Foods That Can Help You Cleanse Your Body

Eating healthily can help you to cleanse your body from inside. A healthy diet aids the detox process and thus help us maintain a good state of health. The following foods are particularly suited as they boost metabolism, aid digestion and strengthen the immune system:

1. Artichokes
Artichokes support liver function. The liver is mostly responsible for cleansing the blood, like a kind of sewage treatment plant, it rids the body of harmful substances and toxins. Artichokes stimulate the gall bladder to produce bile fluid and so help maintain liver function.

2. Apples
Apples are full of wonderful nutrients. They are most powerful when it comes to breaking down harmful substances and, at the same time, supply the body with more than 300 different biological substances. Their vitamin C content is good for the nerves, the heart and the immune system. Eating 2 organic apples a day is enough to detox the body with turbo speed.

3. Almonds
Almonds are regarded as the best source of Vitamin E, as they contain alpha-Tocopherol (a form of vitamin E which is preferentially absorbed and accumulated in humans). Alpha-Tocopherol is the only form of vitamin E to circulate in the blood and so is able to reach all organs. That's why almonds can offer, apart from dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium and protein, protection against cancer, diabetes and heart- and circulation problems. Therefore, it may be worthwhile nibbling a handful of almonds every day.

4. Asparagus
This vegetable is also optimal in detoxing the body, because asparagus increases the body's own glutathione level. Glutathione is an antioxidant produced naturally in the body, which effectively fights cancer cells and has also shown a positive effect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, glutathione supports the liver in all detox processes, thus supporting the recuperation progress. People suffering from gout should not eat asparagus, though ...

5. Avocados
Avocados are also rich in glutathione-producing compounds which promote a healthy liver, as they protect it from a toxic excess of acidic substances. Studies have revealed that eating 1-2 avocados per day, for at least 30 days, can help repair a damaged liver. The recommendation is to enjoy one avocado per day.

6. Basil
This herb has antibacterial properties and is full of antioxidants which protect the liver. Basil is immensely powerful when it comes to detoxing the digestive system and also supports kidney function. Basil has antibacterial properties, thus protecting us against germs and pathogenic bacteria (also harmful yeast bacteria), fungi and mould. Basil seeds can also be used against constipation.

7. Beetroot
Munching on beetroot on a regular basis stimulates liver cell function, strengthens the gall bladder and cleanses the bile ducts. This ensures a trouble-free digestion and also helps the body to get rid of metabolic waste and toxins quickly and thoroughly.

8. Berries
Blueberries are regarded as a natural aspirin. They reduce the cell-damaging effects of chronic inflammation and help to reduce pain. A helping of just 300 grams of blueberries can protect from DNA damage. Blueberries have antiviral properties and are a powerful detoxicant.

9. Brazil Nuts
contain a high level of the trace element selenium which binds heavy metals and so help the body with the detox process. Because selenium also is an antioxidant, it protects us from diseases of the heart and circulation system and can help prevent cancer. As selenium attaches to protein, it plays an important role in the activation of thyroid hormones. Brazil nuts contain minerals, such as phosphor, magnesium and calcium.

10. Broccoli
This vegetable helps the body to get rid of excess fluid. That's why it is highly recommended against high blood pressure and fluid retention. However, it is important to use very little or no salt to cook it. Broccoli is good for stressed fellow humans due to its high content of the anti-stress mineral magnesium. Other benefits of feasting on those green mini-trees are strengthening the body's connective tissue and activating fat metabolism.

11. Broccoli Sprouts (brassica oleracea)
contain important secondary plant compounds which come into effect when being chopped up, chewed, fermented or digested. These substances, which are released in the process, split into disease-fighting compounds which also aid the detox process. Scientists have also found that concoctions with brassica oleracea support the anti-inflammatory enzymes in the respiratory tract.

12. Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in sulphur which is necessary to help the body degrade harmful chemicals. It is also a source of indole-3 carbinol, a compound which aids the DNA repair in body cells and can block the growth of cancer cells.

13. Coriander
Also known as Chinese parsley and Dhania, contains lots of antioxidants. This herb helps to flush out mercury and other metals from body tissue and helps to strengthen and tauten it at the same time. Coriander also contains an antibacterial substance called Dodecanal which is used to kill Salmonella.

14. Cinnamon
is a very effective natural remedy. Cinnamon is able to lower blood sugar  and cholesterol levels. At the same time, this warming spice boosts metabolism (which is helpful if you want to lose weight). Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde which is known for its positive effects on blood platelets and prevents a dangerous formation of blood clots.

... to be continued.

Please note that if you are aware of any allergies or averse reactions to any of the above-mentioned ingredients, please refrain from ingesting them.

(Source: Daniel Schroeder www.wachaufmenschheit.de, Wikipedia)

Big Toe Problems ...

A lady in her early 50s consulted me because of "problems with her left big toe". Her GP's diagnose was "Hallux Rigidus", i.e. pain and stiffness in the joint of the big toe (more info at
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/hallux-rigidus.htm)
She was very unhappy because she couldn't wear her high heels, and the GP told her that there was no alternative but to operate on the joint to alleviate the stiffness.
We began the treatment session with 20 minutes acupuncture of the affected joint, followed by gentle manipulation and massage to free up the joint. At the end of the hour the big toe had re-gained almost full movement.
She couldn't believe that we could achieve this kind of success within only 1 hour and was close to tears, in anticipation of being able to wear her heels again.
Always happy to please :)

A Grandmother's Wise Words ...

