Time to Detox!

Okay everyone, the holidays are over and it is now time to start thinking about losing any weight you may have gained and getting your body back to normal.  Now is a good time to start thinking about a really good detox. You don't have to stop your life for a week to clean out your system.  You can do it in small increments, just as long as you do something. One of the simplest ways you can start is by drinking a detox tea.  Although a tea is the weakest form of an herbal formulation, it can still clean you out.  The herbs in a detox tea are generally designed to help you have a "moving experience", but they also work to pick up any sludge (toxins) along the way and they should also contain a diuretic to help you lose any water weight gain.  If you have an excess toxic build-up, it will be difficult for you to lose weight, so you want a tea that will remove these toxins.  Of course, taste is a consideration as well.  If it doesn't taste good you are not as likely to drink it. 

You could also choose to do a major detox.  These usually consist of a weekend and doses of epsom salt and olive oil.  You may need this one if you are having trouble with your liver or gallbladder. 

There are others where you take large amounts of fiber and as it moves through you, it picks up the toxins with it and moves them on out.  Some people have trouble with fiber digestion, so this is not typically the detox that I would recommend.    

Certain foods help you to detox.  These are great if you want to detox slowly.  I know after I got home from vacation, my stomach felt like there was a brick in it and I wanted something to work-- like yesterday!  I didn't want to wait!

So, start thinking about cleaning out your system and let me know if you would like any help with a detox or need any products, such as a detox tea, and we can get you started on the path for a healthier you.    

Stay Strong!

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!