Zija - The nutritious moringa berry.

Good Morning,

          Hope this December morning finds everyone healthy and ready for Christmas!

          I want to share something with you.  Normally, I stay away from MLM (multi level marketing) companies because I don't like them and I don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch because it is not. But here is my story.  A friend of mine had a Tupperware party and invited both Mom and me.  While we were there, a mutual friend very casually mentioned that she was using a product called Zija.  Mom was interested and started asking questions.  She has been having some health issues and our friend suggested she try an 8-day trial of Zija.  I have had several people trying to get me to sell Zija and I always refused because of MLM.  I never tried the product.  After the 8-day trial Mom began to tell a difference in the way she felt and went for another trial.  I also decided to get it a whirl.  During this time I did extensive research on this product.  I found only good results.  It contains as much vitamin C as 7 oranges, as much vitamin A as 4 carrots, as much vitamin B as 4 servings of beef, as much vitamin E as 4 serving of black sesame, and the list goes on and on…antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, minerals….

          They also have a weight loss plan, which includes other supplements. I will give you an update on that later as I plan to start it.  However, on the 8-trial of the Zija Smart Mix, I have lost 2 pounds.  I know that isn't much but remember this is just 8 days.  I have found that I am not as hungry and I feel better.  I guess giving your body high nutrition; you just don't need to keep looking for that one food that will satisfy you. 

          Mom has really noticed a change.  She has had a problem in her shoulder, which has given her a lot of pain and limited movement.  Within 10 days on the Zija she has had remarkable improvement. 

          Once again, I don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch but I am truly impressed with this product.  I would not recommend something unless I felt it would truly work.    It contains the moringa berry, which is incredibly nutritious.

          If you would like an 8-day trial for $25.00 or the 4-day weight loss trial for $20.00, please let me know and I can get one for you.  I think you will be impressed also.   

Pumpkins!

Pumpkins

Fall is in the air and pumpkins are everywhere.  We all start thinking about pumpkin pies or carving a pumpkin for Halloween, but do you really know about pumpkins?  They offer a wide range of health benefits and are just a powerhouse of nutrients. 

Carotenoids - The bright orange color of a pumpkin is due to its high amount of carotenoids.  These carotenoids help to fight free radicals, this prevents premature aging, cardiovascular disease and other infections.  They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which work in the eyes to prevent cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues. 

Protein  - Pumpkin doesn't automatically come to mind as a protein source, but actually the seeds are a rich source and can help in reducing the cholesterol levels. The seeds are also a good source of essential fatty acids.  These provide protection against serious health problems such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer.  They can even help with improving the brain function and healthy skin.

Vitamins - Pumpkins supply vitamins A & C.  Vitamin A can help the health of your eyes and boost your immune system. Vitamin C also provides a boost to your immune system and can offer protection against various forms of cancer.

Minerals - Pumpkins contain magnesium, which is required by the body for the maintenance of bones and teeth. Potassium can help to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.  Zinc boosts the immune system and provides bone density support. 

Fiber - Pumpkins are low in fat and rich in good dietary fiber.  Fiber is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorder and lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood.  It also helps in regulating the blood sugar levels.

Health benefits of the pumpkin flesh and seeds include: 

Anti-inflammatory effect;

Healthy and glowing skin;

Prevents kidney stones;

Helps with depression;

Treats parasites;

Natural diuretic.

So with all these wonderful health benefits, pumpkins aren't just for carving anymore.  Don't throw away the seeds for the pulp - boil, bake or cook them.

Here is a recipe to try.  Let me know how you like it! 

Honey Sweetened Pumpkin Butter

2 cups pureed, cooked pumpkin

½ cup honey/agave

1 tsp. lemon zest

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. ginger

1/8 tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in saucepan and simmer over low heat 35-40 minutes until thick.  Stir frequently to prevent burning

Enjoy!

Stay Strong!

The Dangers of MSG

          You have a killer in your kitchen cabinets that is worse for your health than alcohol, nicotine, and many other drugs - MSG or monosodium glutamate.  This food additive tricks your taste buds into thinking that the food has more protein and tastes better. Therefore, you eat much more.  Remember the saying, "Bet ya can't eat just one."  This takes on a completely new meaning when you realize you are being sabotaged.  Chemically, MSG is 78% free glutamic acid, 21% sodium and 1% contaminates. 

            MSG is an excitotoxin, which means that it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death and can cause brain damage or trigger diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Lou Gehrig's disease. 

