The Parasite Cleanse...

After 10 amazing days of traveling through Central America I am back home and feeling excited to get back into the routine of things.  Blake and I had a great time surfing, swimming, eating, running and simply just being.  Although we had great travels we did go though areas with contaminated water and food and had the usual experience of diarrhea and vomiting.  This isn’t too new to us as we have traveled multiple times though these areas and at one point or another on the trip there are some digestive problems.  So now that we are back home its time to cleanse the system.  First we are starting with a parasite cleanse!

What’s a parasite cleanse?

A parasite cleanse is a holistic approach of killing off possible parasites you were exposed to through contaminated water or food.  Parasites are organisms that live on a host and feed off of it in order to live. Use of herbal supplements, a specific diet, hydration and rest is part of the program to kill off these pests.  

Supplements suggested for a parasite cleanse include:

·     Black Walnut 

·     Woodworm

·     Oregano Oil

·     Grapefruit Seed Extract

·     Clove Oil

Most health foods stores will have supplements with all of these suggested oils in capsule form ready to go with the recommended doses as well.  The brand I found at Mother’s Market that came highly recommended is from Health Force Super Foods and its called SCRAM.  

The Diet…

 The diet suggested for the parasite cleanse is a simple clean eating program.   In order to kill parasites in your system and kill off the bad bacteria and the fungus that these parasites live off of, you’ve got to get rid of bad bacteria.

 Foods to eliminate include:

·     Wheat

·     Sugar

·     Dairy

·     Alcohol

·     Processed Foods

·      Pork (most contaminated food with parasites). 

Some Foods to incorporate into the diet include:

·     Garlic

·     Onions

·     Coconut oil and milk 

·     Papaya and its seeds *(the seeds of papaya fruit contain high levels of the proteolytic enzyme papain, which can help rid your body of parasites such as intestinal worms)

·     Probiotic rich foods including fermented yogurt, kraut, and keifer.  

·     Pumpkin Seeds

** It is suggested to consume at least a ½ to a whole cup of pumpkin seeds a day while on the parasite cleanse.  Curcurbitin in pumpkin seeds has shown anti-parasitic activity due to its ability to paralyze worms so they drop off the intestinal walls. Pumpkin seeds are also able to kill eggs as they contain a natural fat that is toxic to parasite eggs.  Eating pumpkin seeds raw, roasted or crushed up in smoothies or salads is suggested.  

For the next 14 to 21 days I will be going on this parasite cleanse to rid my body of any possible pests from this last trip. Although this regimen may seem extreme it’s a simple and natural way to rid the body of any pests.  It’s also helping me with adjusting back into my daily work after being on vacation and indulging! Stay tuned for an updated blog post on my journey through the cleanse.  

OC "Clean Eating" Food Guide

Orange County “Clean Eating” Food Guide

Places to Grocery Shop….

·      Mothers Market:  There are multiple locations in Orange County.  I shop mainly in Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach.   The produce is always fresh, great brands that include gluten free, vegan, clean, paleo, and cruelty free.  Mother’s Market also has bulk bins with every nut and seed you can imagine, a fresh juice bar, salad bar restaurant, and a natural cosmetics section.  You can pretty much buy anything at Mother’s Market. 

·Fermentation Farms: “Ferm Farm” is located in Costa Mesa off of Victoria.  This cute little spot is home to all types of fermented foods and elixirs including kimchee, kraut, coconut yogurt, bread, kombucha and more.  Ferm farm also sells fresh and frozen bone broth, salad dressings, cheese, ranch direct meats, fresh eggs and so much more.  Ferm Farm also hosts weekly cooking classes on all the fermented products that are made in house.  I took the Coconut Zingy Yogurt class a few months ago and loved it!  This place is a gem!

 ·      Local Newport Beach Farmers' Market: Sunday Morning form 9am to 2pm is the cutest farmer’s market.  There are many vendors but the primary ones that I visit include the produce stand with loads of local and season veggies and fruits along with the best eggs I have had yet!  I also hit up the Bake Shake!  The best bread including fresh sourdough, multigrain seeded, whole grain, baguettes, croissants, Brioche, and my husband’s favorite Jalapeno Cheddar.  There are other stands that have fresh honey, almonds and almond butters, fresh fruit, hummus, falafels, macaroons, cold press juices and more.  Located at the Balboa Pier. Come Support Local Agriculture!

Restaurants

·      The Water Brewery: Located in Costa Mesa near Ferm Farm, the Water Brewery opened its second location with a kitchen!  This beautiful little shop has smoothies, teas, juices and elixirs that will make any clean eating foodie melt!  I love the Jack Fruit Tacos the best so far.  They also have a refrigerator filled with raw/clean desserts as well as always have some fresh baked clean treats like zucchini muffins or chocolate cake!  You can buy all the adaptogens you desire along with crystals, salts, stones and more. 

·      Café Gratitude:  There are multiple locations in Southern California with the location in Newport Beach being extra beautiful.  I love brining family from out of town here or dinner and sitting outside on their patio.  The menu is local, made in-house foods, filled with gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.  Their desserts are always good along with their yummy teas and multiple wellness shots.  Their to-go spot in the back is my go-to for a quick snack or lunch when I am on the go and want to treat myself.  Bonus!  They have a rewards card to accumulate points for $15 dollars. 

·      Outpost Kitchen: This hidden gem is located on the West side of Costa Mesa and is my favorite place for breakfast and lunch.  And not to mention they have amazing coffee with fresh baked clean eating pastries.  This is an Aussie style restaurant that serves up clean eating foods that are made rite in front of you including smoke salmon with eggs, GF pancakes, Muesli, Smoothies, juices, Chicken sandwiches, salads and more.  This place never disappoints and is the best spot for those clean healthy eaters

·      Bear Flag: This is the spot for fresh Poke, tacos, and fish burritos.  The atmosphere is always chill and the food can’t be beat.  I usually get fish from their to-go counter to cook at home, or my go-to is the wild salmon or shrimp burrito with brown rice.  Bear Flag also has a fresh sushi bar and serves alcohol. 

·      Eat Drink Vibe:  Clean eating bowls, salads, juices, smoothies, wellness shots and more.  Love this place for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Another clean eating persons dream food joint!

·      Mother’s Market Kitchen: I am obsessed with grocery shopping here, and their kitchen is great too!  All vegetarian with multiple gluten free and dairy free options.  Wellness shots, smoothies and juices are also available here as well.  The kitchen opens at 7 and closes at 10pm.  My favorite is the Tempeh wrap with their homemade tahini dressing!  They always have a soup of the day and their lemon quinoa is one of my favorite sides! 

Brain Health →

When trying to be healthy we sometimes focus on parts that we can see in the mirror and often forget about what’s on the inside like our gut and our brain.  This article from Mind Body Green by Dr. David Perlmutter outlines some great research on brain health and its links to Alzheimer’s.  This disease affects more than 5.4 million Americans with no cure in sight.  Dr. David Perlmutter has done some great research on brain degeneration and lifestyle changes to prevent or slow down the degeneration process, which includes lowering your blood sugar and upping Omega 3 Fatty acids into the diet.  Take a read and see what you think.