		Cleansing Time Move That Body Fall & Winter Eating Let's Talk About Garlic Testimonies		Fresh Vegetable & Fruit Juices Debbie's Diner Gift Certificates Protect Your Immunity Are You Skin Brushing ? Sciatica

		CLEANSING TIME As another season approaches, I want to remind you of the importance of colon cleansing. This is an important health regimen and inexpensive insurance. I believe colon cleansing will help transition you into the next season – by cleaning out the old waste and preparing for the new nutrients and different fall and winter foods. We live in an environment of polluted air, water and soil; a surrounding full of chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, additives and other potential toxins. Ideally these toxins are processed by the liver, dumped into the large intestine (colon) and eliminated from the body. But… when this process malfunctions or gets sluggish, serious problems arise that no simple laxative can cure. The colon holds waste before it is evacuated from the body and reabsorbs water from the waste. Poor eating habits of sugars, white flowers and chemicals, low-fiber diets, stress, not enough exercise and other poor lifestyle choices can slow the digestive processes. If waste sits in the colon too long, toxins build up there and those are eventually absorbed back into the body. A toxic colon eventually leads to a toxic liver, which pollutes the tissues and the bloodstream. Autointoxication, or self-poisoning may set in. Food begins to break down without being eliminated: proteins putrefy and rot, carbohydrates ferment, and oils and fats turn rancid. The body becomes poisoned from its own waste. If the colon is not working properly, toxins must exit the body through other routes, such as the kidneys, and the lungs. This can create halitosis, body odor and even urinary track infections. This extra stress on these organs to have to work harder for elimination – taxes the entire body. My first suggestion when bringing someone back into health balance – is to clean up the digestion. Any of you that are working on my programs know how I push skin brushing and drinking a lot of pure water. Along with regular seasonal cleanses, it can make a huge difference between your health and dis-ease. A cleanse will help move toxic waste from the body, and uses the natural ingredients that do not have side effects. Increased energy and a feeling of well being is a noticeable benefit. * Anyone who wants to order the clean start direct can call NSP (if you are a member) and order the Clean Start Stock # 3995-5or if you prefer the Tiao He Cleanse, that is Stock # 4000-1. This is a 10 day cleanse. Capsule packets are taken 2x daily. There is nothing you have to drink with this one. If you can tolerate the drink mix though, I would prefer the Clean Start program, as it contains bentonite clay that binds to heavy metals and toxins in the colon. If you are not a member, you can order from our products page -- go to Natures Sunshine Products. You will become a member with your first order with no additional charge. back to top

This month's recipes: Tofu Scrambler Tofu Turkey Apples & Noodles These recipes will open into a new window, please close this window to return to the main site. If you have a request for a particular nutritious recipe, please e-mail Debbie .	Protect Your Immunity This Winter Your immune system is responsible for protective activities against substances encountered in the environment. With cold and dampness setting in, it is inevitable that immune systems will be weakened and germs circulating will likely take hold. Unless… you build resistance. Increasing your immunity is the best defense against any illness! Some common symptoms that your immunity is compromised are: Chronic and continuing infections, colds, respiratory problems, Candida yeast overgrowth, chronic fatigue & allergies. The main elements of the immune system are the thymus gland, bone marrow and the spleen. The lymphatic system with white blood cells and lymphocytes are the backbone of immune defenses. Your immune system is constantly searching for proteins (antigens) that do not belong in our bodies. It can deal with a wide range of pathogens – viruses, funguses, bacteria and parasites. It can even recognize antigens such as drugs, pollens, insect venoms and chemicals – and malignant cells. Your immune system is the body system Most sensitive to nutritional deficiency. So - here are a few ideas to help support health to your immunity! Sugar and saturated fat suppresses immunity. Refined foods offer none to little nutrition. Avoid junk and processed foods as much as possible this winter. Nicotine is any form is an immune depressant. Eat a generally cleansing/building diet, with plenty of fresh foods, fiber foods, whole grains and cultured foods (such as yogurt and kefier) to restore friendly colon bacteria. Add high enzyme foods such as garlic, papaya and sea vegetables. Drink plenty of herbal tea that is high in antioxidants such as