Natural Joy

Monday, February 14, 2011

Time to Make a Change!

We have discussed a variety of "warning signs" that our bodies flash at us to get us to make changes. I hope you have begun to see how different foods really affect your body. Eating the right foods makes a HUGE difference in your day to day life.

It isn't all about eating food to manage your symptoms... it is about changing your attitude about food... about your life.. about exercise... In the United States we have been conditioned to allopatic medicine - you get sick, you go to the doctor. Naturopathic medicine is a completely different mindset... it is feeding your body good things so that it (your body) can heal itself... and listening to the "warning signs" your body gives you ... and get better at reading the little ones before they get to be blaring ones!

That old adage, "you are what you eat," is so very true. How you feed your body directly relates back to how healthy your life will be. Feed your body good healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts... and it will reward you by being stronger. Your mind will reward you with being more positive, remembering more things, being faster, and learning new things. Your organs will be less susceptible to disease. In short, you will have a longer, more productive, healthier life.

So, I challenge you - this week when you go get groceries, spend a little more time in the produce department. Find something new - different than you have ever tried - or something you have always wanted to try, but have never taken that step. Ask the grocer how to know when it is ripe and how to serve. Go on line and find a recipe. And experiment.

Next - GET OUTSIDE! Go for a walk. Listen to the trees, birds, rivers, kids.... sit on a hill and just be! Your body needs sunshine... we will start for just one day a week... eventually you will need to try to get 30 minutes every day.

And lastly - I know I am asking a lot. We will start again with once a week.. and build to every morning... go out and find a quote that is motivational, work to change one negative into a positive, say hi and smile at a stranger... do something to make one person's day better.

Here's to a new healthier, happier you!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Colloidal Silver

One of the best healers to have in your medicine cabinet is Colloidal Silver. Colloidal Silver is a natural antibiotic and heals both internal and external maladies. In my research, I always seem to go back to - what did they do before pharmaceutical companies took over and began creating pills for us to take for every little thing?

Using pharmaceutical drugs causes several issues. First, the concentration of these chemicals has a negative affect to other organs while it "cures" one ailment. Over a long period of use, the body becomes resistant to these chemicals, and requires stronger and stronger chemicals to "heal." These chemicals affect ALL parts of the body... and are part of the reason that we continue to have more and more health issues - cancer, ADHD, Alzheimer's, MS, heart disease, etc..

The term "colloidal" means particles suspended in fluid. Colloidal Silver is actually quite simple to make - there are plenty of sites out there that will sell the required equipment. Here is one http://www.elixa.com/silver/lindmn.htm. The use of Colloidal Silver as a healing agent goes back thousands of years. Persians were the first known users of Colloidal Silver. When the first settlers arrive in America they would put silver coins in milk to help keep it fresher longer.

The term "blue blood" actually comes from excessive use of silver. Royalty and Upper Classes ate on silver plates, drank from silver goblets, used silver flatware, served food in silver dishes - and the long term excessive amount of silver ingested literally turned their skin blue or silver.

Colloidal Silver has been put to the test many times and shown to be beneficial in healing / destroying the following ailments:

E. coli

Pink eye

colds

ear infections

bronchial infections

flu

athlete's foot

urinary tract infections

fungal infections

wound infections

strep

Anthrax

staph

typhoid

Additional uses: Add to water when you are worried that you may not have clean water. Add to milk to lengthen the shelf life. Rinse your fruits and vegetables to increase shelf life. Gargle with Colloidal Silver to help heal throat infections. Put a couple drops in your ears to help heal ear infections and remove the pain. Swish in your mouth to deaden the pain of a toothache.

Uses around the house: I read recently that if you damp mop your floors with Colloidal Silver and water, it will kill any cockroaches or any other bugs that may cross your floor. Mixed with water in a sprayer - mist plants that have aphids or other bugs. Lightly spray around your home in spots that you have noticed mold / mildew - it will kill it. Add 1 c. once a week to your toilet tanks to keep them clean. Spray on your cutting boards / kitchen sponges to kill germs.

Here is my story for you... This happened last October with my youngest daughter. She woke up one morning with a small lump on the side of her breast. Within hours this small bothersome lump tripled in size and became quite tender. She debated on waiting until Monday to visit her doctor (it was a Friday afternoon) but was scared - she listened to her inner voice and went to the hospital ER. They took blood and seemed to be very concerned. They told her that they thought she had MRSA. For those of you that don't know what this is (I had no clue) it is one of the most aggressive and deadliest forms of Staph infection. They had to lance her open to get at the infection. They put her on two different types of antibiotics while they grew cultures to determine what would be best to fight the infection. She went back two days later to the ER because she was having additional symptoms - light headed, fever, the lump had not reduced in size... She says now that she could feel her body shutting down - giving up. They changed her antibiotics (a double dose of what is normally given for sickness). I started researching and found that there is only a 50% chance that the drugs would work. Most people, if they survive, are on antibiotics for 3 - 6 months. I put her on 2 t. Colloidal Silver (3 times/day), 2 pkgs of Emergen-C, a garlic gelcap, and green tea every day for 10 consecutive days. When she went back to the doctor the following week, he was shocked at what he found. He said that he fully expected her to have to be admitted, and couldn't figure out how she was doing so well. She told him of her "witch doctor" mama doing research. The only known thing to kill MRSA with 100% efficiency is Colloidal Silver. He was very impressed and very happy to see her improving so well. It took a while - she was weak for several weeks after, but she has healed completely and knows the benefits of natural medicine.

