Methods for Body Detox
April 30, 2010
Are you planning on detoxing your body? If so, you will discover that there are plenty of options to choose from. There are many ways to detox your body, but which approach is right for you?
When it comes to a detox diet, you will be flooded with a lot of information on detox plans and recipes online by simply searching for the keyword detox diet. Although the goal of detoxification and a detox diet are the same, you will find all kinds of information. For example, some professionals recommend simply just stripping foods and drinks with unnatural additives from your diet. On the other hand, some go as far to suggest water fasting or the popular Master Cleanse. As for whether or not a detox diet is right for you, it depends on which approach you opt to take.
One of the safest ways to detoxify your body is to modify your diet. For example, are you a diet soda drinker? If so, you are putting a lot of unnatural additives into your body. Although it is not stated that you need to give up drinking diet soda completely, it is recommended that you stop drinking for a detox or cleanse. This is because you cannot effectively cleanse your body while still consuming unnatural additives.
In keeping with altering your diet, it is recommended that you consume foods that are high in fiber. Fiber will help to improve your digestive system. This will allow the expelling of toxins from your body. Foods that are high in fiber include lima beans, raspberries, spilt peas, black beans, and artichoke. In addition to adding extra fiber to your diet, increased water consumption is recommended.
Water fasting is another form of body detox approach that is popular. With that said, water fasting is not as safe as restricting your diet. This is due in part to the complete elimination of food. With water fasting, only water in consumed. In terms of safety, many take part in water fasts for religious purposes. This has occurred safely for years. Despite this, a water fast is not recommended for everyone. Those with health conditions or nutrition deficient illnesses are advised against participating in water fast, unless under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
Similar to water fasting is juice fasting. Juice fasting relies on the consumption of juice only. Those who opt for a juice fast need to consume all-natural juice, with no additives. Many prefer using a juicer to create their own unique and tasty blends of juice. Popular choices include wheatgrass juice, fruit juice, vegetable juice, and herb juice.
The Master Cleanse is another detoxification or cleansing option that has increased in popularity due to the participation of celebrities in recent years. On the Master Cleanse, no solid foods are consumed. Drinks are made from grade b maple syrup, lemon juice, water, and cayenne pepper or sometimes called the lemonade diet. Since some nutrients are provided, many find this approach easier to adjust to than a water or juice fast.
As for the length of detox diets, you will find that they vary. With water fasting alone, it is common to find those who fast for a little as three days, but for up to a week. The length of your detox diet should depend on the approach you take. Restricting your diet to all-natural foods is something your body can get use to overtime and there is added health benefits. With that said, you can still benefit from restricting your diet to all-natural foods even just for a week. As for juice fasting and water fasting, seven days is often regarded as the maximum. The best advice is to ask a healthcare professional.
At the conclusion of your detox diet, you will be faced with a huge decision. That decision is how you want to proceed. There are many who return to their normal diets, which may include processed foods with unnatural additives. These individuals often opt to detoxify their body once or twice a year. On the other hand, you can decide to make a change. Switching to organic foods or simply just limiting the processed foods you consume can do wonders for your overall health for years to come.
Silvia Blach
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/methods-for-body-detox-747695.html
Herbal Beverages – Sawvaros And Manao
April 30, 2010
Sawvaros (Water- Lemon, Passion Flower)
Scientific Name: passiflora Iaurifolia Linn.
Family: PASSIFLORACEAE
Other Names: Katokrok, Katokrokayak, Passion Fruit
Botanical features:
Bush A rounded creeper.
Leaves: A deep green, glossy, single leaf with a deeply curving edge. There is a gland at the leaf s stem. There are plenty of thick leaves.
Blossoms: A large single flower is in its upside down form like a lantern, with green bract. The outer petal is in a cylinder shape, jagged at the edge. The petal’s back side is dark green whereas the inner part is light purple sprinkled with red dots. The inner petal is like the outer petal’s jag, with its color of light purple or light pink, and also sprinkled with red dots. There are two layers consisting of central petals which are rather round. The petal’s color is deep purple streaked with white and red at its edge. At the center is the light green pollen. The passion flower gives a very strong smell.
