Healthy Living

Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

2010-07-02T22:15:32Z

What you'll need:

1-2 boxes of Heritage Select Basmati Rice (Spanish Style with bell peppers and orzo pasta)
2/3 cup finely chopped bell peppers (you can mix orange, red, yellow)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp finely grated lemon peel
1 and a half tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon freshly squeezed
salt to taste
pepper to taste
4-5 tomatoes

Directions:

Make rice according to directions on box
Combine all ingredients with rice except tomatoes
Cut the top off each tomato and scoop out seeds and inner membranes
Stuff tomatoes with rice mixture
Serve

Cleansing - Body and Mind

2010-07-02T21:31:00Z

Cleansing is the washing away of that, which is unclean. When talking about cleansing in alternative medicine, there are three main areas in our lives, which need to be addressed. Cleansing the body and the mind.

Cleansing the body is done to keep our physical machine in optimum health. We are born into a body with physical limitations that begins aging the day we are brought into this world. We can learn to use the body's own healing mechanisms to trigger change. There are many ways to bring about physical awareness and change.

Cleansing the mind is done to bring awareness to all that causes us limitations in thinking. The over-thinking that is rooted in fear and deters us from living wholeheartedly, can be one of our biggest detriments. We can learn to free our minds from this imprisonment and create a focused and well balanced mind set.

Here you will find many tools and tips for "cleansing". Cleansing not only refers to keeping ourselves whole or holistic, but looking at the environment around us. Find tools such as essential oils to stimulate and clear our mind and body, decluttering you life to bring about clarity in life and natural herbs to make a difference.

Cleansing The Body

Detoxifying is the process of releasing accumulated toxins and waste products that build up throughout our system. From birth, toxins, externally from environmental sources, bombard us. Internally, our organs give off waste products that accumulate in our body. Imbalanced emotions also play a part in polluting our system with excess chemicals such as free radicals, homocysteine and cortisol.

Detoxifying is, in many ways, an easy process. Our body does much of the detoxification process through urination, defecation and perspiration. As our body’s age and our immune systems weaken from illness, poor diet and/or addictive substances, we sometimes need to give our system an extra helping hand. That is why conscious detoxing is great way back to optimum health.

One of the best ways to start your detoxification is with the body's biggest organ, the SKIN. A detox diet strengthens the organs involved in detoxification and releases stored toxins, expelling them through the organs of elimination: the skin, as well as the intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, and lymphatic system.

Some of our favorite cleanses are:
Paraway Pack (UniCity), Flush and be Fit (Renew Life) and Raw Cleanse (Garden of Life)

This is one of three processes that should be done 4 times a year. Using the seasons as a guide, allows us to work with the "flow of nature" and change as our bodies change. Consider a healthy detox or work with the power of an herbal cleanser.

1. Here is a nice Detoxification Bath to get you started:

2 Cups Sea Salt
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder

Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes Drink plenty of water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body and helps you to feel better. This bath can be done 2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.

2. Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative properties of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This forms a gelatinous mass and keeps the feces hydrated and soft. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.

3. Physical exercise: is what your body instinctively wants to do especially under stress: fight or flight, and it works. It burns off some of the stress chemicals which tension produces. Therefore, a tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Relaxed muscles contribute to a relaxed mind.

TIPS FOR DETOXING

1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise.
4. Avoiding drugs and alcohol.
5. Taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement (like Garden of Life’s Vitamin Code).
6. Take nutritional/herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver function.
7. Go on a three day fast, four times per year.
8. Fasting at the change of the seasons is a good rule to remember.
9. Take care of your skin and know your skin type.
10. Consider a decluttering of your life at the beginning on each season to clear your mind.

“One of the biggest tragedies of human civilization is the precedents of
chemical therapy over nutrition.
It's a substitution of artificial therapy over nature, of poisons over food,
in which we are feeding people poisons trying to correct the reactions of starvation.”
Cleansing with Tea

The best detox and cleansing teas are without a doubt are herbal teas. The health benefits of such teas are known widely. There is a very diverse range and they suit almost any taste, from sweet to bitter. All of them are naturally sweet and lots are caffeine free. They suit all special diets apart from nut allergy sufferers, in some forms of herbal tea.

Some of the best detox and cleansing teas are thought by many to be green tea, which is from China and is taken by anyone who suffers from constipation, rectal build up, cold and flu symptoms and other similar ailments. It is a light and refreshing tasting tea and is usually associated, in its native land of China, with longevity.

One of the health benefits associated with drinking herbal tea in conjunction with a balanced diet are a positive impact on the immune system. This means that the immune system will develop new immunities to intestinal diseases by stimulating the growth of new intestinal micro flora to take the place of old flora that may have become damaged or killed over time.

This is particularly the case with some of the best detox and cleansing teas such as rooibos and green tea. Another is the normalizing of blood pressure. Herbal teas are good for those with high or low blood pressure and often help sufferers to recover from any illness caused by the abnormal blood pressure levels. Tea has been linked with the prevention of heart disease because it reduces the blood glucose activity, also helping stop the development of type two diabetes later in life.

Some of the teas have been proven, not only to cleanse the intestinal tract but also to slow down or even stop intestinal pathogenic activity, thus preventing any build up in the colon to harbor any diseases. Teas, even the best detox and cleansing tea are rarely referred to as being a miracle cure for any disease, although it is thought to have anti - carcinogenic properties and slow down the growth of already well established cancer cells, whether benign or malignant.

Cleansing The Mind

The need to understand the power and place of our mind continues to intrigue all those who wish to grow. Mind Medicine is simply listening to how your heart speaks to your mind. This language is called intuition. Children are extremely intuitive and utilize this ability daily. As we grow older, it seems that we tend not to trust these feelings, images or concepts. They almost seem odd, irrational or just something that is hard to believe. We need to start "paying attention"!

Start by maintaining an open-minded. Accept that there are somethings you may not understand. Allow yourself to "see" there are two sides to every story.
Have a non-judgmental attitude. Judgment is a destructive emotion. When left unchecked, unresolved or not under control, judgments can wash away the foundation of any insight and clarity.
Give change an open pathway. Leave your resistance behind.
Forgiving is the ultimate in acceptance of yourself and others. It revels a path to our true selves. Let there be no bumps in the road to "seeing". Diseases and imbalances start from unforgiveness – especially from childhood.

Techniques are vast and varied, all of which, can be used in calming and clearing the mind, therefore, achieving clearer perception. Include some of the following:

Music Therapy: is a magical medium and a very powerful tool. Music can delight all the senses and inspire every fiber of our being. Music has the power to soothe and relax, bring us comfort and embracing joy! Music subtly bypasses the intellectual stimulus in the brain and moves directly to our subconscious. Recommendations: Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin are good to start out with.
Prayer: Prayer is bringing awareness to any situation before us.

“The first step in natural healing is responsibility. Natural healing is about taking control of your life and being responsible for everything that goes in and out of your body, mind and spirit.”
Decluttering

The first lesson is to start small! Start with your desk, a closet, or one room. It is easy to get overwhelmed when deculttering. Do not allow it.

I love to clear the space of everything.
Take a look at the empty space.
Ahhh…. Remember when this last occurred?
How do you feel in this space now?

