JUNE 4, 2012 THE TOXIC WORLD / NOTHING COULD BE FINER THAN TO BE IN CAROLINA

"The choices we make.... The co evolution  of plants and people is a harmonious continuum. Plants revitalize us, and we must nurture them in return. It is this reciprocity that sustains the well-being of everything on this planet, and brings a renewed sense of wholeness to all the earth."- from meetings and awakenings-
                                                                                                     ric scalzo and greg cumberland


You must realize that you are in a co existing, constant relationship with everything on Earth Mother. Until you realize this you will never be one with nature. My weekend in Asheville, North Carolina has revitalized me- it always does. I am among colleagues who love plants as much as I do. I respect the plants. I respect nature. I respect everyone I have met and I learn from all. I am humble and grateful.

The herbal world is not new to me. Years ago during medical training, it was foreign to me  The use of medicinal plants has been and still is a life-altering experience and exploration. You may want to find out if plants resonate intuitively with you. They do with me. Do you ever feel fulfilled when gardening or growing plants from seeds? Does your mind wander in the garden? Plants have an uncanny way of entwining the heart and mind. It has done this for me. I hope and pray it does the same to you.

We live in a constant state of environmental overload. From the air we breathe, to the water we drink and to the food we eat. The three classic systems intimately involved with environmental presentation of toxic overload are the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system. There are some patients who present with books of testing, bags of supplements and every single test being done from 10 or more physicians. This could be nightmare of a patient. But it is a challenge and I love a challenge. This is the patient who has multiple allergies, chemical sensitivity, headache, brain fog, balance issues, mood changes,  Parkinson's movements and sometimes infertility. Oh I forgot, this patient might also be hypothyroid and have multiple autoimmune diseases.

Most doctors will run the usual battery of tests again. I will not repeat everything, and will do heavy metal testing by serum and urine- pre and post provocation (www.doctorsdata.com)  as well as solvent, insecticide and PCBs testing from other companies. After the result the detox must begin. However there usually needs to be change in dietary and exercise lifestyle as well.

First avoid the DIRTY DOZEN FOODS. There are fruits and  vegetables that are most heavily contaminated with chemicals. These are potatoes, lettuce, spinach, grapes, pears, cherries, strawberries, kale, nectarines, celery, blueberries, apples, peaches, and bell peppers.  When purchasing these in the grocery, choose the organic ones.

Second, consume all of the LEAST TOXIC fruits and vegetables which are avocado, onions, pineapples, mango, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, watermelon, grapefruit and sweet potatoes.

Do not eat FARMED or ATLANTIC salmon. Stay away from fish that have a high mercury load like tuna, swordfish, marlin, snapper and Chilean sea bass. (checkout www.vitalchoice.com).  Vital choice is a great source of your fish. Also check the charts for lowest mercury content fish like Alaskan salmon, tilapia, sole and catfish.

Reduces all 'white sugar' Avoid processed foods to the best of your ability. Say goodbye to bagels and lox.,

This is a start...there are more suggestions...

Until tomorrow...