Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Recipe

In celebration of my Italian heritage "let us eat pizza!"

Oh, the sweet smell of memories ~smile~ The inviting aroma of homemade pizza instantly transports me back to memory lane. Food & Nostalgia, I find myself conjuring fond memories and happily reminiscing. I truly believe that my mom, Felicetta "joyful one" considers kneading dough a joyful exercise, not a chore. An abundant amount of Italian love goes into everything she makes. 

There is a real sense of pride, satisfaction and love when you cook for family, friends, neighbours, co-workers - people. Especially if you're Italiano.

Food is so much more than something we need to sustain life and nourish our bodies. Food has a remarkable way of drawing people together. Don't you agree? 

Italians take great pride in social interactions. Whether it's northern or southern Italy, the family or famiglia is very important.

Italian Proverb: "A tavola non si invecchia" Translation: "At the table (with good friends and family) you do not become old"

Take a look at this adorable short 1 minute movie clip - The Princess and the Frog - Good Food Brings People Togethter

Viviamo Senza Glutine! Living Without Gluten!

Following a gluten-free diet is not a decision based on fad but one of necessity for many individuals. The reality is that 1 in 133 Canadians are affected by celiac disease and experts estimate that 6 to 15 percent may suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance.

  Gluten-Free Italiano: "When the moon hits your eye like a big-a pizza pie that's amore!" - Dean Martin

Mama Mia! "This is too good to be true." is exactly what came to mind after reading the directions on the package. I'm not a frozen pizza kinda gal so this was a great option. Who would have thought that making a pizza crust could be so easy. I honestly wasn't sure I was going to get positive results from the Namaste pizza crust mix. This just wasn't the traditional method of making an Italian pizza crust. It was easier than making an authentic batch of pizza dough! I was pleasantly surprised with the results.


Preheat the oven to 450 F

Combine 1 1/2 cups pizza crust mix with 1 tsp. oil and 1 1/4 cups water. Beat with electric mixer for 3 minutes. Batter will be the consistency of cake batter. Scrape batter onto pizza pan and spread with spatula. It is very important to spread batter to at least 14 inches. 

Baking directions:

Bake for approximately 20 minutes on lowest rack.  Pull the crust out and add sauce and toppings, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes.

I lightly brushed the pizza crust with extra virgin olive oil and added some of my favourite fresh vegetables and herbs. 

Ingredients:
Some of my favourite pizza toppings include:

Tomato pesto sauce (I made homemade tomato sauce & pesto)
Fresh Basil
Peppers
Mushrooms
Artichokes
Sundried tomatoes
Black olives
Mozzarella Cheese (optional) or Daiya deliciously dairy free

Pesto Sauce:

Ingredients:

3 cups of packed fresh basil leaves
1 cup pine nuts (option: you may roast them in the oven as well)
1 cup fresh Italian parsley
3-4 garlic cloves (option: may add more)
1/2 tsp of salt
1 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Grana-Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Directions:

In a food processor or blender add basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, salt and start blending. Add extra virgin olive oil in a slow steady stream. Blend till smooth.

Tip: Make extra and freeze

Add Cheese (optional)

The crust had a slightly golden crisp edge, flexible center and a lovely taste. The pizza crust mix is also yeast and sugar free!

I give Namaste two thumbs up for its simplicity, taste, texture and cooking time.  

Buonissimo! 
But..Mama's is always best :)

Boosting Metabolism Naturally

Reset Your Appetite & Kick Your Metabolism Into High Gear

The body thrives and your metabolism sparks when you shift gears and make significant changes to your diet. Get satisfied with natural nutrition!

Don't Skip Meals: When you skip meals your metabolism actually slows down. If your body isn't getting enough nourishment, it begins storing FAT.  Give your metabolism a boost first thing in the morning, eat breakfast! The word "breakfast" literally means breaking the fast. The first meal of the day is the most important because it supplies the body and brain with the necessary nutrients after a night's sleep. Start your day with an easily digestible meal that nourishes the body.

Don't Starve Yourself: Avoid starvation mode - Eat balanced meals for superior energy, stamina and for mental and emotional balance. Try not to go more than four to five hours without fuel (eat something) Get Stoked! Staying within your recommended calorie intake will keep your internal furnace burning brightly. 

