Just Say "No"

I've long thought it odd that our society vilifies "illegal" drug use while at the same time prescription drug use is growing rapidly. What's more, when you look at the most popular prescription medications, you realize that they are not curing anything and often doing more harm than good.

Statistics indicate that at least half of American adults are taking a prescription drug regularly. That number jumps to 90% for older adults. Even more disturbing is that almost 40% of adults over 60 are taking five or more prescription drugs, many who also are taking over-the-counter medications as well. There is a term for that; "Polypharmacy."

What are some of the most popular legal drugs? More than ten percent of younger adults are taking antidepressants. In teenagers, more than 6% are taking central nervous system stimulants (to treat ADD). 45% of adults 60 and above are taking a statin to lower cholesterol. Blood pressure medications and pain relievers round out the top for adults. Younger kids are getting asthma medications and antibiotics.

If these drug treatments were working, increasing their use should mean increasing the "wellness" of the population. No surprise this is not the case. We are getting sicker. Adverse events from prescribed medications are now a leading cause of hospital and doctor visits. Prescribed medications are now one of the top ten leading causes of death! In 2007 drug induced deaths ranked fourth. In 2009 there were 63,846 deaths from prescription medications.

When a drug is prescribed by a doctor, there is a false sense of safety. Many pain drugs are as addictive and harmful as heroin or cocaine, yet because it's a pill from the pharmacist, it seems so acceptable. The risks to the cardiovascular system, liver and GI tract from just acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other NSAID are real. There is no free lunch.

The use of psychiatric medications for mood disorders and sleep are highly disruptive to the delicate natural balance of neurotransmitters and mental function. The adverse effects can be experienced throughout the body and take decades to resolve. Sadly, there is little done to actually assess the real causes of these health issues.

The wide spread overuse of antibiotics has resulted in super infections and is largely to blame for the rise in allergy and autoimmune diseases. Another false sense of security has been placed upon the sacred "vaccines," which are linked with immune and neurological disorders.

The abuse is found across all age groups. Doctors are prescribing for newborns and those near the end of life with abandon. No longer can we come into the world untouched by chemicals, nor die without polypharmacy. Could our healthcare crisis be related to all this expensive unnecessary interventions into the natural order of our lives?

Thankfully there is another way. You don't have to rely on pharmaceutical drugs as your first and last resort. It's all about where you place your faith. Is there a place for drugs? Yes, of course. You should give any prescription some critical thought as to its necessity.

Nearly all of the examples I've given above have a natural alternative. You (and hopefully your doctor) must first seek the true causes of your health problem and address that. Manage your symptoms using the least toxic means first. Unshackle your body to heal as it was designed. That is the heart of naturopathic medicine.

Corn-O-Rama

I recently watched the documentary, "King Corn." This is a film profiling an unfortunate turn in America, "we are being super-sized by corn." Bad government farm policy, coupled with the growth of big agri-business has led to a food situation that is so out of balance from the created natural order of things, it's no wonder our population is becoming so ill.

Thankfully there are some who are realizing what's going on. You can now find a "local movement" in many communities where individuals are seeking and finding local farmers and foods. Inevitably there is a mental and economic hurdle to overcome: nutritious and ethical (not ethnic) food may cost more. This is not always the case; especially if you factor in the lifetime cost of medical bills and how productive and fulfilling your life will or won't be.

The elephant in the room has been "what you eat." Lots of prepared foods are carefully crafted and marketed to make you eat more. Lots of these foods really aren't food at all. Sugar or chemically sweetened beverages are the worst offenders. But we all know that, right? We just choose to ignore it. The sad part here is that our tax dollars are going to subsidize the most unhealthy junk food, namely high fructose corn syrup and the legion of foods with it in it, as well as all the cheap meat and poultry; yes it's all "corn fed."

So we are simply following the evolution of the mono-cropped monocot that is corn today. And I haven't even brought up all the non-ecofriendly, toxic farming practices.

Take the "just so 'NO' challenge." Return to the American virtue of self-sufficiency and start learning to cook with real foods. Kick your grain and sugar addiction. The best way I know how is to educate yourself, plan ahead, build your-esteem and confidence, complete the 21 Day Purification. Do what ever works for you, but please stop feeding your children so much sugar! And Gummy vitamins!

Contact your government representatives and demand they stop subsidizing death and disease!

http://www.kingcorn.net/

Day 15 support

Welcome to Day 15 of the Purification Program.

Unless you are living in a biosphere (which we are pretty confident you aren't!), you are not isolated from those around you. Friends, family and co-workers all play an important role in making any lifestyle change.

Our third suggestion for you before you come off the program is to let those around you know that the changes you have made over the last few weeks are not temporary. Let them know that this isn't just a diet that as soon as you complete it you are going to resume your old eating habits.