            MSG causes the levels of glutamate in your blood to rise as much as 20 times.  These high levels of glutamate stimulate all of the glutamate receptors, which can cause explosive reactions.  Most of the people who have glutamate reactions are deficient in magnesium.  Whenever magnesium levels are low, the glutamate receptors become hypersensitive and can cause cardiac arrhythmias and even death. 

            Other adverse effects of MSG are migraines, obesity, fatigue, depression, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, drowsiness, and weakness.  It is estimated that MSG sensitivity may impact up to 40% of the population.  Rats, which normally do not become obese, were fed a diet containing MSG and guess what - fat rats!  When ingesting MSG, you don't realize when you are full and you eat much more than you normally would.  

            Read the food labels! Also watch for hydrolyzed protein, caseinate, and any soy products, all of these have a significant amount of glutamate.  

            Some of the supplements that can help with MSG reactions are an amino acid, taurine.  This works in our system exactly opposite to MSG and can help with the reaction when you accidentally ingest it.  Magnesium is very important to help counteract the effects.  Read the label carefully to be sure it is pure magnesium.  B6 is also helpful.  This vitamin is used by the body to help convert amino acids into other amino acids.  People who are sensitive to MSG are usually low in this vitamin.  CoQ10 helps the body take fuel in the form of glucose (blood sugar) and turn it into energy.  If you consume the glutamate, which can over stimulate the nerve cells until they die, this energy is crucial.  With enough energy, the nerve cells will recover from the over stimulation, but without this energy the cell will die.  Anti-histamines, such as Benadryl can help, MSG will increase histamine reactions, therefore anything that can reduce histamine can help.  Vitamin C in large doses, also works as an anti-histamine.

            Plan A - avoid all MSG, hydrolyzed protein, caseinate, and soy products.

Plan B- take magnesium, B6, taurine, and CoQ10 on a regular basis and if you accidentally consume MSG, be ready with an anti-histamine such as Benadryl.

Stay Strong!      

Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syryp

       We are being poisoned on a daily basis by a common food additive - high fructose corn syrup.  It is present in a wide variety of processed foods, soft drinks, salad dressings, cereals, bread, commercially made cakes and cookies, just to name a few.  This additive increases our risk of obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. 

            Regular table sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose.  High fructose corn syrup can contain up to 80% fructose and 20% glucose, about twice the fructose of table sugar.  Each contain about the same number of calories, but the difference is in the metabolism.  Not to mention that the high fructose corn syrup is made from genetically modified corn.  Between 1970 and 1990 the intake of HFCS increased by more than 1,000% and is now the primarily sweetener added to soft drinks in the US and comprises more than 40% of sweeteners added to foods and beverages. 

            Fructose, the main component of HFCS is metabolized in the liver and can cause increased triglycerides and fat storage in this organ.  This increased fat storage can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.  This disease now affects 20-30% of the population.  The rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease paralleled the rise in consumption of dietary fructose. 

            Other potential consequences of excess fructose include weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high triglyceride levels, abnormally high uric acid levels (can result in the development of gout), kidney stones, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.  HFCS has also been found to have very high levels of mercury.  Mercury is very damaging to the body, especially young children.  

            You can minimize the dangers of HFCS by avoiding all sweetened soft drinks, switch to an alternative such as water or home brewed teas, read the product labels carefully, use stevia as your main sweetener, this will allow you to cut down on your consumption of sugar.

            Some supplements to consider to help protect yourself include the B vitamins, particularly B1 and B6, alpha-lipoic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, acetyl-L-carnitine, and vitamin C.    

            PLEASE avoid this poison at all costs, read labels, and take supplements. 

Stay Strong!

Agent Orange in my Lysol!!!!!

          Do you ever wonder what is in our household cleaners?  Lets take a look at a three of the very common ones.

          Lysol contains dioxin, also called agent orange.  This was developed for chemical warfare in Vietnam.  Lysol is also a registered pesticide.  Agent Orange is well known for causing cancer.  Do you really want to spray this in your home and around your children?  How many times have you sprayed this in the air to clear a smell or kill germs?  You could be killing your children or yourself, along with the germs.  

          Pledge - This famous furniture polish contains silicones, butane gas and propane.  I don't think I have to list the ill effects this product can cause in your home.  Whenever you clean your furniture and hold the rag in your hand this stuff is absorbed into your skin and on to your bloodstream. 

