Summer Detox Part 2: Back to Basics

In Summer Detox Part 1: Heavy Metal Detox, Bonnie Pockley introduced a fun and easy way to start the summer detox process by way of a heavy metal cleanse.  Now its time to go back to basics, to give you your best beach body ever!

The sun is out and the days are fine, the smell of blossom fills the air and on the weekend, your friends want to go to the beach. Yes, it’s almost Summer; the season of shorts, bikinis and long languorous days. It’s the perfect time to spring-clean your body and get your eating habits back on track to look, and feel, your best. So, let’s get back to basics and start summer with some detoxification and a reminder of the principles of good eating. At TONIC SUPERFOODS we believe that the more good stuff you add in, the less of the other stuff you need to worry about. Remember: the best way to get rid of bad habits is to replace them with good ones!

Drink MSM every morning:

MSM is a powerful blood cleanser and detoxifier. Drinking a teaspoon to a tablespoon in water every morning is one of the best things your can do to kick start your metabolism and set you up for a good day. MSM helps digestion and supports the synthesis of collagen, making it an all round must for glowing skin and a beating the dreaded bikini bloated belly. MSM tastes bitter so disguise the taste with some organic honey or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Click Here for Tonic Superfoods MSM

Alkalise your body:

In order for your body to operate at its optimum level your blood needs to be alkaline. When it becomes acidic, your kidneys work overtime to regain a blood ph level of around 7.45. Beyond this, an acidic system is aging, inflammatory and aggressive to your body because it leeches calcium and other mineral from your skeleton to redress acidity in the blood. Fruit and vegetables alkalise your body so eat plenty of them and avoid acidic foods like glutenous grains (oats, rye, wheat,) refined dairy, sugar and excess coffee. I don’t say ban coffee altogether here because coffee has certain health benefits that offset its acidity. Coffee brewed fresh and black is a great blood cleanser so oft for a Long Black or a Long Macchiato instead of your usual Flat White. TONIC SUPERFOODS smoothies are also the ideal meal or snack during a hot summer day because they are quick, easy, nutrition and delicious! Water also alkalises your body so make sure you are drinking your 8 glasses every day.

Stay away from processed foods:

Processed foods are often highly toxic. As we’ve mentioned before on this blog, processed foods often contain nasty chemical, GM additives, high amounts of sugar and fat and are difficult for your body to process and are thus stored as toxic build-up. Added to this, inorganic foods are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that contain heavy metals. It is fair to say, the more human interference involved with food production the more likely it to make you look and feel unhealthy, contribute to weight gain and illness. The most important guideline under this topic heading is to get rid of sugar and flour! If you are serious about your health, cut them out of your diet as much as you can.

Eat nutrient rich food from organic sources:

Organic food is what food should be and means that it hasn’t been sprayed, waxed or tampered with during its production. Organic food also has a higher nutrient value, better taste and is environmentally sound. TONIC SUPERFOODS are a great place to start with eating organic because they contain higher mineral and vitamin levels than other foods, stay fresh on your shelf (no more having to throw out old fruit and veg because you haven’t got around to eating it), tastes delicious and leaves you satisfied. Added to this, your body will feel more energised, look healthy and perform better.

Eat good quality protein at almost every meal: 

Add protein to a detox? It may sound strange but protein is very important to detoxification. Your body required amino acids (protein building blocs) for almost every process in your body. Protein also keeps you feeling full and is an important part of any weight loss plan. This doesn’t mean you have to eat steak at every meal but rather to be mindful of including protein in your diet. Did you also know that TONIC SUPERFOODS Bee Pollen is richer in protein than beef? There are many ways to include protein in your diet so be creative and try something different like adding a spoonful of bee pollen to your favourite smoothie. You’ll love the taste!

Click here for Tonic Superfoods Bee Pollen

Stress-less:

Stress has become a past of our modern lifestyles. We never have enough time to stop and enjoy what matters to us. Stress contributes to almost every illness making it important for us to find the time to unwind before we pay the price later. Use the beautiful weather as an excuse to sit in the park or go to the beach and tune out to other people’s demands on your time. Taking even just 15 minutes a day for yourself will help keep stress levels down and make you feel slightly more human again. You’ll find the less stressed you are, the better food choices you make and the happier you will feel. Magnesium is also a great stress-buster so make sure your smoothies contain some of TONIC’s high magnesium Raw Cacao.

