One seemingly uneventful day in May of 2003 I was driving to my chiropractor’s office when a car on the opposite side of the road made an unexpected left turn in front of my car, causing a head-on collision. My chest smashed into the steering wheel and suddenly I found myself wondering if I was going to have a heart attack.

The impact caused my lungs to heave in such a way that I was taking deeper breaths than I had ever taken in my life. What happened next is still a mystery to me. I heard a very clear commanding directive that said, “You need to do a liver cleanse!”

What???

Answering a Call

That command bubbled up into my thoughts from time to time that summer as I continued to heal, but it wasn’t until October when a good friend who was 39 at the time was diagnosed with breast cancer that my new mission got any traction.

Being a chiropractor myself, I had a network of colleagues to speak with about breast cancer. I contacted my teachers and holistic doctors around the country, looking for answers and research.

Then I read up on everything I could find on the causes and complementary treatments beyond the medical therapies. I looked at statistics and compiled lists of strategies for healing and came to one conclusion. Although we don’t know for sure what causes breast cancer, everyone included a strategy for helping the liver to detoxify more efficiently. I was intrigued.

What Is Liver Cleansing?

A healthy body could be defined as one that has energy and vitality and the natural capacity to heal, detoxify, and repair itself. Said in another way, our bodies are self-healing. We have several mechanisms and pathways for “taking out the garbage” and over the years they can become sluggish.

It isn’t so far-fetched that we need to upgrade our detoxifying systems in our own body. Detoxifying or cleansing means ridding the body of toxins – those internally made or ones that get in – and waste products that get stuck and can’t find their way out.

These toxins accumulate in the cells, tissues, and especially the fat molecules and cause congestion, sluggishness, and a whole array of symptoms. The gift of cleansing the body is that there is restoration of the self-healing mechanisms, which allows the body to repair itself.

What Is a Toxin?

Toxins in the body affect the cellular engines in negative ways. For example, pesticides are considered xenoestrogens (foreign estrogen) because they mimic the activity of estrogen at the cellular level.

Estrogen is considered the fattening hormone. It gives women contours and increases the size and number of specific cells, which is why women might experience swelling and tenderness in the breasts, fibrocystic breasts, and weight gain when taking HRT or birth control pills.

Hormones and xenoestrogens both need to be completely broken down in the liver so that their effect on estrogen sensitive cells becomes null and void.

The Pathways of Elimination

We must eliminate, for example urinate and sweat, for toxins to be removed from the body. Making sure you have regular bowel movements may be more important than getting your liver to work more efficiently. Bowel transit time is a term that refers to how long it takes for food that you have consumed to end up in the toilet.

In a certain way, the body likes to recycle so if the transit time is really slow, the body will reabsorb the water, hormones, cholesterol, and toxins and make it harder to have normal bowel movements.

Making sure you are hydrated and having a good balance of plant-based soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet is essential. Try eliminating dairy and gluten from your diet if you are chronically constipated and get checked for parasites.

You should also have a chiropractor see if your ileocecal valve (a sphincter between your small and large intestine) is stuck shut. A simple manipulation can open the valve and give great relief.

As part of the cleanse program I run at my office, our participants use our infrared sauna which enables sweating from below the skin’s surface. As the core body temperature elevates one to three degrees, the fat cells that store toxins soften up and release chemicals and heavy metals are released through the sweat.

Research shows that 20% of the sweat collected from using an infrared sauna contains toxins while only 3% of the sweat collected from traditional saunas contains toxins.

5 Things You Can Do Right NOW to Support Your Body in Detoxifying

Hydrate your body. Drink about half your body weight in ounces of water. Coffee is not water and is dehydrating so take that into consideration.

If you are constipated, you must find a solution to moving your bowels at least once or twice a day. Drink water, and eat prunes and beets. Try Senna tea and make sure you are getting fiber in your diet. If you have tried all of these things and nothing has worked, consult with a doctor who can help you.

Green up. Alkalize your body by adding more green leafy vegetables to your diet. Eat salads, put greens in smoothies and sauté greens with olive oil and garlic for a delicious treat then add them to soups.

Eat cruciferous vegetables, especially Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Research shows that adding daily Brussels sprouts to the diet insures that the liver can safely break down estrogens circulating in the body.

Whenever possible eat organic. Fewer toxins in means less work your body has to do to break down and eliminate them.

