Minimalist detox

 Lifelong exposure to industrial chemicals we ingest via food, water and air eventually leads to a state of chronic inflammation we may or may not be aware of. Typically, resulting aches and pains are attributed to the process of aging and 'stress'.

What we often fail to realize is that this constant exposure to pollutants is highly stressful to our minds and bodies and that we'd probably be feeling and functioning very differently without it. 

And, so, we must, at least periodically, do what we can to reduce some of that chemical body burden through what is known as cleansing or detoxification.

While the idea of being able to remove toxins brings a sense of relief and hope, who really has the time and the energy to follow some guru diet and gobble up heaps of powdery stuff that tastes like $heit? 

Shouldn't there be an easier way to do this? 

For example, instead of having to be on a restrictive diet and trying to make 'nutritious' powders palatable, what if you could simply try to eat healthier (for a while, at least) and take a couple of drops of some natural stuff in concentrated form? And then, you know, take your daily multi and a few caps of some other detox supporting supplements? And that's it. How about it?

Well, such a minimalist detox does, indeed, exist and here it is:

Detoxadine Nascent Iodine Nascent iodine is said to be easier to absorb than conventional iodine supplements, which also means that it works faster and is therefore more effective. Iodine supports thyroid health for more energy, a faster metabolism and a feeling of being in balance, overall. Great for those of us who are frequently overworked and stressed out.

Iodine is one of many essential trace elements found abundantly in seawater and soil (clay), as well as in sand, natural rock formations, and human and animal tissues including bone, teeth, seashells, eggshells, etc.

Iodine rich foods include: seaweeds (also known as sea vegetables) and many other green veggies (incl. lettuce and culinary herbs), fish and seafood, organ meat, eggs, poultry, berries, garlic, cucumber, coconut, bone meal/bone broth, and sea salt (RealSalt, Himalayan pink salt, etc.).

Nuts, seeds and beans contain iodine as well, but depending on the type of nut, seed, or bean and the preparation method, they may not be the most ideal foods when one is trying to absorb the maximum amount of minerals and trace elements found in foods.

To make a long story short, food processing methods like soaking, sprouting and fermenting are said to improve nutrient availability and they take time, effort, and practice to accomplish. Not exactly 'detox on the go' material.

Most of us have a bunch of chemicals and heavy metals stuck inside our bodies. One way to remove them is by consuming a ton of greens and eating or drinking green powders. Those green powders are frequently flavored. The resulting taste can be pretty weird. It's like a mix of green veggies, sweetener and, say, chocolate. Just doesn't go well together, doesn't matter how much more stuff you add to make it taste sensible.

And that is how I discovered Pure Body Purified Liquid Zeolite Detoxifier. It's a 'green' detox in liquid form. The drops help your body pull out pollutants incl. radiation caused pollution, reduce the chemical body burden, and enjoy more energy and better overall functioning.

To enhance this green cleansing process try to eat a salad a day and munch on some greens like (organic) celery, cilantro, parsley, seaweeds, etc.

Liquid Ionic Minerals and Trace Elements by Eidon is my personal favorite! It's refreshing, energizing and it works. Also, the price is right and the company that makes it seems to specialize in minerals exclusively.

To compliment your personal remineralization program, focus on having mineral rich meals like bone broth and stir in some bone meal into your sauces and dressings.

Generally, most fresh, organic plant foods contain minerals and trace elements, as do most fresh animal products.

Note that, at least during your 'detox on the go', you may want to exclude dairy, with, perhaps, the exception of plain, whole, organic yogurt and butter (Kerrygold Pure Irish Grass-fed Butter). Dairy tends to cause digestive issues and can lead to excess mucus, so try to avoid it for the time being.

In order for your 'detox on the go' to be successful, it's a good idea to do something about your detoxification organs, including your liver and this is where Livatrex comes in. The drops in this little bottle contain herbs which support your vital organs. That would be your liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder and your digestive tract.

You can also further optimize your 'detox on the go' by adding some water rich foods to your diet like cucumber, watermelon and citrus fruits. Eat them as is, as an ingredient or juice them.