Stay Hydrated: Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water, which allows your metabolism to keep running efficiently and effectively. Drinking water flushes toxins and keeps your body functioning optimally. Tip: Coconut Water has tremendous health benefits and effective in relieving dehydration. Coconut water is the best hydrating and energizing beverage with the highest source of electrolytes.

Fire Up The Engine: "Fill'er Up!" One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is rush out the door without fuel (food/eating). Imagine trying to drive your car to work with no gas. You won't get very far, right? Your body is like a machine, so fill it with premium octane-fuel and fire up your metabolism for the day!

Go Green: Green tea is a thermogenic agent, which means you burn more calories. The powerful antioxidants found in green tea also aids in energy production and the chemical in green tea or green tea extract, known as EGCG is known to speed up your metabolism.

Spice It Up: Studies have shown that spicy food actually has many health benefits including increasing your metabolism. Here's a little spice and a kick of flavour ~wink~ ginger, cayenne, mint and cinnamon, tumeric, capsicum(cayenne pepper). Burning more fuel, means more energy in your tank. 

Foods To Eat For A Leaner Body:

Lighten your load so you can feel fresh and clean during the summer's long days.

Festive Canada Day Popsicles

Sending you warm greetings and fun-filled wishes for Canada Day!

I SCREAM FOR ... FROZEN POPSICLES? These homemade frozen Greek yogurt popsicles are a great alternative to ice cream! Since they require just a handful of simple ingredients and very few tools, making popsicles is practically effortless. 

In honor and celebration of Canada Day, I made these delicious popsicles using fresh  organic strawberries and organic plain greek yogurt. I selected this combination to represent the colors of the National Flag of Canada. You can use any combination of fruit with other healthy ingredients for various holidays or birthday celebration. 

The possibilities for healthy, delicious, homemade pops are endless and I enjoy experimenting. During the hot summer season my produce-rich smoothie gets poured into popsicle molds ready for a healthy summer snack..  

To make Festive Canada Day Popsicles

Ingredients:

Oh, Canada! Strawberry Yogurt Pops

• 2 cups fresh organic strawberries
• 2 cups organic plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp. pure unpasteurized honey (try a flavoured honey infused with natural complimentary ingredients like lavender, lemon or cinnamon) OR
• 2 tbsp. of maple syrup (perfect for this Holiday frozen treat
• 6 popsicle molds

*********

Makes 6 popsicles:

Directions: 

• Add strawberries and 1 tbsp. of maple syrup or honey in Vitamix or blender. Pulse mixture on low for a few seconds allowing contents to blend until smooth.

• In a separate bowl, mix yogurt and 1 tbsp. of honey 

• Let the fun begin! Spoon strawberry and yogurt mixture alternately into popsicle molds. 

• Place popsicle sticks inside each mold and allow popsicles to freeze for approximately 3 hours or overnight.

• Gently tap the popsicle mold on the counter a few times to release or avoid any air bubbles.

To remove popsicles, run popsicle molds under hot water for a couple of seconds while gently wiggling on the popsicles sticks to unmold.

I  hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we did!

Mother's Day Sweet Treats

I made these scrumptious truffles, a melange of dates, nuts and cacao for one of my educational workshops. They were a HIT! They are packed with flavour and nutrition.

Raw Vegan - Raw Cacao Hemp Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts
• 1/2 cup gluten free oats
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 2 tsp. chia seeds
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• optional unsweetened unsulphured coconut flakes
• 6 - 8 Medjool dates, pitted

Instructions:

1. Soak dates in warm water for 15 minutes to soften (optional step)

2. While dates are soaking, place nuts, oats, hemp hearts, chia seeds, raw 

cacao, and sea salt in a food processor. Blend until finely ground. Lastly, add a sprinkle of coconut flakes (optional) and blend well.

3. Add dates one at a time and process.

4. Mixture will resemble a crumbly texture. If mixture does not stick together    add a few drops of water.

5. Gently roll into bite size balls. Approximately one tablespoon.

6. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.

Facts About Raw Cacao:

• Cacao contains flavonoids, a of chemical found in naturally in plants. These phytochemicals are known to fight  a wide array of diseases.
• Cacao can increase the levels of serotonin your brain produces
• Cacao is packed with vitamins and antioxidants
• One of the main health benefits of cacao is high concentration of antioxidants.

