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Health Articles

7 Foods To Naturally Cleanse Your Liver

Brian Bartholomew - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Our livers work extremely hard everyday to protect us from adverse affects from toxins and often it is easy for our livers to become overworked compromising our health significantly. 


Here are 7 common foods you can include daily to help cleanse your liver naturally. 


By: Jonathan Benson, NaturalNews.com

The primary way in which your body expels toxins is via the liver, which detoxifies and cleanses your body by continuously filtering the blood of poisons that enter it through the digestive tract, the skin, and the respiratory system. But when your liver becomes overworked as a result of stress or excessive exposure to toxins, your entire system can be thrown off balance, and your health severely compromised.

Since the liver is also responsible for producing bile, another form of detoxification that is metabolically necessary for the breakdown and assimilation of fats and proteins from your food, it is exceedingly important that your liver be properly maintained. Without a well-functioning liver, your body will be unable to cleanse itself and absorb nutrients, which is a recipe for a health disaster.

"The thousands of enzyme systems that are responsible for virtually every body activity are constructed in the liver," writes Dr. Karl Maret, M.D., about the importance of vibrant liver function. "The proper functioning of the eyes, the heart, the brain, the gonads, the joints, and the kidneys, are all dependent on good liver activity."

"If the liver is impaired from constructing even one of the thousands of enzyme systems the body requires, there is an impairment in overall body function and a resultant greater metabolic stress on the individual."

So here are seven important foods you may want to begin incorporating into your diet in order to maintain a healthy liver.

1. Garlic




Garlic contains numerous sulfur-containing compounds that activate the liver enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the body. This bulbous relative of the onion also contains allicin and selenium, two powerful nutrients proven to help protect the liver from toxic damage, and aid it in the detoxification process.

2. Grapefruit




Grapefruit is rich in natural vitamin C and antioxidants, two powerful liver cleansers. Like garlic, grapefruit contains compounds that boost the production of liver detoxification enzymes. It also contains a flavonoid compound known as naringenin that causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it.

3. Green Tea




Green tea is loaded with catechins, a type of plant antioxidant that has been shown in studies to eliminate liver fat accumulation and promote proper liver function. This powerful herbal beverage also protects the liver against toxins that would otherwise accumulate and cause serious damage.

4. Green Vegetables




Leafy green vegetables such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory also contain numerous cleansing compounds that neutralize heavy metals, which can bear heavily on the liver. Leafy greens also eliminate pesticides and herbicides from the body, and spur the creation and flow of cleansing bile.

5. Avocado




Rich in glutathione-producing compounds, avocados actively promote liver health by protecting it against toxic overload, and boosting its cleansing power. Some research has shown that eating one or two avocados a week for as little as 30 days can repair a damaged liver.

6. Walnuts




Walnuts, which contain high levels of l-arginine, an amino acid, glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids, also help detoxify the liver of disease-causing ammonia. Walnuts also help oxygenate the blood, and extracts from their hulls are often used in liver-cleansing formulas.

7. Turmeric




Turmeric, one of the most powerful foods for maintaining a healthy liver, has been shown to actively protect the liver against toxic damage, and even regenerate damaged liver cells. Turmeric also boosts the natural production of bile, shrinks engorged hepatic ducts, and improves overall function of the gallbladder, another body-purifying organ.

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Juicing, Fasting and Detoxing For Life

Brian Bartholomew - Sunday, October 21, 2012

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Why You Need To Know About Glutathione (Autism, Cancer, Energy, Detox)

Brian Bartholomew - Sunday, June 17, 2012

How To Boost The Most Powerful Anti-Oxidant On Earth Naturally

When you see someone visibly aging, it is due to the minute damage that has been done day-by-day, year-by-year within the cells and tissues of the body. Many people are deficient in the most powerful anti-oxidant on earth called glutathione.

It has been stated that over 80% of the population has glutathione depletion.[3] Low glutathione levels are strongly correlated to these diseases:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease[4]
  • Autism[5]
  • Cancer [6]
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome[7]
  • Crohn’s Disease[8]
  • Cystic Fibrosis[9]
  • Diabetes[10]
  • Heart Disease[11]
  • Stroke[12]
  • HIV[13]
  • Liver and Kidney Dysfunction[14]
  • Lung Disorders (IPF, Asthma, COPD)[15]
  • Wrinkling and Aging[16]
  • Osteoporosis[17]
  • Parkinson’s Disease[18]
  • Alcoholism[19]

As you can see, this anti-aging anti-oxidant is nothing to take lightly. There is no anti-oxidant on earth that has a higher anti-oxidant score (ORAC score) than glutathione. [20] For instance, blueberries have an ORAC score of 3000, dark chocolate has an ORAC score of 13,000 and Acai berries a score of 18,000. Supplements that detox the body and raise glutathione naturally have an ORAC scores as high as 192,000! [21]

You can see why it has such a powerful anti-aging affect within the body. So why are we seeing such a strong depletion of glutathione? What can you do to naturally increase it within your body?

