Most people wouldn't even think of going out in public before they took their daily shower.  Besides, it just feels good when our skin and hair is clean.  The question is, if it feels so good when we are clean on the outside, how much better does it feel when we are clean on the inside?  Does it make a difference?

When you cleanse you body, you can help undo years of damage due to toxic build up.  Let's face it, we put lots of toxic food in our bodies, we breathe toxic air, we drink toxic water laced with chlorine and fluoride, and we wonder why we have low energy, allergies, and lots of other health problems.  Toxicity is really a problem in todays world.

In the U.S., cleansing became a popular practice during the 1920s and 1930s, but it actually dates back to ancient Greece. Today, it is a practice done by a large number of people who accept that proper digestion is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness.

When our digestion is working properly, all of the food we eat is broken down and used by our bodies, or flushed out as a waste product.  On the flip side, when our digestive systems are sluggish and aren't working properly, food particles often get left behind.  It is believed that this food that gets left in the digestive system eventually creates a buildup that can produce toxins, which can then contribute to symptoms of fatigue and eventually be linked to many other illnesses. Sluggish digestion and sludge in the bowels  may also reduce our bodies efficiency in eliminating toxins and waste.

CleanStart is a comprehensive approach to cleansing the whole body. It contains laxative herbs to facilitate the cleansing of the intestinal tract. Soothing herbs blended into the formula help support gentle cleansing. Herbs that help rekindle the ability of the digestive system to properly handle digestion, absorption and waste elimination are also part of this product. Because the digestive system is not alone in the waste-elimination process, herbs for detoxifying the accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) and the urinary system are incorporated into this formula. Blood purification is also an important aspect of body cleansing; hence, reputable blood-purifying herbs are also components of the CleanStart program.

Laxative Herbs

The laxative herbs in this formula help remove toxic debris that build up in the colon. Psyllium and fenugreek seeds are high in fiber and have a bulk laxative action, which helps support optimal gastrointestinal transit. Cascara sagrada, yellow dock, buckthorn and Turkey rhubarb are high in anthraquinones. These substances act on the large intestines, stimulating colon peristalsis to promote elimination.

Marshmallow, licorice, aloe and ginger soothe the digestive system while cleansing. Marshmallow root contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that help protect and soothe tissues. Licorice and ginger are reported to have antispasmodic and gastroprotective effects.

Sarsaparilla, red clover, echinacea, burdock, Oregon grape, couch grass, milk thistle and dandelion are purifying herbs in this pack. They are recommended for periodic “spring cleaning” of the body. Their mild diuretic effects are beneficial in promoting the elimination of toxins via the urinary system. In addition, sarsaparilla, through its sweat-promoting properties, enhances toxin elimination from the lymph and circulatory systems.

Bentonite and sodium copper chlorophyllin are detoxifying ingredients. Bentonite adsorbs toxins, facilitating their removal from the bowel. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a green pigment found in almost all plants. It has been used to aid in the removal of various toxins via the liver and remains a key compound for improving the function of essential detoxification pathways.

Pepsin, capsicum, potassium citrate and lactobacillus help restore improved function of the digestive system. Anytime a deficiency of proteolytic enzymes exists, bits of undigested protein may remain in the body, causing difficulties. Pepsin supports efficient protein digestion and protects the intestines from foreign invaders. Capsicum is used to improve digestion and relieve occasional gastrointestinal problems. Potassium citrate plays a role in gastric secretion and enzyme reactions, helping to support digestion. Lactobacillus spores were thoughtfully blended into this cleanse to help re-establish the balance of these beneficial organisms. CleanStart is a thorough, yet gentle cleanse that is perfect for just about anyone. The ingredients in CleanStart are incorporated into a capsule packet and a powder drink mix packet (available in Apple-Cinnamon and Wild Berry flavors) that make cleansing easy and convenient.