Take a look at the items you removed. One by one, look over each and every item. Do you absolutely love it? How does it serve you? Is there an emotional attachment to it? Is it a good one or a bad one?

Items with bad emotions connected to them or items you do not absolutely love or serve you, get rid of them now! Use your discernment.
The items that you do love, why is it? How well does it serve you or play a particular purpose?
If you save it, find a great place for it, where it will do the most good.

Make a pile, box or space for all the items you do not need, want or do not serve you. You can separate them into smaller piles to give them away, gift them or sell them. Throw out the items you wish to discard ASAP. There is an amazing feeling attached to an item (or emotion) we let go of!!

The power of letting go offers the possibility of two types of peace: peace of mind -- the potential healing of old emotional connections, wounds, or a clearer perception and peace with others.
It takes no strength to let go. . . only courage. Life either expands or contracts in direct proportion to your courage to let go.

Essential Oils for Cleansing

The power of our senses can be harnessed as an unbelievable tool that you can use to your life's advantage! Diffusing essential oils stimulate our olfactory nerve. These essences can restore balance and harmony to your body, your surroundings and to your life. The energy of a scent can invigorate and cleanse your environment. Here are some of the most noted oils for cleansing and clearing!

Bergamot has a very balancing and uplifting quality to it. This great oil can make stressful situations seem less so. Inhaling this oil can help return you to a peaceful, relaxed, energized state. Yet at the same time, if you have been over stimulated by the days events, you could bathe with it at night to help you have a restful sleep. It is analgesic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, digestive, sedative, and uplifting.
Frankincense can strengthen a mind that is burdened with mental anxiety, nervous tension and stress. It revitalizes and soothes emotional wounds, burdens and trauma. This peaceful loving oil allows us to stabilize our mind.
Geranium helps to release anger and negative memories. It can be used for to calm and clarify any situation. Inhaling geranium can ease anxiety and tension on both a mental and physical level.
Jasmine benefits almost any nervous condition. This oil encourages self confidence, optimism as it diminishes fear. Jasmine dissolves emotional blocks.
Lavender is often called the universal oil, because you can use it for so many things. It is analgesic, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, cardiotonic, and is a sedative. It has a very balancing effect on the body, emotions and mind.
Myrrh oil fortifies the emotions and the nervous system. Historically known as a sacred oil, its smell is distinct and provides us with clarity, focus and strength. This oil centers our emotions, subdues anger and inflamed emotional states.
Peppermint oil is another essential oil that has a wide variety of uses. It is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, is invigorating, and cooling. It helps to disperse anger, depression and fatigue. It can also be used in the treatment of shock. It enhances mental alertness, and is stimulating to the conscious mind.

The Danger of sunscreen!

2010-06-04T19:59:00Z

The rising rate of skin cancer has put using sunblock right up there with flossing your teeth when it comes to healthy habits. In 2002, 50 percent — approximately 1.1 million cases — of all cancers in the United States were skin cancers, of which nearly 10,000 cases were fatal. It is easy to understand why many people have become fearful of the sun's warmth and glow.

However, it is not commonly appreciated, especially among traditional medical doctors, that the food you eat is far more important to the development of skin cancers than sun exposure.

At the beginning of 1900 we had very little processed vegetable oils in our diet. Now vegetables are great and we all need them every day, but when they are processed and refined and consumed in large amounts they can cause major health problems.

Most vegetables are very high in omega-6 fats. In the last 100 years the U.S. population has gone from consuming virtually no vegetable fats to consuming more than 70 pounds per year. Fats from corn oil, safflower, sunflower, sesame and other oils are virtually 100 percent omega-6 fats.

This high consumption of omega-6 fats totally distorts the important omega 6:3 ratio, and this ratio is one of the keys to obtaining any type of cancer, but especially skin cancer.

So not only will we benefit from consuming additional omega-3 fats, but it is vital to reduce the omega-6 vegetable oils as much as possible. Ideally, the ratio should be 1:1, but most Americans have a 15:1 ratio. The Japanese are the longest-lived culture on earth, and their ratio is about 3:1.

If you don't believe me on this one, I encourage you to check out one of the top cancer journal articles Cancer Res 2000 Aug 1;60(15):4139-45:

"Epidemiological, experimental, and mechanistic data implicate omega-6 fat as stimulators and long-chain omega-3 fats as inhibitors of development and progression of a range of human cancers, including melanoma."

Ten years ago an Australian study showed a 40 percent reduction in melanoma for those who were eating fish--and this was without any attention to lowering omega-6 fats.

Two years ago, the prestigious National Academy of Sciences published a comprehensive review showing that the omega 6:3 ratio was the key to preventing skin cancer development.

So, do I recommend you pop some fish oil pills and go out and get as much sun as you would like?

Absolutely not.

You must exercise caution. At the beginning of the season go out gradually, perhaps as little as 10 minutes a day. Progressively increase your time in the sun so that in a few weeks, you will be able to have normal sun exposure.

Remember to try and never get burned.

Remember also never to use sunscreen, another key. You can creatively use your clothing to block the sun's rays during your build-up time.

The bottom line is: please avoid getting sucked into the hype that sunlight is dangerous. It is only dangerous if you are clueless about fat nutrition, which most medical doctors are. If you choose to ignore your omega 6:3 ratio and stay out of the sun, you could limit your risk of skin cancer, but is that worth the risk of getting MS, breast or prostate cancer?

I think not.

So get yourself some high-quality fish oil, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. I like Barleans, Nordic Naturals and Garden of Life because out of all the brands I've tested, these came out superior in freshness, purity and potency. I like the fish oil liquid, as it is easier to take than the five to 10 pills you would need to get the same amount of omega-3.

Please remember to switch to the cod liver oil, which contains vitamin D, in the fall, as then you will not be able to get the wonderful amount of sunshine that we have in the summer. If you are going to be a hermit and not get any sun exposure this summer or you are going to bury yourself in dangerous sunscreens, then you should switch to cod liver oil now.

Wearing sunscreen causes one to be deficient in Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency puts you at risk for Cancers.

Lack of vitamin D interferes with immunity and a person's ability to kill germs and cancer cells. Every day, the human body makes millions of cancer cells. Your immunity then filters out these cells and prevents them from growing. When immunity is impaired, the cancer cells can grow to form solid cancers, such as cancer of the breast, prostate or colon.

Lack of vitamin D damages immunity to cause cancers, diabetes and infections.

My advice is for you to think about your vitamin D status. A person with light skin can get enough vitamin D from a few minutes spent in sunlight each day, but the darker your skin, the more sun exposure you need to meet your daily requirements. During the winter months in northern latitudes, even light-skinned people will have difficulty meeting their needs from sunlight. You can get vitamin D from vitamin supplements, fish oils, fish... (Please do not drink milk, even if it is fortified). I am convinced that you will be protecting yourself from cancer and infections. Women will also be protecting their future babies from infections and possibly birth defects. Don't wait for the medical community to agree on this!

What is the correct dosage for vitamin D? 1,000iu's for every 35 pounds of body weight.

And last but not least - make sure your bottle says: Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol from Lanolin)

Want to delve further into the subject? Click here!

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Healthy recipes from different countries!
This months country is New Zealand!

