Health and politics are two concepts that go together like anchovies and apple pie; they have their place separately, but they don’t mix well.
Politics does have its place in health care, but the part it plays should be much smaller than it is currently. When it concerns people’s rights to good health care, it’s possible that the government should have some say about that. The moment an individual’s right to choose is compromised by the law; it is past time for government to back off.
One of the reasons why I go through lengths to stay far from MDs is because there is just too much politics involved in their medical practice. The vaccine controversy is the perfect example. Flu shots are encouraged, but thank God no one is forcing this on anyone. They do mandate other vaccines for children, however, in several states. At one point a vaccine for chicken pox was enforced in New York. This in my opinion is WRONG! A parent should have a choice in this matter because the chicken pox vaccine is NOT necessary. Knowing the nasty toxins that are in those vaccines, I would opt not to vaccinate my children unless for some reason I felt that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the disadvantages. At this point, however, they don’t seem to.
Government comes to play in this area because of all of the information that doesn’t “need” to be disclosed. There are many things about vaccines that even I don’t know, for example. I can understand why pharmaceutical companies would want to hide these facts. If you want something to sell, you broadcast the advantages. Disadvantages may be hidden for one of three reasons:
1. The company isn’t aware of the disadvantages.
2. The company doesn’t want to face up to the ramifications of the disadvantages
3. The company willfully chooses to be dishonest about the disadvantages.
I would think that if a pharmaceutical company hides information (about the dangers of thimerosal for example) the FDA would come after them for it. Enter, the wonderful world of lobbyists and politicians.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Bet You Were Never Told
There is a list of diseases and conditions that I never knew were curable or reversible up until a few years ago. Some of the conditions that I list may surprise you.
Most of the neurological ones may not be a surprise; I’ve written about the following at least once in prior posts. Neurological conditions such as depression, ADD/ADHD (attention deficit [hyperactivity] disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), anxiety disorders, some forms of autism and alcoholism are all curable via neurofeedback therapy. The one that may be a surprise to many is alcoholism; for how many kinds of alcoholism are there? The answer is, I don’t know. One form of alcoholism, however, is a component of ADHD and therefore can be treated and cured. In one study, out of twenty-one participants only one started drinking again within years after neurofeedback treatment.
The curable or reversible conditions that may surprise you are conditions such as diabetes, AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and arthritis. Maximized Living helped several people reverse diabetes and other conditions that I haven’t mentioned with regimens like their healing diet. I know of a few naturopathic doctors that are just frustrated with the fact that most people are mislead into believing that once you have AIDS you will die from it. This doesn’t have to be. There was a healing center in New York City that used to treat AIDS patients and other diseases deemed as fatal. Tony Brown interviewed Dr. Gary Null and a former AIDS patient two years after the patient was found to be HIV negative. A former naturopathic doctor of mine wasn’t the least bit surprised. She knew a few patients who were lucky enough to find doctors that knew how to defeat the virus. A member in my own family had arthritis. I told him to cut wheat and dairy from his diet and he may find some relief. When he finally took my advice, several months later, his arthritis went away. After some dietary slip-sliding he found that the culprit in his case was cow’s milk. To this day, he is arthritis free as long as he stays away from cow’s milk. Goat’s milk, however, doesn’t hurt him.
To this day, when an individual says that a doctor told them that they have to be on medication for the rest of their life, I always suspect that there is another way to treat their illness. I may not always be correct, however, one thing that makes me sad is that they don’t make such information readily available to people who need it. I hope that changes.
Most of the neurological ones may not be a surprise; I’ve written about the following at least once in prior posts. Neurological conditions such as depression, ADD/ADHD (attention deficit [hyperactivity] disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), anxiety disorders, some forms of autism and alcoholism are all curable via neurofeedback therapy. The one that may be a surprise to many is alcoholism; for how many kinds of alcoholism are there? The answer is, I don’t know. One form of alcoholism, however, is a component of ADHD and therefore can be treated and cured. In one study, out of twenty-one participants only one started drinking again within years after neurofeedback treatment.
The curable or reversible conditions that may surprise you are conditions such as diabetes, AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and arthritis. Maximized Living helped several people reverse diabetes and other conditions that I haven’t mentioned with regimens like their healing diet. I know of a few naturopathic doctors that are just frustrated with the fact that most people are mislead into believing that once you have AIDS you will die from it. This doesn’t have to be. There was a healing center in New York City that used to treat AIDS patients and other diseases deemed as fatal. Tony Brown interviewed Dr. Gary Null and a former AIDS patient two years after the patient was found to be HIV negative. A former naturopathic doctor of mine wasn’t the least bit surprised. She knew a few patients who were lucky enough to find doctors that knew how to defeat the virus. A member in my own family had arthritis. I told him to cut wheat and dairy from his diet and he may find some relief. When he finally took my advice, several months later, his arthritis went away. After some dietary slip-sliding he found that the culprit in his case was cow’s milk. To this day, he is arthritis free as long as he stays away from cow’s milk. Goat’s milk, however, doesn’t hurt him.
To this day, when an individual says that a doctor told them that they have to be on medication for the rest of their life, I always suspect that there is another way to treat their illness. I may not always be correct, however, one thing that makes me sad is that they don’t make such information readily available to people who need it. I hope that changes.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Castor Oil Pack
A friend of mine (who is a doctor) taught me about castor oil packs a few years ago. I was getting over the flu and she thought it would be helpful. It is a very easy and very gentle cleanse. It is potent enough to slowly and efficiently cleanse the liver of alcoholics and yet doctors have used it on babies.
It just takes a few steps to do. It’s best to do this at bedtime so you could fall asleep with the castor oil pack. There are a few tools necessary to make a castor oil pack; you need flannel (the ones especially for castor oil packs is best), castor oil, a hot water bottle, saran wrap and a towel or two. First, situate the towel on your bed so that it will be directly under the part of your body where the castor oil pack will be resting. Then, fill the hot water bottle. Once you place the hot water bottle next to the towel you've situated, you are ready to saturate the flannel with castor oil. Saturate it, but make sure it isn’t dripping. Next, lay on the towel you’ve situated and place your flannel over your liver (or over your abdomen depending on what part of the body you are trying to cleanse). Finally, put the saran wrap over the flannel and the hot water bottle over the saran wrap. I usually like to cover up with my blankets (or you may place the second towel over the hot water bottle before covering up if you wish) to keep the heat in. See why it’s best to do this at bedtime?
You can do a castor oil pack twice a week just for general wellness. You can also use it to break a high fever. I found that when I had a very high fever, it broke the fever fairly quickly. I fell asleep with the castor oil pack over my abdomen and when I woke, the fever was gone.
Well, happy castor oil cleanse everyone! I'm always open to suggestions, questions and comments.
It just takes a few steps to do. It’s best to do this at bedtime so you could fall asleep with the castor oil pack. There are a few tools necessary to make a castor oil pack; you need flannel (the ones especially for castor oil packs is best), castor oil, a hot water bottle, saran wrap and a towel or two. First, situate the towel on your bed so that it will be directly under the part of your body where the castor oil pack will be resting. Then, fill the hot water bottle. Once you place the hot water bottle next to the towel you've situated, you are ready to saturate the flannel with castor oil. Saturate it, but make sure it isn’t dripping. Next, lay on the towel you’ve situated and place your flannel over your liver (or over your abdomen depending on what part of the body you are trying to cleanse). Finally, put the saran wrap over the flannel and the hot water bottle over the saran wrap. I usually like to cover up with my blankets (or you may place the second towel over the hot water bottle before covering up if you wish) to keep the heat in. See why it’s best to do this at bedtime?
You can do a castor oil pack twice a week just for general wellness. You can also use it to break a high fever. I found that when I had a very high fever, it broke the fever fairly quickly. I fell asleep with the castor oil pack over my abdomen and when I woke, the fever was gone.
Well, happy castor oil cleanse everyone! I'm always open to suggestions, questions and comments.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Why Fake Fever Works
It isn’t uncommon to try and get a fever under control when struck with one. Fever, however, can be good. While it’s good to monitor a fever in case it increases, if the fever is 101 degrees or under then it may be better not to fight it.
Up until yesterday, in my series on how to fight cold and flu I forgot about one fabulous line of defense; the fever! Many people try to get rid of a fever because it’s a symptom of a very bad illness, but this is part of the reason why the system of treating symptoms as opposed to treating the disease is NOT better. Fever can be our friend! The body is constantly trying to maintain homeostasis (or equilibrium). So, for example, when the skin is broken the body is equipped to create a scar to protect its immunity from pathogens; or if the body is cold it shivers to generate heat; or if it’s too hot it sweats to cool down; or when the body is invaded by pathogens that threaten to really harm it, it generates a fever. Dr. Dunn taught me that if there is one thing bacteria and virus hate, it’s heat. They weaken and die in heat. Creating the fake fever, taking the Triguard and avoiding sugar really created a non-nurturing environment for whatever was invading my body; therefore the pathogens couldn't last very long.
When I have a fever that is out of control, which is not good for the body, then that is when it may be necessary to fight it. I usually put a castor oil pack on my abdomen. I will give more information about the castor oil pack in a later post.
Up until yesterday, in my series on how to fight cold and flu I forgot about one fabulous line of defense; the fever! Many people try to get rid of a fever because it’s a symptom of a very bad illness, but this is part of the reason why the system of treating symptoms as opposed to treating the disease is NOT better. Fever can be our friend! The body is constantly trying to maintain homeostasis (or equilibrium). So, for example, when the skin is broken the body is equipped to create a scar to protect its immunity from pathogens; or if the body is cold it shivers to generate heat; or if it’s too hot it sweats to cool down; or when the body is invaded by pathogens that threaten to really harm it, it generates a fever. Dr. Dunn taught me that if there is one thing bacteria and virus hate, it’s heat. They weaken and die in heat. Creating the fake fever, taking the Triguard and avoiding sugar really created a non-nurturing environment for whatever was invading my body; therefore the pathogens couldn't last very long.
When I have a fever that is out of control, which is not good for the body, then that is when it may be necessary to fight it. I usually put a castor oil pack on my abdomen. I will give more information about the castor oil pack in a later post.
Garlic
Garlic is great stuff for almost any bacterial and viral infection. I usually fight off stomach bugs with some apple cider vinegar, but the last time it happened I just crushed a whole clove of garlic and swallowed it; I was fine right away. A doctor taught me to soak fresh garlic in water and put a couple of drops of the water in each nostril at the first sign of a cold. It stings, but whoa baby does it work; especially with a nasal infection.
