My books

I have written two books.  One is only available from me personally (for now) and the other is available for sale at this website.  This is not my website but belongs to a friend of mine and really contains some good information.  Please check it out and if you would like, you can purchase my book online.  It is all about how to live healthy. 

http://www.choosing-natural-health.com/

Enzymes

Did you ever think about enzymes?  You know after you exercise and you have all that muscle soreness - enzymes to the rescue.  They can be highly effective for inflammation.  They also work with digestion.  A banana has all the digestive enzymes necessary for your food digestion, but I don't think you want to eat a banana at every meal. Once again - enzymes to the rescue. 

Enzymes work in so many areas of the body, they help you metabolize protein, help you to produce hormones, support your immune system and also help us to have a healthy circulatory system.  They also have the ability to break down mucous secretions, so you should definitely take them whenever you are having sinus problems or have a cold.  Much, much healthier than "drugs."  See me this week for a special on "Intenzyme Forte" by Biotics.  It is a very effective source of both plant and animal based enzymes.   

The Most Dangerous Substance on Earth - Bet you just had some!!!

Did you just finish that Diet Coke? Guess what you just consumed - one of the most dangerous substances on Earth - aspartame. Better known as NutraSweet or Equal.  This toxic substance was discovered by accident in 1965.  It was approved for dry goods in 1981 and for carbonated drinks in 1983. 

Over 75 percent of adverse reactions to food additives are attributed to aspartame. Many of which are very serious including death.  Some documented symptoms include:  headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, slurred speech, joint pain, weight gain, depression, numbness, nausea, vision problems, tachycardia, insomnia, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, memory loss, tinnitus, and fatigue (by blocking sufficient glucose entry into the brain).  

Aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol  (10%), are three chemicals which make up aspartame.  

 The aspartic acid is an amino acid but will raise blood levels of aspartate and glutamate (the ingredient in MSG)  the aspartate acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.  Too much of this will kill certain neurons and trigger an excessive amount of free radicals which will kill the cells.   Normally the blood brain barrier protects the brain from excess asparate, glutamate and other toxins, but during childhood it is not fully developed, it may be damaged by other medical conditions and may even allow seepage of the excess aspartate anyway, and it may not protect all ares of the brain.   When these neurons are destroyed, chronic illnesses such as MS, hormonal problems, hypoglycemia, dementia, AIDS and Parkinson's disease may develop.  

Phenylalanine is also an amino acid.  If you have a genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) you cannot metabolize phenylalanine and it can reach dangerously high levels in the brain and may even cause death. Even in persons without this condition  levels can still be raised beyond normal in the brain and blood.  These can cause emotional disorders - anxiety attacks, depression, mood swings etc.

 

Methanol or wood alcohol is a poison.  Whenever methanol is heated it becomes free methanol and the absorption rate is raised considerably.  This will occur whenever a product containing aspartame is improperly stored or heated in a food such as Jello.  It only has to be heated to 86 degrees.  The methanol breaks down into formaldehyde and formic acid in the body.  I don't have to tell you what a poison formaldehyde is!  Its effects are cumulative in the body.  The EPA recommend a limit of 7.8 mg/day.  A one liter soda contains approximately 56 mg.  Methanol poisoning will produce headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, weakness, dizziness, chills, memory lapses and a lot of other symptoms.

I could go on and on with the dangers of aspartame, just "google" a search and you will find more information than you will want to read. Please stay away from the chemical poisons!!! Splenda is no better and maybe even more dangerous.   Your best bet is plain old   sugar  - it is by no means as dangerous as this stuff.  Try the  herb Stevia. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and you use a lot less. Much, much healthier for you.    The jury is still out on Truvia.  

Stay Strong!!

Lavender lemonade

Want something different?  Try Lavender Lemonade. 
Just add  lavender  to your pitcher of lemonade.  For the most flavor dissolve your sugar (about 1 ¾ cups)  in heated water (about 6 cups) , then add the lavender blossoms (3 tablespoons)  and let steep for ½ to 1 hour.  Strain and add your lemon juice (2 ½ cups).  Cool, serve and garnish with lavender sprigs.
Now wasn't that simple and refreshing!!!!!
Stay Strong! 

