The holiest day of the Jewish year is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; a day spent in prayer, penance and among other things, fasting. How grueling it was to me as a child. Of course I rarely made it through and the few times I did I would break fast (no not “breakfast” spellcheck) with something like a cheeseburger and a milkshake. Nowadays it’s become popular for people feeling a bit guilty about their sinful diet to do a little atoning of their own with a variety of juice fasts. Maybe my ancient ancestors were on to something.

Anyway, this fasting is a risky business and really not necessary for those with a healthy diet already. Nonetheless, the benefits are compelling. In addition to getting rid of toxins built up throughout the system from a poor diet it can decrease congestive symptoms; eliminate food allergies and sensitivities; reduces the burden on the digestive system, allowing it to heal; release pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals from stored fat, which can then be eliminated; enhance mental, physical, and spiritual well-being; increase energy and mental clarity; promote glowing skin; prevent chronic diseases caused by poor diet and lifestyle; and clear mucus discharge.

A juice fast is just what it says; a short-term intake of raw vegetable and fruit juice and water ONLY. This is done because juice is an incredible source of vitamins and antioxidants. Fasts typically last for one to three days but some people go longer. I wouldn’t recommend that without some type of medical supervision and monitoring to ensure that nutrient deficiencies don’t result.

So here’s a basic outline of a fast although many variations are possible. Do your research and find one that’s right for you. It’s suggested to fast during the warmer months with Spring being the best time of the year for juice fasting. For seven or more days before the fast, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, dairy, wheat, animal meat, fish, and eggs should be reduced or eliminated from the diet. During this time eat mainly organic fruits, vegetables, and beans. During the fast between 32 and 64 ounces of juice is recommended and should be sipped throughout the day. Typical fruits and vegetables include celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens. Citrus fruits are often avoided. In addition to the juice roughly 6 glasses of room temperature or warm filtered water is recommended. GO ORGANIC! And if you absolutely, positively cannot, peel the skin off the fruits and vegetables or wash them with a non-toxic produce cleaner like the Cuisine Clean. Fresh juice is a must so the best alternative to juicing at home with a centrifugal juicer and masticating juicer is to buy it from the health food store. Be sure not to skimp on the wheatgrass, green vegetables and sprouts because they contain the chlorophyll, which is especially beneficial during a juice fast. These must be juiced in a masticating juicer. Be sure to combine both fruits and vegetables as they each have their own unique benefits and finally, when you break the fast, return to solid foods gradually.

Certain fruits and vegetables and their parts should not be juiced, like the pits of peaches, apricots, cherries, and other fruits, apple seeds, citrus peels, carrot and rhubarb tops, tough skins (such as kiwi, pineapple, mangoes), and bananas and avocados. Some people can’t handle complete abstinence from solid food so it’s ok if you eat one meal a day in addition to the juice.

Pay attention to your body while you fast. Keep an eye on your weight, symptoms and degree of congestion, tongue coating, degree of hunger, and energy level. If energy level drops for more than one day, if weight becomes too low, or if any symptoms become particularly intense, just break the fast for God’s sake. This isn’t a punishment after all. Please note that a certain amount of tongue coating is normal. It may become thicker or have a more pronounced color (yellow, white, grey) as the body eliminates toxins.

Certain people should not do this. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn’t try a juice fast. As well, people with diabetes, low blood sugar, eating disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, addictions, underweight, anemia, impaired immune function, infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, cancer, terminal illness, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions shouldn’t try a juice fast or should do so only under strict medical supervision. People shouldn’t try a juice fast before or after surgical procedures. Remember, a juice fast can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body so people taking prescription medications should consult a health professional skilled in detoxification before trying a juice fast, and should never discontinue or reduce their medications on their own.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

www.877myjuicer.com

Now that you’ve researched juicers, read up on organic fruits and vegetables and (hopefully) purchased your very first juicer, you might be asking yourself; just exactly what can I do with this new appliance? Do you make a smoothie, throw a juicing party or do you try out one of the expected juice fasts you’ve heard so much about from your friends and legions of committed juicers? If you decide a juice fast, just might be the answer, you may want to start with understanding the basics of juicing for detoxification.

WHY DETOX?