One purification program graduate noted that before the program he was drinking several Cokes a day. Coke was his vice. After he completed the program, naturally, his wife brought a Coke up to him at work one day, as she always had. He was strong and resisted, but this highlights the need to make sure that you identify the bad habits that you are not going to resume and share that with those around you, especially those who care about you. This will help them to avoid introducing unnecessary temptations as well as avoid the embarrassment of having to turn down some food or drink they have given you or picked up at the local fast food joint.

Remember, "He who fails to plan, plans to fail."

How Should I Feel Today?

You should continue to feel wonderful today. As always, if you have questions about something that is concerning you, please contact Dr. Graves or contact our resident purification specialist Allison at support@purificationsupport.com.

Weight Loss

Remember, don't wait to get hungry. Waiting increases cravings, lowers your blood sugar level and can lead to fatigue. Make sure you are eating small meals throughout the day. If you find you are getting hungry between meals, consider doing a shake halfway between those meals and also make sure you are getting at least 8 glasses of water each day.

Reminders

Make sure you are having 1-3 bowel movements each day during the program. If not, make sure that you are drinking enough water. Remember, you should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Recipe of the Day

Stir Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

-	2 full boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
-	1 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
-	2 garlic cloves, minced
-	3 teaspoons sesame oil to coat the pan
-	1 medium onion, sliced or diced
-	2-3 cups any combination of chopped veggies – bok choy, celery, slightly defrosted pkg. organic broccoli florets or fresh, Napa cabbage, etc.
-	1 cup sliced mushrooms – preferably shiitake
-	1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
-	2 cups cooked short grain brown rice (optional)

Directions:

1.	Heat oil in wok over high heat.
2.	Once heated, add garlic, ginger and chicken (if using).
3.	Stir constantly until lightly brown or chicken cooked through.
4.	Add all vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes – maintain crispness.

What if I have Questions?

If you have questions about how you are feeling please remember that Dr. Graves is available throughout this program and can be contacted by phone at (509) 413-1530.

Supplement Regimen for Day 15

Core Products (Required)

SP Complete	2 scoops (tablespoons) twice per day minimum up to 5 shakes per day
SP Green Food	5 capsules 2 times per day
Fiber	Whole Food Fiber (powder): 1 scoop (tablespoon) 3 times per day in your shakes OR Gastro-Fiber: 3 capsules 3 times per day

Suggested Supplements (Optional)*

Protein:	Whey Pro Complete – 2 scoops (tablespoons) twice daily
Cravings:	Gymnema – 1 tablet 3 times per day or 2 tablets twice per day
Omega-3:	Tuna Omega-3 Oil – 2 perles 2 times per day

* Dr. Graves will work with you to identify which products best meet your needs.

Day 14 support

Welcome to Day 14 of the Purification Program.

Congratulations! Two weeks down, one to go!

After having a meal, have you ever experienced symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, congestion, pounding heart and so on. These could all be indications of potential food allergies, along with other common symptoms including skin irritations such as rashes, hives, and eczema or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

As your program draws to a conclusion, you are going to be reintroducing foods into your diet that you have not consumed in at least 3 weeks. This reintroduction, if performed properly, is the perfect time to identify food allergies you may have.

This leads us to our second recommendation for you (remember the first was making an appointment with your doctor in the next week). We recommended that you plan to SLOWLY reintroduce items into your diet. This is key, not just for identifying allergies, but also just to allow your body time to figure out how to process these foods properly. After 3 weeks of healthy eating and training your body to release toxins you do not want to shock your system with all kinds of 'bad' food and drink.

One purification program graduate went to a gathering the day after she completed the detox. Over the course of a few hours, she had several glasses of wine. At the end of the night she wondered exactly how much she had consumed, so after doing the math (3 people, 3 bottles) she realized that she had the equivalent of a whole bottle to herself. Although she is not allergic to red wine, within hours of drinking she developed a rash on both arms and her upper torso that lasted 2 days. Her body was not able to cope with that much alcohol after 3 weeks of healthy eating and zero alcohol.

We will detail a reintroduction plan in more detail over the coming week.

How Should I Feel Today?

You should be feeling excellent, as detailed yesterday. At this point (with 7 days to go) you should be starting to feel like your body can handle just about anything you throw at it. Well, as detailed in the introduction above, you want to be careful. Don't get ahead of yourself. Stay focused and no cheating!

Weight Loss

Are you still avoiding those cravings? Getting your cravings under control while on the program will help you to carry on limiting those carb-heavy foods after Day 21. If you are not using Gymnema, seriously consider adding it to your protocol (as always, after discussing with your health care professional). If you don't get your cravings under control now, you are likely to slip back into your old eating habits on Day 22.

Reminders

Don't forget, ideally 50% or more of the vegetables you are consuming each day should be raw or lightly steamed.