Ingredients

• 2 New Zealand fully French trimmed lamb racks-chilled, or thawed if frozen
• 3 tbsp. natural dry breadcrumbs (my favorite is the EnerG or Panko)
• 1 tsp. garlic purée
• 1tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• drizzle of coconut oil
• ready-to-roast potatoes and carrots

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 220ºC/425ºF/Gas Mark 7. Mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic purée, parsley and lemon zest and season with salt and pepper.

2. Cut each rack of lamb in half. Rub a little oil into each piece. Press the crumb mixture on the outside of each rack. Transfer to a roasting tin and roast for 30 minutes until lamb is cooked through. The ready-to-cook roast potatoes may need to go in now-check the packet. Allow the lamb to rest for 10 minutes before serving with roast potatoes and salad.

Hints & Tips

Mint and mustard - 1 tsp each of mint sauce and gluten free mustard, 3 tsp natural energe breadcrumbs. Simply mix together and use as above.

Sun-dried tomatoes and chilli- 3 tsp natural (Energ OR Panko) breadcrumbs, 1-2 tsp sun-dried tomato paste, a good splash hot sauce (optional). Simply mix together and use as above.

Nutritional Blood Analysis

2010-05-13T20:42:00Z

Are you healthy inside and out?
Gain insight in as little as 20 minutes with
Nutritional Blood Analysis

Nutritional blood Analysis is a fascinating window to you wellness. See the LIVE activity of your own blood cells and the inner environment of your body. A live cell demonstration involves a unique and virtually painless examination of blood place under a high-powered microscope and displayed for you on a video monitor.

This unique blood analysis can reveal:

• How well you are digesting proteins
• Oxidized forms of cholesterol, plaque, or uric acid
• The relative strength and activity of your immune system
• Bacterial Parasites
• Fungal forms of Candida
• Free radical damaged red blood cells
• Vitamin or iron deficiencies
• Hormonal system imbalance
• How well your body recover from illness or heard physical workouts

You eat food to extract the right nutrients through proper digestions. But, if your body cannot digest, metabolize and eliminate that food within 10 hours, it can contribute to toxicity, disease and illness. These live blood demonstration is designed to let you see first-hand the way in which your diet, exercise and lifestyle affect your health. This demonstration is a tool intended to help you make improvements to your health, as you will observe your blood’s condition on a cellular level.

What you don’t know CAN hurt you!
Schedule your Individual Blood Analysis today!

By Appointment Only
Appointment will last approximately 30 minutes
The technician gives recommendations
The Nutritional Blood Analysis is $49.95
A $10.00 deposit is required
View our Calender for the date of the next event: Healthy Living Calender

Cancer - Part II: Lifestyle changes to limit your risk

2010-05-04T20:49:00Z

Food should always be used as a preventative to dis-ease and as an essential part of medicine has been established for over 4000 years by physicians of natural medicine. Food is a major determinant of health that is directly under our control. We cannot always control pollution, hereditary factors, noise, environment, and the social and emotional behaviors of others, but we can certainly choose what and what not to eat.

Food is so important to human existence, and because it is utilized many times each day, it has a major affect on the body. However, most people do not realize the power of foods.

Water, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the basic building blocks of a good diet. By choosing the healthiest forms of each of these nutrients, and eating them in the proper balance, you enable your body to function at its optimal level.

Eating The Proper Fats

Reducing fat in the diet is an important component of breast health. Foods with a high proportion of calories from fat should be eliminated or limited in the diet; these include red meat high in fat content, poultry with skin, dark poultry meat, fried foods, butter, margarine, cheese, milk, junk foods, and most processed foods. Vegetable oils should also be restricted.

Good fats can help reduce the risk of cancer. The good fats include Borage oil, evening primerose oil, (which both contain GLA - gamma linolenic acid) flax oil, (which is rich in ALA - alpha linolenic acid) shark oil and olive oil. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, which have been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer is ideal. A new study finds that derivatives from two omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly inhibited cell adhesion (15 to 30%) and migration (about 50%) and induced apoptosis (about 40%) in breast cancer cells.

Controlling Estrogen Levels

Environmental estrogens are found in pesticides, plastics, and PCB's (chemical pollutants in the water, air, and soil). These forms of estrogen are thought to have a major influence on the excessive amounts of estrogen that are being found in both men and women. Poor diet, with too much refined carbohydrate and saturated animal fat and too little fiber is also responsible.

Eat more high fiber foods (except wheat bran) to prevent excess re-uptake of estrogen by the bowel. Organic food reduces your exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Too much fat tissue increases your body's ability to convert male hormones into estrogen. Stress also plays a major role in your liver and digestive system removing excess estrogen.

Symptoms in women: puffiness and bloating, water retention, rapid weight gain, breast tenderness, heavy bleeding, mood swings (anxiety, depression, weepiness), sleep problems, migraines, flushed face, low libido, foggy thinking, and high levels of copper in the system. Later, endometriosis, fibroids, gall bladder problems, poor blood sugar control, and hypothyroid conditions may arise.

Symptoms in men: hair loss, headaches, bloating, weight gain, prostate enlargement, irritability, and breast enlargement.

Solutions: low fat high fiber diet, live yogurt (encourage excretion of estrogen), eating cabbage-family veggies (cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower) increases the rate at which the liver converts estrogen into a water-soluble form that can be excreted, increase protein intake to improve estrogen metabolism in the liver, vitamin B6 reduces the effects of excess estrogen, more exercise, less stress, and lose weight. These cruciferous vegetables contain anti-cancer and detoxing abilities as well as Indole-3-carbinol, which may have anti-carcinogenic effects.

Fight Free Radicals

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms. that have at least one unpaired electron, which makes them highly reactive. Free radicals promote beneficial oxidation that produces energy and kills bacterial invaders. However, in excess, they produce harmful oxidation or oxidative stress that can damage cell membranes and cell contents. These free radicals cause inflammation.

In human beings , free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. Free radicals are created by exposure to various environmental factors, cigarette and tobacco smoke, air pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from televisions and computers, chemicals and a busy, stressful life.

These factors stimulate molecules in the body called transcription factors. The transcription factor is any protein required to initiate or regulate transcription; including both gene regulatory proteins as well as the general transcription factors. These chemical messengers signal DNA to start producing protein, which gives direction to the cells in our body. Transcription factors in the body are harmless, until they are activated by free radicals. Free radicals cause the transcription molecules to migrate to the center of the nucleus. Several transcription factors become pro-inflammatory due to free radicals and therefore accelerate the aging process.

NF-kB transcription factor complex is one of the cellular sensors, which responds to oxidative stress and regulates gene expression. NF-kB can increase the activity of genes responsible for inflammation. DNA binding activities of two other transcription factors, AP-1 and Sp-1 are seen as inflammatory agents when activated by free radicals. Other inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and fibrinogen show that these blood indicators of inflammation are strong predictive factors for determining who will suffer a heart attack. Seemingly unrelated diseases have a common link. People who have multiple degenerative disorders often exhibit excess levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. A growing consensus among scientists is that common disorders such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease are all caused in part by a chronic inflammatory syndrome.

