Megan's Mind

Dark Meat or White Meat: Which is Healthier?

2011-11-24T09:41:00.001-05:00

Today seems like a fitting day to share with you a little health secret I have kept to myself for some time. I have often debated on whether or not to share it as I was afraid that through supply and demand, the price would go up on what is now, the less expensive meat. But, in the spirit of Thanksgiving and for the sake of your health, I will de-bunk a great health myth:

Dark meat IS healthier than white meat. Yes, its true, the increased fat in dark meat neutralizes the acid of the meat, is easier for the body to digest, and contains more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Many people think that white meat will keep their body from gaining those dreaded pounds, but that is simply not the case and is a health myth that keeps most from enjoying the tasty juicyness of a good piece of dark meat!

So this Thanksgiving, you have permission to enjoy a big slice of the healthier dark meat turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dirty Cooking Water or Festive Medicinal Tea?

2011-11-08T20:42:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I visited a macrobiotic institute and was introduced to the principle of not "wasting" any of the foods used in the cooking process. This meant that if I made something with pumpkin, I roasted the seeds; if I made oatmeal, the leftovers were made into something new the next day; and when I cooked vegetables on the stove, the water was not discarded but was used in another dish or drank as a nutritional or medicinal tea.

Yesterday, after I finished cooking squash, carrots, and beets to add to our spaghetti sauce, I was half-tempted to discard the water as I had done so many times before. Instead, the deep red color of the water caught my eye and I was brought back to this simple macrobiotic principle and remembered that even this water contains loads of vitamins and minerals! I then glanced at the water again and saw it not as "dirty cooking water" but as a nutrient-dense medicinal drink.

The drink itself tasted a bit bland so I added some loose leaf tea (or a tea bag) to it. I was no longer drinking the "cooking liquid" from my beets, squash, and carrots. No, I was drinking a festively red "Roasted Almond Delight" with an infusion of vitamins and minerals.

This "medicinal tea" didn't cost me a dime or any extra effort to make...it came from the cooking water I was going to throw out! What do you do with the water left-over from cooking creations?

Natural Remedies for Perianal Crohn's Disease: Your Butt Will Thank You!

2011-10-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

Crohn's disease...everyone who has it knows this is a disease people avoid talking about. Why? Because one can't mention this disease without bringing up the words intestine, toilet, or poop; and well, poop really isn't a subject you want to bring up on a first date, job interview, or family gathering.As if having crohn's disease wasn't embarrassing enough, I had the pleasure of experiencing this disease in one of the worst locations...ever. Yes, having crohn's disease of the illio-cecal valve (where the small and large intestine meet) had nothing on perianal crohn's (i.e. crohn's of the hole de la bum).

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of main-stream or natural health information out there on perianal crohn's disease or the very uncomfortable symptoms. So...for all my peri-anal crohn's sufferers, suffer in silence no more! There are natural remedies out there for you too!

Here is a list of things I (and many of my clients) have used with much success. The following remedies can be used for those suffering from perianal crohn's, fistulas, abscesses, and post-pregnancy crohn's complications:

1. Rose essential oil - Apply with a q-tip to affected area several times a day (at the very least, before bed at night and upon waking in the morning). Note, rose oil is a very expensive oil so if finances are an issue, try lavender.

2. Silver Shield Gel - Silver is a wonderful natural non-toxic antibiotic. Studies show it to be more effective than the three leading pharmaceutical antibiotics (without the side-effects). Not only that, silver shield is wonderful for all sorts of skin ailments.

3. Pau d` Arco - I took pau d` arco orally for my immune system. This herb is wonderful for infections, abscesses, and the digestive system. I wanted to take something internally to help with the root cause of my crohn's and give my body the support it needed on the inside.

4. Liquid Silica - Silica is a mineral necessary for healthy skin (inside and out) and healing! Most of us are deficient in silica because of our diets. I used 100% bio-available (i.e. absorbable) silica to help myself heal quickly and repair the inflammed area.

5. Acidophilis - Whenever the intestine is involved, a probiotic is always recommended! 60% of the immune system is housed in the intestine and good bacteria are essential for the prevention of all diseases, but especially crohn's disease.

Perianal crohn's disease is painful for most, embarrassing for some, and uncomfortable for all; but for me, these remedies put an end to my suffering in silence and allowed me to avoid drugs, surgery, and all of the wonderful symptoms that accompany this type of crohn's disease. At the very least, your bum will thank you!

Black Cherry Juice & Raw Egg: A Blood, Liver, & Nerve Tonic

2011-10-10T15:02:00.001-04:00

I am visiting my family in Missouri for an entire month! One of the best things about being from a rural area is the easy access to home-grown garden vegetables and fresh eggs that only come from living on a farm. With that being said, I was delightfully surprised when I opened my parent's refrigerator and found REAL eggs from REAL chickens from a REAL farm. I say these eggs are "real" because they came from chickens that are raised the way chickens are suppose to be raised and fed what chickens are naturally designed to eat. Yes, these eggs came from chickens that roam free on the farm and eat insects, bugs, and vegetation.

I knew this was a good egg the moment I cracked the speckled shell and saw a deep orange yolk. Yes, these eggs were too good for bread-making. There was only one way to eat these types of eggs...RAW!

I've never eaten a raw egg before and I would normally not consider eating them raw: (1) because factory farm chicken eggs are plagued with bacteria, medications, and poor nutrition, and (2) grain-fed organic eggs still come from chickens that eat grain and don't roam free. In other words, the benefits do not outweigh the risks.

What prompted my raw egg eating venture was research I read by Dr. Bernard Jensen. He recommends drinking a tonic of black cherry juice mixed with a raw egg yoke as a tonic for the blood, liver, and nerves. This tonic is also high in protein, iron, magnesium, manganese, enzymes, and contains a perfect blend of amino acids. With the fast-paced, highly stressful, malnourished society we live in, I am always up for nutritious health tonic.

Why not just eat my egg cooked? Because a cooked egg does not have the same health benefits: it increases cholesterol (as lecithin is destroyed when heated), is void of enzymes, contains little (if any) vitamins or minerals (as most are destroyed by heat), is constipating, and is very hard for the body to digest.

With that being said, I decided to "eat to live" and not "live to eat" and passed on the scrambled eggs. Instead I mixed 4 ounces of black cherry juice with a raw egg yolk and drank to my health! Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad and I think I'll make this a regular part of my morning routine, especially when I'm in a rush.

Why You Should Think Twice About Your Morning Glass of Orange Juice

2011-09-25T21:15:00.000-04:00

A big glass of OJ, or orange juice, is considered a healthy staple in most American households. Its the breakfast drink that gets the day started off right with lots of vitamin C. Its a "fruit" that most children are encouraged to drink and nutritionists and diet "experts" alike advocate orange juice as some sort of health tonic that can prevent colds, the flu, and can shed inches from the waistline.

I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're drinking orange juice because you think its healthy, packed full of vitamins and minerals, or is going to prevent this winter's flu, you might want to pour the rest of it down the drain.

Very few people drink freshly squeezed orange juice; instead, its usually the concentrated kind that comes in a box with lots of sugar (and very little orange I might add). Regardless, neither have the health benefits we've been led to believe and here's why:

First, oranges like any other fruit or vegetable must be picked at the right time during the season to ensure that they are fully ripe and contain vitamin C. Did you know that the oranges in your juice are picked when they are still green? The oranges sent to market are picked two months early and are sprayed with a special gas that turns the outer peel to the bright attractive color we associate with a "tree-ripened" look. Since these oranges are picked before they are ripe, they contain very little vitamin C (as it hasn't had a chance to develop yet).

Next, when oranges are juiced the pulp is removed. The pulp is important because it contains calcium which helps the body use the vitamin C and neutralizes the acid in the fruit (which is very important for our health). The pulp also helps keep us "regular" and is important for digestion.

In addition, oranges (unless organic) are sprayed with pesticides and the commercial juices are pasteurized which removes important nutrients and enzymes. Without enzymes your body cannot use the vitamins in the juice (though as we've found out, there's very little nutritional value as is).

Add in a LOT of sugar, some preservatives, and some food coloring, and what you've got is a first class ticket to Diabetesville, Obesity Land, and Acid City.

If you want to eat oranges and get some benefit, stay away from commercial orange juice. Consume oranges that are tree-ripened, organically grown, and free of chemical sprays. Peel the orange and slice into sections. Enjoy both the juice and pulp, and do not consume them everyday.

If you want to increase your vitamin C levels, prevent colds and flu, and think that orange juice is a healthy choice for you or your family, you might think twice before reaching for the un-ripen, nutrient void, processed, sugary glass of OJ.

Solve Your Cold Feet Dilemma With This Natural Remedy

2011-09-11T10:28:00.000-04:00

My husband is always startled at night when I crawl (or collapse) into bed and surprise him with my very cold feet. Most of the time I'm pretty amused by his reaction and the ability to keep him up if I want to talk; however, when its cold outside and the temperature is lower in our house, my cold feet can keep me awake too! And that's not very entertaining.

I'm sure everyone can relate to this in one way or another. Either you are the one who always has cold feet or you are someone who complains that the person you're with has the cold feet. Having cold feet is more than just a nuisance, its a circulatory issue. When your body has poor circulation or drops below its normal body temperature, it moves the blood to the internal organs which causes your limbs to become colder. Since your feet are the furthest away from your internal organs, they tend to be plagued with poor circulation and are noticeably effected by cold weather more than any other body part. (Who really notices if their liver gets cold?) This is why people who catch hypothermia in the winter snow lose their fingers, toes, and limbs first. Its really the body's built-in protection mechanism (a desire to protect the most important organs first).

But we aren't really worried about hypothermia. What we're really worried about is the hours of sleep we're going to lose because our feet are cold, how many layers of socks we're going to need to wear, and our spouse's loving reaction to the drop in temp. our feet bring to the bed.

Here's a simple age-old remedy that will solve the cold feet problem:

Place a small amount of cayenne in the socks and sleep with them on.

The cayenne will absorb into the feet, increasing circulation, and will warm up the entire body! So instead of wearing several layers at night (or during the day), put a little powdered cayenne in your socks and warm your cold feet for good!

Side note: By using cayenne, you'll also be using a natural remedy known to prevent colds, flu, chills, heart attacks, and high blood pressure!

Treat Depression Naturally with St. John's Wort

2011-09-05T15:26:00.002-04:00

A little over a month ago I wrote an article for Natural News on St. John's Wort, a very effective and well-researched alternative treatment for depression. In case you missed it, check out the link to the article below.

http://www.naturalnews.com/033238_depression_St_Johns_Wort.html

The Challenge: Two new recipes each week

2011-08-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I decided to embark on a new challenge - tired of eating the same types of foods and longing for some culinary creativity and variety on the menu, I decided to cook two new recipes each week. Between writing, working, and being a stay-at-home Mom to a 5-month old, I'm sure most moms can relate to exhaustion that entails cooking a meal...let alone one that is not box! But, two new creations a week is do-able for me, and exciting for my husband as well.

So far, we've had many successes like "Baked Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables, Gluten-free Beer Bread, Portebello Pizza, Vegetarian Chili, and Home-made hummus with Naan bread." But we've also had some time consuming flops like "Edamame Burgers and Vegan Chowder."

Below, are some links to a few of our favorite new recipes:

Gluten-Free Teff Muffins
Portebello Pizza (Substitute cream with almond milk, and pork sausage with chicken sausage or ground turkey;)
Vegetarian Chili (We now make this once a week in our house!)
Baked Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables (This is my husband's personal favorite).
Lemon-Lime Hummus with Oven Roasted Pita Chips (Substitute soy with rice milk.)
Strawberry Date Smoothie (If in a rush, skip the soaking.)
Kale Chips (These were so good! I then used the same dressing on our usual stir fry. Yum! Note: Substitute soy sauce with tamari.)

I'll continue to update with our favorite recipes, but for now, maybe adding a few new recipes to your menu will re-ignite your spark for healthy eating too!

Wild Yam: Nature's Medicine for Infertility, Miscarrage Prevention, & PMS Relief

2011-08-06T09:57:00.003-04:00

When my husband and I decided we wanted to start a family, it was easier said than done. Like many couples, we didn't get pregnant right away, and when we did, it took several attempts for our pregnancy to make it past those crucial first weeks. I'm sure many women can share my frustration when the attempts to count days, check signs, eat right, and planning just don't pay off.

Instead of going to a doctor and getting on a drug to push my body into a state it clearly wasn't ready to be in, I decided to plug myself into the non-toxic, safe alternatives that nature has to offer to treat infertility. With that being said, infertility, miscarriages, and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) can be caused by any number of things and infertility actually effects just as many men and women; so to keep this post on topic, I will focus on what I would consider the #1 cause of infertility in women, early miscarriage, and PMS...progesterone imbalance.

During the month women undergo vast hormonal changes that most of us aren't even aware of. During ovulation when a woman is most fertile, progesterone is at its highest. If an egg doesn't get fertilized, the progesterone level drops and a woman starts her period. It is this quick drop in progesterone that causes our men to hide from us for a few days each month.

On the other hand, if the egg gets fertilized, progesterone levels do not drop but continue to rise, a woman misses her period and baby starts developing. If a woman's progesterone levels are low, its very hard for an egg to be fertilized in the first place and can even prevent ovulation all together - thus causing infertility.

So what does progesterone have to do with miscarriages during those crucial gestation weeks (9-13)? To make things as simple as possible, progesterone is produced by something called the corpus luteum for about the first trimester. Then it is time for the placenta to take over the production of progesterone. It is often this "switch" that causes a miscarriage because the corpus luteum stops producing progesterone but the placenta doesn't pick up the task so a miscarriage occurs. Usually, if a woman has made if past her first trimester, she can be assured that the placenta took over the job and progesterone levels are where they should be.

If you are someone who has had any of the above three issues, you know it can be very frustrating, saddening, and troubling all at the same time. If you were to go to a doctor, they would recommend taking progesterone either through a shot or cream. This is un-natural to the body and often interferes with the body's ability to regulate hormone levels once a pregnancy occurs. It can also have side effects for both mother and baby. In addition, even if you get your hormone levels checked at the doctor, that doesn't mean progesterone imbalance is not the cause of your fertility problems as these hormone levels are always changing and the lab test isn't geared towards the individual person.

As someone who has experienced all three issues, I decided to search for an alternative that could FIX the progesterone issue all together and to my amazement, there was such an herb...wild yam! Wild yam has been used as a "medicine" since the time of the Aztecs and has since been used widely in Japan, Central America, and by American herbalists. Its no secret to pharmaceutical companies either - who made the first form of birth control from an ingredient called diosgenin found in these yams. It was the discovery of wild yam properties that also allowed pharma companies to produce both corticosteroids and hormones.

Now let's clear a few things up:

The biggest difference between the plant source wild yam and prescription progesterone is that the prescription version is not only a hormone, but is synthetic. In other words, its made in a lab, hard for the body to use, and most times it is given in incorrect amounts. It also doesn't fix the underlying problem of why enough progesterone isn't being produced in the first place. The body, now being overloaded with synthetic progesterone, stops sending the signal to make its own (or it makes less than it should), eventually leaving a woman in a worse state then she was before.

In contrast (and what many people mistakenly believe), wild yam itself does NOT contain hormones nor is it converted into a hormone in the body. The hormonal properties of these yams can only be converted in a lab! It is a substance in wild yam called diosgenin that mimics progesterone and helps the body balance its own hormone levels. Whatever is not needed or used is easily excreted from the body and it does not interfere with the body's own ability to produce its hormones.

So if you suspect your infertility or early miscarriage might be due to a progesterone issue, or if you can't handle the swing that accompanies Aunt Flo every month, try a little wild yam. I personally took this herb for two months before I found out I was pregnant with Mea. I then continued to take it through the first trimester to prevent miscarriage - which worked out great because it is also a morning sickness remedy.

There you have it, my #1 recommendation for infertility in women, early miscarriage, and PMS!

Wild Yam

Treat your urinary tract infection naturally

2011-07-19T21:14:00.007-04:00

Did you know that we are one of the only nations who "wipe" but don't "wash" after going to the bathroom? And did you know that a urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most commonly occurring infection among women accounting for more than 11 million physician visits each year - the highest of any other country?

There are two types of urinary tract infections that can occur in both males and females: an upper infection affects the kidney and ureter, and a lower infection affects the urethra and bladder. A UTI is most often caused by the E. coli bacteria (and sometimes other types of bacteria, herpes, or parasites) that develops inside the digestive tract and contaminates the vagina or urethra. Many women experience UTIs shortly after giving birth vaginally, this is due to the weakened muscles of the pelvic floor that interfere with the draining of urine from the bladder. Menopausal women and birth control users often experience an increase in UTIs because of hormonal changes that change the pH of the vagina.

In the alternative medicine community, we believe that urinary tract infections occur most often in people who have made poor nutritional choices or have a compromised immune system. Usually the good bacteria in the gut and the body's immune system keep disease-causing micro-organisms in check, but when lacking proper nutrients or beneficial bacteria, these bad micro-organisms grow, contaminate the vaginal area, and because of a pH imbalance, are able to survive and cause an infection.

In Asian medicine, they believe that eating to much, drinking during meals, greasy foods, dairy, and stress create vaginal conditions that encourage bacterial growth.

Treating your urinary tract infection naturally:

The most common medical treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics. These antibiotics reak havoc on the body, kill good bacteria (that keep bad bacteria in check), allow yeast to grow, and can even cause a UTI (and are the #1 cause of recurrent UTIs). Instead of adding to the environment that caused your UTI in the first place, why not treat it naturally and help resolve the root cause of the infection.

The following are simple remedies that have been proven effective at preventing, treating, and curing UTIs:

Drink one 8 oz. glass of water each hour to flush out the bad bacteria and decrease pain.
Unsweetened cranberry juice (or capsules) have antibacterial agents that create an unfriendly environment for bacteria to grow. Studies show that 15 ounces of cranberry juice can kill up to 80% of the bad bacteria, and these bacteria fighting properties are present in the urine for up to 10 hours.
Vitamin C and zinc with cranberry juice have been shown to be even more effective.
Lemon juice mixed with water consumed several times a day is a simple home remedy that's effective for many people.
Buttermilk mixed with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and water consumed several times a day create an unfriendly environment for the infection-causing bacteria.
Consume more acidic foods during an acute infection like grains, seeds, nuts, and fish and to prevent the infection in the first place, consume more fruits and vegetables.
Beneficial herbs for urinary tract infections include: uva ursi, juniper and garlic, buchu, golden seal, parsley, corn silk, marshmallow root, and juniper berry.
Equal parts of burdock, fennel, and slippery elm (a teaspoon total) added to boiling water and allowed to sit for 20 minutes and consumed after each meal and before bed is very effective.
Acupuncture has been shown to be clinically effective for treating re-current UTIs.
Sitz baths and hot compresses are wonderfully effective for post-partum women who experience UTIs.
Flaxseed tea and uva ursi / buchu tea are two teas that can be consumed several times a day to prevent and treat a UTI.
If you do take antibiotics, a good probiotic or cultured food is recommended to restore healthy bacteria and prevent yeast infections (caused by antibiotic use).
Maintain proper hygiene to help prevent urinary tract infections.

