part0015

The answer is: focus on the ingredients that go into meals more than the meal itself. Many ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen can assist your detox and boost your immune system and energy levels.

It’s best to keep meals simple and unprocessed. You don’t need to buy those expensive boxed meals that sit for months on store shelves. Those boxes are filled with preservatives and other toxins.

Strive to keep your meals as uncomplicated as possible. Fresh, steamed vegetables; brown rice; and beans make for a satisfying and healthful meal that’s easy to digest. Flavor the meal with raw almond butter and your family will think you’re a gourmet chef!

Garlic is a common household ingredient that has incredible healing properties. During my (Robert’s) studies to become a naturopath, I had to complete a lengthy assignment on garlic. The essay was long and included over 50 scientific studies to back up its healing effects. By the end of it, I felt that garlic could be used for almost anything! It’s so simple, so accessible, yet so wonderfully effective at everything it does.

Garlic helps treat almost every infection you can imagine, starting with the common cold. It’s antiviral, to defeat stubborn viral influenzas. It’s antibacterial, to balance your digestive health. It also eliminates parasites and other unwanted guests from your body.

Garlic is powerfully antioxidant and protects your cells from damage. It lowers cholesterol by removing unhealthy fats from your arteries and veins. It is antifungal and treats candida along with other yeast-related conditions. It helps lower blood pressure and thins the blood slightly. Garlic even reduces the chemical load on the body by detoxing heavy metals.

Time and again, garlic has been proven to be effective against stubborn bacteria and viruses. Interestingly, research has also shown that the bacteria and viruses have never become resistant to the effects of garlic. In contrast, the bacteria and viruses were able to mutate and protect themselves from conventional pharmaceutical drugs.

Add garlic to your food in order to benefit from its healing and protective qualities. For the best effect, make sure the garlic is as close to raw as possible. Add it to meals at the last minute so it only has a moment to heat before being consumed. You can eat raw garlic on its own, too. First, crush the clove to release the healing compounds, and then soak it in a little water, or put it on a spoonful of food. You need to crush the garlic to combine the alliin and alliinase, which produce allicin—one of the most active compounds in garlic. To alleviate garlic breath, eat a few fresh sprigs of parsley.

I (Doreen) like to make what I call “detox hummus,” which consists one can of cooked organic chickpeas (garbanzo beans) combined in a blender with raw garlic, organic olive oil, and seasoning to taste. If you’re under the weather, put as much garlic as you can stand into the detox hummus and you’ll soon be feeling much better (although your breath may be potent for a couple of days afterward!). I also adore “garlic greens,” which are green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli crowns sautéed in olive oil with chopped garlic. So delicious and healthy!

Garlic capsules (containing dried garlic) tend to yield poor results. Try garlic-oil capsules instead for an enhanced effect. You can also use garlic tablets of high quality. Take approximately one to two cloves of garlic a day (four to eight grams). There’s also the option of a garlic tincture, but this is not for the fainthearted. The taste is extremely strong and could lead you to lose friends! It brings a whole new perspective to garlic breath. It’s still a viable option, but in this case, tablets are a better choice.

The principle of reflexology says that the soles of your feet tell the story of your entire body. By addressing the feet, you can heal the whole system. Following this philosophy, garlic can be crushed and then strapped to the bottoms of your feet. It’s great to use for children when they have coughs or colds. Change the cloves every day (or more if you need to), and notice the improvements you see. The garlic gets absorbed through the feet and is sent right up through the body to the place of healing.

Cilantro and coriander are the same herb, but they’ve acquired different names in different parts of the world. However, they have the same botanical name: Coriandrum sativum. You might associate this herb with Thai food. Discover the healing properties of this culinary spice and you’ll want to reap its benefits. Due to its essential oil, it helps digestion and upset stomachs. When consumed, cilantro assists in removing heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminum. Your daily activities can expose you to these heavy metals through smoking, paint fumes, chemical-based cosmetics, and air pollution—including geo-engineering weather-modification spraying (“chemtrails”) .