After a good long day of rest yesterday I went to the chiropractor, ate and went to bed. I went to bed last night feeling so much better than I did the night before. Then in the middle of the night, I woke up feeling like I was going to come down with a nasal infection. Those don’t usually last very long, but they are VERY annoying. I was doing the fake fever again last night since my husband is still sick, but did not expect this nasal thing to creep up on me. First thing this morning I drank some Triguard, then I soaked some fresh garlic in water and put a couple of drops in my nostrils. The roughness in my throat from the oncoming nasal infection went away and snuck up on me a few minutes ago so I just put a couple of drops more garlic water up my nose. It’s gone again, but I’ll keep watch. It’s harder for me to fight off diseases with my husband sick too. Besides that, my immune system has been weak for the last couple of weeks in the first place. My doctor told me that sometimes it can take a while for the body to recover from a miscarriage and I’ve been having different issues with my health since.
If I could beat the cough yesterday then I can beat this darn nasal infection. And believe me, I intend to beat it!
After a good long day of rest yesterday I went to the chiropractor, ate and went to bed. I went to bed last night feeling so much better than I did the night before. Then in the middle of the night, I woke up feeling like I was going to come down with a nasal infection. Those don’t usually last very long, but they are VERY annoying. I was doing the fake fever again last night since my husband is still sick, but did not expect this nasal thing to creep up on me. First thing this morning I drank some Triguard, then I soaked some fresh garlic in water and put a couple of drops in my nostrils. The roughness in my throat from the oncoming nasal infection went away and snuck up on me a few minutes ago so I just put a couple of drops more garlic water up my nose. It’s gone again, but I’ll keep watch. It’s harder for me to fight off diseases with my husband sick too. Besides that, my immune system has been weak for the last couple of weeks in the first place. My doctor told me that sometimes it can take a while for the body to recover from a miscarriage and I’ve been having different issues with my health since.
If I could beat the cough yesterday then I can beat this darn nasal infection. And believe me, I intend to beat it!
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Fake Fever
My husband brought a bug home with him this weekend. Of course, in his sleep he was coughing on me all of Saturday night so I picked it up as well. I spent all weekend trying to fight it off with him, even before I had symptoms. Yesterday my throat was scratchy despite all of the preventative steps that I took on Saturday. I did the wellness fizz, olive leaf extract, green tea, ate lots of raw food and boned up on vitamin D and I still had a scratchy throat at the end of the day. It didn’t look like I was going to beat it. Then I remembered the fake fever! A massage therapist that I traded with taught me this. The fake fever is when you dress for bed like you are going into a ten below zero snow storm, but you crank the heater up to eighty or ninety degrees. I drank some Triguard last night before going to bed and I drank some first thing this morning. I beat it folks! I still can’t believe that it worked, but I beat the cold before it hit me; even with my husband coughing all night last night as well (he chose not to do the fake fever). I’m still all bundled up in my fever clothes and I’m going to sleep off what is left of the virus, but I feel my body healing. Even though my throat is a little scratchy this morning, it's going away. Usually by now I would have a sore throat and a cough.
I thought that I would share this victory with all of you; especially since I was beyond the beginning stage of my cold before I tried the fake fever and it still worked. If you are at the beginning of a cold or flu, remember the fake fever. I highly recommend it.
I thought that I would share this victory with all of you; especially since I was beyond the beginning stage of my cold before I tried the fake fever and it still worked. If you are at the beginning of a cold or flu, remember the fake fever. I highly recommend it.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Happy Holidays
Miriam Williamson described a study in one of her books that I think about often. Laboratory rabbits were fed toxic foods in preparation for a study on heart disease. Oddly, one group of rabbits was 60% less affected by the toxic foods. It turns out that the intern responsible for feeding these rabbits treated each of them with great affection before feeding them. With this in mind, another experiment was done to see if affection can decrease heart disease. As they suspected, the rabbits that were touched didn't become nearly as sick as the rabbits that were not touched.
I want to encourage everyone to love up on their families this holiday. Even if that doesn’t make us healthier, it certainly will make us happier!
I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and I will resume posting after Christmas.
Be well my friends!
I want to encourage everyone to love up on their families this holiday. Even if that doesn’t make us healthier, it certainly will make us happier!
I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and I will resume posting after Christmas.
Be well my friends!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Health and Finance (Part 2)
This video gives a list of fresh produce that you should never buy unless it is organic. The one thing they left out was watermelon. A doctor very strongly advised me NEVER to buy watermelon unless it is organic because pesticides are root fed to watermelon. The rest is on the list (or in the silly little song).
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Ecology
Yes, this site also supports the health of our environment. What good it is to our health to pollute and poison the air and land? A healthy planet will support the health of the life on it; that includes us.
There are a few simple things that I do in order to look out for our planet. Recycling is something I make a point of doing. I’ve been living in my sweet new home for over a year and I confess that haven’t started composting yet. That is a project that I am looking forward to starting. I want to have a system in my household like at Whole Foods where there is a bin for compost, a bin for recycling and a bin for “landfill” which we should avoid putting things into as much as possible. I do everything I have to in order to prevent from using the plastic shopping bags, when I do use them I try to recycle them somehow (even though there aren’t many ways to do that). I refuse to use any synthetic poisons in my yard (harsh chemical pesticides and herbicides). I have an apple tree in my yard and I’ve researched and found pesticides that aren’t hard on the environment. I even found one that can be used on certified organic crops.
The above is just pure common sense. Even though we’ve created a pretty toxic environment, I believe that we can make it better if we take steps to heal what we have damaged.
There are a few simple things that I do in order to look out for our planet. Recycling is something I make a point of doing. I’ve been living in my sweet new home for over a year and I confess that haven’t started composting yet. That is a project that I am looking forward to starting. I want to have a system in my household like at Whole Foods where there is a bin for compost, a bin for recycling and a bin for “landfill” which we should avoid putting things into as much as possible. I do everything I have to in order to prevent from using the plastic shopping bags, when I do use them I try to recycle them somehow (even though there aren’t many ways to do that). I refuse to use any synthetic poisons in my yard (harsh chemical pesticides and herbicides). I have an apple tree in my yard and I’ve researched and found pesticides that aren’t hard on the environment. I even found one that can be used on certified organic crops.
The above is just pure common sense. Even though we’ve created a pretty toxic environment, I believe that we can make it better if we take steps to heal what we have damaged.
Discontinued Products (Part 2)
The discontinuation of this product was perhaps the greatest disappointment of all. I was literally in tears when I found out Aqua Libra was discontinued because I was so dependant on it. I even wrote the company to see if there was any way that I could have just a few more bottles until I found an alternative. The history of my experience with this product may explain why I reacted so desperately.
I was sixteen when I visited Europe for the first time. When we left France (where the tour ended) and went back to England (where we origionally started the tour) and that night we saw “Me and My Girl”; or at least I saw part of it. I got violently ill before the intermission and my mother had to take me back to the hotel. For several hours I couldn’t even hold down water. My parents tried everything from ginger ale, coke, tea and water and all of it came right back up until finally they had to take me to the doctor. The doctor basically told me to consume the very things that I my body couldn’t hold. I don’t know where my dad heard of it, or what made him buy it, but he came home with a crate of this drink called Aqua Libra. Not only wat this the first beverage I was able to hold down, but I was able to drink other beverages after that. About 24 hours after I started drinking this stuff, I was able to have a hot (but light) sandwich on toasted bread. I’ve never forgotten that. Imagine how elated I was when I found out that it was sold in the united states.
I’ve had GI problems that started in my early twenties following the Jenny Craig diet that I was on. Once I stated living in California it was a bit worse. I always made sure that I had at least two bottles in my house at all times in case I needed it. Nothing settled my stomach faster. I’ve never needed Tums or Rolaids, just a small glass of Aqua Libra followed by some aloe juice and my stomach was fine.
I still miss this product. If only there was a recipe. My GI problems now aren’t what they were seven years ago, but that could also be because of change in diet. I still feel the need for a nice glass of Aqua Libra now and again though.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Autism and Vaccine Correlation IV
Dr. Haley really rips into the CDC in this final video, however, if you've watched the other three videos you can't help but understand his frustration. The host of the online program "In Fact" tried to make a point about ethylmercury and methylmercury not being the same thing in a video I posted a while back. What he did not address, in fact, is that neither of them have a place in the human body; they are both toxic.
Thank you for watching the videos. I felt that by listening to what a man like Dr. Haley has to say about vaccines is great because he was one of the doctors that really researched how safe they are. If you've been listening to Haley, he is yet another individual who is NOT out to ban vaccines. He is just trying passionately to explain why the preservatives that are used ARE NOT SAFE. What adds insult to injury is the fact that doctors don't test a baby's ability to resist the effects of the toxins, they don't ask if they are on antibiotics nor do they test the baby for allergies before injecting the vaccine. This means that vaccines could be a wonderful ally to all in this country, if there were just a few small adjustments made to make them safe.
Thank you for watching the videos. I felt that by listening to what a man like Dr. Haley has to say about vaccines is great because he was one of the doctors that really researched how safe they are. If you've been listening to Haley, he is yet another individual who is NOT out to ban vaccines. He is just trying passionately to explain why the preservatives that are used ARE NOT SAFE. What adds insult to injury is the fact that doctors don't test a baby's ability to resist the effects of the toxins, they don't ask if they are on antibiotics nor do they test the baby for allergies before injecting the vaccine. This means that vaccines could be a wonderful ally to all in this country, if there were just a few small adjustments made to make them safe.
Autism and Vaccine Correlation III
I loved the fact that Dr Haley explained all of this research in everyday terms that the general public can understand. What he also said about the mercury in the hair is facinating. All the same, it tells me that testing may be done on some babies to see if they can survive the vaccinations; but doctors don't even seem do that much. It just leaves me with one unresolved question: Why?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Autism and Vaccine Correlation II
What I love about Dr. Boyd Haley is the incredible amount of information that he offers; as you may have seen in the last video. Here is part two:
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Autism and Vaccine Correlation
In a four part series, a very frustrated Dr. Boyd Haley talks about the research that he has done on the toxic preservative thimerosal, his findings and the unfortunate truth about political corruption entangled in the world of healthcare.
Tooth Powder?
In my determination to get products containing sodium laurel sulfates out of my house, one of the first things I needed to find was good toothpaste. It took me a while to find toothpaste that I liked.