Antioxidants Are Necessary More and more evidence is accumulating that indicates antioxidants improve long-term health by deferring or mitigating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Exercise-related research indicates that antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium limit exercise-induced muscle damage; this, in turn, is believed to improve exercise recovery and possibly improve muscle growth potential. Of course, as vitamins C and E and selenium are among the most effective antioxidants, they and others are part of most multivitamin/mineral packs. However, here are some additional antioxidants you may want to consider taking, with the baseline supplementary daily intake.

Research suggests that combining antioxidants is more effective than consuming high doses of just one or two antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in a wide variety of antioxidants; the essential antioxidants may be better preserved in these foods. Herbal supplements like milk thistle, rosemary, ginkgo biloba, bilberry, butcher's broom and horse chestnut have high levels of potent antioxidants, although their effects on exercise have not yet been studied in humans.

Black and Green Tea

For years, studies have indicated that the antioxidants in green tea offer protection against diseases, including cancer, and even fight dental cavities. One of the most beneficial of these antioxidants is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to the University of California Wellness Letter, Mar 2002, regular black tea is turning out to be just as healthful as green tea. The evidence for tea's health effects comes mainly from lab studies, though some human studies point to possible benefits in preventing heart disease and cancer. EGCG, inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. The cancer cells that couldn't grow big enough to divide self-destructed. It would take about 4-10 cups of green tea a day to get the blood levels of EGCG that inhibited cancer in the study. Black tea also contains EGCG, but at lower concentrations.

Sugar and Inflammation

One of the reasons inflammation occurs is from a rapid rise in blood sugar, which causes biochemical changes in the cell. Staying away from sugar and high-glycemic (simple) carbohydrates, which the body rapidly converts to sugar, is one of the best ways to decrease inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key factor of inflammation. In a major study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with elevated CRP levels were four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack. Not only is elevated CRP more accurate than cholesterol in predicting heart attack risk, but high CRP levels have turned up in people with diabetes and pre-diabetes and in people who are overweight.

When blood sugar goes up rapidly , sugar can attach itself to collagen in a process called "glycosylation," or the Browning Reaction, increasing inflexible and inflammation. CRP is not found in foods. However, its levels in the body are strongly influenced by diet.

A recent study by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School found that women who ate large amounts of high-glycemic (or diabetes promoting) carbohydrates, including potatoes, breakfast cereals, white bread, muffins, and white rice, had very high CRP levels. Women who ate a lot of these foods and were also overweight had the highest and most dangerous CRP levels.

The body makes CRP from interleukin-6 (IL-6), a powerful inflammatory chemical. IL-6 is a key cell communication molecule, and it tells the body's immune system to go into asperity, releasing CRP and many other inflammation-causing substances. Being overwieght increases inflammation because adipose cells, particularly those around the midsection, make large amounts of IL-6 and CRP. As blood sugar levels increase, so do IL-6 and CRP. Both overweight and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of heart disease, very likely because of the undercurrent of inflammation.

The best way to deal with cravings is to very carefully control blood sugar and insulin by staying away from the simple carbohydrates and eating more protein. In a few days, blood sugar will stabilize and cravings will go away. Good (complexed) carbohydrates, which are low on the glycemic index include: apples, apsaragus, beans, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, green beans, honeydew melon, kiwi, leafy greens, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, spinach, strawberries.

Bad (simple) carbohydrates, which are high on the glycemic index include: bananas, breads, carrots, cereals processed with added sugar, corn, French fries, French toast, fruit juices, mangos, pancakes, papaya, pasta, peas, popcorn, white potatoes, white rice, sugar, waffles.

Dietary fats also influence inflammation. Most omega-6 fats, found in margarine and corn and safflower oils, are the basic building blocks of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2, two of several key inflammation-causing substances in the body. In contrast, omega-3 fats, found in fish, fish oils, and vegetables, have an inflammation-suppressing effect..

Balance the Body's pH

It is important to keep the body as pH balanced as possible. Most people's diets tend to be more on the acidic side. Therefore, eating more alkaline forming foods (plant based) helps to maintain proper pH balance. Eat foods such as non citrus fruits and plenty of vegetables, organic skinless chicken, turkey or grass feed, lean beef, buffalo and fish. Buy dried beans such as garbanzo beans and black beans, consider whole grains such as brown rice and oats, as well as a handful of healthy fats in nuts and seeds.

Add Healthy Seasonings

There are very beneficial herbs containing antioxidant, antimicrobal, and antifungal properties. Consider cinammon, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, onions, garlic and stevia.

Most importantly!
Make Lifestyle Changes And Reduce Your Risk

You can take steps to reduce your risk of cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Try to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and to include a variety of produce in your diet.

Limit Fat, especially saturated fat. Eat a low-fat diet. Avoid saturated fats from animal sources such as red meat. Other foods that contain saturated fat include milk, cheese, ice cream, and coconut and palm oils.

Eat a varied diet to increase the vitamins and minerals you consume. A number of vitamins and minerals have been linked to a lower risk of cancer, though results have been mixed. Studies haven't proved certain vitamins and minerals will stop you from getting cancer, but it can't hurt to vary the fruits and vegetables in your diet to ensure you get a wide selection of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals linked to a lower incidence of cancer include vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), calcium, folic acid and magnesium.

Food sources of calcium include tofu and sardines with the bones. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, peas and beans. Food sources of vitamin B-6 include grains, legumes, peas, spinach, carrots, potatoes, dairy foods and meat. Folic acid is the synthetic form vitamin B-9, and it's used in fortified breads, cereals and supplements. Vitamin B-9 occurs naturally in dark leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce, and in legumes, melons, bananas, broccoli and orange juice. No alcohol consumption.

Stop smoking.

Stay physically active and maintain a healthy body weight. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes.

Cancer - Part I: Risk Factors for Cancer

2010-05-04T19:10:00Z

Each year, the American Cancer Society estimates the number of new cancer cases and deaths expected in the United States in the current year and compiles the most recent data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival based on incidence data from the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Incidence and death rates are age-standardized to the 2000 US standard million population. A total of 1,437,180 new cancer cases and 565,650 deaths from cancer are projected to occur in the United States this year.

Risk Factors For Cancer

Doctors often cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another does not. But research shows that certain risk factors

increase the chance that a person will develop cancer. These are the most common risk factors for cancer:

1.Tobacco: Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death. Each year, more than 180,000 Americans die from cancer that is related to tobacco use. Using tobacco products or regularly being around tobacco smoke (environmental or secondhand smoke) increases the risk of cancer. Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop cancer of the lung, larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus, bladder, kidney, throat, stomach, pancreas, or cervix. They also are more likely to develop acute myeloid leukemia (cancer that starts in blood cells).

2. Lack of Sunlight: If it bears out, it will challenge one of medicine’s most fundamental beliefs: that people need to coat themselves with sunscreen whenever they’re in the sun. Doing that actually contributes to far more cancer deaths than it prevents. The reason is that vitamin D increasingly seems important for preventing and even treating many types of cancer. In the last three months alone, four separate studies found it helped protect against lymphoma and cancers of the prostate, lung and, ironically, the skin. The strongest evidence is for colon cancer. Just remember that you skin is your largest organ and it’s an organ of elimination and sunlight pulls out toxins through our blood and lymphatic systems. Cleanse your body well before soaking up the suns rays.

