Well, I'm getting prepared for a little vacation to the West Coast. My friend and I are heading out to LA and Santa Monica for a wedding this weekend. I'm super excited to get away and as always- I bring my natural health world with me on my trips.
Our flight to LA will be a two leg trip and will be about 7 or 8 hours of combined travel time. In preparation- the day before I drink a ton of water to get hydrated for the air travel. Air travel can be taxing on the entire system-- it dries out your skin, sinuses and eyes and increases the capacity to catch germs and colds. To avoid even more germs- I always carry a small bottle of germX and use after I touch anything.
Getting sleep the night before is key and I use herbal sleepy tea to get to bed earlier than usual so that I am refreshed in the morning.
During my travel- I carry melatonin- a natural way to adjust to the longer days on the west coast. I take one tablet before bed and usually it gets me adjusted within a day. To help relax I carry a small bottle of lavender oil- I use it to freshen up my hotel bed sheets and will use it in a bath or steam shower after travels. The lavender naturally will kill any germs that your nasal passages have been exposed to- plus lavender oil smells great and provides the relaxation needed after long air travel.
A Natural Trips for Air Travel:
1 Hydrate the day before travel-- drink at least 2 liters of H20 and drink lots of water the day of travel too 2. Avoid alcohol and coffee day before and day of air travel 3. carry saline based nasal spray -- use before, during and after flight to keep nasal passages moist and fight germs 4. carry a small bottle of GermX 5. Banana -- helps minimize dehydration on the plane 6. Airborne -- to go packs or fizzies -- great for nipping any germ exposure in the bud. 7. Lavender Oil -- spray on sheets or enjoy a nice lavender steam bath
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Have a question about preparing for your long trip?
Visit our On-Line Store to purchase a variety of supplements, vitamins and homeopathic medicine atHealthy Being Products Store
Homeopathy and homeopathic medicine can often be a new and intriguing way to prevent and treat various diseases and illnesses. Essentially, homeopathy is medicine derived from nature. Homeopathic remedies are based on a natural medical science that works with your body to stimulate your own defenses. Conventional drugs often cause side effects because they work by suppressing symptoms. Homeopathic Medicine relieves symptoms by helping to put your body's systems into proper balance. Because Homeopathic medicine support the body's own defenses, they do not cause side effects. A system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug that in massive amounts produces symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself.
Common ailments and illnesses treated by homepathy include ear aches, hot flashes, insect bites, colds, flu, motion sickness, anxiety, warts and even hangovers.
Homeopathic medicine is easily and readily available in most natural and organic stores, online venues and even at your local naturopath's office. The major brands include are: Boiron, Dolisos, Hyland's, Nelsons, Bach Flower Remedies and Standard Homeopathic. Homeopathic medicines are available anywhere including Unit-Dose and Multi-Dose pellets in various sizes, Tablets, Liquid Dilutions and Tinctures, as well as Ointments, Creams, Gels, lotions, Syrups, Pastes and more.
A few common homepathic medicines include: Allium Cepa (Colds, allergy) Argentum Nitricum (Anxiety) Belladonna (fever & colds) Cocculus Indicus (motion sickness) Coffea Cruda (Insomnia & stress) Euphrasia (Allergy, hay fever) Nux Vomica (Hang over) Pulsatilla (nasal congestion) Sabina (heavy menstruation) Thuja Occidentalis (Warts)
The next time you get sick or feel a little off-- it might be a good time to try this more natural and non-side effect causing medicine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Have a question about what homeopathic medicine to take for your various illness?
Visit our On-Line Store to purchase a variety of supplements, vitamins and homeopathic medicine atHealthy Being Products Store
It had been suggested by more than a few friends that I pick up a book by Esther and Jerry Hicks called The Law of Attraction: The Teachings of Abraham. This is quite an amazing book and I am almost complete with my reading. I can tell that this is one book that will require additional readings to get the intention and gist of the teachings. It is a deep, profound metaphysical book about the power of our thoughts, believing and allowing them to manifest in our lives.
Already, I have begun reflecting on my past and how what I've thought has manifested in a deep and profound way. One funny example is whenever I'm out I always know that I'll see someone I know --- and true to form it happens. Similarly, I always know I'll get a great parking spot. And sure enough -- often to the amazement of my friends and family-- I always score a good parking spot.
The premise of The Law of Attraction: The Teachings of Abraham is that the universe is ever abundant and is ready to meet all our of wants and desires. It is an exciting concept to think that what we think actually is drawn into our lives-- both positive and negative experiences. This concept extends to our financial, emotional and physical health. We can create and even change the current experiences through our current thoughts. The book terms this concept as prepaving the way for our future. Our current thoughts will be reflected in our future. To change our current situation to better match our desires; we have to consciously change our thought patterns today. These changes will manifest in the results of tomorrow and beyond.
If you are interested in manifesting health and wellness; this book is a wonderful read. From increased immunity, better sleep to an improved love life and abundant financial resources-- this book provides the tools and change in thought patterns to create your happy future.
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Have a question about how to create the life and health of your dreams?
