Copyright 2015 Robin Westen. Design and concept 2015 Ulysses Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (including but not limited to photocopying, electronic devices, digital versions, and the Internet) without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
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ISBN: 978-1-61243-536-7
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NOTE TO READERS: This book has been written and published strictly for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to be any form of medical treatment. You should always consult your physician before altering or changing any aspect of your medical treatment and/or undertaking a diet regimen, including the guidelines as described in this book. Do not stop or change any prescription medications without the guidance and advice of your physician. Any use of the information in this book is made on the readers good judgment after consulting with his or her physician and is the readers sole responsibility. This book is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not a substitute for a physician.
To my beloved Dr. Bebop with eternal gratitude
Table of Contents
Guide
Table of Contents
Ive been writing books about health for nearly two decades, specifically about how detoxing, cleansing, and creating healing habits in our mind, body, and spirit can turn our lives around and help us live consciously and to our fullest potential. Over this period, as you can probably imagine, Ive read thousands of studies, interviewed hundreds of leading experts, and been privy to the latest research developed at major medical centers, laboratories, and universities around the world.
And let me tell you, its been an intense ride! One minute eggs are the devil itself, and the next theyre a perfect protein in moderation. One egg a day? Go for it! Or, butter is dissed as the enemy artery-clogger and were told to eat margarine or some other processed concoctionand now? Butter is blessed! Were encouraged to take lots of vitamin E for healthy hair and skin and a strong heart one year, and the next were that warned too much can be terribly toxic. Postmenopausal women get the recommendation to consume as much soy as possible, and then a few years later were told to be sure not to take in too much because soy has been linked to breast cancer. You get the idea.
And if youre someone who also follows health trends you probably know exactly what I mean. So although Ive been trying to keep up with research and studies and then present the latest findings to my readers, Im sometimes left a little red in the face when recommendations from medical authorities change direction.
But when it comes to bone broth Im not at all concerned. No worries! This book will be your gut health bible forever! Theres a mountain of solid evidenceone thats getting more impressive by the daythat the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in our gut is the number-one influence on our good health. Researchers have discovered that these gut microbes play instrumental roles in the functioning of our body. As youll see, theyve been shown to counteract inflammation and control the growth of disease-causing bacteria; produce vitamins; absorb minerals; eliminate toxins; control asthma and reduce the risk of other allergies; balance our mood and overall mental health; and help keep our weight down while reducing cellulite and wrinkles.
And how do we keep the precious bacteria in balance? With a gut-healing remedy thats been around foreverbone broth! Indeed, its been consumed for so long its considered a prehistoric food. Archaeologists have evidence that bone broth was first brewed in the stomachs of animals before stockpots and various other forms of cookware were developed. Centuries later, more advanced civilizations all over the world enjoyed bone broth and its healing properties. For example, for thousands of years its been prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a multitude of symptoms, including digestive health. After reading all the background information and following the Bone Broth Detox plan, I suspect youll also be a loyal convert.
In youll learn about the history of bone broth, from the ancient science behind it to modern research that supports its effectiveness, including studies, anecdotes, and nutritional information such as its vitamin, mineral, and amino acid content, including collagen. At the end of the chapter, you can review what youve learned with the quiz How Much Do You Know about Bone Broth?
In the next chapter, Ill introduce the ultimate gut-healing solution: a bone broth detox. Youll be able to identify the symptoms that indicate your gut bacteria is out of whack. The quiz Rate Your Toxicity Quotient will test the effects of possible bacterial imbalance and other toxic influences in your body, including checking in on emotional aspects. The quizs results analysis offers you ways the bone broth can help reduce your toxicity.
Drastic change is never easy, so before going on any detox, the body and mind need to be ready. gives you a Five-Step Prep to help you gear up for the bone broth gut detox. These steps should be taken one week before the detox and cover eliminating super-toxic foods like sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed items and cleaning out your cabinets and fridge to reduce temptations. Other suggestions include taking a sauna, enjoying warm soaks or steam baths, getting lymphatic drainage massage (or giving one to yourself), clearing the decks so the week of detoxing is stress-free, trying to get more sleep, meditating, doing easeful exercise such as restorative yoga, as well as setting a goal. Youll also get some help on how to stick to the detox with tips such as using affirmations, making a wish list, and keeping a journal. You can also take the revealing quiz Are You Ready to Change your Life? By doing so, youll be able to dig a little deeper and discover if youre harboring any resistance.
In youll receive a detailed shopping list (which includes other foods you can eat during the seven detox days) and suggestions on where to purchase the special broth ingredients. The full bone broth recipe is offered in this chapter, along with step-by-step instructions on how to cook the broth and how to store it. Plus youll learn all about the secret healing power of that gooey stuff (gelatin). What if you dont want to cook? No biggie. You can buy broths online, and in this chapter youll find out where.
Youll also get insight into what you can expect physically, mentally, and emotionally while on the detox. Possible side effects, as well as plenty of benefits, are described in . And youll get daily instructions and tips on following through on the 7-day detox, from easing into it (days 1 to 3) with breakfast broth, recipes for light lunches and dinners (days 4 and 5) just broth (days 6 and 7), easing back to light fareand of course, broth! Theres a fun quiz to take too: Are You Living in the Here and Now?