There are several brands to try. Tom’s of Maine has a variety of choices. They produce toothpastes with different flavors, with or without fluoride and now with or without SLS. There is another brand of toothpaste with Neem (an herb used for its antibacterial, antiviral and many other healing properties). I finally ended my search the day that I tried Eco Dent. What was unique about it was that it’s not toothpaste, but a tooth powder. The weirdest part is putting the stuff on your toothbrush. It was the only one that had a flavor that I liked and made my mouth feel clean.
The ones that I’ve mentioned above are only the ones that I’ve tried, but there are others. Try them out and find one that you like. I welcome suggestions, comments and questions.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Holistic vs Traditional Medicine
I explained why I will not go to traditional doctors (unless I must go to the hospital). The young girl in the video is one of many I know of who discovered how to heal outside the world of traditional medicine. The Chiropractor next to her is from Maximized Living. These doctors are holistic and believe in teaching people to choose the route that will help their bodies heal.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate
Check your soaps, detergents, shampoos and shaving cream and anything that foams and bubbles. Chances are, it contains sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) or one of its cousins; such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). SLS and SLES are both skin irritants, however, because so little is added to skin cleansing products, most people don’t feel the effects of it. Some sources say that SLES may even contain a carcinogen. A discouraging fact that I learned at a health seminar is that it’s nearly impossible to cleanse these toxins from the body completely.
I don't have a sensitivity to SLS, however, my rule of thumb is that if it sounds like it was made in a chemistry lab, it is highly probable that it's best to leave it on the shelf at the store. It is very difficult to live by this rule, so I normally focus on keeping toxins that I know about out of my house. SLS and SLES I learned about recently; and they were the most difficult toxins to rid my house of. It took me at least two weeks to get all of it out of my house. It was difficult because it seemed like it was in everything; soaps, detergents, facial cleansers, shaving cream and even toothpaste. Of course I didn’t want to throw it all away because some of it was unopened. Thank goodness, the grocery store took all of my unused products back. Whole Foods especially understood when I told them that I’m trying to get rid of products with these sulfates. The individual in the nutrition department told me that Whole Foods was challenging companies that made soaps, toothpastes and such to make products without those synthetic/chemical sulfates because there were so many customers who were sensitive to it. Even my dentist offered SLS free toothpastes upon request.
There are many companies that now proudly produce SLS free products. You may find them in the regular grocery store, however, you are likely to have more choices at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage or any other health food store.
I don't have a sensitivity to SLS, however, my rule of thumb is that if it sounds like it was made in a chemistry lab, it is highly probable that it's best to leave it on the shelf at the store. It is very difficult to live by this rule, so I normally focus on keeping toxins that I know about out of my house. SLS and SLES I learned about recently; and they were the most difficult toxins to rid my house of. It took me at least two weeks to get all of it out of my house. It was difficult because it seemed like it was in everything; soaps, detergents, facial cleansers, shaving cream and even toothpaste. Of course I didn’t want to throw it all away because some of it was unopened. Thank goodness, the grocery store took all of my unused products back. Whole Foods especially understood when I told them that I’m trying to get rid of products with these sulfates. The individual in the nutrition department told me that Whole Foods was challenging companies that made soaps, toothpastes and such to make products without those synthetic/chemical sulfates because there were so many customers who were sensitive to it. Even my dentist offered SLS free toothpastes upon request.
There are many companies that now proudly produce SLS free products. You may find them in the regular grocery store, however, you are likely to have more choices at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage or any other health food store.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Why Holistic: ND vs MD
I would like to make it clear that although I can be a little harsh about the traditional medical doctors (MDs) that I’ve seen in the past; NOT ALL MDs ARE BAD. I just feel that no matter what they may advise, there is almost always a much better way to heal. I don’t generally go to MDs when I am sick because I’ve rarely received real health care from the MDs that I’ve seen in the past.
There may come a time in life when I or a member of my household must take medication. If I have strep throat, for example, I may have very little choice about what I can do about that. In California, my naturopathic doctor (ND) wouldn’t be able to help me (even though he is trained to) because NDs in California can't get a license to practice that kind of medicine. With strep throat I must see and MD because they are licensed to prescribe antibiotics. I don’t know what the laws are like in Colorado, but from what I’ve learned so far, the NDs here don’t have very many more rights than the NDs in California. The frustrating part for me is they may not have the legal right to prescribe medicine, but they have the training; and most of the doctors that I’ve worked with are licensed in another state to prescribe medicine for when it is necessary.
I’ve had several experiences that led me to trust NDs instead of MDs in general. When I had a fibroid, for example, I was told very sternly why I MUST have it surgically removed; no one told me that I could eliminate them without surgery. When I had bronchitis, I was told why I must start antibiotics right away; thankfully, a friend with medical experience in Russia told me how I can make antibiotics that would specifically fight bronchitis using ingredients in my kitchen. I started treatment for Candida and I came down with a bladder infection that same night. I drove myself to the hospital in tears from the pain. I was given antibiotics, but no one told me there were gentle antibiotics that I could take with probiotics that would simultaneously help the Candida. I had a miscarriage recently but my body didn’t let go of the baby. The recommended OB-GYN I saw told me that I MUST have a DNC or take a drug to get my body to let it go. I didn’t trust anyone enough to go into my body to perform the DNC nor did I want to take any drugs. Luckily, I remembered in my training in Chinese medicine that acupuncture can do EXACTLY what the drug can do. In other words, thus far, there has ALWAYS been another way; and not just another way, but a BETTER way than what MDs have told me. I just needed to see the RIGHT PROFESSIONAL about my problem.
It was experiences like this that drove me to build this site. I want people to understand that they don’t have to live in the toxic world if they choose not to. If you feel there is a better way, ALWAYS go with your gut and ALWAYS seek a second or even a third opinion. I would strongly suggest someone who has received a different kind of training like an ND.
There may come a time in life when I or a member of my household must take medication. If I have strep throat, for example, I may have very little choice about what I can do about that. In California, my naturopathic doctor (ND) wouldn’t be able to help me (even though he is trained to) because NDs in California can't get a license to practice that kind of medicine. With strep throat I must see and MD because they are licensed to prescribe antibiotics. I don’t know what the laws are like in Colorado, but from what I’ve learned so far, the NDs here don’t have very many more rights than the NDs in California. The frustrating part for me is they may not have the legal right to prescribe medicine, but they have the training; and most of the doctors that I’ve worked with are licensed in another state to prescribe medicine for when it is necessary.
I’ve had several experiences that led me to trust NDs instead of MDs in general. When I had a fibroid, for example, I was told very sternly why I MUST have it surgically removed; no one told me that I could eliminate them without surgery. When I had bronchitis, I was told why I must start antibiotics right away; thankfully, a friend with medical experience in Russia told me how I can make antibiotics that would specifically fight bronchitis using ingredients in my kitchen. I started treatment for Candida and I came down with a bladder infection that same night. I drove myself to the hospital in tears from the pain. I was given antibiotics, but no one told me there were gentle antibiotics that I could take with probiotics that would simultaneously help the Candida. I had a miscarriage recently but my body didn’t let go of the baby. The recommended OB-GYN I saw told me that I MUST have a DNC or take a drug to get my body to let it go. I didn’t trust anyone enough to go into my body to perform the DNC nor did I want to take any drugs. Luckily, I remembered in my training in Chinese medicine that acupuncture can do EXACTLY what the drug can do. In other words, thus far, there has ALWAYS been another way; and not just another way, but a BETTER way than what MDs have told me. I just needed to see the RIGHT PROFESSIONAL about my problem.
It was experiences like this that drove me to build this site. I want people to understand that they don’t have to live in the toxic world if they choose not to. If you feel there is a better way, ALWAYS go with your gut and ALWAYS seek a second or even a third opinion. I would strongly suggest someone who has received a different kind of training like an ND.
Mouthwash
When I started brushing my teeth using an all natural toothpaste, I immediately started missing the chemical infested toothpaste that I used to use. The natural toothpaste did the job, but I was used to the clean feeling the chemical toothpastes gave me when I woke in the morning. Even though I would brush my teeth again in the morning, I still couldn't stand that nasty feeling in my mouth that I would wake up with. After I started using Jason at night after brushing, it was as though I never switched to natural products.
I really like this mouthwash. It's a Jason brand and the image above, tea tree oil and cinnamon, happens to be my favorite of all the flavors. This one makes my mouth feel clean and my dentist, to my surprise, recommends tea tree oil for oral hygiene. (My dentist knows that I don't like synthetic ingredients and he is very supportive of that.) Tea tree oil is a wonderful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agent. It's is in some of my household cleaners to fight germs and it’s in Triguard to help fight disease, so why not use it to fight bad breath, right? I'm happy that I can finally wake up without that nasty taste in my mouth.
Jason can probably be found in health food stores like Whole Foods and Vitamin Cottage. If not, it can be ordered online (see "Jason" link).
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Coconut Oil
One of the reasons why my doctors like coconut oil so much is because it does not turn into trans fats when it is heated. When I purchased it, I had no idea how dependent upon it I would become.
Coconut oil has multiple purposes in my house. In the kitchen, I would use for cooking and for oiling up my cast-iron pan. I would put a little extra in the cast-iron pan to brown chicken or fish. But now the use of coconut oil crossed over onto health and beauty purposes. Both my husband and I use it as a moisturizer and a hair conditioner. I don’t wear make-up all that often, but it's a fabulous make-up remover when I do. When using it as a hair conditioner, my husband must use a tiny tip of it otherwise his hair can become very oily and he’ll have to wash it again. I, on the other hand, can use more because my hair is so dry. I’ve learned to put the oil in while my hair is wet though. This way my hair absorbs so much of it that when it dries it’s soft, but not oily. It's easy to over-do it, so just experiment to see how much is appropriate for your hair. You may be like my husband where you can stand to rinse some out or you could be like me where you just put it in as a leave-in conditioner after your shower before your hair dries.
We now keep two containers in the house at all times; one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. I’m so happy to finally know about it.
Coconut oil has multiple purposes in my house. In the kitchen, I would use for cooking and for oiling up my cast-iron pan. I would put a little extra in the cast-iron pan to brown chicken or fish. But now the use of coconut oil crossed over onto health and beauty purposes. Both my husband and I use it as a moisturizer and a hair conditioner. I don’t wear make-up all that often, but it's a fabulous make-up remover when I do. When using it as a hair conditioner, my husband must use a tiny tip of it otherwise his hair can become very oily and he’ll have to wash it again. I, on the other hand, can use more because my hair is so dry. I’ve learned to put the oil in while my hair is wet though. This way my hair absorbs so much of it that when it dries it’s soft, but not oily. It's easy to over-do it, so just experiment to see how much is appropriate for your hair. You may be like my husband where you can stand to rinse some out or you could be like me where you just put it in as a leave-in conditioner after your shower before your hair dries.