Facts About Hemp Hearts:

• Contain the optimum ration of the polyunsaturated Omega 3 & 6
• One of nature's perfect super food
• Provides a broad spectrum of health benefits: increases  & sustains energy, reduces inflammation, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces effects of chronic digestive problems.

Facts About Dates:

• Dates are high in iron
• Rich source of vitamins and minerals
• A rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in B1, B2, B3 & B5 along with vitamin A & C.
• Improves digestive system as they as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers.

Facts About Almonds:

• Almonds have long been revered as the epitome of health and wellness
• Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals
• Packed with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals
• A complete source of energy
• Excellent source of vitamin E
• Packed with important B-complex

Big Boom'in Spring Giveaway!

 MAY IS CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH!

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?

Celiac disease (see-lee-ak) is also called celiac sprue non-tropical sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Celiac disease is an inherited condition triggered by a medical condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. 

Currently the only treatment for celiac disease is to continually maintain a strict gluten-free diet.  It is estimated that 1 in 133 persons in Canada are affected by Celiac disease.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CELIAC DISEASE

The following Symptoms may be present in varied combinations

• Anemia (iron and/or folic acid)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Depression
• Nausea and or vomiting
• Diarrhea and/or constipation
• Bone and joint pain
• Weight loss
• Mouth ulcers
• Easy bruising
• Chronic fatigue
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual bleeding)
• Vitamin Deficiency (A,B,D,E,K,B12)
• Bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

• Failure to grow
• Irritability
• Dental abnormalities
• Delayed puberty

SOME ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS

• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Thyroid Disease
• Infertility & miscarriages
• Osteoporosis

For more information on Celiac Disease.

Enter to WIN! These two Cookbooks can be yours! 

"LIKE" our post & our facebook page - Exodus Colon Health & Wellness. "SHARE" our post with you friends and family. Lastly, please leave us a "COMMENT" I love hearing from you!  e.g. What is your favourite gluten-free meal, snack or dessert? Do you or someone you know have Celiac Disease? Do you use gluten-free whole grains?

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Get Screened For My Mom

Terrence Howard, Oscar-nominated and award winning actor shares his personal story, in honor of his mom and urges people to get screened for colon cancer.

Howard is the first national ambassador for the Colon Cancer Alliance's new awareness campaign titled, "Sons and Mothers"

Please take a moment to watch the short video. Click Here

HuffPost Healthy Living - I Miss My Mother's Voice  "I loved my mother dearly, more than anything. I miss her voice and the way she used to sing to me. She is an irreplaceable woman and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her."  

Get Screened, It Could Save Your Life

What Is A Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum.  A Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers and abnormal growth.  The procedure is used to look for signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus and weight loss.

How to Prepare For A Colonoscopy:

The doctor will provide written instructions for bowel prep. Generally, all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal tract. Patients should not drink beverages containing red or purple dye. 

All solids must be emptied from following a clear liquid diet for 1 - 3 days before a colonoscopy. 

Option: Colonoscopy preparation using colon hydrotherapy Dr. Joseph Fiorito, Chief Of Gastroenterology

• During a colonoscopy, a sedative and pain medication helps keep patients relaxed.

• The doctor can also take samples from abnormal-looking tissues during the colonoscopy and later test them in a laboratory for signs of disease. The procedure is called a biopsy. Polyps are common in adults and are usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancer begins as a polyp, so removing polyps early is an effective way to prevent cancer.

At what age should routine colonoscopy begin?

A routine colonoscopy should begin at age 50 for most people - earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors.  The doctor can advise patients how often to get a colonoscopy.

How long does recovery take?

A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Cramping or bloating may occur during the first hour after the procedure. The sedative takes time to completely wear off. Full recovery is expected by the next day. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed. Driving is not permitted for 24 hours after a colonoscopy to allow the sedative to wear off. 

"Don't die of embarrassment, it could save your life"

-Katie Couric

Myths & Facts: Colorectal Cancer

This message can save your life and your BUTT!

Overcoming the many myths and misconceptions that prevent people from taking action and getting screened.

Myths & Misconceptions:

1. Myth - Colorectal Cancer only affects people over 50

Truth: A majority of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over 50 BUT the disease can affect people of any age, especially those with a strong family history of colon cancer. 