3. Ionizing radiation: Ionizing radiation can cause cell damage that leads to cancer. This kind of radiation comes from rays that enter the Earth's atmosphere from outer space, radioactive fallout, radon gas, x-rays, and other sources. Radioactive fallout can come from accidents at nuclear power plants or from the production, testing, or use of atomic weapons. People exposed to fallout may have an increased risk of cancer, especially leukemia and cancers of the thyroid, breast, lung, and stomach. Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms in soil and rocks. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. In some parts of the country, radon is found in houses. People exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer.

5. Certain chemicals and other substances: People who have certain jobs (such as painters, construction workers, and those in the chemical industry) have an increased risk of cancer. Many studies have shown that exposure to asbestos, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, nickel, or vinyl chloride in the workplace can cause cancer. Follow instructions and safety tips to avoid or reduce contact with harmful substances both at work and at home. Although the risk is highest for workers with years of exposure, it makes sense to be careful at home when handling pesticides, used engine oil, paint, solvents, and other chemicals. Here's a test for Physical and Environmental health: Click here!

6. Some viruses and bacteria: Being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of developing cancer:

• --Human papillomaviruses (HPVs): HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. It also may be a risk factor for other types of cancer.

• --Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses: Liver cancer can develop after many years of infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

• --Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV-1): Infection with HTLV-1 increases a person's risk of lymphoma and leukemia.

• --Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. People who have HIV infection are at greater risk of cancer, such as lymphoma and a rare cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma.

• --Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Infection with EBV has been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma.

• --Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8): This virus is a risk factor for Kaposi's sarcoma.

• --Helicobacter pylori: This bacterium can cause stomach ulcers. It also can cause stomach cancer and lymphoma in the stomach lining.

7. Certain hormones: Doctors may recommend hormones (estrogen alone or estrogen along with progestin, here's an estrogen self test that might help you determine whether your estrogen levels are too high or low- Click here! ) to help control problems (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning bones) that may occur during menopause. However, studies show that menopausal hormone therapy can cause serious side effects. Hormones may increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. A woman considering menopausal hormone therapy should first study the possible risks.

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a form of estrogen, was given to some pregnant women in the United States between about 1940 and 1971. Women who took DES during pregnancy may have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. Their daughters have an increased risk of developing a rare type of cancer of the cervix. The possible effects on their sons are under study. Women who believe they took DES and daughters who may have been exposed to DES before birth should talk with their doctor about having checkups.

8. Family history of cancer: Most cancers develop because of changes (mutations) in genes. A normal cell may become a cancer cell after a series of gene changes occur. Tobacco use, certain viruses, or other factors in a person's lifestyle or environment can cause such changes in certain types of cells. Some gene changes that increase the risk of cancer are passed from parent to child. These changes are present at birth in all cells of the body. It is uncommon for cancer to run in a family. However, certain types of cancer do occur more often in some families than in the rest of the population. For example, melanoma and cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, and colon sometimes run in families. Several cases of the same cancer type in a family may be linked to inherited gene changes, which may increase the chance of developing cancers. However, environmental factors may also be involved.

9. Alcohol: Having more than two drinks each day for many years may increase the chance of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that a person drinks. For most of these cancers, the risk is higher for a drinker who uses tobacco. Doctors advise people who drink to do so in moderation. Drinking in moderation means no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

10. Poor diet or lack of physical activity: People who have a poor diet, do not have enough physical activity may be at increased risk of several types of cancer. For example, studies suggest that people whose diet is high in fat have an increased risk of cancers of the colon, uterus, and prostate. Lack of physical activity are risk factors for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus.

11. Anger and other negative emotions : Anger has been linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, colds and flu as well as depression, thyroid/parathyroid issues (here's a thyroid health test: Click here! , Liver issues (here's a liver test: Click here!), gall bladder issues, self-harm and substance misuse. And anger is more likely to have a negative effect on relationships than any other emotion. Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible. Here's a test on Social and Spiritual health: Click here! and here's a test on Mind and Emotional Health: Click here!

When thinking about your risk of getting cancer, these are some things to keep in mind:

Not everything causes cancer.

Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise.

Cancer is not contagious. Although being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of some types of cancer, no one can "catch" cancer from another person.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer this being due to high than average constitution.

Some people are more sensitive than others to the known risk factors.

Food Cravings...

2010-04-03T21:27:00Z

A little list you might want to print out and post on your refrigerator.

If you crave this...
Chocolate
What you really need is...
Magnesium
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits

If you crave this...
Sweets
What you really need is...
Chromium, Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Tryptophan
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, calves liver, chicken
Fresh fruits
Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage
Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach

If you crave this...
Bread, toast
What you really need is...
Nitrogen
And here are healthy foods that have it:
High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, beans
If you crave this...
Oily snacks, fatty foods
What you really need is...
Calcium
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame

If you crave this...
Coffee or tea
What you really need is...
Phosphorous, Sulphur, NaCl (salt), Iron
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes
Sea salt, apple cider vinegar (on salad)
Egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onions, cruciferous, vegetables
Meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries

If you crave this...
Alcohol, recreational drugs
What you really need is...
Protein, Avenin, Calcium, Glutamine Supplement, Potassium
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
granola, oatmeal,
mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens

If you crave this...
Chewing ice
What you really need is...
Iron
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Meat, fish, poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries

If you crave this...
Burned food
What you really need is...
Carbon
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Fresh Fruits

If you crave this...
Soda and other carbonated drinks
What you really need is...
Calcium
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame

If you crave this...
Salty foods
What you really need is...
Chloride
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt

If you crave this...
Acid foods
What you really need is...
Magnesium
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits

If you crave this...
Preference for liquids rather than solids
What you really need is...
Water
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Flavor water with lemon or lime.
You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.

If you crave this...
Preference for solids rather than liquids
What you really need is...
Water
And here are healthy foods that have it:
You have been so dehydrated for so long that you have lost your thirst. Flavor water with lemon or lime.

If you crave this...
Cool drinks
What you really need is...
Manganese
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries

If you crave this...
Pre-menstrual cravings
What you really need is...
Zinc
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables

If you crave this...
General Overeating
What you really need is...
Silicon, Tryptophan, Tyrosine
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables

If you crave this...
General Overeating
What you really need is...
Silicon, Tryptophan, Tyrosine
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables

If you crave this...
Lack of appetite
What you really need is...
Vitamin B1, B3, Manganese
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Nuts, seeds, beans, liver and other organ meats
Tuna, halibut, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seeds and legumes
Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries

If you crave this...
Tobacco
What you really need is...
Silicon, Tyrosine
And here are healthy foods that have it:
Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Vitamin C supplements or orange, green and red fruits and vegetables

-Hope this helps!
Claire

Stress Relieving Foods

2010-04-01T16:55:00Z

Oh my, the stock markets have been acting up again (it’s almost a flashback to October 2008), the health care bill has been passed (causing many people stress), the allergy attacks (because of the tremendous amounts of pollen), so many people who are still looking for jobs and trying to juggle a lot of things with limited means (Not having a job, seeing the value of your home decline, becoming a one-salary household and having to watch your retirement fund melt away) it’s safe to say most of us are quite taxed (pun intended) in our body.

Stress is one sure way to put on weight (among other things) because food is an emotional outlet for so many people.

That said, if you chose different types of foods (instead of the fatty-greasy foods), you’ll quickly find out that there are actually a handful of healthy foods that can help reduce stress.