First of all, many doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists and juicers consider detoxification an important corrective and restorative process in our cycle of nutrition. It is a time when we allow our cells and organs the chance to clear out waste and take in new oxygen and nutrients. While we do not necessarily need to fast to experience some cleansing, (minor shifts in the diet such as including more fluids and more raw foods will encourage detoxification), juice fasting is an advanced detox method designed to speed the elimination of toxins from the body. Freshly juiced fruits and vegetables provide calories and nutrients on which to function and build new cells, and also provide vital enzymes.

Juice fasting essentially refers to the avoidance of solid foods and the consumption only of liquids. Water fasting is popular, but juice is often chosen over water as a way of fasting because of its many benefits. Juice requires minimal digestion, improves energy, is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body and it supplies nutrients and calories to maintain energy, while it stimulates our body to clear waste. Fasting also increases the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and sinuses, and skin. While this process may generate discharge such as mucus from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, sinuses, or in the urine, it is helpful in clearing out the problems that have arisen from overeating and a sedentary lifestyle.

BEFORE YOU DETOX

Since we are all different from age to body type to health conditions, it is recommended that you consult your primary care provider before trying a juice fast for detox. Fasting can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body. If you are taking prescription medication make certain to consult a health professional skilled in detoxification.

Moreover, if you have one of the following conditions do not try juice fasting: diabetes, hypoglycemia, eating disorders, anemia, epilepsy, kidney disease, impaired or weak immune system, cardiac arrhythmias, weak heart, candida, cancer, peptic ulcer, malnutrition, pregnancy, nursing, gout, lactation, asthma, terminal illness, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, any condition that causes depletion and weakness, underweight, chronic infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, epilepsy.

JUICING GUIDELINES

Once you’ve received the go-ahead and are ready to begin your juice detox, it is best to start slowly and to avoid being excessive or impatient. Make sure to get good nights sleep and follow some of these practical tips:

Begin slowly with a three or five day juice fast and graduate to a longer fast from there.

The basic procedure is to use between one and three parts distilled or filtered water to one part fresh juice. Between 32 and 64 oz. of juice is usually recommended per day. The juice is sipped throughout the day. Approximately 6 glasses of filtered water should be consumed (including the water used to dilute the juice) to flush out toxic substances.

· Low-allergen protein supplements can be added after the third day. They provide protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the detoxification process. The powder can be mixed into juices.

· Keep warm. Nurturing and relaxing are important during this time. Breathing exercises, yoga and/or meditation are some optional suggestions.

· Add blue-green algae, spirulina, or chlorella to juices to provide more energy.

· Be sure to drink plenty of warm water in addition to juices..

· Good choices for detox are celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens.

· Apples, grapes, oranges, and carrots are caloric and should be minimized if weight loss is desired while grapefruit, lemon, cucumber, and greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or parsley, are recommended for weight loss.

Fruit Juices

Lemon—liver, gallbladder, allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease (CVD), colds
Citrus—CVD, obesity, hemorrhoids, varicose veins
Apple—liver, intestines
Pear—gallbladder
Grape—colon, anemia
Papaya—stomach, indigestion, hemorrhoids, colitis
Pineapple—allergies, arthritis, inflammation, edema, hemorrhoids
Watermelon—kidneys, edema
Black cherry—colon, menstrual problems, gout

Vegetable Juices

Greens—CVD, skin, eczema, digestive problems, obesity, breath
Spinach—anemia, eczema
Parsley—kidneys, edema, arthritis
Beet greens—gallbladder, liver, osteoporosis
Watercress—anemia, colds
Wheat grass—anemia, liver, intestines, breath (remember you have to use a masticating juicer for this.  No other juicer will work!)
Cabbage—colitis, ulcers
Comfrey—intestines, hypertension, osteoporosis
Carrots—eyes, arthritis, osteoporosis
Beets—blood, liver, menstrual problems, arthritis
Celery—kidneys, diabetes, osteoporosis
Cucumber—edema, diabetes
Jerusalem artichokes—diabetes
Garlic—allergies, colds, hypertension, CVD, high fats, diabetes (use a garlic keeper to keep it fresh)
Radish—liver, high fats, obesity
Potatoes—intestines, ulcer

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

Wheatgrass does the body good!  We drink it in the office…everday.  If you really want to learn about it, this is the article for you.  It is kind of long, so sit back and relax…or maybe just print it off.  Wheatgrass is by far one of the most potent substances available on this earth. Although wheatgrass (some people spell it wheat grass) is starting to catch on with mainstream America, many people are still unaware of all the powers this easy to grow substance carries.