Browsing through Facebook, I came across a page with amazing words of wisdom. I read this and felt that there is so much truth in there. Here goes:

'A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her – her husband had cheated on her and she was devastated. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as soon as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, ‘Tell me what you see.’ ‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she replied. Her grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The grandmother then asked the granddaughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the grandmother asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked, ‘What does it mean, grandmother?’ Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

“Which are you?” she asked her granddaughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity? Do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so, at the end, you’re the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be like the COFFEE.'

(Source: The Open Mind)

Oh I do like a good coffee :)

From Nature's Pharmacy: Curcuma - More Than Just A Spice

In Ayurvedic medicine, curcuma has been an essential remedy for many years. In Indian cuisine, this spice is used often and in larger quantities. It gives the dish its bright yellow colour and is said to aid digestion, as it helps the liver to metabolise fats.
At the moment, various scientific studies are carried out, to find out what else curcuma can do for us.
Apart from protecting and helping the liver to regenerate, curcuma also helps to detox the body from mercury and fluorides; it can protect the brain from damages caused by alcohol abuse.
Cooking with curcuma more often can also prevent gall stones and help with the symptoms of IBS.
(http://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/curcuma-anwendung-ia.html#ixzz3jocH0A00)

Lovely Review From a Client

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from a client I saw about 2 years ago. Reading it, I felt honoured and grateful that I chose such a wonderful vocation.
That's what they wrote:

'Hi Monica,
I spoke to you some time ago about a client of mine, as I am a support worker, and told you how much I had appreciated your help on a visit to you in the past (...)
I came to see you because I was feeling low and depressed, and we had one therapy session.  During the session you made me feel very relaxed, and simply suggested to me that I imagine myself in a beautiful meadow.  There must have been something about it that got my own imagination going and I was able to visualise a really inspiring story.  I realised that my depression was connected to my grief at losing my parents.  I had a wonderful inspiration and saw myself climbing out of a deep hold into a bright sunny meadow.  Then, strange as it may seem, the hole simply became a large dark circle on the ground.  I rolled it up like a mat, and put it in my backpack.  I walked on through the meadow, enjoying the bright sunshine and flowers, and the birdsong.  After I while I stopped and took off my backpack and sat down for a rest.  Then, remarkably, I took the mat out of my backpack, shook it out and placed it on the ground.  Magically, it grew and turned into a lovely round swimming pool, full of warm, clear water.   I got in for a swim and relaxed in the sun feeling really contented.  

I realised the meaning of the story.  It meant that I didn't have to be overwhelmed by my grief, but I didn't have to leave my feelings for my parents behind either.  Instead, I could carry them with me, and take out my memories and simply bathe in the love that my parents gave me whenever I wanted to.

It was a wonderful inspiration and came to me so naturally and beautifully.  It's like a joy that was inside me, and your therapy released it in me.  You didn't put ideas in my head or try to tell me what to think - you simply managed to release what was already there in a really gentle way. 

That was a couple of years ago now,  and though life continues to have its ups and downs, like everybody's does, I remember that vision clearly and go back to that meadow when I can to find peace and inspiration. 

Thank you so much for giving me this beautiful experience.  You really do have a special gift.'




 

Cabbage Against Cancer?

For years, scientists have suspected that cabbage can lower the risk of developing bowel cancer, however, there was a lack of conclusive data. A research team at the University of Sydney/Australia have investigated the matter and have come to the conclusion that those who eat white cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli on a regular basis are less likely to develop bowel cancer. Broccoli proved to be the most effective of the cabbage family. Cabbage contains mustard oil glycosides which appear to have cancer-preventing properties. However, high temperatures and cooking in the microwave oven have a destructive effect on the beneficial nutrients, whereas steaming helps to maintain the goodness and health benefits.
Patients who are on certain anticoagulants(e.g. Marcumar), however, should not eat too much of these vegetables as they can influence the effects of the medication. Please ask your GP or health professional.
(Source: ApothekenUmschau)

Guarantee for Success?!

A few days ago, a client sent me an e-mail in which she was inquiring about bunion treatment and the fees. I sent her a return message with all the information she was looking for. As first-time bunion treatment usually requires a course of treatment, I offered her a 10% discount if she booked a course of 5 sessions (requires payment in advance). Back came another e-mail in which she asked about the success rate for the treatment (fair enough ... about 80%) and if I would refund the fee if the treatment was not successful.

Bunions are painful and are likely to become worse the longer the sufferer leaves them untreated. One option is surgery which is likely to leave scarring and it takes quite a while to recover in most cases.

Alternative treatment involves acupuncture and massage/manual manipulation of the affected joint and takes about an hour for each session. Depending on the severity of the deformation, several sessions (typically 1 session per week) are necessary before an improvement becomes noticeable. Although an improvement of the pain in the affected joint will present itself relatively quickly, the deformation needs longer to correct. In some cases, a complete reversion is impossible, whereas a certain degree of improvement is to be expected. Also, follow-up treatment after 6-12 months might be necessary to maintain joint health.

I do everything possible to successfully heal the affected joint, as well as providing the client with the necessary guidance to improve their general health and well-being, but 'success' is both subjective and impossible to guarantee, as with all procedures; therefore a refund is not an option, I'm afraid ...