We now keep two containers in the house at all times; one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. I’m so happy to finally know about it.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Household Items
One of the hardest detoxification processes that I had to go through was eliminating toxic household cleaners and all of my health and beauty items. At the time, I did it under the advice of my chiropractor; and according to research, it seems that he advised me correctly.
Household cleaners are under observation by breast cancer researchers. Paraben is especially under scrutiny since it has been found in breast cancer tumors. The rule of thumb in my household is that if there is an ingredient that sounds like it came out of a chemistry lab, it's probably best left on the shelf. Even my natural cleaners now sometimes have ingredients that I don't know much about, but I usually check with my doctor to make sure that it is safe. For example, I had a vitamin C facial toner that I loved. Then I found out that it had hydrogenated oil in it. I knew enough to make sure that ingredient is never in my food, but I wasn't sure if it was safe to apply it topically. So I asked my doctor and he said that it would be better to get a toner without that ingredient. Luckily, I found a toner with the exact same ingredients minus the hydrogenated oil (it was made by the same company or a sister company).
You will probably never completely eliminate the toxicity in your home; I certainly haven’t in mine. The goal is to keep trying to decrease the toxicity level as much as possible. Do a little at a time. When I did this inventory in my home, I was already using cleaners that were supposed to be all natural, but I still found toxins in some items. Always read ingredients, because by doing this you are taking control over your home.
Household cleaners are under observation by breast cancer researchers. Paraben is especially under scrutiny since it has been found in breast cancer tumors. The rule of thumb in my household is that if there is an ingredient that sounds like it came out of a chemistry lab, it's probably best left on the shelf. Even my natural cleaners now sometimes have ingredients that I don't know much about, but I usually check with my doctor to make sure that it is safe. For example, I had a vitamin C facial toner that I loved. Then I found out that it had hydrogenated oil in it. I knew enough to make sure that ingredient is never in my food, but I wasn't sure if it was safe to apply it topically. So I asked my doctor and he said that it would be better to get a toner without that ingredient. Luckily, I found a toner with the exact same ingredients minus the hydrogenated oil (it was made by the same company or a sister company).
You will probably never completely eliminate the toxicity in your home; I certainly haven’t in mine. The goal is to keep trying to decrease the toxicity level as much as possible. Do a little at a time. When I did this inventory in my home, I was already using cleaners that were supposed to be all natural, but I still found toxins in some items. Always read ingredients, because by doing this you are taking control over your home.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Green Tea
Green tea is something that many doctors (including our sick chiropractor friend from an earlier post) look upon favorably for general health. The following information may give you some insight about why.
To start, green tea detoxifies; this may be its most popular benefit. Many detox products and cleanses use green tea as a major ingredient. One of my college roommates was from Japan. She was the first to introduce green tea to me. I remember her telling me over sushi that even though some of the food in Japan may be a little greasy from the frying; the people rarely reap the disadvantages from it because of the amount of green tea they drink. Coming from someone who lived in that culture and who was so incredibly healthy (up until she moved to this country sadly), it did make an impact on me.
What some people may not know about green tea is that it is a form of preventative medicine. Green tea can not only lower the chance of heart disease but it can also lower one’s risk of getting certain cancers. Dr. Tori Hudson in fact recently shared that regular green tea drinkers have a 25% decrease in their risk of getting endometrial cancer. Because it is an antioxidant, it also keeps the body youthful.
Concerned about the caffeine? So am I. I tend to get jittery if I drink too much, so I make my cup of tea weaker. There are two ways to do that. Either: 1. I steep two teaspoons in a teapot for twenty seconds then pour and enjoy or: 2. After steeping the two teaspoons for a while I give the first pot of tea to my husband who can handle the caffeine; then I use the same loose tea to make a second pot.
So, drink up! Green tea is great stuff and it’s also great tasting. My husband and I currently enjoy several cups of green tea per day. If you are currently a regular green tea drinker, keep doing what you are doing.
To start, green tea detoxifies; this may be its most popular benefit. Many detox products and cleanses use green tea as a major ingredient. One of my college roommates was from Japan. She was the first to introduce green tea to me. I remember her telling me over sushi that even though some of the food in Japan may be a little greasy from the frying; the people rarely reap the disadvantages from it because of the amount of green tea they drink. Coming from someone who lived in that culture and who was so incredibly healthy (up until she moved to this country sadly), it did make an impact on me.
What some people may not know about green tea is that it is a form of preventative medicine. Green tea can not only lower the chance of heart disease but it can also lower one’s risk of getting certain cancers. Dr. Tori Hudson in fact recently shared that regular green tea drinkers have a 25% decrease in their risk of getting endometrial cancer. Because it is an antioxidant, it also keeps the body youthful.
Concerned about the caffeine? So am I. I tend to get jittery if I drink too much, so I make my cup of tea weaker. There are two ways to do that. Either: 1. I steep two teaspoons in a teapot for twenty seconds then pour and enjoy or: 2. After steeping the two teaspoons for a while I give the first pot of tea to my husband who can handle the caffeine; then I use the same loose tea to make a second pot.
So, drink up! Green tea is great stuff and it’s also great tasting. My husband and I currently enjoy several cups of green tea per day. If you are currently a regular green tea drinker, keep doing what you are doing.
Toxicity: Positive Thinking
Faith is being sure of what we've hope for and certain of what we do not see (Heb 11:1). I love this definition of faith because it hits the nail on the head for me. We don’t see what the future holds, but we can have faith that it will be a great one. When we are having bad days, we don’t know how long we will suffer, but we can have faith that darkness will pass and not before it molds us into something wonderful.
Toxic thoughts, like all other toxins in our life, can break down health. Toxic thoughts can cause stress and excessive stress can cause illness. This is one of the things I LOVE about holistic doctors. When you are sick they don’t just want to know your symptoms, they want to know what is going on in your life. They know that the stress in your life plays a big role in your illness. It has been said over and over again in health article after health article that there is a link between stress and health.
Positive thinking can also have powerful impacts on our life and health. In my opinion, Viktor Frankl was the superstar of all the theorists of Existentialism. He was also a holocaust survivor. Frankl closely examined the other holocaust victims’ attitudes. He observed that the victims who affirmed that they were going to survive the holocaust usually were the ones that survived and the ones who would say that they couldn’t go on another day usually lost their life. Now I can’t possibly begin to imagine how much perseverance, faith and courage it could take to think positively in a situation like the holocaust; but that is why Frankl, from the day I heard his story, has been a hero that I’ve looked up to ever since. He is by far one of the best examples of the power that positive thinking can hold.
Do you have thoughts that are toxic? How can you cleanse your mind with positive thinking?
Toxic thoughts, like all other toxins in our life, can break down health. Toxic thoughts can cause stress and excessive stress can cause illness. This is one of the things I LOVE about holistic doctors. When you are sick they don’t just want to know your symptoms, they want to know what is going on in your life. They know that the stress in your life plays a big role in your illness. It has been said over and over again in health article after health article that there is a link between stress and health.
Positive thinking can also have powerful impacts on our life and health. In my opinion, Viktor Frankl was the superstar of all the theorists of Existentialism. He was also a holocaust survivor. Frankl closely examined the other holocaust victims’ attitudes. He observed that the victims who affirmed that they were going to survive the holocaust usually were the ones that survived and the ones who would say that they couldn’t go on another day usually lost their life. Now I can’t possibly begin to imagine how much perseverance, faith and courage it could take to think positively in a situation like the holocaust; but that is why Frankl, from the day I heard his story, has been a hero that I’ve looked up to ever since. He is by far one of the best examples of the power that positive thinking can hold.
Do you have thoughts that are toxic? How can you cleanse your mind with positive thinking?
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Toxicity: Environmental / Spiritual
I feel the need to admit that this is where I struggle the most. Being sentimental isn’t really the most productive attribute when all you do is constantly collect stuff. I need to learn to keep pictures of family but get rid of the other useless clutter.
Clutter will give you a stuffy environment; speaking from experience, it isn’t nice. We’ve lived in our house for about a year and I still have a few boxes of stuff that I have no place for. The only reason they are still here is because their contents are of a sentimental nature. Convincing myself that I don’t need them anymore is the problem. I struggle with letting go. I once threw away a bank statement that ended up costing me; it may not have, had I kept it. I don’t keep bank statements anymore because the bank keeps all of my information online, but I still hold on to other papers in fear that I will need them and some per advice from the IRS. Most of those papers are filed away, but I still like to go through my files and throw away things that I don't need anymore.
I do go through my stuff before shredding and discarding many of those things once in a while. I just don’t do it enough nor do I throw things away fast enough. Hopefully, the next time I set aside time to go through everything again, I will do it with the courage to let go of the things that I only think I need or want.
Clutter will give you a stuffy environment; speaking from experience, it isn’t nice. We’ve lived in our house for about a year and I still have a few boxes of stuff that I have no place for. The only reason they are still here is because their contents are of a sentimental nature. Convincing myself that I don’t need them anymore is the problem. I struggle with letting go. I once threw away a bank statement that ended up costing me; it may not have, had I kept it. I don’t keep bank statements anymore because the bank keeps all of my information online, but I still hold on to other papers in fear that I will need them and some per advice from the IRS. Most of those papers are filed away, but I still like to go through my files and throw away things that I don't need anymore.
I do go through my stuff before shredding and discarding many of those things once in a while. I just don’t do it enough nor do I throw things away fast enough. Hopefully, the next time I set aside time to go through everything again, I will do it with the courage to let go of the things that I only think I need or want.
Toxicity: More Toxic Foods
So, a blow torche will cut through metal but it will simply char the top of a twinkie, what does that tell you besides... ew?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Toxicity: Life Experience
As I mentioned before, one of the keys to wellness is the decrease of toxins in your environment whether social, emotional, physical or even spiritual. Today we’ve done an inventory on some aspects of our life that may be toxic such as our habits and relationships.