This page will give you some in-depth information on what wheatgrass is, how to grow it, and what the heck is so special about it! If grown properly, cut at the correct time, and consumed immediately wheatgrass should not have a bitter taste. It should taste sweet! Michael Bergonzi of Hippocrates Institute is the wheatgrass grower there and produces some of the finest grass.

An analysis performed by Harvey Lisle which is provided by the Anne Wigmore Foundation showed 3500 mg. of wheatgrass to contain the following properties:

· 800 mg of Protein

· 600 mg of Crude Fiber

· 10 Calories

· 19 mg of Chlorophyll

Sources other than Ann Wigmore list these additional factors in Wheat Grass:

Features and Benefits of Wheatgrass:

· One of the richest natural sources of Vitamin A, B and C

· Contains “live enzymes” to aide in digestion and metabolism

· High protein content

· Contains all 8 essential Amino Acids

· High source of Chlorophyll - which has shown to be effective against radiation poisoning

· Chlorophyll is closely related to the Hemoglobin in blood

· Purifies blood

· Great skin cleanser - pour it in a bath for a refreshing soak

· Used as a mouthwash it invigorates the gums and draws out toxins

· Wheatgrass implants used in conjunction with enemas are great for cleansing the colon

· A study at the University of California (San Diego) showed wheatgrass and barley grass to contain an enzyme P4D1which has the ability to repair faulty DNA

List of benefits to the body:

1. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.
2. Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.
3. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.
4. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.
5. Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.
6. Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.
7. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)
8. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior be cause it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man.
9. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.
10. Dr. Ann Wigmore has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.
11. Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them, and makes them over.
12. Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr. Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of wheat grass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrots, lettuce, celery, and so forth.
13. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
14. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
15. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
16. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
17. Wheatgrass juice cures acne and even removes scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet must be improved at the same time.
18. In The American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Cruskin, M.D., recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll. It neutralizes strep infections, heals wounds, hastens skin grafting, cures chronic sinusitis, overcomes ear inflammation and infections, reduces varicose veins and heals leg ulcers, eliminates impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heals rectal sores, successfully treats inflammation of the uterine cervix, gets rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduces typhoid fever, and cures advanced pyorrhea in many cases.
19. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body.
20. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet prevents tooth decay.
21. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.
22. Gargle with wheatgrass juice for a sore throat.
23. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out pulp.
24. Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as psoriasis.
25. Wheatgrass juice keeps the hair from graying.
26. By taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-being.
27. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.
28. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.
29. Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.
30. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 mins. Rinse off with cold water.
31. Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal Organs.
32. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.
33. Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “Chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”
34. According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.
35. Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
36. Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
37. Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body

Frequently Asked Questions about Wheatgrass:

What is Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll, which makes up over 70% of the solid content of wheatgrass juice is the basis of all plant life. Chlorophyll is often referred to as “the blood of plant life.” It closely resembles the molecules of human red blood cells.

How is Chlorophyll related to the human blood?

Both Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin share a similar atom structure to create their respective molecules, as shown below. The only actual difference in the two molecules is that of the metallic atom element. In human blood or hemoglobin consists of iron, while in Chlorophyll the metallic atom is magnesium.

What is the importance of Chlorophyll in blood?

Since Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin are so much alike in atom structure it allows it to be absorbed quickly and begin to build the blood stream.

What are enzymes?

Enzymes in laymen terms are like highly skilled workers on an assembly line. Each enzyme performs a specific function within the body while in harmony with other enzymes. They are important and required for everything we do, vision, thought, dreams, reproduction, breathing, digestion are all controlled by enzymes.

Why are enzymes so essential to good health?

With the important role of enzymes involvement in every body function, it is necessary that we intake adequate enzymes on a daily basis. Unfortunately, medical doctors have found that we don’t get all the enzymes we need from our cooked, over salted and over processed foods. This results in overall poor health situations. Wheatgrass juice can provide the additional enzyme intake your body requires for overall good health.

Is it true that enzymes aide in the prevention and curing of cancer?

Enzymes in short deter the cancer cells ability to hide from the immune system and spread throughout the body. It is not “medically proven” that wheatgrass can cure cancer - but Ann Wigmore associated her recover with wheatgrass.

What is the nutritional value of wheatgrass juice?