I don’t think that these foods will turn your current financial situation around, but they will help support your health as you are trying to cope with life’s reality.

>>> These 5 foods will tremendously help when it comes to helping your body cope with the negative effects of stress:

1. Avocados: When you’re under stress, your body tends to use B vitamins at a faster-than-normal rate. In order to replenish that supply, eat ¼ of an avocado when you’re stressed — on a sandwich, in a salad, or all by itself — to boost B vitamin levels. In addition to B, avocados are also rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and a fatty acid known as oleic acid — this fat has been shown to have a mild influence in lowering cholesterol.

2. Tea: Although caffeine has been shown to lead to a more positive mood and improved performance, there’s a fine line between just enough and too much. Too much caffeine can make you dependent and make you nervous, irritable, and hypersensitive or bring on headaches. Because brewed tea is lower in caffeine per cup than coffee, you can drink more tea than coffee before experiencing these effects. Tea also provides a little L-theanine, a calming amino acid.

3. Berries: Under stress we naturally crave sweet things but the problem is that nine out of ten times, the sweets we’re craving are calorie-laden. Berries are naturally sweet and they have vitamin C which tends to be helpful in combating stress. Furthermore, berries have some fibre — which will decrease cravings by building up bulk in your GI track.

4. Dark chocolate (you’ll want to choose at least 70% to enjoy the full benefits of dark chocolate): Chocolate has a lot going for it in addition to its divine taste. It is plump full of flavonoids — a powerful class of antioxidants — which have been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Other compounds found in chocolate seem to lower the “bad” component of cholesterol (LDL) while leaving the “good” (HDL) component unchanged. Dark chocolate also contains several psychoactive chemicals that promote alertness and even euphoria. The latest scientific literature even shows it has some blood-pressure lowering properties. (Our favorite is the Righteously Raw bars)

5. Magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. Magnesium in the body serves several important metabolic functions. It plays a role in the production and transport of energy. It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles and has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium, as are black beans, peas, nuts (peanuts), seeds (pumpkin and squash), tofu, broccoli and whole, unrefined grains.

To avoid Super Stress, try these:

1.) Simple as it sounds; focused breathing — during which you think about your breath as you inhale and exhale — is a very effective stress-management technique. A slow, full breath triggers physical and cognitive changes that promote relaxation. Deep breathing helps release tension and anxiety and is a great energizer because the deeper the breath, the more your body is flooded with life-fuelling oxygen. A full breath begins with the diaphragm pushing downward so that the stomach extends out. As your lungs fill with air, your chest expands. When you exhale, the reverse occurs — your chest settles first and then your stomach.

> When anxiety strikes or you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts, immediately exhale through your mouth.

> Now, open your lungs, and breathe in through your nose, drawing in a fresh, cleansing air to the count of four.

> Exhale again slowly to the count of five.

> Repeat four times.

2.) Create a To-Do List

I highly suggest this tactic because it will help you in the long run with stress relief. Many people I have dealt with tend to worry about the little things. They do not realize that those “little” things will add up and contribute to their overall stress.

3) Engage in Enjoyable Physical Exercises

It is almost like venting your frustrations in a constructive and safe way. Give it a try and you will notice a huge difference.

4) Try Aromatherapy and Meditation

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils from plants for the purpose of affecting a person in terms of their mood and health. My favorite scent by far is lavender. I always buy lavender scented oils and candles..

5) Enjoy Yourself and Laugh

I have often heard the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine” and discarded it as some poetic form of guidance. From my personal perspective, laughter is one of the ultimate form of stress relief. The beautiful thing is that all laughs are free of charge and anyone can use them.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stress Reliving Recipe:

½ cup your choice of stress relieving berry
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon organic Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 bunches flat leaf spinach, stems trimmed, well washed and dried
2 tablespoons roasted, hulled sunflower seeds
1 Avocado

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, mustard, and oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss spinach, sunflower seeds, and your choice of berry with dressing in bowl. Transfer to a serving platter.
Halve avocado and remove pit. Scoop out flesh and thinly slice lengthwise; drizzle with remaining lemon juice. Transfer to plate and arrange salad on top. Serve immediately.

(please remember to use all organic ingredients)

Black Bean Omlet

2010-03-15T18:47:00Z

What you'll need for the eggs:

* 3 Organic/Farm Raised Eggs (per omlet)
* 1/4 cup of your choice of milk (Cow, soy, oat, goat, coconut, etc)

What you'll need for omlet filling:

*1/2 can of black beans
* 1 cup of fresh cilanto
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 purple onion diced
* 5 table spoons of minced garlic
* Rice Shreds cheese (Cheddar)

Seasonings: (optional)

* Braggs Seasoning
* Parsley flakes
* Sea Salt - I used HimalaSalt

1.) Crack your three eggs into a bowl, add milk and hand beat until thoroughly mixed.
2.) Using a non stick pan melt two tablespoons of butter (be sure the better melts evenly on pan) on MEDIUM heat
3.) Slowly pour your eggs into the pan and let them cook for three-5 minutes. (you may need to use a spatula and lift the edge up to watch progress)
4.) On one side (see above picture) add the black beans, followed by cilantro, onion, garlic, bell pepper and cheese)
5.) With a large spatula (you may need two) careful lift up side without the ingredients and fold it over.
6.) Let cook for one more minute.
7.) Try to do a better job than I did when putting it on the plate.

We also made some Millet and Flax Bread (Sami's Bakery).

A.D.D. / A.D.H.D.

2010-03-06T00:12:00Z

What is ADD and ADHD?

Collection of symptoms used to diagnose:

Approximately 6 million children in this country suffer from some type of learning disability Symptoms may include:

· Impatient, impulsive or constantly moving
· Some may be withdrawn or have difficulty communicating
· Aggression or passive behaviors may be present with any of the above
· Poor eating habits are generally present

Current allopathic treatments of ADD/ADHD:

· More than 2 million children are currently taking Ritalin for ADD/ADHD
· Ritalin is sold as a street drug for $3 - $15 per pill. It is crushed and "snorted" for its "speed like" properties.
· "The US Military refuses to accept recruits who used Ritalin to change or modify behavior."(San Antonio Express News, 11/28/96)
· "581,000 children and adolescents received a prescription for Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft in 1996. 2.5 million received prescriptions for Cylert, clonadine and Xanax" (Control Hyperactivity A.D.D. Naturally , by Billie Jay Sahley Ph.D. 1997)
· Patients with a family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome should not use Ritalin.
· Suppression of growth, and height, as well as weight gain/ loss are reported with use of Ritalin.

