Spring is a time of detoxing and inner cleansing. If you are considering a detox this spring, be sure to add probiotics (good bacteria) to your routine. There are three main steps to detoxing: 1) clean 2) capture 3) sweep. In step one, your body’s detoxing organs (for example, your skin, lymph, blood, liver and kidneys) work to clean out toxins hiding within your body. They send these toxins to your liver. In step two, the liver adds these toxins to bile and sends them into your intestines. Fibre in your intestines traps the toxins so you will not re-absorb them. Step three involves the colon. Sweeping or moving the toxin-filled fibre out of your body is very important. If left too long in your colon, the toxins can cause damage to the tissues. Cascara sagrada and magnesium hydroxide are two supplements commonly used to help sweep out waste from the colon. 

This sweeping is the step in which probiotics fit into cleansing. How? Certain species of beneficial bacteria help sweep out the colon and it can be used to promote colon health during a cleanse. However, your colon is not the only part of your intestines affected by a cleanse. The increased amount of toxins in your intestines during a cleanse can cause damage to your probiotic populations. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to replenish your probiotic populations after cleanse.

Replenish your probiotics

Rapidly replenishing the intestinal tract with probiotics after a cleanse can help ensure the intestines do not become a host to infections. Your intestines are like a parking lot. If there are spaces in your intestinal parking lot left empty after it experiences the high toxic load of a cleanse, bad microbes (for example, salmonella) take over. Make sure that these empty parking spaces, which are filled on a first-come first-served basis, are filled by probiotics not bad bacteria. Include a high-dosage probiotic  to your cleansing program to keep your intestines healthy and happy.

Health effects of probiotics

• Boost immunity
• Prevent diarrhea/constipation
• Improve vitamin synthesis (use by the body)
• Help with lactose digestion
• Prevent yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• Promote health of heart and bones

Making a good choice

When selecting the probiotic to add in your cleansing program, choose one that includes both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria species. These  probiotics live in your small and large intestine respectively. Using this type of probiotic product will help ensure that your entire intestinal tract is replenished, not just one part. Look for a product that contains a variety of probiotic species. Your intestinal tract contains over 40 different species of probiotics, so using a product with many species is beneficial because it mimics your natural, healthy probiotic environment. Select a probiotic product that contains prebiotics. Prebiotics encourage probiotics to grow and flourish in your intestines. Adding prebiotics to your probiotic supplement offers additional help because prebiotics promote the health of your existing probiotics populations.

Make bifidobacteria your friend

The health of your colon is important. The colon is not just a holding tank for waste; it is also the site of vitamin synthesis (usage by the body). Probiotics called bifidobacteria live in your colon and help synthesize B vitamins, which you need to feel energized. Bifidobacteria also help convert vitamin K in foods to vitamin K2, the form your bones need to stay strong and healthy, as well as play a role in boosting your immunity. Bifidobacteria help to detox, too! When your colon contains bifidobacteria, it has lower amounts of putrefactive substances (harmful toxins caused by “putrefying” or rotting food). This means that your colon tissue is less likely to be damaged. A product that contains Bifidobacteria longum, a particular strain of probiotics, has been shown in clinical trials to help increase fecal movement and improve the health of the colon. Not sure if you have a healthy colon? Frequently illness and diarrhea or constipation are signs that your colon is unhealthy. Cleaning up this spring? If you are detoxing or inner cleansing, add probiotics to your program. Then you can enjoy health from the inside out.

Step 4: Create a medicine cabinet checklist
Stock up with essential: Echinacea (immune booster), a good probiotic (for digestive discomfort), a herbal cough syrup, zinc, lozenges.
• First aid kit must: antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, bandages, an instant cold pack, hydrocortisone cream, sterile gauge pads (non stick and adhesive tape.
• Restock your medicine cabinet with Dr. Anca’s Homeopathic First Aid Kit.
Just as spring cleaning is an event so should be cleaning out your medicine cabinet. Ask your pharmacist how to get the most benefit from your medications and your naturopath how to best use the natural remedies you’ve saved up!

that will keep you looking and feeling young or younger…

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If you’d like to find out your true/biological age, take my

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register to at least one of my Tele-Courses;  see you there.