Usage:
As foods: The fruit is edible at its being fully ripe as well as being made into juice. The seeds can be eaten with ice-cream. The passion fruit juice is used for flavoring ice-cream, jelly, candies, cake and wine.
Food value: Katokrok Farang consists of various organic acids, including Vitamin C, sugar and others.
Nam Sawvaros (Passion Fruit Juice)
Ingredient:
Ripe Sawvaros
Boiled water
Powdered salt
Syrup
Crushed ice
Manao (Common Lime, Lime)
Scientific Name: Citrus aurantifolia Swing
Family: RUTACEAE
Other Names: Manao Masiew (Chiangmai) Leenameebeeh (The southern Part – Malayu )(Shan- Mae Hongsorn) Panaugale Manawtalae Manaodlae (Karen- Mae Hongsorn) Maakfah Panongkolyan (Karen- Kanjanaburi ) Kroachama (Khmer – Surin)
Botanical features:
Trunk: A perennial plant with smooth bark and tender, thorny branches.
Leaves: The leaves of a lime tree are arranged in alternative order in an oval shape. The enc of the leaves are pointed; whereas their bases are round and narrow; their edges are jagged.
Blossoms: About 5-7 bloossoms are in a cluster, or a single flower. The lime flower is white with 4-5 petals.
Fruit: A smooth- skinned round shape which is in deep green when very young and turns yellow when fully ripe.
Usage:
As foods: Lime juice is used to give sour taste to food. Juice and rind are eaten with miang (kinds of snack wrapped by leaves such as miang kum, and miang lao), Food value Lime juice consists of many organic acids: citric, malic, Vitamin C an other substance. Lime skin has vaporized oil, Vitamins A and C, Calcium and phosphorus. Lime juice also contains some bitter substance.
As medicine: Lime leaves : water boiled with lime leaves is used as medicine for cough, phlegm dissolution, stomach discomfort and appetite increase. Fruits : lime juice is for relieving thirst, reducing internal fever, improving the body’s chemical elements and increasing appetite. Lime juice is also used to prevent seurvy and to get rid of parasitic worms. Prickled lime is used to dissolve phlegm and to refresh the throat. Water, boiled with dried lime get rid of to stomach discomfort, stomachache as well as to dissolve phlegm and nourish stomach. Fresh roots are used to relieve pain from bruises.
Nam Manaaw (Lime Juice):
IngredientsLime juice, granulated sugar, powdered salt, fresh water.
Manora
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/herbal-beverages-sawvaros-and-manao-89243.html
Disadvantages of Organic Food and Organic Agriculture
April 30, 2010
Organic food is expensive
Unfortunately, at the moment retailers are charging artificially high prices. I was in Tesco last week which is a rare occurrence as I shop locally where possible, and I nearly died when I saw the prices being charged for organic yogurt and eggs compared to the non-organic brands. I understand that we have to pay more for organic produce because there are more crop failures due to the fact that the farmers cannot use pesticides, but what is an acceptable percentage and does this vary from product to product.
Should organic fish be 10 percent more expensive than non organic fish and vegetables 20 per cent etc? If we have to pay more for crop failures how does this work with processed food that uses less fresh ingredients and higher volumes? Should we still have to pay a premium or are they just jumping on the band wagon and making us pay higher prices? At the moment most organic items are too highly priced to be affordable to most people. Furthermore, many argue that there is not enough evidence that supports the benefits of eating organic food to warrant the additional cost. For example its difficult to quantify; can organic potatoes be 10% better for us, should we then pay an extra 10% on the price? or are we paying for a lifestyle choice? Is this not the same as any branded clothes, toiletries, cars? We could buy cheaper clothes, toiletires or cars as they all do the same as dearer branded ones yet we choose them because it makes us feel better and due to peer pressure and advertising.
Organic Food Safety and Benefits
There is evidence that organic farms are more sustainable and environmentally sound, among other benefits. These claims, however, are subject to dispute and are not settled among scientists.
Another contentious issue surrounding organic produce is the fact that nearly 70 per cent of produce sold in UK supermarkets is imported, generating thousands of food miles to get to its destination and causing damage to the environment.
Often organic food produced in England is sent from one side of the country to the distribution warehouse at the other side, only to be sent back again to the Supermarket. One supermarket has been run a pilot where the farmer and his tractor deliver the organic produce to the supermarket direct. Now that is progress!