Amino Acids

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein and they are essential for every chemical reaction and process that occurs in the body.  Their main purpose it to build and repair muscle.  10 of the amino acids are essential and must be acquired from the diet as the body is unable to make them.  There are a total of 21 recognized amino acids.  A deficiency in even one of these essential amino acids will result in serious health problems.  Amino acids are necessary for life itself, but must be in proper balance for metabolic processes.  Some of these processes control neuro-transmitters in the brain (mood).  Amino Acids also supply energy requirements such as glucose regulation.   

Foods from animal sources are usually high in essential amino acids.  Chicken, fish, dairy products, beef, pork, and eggs are examples - these are high in protein and in turn high in amino acids.   Generally any protein source will contain amino acids.  Plant sources such as dried beans, peas, nuts and seeds are good for vegetarian diets.  These will usually lack one or more of the essential amino acids but you can combine these with whole grains which should round it all out. 

Some deficiency systems may include a weak immune system, fatigue, stomach acid/alkaline imbalance, water retention, dizziness, and nausea.  If you feel you are deficient in amino acids give me a call.  I have the liquid form available for $16.00, just a few drops on your tongue and you are "good to go".  If you are playing a lot of sports and need a "boost", I have Amino Sport (180 capsules) for $43.00.  Just give me a call!  

Stay Strong!

Hypothyroidism

 

One of the most under diagnosed health conditions we face today is hypothyroidism or low thyroid function.  It has very common symptoms such as depression, weight gain and lethargy.  The blood tests that your doctor runs to check your thyroid are not always accurate.  They test the circulating hormone, not what your thyroid is actually using.  There are also many aspects of the hormone and the doctor only checks one or two.  Sometimes the problem can be with the adrenals, which are not tested.  Risk for hypothyroidism increases with age.  Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is the opposite and is much less common.  Its symptoms are nervousness, restlessness and weight loss. 

Your diet can have an impact on your thyroid and if you suspect that you have this condition you may want to look at foods to boost your thyroid.  If you are very health conscious you may be eating all the wrong things for your thyroid.  Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, mustard greens, peaches, pears, radishes contain natural substances which can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.  It is possible that cooking these foods may inactivate these substances.  Make sure that you cook these foods. 

Get plenty of iodine.  Restricting salt intake has caused an iodine deficiency in the United States.  Iodine will combine with the amino acid tyrosine and produce thyroid hormones.  Fish, dairy, bananas and almonds are good sources of tyrosine. 

Zinc, B vitamins and the antioxidant vitamins all help to improve thyroid function.  Add some extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil to your diet along with some nuts for your added vitamin E and B.  Dairy, eggs or meat will add zinc and B12.  Whole grains are packed with B vitamins.  Use some culinary herbs such as parsley for your vitamin C and K.  A little bit of parsley will go well with just about anything you cook.  Eat some vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene.  These will be the orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc.  Make sure you cook and drink only pure water.  The fluoride they add it our water will reduce thyroid function, cause cancer and numerous other ailments.  My opinion is that it is population control.  (Just an opinion, not fact). 

            Follow these tips and you will see an improvement in your thyroid function.  You don't have to take prescription after prescription to cure what ails you - most of the time the problem is on the end of your fork!

Stay Strong!

           

How to Make Lemongrass Oil.

 

This recipe makes 2 cups of oil.  The oil is great for salad dressings, stir-fry, soups, really just anything you want to use it for.

You will need  the following:

5 swollen lemongrass stems (the pale bottom part of the stalk)
2 cups of light olive oil
2 teaspoons of lemon juice

Remove the outer sheaths from the lemongrass stems and slice the white inner stem very finely.  Pound these stems (use a mortar and pestle) until they are a paste.  Next you add a small bit of oil and mix.  Continue until all the stems are paste, then add the remaining oil and lemon juice and stir well.  Place this mixture in a sealed container and put in the refrigerator.  Make sure you shake well before each use and use within 5 days.
You may also strain it with cheesecloth if you prefer.

