My most recent training with Dietrich Klinghardt MD, PhD comprised both advanced training in Autonomic Response Testing (the beautifully comprehensive and subtle form of muscle testing I now use) and exciting and practical updates on addressing Lyme disease, along with other chronic illness.  I just submitted a short article to Natural Awakenings, and hope to publish a longer, more personal  one on my blog soon, about my personal and professional experience with Lyme disease.    In the meantime, here are a random yet interesting few points from the seminar:

• 90% of Chronic Fatigue patients are Lyme positive, as are most Fibromyalgia patients
• Many patients with arthritis have Lyme, and 24% of Lyme patients have arthritis. (Note: I have also found many clients with arthritis find relief by eliminating food sensitivities, which set off inflammation)
• Microbes are behaving differently in our bodies because our inner environment has changed, and our immune system isn’t regulating or communicating appropriately.  35 years ago, one in one hundred had symptoms of toxicity; now virtually 100% of us do.   This level of toxicity is a new phenomenon.
• Sharks can detect prey’s electromagnetic field 30 feet away and around a corner of a rock, using specialized fibers in their autonomic nervous system. We may have comparable physiology to sensitize us to that which is in our field.  We can have an “energetic immune system” response long before something iscan  in the body.
• Years ago, we tended to use larger numbers of supplements for protocols.  Now that we focus more effectively on the common underlying problems, we can use many fewer things to address the toxins and infections.  This is good, because everything we take competes for uptake.  We want to limit and prioritize our supplements, so that we end up with the fewest number of things that are significantly beneficial, and don’t dilute the benefit of the things we take that can help. (Note: I have always been a proponent of the fewest number of significantly beneficial supplements)
• Feet are a misunderstood digestive organ, meant to absorb minerals from the earth.
• We’re not dying of old age, but of inability to fight chronic low-grade infections.
• The herb Astragalus increases telomere length and stem cell activity.
• Magnesium stearate, used in most supplements to make manufacturing easier,  helps produce biofilm, which hides and protects the microbes in us from our immune system, and from many treatments.
• Chlorella during pregnancy and breastfeeding greatly reduces toxic transfer from mother to baby.
• People often carry infections for a long time without becoming sick or symptomatic. The co-factors that precipitate symptoms include: mold exposure at home; EMF exposure at home or work; compromised lymph drainage; unhealed trauma; food allergies; heavy metal toxicity.

Well, that’s it for now. I hope you found at least a few points in there that struck you as interesting and helpful.

originally published in July 2010 Natural Awakenings Magazine

No single food or supplement can keep us from aging or prevent all illness. The wisest approach is to consistently build and maintain health with a balanced diet of high quality lean protein, lots of fruits and veggies, and healthy fats.  Add in plenty of good quality water, eight hours of sound sleep and the right kinds of exercise, and you’ve got the foundations of excellent health over the long haul.

While no one food is going to light up the sky all on its own, these five are pretty stellar.

Chia Seeds
In the best-selling book, Born To Run, author Christopher McDougall reveals secrets of super-athletes who run 50-100 miles for pleasure into old age.  What fuels them?  Chia seeds, which they use for endurance and energy.  They mix their chia with water and lime for a gel-like drink, but chia can be added to protein shakes and smoothies, on yogurt, cereal, salads or vegetables, and as a pudding (see recipe).  What makes chia a superfood? Chia is nutrient-dense powerhouse, rich in Omega 3, calcium and other minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, and protein.

Berries
Berries are high in anti-oxidants and phytonutrients, high in fiber, and have a low glycemic index so they have minimal impact on blood sugar. And best of all, nothing matches their scrumptious taste. Berry season is here, so avail yourself of these healthy little treats. Whenever possible, choose organic berries, as berries’ soft skins increase the rate of pesticide absorption.  Try serving with a little coconut milk and chopped walnuts (or chia seeds!), in smoothies, or all by their delectable selves.

