Healthy Living

Boost Your Immune System!

Healthy Living — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:51:00 GMT

Kite weather, spring showers, the return of song birds, early blooming bulbs: they all mean one thing…another cold!

Even though many people typically associate viral illness with winter months, statistics show that the rate of infection from the common cold remains high in most countries of the northern hemisphere until June.

Children average 6-8 colds per season and adults typically catch 2-4 colds. So although summer is just around the corner, now is not the time to be complacent about guarding the immune system. If you’d rather stock up on fruits and greens rather than tissues and cough syrup, here’s what you need to know about using green smoothies to avoid your next spring cold.

The Cold-Busting Benefits of Green Smoothies

Green smoothies may be beneficial in preventing and suppressing the effects of the common cold because they

Provide vitamin C not available from animal-based diets
Increase the body’s energy levels
Augment levels of fluid intake
Do not put a strain on the adrenal system

Much research has been done to demonstrate the effects of Vitamin C on cold frequency and duration. While there is plenty of debate over how much vitamin C should be ingested, no one is arguing that the vitamin actually works in combating colds. And every one knows you just can’t get vitamins from a steak!

It only stands to reason that if you want to beat a cold, you need to increase the fruits and vegetables in your diet. It’s also common knowledge that fresher is better when it comes to this particular vitamin, since it begins to degrade when temperatures rise above room temperature (70-75˚), so what better way to eat it than in a green smoothie?

Of course, the best fruits with a reputation for being high in Vitamin C include:

lemons,
limes,
oranges,
grapefruit
and pineapple.

Other smoothie-enrichers from the fruit kingdom that also rank at the top of the vitamin C charts include papaya, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe and guava.

From the vegetable realm, there are:

Brussels sprouts,
broccoli,
kale,
kohlrabi,
bell peppers
and tomatoes.

The vitamin boost of a green smoothie is an obvious benefit. A less obvious benefit for cold-busting is the energy increase most people feel. Higher energy means a greater ability to exercise, especially in aerobic activities. And that means fewer colds!

WebMD reports that “regular exercise appears to have the advantage of being able to jump-start the immune system…. With exercise, the number and aggressiveness of certain immune cells increase by as much as 50% to 300%. In one study reported in the American Journal of Medicine, women who walked for a half-hour every day for one year had half the number of colds as women who did not exercise.”

Perhaps the single most important factor in managing a cold is fluid intake. Water, broth and juices help loosen congestion and moisturize mucous membranes so that air flows more easily through the upper respiratory tract. While smoothies should not replace drinking water, they can supplement daily water intake.

Finally, NOT eating raw foods during the cold season can overload an already fatigued adrenal system. The tendency for most people is to eat heavy, cooked foods when they feel chilly. This stimulates the adrenals so that the blood pumps faster, and the body feels warmer for 10-15 minutes. But after a short period, “the heart requires rest, the nervous system becomes inhibited, and we feel tired, sleepy and even colder than before. However, we remember only the feeling of getting warmer after eating cooked food and repeat such stimulation again and again. This harmful practice wears the body out and by the end of the winter many people feel exhausted and depleted.”

Here are a few green smoothie immune-boosting recipes:

Green Smoothie Cold-Kicker

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
2 – 3 kale leaves, with stalks
1/2 cup cruciferous greens (leaves of broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage)
Optional: a handful of goji berries
Water as needed to blend

Green Smoothie Flu Fighter

Ingredients:

2 oranges, peeled
1/2 lime, peeled
1 ripe banana
1 inch of ginger root, peeled
1/2 cup parsley
1 cup of your favorite leafy green
1/2 of a ripe bell pepper
Water for blending

Green Smoothie Sniffle-Buster

Ingredients:

1 cup peeled, seeded and cubed papaya
A handful of kohlrabi greens
1/2 cantaloupe, seeded and cut from rind
Ice and water to blend

Four Minor Hormones that have Major roles in the body!

Healthy Living — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:28:00 GMT

When hormones are in optimal amounts and balanced, the body is ready to play the music of life. Like an orchestra when some of the players have taken the day off, the body can't make beautiful music without all of its hormones being present and working together. Achieving hormonal balance takes some time, dedication and work. It is best done with the help of a physician who specializes in anti-aging medicine or hormonal balance. It's often achieved only after a period of trial and error, but it's work that has a big payoff. Full hormonal orchestration not only makes you feel great, act great and look great, it provides the best protection there is against the horrors of aging and degenerative disease. In addition to the sex hormones, optimal levels and balance of four other minor hormones can keep you dancing to the music.

Melatonin puts us to sleep and keeps our immune systems strong

Melatonin is the timekeeper of the body, allowing for sound and deep sleep. It's secreted by the light sensitive pineal gland that regulates the biological clock and synchronizes the hormone-immune network. It's also produced by the retina and in the gastrointestinal system. Melatonin keeps the body in tune with the circadian rhythm, rising with darkness and falling with light. It's melatonin that makes you yawn and feel compelled to sleep when it gets dark, even if you don't want to. Melatonin keeps the rhythm for the body to maintain its balance with the rest of nature and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Declining level of melatonin is central in the aging process of the body. Typically, somewhere in the mid thirties the pineal gland begins to become calcified and melatonin production starts to diminish, setting in motion a shift in the way the cells of the body operate. The body moves from a mode of repair and rejuvenation to one of aging and degeneration. This is why maintaining an optimal level of melatonin is so important. Degeneration and aging-related diseases such as arteriosclerosis, autoimmunity, depressed immune system, cancer, and metabolic conditions are promoted by the de-synchronization of the hormonal system, and its loss of cyclicality and rhythm.