A small percentage of people find the taste of cilantro repulsive, describing it as soapy and unappetizing. Recent research has found that there’s a scientific reason why certain people dislike cilantro so much: it’s hardwired into your genetic makeup. So if you don’t like the taste of it, consider putting a very small portion in your food from time to time. This will assist with heavy-metal clearing. If you simply can’t bear the thought of even a little cilantro, try capsules.

Dental amalgams or fillings are a leading cause of mercury exposure, and it’s best not to have any in your body. Every time you bite down hard on something, you may be exposing yourself to minute concentrations of mercury vapor. It can be bothersome to have them removed, though, and some dental professionals say that if they’re not cracked or leaking, you should leave them alone. However, you might want to speak with a respected dentist if you have any mercury amalgams in your teeth. He or she will tell you if removal is something viable for you. But call on the angels before doing anything. They will guide you to the perfect dentist, and will help you find someone who is empathetic and understands your concerns.

Mercury, like many heavy metals, cannot be removed from your body with normal metabolic functions. Your body needs help to release the buildup of toxic metals. So, even small amounts can build up over time. Mercury has been linked to health conditions such as immune problems, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular issues, cancer, allergies, digestive concerns, psychological and endocrine disorders, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, learning difficulties, and gingivitis.

Mercury can even protect viruses from medications. It “hides” the virus until the course of treatment is completed. Then, it releases the virus back into the bloodstream. Other heavy metals have been linked to similar scenarios. So, toxic metals can be responsible for recurring infections that seem resistant to treatment.

A doctor happened upon the detoxing abilities of cilantro by “accident,” or perhaps by Divine intervention. During some routine tests, he found high levels of mercury. It was higher in the patient’s urine after eating a dish prepared with cilantro. This was investigated further, and it was found that cilantro appears to bind to heavy metals. It carries them out of the body and releases them.

Conventional treatments for heavy-metal exposure require harsh chemical methods. They usually cause the patients to feel worse before they feel better. If you feel you may have heavy-metals toxicity, get a test from your doctor or naturopath. If your results show high levels of heavy metals, seek out a holistic physician who works with mineral chelation therapy. Different minerals, such as calcium, bind with heavy metals, like lead. You can receive IV infusions of these safe minerals to quickly and effectively clear your body of toxins. Conventional studies show that chelation therapy has overall health benefits. Your holistic and integrative physician will be able to guide you.

On your own, you can use cilantro to capture the toxic compounds and gently sweep them out of your system. Rather than encountering side effects, you will notice heightened energy, greater clarity, an improved complexion, and a more positive mood.

Consume fresh bunches of cilantro daily, for three or four weeks. This will help your body remove and release any toxic-metal buildup. Add it to smoothies, fresh juices, and as a generous garnish over meals. Prepare salads with a bunch of cilantro leaves as a refreshing lunch or afternoon snack. You can also create a delicious pesto to increase your cilantro consumption .

Place cilantro, almonds, and salt in a food processor. Combine until the leaves and almonds are finely chopped. Next, turn the processor on and slowly pour in your oil. Done! You can add some cayenne pepper if you like spice. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, and consume within 2 weeks.

Aim to use 2 tablespoons a day. Spread it on sandwiches and toast, or add to freshly cooked pasta. Or, serve as a dressing for vegetables and potatoes. It’s important to eat the cilantro in its raw state. If you cook it (like boiling in soups or stir-fries), you denature the important compounds needed for detoxing.

The bitterness of lemon makes it an excellent liver-cleansing treatment. Juice half a fresh, organic lemon and add that to a glass of warm water. Drink this first thing in the morning before any other food or drink. As the lemon hits your stomach, it triggers a cleansing process, stimulating digestion and waking up the liver. Your stomach begins to produce acids that will break down your food. Now your body is in the perfect condition to enjoy a healthy breakfast.

Contrary to popular belief, lemons are actually alkaline. They may seem acidic, but once they’re digested, they’re highly alkalizing. Most illnesses and chronic diseases come from acidic environments. Your body can become too acidic if you consume too much meat and dairy and not enough vegetables and greens. By drinking lemon juice, you’re gently nudging your body into an alkaline state .