Cleanse and replenish the gut with the Oxy-Powder Colon Cleanser. In this instance, ozone (O3) and magnesium cause a release of oxygen which clears the gut of debris.

Now, if you do this one, make sure to replenish your gut flora with a powerful probiotic like Floratrex. It's an interesting mix of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains of friendly gut bacteria.

Additionally, get more oxygen into your system by spending more time outdoors, exercising outdoors, swimming in or walking along a natural body of water (river, lake, ocean), and trying doing some breathing exercises like deep belly breathing, preferably outdoors and away from traffic and smog.

Energize your brain and nerves with B vitamins. They'll help you look and feel good. They'll strengthen your DNA and RNA. They'll help balance your hormones. And the list goes on.

VeganZyme® - Digestive & Systemic Enzymes Supplement is a combination of digestive and systemic enzymes to help you clear your system (gut and beyond) of digestive, metabolic and environmental wastes. 

Alternatively, you can opt for Enzymedica's Digest - A Complete Digestive Enzyme Formula.

The Global Healing Center even makes detox foot pads for the super lazy among us. Detox effortlessly in your sleep with Organic Detox Foot Pads. Wear the foot pads overnight and don't be shocked when you see that they've turned brown!

Alternatively, use a detox foot spa system: Ionic Detox Foot Bath System. In this case it's the water that turns brown.

Ginseng Fuzion Advanced is there to increase your vitality and stamina and, at the same time, help you have an easier time when dealing with daily stresses.

We all know that chronic stress shortens our lifespans and that stress reduction causes the opposite. And ginseng, being an adaptogen, helps the body regain balance (homeostasis), including hormonal balance. The result is an overall greater feeling of well-being.

By the way, typically, ginseng root is being used for medicinal purposes, but it just so happens that ginseng leaf possesses the same medicinal properties while costing only a fraction by weight. 

Ginseng tea is prepared as any other tea and, talking from personal experience, gets rid of female problems (anything from cramps to poor fertility to menopausal symptoms).

Ginseng is also one of the most popular longevity herbs in the world and the same applies to another ingredients in this adaptogenic herbal blend. It's actually nicknamed the 'immortality herb'.

Some call it an epidemic. Others shrug it off as just another disease of civilization. Informed nutritionists and health 'nuts' attribute it to the ever increasing consumption of sugar, flour and dairy.

The most common symptoms are poor digestion and nutrient malabsorption and this is what makes our 'detox on the go' practical to say the least. The thing with candida overgrowth is that is it almost impossible to get rid of without going on a super strict diet, basically, forever, something that most people simply aren't willing to do. At the same time, candida overgrowth can make detoxing rather difficult.

On one hand it produces a large amount of wastes and on the other it drives your cravings for refined carbs and sugar. And that is what makes digestive enzymes, especially protease and cellulase, essential. Cellulase and protease help the body break down and expel candida organisms and their wastes out of the body via the digestive tract.

This also means that you may have to take supplemental digestive enzymes for the rest of your life, especially if you over 40. So, up the ante in the gut cleansing department and kick candida overgrowth to the curb with Mycozil: All-Natural Cleansing of Yeast & Fungal Organisms Enzymatic and Herbal Blend and Enzymedica's Candidase - A Complete Support for Balanced Yeast Levels.

Drink plenty of filtered water.

 Ginseng root, ginseng leaves and ginseng extracts have long been used to increase energy, vitality, fertility and stamina in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. 

It is believed that it took about three thousand years for ginseng to gain popularity in the western hemisphere. In the Americas, ginseng had at first been used by Native American tribes. In Europe, it is said to have been introduced by ancient herb and spice traders. 

Today, ginseng is readily available in most western countries where it is consumed by millions of people. Worldwide, some 80,000 tons of ginseng are consumed each and every year. 

The list of ginseng products sold on the market today is endless, to say the least. In addition to the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries, ginseng has become a common ingredient in nutritional supplements, foods, snacks, beverages and even skin and beauty products. 

