Toxic Teens: The Diet Connection

Bobbi Doscher, D.C.
Jan-Feb 2003

The sad consequences of quick fixes are now showing in our teens. Many of today¹s adolescents are malnourished, tired, toxic, and neurologically disorganized. Their visual, auditory and tactile perception is erratic, wavering between extremes of dull and hyper. Frustrated and depressed, they are losing their spiritual well-being. These marginal teens lack the tools to organize the direction and pace of their lives. It¹s a rare moment when they are able to initiate ideas. Because of this, the usual academic and social pressures of maturing into adulthood are having a far deeper impact on their lives. They lack for inner peace.

We have seen several teenagers come to the center very sick, lethargic, with a wide variety of complaints: headaches, sleeplessness, stomach cramps, ulcers, extreme weight gain or loss, poor attention, dizziness, numbness in limbs, constipation, neck ache, migraines, asthma, skin rashes, dulled reflexes, blank eyes, no energy, tight muscles, constipated, bloated, pallor, and arthritic pain. Their grumpiness can lead to belligerence. The light has gone from their eyes--all symptoms of the toxins within.

First we explain the journey of natural health care and its responsibility. They learn about the importance of avoiding certain foods -dairy products, heavy breaded fried foods, white flour, sugar-- natural, artificial or ³sugar-free,² chemically adulterated meats and microwaving. We recommend regular exercise in fresh air and sunshine. Then we guide them as their body detoxifies. They may experience some dis-comfort, however with adjustments and dietary changes over time these young teens win back control over their lives.

Their diet includes pure water, fresh fruits and vegetables--especially root vegetables to compliment greens, beans, whole grains, seeds and nuts vital for whole body function. The roots are carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, radishes and burdock to help clean by empowering the liver and digestive tract to heal.

Grown underground, roots nourish the fleshy, leafy parts of the plant by absorbing soil nutrients. In our human body this similar energetic action is replicated in our small and large intestines with solid food and in our lungs with gaseous food--oxygen. Root vegetable energies also support the liver that cleans toxins from the body which in turn strengthens our eyes. Here is a favorite way to build your roots!

Carrot Soup Ingredients

1 lb carrots washed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1 large sweet onion diced
1 stalk celery chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp olive oil
6 cups purified water
2 bay leaf
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh squeezed ginger juice
1 tsp sea salt
dash of cayenne

Preparation

Saute onions, garlic and carrots in heated oil in large soup pot until onions are clear. Add water, spices (except fresh ginger juice) and sea salt. Bring to boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Puree through processor or blender. Return puree to soup pot and adjust seasoning. Last, grind ginger. Gather grated ginger in your hand and squeeze out the juice between your fingers into the soup. Stir and serve garnished with raw chopped chives or parsley

References provided on-line at:
http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/references.html