These remedies can be used to prevent and naturally treat a urinary tract infection; however, if you are victim of a UTI that just won't go away or keeps returning, ask yourself the following: "Why are you "pissed" off or who are you "pissed" at? (Hint...usually the opposite sex). This is the emotional root (cause) of a urinary tract infection and often must be resolved for those re-current infections to stop returning. Sometimes just answering those questions will resolve a UTI :)

Sometimes a simple natural remedy is all you need to prevent that trip to the doctor's office!

Red Tea: Drink Your Way to Youthful Skin

2011-07-10T10:02:00.004-04:00

What if you could drink something that would make your skin look younger, brighter, and fuller; something that could save you hundreds on cleanser, creams, face srubs, chemical peels...and yes, even micro-derm abrasion; a drink that is all-natural, healthy, and has been used for hundreds of years for all sorts of skin issues? Most of us are familiar with the health benefits of the all-to-popular green tea, but there's a cousin to this tea that many people don't know about, a tea that might just be able to make all of your skin troubles fade away.

"Red tea," or South African Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free, mineral rich herb, that has been proven to be beneficial for the skin. This tea contains powerful antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients that cleanse, nourish, rejuvenate, and protect the skin. Red tea is also rich in a substance called alpha hydroxy acid. This is the main ingredient in expensive chemical peels and cleansers. These acids remove dead skin to the surface and rid the skin of free radical damage.

Red tea is not only a natural remedy for acne and skin damage, but has also been effective at treating various ailments from eczema to psoriasis. If you are someone who has been plagued with skin problems or merely want to have more youthful skin - add this leading anti-ager to your tea cabinet!

What's in your medicine cabinet?

2011-06-28T15:36:00.009-04:00

Almost every home in America contains the infamous "medicine cabinet." You know...the secret compartment behind the bathroom mirror that's stocked with various "remedies" from prescription medications and band aids, to Neosporin, Exedrine Migraine, Nyquil, Tylenol, and aspirin. Until a few years ago, I couldn't imagine my life without the typical medicine cabinet either. What if I got a fever, cough, cold, headache, or couldn't sleep?

When my husband and I switched to the holistic view of health we threw the "medicine cabinet" (along with our microwave) in the trash. Yes, that's right, we haven't used a single prescription or over-the-counter medication in over three years!

When I found out I was pregnant, we decided it might be important to bring back the medicine cabinet, only this time it would be stocked with natural remedies. Below is a list of things we keep on hand - we have natural remedies for just about every emergency (or acute) situation:

Zinc Cold & Flu Lozenges - This can be taken whenever you think a cold might be coming on, during a cold, or after. It's also great for runny noses.
Thieves Lozenges - Very effective at relieving sore throats;
Licorice Root - A natural corticosteroid you can use in place of a steroids and anti-inflammatories;
Liquid Silver Shield - Used in place of an anti-biotic;
Silver Shield Gel - Used on skin infections, skin conditions, open cuts, wounds, etc.
Bone and Skin Poultice - Used with Golden Salve and applied to skin conditions like pink eye, rashes, fungal infections, candida;
Homeopathic Cough Syrup
Homeopathic Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, and Children's Cold Homeopathic - For teething, fussy, runny noses, and clingy babies;
Oscillococcinum - Taken within the first 24 hours of flu symptoms;
Essential Oils: Gentle Baby (for baby issues), Peppermint (for stomach aches and teething babies), Lavender (for all health issues), Di Gize (for digestive issues), and Aroma Siez (for migraines and headaches);
Chlorophyll - For all health issues from stomach viruses to weakness;
Probiotics - For stomach bugs, bacterial, and yeast infections;
Sleep Essence - A natural sleep aid that consists of a blend of essential oils;
Stomach Comfort - For indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach;
Five Flower (or rescue / distress) remedy - For emotional upset;
Histablock - Great for allergies;
I also keep a bronchial/lung herbal supplement, capsicum, olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, lots of vitamin C, zinc, and a pair of crutches on hand.

With the items above in my medicine cabinet, I know I'm equipped to handle just about every situation including stomach aches, colds, the flu, bronchitis, insomnia, headaches, skin rashes, wounds, teething, diarrhea, heartburn, inflammation, sprains, and more! The great thing about herbal, homeopathic, and essential oil supplements is that they last a very long time without losing their potency, are not toxic to the body, and may just save you a few trips to the doctor.

Replace all of the medications in your medicine cabinet, just a few, or maybe just add one natural remedy at a time for a healthier response to the sometimes daily health situations that take us by surprise.

Ginger Root: Home Remedies for aches and pains, menstrual cramps, constipation, motion sickness, crohn's disease, poor circulation, kidney stones, and more...

2011-06-01T19:19:00.011-04:00

A few years ago while researching crohn's disease, I was introduced to a Chinese macrobiotic remedy for pain called the "ginger compress." As someone who did not use pain medications for the knife stabbing pain that accompanied this disease, I found the compress to be soothing and used it every day until I got into remission. Not only did it provide wonderful pain relief, it also cleared toxins and stagnation from my intestine, increased nutrient absorption, and increased blood flow to the blood-deprived scar tissue that plagued my intestinal wall.

I then decided to test its effects on back pain, arthritis, and kidney stones and noticed that it helped pass the stones and relieved back and joint pain, sometimes better then the best pain medications (while healing at the same time).

Most may be surprised to know that ginger has been cultivated and used as medicine since the beginning of time. Ginger was first written about in China in 400 B.C., mentioned by Marco Polo in 1280 A.D. and was the most popular import in Europe in the 11th and 13th centuries. Ginger has been used to treat all sorts of ailments such as: indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, stomach aches, malaria, morning sickness, motion sickness, pain, high cholesterol, digestive ailments, and blood sugar issues.

To get the benefits of ginger, try doing one of the following remedies:

The Ginger Compress

For crohn's disease, colitis, lung congestion, constipation, kidney stones, menstrual cramps, sore muscles, joints, arthritis, poor circulation, and more.

What you'll need: Small piece of cheese cloth, large pot, water, 3 inch piece of organic ginger root, 3 medium/large dish towels

Directions:

1. Grate up a small piece of ginger until you have a piece about the size of a golf ball.

2. Wrap it in cheesecloth and tie it up.

3. Squeeze and put into a big pot of water.

4. Boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Dip the middle of a towel into the hot pot and wring out excess. (Where gloves if needed.) Replace lid.

6. Slowly, so as not to burn the area lay the hot towel on the abdomen (back, muscle, etc.) The compress towel may be very hot so if needed, place a towel over the area and place the compress over that towel.

7. Cover with another towel to keep it hot.

8. Let the towel rest on their back for about 10 minutes.

9. Repeat steps five thru eight 3 or 4 times (or about 45 minutes total).

For intestinal issues: After the 45 minutes is up, remove the towels and compress. Look at your abdomen, which will be a pink color from the warmth of the compress. Do you notice any white skin patches? If so, those are areas of stagnation, decreased blood flow, and poor circulation. It could also indicate areas contributing to constipation, and diseased sections of the bowel.

For lung ailments: Place the compress on the lung area or for better results, on the upper back.

For muscles and joints: White patches of skin within the pink area, indicate an area of poor circulation and or toxin build-up.

For kidney stones: Apply to the area of pain where stone is located (most likely over the kidney) and slowly move down the back as the stone does. Many people claim they can tell where the stone is located (and the size) because of the white splotch left behind by the compress.

Note: You can also substitute 2-3 tablespoons of ginger powder for the root or if you are working with a small area like a joint you can just apply the warm ginger-filled cheese cloth, dipping it into the pot and applying it directly to the area.

For Motion Sickness:

A study in the Lancet Journal showed that ginger was more effective at treating motion sickness than the over the counter motion sickness drug dramamine. To use, take 2 capsules of ginger 20-25 minutes before boarding an airplane and thereafter every 4 hours.

The Ginger Bath
For Sore Muscles, aches, and pains

Use the ginger compress above and apply to the painful muscle or joint,
OR,
grate 2-3 tablespoons of ginger and place in a cheese cloth. Squeeze the cloth so the juice can drip into your bathwater and place in the tub. You can also use powdered ginger by placing the 2-3 tablespoons of powdered ginger into the bath water (or place in a tea bag if floaties bother you:)

For High or Low Blood Sugar
Consuming the fresh juice of ginger has been shown to regulate blood sugar...whether high or low! Add to smoothies, salads, and stir fry.

Ginger is a "food" that everyone should have on hand! It's cheap, medicinal, edible, effective, and may just save you a trip to the doctor!

Mea's Revolution

2011-05-31T22:21:00.002-04:00

I've really been struggling with the focus of my blog lately. Do I want it to be strictly about natural health and informative posts...or do I want to share my personal experiences, stories, and opinions? Now that I'm a mom, I wondered whether I should include my struggles as an individual, or as a parent as well.

All of these questions led me to the decision to do a spin-off blog called "Mea's Revolution." This is a Wordpress blog that is solely dedicated to pregnancy, babies, and parenting - specifically my daily experience as a mom as well as related alternative medicine, research, news, tips, and natural parenting techniques.

Megansmind will remain the same but if you are interested in pregnancy, babies, and the mommy version of my life, feel free to check out Mea's Revolution!

The Seneca Indian Cleanse

2011-05-26T09:27:00.004-04:00

The Seneca Indian Cleansing Diet (described in "Good Health Through Diets" by Hanna Kroegar) is a four day detoxification ritual originally practiced by the Native Americans to purify the body. For those new to fasting or detoxing, this cleanse is easier to follow than a strictly water or juice fast. It is very effective at ridding the body of toxins while also replacing the vitamins and minerals so many people are deficient in. This is also a great cleanse for people who consume animal meat and fats, and people who find it hard to do a cleanse because of their job or energy levels. Read below to see if this is the right cleanse for you!

Day 1 focuses on cleansing the colon. The first day eat only fruit throughout the day (e.g. applies, berries, melons, pears, cherries, etc.). The only fruit that is forbidden is bananas.

Day 2 focuses on releasing toxins and excessive salt and calcium deposits in the muscles, tissues, and organs. On this day, you are restricted to herbal teas. You can drink as much herbal tea as you want (e.g. raspberry, chamomile, spearmint, hyssop, etc.). The only teas you should avoid are stimulant teas like black tea, ginseng, and green teas.

Day 3 supplies the digestive tract with healthy minerals and fiber. On this day eat all the vegetables you want. You can have them steamed or raw. (Microwaves are not allowed:)

Day 4 cleanses the blood and lymphatic system while mineralizing the organs. On day 4 you can make a pan of vegetable broth with whatever you have on hand (e.g. cabbage, onions, peppers, parsley, carrots, etc.). You are allowed to season the broth with herbs or sea salt.

While doing this cleanse, be sure to get adequate rest and plenty of water. So jump start your "spring cleaning" by cleaning the most important house...your body!

Elimination Communication: Potty Training Mea

2011-05-20T19:31:00.012-04:00

Have you ever seen pictures of the women in Africa who carry their babies diaper-less on their backs? Yes...I too wondered the age-old question:

"What do these mothers do when their babies have to go to the bathroom?"

In all honesty, I tried not to dwell on the answer to much because I was sure it would have something to do with "Oops my baby just peed on me." Fortunately inquiring minds might be surprised to know that I have discovered the answer to the above question: ELIMINATION COMMUNICATION, better known as, infant potty training!
(Mea 6 weeks old - on her potty:)

Did you know that the United States is one of the only countries where parents wait to potty train their children until they are two and three years old? In fact, most babies in China are potty trained by the age of six months. In India, women place their babies over the street or other receptacle so they can go to the bathroom and then continue on with their business, baby in tow. Infant potty-training is no shock to most parents in Europe, Asia, and Africa because it is common practice.

So why do we (the United States) wait so long to potty train our babies, and why are we told that our babies have no ability to control their elimination processes until they are two or three years old!?? My theory, is that like most of the recommendations in this country, when you are told to potty train your child is largely determined by the billion dollar diaper industry who would lose a LOT of money if you were to potty train your child earlier! We are also told that babies are born with no ability to control their elimination functions...which is just NOT true! But it would explain why most parents have no idea that infant potty training is even an option.

I am no expert on infant potty training but my husband and I decided to take the lead from other countries and potty train our child from birth - which means 10,000+ fewer diapers for me to change and the avoidance of having to potty train a child at 2-3 years old - which by the way, is a lot harder to do when we spend the first 2-3 years of their life "training" their natural ability to control their bodily functions right our of them (and telling them its okay to sit in a wet/poopy diaper.)

There are many books out there on elimination communication, which I perused over; however, I thought of it more like potty training a puppy (and hey...it worked!)

Here's a few things we did:

1. Mea first went in her potty at six days old (the first day I had enough energy to take her).

2. I spent the first week or two of her life learning her cues - what she does before she goes to the bathroom. These are signals that let you know your child needs to go. Then, I'd set her over her potty or cloth.

3. Every time she went pee I looked at her in the eyes and said "Peeee Peeee," with a big smile of course. For poop I did the same but used the word "Poooo Poooo!" *A good time to teach your child these words is when they "surprise" you when you are changing their diaper!

4. I NEVER let her sit in her wet or soiled diaper. Babies cry when their diapers are wet and if you make them "cry it out," they will learn to sit in it, which is how we train their natural urge to stay dry right out of them! (Plus, would you want to sit in your pee?) Which by the way, led me to an interesting revelation that babies actually pee about 16 times a day (not 4-5 which is supposedly the "norm")!

5. When she was three weeks old I knew she recognized the words and associated them with the action. I then took her potty when her diaper was dry so that she would learn to go when I cued her.

6. You don't have to use a potty. Many times we just take off her diaper and place her on a cloth, cue her, and then put her diaper back on. Our goal is to save diapers (which saves $$$)! We also have a competition each week - who can save the most diapers. The winner gets dinner, a movie, or a massage!

7. When we travel, she waits until we stop at a rest area to go; however, when we are visiting relatives, we don't bother to much with cuing her. We just do our best to keep her dry and when we return home we return to the "potty" schedule. This same thing applies when we are out and about (or if your child goes to a day care). The great thing about elimination communication is: once you learn their language and teach them the words, you can go back to it at any time. They call it "part-time" potty training.

Our goal was never to see how fast we could potty train our daughter, but to encourage her natural tendencies, save $$, avoid toddler potty training, and to spare ourselves of the many (un-ncessary) years of diaper changes! Babies are soooo smart and have a language of their own...if you just take the time to learn it :)

Natural News Article #4: High Levels of Cadmium Found In Children's Jewelry

2011-05-18T20:26:00.008-04:00

Its hard to believe that children are exposed to toxic cadmium through something as simple as children's jewelry! Check out the link below for my fourth NaturalNews article.

High levels of cadmium found in jewelry for children

Weight Loss: Dissolving Fat With Daikon-Carrot Tea

2011-04-26T17:55:00.005-04:00

Its no secret in the natural health community that certain foods have the wonderful ability to dissolve fat deposits in the body. One of these foods, if not the #1 food, is the daikon radish. This white radish (sold in your grocery store) is traditionally consumed in Japan and China with meals that contain oily foods and fish. It is highly medicinal and used as a natural remedy for coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, digestive issues, high cholesterol, hardened arteries, and weight loss. Daikon is rich in digestive enzymes and helps break down food for digestion and boosts metabolism. It is wonderfully rich in vitamins and minerals, dissolves mucus, is a natural diuretic, helps lower bad cholesterol, and is one of the most effective vegetables at ridding the body of fat!

If you are looking for something to add to your weight-loss routine or are looking to add a medicinal health drink to the mix, try this macrobiotic daikon-carrot tea. For optimal results, take this tea every other day for two weeks, then stop for two weeks, and repeat if necessary. This tea is quite powerful so be sure to take the recommended break!

Makes 1 serving:

1/4 cup finely grated carrot
1/2 cup finely grated daikon
1 cup filtered water

Combine grated vegetables with water in an uncovered sauce pan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Drink the tea and eat the vegetables while the tea is hot.

In addition to the tea, raw daikon radish is worth adding to your diet on a regular basis, if not for weight loss, then for its many other health benefits!

The Master Cleanse

2011-04-18T09:40:00.010-04:00

As many parts of the earth are waking up from a long winter's nap, the spring season is setting in. Spring time brings flowers, fresh air, warmer weather, and green grass; it embodies the refreshing energy of new life, growth, and revitalization as the dreary Winter scenery fades into a picture perfect spring day.

Not only is it a great time for the earth to cleanse away the drearyness of Winter, its a perfect time for your body to cleanse away its "winter sludge" as well. By "sludge," I mean those few un-necessary pounds packed on from last Christmas, toxins from your environment and poor food choices, effects of excess stress, and poor lifestyle choices. Cleansing, will hopefully bring you more energy, skinnier jeans, a brighter complexion, and a step closer to the health you desire.

Below is one of the most popular cleanses for the spring season. It is seemingly simple, inexpensive, very effective, and can be done at home. The "Master Cleanse" detoxifies the body, expels mucous from the sinuses and chest, and is used for prevention of illness and disease.

The Master Cleanse:

Ingredients & instructions: Combine 3/4 cup of fresh squeezed organic lemons (approx. 3-4 lemons), 3/4 C. raw maple syrup (preferably Grade B), and 48 oz. of water. Drink 4-6 oz. adding 1 ml. of liquid capsicum or 1/10 teaspoon of powdered capsicum (cayenne pepper) to each glass every 1-2 hours. Reduce after the state of desired health has been reached. If liquid capsicum isn't your thing, take 3-4 capsicum capsules a day.

Note: Many people do this cleanse anywhere from 1-7 days, drinking 6-12 glasses throughout the day.

Remember to always use caution when doing any cleanse and do not cleanse if you are pregnant or nursing:)

What Your Sleep Patterns May Reveal About Your Health

2011-03-27T12:26:00.006-04:00

Have you ever wondered why you feel tired during the early morning or afternoon hours? Do you have trouble falling asleep at night even though you're utterly exhausted from a long day? Or maybe you are one of those people who fall asleep hard at 10 only to awaken wired at 1 a.m. and can't fall back asleep. Do you have to have that 20 minute nap at 2 p.m. to function during the evening? Maybe you have trouble waking up in the morning when the alarm goes off?

Chinese medicine practitioners believe different organs are the focus of the body throughout a 24-hour day. In essence, your body is constantly cleansing, building, healing, and restoring, and researchers have been able to link the times when these processes are occurring to the corresponding organs. Thus, what you may not know, is that your sleep patterns - when you are tired, wired, stressed, or experience physical symptoms, often indicate that certain organs are stressed or in need of some extra attention.

Use the chart below to track your own patterns and if you have symptoms or problems (e.g. insomnia, fatigue, pain, etc.) consistently during any of the 2-hour segments, consider that the corresponding organ may be a problem area for you.

3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. LUNGS

5:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. LARGE INTESTINE

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. STOMACH

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PANCREAS / SPLEEN

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. HEART

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. SMALL INTESTINE

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. BLADDER

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m KIDNEYS

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. PERICARDIUM / SEX ORGANS / CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. THYROID / ADRENALS

11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. GALL BLADDER

1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. LIVER

NaturalNews: An apple a day really does keep the doctor away!

2011-03-25T12:47:00.004-04:00

In case you missed my newest NaturalNews article, below is the link. Check out the medicinal benefits of a very simple fruit...the apple!