Recently, I noted briefly utilize nutritional yeast as a way to aid in weight loss and a detoxification diet. Nutritional yeast is a key addition to any diet and should be used daily. I have often used it when I felt that my immune system was depressed or I was catching colds frequently. I equate nutritional yeast as important as yogurt in the diet.
Yeast belongs to the same family as edible mushrooms and the beneficial organisms used for medical and veterinary use. It may be considered man¹s oldest industrial micro-organism. With the invention of the microscope, it became possible to isolate yeast in pure culture form. The pioneering scientific work of Louis Pasteur in the late 1860’s has resulted in the ability today to commercially produce baker’s yeast, wine yeast, and nutritional yeast. The result is being able to consume a high quality yeast containing protein composed of essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
Yeast is an excellent source of protein (52%), containing essential amino acids.
Rich in vitamins, especially the B-complex vitamins. An excellent source of folic acid, which is important for formation, growth, and reproduction of red blood cells.
Nutritional yeast contains 18 amino acids (forming the complete protein) and 15 minerals.
The best ways to get the benefits of Nutritional Yeast in your diet:
Use it as a condiment sprinkled on the evening meal of rice and vegetables, or on popcorn for snack time.
Add 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup liquid to gravies and sauces.
Add a tablespoon per 2 cups mixture to vegetable, bean and grain burgers.
Use 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast along with each cup of flour or meal in baked goods.
Make a yeast "cheese" to adorn a vegan pizza or lasagna.
Add it to your cat or dog's food to help eliminate fleas and promote a healthy coat and good general nutrition.
I'm a huge proponent of buying organic foods. Given the high levels of toxicity in children now a days and the potential link of autism to toxicity -- it is key to consider purchasing organic fruits and veggies for both expecting mothers and our children.
Certified organic are not sprayed with toxic herbicides and pesticides nor are they genetically modified. They are also free of ionizing radiation, antibiotics, growth hormones and sewage sludge ( a source of asbestos, bacteria, fungi, heavy metals and industrial solvents)
The most common pesticides in use today are organophosphates. They interfere with nerve conduction and exposure may cause neurochemical aberration sin the brain. Young, developing children are at the greatest risk. To lessen the risk of exposure a diet rich in organic foods and beverages is recommended.
A recent study by Environmental Health Perspectives linked low-level prental exposure to these toxins with symptoms like poor attention span- a precursor to hyperactivity and impulsivity - in early infancy.
It is quite possible to diet and lose toxic fat in your body. My biggest recommendation is to utilize internal cleansing of the liver and colon to aid in a solid diet program as well as combat health problems like indigestion, high cholesterol, acne, depression, fatigue, mood swings, arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
With the increase awareness of pesticides, toxins, insecticides and industrial chemicals building up in our bodies- it is very important to consider a detox program or detox diet at least twice a year. Since it is spring, a good spring cleaning will help you and your body have a great summer!
More than likely, if you are reading this post, you have an overstressed or toxic liver. Your liver is your body's filter -- it is charged with neutralizing everything from the waste products od daily metabolism to the ever-increasing load of toxins from our air, food, water, cosmetics and environments. A toxic or overloaded liver is that it slows down and in unable to metabolize fat properly. The problem is that the liver will then transfer fat and cholesterol back into your bloodstream. This creates a chain of terrible health problems and conditions but it also wreaks havoc on your skin.
Similarly, our colons are the most neglected organs in our body. The colon is designed to eliminate both waste and toxins. Most people are not getting the necessary amount of fiber in their diets to support their colon. As a result we have overworked colons that allows toxins and bile to sit in our guts for too long. The body reabsorbs these toxins and sends them back to the liver -- which overworked itself gets pushed back into your bloodstream.
Even more alarming- the lack of fiber in our diets causes waste left in the colon to harden and create impactions that can cause the lower intestine/bowl to expand... resulting in added pounds and inches to the waists and abdominal area. What you thought was ab fat is really left over food and waste products. Disgusting-- I know. But think about it-- what we put into our bodies either comes out or recirculates. Every pack of processed cookies, bread and junk food sits in our colons longer than necessary and can cause illness.
Annual liver cleansing and colon cleansing are the two most important health programs and ways to reinvigorate your body, your diet and your health.
When you lose weight and cleanse together-- your diet plan will have transforming results. Toxins are stored in fat. As you burn the fat and lose weight- you are also releasing toxins that have been stored by the body.
A really great and effective weight loss diet and liver & colon cleanse is:
*Eat one serving of each of these daily
1/2 cup steamed or raw broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage brussels sprouts or cauliflower
1 cup steamed or raw beat green, chard, cilantro, collards, dandelion greens, kale, parsley, watercress
1 orange or the juice of one lemon or lime
1/4 cup daikon radish, two organic eggs, one clove garlic or steamed onions
Liver Healers: 1 steamed artichoke, 1 cup asparagus or beets, two stalks of celery, two cups dandelion root tea, two teaspoons nutritional yeast, two scoops whey.