Recipe of the Day

Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggplant

Ingredients:

-	Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggplant
-	1 tablespoon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-	1 medium sized eggplant, peeled and diced
-	1 medium onion, diced
-	1 celery stalk thinly sliced
-	1 28 oz. can of Organic diced tomatoes with juice
-	2 tablespoons Organic Red wine or Balsamic vinegar
-	2 finely sliced basil leaves or ¼ tsp. dried basil
-	2 teaspoons dried oregano
-	Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:

1.	In a wok, heat the olive oil and stir fry the eggplant, celery and onion for 8-10 minutes.
2.	Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3.	Serve immediately.

What if I have Questions?

If you have questions about how you are feeling please remember that Dr. Graves is available throughout this program and can be contacted by phone at (509) 413-1530.

Supplement Regimen for Day 14

Core Products (Required)

SP Complete	2 scoops (tablespoons) twice per day minimum up to 5 shakes per day
SP Green Food	5 capsules 2 times per day
Fiber	Whole Food Fiber (powder): 1 scoop (tablespoon) 3 times per day in your shakes OR Gastro-Fiber: 3 capsules 3 times per day

Suggested Supplements (Optional)*

Protein:	Whey Pro Complete – 2 scoops (tablespoons) twice daily
Cravings:	Gymnema – 1 tablet 3 times per day or 2 tablets twice per day
Omega-3:	Tuna Omega-3 Oil – 2 perles 2 times per day

* Dr. Graves will work with you to identify which products best meet your needs.

Day 13 support

Welcome to Day 13 of the Purification Program.

You are 9 days away from meeting your goal. From here on out, unless you are feeling bad (in which case you need to discuss your situation with your health care provider), we want to begin preparing you for completion of the purification program.

Some people just cross the finish line, are happy they have completed the program and go back to their normal lifestyle. If this is what you are aiming for, no problem. However, most want to capitalize on this as the first step in a new direction. They want to maintain the results and begin their journey towards maximizing their genetic potential.

So, how do you maintain the results you have achieved thus far? Do you want to continue losing weight? Do you want to come off hypertension medications, antacids or anti-depressants? Well, we are going to provide guidance to help you over the coming week.

First, and most important, you need to schedule testing with the doctor who has put you on the medications you are wanting to work towards getting off of. At the conclusion of this program you will be in the optimal position to be tested. Make sure you have your appointments set before you come off the purification program (ideally on the last day or two of the program.)

How Should I Feel Today?

Not to sound like a broken record, but today should be more of the same. You are one day closer to completing the program and, to be blunt, here's how you should be feeling…

You should feel more in control, more at ease, more at peace with your own body, more charismatic, more sensual and overall just more alive! In other words, you should be feeling GREAT! The good news is that this great feeling should continue on through the rest of the 21 days and beyond the conclusion of the program, assuming of course that you incorporate some of the changes you have made into your everyday life.

Weight Loss

Are you using your newfound energy for working out? I know we have mentioned this multiple times, but sweating is KEY to losing weight. Drink lots of water and sweat, sweat, sweat.

Reminders

If you are experiencing constipation, remember to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. In addition, be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits with high fiber content. Eating a beet a day will also encourage regular bowel movements. Talk with your health care professional for other recommendations.

Recipe of the Day

Chicken Piccata

Ingredients:

-	4 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
-	½ teaspoon dried thyme
-	¼ teaspoon salt
-	¼ teaspoon pepper
-	2 garlic cloves, pressed
-	1 cup cherry tomatoes
-	½ cup Pacific free range chicken broth
-	½ teaspoon lemon peel
-	1 tablespoon lemon juice
-	1 tablespoon butter
-	1 tablespoon arrowroot

Directions:

1.	Light oil broiler pan with small amount of olive oil.
2.	Preheat broiler.
3.	Season both sides of chicken with thyme, pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
4.	Place chicken on broiler pan about 2"-3" from the heat for 5 minutes per side or until 160 degrees at thickest part.
5.	Remove from broiler and keep warm.
6.	Heat a large skillet lightly oiled over medium heat.
7.	Add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds.
8.	Add tomatoes and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and cook for 3 minutes.
9.	Place tomatoes on platter with chicken.
10.	Combine arrowroot and broth in a cup.
11.	Stir until dissolved.
12.	In the same skillet, whisk together the arrowroot mixture, lemon peel and lemon juice and bring to a boil over high heat while stirring constantly.
13.	Cook for one minute or until sauce is slightly thickened.
14.	Add butter and any juice collected on platter and boil while stirring constantly.
15.	Cook until butter is just melted and sauce thickens.
16.	Pour over the chicken and serve.

What if I have Questions?

If you have questions about how you are feeling please remember that Dr. Graves is available throughout this program and can be contacted by phone at (509) 413-1530.