Have you ever considered a liver cleanse? What foods do you find help you stay regular? Please join the conversation and share your experience and ideas.

Editor’s note: Nothing in this article is intended to be medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

It’s nice to know that we’re living in a time where getting cosmetic procedures done like plastic surgery is no longer looked down upon (It shouldn’t be! Do what makes you the most confident! Especially if it’s safe and done by a medical professional!) But for some, going under the knife isn’t in the cards, and finding alternatives that work similarly is like finding a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible to do, but glorious when it occurs.

So, we’re overjoyed to say that one of those needles is on sale. It’s the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisturizer, and thanks to Amazon’s huge Holiday Beauty Haul event where so many beloved products have slashed-down prices, it’s discounted for just $13. Now, this nearly 35% discount is no joke, and it’s clear the retailer knows this, because the markdown only lasts for the day.

RELATED: Jennifer Aniston Uses This Tatcha Lip Product To Get Her Plump Pout

Making timely decisions is tough, but we’re here to help you. Here’s a bit more about this beloved moisturizer: The day and night cream was generated to feed your skin “intense hydration” that will, according to the brand, “fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps restore moisture for smoother, plumper skin.”

Now, we know that marketing lingo can be a bit overstated, but reviewers seem to back up all of the above claims. In fact, more than 4,000 shoppers have given the product a perfect five-star rating.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

Courtesy: L’Oreal Paris.

In fact, one reviewer who used to rely on botox to minimize the appearance of their wrinkles, said this moisturizer replaced their need for the procedure entirely.

It’s nice to know that we’re living in a time where getting cosmetic procedures done like plastic surgery is no longer looked down upon (It shouldn’t be! Do what makes you the most confident! Especially if it’s safe and done by a medical professional!) But for some, going under the knife isn’t in the cards, and finding alternatives that work similarly is like finding a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible to do, but glorious when it occurs.

So, we’re overjoyed to say that one of those needles is on sale. It’s the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisturizer, and thanks to Amazon’s huge Holiday Beauty Haul event where so many beloved products have slashed-down prices, it’s discounted for just $13. Now, this nearly 35% discount is no joke, and it’s clear the retailer knows this, because the markdown only lasts for the day.

RELATED: Jennifer Aniston Uses This Tatcha Lip Product To Get Her Plump Pout

Making timely decisions is tough, but we’re here to help you. Here’s a bit more about this beloved moisturizer: The day and night cream was generated to feed your skin “intense hydration” that will, according to the brand, “fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps restore moisture for smoother, plumper skin.”

Now, we know that marketing lingo can be a bit overstated, but reviewers seem to back up all of the above claims. In fact, more than 4,000 shoppers have given the product a perfect five-star rating.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

Courtesy: L’Oreal Paris.

In fact, one reviewer who used to rely on botox to minimize the appearance of their wrinkles, said this moisturizer replaced their need for the procedure entirely.

My nephew recently called me and asked me to list his home for sale. I have been the “family” real estate go-to person for over 40years, so it was not an unusual request. My answer to his request would be different this time.

I have just retired both my real estate brokerage and appraiser licenses. I asked my nephew why he couldn’t sell his own home. I got lots of excuses like I’m too busy, I don’t have the right forms, I don’t have a way to advertise it. I had answers for every question he asked and then some!

Selling Your Own Home Isn’t That Complicated

Have you thought about selling your own home or property? I think you may find it easier than you think and a choice that you may want to consider! I will attempt to simplify the process for you and I am betting you can do it!

Yes, we all hear commercials daily about how a third party agent can sell and market your home. The agents proclaim they can sell your home faster and for more money than you can. Hey, that’s advertising, I get it, I understand it. Third party agents are educated professionals and they do provide reliable services that are needed in many cases. But is it necessary or required to enlist a third party agent to sell your home? No, it is not.

You’re in Control

Think about it! Why not sell your home yourself and be in total control of your largest asset? You can do it! Believe it or not, there are buyers out there, including myself, that actually prefer to buy directly from an owner.

You Know Your Home

Here are some reasons why I enjoy buying directly from an owner. Who has lived in the home and knows the home better? Who is the most direct source to negotiate on the price and terms? Who has actually lived in the home area or neighborhood? Who will save on commission fees and pass the savings on to the purchaser? Who is focused on the home for sale? The owner is the answer to all five questions.