organic green tea. Get quality rest – immune power is built mostly during sleep! Get regular daily exercise to keep system oxygen high. Disease does not readily attack in a high oxygen environment. Aromatherapy used in a diffuser is very effective in killing airborne germs and creating a healthy environment. Additionally, it works on emotional health! Relaxation techniques are immune-enhancers. A positive mental attitude makes a big difference in how the body fights disease or infection. Environmental pollutants, particularly pesticides lower immunity. Wash your produce well! Eat organic whenever possible. Remember that drugs depress immunity! Prescription or recreation. Talk to your Doctor about any medications you are taking. See if there are any that you could possibly do without and seek alternative medicine therapy in it’s place. Have a good laugh everyday! Laughing increases healthy hormones. It is a great immune booster! I also have a product available called IMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT. Taken daily, it can help feed and support the immune system

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Fall & Winter Eating Seasonal eating offers the body all the components of earth grown foods, that are natural and nutritious. Spring and summer is a time for nature to give us the rich chlorophyll and juicy foods that work as our body’s natural cleansing agents. Fall and winter is a time that our bodies require the richer, warming foods that are high in complex carbohydrates. Fall is the official harvest time of nature. We are provided with an abundance of nourishing root vegetables, colorful squashes and peppers (high in carotonoids) and lots of whole foods like grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. More fish and high-mineral seaweeds are good in the winter. Poultry may be eaten more if desired. In the winter we need more fuel food to feed our furnace that generates energy to keep us warm. However, do not overeat, especially sweet and fatty foods, as they will decrease energy level and cause weight gain and depression during the winter. There are some wonderful books out there that talk about seasonal eating. Check out the bookstores or the internet to find one that you like best. Also… don’t forget your raw garlic! Add garlic to as many foods as possible during these seasons. Garlic is natures antibiotic and can help increase immunity and stave off infections. Stay healthy during the season of flus, colds and sinus infections. It is also helpful in keeping blood pressure & the heart healthy. back to top Gift Certificates Available Consider Massage Therapy, Reflexology or - an Iridology Reading and consultation to build a health care program for someone you care about. You may purchase a gift certificate for any of our services available at Holistic Alternatives. Reflexology is a wonderful and relaxing therapy that helps increase circulation to every organ, move lymph throughout the body and ease tension. Placing pressure on the reflex points helps the body release waste and improves elimination. It will soothe you – body, mind and spirit. Let massage therapy and reflexology be a part of your healing program. Also, for the Holidays, consider our Gift Certificates for your loved ones and friends. Last year, the # 1 gift giving was Gift Certificates for bodywork therapies! In our stressful times, what better gift could you give, to tell someone you care.	Move That Body Although a good herbal program will accelerate healing of illness and disease, there is really is no magic pill that will turn back time. But… you can exercise to grow younger! The aging process is primarily the accumulation of inactivity over time and accumulated waste in the body. Regular exercise can reverse that and help prevent disease. It squeezes toxins out through all of the elimination channel. Exercise is one of the ways that lymph is moved throughout the body, unclogging lymph nodes. Adding regular exercise to your herbal program is part of the lifestyle change that will make a difference in your life – body, mind and spirit. Choose which body-moving plan works best for you and fits your schedule. True, most people say they do not have time for an exercise program (me included) but to live healthy and happy, it is an absolute MUST to incorporate into your life plan. Simple strategies for basic good health include: Regular exercise, good sleep, drinking 6-10 glasses of water daily, reducing refined, high sugar, high fatty foods, eating wholesome vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, grains and legumes, and nourishing your spirit. Exercise at the forefront – will give you the willpower to do the rest. Moving your body makes you want to take care of it in every other way. It releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones that make you happy and reduce pain. Weight loss and body tone is guaranteed if the above disciplines are adopted. If there is no weight loss or tone, then there is probably a blockage at the emotional/spiritual level. Other forms of body/mind work should be sought. Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Mediation, etc. The legendary Jack LaLane stated that “Exercise is the king and diet is the queen. Together, you have a kingdom.” This statement is the basic truth. There is a lot of fads going on, but the only truth to better health is diet and exercise/lifestyle. back to top
