21 Pounds in 21 Days (24 page)

Acidic:
A chemical compound that yields a solution with a pH of less than 7 when dissolved in water.

Acidophilus:
“Good bacteria” found in yogurts.

Alkaline:
Having a pH of between 7 and 14.

Allergic reaction:
The body's response when it cannot tolerant something foreign. Also referred to as hypersensitivity.

Amino acid:
A component of proteins, which contain various proportions of about twenty common amino acids.

Antibiotic:
Medicine that prevents and treats infectious diseases.

Antihypertensive medication:
Medicine that helps lower blood pressure.

Antioxidant:
A chemical that slows or halts oxidation, the rusting of the body.

Bacteria:
A major group of living organisms. Depending on the type, bacteria can be either good or bad for the body.

Body mass index (BMI):
Defined as one's body weight divided by the square of their height (weight/height
²
). Your BMI measures whether you weigh too much or too little.

Bowel movement:
The process by which the body eliminates waste in the form of feces.

Calorie:
Energy we get from food.

Cancer:
A malignant and invasive growth or tumor.

Carbon dioxide:
A colorless, odorless, incombustible gas often abbreviated as CO
₂
.

Cascara sagrada:
Dried aged bark of a small tree in the buckthorn family native to the Pacific Northwest.

Catalyze:
To modify or bring about.

Central nervous system:
Regulates all motor and sensory activity in our body.

Chi machine:
A machine that stimulates the lymphatic system by swinging your lower extremities while you lie down with your feet in the machine.

Cholesterol:
Fat that builds up in the arteries and contributes to development of heart disease.

Chronically ill:
Having an illness that lasts for a long time.

Colon:
The primary organ that eliminates waste and toxins from the body. When the colon is clean, the body is able to purify itself more easily.

Colon hydrotherapy:
Similar to an enema but using a machine, a colonic introduces large amounts of purified water into the colon in order to cleanse it.

Degenerative disease:
A disease that slowly destroys one or more organs.

Denature:
To deprive of its natural qualities or change the nature of.

Detoxify:
To rid the body of poison or the effect of poison.

Diabetes:
A chronic disease that occurs when the body produces or uses too little insulin and causes excessive amounts of glucose to appear in the blood and urine.

Dietary deficiency:
Occurs when the body does not receive enough nutrients.

Endocrine system:
Controls our hormones.

Enema:
A method of introducing water, herbs, coffee, or other active agents into the colon to soften fecal sludge and impacted stools.

Enzyme:
A protein that causes or speeds up the body's various chemical reactions. For instance, digestive enzymes are needed for proper digestion to occur.

Equilibrium:
A state of balance.

Fat (body):
The fat contained in your body.

Fat (dietary):
Fat obtained from one's diet. Dietary fat offers nine calories per gram.

Fatty essential acids:
Fatty acids required by the human body but which the body cannot make so must be acquired through the diet.

Free radical:
An atom or group of atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In the body it is usually an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron and will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from a nearby molecule, causing oxidation.

Germ:
A good or bad bacterium, also referred to as a pathogen.

Glycogen:
The principal form in which the body stores glucose (sugar).

Heart disease:
An abnormality in the heart's structure or function, or of the blood vessels supplying the heart, that keeps the heart from functioning normally.

Herbicide:
A chemical substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of plants, particularly weeds.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol:
Also known as “good” cholesterol, high HDL levels are associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

High-density nutritional supplements:
A small dose of nutrients containing extra and higher-quality nutrition

Homeostasis:
A state of being in harmony and balance.

Hormones:
Chemicals manufactured by the endocrine system to help control many bodily functions.

Immune system:
A specialized system of cells and organs that protects our body from negative outside biological influences.

Inflammation:
The immune system's first response to infection or irritation.

Litmus paper:
Filter paper impregnated with water-soluble dye. Used as a pH indicator to test materials for acidity.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:
Also known as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol increase one's risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Lycopene:
A red pigment found in blood and tomatoes, which is a potent antioxidant.

Lymph-drainage massage:
A gentle form of massage incorporating a gentle pumping action to stimulate the lymphatic system.

Lymph nodes:
Act as a biological filter cleaning out microorganisms from fluids.

Malnutrition:
Occurs when the body does not receive enough nutrients.

Metabolic rate:
The speed with which your body burns up calories.

Metabolism:
The rate at which your body burns food.

Minerals:
Elements our body needs to keep us healthy. Examples include copper, silver, and magnesium.

Molecules:
Smallest particle of a substance.

Nicotine:
A toxic yet addictive chemical released from cigarette smoke.

Noxious:
Hurtful or harmful.

Nutrient:
Any element or compound necessary for or contributing to an organism's metabolism, growth, or other function.

Nutritional detox:
A process of stimulating the body to rid itself of bad nutrition and replace it with higher quality.

Omega-3:
An essential fatty acid found in the oil of vegetables and oily fish.

Organic:
All natural and containing no synthetic ingredients.

Oxidation:
A chemical reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen.

Oxygen:
A molecule that helps carry red blood cells throughout our body and is essential to survival.