The connection between melatonin and aging was dramatically demonstrated in a study where melatonin was added to the drinking water of laboratory animals resulting in an increase in their life spans of 30 percent. Older animals drinking water containing melatonin became more vigorous and healthy. In another experiment, pineal glands from younger mice were transplanted into older mice that then lived much longer than expected. Their pineal glands were transplanted into younger mice who then died much sooner than expected.

The invention of the electric light bulb has played havoc with the rhythms orchestrated by melatonin. Production of melatonin is cued by the coming darkness of night. When we stay up late with the lights on, night never comes and the whole melatonin-prolactin cycle is thrown off. It is at night that the body recuperates and regenerates tissues and organs, and restores glycogen reserves. When melatonin levels stay low, this body maintenance can't take place. This is why it is so important to go to bed close to the time darkness settles in, and to sleep in a room that is completely dark. We have learned to fight the signal from melatonin that it is bedtime, especially in the fall when darkness descends so early. We yawn and stretch and turn on even more lights to keep ourselves awake, ignoring the signals of our bodies. The result of such actions is a body in a state of melatonin deprivation long before we reach the age of thirty-five.

When the body is able to produce the needed amount of melatonin it can directly kill many different types of cancer cells. Melatonin is a naturally produced cytotoxin that easily induces death in tumor cells. It can also retard tumor metabolism and development by lowering the body temperature, as it is a natural inducer of hypothermia. It has also been shown to inhibit the spread of the AIDS virus. And it's protective of all the organs in the body, particularly the pancreas.

Human growth hormone is the quintessential anti-aging hormone

Human growth hormone (HGH) has a bad reputation because of its frequent abuse by athletes.

Children are loaded with HGH. It is the hormone that promotes growth during childhood. By the time the age of thirty is reached, the levels of HGH have declined to about 20 percent of their childhood peak. At this stage the body is no longer able to repair all the damage that is occurring and the aging process continues to accelerate.

HGH is released by the pituitary gland and is beneficial for the brain, cardiovascular system, immune system, aerobic capacity of blood and tissue, and body and bone composition. It enters the blood stream in bursts during sleep, especially the deep sleep that occurs after midnight. It's also produced during exercise provided the exercise is done on an empty stomach. It is transported to the liver where it is converted to insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a messenger molecule that travels to all parts of the body to stimulate cell production and growth. HGH is responsible for cellular rejuvenation, and low levels lead to aging.

Symptoms of HGH deficiency are wrinkled or sagging skin, thinning bones, loss of muscle strength, accumulation of body fat, decreased heart function, lowered immunity, thinning hair, decreased stamina and vigor, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. It's great for weight control and re-contouring the body with loss of belly fat, the area associated with increased risk of heart attack and diabetes. A study of overweight women on HGH found a loss of more than 4.6 pounds of fat, mostly in the abdomen while lean body mass increased. More than twenty-eight thousand studies on the hormone have shown that supplementation with HGH is the closest we have to a fountain of youth.

Typically, HGH replacement should begin around age 30. In older people, HGH replacement can reverse signs of aging by 5 to 15 percent per year or more. There is no other single therapy that can have the impact on the aging body that HGH does. In addition to reducing excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, and increasing muscle mass, HGH can reduce wrinkling, restore internal organs that have atrophied with age, increase bone density, reverse cognitive deterioration, strengthen the immune system, stimulate bone marrow cell production resulting in more red blood cells, and reduce the chances of a nursing home as your end destination.

There have been no reports of anyone, anywhere, at any age getting cancer after using HGH for a year or more. Although there are theoretical reasons why HGH might promote cell division, HGH also stimulates the immune system to a level where cancer does not occur.

IGF-1 is produced in response to growth hormone, and as a result it is a marker for HGH. Since natural HGH is released in surges and has a very short life span in the body, it is not practical to measure HGH levels directly. Because much of HGH is used by the body to produce IGF-1, which has a fairly long lifetime in the body, tests for HGH levels rely on the amount of IGF-1 present.

Pregnenolone fights fatigue, boosts memory and more

Pregnenolone is made in the adrenal glands as well as in the liver, ovaries and testicles. It can also be made in the brain and is involved in a variety of brain functions such as memory, concentration and mood.

The body can change pregnenolone into the hormones DHEA or progesterone depending on its needs at a given time. Either of these hormones can be then produce androstenedione, the direct precursor to the other sex hormones including testosterone and the other androgens, and estradiol and the other estrogens. Progesterone can also make cortisol, the stress hormone, and aldosterone, the regulator of blood pressure. This process by which other hormones are made from pregnenolone which is made directly from cholesterol is often referred to as the hormonal cascade.

Clearly, prenenolone is an essential hormone. In the young, prenenolone production averages about 14 mg per day. As the body ages, production declines until at age 75 the body produces about 40% of the amount produced at age 35. As this supply declines, the amount available to make other hormones also decreases.

Although several studies have found that oral pregnenolone reduces fatigue and increases endurance, its claim to fame is its memory enhancement. It accomplishes this by preventing the brain's neurotransmission system from deteriorating and promoting the release of the neurotransmitter acetycholine. Pregnenolone promotes greater growth of brain cells. The greater the number of brain cells, the greater the ability to retain memories

DHEA is the mother hormone

DHEA is made in the brain and in the adrenal cortex , and is one of the most plentiful hormones in the body. Levels of DHEA decline with age, and a 70 year old has only about 10% of the DHEA produced by a 20 year old.

Diminishing levels of DHEA are linked to a wide range of degenerative diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and many types of cancer. Current research shows that low DHEA levels are a cause of many age related disorders and that oral supplementation with DHEA can slow the ravages of aging.

Adequate levels of DHEA can increase testosterone levels, restore muscle mass, improve the body fat ratio, improve memory, and boost the immune system. It is useful in combating auto-immune disorders, obesity, senile dementia, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. DHEA promotes flexibility in the body and raises endurance levels.