          Clorox Disinfecting Wipes contain Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride and Alkyl Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride.  These chemicals are both pesticides.  They are known immunotoxicants, neurotoxicants, respiratory toxicants, and skin and sense organ toxicants.   We wipe our babies toys with these and them the child puts the toy in its mouth.  Think about what can happen to their health. 

          Household cleaners fall under the Hazardous Products Act.  This Act dates back to the 1960s.  It is a requirement to provide hazard symbols like "poison" and "flammable" and to give first aid treatment for those ingredients.  There is NO requirement to list chemicals that could cause long-term health effects.  You won't find a statement like "may cause respiratory problems".  Don't just assume that if it is on the shelf it has been tested and is safe. 

          Thousands of chemicals are capable of causing cancer and we use them in our homes every day.  Cancer usually develops after prolonged exposure and may take many years to establish. 

          You can make a difference by saying NO to all toxic chemicals in any form.  You and your children deserve to live in a toxin free home - don't poison them on a daily basis. 

          There are companies out there that sell non-toxic cleaners and products.  You can contact me for more information. 

          Stay Strong! 

Stress and Herbs

My life has been so stressful lately.  Within 2 months, Mom had a stroke, my stepfather passed away, my older son was deployed for the second time, and my youngest son graduated from high school.  Any one of these events would be enough to deal with, but I have been faced with all of them. The trick to making it through tough times is to learn how to deal with stress. 

Stress can be a killer.  It contributes to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.  When you are under stress, hormones are released that interfere with sleep and can also damage the brain areas critical to memory formation and can cause us to age prematurely.  On the other hand, stress isn't all bad.  Without change, life would be boring and uneventful. 

If you are experiencing out of control stress, you need to step back and try to reassess the situation and place it in a positive light.  Of course, this is easier said than done.  Instead of focusing on the uncontrollable situation, look for something you can do - any kind of concrete action.  For example, if you are in a hurry to get somewhere and you are stuck in traffic, you could call ahead and let someone know the situation, call to re-route anyone else you know may be coming in that direction - just do something!  Try to take control of the situation - what can you do to help?  The more control you can take - the less stress you will feel. 

Sometimes positive behaviors and thoughts just aren't enough and we have to turn to some kind of help.  This is where herbs can step in and help you to cope.  Typically, you would want to use the adaptogen herbs.  An adaptogen herb is an herb that whenever you take it - it determines if you are male or female and "adapts" to whatever you need.  Adaptogens work at the molecular and cellular level to help combat stress.  Ginseng, astragalus, schisandra, eleuthero, and rhodiola are a few of the adaptogen herbs that not only combat stress but will boost your immune system.  This is a very good thing because chronic stress will undermine the immune system setting you up for chronic illnesses. 

Another class of herbs for stress are the nervines.  These include chamomile, skullcap, or lemon balm.  You might want to include herbs that strengthen the heart, as stress can take its toll on your cardiovascular system.  Motherwort is calming and can calm heart palpitations.  Hawthorn is a good all around tonic for the heart. 

If you need help sleeping you might try valerian or hops.  These can induce a restful nights sleep. 

You will also need to make sure you are eating a very nutritious diet.  Since summer is on its way and the garden produce is plentiful, at least this is one thing that is easier to accomplish.

So remember, take control of the situation, and just know that there are many different herbs which can help you out greatly.  I know I have been using a few lately!  If you need help with which herb you might need or how to take them, dosages, etc. please contact me and we can discuss your individual situation. 

Remember - worry is like a rocking chair - it keeps you busy but you get nowhere!

Stay Strong! 

Eating to Help Hypothyroidism

Most of my clients complain of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function).  They have been to the doctor and their tests have come back normal, but yet they have strong indicators of hypothyroidism.  The test that the doctor uses is flawed and will not show accurate results.  They don't even test your adrenals and they could be causing you problems with the same symptoms as the thyroid.  Hypothyroidism is believed to be one of the most under-diagnosed health conditions today.  So many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors, which makes hypothyroidism very difficult to diagnose.  As you age, your risk increases, particularly for women in menopause. 

A hair analysis is a very accurate way of diagnosing both thyroid and adrenal problems.  This will show if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which is less common. If it does show a problem, it can be treated with glandular extracts, not the synthetic stuff the doctors prescribe.  

Food plays an important role in the function of the glands.  Some of the very healthiest foods can be "unhealthy" to the glands.  Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, radishes, soybeans, peaches, peanuts, and pine nuts are just a few that will cause stress on the thyroid.  They contain a natural substance that interferes with the production of thyroid hormones.  Many people believe that cooking these vegetables will inactivate these substances. 

