As people in Japan continue to struggle to rebuild their lives after the massive earthquake and tsunami, we are reminded of the power of nature.  This earthquake – the strongest that Japan has ever experienced caused a rift 15 miles below the sea floor that is 186 miles long and 93 miles wide.  As you return to the comfort of your home every evening – send a warm wish or prayer to those in Japan, who have literally lost everything they own.  Donate money through any of the worthy organizations that are lending a helping hand in Japan.  You can donate to UNICEF through a link on my website.  Or donate your time by volunteering with them or praying for those who are rebuilding their lives.

National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “Eat Right with Color”.  Naturally occurring plant compounds – phytonutrients – give fruits and vegetables their color.  Phytonutrients act in many ways, they can be antioxidants that help defend against cellular damage or lutein which helps keep your vision sharp.  Different fruits and vegetables have their own unique pigments and the effects of phytonutrients are enhanced when they are combined.  Try adding new varieties and new combinations to your diet – try a new vegetable or fruit every week.  Adding a little color on your plate can do a lot for your health, especially when combined with other vegetables!

Red –  Red fruits such as tomatoes and watermelon are loaded with lycopene that has been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.  Lycopene helps the skin protect itself against the damaging effects of UV rays.  Red kidney beans and apples are a great source of fiber.

Yellow/Orange -Carotenoids are antioxidants that help reduce your risk of developing cancer and are found in sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, mango corn and cantaloupe.   Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C – which helps in wound healing and immunity.  Carrots and yellow squash are high in lutein, which is necessary for good vision and may also prevent atherosclerosis.

Green –  Green vegetables are high in folate and B Vitamins and cholorphyll.  Kale, spinach and broccoli are high in lutein which keeps your vision sharp.  Spinach also contains neoxanthin, which in combination with lutein is great for the prevention of cataracts and age related macular degeneration.  Avocados are rich in potassium, fiber and B vitamins.

Blue/Purple –  Blueberries, blackberries, eggplants are all rich sources of anthocyanins which give these fruits/vegetables their dark color.  Anthocyanins help neutralize free radical damage and help protect cell membranes from damage.  Anthocyanins have been shown to enhance the effects of vitamin C.

White –  Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, copper and also contain phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity.  Cauliflower has cancer fighting properties.

Micronutrient Testing

Spring is almost in the air!  Continue your commitment to your health by adding in an extra serving of fruits and vegetables into your diet.  Wondering what nutrients might be deficient in your body?  A new test that I have introduced into my practice is an advanced Intracellular Nutritional Analysis.  Through this test you can discover intracellular levels of over 33 micronurients including:

• Folate, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, K2, COQ10, Glutathione, Zinc, Copper, Calcium, Chromium, Magnesium, Lipoic Acid & MORE

This test is offered through Spectracell Labs is only $160 (with any HMO or PPO except Cigna).  Studies have confirmed that nutritional deficiencies suppress immune function and contribute to chronic disease processes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s.

Spring Cleaning For Your Body!
21 Day Cleanse

Wishing your diet was healthier?  Maybe you’ve wanted to do a cleanse and didn’t know where to start.  This is a mild whole-body cleanse that is structured and easy to do.  You won’t be left feeling hungry, in fact you are able to eat plenty!  The cleansing supplement supports liver detoxification pathways so that you mobilize and excrete toxins in your body.

Participating in a 21 Day Cleanse can leave you with increased energy and often alleviate chronic symptoms that are related to food sensitivities.  As we learn to cut out allergenic and inflammatory foods and replace them with healthy and nutrient dense foods, we develop healthy eating habits.

Most people lose weight and feel healthier at the end of a cleanse.  It is a great way to revitalize your immune system and get rid of toxins in your body.  Think of it as a tune up for your body, cleansing should be a part of everyone’s routine!

Cleanse groups start in April!

Call 925.812.4990 today to register for the 21 Day Cleanse!