A Healthy Immune System

Your immune system is a very delicately balanced, fine-tuned process.  If you do not have a strong immune system, you are more likely to be someone that will be prone to chronic disease.  Whether that means things like chronic flu, colds and bronchitis or more serious ailments like cancer depends on how weak and compromised your immune system is.  If you are chronically ill, you need to take a step back and determine what is causing the weakness in your immune system and correct it.

There are foods and lifestyles that boost your immune system and those that break down your immune system.  Let's look at the negatives first.

Alcohol - anything in excess is bad for the body.  A cup of wine every now and then is good for the body since it has many good enzymes in it.  However, the high carbs and high sugars (in certain alcohols) are damaging to the body.  They overload the liver and make it difficult for the white blood cells to kill germs in the body.
Sugar - we just had a discussion about good sugars and bad sugars.  White refined sugar taxes the body in general.  8T or the equivalent of 2 sodas suppress the immune system and cause the liver to go into over drive.  In addition, it reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job by as much as 40%.  Do you want 40% of the germs in your body to thrive? 
Food Allergens - most of us don't realize that we have food allergies until they slap us in the face.  If you have issues with indigestion, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea - you have a food allergy.  Food allergies or sensitivities cause problems with your immune system because your white blood cells begin destroying good things.  Your body is thrown into chaos and begins destroying itself.
Fat - again we are back to excess.  Eating excessive amounts of fried foods, fatty foods, and the wrong type of fats reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job.  Again, reducing their ability to destroy germs.
Prescription Drugs - again... excess.  If you are chronically ill, you probably have filled your body with antibiotics that actually weaken your natural immune system.  An example - when you get stung by a bee or mosquito, your body immediately sends histamine to the site.  It doesn't send histamine to your entire body - JUST to the part of your body that was stung.  When you take a drug for an illness, it doesn't just go to fight the germs in the part of your body that is ill - it spreads throughout your body and not only kills germs, but kills the white blood cells that are naturally fighting the illness as well.

So, basically our "standard bad foods" are the ones you need to reduce or remove from your diet.  Now, onto the good foods and healthy lifestyles.

Vitamins C, B, & E all help strengthen your immune system.  They each have a separate function but together they build strong cell walls, increase the reproduction of white blood cells, and enhance their germ fighting capabilities. 
Cartenoids are found in orange fruits and vegetables as well as some green vegetables including spinach and kale.  They are very important in the germ fighting capabilities of your white blood cells.  They also promote cell communication necessary for fighting proper germs.
Bioflavenoids protect the cell structure from environmental toxins, hence increasing the strength of the cellular wall. 
Garlic enhances the multiplicity of germ fighting cells and increases the efficiency of the same cells.
Selenium boosts cancer fighting capabilities of the body.
Omegas - The Omegas are the essential oils necessary for your body to function properly.  They enhance the white blood cells capability to destroy germs.

As for the lifestyle, you need to remain active.  Even when you are not feeling well, it is vital for you to get at least 30 minutes of sunshine and at least 30 minutes of activity daily.  Both of these build up your tolerance and a stronger physical body promotes a stronger immune system.

Here's to a healthier stronger you!  Blessings... E

Dandelions and Weeds

Hello All,
I have had several questions about dandelions and weeds in yards now that spring has arrived most everywhere in the US.  Dandelions and weeds grow best in a low calcium high magnesium environment.  If you do not compost your yard - or it doesn't breakdown things quickly and reabsorb them - you may see an increase in weeds - specifically dandelions.  While dandelions are GREAT as an herb - they are a pain to get rid of and multiply faster than bunnies! 

A couple working suggestions - spray your dandelions with vinegar.  The acidity in vinegar will kill most weeds.  If you have loads and loads, this probably isn't the best solution.  Composting is also a good solution - compost before winter will help with the following spring's bout of weeds... but this doesn't help this year's growth, eh?  You can also use a lime calcitrate spread on your yard to reduce the number of weeds... here are a couple links to review with some really good information.