One ounce of Wheatgrass Juice provides the following:

· Equivalent in vitamins, minerals and amino acids found in 2.5 pounds of green leaf vegetables

· Rich source of Vitamins A, B Complex, B-17, C, E and K

· Excellent source of Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Sulfur, Cobalt, Zinc and 17 forms of amino acids and enzymes.

What are the benefits of wheatgrass juice consumption?

As a body cleanser Wheatgrass juice is a powerful cleanser and may start an immediate reaction with toxins & mucus in the stomach, possibly causing nausea. Chlorophyll brings toxins into the bloodstream that have been stored in cells or in fatty tissue. Start with 1 to 2 ounces and work up to more slowly. Drink it on an empty stomach.

As a body builder Wheatgrass juice is very high in enzymes & chlorophyll. It contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. The chlorophyll molecule closely resembles that of the hemin molecule, the pigment that combines with protein to form hemoglobin. The major difference is that the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium as its central atom, and the hemin molecule contains iron. The molecular structure of these two substances is almost identical in every other respect.

As an energizer & appetite suppressant, the starch of the wheat berry is stored energy that when converted to simpler sugar is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and is absorbed in 20 minutes. Wheat picks up 92 of the 102 minerals in the soil and contains all vitamins that science has isolated. Because 1 ounce of juice equals 2 pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appetite in the brain.

As an antibiotic Science has proven that chlorophyll will arrest growth and development of unfriendly bacteria. It acts to produce an unfavorable environment for bacteria growth, rather than by any direct action upon bacteria themselves. Rapp and Gurney at Loyola University established that water-soluble chlorophyll inhibits the action of proteolitic bacteria (which break down protein into simpler substances) and enzymes; hence, taken internally via mouth or rectum, it inhibits purification of protein by some bacteria that are commonly found in the digestive tract of meat eaters.

And carcinogens. Dr. Chiu-nan Lai, Ph.D., (University of Texas System Cancer Center, Department of Biology, Houston, Texas) has determined through using the Ames Bacterial Mutagenicity Test that chlorophyll is the active factor in wheat sprout extract that inhibits the metabolic activity of carcinogens. A twenty-year study of 2000 telephone company workers has found that a natural ingredient in carrots and leafy green vegetables significantly reduced the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers. They determined that a diet high in beta-carotene negated the bad effects of 30 years of smoking. The National Cancer Institute reports that 19 of 21 studies over the years have indicated diets high in beta-carotene contribute to at least 40% risk reduction in developing some kinds of cancer.

For anemia Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) aids in rebuilding the bloodstream. Studies on various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count has returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals that were known to be extremely anemic or low in red blood cell count.

As a deodorizer Dr. F. Howard Wescott reported that when chlorophyll is taken internally in adequate quantity, it reduces or eliminates offensive body and breath odors. His studies showed it effective in neutralizing obnoxious odors in the body from food, beverages, tobacco, and metabolic changes (halitosis), and from perspiration due to physical exercise, nervousness, menstrual cycle, etc. skin disorders
The bland, soothing effect of chlorophyll (wheatgrass) ointments are very beneficial in treating various skin diseases including weeping & dry eczema, insect bites, infection, and first and second - degree burns.

How to grow wheatgrass:

What do I need?

A sprouter!  Check out our wheatgrass sprouters that we carry

How long does it take to grow?

Approximately 8-12 days (longer in cold weather)

What kind of seed should you use?

Use Hard Winter Wheat Seed (wheatberries)

How often do you water the grass?

Once a day heavily (until the tray drips)

How long do you soak the seeds before planting?

8-12 hours or overnight

Will the grass grow back the second time?

The second growth will grow, but at a loss of 50% of the nutritional value

How much light does it need?

Indirect sunlight - very little!

What about frozen or powdered grass?

These are good alternatives, but no substitute for fresh juice

What kind of soil should I use?

Basic potting/top soils with peat moss in the mix

So…what kind of equipment do you need?

Well, you need a wheatgrass juicer…I recommend the Lexen Electric Healthy Juicer, or the Healthy Juicer Manual. You should also get a sprouter and I recommend the Sproutman Sprouter.  Both available here!

