Tag Archives: detox

Dangers of Women’s Menstrual Products

Hey girl hey! Let’s talk about women’s hygiene products. Your tampons and sanitary pads are harming your health, YES, you heard that right. Research shows that several women’s hygiene products such as pads, tampons, and pantyliners contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).

EDCs, like phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, and triclocarban, are chemicals that interfere with the way the body’s hormones work. EDCs are dangerous and can lead to severe harm to the body. They can harm every organ in the body, lead to cancer and endometriosis.

Many of these products also contain chlorine bleach. Conventional tampons are created using ingredients that are exposed to pesticides and fertilizers. Wild, right?

What’s the way forward then?

✔Use non-toxic products- I use chlorine-free pads. Some alternatives are menstrual cups and reusable underwear (Chile, check for those chemicals). Do your research and find sustainable and organic brands.

✔Raise awareness- Tell people about this, share posts like these on your stories, whatever way you can get the word out there

✔Learn more about EDCs and the toxins, so you can stay updated on issues surrounding them.

Do you use non-toxic menstrual products? Share some below. To learn more about your hormones and address any imbalances, check out our Hormone Balancing Academy. -XO

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @therawgirl. Can’t wait to connect with you:)

Signs and Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Signs you need to #DetoxYourLife: Candida Overgrowth. 

What is Candida? We all have it – it’s a type of yeast necessary for our gut ecosystem that normally lives in small amounts in places like your mouth and belly, or on your skin without causing any problems, but when the veggie hits the fan and we get imbalanced it can multiply and grow out of control. 

Signs you may have Candida overgrowth:

  • Fatigue
  • Chronic yeast infections
  • Recurring urinary tract infections
  • Nail / toe fungus 
  • White coating on tongue 
  • Sugar cravings 
  • Sinus infections: Common symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, loss of smell and headaches. A study by the Mayo Clinic looked at a group of 210 individuals with chronic sinus infections and found that 96% of them had fungi in their mucus. Yikes!
  • Digestive issues including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, cramps and bloating. Studies indicate that overgrowth of Candida is also associated with several diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
  • Skin rashes or acne that flares up in response to consuming sugar 

Things to note about clearing up Candida overgrowth:

You must find out the root cause to effectively address it. For me it was mercury poisoning. For others it may be a poor diet, or even an imbalance caused by medication. Steroid drugs like Prednisone can actually promote Candida overgrowth. And undergoing the process of antibiotic therapy, steroid therapy, or chemotherapy also increase the chance of a candida overgrowth. 

Know this: If you are on a no sugar diet for years you are approaching it wrong! It took me a month and a half of targeted detox to clear it up. You do need a period of restricting sugars – Absolutely no refined sugar or flour should be allowed –  but low glycemic index fruit can be fine in moderation.

Don’t try to use probiotics as a bandaid. There’s a place for them in gut healing but we have to clear out the core issue first and then “reseed” or repopulate the gut with good bacteria. In addition to a regular probiotic, a strain called Saccharomyces Boulardii is particularly effective against Candida.

If you or someone you know thinks you may have candida, holla at your girl. There’s testing that you need to do to confirm it’s presence, and getting a detox protocol that is tailored to your situation is ideal. -XO

Glutathione: A Powerful Antioxidant to Slow Aging & Boost Your Health

 

 

 

 

If you are about that #Ageless life, or simple want optimal health…Get your Glutathione up!

Glutathione is of the most powerful antioxidants in the body – your body makes it from three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine, and you also get it from your diet. The highest concentration of it is actually found in our intestines and is necessary for our body to properly absorb calcium. Some of the key benefits: Prevents damage to cells, slows aging, detoxifies the body including helping with removal of heavy metals, balances and boosts immunity, reduces inflammation. 

Glutathione gets depleted as we age, with excessive stress, poor “junk food” diet, exposure to environmental toxins, within chronic inflammatory diseases or specific conditions like autoimmune diseases, and also with over-exercise. Being exposed to or taking a lot of medications can also deplete glutathione.

Chile, so how do we boost the levels we have? To start where possible reducing your exposure to environmental toxins, remove processed and junk foods from your diet, get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, and  take steps towards healing any chronic conditions. Consume sulfur containing foods cabbage, garlic, onions, spinach, all the cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress and mustard greens.