Click here for Tonic Superfoods Raw Cacao

By Bonnie Pockley

Summer Detox Part 1: Heavy Metal Detox Naturally

By Bonnie Pockley

Heavy metals are everywhere. They are in our food, in our cleaning products and in our packaging. By now you’ve most certainly heard of high levels of Mercury in fish but there are also other, harmful, heavy metals almost everywhere you look including the air you breathe and the water you drink.  Of the 20 or so classified heavy metals, the main four that are harmful to human health are: Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Inorganic Arsenic.

With modern day industrial production, environmental contamination and exposure to heavy metals has become a growing, and very serious, problem.  Heavy metals may be taken into the body in several ways: via ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. This is often through the consumption of processed foods containing residual contaminants from industrial manufacture, skin contact with household products and particulate pollution in the air through industrial waste.

The accumulation and build-up of heavy metals in the body is dangerous and often contributes to unexplained poor health. Heavy metals affect the central and peripheral nervous system causing depression and mental illness as well as having nephrotoxic (toxic to kidneys), fetotoxic (toxic to a foetus) and teratogenic (the ability to cause malformation to an embryo or foetus) effects. They are also known to have an impact on and to be associated with the gross dysfunction of energy producing pathways, metabolic pathways as well as impairing reproductive and eliminatory organs (colon, liver, skin, intestines, spleen).

‘No matter how many good health supplements or procedures one takes, heavy metal overload will be a detriment to the natural healing functions of the body… Even minute levels of toxic elements have negative health consequences, affecting nutritional status, metabolic rate, the integrity of detoxification pathways…Disruption of the metabolism and balance of nutrient elements results in marked aberrations in the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein/amino acids, lipids, neurotransmitters and hormones.’

(http://tuberose.com/Heavy_Metal_Toxicity.html, access date: 18.10.10)

How do you get rid of Heavy Metals in our system?

Heavy metals are eliminated from your system through chelating agents and are excreted through your urine. Be it preventative or as a means of treatment, TONIC SUPERFOODS believes that an important part of any detox is a heavy metal cleanse (which is why we’ve included it as Part 1 of our Summer Detox Plan). This, however, doesn’t have to be painful or expensive. Some of the best chelating agents are garlic and coriander. Below is a delicious recipe that doubles as a fantastic heavy metal chelating agent:

HEAVY METAL DETOX PESTO:

·       4 cloves garlic

·       1/3 cup Brazil nuts (selenium source)

·       1/3 cup sunflower seeds (cysteine source)

·       1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (zinc, magnesium sources)

·       2 cups packed fresh coriander (Vitamin A source)

·       1 teaspoon TONIC SUPERFOODS Maca Powder

·       1 teaspoon TONIC SUPERFOODS MSM (sulphur source)

·       2/3 cup Avocado oil

·       4 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together and store in the fridge in a jar. Add to food over the course of the week and enjoy!

NB: Please consult a doctor is you are concerned about serious heavy metal poisoning. or exposure.

Below is a list of the origins of some common heavy metals and negative side effects they might have:

Aluminum -- Is found in aluminum foil, cans, baking powder, cosmetics, cheese, fireworks, dental amalgams, deodorants, drugs, toothpaste, pesticides, pollution, table salt (you can substitute with natural sea salt), nasal spray, cookware, vehicle exhaust, aspirin and more.

Aluminum can cause learning disabilities, Alzheimer's, dementia, dry skin, anemia, headaches, liver dysfunction, memory loss, Parkinson's, heartburn, peptic ulcer, psychosis, Aluminum tends to accumulate in the kidneys, liver, brain, reproductive organs, muscles, stomach. Some of the common symptoms of aluminum are headaches, abnormal heart rhythm, depression, blurred vision, numbness in hands and feet.

One of the most well known health problems caused by aluminum is Alzheimer's and dementia. The use of aluminum in many products used on a daily basis may be the reason there is such an increase in the number of people who have these health problems.

Arsenic -- Is found in some seafood, is used in galvanizing and power plants, is found in pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, desiccants and wood preservatives and riot control gas. There is arsenic in the air due to the burning of wood coal, metal alloys and arsenic waste.

It can cause anemia, malaise, fatigue, spontaneous abortions, dermatitis, skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, cardiovascular distress, Raynaud's phenomenon, hypertension, myocardial infarction, hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, cancer of the skin, liver or respiratory tract.