Let's Talk About Garlic A natural immune protector! Whole books are dedicated to the health benefits of garlic. Known as the “King of all herbs” it’s medicinal purposes include: treatment of high blood pressure, cholesterol reducer, worms, other parasites, common cold, flu, allergies and of course it’s superior immune enhancing properties. It is known as the natural antibiotic because it helps fight and kill bacterial, viral and fungal germs. Including the candida/yeast problem. Garlic purifies the blood and eliminates toxins from the lymph and body. It’s cardiovascular health in increasing circulation, reducing platelet aggregation and protecting against coronary artery disease is being closer looked at. Used regularly in your diet is the best way to get garlic. It can also be taken regularly in capsule form for the same benefits. There is no way in getting around the tell tale “Odor” of garlic. It is that particular constituent – “Allicin” that gives garlic it’s main medicinal properties. However, I suggest taking chlorophyll or parsley along with garlic. The added benefits from these healthful green foods is - nature in perfection. Rick Ott of WOW Art Gallery in New Buffalo is sharing one of his favorite garlic recipes. WOW Garlic Oil Spread 6-10 cloves garlic 1 cup Olive Oil ¼ stick butter (optional) Salt to taste Place in container and Blend. (he says boat motor works best!) Thanks Rick! And WOW is this great! Use this spread on any breads. Remember, if you want to keep your friends, have your chlorophyll handy! (ha ha) Just make sure everyone eats it and there will be no problem! If you ever get the opportunity to stop in their art gallery, He and Angela Reichert are artists in residence. They are located across from Redamaks. If you are lucky like I was… they just might have a tasty and healthy lunch going - and invite you to stay!! Below are a few websites for nutritional foods and some more great recipes. I fully support Hippocrates famous quote: “Let your food be your medicine.” Much healing in the body can be influenced by eating the correct foods. www.healthy-eating.com www.vegweb.com www.handypantry.com www.healthrecipes.com www.veggieheaven.com/recipes/index.html Feel free to send in any of your favorite websites!	Sciatica - the crippling pain! I see this so commonly in my office, I thought it would be a worthwhile inclusion in the newsletter. Sciatica is neuritis of the sciatic nerve that runs from the low back across the buttocks, into the leg, calf and foot. Sciatic pain is caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve, characterized by sharp, radiating pain running down the buttocks and the back of the thigh or knee. The inflammation is arthritic in nature – extremely sensitive to weather change and to touch or bending. Symptoms include severe pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. It causes muscle weakness and sometimes atrophy of the muscles that are not being used due to the pain. It reduces reflex activity. Sciatic nerve compression can result from a subluxation to a disc or arthritis, poor posture and muscle tone, poor cartilage/bone development, exhausted pituitary and adrenal glands, menopause symptoms, obesity, lack of exercise, high heels, protein and calcium depletion, not enough green vegetables, not showering your partner with enough gifts… (just kidding) and even flat feet. If it is a disc, it is to your benefit to see your chiropractor immediately! He/she will advise you if you need further medical help. In ALL cases, holistic health therapies will prove helpful. St. Johns Wort is an herb helpful in nerve pain. Iodine and potassium are important to nerves also. Make sure you are getting the correct minerals necessary. Eating leafy greens will help rebuild nerve health. Balanced minerals feed the pituitary and adrenal glands. Eat calcium and magnesium rich foods such as whole grains, molasses, nuts and seeds, tofu and sea vegetables. Get enough protein. Adding bee pollen is a good source of complete protein. 6-8 glasses of pure filtered water daily is important. Avoid caffeine containing foods and drinks as they increase nerve disturbances. Treatment should focus on removing the pressure on the nerve ~ via chiropractic care and massage therapy/reflexology treatments. Apply short, but alternating hot and cold therapies, finishing with cold. Take herbs that stimulate good circulation such as ginger or cayenne. Do gentle morning and evening stretches and daily yoga exercises for effectiveness. Reflexology is a wonderful addition to treating sciatica. By reflexing the area on the feet that correspond to the sciatic nerve in the body, it can help decongest the nerve endings helping heal your condition and pain. It will be very tender, which further proves it's congestion. back to top