Increasing your intake of vitamin C is important, as vitamin C helps reprocess glutathione by converting oxidized glutathione back to its active form. One Canadian research study showed that when subjects consumed 500–1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 13 weeks, this lead to an 18% increase of glutathione in white blood cells.  Supplementation can also help to boost glutathione – but you cannot supplement it directly, you need to supplement building blocks that help the body create it like N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, L-glutamine, or Silymarin (from milk thistle). Other important nutrients to support production include: B vitamins and selenium. -XO Raw Girl 

PS. My calendar is still open to take FREE one on one calls. If you are a woman 30+ interested in transforming your health, getting clarity about what diet and exercise is best for you, and creating healthy rituals that stick, SIGN UP HERE.

References: 

Jones DP, Coates RJ, Flagg EW, Eley JW, Block G, Greenberg RS, Gunter EW, Jackson B. Glutathione in foods listed in the National Cancer Institute’s Health Habits and History Food Frequency Questionnaire. Nutr Cancer. 1992;17(1):57-75.PubMed PMID: 1574445.

Lenton KJ, Sané AT, Therriault H, Cantin AM, Payette H, Wagner JR. Vitamin C augments lymphocyte glutathione in subjects with ascorbate deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;77(1):189-95. PubMed PMID: 12499341.

Mårtensson J, Jain A, Meister A. Glutathione is required for intestinal function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Mar;87(5):1715-9. PubMed PMID: 2308931; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC53553.

Moine, L., Rivoira, M., Díaz de Barboza, G., Pérez, A., & Tolosa de Talamoni, N. (2018). Glutathione depleting drugs, antioxidants and intestinal calcium absorption. World journal of gastroenterology, 24(44), 4979–4988. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i44.4979

The Art of Spring Cleaning: Mind, Body, & Spirit

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From a holistic health perspective we usually hear spring cleaning and we immediately think DETOX. Sure, that can be a focus. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the word detox feels too aggressive for me. My personal spring cleaning usually involves persistent introspection; looking at myself mind, body, and soul.  What I mean by that is I really try to investigate all areas, and when I think I have an answer, I ask even more questions. My goal is to get to the root of the matter. As I step into my soon-to-be new role of Nutritionist and aspire to live more of my wildest dreams I want to feel like whatever may be in my way is removed. Here’s the thing I realized: you can’t clear away what you are unaware of. Again: How can I clear blocks if I think everything is OK?

I want to challenge you this upcoming Spring season to get off autopilot. Are you ignoring a diagnosis because it’s too scary to deal with it head on? Have you promised yourself yet again to start on some new healthy habits but can’t seem to find the motivation or time? When what we have doesn’t line up with what we want, we have to do something to shake things up. Here’s a few ways to do some deep spring cleaning and get closer to living your best life.

  1. Find a Coach. Recently I committed to hiring a coach to help me get clearer about my career. It’s amazing to how much clarity I received in such a short period of time just by making the commitment. Whether it be for your health, your relationships, or even for your body (physical trainer) – the power of the mastermind is real, and two heads are definitely more impactful than one. One of the greatest benefits of coaching: you usually get that Oprah AHA! Moment and land spot on the beliefs or things you did not know. This is because when we are eyeballs deep in our own drama it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Seeking the aid of a professional can offer ongoing motivation, and help us push through challenges.
  2. Examine Your Limiting Beliefs. We are taught effort is KING. But is it really? We have to take action towards our goals, for sure, and no we can’t expect weight to magically disappear from our midsection, (unfortunately),  or our blood pressure to miraculously go down with the power of desire alone. We have to do something. However when we are applying a ton of effort and getting ZERO results; it’s a glaring sign that we may need to take a step back and work on the unconscious beliefs we are holding on to that may be hindering our success. Being effective, can take us much further along our path to achieving our goals, that simple being frenetic with action.
  3. Figure out WHO you need to become. Get in touch with your ideal, who you have to be to live that ideal, and what has to go. When you run the movie in your mind of your so-called fabulous life what are doing, who is with you, what habits do you have that support the dream? Sometimes instead of focusing on what we want: clear skin, more energy, weight loss, a better job, we need to focus instead on who we have to become to have the thing we desire. Once you have a clear picture of what you want, and you know who you need to be, start to examine what you can do now to align your daily actions with the YOU that is living your dreams. Happy Spring cleaning, and as you go through this process remember to relax, relate, and release! -XO

Transform Health

Need a coach? Your girl will be a full-fledged nutritionist in August! Right now I’m taking clients via Skype or in-person at Wellness Cooperative in Old Town Alexandria. If you want to know whats holding you back from living your healthiest, best life I can help. My nutrition tune-ups involve assessing your diet and any medical conditions to help you figure out what adjustments you can make to feel amazing and heal. You will complete the session aware of any nutritional deficiencies, and also with an idea of the supplements or lifestyle changes that can help propel you on your healthy living path. To learn more or book your session click HERE!