By juicing two whole lemons (skin and all), you have a very powerful antioxidant medicine. You can add a little locally produced honey or organic coconut syrup to taste if you wish. Take two tablespoons of this mixture each day to fight against the spread of unhealthy cells.

Spirulina is an easily digestible superfood. It’s a microalgae that absorbs nutrition from the sun and its watery surroundings. When viewed under a microscope, spirulina looks like tiny green spirals. This connects it with the healing emerald light of Archangel Raphael. As you consume spirulina, Raphael is given access to your body and works to dissolve any blockages, as well as increasing your vitality. He opens up your heart with this green energy, as everything that comes from love is healing. Once you get over the initial taste and smell, you’ll come to love your green drinks.

Spirulina is one of the most complete nutritional supplements available, containing over 100 nutrients. It’s rich in B vitamins, protein, iron, fatty acids, and vitamin A. This is what makes it so beneficial for your body. It requires very little digestion, so even weakened bodies can absorb it.

Spirulina is a strong antioxidant food that helps prevent damage to cells. Antioxidant protection is one of your best defenses against cancer. Scientific studies have shown that the beta-carotene (responsible for antioxidant protection) in fresh fruits and vegetables (including spirulina) is far more effective than that found in synthetic supplements. Your body craves natural sources of vitamins and minerals. Synthetic products may be difficult to break down. Your delicate system can find it challenging to absorb any of the minerals present.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper brain function and nervous-system actions. Vegetarians and vegans find it difficult to get enough natural B12 in their diets. Almost all dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal derived: meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. However, you may choose not to eat animal products due to spiritual or health concerns. Sadly, many B12 supplements are made from cow’s liver. The products sitting on the health-food-store shelf may contain the animal you’re trying to save!

Read the labels carefully to check for bovine or porcine origins. This means that the nutrition is sourced from cow or pig parts. Luckily, nature has given us the superfood spirulina, rich in B12 . It’s one of the only vegetarian sources of complete B12 . In order to receive adequate B12 from spirulina, you may have to take more than the bottle specifies. It’s always best to consult with a naturopath to choose a dosage that’s right for you.

As far as iron is concerned, its presence in spirulina is in an easily absorbed form. It doesn’t have the side effects you may be familiar with in other iron supplements.

Spirulina is largely made up of protein, which your body needs for muscle growth and development. Protein is composed of essential amino acids. When digested, protein is broken down by your body to these basic building blocks. Amino acids enhance numerous functions, including energy maintenance, cardiovascular health, concentration, mood balance, pain management, sleep cycle, and nervous-system nourishment. They’re also essential for breaking the cycle of addiction. Be sure that you get protein from other food sources, too, such as beans, lentils, and soy. It may be difficult to octain your daily protein needs from spirulina alone.

Spirulina is soothing to your digestive system, as it doesn’t require much energy to be absorbed. The food is already broken down to a cellular level and is instantly absorbed. This balances your good gut bacteria. The spirulina serves as a food for probiotic organisms.

Spirulina is wonderful for detoxing, as it removes chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals from your body in a gentle and effective way. Spirulina has also been shown to reduce the harmful effects of radiation. This is further evidence of the protective love of Archangel Raphael .

Spirulina contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is difficult to find in foods. It’s a fatty acid that your body requires for proper nerve function and signaling.

Spirulina also absorbs water in your stomach, which causes you to feel full and satisfied longer. It’s great to have in smoothies as a snack, or take it in tablet form prior to eating a big meal.

As you have learned, spirulina has numerous health benefits that include weight management, strengthening the immune system, radiation protection, heavy-metal removal, liver nourishment, and being a source of overall nutrition.

Speak with your naturopath regarding dosage. Generally, a teaspoon of powder mixed with water or juice is taken three times per day. Tablet size/strength will depend on the dosage. Try gradually increasing your amount of spirulina to a spoonful. To begin, try half a teaspoon. Then when you’re familiar with the feel and taste, you can increase the amount.