Non organic food does contain pesticides of varying amount. Many toxicologists and scientists consider the amount to be so low as to have no effect on the consumer. For example, have you fallen ill the past due to the chemicals in your food? I doubt it! Only those that have an allergic reaction or eat vast quantities of the same food may do so. Food is not allowed to be sold by law that is unsafe.
In todays society, it is virtually impossible to grow produce pestivide free and even organically grown foods do not claim to be completely free of chemical residues. Presticides are carried in the air and rivers. Non GM crops around the world have been found to contain Genetically Modified seedlings as these have been carried in the air from GM farms miles away.
Organic food has “sold out”
Organic food began as a small movement decades ago with gardeners and farmers rejecting the use of conventional non organic practices. With the growth of the Organic food market now outpacing much of the food industry many big companies have moved into this market. With these large often multi national companies, and with the creation of a legal certification framework such as the Soil Assocaiton, there is worry that the very definition of organic food will change from what it used to be and become just another mass produced brand which will over time be replaced by another emerging sector.
For example, Heinz is producing an organic version of baked beans and has different ingredients and packaging, it uses 100% certified organic vine-ripened tomatoes. The label will also reflect an organic quality–with Heinz traditional red label replaced with a green version. Another difference: the organic version will cost about 50% more than regular Heinz. Does certified organic vine-ripened tomatoes cost 50 percent more to buy when bought in bulk, I doubt it!
By keeping it small are we not keeping it beautiful and under control?
A final thought…… Organic is more than just a brand, its a way of life!
Davinos Greeno
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/disadvantages-of-organic-food-and-organic-agriculture-84453.html
Dog Food Comparisons Can Make Healthier Dogs
April 30, 2010
Dog food comparisons can and should be made concerning brand and type of dog food. There are a lot of factors to think about. The process of selecting the right food involves making sure your pets health is protected. Fortunately there are dog food comparisons that can help you decide what is best for your dog.
What we want to look at are dog food products that contain natural ingredients and no preservatives or additives. Natural dog foods should contain human grade all natural chicken, organic brown rice, organic carrots, probiotics and other high nutrient products. In dog food comparisons we can readily see the advantages of natural balance dog foods. The carbohydrate and organic proteins are easier to digest, and probiotics are more easier absorbed by the body.
Many scientific studies have shown that a meat based diet is best for your dog. Many major commercial brand dog foods contain miscellaneous meat products mixed together with gluten and corn meal. Organic products contain primarily quality meat products.
When we look at dog food comparisons, we find that a dogs fur is healthier and thicker when eating a natural food diet. The dog also looses less fur through shedding. Along with that, your dog will have fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. The kinds of meat-based proteins you should look for in your dogs food is chicken, turkey, and white rice or brown rice.
Some dog food brands claim to be organic but contain only partially organic products. They may include some brown rice but also include the typical commercially produced “mystery meat” combination. Of the serveral organic products available, dog food comparisons show that the Newmans Own brand is high in nutrients and organics. Over 70% of all ingredients in Newmans Own foods are organic and include human grade all natural chicken and high levels of antioxidants. The “Newmans Own” brand carries an average price which is extremely reasonable and the quality of the products is high.
Natures Logic is the first commercially prepared 100% natural pet foods that doesn’t contain chemically synthesized nutrients.
Northwest Naturals makes a raw dog food meal that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals and are grain-free. They add ground bone as a calcium source. To add flavor to the European style pet food, you can add meat and raw or steamed veges. You can add ingredients to your dogs food to make it a tastier choice. Organically produced vegetables and meats make healthy choices. The best choice is sometimes to make your own dog food. There are several guides available on how to make a healthy and nutritious meal.
There are a lot of choices available when it comes to dog food, the healthiest meals for your dog can be found by reviewing many different dog food comparisons. The higher the percentage of meat protein, the more your dog will enjoy it, and the better the health benefits.
The health and long life of your friend is always the first consideration when choosing a dog food. And you don’t have to make a choice between health and taste. Make sure your friend is with you for a long time, and make healthy choices.