There are at least a dozen vitamins and minerals recommended for prevention of low thyroid function.  Iodine is probably the most recognized.  Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine and produces thyroid hormones.  Good sources of tyrosine include fish, dairy, oats, sesame seeds, bananas, avocados, and almonds.  Vitamins such as B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, E, and Zinc all help to improve the function of the thyroid. 

TIPS:

1.  Make sure your salt contains iodine.

2.  Cook foods, which inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.

3.  Eat foods that are rich in tyrosine.

4.  Use olive oil for all your cooking.  This will add vitamin E to your diet.  Put nuts in salads.

5.  Use raw herbs as garnish for cooked foods.  This will add vitamins.

6.  Eat a lot of foods that are rich in beta-carotene - sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc.

7.  Switch to purified water - reverse osmosis is the best. Fluoride has been thought to reduce the thyroid function. 

Stay Strong!  

Benefits of Fatty Acids

Heard about the health benefits of essential fatty acids?  They are called essential fatty acids for a reason.  The human body needs them for many functions and our bodies can't produce them.  The only source is food.  Fatty acids are the "good fats" that are produced when fats are broken down.  They can keep your skin healthy and help with early aging.  They may also help with weight loss by the way they help the body process cholesterol.  

Fatty acids will decrease the levels of cholesterol and also decrease triglycerides, which in turn reduce the platelet aggregation in the arteries.  This means that the blood platelets circulating in the body do not adhere to each other.  This action will prevent a clot from forming.

Omega 3 - These are the fatty acids known for reducing the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.  They help with healthy brain and cell function.  These types of fatty acids can be found in flaxseed, leafy greens, walnuts, mackerel, tuna, and salmon. 

Omega 6 supports the immune system's protective function.  As with all fatty acids, it can also lower bad cholesterol.  This fatty acid comes from plant oils and it is found in sunflower, soybean, and corn oils.  You can also find it in nuts and seeds.  About 5% - 10% of your food calories should contain this fatty acid. 

Omega 9 fatty acids are found most frequently in animal fats and olive oil.  They have strong antioxidant qualities and help to prevent heart disease.

Americans usually consume too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3.  This can result in an imbalance and can lead to chronic disease. A good ratio would be one serving Omega 6 to one serving Omega 3 or one serving Omega 6 to two servings Omega 3.   

 Fish oil supplements are a good source to assure you are getting your daily dose.  Whenever you purchase fish oil, make sure you buy the pharmaceutical grade.  This is a much purer source. 

Fish contains 2 types of Omega 3 - EPA and DHA.  These two types are particularly important for lowering inflammation.  They are also very important in protecting against heart disease.

Here are some simple ways to add more fatty acids to your diet:

Dip your bread in olive oil instead of butter;

Stir-fry with cashews or almonds;

Add walnuts to your salads:

Drizzle olive oil over vegetables;

Eat fish twice a week.

        Add these important fatty acids to your diet for wonderful health!

Stay Strong!

Losing Weight the Smart Way!

         Seems that everyone you see these days wants to lose weight.  90% of the magazines on the shelf offer quick weight loss if you just follow their plan.  This strategy may sell magazines but will offer you no real help in the weight loss battle.  Online you will find many "quick weight loss" options but there again, these don't work.  Usually, you will end up with more weight instead of less.  So, what do you do?  First of all, don't spend your money on the magazines and ignore the web.  In order to lose weight the smart way you have to implement some strategies. 

1.  Eat sensibly - avoid all the fad diets.  These won't work and if you do manage to lose some weight you will gain it all back and then some.  Eat 3 sensible meals daily - add lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Limit your portion size.  Also limit fats and high fat foods, sugar, all sodas (even diet), and alcohol.  Whatever you do ---stay away from artificial sweeteners (except stevia)!

2.  Exercise daily - Get up and move!  Dance to the radio, walk, don't just be a couch potato.  Incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises in your routine.  Remember, muscle weighs more than fat and you don't want to lose muscle.  If you are building muscle you might actually gain weight, but are toning up and getting firmer! Yeah!!!

3.  Reshape your eating behaviors - Watch yourself - become aware of your eating patterns.  What is causing you to overeat?  Try to avoid emotional situations or social situations that will cause you to overeat.  No one likes change so don't expect your behaviors to change overnight.  Try replacing one unhealthy food with one healthy food each day, before you know it you will have made the change and hardly noticed it. 