An apple a day really does keep the doctor away

The Newest Member of the "Natural Childbirth Club"

2011-03-22T11:44:00.016-04:00

As many of you may have noticed, I have not been posting much lately; this is because I have focused my attention over the past two weeks on the newest addition to our family - Mea Grace. Two weeks ago I experienced what very few women experience in today's (American) society...a natural childbirth! After 45 hours of active (back) labor, 41 minutes of pushing, and a very attentive husband, Mea made her entrance into the world. I must say it was the hardest experience of my entire life and there were times where I literally thought dying might be a better alternative to the pain. Let's just say at one point I was praying for God to take away my pain, and then came to the quick realization that was not going to happen (thank you Eve).

After experiencing a natural childbirth first hand, I have no doubt that there is a stark difference between babies who are born naturally and those who aren't. I also believe in the research that shows that mothers who go the natural route have quicker recoveries. Although all births, mothers, and babies are different, I thought I would share with you some of my birth plan and the things I noticed about my natural delivery and recovery:

I planned to give birth in a hospital and did so, although our midwife was out of town so my husband and I had no doctor. Because my labor was so long, we went through two shift changes at the hospital and had different nurses coming and going throughout the entire process, which meant we had to continuously go over our birth plan.
Our birth plan: No vitamin K shot, no eye ointment, no vaccinations (Hep B etc.), no antibiotics, no formula, no episiotomy, no immediate cutting of the cord, no epidural, no induction, no medications (even those for pain) of any kind, no vacuum or forcep extraction, no un-necessary c-section;
I did not go into the hospital until my contractions were 3 minutes apart. I waited to go in so I could labor at home as much as possible, and wanted to be past the point of being able to have an epidural in case I had a weak moment.
We had planned to follow the "Bradley Method" which worked great for my husband; but because I had back labor which left us with little options for getting through each contraction, we walked the halls of the hospital for 10 hours (note I was 100% effaced and 9-10 cm dilated during 6 of those hours). This worked out fine though because most people have scheduled deliveries during the daytime hours so my husband and I had the entire place to ourselves. In addition, our room was dark and completely quiet - no t.v., no music, no noise, or stimulation of any kind.
I noticed that it is possible to control the rate at which you have contractions. The nurses commented on how irregular my contractions were clear up to the end - little did they know that I was controlling when my contractions occurred which allowed me to have breaks when I needed them and push through when I wanted to make a lot of progress. (They tested this ability several times by requesting that I have a contraction "on que.") The power of the mind!
The hospital doesn't allow laboring women to eat or drink during the process - largely because most women have the epidural or are scheduled for c-section. I broke this rule by sipping on water and sneaking crackers and b-vitamins. I have no idea how women can get through labor without sustenance!
After Mea was born, she did not exhibit the debilitating groggyness and coma-like state that most drug-effected newborns do. In fact, she was alert for a straight 7 hours that day. She came out knowing how to breastfeed, responding to our voices, smiling, and with her sleep and wake patterns in-tact. She also passed all of her muconium the very first day. Below is a picture taken of her at just 2 days old!

8. Because Mea didn't spend her first few days (to a few weeks) of life in a coma-like daze, she quickly established a good sleeping pattern. In fact, she sleeps straight through the night.

9. Because Mea wasn't vaccinated or given any type of medication, her nervous system is very calm and her body can focus all of its energy on growing, versus ridding itself of an irritating toxin. (And yes, people/nurses did try to "scare us" into medicating her with everything from vaccinations to antibiotics. Luckily we found a great family practice doctor who supports our decision not to - yes there are some out there!)

10. As far as my recovery, I'd say the biggest things I noticed were the following:

Two weeks post-delivery, you cannot tell I had a baby! Natural childbirth and breast feeding causes the uterus to contract to its normal size at record speeds!
I gained 40 pounds with my pregnancy and have already lost 27 pounds without even trying.
Most women bleed for 6 weeks post-delivery; even though I had a tear during delivery, I only bled for 1.5 weeks (Thank you Red Raspberry!).
I was able to get back to my normal activities very quickly and even the nurses at the hospital will tell you that it takes a lot longer to resume normal activities after having a c-section or epidural.
Because I didn't have the epidural or pain medications, my milk came in (abundantly) within two days of birth.

Although it was a very exhausting and painful process, I wouldn't do it any differently (including giving birth in a hospital). In addition, my husband and I went through it together, just us - and I know our relationship hit a whole new level as a result. If there was anything I was self-conscious about before, I definitely didn't have those same insecurities after. Pain or no pain, seeing how sweet, alert, happy, and healthy my little girl is, reminds me of how worth it the natural child birth process was.

For my pre-natel regimen click here.

Diet Soda Linked to Strokes and Vascular Disorders

2011-03-18T15:02:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered why diet soda is so bad for you? Below is a link to my second NaturalNews article on just some of the health risks associated with drinking diet soda.

Diet soda linked to strokes and vascular disorders

Recipe: Healthy Buttermilk Biscuits (w/ gluten and dairy free alternatives)

2011-03-16T13:45:00.004-04:00

Nothing beats a good biscuit with gravy, which is why I made a concerted effort to create a "healthy" alternative to the high calorie/preservative laden biscuit that tastes so good (but is soooo bad for us). When I first made these biscuits my husband scolded me because he thought I had broken down and bought Pillsbury biscuits! To his surprise, they were cooked up right in our kitchen in mere minutes. Now, these biscuits are requested regularly with and without gravy. You can also use them in any recipe that calls for biscuit dough (like pot pies)!

Below you'll find my recipe, which takes 5-10 minutes to throw together and 10 minutes to bake!

Ingredients:
2.5 cups of white Spelt flour (for gluten free, substitute with brown/white rice flour AND equal part potato starch OR use 2.5 cups of domata flour)
2 teaspoons of aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of aluminum-free baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup organic or raw butter (I am a huge fan of butter, but if you are dairy free you can substitute with Earthbound.)
3/4 cup organic or farm fresh buttermilk (If dairy free, substitute with original almond milk and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Combine dry ingredients in mixer and mix.

3. Add 1/4 cup softened butter and mix until mixture resembles course bread crumbs.

4. Stir in buttermilk. If dough seems to dry, add a little extra until dough is slightly moist.

5. On a floured surface, roll out dough 1/2 inch thick and cut with biscuit cutter (I use a drinking glass because it makes perfectly shaped biscuits and I don't have a biscuit cutter.)

6. Place biscuits on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Yields 10+ biscuits

Enjoy!

Check out my first article on NaturalNews: "Ditch the Table Salt, Not the Sodium"

2011-03-07T07:56:00.004-05:00

I recently started writing articles for NaturalNews in addition to my blog. Check out the first one below!

Ditch the table salt, not the sodium

The Fluoride Deception Exposed

2011-03-01T08:44:00.005-05:00

As part of living a healthy lifestyle, my husband and I went "fluoride free" about 3 years ago. We do not use fluoride products (like commercial toothpastes, Dannon Yogurt products, fluoridated bottled water, and mouthwash), un-filtered tap water, or dentists who advocate the use of fluoride and mercury.

I don't post videos from other sites very often, but I thought this was worth passing on. It is true that fluoride (the hazardous waste chemical dumped into our water) is very detrimental to our health. It does not prevent cavities and it has no health benefits...only toxic side-effects. We are in essence, being poisoned every time we drink fluoridated water. Have you ever noticed the "hazardous if swallowed - call poison control" warning on the back of your commercial fluoride toothpaste? Have you ever wondered where the discoloration (or white splotches) on your teeth came from?

Only 2% of the Europe is subject to fluoridation and several countries have banned fluoridation all together because of its toxicity (e.g. West Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, Italy, Scotland, Belgium, The Netherlands, etc.).

To learn why you and your family should avoid fluoride, check out the 13 minute video below.

The Fluoride Deception exposes the truth about water fluoridation and the phosphate mining industry (By: Mike Adams, Health Ranger, NaturalNews):

Natural Remedy: "What Kuzu Can Do For You and Your Health"

2011-02-23T14:33:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite natural remedies I was introduced to during my stint with macrobiotics and crohn's disease was the wonderful "Kuzu Root" (also called "Kudzu"). Kuzu root is one of the world's largest roots weighing in at over 200 pounds. Kuzu is a white powder (derived from the root) that is used as a thickening agent - similar to potato, arrowroot, and corn starch.

Although it is highly sought after in the Asian culinary world, it doubles as powerful medicine to those in Japan and China. Unfortunately, the United States views this root as a "pest" because it blankets several million acres in the southeastern regions. Thus, Kuzu is cut down, burned, and sprayed with pesticides. If only they knew of the medicinal benefits kuzu has to offer!

The Health Benefits of Kuzu:

Kuzu's complex starch molecules bring relief to the intestines. It relieves discomfort caused by inflammation, over-acidity, bacterial infections, candida, and diarrhea. Thus, it is a great remedy for crohn's disease and colitis.
Kuzu's high flavonoid and antioxidant levels help relieve cramping.
Research on kuzu has shown that is beneficial for the following conditions: high blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, chronic migraine headaches, shoulder and neck pain, high cholesterol, blood clots, sinus troubles, acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers, colitis, hangovers, allergies, alcohol addiction, bronchial asthma, skin rashes, heart disease and neurological disorders.
Kuzu has a strong effect on the body's hormonal system and can help regulate estrogen levels - which is key to preventing bone loss and estrogen related disorders and cancer. It is especially important for postmenopausal women.

Kuzu Remedies:

For a great crohn's disease/colitis, intestinal inflammation, stomach, and diarrhea remedy, see my prior post on UmeShoKuzu Tea.
For a restorative tonic for all health issues try "Kuzu Cream." This should be taken about 1 hour before meals, preferably in the morning, on an empty stomach. If you'd prefer a thinner drink, reduce the amount of kuzu to one teaspoon. This makes 1 cup and the prep time is 5 minutes.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of kuzu starch, 1 umeboshi plum (pitted) or 1 teaspoon of umeboshi plum paste, 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of ginger juice (or finely grated ginger), and 1/2 teaspoon of shoyu (optional). *You can find all of these ingredients at the health food store or www.naturalimport.com

Directions: Dissolve kuzu in 1 cup of cold or room temperature water. Add the umeboshi and bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. As soon as mixture begins to bubble around the edges, stir constantly until kuzu thickens and becomes clear. Gently simmer on low heat for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the ginger juice and shoyu (if you desire).
You can replace corn, potato, or arrowroot starch with kuzu in your recipes and you'll get the health benefits. You can also combine it with apple juice or any other fruit juice to form a jello.
My personal favorite: Kuzu starch comes in hard chunks, which to me is convenient because I just munch on it whenever I get any type of heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, or intestinal issue. No cooking required. In fact, this was my "natural antacid" for pregnancy heartburn!

Protein: Amino Acids, Athletes, & The Best Sources of Protein For Your Body

2011-02-15T19:07:00.008-05:00

This is the next installment of our protein discussion. So far, we've learned that protein is extremely important to the human body, that humans are mostly herbivores, that dietary protein found in foods is not equivalent to the protein the body manufactures, that meat sources of protein tax the body and are an underlying cause of many health issues, that only about 10% of our daily calories should come from protein, and that we eat far to much protein (from meat and dairy sources) in this country!

Now that I have taken away a large portion of the average American diet, it only make logical sense for me to replace it with foods that can help your body manufacture the protein it needs to function at its best!

First, you need to understand what protein actually is. As briefly mentioned before, protein cannot be obtained directly through our diet. Rather, the food we eat is broken down into amino acids, and these amino acids are used by the body to build the specific protein that it needs. There are twenty eight recognized amino acids that our body needs to function. 80% of these amino acids are manufactured by the liver and (only) 20% must be obtained through the diet (i.e. "essential" amino acids). To avoid going into to much detail in this post, suffice it to say that a deficiency in an amino acid can cause many health issues - anything from peanut allergies and celiac's disease, to asthma and diabetes, etc. However, that does not mean you should go out and drink a big glass of milk or have a steak! There are many great food sources we can obtain amino acids from.

Next, it is important to understand what foods you can find amino acids in and how to combine certain foods to form "perfect" or "complementary" proteins - that is, foods that contain all 28 amino acids!

You can literally find protein sources in any food! Quinoa for example, is a grain that contains 9 grams of protein per serving, that's more protein than an egg, and its easier to digest. Both beans and rice are great protein sources but each is missing some of the amino acids; however, if you eat beans and rice together, you have a perfect protein - a food that contains all of the amino acids your body needs.

To make a complete protein you can combine brown rice with beans, nuts, or seeds. Or, you can combine beans with brown rice, corn, nuts, or seeds. Tempeh is another great source of protein.

In addition, many people think that if they become a vegetarian, they won't get enough protein. I am not advising that one become a vegetarian, but the above view is simply not true. You might be surprised to learn that vegetables contain the greatest levels of utilizable amino acids, which means its easier for us to digest and break down amino acids from vegetables compared to meat. If you are eating a diet rich in a variety of vegetables, you will get all eight essential amino acids (the ones your liver doesn't make)!

The following foods contain all eight essential amino acids:

Carrots, cabbage, brussel sprouts, nuts, kale okra, peas, potatoes, bananas, beans, sesame seeds, summer squash, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, okra, and cucumbers.

And if you are an athlete (or someone who works out) who thinks you can't give up meat protein and be competitive, here is some food for thought:
- Edwin Moses, a vegetarian, was an olympic gold medalist who ran the 400-meter hurdles for 8 years and never lost a race.
- Dave Scott, a vegetarian, holds the record for the most Iron Man world champion victories and is recognized as the greatest triathlete in the world.

- Several laboratory studies have been conducted as described by John Robbins in "Diet for a New America" which showed that vegetarians were two to three times stronger than those who relied on meat for protein.

Here are some other famous vegetarian athletes:
Bill Pearl (a well-known body builder), Fred Dryer and Joe Namath (well known NFL players), Martina Navrotilova (18 grand slam and 30 double tennis titles), Tony La Russa (major league player and famous baseball manager), Robert Parish (from the Celtics), Prince Fielder (from the Brewers), Tony Gonzales (NFL - only eats chicken and fish), and Carl Lewis (track and field champion, 10 Olympic medals- vegan).

I am not suggesting you go vegetarian, just pointing out a huge misconception that most Americans have - that "we must consume large amounts of protein from meat, eggs, and dairy, in order to build muscle and be successful athletes!" If you are going to eat protein from meat sources, choose high quality fish (salmon, mahi mahi, cod, blue hake, etc.) and grass fed, antibiotic free, steroid free, all-natural or organic chicken, rabbit, or turkey and make this only a small portion of your diet. To live your healthiest life to the fullest and to get the amino acids your body needs, incorporate a variety of beans, grains, and vegetables into your diet! By cutting back or replacing meat and dairy with the above sources, you will not only get your amino acids, but you'll cut down on the acid, fats, and excessive dietary protein that leads to so many health conditions.

Healthy Eating!

Vitamins 101: What You Need to Know About Vitamin D...

2011-02-10T11:01:00.026-05:00

There is no other vitamin in the media right now or natural health community raising more attention than vitamin D. In fact, even Dr. Oz touts the beneficial health effects of this vitamin on his show. Although it takes more than just vitamin D to maintain good health and prevent colds and flu, we are going to look at why this vitamin may be needed in your diet and health regimen.

As I mentioned in earlier vitamin posts, there are USP forms of vitamins (the synthetic kind you would get by prescription or at the store), natural health forms of vitamins (concentrated from herbs, foods, and plants or derived from natural sources), and vitamins our bodies get from the foods we eat.

Forms of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is necessary to absorb calcium and phosphorus - which means, if you take a USP calcium supplement and aren't taking vitamin D with it, you will not absorb your calcium.
There are several forms of vitamin D: Vitamin D2 comes from the foods we eat. Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The synthetic version of vitamin D is D5 which does not act the same way in the body as natural vitamin D.
Of the three versions, vitamin D3 is considered the best form of vitamin D to take. However, if you take a D3 supplement, you still need exposure to the sun in order for your body to use it.
It only takes 20 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to meet your quota. You can even get your sun exposure by sitting in front of a window with the sun shining in and you can get it through your eyes, while driving, if you avoid wearing sunglasses! Who knew?
Interesting: Did you know that people with dark or tanned skin have a harder time absorbing vitamin D because of the melanin in their skin? Melanin is a substance metabolized from the tyrosine amino acid that gives your hair and skin its color. The darker/tanner the skin, the higher the melanin, and the less vitamin D you absorb. When you lose your tan, the melanin in your skin decreases and your body is able to absorb adequate amounts of vitamin D again. This is why it is recommended that one avoid over-exposure to the sun (i.e. laying out during the Summer) or frequent tanning. Thus it is best to get your sunlight in smaller, more reasonable intervals.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is needed for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, is helps regulate the heart beat and helps prevents and aids in treatment of breast, bladder, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers, osteoarthritis, type 1 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, newborn infections, and osteoporosis.
Vitamin D boosts the immune system, enhances thyroid function, and helps with blood clotting when you get a cut or scrape.
Research shows that vitamin D can also help prevent colds, flu, and lung infections.
Studies show that vitamin D can be effective in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic resistance urinary tract infections.

Deficiency Symptoms

Signs you may be deficient in vitamin D include: loss of appetite, burning sensation in mouth and throat, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, diarrhea, visual problems, and weight loss;

Sources of Vitamin D

Fish, egg yolks, organic butter, cod liver oil, shiitake mushrooms, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and vegetable oils;
Herbs: parsley, horsetail, nettle, and alfalfa
Supplement: There are a lot of vitamin D supplements out there. My favorite is "Calcium Plus Vitamin D" by Nature's Sunshine as it also contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus which is necessary for absorption.
Sunlight!

Comments

If you are someone who has an intestinal or gall bladder disorder, your body may have a hard time absorbing vitamin D.
In addition, some cholesterol medications, antacids, mineral oil, steroids, and diuretics interfere with the absorption of vitamin D.
You should avoid taking to much supplemental vitamin D or toxicity and loss in bone mass could result.

Although vitamin D is not my #1 cold and flu prevention vitamin (that would be vitamin C), it is absolutely necessary for good health and the prevention of many illnesses! So add some good fats to your diet and get out in the sunshine!

Protein: Too Much Iron & The Calcium - Iron Connection...

2011-01-30T22:00:00.019-05:00

How many of you drink a big glass of milk with your meaty meal? Do you do this so that you can meet your daily quota of calcium and iron? Well, you might want to reconsider combining the two!

Did you know, consuming iron with calcium inhibits the absorption of both minerals?
In other words, the "calcium" in the big glass of milk competes with the iron from your burger or steak and they keep each other from being absorbed by the body. In addition, calcium is still needed to break down the meat. Since your body can't use the calcium from your big glass of milk, it is left with two other options: it's mineral reserve (which is usually low because of the typical American diet and lifestyle) or your bones (who knew excessive protein consumption could lead to osteoporosis?). So, if you depend on your burger to give you that boost of iron, forgo the glass of milk. And if you don't want to deplete your body's calcium, eat a healthy, balanced, diet and incorporate some meatless meals.

Did you know, Americans who consume to much protein from meat sources, also consume to much iron?
Since iron is easily stored in the body, excessive iron intake can lead to all sorts of health issues (aside from the high protein consumption we talked about in the last post). To much iron in the tissues and organs leads to the production of free radicals and a deficiency of vitamin E. It has also been linked to heart disease, chronic fatigue, cancer, and a disease known as hemochromatosis - which leads to arthritis, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, heart disorders, and a bronze skin pigmentation.

Yikes!

Consuming Too Much Protein & the Effect It Has On Your Body...