 

Preparing for Expansion – Spring Cleaning for Body, Mind, & Spirit

SPRING

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner! We all associate spring with new life, beautiful buds beginning to bloom in the trees, and better weather. I’m sure you have also heard of the term “spring cleaning.” The thing about any kind of growth or new life is that is requires that we get rid of the old to make room for the new. As we move into this approaching new season, make some time to take stock in your own life.

Ask yourself: what personal objects are you holding onto that you no longer need? What associations whether personal or business should be release or transformed? Are there habits that are getting in the way of your success that you need to change? Take some time alone with yourself to journal about these things.

My background is primarily in the world of health and diet, but I believe that how we treat our bodies very much affects our mind and spirit. The equivalent of “spring cleaning” for the body is to take on a detox. Are you feeling sluggish or low energy? Is your skin dull or are you experiencing breakouts? It may be time for a detox. To cleanse the body there are many things you can try including 1) Juice Fasting, 2) Parasite Cleanse, 3) Partial Fast. With Juice Fasting or feasting you would consume fresh vegetable juice for 1-3 days maximum if you are a newbie to fasting in order to give the digestive system a break and allow the body to flush out toxins. A Parasite Cleanse involves taking herbs that you can find over the counter to rid the body of worms that may be sapping your nutrition, energy, and causing other health complications. Everyone should do regular yearly parasite cleansing as you can pick them up from contaminated water, pets, travel etc. On a partial fast, you can choose what food items you want to leave out of your diet and the duration. You could use the mornings to do juices or smoothies, and eliminate all meat or processed foods for a few days. It’s up to you.

I encourage you to think about it because as you release waste or toxins from body, your aura can open up. There’s a lightness that occurs and allows you to think clearer, receive Divine insight, and live your best, most energized life. When you combine a toxin-free body with the power of positive intention, magic can happen. Here’s to your incredible spring-cleaning experience and to all the amazing things that flood your life once you have the courage to release the old! -XO Raw Girl

#TestimonialTuesday: Woman Loses 60 lbs in 6 Months Using Raw Girl’s 7 Day Detox

unnamed#TestimonialTuesday: Akosua Peprah (on Instagram as @eloquent_feminist) was kind enough to let me know yesterday that she has lost 60 lbs in 6 months using the principles she learned in Raw Girl’s 7 Day Detox for Beauty, Weightloss, & Rejuvenation!!!! She says: “First of all let me thank you. Your page, your blog, and your book has made a very huge change on my life. I started my journey early November last year, and have lost 60 pounds in all. I was 255 and I am now 195 lbs. The 7 day detox book was the best thing I used my money for.”

First of all Akosua I am so proud of you!!!! For doing the work. For not just reading but taking action on what was written. You are gorgeous at every size and I am so humbled and grateful that my writing could have such an impact. Yesterday when I received your message I literally wept, as I thought about my journey and how just five years ago I didn’t have a dime to my name. I had lost my job and was pretty much unemployed and without steady work for almost two years straight. It was a very tough period but I decided to use my time doing everything I always said I wanted to do. During that time I wrote The Acne-Free Diet, Raw Girl’s 7 Day Detox, and Parasites Be Gone! I prayed for God to use me, because I had a vision but at that time it seemed so far off. So to receive your photos and hear your testimony was HUGE. The message you sent drove home for me that no matter how rocky the journey has been, it was all worth it.

Your testimonial allowed me to reflect and bask in gratitude for the fact that I am now self-employed, about to release my third book,  and working with an incredible team. I continue to pray the little I can do in the world continues to have an impact. The testimonies and positive comments from YOU readers all over the world have always kept me going, so THANK YOU. If you have a story please reach out and let me know! I LOVE YOU ALL so much for your continued support. -XoXo Raw Girl 

Juice! Cucumber Pear Zinger

JUICE EDITED

Cucumber Pear Zinger

1 Head of Celery

1 Large Cucumber

2-3 Pears

Ginger Root (as much as you like)