Choose 2 of the following each day for colon health:
1 raw organic apple, carot or pear with skins
1 cup organic berries
3 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
2 tablespoons psyllium husks in eight ounces of water
Include daily:
2 servings of protein (lean and organic chicken, turkey or lamb or wild caught fish)
2 tablespoons of blue green algae or spirulina
2 tablespoons of fatty acids (black current, flaxseed oil or organic olive oil)
Eat this diet for a week-- including 1/2 your body weight in ounces of H2O.
You will start to feel the difference. Stay tuned to more detox advice, tips and recipes. Each week we will include an article about detoxification.
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Have a comment about detoxing or more effective weight loss?
Each week I get a great newsletter from the folks at Delicious Living Magazine and wanted to share an article they released today with our readers. The last article about natural and organic pet food was quite popular and I figure the same readers would appreciate this story written by Elisa Bosley.
Yesterday, the nonprofit Environmental Working Grouppublished a report, apparently the first of its kind, showing that companion pets harbor alarming amounts of toxic chemicals in their systems — the same kinds of chemicals found in humans, but at higher levels, including stain- and grease-guards, fire retardants, mercury, and more. Given that there are eight times more dogs and cats in the U.S. than there are children under 5, that’s gotta concern a lot of people.
From the report:
“Seventy percent more households have dogs or cats than children of any age. These pets are often beloved family members, and yet they can be subjected to chronic, constant exposures to chemical contaminants in homes, yards, and parks that pet owners cannot always prevent. … Just as children ingest pollutants in tap water, play on lawns with pesticide residues, or breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants, so do their pets. But with their compressed lifespans, developing and aging seven or more times faster than children, pets also develop health problems much more rapidly. Pets, like infants and toddlers, have limited diets and play close to the floor, often licking the ground as well as their paws, greatly increasing both their exposures to chemicals and the resulting health risks.”
This bums me out (we have an adorable black Lab, Lucy), but of course it makes perfect sense, and kudos to EWG for undertaking this study. What to do? Things to consider: healthy treats, organic lawn care products (I love and use stuff from Garden's alive) … any other ideas out there?
In light of Earth Day and the increase awareness of toxic children's toys.. it is important for us to not forget our furry friends as well.
There was a time about 5 years ago where I decided to brew up a batch of Essiac tea. I went online and purchased all the materials and products and diligently boiled, let sit and bottled up this very amazing, healing and transforming tea.
It was quite an effort, but was well worth the time and investment in your health.
Essiac tea's primary actions are to remove heavy metals, detoxify the body, restore energy levels, and rebuild the immune system. After this occurs, the body is restored to a level to where it is able to better defeat an illness or disease state using it's own resources.
Everyone comes in contact with viruses and bacteria all the time, and everyone is susceptible to developing health problems. People only get sick because their body's immune system fails to fight off the illness or infection. Therefore if the immune system is boosted, many illnesses and diseases can be irradicated with no drugs. Essiac tea benefits the immune system more than any other substance we know of on the market.
The health benefits of essiac tea is presumed to have come from native Ojibway medicine, and all the herbs it contains are found in the Ontario region growing wild. The four main ingredients are commonly: Burdock root, Slippery elm, Sorrel and Indian Rhubarb.
Essiac tea has been reported to offer some of the following benefits.
1. Helping cleanse the blood.
2. Normalize the bodies enzymes.
3. Assist the liver in producing lecithin which helps protect nerve fibers.
4. Increase red blood cell production.
5. Nourish and stimulates the brain along with the nervous system.
6. Help increase bone and joint strength.
7. Prevents the buildup of excess fatty deposits in artery walls, heart, kidney and liver.
8. Regulates cholesterol levels by transforming sugar and fat into energy.
9. Destroys parasites in the digestive system and throughout the body.
10. Protects the body against radiation and X-rays.
Today we celebrate 2008 Earth Day. A day where we can reflect on our role in preserving our precious earth. With global warming and the rising price of fuel... it is a great chance for us to support our local farms and organizations that promote the earth. At many schools, companies and stores there are various celebrations and tributes to our Mother Earth.
Healthy Being would like to honor Earth Day with two really great recipes that are easy on the environment?
We have created a few Earth Day recipes that feature seasonal fruits and vegetables that are less likely to contain harmful pesticides.
(Peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes typically have the highest pesticide levels, according to the Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C., while onions, avocados, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mangoes, asparagus, frozen peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli and papayas have the lowest. Choosing the latter and avoiding the former - unless organic - could slash your family's pesticide exposure by almost 90 percent.)
Look for spring fruits and veggies like asparagus, blueberries, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms and peas at your nearest farmer's market. Eating local supports your economy and involves fewer miles traveled - and fewer pollutants emitted - to get dinner on your plate. Whip up some fun for the kids, too.
Vegan Banana Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water
1-1/2 teaspoons egg replacer (dry)
1/2 cup blueberries
Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl combine mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; mix until smooth. In a small bowl or cup combine water and egg replacer; stir into banana mixture. Fold in blueberries.
Spoon batter evenly, about 1/4 cup each, into muffin cups.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Mushroon Kaboob
Ingredients
3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Preheat grill for medium heat.
Thread mushrooms and peppers alternately on skewers.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper. Brush mushrooms and peppers with this flavored oil.
Brush grate with oil, and place kabobs on the grill. Baste frequently with oil mixture. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and thoroughly cooked.