DHEA is the hormone that helps you reach and keep you ideal weight. It is the basis of the hormone that tells the brain when you've had enough to eat, and inhibits the conversion of glucose to fat. When the body is low on DHEA fat piles on quickly whenever carbohydrates are eaten since there is nothing to inhibit the conversion of glucose to fat.

DHEA protects against arteriosclerosis by lowering cholesterol and insulin levels. This mechanism keeps you safe from diabetes if you eat a healthy diet. It is another hormone that keeps the immune system strong, preventing cancer. It protects the brain from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by protecting neurons.

The average dose for women is 10 to 12 mg. a day. For men it is 25 mg. a day. DHEA peaks in the body in the morning, so supplements should also be taken in the morning to maintain the circadian rhythm. As with all the hormones, the goal is to attain a physiological level, meaning that you want to restore the level your body made naturally when it was at its peak.

Superbowl snack ideas!

Healthy Living — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:21:00 GMT

These pinwheels look so pretty on a party platter–and they’ll vanish in a hurry!

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces vegan cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
1 garlic clove, minced
4 thin flour tortillas, preferably 9 to 10 inches in diameter, warmed
3/4 cup cooked black beans, canned or freshly prepared, drained
3/4 cup chopped roasted mild green chile, fresh or frozen, well drained
6 tablespoons grated RAW mild cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro (optional)
Salsa to accompany

1. Combine the cream cheese, cumin, and garlic in a food processor.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle the beans, chile, cheddar cheese, olives and cilantro equally over the cheese mixture and roll the tortillas up snug. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 2 hours.
3. Cut into 3/4-inch slices with a sharp knife. Let the slices sit, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for a few minutes before serving them, accompanied with salsa.
Makes about 4 dozen pinwheels.

The Ultimate Vegetarian Nachos Recipe

Adjust the quantities as needed. The amount of each ingredient (in brackets) is the suggested quantity for 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• Baked Beanitos chips (1 bag)
• Sharp (RAW) cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)
• Refried beans (Look for a canned variety that is suitable for vegetarians - lard can sometimes sneak in) or black beans (1 can)
• Salsa (any heat) (1/2 cup)

Optional toppings:

• Chopped green onions (2 onions)
• Diced tomatoes (1 tomato)
• Diced avocado or guacamole (1 avocado)
• Shredded lettuce (1/2 cup)
• Sliced olives (2 Tbsp.)
• Plain yogurt (or sour cream if you must)(1/4 cup)
• Sliced jalapeno or pepperoncini peppers (1/4 cup)
• Leftover chili (see recipe below)

Directions :

1. Spread nachos out on plate or cookie sheet in a thin layer. Grate cheese over top, and dollop the refried beans on tortilla chips around the perimeter.
2. Microwave about 30 seconds OR bake in oven for about 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, or until cheese is melted completely and beans are warm.
3. Remove plate / cookie sheet and add the rest of the toppings. Only add salsa and yogurt / sour cream after the nachos are warm enough, or the chips will get soggy.
4. Enjoy the free-for-all for most cheesy chips!

Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups of shredded cheese of your choice (I used rice shreds)

Directions

1. In a 4 quart pot, saute garlic in oil. Add diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, mustard powder, oregano, pepper and cumin.
2. Stir in the pinto beans, black beans, red kidney beans, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Top each serving with cheese (if you'd like).

Part III: TCM - The Lungs & Grief

Healthy Living — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:41:00 GMT

Maintaining healthy lungs is just so important for a long, active life.
The main reason for this, being their role in respiration.
We breathe in clean, oxygenated air, it is transported directly into the blood stream and on the next breath, out comes deoxygenated air.
The lungs simply eliminate unwanted carbon dioxide waste from the body, and this process continues every moment of every day.
Isn’t that amazing?
Treat your lungs with respect, go for walks in the forest, breathe in salty sea air and give up smoking!

According to many centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lung imbalances lead to dry skin, cough, sore throat, grief, bronchitis, asthma, weak voice, cold hands, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, airborne allergies, poor immunity, sinus problems, sneezing and poor sense of smell. As already stated, the lungs have such a key role in our health and are actually referred to in TCM as the “prime minister” of the body, as they are in charge of control and regulation of qi. As we know, if the prime minister is weak, the entire country becomes dissatisfied and unruly! The large intestine is the lung’s yang counter-part and is also very sensitive to lung imbalances. The lungs and large intestine are partners in the body’s elimination process. Lungs are associated with clear communication and thinking, openness to new ideas, a positive self image and ability to relax, let go and be happy.

Throughout the twenty four hours of each day, every two hours each of our twelve organs experience an abundance of qi, known as the Qi cycle. The time of day associated with an abundance of lung qi is 3-5 am, the first cycle of the day. In order to nurture our lungs, and allow them to fulfill their function of creating qi and controlling respiration, it is helpful to practice some deep breathing exercises (such as qi gong or tai qi) upon rising to stimulate the lung qi.

The lung meridian begins bi-laterally in the dip where each shoulder meets the edge of the chest/collar bone and runs down the inner arms, ending at the base of the thumb nail. An acupuncturist will insert acupuncture needles into this meridian if there is an imbalance, in order to encourage the lung qi of the body to realign itself.

Autumn Season:

Autumn is the season related to the lungs, the element is metal, the taste is pungent and the associated colour is white. Autumn is nature’s season to let go of the old and it is a time to move energy inward. This is also the energy represented by the lungs.

During autumn, the skin naturally becomes drier, as do the leaves on the trees, preparing for winter. The lungs are very sensitive to this dryness and those with weak lung qi must take care not to expose themselves to excess air conditioning at this time of year. Autumn is the season to build the strong defensive qi of the immune system, in order that the qi of the skin may act much like metal armour to keep harmful influences at bay.

