What is Toxicity?

Toxicity has become a great concern in our modern world. Toxicity can range from the mucus accumulation from ingesting dairy foods to chemical toxins in the environment. We ingest chemicals, medications, sugary and refined foods and are exposed to skin care products, household cleaning supplies and air pollution, to name a few. A toxin is basically any substance that creates an irritating and/or harmful effect in the body, undermining our health and stressing our biochemical or organ functions. Clearly the healthy human body can handle certain levels of toxins; the concern is excess intake, excess production of toxins or a reduction in the elimination process.

Toxicity occurs when our bodies ingest and are exposed to more than we can utilize and eliminate. Homeostasis refers to balanced bodily functions. Toxins disturb this balance. A toxin may produce an immediate or rapid onset of symptoms, as many pesticides and some drugs do, or it may have long term effects, as when asbestos exposure leads to lung cancer.

Some common toxicity symptoms include headache, fatigue, difficulty losing weight, congestion, backaches, aching or swollen joints, digestive problems and sensitivity to environmental agents such as chemicals, perfumes and synthetics. The long range implication of too many toxins in our body is disease. Look at the rise in cancer and cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.

What is detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of either clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing or transforming them, and hence clearing excess acidity, mucus and congestion. Fats (especially oxidized fats and cholesterol), free radicals and other irritating molecules act as toxins on an internal level. Functionally, poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract and skin all increase toxicity.

Detoxification (or cleansing) is an ancient concept that appears as part of many healthcare systems around the world. Detoxification is more important today than ever before. We are now exposed to an ever increasing amount of toxins. Detoxification is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself in your lifetime.

Cleansing or detoxifying can easily become something you can incorporate into your life. The intensity of benefits will vary depending on what you try, but remember every little bit helps! Also it is important to choose a cleansing or detoxifying method that is safe. If you are in doubt, or have any medical concerns, always seek the advice of a licensed health care professional.

I have experienced many different detoxification methods. If you would like further assistance in selecting a cleansing method that is appropriate for you and your lifestyle, I would be happy to set up an appointment with you to discuss some of the options available.

There is nothing like a refreshing cup of tea, but did you know that different types of tea have different health benefits? Experience what the Chinese have known for hundreds of years: the powerful health benefits and healing properties of herbal teas.

One of the most consumed herbal cleansing teas is the liver detox tea, which is made from an infusion of herbs that have medicinal properties that flush out excess waste and toxins from the liver, stimulating the digestive system and reducing congestion of the gallbladder. In fact, since the liver is the largest and most vital gland of the body, it is important to take care of and support detoxifying this organ. This is because toxins accumulated in the liver spread to the kidneys, which can cause various renal diseases. Once the liver is cleansed, there are lesser chances of kidney related ailments and illnesses.

One of my favorite teas for detoxing the liver is the Organic Yogi Tea with the appropriate name "Detox". For most of us the convenience of ready-made loose tea and teabag blends work well. There are numerous teas on the market that you can purchase for detoxification, I personally try to stick to the ones with organic ingredients. If you are ambitious you could certainly concoct your own blends at home, maybe even grow a cleansing herbal garden.

Cook Time: 45 min.
Prep Time: 5
Serves: 4
Recipe from "If the Buddha Came to Dinner"

NOURISHMENT CLEANSE and GET-A-WAY
in HARVARD, MA AND SOUTH LONDONDERRY, VT

Please join us for a 10-day nurturing, supportive group experience in which you have the opportunity to cleanse your body of toxins, focus your intentions, awaken to your deeper self, and rest and rejuvenate for a weekend at an elegant Vermont retreat.

MARCH 19, 23, 24, 25, AND 28

Sessions March 19th and 28th, from 7-9 PM at Simple Balance in Harvard, MA
Arrival at Interlude in South Londonderry, Vermont by 5 PM on March 23rd
Sessions March 24th and 25th are at Interlude, departure will be Sunday evening after an early supper.

Cost of Cleanse Program: $175 ($150 for Simple Balance Clients),includes "The Heart of Nourishment Workbook".
It is recommended you purchase supplemental herbal and fiber products to support the cleansing process.

Cost of Retreat in Vermont: $405 per person for shared room and bath (see other accomodation options); includes all meals, yoga classes and workshops from Friday supper through Sunday supper.

Go to www.interludevt.com for more details and registration form

TOTAL COST IS $555 or ($530 for Simple Balance Clients)

Participants must register with $100 deposit
by Wednesday, February 28th.

SEND REGISTRATION FORM AND DEPOSIT TO:
Marcy Balter
129 Rockport Road, Weston, MA 02493
Balance due by March 12th (space is limited, so register early).

Read more about Marcy Balter, who will lead the Nourishment Cleanse...

Read more about the creator of "The Heart of Nourishment Cleanse", Hale' Sofia Schatz...

Click here for details if you would like to meet Hale' Sofia Schatz on March 8th...

Do you wish you had more energy? Do you find yourself crashing mid-morning or late afternoon? Do you reach for caffeine or sugar to keep yourself going? Do you have a list of things you would do if you had more energy? If so, come join me at Life Alive and learn about how food, sleep and movement can effect your energy levels. You will learn some simple, natural ways to increase your energy.

WHEN: March 4, 2007
TIME: 6 - 7 pm
WHERE: Life Alive Urban Oasis and Organic Cafe
ADDRESS: 194 Middle Street, Lowell, MA
REGISTER BY PHONE: Call life Alive @ 978-453- 1311
REGISTER BY E-MAIL: info@lifealive.com

To learn more about Life Alive go to www.lifealive.com

Would you like to learn more about the different ways our bodies accumulate toxins? Would you also like to have a better understanding of how toxins and poor nutrition play a role in the increasing rise of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, intestinal diseases and weight gain? Come watch a DVD where a board certified gastroentenologist shares some interesting information on toxins and your health. It will be followed by a discussion and some ways you can start helping your own body eliminate excess toxins.

WHEN: Sunday ,February 11, 2007
TIME: 7:30 - 8:30 PM
COST: $10.00
WHERE: Simple Balance
ADDRESS: 249 Ayer Road, Suite 201, Harvard, MA
REGISTER BY E-MAIL: simplebalance@charter.net
REGISTER BY PHONE: 978-400-6514

Isagenix is a product that I had been hearing about, and because I feel cleansing is important for overall health and wellness, I decided to do a little research and find out more. I was impressed with the quality of the ingredients in the products so I decided to take the next step and test it on myself. I did the 9 day cleanse and I am now on day 13 of the 30 day cleanse. You can click here and then click on About Me to find out more about my personal experience so far.

Are you ready to improve your health and wellness, but need some support in getting started? In our busy lives it is easy to put off taking care of our bodies, but once you make the committment you will be richly rewarded. Go to my client testimonials and read about their experiences in the 6 Month Program.

To encourage and support you in making that first step towards improving your health and wellness, sign up
for my 6 Month Individual Program by February 15, 2007 and receive a free 1 hour massage from the massage therapist of your choice, at Harvard Therapeutic Massage, compliments of Simple Balance.

You can also sign up for a Complimentary Health History to see if the 6 Month Individual Program is right for you.

Do you know someone who is looking for support and guidance in reaching their health goals? Share with them what Simple Balance has to offer. Not only will you feel good inside, you too will receive a receive a free 1 hour massage from the massage therapist of your choice, at Harvard Therapeutic Massage, if they sign up for a 6 Month Individual Program.