Recommended Reading: http://www.safelawns.org/blog/index.php/2010/11/guest-blog-to-reduce-weeds-and-improve-lawn-apply-calcium/
More Recommended Reading: http://organicgardening.about.com/od/weeds/p/dandelions.htm
More Recommended Reading: http://www.lawncare.net/attack-of-the-lawn-weeds/

As far as the BENEFITS of dandelions - yes there are quite a few.  Dandelion leaves are great in salads.  They have a slightly peppery flavor and most all parts of the dandelion are beneficial.  Dandelion has a whole host of benefits - diuretic, cleanses the digestive / urinary tracts, purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, cures anemia, clears skin, reduces indigestion and acid reflux, and lowers cholesterol levels - AMONG others. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html
More Recommended Reading: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-dandelion.html

And here is a good salad recipe for dandelion leaves - honestly, I LOVE herb salads better than any other type - there are so many different textures and flavors that each bite is a new discovery - dandelion leaves are a perfect addition to that mix.  Now, please be careful - do not use any dandelion leaves from a yard that has had pesticides / herbicides sprayed on them - as you will be ingesting those chemicals through the greens.  Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/dandelion-salad/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!  Blessings ... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is very high in many nutrients and while it is little known to the majority of the meat eating world, it is very well known in the vegan / vegetarian / pescatarian and naturopath worlds... don't let the fact that it is an "algae" put you off... let's start with the stats and move on to the good stuff... take a walk with me..

Spirulina is a fresh water bacteria that has some impressive numbers attached to it... it is 60% protein.  When compared to meat's 27% and soy's 34% it translates to a WOW for those that want to transition away from meat.  Asian countries add Spirulina to their feed to help naturally increase the bulk of their cattle.  Beyond protein there are many additional mineral benefits - iron, manganese, beta carotene, and calcium among them. 

Some additional medical / dietary benefits for you to consider.  The Japanese use Spriulina more than any other country because of the high nutritional value.  Some researchers in Japan have found that it helps diabetics control their cravings and decrease their insulin intake.  Many people use Spirulina to help maintain a healthy weight.  It has been used to fight hay fever, inflammation caused by arthritis, reduces bad cholesterol levels, and helps remove heavy metals and toxins from the body.  In short it is an excellent anti-aging food source.  Another benefit is that it is easily digested and absorbed into the body.  It is great for your heart health, digestive health, immune health, etc...

Recommended reading: http://www.naturalnews.com/031779_spirulina_radiation.html
Recommended reading: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-spirulina.html

But you say... it is still algae... Yes it is.  But there are many ways to eat and drink it that will make it much more palatable.  So, the first question is... Where do I get it?  I get mine from my natural health food store - but you can get it online as well.  http://www.iherb.com/ has a good supply of different brands and types.  You can use the powder in so many different ways.... There is a juice drink from naked that is high in spirulina - Green Machine... if you read the ingredients you probably wouldn't pick it up and try it.. but it is rather good.  Just make sure you get one that is fresh.

Recipes: http://spirulina.org.uk/recipes.htm
More recipes: http://www.spirulina.co.nz/recipeMain.htm
More recipes: http://www.growing-algae.com/spirulina-recipes.html

The most common way of adding Spirulina to your diet is through smoothies... but don't stop there.  Add a little bit to anything that has green foods in them.. and even some that don't... anything that is cooked... experiment and enjoy!! 

Blessings... E

Hey Honey!

Honey is a natural antibiotic and has been used for a long time with lemon in tea.  But there are many, many other uses and benefits to honey.  There are many different kinds of honey as well - so let's start there.

I have always been told to look for honey made in my region.  Honey is made from the nectar of flowers and pollen from those flowers finds its way into the honey as well.  For those of you tortured by allergies - honey consumed from your region is to help strengthen your immune system to fight allergies.  Another thing I have always been told is to choose the darkest honey available in your region.  The more types of flowers used - the darker the honey - this is another benefit for those of use with allergies. 

