I get asked this question a lot.  Our bodies aren’t made to handle the amount of toxins we’re constantly exposed to.  Toxin overload can lead to a whole host of illnesses and side effects.  Take the quiz below to see if you need to do a cleanse.

• Do you eat processed foods, fast food and/or eat out regularly?
• Do you eat non-organic animal products and produce?
• Do you consume genetically altered foods?
• Do you eat foods containing hydrogenated oil?
• Do you or have you used artificial sweeteners (Nutrasweet/Aspartame, Splenda, Sweet n Low)?
• Do you eat foods containing preservatives, additives, dyes, or sweeteners?
• Do you charbroil or grill foods?
• Do you drink coffee, soda or alcohol regularly?
• Do you drink unfiltered tap water?
• Do you use a microwave?
• Do you microwave/cook/store food in plastic containers?

If the majority of your answers are yes, then your diet contributes significantly to your toxic load. Most likely, you’re also exposed to other irritants such as pollution, cigarette smoke, dry cleaning fluids, cosmetics and beauty products, exhaust fumes, cleaners, and medications.

You might want to consider detoxing, if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Insomnia
• Reduced mental clarity
• Poor digestion
• Low libido
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Thyroid Disorders
• Adrenal Exhaustion
• Infertility

Not all cleanses are created equal.  It’s important to have a qualified physician help you find one that is right for you.  If you go back to your old habits once you’ve completed a cleanse, the benefits won’t last.  I see a lot of people go through the effort, but don’t change their lifestyle.  I highly recommend avoiding unhealthy foods and products to guarantee long lasting results.

Live natural.  Live well.
Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac.

Check out Heather's Web site at www.getnaturalgetwell.com

Today we live in a country where it is easy to eat less than optimal food. As college students it makes a huge difference when you eat good healthy food that will fuel you through the all-nighter to study for that final tomorrow as opposed to junky food that makes you feel tired and inattentive! Food affects our bodies as well as our earth so its important to take the time to realize how the food you eat impacts you as well as the world economically, socially, and environmentally. Chef Rod Rotandi, the owner and creator of Leaf Organics, makes it easier for everybody to eat healthy food...on the go!!
At Leaf I had coconut cream cheese, falafel, and chocolate pudding. At first I was hesitant and curious about what the food would taste like and look like with such limitations in the kitchen; raw, vegan, and organic? I honestly thought I would receive a boring plate of veggies. But, from my experience, once you try it, there is no going back! After trying Chef Rod’s amazing recipes I cannot explain how excited I was to hear that you can find Leaf Organics at Whole Foods and that its popularity has also spread to Northern California! (He'll be debuting his new product line of raw vegan organic foods soon.)


Currently the Leaf Organics product line that you find at Whole Foods stays true to Chef Rod's mission. It is produced locally in Downtown LA, is packaged in biodegradable materials, and is delivered by bio diesel powered vehicles!

So get back to nature, keep it simple or as Chef Rod said, “Wake up and smell the wheat grass!”