GINSENG ENERGY SNACK 

Betty Lou's Spirulina Ginseng Energy Balls - A purifying vegan gluten-free on the go ginseng energy snack.

As one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs in the world, ginseng is used as a preventative as well as in the treatment of almost every health issue known to man. To name a few: 

• Organ health (lungs, spleen and heart) 
• Respiratory health 
• Central nervous system health 
• Cardiovascular health 
• Immune system health 
• Women's health 
• Men's health 
• Endocrine system health 
• Sexual health 
• Blood pressure balance 
• Holistic balance (homeostasis) 
• Digestive health 
• Muscle and joint health 
• Athletic performance 
• Skin and hair beauty 
• Youthful energy and appearance 
• Anti-aging, youthful aging and longevity 
• Weight management 
• Diabetes, cancer, tumors, infections and inflammation 

The belief in ancient times was that ginseng is a cure for all ailments.

Traditionally, ginseng is said to strengthen what is known as vital energy or life force (qi, chi, prana, ka). 

While this may sound a little vague, ginseng seems to help expand the lungs thereby allowing more oxygen into the body (and brain) which is one of the processes that may explain it's pain and stress relieving effect. The result is an overall improved well being, better quality sleep, an improved mental and emotional balance and hormonal balance. Those improvements, in turn, then lead to more physical and mental energy. 

In China it is common for people to consume ginseng daily, mainly as a preventative measure. One of the top reasons is the desire to slow down aging and to age gracefully. 

GINSENG SODA 

Ginseng Up - A familiar sounding soda drink infused with the power of ginseng.

Ginseng is increasingly being added to a large variety of skin and hair products. When it comes to skincare it is said to do the following: 

• Reduce wrinkles 
• Rejuvenate skin 
• Speed up skin cell regeneration 
• Help hydrate the skin 
• Detoxify skin 
• Increase circulation 
• Increase oxygen levels 
• Boost collagen production 
• Reduce dark circles and age spots 
• Brighten skin complexion 
• Heal and repair skin 
• Reduce acne, eczema, sunburn and razor rash 

GINSENG LIP GLOSS 

theBalm Cosmetics Read My Lips Lip Gloss - An eleven shade Read My Lips lip gloss infused with ginseng.

When it comes to hair and scalp health, ginseng is used topically to alleviate issues including dandruff, itching, thinning hair, damaged hair, slow growing hair, and even hair loss. 

Chronic stress and poor sleep or lack of sleep are believed to contribute to chronic inflammation and a weakened immune system. 

Symptoms of chronic inflammation and an overworked immune system include hair loss and adult acne.

• Ginseng possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help keep chronic inflammation in check. 
• Ginseng is well known for it's immunity boosting power. 
• Ginseng stimulates GABA receptors thereby indirectly causing an improvement in sleep quality, the ability to easily fall asleep, etc. 
• A connection has been established between sleep deprivation and adult acne, so that, as one sleeps better, acne diminish. 

Furthermore, ginseng, or in this case ginsenosides, to be more precise, raise levels of nitric oxide which also reduces the appearance of acne. And, on that note, a key player here is the amino acid arginine which itself helps stimulate the human grown hormone which has regenerating and rejuvenating effects on the body (and the skin) and improves sleep quality. 

Ginseng is known to help balance hormones which in many cases means increasing the production of HGH. In this instance, one can boost the effects of ginseng by supplementing with a combination of arginine, ornithine, lysine, and glutamine. Ideally, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and in pure (unflavored) powder form stirred into a 1/4 glass of water. 

Other herbs believed to increase the natural production of the human growth hormone include: gingko biloba, mucuna pruriens (velvet bean), licorice root, agnus castus, chaste berry, tribulus terrestris, horny goat weed, astragalus, and ashwagandha. 

Frequently, the same herbs that are said to raise HGH also help raise free testosterone, which explains the toned, supple and overall more youthful look ginseng consumption produces. 

It must, however, be noted that the positive changes take time to come into effect. In fact, it can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months for results to show. 

