My Fears of GMOs and Political Corruption

I've learned so much because of the research that I've done for this blog, but sometimes I despise what I find.  It actually mentally exhausts me to the point where I sometimes feel like I don't want to do this anymore.  At the same time, how would it profit me to bury my head in the sand?  I'm compelled to keep on top of current events and research and keep letting my voice be heard.

For me, the impact on farming is the scariest part of this political corruption due to GMO technology.  300,000 farmers went up against M*sant* in court and lost.  California tried to pass 37 (the "Just Label It" bill) and lost.  Amish farms are raided and the Amish farmers arrested for the sales of raw milk and fresh vegetables.

I wonder if I'll ever be able to find a natural corn seed when I'm able to eat corn again or if it's as good as extinct even now.  I wonder if my children will see an actual monarch butterfly.  I have reason to hope for the best and that hope propels me to go on writing, speaking and educating others about the importance of eating natural food and staying away from GMOs.  I alone can't make a difference, but it's others like me who come together to fight for the same cause.  We won't put up or shut up until health freedom is ours!

Fermentation Facts and Tips

There are two kinds of fermentation:  Lactic acid fermentation (anaerobic) and alcoholic fermentation (aerobic).  People like me who are healing their leaky gut, are sternly warned to stay away from fermentation, however, when doctors say that they are usually referring to the aerobic fermentation.  Aerobic fermentation takes place in yeasts that contribute to candida overgrowth while the anaerobic fermentation produces all of the lovely beneficial bacteria and yeast that conquers the candida overgrowth.

A quick clue about aerobic vs anaerobic is whether you are fermenting food in an open container or a closed container.  If you ferment with the container open (with a cheesecloth over the top), then the fermentation is likely to be aerobic.  An example of this is kombucha.  If you close the container, then chances are it will ferment anaerobically; this is what leaky gut patients want.  Examples of this include sauerkraut, water kefir (although often people don't cover water kefir, but I ferment it in a closed container), yogurt, coconut yogurt and coconut kefir.

Once you've healed your leaky gut, the aerobic ferments would be helpful.  Until then, it may be prudent to stick with the anaerobic.

Appendix Health

An appendicitis is caused by fecal matter blocking the appendix.  It is postulated, therefore, that an overall healthy lifestyle will lower the risk of an appendicitis.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will not only give your gut flora the prebiotic treats that they love, but it will also promote efficient bowel movements which is essential to a healthy appendix.  This can be aided by good exercise habits and drinking plenty of water.

If you do develop an appendicitis, removal of the appendix is not likely to be the doctor's first choice anymore due to the recent realization of the importance of the appendix.  It's still possible that some doctors may stick to that tradition, but thank God many are opening their eyes.

Gut Health by Dr. Gerald Lewis

I confess that I've never heard of Dr Gerald Lewis; however, his presentation on this video mostly expanded on what Dr. Joseph Mercola and Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride write, talk and teach about when it comes to intestinal health.  This video talked about things that I honestly didn't know; for example, it mentioned one of many functions of the appendix.  The appendix has been disregarded as a "prehistoric" organ that we don't need anymore, like tonsils and wisdom teeth.  Well, most people can function without wisdom teeth, however, the tonsils and the appendix are in our bodies for a reason.  Recently, researchers have found that both have a purpose when it comes to immune function, but this is the first that I've heard of it's purpose in regard to the health of one's gut flora.  It's good to know.

This is at least the third time I've heard a lecturer suggest miso soup for leaky gut.  I'm so scared of soy because of all the nasty things that are done to it.  But unfortunately, soy IS food too and it plays a role in the healing of the gut.  Yogurt, I fully understand, I need to get my hands on; but I'm going to have to have more conversations with my health providers about miso soup.  I would LOVE to get my hands on some good miso soup both organic and imported.  I wouldn't dare touch any soy that was grown in the USA.

Water Kefir Troubleshooting

Although I plan to be an expert one day on water kefir troubleshooting, I'm far from being that today.  I have kefir grains, but they look like they are ready to die.  In their lifetime, they did make me some mean ginger bugs though!  I made a soda that my husband absolutely LOVED!  I'm so happy about that, but I wish my grains would cheer up.  I'm not sure what's got them down.

I found this website on water kefir troubleshooting a few days ago.  It gave me some hints as to why my grains aren't doing so well and gave me some tips about what I can do about it.  Some of my grains seemed to wake up a bit, but they are still in ICU.  I'm hoping they love the the sugar and mineral rich environment that I prepared for them.  Then there was another site that suggested a "rest" protocol.  I'm going to try that next.

If anyone has any questions about their water kefir, the links that I've attached are both wonderful.  I hope you find the answers that you're looking for!

Probiotics - Digestive & Immune System Support

The one area where I don't agree with Dr. Mercola is what he says about grain.  He's not the only one who demonizes grain, but I still don't agree.  Grain is food!  I don't eat grain right now because it could upset progress of the GAPS diet; but on the GAPS diet I can't eat potatoes, bananas or squash either because they are all starchy and starchy foods are a no-no until the gut is healed.  Nonetheless, bananas, potatoes, squash AND grain are all foods.  I will agree, however, that as long as one has leaky gut, grain should be completely avoided.

I've tried Dr. Merxola's probiotics as well.  I prefer the Natren Healthy Trinity, but I know of people who swear by Mercola's.  Try different brands until you find the one that sings to your belly.

Homemade Probiotics

This nurse makes his own probiotics which is pretty cool.  I make my own from coconuts, but I like the idea of making some from carrots since carrots seem to be easily leftover in my kitchen whenever I make batches and batches of sauerkraut.

Enjoy!