Parasite cleanse:
A detox that expels parasites from the intestinal system.

Peristalsis:
The wavelike muscular contractions of the alimentary canal or other tubular structures by which contents are forced onward toward the opening.

Pesticide:
A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects.

Probiotics:
Good bacteria called flora found mostly in the digestive tract.

Protein:
An essential component of our diet found in meats, eggs, beans, vegetables, and dairy products and that the body needs for energy.

Purge:
To rid of impurities.

Rebounder:
A small trampoline that stimulates and assists the lymphatic system.

Sedentary:
Accustomed to sitting or engaging in little exercise.

Sick soil:
Soil lacking in vital nutrients.

Synthetic:
Man-made.

Toxic burden/toxic load:
The level of pollutants, poisonous or harmful substances carried around in the body.

Toxin:
A poisonous substance capable of producing disease.

Virus:
A parasitic particle that is so small that it's invisible to the naked eye, but that infects cells in biological organisms.

Vitamins:
Water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients that feed the body and keep it healthy.

White-coat hypertension:
Occurs when a person's blood pressure rises when they see a medical professional wearing the white coat often worn by health care providers.

Yeast:
A type of fungus that is found in one's body.

RONI DELUZ

First, I offer all of my love and appreciation to God, for He has brought this life and all of you to me. I give my thanks to my family. Mom and Dad, you are always there and your love has never faltered. Grandma, I blossomed in the light you shined upon me. Antonio DeLuz, father of my children and lifetime partner, you have been patient and giving throughout all of my life's endeavors. Whitney, Toron, and Tony Jr., you are my angels. Jamie and James, I am so grateful I have you to help me with the children while I am on the road. Carol, Lenore, and James, my precious siblings, I appreciate your prayers and love. Kathy and Lorraine, you provide me with a constant flow of love.

So many people have lighted the way, leading me to my present life, that it's hard to know where to begin. Deborah Williams, green juice, those “crazy” treatments and all, thank you for persisting and putting me on the path. Thank you also for introducing me to James Hester.

James, my life has moved at warp speed ever since I met you. You challenged me to write this book. I'll always be grateful to you for telling me that if I didn't feel inclined to write it for myself that I should do it for others. Back then I thought it would never happen, but you made me a believer. We did it! I am honored to have you as my business partner. You taught me about believing in the dream of helping millions of people through books and education. I taught you about health and wellness…. The world will be better off because you took this risk and I congratulate you
for your courage. I am proud to say I watched you grow mentally, physically, and spiritually, and I know the world will embrace you as we join in this journey of helping people change their lives. Everyone should have a James Hester in their lives—I'm blessed to have one.

Thanks also to the following people: Susan Swartz, for your unique, creative essence and support of the retreat in so many ways; Linda Hicks, for your commitment and all the wisdom you share at the retreat; Pamela Ray, my lifelong friend who has been with me from the beginning; Cathy Hughes, for having faith in me and my cause; Jaime Foster Brown and Lorenzo Brown, you are true believers and you have helped so many; Dr. Douglas Rofrano, I won't forget you for always lending your spiritual wit. My pastor, Marcia Buckley, you are forever giving. Hilary Beard, for fashioning my voice into words for all who will listen; Judith Regan, there are no words to express my gratitude; Laurye Blackford, for your wonderful editor's eye. Thank you, John Rose, in the last hour of need. Thank you, Dr. Nicholas, for many medical and spiritual talks; Dr. Lorna Andrade, for being there in the beginning and for our long-term friendship; Heather Rynd, for your positive energy; and Lauren Horten, for your friendship and sharing. Lisa Adler—you changed me. Dr. Monica Turner—thanks for the healthy knowledge. And many others. There are many others—special clients, friends, and angels—who have helped me create my dream.

Thank you all,

Roni DeLuz, RN, ND, PhD
Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

JAMES HESTER

I would like to give all praise and glory to God for leading me to Martha's Vineyard. I heard him speak to me on my third day at Dr. Roni's retreat. The voice said, “Do my will and pass the healing on to those in need.” He also led me to Pastor Marcia Buckley on Easter Sunday 2003. My life has been changed ever since. I love and thank these two amazing women.

I would like to thank all of those who allowed me to pass the gift God gave me unto them. I pray that they will pass the gift on to their family, friends, and colleagues. When a loved one is in their darkest hour, we have the power to make their days brighter. Here are a few that made my days brighter:

My father (Jim Hester), my mother (Loretta Hester), my sisters (Judi Thompson and Michelle Alfo), my aunts (Joan Walsh and Geri Trzanowski). Bethann Hardison, my dear friend, adviser, and confidant. Judith Regan, thank you for allowing us into your world and believing in this project. Cathy Hughes, thanks for your love and support. I love you all very much. I'm so proud of you all giving your bodies the gift of detoxing.

My lifelong friends: Butch and Regina Woolfolk, Donna Fuime, David Cole, Lucy Doughty, Dr. Judy Meyers, Robert Evans, Maye James, Lorainne Van Rensailer, Gina Franano, Timolin Cole, Al Zelenka, Tommy Thompson, and Sondra “Miss Everything” Fortunato. You all have your own stories about me and I thank and love you for always letting James be James.

