Most people who eat eggs for breakfast feel more energized throughout the morning as well.

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Be creative with snacks, lunches, and dinners. Mix veggies with proteins. Snack on raw nuts and seeds. They're filling, nutritious, and healthy for you!