Ted Batron
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-food-comparisons-can-make-healthier-dogs-457943.html
How to Make an Environmentally Friendly Food Gift Basket
April 30, 2010
Giving an eco-friendly or environmentally friendly food gift basket is a great way to help the environment. Whether you buy the gift basket or make it yourself, the environment will be better off for it. Think recycled paper (100% post-consumer, waste/process, chlorine-free paper,) organic where possible, living foods, recycling and composting. Just follow these simple instructions for making your gift basket.
First of all, decide on what food theme you’d like for your environmentally friendly gift basket. Some ideas are: organic fruit, organic foods, organic vegan, organic vegetarian, living foods or wheatgrass gift basket.
Once you’ve decided on the theme for the environmentally friendly gift basket, decide whether you’ll be using organic items or products, organic hardy fruits, organic pre-packaged or homemade foods, or fair trade items like coffee and chocolates.
Next, decide on what items will go into the environmentally friendly gift basket.
For an organic fruit gift basket you’ll want to use organic, hardy fruits that will hold up well like: apples, pears, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, fuyu persimmons, pineapples, pomegranates, kiwis, baby kiwis, mango, papaya, nasturtiums, pansies or other flowers. These fruits will eventually decompose so take that into consideration.
For an organic food gift basket some ideas are: fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, specialty teas, shade-grown fair trade coffees, fair trade cocoas, fair trade chocolate, trail mix, packaged raw nuts, nuts in the shell, a quality nutcracker, hardy fruits, healthy snacks, organic popcorn, homemade foods, homemade jams, cinnamon sticks, vegan, vegetarian or raw food cookbooks, your favorite vegan, vegetarian or raw food recipe printed neatly on a 3×5 card made of recycled paper, books about organic foods, health, nutrition or energy bars, small bamboo cutting boards, bamboo skewers, non-plastic cooking tools, non-plastic, wooden eating utensils, edible nasturtiums, or other flowers for decoration.
For an organic living foods gift basket some ideas are: raw food ‘uncookbooks’, your favorite raw food recipe printed neatly on a 3×5 card made of recycled paper, packaged raw food crackers, raw food cookies, homemade or pre-packaged raw food brownies, jar of organic tahini, jar of organic almond butter or cashew butter or macadamia butter, jar of organic olives, jar of raw sauerkraut, jar of raw dressing, jar of raw salsa, or a jar of raw, unfiltered farm honey (keep in mind some raw food vegans don’t eat honey.)
For an organic wheatgrass gift basket you can use: wheatgrass growing supplies, organic soil, wheatgrass seeds, books about wheatgrass or wheatgrass growing, or books by Ann Wigmore.
Now that you’ve decided on the theme and what items to use it’s time to put your environmentally friendly food gift basket together.
For gift containers you can choose from: fair trade baskets, wooden baskets, wooden bowls, fiber baskets, straw baskets, locally made pottery, buckets, non-aluminum, non-Teflon cooking pots and pans, large tea pots, potted plant holders, wire baskets, large pasta bowls, large popcorn bowls, clay pots, colanders, fabric gift bags, used baskets and containers from Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army stores or anything recyclable.
For gift basket liner you can use: shredded newspaper, organic cotton tea towels, organic cotton dish towels, organic cotton hand towels, colored recyclable napkins, organic cloth napkins, or fabric pieces.
For gift basket filler, if needed, you can use: crumpled newspaper comics, straw or use your imagination.
And for gift basket wrap and tie you can use: recyclable paper, butcher paper, newspaper, newspaper comics, or reusable brown paper bags. Also check with the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries stores for inexpensive recyclable wrapping paper. Tie with jute or raffia twine for a simple rustic look or leave the gift basket unwrapped.
Now the instructions for putting your friendly gift basket together – first start with your chosen container. Place the liner inside and add the basket filler. Arrange the items with the tallest in back. If needed, fill any holes with organic wrapped candies or crumpled shredded recycled paper. Cover with wrap and tie with jute or raffia twine. Don’t forget the personalized, recycled card. If you’re using a homemade card include a great, happy, positive uplifting, spine-tingling favorite quote or saying. That’s it! You should have a fine-looking eco-friendly, environmentally friendly food gift basket!
Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/how-to-make-an-environmentally-friendly-food-gift-basket-10414.html