My healing team: Dr. Roni DeLuz, Dr. Martinez, Dr. L. Miller, Dr. Michael Hickson, Dr. Gervais Frechette, Evelyn “Diva” Harrington, Ene Luna and Laura Rios (Juarez, Mexico). My angels at the retreat, Pamela Ray (the best colon therapist in the world) and Linda Hicks (I love you both so much and I'm very grateful that you are in my life), Linda Gonzalez, Celina Pina, and Deborah Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Oxygen—Ed and Leeda McCabe—thanks for educating me about Ozone. Maria Alonzo (NY) and Jason Peringer (Martha's Vineyard), my massage therapists. These
are some of the most gifted professional in their fields. Thank you for caring and healing.

Mariah Carey, thank you for sending our “sister” Deborah Cooper to Dr. Roni. You saved her life—you're an angel. Also, Barbara and Andrew Pace, Melonie Daniels, and Michael Richardson—for hearing the 911 call and responding immediately. Thanks for caring. God bless you.

Brad Boles, Anne Austin, Jackie Malloy, Alvaro, Marvet Britto, Tyrone Barrington, Paris Gordon, and Judy Moskowitz, thanks for standing and listening to me as I told the truth…. The truth will set you free…

Wendy Williams at 107.5: we had a blast detoxing you every day live on the radio. Joannetta “Supermom” Patton: we had a blast detoxing you in Atlanta. Joanna Yearwood: you look great. Oscar Hernandez: we have to detox again. Rosalie Forest—our first at home graduate. Melanie A. Bonvicino, thanks for the introduction and believing in our project. Sara Burningham, our publicist, thanks for doing the detox and changing your life. Laurye Blackford, thanks for drinking my protein shakes and editing our book. The entire ReganBooks staff for allowing me to juice in their kitchen for the past two years. Our new team at HarperCollins: Joe Tessitore, Mary Ellen O'Neill, etc. Thanks for adopting us. We will be good stepchildren.

Some of the most anointed singers, producers, and executives in the music business blessed me with the opportunity and privilege of working with them. Here are just a few I would like to thank: Natalie Cole (“Livin' for Love”), thank you for bringing me to church—you planted the seed. Mary J. Blige/Aretha Franklin (“Don't Waste Your Time”)—Mary, you are correct, there are lessons in the valley. Marc Anthony (“Remember Me”), how's Bigram? Kelly Price/Teddy Reilly (“Love Sets You Free”)—TR, you're a musical genius. Jeff Majors (“Pray”), the most gifted composer and harpist in the world. Billy Porter—what a voice. Robert Clivilles (C&C Music Factory), you are so talented. Three of the most talented music executives: Sylvia Rhone, Clive Davis, and Antonio “LA” Reid. Gen Rubin—you are so talented—we made hits
together! Randy “American Idol” Jackson, I'm so proud of your new career—you deserve it. Alfred Liggins (Radio One)—thanks for being a friend and sharing Cathy with me. My Three Divas: Deborah Cooper, Melonie Daniels, and MaryAnn Tatum—these girls can
sing
. We had a lot of fun. Three gentlemen that left us too soon: David Cole—my brother and friend—what a talent, there is no other. Frankie Crocker—thanks for the break at age 14—what an ear. Luther Vandross—thanks for allowing me to work with you on “You Really Started Something.” What an honor. May you rest in peace. May God continue to bless all of you and thanks again for the opportunity. If you ever need to get healthy—I'm one call away. It continues to be a personal and spiritual growth, a process that led me to this book.

Maureen Orth, Jamie Foster Brown, Mitch Albom, Bob Adams, Richard Johnson and Paula Froelich (Page Six), George Rush and Joanna Molloy, and Jancee Dunn (
Vogue
)—the first journalists to write about us. Plum TV of Martha's Vineyard (Stephon, Kelly, John, and Guinevere). John Meade and all the saints at the Martha's Vineyard Apostolic House of Prayer. Bishop and Sister Campbell. Pastor A.R. Bernard (CCC) for giving me a home away from home in NY. Thank you all for your support.

Alison Leopold (next one), Lynne Johnson, Jaime Rua, Barbara Burns, John Rose, thanks for all your legal advise.

Hilary Beard—you are such a talented writer.

Jaime Camil—another angel sent from God—I love you very much for helping to save my life.

I would like to thank the entire Hester, Darata, Mickiewicz, Kot, Trzanowski, Walsh, Ehlers, Thompson, and Zelenka families for their prayers and support. Your family will always be there for you.

Thank you to all the praying people in the world. Prayer is powerful.

This book is dedicated to my favorite boys: My nephews Cole and Kyle Thompson, Jarrel and Troy Woolfolk, and Sean and Lucas Doughty. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you. The lessons you learn in the valley are just as impor
tant and valuable as the lessons you learn on top of the peak. Remember always to put God and your wonderful parents first in your life.

Man's rejection is God's protection.

James Hester
Martha's Vineyard