Are You Skin Brushing ? Most of you know how adamant I am at skin brushing and drinking plenty of water! Our skin is our bodies largest eliminative organ. Skin brushing sloughs off the dead skin cells and makes a clear passage for trapped poisons in our bodies to escape. Drinking lots of water each day (6-8 glasses) helps flush these toxins out. These two health secrets takes a lot of burden off the other organs that had to take up the slack in eliminating. Organs such as the kidneys and lungs. Stick to this simple regimen, and see how your body responds and how much healthier you feel! Also remember this… just as your skin is the largest organ of elimination – it is also the largest organ of assimilation! That means – whatever you put ON your skin, absorbs INTO your skin! That is why in Naturopathy, hydrotherapy is vital to healing. We use your skin as the absorbent of medicines. Herbal medicine. Whenever a family member gets ill, I compound an herbal bath remedy for that ailment. Rather it is to reduce fever, increase fever to kill infection, or what have you. Into the tub they go to soak! Herbal baths (hydrotherapy) is one of natures most perfect healing remedies. The right blend of herbs will help restore your natural health balance by absorbing into every pore. You are also eliminating poisons at the same time. Those who cannot get into the bathtub can get great benefits by doing an herbal foot soak. Believe it or not, the bottom of your feet has the largest pores for assimilation and elimination! Knowing that your skin literally sucks in everything that you put on it – it is to your benefit to become a label reader with lotions and body care products. All the chemicals that act as preservatives in commercial products will go right into your skin just as if you ate foods full of chemicals! Your body will react the same way. The parabyans and methyl parybyans are byproducts of petroleum. Watch also for dyes and other harsh chemicals. Many preserved products can cause allergies, asthma, mind dullness, hyperactivity, skin conditions and other serious complications. This is a good time to remind you that you can get some totally organic and natural products from Holistic Alternatives. Our Natures Indulgence line was created as “Natural Food for the skin.” Offering a few products for basic body care. Sea Salt therapy, muscle mending bath salts, Queen of Hungary pH balanced skin toner, face and body spray, room and linen spray and most importantly… six different blends of herbal tea baths. If you haven’t seen or experienced this line of products, call for information and we will send you a brochure. back to top	Fresh Vegetable & Fruit Juices The concept is known as "Juice Therapy". The fact that the modern diet of processed foods does NOT provide the body with these essential building blocks, are direct causes, or contributes to, many illnesses. Most of us believe that the food we buy from supermarkets and cook at home will give us all the goodness we need. This is untrue, because modern cooking methods and the additives used in processed food literally destroy the essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals the human body requires. It shouldn't surprise people that the juices in raw vegetables and fruit contain essential nutrients that a lot of consumers miss out on due to the processed nature of mass produced food and modern cooking methods. Juicing is not new. The Gerson Institute and other health institutes have been advocating Juice Therapy for cancer patients for more than 30 years. So we can really become more healthy by looking at our diet as a whole and giving our body what it needs to function efficiently. Juicing allows us to take more nutrients in a readily digestible form. Cooked vegetables and the 'fresh' juice found in supermarkets provide only a very tiny fraction of the vitamins and minerals that a Juicer can extract from raw fruit and vegetables. The kinetic energy used in the cooking or blending processes destroys most of the enzymes and many of the vitamins contained in the original raw food. The amount of energy provided by raw vegetable juices is something that you need to experience. Contrary to what many people might think, they taste wonderful and the possibilities for combining juices to make cocktails are endless. Just to give a few of the most common cocktails: Carrot, apple and ginger Apple, celery and ginger Carrot, orange and celery Carrot and spinach Juicing will give you a new energy and wellness. Live foods is the prescription to life and wellness. Dead foods.... Well it speaks for itself. If you don't have a juicer, it will be to your benefit to invest in one right away! For the health of it!

Holistic Alternative NewsVolume 3 Issue 2

Holistic Alternative News
Volume 3 Issue 2