Allergies

With all the rain we have been having more and more people are coming down with allergies.  Most of these are caused from the abundance of molds that have formed due to the wet weather. 

I have been seeing a lot of stuffy noses, chest congestion, coughs, hoarseness, and general "just don't feel good".  If you are not running a fever, these symptoms generally mean allergies.  Allergies affect men, women and children.  You are not immune.  You may go all your life without allergies and then you wake up one morning with a major allergy attack. 

            What do you do?  Well, some people run to their local MD and he or she loads them down with decongestants (which raise blood pressure and make you sleepy) and antihistamines, possibly even antibiotics.

            You do have a lot of options with holistic medicine.  First of all, your main defense should be lots of vitamin C.  I cannot stress how important this vitamin is for your body.  I believe that everyone should be taking, at the very least 1,000 mg a day.  Vitamin C will act as a natural decongestant and help to clear nasal passages.  Whenever you take a regular decongestant you may experience a rebound effect - before you know it you will be caught in a vicious cycle.  Not so with Vitamin C.  Vitamin C will also strengthen your cells, helping you to fight off illnesses as well as allergies.

 

            Another natural decongestant is eucalyptus.  If you are very lucky and plant it just right it will grow in our region.  I have had two plants for about 10 years.  You can crumble the leaves in the shower and turn the water on very hot.  The combination of the steam and eucalyptus will help you to breathe much easier.  This will also help with asthma.  I have used this remedy many times with my son.  You can also boil the leaves and put a towel over your head and the kettle and breathe the steam.  This will work just as well.  Be careful with the towel near the stove, make sure you turn the stove off before you get the towel close - you don't want to be fighting fire!  If you can't get fresh eucalyptus, you can purchase it at any health food store.  You can put a drop under your nose before going to sleep or put it in water and breathe the steam. 

            Diet plays an important role in allergies.  You will want to eat foods high in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes and oranges.  You should add yogurt with live cultures to your diet.  The live cultures will feed on the yeast in your body instead of being available for the mold to feed on.  Molds also love sugar and wheat, so you will want to minimize these in your diet. 

            Keep your immune system in top shape by taking a good multi-vitamin daily.  Studies have showed that vitamins A, C, and D will actually protect us from allergies.  According to the Allergy and Clinical Immunology June 2009 studies show that our children are vitamin D deficient and these children are at risk of developing asthma and other allergies.

            So, use natural decongestants, take your vitamins and eat healthy.  By doing these simple things you can prevent so many health problems.  Stay Strong!!!!! 

Any questions?  Just Ask!  

Raw, free-range eggs  are one of the healthiest foods you can find for under $1 (or close), and they're still an inexpensive and and very good source of high quality nutrients many of which people are deficient in, especially high-quality protein and fat.  A single egg contains:   amino acids, high quality protein for repair and maintenance of your body tissues and to keep your immune system and hormones at peak levels, lutein and zeaxanthin, choline and B12.   As long as you have a good source for organic eggs you won't have to worry about salmonella.

Microwaving Water

Be very careful when heating liquids in the microwave.  Whenever you microwave water and other liquids they don't always bubble whenever they reach the boiling point.  They can get superheated and not bubble at all.  This can cause the liquid to "blow up" in your face or on your hands causing severe burns.  This reaction is very similar to a carbonated beverage spewing out of the bottle after being shaken.  You can help defuse this by placing a wooden spoon or something similar in the liquid (never metal).  DO NOT HEAT any liquid for more than 2 minutes and let it stand in the microwave at least 30 seconds before moving it. 

Hello

Hello, my name is Sheila Miles.  I am a Naturopathic physician here in Kentucky.  Please check back daily for posts to keep you informed about the latest holistic health news.