2011-01-26T15:21:00.016-05:00

In the last post we talked about whether or not our bodies are designed to eat meat. Clearly after reading the post, you hopefully came to the conclusion that we do have the ability to eat meat, but our bodies are designed to do so only in small amounts or in survival situations. The reason that post was important, is because we equate the word "protein" with "meat," and we as Americans eat way to much meat, and in turn eat a diet that is too high in protein - a form of protein that is hard for the body to break down, digest, and use. This is significant because your body's health depends mostly on what you are putting into your mouth at each meal, and to much protein, especially from meat sources, can have devastating consequences on your health. This post is all about the dangerous health consequences from eating excessive protein. I hope to also dispel some of the myths you've been told about protein and the role it plays in the body.

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Let me first start out by saying that protein is good, we need it, and we can't live without it. Protein is essential for our growth and development. It is necessary for manufacturing hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and tissues. Without protein, we would be reduced to a giant puddle of disconnected bones and fluids!

This may sound confusing at first, but there are two types of protein: physiological protein and dietary protein. Physiological protein is produced by the body's own cells using amino acids and ATP (energy) and is good and natural to the body. Dietary protein, the type you would get from a hamburger, is foreign to the body. Dietary protein will replenish your amino acid supply but if you eat more than your body actually needs, your health will suffer. The protein of the hamburger itself cannot be absorbed - your body has to break down the meat into amino acids before it can even be used. Its the amino acids of the dietary protein that the cells can then use to create its protein...the protein used for the functions listed above.

Although protein is essential to the body, you know from reading my earlier post on protein that its hard for us to break down meat because of our dull teeth, enzymes, stomach acid, and long digestive tract - so the amount of "meat" we do eat and the source of dietary protein we turn to for supplying our protein (or should I say amino acid) demands can play a leading role in destroying our health. In fact, Dr. M. Ted Morter Jr. believes that protein is primary culprit in the health issues of American today. "Too much protein - that time-honored foundation of nutrition - puts such radical physiological stress on the body that the healing process is sabotaged. This, in turn sets us up for developing the chronic diseases that plague our population." When Dr. Morter referred to "excess protein," he was talking about the amount of protein consumed over the amount you actually need. This excess comes from your daily diet of beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, grains, dairy products, nuts, breads, pizza and pasta.

Below, is the recommended daily allowance for protein consumption:

Recommended Dietary Allowance for Protein
	Grams of protein needed each day
Children ages 1 – 3	13
Children ages 4 – 8	19
Children ages 9 – 13	34
Girls ages 14 – 18	46
Boys ages 14 – 18	52
Women ages 19 – 70+	46
Men ages 19 – 70+	56

Now, let's assume we are all over the age of 19 and you have either 46 or 56 grams of protein to work with on a daily basis. Note that ALL foods grown in nature contain protein.

Let's look at the typical American breakfast: two eggs and two pieces of toast will yield you 20 grams of protein. Add a cup of milk and you get another 8 grams.
Lunch: One hamburger contains about 23 grams of protein. Add cheese and you get another 7 grams of protein. Add 20 fries and you get another 4 grams of protein. Add the bun and you get another 3 grams of protein.
Supper: Let's have a 6 ounce steak and you get 46 grams of protein. Add another glass of milk for 8 grams. Add a potato with butter, cheese, or sour cream and you are up at least another 2-7 grams.

This very simple list adds up to about 122 grams of protein a day! Note that most people drink a whole glass of milk (which is 2-3 servings) several times a day, have bacon, ham, or sausage with breakfast, cook with butter, eat ice cream for dessert, and eat far greater portions than those listed above (think double cheeseburger, 1/2 pound steak, large fries, half a pizza, etc.). Now 122 grams is way over the recommended amount for people in our age bracket, now how do you think this amount affects children?

Now, get ready to stomach the reality that your body only needs 10% of its daily calories from protein...regardless of the source! Your body really only needs 20 grams of protein to function at its best! This amount may change slightly for people who work out excessively or are pregnant but usually no greater than 13-17%.

The body's main source of energy is carbohydrates (including fruits and veggies), which should make up 60% of your daily diet. Good fats come in at 30%, which leaves protein at 10%. If you are getting 122 grams of protein a day, are you adhering to your body's biological requirements for good health?

Let's find out how all of this excess protein sabotages our health:

Cells need protein to function but if cells get to much protein, they become toxic. Toxic cells create toxicity in the body.
To much protein disrupts the osmotic balance of cells (water inside the cell versus outside) and causes fluid retention and edema.
Your body has a pH system - an acid/alkaline balance that must be obtained. Dietary protein is very acidic and disrupts the pH balance of the body, which is slightly alkaline. This acid ash has to be neutralized by the body's own mineral supply. This wouldn't be such a big deal if people ate only small amounts of protein along with fresh fruits and vegetables, but most of the modern American protein laden meals consist of: eggs, bacon, toast with butter and milk, or a burger with fries, or steak and potatoes. These acidic meals day after day overload the body and can set you up for all sorts of chronic diseases.
Dietary protein is a negative energy food in that it does not "give you energy" but takes away your energy. In other words, it takes away more essential substances (vitamins, minerals, water, etc.) from your body than it provides. If you eat to much protein, you will experience a deficit of energy and essential nutrients. (Note, this is not the same as negative calorie foods like celery. Meat gives you the calories without the nutrients.)
Protein doesn't increase energy, although you may initially feel like it does (similar to drinking a cup of coffee)- it actually stimulates "nervous energy" or hyper stimulation. Key examples include: fidgety foot-bouncers, finger-tappers, channel changers, tapping silverware or playing with food at the table, impatience, restlessness, and inability to listen and concentrate.
Protein is second only to drugs as a major stimulant. Coffee, tea, and soda are nothing compared to the stimulating power of a steak. The downhill side of this "energy" exhausts the adrenal glands and leaves one reaching for other stimulating foods.
Excessive protein interferes with a good night's sleep and is a leading cause of insomnia and sleep disorders.
Your body does its rebuilding and repairing while you sleep. If its stimulated by protein (which can take 8 or more hours to digest) your body never gets into its replenishment mode. You'll wake up feeling un-rested in the morning and the abuse will eventually set up the perfect environment for a chronic disease.
Because protein lowers your resistance (because of lack of sleep, leaching of vitamins and minerals, and its acidic effects on the body) people who consume excess protein are more prone to getting colds, flue, and sicknesses.
Dietary protein takes a lot of energy to be metabolized which is why it is advocated for weight loss. It can rev up your metabolism by 30% compared to the 4% of carbohydrates. This sounds good right? Unfortunately, most people don't understand that GLUCOSE from complex carbohydrates is the body's main source of energy and the only source of energy for the brain. When one consumes to much protein, ketosis can result. The body will try to convert fat to energy which produces ketones, and if there is no fat available, it will start breaking down muscles and tissues to use for energy. This in turn can produce an even slower metabolism as your body tries to conserve its nutrients and will send you into an acidosis state. Then you will notice that you suddenly have trouble "losing the weight" and if you even look at a piece of cake, you'll gain 10 pounds. (You know what I'm talking about riiight?)
To much dietary protein is a leading cause of gallstone formation and gall bladder attacks.
To much dietary protein is a leading cause of high cholesterol, heart disease, hardened arteries, kidney stones, irritable bowel disease, constipation, and arthritis.
It also causes excess nitrogen to build up in the body which produces uric acid that must be eliminated via ammonia in the urine. The uric acid that is not eliminated leads to various conditions including gout.
Excess protein depletes your calcium and sodium levels and is a leading cause of osteoporosis.
Do you have dark circles under your eyes? This is a sign of kidney stress often due to protein consumption, soda consumption, and lack of minerals in the body.
If you consume to much protein before working out, acid is generated in the body. Then you head to the gym and strenuously exercise, which creates even more acid. If there is nothing in the body to neutralize the acid and bring its levels back to normal quick enough, death could result (and often does). *Protein should be eaten after a work-out, never before. To be safe, anyone involved in sports or those who exercise regularly (including marathon runners) should make sure to add lots of vegetables to their diet and consume these at the same meal as the protein.
Without adequate amounts of "organic sodium" (think celery, nuts, sea vegetables...not table salt), excess protein can be deadly. The body uses sodium as its first line of defense against to much protein. Calcium is second on the list.
Excessive protein consumption is a leading cause of hair loss, especially in men.
Excessive protein causes dehydration and overburdens the kidneys.
A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin and published in the Journal of Nutrition compared calcium levels to protein consumption. "Subjects given 1,400 mg of calcium suffered an average calcium loss of 84 mg when fed 142 grams of protein." In other words, calcium was taken to breakdown and neutralize protein, Or... more calcium was lost than consumed." When subjects were given only 47g of protein they actually retained an extra 10 mg of calcium." In other words, the body didn't need to use its own minerals to breakdown the protein and actually gained some calcium with the lowered intake.

The report also showed that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption by 50% while adding protein did not improve the calcium loss. *This study suggests that subjecting the body to high amounts of protein will leave it unable to function naturally, regardless of how much fruits and veggies one consumes. The key is to reduce protein consumption!

Note: As you saw above, the average American consumes at least 122 grams of protein a day. Add a couple of sodas and some sugar and you have depleted your calcium levels even more!

I could keep going but I think you get the picture. To sum things up, your body will work best if it is given enough protein to keep all systems running smoothly and enough vegetables to build up the alkaline reserve so if you do occasionally consume to much protein, your body will have a buffer system to clean up the excess acid and stress placed on the body.

In my next "protein" post, I will talk more about amino acids, sources of protein, and which sources may be better than others. For now, I hope that this post gave you a guide to evaluating your own diet and whether you are consuming to much protein, and the role excess protein could be playing with your own health issues.

Carnivore...Herbivore...Which Are We?

2011-01-12T19:59:00.007-05:00

This is the first of a two-part post on the dangers of consuming to much protein and the burden excessive protein places on the body and your health! This is not a pro- or anti-vegetarian post. This post will focus on our human design and whether or not we are physically designed to eat meat (or the excessive amount we do). The second post will talk about the science and link between excessive protein consumption and health issues - and what you can do about it.

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I can't count the number of times I've heard people say "I'm a carnivore! If it ain't meat I'm not eaten it!" I've also sat at countless dinner tables where the main course was meat and the poor little carrots sat untouched. Sometimes I think the carrots are just placed on the table so that the host can feel like the meal is healthier than it really is, but does it count if no one eats them? I've been in the homes of people for many days and watched as their family (young and old) ate countless portions of protein at every single meal without even so much as looking at a vegetable.

I blame many things for this "meat mentality." First, over the course of the last few decades the media has been all about protein protein protein! You guys remember the Atkins Diet (which ultimately failed miserably) don't you? I also blame the lack of education that most people have about nutrition, the Food Guide Pyramid which caters to various industries including the meat industry (see my prior post on this issue), parents for not taking an active role in their childrens' nutrition, and us...as individuals who fail to incorporate the very foods that contribute the most nutrients to our bodies.

I'll discuss the role excessive protein plays on your health in the next post, but for now, let's just discuss the basics of the human body and this question: "Are our bodies designed to consume as much protein as the typical American eats? Better yet, are we carnivores or herbivores?"

First, let's get our definitions straight:

A carnivore is: "An animal that eats flesh; An organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of animal tissue."

An herbivore is: "An animal that feeds mainly or exclusively on grass or other plants;"

Now let's look at the characteristics of each and see which category we fit into:

A carnivore has large pointed (sharp) canine teeth, sharp molars or pre-molars (if any) designed to eat flesh, and short digestive tracts. Most of us have an example of a carnivore living in our home - our dog (or cat)! Let's use the dog as our carnivore example. We'll start with the mouth and work our way down.

Dogs have very sharp, razor blade like teeth - perfect for ripping and tearing apart flesh quickly. Now go to the mirror and look at your teeth. You only have four...very dull...canine teeth. Our canine teeth are so dull that some people don't even look like they have any. In addition, the rest of your teeth consist of incisors and molars - perfect for grinding and chewing grains and veggies. It's really hard to grind flesh with our molars which is why it takes us so long to chew a piece of meat compared to a dog! Compare our teeth to a cow or horse and its looking a lot like we're in the herbivore category so far.

Let's move on to Saliva. Saliva contains many enzymes used to digest and break down foods. As humans, our main saliva enzyme is amylase which is an enzyme designed to break down sugars and carbohydrates as we chew. Dogs do not have amylase, they have an enzyme called lysozyme which helps start the process of breaking down meat and allows them to eat raw meat safely. The design of their teeth and jaw also allows them to eat food without chewing - which is probably why your dog eats very fast!

Next we move to the stomach. A human stomach has an acidity of around 2.5 (if you don't take ant-acids which disrupt your pH balance). A dog on the other hand, has stomach acidity that registers around 1. Now this may not seem like a big difference, but there is a HUGE difference between 1 and 2.5. (For example, our blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45 - if our blood leaves this range we will get sick and die.) The dog's acidic stomach environment allows it to break down meat quickly killing most if not all, dangerous bacteria! (This acidic environment also allows your dog or cat to eat weird substances without getting sick.) Whereas with humans, it takes anywhere from 6-12 hours to digest that steak and many bacteria can survive our stomach's acid (in part because we live on ant-acids but that's another story), making us sick.

Let's move to the intestine. Compared to herbivores, food stays in a dog's stomach much longer compared to the rest of the intestine which allows doggy to feel full with only two feedings a day. In addition, the intestine of a dog is approximately 3 feet long - which is about 5% the length of ours and is perfect for digesting meat. Our digestive tract is about 26 feet long and is designed to break down carbohydrates (and protein from carbohydrates), vegetables, fruits, and only small amounts of meat (if needed).

Now why is a 3 foot digestive tract significant? Well, the longer the digestive tract, the longer it takes the meat to pass through and the more it ferments. Now I'm not referring to fermentation in the healthy sense (yogurt, kombucha, tamari, and sourdough bread) - what I'm referring to is the decaying of flesh. When meat "ferments" it actually goes through a decaying process releasing large amounts of acid, by-products, and even carcinogens (and in non-organic meat, hormones, antibiotics, medications, ammonia, etc.). Just as the break down of muscle creates acid in the body (ever get sore after you exercise?) so does the break down of meat in the digestive tract! In addition, a dog's (carnivores) digestive tract is so short that is can't properly digest and break down grains! It is missing the necessary bacteria, digestive enzymes, and secretions that take place in the long tract of the human body. (Which is why your dog may eat strange things or be overly hungry if on a grained-based diet, because much of the foods/nutrients pass right through.) A dog can pass a high protein meal once or twice a day. A human who consumes a large amount of meat often can't pass it for three days!

For the sake of time, let me leave you with two more facts: The human body's main source of energy is glucose from carbohydrates, followed by fat (when glucose is not available). The main source of energy for a carnivore is meat, followed by fat. And finally, the body of a carnivore is more acidic (as you've read above) whereas the human body should remain slightly alkaline to maintain good health. Meat (and refined sugar) are the most acidic foods a human can eat. It is impossible to maintain our slightly alkaline state by making meat the mainstay of our diet.

I could continue, but I think you already know which category you fit into. You can look at the design of any carnivore and they will all exhibit similar if not the same characteristics...none of which we have.

The conclusion is simple: Though protein should make up a *small* percentage of our daily diet, that protein doesn't necessarily have to come from meat sources. The design of our human body has never been and never will adapt to eating the large amount of meat we eat today. Luckily, if we are ever in a place where survival is a must, we can chomp and grind the meat to stay alive - but we can't live like that very long without going into an acidic state (which leads to a vast array of health problems and even death).

My next post will focus on the specific dangers of excessive protein consumption, what is normal for the human body, the definition of protein, and the healthiest protein sources. I'm not anti-meat, I am just pro-health, and that means dispelling the myth that humans are designed and should eat large amounts of protein on a regular basis to maintain health.

So the next time you hear someone tell you they're a carnivore who doesn't eat green things, you will be able to set them straight!

The Importance of Healthy Eating and Pregnancy - "The Perfect Eating Plan I Never Got to Use"

2011-01-02T11:00:00.016-05:00

Before I ever got pregnant, I had my "perfect" pregnancy diet all planned out. I was going to eat tons of raw foods, fruits, vegetables, macrobiotics, and avoid all of the "untouchables" like sugar, fast food, wheat, dairy, soy, and processed foods. And morning sickness??? Yeah that was NEVER going to happen to someone like me! And why would it? My mom never had it, my grandmothers never had it; in fact, everyone in my family had modeled the perfect pregnancies, so much so, that my mom preferred being pregnant to fitting in those skinny jeans (what was she thinking?). In addition, as a Natural Health Therapist and future Naturopathic Doctor, I knew all about those underlying deficiencies that cause morning sickness. I planned, was equipped, and prepared to handle anything that came my way.

However, when I actually got pregnant last summer, I was in for a rude awakening. My "perfect" diet plan got thrown out the window...literally, and not by choice. I had what I call "selective morning sickness." The ONLY things that made me sick (and forced me to utilize the throwing up techniques I had not experienced for years), were healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, anything macrobiotic, grains, and raw foods (seeds and nuts included). No matter how hard I tried, how many yummy smoothies I made, or how many vegetables were on the table, one bite would send me running to the nearest sink! I had even tried every natural remedy under the Sun. It was depressing and a bit scary at the same time. On one hand, this is the diet that had kept me in remission for over two years, a diet I knew I depended on for ME. And secondly, my many years of training on natural health and nutrition meant that I couldn't be ignorant or ignore the repercussions of eating the "untouchables" listed above. Not to mention I felt an extreme sense of guilt that I wasn't eating "the way I should." What did my diet for four months consist of? Gluten-free toast with butter (oh yes, I am a huge butter advocate), and organic tots. Yes, potatoes and toast were pretty much the only two foods I could keep down.

So what made me feel better? There came a point when I realized that I was doing the best I could "during" my pregnancy. What helped get rid of that guilty feeling, was the realization that for the past 2-3 years I had been eating my very best and my baby had the very best nutrients possible to draw upon. I had eaten macrobiotics, raw foods, lots of fruits and veggies, green drinks, supplements, health boosters, etc. I had started my prenatel program six months before getting pregnant, had been exercising, avoided all medications, and created a healthy environment internally before my baby was even conceived.

What I realized, was that sometimes women have limited control over what they can eat during their pregnancies. In the natural health world we believe the body can cure itself of anything, even morning sickness, and we tell women that there has to be some deficiency or some toxin in their body that is trying to come out and they need to "fix it" or take the magic natural remedy. But in my case, and probably many others, that was not an option, at least one that provided any type of relief.

Sometimes I think the body just knows what its doing and creates aversions to HEALTHY foods because it has what it needs or doesn't want a specific vitamin, mineral, or type of energy (e.g. chinese medicine - contractive v expansive). This further make sense because in natural medicine, we believe a "craving" is the body's way of telling you that you need something (a specific nutrient) and throwing up is the body's way of telling you it doesn't want something. I truly believe that the body knows best, and if it doesn't want a specific food, healthy or otherwise, there's always a reason why. In essence, the body is always trying to maintain some sort of balance and will do whatever it can to achieve that balance.

Maybe like me, you found yourself in the bathroom every time you looked, smelled, or ate something healthy (that you would have eaten before being pregnant). Maybe you had tried all of the morning sickness remedies to no avail. So what can you do?