Each morning, I go for a walk/run around a very heavy pollen populated park and lake. I also have severe allergies and can often feel that little itch in my nose as I pass a zillion oak trees. I've managed to keep my allergy symptoms low with the use of honey in my tea and a salt water nasal flush using a netti pot.
As soon as I return I gargle with salt water to reduce the itchy and sore throat I get with my allergies and I also use my netti pot with a warm salt water solution to flush the pollen from my nasal passages. I wash my work out clothes after one wearing and I even wipe down my shoes. Pollen is often unavoidable, but with some care you too can reduce the severity of your allergies.
I found a really great article in my files and wanted to share this today with our readers from the great folks at Natural Health News. My friends and I last night had a discussion revolving around food and diet choices and thought this would be of interest to you...
Ever wonder which foods should be strongly avoided by those at high risk for cancer? We can begin identifying cancer-causing foods once we know which ingredients in our food cause cancer. Some of those ingredients are food additives and chemicals used to enhance taste, while others are used strictly for appearance or to increase product shelf life. The key to avoiding cancer-causing foods is knowing which ingredients are carcinogens -- or cancer promoters -- and then reading food labels to permanently avoid consuming those ingredients.
Cancer tumors develop, in part, by feeding on sugar in the bloodstream. If you eat lots of sugary snacks loaded with simple carbs, you're loading your bloodstream with the chemical energy needed for cancer cells (and tumors) to proliferate. No biological system can live without fuel for its chemical processes, including cancer cells. Thus, one of the strategies to pursue for any anti-cancer diet is to eat low-glycemic diet. That means no refined sugars.. ever! No refined grains (white flour, for example), no heavy use of sweeteners and the lifetime avoidance of sugary soda pop. Aside from starving tumors, eating foods low in sugar and avoiding simple carbs will also keep your weight in check while helping prevent blood sugar disorders such as type-2 diabetes.
What to avoid on the labels: high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, sucrose, enriched bleached flour, white rice, white pastas, white breads and other "white" foods.
The dangers of hydrogenated oils
Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils -- another danger -- are developed from otherwise harmless, natural elements. To make them hydrogenated, oils are heated in the presence of hydrogen and metal catalysts. This process helps prolong shelf life but simultaneously creates trans fats, which only have to be disclosed on the label if the food contains more than 0.5 grams per serving. To avoid listing trans fats, or to claim "trans fat free" on their label, food manufactuers simply adjust the serving size until the trans fat content falls under 0.5 grams per serving. This is how you get modern food labels with serving sizes that essentially equate to a single bite of food. Not exactly a "serving" of food, is it?
Besides being a cancer factor, trans fats promote heart disease, interrupt metabolic processes, and cause belly fat that crowd the organs and strain the heart. The essential fatty acids that the hydrogenation process removes are responsible for a number of processes in your body. When trans fats replace these essential fatty acids, they occupy the same space without doing the same job. The "anchor" portion of the fatty acid is in place (which is how the body recognizes the fatty acid and puts it to work) but the chemically active part of the fatty acid is twisted, distorted, and missing vital parts.
After the hydrogenation process, the fatty acid can't biochemically function in the same way. Things like brain cell function, hormones, gland function, oxygen transport, cell wall function (keeping things in or out of your cells) and digestive tract operation (putting together nutrients and blocking allergens) are adversely affected.
Food manufacturers don't tell you this on the product label, of course. Your body needs essential fatty acids and you are programmed to keep eating until you get them. If you're only eating trans fats, you'll never feel fully satiated, because your body will never get the fatty acids it needs for essential function. Since cancer needs high blood sugar and low oxygen levels, a person with lots of belly fat who just can't seem to put down those trans fat cookies or crackers (also loaded with flour and simple sugars) presents the ideal environment for the development of cancer.
The acrylamide factor
Since trans fats are often formed during the frying process, we should also talk about acrylamides. Acrylamides are not added into food; they are created during the frying process. When starchy foods are subjected to high heat, acrylamides form. A Swedish study found that acrylamides cause cancer in rats, and more studies are under way to confirm the understanding that acrylamides also cause cancer in humans.
Sodium nitrite (and nitrates)
Food companies add sodium nitrate into certain foods on purpose. This carcinogen is added to processed meats , hot dogs, bacon, and any other meat that needs a reddish color to look "fresh." Decades ago when meats were preserved, it was done with salt. But in the mid 20th century, food manufacturers started using sodium nitrite in commercial preservation. This chemical is responsible for the pinkish color in meat to which consumers have grown accustomed. Although today the use of refrigeration is largely what protects consumers from botulism and bacteria, manufacturers still add sodium nitrite to make the meat look pinkish and fresh.
The nitrites themselves are not the problem. People get more nitrites from vegetables than they do from meat, according to research by the University of Minnesota. During the digestion process, however, sodium nitrite is converted to nitrosamine, and that's where the cancer problems begin. Nitrosamine is a carcinogen, but since it is not technically an ingredient, its presence can be easily overlooked on the packaging. Nitrosamines are also found in food items that are pickled, fried, or smoked; in things such as beer, cheese, fish byproducts, and tobacco smoke.