KNOW BETTER!
We know that viruses, tiny pathogens that appear to be
impervious to all manner of treatment and attack, cause
colds and flu. The only offense, really, is a good defence.
You can bolster your defences in as little as a month, and
stay healthy all winter long by taking one small step every
day. Here’s the plan (and it doesn’t involve any leeches!).
1. Ain’t no sunshine.
In the winter, we’re exposed to less sunshine – the body’s
main source of vitamin D – so levels of this crucial vitamin
drop dramatically. \”Low levels of vitamin D are associated
with greater incidence of colds and flu, and generally
decreased immunity,\” says Joel Fuhrman, MD, author of Eat
For Health, \”Most people need a supplement ; aim for at
least 2,000 IU a day during winter months.\”
2. Drive the vampires away.
And maybe most colds too: garlic contains allicin, alliin,
and sulfides, compounds that increase immune-system
activity. In one study, volunteers who took garlic
supplements had significantly fewer colds than the placebo
group. Those who did catch colds recovered faster than the
untreated group. Take a daily supplement during cold-and-flu
season, and add garlic during cooking (eat it raw, if you
dare) for maximum protection. For supplements, take 320 mg
of garlic with a minimum of 3.4 percent alliin one to two
times daily.
3. Grab the soap and start scrubbing.
Frequent hand washing can remove germs and dramatically
reduce colds and flu. Keep your hands away from your face,
especially after going to the grocery store or any other
crowded indoor location. Hand-to-mouth and hand-to-nose
contact is the main way people introduce bugs into their
bodies, says Fuhrman.
4. Curl up with a good book
- and a hot-water bottle. Keeping the belly warm is a
traditional Chinese remedy for warding off colds and flu.
While you’re warming your belly, sip a cup of
immune-boosting tea; try one that contains astragalus, an
herb that’s used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the
system and stimulate immunity.
5. Drink responsibly.
Too much alcohol can reduce the ability of white blood cells
to kill germs. When you do drink, choose red wine; it
contains powerful antioxidant compounds that can boost
immunity, and some studies suggest it may even enhance
immunity in small amounts.
6. Eat your broccoli-
it’s high in isothiocynates, antioxidant compounds that help
protect against viruses, says Fuhrman. Other crucifers, such
as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale, offer the same
protection. Aim for at least five 1-cup servings a week of
crucifers – frozen veggies make prep easier.
7. Get steamy.
A warm-mist humidifier during the winter mouths can help
prevent colds and flu by preventing excess dryness, which
irritates mucous membranes and can make them more
susceptible to infection. To keep other rooms moist, add a
few drops of tea tree oil and eucalyptus to a pot of water
on the stove, bring to a boil, and simmer throughout the
day.
8. Snack Smart.
Chips, cookies, and other junk and processed foods are high
in omega-6 oils, which trigger inflammatory response and
weaken immunity, says Richard Weinstein, DC, author of the
Stress Effect. Much on raw almonds, baked rice cakes with
almond butter, or whole-grain pretzels.
9. Something’s fishy.
Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish are high in
omega-3-fats, which step up immune system activity. They
also help balance excess omega-6 fats. Other good sources of
omega-3 fats include flaxseeds, walnuts, and omega-3 eggs.
Or take a supplement – 250 mg EPA from fish oil morning and
night is best.
10. Gut-level help.
Taking probiotics strengthens the immune system. In two
studies with children, taking lactobacillus and
bifidobacteria decreased the frequency of upper respiratory
tract infections. Take a product that lists the strain name
of the bacteria, such as DDS-1 or NCFM strain, with at least
5 billion of each organism per day.
11. Hands-on relief
. Regular massage may help the immune system work better. In
one study, white blood cell counts in children with leukemia
increased significantly after a months of daily massage. If
you don’t have a regular therapist, search your area for
local massage schools; they often discount-rate massages
from advanced students.
12. Hit the hay.
Too little sleep can leave you open to frequent illness,
says Fuhrman. The reason: our bodies release powerful
immune-enhancing compounds during deep sleep. Ensure sounder
sleep by going to bed at the same time every night, keeping
the room dark and quite, and avoiding caffeine – even tea
and chocolate – in the evening.
13. Mushroom magic.
Mushrooms support the thymus gland’s production of immune
cells, says Weinstein, strengthening resistance to
infection. Shiitake, reishi, and maitake are best, but
eating any mushroom – even button, cremini, or portobello -
will help.
14. Hang out with funny people.
Hearty laughter enhances immunity; even anticipating
cracking up can reduce stress hormones and boost protective
hormones. As an added benefit, it increases circulation and
enhances digestion. Watch a hilarious movie or go to a
comedy club for cold-busting belly laughs.
15. Not so sweet news.
Sugar is an immune-system killer. The amount of sugar in two
cans of soda can reduce the ability of white blood cells to
kill germs by 92 percent, says Carolyn Dean, MD, ND,
coauthor of Solve it with Supplements. Skip the sugar (you
don’t need it, anyway) and get your sweet fix with grapes,
berries, and dried fruit.