Beryllium -- Is found in household products, coal, spark plugs, microwave tubes, photographic equipment, etc.

The lungs are the target organ of beryllium toxicity and may be a cause of lung cancer. It may also cause contact dermatitis, ulcers, magnesium depletion, organ dysfunction and disturbance of calcium and vitamin D metabolism.

Lead -- Is in auto exhaust, batteries, cigarette smoke, inks, cosmetics, household dust, hair dyes, lead pipes, pottery, liver, canned fruit, pesticides, pencils, paint, newsprint, toothpaste, putty, PVC containers, tin cans and water.

It can cause adrenal insufficiency, behavioral disorders, cardiovascular disease, loss of coordination, depression, constipation, fatigue, anxiety, anemia, allergies, immune suppression, decreased IQ, insomnia, joint pain, kidney disorders, liver dysfunction, memory loss, menstrual problems, muscle aches and weakness, multiple sclerosis, myelopathy, Parkinson's disease, restlessness, seizures, stillbirths, sudden infant death syndrome, and lots more.

Lead also affects cognitive development in children such as retardation, learning difficulties and behavioral problems.

Mercury -- Is found primarily in dental amalgams. It is also found in air conditioner filters, batteries, body powders, newspapers, laxatives, medications, vaccines, fungicides, grains, insecticides, paints, Preparation H, tattoos, diuretics, thermometers, paper, fluorescent light bulbs, skin creams and ointments.

Mercury tends to concentrate in the kidneys and brain. It can cause dementia, colitis and renal failure in people who have used laxatives containing mercury. Other health problems include bronchitis, fatigue, insomnia, loss of memory, chest pains, gingivitis, anxiety, adrenal dysfunction, brain damage, dizziness, eczema, immune dysfunction, migraines, pain in limbs, vision loss, hyperactivity, hypothyroidism, kidney damage, memory loss, joint pain, depression, mental retardation, anorexia, nerve impairment and chronic viral, bacterial and fungal illnesses.

(http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com/heavy-metal-detox.html, access date: 18.10.10)

SUPERFOODS AND WEIGHT LOSS: They keys to your success

By Bonnie Pockley

Everyone whose every tried to lose weight will know that weight loss can be difficult and boring. It’s easy to get frustrated, dejected and defeated. Using Superfoods to lose weight, however, is fun and relatively easy when it’s done holistically. 

Lets take a look at the three elements that are essential to weight loss:

Detoxification:

If you’ve been eating badly, if you eat non-organic meats, unwashed vegies or if you live in a city, your body will be burdened by toxins. If your organs are taxed, your body’s processes of elimination will be compromised and these nasties will be stored in your fat. As most toxins are fat soluble, your body will lay down extra fat stores to ‘house’ extra waste that can’t be metabolised. Toxins, therefore, cannot only make you gain weight but set in motions imbalances in hormonal and digestive function that have broader implications on your ability to lose weight but also in your energy levels.

So what do we do?  TAKE MSM!

TONIC SUPERFOODS' MSM is one of the best agents of detoxification. If you’ve been reading our blog or website you’d already know what we’re talking about. MSM is a naturally occurring sulphur that has both a supportive effect on the boy’s tissue membranes as well as a ‘drawing’ effect on toxins. MSM synthesises collagen that makes cell membrane’s stronger but also more permeable allowing nutrition to enter body tissue and toxin laden fat to flow out. MSM also clears stagnant bile from your liver: the organ responsible for the metabolism of fats and the filtration of what you ingest. MSM is an absolute must for weight loss.

MSM

· Detoxifies cells

· Detoxifies liver

· Increases metabolism of fats

· Synthesises collagen to strengthen cell membranes (this means glowing skin too!)

· Improves digestive function

· Improves immunity

Click here to buy MSM

Hormonal balance:

Hormonal imbalance has an ENORMOUS effect on weight gain. Cortisol, Insulin and Oestrogen are particularly culpable. Cortisol is the ‘stress’ hormone that may be released by environmental, emotional or even physical stressors. Prolonged exercise can even increase levels of cortisol leading to an increase of fat stored around your belly. Oestrogen, similar, stores weight in a particular way. Increased levels of Xenoestrogens (industrial compounds that act like oestrogen in the body but are artificial and unable to be metabolised) lead to weight gain in the lower parts of the body (legs, thigh, hips) and in the bicep area of the arm. Xenoestrogens are toxic to our systems and have been linked to the development of endometriosis, breast cancer and cysts. Xenoestrogens also increase the level of naturally occurring Oestrogen in the body producing what is known as Oestrogen Dominance. Oestrogen Dominance leads to a ‘pudgy’, ‘soft’ appearance because the dominance of this hormone compounds water retention and weight gain. Xenoestrogens are found in plastic wrap, cleaning products and of course it is contained in the contraceptive pill. Oestrogen itself can be found in many foods including tofu, soy, soymilk, chickpeas, non-organic meats and many more.

