For many Americans, Easter or Passover is a celebration that includes religion, friends, family, food and of course an Easter egg hunt! As a child, I remember dyeing Easter eggs with my family and always enjoyed it. Now, as a health care provider I wonder if there is a healthier alternative to dying eggs than what I used in the 80’s. The dye that I remember using now includes chemical ingredients such as artificial colors and sodium lauryl sulfate to name a couple.
So, what’s the problem with these ingredients? Studies suggest that artificial colors (generally made from petroleum) may increase hyperactivity and focus issues in children, are possible carcinogens, and may also be disruptive to their fragile hormone balance. These chemicals have been banned in Norway, Finland, France, Austria and the UK. Similarly, many studies have found that sodium lauryl sulfate may likely have a connection with cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental issues. I believe that this chemical has been banned in Europe and possibly Central America as well.
Do you really want you or your kids to be touching and then eating such things? Of course not, so this is what you can do:
1) Pass on the store bought egg dye or making your own with artificial food coloring.
2) Buy or check your kitchen for frozen blueberries, turmeric, paprika, white vinegar, and a lemon or two.
3) Read full directions at this link, but basically boil for 5 minutes with water and you are ready to get started!
4) Want brighter eggs? Let the hard-boiled eggs soak overnight in the dye.
5) Want more colors? Get creative! Beets, fruit juices, cabbage, coffee, and red onion skins can all be used to make a array of colors!
6) No time for such shenanigans? Buy a natural egg dyeing kit, there are many different kits available, like this one: http://globiton.com/products/natural-easter-egg-coloring-kit.
Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Holiday!
– Dr. Fritsch
Tuesday, April 15th, 2014
Beginning a detox can be overwhelming. It sounds daunting and difficult, but it doesn’t have to be! I have been doing 1-3 liver detoxes per year for over ten years. Let me share with you some of my tips for success:
1. Plan
Timing is the most important part. Plan to do the detox when you don’t have any big eating and drinking events on your schedule. For example, if you have wedding, your birthday, or a holiday during your detox you will be more likely to fail. Once you schedule the detox keep those days clear of any extra activities.
2. Simplify
Don’t over complicate the diet changes that are needed. Stick to the basics. You don’t need to spend hour after hour cooking or even shopping to do a detox. Keep it simple.
3. Snack
Make sure to pack yourself lots of healthy snacks. This way you will be less likely to cheat on your detox if you get hungry between meals.
4. Stress Detox
Try to use this time to relax a little bit. Do what needs to be done and then go home and rest. Go to bed early.
5. Exercise Less
While detoxing you should not exercise too vigorously. It is important to preserve your energy during a detox program.
6. Start Your Detox At Night
Finish your “last meal” and start the clocks for your detox. This way your last day of the program will end at that same time as the first day began. The detox will seem much shorter this way, even though you will still be sticking to the program guidelines.
7. Reduce Caffeine Before The Detox
If you are currently drinking caffeine daily you should start to wean off of it prior to starting the detox. This should help to reduce the chances of headaches related to caffeine withdraw.
8. Upgrade
If you want to get the most out of your detox you can add in some therapies. Saunas, epsom salt baths, acupuncture, cupping therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments, oxygen therapy with a portable oxygen concentrator, body wraps, enemas, restorative yoga or a twisting yoga class.
I will be starting a one-week detox on February 2. This can be a great time for you to do a detox as well, as you can benefit from knowing that others and I will be doing it too!
Sunday, January 19th, 2014