When I speak of spiritual wellness or spiritual toxins; “spiritual” in this case is referring to what you believe. Because spirituality is an undefinable concept with various attributions from person to person, I need to be clear about a few things. For one thing, I’m NOT talking about religion and I am not even referring to something supernatural (although for some people it can mean that). Your spirit, in this particular case, is reflected by how you’re experiencing your life. I used the concept “spirit” because it includes our mental, social, emotional, psychological and physical all in one concept. In other words, you could be an atheist who experiences spiritual toxins or wellness. A loved one in my family makes it clear that he doesn't believe in God, however, he may feel listening to piano sonatas is spiritual because it brings him such pleasure that it takes him over.
So with spirituality looked at in that light what does it mean to have spiritual toxins? Well, if life for you is horrible and difficult and everything is scary and negative this would be the best example of having spiritual toxins. Life isn’t good or it has no hope. When you bring yourself to believe this, you have spiritual toxins. The detoxification of spirit can be addressed in a number of different ways. This belief could come from a physical condition like depression, an emotional state like grief or it could even be something environmental. For example, you could have mold in your house that is affecting your body and in the end it’s driving you to create these negative thoughts. When life is viewed with hope and with faith that everything in life is for a reason that we will all benefit from, or with overwhelming gratitude for the little things; this is a person with low levels of spiritual toxins. These are the “happy” or “positive” people that we all wonder what they know or understand that we don’t.
How do you experience life? What could be the source of spiritual toxins in your life?
When I speak of spiritual wellness or spiritual toxins; “spiritual” in this case is referring to what you believe. Because spirituality is an undefinable concept with various attributions from person to person, I need to be clear about a few things. For one thing, I’m NOT talking about religion and I am not even referring to something supernatural (although for some people it can mean that). Your spirit, in this particular case, is reflected by how you’re experiencing your life. I used the concept “spirit” because it includes our mental, social, emotional, psychological and physical all in one concept. In other words, you could be an atheist who experiences spiritual toxins or wellness. A loved one in my family makes it clear that he doesn't believe in God, however, he may feel listening to piano sonatas is spiritual because it brings him such pleasure that it takes him over.
So with spirituality looked at in that light what does it mean to have spiritual toxins? Well, if life for you is horrible and difficult and everything is scary and negative this would be the best example of having spiritual toxins. Life isn’t good or it has no hope. When you bring yourself to believe this, you have spiritual toxins. The detoxification of spirit can be addressed in a number of different ways. This belief could come from a physical condition like depression, an emotional state like grief or it could even be something environmental. For example, you could have mold in your house that is affecting your body and in the end it’s driving you to create these negative thoughts. When life is viewed with hope and with faith that everything in life is for a reason that we will all benefit from, or with overwhelming gratitude for the little things; this is a person with low levels of spiritual toxins. These are the “happy” or “positive” people that we all wonder what they know or understand that we don’t.
How do you experience life? What could be the source of spiritual toxins in your life?
Toxicity: What and Who
One of the keys to general wellness is to decrease toxicity and I don’t just mean hydrogenated oils in food for example. I mean the toxins in our lives in general. For instance, you may be obese because you’re eating toxic food or sick because of toxins in the air in your home and work environment. The toxins that I mentioned would affect us physically but what about toxic relationships or toxic media? I’m not telling you which friends to ditch or to give up television and video games; but have you ever wondered when enough is enough?
I knew a girl in high school who watched seven hours of television every day. I still wonder how she ever found those extra hours on a school day. I mean, there are twenty four hours per day minus the seven hours that we're in school leaving us with seventeen hours. But then we need eight or nine hours of sleep and what about homework and family and friends? At what point was enough television enough? What could that girl have accomplished in her life had she used those seven hours constructively? In her life, television could be considered toxic.
There were times in high school I had friends that made choices that were so poor that they started to bring me down. Could the relationship I had with these people be considered toxic? Friends should make positive exchanges even if it is just good company and/or conversation. If one friend is taking but not giving, and bringing negativity to your life and environment, it's time to reevaluate that friendship.
What part of your life do you think can be toxic?
I knew a girl in high school who watched seven hours of television every day. I still wonder how she ever found those extra hours on a school day. I mean, there are twenty four hours per day minus the seven hours that we're in school leaving us with seventeen hours. But then we need eight or nine hours of sleep and what about homework and family and friends? At what point was enough television enough? What could that girl have accomplished in her life had she used those seven hours constructively? In her life, television could be considered toxic.
There were times in high school I had friends that made choices that were so poor that they started to bring me down. Could the relationship I had with these people be considered toxic? Friends should make positive exchanges even if it is just good company and/or conversation. If one friend is taking but not giving, and bringing negativity to your life and environment, it's time to reevaluate that friendship.
What part of your life do you think can be toxic?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
More on Cold and Flu
Jim Duke (a botanist; medicinal plant expert for the US Department of Agriculture or the USDA) says that Garlic contains about a dozen immune-boosting substances (Jaret, 2005). He also suggests honeysuckle and forsythia bushes. These are sometimes used in Chinese Medicine to fight respiratory infection. Duke will boil it and make a tea. He warns against the taste; I would try some honey and lemon. Lemon has vitamin C which is known to shorten the duration of a cold.
Dr. Jon Dunn of Naturopathic Health Care in California gave me a recipe to gargle with (NOT swallow):
* Juice from ½ lemon
* ½ tsp. salt
* ½ tsp. honey
* 1 oz. water
* Cayenne (red pepper) to tolerance
I had an ear infection that caused my throat to swell up to the point where I couldn’t swallow. After an incident where I choked on some water I decided to go to the ER. Before I left, I decided to call Dr. Dunn on his emergency line (it was a Saturday and he wasn’t in the office). He gave me the recipe above. I gargled several times that day per his instructions and within hours the swelling went way down. I don’t know if I ever told him this, but he saved my life that day.
Dr. Dunn said this recipe is good to gargle with when you feel a sore throat coming on. This is another method I try when Wellness Fizz doesn’t work.
Reference:
Jaret (2005) Boost Your Immunity Health (Time Inc. Health) November 2005 Bol. 19 Issue 9, p118-190
Dr. Jon Dunn of Naturopathic Health Care in California gave me a recipe to gargle with (NOT swallow):
* Juice from ½ lemon
* ½ tsp. salt
* ½ tsp. honey
* 1 oz. water
* Cayenne (red pepper) to tolerance
I had an ear infection that caused my throat to swell up to the point where I couldn’t swallow. After an incident where I choked on some water I decided to go to the ER. Before I left, I decided to call Dr. Dunn on his emergency line (it was a Saturday and he wasn’t in the office). He gave me the recipe above. I gargled several times that day per his instructions and within hours the swelling went way down. I don’t know if I ever told him this, but he saved my life that day.
Dr. Dunn said this recipe is good to gargle with when you feel a sore throat coming on. This is another method I try when Wellness Fizz doesn’t work.
Reference:
Jaret (2005) Boost Your Immunity Health (Time Inc. Health) November 2005 Bol. 19 Issue 9, p118-190
Plastic
I remember the last day I walked into my doctor’s office with my nonporous, glass like plastic bottle of water (that I carried with me everywhere). Dr. Dunn pointed to it scathingly and with a tone of great concern in his voice he gently advised me to get rid of it. I was really sad because I purchased several of these bottles. He advised me to start using glass or stainless steel in its place. From then on, although it was very difficult, I’ve done everything to eliminate plastic from my life. Because he further warned that it messes with DNA, I also begged my husband to stop and he is having a far more difficult time with it than me.
We purchased a bunch of bottles of Voss water. Once we finished the water, I would wash the bottle and put it away so that we could use it again. That made it a little easier on him. We subscribe to El Dorado and fill the Voss bottles with their spring water. I chose Voss because the opening is so wide that it is easy to get a bottle brush in there when it is time to clean it.
Maximized Living suggests bottles #1, 2, 4 and 5 are safe, but Dr. Dunn strongly advises, when you can, stick with glass or stainless steel. Therefore, I stay far away from plastic, but when I feel the need to make a compromise, I’ll bend if the bottle or container is #1, 2, 4 or 5.
I’ve been doing pretty well, for the most part I almost never use plastic; the few times I do I’ve stuck with Maximized Living’s suggestion. But now there is the question about how to invite your loved ones to change. It is hard when you care about others and you see their habits and you know change is necessary, but no one will change until they are ready. I guess all I could do is hope and try to inspire.
Suggestions and comments as always are welcome.
We purchased a bunch of bottles of Voss water. Once we finished the water, I would wash the bottle and put it away so that we could use it again. That made it a little easier on him. We subscribe to El Dorado and fill the Voss bottles with their spring water. I chose Voss because the opening is so wide that it is easy to get a bottle brush in there when it is time to clean it.
Maximized Living suggests bottles #1, 2, 4 and 5 are safe, but Dr. Dunn strongly advises, when you can, stick with glass or stainless steel. Therefore, I stay far away from plastic, but when I feel the need to make a compromise, I’ll bend if the bottle or container is #1, 2, 4 or 5.
I’ve been doing pretty well, for the most part I almost never use plastic; the few times I do I’ve stuck with Maximized Living’s suggestion. But now there is the question about how to invite your loved ones to change. It is hard when you care about others and you see their habits and you know change is necessary, but no one will change until they are ready. I guess all I could do is hope and try to inspire.
Suggestions and comments as always are welcome.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Politics and Health
These two concepts really don’t mix well, at least not the way we try to mix them right now. There was a lot of information posted the last couple of days about the vaccine controversy to chew on. I admit openly that I myself have learned a lot. As a result I see things in a different light and I feel that I’ve been changed forever.
Politics was never my favorite subject, but the more I dig for answers about health the more I see a political world all tangled up in areas where it does not belong. For example, if scientists found that there could be something wrong with the vaccines then there should be questions asked and studies done. There is a correlation between the number of vaccines given to children and the number of autistic children in this country. Now, correlation may not imply causation, but it DOES imply a need for further observation especially when there is an epidemic that we may be creating out of ignorance or fear of looking at facts.
Even before I knew what I know now, I had so many questions about how the world of traditional medicine is operated. I don’t understand it. I had to be burned a number of times by the medical world before I was shown another medical world. The medical world I discovered in my young adult hood, made more sense scientifically but it wasn’t clear why it was so unpopular. The more I learned, the more frustrated I got and now no longer trust in the first world of medicine that I was introduced to. I believe there are many MDs who are in the profession to help people, but I will still put my trust in the world of naturopathic medicine. Now more than ever, I know it is by far the best decision that I’ve ever made and I dare believe my children will reap the benefits.
