The ability to detoxify and eliminate toxins largely determines an individual's health. Normally, a healthy functioning body is created to handle certain levels of toxins in a continual process in the body. However, an excessive intake or production of toxins OR a reduction is the process of elimination is where we get into trouble. As toxins accumulate, they slow down our metabolism, rob us of our energy, reduce our immunity, and can even lead to serious illness.

So many people claim that "it runs in my family", but while genetic “tendencies” may play a small role in our total health picture, we now know that positive thinking, diet, and lifestyle choices are the key factors. I share the brief pictures of my parents health histories as examples of what I observed as the two paths shown in the above graphic - the road to illness and the road to health.

Spring is here and, once again, so is my desire to clear out all of the clutter and clean everything. In addition to cleaning up around our homes, this is also the perfect time to clear away toxins that clutter our bodies on the inside as well. After a long winter of indulging in heavier foods, breathing poor quality indoor air, and having less sunlight and less physical activity than usual, we can find ourselves feeling heavy, tired, sluggish, and toxic. A spring cleanse offers us the perfect opportunity to replenish, recharge, and renew ourselves on every level.

Although we are meant to get the nutrients our bodies needs for optimal health from what we eat, it's nearly impossible to do so nowadays. With higher demands as we are exposed to more and more environmental toxins and stress filled lives, and the declining nutritional value of foods due to depleted soils and long transit times from garden to store, it just makes sense to invest in a good quality basic supplement program. 

A nutritional cleanse is akin to a human body oil change. We would never consider driving our car decade after decade without changing the oil. Our bodies need regular maintenance as well. Each of us is exposed to hundreds of toxins every day - from the food we eat, to the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the items we touch. If we don't regularly cleanse our bodies of these harmful impurities we struggle to maintain good health. 

Stress is the accumulation of normal and abnormal pressures of daily living that test the individual's ability to cope. Chronic stress - real or perceived, physical, emotional, or environmental - takes a tremendous toll on the body, mind, and spirit, and is a major cause of disease and even death. When the body's stress response is always on, the constant surge of chemicals and the increase in heart rate and blood pressure causes the stress to become "toxic" in both the brain and the body.

Making lifestyle changes are key to long term weight control and overall health. It's about lining up your eating and physical exercise with your real goals and desires. Be it cancer, weight loss, or just feeling better about one's self, a lifestyle change provides the most effective and sustainable result.

Fort Bragg is a tiny coastal town 150 miles north of San Francisco. You’ll find the roar of city traffic is replaced by the soothing sounds of ocean waves. Their city lights are bright stars in a black sky. The air is fresh; the water clean and clear. Secluded beaches, walks to waterfalls, dog parks, and horseback beach rides thrive. Whales live there year-around, birding abounds, and if its redwoods you want to see, then Fort Bragg is the place to be.

"Calorie density is the simplest approach to healthful eating and lifelong weight management. This common sense approach to sound nutrition allows for lifelong weight management without hunger, more food for fewer calories, and is easy to understand and follow. In addition, by following the principles of calorie density, you will also increase the overall nutrient density of your diet."

Bottom line is if you are consuming a food or beverage created in a lab instead of by nature, you can be assured your body doesn't recognize it, and doesn't have the enzymes necessary to break it down, metabolize or eliminate it.