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

…but at least you don’t have to look at these pictures.  So to prove my devotion to my own and your healthy living, this article is about that deep dark place most of us would like to avoid considering completely, our colon.  And oh the places I’ve gone to research it.  The insanity started back in 1979 when Dr. Norman Walker published Colon Health, a book that has endured throughout the years and is still one of the best sources of information on the importance of keeping this part of your digestive tract in tact.  (The cover even has a cool picture of The Silver Surfer with hair.)  Among a wealth of important information on how the colon functions, why it is imperative to keep it healthy and how to do that, Dr. Walker discusses what he calls “colon irrigation”.  That’s right boys and girls, the Doc means colonics.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to focus much on this aspect of colon health because…  well, it’s disgusting.  But if you’re in the first phases of a real life change in diet, consider a colon cleanse—which usually will include colonics and/or enemas.  About 12 years ago when I was a new vegetarian I bit the bullet, opened my mind and did one.  And although there was trauma, the benefits were undeniable.  (I’d like to officially apologize to my parents for having to read that)  You’ve spent years filling your body with toxic materials and it’s time to get that stuff out.  But do your research and do it right.  So here’s the low-down on the down low:

Your large intestine consists of the caecum, the colon and the rectum.  It is responsible for the re-absorption of many nutrients and water, and ensures normal defecation (that means pooping). The colon is the site where most of the absorption of water, salts and vitamins takes place.  Some food components, such as dietary fiber and oligosaccharides, which escape digestion in the upper parts of the digestive tract, are exposed to bacterial digestion in the colon. The colonic microflora, (which are good bacterial microorganisms) not only digest otherwise indigestible food components, they also synthesize a variety of significant vitamins which are utilized by the human body like Vitamin K (essential for blood clotting), Vitamin B12 (prevents harmful anemia) Thiamin (B1) and riboflavin (B2) (metabolic processes/energy, nervous system functioning and lower homocysteine levels implicated in heart disease).  These microflora also ferment otherwise indigestible food components to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which provide fuel for the cells of the colon and help with the absorption of water and salts.  Microflora like Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria help boost immunity overall and increase our resistance to various infections like Candida, Salmonella and E-coli.  Research has even shown that a happy colon plays a part in lowering cholesterol.

What you essentially need to understand about colon health is that if the colon isn’t functioning correctly—which really means it’s not cleansed—the rest of the organs can’t cleans their waste.  Some experts assert that there is really only one disease–autointoxication or malnutrition.  That means it’s all about the diet.  A bad diet doesn’t digest well, and ultimately creates feces that are sticky, hard and difficult to get out (I know, I know).  Therefore it builds up along the colon wall and, Presto!; you’re filled with decaying toxins and poisonous gas.  The system backs up and the body gets sick.  It’s like a sewer backing up in New York City.  No matter how efficiently everything else runs, it’s all coming to a stop.

If you have doubts just look up some of the pictures of waste matter eliminated during colon cleanses (I dare you).  Also consider that according to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths with more than 153,000 new cases and more than 52,000 deaths expected this year.  Infections, antibiotics and excessive stress also impact the health of the colon so once again it’s all about balance.

In the end (no pun intended) colon health is all about a holistic, healthy lifestyle.  Keep your weight down, don’t drink alcohol excessively, don’t smoke, meditate or find some way to alleviate stress, exercise, drink plenty of water and for God’s sake eat right.  A healthy colon requires fiber, calcium, Vitamin D (sunlight), B (folic acid) and the rest of them.  First off stop with the processed food and cut way back or eliminate red meat.  M.D. Anderson suggests at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day for colon health and I’d suggest even more.  Juicing and blending can really assist in getting that daily requirement but remember fruits and vegetables are loaded with anti-cancer, immune-system-strengthening properties and they are fibrous and assist in digestion.  For more fiber eat your oats, legumes, whole grains and wheat bran.  Yogurt and fermented milk products, which contain live Lactobacilli, promote healthy microflora and you can also take microflora supplements.  Finally, if you’re over 50, get screened.  Because of an increase in colorectal screenings over the past years, new colorectal cancer cases have been decreasing steadily.  It’s you’re butt, better take care of it.

Be well

JuicyJosh

I’m not really sure what that title’s about.  “Bill and Ted go to Dune” maybe?  Anyway, it’s a sad fact that although my secret sci-fi fantasies would have me doing battle alongside Fremen warriors on the great sands of the desert planet, the truth about the inhabitants of such a place would be far off from the super humans described in Frank Herbert’s novel.  That level of water depletion would more likely create a population of frail, sickly, lethargic and unintelligent people.