Knowing about all these ingredients doesn't mean there is simply a "short list" of foods that should be avoided. You have to vigilant and read labels constantly. Here are the five worst offenders:
Hot dogs: The Cancer Prevention Coalition recommends that children should not eat more than 12 hot dogs per month because of the risk of cancer. If you must have your hot dog fix, look for those without sodium nitrite listed among the ingredients.
Processed meats and bacon: These meats almost always contain the same sodium nitrite found in hot dogs. You can find some without nitrites, but you'll have to look for them in natural grocers or health food stores. Bacon is also high in saturated fat, which contributes to the risk of cancers, including breast cancer. Limiting your consumption of processed meats and saturated fats also benefits the heart.
Doughnuts: Doughnuts contain hydrogenated oils, white flour, sugar, and acrylamides. Essentially, they're one of the worst cancer foods you can possibly eat. Reader's Digest calls doughnuts "disastrous" as a breakfast food, and many experts agree it's probably one of the worst ways to start the day.
French fries: Fries are made with hydrogenated oil and fried at high temperatures. Some chains even add sugar to their fry recipe to make them even more irresistible. Not only do they clog your arteries with saturated fat and trans fat, they also contain acrylamides. They should be called "cancer fries," not French fries.
Chips / crackers / cookies: These generally contain white flour and sugar as well as trans fats, but it's not enough to simply look for these ingredients on the label; you have to actually "decode" the ingredients list that food manufacturers use to deceive consumers. They do this by hiding ingredients (such as hiding MSG in yeast extract, or by fiddling with serving sizes so they can claim the food is trans fat free, even when it contains trans fats (the new Girl Scout cookies use this trick).
Besides avoiding these foods, what else can consumers do to reduce their risk of cancer? The main things are simple: Eat unprocessed foods and base your diet largely on plants. Consume foods that have omega-3 fats and other essential fatty acids. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables; many common ones have known cancer-fighting properties. Get regular vigorous exercise, since tumors cannot thrive in highly oxygenated environments. Keep your blood sugar stable to avoid being an all-you-can-eat buffet for cancer cells.
Eat foods high in natural vitamin C, a nutrient that deters the conversion of nitrite into nitrosamine and promotes healthy immune function. Make sure you get adequate amounts of cancer-fighting vitamin D through exposure to sunlight -- about 10 to 15 minutes each day if you have fair skin, or ten times as long if you have dark skin pigmentation. Stay well hydrated to ensure that your body rids itself of toxins. Avoid smoking and don't use conventional fragrance, cosmetics and personal care products -- virtually all of them contain cancer-causing chemicals.
Preventing cancer is actually quite straightforward. Even the World Health Organization says that 70 percent of all cancers can be prevented with simple changes in diet and lifestyle. The truth is that most people give themselves cancer through the foods, drinks and products they choose to consume. In my opinion, over 90 percent of cancers are easily preventable.
So earlier today I posted about candida and yeast overgrowth and realized that I did not even address creating a natural, alkaline environment for one's body and how this is a key link in preventing and treating candida, yeast infections and other ailments and diseases.
I've done significant research and reading about our body's need to have a level pH and how a more acidic environment can harbor and create an environment in our bodies that can nurture and spawn disease and illness.
Each day I drink a fresh shot of wheat grass juice, eat a lot of green leafy veggies and consume superfoods in my daily shake. These three elements really have helped me turn my body toward a more balanced and alkaline environment.
For many people I speak with- common issues like chronic yeast infections, candida, constipation, acne as well as chronic fatigue all result from, in many ways, a body that is not alkaline or well balanced. On the pH scales, 7.0 is considered neutral, 7.0 downwards is increasingly acidic and upwards of 7.0 is increasingly alkaline. A pH of 7.4 is really ideal. You can literally test you alkalinity by using urine pH tests where you pee on a test strip each morning when you wake up. Every drug stores sells the strips and it will help you become more in tune with your body, diet and stress levels. How do we become more alkaline?
You can become more alkaline by eating certain types of food and by eating according to our blood type. We can also become more alkaline by drinking alkaline water, such as water with lemon or coral calcium.
To provide the best environment for the cells, concentrate your meals around simple, "real" food, such as raw or steamed vegetables and steamed brown rice. Fresh, organically grown fruits, and veggies should be used whenever possible. Dark green and orange veggies have the highest nutritional value. Research indicates that phytochemicals from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, as well as turnips and kale support the detoxification processes within the body. Include these vegetables whenever possible. Be sure that your diet contains adequate protein to supply the building materials necessary for tissue repair. Soy products such as tofu and tempeh are excellent sources of vegetable protein. Soy protein is complete (containing all essential amino acids) for human needs. For animal protein, free-range or organically raised meats and poultry or wild game are our best choices. Fresh fish is also an excellent source of protein.
Symptoms of over acidity of alkalinity:
Too Acidic: drowsiness, kidney and lung problems, dehydration, diabetes, diarrhea.
Too Alkaline: cramps, muscle spasms, irritability, hyperventilation and vomiting.
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Have a question about creating a balanced body pH naturally?