Insulin is another hormone responsible for weight gain when out of balance. Insulin is secreted when we eat to instigate energy uptake by our cells. To control weight, our insulin levels must be evenly maintained and the GI index system was developed as a way of understanding the ‘spiking’ effect of high sugar foods of our insulin levels. The higher the sugar content of food, the greater the release of insulin which also leads to the greater the amount of energy stored in our bodies as fat. Maintaining these levels in also an important part of preventing diabetes and hyperglycaemia. (high blood sugar levels)

What can you take to balance out fluctuation hormone levels in your body from a variety of different sources?  MACA.

TONICSUPERFOODS' Maca is a root vegetable that naturally balances your endocrine system. Maca is an ‘adaptogen’ so it redresses balance where imbalance exists within the human body. Because the endocrine and central nervous systems are cyclical in nature and are based on fluctuating levels, Maca balances out excessive hormonal levels without negative effect. This means is combats high levels of Cortisol, Oestrogen and regulates Insulin release.  Maca also contains high levels of essential minerals including selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron as well as much needed quantities of linolenic, palmitic, oleic acids, fatty and amino acids. If you have a lot of weight to lose, Maca will also assist in skin elasticity and the ability of your skin to adjust quickly to the weight loss.

MACA

· Contains a high level of nutrition

· Balances out adverse levels of cortisol, oestrogen and insulin

· Supports your endocrine and central nervous systems

· Helps to manage stress

Click here to buy MACA

Nutrition:

The final, but one of the most important components of weight-loss is nutrition. Today’s food lacks the mineral and vitamin content is once had. Depleted soils through increased harvesting and farming mean that our food literally lacks vitality and nourishment. Unfortunately, we still require the same recommended dietary intake of nutrition that we always have and yet it seems unavailable to us through ordinary means. Our body’s regulation of food is, to a large extent, based on blood levels of nutrition and when they are inadequate we crave more food. This means we eat more. Good nutrition also means we don’t store excess weight.  In order to avoid cravings, excess weight from ‘empty’ food we needs to supplement our diets with Superfoods: nutrient rich foods.

Two of the best of these are TONIC SUPERFOODS BEE POLLEN and TONIC SUPERFOODS RAW CACAO.  

Cacao is the richest food source of magnesium and with an anti-oxidant (ORAC) score of 95500 – 14 times more than red wine – it is also the richest source of antioxidants and bioflavonoid. High levels of sulphur in Cacao act in a similar way to MSM by detoxifying the liver and supporting silicon synthesis. Assisting in immunity, tissue regeneration and protection as well as balancing brain chemistry and function, the benefits of Cacao in your diet also extends from a physical to an emotional level: Cacao contains Amantadine (the bliss chemical), Phenyl ethylamine (PEA – the chemical released when we are in love) and MAO inhibitors (suppress appetite and release serotonin). 

When you feel good, you find it easier to train, easier to reach your goals and easier to keep going with your dietary plans. Bee Pollen contains all 10 essential amino acids (but up to 22 depending on plant origin), 59 trace minerals and is about 20% protein. As a complete protein, Bee Pollen is favourably comparable to equal weights of meat, eggs and cheese with 5-7 times more bioavailable protein and amino acid content. This makes Bee Pollen an ideal component to nuts both gastronomically and as a high protein on-the-go snack.  Bee Pollen also contains high levels of B vitamins (used directly in energy production) as well as significant levels of Calcium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon and Sulphur. It also has an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-histamine effect on the body. Both are excellent forms of comprehensive nutrition.

CACAO

· Is the richest food source of magnesium

· Contains sulphur which not only detoxifies the body but is used in most of its processes

· Is high in bioflavonoids

· Is the richest food source of antioxidants with an ORAC value of 99500

Click here to buy RAW CACAO

BEE POLLEN:

· High in Protein

· Contains significant levels of vitamin B, calcium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon and Sulphur.