2. Myth - Colorectal cancer is a man's disease

Truth: Colorectal cancer does not discriminate and can develop in both men and women. Both men and women should undergo testing for the disease starting at age 50. Individuals with additional risk factors need to begin screening at age 40.  Additional risk factors include: family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, obesity. 

3. Myth - A polyp means I have cancer

Truth: Polyps are benign growths that have the potential to develop into cancer if left unchecked. Not all polyps are pre-cancerous. Early identification and removal of these growths is key to preventing colorectal cancer from developing. Polyps can be easily removed during a colonoscopy.

4. Myth - I don't have any symptoms, so I must be fine

Truth: One of the major misconceptions is that an individual will have symptoms if they have colorectal cancer. Often times, colorectal cancer first develops with minor, if any symptoms.  If you are experiencing any symptoms please discuss them with your MD. It is advised to address early symptoms and not to wait until you feel discomfort or pain.

5. Myth - Smoking won't affect my colon

Truth: Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer but it's also a risk for colon cancer. So Butt It Out! Study results strengthen the evidence that tobacco use increases the polyp and abnormal growth projecting from a mucous membrane. Inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon.

6. Myth - Colon Cancer is more prevalent in obese individuals

Truth: Excess body weight especially around the midsection and obesity have been clearly linked to an increase risk for colon cancer BUT individuals with a normal body weight are not immune. Reduce your risk through lifestyle choices. 

You've Been BUSTED! No more excuses, please GET SCREENED.

Colon Cancer Awareness

As a Colon Hydrotherapist advocating colon health is a natural extension of what I love to do. I have always been exceedingly vocal and passionate when it comes to colon health and colon cancer awareness. 

Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in Canada. Over 23,00 Canadian men and women will be diagnosed this year alone. Colorectal cancer has a significant impact on mortality for men and women, with an estimated 9,200 deaths. 

In December 2010 I lost my wonderful Uncle after a long battle with colon cancer. My beautiful Aunt, his beloved wife also lost her battle to colon cancer in August 2006. Sadly, I know that I am not alone and my story is not unique. Cancer has touched the lives of many, some directly and others indirectly.

In spite of its high incidence, in a majority of cases colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable with early detection.

"Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the taken, and never ever giving up Hope."

Love Your Gut!

What does my gut have to do with my health?

There is an undeniable connection between one's health and their digestive system. All diseases begin in the gut! The Father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, made this statement more than two thousand years ago.

"If we lived correctly, there would be no need to concern ourselves with the bowel. However, most of us are not living right." Dr. Bernard Jensen

How Can We Help Keep The Gut Healthy?

Our digestive system normally has what we call "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria. Maintaining a correct balance between the two is vital for optimal health.

There are literally trillions of individual bacteria residing in the digestive tract, with the majority of the population living in the large intestine. Ideally, 80 percent are good bacteria and 20 percent are bad bacteria. The complex ecosystem has over 500 different species of bacteria.

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract? A healthy supply of good bacteria is critical to supporting immunity. Remember, keeping your bacteria in balance is essential to maintaining your overall health.  An overgrowth of bad bacteria could suppress or tax your immune system.

What Are Probiotics:

The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word ""pro" meaning "promoting" and biotic, means "life".

Probiotic supplements help keep a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract which is home to more than the 500 different species.

The two most prevalent and most extensively researched probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.  Lactobacillus, make up the majority of the probiotics in living in the small intestine, and bifidobacterium is the most prevalent probiotic living in the large intestine.

As we age, our body's stock of good bacteria decreases. Support your bacterial balance by taking a high-potency multi-strain probiotic supplement. Keeping  a healthy and robust population of probiotics in your gut will increase your ability to fight off harmful invaders.

Signs and Symptoms of Dysbiosis:

What is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis can result from a deficiency of good bacteria or an overgrowth of harmful organisms.  Dysbiosis  (dis-symbiosis) refers to the state of imbalance.

When the digestive system is out of balance, the following symptoms may occur:

• Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation (remember the commercial? Upset stomach diarrhea?..)
• A sense of fullness after eating
• Bloating
• Belching, burping
• Flatulence (gas)
• Rectal itching
• Distention of the abdomen
• Undigested food in the stool

What Causes Dysbiosis?