Some known triggers for ADD/ADHD

Blood sugar disturbances
· Sugar snacks make rapid blood sugar changes.
· Sugar variations may lead to outbursts when blood sugar is high as well as depression when it lowers. The sugar content in some common snacks include:

12 oz. Cola - 12 teaspoons
12 oz. Chocolate malt - 18 teaspoons
1 cup vanilla ice cream - 7 teaspoons
1 slice apple pie - 15 teaspoons
1 cup sugar coated cereal - 8 teaspoons

Nutrient Deficiencies that may contribute to ADD/ADHD

· Amino acids
· Vitamins and minerals
· Digestive imbalances

Food or chemical allergies

· Pesticides, chemical additives, preservatives, and artificial coloring should all be considered as allergens.
· Often indicated when behavioral/mood changes are frequent and extreme
· Child often has headaches, leg aches digestive disorders, muscle spasms or bedwetting
· Extremes fluctuations in energy levels
· Extreme behavior change after exposure to mold, pollen dust or chemicals

Parasites/bacteria

· Simple use of antacids may keep the stomach from killing parasites ingested on foods.
· Candida Albicans (systemic yeast Infection) is often indicated when many body systems appear weak.
· Parasites are common in any body system

Current dietary complements/alternatives to allopathic treatments:

Elimination diets to detect allergies:

· Dark circles under the eyes are usually an indication of food allergies. Frequent allergic foods include wheat, milk, eggs, sugar, peanuts, oranges and chocolate. It is possible to recognize allergens by taking a child's pulse before and ten minutes after eating a certain food. An elevation of 10 or more points per minute reflects a probable allergy.

· Another way to detect allergens is to eliminate favorite foods for 4 days. Add the foods back into the diet one at a time on an empty stomach and monitor for behavior changes after eating the suspected food.

Incorporating high nutrient foods into diet:

The diet should ideally be high in foods that are high in nutrients. This would include vegetables, fruits and proteins. It is easy to see that a diet of foods with little or no nutrients and possibly filled with allergens will not allow room for high nutrient foods.
Eating raw fruits and vegetables encourages better digestion by using the enzymes that are present in that food, for better breakdown and nutrient absorption. Cooking foods to 122 degrees kills the foods digestive enzymes.

Non-dietary approaches to ADD/ADHD:

It is essential for everyone to drink enough water daily. The old rule of eight glasses daily hold true. Please realize that elimination of toxins of all types, from all routes of elimination depend on the presence of water.
One to three bowel movements daily are healthy. Constipation frequently increases hyperactive behavior, and the inability to excrete toxins may cause difficulty concentrating.
"Dry Brushing" the skin increases elimination of toxins, stimulates the nerve impulses and strengthens the immune system. Dry brushing consists of rubbing the skin with a dry, natural bristle brush for 3-5 minutes prior to showering.

Herbal Supplements

Bee Pollen - for amino acid content (see below)
Spirulina - for amino acid and iodine content (see below)
Ginkgo Biloba - Shown to increase the IQ when taken with glutamine and Vitamin B6, also improves circulation.
Garlic - Improves circulation to the brain as well as strengthens the immune system
Green drinks or foods (Barley green, chlorophyll or alfalfa) - These are very high in nutrients, antioxidants and detoxifiers to the body.
Cat's claw (Una De Gato) - Strengthens the immune system which is often weak in children with ADD
Sea vegetables (Kelp, spirulina, and blue green algae) - These are a great source of usable iodine and much healthier for the body than "iodized salt type" sources of iodine which are not usually beneficial.
Oat straw or horsetail - Helpful for the silicone content, which is healing to nerve supply, improves mental attitude and fatigue in stressful job.
It also boosts the immune system.
Red Beet Root, Burdock, or Dandelion - An excellent source of iron that is used by the body to improve thinking, improve the detoxifying ability of the liver, and stabilizes energy levels.
Many combinations are offered as well

Vitamin/Amino acid therapy

Tryptophan (Unavailable separately, 5HTP may be used in its place)
· Tryptophan is essential to the formation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control moods
GABA (Gamma Amino Butryric Acid)
· GABA helps the brain sort the random firing of excitatory messages.
· GABA has actually been shown to mimic the tranquilizing effect as Valium or Librium in the body, without the heavy sedative effects of these drugs.
· Especially helpful with anxiety-prone individuals. This works well with both aggressive and passive ADD people.
L-Glutamine
· The third most abundant amino acid in the brain.
· It is a precursor to GABA in the receptor sites in the brain.
· Glutamine is an alternate fuel in the brain when blood sugars are low, it also remove ammonia waste from the brain. (A brain irritant that occurs naturally)
Taurine
· Essential to normal development and health of the nervous system.
· Very helpful in controlling hyperactive and hyper kinetic movements, also has anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety properties.
· It also helps balance blood sugars.
Tyrosine
· Helps overcome depression, and help the body deal with stress.
Glycine
· Tends to reduce aggression. It has a sweet taste and could be used in place of sugar.

Note: Amino acids require the presence of minerals to be metabolized. So if the diet is not high in mineral rich root vegetables supplements may be needed.

Magnesium
· It is safe to assume that in all ADD ADHD cases magnesium is a deficiency.
· It is the first mineral depleted when anyone is under stress.
· It has calming properties.
· It is necessary for the absorption of calcium, and vitamins B, C, and E.

Calcium
· Low levels produce irritability; sleep disorders, anger, and inattentive behaviors.
· It also helps the body remove lead.
· Be sure to get calcium from a reputable source since many cheaper sources actually contain lead.
Zinc
· Balances blood sugars and improves fatigue, alertness and wound healing, and loss of taste.
B Vitamins (especially B3 & B6)
· Depleted by airborne pollutants. (cigarette smoke, auto exhaust)
· Deficiency contributes to: fear, depression, temper tantrums, anxiety, mood swings, inability to stand noise or confusing circumstances, withdrawal, listlessness and fatigue.
· Vitamin B6 helps the balance the serotonin levels in the brain, and is one of the greatest fighters of hyperactivity.
Vitamin C
· Is also VERY important in the treatment of hyperactivity. It calms in much the same way as B vitamins.
· Vit. C may be upsetting to the digestive tract when large amounts are indicated. Ester C is neutral pH and seldom upsets digestion.
Vitamin E
· Improves the ability to learn.
· It is always indicated for the ADD ADHD child with any skin disorders. (acne, warts, hives, eczema, herpes, and psoriasis etc.)
Iron
· Low levels of iron impair judgment, reasoning ability and all aspects of the left brain.(Math, language and writing)
· I suggest herbal or food sources since metal forms are hard to metabolize.

Aromatherapy

It is generally accepted that an essential oil will smell pleasant to those in need of it. You

need not wear the oil, howeveryou may. It is effective even if only have the aroma in the environment.
Use of a plug in diffuser is very helpful. Simply inhaling it from the bottle as needed is also effective.
Lavender
· Balances the nervous system, is antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Orange
· A natural tranquilizer. It is soothing, nurtures and calms.
Peppermint
· Clears the mind and stabilizes emotions

Chinese Medicine

Techniques such as acupressure, acupuncture, and Chinese massage are often helpful.

Bach Flower Remedies

The essence of several different flowers have been shown to have specific healing effects where emotions are concerned. They are generally diluted and taken internally. Some examples might be:
Chestnut bud for the child who repeats the same mistakes.
Clematis for daydreamers
Gentian for those discouraged one who gives up.
Larch if lacking confidence
White chestnut for persistent unwanted thoughts
Wild rose if lacking motivation.
Calming Essence for general stress

Exercise is important

· Games that include eye hand coordination are especially helpful.
· Baseball in the dark with a glow in the dark nerf ball and a short bat
· Flash light tag
· Any games that stimulate only a limited number if incoming impulses.