· Contains all essential amino acids (the building blocs of all cells)

· Has an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and an anti-histamine effect on the body.

Click here to buy BEE POLLEN

MSM - The Miracle Supplement

By Bonnie Pockley

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is one of the most broadly applicable tonics for the body. While the name is overwhelming, MSM is simply an organic form of sulphur found in a normal human diet and used by the body in an extraordinary number of its processes. Sulphur is found in the hair, nails, skin and bones and is used broadly as an anti-inflammatory as well as a powerful device of detoxification and cell regeneration.

Entering the diet through the ‘sulphur cycle’, MSM is first released by plankton into the atmosphere, where ultraviolet light converts the mineral into Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO): the precursor to MSM. It then enters our soil and is absorbed by plant matter after it rains and through the consumption of fruits, vegetables and some plant grazing animals, becomes available to us as an important part of our natural mineral intake. Unfortunately, today’s mineral content of our soils is poor and sulphur is often found to be deficient in our diets and must, as a result, be supplemented. MSM is not only a component of many of the amino acid building blocks of our cells but by increasing the flexibility and permeability of the cell membrane, ensures its integrity. Such permeability also allows toxins that have built up inside the cell to be released.

MSM and its treatment of muscular and joint pain:
Not surprisingly, MSM is used in the treatment of muscular and joint pain. Without sufficient sulphur in the body, damaged tissue from injury or exercise can regenerate slowly causing a build up of scar tissue and rigid connective fibrous tissues. As the body’s natural defensive response, inflammation causes these cells to swell and pain and pressure result. MSM has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect by restoring the natural passage of fluid through the cell membrane, preventing its stagnation. Simultaneously, permeability of the cell membrane increases the level of nutrition to tissue. MSM supplementation has been effective in the treatment of rebuilding cartilage, ligaments and tendons in both the elderly and athletic and has being used by elite athletes for almost a decade to increase their performance and recovery time.

MSM and women:

The supplementation of MSM is of enormous benefit for women. Not only can MSM help prevent such degenerative conditions as Osteoporosis and Arthritis but its supplementation can be used to treat cellulite and to prevent ‘aging’. As sulphur is required for collagen synthesis and the development of the connective tissue fibres of bones, hair, teeth and skin it plays a significant role in promoting and maintaining their health. With more MSM in our diet our cells stay buoyant, clean of toxins and youthful! MSM is a powerful beauty tonic.


How to take MSM:

MSM can be taken in many ways. With a very low level of toxicity, MSM had been said to be as safe a drinking water. That said, MSM has a bitter taste and is better mixed with something else. A wonderful way of taking MSM is with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey diluted with hot water. The vinegar and honey mask the taste but mixed with MSM they create a powerful blood cleanser. Also add it to your favourite super-smoothie or to a glass of orange juice as vitamin C helps the body to assimilate MSM. Start with a tablespoon of MSM two to three times a day. After approximately 12 hours the body will flush out any excess MSM it doesn’t need so it is important to continue its supplementation.

MSM is available from Tonic Superfoods.

SUPERFOODS, why so super?

So, you have heard the term SUPERFOOD being thrown around, but you aren't quite sure what it is and what it means?

You aren't alone! SUPERFOOD is a term that was originally used by the Japanese back in the early 1980's to describe food that was dense in nutrients. Things like spirullina and wheat grass were known as the original superfoods. As time has gone on common foods like broccoli have been added to the superfood umbrella.

So what really denotes a superfood?

As "SUPERFOOD" is not a scientific term, it can be used broadly to describe any food that is dense with nutrients that the body needs to nourish bones, muscles, major organs, the immune system & even your hair and nails. So what is in them that makes them so good? SUPERFOODS are packed with protein; in fact they exceed protein requirements! They also exceed vitamin and mineral requirements. By eating SUPERFOODS you are fuelling your body with proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, Enzymes, Coenzymes, Good fats & oils, Essential amino acids, Glyconutrients, Polysaccharides & Essential fatty acids. By consuming SUPERFOODS the health benefits are endless. They can be used to help detoxify the body, achieve your ideal weight & to provide you with much needed energy & stamina!

As SUPERFOODS are consumed in their raw & organic state the elements of nutrition that they provide has not been broken down & the body is easily able to utilize everything that these foods have to offer.

By incorporating SUPERFOODS to your daily diet you will be able to increase endurance, speed and strength, train harder, focus longer, alleviate stress, look good and feel great!