Antibacterial uses - Since honey is an antibacterial it can be used to help heal cuts, scratches, burns, and acne.  Clean the area with soap and water and put a little honey on the wound, cover with a band aid.  Repeat daily.  Honey helps to speed up healing and reduces scar visibility.
Moisturizer - Honey helps to soften skin - rough patches, rough heals, and dry skin.  Clean area with soap and water and spread a thin coat of honey over.  Cover with a warm moist wash cloth or towel and let sit for 5 - 10 minutes.  Rinse and pat dry.
Immune booster - A teaspoon of honey taken each morning with daily supplements has been professed to boost the immune system.
Energy booster - When you are in need of a quick boost, drink a cup of green tea with a tsp of honey.
Improve blood flow - The glucose in honey helps increase blood flow.
Colon damage prevention - Honey is high in antioxidants which strengthen the colon.  Daily dosage of honey helps to strengthen the colon and reduce the chances of colon cancer.
Parasite removal - When mixed with vinegar and water, honey can remove worms and other parasites in the body. 
Calming the mind and body - It is unknown how, but adding a teaspoon of honey to warm milk or tea has a calming effect on both reducing anxiety and nervousness. 
Cancer fighter - As a natural antibiotic and being high in antioxidants, honey has powerful capabilities in aiding the fight against cancer.
Calcium aid - By adding honey to your diet, you will retain more calcium in your body.
Heals stomach ulcers - Honey helps to balance stomach acids, and aids in the healing of ulcers.

Replacing processed white sugar with honey, gains you many more nutrients, minerals and gives your body more fructose (less harsh on your pancreas) in addition to the many other benefits.  Honey is the one product in your pantry that will never spoil.  Your baked goods will not dry out as quickly when made with honey as it retains moisture. 

Recommended reading for beauty secrets using honey: http://www.girlsustainable.com/beauty/jillion-honey/
Recommended reading for healing benefits of honey: http://www.honeyo.com/honeyhealing.shtml

Blessings.. E

Tea Benefits

There are so many nutritional benefits to tea I cannot name them all.  Let's discuss the different types of tea, the benefits of tea, and where to get your best teas.  I have friends that know much more than I do about tea - so if I am wrong with any of the information I provide - I KNOW they will set us all straight!  :)  Here are the most common types of tea.

Black Tea - Goes through the most processing.  Tea leaves are picked and set out to wilt in the sun.  Then, they are twisted and crushed to ferment and fully oxidize in the sun.  This process changes the color of the leaves black when complete.  There are different types of black tea - typically named for the region in which the tea is grown (i.e. darjeeling, assam, and ceylon).  Black tea has a stronger, sometimes more bitter flavor and higher caffeine levels than other types of tea.

Oolong Tea - Is a hybrid of Black and Green tea.  It is also wilted but only partially oxidized.  There is a wide range of Oolong teas some almost black, some almost green. 



Mighty Athena - Green Tea



Green Tea - There are two different types of green tea.  Primarily the Chinese variety is roasted to dry the leaves.  And the Japanese style to steam dry the leaves.  Green tea leaves do not go through the fermentation stage like black and oolong teas.  Green tea has a grassier / flowerier flavor and fragrance and much lower caffeine levels.

White Tea - Is the least processed of all tea.  The top leaves and bud are picked very early in the season while the white hairs are still on the plant and the bud has not opened yet.  They are not fermented, nor are they roasted / steam dried but let dry naturally in the sun.  The flavor is much more delicate and sweeter than any other type of tea and is often mixed with fruit.  It has the lowest amount of caffeine.

Herbal Tea - Is a combination of herbs, flowers, and fruits - anything except tea leaves.  Herbal teas are typically used to heal maladies. 

Up until recently, I have always gone to the store and chosen a variety of different prepackaged teas - usually green, white or herbal.  My cousin introduced me to Phuong Le a master Tea Craftsman.  And OH MY GOSH!  I had no idea what I had been missing out on... all these years wasted! :)  To enjoy her fabulous teas, you will need a diffuser - she has them on her site too.  AH-MAZING!  I can't say enough.  Her teas are all organic and hand crafted. 

So, what are the benefits of tea?  Tea has a high concentration of antioxidants.  White tea having the highest concentration.  High in Vitamin C which boosts immune system and helps promote healthy skin.  Tea contains polyphenol which fights certain cancers.  It is known to soothe the digestive tract.  Tea lowers cholesterol, boosts metabolism, and regulates blood sugar levels.  It is also a detoxifier and a stress reliever.

Visit Phuong's site - my favorite so far is definitely Mighty Athena - but I am trying new ones every day!  She has new combinations that were just released... enjoy!!  http://www.iloveono.com/

Thank you Tracie for introducing me to Phuong.  And to Phuong, thank you for the bright and shining star you are - you are a good role model for us all.  Blessings...E