1. You can eat healthy BEFORE you conceive. This should be part of a lifestyle, not just a diet. Many leaders of natural health (like Dr. Bernard Jensen) believe that you should be eating a healthy diet 5 years before you plan to conceive. I think this is a bit much and is different for everyone, but he did get one thing right. You SHOULD eat healthier before you get pregnant so you are at your healthiest and your baby has the best possible source of nutrients that have been stored in the body to draw from (in case you can't eat the way you should eat when you're pregnant).

2. Not being able to eat fruits, veggies, or nourishing grains, when you are pregnant is not an excuse to eat poorly. To my defense, even I didn't use my inability to eat healthy as a free pass to eating fast food, processed junk, sugar, soda, etc. *I didn't eat what I "craved" if it was bad, I ate what I KNEW my body needed. I took a lot of prenatels (per prior posts) and managed to choke down an occasional green drink, and avoided the untouchables even though I had the PERFECT excuse to eat them (I am pregnant and can't eat healthy right?).

3. What you eat before and during pregnancy DOES matter. You will not create a healthy environment for your developing baby if you are eating fast food, processed food (which has NO nutritional value), sugar, and avoiding fruits and vegetables.

4. Just because you are pregnant does NOT mean you can eat what you want and get away with it. Eating poorly ALWAYS effects a baby, whether in utero or outside the womb, and even months and years down the road. Your baby may develop frequent colds and sicknesses (which is not normal for a baby), asthma, food allergies, sleeping problems, digestive issues, slow development, and fussy behavior (to name a few).

*I can't tell you how many people I've heard say: "Well I ate fast food during my pregnancy and my kids turned out fine." I often think to myself, "Did they really? Because your kids are always sick with something...and that is not normal." (You could also insert many other things in that sentence like, bouncing off the walls, not even speaking or walking yet, are fussy, have some sort of health condition like asthma, food allergies, etc.) Sure, their kids may not have died or come down with some catastrophic illness (yet) but that shouldn't be the measure of good health. Our eating decisions during pregnancy (and after) always have repercussions, some of which don't manifest immediately.

In summation, the importance of eating healthy before pregnancy was to me, more important than how I ate the first few months of actually being pregnant. Sure organic tots and toast don't provide the vast array of health benefits fruits and veggies do, but I did my best and avoided the foods that do negatively impact a developing fetus. In addition, the moment I COULD eat fruits and vegetables again (about the 5-6 month range), I got full force back on to my eating routine.

If you are planning on getting pregnant for the first time, getting pregnant again, or are currently pregnant, you should pay close attention to what foods enter your body. I have a new found compassion for those with morning sickness (who have tried everything to no avail and attempt to eat healthy) and I'm not even sure if there is anyone out there who was eating similarly to me who developed this extreme aversion to everything healthy in their diet, but knowing I ate good before, and knowing I eat good now, allows me to sleep at night knowing I did the best I could.

By the way, I will never look at a tater tot the same way again...

Do You Have Misconceptions About Your Health?

2010-12-30T16:44:00.007-05:00

I was doing some reading and research and ran across these "wellness principles" by Dr. M. Ted Morter, Jr. After reading over them, I experienced an overwhelming need to share - as these are principles I personally live by and know to be true. Thus, I would encourage everyone to evaluate their view of health against this list. What misconceptions do you currently live by?

Not everyone who is sick feels bad.
Living shouldn't be an exercise in progressive deterioration.
You don't have to be sick.
Age is no excuse for disease or aches and pains.
How well your body functions depends on what you give it to work with.
Medicines may save your life, but they can't heal.
Only your body can heal itself.
You can evaluate your health before symptoms and disease appear.
If you have to increase the potency or dosage of your medicine to get the same effect you used to, you're treating the symptoms, not the cause.
Healing is automatic if you give your body a chance.
The food you ate in the past determine how healthy you will be in the future.
Too much protein is hazardous to your health.
You have the ability to improve your health. If you eat more protein daily than the equivalent of one hamburger and two eggs, you're headed for chronic disease.
Our country's health care system is programmed to treat disease, not to promote health.
Urine with an ammonia odor is a warning sign that you are sick.

Vitamins 101: What Can Vitamin C Do For You & Your Health?

2010-12-28T21:00:00.009-05:00

I am often surprised when I see people who are in desperate search of a diagnosis to their symptoms, miracle pill, or even a magic natural remedy. Many times, these feelings stem from not knowing where to start...which remedies or medications to take, or what's really at the root of the problem. In my opinion, all health issues have a vitamin deficiency component and it seems logical that one should seriously consider how their diet plays a role in their health before giving in to feelings of despair or a medication. It only seems logical to start with the natural building blocks of the body - the natural substances that the body depends on for true prevention and healing; which brings me to today's post on the simple concept of vitamin C.

Did you know that Vitamin C is required for at least 300 metabolic functions in the body?

Vitamin C encourages tissue growth and repair, white blood cell formation, helps the adrenal glands function properly, clears the circulatory system of fat deposits, maintains healthy gums, helps produce anti-stress hormones and immune system proteins, and metabolizes folic acid and amino acids.
Vitamin C helps lower blood pressure, helps prevent atherosclerosis, collagen formation, prevents brusing, heals wounds, and can even add a boost to your sex life by releasing the oxytocin hormone (responsible for the orgasm).
In my opinion, this is one of the most important vitamins to maintaining and obtaining good health - regardless of the health issue.

What do the studies show?

Studies show that diets with high amounts of natural Vitamin C (from food sources) are associated with lower risks of various cancers including oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, and lung cancers. (In fact, part of my natural health protocol for my cancer clients includes taking very high doses of vitamin C to counteract the effects of chemotherapy and radiation, or if going completely natural, to speed healing and balance the immune system.)
In addition, other studies have shown that one can lower their total cholesterol by 40, 66, or 77% by eating foods rich in vitamin C for one month! (Take that Cheerios!)
Finally, studies have been conducted that show that vitamin C can reduce asthma symptoms, effects of pollution, enhances immunity, prevent colds and flu, helps protect the body from heavy metals, carcinogens, vaccinations, medications, and other toxic substances (carrying them out of the body).

Are You Deficient in Vitamin C?

Did you know that vitamin C must be obtained in the diet as the body does not produce it on its own? Dr. Abram Hoffer M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Pauling, Ph.D., and Doctor Morton Walker D.P.M. believe that all of us are deficient in vitamin C and that by incorporating more vitamin C rich foods or supplements, we can improve practically any health issue in the human body!
Note those who live on meat and potatoes or processed foods show even greater signs of deficiencies and are more prone to colds, flu, and illnesses.
Deficiency symptoms include: bleeding gums upon brushing, infections, colds, bronchitis, joint pains, lack of energy, poor digestion, prolonged wound healing, bruising easily, stress, losing teeth;
There are several things that can inhibit the absorption of vitamin C including: alcohol consumption, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, steroids, and smoking (the #1 inhibitor).

Food Sources:

It is best to get your daily dose of Vitamin C from the foods you eat as it is much more effective than the supplement form (isolated ascorbic acid - which studies show does not have the same health benefits as vitamin C found in foods). This requires consuming 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to meet the body's minimum daily requirement of about 210mg. (The RDA recommends 60-200mg a day. In naturopathy we advocate much higher amount which differs for each person.)

Good sources of vitamin C include: berries, citrus fruits, green veggies, watermelon, onions, papayas, radishes, broccoli, avocados, and pretty much any other fruit or vegetable.
Many people think they can get vitamin C through orange juice - which is an excellent source ONLY if it is freshly squeezed and not pasteurized.

In summation, vitamin C is an extremely important vitamin that we must obtain from the pure foods in our diet! If you are sick, stressed, or prone to colds, it is clear that vitamin C is probably needed by your body. If you are experiencing any type of health problem and aren't sure where to turn, why not start with some of the fundamental building blocks of our health...vitamins!

Simple: Organic, Gluten-free, "Marshmellow Free," Rice Crispy Treats!

2010-12-15T20:47:00.003-05:00

I love rice crispy treats...and lets face it, who doesn't? What I don't like, are the ingredients of marshmellows - loaded with sugar, or the enriched, unhealthy, rice crispy cereals used to make these delicious treats. My solution: organic, gluten-free, simple sugar free, "marshmellow free," rice crispy treats!

Total Cooking/Prep. Time: 10 minutes or less

Ingredients:

Gluten-free crispy brown rice cereal (by Erewhon); I found this at Meijer which is our standard chain grocery store!
One container of Suzanne's Ricemellow Creme (made with brown rice syrup - which is a complex carbohydrate); You can find this online at suzannes-specialties.com or a health food store;
One tablespoon of organic butter or Earthbound (if you are dairy free)
Optional: 2-3 tablespoons of organic creamy peanut butter and/or vegan chocolate chips

Directions:

Scoop out ricemellow (which will already be pretty creamy) into a medium-sized pot and heat over low on the stove. I find that if the ricemellow is slightly heated, it helps "set" the rice crispy bars.
If you want peanut butter rice crispy treats - add the peanut butter at this time as well.
Otherwise, add the rice crispy cereal to the texture you like. If you like your rice crispies more gooey, add less (maybe only half a box) and if you like them more crispy, add closer to a box.
Once mixture is stirred (and if using peanut butter, it is melted), pour into a pan (I use a 13x9 or a 9x9).
Add a few vegan chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs
Let mixture set until cool, cut into bars, and enjoy!

Yum! Healthy rice crispy treats! Who knew?

Vaccine Resources - A Place to Start

2010-12-08T20:09:00.012-05:00

Surprisingly, there is a vast amount of information out there about vaccines and the controversy is only growing as more and more people are joining the anti-vaccination movement. This issue doesn't just affect new moms, but all parents, the elderly, pregnant women, college students, and anyone else who receives (or has ever had) a flu shot or vaccine!

Sifting through the government's CDC studies and documents can be quite time consuming, overwhelming, and quite frankly, are written in a language most people can't understand. Thus, I have provided a brief list below of great resources to start out with when making the "to vaccinate...or not to vaccinate" decision. These resources are derived from CDC government studies (which is where pediatricians, pro-vaccine advocates, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, the government, and media get their research) except these resources are authored by a doctor who actually read the studies...all of them...word for word, and is a very educated leader and advocate on vaccine information! I found this information eye opening to say the least.

1. "Saying No to Vaccines" A Resource Guide for All Ages by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny; This is a book regarding the history of vaccines, vaccine exemptions in school, healthcare, and the military, special circumstances, vaccine ingredients, the vaccination schedule, and 350+ medical references regarding vaccine problems.

2. "Saying No to Vaccines" - A DVD about Gardasil and the History of Mandatory Vaccination by Dr. Tenpenny;

3. "Vaccines" - A DVD on What the CDC Documents and Science Reveal by Dr. Tenpenny;

4. "Vaccines" - The Risks, Benefits, and Choices 2nd edition by Dr. Tenpenny.

5. If you're not a book or DVD person, you can join Dr. Tenpenny's Facebook fan page (where there are almost 21,000 members) for up-to-date information and studies! *For those interested in the flu vaccine information, she also came out with a great new flu vaccine DVD.

6. For other scholarly articles written by Dr. Tenpenny and recommended resources you can find a comprehensive list on her website. *Dr. Tenpenny's resources can be purchased on Amazon.com or drtenpenny.com (and I think you can even rent them on either Netflix or Blockbuster).

7. "Vaccines & Informed Choice: A Guide for Concerned Parents" by Patty Brennan (out of Ann Arbor Michigan). This book talks about the controversies, adverse reaction prevention, natural immunity, homeopathic alternatives, parental rights, and resources. This is a very popular resource for many traditional naturopathy schools. www.center4cby.com

8. International Medical Council on Vaccinations
*A resource for physicians and laypersons with scholarly articles and current research;

9. International Medical Council on Vaccinations Facebook Page

From the above list, you'll be directed to hundreds of other scholarly resources, many of which I have read. But for now, I think starting with this short list will give you a great place to start.

Pregnancy: "Natural Remedies for Preventing Stretch Marks & Round Ligament Pain"

2010-11-13T22:57:00.012-05:00

One thing I have always loved about myself, is my literally flawless skin. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am very picky when it comes to the skin products I use and my skin care regimen in general. At the same time, I am on a budget. So, after hearing the pregnancy horror stories about inevitable stretch marks, itchiness, painful, red, saggy, and stretched out skin, I decided to do my research before getting pregnant so I could have a skin care protocol in place. I wanted something to prevent stretch marks, painful pregnancy symptoms that accompany a growing belly, and something I could also use post-pregnancy to help my skin "bounce back." And I must say, I think I've found it - so I decided to share it with all of you. (As I'm sure the pregnant women who currently read my blog would not be very happy if I with-held this information from them:)

For most women, stretch marks may start appearing somewhere around the fourth month of pregnancy and round ligament pain usually occurs somewhere around the low 20's (in weeks) as the uterus rapidly expands. These pains are extremely uncomfortable and very painful for most. What most women don't know, is that both of these issues can be prevented and avoided all together with the right nutrition and skin nourishing natural supplements.

Below are my natural remedies for preventing stretch marks and maintaining skin buoyancy and elasticity - remedies that many women in the natural health field have used before me with complete success. Little did I know, these same remedies can also stop growing (round ligament) pains dead in their tracks!

So here's the list:

Gentle Baby Essential Oil - This can be purchased at www.youngliving.com and should be diluted with olive oil for topical use. I apply several drops to my abdomen each night after applying my Belly Balm (see below). It is a blend of several essential oils that are just amazing for pregnant women! I have been using it for six months for everything pregnancy related you can possibly think of! Women in the natural medicine field swear by it...and I must say, I can see why they do! In fact, it is the #1 essential oil for pregnancy. It is well worth the price as it will last throughout your entire pregnancy and beyond.
Mama Bee Belly Balm by Burt's Bees - I apply this every night before applying Gentle Baby. I only used it every few nights until the fourth month, but once I really started growing, it became a daily ritual. (You can purchase this and the skin products below at the cheapest prices on vitacost.com)
After my shower, I either apply Organic Aloe Vera Gel by Jason or Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil with Vitamin E by Burt's Bees. The Aloe Vera Gel goes on smooth and soothes my tight sometimes itchy belly and is great for when I'm in a rush. As my belly gets bigger, I think the Nourishing Belly Oil (with its many skin nourishing properties) may be easier to apply then the Belly Balm, so I invested in both.

*However, if you could only choose one product to add to your pregnancy protocol, I would choose the thoroughly researched Gentle Baby Essential Oil hands down!

A few nights ago I woke up with a very uncomfortable pain. It was the first "pain" I had felt during my entire pregnancy. The only thing I could think to grab at 2 a.m was the Gentle Baby on my night stand. I applied the essential oil to the area and it disappeared within three seconds! This also happened on one other occasion. Needless to say, I never forget to apply this oil. I guess they call it "Gentle Baby" for a reason!

So there you have it, my pregnancy remedies for stretch marks and round ligament pain!

Happy Growing! :)

Vitamins 101: What Can B Vitamins Do For You and Your Health - Part 2

2010-11-03T21:12:00.005-04:00

Below is the second half of the information on the health benefits of B Vitamins.
Vitamin B5, B6, B9, and B12:

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate or Pantothenic Acid)

This vitamin is known as the anti-stress vitamin! It helps the adrenal hormones, helps form antibodies, helps absorb other vitamins, is essential for the production of neurotransmitters, can prevent anemia, helps battle depression and anxiety, and converts the food you eat into energy.
The synthetic version of this vitamin is not found in food and is processed with formaldehyde (yummy!).
Deficiencies in B5 may manifest as headaches, nausea, exhausted adrenal glands, lack of energy, fatigue, and tingling in the hands.
The best way to maximize your B5 is to eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables as cooking decreases the B5 in meat by up to 50% and up to 78% in vegetables.
Food Sources: Organ meats, yeast, egg yolks, broccoli, legumes, mushrooms, nuts, and fresh veggies.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

This vitamin involved in an large amount of bodily functions. It effects physical and mental health, is required by the nervous system, helps with water retention, helps absorb fats and protein, helps synthesize RNA and DNA, helps with cellular growth, helps maintain mineral levels like sodium and potassium, activates enzymes, helps absorb vitamin B12, required to produce hydrochloric acid, and blood cells etc.
It is also known to build the immune system, prevent cancer, arteriosclerosis, and cholesterol, breaks down and prevents kidney stones, helps with PMS, arthritis, and asthma!

Synthetic Vitamin B6 is not found in food and actually inhibits the body's natural B6 (can you imagine not being able to properly perform all of the functions above!?) It also uses formaldehyde in its production.
Natural B6 absorption can be blocked by antidepressants, estrogen hormonal therapy, birth control pills, and diuretics.
Signs of B6 deficiencies: flaky skin, headaches, anemia, acne, arthritis, depression, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, hair loss, hearing problems, stunted growth, carpal tunnel, inflammation, memory loss, (and all of the things it is designed to prevent).
Note: Many pregnant women experience morning sickness because they are deficient in vitamin B6.
Food sources: Nutritional and brewer's yeast and rice bran contain more B6 than any other food. Other great sources include potatoes, eggs, peas, spinach, cabbage, chicken, molasses, beans, and bananas.

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

This vitamin was first known as "Vitamin M" and was given to pregnant women to prevent anemia (which can be caused by a deficiency in this vitamin). B9 is food for the brain and helps produce energy, builds immunity, form red blood cell, the function of white blood cells, DNA and RNA synthesis, helps metabolize protein, supports the female reproductive system, amino acid levels, and is absolutely necessary for proper fetal development.
The synthetic version of B9 is known as folic acid. Folic acid is not found in foods but folate is. According to a study reported by Dr. Victor Herbert, consuming more than 266mg of folic acid may inhibit the body's ability to absorb natural folate for a period of years! Synthetic B9 can also cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. Do you realize that per the FDA, ALL grain products (the ones that say "enriched") must be fortified with folic acid? Yikes!
To maximize your B9 absorption, consume more fruits and veggies (like asparagus, dates, oranges, green leafy veggies, mushrooms, and peas), avoid over-cooking, the microwave, refined foods, limit alcohol consumption, and consume B12 and vitamin C (which help absorb B9). Birth control pills will also inhibit B9.
Deficiencies signs: sore red tongue, birth defects like spina bifida, gray hair, digestive issues, difficulty breathing, and insomnia.

Vitamin B12:

And last but not least, we have Vitamin B12! This vitamin was first used to prevent anemia caused by a B12 deficiency.
Synthetic (USP) vitamin B12 inhibits the body's ability to absorb and metabolize natural B12 and makes one even more deficient (leading to B12 injections to bring up the levels). The synthetic version is also produced using cyanide; hence the synthetic B12 is known as "Cyanocobalamine."
Vitamin B12 is needed for the digestive system, fertility, cell growth, nervous system, and neurological functions. It may help those with Bell's Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and nerve regeneration.
Deficiencies in this vitamin may manifest as: Chronic fatigue Syndrome, enlarged liver, bone loss, constipation, depression, eye problems, inflammation, moodiness, memory loss, neurological damage, and anemia.
There is a huge list of things that can inhibit the body's metabolism and absorption of B12....most of which are medications: anti gout medications, antibiotics, cholesterol medications, birth control pills, SYNTHETIC potassium supplements, and anti-depression medications.
Food Sources: Beef, eggs, brewer's yeast, fish, raw or organic butter, dulse, kelp, and beans.

We have only been through the A and B vitamins! Can you see how something as simple as how you cook your food or how a "simple" medication or prescription/generic vitamin can effect your natural vitamin levels which in turn, can lead to all sorts of health issues?