• Frequent antibiotic use
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Supressed Immune System
• Poor dietary lifestyle - Western Diet
• Stress
• Inflammation
• Parasite infestation

The Benefits Of Probiotics...

• Helps make use of nutrients
• Creates an unfriendly environment for potentially harmful bacteria and yeast
• Manufactures some digestive enzymes that help the body digest food
• Promotes regularity
• Maintains healthy colon cells
• Helps manufacture vitamins, such as B and K
• Promotes healthy immunity

I know you face a wide variety of choices when considering which probiotic supplement is right for you and your body. It is very important to note that not all probiotics are equally effective.

At Exodus Colon Health & Wellness digestive care is our primary focus. We are proud to provide you with premium-quality digestive care products. The innovative quality products and supplements are specifically formulated to provide the highest level of digestive support.

Eat Your Heart Out!

Love your body, eat well by nourishing your body with wholesome foods. We have all known for a while that plant-based foods are extremely beneficial and promotes optimal health. Research shows that eating a variety of colorful, phytochemical-rich fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are most common in plant foods, with bright  distinctive color. The most common antioxidants are vitamin A, C and E as well as beta carotene and lycopene.

Adding antioxidant-rich foods to your daily diet will strengthen your ability to fight infection (strengthen immune system), and lower risk of chronic disease such as cancer and heart disease. Research also suggests that antioxidants may indeed be effective, and the "key" to  preventing the ravages of degenerative age-related illnesses. 

You are probably asking yourself, "How do antioxidants work? As the name implies, they inhibit oxidation in the body, and act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease. Overall, they help keep you young, healthy and vibrant! 
 

Catch a "Rainbow" everyday! Add color to your plate and to your life.  To get the maximum disease-fighting power that phytochemicals can provide, it's important to select a "rainbow" of colors. Choosing an assortment of BOLD appealing colors is best, as different benefits exist in the different color spectrum.

All fruits and vegetables contain specific properties of health promoting nutrients. The nutrients are often concentrated in the skin and are responsible for their vibrant color, smell and taste. 

What Are Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients simply means plant nutrients. They are nutrients derived from plant material that have been shown to be necessary for sustaining human life.  

What Are Phytochemicals?

Phytochemcials refers to a variety of compounds that occur naturally in  plants. Each food group carries unique benefits and contain varying amounts of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals also  know as phytonutrients contain protective, disease-preventing compounds. They are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, grains and other plants.

 

  See Chart below: For Health Benefits

When preparing a meal, aim to fill half of your plate with a full spectrum of vibrant plant-based foods.

A Valentine, from my heart to yours!

Love Your Body Wellness Week!

With Valentine's just a few days away, it's time to acknowledge our love! Thank- you for your loyal support and confidence in Exodus Colon Health & Wellness and the services we provide. We are feeling the love.  As a symbol of our appreciation we are offering you some incredible promotions on our services and the opportunity to WIN a $25 Gift Certificate.

Save 15% - All Bodywork Therapies

       Save 10% - Colon Hydrotherapy Session

    Exodus Colon Health & Wellness is celebrating!

"Love Your Body Wellness Week"

February 11th - 16th 2013

 Enter to WIN...

 $25.00 Gift Certificate 

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Join Us For A Seminar!

Jumpstart Your Weight Loss

Weight Loss & Detoxification Seminar

Learn why it can be so hard for some people to loose weight and keep it off. Learn tools to make your body a better fat burning machine!

Date: Monday, February 25th 2013

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Place: Westgate Wellness Centre

          #200-20395 Lougheed Hwy. Maple Ridge 

      

Cost: $20

RSVP your seat, space is limited

Tel: 604-465-4263

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Terrie Van Alstyne, N.D.
                                   Dr. Jenn. Pham-MacMillan
                                   Elzabeth Mazzei, NBCHT, C.N.H.P.
           

Weight Loss And Detoxification

It can be strongly said that the health of an individual is largely determined by the ability of the body to detoxify"

                                 - Joseph Pizzorno, Michael Murray, N.D.s

Whether you're just getting started or you've been on a pathway to wellness for years..Make 2013 the best year!

The importance of the direct relationship between colon health and general health cannot be over-emphasized. Colon hydrotherapy - also known as colonics or colon irrigation is a vital part of a successful "total body" detoxification program, as well as maintenance for a vibrant and lasting sense of wellness.