GINSENG SHAMPOO 

Natural First Ginseng Herbal Shampoo  - A chemical free, light, clean feel ginseng shampoo that promises to eliminate scalp buildup. 

Redken Clean Brew Extra Cleansing Shampoo for Men  - A beer and oranges smelling shampoo for dudes promising thicker, healthier hair. 

Ginseng Herbal Hair Loss Serum  - This natural hair treatment consists of a blend of herbs and vitamins and promises to increase hair volume, stop hair loss and regrow hair. 

NaturVital Organic Ginseng Hair Shampoo  - A revitalizing ginseng shampoo that promises to strengthen hair roots and follicles for increased volume. 

Rejuvenating Cherry Blossom Ginseng Organix Shampoo  - An all natural, chemical free ginseng shampoo that promises to increase shine and rejuvenate your hair.

Other substances used to treat hair and scalp issues include clay, seaweed, silica, collagen, bone meal, vitamin A, vitamin E tocopherol, vitamin C (or C ester), B vitamins, chamomile, aloe vera, hibiscus, saw palmetto, horsetail, nettle, oat straw, fenugreek, basil, holy basil, burdock, arnica, ginger, henna, lemongrass, lemon balm, hops (also, beer), unfiltered olive or coconut oil, flaxseed oil, castor oil, apple cider vinegar, whole eggs, egg white, egg yolk, and soap nut. 

Different types of ginseng are grown in Siberia, China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and North America, and each is unique in its nutrient content and medicinal properties. 

Asian ginseng is known as Panax ginseng. The most popular Asian ginseng seems to be Korean ginseng. There are 3 types of Korean ginseng: red, black and white. 

Red Korean Panax ginseng is believed to be the most potent, even though there are claims that American ginseng entails several more types of ginsenosides when compared to the red Korean Panax ginseng. 

Certain types of ginseng contain ginsenosides, while others contain eleutherosides. Frequently, eleutheroside-containing ginseng is labeled as 'eleuthero' instead of 'ginseng'. 

• Ginsenosides are said to be effective for physical health issues. 
• Eleutherosides are believed to be more effective stress relievers. Ginsenosides and eleutherosides are saponins. 
• Saponins possess a wide range of health promoting properties. 

Most of the mass market ginseng available today is neither fresh nor pure and therefore by far not as potent as it should be. Fresh, locally sourced ginseng or eleuthero may turn out to be a better investment. 

Further, like many medicinal herbs, ginseng should not be taken with pharmaceuticals. 

It may also be a good idea to cycle ginseng, perhaps with other herbs or amino acids. 

GINSENG ENERGY DRINKS 

Liquid Energy - Coffee Flavored Ginseng Energy Shot - One example out of an ever growing number of energy shots many of which contain ginseng. 

Hiball Energy Peach Sparkling Energy Water - An organic blend of coffee, ginseng and guarana infused with B-vitamins.

Medicinal properties of saponins (ginsenosides, eleutherosides and others): 

• Antioxidant 
• Antibacterial 
• Antiviral 
• Antifungal 
• Anti-mutagenic 
• Anti-cancer 
• Anti-tumor 
• Anti-inflammatory 
• Cleansing, detoxifying 
• Hormone balancing 
• Metabolism promoting 
• Mood balancing 
• Energy balancing 
• Bone and joint protective 
• Blood sugar balancing 
• Blood pressure balancing 
• Immunity boosting 
• Preventative health 
• Homeostasis promoting 

• Akebia 
• Alfalfa 
• Aralia mandshurica 
• Arjuna 
• Bacopa monnieri 
• Common daisy 
• Corn silk 
• Cowslip 
• Dong quai 
• Wild yam 
• Drimia maritima (squill) 
• Fenugreek 
• Figwort 
• Foxglove 
• Horse chestnut 
• Lobelia 
• Ipecacuanha 
• Jiaogulan 
• Mullein 
• Panax ginseng 
• Tribulus terrestris 
• Sarsaparilla 
• Silver birch 
• Soapberry (fruit) 
• Soapwort root 
• Soap root 
• Snakeroot 
• Beth root 
• Bupleurum root 
• Collinsonia root 
• Licorice root 
• Osha root 
• Polygala tenuifolia root 
• Yucca root 
• Yarrow 