Foods which nourish the lungs include:
sweet potato, ginger, onion, cabbage, pears, walnuts, black pepper, radish, rice, chilli, cinnamon, cardomon, leek, miso.

Exercise:

The lungs are involved in respiration and controlling the flow of qi throughout the body. In order to maintain strong immunity, it's important for the body to eliminate toxins through the pores of the skin by sweating. So, a morning jog which breaks a sweat is ideal to keep that lung qi functioning and bugs at bay.

"The lungs move and adjust the water channels"
"The lungs open into the nose and their brilliance is manifested in the body hair. The lungs also connect to the throat."

The skin and body hair share a close relationship with the lungs. Together with the sweat glands, they are often referred to as the "exterior" of the body in TCM. The lungs are the interior organs that rule this exterior. By controlling the skin, sweat glands and body hair, the lungs regulate the sweating process. In addition, they maintain healthy movement and dissemination of protective qi over the skin. Protective qi is important for guarding the body against "illness evils" (factors causing illness including wind, fire, dampness, dryness, cold and summer heat). If these particular lung functions are weakened, too much spontaneous sweating occurs, and the protective qi will become weak as well. As a result, the body will have lower resistance to illness and may easily get colds, influenza, or other respiratory problems.

The nose is considered the opening of the lungs and the exit for qi in the body. If lung dysfunction occurs, the nose is affected. For example, disordered flow of lung qi leads to a watery nasal discharge, congestion, a loss of sense of smell and sneezing. The throat and vocal cords are also connected to the lungs. Sometimes lung deficiency produces a coarse or low voice.

A great formula that supports the lungs is Chinese Lung Support TCM Concentrate

TCM Energetics: Strengthen metal, lung qi (energy) tonic, nourish and support the lungs, support the immune system Lung support is a formula designed to enhance the function of the mucous membrane linings the lungs and the colon to improve immune response. Frequently used by people suffering with chronic infections of the lungs, frequent colds and flu, general weakness and fatigue.
Historical uses include asthma, fatigue, shortness of breath, catches cold and respiratory infections easily, exposure to cold, dry air, emphysema, weak muscles, feeble, wheezing, shallow breathing, tuberculosis, pneumonia, dry skin, dry cough, flushed cheeks, and unnatural, painful breathing.

Emotional indicators: Grief, lack of power, suppressed grief or frequent sadness, withdrawn.

Benefits:
• May act as a tonic for the respiratory system.
• Maintains tissue surfaces.
• Supports the lungs and sinuses.
• Helps promote mucous membrane moisture.
• Offers additional benefits to the circulatory and urinary systems.

The formula includes:
Astragalus root, Aster root, Qinjiao root, Platycodon root,Anemarrhena rhizome, Bupleurum root, Dang gui root, Lycium fruit, Ophiopogon root tuber, Panax ginseng root, Atractylodes rhizome, Blue citrus peel, Citrus peel, Typhonium rhizome, Schizandra fruit, Licorice root

Holiday Recipes for your Blood Type!

Healthy Living — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:51:00 GMT

Blood Type O:

Main Entry:
Turkey Casserole

Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, chopped turkey
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cups chopped broccoli (optional)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 egg or 1 Tablespoon flax meal mixed with 1/4 cup boiling water (let sit till thick)
• 2 Tablespoons rice flour
• 1-1/2 cups water
• extra rice flour if too soupy
• sea salt to taste
• poultry seasoning to taste

How to make it:
1. Gently saute broccoli and onion in a little oil.
2. When soft, add water, rice flour, and seasonings.
3. Bring to boil, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (this is gravy and makes a great base for all sorts of casseroles).
4. Mix with turkey and rice.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Stir in egg or flax mixture.
7. Pour into greased casserole dish.
8. Bake 30 minutes at 350.

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Dessert
Apple Pear Crisp

Ingredients:

• Apples
• Pears
• 2-3 Tablespoon brown sugar
• Lemon juice (splash of bourbon, optional)
• Whiff of allspice, coriander
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup quinoa flour
• 6-8 Tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make it:

1. Peel, core and slice thinly the apples and pears.
2. Add the 2-3 T. sugar and the lemon and bourbon and allspice, etc.
3. Then mix oats, quinoa flour and ghee quickly with fingers
4. add cinnamon and spread around the top of the fruit in a baking pan.
5. Bake 30 minutes at 400 degrees

Blood Type A:

Main Entry: Tofu Turkey
VN, GF

Ingredients:
• 5 lb medium firm tofu
• 1/2 cup sesame oil (no substitutes)
• 1/4 cup tamari
• Stuffing, your choice (but check out great recipe below)

How to make it:
1. For optimal results, blend a firm Chinese style tofu with a smaller portion of Japanese style, such as Mori-Nu Firm.
2. Mash tofu well. Line an 11" colander with a single layer of moistened cheesecloth. Transfer tofu to colander. Press tofu to flatten, and fold edges of cheesecloth over it. Place a cake tin or other flat object over the surface of the tofu and weigh it down with a heavy object (about 5 lbs) to press the liquid from the tofu.
3. After the tofu has drained for 1 hour, hollow out to within 1 inch of the colander. Fill the cavity with your favorite stuffing. Pack in stuffing and cover with the remaining tofu. Pat down so surface is flat and firm. Oil a roast or turkey pan, place pan over colander, and flip over so that flat surface of filled tofu faces down. Remove cheesecloth.
4. Mix sesame oil and soy sauce to use as a basting liquid. Baste tofu with liquid. Bake covered at 400 degrees F. for 1 hour. Remove cover, baste, and return to oven to bake uncovered until top becomes golden brown, about one hour more. Baste again at least once during remaining cooking time.