Dark Leafy Greens
Vitamin D is in the news a lot lately, and many people are taking it as a supplement. But did you know that you need Vitamin K with it? And where do you get Vitamin K? From dark leafy greens.  Vitamin K supports strong bones and teeth by helping transport calcium.  Without it, calcium can cause problems in arteries and soft tissue.  But that’s only one reason to heap bok choy, spinach, swiss chard, broccoli raab, collards and mustard greens on your plate. They are alkalinizing, which makes us more resistant to disease; they are a great source of minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron; and they fill us up with few calories, low carbohydrates and no fat, making them ideal for weight management.  Steam or saute with olive or walnut oil, add some fresh herbs, and dig in.

Whey Powder
Not all whey powders are equal. Choose minimally processed, hormone-free, whey produced with low temperatures to maintain the benefits of raw milk, including immunogloblulins and lactoferrin, which support the immune system, and cysteine, which is a precursor of glutathione, a nutrient that helps protects from effects of aging, illness, infection, trauma and more, but is difficult to absorb directly.  Whey from grass-fed cows also contains a healthy balance of essential fatty acids.

Chlorella
Chlorella has the highest chlorophyll content of all plants, and is about 60% high quality protein, including all eight essential amino acids, making it extremely valuable for vegetarians and others who limit animal products in their diets.  It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including E, beta-carotene and B12.  It is a powerful detox support, yet gentle enough for nursing and pregnant moms.  Chlorella absorbs toxins from the intestines and colon, and is often used to reduce heavy metals.  Make sure the chlorella you use is tested to be free of mercury, and has no additives or preservatives.

For much more on chlorella, read Dr Mercola’s article

RECIPES

Chia Pudding
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk or MimiCreme (or make your own cashew milk)
1/3 cup chia seeds
3 Tablespoons sweetener: xylitol, agave, or maple syrup
1 Tablespoon vanilla
pinch of salt
Place all ingredients in jar or bowl with secure cover. Cover, shake, and refrigerate overnight.

Kale Chips
Think your kids won’t eat their greens? Try these.
Chop or tear kale into 2 inch bits and dry thoroughly. This is essential.
Preheat oven to 350.
Mix together 1-2 T olive oil, 1/2 t sea salt and other spices if you wish (cayenne, paprika, garlic, curry, etc).  Sprinkle on the dry kale and work into the leaves with your hands.
Arrange on a cookie tray. Cook for about 12 minutes, until leaves are just crisp and still green.

This article was originally published as my Holistic Outlook column  in The Times Herald Record. 

Feeling kind of blah and sluggish? Still dragging around those winter blues and an extra five pounds? Clothes feel too tight?

You may need some spring cleaning — not the external kind, but internally. Spring is a natural time to cleanse and rejuvenate.

Are you on toxin overload?
If you eat, drink, breathe, clean, travel, or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines, you are exposed to toxins. We are exposed in the food that we eat; in household products from laundry detergent to cosmetics, to paints and carpeting, to mercury in our fillings; from fish and high-fructose corn syrup; and from plastics that hold our foods and beverages.

Not only that, but also there are toxic metabolic wastes from the body’s own natural processes, and our ability to detox those can become impaired as well.
Frankly, there’s no way to avoid being toxic.

One difference between people who are healthy and people who aren’t is the ability to get rid of toxins. Did you know that toxins actually compete with nutrients for absorption in our system? That’s why I always tell my clients it’s not what you take in that counts, it’s what you can utilize.

Factors that affect our detox ability include age, genetics, past and present environment, nutrition and lifestyle, and intestinal health. Some of those we can’t change, but some we can. That’s where spring cleaning comes in.

What are the benefits? More energy, better focus, better sleep, reduced food cravings, better digestion, improved libido and more. A detox is especially important before a weight-loss program, because many toxins are stored in our body fat, and as you lose fat, you can release large quantities of toxins into your system. In fact, we often put on fat because we are toxic. So lowering your toxic load can help you lose weight.

