​The subject of toxins can be overwhelming, because it is something that feels hard to control. You can be vigilant about avoiding gluten, exercising every day,and limiting sugar. But how do you manage something that is literally everywhere...your food, your home, your workplace, even your backyard?
Toxins are foreign invaders into your body, and too much accumulation can affect your health. Several factors contribute to your body's toxic load. Do you eat lots of food sprayed with pesticides? Does your DNA handicap your body from processing toxins? (This can be revealed in 23 and Me or Ancestry gene testing.) Are there strong chemicals being used in your workplace? Do you have mercury fillings or other exposure to heavy metals? Do you have water damage in your home or workplace? These are all contributing factors. Certain viruses or autoimmune conditions can also make you more sensitive to toxins, as can GI issues such as a leaky gut which allows toxins to seep directly into the bloodstream. 
Evidence of toxic overload includes fatigue, body aches, sinus congestion, GI issues, skin irritations and anxiety/insomnia. Also, weight gain/difficulty losing weight is associated with toxins, as the body attempts to make them less concentrated by dispersing them into fat.
What can you do?

• Try to minimize exposure to toxins you can control. Eat organic foods, the less processed the better. Pay attention to products you use on your skin, such as soap and makeup. Try to use non-chemical cleaners in your home, and limit exposure to artificially-scented candles and air fresheners. To find ratings on the safety of products, click here.
• Exercise. Movement stimulates blood flow, which helps move toxins through your body. Sweating is also one of the best ways for your body to detox. (On a side note, an infrared sauna is highly recommended for detoxing. If you don't want to go to the spa, you can get one here for $189.99.)
• Eat foods that are natural detoxifiers, such as cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and garlic. Chlorophyll water and green tea also help with detox.
• Supplements such as Vitamin C, Glutathione and Activated Charcoal (GI Detox) are used for detox. Charcoal is becoming a popular ingredient in many products (i.e. facial cleansers) because of its ability to bind toxins.

 

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Are you getting ready to travel and panicking about how to stick to your eating plan? For people trying to eat healthy, time on the road or at the airport can cause anxiety. McDonald's, Cinnabon, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Auntie Anne's are everywhere, and often the only options. But caving in to a craving during a moment of hunger can lead to days of discomfort, which no one wants on a trip they are supposed to enjoy. Therefore, it is very important to prepare in advance and make sure that you have an adequate supply of snacks for your trip. Here are some ideas:
1.     Nuts. If you are allowed nuts, they are a great high-protein, high-fat snack to take on the go. 
2.     Protein bars: You will want to get high-quality bars, the less ingredients, the better.
3.     Simple Mills crackers: Dr. Sprecher loves Simple Mills, and with good reason. These crackers are very tasty, but low in carbs. Top ingredients in these crackers are nuts and seeds.
4.     Nut or seed butter packs: Nearly every kind of butter, such as sunflower seed, peanut or almond, comes in packets these days. Pack a few with you, and you will always have a filling, high-protein food option.
5.     Meat sticks: Get grass-fed meat, the less processed, the better.
6.     Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than most candies, and offers antioxidants.

1. Fruit and vegetables: This depends on your travel situation, but if you can, pack apples, bananas, carrots, celery, snap peas, or berries. These are sometimes available in airports or at rest stops.

When in doubt, look for a salad bar, or even a Starbucks that offers fruit and nut packs. Car travel allows you to bring more of your own food- if you bring a cooler and request a refrigerator at your hotel, you can get yourself very well set up. Air travel is more restrictive, especially now that TSA is inspecting food items individually. (That's right...you make the effort to eat healthy on the road, and TSA rewards you by pulling you aside and running the wand over every single food item you pack!) 
The bottom line is that the more you prepare, the easier it will be to eat healthy on your trip. While it is tempting to throw caution out the window ("Hey, we only do this once a year!") the ramifications may not be worth it.
On a side note....do not let your food-packing get too overwhelming. Last summer, I was so focused on packing food for my daughter and me that I forgot my wallet. I went to check in at the hotel and the driver's license, credit cards...all at home. And I forgot my pajamas and glasses. But we did have every meal and snack covered! 
If you need further assistance with eating on the road, contact me at [email protected].
 

