Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are unique because they are rich in sulfur containing compounds called glucosinolates which support detoxification and indole-3-carbinol which greatly reduces the risk of breast, colon and lung cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, glucosinolates are powerhouse chemicals that break down during chewing and digestion into bioactive compounds that prevent cancer cells growth.

Glucosinolates stimulate the body’s natural antioxidant system, triggering the liver to produce detoxifying enzymes that block free-radical attacks on your DNA.

Glucosinolates are:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Contain antibacterial and antiviral properties

• Inactivate carcinogens

• Reprogram cancer cells to die-off

• Prevent tumor formation and metastasis

Your top twelve cruciferous vegetables are:

• Arugula

• Bok Choy

• Broccoli

• Brussels Sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Collard Greens

• Kale

• Mustard greens

• Radish

• Turnip

• Watercress

 A common concern is can eating cruciferous vegetables cause thyroid problems?

Research shows it would take a lot of cruciferous veg to cause hypothyroidism and only if someone also has an iodine deficiency.

Studies show the consumption of 5oz a day of cooked Brussels sprouts for four weeks had no adverse effects on thyroid function.

So if you have a thyroid issue, eat cooked cruciferous vegetables and keep it to about 1-2 servings daily.

Ultradian Rhythm

Ultradian Rhythm

Do you wake up, chug some coffee, and fling yourself into a nonstop day of meetings, classes, pick ups and drop offs and before you know it you’re too tired for yoga class, order a pizza on the way home, eat dinner in a haze and at bedtime you’re too wired and tired to sleep, much less have sex? Did you use the bathroom today? Do you remember?

The human body is designed with a 90 to 120 minute attention span, called our Ultradian Rhythm cycle and when we ignore it and override our circuits, we get tired, thirsty, foggy, hungry and cranky.

Often we reach for Coffee, sugar or carbs for a lift, when what we really need is to STOP. Ideally we should be taking a 15 to 20 minute break in the morning and afternoon. The best case scenario is to lie down in a dark room. At the office? Try tilting the chair back and wear a pair of blue glasses to stop the overstimulation of the lights. Ok maybe I’m stretching, but did you pee this morning? How about a trip to the bathroom and a glass of water. Grab a healthy snack like nuts or nut butter and an apple. Or call, or Skype a friend, call not text, I’m talking about heart connection here, stepping away resets your brain. Leave your to do list alone. Go sit in your car and close your eyes. Your brain will thank you and you will perform better for it. Some employers are creating dark break rooms, because the rewards are that great. The funny thing is children do this naturally, watch your kids, sometimes that’s when you get the best hugs.

The MOFO Club

I’m a double MOFO, that’s the MTHFR or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene. I carry a compound heterozygous gene mutation, a genetic polymorphism, variance or flaw in today’s science. One in every two people may have it.

Born covered in eczema, I suffered migraines, irregular menstrual cycles, epic PMS, food sensitivities and environmental allergies, have a delicate nervous system, was prone to depression and a tendency toward addictive behaviors. Twice treated for heavy metal toxicity I can get a hangover from a cookie. Sound familiar? Get tested for the MTHFR gene ASAP.

In 2012 I experienced severe gastrointestinal issues following treatment for an intestinal parasite. Sentenced to the FODMAPS diet, I endured 5 months of Rifaxiamin and Neomycin and felt worse. My system shut down, my body was toxic. I was hardly eating, bloated, gaining weight rapidly, had zero energy, no memory, couldn’t concentrate, was scared, depressed, couldn’t work and wildly constipated.

Enter Tracy Piper, a hydro therapist, licensed acupuncturist, massage therapist and herbalist, uniquely qualified to help me detox so I might address what got me there in the first place; she reviewed my symptoms and immediately sent me to be tested for the MTHFR Gene.

I tested positive for both mutations. FYI, MTHFR is not singular to any ethnic group. Tracy has it and she is a beautiful Island woman. I started a regime of herbs, supplements and weekly colonics. Most people feel energized and lighter after a session, I felt even more tired and depressed after the next 4-6 treatments.

My body responds to integrative/functional medicine. It has been a scavenger hunt to find an MD in NYC who gets it. Linda Tao read my records and said “based on your anecdotal history I would have tested you for MTHFR but I see you have the double mutation. Do you understand what it means?”

I wanted to cry. This was a real thing. Using a chart, Dr Tao explained this relatively new science. What we do know is MOFO’s don’t process toxins like other people. We don’t absorb B Vitamins or methylate correctly. We’re highly sensitive emotionally and physically, prone to increased levels of inflammation and at higher risk for certain cancers. My entire medical and personal history fell into place that hour.

It’s been 14 months since I started treatment. This is a process and its forever. I’ve successfully reduced my homocysteine levels, pay attention to diet, and am religious about my ever changing list of herbs and supplements including Adreset to balance my adrenals, Fenugreek and Thyme to process fats, Active B Complex and MethylProtect, Dim Detox, Selenium, Ubiquinol, a probiotic, Glutathione, Vitamin D3, Magnesium L-Threonate, Magnesium Citrate, Super II, Chlorphyll, Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root. I’ve re-committed to meditation and yoga. The amazing reflexologist and Integrative Postitional Therapist Shelley Kerman advises soaking my feet in Epsom salts, baking soda and ACV to assist my lymph system, I get regular lymphatic drainage massage, and see Tracy and Dr. Tao quarterly.

I created The MOFO Club as a platform for ideas, change and support. Please share your stories. If you’ve encountered a gifted practitioner, had success with a particular herb, supplement or lifestyle change, we need to know about it.

Don’t worry. No dues. Being a MOFO is enough.

If you'd like to know more, check out The Mofo Club's Facebook Page at: www.facebook.com/mofoclub