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Dessert: Chocolate Dream Pie
(Apple Pear Crisp is also suitable)

Ingredients:
• 2 10.5 ounces (Mori-Nu Lite) Silken Tofu, firm packs
• 3/4 cup Fruit-source (or Honey)[or agave]
• 3 teaspoons Vanilla [or use a BTD compliant substitute]
• 1/2 cup Navita’s Cocoa Powder
• Banana slices or compatible blood type berry fruit• Pre-made pie shell or custard cups (gluten free only)

How to make it:
1. In food processor or blender wip tofu until smooth.
2. Heat Fruitsource or Honey 90 sec. in microwave. (Med-High)
3. Pour over cocoa powder, stir until smooth.
4. Add vanilla.
5. Add chocolate mixture to tofu and continue blending for 1 minute.
6. Pour into premade pie shell or custard cups and chill for 1-2 hours.
7. Garnish with banana slices. (or berry fruit)

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Wild Rice Pilaf (or dressing / stuffing)
VN, GF

Ingredients:
• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups brown rice
• 2 md carrots
• 2 sm onions
• 1 cup hazelnuts
• Orange zest from 1 orange
• 3 bay leaves
• grapeseed oil; enough for sautéing
• 1/3 cup shiitake mushrooms, dried
• 1 veggie stock cube
• Salt to taste

How to make it:
1. Soak mushrooms in very hot water. Cook wild rice until still chewy. Drain rice and set aside (you may reserve the water for use in the pilaf if desired).
2. Saute onions and carrots in a large skillet. When onions are softened, add dry brown rice and saute 3 or 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, nuts, bay leaves, zest, veggie stock and mushrooms. Bring to a simmer.

Blood Type B & AB

Main Dish: Apple braised lamb shoulder chops (or rabbit)

Ingredients:
• 4 lamb shoulder chops (or 4 rabbit pieces)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 1 small red onion –chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 parsnips chopped (remove core)
• bulb fennel – sliced
• 1 green apple (like Granny Smith) peeled and sliced
• cup apple juice
• cup water or stock
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• cup (or less) of maple syrup

How to make it:
1. Season meat with salt and pepper
2. In a large, deep frying pan - brown meat in oil set aside
3. Soften onion, celery, garlic, and parsnips in oil
4. Add salt and pepper to veggies, if desired
5. Add fennel and apple, mix in and cook another minute
6. Nestle the meat back in the pan moving veggies on top of meat
7. Combine the juice, water, lemon, and maple syrup and add to mixture
8. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 1 - 2 hours until tender.
9. Add more liquid as needed
10. Serve over rice or quinoa with a side of broccoli

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Dessert: Cranberry and Pumpkin or Winter Squash Cheesecake

Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup vegetable glycerine or agave nectar plus 1/3 cup of the same
• 24 ounces cream cheese or neuchaftel cheese (according to food lists), at room temperature
• 5 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1 cup pureed pumpkin or winter squash like butternut(thick)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 recipe Faux Graham Cracker Crust for Cheesecakes (SEE BELOW)

How to make it:
1. Make crust and place in a 10 inch spring form pan. Pre bake as per instructions and allow it to cool.
2. In a saucepan combine cranberries and 1/4 vegetable glycerine or agave nectar.
3. Heat for 10 minutes till berries pop and sauce thickens.4. Let cool completely.
5. In a bowl beat cream cheese and 1/3 cup vegetable glycerine till smooth.
6. Add eggs and sour cream and beat till smooth.
7. Put 1 cup of this batter into a blender.
8. Add squash/pumpkin puree and ginger to remaining batter and mix.
9. Pour this batter into the cheese cake pan.
10. Add the berries mixture to the blender and blend.
11. Pour this mixture on top of the other cheesecake mixture.
12. Using a butter knife swirl the cranberry mixture in a spiral pattern.
13. Bake at 325F for approximately 1 hour until the center is still somewhat jiggly.14. Turn off the oven and leave the oven door open for 2 hours until the cake cools.15. Take out of the oven and cool completely then refrigerate.3. Cook over medium heat until the berries begin to release their juices and the mixture thickens, a matter of a few minutes.

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Faux Graham Cracker Crust

Ingredients:
• 1-1/2 cups oatmeal ground into a coarse flour
• 3/4 cups almonds finely chopped in processor
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup agave nectar or honey

How to make it:
1. Mix the ingredients.
2. Roughly pat into shape in cheesecake pan. No need to roll.
3. Bake unfilled for 10 minutes in a 350F oven.
4. Remove and fill with your cheesecake filling and bake as per cheesecake directions.

Part II: TCM - The Spleen & Sadness

Healthy Living — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Contemporary Western culture has everything – technology, hygiene, comfort, but what price do we pay for our indulgent lifestyles? We are commonly overstressed, overworked, overtired and always worrying. Our food is progressively depleted of essential nutrients (filled with excess sugar, preservatives, artificial color, flavor enhancers and sprayed with toxic pesticides). It’s no wonder our bodies struggle to absorb the few nutrients we actually manage consume. This impacts inevitably upon our health, especially the often-overlooked spleen, which is accountable for transforming food and drink into Qi and blood.

According to many centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spleen imbalances lead to tiredness, easy bruising, varicose veins, bloatedness, sallow complexion, eating disorders, digestive and bowel problems, loose stools, worry, poor memory and concentration. On a more positive note, when our spleen element is in balance we acquire the ability to concentrate, our intention is positive and focused.

The ancient Chinese physicians observed that the spleen is vulnerable to ‘dampness’ and living in damp conditions has a detrimental effect on the spleen. As the liver and the spleen are physiological ‘neighbors’, when the energy of the spleen is weak, the liver energy rapidly ‘attacks’ and depletes it. The stomach is the spleen’s yang counter-part and is also very sensitive to spleen imbalances. This liver – spleen – stomach connection is often the cause of digestive discomfort.