Environmental toxicity, certain medications and excess stress all deplete glutathione levels. Environmental toxins such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds that off gas from laminate flooring, electronic equipment and mattresses as well as toxic preservatives and taste enhancers within the food we eat, deplete glutathione. It’s important to remove any chronic level of toxic exposure such as conventional cleaning agents and preservative rich foods. Getting an organic mattress and keeping your house as natural as possible is very important. Acetaminophen depletes glutathione (Bartlett D 2004; Anker A 2001) and mental stress can also deplete glutathione.

The solution is to remove the environmental toxins from inside the cell through what I call intra-cellular detoxification, avoid going on unnecessary medications, and implement strategies that will bring more peace into your life.

Some of the top foods that can support the healthy glutathione levels are[22]:

  • Avocado
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic & Onions
  • Grapefruit
  • Eggs
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes
  • Curcumin found in Tumeric
  • Undentured Whey Protein (Ideally from Grass Fed Cows)

Keep in mind that cooked food contain far less of the precursors to glutathione if none at all. There are other therapeutic ways to increase glutathione exponentially that have a far stronger effect than just eating the food suggested. But this is a great start for most people.

In order to live the anti-aging lifestyle, you should really work to normalize insulin levels within the body, increase human growth hormone as well as glutathione. By consuming foods low in processed sugar and even hidden sugars found in fruit juices and grains, you can help turn off the aging fat storing pathways and help turn on the fat burning pathways.

Through high intensity interval training like weight training or 30 second bursts of exercise followed by 30 seconds to 2 minutes of rest you can surge growth hormone as well as Glutathione.

And through removing environmental toxins from your home and body, combined with consuming foods rich in precursors to glutathione, you can support healthy glutathione levels. Take these three steps and you’ll have implemented the 3 most powerful anti-aging lifestyle strategies available. 

References: 

[1] Stokes KA et al. The time course of the human growth hormone response to a 6 s and a 30 s cycle ergometer sprint. J Sports Sci. 2002 June; 20(60):487-94

[2]Phil Campbell, Ready Set Go, 2007

[3] Health Centers of the Future Webinar Dr. John Young M.D. Dec. 22nd 2010

[4] PubMed ID: 15693022, 15051321, 15857408

[5] Pub Med ID: 18512136, 15585776, 18929414

[6] PubMed ID: 12177109, 9261526, 15105835, 18601945

[7] PubMed ID: 10608272, 11703165

[8] PubMed ID: 7710773, 16446495

[9] PubMed ID: 10424526, 15658882, 18499536

[10] PubMed ID: 9586798, 18601945, J. Trace Elem Exp Med. 13:105-111. 2000

[11] PubMed ID: 15256685, 12835106, 1308476, 12944689, 9639372, 12173710

[12] PubMed ID: 15256685, 12835106, 1308476, 12944689, 9639372, 12173710

[13] PubMed ID: 7590404, 9050888, 12854078, 11582518

[14] PubMed ID: 7952483, 6468868, 18975272

[15] PubMed ID: 2913886, 3189960, 1605171, 11028671, 10600876

[16] PubMed ID: 18837290, 15947071, 11835271, 12486409, 14673993, 18926849, 10803423

[17] PubMed ID: 14673993

[18] PubMed ID: 10931172, 1510385, 11134975, 18094238, 1510368, 8938817

[19] PubMed ID: 18714405, 17977706, 17220370, 15845418

[20] Boyd Haley PhD., Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky 2010

[21] Boyd Haley PhD., Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky 2009

[22] Dietary approach to attenuate oxidative stress, hypertension, and inflammation in the cardiovascular system Wu L, Ashraf MH, Facci M, Wang R, Paterson PG, Ferrie A, Juurlink BH. [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 May 4;101(18):7094-9. Epub 2004 Apr 21.]

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Non-Toxic Household Cleaners

Brian Bartholomew - Monday, March 26, 2012

Non-Toxic Household Solutions

by Dr. David Jockers

 

 

 

The average household contains anywhere from 3 to 25 gallons of toxic materials.  Most of these materials are in our everyday cleaning products.  There is no current law that requires cleaning product manufacturers to list ingredients on their labels or to test their products for safety. Beyond that, they are not even required to list their ingredients since they are considered "trade secrets."  As the consumer, you have to take initiative to discover what is and isn't toxic. 

 

Some products will contain certain labels such as "danger," "hazardous," or "poison," but they do little to identify the serious nature of the substance.  According to a study done by a New York poison control center, 85% of product labeling is inadequate, leading to high levels of unnecessary toxic exposure.

 

General Rule:  Avoid Use of:

a.     Any product with "danger, hazardous, or poison" on the label.  They aren't just dangerous if you ingest them, but any exposure and inhalation of the vapors of these toxins can cause serious problems.

 

b.    Any product that doesn't list all their ingredients.

 

c.     Anything with petroleum-based surfactants, formaldehyde, chlorine or phosphates among other things.

 

d.    Look for labels such as "non-toxic," or "biodegradable"

 

You can also find a great selection of natural cleaning products at any health food store such Whole Foods market.  In addition, many companies such as Shaklee are leading innovators in non-toxic cleaning supplies. 

In addition, it is fairly simple and quite inexpensive to make your own natural cleaning supplies.  In fact, I recommend this as a primary cost-cutting move for anyone on a budget. 