Politics was never my favorite subject, but the more I dig for answers about health the more I see a political world all tangled up in areas where it does not belong. For example, if scientists found that there could be something wrong with the vaccines then there should be questions asked and studies done. There is a correlation between the number of vaccines given to children and the number of autistic children in this country. Now, correlation may not imply causation, but it DOES imply a need for further observation especially when there is an epidemic that we may be creating out of ignorance or fear of looking at facts.
Even before I knew what I know now, I had so many questions about how the world of traditional medicine is operated. I don’t understand it. I had to be burned a number of times by the medical world before I was shown another medical world. The medical world I discovered in my young adult hood, made more sense scientifically but it wasn’t clear why it was so unpopular. The more I learned, the more frustrated I got and now no longer trust in the first world of medicine that I was introduced to. I believe there are many MDs who are in the profession to help people, but I will still put my trust in the world of naturopathic medicine. Now more than ever, I know it is by far the best decision that I’ve ever made and I dare believe my children will reap the benefits.
Vaccine Controversy: Ineresting Information
Robert Kennedy talks about thimerosal, a chemical in vaccines that many scientists believe can actually cause autism. He, like many, accuses the government of covering this fact up.
This is where I can understand why some health professionals don't like this controversial issue. There is so much information that isn't being discussed. For example, when the number of different vaccines given to children went up, so did the number of autistic children in this country (from 1 in 5000 to 1in 150). That means it is time to examine reasons WHY.
This is where I can understand why some health professionals don't like this controversial issue. There is so much information that isn't being discussed. For example, when the number of different vaccines given to children went up, so did the number of autistic children in this country (from 1 in 5000 to 1in 150). That means it is time to examine reasons WHY.
Vaccine Controversy: Can Mercury Hurt Neurons?
When you think of the children who were vaccine injured, this video helps make sense of why. It also cultivates the following question: is everyone effected? In other words, could the individuals who weren't evidently effected have excelled with developmental, intellectual or academic achievements even more so without the shot?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Vaccine Controversy: NOT in Favor
The following video shows why I am not a fan of vaccines. If the numbers are correct 1 in 1000 children die from the measles, but 1 in 150 children have autism; in other words, my child has more of a chance of getting autism from the vaccine than from dying of the measles if they aren't vaccinated.
Parents in the following video talk about their suspicions of vaccines. They believe their kids have been vaccine injured.
Parents in the following video talk about their suspicions of vaccines. They believe their kids have been vaccine injured.
Vaccine Controversy: Why Get Vaccinated
So far I've shown presentations on how vaccines work and ingredients in the vaccines. The following presentation is why some are in favor of being vaccinated. They even talk a little about who pro-vaccine professionals believe should be vaccinated.
Tomorrow I'll be showing presentations about why some people are against or afraid of vaccinations.
Tomorrow I'll be showing presentations about why some people are against or afraid of vaccinations.
Vaccine Controversy: Ingredients
This video gives good information on what's in vaccines. If you sense some snarkiness in the tone of the presentation, please ignore it. I'm not the biggest fan of the way this information was presented, but the information itself is good. Thanks for watching.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Vaccine Controversy: In Favor
Here is a video that speaks in favor of vaccines. Actually, it explains how vaccines are made, how they work and a little bit of why the CDC encourages it.
Remember, this is ONE side of the story. I intend on presenting as much of both sides so we can have as much information as necessary to make informed decisions about our health.
As always, comments are welcome.
Remember, this is ONE side of the story. I intend on presenting as much of both sides so we can have as much information as necessary to make informed decisions about our health.
As always, comments are welcome.
Vaccine Controversy
The vaccination controversy is a very, very difficult subject to write about. I just want to be clear that I’m not advocating either side. I will openly admit there are some vaccines that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole because they are so unnecessary; at least for me (for example the flu shot). The ones that concern me are the ones for children/babies. The measles can be a nasty disease to have, for example; at the same time the amount of children who have been disabled as a result of vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) is also frightening.
Personally, from all of the information that I’ve received on both sides; I am currently at a point where I will most likely decide against immunization when it is my turn. The thing is, because it's such a gamble, each parent must choose between the possibility of two evils. Do you vaccinate at the risk of disabling your child or do you decide against vaccination at the risk of them catching a horrible disease?
I felt the following video offers good information from both sides which is why I chose to present it (although the message seems to be a little more in favor of vaccination). I intend to also present videos that lean more toward each side in the future to give as much information from each side as I can.
As always, I welcome your comments. Enjoy the following!
Personally, from all of the information that I’ve received on both sides; I am currently at a point where I will most likely decide against immunization when it is my turn. The thing is, because it's such a gamble, each parent must choose between the possibility of two evils. Do you vaccinate at the risk of disabling your child or do you decide against vaccination at the risk of them catching a horrible disease?
I felt the following video offers good information from both sides which is why I chose to present it (although the message seems to be a little more in favor of vaccination). I intend to also present videos that lean more toward each side in the future to give as much information from each side as I can.
As always, I welcome your comments. Enjoy the following!
Inner Eco
This is the yummiest supplement that I ever had to take. It's a kefir made from young coconut water, and I loooove coconut water! Oh yeah, Inner Eco is some goooooood stuff!
Besides being very, very tasty, Inner Eco is a very potent probiotic. I purchased two shot glasses in Las Vegas which I use to measure it; my shot glasses are about two tablespoons. I just take one shot every day. I was warned that if too much of this is ingested at once, it can cause loose stool; so be careful and read the dosage instructions on the bottle before use.
Throughout my adult life, I battled with Candida. It isn’t fun to have this disease so let me advise you that unless you must put your child on antibiotics (which is sometimes a necessary evil) try to avoid it; and if you can't avoid it, remember to have them bone up on their probiotics. Many professionals in my life including Dr. Jon Dunn, highly recommends whole food supplements. The pediatrician that I grew up with sometimes started me on antibiotics “just in case” and I believe that could be part of the reason for Candida in my adulthood. Now in order to avoid Candida and other yeast infections, I need to take probiotic supplements.
So if you must put your child on antibiotics or if you must be on antibiotics; remember to replenish that flora! I now understand why it is so important. I recommend Inner Eco as a part of your healing. You could probably find Inner Eco in Whole Foods or other health food stores.
Disease Fighting Foods
I had mentioned in a previous post about foods that fight cold and flu, but I wanted to go a little more into that particular subject.
Probiotics are good bacteria that you can find in yogurt. 70% of the immune cells or more that produce antibodies live in the digestive tract lining. According to a study those who took probiotics for at least 3 months had a severity of symptoms about 20% less than those who didn’t and they cut the duration by about two days (Jaret 2005). For some, yogurt is a great way to raise the probiotics in the body. For others like me, however, dairy may suppress the immune system due to an allergy or sensitivity. For people like me there are supplements like New Chapter’s probiotics or my personal favorite Inner Eco which is a delicious coconut kefir.
My auntie always told me to eat my bitters every day. Well, according to studies she was right! Way to go Aunt Babs! Bitter, leafy greens are shown to be great for chest congestion, sniffles and cough (Jaret 2005). Two examples mentioned were arugula and watercress (Jaret 2005). I used to juice arugula with beets, carrots, kale, parsley and an apple (and sometimes I added a little ginger) and believe it or not, it made a nice beverage for my parents and me. My mother loves to add arugula to her salads, which give them a nice kick. My dad always tops his delicious burgers with a little watercress and I admit it never tastes the same without it. (Remember, if you are pregnant or nursing there are certain precautions that you must take before making changes to your diet. Talk to your doctors about ANY changes.)
Try adding these to your diet to raise your body’s defenses this winter. If you have recipes, please share! I absolutely LOVE to hear from you! Be well!
Reference:
Jaret (2005) Boost Your Immunity Health (Time Inc. Health) November 2005 Bol. 19 Issue 9, p118-190
Probiotics are good bacteria that you can find in yogurt. 70% of the immune cells or more that produce antibodies live in the digestive tract lining. According to a study those who took probiotics for at least 3 months had a severity of symptoms about 20% less than those who didn’t and they cut the duration by about two days (Jaret 2005). For some, yogurt is a great way to raise the probiotics in the body. For others like me, however, dairy may suppress the immune system due to an allergy or sensitivity. For people like me there are supplements like New Chapter’s probiotics or my personal favorite Inner Eco which is a delicious coconut kefir.
My auntie always told me to eat my bitters every day. Well, according to studies she was right! Way to go Aunt Babs! Bitter, leafy greens are shown to be great for chest congestion, sniffles and cough (Jaret 2005). Two examples mentioned were arugula and watercress (Jaret 2005). I used to juice arugula with beets, carrots, kale, parsley and an apple (and sometimes I added a little ginger) and believe it or not, it made a nice beverage for my parents and me. My mother loves to add arugula to her salads, which give them a nice kick. My dad always tops his delicious burgers with a little watercress and I admit it never tastes the same without it. (Remember, if you are pregnant or nursing there are certain precautions that you must take before making changes to your diet. Talk to your doctors about ANY changes.)
Try adding these to your diet to raise your body’s defenses this winter. If you have recipes, please share! I absolutely LOVE to hear from you! Be well!
Reference:
Jaret (2005) Boost Your Immunity Health (Time Inc. Health) November 2005 Bol. 19 Issue 9, p118-190
Sunday, December 5, 2010
What a Chiropractor Does When He is Sick
Almost everything this doctor advises was advised to me at different points in my life by different professionals (mostly doctors) so I felt that it was a great video to show. I found it interesting that he recommended vitamin D.
About ten or more years ago I had bronchitis. An MD, who took a holistic approach to medicine, advised me on how to attack it knowing I wasn’t taking antibiotics. Among many other things he said to take vitamins A and D until I was over it. I don’t remember the dosage so please refer to following video about dosage of vitamin D, and definitely ask a professional about dosage of vitamin A.
Hopefully this video is helpful.
About ten or more years ago I had bronchitis. An MD, who took a holistic approach to medicine, advised me on how to attack it knowing I wasn’t taking antibiotics. Among many other things he said to take vitamins A and D until I was over it. I don’t remember the dosage so please refer to following video about dosage of vitamin D, and definitely ask a professional about dosage of vitamin A.
Hopefully this video is helpful.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Triguard
If for whatever reason the Wellness Fizz isn’t working, it is time to escalate. The next step for me is Triguard.
As I’ve mentioned, there was a nine year period when I had only 3 illnesses one of which was the flu. When I told my best friend in New York how sick I was, she actually sent a bottle of Triguard to me via express mail. This was the first time I’ve seen or used it. I got over the flu in less than a week and made sure that I had a bottle in my house at all times ever since.