You Can Do the Marketing as Well

Have I got your attention! Don’t be afraid or intimidated to market your own home for sale. Like anything you have for sale, you may want to spruce it up a bit. Pretend you are the buyer, what would you think if you drove by your home or walked in your front door?

Take a look at some of the home improvement TV shows and see what buyers are looking for. I once had an agent that sprayed the front door with air freshener before any showings. She also brought over unbaked cookie dough and baked cookies before she showed a house just to give the home a nice aroma.

If you see need for improvement, now may be the time! Making any home more attractive can increase your home’s value and increase your number of buyers.

Where to Market? The Internet, of Course!

Today’s technology and internet services make marketing your home much easier than in the past. There are numerous internet sites that offer free advertising of your home all over the world. These free sites allow you to post dozens of photos, videos, maps, etc. of your home.

Do you need a professional photographer? Not really, but taking the best photos possible is a good idea and can be done with most any camera. Writing the ad is as simple as describing your home to others. Make your description flattering, but honest. Make it informational but interesting. Inviting, but not overdone. Just honestly describe what makes your house a home, and why any buyer should consider buying it.

The Important Steps

Just like you would do on a fishing trip, you throw out the fishing line with bait (aka your ad).

Next, you wait for a bite (someone answering your ad).

Start reeling in the fish (show them your property).

You’ve caught the fish (I mean you have a potential buyer).

To prepare, have all the information you can dig up about your property available (survey, legal description, tax card, subdivision docs, etc.) and offer to provide any additional information the potential buyer may ask for.

Once You Have a Buyer

Congratulations! The potential buyer likes your home and wants to make an offer! What’s next? You and the potential buyer should have a “meeting of the minds.” In other works, agree to a price and terms to purchase and put it in writing.

You can obtain a simple real estate contract online or at an office supply store, and you can fill it out together. Both buyer and seller can and should participate in filling in the contract form, looking over the contract and making sure both parties understand everything that they have agreed to.

The basics in every real estate contract should include date of contract, sales price, description of property (and any items included if not attached), contingencies (if any), closing date, who pays for any fees incurred in closing the transaction, who will close the transaction and signatures of buyer(s) and seller(s).

You can always add an addendum page to include any items that clarify the contract, such as inspection requests, etc. If you just don’t feel comfortable with filling out a contract, or you feel like your contract agreement may be too complicated, call a local real estate attorney and they can assist you if necessary.

Once you complete your contract it can be taken to a specified closing company(s) or closing attorney(s) to let them begin the closing process. A licensed title company/closing attorney can handle the transaction from that point and you will be contacted with details of when they are ready to close the transaction.

Selling your own home may not be the right choice for everyone, but it can be a very rewarding experience for both sellers and buyers!

Did you buy your house from the previous owner or did you use an agency? When selling, do you prefer to do a direct deal with a buyer, or do you use a third party to do to negotiations? Do you think there is benefit to selling your house yourself?

It’s nice to know that we’re living in a time where getting cosmetic procedures done like plastic surgery is no longer looked down upon (It shouldn’t be! Do what makes you the most confident! Especially if it’s safe and done by a medical professional!) But for some, going under the knife isn’t in the cards, and finding alternatives that work similarly is like finding a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible to do, but glorious when it occurs.

So, we’re overjoyed to say that one of those needles is on sale. It’s the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisturizer, and thanks to Amazon’s huge Holiday Beauty Haul event where so many beloved products have slashed-down prices, it’s discounted for just $13. Now, this nearly 35% discount is no joke, and it’s clear the retailer knows this, because the markdown only lasts for the day.

RELATED: Jennifer Aniston Uses This Tatcha Lip Product To Get Her Plump Pout

Making timely decisions is tough, but we’re here to help you. Here’s a bit more about this beloved moisturizer: The day and night cream was generated to feed your skin “intense hydration” that will, according to the brand, “fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps restore moisture for smoother, plumper skin.”

Now, we know that marketing lingo can be a bit overstated, but reviewers seem to back up all of the above claims. In fact, more than 4,000 shoppers have given the product a perfect five-star rating.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

Courtesy: L’Oreal Paris.

In fact, one reviewer who used to rely on botox to minimize the appearance of their wrinkles, said this moisturizer replaced their need for the procedure entirely.