Natural Cures (the blog)

Holistic Rehab

Alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders, depression and other such ailments often require a variety of treatments that range from alternative medicine to support therapy…from body detoxification to traditional medical treatments. A good treatment center will employ all these methods in ways that suit each patient personally and individually. When looking for a detox center, look for this type of holistic approach. You never know which component will be the most valuable in a detox/rehab experience. Another idea is to get away from familiar surroundings and into a supportive, natural and inspiring environment.

There’s nothing like nature and a focus on your own health and well being to take you away from the pull of addiction…and that must be combined with the support of a group and expert practitioners. This is a delicate and difficult combination to find, but one that’s well worth the search. One good center on the west coast is Cliffside Malibu. This is an intimate but professional location with a complete roster of treatments, including Alcohol Rehab and Drug Rehabilitation. They also have Drug Treatment services.

Add comment June 26th, 2008

5 Things You Should Know About Liver Detoxification

1. Everyone has gallstones! They are essentially hardened bile caused by too much cholesterol in the diet. They obstruct the normal production of bile in the liver and gallbladder, which results in impaired digestion, reduced ability to process fats and proteins, poor elimination, and poor blood health. They generally go unnoticed until they present a major problem. But the “minor” problems they cause include low energy, allergies, low immunity, weight gain, IBS, and other bowel problems.
2. One of the best detoxifying foods is raw garlic, which is high in methionine (helpful for cleansing) and selenium (an excellent antioxidant).
3. Combine a salad of alfalfa (loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes and helps remove toxins from the liver), milk thistle leaves (you can eat the fresh leaves, an excellent liver tonic and antioxidant), spinach (a source of lipoic acid, known for its chelation properties), broccoli, and tomatoes. Use olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper as a dressing. Your liver will love you for it.
4. Lipoic acid is one of natures great antioxidants. But what’s more, studies show that it helps chelate (bind to and remove) certain heavy metals from the liver, including copper and iron and improves the body’s metabolism of glucose to the cells by activating insulin receptors, good news for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 patients.
5. EDTA is recognized by many medical professionals as the best chelation around. It is available as a dietary supplement and is found to remove heavy metals from the body with no side effects and without the high cost of normal chelation. Many doctors are reluctant to accept it because it poses a challenge to conventional wisdom on chelation.

1 comment September 23rd, 2006

Two Recipes for Reducing Heavy Metal Toxicity

Here are two great recipes that help to reduce heavy metal toxicity in our systems. They both use a generous amount of cilantro, which has been shown to have chelating qualities, meaning that it binds to heavy metals in our blood and helps carry them out. Other ingredients are chosen for their antioxidant-rich qualities (helping reduce damage from heavy metals) and other benefits.

Cilantro Pineapple Mint Juice
This first recipe is a wonderfully refreshing juice that you can easily make in your blender. The result will surprise you.

1 whole pineapple, skinned and chopped (bromelain and vitamin C)
½ cup cilantro (chelation)
¼ cup peppermint leaves (menthol helps releive stress)
1 cup spring water
sugar or honey to taste (honey has B vitamins and iron)

Blend all ingredients in a blender until liquefied. If desired, you can strain before drinking.

Cilantro & Olive Chelating Spread
This savory spread can be used on bread, meats, or even as a dip for romaine lettuce or celery stalks. It’s rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, as well as the chelating qualities of cilantro.

3-4 cloves garlic minced (antioxidant)
1/3 cup brazil nuts (antioxidant, selenium)
1/3 cup sunflower seeds (antioxidant, cystine)
1 cup pitted and drained green olives (vitamin E)
2 cups chopped, packed cilantro (chelating qualities)
¼ cup linseed/flaxseed oil (antioxidant, omega fatty acids)
¼ cup olive oil (vitamin E, omega fatty acids)
juice of one medium lime (vitamin C)
sea salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a food processor until chopped to a fine puree. Best if eaten at room temperature (in other words don’t cook it).

2 comments September 16th, 2006