A woman named Kristine was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by pain in multiple locations within the body. Kristine noticed that she was extremely sensitive to a number of foods and environments; in fact, she was having adverse reactions to almost everything she ate. She began to lose a lot of weight and became weak as a result. Finally, she surrendered to God and prayed for help.

The angels and Jesus became her guides and helped her through every step of her healing. She received the message to trust her body; it would indicate what was good for her and what wasn’t. The angels began guiding Kristine as to what and how to eat. They would whisper in her ear and tell her which spices to use in cooking, and they’d give her specific amounts to use. Kristine followed and trusted the messages she received.

The angels urged her to intuitively test her food and supplements. What she found shocked her. Most of the supplements she was taking weren’t appropriate for her sensitive body. Many of the products were too strong, and her delicate constitution was being overwhelmed. She had a vision in which she saw that she only needed small amounts of vitamins to nourish her cells. This led her to spirulina. Kristine hadn’t taken it for a while, but remembered how good it had once made her feel. The easily absorbable nutrition in spirulina made it the perfect guided choice. Kristine began noticing improvements in the way she felt almost immediately. She heard the angels say that soon she would be able to eat a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to choose spirulina from reputable manufacturers. My (Doreen’s) favorite brands are from Hawaii, where I live. There’s evidence that spirulina (and chlorella) made in China contains toxic additives, so it’s best to avoid supplements from that country.

Chlorella is another green superfood. It’s rich in protein and assists the body with detoxification. Chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. However, this green algae has a tough outer wall that houses the nutrition. In order for your body to get maximum benefits, the cell wall needs to be broken down. Look for open-cell, or cracked, chlorella supplements.

Chlorella has been studied for its detoxing properties. It was found to be protective against heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and copper; as well as PCBs, dioxin, and uranium. After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, this superfood was chosen to help many who were exposed to radiation poisoning. Chlorella binds with heavy metals like mercury and carries them out of the body.

Chlorella contains something called “chlorella growth factor.” This promotes healthy cell growth and supports your immune system. It is also one of the best sources of chlorophyll, the green pigment present in many plants. Chlorophyll enables the transport of oxygen through the body and facilitates the work of hemoglobin. This boosts your energy, restores your red blood cells, and improves your overall well-being.

The term superfood refers to a food rich in nutrients. It contains many essential vitamins and minerals and will help your body function at its best. In the case of difficult digestion, you want foods that are simple to break down. Powders are useful, as they’re readily absorbed by your body. Look for powdered super-foods such as spirulina. There are many products on the market that combine vegetable powders with herbs and superfoods. Visit your local health-food store and see what’s available. Our recommendation is to purchase the smallest size first. Test the product on yourself and be sure your body likes it. If you respond well, then you can always buy a larger size in the future. These easily digestible, nutrient-filled foods soothe your gut and raise your vitality.

Green smoothies can be a tasty, delicious, and heart-opening experience. They’re an excellent vehicle for including more vegetables in your diet. Many people find it challenging to prepare healthy, nutritious meals. Time can often be the excuse that leads people to easy, unhealthy food instead of making something better. Green smoothies are easy, quick, and incredibly nutritious. They can also be an effective way to get good-quality greens into your child’s, your teenager’s, or even your own diet.

My (Robert’s) teenage cousin refuses to eat vegetables (especially green ones!). She will pick them out of her meal, set them to the side, and glare at them as though they’ve offended her deeply. However, when I make green smoothies, she’s the first to line up for a glass. On the one hand, she’s repulsed by eating green vegetables, but on the other, she’s quite happy to drink them. By doing so, she receives all the health benefits of vegetables in a simple and enjoyable way.

If you have a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix, making a green smoothie is very easy. Just pop all your vegetables and fruits in the blender with a little water and ice. Blend on high for a minute or two, and then enjoy. If your blender is unable to break the foods down finely enough, you might need to make it a two-step process.