Vitamins 101: What Can B Vitamins Do For YOU and Your Health - Part 1

2010-10-29T11:30:00.020-04:00

Do you know what B vitamins do to keep you healthy? They help maintain the health of the nerves, skin, hair, eyes, liver, mouth, muscle tone, intestine, and brain. Most people don't realize that there are several types of B vitamins - each playing a different role in the body!

Here's a brief run down of the first three:

Vitamin B1 - Thiamine

Vitamin B1 is freely found in nature. When synthesized it is known as thiamin hydrochloride or thiamin mononitrate. The synthetic version is made from a coal tar derivative, processed with ammonia, and combined with other chemicals. The synthetic versions of B1 is NOT found naturally in food.
Vitamin B1 enhances circulation, activates enzymes, assists in blood formation, helps produce hydrochloric acid to break down food, essential for the breakdown of glucose for energy, and helps metabolize carbohydrates. Vitamin B1 enhances brain function, learning capacity, energy, and muscle tone of the stomach, heart, and intestines. It also acts as an antioxidant that protects the body from alcohol, smoking, and aging.
Signs you may have a B1 deficiency: Beriberi, constipation, edema, liver problems, enlarged spleen, heart changes, numbness in the limbs, poor coordination, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, severe weight loss.
If you eat processed or non-organic fruits and vegetables, you may not be getting your natural B1. This is because the preservatives, additives, and fortification processes companies use (for example, to help green beans and peas stay green, and beans to remain soft) inactivates B1. Irradiation and microwaving also destroy vitamin B1.
Antibiotics, dilantin or phenytoin (a seizure medication), sulfa drugs, oral contraceptives, and heavy alcohol and CAFFEINE consumption depletes the body's thiamine (B1) levels and inhibits its storage.
Food sources of B1: brown rice, egg yolks, crushed garlic, onions, leeks, oatmeal, legumes, liver, peanuts, poultry, asparagus, kelp, nuts, plums, spirulina, raisins, Brussels sprouts, brewers yeast.

Vitamin B2 - (Riboflavin)

Unlike vitamin B1, riboflavin better withstands food processing, however the synthesized version is an orange solid - one that the body cannot utilize effectively. The following things destroy or inhibit riboflavin: the pasteurization of milk, oral contraceptives, alcohol consumption, and antibiotics. As you'll see below, this vitamin is needed in order to absorb many other nutrients.

Riboflavin (B2) is a requirement for red blood cell formation, cell respiration, antibody production, and the conversion if the amino acid - tryptophan (which is low in those who suffer from depression). It helps to prevent and treat eye problems including cataracts and helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also effective at eliminating dandruff and helps absorb other nutrients like iron and B6.

This vitamin is very important for pregnant women because it can harm the growth and development of the fetus - even if there are no signs of a B2 deficiency!
Deficiencies include: dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, sensitivity to light, poor digestion, mental retardation or stunted growth, eye and skin disorders, cracked skin and sores of the mouth, and carpal tunnel.
Food sources: egg yolks, fish, legumes, brussel sprouts, currants, spinach, poultry, kelp, leafy greens, nuts, molasses, mushrooms, and whole grains.

Vitamin B3 - (Niacin or Niacinamide)

Vitamin B3 is important for circulation, health skin, nervous system, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, digestion, and hormones. Niacin has also been associated with lowering cholesterol and aiding in mental illness, memory loss, and schizophrenia.
Synthetic Vitamin B3 is usually made from a process involving formaldehyde and ammonia (yikes!) and there are several different forms - one causes a flush and is associated with lowering cholesterol and the other isn't.
Signs of a B3 deficiency: pellagra, canker sores, dementia, diarrhea, depression, fatigue, bad breath, indigestion, pains in the arms or legs, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, inflammation, and insomnia.
Food sources: legumes, beef, cereal grains, fish, nuts, potatoes, rabbit, tomatoes, and broccoli.

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate - Making an Informed Decision

2010-10-28T20:23:00.007-04:00

I have avoided posting about this topic simply because it is so controversial, but now that I am entering a time in my life where I and my husband have had to make the decision of whether or not to vaccinate our baby (starting with the vaccines given while pregnant and at birth), it seemed like a more pressing topic.

Even though my husband and I have made an educated, informed, decision not to vaccinate ourselves or our children - I am not here to tell you that you should do the same, as I think its a decision that each parent and person needs to make for themselves; but I AM here to encourage you to make an INFORMED decision on each and every thing YOU allow into your and your child's body.

Being informed about vaccinations means doing your research on BOTH sides of the issue. We are constantly bombarded each and every day by the media, doctors, pediatricians, family, and friends to get these shots - and if you don't get them, you are often ridiculed, lectured, or given one of the many scare tactics those of us who choose not to vaccinate are presented with. Even though it is extremely hard to be in this situation whether it is vaccines or simply refusing a medication, this should not stop you from educating yourself on this issue and finding out for yourself if you are comfortable with whats in each vaccine, what it does, and how it may effect your child's body and development - initially and YEARS down the road.

There is a lot of pro-vaccine information out there including many studies done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and various pharmaceutical companies (the very companies that create vaccines) on this subject - but there is also a vast and growing amount of information out there that should make you at the very least, question the safety and efficacy of getting the vaccine AND should make you question the accuracy of the CDC studies themselves.

I can't make this decision for you, but what I can do, is give you the information you need to help you make an INFORMED decision - and that includes giving you studies (including the CDC's own findings), research, and resources that shed light on the "other side" of the issue. You always test drive a car before buying it, you always do research on purchasing the best phone, lap top, t.v., or even toaster; so doesn't it make sense to do the same for something as serious as a vaccine?

I'll try to break up some of the issues in the posts to come, including the different vaccines, their side effects, ingredients, natural alternatives, how it effects the body, vaccine exemptions, and how YOU may be effected by a vaccine you received years ago and didn't even know it!

It's not about the decision you make, its about whether you took the initiative to inform yourself before making it.

To be continued...:)

Vitamins 101: What Can Vitamin A do for YOU and Your Health?

2010-10-22T15:45:00.001-04:00

When I was growing up, my mom always insisted I finish the carrots piled in the lonely corner of my plate. She told me I'd go blind without them, so I reluctantly ate every last one. Little did I know, carrots actually do help develop and prevent damage to one's eyesight! Maybe that's because carrots are full of good healthy nutrients like beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A in the liver!

If you think eyesight is the only thing Vitamin A is known for, think again. Take a look at this quick list of Vitamin A benefits:

1. Prevents acne and skin disorders;

2. Prevents night blindness and eye problems;

3. Helps heal gastrointestinal ulcers;

4. Enhances the immune system;

5. Helps form bones and teeth;

6. Protects against the cold and flu;

7. Prevents bladder, kidney, and lung infections;

8. Acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in protecting against and preventing cancer;

9. Necessary for cell growth;

10. Protects against strokes, high cholesterol, and heart disease;

11. Is a natural, well-known, wrinkle eliminator;

12. Anti-aging;

13. Beneficial for anyone receiving radiation treatments for cancer;

14. A necessary nutrient for protein absorption;

15. Beta-catotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Studies show that beta-carotene has the ability to prevent cancer by scavenging or neutralizing free radicals!

How do you know if you have a vitamin A deficiency?

Some signs include: Dry hair, dry skin, poor growth, night blindness, insomnia, abscesses, frequent colds or respiratory infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, eye sight problems, reproductive problems, and weight loss issues. Note, if you eat a lot of processed foods, use a microwave, or avoid fruits and vegetables - especially the organic variety, chances are you are deficient in vitamin A.

Why should you avoid a synthetic vitamin A?

Synethic Vitamin A is not naturally found in foods.
Too much synthetic vitamin A has the potential for causing liver cirrhosis!
Consuming more than 10,000 I.U of synthetic vitamin A per day is associated with an increased rate of birth defections, while consumption of natural vitamin A from foods is not.
Over-consumption of synthetic vitamin A can result in abdominal pain, enlarged liver or spleen, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, itching, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, water in the brain, elevated liver enzymes, and cracked lips.
Retinyl acetate is the major synthetic form of vitamin A. Did you know it is actually a type of vinyl and coal tar at one or more stages of its processing?!!
Synthetic vitamin A decreases the absorption of vitamin E.

Foods high in vitamin A include:
Liver, apricots, broccoli, asparagus, fish oil, garlic, kale, mustard greens, papayas, peaches, sweet potatoes, red peppers, spirulina, spinach, yellow squash, and swiss chard;

Other important notes:
Some health issues like diabetes and hypothyroidism can interfere with the body's ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. Caution should also be taken if you have liver disease.

I bet you didn't know that vitamin A was this important!!! Next time you are at the grocery store, don't bypass those outer aisles filled with fruits and vegetables and pick something high in this vitamin A to incorporate into your diet! You never know what health issue you might be preventing :)

Vitamins 101 - All Vitamins are NOT the Same...

2010-10-17T13:24:00.001-04:00

When searching for a good vitamin, many people make the mistaken assumption that all vitamins are the same - that a good vitamin can be found in one of the many "pharmaceutical" aisles of Wal-Mart, Meijer, GMC, or any other major chain, or that a prescription vitamin is somehow superior to others. Unfortunately, this is not the case. On the other hand, some people who are very interested in natural health, assume that if a the vitamin supplement is at a health food store, it must be good! This too is incorrect.

So how do you know if you're picking the right type of vitamins? So as not to overwhelm, let's just focus on the topic of distinguishing natural vitamins from synthetic vitamins (in other words, vitamins from natural sources versus ones you would get at a chain store or through a prescription).

Natural Vitamins versus Synthetic Vitamins:

[Natural] vitamins are organic substances that are essential for health, growth, reproduction, and maintenance of the body. Vitamins must be included in your diet since they cannot be synthesized at all or in sufficient quantities in the body. Each of the different vitamins performs its own function, thus one cannot replace the other.The best way to get these vitamins is through the foods you eat (fresh, organic, raw or slightly cooked, fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein); however, with the modern American diet, taking a vitamin supplement is a must.

[Synthetic] vitamins are defined by the United States pharmacopoeia (USP). Synthetic vitamins are isolates that do not occur naturally in our diet. They don't necessarily come from plants, nor have all of them been proven to safely and fully replace all natural vitamin activities. USP vitamins are synthesized, standardized chemical isolates, whereas natural vitamins are never isolated and are always present in food.

Natural health professionals believe (and studies show) that the body can tell the difference between a synthetic and natural vitamins (in other words: a vitamin you would pick up at Wal-Mart versus a high quality health food store brand/or ones naturally occurring in foods). Synthetic vitamins are not easily absorbed by the body because the actual structure of the vitamin particle is too large and in the wrong shape. In fact, you are lucky if you absorb even 18% of a pharmaceutical synthetic vitamin! In addition, scientists have yet to understand the intricate relationship between certain vitamins and minerals and how these effect our health (a perfect example is the belief that osteoporosis is caused by a calcium deficiency or the lack of knowledge that high folic acid (a B vitamin) can mask an iron deficiency).

For hundreds of years humans have survived on natural vitamins from the foods we eat, in forms are body can recognize and absorb. So what is the need for synthetic vitamins? I have yet to figure out.

So the next time you are deficient in a particular vitamin - forgo the prescription and commercial store brands and check out the organic produce section of your grocery store or purchase a natural vitamin supplement. In posts to come I will help narrow down the good health food store brands from the bad, where you can find high-quality, affordable vitamins online, and will help you get the most out of your vitamins at every meal.

All vitamins are definitely NOT the same, so make sure you are choosing the right type of vitamin!

'Natural Remedies for Common Pregnancy Problems'

2010-10-06T14:37:00.012-04:00

Pregnancy not only brings a lot of happiness, joy, and excitement, but also a vast array of unwanted symptoms like morning sickness, nausea, anemia, backaches, and constipation etc. (need I go on?). Unfortunately, we live in a society where most people and medical professionals tout this list as "the normal" and we are told that we will have to expect and endure some, if not all, of these pregnancy problems.

I couldn't help but laugh when I got a list from my O.B regarding medications I could take during my pregnancy for the vast array of ailments I was sure to experience. I saw ant-acids (like prevacid and zantac) for heartburn and laxatives for constipation, and over the counter pain relievers for back ache. Not once did I run across a natural remedy, a diet change, or a lifestyle alteration. At the least, I thought that "go see a chiropractor or D.O" would have been under the aches and pains category.

So...I made my own list taken from classes, research, experiences, and the vast array of textbooks on my book shelf. Thinking back, I am so glad I took "Conception, Childbirth, and Childhood" as a naturopathic student! Needless to say, I tossed the list from the O.B. I hope you are able to do the same. At the very least, you will now have safe, alternative options, to combating your pregnancy problems. Just scroll down the list until you find your ailment and refer to the list throughout your entire pregnancy! This is not an exhaustive list and does not cover all of the remedies or ailments, but it should give you a place to start.

*Note: Most (but not all) of these supplements, can be found at naturessunshine.com; Otherwise, you can check your local health food store for a high quality version.

Anemia - Pregnant women need an additional 1000 mg of iron a day. This is because the baby requires 300-500mg and the mother requires at least 500 mg due to increased blood volume. The following are some great waqys to boost your iron level (while remaining regular).

Yellow Dock root capsules
or
Dandelion root
or

Liquid Cholorophyll - My favorite! This supplement stimulates hemoglobin production in the bone marrow!
or
I-X by Nature's Sunshine (a combination of roots and herbs high in iron, highly absorbable, and does not cause constipation;)
or
Incorporate lots of organic red beets! Beet juice is my favorite (see my post "Cherie's Cleansing Cocktail.")

Just because you are taking iron doesn't mean it will be absorbed (see prior post), so using plants and herbs rich in iron is the way to go (versus an over the counter prenatel). To double your absorption, take 500 mg of Vitamin C with the iron. And make sure you are taking vitamin E, which helps extend the life of red blood cells (thus preventing anemia). If your iron levels do not go up even though you are supplementing with iron, vitamin C, and E, increase your B12!

Backache - This is sometimes linked to constipation. If you are not constipated try taking some extra magnesium which will relax the muscles and increase your absorption of calcium. You can also try pelvic rocking, yoga, and my favorite...a chiropractor or osteopathic doctor who specializes in manipulations!

Constipation - "An apple a day keeps constipation at bay." Some people feel that constipation during the first half of pregnancy is normal - as pregnancy hormones relax the intestinal lining. To prevent, eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, celery, and an apple every day. Make sure you are getting enough B vitamins at least 500-1000 grams of magnesium a day to draw moisture into the colon. Slippery elm and psyllium powder are also great options. Exercising also helps! [I personally went the enema route with a few of the above.]

Cravings - Check out my post on cravings to see what nutrient deficiencies your funky pregnancy cravings correspond to! http://megansmind-holisticwellness.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-do-your-food-cravings-mean.html

Heartburn/acid reflux - Do not drink water with meals (it dilutes stomach acid). Increase your intake of B vitamins and eat small meals throughout the day. Do not eat a large meal right before you go to bed or your stomach valve will have trouble closing (that's why heartburn often occurs at night). Unfortunately, laying on the left side (which health professionals recommend) also makes this problem worse. Papaya tablets with meals may also help. I took "papayazyme" and powdered slippery elm by Nature's Sunshine, didn't eat right before going to bed, and rubbed my esophagus and valve closed. Avoiding acidic fried foods and taking a powdered calcium supplement may also help.

False Labor - Drink Catnip Tea or small amounts of Blue Cohosh (1 to 2 capsules only) to relax the uterus. Make sure you are in fact experiencing false labor.

Gas - Try papaya tablets with meals, activated charcoal, or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water after meals.

Gestational Diabetes - Watch your intake of sugar (from non-complex carb sources). Gestational diabetes is most often associated with a chromium deficiency.

Hair Loss/Dull/Brittle Hair - This is usually a fatty acid deficiency. Go for the flax seed oil (Barlean's is my favorite)!

Headaches - this is often due to toxemia, high blood pressure, or normal swelling of the pituitary gland. I personally used "aroma siez" essential oil by Young Living and it cleared up within 3 minutes. (Dilute and rub on your neck, brain stem, temples, forehead, etc.)

High Blood Pressure - Eliminate all sugar, junk foods, and meat! Drink green drinks and take garlic capsules. Potassium may also help. Research from Sweden shows that a few tablespoons of liquid chlorophyll has the ability to reduce abnormally high blood pressure levels.

Hemorrhoids - Avoid constipation. Try psyllium, white oak bark, or lemon juice to clean the system. Take 25mg of B6 with each meal. If its really bad you can make a suppository with raw potato or garlic. Aloe vera gel and gentle baby or lavender essential oils applied to the area also work well.

First Trimester Miscarriages - Wild Yam, homeopathic progesterone, or homeopathic Sabina

Insomnia - This is often a lack of calcium. Increase calcium (which means you'll have to increase magnesium also) or try catnip tea or a catnip tea bath. Have your partner put pressure on the back of the sacrum with the heal of his hand for 2-3 minutes.(Calcium is not synonymous with "milk" - Milk is high in calcium, but humans are able to absorb very little of it.)

Leaking Amniotic Fluid - Increase vitamin C to 5000mg or more each day to heal tears and prevent infections.

Leg Cramps - Increase magnesium or take Mag Phos and Calc Phos cell salts;

Low Blood Pressure - Make sure you are getting enough protein (this is not synonymous with meat). Take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1-2 teaspoons of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne in a glass of water each day. Bringham tea may help and make sure you are getting plenty of "good" sodium from natural sources.

Low Pelvic Pain (when you laugh or sneeze) - usually a vitamin C deficiency.

Morning Sickness - This is often a B6 deficiency. Try B-complex with 200mg of B6 and 2 hydrocholoric acid tablets with a meal for 7 days, then reduce B6 to 5 mg until nausea is over, or substitute Apple Cider Vinegar for the HCL. Zinc may also be needed (to help B6 work).

Other options: Wild Yam, ginger, raspberry lead tea, digestive enzymes, peppermint, spearmint, or sqaw vine tea, Apple Cider Vinegar with honey, homeopathic sepia, and acupressure bands!

And avoid the foods that make you sick! Morning sickness is often a last ditch effort to rid toxins from the body to protect he fetus (it is also due to hormone levels in many cases - which is why it seems to improve after the 1st trimester) so make sure you are getting fresh, organic, foods! If the McDonalds cheese burger makes you sick, it might be best to avoid the entire fast food category!

Stretch marks - Grapefruit essential oil, adequate intake of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc. Try applying mullein oil or vitamin E to the area. I personally like "Burt's Baby Bees Belly Balm" + Gentle baby essential oil + 1-2 gota kola tablets (for this mysteriously cellulite that popped up one morning) daily. When I don't have access to those I use aloe vera gel!

Urinary Tract Infections - Take plenty of fluids and vitamin C daily! Make sure you are getting enough A, B, and E vitamins. Try Marshmellow or Juniper Berry Tea (small amounts) or Kidney Bean Powder. My favorite remedy is concentrated cranberry juice! Probiotics may also be useful.If it is really really bad, uva ursi may be an option.

Tiredness - Check iron levels and increase B vitamins and leafy greens.

If your pregnancy problem wasn't on the list! Comment below and it will be added or check back for future postings :)
Happy Pregnancy!!

I do not intend this list to diagnose or cure any disease- this is merely a list to inform you of common deficiencies associated with pregnancy problems and natural options you can choose to look into.