Throughout the twenty-four hours of each day, every two hours each of our twelve organs experience an abundance of qi, known as the Qi cycle. The time of day associated with an abundance of spleen qi is 9-11am. In order to nurture our spleen, and allow it to fulfill its function of extracting the essence from food, it is best to treat breakfast as the most important meal of the day, and to eat a simple dinner early. Also regular, light meals, eaten slowly and without excessive flavoring help the spleen digest nutrients efficiently.

The spleen meridian begins bi-laterally at the inner big toenail and runs up the inner legs, ending mid way along the sides of the rib cage. An acupuncturist will insert acupuncture needles into this meridian if there is an imbalance, in order to encourage the spleen qi of the body to realign itself. It is also helpful to practice some gentle muscle toning exercise upon rising, to prevent the spleen qi from becoming constricted.

Late Summer Season:
Late Summer is the season related to the spleen, the element is earth, the taste is sweet and its color is yellow. In order to maintain productive spleen energy, try not to let the spleen qi become too ‘dry’ or too ‘wet’ (sometimes likened to the earth when it rains and turns to mud). Eating the following beneficial foods is a perfect place to begin balancing your spleen.

Foods which nourish the spleen include:
Carrots, rice, barley, squash, pumpkin, parsnips, apples, ginger, garlic, cardamom

Exercise:
The spleen is involved in blood production, however, if one does not exercise poor quality blood results and weight problems follow. Abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are essential to keep the spleen functioning well. A gentle regime of sit-ups and thigh toning (as the spleen meridian runs up the legs) squats will benefit your spleen.

A great product for the Spleen:
Spleen Activator TCM Concentrate, Chinese [Digestive] contains the same herbs found in Chinese Spleen Activator but in a highly concentrated blend. This combination of 17 Chinese herbs, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, may nutritionally act as a digestive system tonic and provide energy to a tired body. The Chinese call this formula wen zhong, which can be translated to mean “warm the center.” According to TCM, this formula is designed to strengthen a “weak” earth element, nourish spleen function and support the pancreas. It may help provide relief from occasional nighttime leg cramps. Its primary herbs—ginseng, licorice and atractylodes—may help to provide energy and strengthen the digestive system.

Symptoms of Spleen Yang Deficiency

Loose stools with undigested food
Abdominal distension and pain
Symptoms feel better with heat or pressure
Water retention
Difficult urination
Leukorrhea
Feel cold
Fatigue
Poor appetite
Bloating and gas
Weak limbs

Tongue
Pale, swollen, wet tongue

Related Conditions
Gastric or duodenal ulcers
B Gastritis
Hepatitis

Part I: TCM - The Liver & Anger

Healthy Living — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:33:00 GMT

In traditional medicine, environmental influences were one of the many factors seen to influence our health and well-being. Many people are conscious that depression is more frequent in winter, especially in December and January, but did you know that anger is more common in summer. It seems that when temperatures climb, so do tempers. More murders are committed in the hot summer months than any other time of the year.

Depression is often seen as a health issue, requiring treatment with drugs and/or counseling. Doesn’t it make sense that excessive anger is also a health problem?

Traditional medicine recognized this correlation. Both Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Western medicine saw the liver and gallbladder as the seat of anger, a concept our language still acknowledges in the phrase “that galls me.”

While the concept that anger damages the liver and that liver problems make us irritable might be foreign to Western medical thinking, the idea that anger is bad for our health isn’t. It’s well established that excessively angry people are more prone to heart problems and the extremely large numbers of people who suffer from cardiovascular disease suggest that many of us have issues with anger.

Let’s begin by exploring the concept of “constricted liver chi” from Chinese medicine. To understand the liver chi (or energy), we first need to understand the Chinese wood element, because the liver and gallbladder are connected with the wood element in Chinese medicine. In TCM, wood is the energy that allows us to grow, expand and spread out. I like to think of it as the energy of life or the will to live. This idea is inherent in the very name of the organ, the liver (i.e., the live-er). This suggests that the drive to live or survive is found there.

In TCM, the liver is the harmonizing organ in the body. It helps all the other organs work together harmoniously. When this “wood” energy governing the liver is stable, it also helps us work harmoniously with other people. It helps us flow through life.

So, what happens when this flow of liver (wood or life) energy inside us gets constricted? Well, to understand this, imagine you are driving down the freeway. You are a little behind schedule, but you know that you’ll reach your destination in time if you are able to just keep going at your current speed.

Now imagine that you suddenly run into a huge traffic jam that’s been caused by construction or a traffic accident. The traffic slows to a standstill and you suddenly find yourself creeping along in bumper-to-bumper traffic with no end in sight.

How do you feel? Well, you probably feel a bit distressed, at least a little annoyed, and maybe even downright angry and frustrated. That’s how we feel when the “flow” of life gets interrupted. Think of it as a “traffic jam” in our liver chi.

Life presents many traffic jams to us, because things seldom go exactly as we’d like. Our food is slow in coming at the restaurant and when it does the order is wrong. Our luggage is lost or delayed on our plane flight. People miss important appointments with us, or fail to do what they promised. In each case, the flow of our life is disrupted and we have to readjust and compensate for the obstacles that come in our path.

If you have a healthy body and balanced emotions, you’ll probably get over your initial sense of frustration about these “traffic jams” of life fairly rapidly. You’ll realize “stuff happens,” deal with it and move on.

For those with constricted liver chi, however, these minor “traffic jams” of life produce loss of temper and even fits of rage. They have a hard time readjusting their flow, so they try to “charge through” with the weight of their angry energy, like a bull charging the red cape.