First, juice any harder foods, such as apples and carrots. Then, add the juice to a blender with soft greens like spinach, kale, or lettuce. If you really enjoy your green smoothies, consider investing in a good-quality, reputable blender. Find one that can liquefy anything it touches, such as the aforementioned Vitamix. Just make sure it’s a recent model, which now features BPA-free pitchers. (BPA is a hardening agent in many plastics that leaches out and can create hormone issues, as mentioned previously.) Vitamix and similar blenders powerfully pulverize the food so it’s smooth, but keeps all the fiber intact—nothing is wasted.

By blending your greens, you increase the nutritional value. Count how many times you chew your food before you swallow. Chances are it’s only a handful of times. The recommendation is to chew your food 20 to 30 times each mouthful. Not many people expend this amount of effort chewing their food, but when the greens are blended, they’re already broken down into much smaller particles. This makes it easier for your body to absorb the beneficial nutrients.

Start with smoothies that are a balance of fruits and greens. Then, as your body gets used to the healthy foods you’re drinking, you can increase your green content. It’s also important to rotate the types of greens in your smoothies. Like everything else in life, moderation is the key. Raw greens contain minute toxins. This is nothing to concern yourself with as long as you vary your greens. So have kale one week—then spinach, chard, dandelion greens, silverbeet, Romaine lettuce, parsley, or rocket (arugula) for a peppery drink. Also, mix up the fruits that you enjoy, but keep it simple, using only one or two a time. It’s a great idea to freeze your favorite fruits when in season. We often peel and halve mangoes and bananas and store them in the freezer. This way you can have a ready supply of tasty fruit all year long.

Blend all of the ingredients with some ice until smooth. This combination will give you loads of nourishment, detox your body of chemicals and toxins, and also taste good.

The emerald-green color of these smoothies connects to the heart chakra. Drinking green smoothies is a way to love yourself. The energy of the smoothie opens your heart and reminds you to take the time to nurture your soul. The emerald green is also connected to Archangel Raphael, the Angel of Healing. After just a few days of drinking green smoothies, you’ll feel lighter, more energetic, and happier. Your heart will sing as you let in the healing energies of natural food.

Enjoy green smoothies as part of your healthy eating plan. You could have one for breakfast, or as a midmorning or evening snack. Then consume healthy, natural foods at your other mealtimes. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the experience of having green smoothies in your life—you’ll learn to love yourself through the magic of greens .

The body requires fatty acids to conduct messages along your nerves, but your body is unable to make them, so you must consume them as part of your diet. Some food sources are flaxseeds/linseeds, walnuts, hemp oil, almonds, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, and chia seeds. Include these foods in your diet so that you remain healthy and alert.

Essential fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories. They nourish and lubricate your joints and provide relief from arthritis by assisting in the fluid movement of your joints.

If you don’t get enough of these good fats, it becomes difficult to concentrate. You may feel as if you have a foggy head and are unable to focus. It becomes challenging to remember things as your memory gets worse, too. The brain is made up of fatty tissue; thus, it requires these essential fats to transmit messages. When essential fatty acids nourish your brain, you’ll be able to think clearly. A deficiency can also lead to mood swings and increased stress levels. The essential fatty acids help regulate your feel-good hormones.

When you lack good fats in your diet, your body will give you warning signs. Poor-quality hair or problematic skin are examples. Consult with your health-care professional and aim to correct the deficiency by enjoying natural, oil-rich foods. You don’t necessarily have to eat fish to get your omegas—which are good fats. Omega-3 is found in linseed, flaxseed, hemp seed, and hemp oil. Omega-6 is found in evening primrose. There are vegan/vegetarian sources of both essential fatty acids.

To achieve your optimal essential-fatty-acid ratios, you’ll want to use oils in your diet. It’s important to invest in high-quality oils for flavor and health. The first rule of oils is: never use canola oil! It’s an oil derived from the genetically modified rapeseed. There is no “canola” plant in nature. It’s a made-up name because marketers know we wouldn’t purchase “rape oil.” You’ll also want to avoid corn oil, since it typically contains pesticides from the genetically modified corn base.