A Natural Skin Treatment for Dry Skin - "The Avocado Mask"

2010-10-04T10:59:00.006-04:00

Now that we are entering the fall season and temperatures are dropping, dry skin is once again making its presence known - and it will only get worse.

Instead of purchasing a harsh skin exfoliater or chemical cream, try this natural skin treatment for dry skin adapted from David Wolfe. He is one of my favorite raw food experts on beauty.

Instructions:

Puree one avocado with 6-7 drops of a freshly squeezed, ripe orange (or 4-6 drops of orange essential oil).
Add one tablespoon of hemp oil.
Massage this mixture into the face and neck.

After application, lie down and relax for 20-30 minutes.
Gently rinse off with lukewarm water.

Say goodbye to your dry skin!

Prenatel Vitamins 101 - Is Your Prenatel Vitamin Enough?

2010-09-20T10:12:00.008-04:00

I hate to break this to all the pregnant women out there, but in today's society, an over-the-counter or pharmaceutical grade prenatal vitamin is just not enough for you and your baby. For instance, did you know that you will only absorb at most...30% of that prenatal? Let me explain...

Just because a substance (like a vitamin) contains a certain amount of iron, calcium, or vitamin B, doesn't mean it is in a form your body can use. So even though the label says its the daily amount you need, your body is only going to be able to use a very small fraction of it. Secondly, if your pre-natel vitamin has both iron AND calcium in it, your body will not get either one of those nutrients - as calcium and iron inhibit each others absorption! Third, if your prenatal does not have iron, but has calcium, your body cannot use the calcium unless it has TWICE as much magnesium...as magnesium is essential to the absorption of calcium. Yet another example, is the "form" of iron in those types of prenatals. Iron is essential to a developing fetus, but the iron you would get from a typical prenatal is not in a form the body can absorb AND makes you constipated! In fact, it's the number one reason pregnancy is associated with constipation. Need I go on?

On the other hand, a natural or herbal prenatal vitamin from a reputable company will yield an absorption rate of about 70%, contains a chelated form of iron which means its already in a form the body can use, doesn't make you constipated, and has the right ratio of nutrients you need - and if a nutrient is left out of the prenatal, its only because someone did their research and knows that some vitamins inhibit the absorption of others. That's pretty good!

In addition to the problems with "prenatals" themselves, most Americans eat very poorly. Pregnancy is the one time you CANNOT eat what you want and get away with it! This means you should limit non-organic, processed foods, sugar, white breads, dairy (minus butter), soda, coffee, candies, fast food, and pork. Instead, replace these foods with good nutritive foods like brown rice pasta, complex carbohydrates, organic fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, smoothies, and foods that are going to keep your blood sugar at a stable level and give the baby nutrients necessary for development. And if you weren't eating healthy at least six months before getting pregnant or you have morning sickness which limits the types of foods you can eat, then a proper pre-natel vitamin is even more important!

So how do you know what you need, what to take, what's "enough?" Well the truth is, you don't...because everyone is different and in need of different nutrients. But, you can make things easier for your body by giving it proper vitamins and minerals it can recognize and easily use.

Below is my pre-natel regimen which is a typical regimen you might see a follower of natural medicine on. This does not include foods or additional "super food supplements" that most of us take. [I will post a copy of a naturopathic prenatal plan that hasn't been tailored to me in a separate post.]

I also have a "bare-minimum" regimen, which is the bare minimum I take if I am in a hurry. I get most, if not all of my supplements from naturessunshine.com as they are top of the line in natural medicine and have done a vast amount of research into the relationship of vitamins and minerals.Their products are already chelated - which means they are ready to be used by the body!

My Pre-Natel Regimen:

1. Vitamin E with Selenium ( 1 a day)

2. Vitamin A with D (1 a day)

3. Calcium with Vitamin D (2-3 a day)

4. Gotu Kola (1 mid-morning and 1 in the evening for baby's brain development. It also decreases cellulite that mysteriously pops-up during pregnancy.)

5. Hawthorne (2-3 a day for baby's heart development)

6. Herbal Calcium (2 a day)

7. Herbal Trace Minerals (2-3 a day)

8. B-vitamin (1 pill morning and 1 pill before 2:00pm)

9. WILD YAM - (Taken during the first 3 months to prevent miscarriages.)

10. Zinc (1 a day)

11. Folic Acid (1 a day)

12. Red Rasperry (2 a day - To tone the uterus and makes for an easier/healthier pregnancy and delivery)

13. Cell Salts (All 12 of them - which are extremely important for baby's development. You can find these at vitacost.com).

14. Vitamin C Chewables (2-4 a day) OR Rosehips (Very rich in vitamin C - 2 a day).

15. Optional things I take: Solstic (a powdered vitamin that goes in your water), protein shakes (since I don't eat meat), food enzymes (when I remember), green drinks, probiotics, and specific remedies for my individual health issues.

*A good fat is also recommended such as Cod Liver Oil. Make sure it is from a good company and also contains butter oil. I really like Green Pasture's Brand which you can purchase online.

The Bare-minimum Regimen that covers all the basics:

1. Nature's Prenatal from Nature's Sunshine

2. Calcium with Vitamin D (2 a day taken at a different time than the prenatal)
3. Magnesium Complex (2 a day)

4. Bioplasma Cell Salt (A mixture of all 12;)

5. 1 each of Gotu Kola, Hawthorne, and Red Raspberry.

In the posts to come, I will lay out more specifics on natural remedies for all types of pregnancy ailments, super foods you might want to consider, and foods you should be getting in your daily diet.

These regimens may seem like a lot of work...but in today's toxic society (that's the nicest way to describe it), it is totally worth it and makes me feel a little better (and a little less guilty) when I am not able to eat the way I should. And I never have to wonder if my baby is getting all of the nutrients it needs for development.

Pregnancy & Crohn's Disease

2010-09-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

When my husband and I decided to start a family, one of our biggest concerns was my crohn's disease. We had heard all sorts of things like:

You'll never be able to have children.
Many men and and women with crohn's disease suffer from infertility.
Make sure you don't get pregnant while on this medication.
There is a chance your baby could be born with birth defects from being on X, Y, or Z.
If you're not in remission you have a high chance of miscarriage even if you do get pregnant. And even if you are in remission, you could still go into pre-term labor or your baby could suffer from low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms from any drugs you took while pregnant - some of which interfere with fetal development.
Since crohn's disease runs in my husband's family AND I have the disease, we also heard that each of our children has a 37% chance of having this disease also.
Need I go on?

And of course, there is the seemingly endless run-down of medications and protocols a pregnant woman with crohn's disease is slave too. For example, you may have never been off your medications since your diagnosis, and all of a sudden for at least the first trimester, you are told that you will be experiencing a trial run without the medications (to lessen any effects on the fetus). To those who have no idea how to manage their crohn's disease in any other way, I can only imagine how much fear this might cause a soon to be mom!

And let me tell you, there is NOT a lot of information out there about crohn's disease and pregnancy! In fact, every scholarly article, blog, journal, or document I found had either the same information or contradicted each other. It was more discouraging than anything. So what's REALLY true and is there any hope of having a 9 month pregnancy without the doom and gloom and constant reminders of this disease?

My main reason for managing my crohn's naturally, was so that I could get pregnant, have a healthy baby, and have a healthy body throughout the process. At the very least, I hoped to eliminate a few things on the list above. My husband and I did wait until I was in remission before starting our family. I had been off medications for at least a year and half and felt like I had a good handle on things and had reversed a lot of the damage my disease caused. Unfortunately, it still took us a few tries to get things right. We had three miscarriages before I finally figured out how to balance out my body so we could even sustain a pregnancy. And once again, natural medicine saved the day! Why didn't I think of it sooner?

So here we are, in the second trimester and finally I feel like I'm getting a handle on being pregnant AND having crohn's disease! I've had to adjust my supplements, foods I eat, health routine, bathroom regimen, and everything I originally planned on doing literally got thrown out the window. I've had to learn extreme patience and grace with my body, how to let go of fear (because like those that are thrown into the big "P" without their medications, I was thrown into the same without my natural supplements), and how to read the "new" signs my body was sharing.

Many of the posts over the next few weeks and months will hopefully provide information that every other source out there has not addressed. Consider this your "natural" guide to pregnancy as most of us with crohn's disease are in the same boat, regardless of whether we went the natural route or not. Even those who have no choice but to take medications, might find something to make their lives a little bit easier, their bodies a little bit healthier, and their baby a little bit happier.....

"A Wake-Up Story"

2010-09-13T09:49:00.006-04:00

Have you ever stopped to think about how many chemicals you or your children come into contact with on a daily basis? Have you ever wondered what products are safe to use and whether our lifestyles today are leading to the increasing number of health issues we experience?

I ran across this short little video and must agree, the "green movement" is far too important to ignore. It's not just about a green environment, but a green home, green body, and green family. This video lays it out plain and simple: our food, beds, yards, and home environments, are becoming increasingly overwhelmed by chemicals...chemicals that are not safe for our bodies or our children.

What this video says is true, change starts at home:)

Megan Heimer - Emergency Medicine Extraordinaire & The Sprained Ankle

2010-09-10T13:06:00.021-04:00

I just had to post about this situation that happened in our home last night because it is a rare occasion when I get the chance to practice "emergency naturopathic medicine" or should I say..."practice on the fly."

Last night my husband (Seth) spent a few hours helping some family members move. I didn't think much of this until Seth called me at about 9:00 p.m. and told me he was coming home, he had accidentally stepped off a ledge and rolled his ankle, and that he thought it might be a pretty bad sprain (and possibly a slight fracture).

Now to get the full picture here, you must know that merely two weeks ago, we temporarily canceled my husband's health insurance because the rates were sky rocketing and he hasn't had so much as a cold or seen a doctor in the 3.5 years we have been together. In addition, we handle all of our health issues that do arise naturally. Of course...this event ironically happens after we cancel his insurance!

You must also know, that my husband is a 3rd year medical student who is now in his clinical rotations at the hospital; thus he is surrounded by modern medical, anti-anything- natural views on a regular basis. With that being said, you'd think he would rush off to the E.R to get an x-ray and pop a couple of pain-relievers along the way. You might also think that we have a medicine cabinet full of medications from Alieve to Tylenol like every other American, but...that is not the case. Our home is COMPLETELY 100% medication free. In fact, neither of us have taken any type of medication, over the counter or otherwise, in at least two years!

So you would imagine my surprise, when my husband got home, hobbled through the kitchen, sat down at the table, and propped his leg on a chair and said "Okay, fix me up! I know you've got something in your bag of tricks for this!" I was sad that my husband was hurting, but was so delighted that he (the future doctor) gave ME the opportunity to fix him up...with no hesitation!

I'm not going to lie, I had no idea what I was doing at first. I scrambled around the house. I grabbed every essential oil I had for inflammation and looked into my normal remedy stash to see what I could find for pain, inflammation, circulation, scar tissue, joints, or muscles. I happened to find two herbs, some honey, cheese cloth, and capsicum (i.e. cayenne pepper, that I ironically had ordered two weeks ago).

Then I got to work! My goal was to reduce all symptoms by 40% with the first application and to facilitate quick healing.

First, I made a poultice. I cut the cheesecloth and doubled it. Next, I spooned honey over the cloth and spread it evenly throughout. I added powdered capsicum and opened a capsule of each herb onto the cheese cloth. Capsicum increases circulation and carries the herbs into the body and the honey makes the plaster sticky. Since capsicum is a very "hot" herb and inflammation is a heat condition, the other herbs I used were "cooling" herbs. I used licorice root, which is for inflammation and helps the body produce natural pain-relieving steroids. I also used IF-C, a heat clearing formula to reduce inflammation and facilitate healing of joints and tissues. [There are endless combinations of herbs you could use, but I only had these on hand.]

Next, I applied the poultice to his ankle for 15 minutes until he could feel a good "burn."

After removing the poultice, I cleaned the area and applied 4 drops of helichrysum essential oil (for the ankle joint and tissues) and 4 drops of pan-away essential oil (for pain) to the ankle. Then I applied 4 drops of each to the brain stem (i.e. where the head and neck meet). These oils get into the blood stream and nervous system within 3 seconds!

Seth and I always keep a pair of crutches in our storage room for occasions such as these and since walking was not an option for him, I gave him a crutch so it would be easier for him to stay off his foot.

Healing time: 40% decrease in all symptoms after first application, off crutch in two days, and full healing within 4 days!

Cost: Emergency room with x-rays, medications, and tests = $4,000+ regardless of whether it was broke, sprained, or not (and additional money if you count the "clean-up" I would have to do with scar tissue and medication side effects.) Naturally = Free as all of the things I used were already in our home!

What I learned, was that my medicine cabinet should be filled with herbs, homeopathics, and oils, for situations such as these! Who says you can't you be your own doctor? Even though one may have no clue how to handle an emergency situation naturally, sitting back and thinking clearly about the situation will surely lead you to a remedy you may not have thought of - whether it is an herb or a food you have on hand in the fridge!

Thank you Seth for letting me fix you! As you can tell, after the treatment Seth was no longer focused on his ankle, but the big bowl of organic, gluten-free, dairy free, turkey meatball spaghetti! (as was our dog:)

"Sweet Vegetable Tea" - A Macrobiotic Healing Remedy for Crohn's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Weight Loss, Hypoglycemia, and More!

2010-08-28T10:10:00.003-04:00

One of the things I like most about the macrobiotic lifestyle, is their wide array of home healing remedies! Sweet vegetable tea is one of my favorite remedies that I stumbled upon when I was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease.

This tea is packed full of vitamins and minerals which are easily absorbed by the body. It is beneficial for all sorts of ailments including: Crohn's disease, Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammation, Constipation, Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Sugar Cravings, Metabolism Disorders, Cleansing, and Weight Loss.

Directions:
Makes 2 quarts;

1. To make, chop (into small pieces) two cups each of green cabbage, onions, carrots, and butternut squash.

2. Next, add 4 times as much water to the pot (8 cups).

3. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Then remove from heat and strain the tea through a strainer into jars or a pitcher.

*Note: In macrobiotics, NOTHING goes to waste so do not disgard the vegetables. They taste great combined with fried rice.

This drink will last several days in the fridge. Drink 2-3 times a day for severe conditions and taper off to once a day or a few times a week as the condition improves.

Enjoy!

How Closely Should You Follow the USDA Food Guide Pyramid?

2010-08-24T20:07:00.012-04:00

Warning: This post might make you think twice about following the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.

I wasn't planning on posting today, but I'm currently reading a very interesting book by Marion Nestle entitled "Food Politics," and I must say I am only on page 41 but I've already come across some information that really boggled my mind.

In the natural world, we advocate food guidelines that are very different those advocated by the USDA food guide pyramid. The food guide pyramid recommends:

6-11 servings of bread, cereal rice, and pasta
2-4 servings of fruit
3-5 servings of vegetables
2-3 servings of dairy products
2-3 servings of "meat, chicken, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts"
Sparingly use of Fats and Sweets

What's interesting, is that the Food Guide Pyramid comprises its "servings" from the individual components of mixed foods. For example, french fries are a vegetable, the apples in an apple pie make up a fruit serving, and the flour in cookies is a grain serving. In fact, the USDA did an infamous campaign during the Reagan administration to classify ketchup as a vegetable in the federal school lunch program!

When you think about what most people REALLY eat, their food choices fall far from the recommended servings of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains! Government studies showed that most of the vegetables people do eat consist of iceberg lettuce, potatoes (from fries and chips), and canned tomatoes. Studies also showed that people eat less than ONE grain a day (a processed carb is not count grain).

In natural health, we have no agendas, no big industries pulling the strings, and no hidden interests. We believe the proper ratio of the general diet should be 60% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 10% protein. I've also seen another ratio that is 33% chlorophyll (from greens), 33% sugars (from fruits and complex carbs), and 33% fat. Would you believe, that if there were no industries pulling the strings in Congress, that we would have a food guide pyramid closer to these ratios?

Believe it or not, the food guide pyramid we have today is a step up from some of the ones we have had in the past, but I won't go into that history. What I really wanted to tell you about, was this seemingly crazy research I came across!

Studies by the government show that malnutrition has two faces - under consumption, and OVER consumption. Yet, we live in a society where its all about eating more...of the WRONG foods.
Studies by the government after World War II showed that societies that ate a plant-based diet had little to no disease, lived longer, and were healthier.
The Government acknowledged that diet does play a role in health and disease, which is why they came up with the food guide pyramid int he first place!

In 1968, Senator McGovern was approached to lead a committee to deal with several food related issues. McGovern and his committee staff wrote the infamous report entitled "Dietary goals for the United States." Based on their research they advocated that Americans should increase their consumption of carbohydrates to 60% of the daily intake. They also suggested reducing fat intake to 30%, and advocated that Americans eat more fruits and veggies, and limit salt to 3 grams per day. Here's the kicker: the committee urged Americans to reduce their consumption of meat, eggs, and foods high in fat, butterfat, sugar, salt, and to substitute low fat milk for whole milk.

Needless to say, I was SHOCKED that their recommendations mirrored those we advocate in the natural health community today, so what happened!?

The reason these recommendations didn't pass was due to the uproar from the same food producers who opposed all of the recommendations from previous years. Cattle ranchers, egg producers, sugar producers, and the dairy industry strongly protested the "very idea that Congress might be telling the public that their products were bad for their health." The cattle industry demanded the report's immediate withdrawal. Meat and egg producers called for additional hearings to express their views. "Members of the committee who represented state with large meat producer constituents insisted that the report be revised immediately."

McGovern was recorded as saying "he did not want to disrupt the economic situation of the meat industry and engage in a battle with their industry that we could not win."

The American Medical Association argued that treating individual patients (by its physicians of course) was preferable to the government giving dietary advice that applied to everyone. [Translation: We are going to lose money if people start making better food choices.]

Beef producers in particular made strong attempts to weaken, discredit, and eliminate dietary advice to eat less of their products.

The research and committees ultimately lost to these industries and the recommendations were changed to:

Salt was increased from 3 to 5 grams.
A statement was added that said "some consideration should be given to easing the cholesterol goal for pre-menopausal women, young children, and the elderly in order to obtain the nutritional benefits of eggs in the diet.
The statement "reduce the consumption of meat" was replaced with "choose meats, poultry, and fish, which will reduce saturated fat intake."
Also, no differentiation was made between "good fats" which are essential to the body, and "bad fats" which are detrimental.

The bottom line, is that the big commercial food industries that make the big money and profit the most off of sick people, didn't like the recommendations, which is why we don't have healthier plans, policies, regulations and a health conscious pyramid in place! Now this was in 1977. Can you even IMAGINE the hold these industries have on us today? This is why our schools do not have adequate lunch programs, why obesity is on the rise, why most of the advertisements on t.v. consist of unhealthy food commercials, why misleading/unhealthy "got milk" adds plague the pages of every magazine, and why every other commercial on t.v. is a drug commercial for medications you'll need because of your poor food choices.

One other interesting fact I came across was the construction of the food guide pyramid itself. In earlier years, there was no "pyramid" structure but a simple list of published guidelines or recommendations. When the pyramid was originally constructed, grains, fruits, and vegetables were located in the top rows of the pyramid - signifying the most important groups that should make up the daily diet; while dairy, meat, sugars, and fats were in the bottom rows. The beef, egg, dairy, and sugar industries once again complained because if their foods were in the bottom rows people would think they were less healthy, wouldn't eat them, and their industry would lose money...so once again the healthy foods took a hit and were moved to the bottom so the "deceptively healthy" foods associated with most if not all diseases in this country, were moved to the top, emphasizing their importance.