 

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies:

Some of the best natural ingredients are substances that are highly acidic.  The acidity acts as a natural sterilizing agent and helps attract dirt and bacteria, allowing them to be easily removed.  Here are the best natural cleaning agents:

 

White Distilled Vinegar:  Been used for over 10,000 years, vinegar is amazing for all-purpose cleaners for floor, mirrors, glass, carpet, chrome, shower heads, garbage disposals, & bathrooms.  It is also a powerful deodorizer and home insect repellant.  Even better, it is completely safe, long-lasting (vinegar lasts a lifetime), and very inexpensive.

 

Lemon Juice:  Inside the body, fresh lemon juice digested and metabolized into an alkaline ash due to the high amount of alkaline elements it contains.  Outside the body, lemon is a very strong acid, it has a pH of 2.  The citric acid sterilizes and cleanses effectively while providing a fresh, lemony scent.  Lemon juice can be used with vinegar or in replacement of vinegar for many household cleaners, deodorizers, etc.

 

Baking Soda:  Baking soda is a sodium bicarbonate, a natural alkaline substance. Baking soda has a unique characteristic in that it neutralizes both acids & bases, so it actually eliminates odors rather than just covering them up.  Baking soda can also act as a very mild abrasive cleaner perfect for removing stains from sinks, counter tops and even fine china.

 

If you want to detoxify your house than I encourage you to come out to Exodus Health Center on Saturday at 12pm.  We will have a live demonstration where both myself and the always entertaining Charmaine Rhodes will be making non-toxic cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, beauty products, pesticide removers, and so much more.  You will learn how to save money, improve your health, and have fun creating things you may have never thought about before. 

 

At Exodus Health Center we are fully committed to providing you with the education and resources you need to radically improve your health in every way possible.
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4 Simple Detox Tips

Brian Bartholomew - Saturday, January 07, 2012

New years resolutions can be challenging at times so why not simply start by adding more good things into your diet as opposed to taking things out. Add these 4 simple detox tips to your day and you'll be sure to feel great in no time. Here's to a healthy and happy 2012!

1. Drink More Water

Too often we misinterpret thirst for hunger. Our signal for thirst may cause us to eat as we mistake it for hunger pains. Reach for water first and make sure you are well hydrated before eating any meal throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. 

Where possible make sure to drink your water at least 30 minutes before eating as this will allow time for the water to properly penetrate the cells of your body and hydrate your stomach lining in preparation for proper digestion. I like to add lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to my water or green it up with barley grass powder, wheatgrass powder, spirulina or chlorella. Yum!

2. Add A Green Juice To Your Day

Green juices are an amazing way to add life giving and detoxifying plant chlorophyll to your bloodstream. As Jason Vale says in the upcoming new 'Food Matters' film, "juicing is the ultimate fast food, it is a 15 minute nutrient express to health". Some of my favorite and simple green juice recipes include:

Green Juice Recipe Ideas:

- Celery, lemon and pear (or apple)
- Celery, cucumber, lemon (leave the skin on) and pear (or apple)
- Celery, cucumber, kale, lemon and pear (or apple)
- Celery, cucumber, lemon, parsley and pear (or apple)

I also like to stir whatever green powders I have laying around the house into my juices to green them up even more! Again try barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina or chlorella powders.

3. Add More Parsley and Cilantro (Corriander) To Your Diet 

Parsley and cilantro (corriander) are very powerful natural green plant foods for detoxing heavy metals out of your body. Add these amazing herbs to juices, salads, soups and meals. Mike Adams from Natural News talks more about this also in the new upcoming 'Food Matters' film.


 Heavy Metal Detox Pesto Recipe:
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup Brazil nuts (selenium source) or macadamia nuts
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (cysteine source)
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (zinc, magnesium sources)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (corriander)
  • 1 cup parsley
  • 2/3 cup cold pressed olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice (Vitamin C source)
  • Big pinch of sea salt and or dulse flakes to flavor
Soak the seeds and nuts over night to release the enzyme exhibitors. Process the parsley, cilantro (corriander) and olive oil in a blender until chopped. Add the garlic, nuts, and seeds, salt / dulse and lemon juice and mix until the mixture is finely blended into a paste. Store in dark glass jars if possible. It freezes well also if needs be. Enjoy!

4. Breathe Deep Into Your Abdomen 

Deep breathing, where you fill your belly and expand your diaphragm downwards, is one of the most powerful exercise you can do to activate your lymph system which helps to detoxify your body. Think of your lymph system as your own personal garbage removal system (which most of us will need in full steam after the holiday season). Practise 10 deep slow breaths counting 4 seconds in, 8 seconds hold and 8 seconds out. You can do this exercize watching the TV, walking the dog, during meditation or whilst practising yoga.

According to the 'Tao of Breathing' up to 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs and the rest through the urine, skin and feces. When the efficiency of our lungs is reduced due to poor breathing less oxygen is available to our cells, it slows down the flow of blood which carries wastes from the kidneys and lungs. Our lymphatic system which fights off viral and bacterial invaders is weakened along with a slower digestive process.
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