Whether you want to reclaim your health by reducing your toxic burden or you've decided to embark on a detoxification program for the very first time, detoxification through targeted nutrition is a safe and effective approach to optimizing and restoring liver function for overall health. This is also an opportune time to adopt a healthy lifestyle such as: healthier eating habits and start a new exercise program.

While detoxification is a natural function, our elimination channels can become clogged or over-burdened due to toxic overload and poor diet. To achieve optimal cleansing results we need to nourish and support all of our channels of elimination. The seven channels of elimination include: the blood and lymphatic system and five organs - liver, colon, kidney, lungs and skin. All have a unique role to play in getting rid of toxins, and all must be functioning optimally for effective total-body detoxification.

A liver overloaded with toxins cannot efficiently burn body fat, thus sabotaging your weight loss efforts. You may be wondering what steps you need to take to improve liver function to activate your fat burning hormones to stimulate natural weight loss and  improve liver function. It is important to reduce the detoxification load on the liver.

An effective detoxification program is best accomplished through: A lifestyle change, a nutritious cleansing and healing diet, premium quality herbal supplements to support and enhance your body's ability to detoxify and most importantly colonic treatments.

Colon Hydrotherapy is an advanced and extensive method of colon cleansing. It accelerates your body's expulsion of toxins allowing deeper level of cleansing to occur. Individuals achieve powerful lasting results with a comprehensive detox program.

All cleansing and detoxification programs are uniquely and specifically customized to address your current health concerns and needs. Your lifestyle, energy level and daily tasks are taken into consideration. All programs include professional premium-quality nutritional supplements to provide the highest level of digestive support, as well as assist the body's natural cleansing and detoxification process.

It is best to follow a detoxification program under the supervision of a health professional. A health professional can guide you gently through the process so that you can get the maximum benefits for both mind and body with minimum discomfort. Individuals achieve powerful and lasting benefits with our tailored programs.

Are you ready to make some simple changes for lifelong health?

Elizabeth Mazzei, NBCHP, CNHP, LPC

*******************************************

Weight Gain And Weight Loss

Signs and symptoms of toxicity can include headaches, low energy and fatigue, body aches and pains, acne, bloating, digestion problems and weight gain. A new year has resolutions and at the top of everyone's list is weight loss.

A common mistake people make is they assume that calorie restriction will lead to weight loss.This leads them to the trend of consuming more "zero calories" and "low fat" products. More chemicals (toxins) are in these shelf products, and can have adverse health effects. Excessive calorie restriction can actually cause your metabolism to slow down in the long run as your body is being deprived of nutrients it needs.

A healthy diet should always include fruits and veggies, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Timing and types of food to eat are also critical to meet your goals. Diets need to be individualized for unique health concerns and health goals. Consult with a naturopathic doctor to build a cleanse perfect for you!

Why Detox?

The human body is exposed to more and more toxic compounds in our air, water, food and general environment. Our ability to detoxify these harmful substances is essential to disease prevention,k health optimization and increased vitality.

The new year is a great time to do a detox, and kick start a new health regime for the year. It is important to remember that not all detoxes are created equally, and consulting with a naturopathic doctor, dietitian, herbalist or other health care professional is essential to effective and safe detoxification.

Do's And Don't Of Detoxification

Effective, safe and healthy detoxification requires nutrients, rest and supplementation. Prolonged fasting or laxative-based cleanses can cause more harm than good, leaving the body more depleted and weakened. Specific vitamin, mineral and botanical combinations encourages the body's detox pathways, up-regulation the liver's detox enzymatic systems, assuring optimal kidney and intestinal function, and support the body through the process.

Detoxification programs should begin with elimination of major toxin intake. Avoiding packaged, processed and refined foods, as well as any food sensitivities, and switching to a whole foods diet with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables is the first step. Drinking adequate daily water intake is essential for elimination of toxins. Supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals, such as B-vitamins, N-acetylcysteine, and amino acids, optimize liver function and allow for processing and packaging of toxins. Fiber, probiotics, and specific herbal combinations can encourage digestive elimination and liver function.

Cleanses are important for everyone to incorporate into general health, but need to be individualized for unique health concerns and health goals. Consult with a naturopathic doctor to build a cleanse perfect for you!

Dr. Jenn Pham-MacMillian, N.D.