4.  Keep a journal - Write down everything you eat, nibble on, (yes, just a taste counts).  Anything that passes your lips, drinks, food, candy, whatever - write it down.  You may be surprised at just how much food you are consuming. Now write down how much you exercise - how far you walk, etc.  Get a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps (5 miles) a day.  Start slow and build up.  A normal person usually walks about 2,000 steps a day; increase that by 500 a day, soon you will be to the 10,000 mark.

5.  Get moral support - The buddy system is great, a workout buddy will motivate you.  There are many professionals available to help you also.  Coaches, psychologist, personal trainers, or if nothing else, pop in a DVD.  There are some great workout DVD's out there. 

There is no magic bullet that can take the weight off of you - you have to have willpower to not raise that fork to your mouth and to get up and move.  Although there are no magic bullets there are some supplements that can assist you in your journey to the skinny you.  First of all, you need a really good multivitamin; you must make sure you are getting proper nutrition.  Thyroid and adrenal gland treatment needs to be added as well.

The latest diet fad is the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which is a hormone produced during pregnancy.  You are to only consume 500 calories a day and take this supplement.  Of course, you cannot remain healthy on 500 calories a day and your body will go into starvation mode and you will have more problems than you want. But, I have found a homeopathic formula similar to the hCG, which seems to work very well.  You don't have to cut your calories dangerously low to lose weight.  I am trying it out now and will let you know my results - so far, I'm impressed. 

So, get moving, eat healthy, and stay strong!!!!! 

Is Coffee Healthy?

          I'm sure the majority of you out there start your day off with a cup of coffee.  Just what is in that coffee?  Is it healthy?  Well, the answer may just surprise you.  First of all, remember coffee is a herb, or bean if you prefer.  These beans are complex fruits that contain over 1,000 compounds.  Coffee is packed with anti-oxidants, probably the greatest source in the American diet. 

          The average coffee drinker consumes 3.1 cups per day.  Research has found that larger volumes - maybe 4-12 cups a day can prevent many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease.  But even drinking just one cup a day can decrease the risk of developing diabetes by 13%. 

          Not all coffees will provide the same protection against disease.  The process of roasting will destroy some polyphenols, mainly chlorogenic acid.  Whenever this is destroyed you lose some of your anti-oxidant benefits.  Meaning that you have to drink more to get the benefits.  New processes are being utilized to retain more of these compounds. 

          Other benefits of coffee include lowered risk of kidney stones, gallstones, gall bladder disease, boost weight loss, prevents constipation, and promotes fat metablolism.  Caffeine will sometimes relieve headaches.  Although I am not an advocate of pain medication, caffeine will boost their effectiveness and cause them to be absorbed more quickly.  Caffeine will also raise your blood pressure, so be sure you don't overdo it.  You will get the same benefits from decaf as from regular coffee. 

          Of course, I shouldn't have to say this but leave the creamer and sugar out.  Just drink it black.  It won't do you much good if you load it down with all the bad stuff. 

Stay Strong!

         

Water and Health

Good water is essential to life. 

Here are a few quick facts:

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated; 

8-10 glasses of water a day can significantly relieve back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers;

 Dehydration causes stress and this stress will cause further dehydration;

Most asthma cases are really misdiagnosed cases of chronic dehydration;

Daytime fatigue can be caused by lack of water;

Our thirst mechanism is so out of whack that we sometimes mistake thirst for hunger;

The National Cancer Institute reported a study that showed the drinking of chlorinated water increases one's risks of developing bladder cancer by 80%;

Migraine headaches (as well as other headaches) can be prevented by the regular intake of water;

75% of your body weight is water;

Mild dehydration can cause heart palpations;

A 2% drop in body water can cause you to have fuzzy short-term memory

 (your brain is 85% water);

Water is second only to oxygen in importance of your health;

Every nutrient, vitamin, hormone in your body is carried to its destination by water;

Water will eliminate toxins from the bloodstream;

Your daily energy depends on water.

These are just a few problems that can arise with a low intake of water.  Generally you need 8-10 -- 8 oz. glasses per day of good quality water.  The very best is reverse osmosis.  Our tap water may contain as many as 500 different disease causing bacteria, viruses and parasites, not to mention the heavy metals and chemicals.  Let's not forget fluoride, which has been forced on us.  Fluoride is more toxic than lead and has been linked to Alzheimer's, bone damage and cancer.   

With water being this important why don't you just go fix you a big glass.  If you want some flavor with added calories, just simply add a slice of lemon.  Lemon is alkalizing for the liver and tastes good too. 

Remember 8-10 glasses a day!

Stay strong!