Detoxification can be effective without being drastic. Always take a gentle, gradual approach. Although it’s best to customize a detox for your individual circumstances, there are some safe, simple procedures you can use on your own at home.

1. Soak it out. A hot bath can be a pleasant and effective detox. Alternate one night of Epsom salts and one of baking soda, adding plain white vinegar to each. Use two cups of each ingredient. Soak for 20 minutes before bedtime, and make sure to rehydrate during or after your bath.

2. Irrigate your sinuses. More and more people are discovering the benefits of a neti pot for any kind of congestion, including seasonal allergies. Plain saltwater works fine, but you can also use chlorella powder, N-Acetyl Cysteine and xylitol for additional cleansing and healing action.

3. Go green. As we move into spring, delicious nutrient-dense fresh veggies become available that nourish the GI tract, liver and kidneys, all organs that support detoxification. Experiment with dandelion, fiddlehead and nettle, all packed with nutritious and detoxifying benefits. You can eat them in salads, steam, stir-fry or make infusions. Juicing is another way to access the potent nutrients in these and other veggies.

4. Add and subtract: For just a week, try eliminating sugar, artificial sweeteners (use xylitol or stevia), coffee (substitute black or green tea), red meat, alcohol and grains. Load up on fresh veggies and fruits, and make sure you have 8-10 glasses of water or herbal tea daily. Too extreme? Pick one or two things to eliminate this time, then do it again next month and add one more. Reclaiming your health is an ongoing process. Slow and steady wins the race.

For help and support with a Spring Cleaning that I customize just for you, that is safe, simple and gets great results, please see my program here.

Top 7 Foods That Slow Your Aging.

Great article by Dr. Mercola.  Did you know he also studied with Dietrich Klinghardt, and incorporates much of Dr Klinghardt’s teaching in his principles?  I think this article is a great primer.

A few notes:

• See my article on protein shakes for my whey recommendations.
• I’m so glad he makes the point that you can not ingest glutathione directly. I see a lot of people wasting a lot of money on this expensive and relatively useless supplement. Instead, you must boost your body’s ability to manufacture glutathione, or use a top quality whey protein such as Whey Cool or PaleoMeal.
• I’m not as big a fan of nutritional types as Dr Mercola, but I do think it’s essential to individualize your eating for optimal health. That means identifying and eliminating hidden food sensitivities (most people have one or two) and healing your metabolism  if it has become damaged.  This is the fundamental work of my 13 Week Success Program.  Please also read my article on Food Sensitivities.
• When we had chickens in the backyard, I was more confident about eating their eggs raw. I hesitate to recommend this unless you are getting them very fresh from nearby uncaged healthy hens, and that’s hard to know for sure.  I do recommend eggs as a food though, and have been telling people for over 15 years that there has never been research showing that eating food that naturally contain cholesterol raises your cholesterol.  (Refined carbohydrates and processed food are much more likely to do that, by lowering your insulin sensitivity.)  So buy the healthiest local eggs you can find, and cook them lightly.
• My breakfast recommendation for almost all my clients is a customized shake with a cup of berries and a little bit of other fruit.  I often use cherries.  Another way to get your berries is to have them as a snack, with a little bit of coconut milk and some nuts or seeds. Delicious and nutrient-dense.
• Chlorella is truly marvelous.  I am using it extensively in protocols for Lyme and heavy metal detox. It is extremely gentle and safe, even for pregnant and nursing moms, and very effective.  It comes in very tiny tablets, easy enough for even kids to swallow, or in powder.
• I would add Chia Seed to this list of SuperFoods.  Chia is a nutrient dense powerhouse that provides protein, omega 3s, fiber, and calcium.  It can be used many ways. I put it in my shake, and soak it with some almond milk and xylitol to make a pudding, but it can be added to just about anything.  You may have heard of the best seller Born to Run: chia is the “magic potion” the runners take to improve their endurance and stamina as they age.

I hope you find at least a couple of bits of information here that help you boost your health and well-being. And of course, as always, if you would like some help figuring out the best way to do that for you, please get in touch!