Organic extra-virgin olive oil: Numerous studies show the immune-boosting benefits of olive oil. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a longer life expectancy, and scientists give olive oil much of the credit. Taking olive oil daily has been correlated with the prevention of strokes and type 2 diabetes. There’s also scientific evidence that regular olive-oil consumption reduces the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Other studies have found that olive oil reduces the risk of skin cancer and also alleviates depression. And the oleic acid in olive oil has been found to prevent breast cancer.

Plus, when you use high-quality olive oil, the taste is delicious! We use olive oil as our salad dressing without any additives. Invest in high-quality, organic, extra-virgin olive oil. Beware of inexpensive brands, which are often counterfeit oils deceptively marked as olive oil. Real olive oil is usually green in color and very thick.

Raw or virgin coconut oil: This delicious oil adds a tropical flavor to your meals, and it can withstand high cooking temperatures. Coconut oil is digestible because its saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which are easier to metabolize and help your body burn fat for energy. The key is to only use non-hydrogenated oils, which are low in saturated fats, such as coconut oil.

In the jar, coconut oil is solid and white, but it rapidly melts into a wonderful texture. You can also use coconut oil as a skin lotion and hair conditioner, and as a treat for pets.

Sesame oil: Sesame has been documented as a health agent for at least 5,000 years. In ancient Babylon and Egypt, sesame seeds were used for strength, youth, and beauty. And for good reason!

Several well-documented medical studies have linked sesame oil to reduced risks of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Rich in antioxidants that heal and protect, sesame oil makes a wonderful addition to your meals and personal body-care cabinet.

You can also use sesame oil instead of body lotion to avoid the toxins and high price of store-bought remedies. Just pour in a bit of pure lavender oil to make the sesame oil smell nice as you use it on your body. Sesame oil makes a wonderful conditioner that leaves your hair shiny and smooth.

Raw almond butter: Instead of flavoring your meals with butter or margarine, pour a stripe of raw organic almond butter on food. This butter offers all the health-enhancing benefits of almonds: lowering cholesterol, protecting the heart, and helping prevent colon cancer and Alzheimer’s.

If you or your children love sweets, then you’ll want to keep plenty of fresh organic fruits on hand. While eating too much fruit can overload your system with fructose (fruit sugar), for the most part you can freely eat it. And fruit is much preferable to other forms of sweets, especially since processed sugar (including beet sugar) is genetically modified.

Eat fresh organic greens at least once per day. Healthful greens include kale, chard, spinach, dandelion, arugula, cilantro (coriander), and broccoli. The deeper and richer the green coloring of the vegetable, the more chlorophyll it contains. Chlorophyll reverses DNA damage and protects against carcinogens. Deep green vegetables are a delicious way to protect your health and provide fiber. They’re also high in protein and vitamins A and C, and act as anti-inflammatory agents.

Studies show that cooking green vegetables causes them to lose nearly 70 percent of their chlorophyll. That’s why cooked vegetables turn gray after a while. So if you do cook your greens, make sure to stir-fry or steam them only lightly so they retain their green color—and their chlorophyll content.

Organic beans are a healthful source of protein and fiber that can also lend flavor and bulk to your favorite recipes. They’re a tasty and inexpensive meat substitute.

Beans don’t provide complete amino-acid proteins (with the exception of soybeans), so they must be combined with whole grains such as brown rice for optimal nutritional benefits. If you choose soybeans, be extra careful to only use organic soy products. Genetically engineered or nonorganic soy contains toxins.

You can purchase beans dried and soak them as a way of connecting with our ancestors’ cooking methods. Or buy them precooked in cans. We prefer the brand Amy’s Kitchen because they have a non-BPA lining inside their cans.

Many people are gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant, so they need to avoid eating wheat and other gluten products. Signs of gluten intolerance include: exhaustion, bloating, skin issues, irritability, and fertility issues.

Rice is a good grain to substitute for wheat because it’s gluten-free. It’s important to only choose organic rice to avoid consuming the genetically modified variety .

Brown rice mixed with beans provides a complete protein meal, especially if you eat a side of lightly cooked kale or similar deep-green vegetables. Season the meal with a stripe of raw organic almond butter.