Losing one’s temper rarely fixes the problem, because the situation triggering the anger and irritability is usually out of our control. (For example, getting angry and honking your horn at other drivers won’t make the traffic move faster.) In fact, loss of temper often triggers anger and resistance in others that makes them put up even more roadblocks to our progress.

With our aggressive drive to “get ahead” and our impatience to “have it now,” it’s clear that America is a “wood-driven” culture. As such, a large percentage of us are easily irritated, frustrated and impatient. There are several health problems that this creates, all of which involve a constriction of “flow” in the body.

We’ve already mentioned the connection between anger and heart disease. Heart disease is a block in the flow of life. A heart attack is a block of blood flow to the heart and a stroke is a block in blood flow to the brain. Anger makes us more prone to both.

The blocking of flow in irritability also inhibits the flow of urine. It can also make us constipated and prone too bowel problems. Things that frustrate and irritate us give us headaches (which usually involve obstructions in the flow of blood to the head or a block in nerve supply). By understanding these connections, we can see how an eye disorder such as conjunctivitis might be due to an imbalance in the liver, or excess menstrual flow may be due to dysfunction in the liver's blood-storing ability. Besides emotions, other factors such as dietary, environmental, lifestyle, and hereditary factors also contribute to the development of imbalances.

Nature’s Sunshine offers an herbal formula that helps to correct constricted liver chi. It is sold under the trade name Liver Balance, but it’s Chinese name is Tiao He, which means “mediate harmony.” Liver Balance helps restore flow and balance to the wood energy or liver chi in the body. It can aid liver and digestive problems, while reducing feelings of anger and irritability.

Some of the indications you might need Liver Balance include: flushing of the face, a tendency to get headaches, difficulty relaxing at night, groggy feelings in the morning, and, of course, feeling easily angered, irritated or frustrated.

So, next time you’re feeling angry, frustrated and irritable, consider trying Liver Balance. You can also try it on family members and friends. You may be pleased to discover how it can mediate a little harmony in your life.

Here’s an overview of next months newsletter where we will be discussing the spleen.

Spleen

• Emotions - worry, dwelling or focusing too much on a particular topic, excessive mental work
• Spleen Function - Food digestion and nutrient absorption. Helps in the formation of blood and energy. Keeps blood in the blood vessels. Connected with muscles, mouth, and lips. Involved in thinking, studying, and memory.
• Symptoms of Spleen Imbalance - Tired, loss of appetite, mucus discharge, poor digestion, abdominal distension, loose stools or diarrhea. Weak muscles, pale lips. Bruising, excess menstrual blood flow, and other bleeding disorders.

Back to School!

Healthy Living — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:11:00 GMT

Kids are rarely super excited to see the freedom of summer go on break for another year, but many times this is due to anxiety about the upcoming school year, from handling homework assignments to interacting with teachers. However, natural remedies can make a big difference for kids of all ages! Natural medicine works to create holistic balance in the body, some remedies may take 3-6 weeks for optimum results. Particularly for kids with ADHD or other learning and concentration disorders, getting your child started on an effective program now will help ensure a successful and happy semester!

Hyperactivity, distractions and impulsiveness.

For kids who struggle to sit still and focus, the classroom can become a place of dread. To fully overcome challenges like hyperactivity and distractibility, it is important not to view these symptoms in isolation, but to also take into consideration diet, exercise, and sleep routines. Studies have shown how making modifications to these influential factors can greatly improve symptoms. In addition, when combined in therapeutic dosage, homeopathic remedies can provide even more support. Hyoscyamus (30C), Arsen iod (30C), Verta alb (30C) and Tuberculinum (30C) all have properties that help control disruptive behavior, from restlessness to irritability. Test anxiety
While some stress may actually help improve alertness, excessive exam anxiety can hinder performance. To ease this problem, help your child develop better study habits and test-taking skills, which can build confidence and annul fear. There are many resources available for this common problem, so try and target the areas that your child struggles with the most.

Time management is a big challenge for some students, but making an organized plan can make all the difference. Older students that have a handle on organization but still struggle from nerves may benefit from meditation or relaxation techniques.

In addition, students of all ages can benefit from natural remedies, which can provide soothing, safe and effective relief from exam anxiety without causing drowsiness or side effects. When combined in therapeutic dosage, Passion flower, Rosemary, Gotu cola, Anacardium (6C) and Gelsemium (6C) work together to calm nerves and support the brain and nervous system for optimum cognitive functioning.

Staying Healthy

Let’s face it no matter how clean you are or how well you raise your kids they are likely to get sick from one of their buddies at school. They are also bound to slip and fall and have midnight tummy aches.
But what troubles me more about starting school is the articles I read about germs traveling around the lunch room and the way the food is prepared.
Children from kindergarten all the way up through elementary will cough, sneeze and then touch their friends, their food and the food around them. They rub stuffy noses then scratch their eyes and keep eating.
Hand washing is allowed after lunch but by then the germs have traveled into little ears, eyes and noses where they will eventually cause havoc. So how can a parent be prepared this upcoming school year for the bumps, bruises, lice, colds, coughs, tummy aches and everything in between? Make yourself a little Health Kit with things purchased at your local health food store. Having a health kit comes in handy for last-minute emergencies and trips and it saves time and money.

Here are some items we have available that you can request for your “Mama’s Back to school Health Kit”.

