How a Hair Analysis Changed my Life

         

            My journey began many years ago. I had always been "nervous".  I was diagnosed with a nervous stomach as a teenager.  I also started having migraines in my teenage years. My parents took me to several different doctors who could not find a cause for the migraines and just decided I had inherited them from my family, since both of my parents had them also. 

            I married and became pregnant with Brian who is now 32 years old. Toward the end of that pregnancy I developed toxemia, now called pre-eclampsia.  I managed to carry him full-term, but had to have bed rest for the last few weeks.

            Time went on and the migraines got worse, I also ached all over, kind of like you have the flu.  At one point in time, the migraines were so bad that I couldn't get over one until another one would hit.  I couldn't have held a job and did well to take care of my home and my son.  My marriage fell apart and with that combined stress, things just got worse.  The doctor prescribed nerve medicine and every migraine medication that they knew of and nothing helped. 

            Anyway, I remarried and became pregnant with Keith, who is now 18 (and healthy by the way).  I developed pre-eclampsia again, only this time much worse.  Keith had to be taken at 30 weeks.  He weighed only 3 pounds and lost down to 2 ½ pounds.  I had to be on blood pressure medication for several months after he was born to bring everything back into balance.  Both of us almost died. 

            I asked the doctor what had caused all of this and his answer was that some women just have pre-eclampsia and they didn't really know why.  This answer was not good enough for me.  I knew there had to be a reason and I wanted to know what it was. 

            One day I picked up a magazine and saw an article written by Linda Rector-Page. She was a naturopath.  At that time, I had never heard of a naturopath, but reading that article, something clicked and I knew that was what I wanted to be. 

            Once I began my studies, I was very interested in finding the cause of my migraines and the pre-eclampsia.  About the time that I was finishing my degree I got started with a lab that did hair analysis.  I sent off a sample of my hair and I was shocked when I got the results back.  My copper was off the chart.  Copper mimics estrogen in the body, so this meant that I was saturated in estrogen.  Too much copper also causes pre-eclampsia, achy feelings, migraine headaches, and all the strange symptoms I had had since my teenage years.  Now, I had to find where I got that copper.  We had gotten our water from a well since I was a teenager so I decided to start there.  There were no copper lines but one small copper fitting.  The well water was soft and soft water will leach copper.  Here was my answer, after all those years.  We removed the copper fitting and I took the steps to detox my body and get my life back.

            The migraines slowly let up in intensity, all the achy feelings and all the strange symptoms went away and I got my life back.

            Now, I only have a migraine maybe once or twice a year, if that often and they are nowhere as intense as they used to be.  I don't know what might have happened to me had I not found Trace Elements and had the hair analysis.

            Over the course of the past 13 years, I have seen and heard stories very similar to mine about the results of a hair analysis.  Your body has a protective device where if you are exposed to something it considers toxic it will pull it out of the bloodstream and deposit it in the tissues.  This is why it can't be found in a blood test.  If you are having symptoms that can't be explained or maybe you are concerned about heavy metal exposure a hair analysis is the place to start.  I know it really changed my life!

Stay Strong!

     

Basic Health Guidelines

Here are some guidelines to help keep you healthy and detoxified.

1.  Most Important - drink water daily.  Divide your weight by 2 and drink at least that amount in ounces daily.  Make sure that it is from a pure source.  Never drink tap water.  Reverse osmosis is the purest form.  Minimize liquids at meals; drink your water between meals.

2.  Use a shower de-chlorinator and chlorine free dishwasher detergent to minimize your exposure to chlorine.  You will also want to limit your exposure to bromine.  This is in white bread, hot tubs and pools, along with some beverages. 

3.  Consume only organic fruits and vegetables and purchase them in quantities for quick consumption. Remember, fresh is best.  Avoid peeling vegetables as the skin contains a lot of the nutrients.  Try to eat your fruits and vegetables as near the natural state as possible.  Cooking destroys nutrients. 

4.  Eat portions of mixed green salads and raw vegetables every day.

5.  Eat fresh fruits in season.  Try to stay with "what grows in your own backyard".  Apples, plums, and pears are always good choices.   Red apples are easier on the digestion. 

6.  Eat whole grains.  Try quinoa, spelt, millet, and brown rice. 

7.  If you choose to drink milk, drink only organic milk. 

8.  Eat organic butter and healthy fats from olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.

9.  Eat only organic meats and free range eggs.  Avoid GMO foods. 

10.  Instead of reaching for a soda or a cup of coffee, drink herb teas and use stevia or some raw honey as a sweetener. 

11.  Avoid all artificial sweeteners.  They are poison. 

12.  Bounce on a mini-trampoline for at least four or five minutes a day.  This stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluids, which will help keep your body detoxed.

13.  Get rid of the table salt.  Celtic sea salt and Himalayan crystal salt are nourishing to the body instead of being toxic. 

14.  No high fructose corn syrup.  This causes a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.  Not to mention that it is made from GMO corn. 

15.  Read labels.  You would be surprised what is in your food when you start reading the labels. 

16.  You should be eating enough fiber rich foods that you have a bowel movement at least 2-3 times a day.  If this is not you, you might want to consider a colon cleanse.   

17.  Each week pick one processed food and remove it from your diet.  Replace it with a healthy food and before you know it, you will be eating a healthy diet.      

Stay Strong!

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!