Is the family committed to make the necessary changes?No matter which area of

treatment you pursue, it is essential to the success of the program that you make all members of the care team aware of the reasons you have made this choice. Even if they don't believe in what you are doing, ask them to follow the plan for at least three months to give it a chance to begin to work. ADD ADHD didn't happen overnight and therefore won't heal over night. The body will work to be healthy given the proper environment, but most important all involved MUST BE PATIENT!

Since there are obviously many possible deficiencies, I suggest you find and work with a an Eyologist and/or Nutritionist who can help you decide the best program for you or your loved one.

"Clean" does not that a "Scent"!

2010-02-02T22:53:00Z

-A wall of air fresheners-

Advertisements on TV seem to make us now believe that the answer to a fresh smelling house is to mask the smell with some artificial odor that we will hopefully view as pleasant. Like vanilla cookies or apple pie.

I think the idea was originally based in pure essential oils like lavender to relax, but like many wonderful natural products the chemical industries version is far less desirable.

There seem to be several kinds of delivery systems for these “sweet smelling poisons”- the spray type, with their un-recyclable aerosol cans or push top plastic delivery systems, the wick type, that send out their fumes continuously and the “plug ins” that allow heat to evaporate the chemicals into the air over a period of weeks.

These products do not, in fact, do anything to improve the quality of the air. Instead, they add a number of pollutants, some designed to deaden your sense of smell, others serving as propellants, and others adding various kinds of toxic perfumes to cover up smells that may offend someone. Many of these ingredients cause irritation of eyes, nose, and lungs.

Many times, pesticides are even included - for what purpose?

A prominent constituent of many of these products is formaldehyde. That can destroy your sense of smell alright, and is one of the worst offenders for respiratory irritation. It has also been admitted by the EPA to be a cause of cancer. Anyone with asthma, lung infections, or other respiratory concerns can be severely affected by formaldehyde. The list of ingredients that may be found in these deodorants is given as follows taken from Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, by Gosselin, Smith and Hodge, 1984.

Spray Type Deodorizers:

• ethyl or isopropyl alcohol
• glycol ethers
• surfactant (quaternary ammonium salts)
• perfume
• water
• propellants
• metazene (4.0%)
• petroleum distillates (6.0%)
• aluminum chlorhydrol
• bromsalicylanilide 2,3,4,5-BIS(2-butylene) tetrahydrofural
• cellosolve acetate
• dichlorodifluoromethanol
• ethanol * fatty esters
• lauryl methacrylate
• methoxychlor
• methylene chloride
• o-phenylphenol
• p-dichlorobenzene
• pine oil (toxicity like turpentine)
• piperonyl butoxide
• pyrethrin
• synthetic surfactants
• trichloromonofluoromethane
• wax
• zinc phenolsulfonate

Wick Type Deodorizers:

• formaldehyde (37%)
• water-soluble perfume
• coloring
• water
• emulsifiers
• essential oils
• aromatic chemicals (xylene)
• chlorophyll

Several of these components are well known cancer-causing agents, and others have a wide range of immediate and long-term toxic effects on vital organs.

The short-term effect of exposure has not been studied let alone the long-term toxicity.

Principal chemicals found in scented products are:
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is a clear, colorless liquid with a somewhat bitter taste and a smell of acetone. Unless the ingested dose is large, absorption occurs in as little as 30 minutes. This agent is well absorbed through the lungs and rectal mucosa. The alcohol can also penetrate the skin, but with less success than via a pulmonary or GI exposure. Isopropyl alcohol is metabolized to acetone in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase. The kidneys then excrete Eighty percent of the absorbed dose as acetone with 20% being excreted unchanged. The acetone is also excreted in the lungs, saliva, and gastric juices.

Animal studies have suggested that isopropyl alcohol is two-three times more potent than ethanol as a CNS depressant. The breakdown product, acetone, is also a CNS depressant.

ACETONE (in: cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, nail enamel remover) - On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat; dizziness, nausea, decreased coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures, coma.” “Acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.”

BENZALDEHYDE (in: perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, Vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent) - Narcotic. Sensitizer. “Local anesthetic, CNS depressant”... “irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract, causing nausea and abdominal pain.” “May cause kidney damage.” “Do not use with contact lenses.”

BENZYL ACETATE (in: perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants) - Carcinogenic (linked to pancreatic cancer); “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough.” “In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs.” “Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.” “Do not flush to sewer.”

BENZYL ALCOHOL (in: perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener) - “irritating to the upper respiratory tract” ...”headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”

CAMPHOR (in: perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color, stickup air freshener) - “local irritant and CNS stimulant”...”readily absorbed through body tissues” ...”irritation of eyes, nose and throat” ...”dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions” “Avoid inhalation of vapors.”

ETHANOL (in: perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, paint and varnish remover) - On EPA Hazardous Waste list; symptoms: “...fatigue; irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations...” “Inhalation of ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion. These include an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor...” Causes CNS disorder.

ETHYL ACETATE (in: after shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid) - Narcotic. On EPA Hazardous Waste list; “...irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract” ...”may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)” ...”defatting effect on skin and may cause drying and cracking” ...”may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys” “Wash thoroughly after handling.”

LIMONENE(in: perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover) - Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.” “Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking, ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor.”

LINALOOL (in: perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant) - Narcotic. ...”respiratory disturbances” ... “Attracts bees.” “In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ... development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.” ...”depressed frog-heart activity.” Causes CNS disorder.

METHYLENE CHLORIDE (in: shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover) - Banned by the FDA in 1988! No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Carcinogenic” ...”Absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.” “Headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs.” Causes CNS disorder.

a-PINENE (in: bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener) - Sensitizer (damaging to the immune system).

g-TERPINENE (in: cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener) - “Causes asthma and CNS disorders.”

a-TERPINEOL (in: perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll-on deodorant) - ...”highly irritating to mucous membranes”... “Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema.” Can also cause “excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache.” “Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”

Relevant Facts:

• 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace, Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986. (Report 99-827)
• Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• A room containing an air freshener had high levels of p-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen) and ethanol: EPA’s 1991 study.
• An FDA analysis (1968-1972) of 138 compounds used in cosmetics that most frequently involved adverse reactions, identified five chemicals (alpha-terpineol, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, limonene and linalool) that are among the 20 most commonly used in the 31 fragrance products tested by the EPA in 1991!
• Thirty-three million Americans suffer from sinusitis (inflammation or infection of sinus passages).
• Twelve million Americans have asthma. Asthma and asthma deaths have increased over 30% in the past 10 years.

What’s the alternative?

• Simply keeping the house or office clean and well-ventilated and using an exhaust fan, if needed, solves most problems.
• Remove the cause of the offending smell, whether by drying and cleaning off mold, removing rotting food or other material, and emptying the trash regularly.
• Essential oil diffusers.
• Baking soda absorbs odors in the refrigerator and elsewhere.
• Growing plants can help I suggest the book How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home Or Office by B. C. Wolverton
• Another good option is an electric potpourri burner with a bit of spices or citrus peel added and simmered. If you don’t a simmering pot simply putting the water and spices in a pan on the stove will help. Citrus has the added benefit of being anti bacterial. If you use essential oils you will have added health benefits, just remember not every one likes or needs the same smells as you do.

In summary, we believe there is a need to realize that “clean” does not have a “scent”!!