Juice, strain, enjoy! 🙂 

-XoXo Raw Girl 

Juice! Tangy Cucumber Cooler

Cucumber Romaine Lemon Ginger
I’m on a sugar-free regimen for the entire month of November, and it is in one word HARD. We are so used to being stimulated by sugar in so many forms, it is hard to function without it. In fact, the majority of us are so sugared-up that it leads us on the path to chronic illness and disease.
It is estimated that the average American eats 150 to 170 pounds of sugar each year. That’s the weight of an adult human being! No wonder so many are obese or sick and tired. Take stock of how much sugar you are putting in your body from morning to evening and you may be surprised. It’s in everything from condiments, processed foods, and “health drinks.
” Yes, our body needs carbohydrates to thrive and to give us energy, but it does not need refined sugars found in processed foods, desserts, and candies. Juicing is a great way to break addictions, and help the body reset from unhealthy cravings. Below is a recipe for a simple healthy juice with no added sugars, that is light and refreshing. -XoXo Raw Girl
Tangy Cucumber Cooler
1 head of Romaine
2 Cucumbers
1 Lemon
ginger root (to taste)
Run all ingredients through juicer. Strain, serve, enjoy!

 

Got Parasites? Signs That You May Have Intestinal Worms

Parasite Book_BIGBannerDo you know what it feels like to have your life force being sucked out of you daily? Most people do, and they don’t know what the source of their woes are. Parasites! If you have been a long term reader of this blog, you know how much I hate the buggers. Although it seems hard to believe, the parasite or intestinal worm problem is not only real, it is one of the leading causes of health problems. It is estimated that over 80% of Americans and an even higher percentage of people worldwide are infected with parasites. In many developing countries parasites can claim the lives of entire villages. There are thousands of species within the major categories of parasites. Because of the wide range of types and depending on the area and degree of infection in the body the symptoms can be really wide-ranging. In many cases people are treated for other diseases when in fact their problem stems from having a severe parasite infection. Besides leeching nutrients from their hosts, parasites also produce toxic waste that affects the body and compromises the central nervous system.

Some key symptoms of parasitic infection are outlined below. If you believe you have parasites, you need to first confirm that it is the source of your health concerns, and then discern what may be the root cause for your imbalance before you begin cleansing. After slaving tirelessly for the past year, Parasites, Be Gone! my comprehensive guide to cleansing the body of parasites is now available in the Raw Girl Store. The goal of the book which includes a 14 Day Parasite Cleanse was to not only share my journey, but to compile extensive research combined with my personal experience to create a guide that would save want to be parasite-killa’s time and money weeding through the riff-raff. There are so many products, theories, diets, and foods that are aimed at solving the problem, and I wanted to a way to give anyone looking to become parasite-free to have a clear and thorough road map of how to begin. To celebrate the launch below is a tidbit taken from chapter one in the book which describes some of the symptoms  you may experience when infected by worms. -XoXo Raw Girl 

Stomach & Intestinal Complications like those mentioned below are caused by large amounts of parasites in the lower digestive system and the toxic waste they produce.

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas & Bloating
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Leaky Gut
  • Bloody Stools
  • Mucus in the Stools
  • Nausea
  • Hemorrhoids

Fatigue or lack of energy happens when the toxic waste overloads and overworks the eliminative organs and strains the nervous system and can cause:

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Low Energy
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive Weakness

Skin Disorders or Allergies can be caused by parasites that penetrate the skin and can cause itching. When the bodies’ defense system kicks in and white blood cells increase the reaction can cause rashes or food sensitivities to appear and symptoms may include:

  • Acne or skin reactions like Rashes or Hives
  • Dry Skin or Dry Hair
  • Food Allergies
  • Hair Loss
  • Itchy Anus
  • Itchy Skin
  • Crawling Sensations Under the Skin
  • Sores
  • Swelling

Mood and Anxiety Issues can arise from the negative impact that the toxic metabolic waste from parasite activity has on the nervous system and can cause:

  • Mood Swings
  • Nervousness
  • Depression
  • Foggy Thinking
  • Slow Reflexes
  • Anxiety
  • Forgetfulness

Sleep Disturbances can be caused by the mere presence of parasites or the body reacting to them during restful periods. This can cause symptoms such as:

  • Teeth Grinding
  • Bed Wetting
  • Insomnia
  • Waking in the middle of the night
  • Drooling while asleep
  • Itching around the anus (especially at night)

Weight & Appetite Problems are very common among those infected with parasites. Most people may have no idea this is the source of their ravenous appetite or inability to gain weight, and so the problem remains undetected. Some symptoms include:

  • Excessive Hunger/Increase in Appetite
  • Excessive Weight Loss
  • Strong and frequent sugar and carbohydrate cravings

Kombucha: The Ultimate Health Tonic

Locally brewed Kombucha on tap is my favorite!