Supplement Regimen for Day 13

Core Products (Required)

SP Complete	2 scoops (tablespoons) twice per day minimum up to 5 shakes per day
SP Green Food	5 capsules 2 times per day
Fiber	Whole Food Fiber (powder): 1 scoop (tablespoon) 3 times per day in your shakes OR Gastro-Fiber: 3 capsules 3 times per day

Suggested Supplements (Optional)*

Protein:	Whey Pro Complete – 2 scoops (tablespoons) twice daily
Cravings:	Gymnema – 1 tablet 3 times per day or 2 tablets twice per day
Omega-3:	Tuna Omega-3 Oil – 2 perles 2 times per day

* Dr. Graves will work with you to identify which products best meet your needs.

Day 12 support

Welcome to Day 12 of the Purification Program.

Most likely you have enjoyed a day of reintroducing meat back into your diet. Hopefully you stuck to the amounts recommended and didn't overdo it. Remember to pace yourself, as you do not want to spoil 11 days of hard work!

How Should I Feel Today?

You should feel good after the reintroduction of meat into your diet. Many people find that they have more energy, especially at the gym, after reintroducing protein from food (as opposed to simply adding the whey protein into their shakes).

If you do not feel good, you should ensure you are tracking how you feel and what you are eating in your Daily Intake Journal. This is a key component of identifying what foods 'agree' with you and which ones don't. If you find that something you have reintroduced makes you feel less than 100%, experiment with not having that again for a day or so, then reintroduce it and see if the same negative reactions return. If they do, flag that food as a potential allergen and discuss this with your health care provider.

Weight Loss

Have you not lost weight on the program so far? Well, don't give up. Are your clothes fitting better? Do you notice that your face is looking healthier? It is entirely possible that you are losing fat even if you are not losing pounds. This is actually quite common and you will find that as you continue to eat healthy and exercise the pounds will then begin to come off.

As you are reintroducing meat into your diet, remember that you should not 'fill up' on meat. It is VERY important that you are eating lots of healthy vegetables and limiting your fruit intake. It is these vegetables (especially cruciferous vegetables) that will help you to become healthier and lose weight.

Reminders

Points to Ponder: Cruciferous vegetables have been shown in numerous studies to dramatically reduce your chance of getting cancer, especially hormonal cancers like breast, prostate and ovarian. Some studies have even shown a reduction in bladder and lung cancer.

References: (Take a quick look!)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050915003652.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17317210

http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/17/4/938

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/138/3/526

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSARM78181220080317

Eating these powerful foods daily can make dramatic changes in the outcome of your life, so make them part of your diet from now on. Don't let the good habits you develop during the purification program go to waste.

One patient said, "I had to learn to eat to live and not just live to eat." Great advice! In reality, good foods taste good and after the 21 days you will surprised to find that almost any meal you like can be made in a healthier manner. The key is learning to use the right oils, right flour and right sugar (i.e. natural, unrefined sugar cane). Once you start cooking healthier you will feel better and love the way it tastes.

Recipe of the Day

Fish Creole

Ingredients:

-	1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
-	1/3 cup celery, thinly sliced
-	1 medium onion, chopped
-	¼ cup green pepper, chopped
-	1 garlic clove, minced
-	1 bay leaf
-	2 ½ tablespoon fresh parsley or 2 ½ teaspoon dried parsley
-	¼ teaspoon chopped rosemary
-	1 28 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes with liquid (or regular)
-	1 ½ pounds fish fillet (tilapia, sole, etc. try to find wild versus farm raised)
-	2 cups cooked short grain brown rice (once reintroducing whole grains)

Directions:

1.	In a large saucepan, heat oil and lightly sauté the onion, celery, pepper and garlic until soft.
2.	Add parsley, bay leaf, rosemary and tomatoes.
3.	Leave uncovered and simmer for about 25 minutes.
4.	Add the fish fillets, which have been cut into small pieces.
5.	Simmer till cooked through – approximately 10-12 minutes.
6.	Remove the bay leaf and serve alone or with brown rice if directed by physician.

What if I have Questions?

If you have questions about how you are feeling please remember that Dr. Graves is available throughout this program and can be contacted by phone at (509) 413-1530.

Supplement Regimen for Day 12

Core Products (Required)

SP Complete	2 scoops (tablespoons) twice per day minimum up to 5 shakes per day
SP Green Food	5 capsules 2 times per day
Fiber	Whole Food Fiber (powder): 1 scoop (tablespoon) 3 times per day in your shakes OR Gastro-Fiber: 3 capsules 3 times per day

Suggested Supplements (Optional)*

Protein:	Whey Pro Complete – 2 scoops (tablespoons) twice daily
Cravings:	Gymnema – 1 tablet 3 times per day or 2 tablets twice per day
Omega-3:	Tuna Omega-3 Oil – 2 perles 2 times per day

* Dr. Graves will work with you to identify which products best meet your needs.