Recently, I have heard a lot of friends and clients who have inquired or begun discussing their battles with Candida and they have asked me for a few tips to prevent and remedy their bouts of Candida and yeast overgrowth.
What is Candida? If you are not familiar with Candida albicans it can easily be described as healthy, normal yeast. Strains of Candida are yeast that normally inhabit our digestive system: the mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract.
Candida is a normal part of the bowel flora (the organisms that naturally live inside our intestines, and are not parasitic). It has many functions inside our digestive tract, one of them to recognize and destroy harmful bacteria. Without Candida albicans in our intestines we would be defenseless against many pathogen bacteria. Healthy person can have a millions of Candida albicans. Our immune system is suppose to keep it under control, together with "friendly" bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus , B. bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and L. salivari) How do you know if you have Candida or a yeast overgrowth?
If you:
crave sweets
feel sick all over
have taken many antibiotics
have seen many physicians and have not found help
developing food allergies
Then Your health problems are probably yeast connected.
Same of your health problems could be caused by intoxication: mercury, fluoride or lead toxicity, or the Epstein-Barr syndrome, or an allergy or a glandular imbalance, or almost anything, but most likely you've got a combination of problems.
Symptoms of Candida: I am a huge believer that our bodies talk to us in the manifestation of illness. Often yeast overgrowth and Candida can be a parallel symptom or even a root cause of a few chronic illnesses. These include, but are not limited to
Maintain good oral health: brush teeth daily, gargle with antiseptic mouthwash (like Listerine) and floss
Decrease or avoid sugars (corn and maple syrup, glucose, fructose and sucrose). Sugars are food for candida and help it to grow.
Decrease or avoid alcohol. Alcohol converts to sugar and promotes the growth of candida.
Ingest large amounts of garlic (fresh is considered best -- mince and put into empty gelatin capsules, up to six cloves a day). Garlic is believed to have some natural antifungal properties and may help to prevent candidiasis.
Drink milk or eat yogurt that contains acidophilus bacteria. Acidophilus is "friendly" bacteria which helps keep our body in balance and able to fight of "unfriendly" bacteria and fungus, like candida.
Apply yogurt containing "friendly" bacteria directly into the vagina (such as Lactobacillus bifidus or Lactobacillus acidophilus).
Wear loose fitting clothes to help prevent vaginal candidiasis, since these allow areas of the body ventilate better and dry out.
Treating Candida Naturally
Eliminate foods that contain sugar and yeast, which feed candida. Also avoid mushrooms and molds, vinegar and other fermented products, including alcohol or soy sauce. Other foods to avoid include dry roasted nuts, most commercial soups, white flour and bacon and other pork products.
Reduce the amount of starchy vegetables and whole grains until symptoms improve. Limit your consumption of fruit and diluted fruit juices because the sugar content may cause yeast to grow. Use only small amounts of nuts, seeds, beans and other legumes.
Eat eggs, chicken, turkey, seafood and lamb. Eat all vegetables except corn and potatoes. Focus on cabbage, raw garlic, onions, broccoli, turnip and kale. These vegetables all inhibit the growth of candida.
Vitamins and nutrients that are effective in treating candida include vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, iron, glutamine, and healthy fatty acids. Take a yeast-free multi-vitamin, vitamin C (1000 milligrams 4 times daily is effective), 100 micrograms selenium, 400 IU dry Vitamin E and extra beta carotene daily. These should improve the body's immune system. Take lactobacilus acidophilus and bifidobacteria in recommended quantities to repopulate the intestines with good bacteria. Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls are a dairy free, digestive capsule with active cultures. (Click to buy a 90 day supply of Pearls for $26.25)
Try antifungal herbs or herbal remedies specifically for candida. These contain ingredients to slow or eliminate the growth of fungus or yeast.
Eat yogurt daily to increase lactobacillus acidophilus. Once the candida has been cured, continue to consume the yogurt. It can't hurt you and has other benefits.
**Avoid B vitamins and sugary fruits while trying to treat Candida overgrowth.
By treating and preventing Candida overgrowth, you will make your body much stronger to deal with the other conditions. If you have no trace of a Candida problem (unlikely), you will still benefit from a thorough intestinal clean-up , and your overall condition will improve regardless of the illness causing you to suffer.
For a great site filled with information regarding Candida Albicans as well as a nifty questionnaire that can help you access the level of yeast overgrowth in your body visit: wholeapproach.com
Recently, I started to consider my cleaning products as a part of a toxic environment that I so vehemently detest. I eat organic, drink spring water and recycle....but it is time I evaluate my green cleaning and reduce the exposure to toxic chemicals in my cleaning supplies. My big question is: what are the best natural cleaning products to use to clean and kill germs in my kitchen, bathroom and around the house?
Luckily, there are 3 cleaning products that are in your house that clean the best.
Vinegar
Vinegar naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new store bought spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. Always test on an inconspicuous area.
It is safe to use on most surfaces and has the added bonus of being incredibly cheap. Improperly diluted vinegar is acidic and can eat away at tile grout. Never use vinegar on marble surfaces. Don't worry about your home smelling like vinegar. The smell disappears when it dries. Here are some uses for vinegar in the rooms of your house. Use it in the…
Bathroom - Clean the bathtub, toilet, sink, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub down the bowl. Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. The substance will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile. Make sure it is safe to use with your tile.