Sunscreen- some say you need it all the time, others say it is harmful. Bug spray. You need it protect yourself from bites and possibly diseases that come with them, but it has been revealed to contain toxic chemicals The conflicting information surrounding summer necessities can be overwhelming. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) breaks down thousands of products, rating them based on whether they have dangerous chemicals, and, if so, how much.
Sunscreens: The group found that two-thirds of sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a known allergen and hormone disruptor that has had damaging effects on the ocean ecosystem. Many also contain retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that is known to harm the skin. The FDA has found that higher SPFs often do not provide extra protection, and may lead people to spend more time in the sun. The best plan, they say, is to avoid the sun during peak hours, cover yourself with clothes and wear sunglasses. If you do need a sunscreen, some brands that scored well include Neutrogena, Tom's of Maine and Banana Boat. To find the best sunscreen for you, find the complete report here.
Bug Sprays: Most of us cringe when we apply bug spray just based on the strong chemical scent alone. DEET, which was often promoted as the most effective ingredient in repelling bugs, has received negative press due to the fact that it is considered a neurotoxin. The EWG has found that it is relatively safe in small amounts, and should be an option where disease-carrying insects are prevalent. Other options include Picaradin and IR3535, which have fewer risks but are nearly as effective as DEET. For those who favor botanicals, oil of lemon eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary are options. For more on bug repellents, find the link here.

With the seemingly endless winter weather, the warmth of spring has been eagerly awaited here in northeast Ohio. However, the arrival of pleasant weather also means the beginning of allergy season for many. The season has come on very strong this year, as the delayed spring means everything has blossomed at once.

Here are some natural ways to manage your allergies this spring- several of them can be found in our May products of the month:

1. Nasal irrigation: This comes in the form of Netti-Pots, Nasopure, and other small bottles with saline solutions. Using these helps rinse out nasal passages, and restores moisture and reduce inflammation of mucous membranes.
2. Take one tablespoon of local honey per day. This helps your body build resistance to pollens that are polluting local air.
3. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the release of histamines in your body. They can be naturally found in cruciferous vegetables, onions, green tea and citrus fruits. It is also available in supplement form. 
4. Essential oils such as eucalyptus and frankincense can help reduce inflammation and improve detoxification. They can be used with diffusers, or mixed with coconut oil and rubbed on the body.
5. Stinging nettle is an herb that can be found locally, but its needle-like edges make using it nearly impossible. Try it in capsule form to benefit from its natural histamine-blocking abilities. 
6. Vitamin C has the double benefit of cutting histamine levels and boosting the immune system. 

​  From my time in my school practicum to here at Dr. Sprecher's office, I have noticed a common thread among those suffering from chronic illness. What is it? Sensitivity.  In "The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People," author Judith Orloff offers diagnostic quizzes to determine if you are an empath, and, if so, how to handle it in today's not-so-kind world. Questions include "Have you ever been labeled as overly sensitive, shy, or introverted?" or "Am I over stimulated by noise, odors, or non-stop talkers?" Empaths tend to get overwhelmed by crowds, yelling, and "energy vampires" and tend to react strongly to medications or extreme environments. Empaths need quiet time to rebuild, and often prefer to take their own car places so they can "escape" when they are overwhelmed. Empaths tend to be targets for certain types of personalities, including rage-a-holics, drama kings and queens, victims, and non-stop talkers. Being so sensitive and absorbing energy often leads to health problems. The good news? Empaths are extremely kind, compassionate and understanding. . Does this sound like you? Take the quiz here.
If you find you are an empath, the book offers survival strategies. They include taking a moment to figure out if an emotion you are feeling is your own or if it something you picked up from another person...if you did pick it up elsewhere, you are told to take deep breaths and repeat to yourself "return to sender." Moving away from the source of stress and limiting physical contact is another strategy. Setting limits and boundaries and giving yourself time alone to regroup is also important. Detoxing in water, through a bath or swimming, and spending time outdoors is also calming for empaths. Sometimes, even visualizing a protective shield is enough, or putting up some type of physical barrier.
If you would like to learn more, Dr. Orloff's book is available here.