This product has three antibacterial and antiviral compounds in it. I put 20 drops in water with lemon juice (lots of lemon juice because the taste is quite potent) three times per day and for a few days after I’m better. I used a chopstick to stir (because I was advised not to use metals with it). I’ve also used it to fight bladder infections with some additional instruction from my doctor. The only problem I’ve had with it is when I drank it on an empty stomach. I’ve learned my lesson, don’t EVER do that. It made me VERY sick to my stomach.
Wellness Fizz
When I feel a sore throat coming on, I drink Wellness Fizz this as instructed on the container. So far this winter it has been working very well. This is one of few things that I purchase with “natural flavors” in it. Although there isn’t proof, I decided to trust in what I was told about the natural flavors being extracted from a tea. Besides, I believe the benefits of the product outweigh the disadvantages of that one ingredient and I really enjoy the fruity flavor. I've only tried berry and tangerine but it looks like there are other flavors out there as well.
I'm curious if anyone has tried any other flavors. Please let me know what you think.
Fighting Cold and Flu: Scratchy Throat
Okay, so we tried all of the prevention methods but now there is a scratchy throat situation; what now? Well I will share with you what some doctors shared with me.
A brilliant doctor from Stone Point Institute in Mesa, AZ once shared a very painful but effective way of combating a sore throat. She said to mix fresh garlic in some water and put some drops of water up your nostrils when you feel a cold coming on. She said all respiratory infections from cold to flu to pneumonia start in the nasopharynx. I have to say that even as much as it hurts, it almost always worked (the only time it didn't was during that year that nothing else worked for what ever reason.)
I found Wellness Fizzto be a much more pleasant way to go. It’s been more effective over the last couple of months. I suspect that my immune system is stronger now than it was for the last year and a half of my life before that. I’ll put garlic water up my nostrils when that isn’t working. I also take something a little stronger like Triguard. I will post more information on these products soon.
Hope this helps. I encourage and welcome other home remedies that you feel works for you. If you have an effective method, please share.
A brilliant doctor from Stone Point Institute in Mesa, AZ once shared a very painful but effective way of combating a sore throat. She said to mix fresh garlic in some water and put some drops of water up your nostrils when you feel a cold coming on. She said all respiratory infections from cold to flu to pneumonia start in the nasopharynx. I have to say that even as much as it hurts, it almost always worked (the only time it didn't was during that year that nothing else worked for what ever reason.)
I found Wellness Fizzto be a much more pleasant way to go. It’s been more effective over the last couple of months. I suspect that my immune system is stronger now than it was for the last year and a half of my life before that. I’ll put garlic water up my nostrils when that isn’t working. I also take something a little stronger like Triguard. I will post more information on these products soon.
Hope this helps. I encourage and welcome other home remedies that you feel works for you. If you have an effective method, please share.
Cold and Flu Prevetion
When should you start taking steps to prevent disease? Well, since it’s December, I would say five minutes ago.
There are four daily habits that can help your defense against cold and flu. The first habit is just plain common sense; wash those hands. This will help prevent you from catching a cold and it will also help prevent you from spreading a cold. A medical student once shared with me that if Americans would wash their hands just three more times per day that an array of diseases can be prevented, including flu. Secondly, a full night of sleep can strengthen our immunity. From what I’ve observed, sleep deprivation is a common and nasty habit in this country that we try to make up for with coffee. Dr. Jon Dunn of North County Naturopathic Health Care postulates that most people need eight or nine hours of sleep on a consistent basis. He further suggests that even mild sleep deprivation can hurt our ability to fight virus and bacteria. Thirdly, there are certain dietary practices that can further guard our bodies; plenty of water and fresh foods like fruits and veggies. Dr. Dunn suggests foods that are close to their natural state; as close as possible. Fourth and finally, several studies show that mild exercise can help strengthen the immune system. (Refer to Exercise (part 2) in the November archives.)
If you can develop these four habits you can definitely start your journey toward a nice strong immune system. Keep reading for more information on cold and flu prevention and combat.
There are four daily habits that can help your defense against cold and flu. The first habit is just plain common sense; wash those hands. This will help prevent you from catching a cold and it will also help prevent you from spreading a cold. A medical student once shared with me that if Americans would wash their hands just three more times per day that an array of diseases can be prevented, including flu. Secondly, a full night of sleep can strengthen our immunity. From what I’ve observed, sleep deprivation is a common and nasty habit in this country that we try to make up for with coffee. Dr. Jon Dunn of North County Naturopathic Health Care postulates that most people need eight or nine hours of sleep on a consistent basis. He further suggests that even mild sleep deprivation can hurt our ability to fight virus and bacteria. Thirdly, there are certain dietary practices that can further guard our bodies; plenty of water and fresh foods like fruits and veggies. Dr. Dunn suggests foods that are close to their natural state; as close as possible. Fourth and finally, several studies show that mild exercise can help strengthen the immune system. (Refer to Exercise (part 2) in the November archives.)
If you can develop these four habits you can definitely start your journey toward a nice strong immune system. Keep reading for more information on cold and flu prevention and combat.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Fighting Cold and Flu
Tis the season to be congested, but who really needs that, right? I certainly don’t. There was a time in my life when I was so proud of the fact that I didn’t get sick very easily. I remember being in a class right next to a woman who was coughing throughout the whole lesson and I still came out okay. Within 8 years I had one nasty flu, laryngitis and a mild nasal infection. For someone like me who had sore throats every other month when I was in second grade, that is a fabulous track record. For some reason that I still don’t understand, over the last two years I was getting colds and flu at the drop of a hat; not to mention a sore throat that turned into a horrible ear infection that had me in bed for a whole month. It started about seven months before I moved out here but again, I'm not sure why.
It improved over the last six months. So far I’m not getting sick as much as I have been over the past year and a half. One factor could be because I’m more focused on doing things that I enjoy such as bewellmyfriends.com. Another factor could be because I’m going to an excellent chiropractor regularly.
What can we do to prevent cold/flu and what can we do when all of our prevention methods fail?
Within the next few posts I will be addressing the following issues:
1. Preventing cold/flu
2. Combating cold/flu when prevention fails (which it just does sometimes)
3. Vaccine controversy
4. Swine flu
It improved over the last six months. So far I’m not getting sick as much as I have been over the past year and a half. One factor could be because I’m more focused on doing things that I enjoy such as bewellmyfriends.com. Another factor could be because I’m going to an excellent chiropractor regularly.
What can we do to prevent cold/flu and what can we do when all of our prevention methods fail?
Within the next few posts I will be addressing the following issues:
1. Preventing cold/flu
2. Combating cold/flu when prevention fails (which it just does sometimes)
3. Vaccine controversy
4. Swine flu
Toxicity
I know I used to eat these poisons when I was a kid; but knowing what we know now I must ask: Why do people still eat this stuff?!
My Response to Herbal Treatments for Depression
I just read an article that discussed natural treatments for depression. There are many herbal ways to treat depression. I believe the most popular is St. John's Wort. In my experience, St. John's Wort maybe excellent for a temporary depression, for example, if one experiences the death of a loved one. However, I didn't find it to be the best way to treat clinical depression.
One component of clinical depression that many people aren't aware of is a mental sluggishness. I remember constantly telling my parents that I was tired. They couldn't understand how it was possible that I was constantly exhausted with all of the sleep that I would get (especially during a depressive episode). Ginseng was helpful for the exhaustion and St. John’s Wort was helpful for other symptoms, but I don’t remember it making enough of an impact for me to recommend it to others that suffer from clinical depression. There are many things that I recommend certain herbal treatments for, but clinical depression isn’t one of them.
Again depression is curable, but you need to fix the actual problem. The only way I know of is neurofeedback treatment. Try going to www.eeginfo.com to find a clinic near you and look for one that does brain mapping. In my experience, the clinics that don’t do brain mapping or some such brain assessment may not be of any help or they may even make matters worse.
One component of clinical depression that many people aren't aware of is a mental sluggishness. I remember constantly telling my parents that I was tired. They couldn't understand how it was possible that I was constantly exhausted with all of the sleep that I would get (especially during a depressive episode). Ginseng was helpful for the exhaustion and St. John’s Wort was helpful for other symptoms, but I don’t remember it making enough of an impact for me to recommend it to others that suffer from clinical depression. There are many things that I recommend certain herbal treatments for, but clinical depression isn’t one of them.
Again depression is curable, but you need to fix the actual problem. The only way I know of is neurofeedback treatment. Try going to www.eeginfo.com to find a clinic near you and look for one that does brain mapping. In my experience, the clinics that don’t do brain mapping or some such brain assessment may not be of any help or they may even make matters worse.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
What's in Your Body?
This video represents one of many reasons why I am so happy I stopped eating at McDonalds years ago!
Eating Styles (Part 2)
The way that I eat doesn’t really fall into any particular category that I mentioned in the last post. I do eat grain, unlike the healing diet guidelines as I understand it, but I usually make sure that it is whole grain and not refined grain except for organic spelt breads or organic spelt English muffins. As I mentioned in the last post, I am a meat eater; but it must be either grass fed beef or bison. Chicken and fish I also eat a lot of, but the chicken must be free range and I stay away from tuna because of the insane amount of mercury content in it. Detox is something I once made sure to do three times per year, however, my doctor recently advised against doing any kind of cleanse during the winter so I will do another cleanse in the spring. In the meantime I’ll drink some milk thistle to keep my liver nice and clean. I made such a habit of drinking water that I rarely ever drink iced teas or juices and I can’t even remember the last time I had soda. I don’t really drink juices, I more often use it to sweeten something; like a smoothie or something that I bake. In any case, when I buy juice I always make sure that it’s a Lakewood brand juice. I like Lakewood because they sell mostly organic fresh pressed juices. I avoid eating or drinking anything in cans or plastic. Instead I always look for glass contained foods or drinks. I avoid white sugar; instead I use fruit juice, maple syrup (the real stuff not the Mrs. Butterworth junk) or honey (real raw honey not the Golden Blossom goop). On the days when I want to avoid sugar entirely, I’ll use stevia or xylitol. Foods on the “no way” list also include anything that contains white flour, hydrogenated oils, reduced iron, BHT,BHA, RDHD, aspartame, white sugar, brown sugar, splenda, high fructose corn syrup, non certified organic almonds, artificial flavors and some natural flavors, artificial colors, and anything that sounds like it came from a chemistry lab.