Kitchen- Clean the stovetop, appliances, countertops, and floor.
Laundry Room- Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. This can be especially helpful for families who have sensitive skin. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.
To keep things fresh you can also run a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.
Baking Soda
Uses:
Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action. Try these three kitchen ingredients as natural cleaning products in your home.
Changing cleaning supplies is the hardest transition for me. I seem to have it set in my mind that nothing cleans like traditional bleach; but feel confident that using natural supplies will remedy any asthma and breathing issues I have when cleaning. Overall, the switch is a healthy one.
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Have a question about other natural cleaning supply receipes?
Spring has sprung! The flowers are blooming in parks all over the country and pollen, grass, ragweed and other allergen levels are high.
So, I have some spring allergy advice.... the best way to combat allergy and hay fever season, apart from never setting foot outside, is to utilize anti-inflammatory, decongestant and astringent herbs to help calm and ease the overflow of mucus and sneezing.
I have perfected the best way to fight allergies and hay fever! Each year I buy local organic honey and I also use blend of liquid herbs in my daily allergy relief routine. I use Eyebright, Goldenseal, Hoseradish root, nettle seed and yarrow flower - I'm lucky in that Herb Pharm products a 1 oz bottle that combines these powerful allergy relieving herbs.
Why & How Do These Herbs Fight Allergies:
Eyebright- acts as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine to mucous membranes of the eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, throat and bronchi. Use for Coughs, hoarseness, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye), earache and sinusitis.
Goldenseal Rhizome & Rootlets- is a stimulating astringent, tonifies mucous membranes. Stomach tonic and digestive bitters; improves apppetitie and digestion; promotes peristaltic action and muscular tone of stomach and intestines; promotes bile production. Antibacterial and antifungal. Use for sinuses, bronchial irritations and colitis.
Horseradish Root- acts as an antibiotic, antiseptic and works as a nasal and bronchial dlator and local irritant. Helps clenase the sinuses.
Nettle seed- a nutritive, alternative tonic. Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory; moderates allergic response and reactions. Astringent to mucous membranes. Use for chronic inflammations and excessive mucous discharge.
Yarrow Flower- astringent and hemostatic; vascular tonic. Diaphoretic and antifever. Excellent for inducing sweat and lowering fevers especially for colds and flus.
I ran across an amazing article that discusses the alarming links between HPV and severe gum disease (periodontitis) and increased risks of cancer. This poses a major threat to men and women who have this virus and poor dental health. Luckily, there are way to treat HPV naturally to minimize risks.
FRIDAY, April 4 (HealthDay News) -- Your risk of developing tongue cancer increases if you have severe gum disease along with human papillomavirus (HPV), new research suggests.
Previous studies have found periodontitis, which destroys connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth, and HPV each pose increased risks of cancer in the head, neck or tongue. This new study, from researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, shows the two may work in tandem.
In a study of 30 patients newly diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on the base of the tongue, 63 percent (19 patients) had tumors testing positive for a common type of HPV. In addition, 90 percent of the patients with HPV-positive tumors had periodontitis, and 79 percent of patients whose tumors showed no presence of HPV did not have periodontitis.
"Evidence of periodontitis-HPV synergy has important practical implications, because there is a safe treatment for periodontitis but no treatment for HPV infection," Mine Tezal, an assistant professor in the dental school's Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, said in a prepared statement. "If these results are confirmed by other studies, this has a tremendous relevance in predicting and intervening in the initiation and prognosis of HPV-related diseases, including head and neck cancers."
Tezal, who is also a research scientist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, is scheduled to present the finding Friday at the American Association of Dental Research annual meeting, in Dallas.
Most people contract HPV infection at least once in their lives, but one's immune system often fights it off without incident.
"Persistence of HPV infection is the strongest risk factor for carcinogenesis," Tezal said. "Thus, the identification of factors that influence the persistence of HPV infection is critical to facilitate efforts to prevent head and neck cancers. This study implicates that chronic inflammation and co-infection with oral bacteria may be significant factors in the natural history of HPV infection."
Please reach out to Melissa Gallagher byemailor a phone call 727-954-8968.
Have a health question? Interested in a health topic or remedy not highlighted by our blog?
We appreciate all feedback and enjoy speaking with our readers.
This was a question discussed over the weekend between myself and a few female friends. We brought up the idea in a discussion over hormone replacement, irregular menstrual periods and the abundance of soy in healthy, natural and organic products.
I was curious if eating too much soy had any adverse effects on the regularity of menstrual periods or even women going through menopause. Are we exposing our bodies to too much plant derived hormones? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
I remember that my mother had very positive results by eating soy products and drinking soy milk while she was going through the change of her life. Prior to introducing soy- her symptoms of menopause were challenging for her and those around her. As soon as she starting her soy routine the hot flashes, crazy mood swings and other symptoms subsided.
But my question revolves around those of us who are still fertile. Does soy impact or change the regularity of one's periods?