• Asparagus 
• Beans 
• Red onion 
• Peas 
• Peanuts 
• Paprika (spice) 
• Agave (edible cactus) 
• Beetroot 
• Oats 
• Spinach 
• Jujube (fruit) 
• Quinoa 
• Tomatoes 
• Yam 

Saponins can be found in various types of cosmetics, soaps and detergents, as well as in food and agricultural products. 

They are added to moisturizers, eczema products, facial masks, facial treatments, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, bath soaps, detox formulas, herbal formulas, nutritional supplements, dish liquids, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, liquid soaps, natural pesticides, and natural insecticides. 

Saponins are also added to root beer, beer, ice cream, mayonnaise, sauces, dressings, and candy. 

Other common ingredients which have shown to have a rejuvenating effect on skin: 

Coffee is said to have a rejuvenating and regenerating effect on skin when applied topically. The result is a more glowing, younger looking skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles. It acts as a picker upper for your skin, giving you a cheap and quick all-natural face lift. 

And, as an added bonus, it might simultaneously stop your headache. 

The cleansing and beautifying power of coffee is attributed to the antioxidants and vitamins contained in it, including caffeine, cafestol, phenols and niacin. 

In addition to helping fight free radicals, topical coffee treatments help reduce puffiness, redness, under eye dark circles and photoaging damage. 

A coffee infused skin preparation also acts as an exfoliant. It speeds up the removal of dead skin cells exposing much smoother skin that had been hiding beneath. 

And, on top of it all, coffee is a diuretic. It leads to the removal of excess fluid which brings out an even silkier, smoother appearance. 

By the way, for those who choose to steer clear of coffee for whatever reason, cacao powder (pure cacao, not chocolate) can act as an alternative as they share numerous qualities. 

Vitamin C is one of the best researched antioxidant vitamins. It, both, prevents and diminishes the effects of photoaging. Vitamin C also reduces free radical damage and increases the production of collagen, making the skin softer, smoother, firmer, brighter and clearer. 

Cold-pressed argan oil is a nutrient rich, edible oil frequently added to skin and hair products. It contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and acts as a hair and skin moisturizer and softener. It's also used to heal minor skin issues and to help regenerate and rejuvenate mature skin. 

 If you are feeling tired, irritable, achy and constipated, read on...

• More than half of all adults show signs of magnesium deficiency. 
• Mineral depletion of soil, water and food is widespread.
• Stress and pollution produce nutritional deficiencies.
• Processed food, soda, sugar, coffee, alcohol and pharmaceuticals drain the body of magnesium.

Consequently, stress, anxiety, aches, tightness, blockages, soreness and tensions evolve into chronic combo syndromes which can include symptoms like tension headaches, migraines, depression, fatigue, weight gain, TMJ, IBS, LGS, SIBO and, ultimately, constipation. 

Nerves and muscles no longer work as they should, and when common stimulants like coffee, alcohol and pharmaceuticals fail or aggravate the issues, the affected reach for laxatives in the form of milk of magnesia, magnesium citrate or castor oil to no avail. Although those items do help some people sometime, they do not work in the long run as they are not nutritional supplements per se. 

A simple way to explain it is that general tension is relieved by the mineral magnesium and when there isn't enough of it in the body every day, one is prone to tension because magnesium supports hundreds of bodily functions.

When it comes to digestion, magnesium is essential. Supplemental magnesium must not dissolve before reaching the intestines, which is why the previously mentioned types of magnesium products don't work much of the time.

Too little magnesium can create an impression of depression and nervousness, tension and anxiety, and even involve physical tension in the form of cramps, spasms and twitches, because a lack of magnesium prevents neuromuscular processes from functioning properly. 