So the next time you look to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid OR the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) to determine whether you, or your children are eating the proper food groups in the proper ratio, think about who really profits from those recommendations, and take a second look at what the body REALLY needs to maintain good health! And if confusion still gets the best of you, remember that the most important food groups currently comprise the "bottom" of the food guide pyramid...

Lentil Burgers (or Lentil Beans and Rice)

2010-08-19T10:25:00.006-04:00

Lentil beans and rice (or lentil burgers) is by far my husband's favorite dish. I was turned on to this recipe two years ago when I dove head first into macrobiotics and was enticing my husband to make the switch. This recipe is and will always be a staple in our house!

There are two variations to this recipe: Lentil Burgers or Lentil Beans and Rice. You can pick which one to try based on your family's preferences.

Ingredients:
Shoyu (You'll usually find this in the oriental section of the store. It is like soy sauce, only better, and healthy.)

Basil

2 bay leaves

Sesame Oil

1 cup of brown rice (soaked for a few hours)

1/2 cup of lentils (soaked for a few hours) if making burgers and 1 cup of lentils (soaked) if making beans and rice;

Water

Directions:

1. Drain rice. Add 1 and 1/2 - 2 cups of filtered water to a pot, add rice, a punch of sea salt, and bring to a boil. Once it starts to boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer. It should take 30-45 minutes for the rice to absorb all of the water. You want the rice to be moist and a bit sticky, not stiff or dry. (You can always look at the package directions for cooking rice as well and you can use a rice cooker if you have one).

2. Drain lentils. Add 2 parts water to 1 part lentil. So if you are cooking the burgers, you would add 1 cup of water to the half cup of lentils. Add the bay leaves, bring to a boil, then cover, and reduce to simmer. These will cook about 30 minutes and will be moist.

3. After cooking, if there is a little excess water, simply drain it and discard bay leaves.

4. If making burgers, combine the beans and rice in one pot or a large bowl, sprinkle in lots of basil (1-2 tablespoons), add 2 tablespoons of shoyu, stir, and let cool so you can form them into patties.You form them into patties just like you would with a hamburger. The rice will be moist and sticky and will hold the burger together.

If you are making the beans and rice, it really doesn't matter if it is cool so you can combine the beans and rice right away, add the basil, shoyu, and mix.

5. Regardless of whether you are making burgers, or beans and rice, put a tablespoon or two of sesame oil in a saute pan on medium heat - no higher. (That's about a 4 setting on my gas stove.) As you cook the rice, you will have to add more sesame oil (as needed) - especially if you want crunchies.

6. When oil is warm, add half of the beans and rice mixture, or enough patties to fit comfortably in the pan. I find that adding only half the beans and rice makes the final dish crunchier!

7. Add more shoyu to taste while cooking. (Seth LOVES shoyu so we add a generous amount overall.) Be sure to add small amounts at a time if you are new to cooking with shoyu (i.e. lightly drizzle over the dish) because shoyu's flavor will enhance throughout the cooking time. So each time you eat the dish and the longer it sets, the stronger the flavor.

8. Stir rice and beans or flip burgers for even crunchiness. Add more oil if needed. (Remember, this is a GOOD fat.)

9. Once the dish reaches your desired crunchi-ness, remove the burgers (or lentils and rice).

10. Add another tablespoon of oil, the other half of the dish, or the rest of the burgers.

And that's it! Serve with steamed kale, squirted with lemon, and a pinch of salt, steamed broccoli, or simply eat on its own! Once you master the recipe, you can play around with different types of rice and beans for new tastes and textures.This is one meal, full of complex carbohydrates, that you don't have to feel guilty about!

Enjoy!

A Must-Read Article on Female Infants, Breast Cancer, Hormones, & Milk Production

2010-08-16T10:43:00.013-04:00

Last week CBS News did a story on young females entering puberty at the ripe old age of SEVEN (or sooner)! Thus, I couldn't possibly overlook the truth and validity of this article and thought it was worth re-posting! China and the United States are the biggest users of the bovine growth hormone. In fact, most countries have banned hormones in milk altogether.We however, as an American Society have not stepped up and demanded more for ourselves, in part because big companies pay to keep us uninformed. It is time to start asking questions and demanding answers.

Whatever is given to the cow, is in the cows milk, and whatever is in the milk gets put into our bodies. It makes perfect sense that hormones given to cows would have this effect on our health. It is not healthy, safe, nor right, and I'm glad people are finally getting informed facts!

Got MILK? I hope not!

See the article here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-robbins/female-infants-growing-br_b_676402.html?ref=fb&src=sp

Drugging Our Children: Side Effects

2010-08-12T11:19:00.002-04:00

Balancing Your PH, Poor Bone Health, Acid Reflux, and How Diet Soda Causes Weight Gain...

2010-08-09T21:50:00.009-04:00

This is a neat 9 minute wellness video that answers some tough questions in a simple way. Ever wonder why your PH is so important? Why diet soda causes weight gain? Why people take antacids? And why America has the highest osteoporosis rate of any other country, even though we consume the most calcium? Without going into to much detail, this is a nice introduction.

Thanks to my sister Rachel for finding this! You can check out her blog below.

http://rachelslife-insighttorealhealth.blogspot.com/

Cleansing Your Way to a Better Liver & Gallbladder (Preventing Gallstones, Surgery, and Gallbladder Attacks...Naturally!)

2010-08-02T20:58:00.081-04:00

~The Liver/Gall Bladder Cleanse~

It seems as though everyone I know is experiencing some sort of problem with their gall bladder! So it seemed like the most opportune time to post one of the easiest remedies for cleansing the liver and gall bladder.

Believe it or not, the gall bladder is an extremely important organ that has been taken for granted and cast aside because we can "live without it." The gall bladder is located under the upper right rib cage and is this little storage container between the liver and duodenum - or first part of the small intestine. The gall bladder is in charge of storing the bile the liver makes and releasing it at the most opportune time during digestion. Bile is released when fats are eaten, is what gives your stool its brown color, and keeps them soft and regular. It also controls the acid/alkalinity of the intestine and helps break down food for optimal absorption. Without bile, constipation is inevitable.

When people try to lose weight or do not eat GOOD fats (like avocados, coconut, flax, olive oil, real butter, etc.), the bile salts sit in the gall bladder and bind to cholesterol made in the liver, and eventually, without good fats, the bile salts run out but the cholesterol keeps coming in. It takes eating good fats to renew the bile salts and flush bile through the gall bladder. Without this flush, the cholesterol calcifies and before you know it, you have gall stones - little whitish, greenish, or brownish jagged balls of hardened cholesterol and bile. Then the next time you decide to eat something fatty, your gall bladder gets flushed with fresh bile and the stone tries to make its way through the duct into the intestine.

Unfortunately, this is the feeling of a gall bladder attack! It is extremely painful and this pain is caused by a stone that is calcified and too large attempting to pass through the tiny duct. A gall bladder attack - something I have experienced several times - is one of the most painful experiences! It feels like a sharp pain that takes your breath away. It starts on the right up under the rib cage - below the lung, and as the stone passes through, the pain can radiate through the chest which is why many people mistake it for heart pain. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few days!!!

So if you go to the emergency room or your physician, they will suggest you get your gall bladder taken out - which is what was recommended for me as well. Just because an organ is expendable does NOT mean you should take it out! Just like the tonsils, the appendix, thyroid, and intestine, the gall bladder is EXTREMELY important! Without this organ, one will experience an intolerance for eating fats in proper amounts (and we all know about the importance of good fats - which should make up at least 20% of one's daily diet). And the liver, that no longer has it's storage container, will release a constant stream of bile that will interfere with all sorts of bodily processes, and do I even need to mention the horrible bouts of gas?

Unfortunately, the medical profession has not caught on that gall stones will NOT go away if you take the gall bladder out. Gallstones can just as easily be made and most often times start in the liver. In addition, most doctors today have little to no nutrition training and do not understand how important this organ is and the role good fats play in the body. Anyone who has to restrict their "good fat" intake will be at risk for all sorts of health issues - mental or otherwise. I could go on for quite some time, but I think you get the point.

So what if I told you, that there was a natural way to "clean house" and get rid of even the biggest gallstones?

There are many cleanses out there that claim to get rid of gallstones, but most of them are highly inadequate and require you to buy all sorts of funky products with little end result. One key thing to look for, is that if a cleanse for the gallbladder does NOT contain a flush of good fats, then it will not be effective.There are about four liver/gall bladder cleanses that I can personally vouch for, but I will post the most simplest, popular, effective, and widely-used one below. I've even seen people do this simple cleanse a few days before they were scheduled to have their gall bladder removed and they avoided the surgery as a result!

One quick note: To avoid getting gallstones, incorporate good fats into your diet regularly. No more "crash or low-fat/no-fat" dieting! You should also do a cleanse like this once a year in the Spring or Fall. Oh, and you will see these stones come out...so beware.

THE GALLBLADDER/LIVER CLEANSE
Gallstones are found in the gallbladder and the liver. Surprisingly, gallstones form in the liver more so than your gallbladder so if you have a few in your gallbladder – chances are you have a even more in your liver! People that get their gallbladder removed thinking this will take care of the problem are not informed that their liver is congested or may actually be the problem (for example, high cholesterol). Sometimes the problems a person has will continue even after surgery, but maybe not right away.

Gallstones contribute to the occurrence or deterioration of nearly every illness. The gallstones get stuck in the bile ducts and this is when you may start to notice your body is becoming congested or ill. By removing them it will put you in charge of your health. It will restore your health and vitality.

Facts – Gallstones disrupt the biological clock, and your sleep/wake cycles. Many stones grow for up to 8 years before being detected in tests doctors run. They can also grow up to 3 inches in diameter. In 1996 alone 770,000 Americans had their gallbladder surgically removed (that # is much higher today). This costs insurance companies or the individual $8,000-$10,000 each surgery. The surgery takes 30-40 minutes. But, this does not address the cause of the disease and it further disrupts the person’s digestion and elimination processes. This leads to further health problems. Overweight people are at a greater risk for developing gallstones. If you have had your gallbladder removed you should be on a bile supplement (since the gallbladder is not there to process it). If your stool is any of these colors you are not producing enough bile. Tan, Orange-Yellow, or Pale Clay Stools.

The following disorders can happen if your liver or gall bladder is not working properly:
Digestive Disorders, Mouth Disorders, Stomach Disorders, Pancreas Disorders,
Liver Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, Intestinal Disorders, Respiratory Problems,
Urinary Disorders, Nervous System Disorders, Bone Disorders, Joint Disorders,
Reproductive System, Skin Disorders,
Circulatory Disorders – Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Enlarged Organs, Varicose Veins, Lymph Congestion, Hormone Imbalance
****When you remove these gallstones disorders improve or go away - that is not the case if you remove the organ itself.

Causes of gallstones
Diet – overeating, eating too much protein, not eating enough calories, low fat/no fat dieting, and the standard American Diet.

Rapid Weight Loss
Salt – TABLE salt has only 2 elements the body can use, sea salt has 92 elements the body can use
Dehydration
Drugs
Stress

Emotions such as resentment, anger, holding grudges, etc.

Instructions for the Simple Gallbladder/Liver Cleanse
This cleanse works great for stones as the hydrangea and malic acid from the apple juice will soften them so your body can pass them with ease!

What you will need:
Hydrangea (naturessunshine.com or health food store(?)
Gallbladder Cleanse (This is a formula from naturessunshine.com)
1/2 cup Olive Oil (extra virgin organic is the best)
1/2 cup of lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
Lots of organic Apple Juice

What you will do:
1. A two day apple juice fast. No food, just apple juice and lots of water.
2. Take 14 hydrangea through the day, both days.
3. Take 6 Gall Bladder Cleanse pills through the day, both days.
4. At the end of the second day, just before you go to bed, BLEND together the lemon juice and olive oil - drink it down!!!

5. Go to bed and lay on your right side with your knees to your chest (this will make the lemon and oil go into the liver and gall bladder).

6. Go to sleep!

(I personally like to make this into a 3 day apple juice fast.)

Note: It is important that your bowels are moving when doing this (or any other fast); thus, supplement to help them move may be added to this program.

Note: Adding lemon to your water will help to purify it, as well as aid in cleaning your liver.

Note: If you are diabetic, add real honey, or real syrup to water-it balances the sugar and if you must eat something, eat only raw/organic fruits and vegetables.

If you'd like access to the other cleanses, make a request and I'll post them too. Happy Cleansing! And remember...the body ALWAYS knows best :)

"Puppy Love" - The Benefits of a Good Dog...

2010-07-08T16:17:00.016-04:00

I've never been a "dog person." Anyone who knows me could tell you about my great dislike for dogs: they smell, have bad breath, jump all over you, are dirty, shed, lick you, are dumb, inferior to cats, have accidents, and run around in crazed circles for hours on end. Did I mention that dogs smell really bad?

I had to laugh when I volunteered at the American Cancer Society and all of the ladies were talking about their dogs, buying clothes for their precious pooch, and the adoption process of adopting a dog. To think that one has to go through a "process" of meeting the dog on several visitation occasions before they can adopt just boggles my mind...its a DOG!!! Don't dogs like everyone!? What blew my mind even more, was that these ladies seriously talked about their dogs like they were their children. "I got the cutest outfit for FEE FEE! My son (the dog) did this or that and my little sweet precious poopsie cup needs to get her hair done!" I vowed that day in the silence of my cubicle that I would NEVER get a dog!

So, you would understand my amazement and shock when a year later, I started contemplating the idea of getting one of these crazed animals.

I remember watching "The Proposal" and seeing the cutest little white doggy. I'm not a lap-dog type of girl, so I was glad to know that the dog in the movie was a puppy! I began doing some research on different dog breeds, where to get a dog, and how to take care of a dog. I was hoping that during the search process, my wave of insanity would pass...unfortunately...it didn't.

On May 23rd (2010) Nanuk Big Paws Cotton Ball Pumpkin Cookie Heimer ("Nanuk") was added to our family.

So let me tell you what I've learned throughout my process of trading in my cat (a prissy, don't touch me, talk to me, or pet me, just feed me, and let me sit on your lap for hours, kind-a-girl)...to my Dad (a dog person) and getting my first dog.

1. Have you ever noticed that dogs look a lot like their owners and even have the same personality characteristics? O yeah...you know what I mean! I never understood why until I went through this process. When I was researching into whether I wanted this breed, I looked at his temperament, personality, looks, whether he liked hot or cold weather, how big he would get, whether he would be a companion, a boss, a snippy or yappy dog, dumb, smart, etc. Did I want a boy or a girl? A puppy or an adult? The questions went on and on. Ultimately, I wanted a dog that fit my personality.

Here's what I wanted in a dog: male, medium build, protective, no barking, no smell, not hyper, cuddly, a people dog, loyal, smart, good with kids, likes to be around me, likes cold weather, active but not hyper, and of course the most important...cute!

Ultimately, it just so happens that the dog in the movie I saw, that sparked my interest in this breed, that led to my research, fit ME to a T!.

Nanuk is a boy and definitely prefers my company to my husband's. He's a companion and is extremely protective. He is not hyper, does not bark, has hypoallergenic fur, loves to be close to me, loves kids, loves to have his late evening run, and LOVES the cold weather! In fact, both him and his owner (that'd be me) will lose their lunch if they go outdoors on a hot day! In addition, he's extremely smart, likes to bend the rules, and has a fireball of a personality. And he's not a handsome dog...he's "cute" just like his owner. ;)

2. Why do some people feel the need to have a pet and others don't?

I think most of you would be surprised to know the answer to this question. The #1 reason people get pets is because they have communication issues! No one listens to them, they can't get their point across, they don't fit in, have anyone to talk to, no one understands them, etc.

The second most common reason "women" get pets, is because they experience miscarriages or cannot have more children.

3. What are the medicinal/therapeutic benefits of a dog?

Well think of all the organs and health problems effected by communication issues. Dogs can help one avoid and heal from: thyroid problems, tonsillitis, any respiratory illness, bronchitis, laryngitis, esophageal and thyroid cancers, and anything else that has to do with the throat and lungs.

Owning a dog may boost the immune system, lower blood pressure (better than drugs studies show), lower allergies, reduces stress, asthma, depression, anxiety, loneliness, obesity and children who have a hard time fitting in with other children.

Dogs are wonderful for people who have had or are currently battling chronic illnesses.

All thyroid types (see posts on glandular types) could benefit from owning a good dog!

4. Conclusion
Dogs, although simple, can be a source of great love and understanding. They teach you patience and understanding. They are there for you on your worst day, run to you when you get hurt or cry, and are always ready to go play or just lay around with you while you read a good book (or study). They help the hours pass when your spouse is a way, and are always waiting for you at the end of your long day.

I will never be a crazy over-the-top dog lover. In fact, I don't even like other dogs! But I can appreciate the therapeutic benefits of them, and I can understand why some people are dog people and others aren't.

Nanuk is strengthening my communication skills every day...and keeping me in remission...and he doesn't even know it :)

"The Thymus Type"

2010-06-26T13:39:00.002-04:00

The last and final type is the Thymus Type.

· The thymus controls the immune system function – even in adults. It’s associated with self-esteem and self respect. Center of ego, love, effective, and self-protection; the soloist;

· Physical Features

o Combination of thyroid and adrenal type

o Very well-balanced physical build

o Men: tall (5`8 and up) with large chest

o Women: very shapely and well proportioned, stands out, dresses up

o Thymus types stand out in a crowd and attract positive attention wherever they go as if people are drawn to them.

· Personality Tendencies

o Sentimental and sensitive

o Excessive concern with love and other matters of the heart

· Common Health Problems

o Allergies

o Lymphatic problems

o Overactive immune system

o Weak liver and pancreas

Note, if your dominant gland is underactive, you will not have all of the Thymus characteristics, this means you are out of balance.

· To Balance:

o Strengthen the pancreas gland

o Channel feelings into constructive action

o Take herbs to build the immune system

o Wear green clothes and eat red foods.

Note, if you are confused as to the physical difference between an adrenal and thymus type, look back at some of my pictures. My husband is a perfect example of the thymus type. :)

"The Pineal Type"

2010-06-26T13:14:00.006-04:00

The Pineal Type

· Characteristics of Pineal Glands

o Thought to be responsible for altered states of consciousness, inspiration and spiritual experiences

o Affected by exposure to full spectrum sunlight can alter mood, growth, and development

o Influences the reproductive and other cycles of the body

o Affected by exposure to light, which causes “winter blues” or depression.

· Physical Features

o Larger head in proportion to body

o Small in stature like pituitary type

o Usually blood type A

o More common type for men

· Personality Tendencies

o Mystical and spiritual

o Creative

o Highly aware

o Very idealistic

o Always has his/her head in a “school” book

o Often become professors

· Common Health Problems

o General physical weakness

o Too much mental activity

o Vivid dreams

o Low blood pressure, high pulse rate

o Weak pituitary, adrenals, and reproductive glands

Note, if your dominant gland is underactive, you will not have all of the pineal characteristics, this means you are out of balance.

· To Balance:

o Strengthen the reproductive glands

o Become involved in more physical activities – walk and exercise

o Take mucilant/sweet herbs and tonic astringent herbs

o Eat concentrated foods (proteins and fats) if digestion is good

o Channel dreams into constructive action

o Wear violet clothes and eat yellow and orange foods