So I did a little research about what is the best limit of soy to consume each day.
How much is too much soy?
In 1991, Japanese researchers reported that consumption of as little as 30 grams or two tablespoons of soybeans per day for only one month resulted in a significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone, and 100 grams of soy protein, (promoted for its bone-building isoflavones and cholesterol-lowering effects) contains the estrogenic equivalent of the Pill. In vitro studies suggest that isoflavones inhibit synthesis of estradiol and other steroid hormones.
Here are the side-effects of too much soy?
•Bloating •Breast cancer (Soy isoflavones mimic estrogen) •Calcium deficiencies (soy blocks calcium absorption) •Cognitive decline (esp. in post menopausal women that have increased levels of estrogen in their blood) •Constipation •Depression •Endocrine disruption •Fatigue •Goiter Hair loss •Hot flashes •Hypothyroidism •Infertility •Irregular periods •Lethargy •Loss of muscle tone •Painful periods •Premature aging •Thyroid cancer •Thyroid disease •Thyroid Stimulating Hormone increase •Uterine cysts •Vitamin D deficiencies •Weight gain despite workouts and dieting
Please reach out to Melissa Gallagher byemailor a phone call 727-954-8968.
Have a health question? Interested in a health topic or remedy not highlighted by our blog?
We appreciate all feedback and enjoy speaking with our readers.
There has been a lot of discussion lately about HGH and the use of human growth hormone. The irony is that our bodies manufacture this sought after drug naturally. One can tap into the uniqueness of this hormone is to build muscle tone. The act of breaking down the muscle- particularly the quads and hamstrings releases higher levels of HGH into the body.
I'm a huge fan of weight training for not only bone support, but also for the youthfulness and immune boosting that accompanies this anti-aging hormone. The best method to get your body to generate HGH is high intensity strength training.
To get your body to produce HGH is actually very easy. You can get a high-intensity workout using nothing but your body and a mat on the floor if you learn about something called "body weight training." It means using your body as the weight. Try a one-legged squat. Just stand on one leg, lower yourself to the ground, then raised yourself back up without using your other leg. Exercises like squats and lunges as well as Pilates and adult gymnastics practice strength training using your body weight.
Nothing beats strength training for creating human growth hormone, but there's another factor that's just as important: adequate sleep. Studies show that growth hormone is produced during the later stages of nightly sleep, and if you cut your sleep short (five or six hours instead of seven or eight), you short-change your HGH production. Sleep is absolutely essential for staying young, healthy, and vibrant. Aim for eight hours each night.
Lack of stress is also critical for proper human growth hormone balance -- a body that's under constant stress will experience a decline in HGH production. (That's due to the interaction of stress hormones like adrenaline.) So, in a very real sense, staying relaxed and stress-free will make you live longer.
The UN designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day!
The growth of children diagnosed with autism is alarming. Having a personal connection to this ailment I support the cause and research medical practitioners, parents and teachers are conducting to address the disease and reverse the stages of autism.
I hope that have a few great articles to share with you over the next few months from a friend of mine and Autism advocate, Jennifer Morgan who is extremely active in championing the cause of alternative treatments for autism like chelation therapy, mineral and vitamin supplementation, detox programs, hyperbaric therapy, tailor made medications that are gluten-free, casien-free, dye-free and sugar free.
Jennifer is the current President of the National Autism Association of Florida which promotes the biomedical and dietary interventions as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Family Network on Disabilities of FL.
I'd like to share a few great links and autism related website that can help create awareness and educate parents, teachers, families and businesses about autism and alternative therapy and treatments that have been found helpful.
Each year I dread the spring rains and humid weather; it means mosquito breeding season and really bad, red welt-like bumps from mosquito bites. I have had severe allergies to mosquito bites and often find myself with annoying bites from grabbing the mail or even doing laundry in the garage.
With the increase of west nile viral cases and increased mosquito populations; it is important to take all the necessary measures to naturally prevent mosquito bites and the sting that follows.
I've luckily found a great mosquito bite prevention routine that has helped me tremendously. My secret is varied and consists of dietary changes, supplementation, essential oils, strategic planting of mosquito repellent plants as well as old wise remedies.
I try to avoid eating bananas if I am going to be outside- the mosquitoes are attracted to the way in which out bodies process the banana oil.
I take non-scented garlic pills each day.
I use skin so soft lotion daily. Before this application, I actually mix up a body spritzer that contains a combo of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel mixed with pure lavender essential oil. The lavender acts as a naturally repellent in conjunction with the alcohol and it smells great. Also dabbing vanilla extract on pulse points is helpful.
Planting citronella, marigolds, lavender and basil near doors, walkways, patios, pools etc... anywhere you may gather outside helps to naturally keep the mosquitoes at bay.
My grandmother has always suggested rubbing a dryer sheet on my legs and arms and I have found this helpful on hikes and long walks.
I also am a big fan of Quantum's Buzz Away Extreme products. They have a natural insect repellent that repels mosquitoes, gnats, blackflies and even ticks. The ingredients contain soybean oil, castor oil, cedarwood oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, and lemongrass oil. It is sweat proof and waterproof and does not smell like mosquito repellent.