• All Heal Salve by Wise Ways: for cleaned wounds, cuts, sprains, bug bites, stings, sores, diaper rashes, and dry chapped skin. Works well as a mosquito repellent too! This salve contains organic herbs that help draw out infection and reduce inflammation so its uses are endless and a must have for any mommy.
• Herbal Flu & Cold Rescue Balm – for rubbing on nose, chest, back and feet during flu season
• Immunity Boosting Loose Tea for Cold and Flu
• Cold and Flu Rescue bath
• Stomach Soothing Tea
• Loose the Lice loose herb kit for preventing lice
• Herbal ear drops for aiding with pain and infection
• Jar of Organic raw honey for scratchy throats and sweetening tea
• Non Toxic Natural Bug Repellent
• Plantain Leaf herb or Itch Free - This is a must have in our home and everyone’s home. Leaves can be crushed or chewed and used to quickly stop the bleeding of an open wound, stop the pain and inflammation or bites and stings, and relieve the itching from poison ivy.
• Natural mini cough drops in re-sealable miniature bags for kids to carry in their backpacks and mom inside her purse
• Nasal Spray with Xylitol for flushing out infection causing bacteria
• Organic Rose hips for using in smoothies to boost immunity since they have a higher Vitamin C content than citrus fruits.
• And for those healthy snacks check out our new re-usable Eco friendly snack pouches so you can eliminate the plastic bags, tinfoil and plastic wraps.

The truth about vaccinations!

First of all, it is important for you to know what a vaccination actually does to the system. When the vaccine is injected into the system it enters through the skin directly into the muscle or blood of the child (or adult) this technique bypasses the normal immune defenses in the mouth and lungs and allows a deeper reaction to the disease. Often we will see a person get “atypical” chicken pox after the vaccination. This particular type of post vaccination reaction will show as chicken pox on internal orifices such as the mouth and lungs this strain of chicken pox is particularly difficult to treat and is often fatal. We can certainly attribute increased outbreaks of herpes and shingles to only partial immunity to the chicken pox virus. MMR can cause vaccination-induced meningitis. DPT has a common after effect of encephalitis. Vaccinations administers intramuscularly do not immunize the immune system it compromises it.
When vaccines are combined, such as they commonly do with MMR or DPT, they become more dangerous. They also require preserving, which is usually done with thimerosal) Thimerosal had been used to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi in multi-dose units of vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis and diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus, or DPT. Parts of Canada banned use of Thimerosal containing vaccines in the early 1990’s by 1997 all of Canada had banned use of this dangerous ingredient. However the flu shot that was recommended to anyone over the age of 6 months did contain thimerosal this year in Canada, US and those shipped to third world countries.

“After assuring parents that additives in vaccines don’t cause brain damage, scientists have found what they believe could be a “smoking gun” linking these additives to autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. In a study that was rushed to print online in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, U.S. researchers have discovered an apparent link between thimerosal, a controversial mercurybased preservative once commonly used in childhood vaccines, to an increased risk of neurological disorders such as autism and ADHD. While most vaccines distributed in Canada have been thimerosal-free since the early 1960s, the preservative was used in the annual flu shot doctors recommended this year for even healthy children”

I found a great site that gives you the package inserts for all the vaccinations so that you may read about the dangers and go to your Dr. with full disclosure. When is the last time you read the insert on a vaccination? http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/package_inserts.htm.

I find it interesting that, if an herb caused some of these issues it would surely be banned, yet because BIG money is made on vaccinations the statistics of illness and death cease to matter.

I recently listened to a phenomenal cassette from Tape of the Week (800-811-1132) by Karen Jenson. It was called Vaccine: Full Disclosure. I have, like many of you, heard about the vaccine issues for many years.
I have heard about the incredible link between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and vaccines. I have certainly read and heard about the links to Autism, ADD, ADHD and many other neurological syndromes. It scares me to think that these links were noted as far back as the 1930’s, by orthodox allopathic medicine!!! Yet as one drug company who sells vaccinations put it…”the benefit outweighs the risk” I wonder how you explain that to the parents of the healthy 3 day old baby who is now dead as a result of a Hepatitis B vaccination. It is interesting that SIDS was totally eliminated in Japan when they banned vaccinations for children under the age of 2. When Sweden followed their lead the same results were found. SIDS has been virtually eliminated in both countries.
It is proven that the only children at risk of contracting Hep B are the children whose Mom was infected or the child who lives in the house with an infected family member. That equal about 26,000 kids nation wide. Adverse reactions out-number cases of the disease in government statistics and those are only the cases of death or illnesses that are reported and openly linked to the vaccine.

“children under the age of 14 are three times more likely to suffer adverse effects
— including death —
following the hepatitis B vaccine than to catch the disease itself.”

So... what should you do??

Search for the truth; follow the money trail related to your answers. The internet is certainly a tool we have been given in the last decade that simplifies getting in depth information, opinions and answers from varied sources.
You must get educated.
On a more physical level, we need to build the immune system and keep it strong with real food. Ultimate Green Zone is a great builder of the body. Work with a homeopath to help you know how to keep the symptoms of these diseases from making you and your child miserable.
- Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants by Dana Ullman
- Homoeopathy for Children: A Parent's Guide to the Treatment of Common Childhood Illnesses by Gabrielle Pinto Murray Feldman are two of many books that will help you through the illness if you do get them.

Understand the vaccination laws in your state. You do not HAVE TO vaccinate to get your child in school; however you should plan on being challenged to get your child into a public school system. You do have a right to refuse. There are organizations set up to help you “fight the system” If you get on the internet at www.google.com simply type in vaccination laws and your state. Then you at least know what the law says. You can not win the fight if you do not know how your enemy is armed.

Be aware of what diseases still exist and IF you choose to vaccinate, choose carefully to get only those that are for diseases that exist today. Good hygiene has eliminated many diseases of the last century. My thought is that you should look at the overall health risk of each disease carefully and weigh it against the possible risk from the vaccination. Illnesses like measles simply give the immune system practice in fighting. Would you ask an army to go to battle if they had never picked up a gun??

"You do not HAVE to vaccinate"

Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Healthy Living — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:15:32 GMT

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

Healthy Living — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:31:00 GMT

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!

Healthy Living — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:59:00 GMT

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

Healthy Living — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:42:00 GMT

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