By Vickie Gelardi, Medicinal Food Consultant
We live in a changing world….I’m sure you have noticed! Not only have the times changed, but our food has changed as well and, in some cases, is not quite as nutritious as it once was. We also have the issue of pollutants in the air including 40 tons of mercury spewed throughout our atmosphere annually. So we grow and make “advances” on this earth and we want the progress that comes from growth, but what about our health?
Detoxing is Healing
No reason for doom and gloom here… instead eat healthily and eat foods that naturally detox your body. Select unprocessed and minimally processed foods. If you eat animal protein, go for pasture-raised beef and chicken, and wild fish. Of course, everyone needs organic vegetables, fruits, and nuts. And be sure to include the power of fermented, or “cultured” foods and drinks in your diet.
Answers to Relieve Her Suffering & Get Back to Tennis!
Many of our clients with auto-immune issues like rheumatoid arthritis are especially sensitive to chemicals in foods and in the air. One patient we see came into the clinic on several different kinds of medications for pain and inflammation. She was once a tennis player but her joints were too swollen and painful to play anymore. She limped into the clinic 4 years ago and with proper guidance on what to avoid and what to eat…and with acupuncture treatments with Dr. David…I am happy to say the improvement in her health is amazing. Linda leads a happy, active life now and plays tennis again! No more of those dangerous medications, but instead she takes a homeopathic product which we carry at the clinic, to take when she gets “achy” some days. The product is a natural homeopathic supplement that our patients at the clinic call a miracle worker.
Detoxing Made Simple
Along with eating the right foods for her health issue, it was important to detox as well to get those pollutants out of her joints. No harsh detoxes though! Instead, natural detoxing with cilantro, broccoli, avocado, artichokes, and other foods known to help in this process. I’m including a recipe from our cookbook (which will be released soon) to get you started on natural safe detoxing. Enjoy!
AVOCADO RANCH DIP
A great party dip, with added nutrition. Avocado, full of fiber, will also help you detox those metals we take in from our environment. Garlic is anti-bacterial, and the olive oil is high in Vitamin E. Serve with raw vegetables or drizzle over a salad.
Ingredients
2 medium Haas avocados, peeled & pitted
1 cup plain Greek Yogurt, or sour cream
1-2 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic
½ each salt & pepper
1 – 1 oz. packet dry ranch dressing mix
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a processor and blend until smooth.
Tips: If using as a salad dressing, you will need the 2 tbsp. of oil. You can find organic sour cream in the health store if you prefer this over yogurt. You can also use your own spices such as onion and garlic powder, instead of the packaged dry ranch dressing mix.
Vickie Gelardi can be reached via email at vickiegelardi@gmail.com
Let Food Be Thy Medicine,
Dr. David Martin & Vickie Gelardi
Lotus Blossom Clinic
www.LotusBlossomClinic.com
239-277-1399
Serving the Greater Fort Myers area with Natural and Holistic Medicine, including Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Massage, Science-backed Food as Medicine, Energy & Transformational Sessions…and Community Classes & Events both Virtual and (carefully) In-Person!