Ok, so now that I’ve given away my super geek-ness what’s all this about?  Well, it’s all about water—the giver and preserver of life.  If it weren’t for the existence of this wondrous compound of hydrogen and oxygen none of us, and in fact nothing we know of life would exist.  Over 75 percent of our body is composed of this stuff and to maintain proper hydration it’s estimated that we need about 10 cups a day (approx. 1 milliliter for each calorie of food).   Some doctors claim we need much more than that and although I wrote an article showing evidence that the 8 glass a day necessity was a myth, there’s no doubt that there’s a lot more to dehydration than dry mouth.  When water consumption is inadequate, certain body systems steal from others to protect different tissues and organs, which results in pain, tissue damage, and variety of many other health problems.  One physician even claims drinking more water can be helpful in curing everything from headaches and depression to asthma and arthritis.

Pure water is essential for the digestion of food and for its transport to the tissues, for the elimination of body wastes, for the circulation of body fluids (like blood and lymph), for a lubricant in the joints and internal organs and for the regulation of body temperature. Water is part of the blood system holding dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium in solution, making them available to body tissues where they are required for proper health and when it is plentiful, blood viscosity, joint cartilage, blood capillaries, digestion, the ATP energy system and the spinal column, all work in an efficient, easy manner.

So what about the quality of water we put into our bodies?  Here’s where it gets interesting.  If you’re feeling comfortable drinking straight from the tap, think about this.  Average city water today contains over 500 chemicals that do not belong in it.  In the United States, over 2100 organic and inorganic contaminants have been identified in drinking water supplies since 1974. 190 of these contaminants have confirmed adverse health effects, whether carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens or toxic.  75 percent of drinking water in the U.S. is chlorinated and although chlorination has been essential in helping to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases, known carcinogens, such as chloroform and trihalomethanes, are formed when chlorine reacts with organic compounds in the water.  Room doesn’t allow but trust me when I say that the above just scratches the surface of the information available and  I encourage everyone to look into it and make their own decisions.

Now I’m not a conspiracy theorist and I don’t think the EPA has failed us (I mean Peru discontinued chlorination and caused a cholera epidemic for God’s sake) but there’s enough evidence in my opinion to warrant some serious safety precautions.  Many people are going so far as to use chlorine filtering shower heads but in the least I believe it’s essential to drink purified water.  Frighteningly, many studies have shown that most bottled water isn’t much better than what you get from the tap so do it yourself.  There are many options available and when you consider the benefits, it’s a no brainer.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

Well, it won’t fix your car, bring you love, or raise your kids but it might make all those things easier.  Two glasses of fresh fruit and vegetable juice a day to maintain your health and at least four a day to speed the body’s healing and recovery from illness, making a regular habit of juicing and blending can literally change your life.  Yes, I realize I’m going into infomercial sounding copy (always a peril when you write for a retailer) and for the bulk of this community might be common knowledge but this is important for anyone interested in healthy living.  Not to mention it’s high time I write an article on the benefits of juicing overall.

Raw fruits and vegetables are probably the best source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, cancer fighting phytochemicals and other nutrients and because more beneficial substances continue to be found in fruits and vegetables all the time, it’s increasingly clear that you cannot substitute supplements for the real thing.  When you juice or blend from raw produce you get the whole plant including all its health promoting components in tact so it’s important to drink it when you make it.  For the newcomer to this world, essentially there are three juicing categories to become familiar with: Green Juices; Vegetable Juices and Fruit Juices.

Green juices are cleansers. They rid the body of pollutants and have and incredible rejuvenating effect because they are rich in chlorophyll which purifies the blood and builds red blood cells.  It detoxifies and heals and produces big boost of energy.  8 to 10 ounces a day is recommended using everything from alfalfa sprouts to wheatgrass.

Vegetable juice restores and builds. It removes excess body fat, boosts the immune system, removes acid wastes and balances the metabolism.  Carrot juice is the most popular not just for its taste but because it is packed with cancer fighting beta-carotene but you can benefit from just about any vegetable you can fit down the juicer spout.

Fruit juices are also cleansers and nourishers of the body. Filled with important nutrients including invaluable cancer fighting antioxidants you can enjoy fruit juices any time of the day.  Berries in particular have a high amount of antioxidants and so with fruits (but I’d suggest it with veggies also) blending up everything, peel, rind  and all will make for great smoothie experimentation and give you the much needed phytochemicals found only in the fiber of produce.

So now you’ve got the overall scoop.  Happy juicing!

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com