| Many of the toxins found in our foods are from | | | | for energizing and cleansing the liver, which is your |
| the pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and | | | | body's built-in detox center. Spinach has been |
| insecticides. These chemicals will seep into the soil | | | | shown to soothe the nervous system and |
| which are then absorbed through the leaves and | | | | protect it against and possibly reverse macular |
| the roots, hence the fruits and vegetables we are | | | | degeneration. |
| ingesting. But not so quick, although the fruits, | | | | - Lemons, watercress, garlic, oregano, sesame |
| nuts and vegetables end up with harmful toxins | | | | seeds - are all powerful detoxifying foods. These |
| many of the other foods we eat are also at risk. | | | | foods aid in colon-cleansing and also contain |
| Livestock, fowl, and farmed fished are given color | | | | anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic |
| enhancers, antibiotics, steroids and other | | | | properties. |
| hormones. Many of these animals are also fed | | | | - Legumes, such as kidney beans and lentils - the |
| genetically altered foods, not to mention that they | | | | best sources for folate, which helps to fight heart |
| also eat the contaminated plants as we do. | | | | disease. |
| With all that bad news, I do have good news to | | | | - Chili Peppers - the hot stuff found in these |
| share. Many of the toxins that accumulate in our | | | | peppers called, capsaicin has been found to soothe |
| systems can be reversed or eliminated. By | | | | the stomach lining, and helps detoxify the body |
| adapting an overall healing plan toxin removal can | | | | and fight against colds. |
| be accomplished. | | | | - Sweet Potatoes - contain double the Vitamin C, |
| In order for a whole body healing plan to take | | | | more fiber and fewer calories than white |
| effect we must exercise, we must get fresh air, | | | | potatoes. These potatoes also contain antioxidants |
| drink clean water, have limited sun exposure and | | | | that may help to reduce the inflammation in |
| an overall healthier diet. Some of the same foods | | | | bones and muscles. They are also a great source |
| that cause the toxins can be used for | | | | of beta-carotene which protects against infections |
| detoxification. Sounds, strange but as long as the | | | | in the respiratory system, as well as protect |
| food is purer it will work. The fruits and | | | | against sunburn and help wounds heal and scars |
| vegetables must be free of pesticides or other | | | | to fade. |
| harmful ingredients, as well as not have been | | | | It is understood that 'certified organic' foods are |
| exposed to radiation or other methods of | | | | somewhat costly. However, the best way to |
| shelf-life extension. The foods you will look for are | | | | combat the unfortunate deficiency and nutrition |
| those labeled as 'certified organic'. These foods | | | | that is found in our foods is to supplement. When |
| were simply grown using minimal or no chemicals | | | | looking for a good supplement, you must avoid |
| at all. The good news is that many grocery | | | | over-the-counter pills, capsules or powders that |
| stores are also carrying certified organic produce | | | | contain synthetic ingredients, additives, |
| and will continue to as long as you ask for it. | | | | preservatives and fillers. Look for organically |
| Below are a list of foods that will help heal and | | | | complexed supplements derived from whole |
| cleanse the body. The benefits of these foods | | | | foods that are minimally processed. |
| are well documented. | | | | Let's face it, our bodies are the only ones we |
| - Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts | | | | have. Good health is worth the investment you |
| and any other cruciferous vegetables - excellent | | | | make and of course the choice is ultimately yours. |