Locally brewed Kombucha on tap is my favorite!

In about seven years or so, Kombucha has gone from a relatively obscure tea that raw foodists and other health enthusiasts  drink to a super tonic touted by a wide range of companies that have taken over the refrigerated drink sections of natural food stores.  Now you can easily find kombucha in original form, and every flavor from goji berry to ginger. If you know me well, you know I live for kombucha. I cannot remember who for the life of me introduced me to it years ago, but since then I’ve been hooked. When I’m in Raw Girl mode and tapped into all my vegan superhero powers, kombucha is an essential part of my diet that is non-negotiable because it always helps to bring my body back to balance, and keep me energized.

Kombucha has been around since ancient times and there are many stories on where it may have originated. One common thread is that it began in China during the  Qin Dynasty and eventually spread to other regions including Russia and Eastern Europe where it is called “kvass.” There are variations of kombucha called by different names also found in Siberia, Tibet, Germany, Japan, and India. The word kombucha is Japanese and literally means “kelp tea” but it is actually a fermented tea made using a bacteria and yeast culture that resembles a mushroom. Kombucha is a metabolic enhancer which helps the organs to function optimally, probiotic that supports beneficial bacteria, adaptogen which balances bodily functions, and detoxifier. This bonafide health tonic contains a wide range of organic acids, vitamins (including vitamin C), enzymes, and B vitamins that provide the body with energy, help to process fats and proteins, and are vital for normal functioning of the nervous system.

Although it has been around for ages, there have been no clinical trials conducted on humans to support its purported health benefits. However, some studies conducted in rats have proven that the claims of kombucha drinkers are not completely unfounded. For instance in 2000, a study reported that mice that drank kombucha for three years lived on average at least twenty-six days longer than mice who were without it. In 2001, another study showed that drinking kombucha for fifteen days protected rat’s livers from the toxic effects of acetaminophen, a common pain killer. And later, in 2003, another study showed that kombucha reduced DNA damage in rats exposed to lead.

In addition to the immediate positive effects it has on energy and digestion, kombucha promotes elimination, weight loss,  and a healthy vegan glow. The recent issue plaguing kombucha brewers is that because of the small amount of alcohol in it from the fermentation process (around 1% alcohol), in some areas businesses are now being required to have a liquor license to serve it! This in my opinion is absolute mayhem, especially considering how easy it is to get a million and one other drinks and foods that can ruin your health and vitality. Anyhow, if  you manage to get your hands on some good kombucha, it can change your life. I met and interviewed a kombucha brewer in Virginia for my radio show, who began brewing it when his wife lost the majority of her intestines and was having constant urinary tract infections. At the time she was being fed through a tube. He started brewing his own kombucha and fed it to her through the tube. She recovered slowly but surely and to this day she’s been out of the hospital and is moving around on a walker! I met her myself. Once he began selling his kombucha locally the results were astounding and the news of people being healed from everything from skin issues to chronic fatigue to high cholesterol started pouring in.

The world over kombucha has been known to help with a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions including arthritis, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol, cancer, eczema, acne, allergies, and chronic fatigue syndrome. So what is all this hype about? Kombucha is not necessarily doing the healing; what is does is help to being your body back into balance so it can heal itself! Below is a long list of additional reasons why drinking kombucha is great for your health. If you are dealing with candida or yeast overgrowth, are pregnant, or dealing with a disease that seriously compromises your immune system you should not drink kombucha or at the very least should seek the consult of a doctor or health practitioner before doing so. You can brew your own, buy it local, or find it at a health food store. When you find that magical brand, stick with it. The most powerful brands I have ever tried have always been locally made. ~XoXo Raw Girl 

  • Promotes and helps healthy bacteria in the gut to thrive
  • Detoxifies the liver
  • Alkalinizes the body and balances internal pH
  • Improves digestion and alleviates constipation
  • Assists the body in building connective tissue
  • Boosts energy and can help relieve chronic fatigue
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Relieves headaches and migraines
  • Reduces kidney stones
  • High in antioxidants therefore great in preventing cancer
  • Lowers glucose levels
  • Aids in healthy cell regeneration
  • Heals skin issues including acne, eczema, and psoriasis and promotes a youthful glow