My doctors unanimously approve of my eating style so far. The only thing that was often advised against was my use of agave nectar which made me very sad because I used to love the stuff. I did stop using it though. I will write more in the future about eating styles, but in the meantime I hope this was helpful. Be well my friends!
My doctors unanimously approve of my eating style so far. The only thing that was often advised against was my use of agave nectar which made me very sad because I used to love the stuff. I did stop using it though. I will write more in the future about eating styles, but in the meantime I hope this was helpful. Be well my friends!
Eating Styles
America is the most well fed and undernourished country in the world, I’ve heard it over and over again. During my third year of college almost all of my friends were foreign. I believe every one of them gained weight when they moved to this country. I met one of my friends after she gained weight (and a lot of it). When I saw a picture of what she looked like in Japan my mouth just dropped. She was so slender! Eating well in some parts of the world is just natural, but in this country it’s a skill.
The good news is that there are a variety of eating styles to choose from, I’ll mention a few that I’m familiar with. Some people choose to eat vegan. This isn’t really for me because I’m a meat eater. I was a (pesco-lacto-ovo) vegetarian for a number of years, but started eating red meat a few years ago when my body called for it. The only problem with being any kind of vegetarian is that a number of vegans I know don’t eat the best of vegan food. They just aren’t careful about their sugar and processed food intake. In my experience, that is an eating style bound for illness. If one chooses vegetarian foods that nourish and one watches one's sugar intake, however, vegan diets can be VERY healthy. There is also the raw food diet which a number of people swear by. I read an article about a woman who covered her stove and put a cutting board on top. From then on, she and her family ate raw (vegan) food. Another diet many swear by is what Maximized Living calls the healing diet. This diet is mainly protein and vegetables with very little carbohydrates. More than anything, however, Maximized Living advises against America's toxic diet. I have spoken to people who were on the healing diet and they claimed that they watched pounds just melt off of their bodies. I spoke to another woman who hurt her back years ago and was in pain daily. With chiropractic work and the healing diet she can now walk and is pain free. Another diet that I’ve seen is one that many Adventists live by. It is mostly vegetarian; however they do eat occasional chicken and fish but absolutely no red meat.
Which one of these eating styles is the winner? Well, that’s up to you. People who fall into any one of these categories believe with all their heart that that is the way to go. So how do you figure out which style is best for you? Keep reading for some basics to start with.
The good news is that there are a variety of eating styles to choose from, I’ll mention a few that I’m familiar with. Some people choose to eat vegan. This isn’t really for me because I’m a meat eater. I was a (pesco-lacto-ovo) vegetarian for a number of years, but started eating red meat a few years ago when my body called for it. The only problem with being any kind of vegetarian is that a number of vegans I know don’t eat the best of vegan food. They just aren’t careful about their sugar and processed food intake. In my experience, that is an eating style bound for illness. If one chooses vegetarian foods that nourish and one watches one's sugar intake, however, vegan diets can be VERY healthy. There is also the raw food diet which a number of people swear by. I read an article about a woman who covered her stove and put a cutting board on top. From then on, she and her family ate raw (vegan) food. Another diet many swear by is what Maximized Living calls the healing diet. This diet is mainly protein and vegetables with very little carbohydrates. More than anything, however, Maximized Living advises against America's toxic diet. I have spoken to people who were on the healing diet and they claimed that they watched pounds just melt off of their bodies. I spoke to another woman who hurt her back years ago and was in pain daily. With chiropractic work and the healing diet she can now walk and is pain free. Another diet that I’ve seen is one that many Adventists live by. It is mostly vegetarian; however they do eat occasional chicken and fish but absolutely no red meat.
Which one of these eating styles is the winner? Well, that’s up to you. People who fall into any one of these categories believe with all their heart that that is the way to go. So how do you figure out which style is best for you? Keep reading for some basics to start with.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Recovering from Mistakes (Part 2)
Making mistakes can have its benefits, if you let it. I’m not trying to give excuses for the mistakes I made or fabricate an excuse to permit myself to mess up again in the future. None of us want to backslide, but let’s face reality, screwing up is just another part of life so let’s deal with it. Looking at how mistakes can serve us is a great tool that will put us on a road to recovery. In the past when I ate things I shouldn’t have, sometimes it has caused me to despise those foods. Now I refuse to eat them even if it were right before me. If I didn’t make that mistake, I may crave for those foods this very day or if I had eaten them on a day where I was really craving it, I may still have a liking for it.
I made my screw up last night serve me by using it to become more relatable on this site. I’m hoping that that helps you feel less alone in the whoopsies that you make. You’re not alone, we all make whoopsies. The trick is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and ask:
I made my screw up last night serve me by using it to become more relatable on this site. I’m hoping that that helps you feel less alone in the whoopsies that you make. You’re not alone, we all make whoopsies. The trick is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and ask:
- Am I ready to move on?
- Why did I mess up?
- Do I hold myself fully accountable for the mistake that I made?
- What steps can I take to make sure it doesn’t happen again?
- In what way did my mistake serve me on my journey toward change?
- Can I learn from it or laugh at it?
Recovering from Mistakes
Different experiences in your life may inspire healthy changes that you would like to make in the future. That is fabulous, but you may have days where you are weak. Even though I’ve strived to live well since high school, my old habits still come back and haunt me once in a while. I imagine that others trying to change will go through something similar. I can promise this from my past experience, being hard on yourself may only make it worse.
It is possible to own your mistake without being harsh with yourself. You are responsible for the mistakes that you make just like I am responsible for eating the wontons last night. When we give into temptation we give up our power. When we own our mistakes, we regain our power. I now own the power to make the decisions that will encourage me to make healthy choices in the future.
Negative experiences are only good for one of two things or both: to learn from or laugh at. If you look back on a mistake and you aren't learning from it or laughing about it then you are better off just letting it go.
It is possible to own your mistake without being harsh with yourself. You are responsible for the mistakes that you make just like I am responsible for eating the wontons last night. When we give into temptation we give up our power. When we own our mistakes, we regain our power. I now own the power to make the decisions that will encourage me to make healthy choices in the future.
Negative experiences are only good for one of two things or both: to learn from or laugh at. If you look back on a mistake and you aren't learning from it or laughing about it then you are better off just letting it go.
Falling into Temptation (Part 2)
One thing I do when I mess up is I trace it back to an experience that can cultivate the need for the desired object that will have adverse effects. I’ve been eating a lot of different white flour products since my miscarriage. Even though I have health issues that white flour is certainly not helping, I had this desire to eat something that made me happy after feeling so awful for so long. I want to build my body up again so that I can get pregnant and have a healthy baby. I have a picture (from the ultrasound) of my Sweet Pea, or the baby we lost, that I look at when I'm missing her. I will always love and remember her, but there isn’t a wonton, stromboli, or Red Lobster biscuit in the world that will deliver me from the pain of losing her. It’s been at least a month now, so I believe it’s time to stop hiding behind that excuse. It’s time to heal and move on.
The next step is to make some decisions that will help me make better choices. I told my husband that I don’t want to go back to that restaurant for a while. They have better choices of food, but if I am so weak right now that I will make poor choices when I go there it is probably best not to go again until I'm stronger.
Falling into temptation doesn't have to be about something that is traumatic. Sometimes it’s just force of poor habits. Sometimes it's force of peer pressure. Sometimes it is the power of all of the above hitting you at once. Temptation can be very powerful, but when we say “no” that is when we regain power.
The next step is to make some decisions that will help me make better choices. I told my husband that I don’t want to go back to that restaurant for a while. They have better choices of food, but if I am so weak right now that I will make poor choices when I go there it is probably best not to go again until I'm stronger.
Falling into temptation doesn't have to be about something that is traumatic. Sometimes it’s just force of poor habits. Sometimes it's force of peer pressure. Sometimes it is the power of all of the above hitting you at once. Temptation can be very powerful, but when we say “no” that is when we regain power.
Falling into Temptation
I started this particular series with the people who are trying to make changes in mind. I woke up this morning with a hangover. I don’t mean I drank last night or anything (although if any of you do struggle with that, please refer to my November posts entitled “The Benefits of Neurofeedback (Part 1)” and “Depression (Part 2)” because there may be help available to you). No, I mean I’m suffering from a white flour hang over. A white flour hang over can means sluggishness for the entire next day...yikes! So why would I eat white flour if it does this to me you ask? I’m going to answer that question with another question; why does anyone fall into temptation?
A girlfriend of mine made a point about how leaders/teachers that seem perfect may seem like good role models, but they aren’t relatable enough. I believe a good leader/teacher admits to his or her mistakes not only because it makes them more human, but because then the ones they lead or teach can develop skills on how to recover from the mistakes that they make. My dad is a retired college professor. He was and still is an amazing teacher who is deeply admired and respected by his former students, fellow teachers/professors and former employers. He taught for many years; high school and then college level. He openly admits that over the years he has made mistakes, but he would recover from his mistakes by making his students laugh and/ or by encouraging them for pointing out his mistakes. He would recover same way when he made mistakes as a husband/parent, and he did make mistakes that we all still tease him about today! We would tease him and he would laugh along with us. This is one of many things that I will always love and admire about him. Well, I may be an educator myself, but I’m not writing this from the perspective of a teacher, counselor or a leader but just as a writer who is sharing the benefits of her experiences.
Keep reading so we can explore the world of temptation together as I sip on my milk thistle tea and hope my liver doesn’t despise me too much for the wontons that I devoured last night.
A girlfriend of mine made a point about how leaders/teachers that seem perfect may seem like good role models, but they aren’t relatable enough. I believe a good leader/teacher admits to his or her mistakes not only because it makes them more human, but because then the ones they lead or teach can develop skills on how to recover from the mistakes that they make. My dad is a retired college professor. He was and still is an amazing teacher who is deeply admired and respected by his former students, fellow teachers/professors and former employers. He taught for many years; high school and then college level. He openly admits that over the years he has made mistakes, but he would recover from his mistakes by making his students laugh and/ or by encouraging them for pointing out his mistakes. He would recover same way when he made mistakes as a husband/parent, and he did make mistakes that we all still tease him about today! We would tease him and he would laugh along with us. This is one of many things that I will always love and admire about him. Well, I may be an educator myself, but I’m not writing this from the perspective of a teacher, counselor or a leader but just as a writer who is sharing the benefits of her experiences.
Keep reading so we can explore the world of temptation together as I sip on my milk thistle tea and hope my liver doesn’t despise me too much for the wontons that I devoured last night.
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