Detoxification.

Since the body is about 80% water, the analogy of the fish tank hopefully makes sense.

By refusing to actively remove toxins from the body, the body begins to weaken, slow down, get ill, rot and decay. Do you notice how some children have the energy to run rather than walk? Do you notice how some elderly people lack the energy to even walk?

As we would not wait until the fish in our fish tank begin to disappear before taking steps to keep the tank clean and vibrant, we refuse to wait until our health starts to disappear before taking steps to improve our health.

You know that still water encourages germs, mold and bad fungus, so you make sure the water in the tank is constantly moving to help prevent the proliferation of the microbes.

Move the body

Moving the body could be a form of detoxification. So, the next time you are tempted to sit for a couple of hours in the same position, know that this behavior goes against detoxification.

Fasting

Many people use fasting as part of their detox routine. If you have lumps, cysts, or any other health condition, talk with your doctor before trying a fast.

Regular check-ups with your doctor are important. Healthy daily habits can be a wonderful partner to that care — ask your doctor how lifestyle changes might fit into your plan.

Start detoxing the organs of your body

What is every-body saying?

Many of the symptoms you experience are your body communicating with you. It is trying to tell you that there is something you need to pay attention to. How do you feel about the idea of your body talking to you? Do you think your body just wants to engage in chatter that serves no purpose?

Let’s put some commonsense suggestions on a few issues. Before doing so, let me recount a story I once heard.

A woman went to her doctor complaining about a pain in her left knee. She asked her doctor why he thought her left knee was always paining her. The doctor told her not to worry — it was just caused by old age. She asked, “Doc, how come the old age is not affecting my right knee?” The doctor shook his head. He had no answer. He offered her some medication to relieve the pain.

Feel free to ask your doctor questions, just as this woman did. A good conversation with your healthcare provider helps you understand your options.

When it comes to detoxification, three of those messages come up again and again:

• Aches that linger. Ongoing stiffness or pain is worth paying attention to — and worth discussing with your doctor.
• Skin eruptions. The skin is an organ of elimination. Changes in your skin can be a reminder to look at your eating and daily habits.
• Fatigue and fog. Low energy can have many causes, and simple habits like rest, water, and whole foods may help.

Listen to what your body is telling you, and work together with your healthcare provider to find what is right for you. Never stop or change a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice.

Some raw recipes to enjoy

Eating raw, living foods is a gentle way to support your body's natural cleansing. Here are four of my favorite recipes — I hope you enjoy preparing and eating them.

Okra Water

From Dr. Bobby Price.

Ingredients

• 10 small okras
• 16 ounces of spring water
• 1 Tbs lemon juice

Instructions

1. Wash okra with salt and baking soda.
2. Cut into slices and place in a 32-ounce jar.
3. Fill with spring water, add the lemon juice, and soak overnight for at least twelve hours.
4. Drink 16 ounces first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
5. Don't throw the okra away — add it to your smoothie or salad.

Veggie Sauce Dip

Ingredients

• 1 Tbs lemon juice
• 2 tsp molasses
• 1 Tbs olive pickle juice
• 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 tsp turmeric
• 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend.
2. Pour into a small bowl and dip raw veggies, such as zucchini, into the sauce.

Broccoli Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic broccoli slaw
• 1 gala apple, cored and slivered
• ½ cup shredded radicchio
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup cashew milk
• 1 Tbs fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/8 tsp mustard

Instructions

1. Wash the apple and radicchio.
2. Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
3. Add more cashew milk if the slaw is too dry.
4. Chill and serve.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers
• 1 avocado, deseeded and mashed
• ¼ cup diced papaya
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 4 olives, pitted
• 1 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice (seeds removed)
• 1 Tbs olive pickle juice
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• ½ tsp minced red onion
• ¼ tsp minced garlic
• 1 dash black pepper
• 1 dash coriander

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the bell peppers.
2. Cut off the tops to make a covering cap and scrape out the seeds.
3. Mix all other ingredients together in a bowl, divide in two, and stuff the peppers.
4. Cover with the pepper caps and place on a plate.
5. If you garnish with parsley, eat it too — don't throw it away!

Health disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting a fast, detox, or any new health program.