16. Chicken soup cure.
The old wives’ tale cure has scientific proof; some studies
have shown that chicken soup contains a number of substances
with anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Spice up your soup with
garlic, cayenne, and turmeric; all have immune-enhancing
properties.
17. Stress less.
Studies shown that chronic stress makes us more susceptible
to illness. High-tension living boosts levels of adrenaline
and cortisol – stress hormones that suppress the immune
system by as much as 38 percent, says Weinstein. Find ways
to ease anxiety: do a brief meditation morning and night,
breathe deeply throughout the day, schedule less.
18. Pick a pepper.
Red, green, and yellow bell peppers are the richest sources
of immune-boosting vitamin C; other good food sources
include strawberries, peaches, papaya, apricots, and
broccoli. Aim for at least two servings a day. And while
studies show vitamin C doesn’t prevent colds, high doses (8
g a day) can shorten the duration. Check with your doctor
before taking a dose that high.
19. Get moving.
Dancing and other forms of exuberant exercise lifts mood,
increases blood flow, and dramatically enhances the body’s
efficiency in removing free radicals, says Fuhrman. Shoot
for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise – try skiing, hiking,
swimming, or dancing – at least four days a week.
20. Decrease the Java.
Too much caffeine jolts the adrenal glands and stimulates
overproduction of cortisol, says Weinstein, eventually
weakening the immune system. However, small amounts of
caffeine can stimulate immunity, according to Chinese
medicine. Green tea boosts immunity because of other
compounds it contains. Sip with lemon and honey to a soothe
sore throat if a cold strikes.
21. Pick some herbs.
Herbalist Susun Weed suggests five to 10 drops of yarrow
tincture daily to boost immunity. And be careful with
echinacea, the common cold-fighting herb; taken on a regular
basis, it can disrupt immune response, says Weed.
22. Munch on almonds.
They’re rich in vitamin E, which enhances the body’s
production of immune cells that destroy bacteria. Other good
sources include sunflower seeds, spinach, turnip greens, and
tomato sauce; have at least a serving a day. For maximum
protection, take a vitamin E supplements; in one study,
people who took 200 IU of vitamin E per day got fewer colds
and upper respiratory ailments.
23. Turn up the volume.
Listening to stimulating music can boost immunity; in one
study, 50 minutes of exhilarating dance music raised
antibody levels in volunteers, and deceased stress hormones.
Even better: making your own music. In another study,
volunteers in an amateur drumming group showed dramatically
enhanced killer cell activity. Invest in some recordings of
upbeat music, and try a local drumming group to boost
immunity during cold winter months.
24. Eat’em raw.
Oyster are the best source of zinc; deficiencies in this
immune-boosting mineral can impair white blood cell activity
and weaken defences. Crab, beef, and beans are also high in
zinc. Or take a daily zinc supplement; look for the
gluconate form, which is thought to be the most effective.
And don’t overdo it; the upper limit for adults is 40 mg,
and high doses can interfere with iron and copper
absorption.
25. Be happy.
A sunny disposition seems to make us sturdier. A recent
study found that people who were negative, moody, nervous,
and easily stressed had a weaker immune response. Write a
daily list of 10 things you’re grateful for to change your
outlook. And smile, even if you don’t mean it. It can boost
your mood fast.
26. Become a tea drinker.
Tea contains L-theanine, a compound that primes the immune
system’s response to bacteria and viruses. In one study,
immune cells from tea drinkers responded five times faster
to germs than the blood cells from coffee drinkers. Stock up
on a variety of teas-try jasmine, Irish breakfast, white
tea, and Darjeeling – for the most flavorful protection.
27. Om time.
Tone your body and boost immunity with yoga. Some asanas
(postures) are especially helpful in gearing up the immune
system. The cobra, fish, bow, bridge, and pigeon postures
stimulates thymus, the locus of the immune system; breath of
fire helps the respiratory tracts; and camel relieves
congestion. If you’re not familiar with these postures, find
a reputable yoga studio (better than a health club) and ask
an experienced teacher for guidance.
28. The big chill.
A brief cold-water shower is thought to improve resistance
to colds and flu during the winter months. This traditional
cure is thought to improve the activity of virus-fighting
compounds in the body, increase disease-fighting antibodies
in the blood, boost blood flow to the organs, and improve
mood. If you’re game, make it a quickie – just a few
minutes; dry off fast and bundle up when you’re done.
29. Brew a potent potion.
Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes several types of
colds and flu, and uses different herbs to address each. For
a \”wind-heat\” cold (characterized by sore throat, runny
nose, cough with mucous, headache, and fever) brew loose
chrysanthemum and peppermint leaves into a tea; strain
sweeten with a little honey, and sip twice a day.
30. A spoonful of sugar.
Or, in this case, honey; it’s natural cough suppressant
that’s been used for hundreds of years. In one study, a
little buckwheat honey before bed worked better at ceasing
coughing than dextromethorphan, the typical cough
suppressant in over-the-counter medicines.