References
1. Leung AY and Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 1996;2d ed.:427-429.
2. Yang WX, Jin ZG, Xu WS, Tian ZS, Guo SD. Effects of sennosides on cellular electric activities in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig taenia coli. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1993 Sep;14(5):430-2
3. Mowery, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Cannan, Connecticut:Keats Publishing, Inc. 1986:58
4. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2007.
5. Wu H; Ye D; Bai Y; Zhao Y. Effect of dry ginger and roasted ginger on experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih, 15(5):278- 80, 317-8 1990 May
6. al-Yahya MA; Rafatullah S; Mossa JS; Ageel AM; Parmar NS; Tariq M. Gastroprotective activity of ginger zingiber officinale rosc., in albino rats. Am J Chin Med, 17(1-2):51-6 1989
7. Mowrey, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc. 198
8. Fahey, J. W., Stephenson, K. K., DinkovaKostova, A. T., Egner, P. A., Kensler, T. W., and Talalay, P. Chlorophyll, chlorophyllin and related tetrapyrroles are significant inducers of mammalian phase 2 cytoprotective genes. Carcinogenesis 2005;26(7):1247-1255.
9. Information from Nature's Sunshine Blog at http://naturessunshine.com/blog/post/cleanstart-cleanse-detox.aspx




 

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Often, these are signs of chronic fatigue living with stress for an extended period of time.  Whether it be a stressful job, marriage or relationship, or some other crisis in your life, it can be a real drain on your energy.  If you are also not getting enough nutrition and are eating poorly, that can make you even more prone to fatigue.

In the March 4, 2013 episode of Dr. Oz., hormone expert Dr. Jennifer Landa (Dr. Jen) discusseed the 4 biggest energy deficiencies and their solutions.  Gluten intolerance, lack of iron, and lack of iodione were seen as significant problems for a lot of people.  Dr. Jen also suggested that detoxing was very important to help with fatigue.

• Adaptagens to help with adrenal fatigue and stress (AdaptaMax, Eleuthero Root, Stress J, Stress Relief) 

• Natural Sources of Iodine (kelp, dulse)

• Antioxidants (Thai-go, Super ORAC)

• Nervous System (NutriCalm, Vitamin B Complex, Nervous Fatigue)

• Detoxing (CleanStart, Tiao He Cleanse)

• Natural Male & Female Energy Support (Men's X-Action Reloaded, Women's X-Action)

In an article from 10/29/12 from the Dr. Oz website by By Pina LoGiudice ND, LAc, Siobhan Bleakney, ND, and Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc, Co-Medical Directors of Inner Source Health in New York, it states that, "Conventional thought used to consider fats like coconut oil to be unhealthy and contribute to heart disease. We now know that this isn’t true. In fact, coconut oil is actually a heart healthy food that can keep your body running smoother in a few different ways."  "Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus and candida." Below is a great infographic that explains more of the benefits of coconut oil.

MetaboMax Plus uses synergistic ingredients to affect lipolysis, which gives rise to thermogenisis from fatty acids.

• Synephrine from bitter orange stimulates the release of noradrenaline (or norepinephrine) that binds to receptors on fat cells, causing lipolysis.
• EGCG, the main catechin from green tea extract , enhances noradrenaline action because it inhibits an enzyme that normally breaks down noradrenaline.
• Natural caffeine from guarana and yerba mate interferes with the breakdown of a key mediator in the lipolytic process.
• Capsicum from red pepper decreases appetite through sensory stimulation, as well as binding to the so-called vanilloid receptor. This receptor is important in body temperature regulation.
• Guggulsterones increase the conversion of T4 to the more potent thyroid hormone T3, which is known to stimulate thermogenesis.
• Chickweed interferes with fat absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

A great weight loss program should also include a exercise and a healthy, sensible diet. And of course, a bit of willpower and a healthy dose of determination doesn't hurt either.

Why Americans are Fat infographic

MetaboMax Plus

MetaboMax Free

Collatrim

++ Click to Enlarge Image ++


Source:What Your Poop and Pee Mean

Several of my favorite products to aid the digestive and instesinal systems are:

Digestive System Pack

Intestinal System Pack

Some complementary products for the above items are:

Food Enzymes

GastroHealth

Stomach Comfort

Spleen Activator (TCM)

LBSII

Gentle Move

Intestinal Soothe & Build

Anti-Gas (TCM)

All of the products listed above are available at:

 

We see it everyday in the media.  Toxic food, toxic air, toxic water and everything in between!  It's no secret  that the incidence of serious disease has risen over the past 40 years.  Heart disease, diabetes and cancer are at an all time high.  But then we also keep hearing that obesity is at an all time high.  Could there be a link to environmental toxins that is helping to create a world full of overweight people?

According to this report on WSAV TV from Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head, South Carolina, there is a distinct link between pollution and fat storage in our bodies.

Now, I don't know about you, but I am having a hard enough time keeping my weight down after I got to a certain age.  Could it be that these toxins are reeking havoc with our fat cells (which actually store toxins), and on our hormones too?