If the nutritional deficiency persists, vital organs and the immune system (via the gut) can suffer as well.

One can also become hypersensitive to any type of potential stressor including noise, light, air and electromagnetic pollution.

A shortage of magnesium can also result in tension headaches, migraines and a sense of mental exhaustion.

Replenishing depleted magnesium stores, in turn, creates feelings of mind-body relaxation. Muscles and joints relax, blood circulation improves and the tension dissipates. The system is back to normal.

Not only is magnesium essential for metabolic aspects of digestion, but it also helps manage the many muscles and nerves of the digestive tract. 

Without balanced levels of magnesium in the gastrointestinal system, muscle tensions and misfiring nerves block the flow and unnerve the mind and things go south from there.

Muscle spasms, cramping, bloat, flatulence, burping, an imbalanced gut flora, acidosis, toxicity, nausea, chronic infections and inflammation are all symptoms of our modern digestive syndromes known as irritable bowel, inflammatory disease, leaky gut, bacterial overgrowth and candidiasis.

All of the above have one thing in common: magnesium deficiency.

Without the right amount of magnesium, toxins cannot be broken down and eliminated, and with those toxins present, the gut flora and nutrient levels are out of whack so that whatever issue developed, it cannot be rectified and instead worsens over time.

Magnesium smooths out those issues thereby strengthening the gut and the immune system.

Magnesium plays a part in cellular repair, regeneration and energy (mitochondria) and, thus, in healing the intestinal lining to prevent permeability (LGS), malabsorption, dysbiosis and inflammation.

Constipation is also defeated by magnesium as it nourishes the muscles and nerves integral to the process and helps the body utilize vitamins, proteins, fat, carbs, stomach acid, enzymes and friendly bacteria, as well as other minerals, and it helps discard toxic chemicals and metabolic wastes.

The calming and relaxing effect magnesium has on the mind and body extends to the ability to sleep well, once again, helping the body rest and regenerate.

Quality rest and recovery, muscle and nerve support, and cellular regeneration and energy production, paired with anti-inflammatory effects, make magnesium attractive to athletes and anti-aging aficionados alike.

There is a multitude of foods and supplements containing magnesium. 

Magnesium is also absorbed through the skin when bathing or swimming and there's an array of magnesium salts, creams, gels and oils designed to revitalize tissues and improve well-being.

Almost all fresh meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, and very many spices contain magnesium.

• Meat

Turkey, chicken, red meat and organ meat, bone meal/broth and fatty fish and seafood.

• Lettuce and sprouts 

Lettuce, microgreens and sprouts: romaine, arugula, escarole, radicchio, purslane, watercress, dandelion, barley, wheatgrass and alfalfa sprouts, etc.

• Fruit

Berries, avocados, coconuts, apricots, kiwi, guava, banana, papaya,  passion fruit, honeydew melon, cantaloupe,  watermelon and citrus fruits (but vitamin c competes with magnesium/minerals for absorption).

• Veggies

Squash, zucchini, sweet potato, yams, parsnips, horseradish, beets, ginger root and other root veggies including garlic, onion, scallions and leeks.

• Seaweed

Nori, chorella and spirulina.

• Spices and herbs

Mineral rich salt, basil, cacao, chives, fresh cilantro and coriander, cloves, cumin, fennel, mustard seeds, parsley, fresh and spicy capsaicin-rich peppers (jalapeno, sweet peppers, cayenne, tabasco, peperoncini, etc.), oatstraw, oregano, peppermint, rhubarb and sage.

• Greens

Spinach, artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, bok choy, turnip greens, mustard greens and collard greens (all of these must be cooked, steamed or marinated for mineral absorption).

• Nuts

Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, pecans, pistachios and brazil nuts.

• Seeds

Pumpkin, flax, sesame, sunflower and chia.

• Beans 

Garbanzo, black, navy, pinto and adzuki beans, as well as peas, lentils and green beans (ideally, soaked and sprouted for increased mineral absorption).

• Sweets

Dark chocolate, raisins, dates and prunes (note: sugar depletes magnesium).