Which ones are your favorites?

All of these are aimed at boosting your immune system.  To learn more about boosting your immune system and much more, check out my new “STOP surviving and and START thriving” Tele-Course starting soon.

Get This Much
Aim for 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts five times a week, or
a small handful as a snack 3-4 times a week.

To learn more about reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease(and all the other major diseases), register for Dr.Anca’s upcoming E-Course, “Eliminate the 4 Major Killers”

Call our office for a 20-min. phone consultation to talk about it:  905-884-7965

 all the healthy natural foods in their fresh state!  Amongst all health benefits

 of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, here are some extra ones because of one

 essential  nutrient they all contain abundantly:  Potassium.

Health Benefits of Potassium
 



The health benefits of potassium include stroke, blood pressure, anxiety and stress, muscular strength, metabolism, heart and kidney disorders, water balance, electrolytic functions, nervous system and other general health benefits of potassium. Potassium, the third most abundant mineral in human body, is the synonym for health insurer. It contains the qualities for maintaining a high level of human well-being and a cheerful lifestyle. There is no way one should overlook the inclusion of potassium in routine diet plan. Apart from acting as an electrolyte, this mineral is required for keeping heart, brain, kidney, muscle tissues and other important organs of human body in good condition. Potassium chloride is the main variety of this mineral amongst others. It works in association with sodium to perform a number of critical body tasks. Deficiency Symptoms: Deficiency of any nutrient in the body is not desirable and potassium is not an extension in this case. A diet deficient in potassium may lead to symptoms like fatigue and weakness in muscles. Other indications for deficiency of potassium include inactive reflexes, abnormal heartbeat, heart palpitations, anaemia and severe headaches. The person may also experience high blood pressure, pain in intestine, swelling in glands and diabetes as serious effects of this deficiency. Important Sources: A balanced diet must contain fair quantity of potassium, as per the recommendations of the health experts. In order to list most important dietary sources of potassium, one may begin with citrus fruits, vegetables and grains. Also, salmon, chicken, whole milk, fresh fruit juices and almonds are considered as rich sources of potassium. Apart from these, nuts, lime beans, potatoes and poultry are other products to be include dint he list. However, the most important source of potassium is bananas. Benefits: Potassium may be looked upon as an essential health nutrient, due to a number of health benefits of potassium:

Stroke: Potassium plays an important role in keeping the working of brain in normal state. It is of great importance in preventing the occurrence of stroke in human brain. It is a fact that a person suffering from this dreadful disease may be found deficient in this essential body nutrient.
Low blood sugar: Decrease in potassium level causes a drop in blood sugar level. Decrease in blood sugar level causes sweating, headache, weakness, trembling and nervousness. Intake of potassium chloride and sodium provides immediate relief from such situation.
Muscle disorders: Potassium plays an important role in regular muscle contraction. Right concentration of potassium, is required for the regular contraction and relaxation of the muscle. Most of the potassium ions of the human body are present inside the muscle cells. It maintains muscle function and optimal nerve.
Cramps: Muscle cramps result due to low level of potassium in the blood, a condition called as hypokalemia. Intake of a banana everyday prevents muscle cramp. Bananas are rich in potassium content.
Brain function: Potassium channels play a key role in maintaining the electrical conductivity of brain and affect the brain function. It is also involved in higher brain function like memory and learning. In addition to it, serious ailments like epilepsy are related to the functioning of potassium channels.
Blood Pressure: Potassium is helpful in reversing the role of sodium in unbalancing the normal blood pressure. Thus, it acts as a vital component, which maintains the normality of blood pressure in human body. This further abolishes the possibilities of heart diseases and hypertension. Regulation of blood pressure is an important function of this mineral.
Anxiety and Stress: Potassium is of great importance for people suffering from undesirable mental states like anxiety and stress. It is considered as a perfect stress buster and thus it ensures efficient mental performance of human body.
Muscular Strength: This is in fact, one of the most appreciable benefits of potassium, as it ensures proper growth of muscle tissues and proper utilization of energy released during metabolism to add significant worth to muscular strength. The muscles, together with cardiac muscle, are prone to paralysis due to deficiency of potassium in diet.
Metabolism: It assists in metabolic process of various nutrients like fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Thus, potassium is of great value in extracting the energy out of nutrients consumed by man.
Heart and Kidney Disorders: The health benefits of potassium ensure good health for heart as well as kidneys. It plays an irreplaceable role in regulating the functions of potassium. Apart from this, this mineral assists kidneys to remove waste by the process of excretion. However, it is strictly advisable to consult your doctor to get recommendations about dosage.
Water Balance: Potassium has another significant role to play in maintaining the desirable water balance in human body. There are different types of cells, which require having proper water balance for proper functioning and potassium aids these cells in regulating this balance.
Electrolyte: Potassium plays the significant role as an electrolyte in human body. It helps in regulating the level of fluids in human body and thus performs a number of critical body functions.
Nervous System: Potassium helps in boosting the spirit of nerve reflexes to transmit message from one body part to another. This in turn helps in muscle contraction to perform various activities every day.


High In Potassium Foods Natural vegetable foods tend to be high in potassium. Among the foods that are highest in potassium are:

Apricots
Raisins
Sultanas
Figs
Mixed dried fruit
Orange juice
Lima beans
Cantaloupe
Nuts
Wheat germ
Soy Flour
Bran
Baked Potato with the skin on
Potato chips
Tomato puree
Banana
Sardines
Whole wheat pasta and bread


All these are making it so much easier to detoxify your body during the fall, which also happens to be one of the best time to cleanse.

Normally, the body has its own internal de-cluttering system, continually detoxifying, pollutants, cellular by- products, harmful chemicals and toxic waste. Here’s how.

LIVER

The liver is our most important detoxifier, as it neutralizes poisons. What it cannot render harmless, it stores – protecting the rest of the body from harm.

Through its 2 detoxification phases, the liver transforms toxins into water-soluble toxins to be eliminated through the kidneys and fat-soluble toxins that need to be eliminated later on through bowels via the gall bladder.

KIDNEYS

The kidneys eliminate fluid wastes, maintain electrolyte balance and purify the bloodstream by detoxifying medications, free radicals and toxins found in the blood.

COLON

The colon eliminates solid wastes and absorbs water from foods.

LUNGS

The lungs act as a site of blood filtration and eliminate toxic gases with each respiration.

SKIN

As the largest eliminative organ, every pore of the skin is an escape route for waste material.

SPRING&FALL ARE THE BEST TIMES TO DE-CLUTTER & REGENERATE