Here is a great site on Colloidal Silver: http://www.silvermedicine.org/

Saturday, February 12, 2011

SUPER foods - Fruits

All fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices are super foods in my humble opinion... they all work together to help heal your body... eating only one color or type is as damaging as eating fast food / junk food every day... you need a well rounded diet to be completely healthy. But... we consider some fruits and vegetables super foods because they help destroy horrible diseases, and help improve certain functions...

So, our list of super fruits begins with my all time favorite. Blueberries. Blueberries have high levels of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They have a low glycemic index (for those that have been reading the blog - that relates to reducing hot flashes and diabetes), have many micronutrients and even are rich in fiber. They have been shown through studies to help reduce cancer, the affects of Alzheimer's, increase brain function and healing, reduce kidney ailments and help kidneys function better, reduce cholesterol levels, help prevent bladder related infections, and they help fight heart disease among other things.

Goji Berries (Wolf Berries) are called the "happy" fruit. Goji berries are usually found either dried or in juice form. The dried berries look similar in shape and size to raisins but are a orangish red color. They have a very distinctive taste - tangy, sour, slightly sweet. Personally - I don't like the dried fruit. But when mixed with another juice (I prefer cherry) it is quite palatable. It really doesn't take much of this potent juice to give you a positive boost. Know that they are in the nightshade family. Tibet and India have used Goji berries to help protect the liver, protect/improve eyesight, improve sexual function and fertility, strengthen the legs, boost immune function, improve circulation and promote longevity. Tests have been shown that Goji berries destroy cancer cells, reduce cholesterol, and reduce blood glucose levels.

Mango is one of the fruits I avoided when I was younger. I never found the right person to teach me how to pick a good mango - or how to serve it - so I always had a bad taste in my mouth after trying it. There are several types of mangoes - my favorites are the smaller yellowish ones. You know they are ready to eat when they begin to weep from the end connected to the tree. They should be firm and give just a little - NOT MUSHY. slice as close to each side of the large pit as you can. Score it into cubes, turn it inside out, and use your thumbs to push out the cubes. If you peel it like you would an apple, you will have a nasty after taste. The beta carotenes in them prevent cancer, particularly of the lung, esophagus and stomach. They also reduce risk of heart disease and improve immune function. This link not only has great information on the health benefits of mangoes but also shows my favorite version - the yellow mango. http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/top-10-health-benefits-of-mangoes-23759891

Pomegranate is one juice that you should have in your refrigerator at all times. Pomegranate aids in healing and preventing many cancers - prostate, lung, and breast primarily. It promotes longevity and is known for its anti-aging properties. Protects neonatal brain function, arteries, cartilage from deteriorating, fights Alzheimer's disease, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, heals and strengthens bladder and kidney functions, helps cell regeneration, and helps strengthen the immune system. Pomegranate can be served fresh or as a pure juice or as a mixed juice. Pomegranate juice is quite tart and dry but great when mixed with other fruit juices.

Cranberries are another tart, dry juice with a lot of the same benefits as pomegranates. Very high levels of antioxidants help destroy cancer cells, improve immune system, and protect the heart. Cranberries also help fight bacterial infections, bladder infections, fight heart disease, cancer, and lowers cholesterol levels.

Now, a couple words on other professed super fruits. Acai berry has been touted as a super fruit in recent times and now is under question. While it has good levels of antioxidants, there have been no proven studies showing that it has a broad reach into any healing. Mangosteen is another that has been touted as a super fruit. It has more benefits than that of the acai berry, but still not enough to really qualify as a super fruit.

Friday, February 11, 2011

SUPER foods - Vegetables

We are hearing more and more about "super fruits" and "super vegetables" but what does "super" mean? And why should we care?

Super Vegetables - vegetables are very important to keep our bodies alkaline, and give us energy. There are several vegetables that are important to well being. Vegetables have been known to help you live longer, have better brain function, sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, fight disease, and help you look younger.

Asparagus - is the number one superfood, in my opinion. Asparagus, eaten daily, has found to destroy cancer cells, remove tumors, aid in sleeping, aid in female hormone balancing, promoting fertility, aid in weight loss, healing the liver, and stimulating and healing the kidneys among other things. As a child I couldn't stand asparagus, I had only had it canned or frozen. I absolutely LOVE it now... put fresh stalks in a frying pan with a little butter, sesame oil, garlic and pepper... grill until just bright - it doesn't take long. Or put on the grill when cooking burgers, chicken, and/or steak.

This link has a great description of asparagus and its uses / benefits - http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/asparagus.html

Kale / Spinach - Dark green vegetables have so many health benefits. Always try to eat your greens at lunch and take a walk afterwards. The sun helps convert the phytoneutrients and provides the body a wonderful energy boost. As for the benefits of Kale - Lessens occurrence of cancers (100’s of studies done worldwide), high in glucosinolates. (anti-carcinogens), excellent known cell detoxifier, lowers cataract risk, promotes lung health, protects against arthritis, slows loss of mental function. Benefits of Spinach - fights blindness, helps prevent anemia, prevents tooth decay, prevents bladder disorders, aids in longer life, reduces the risk of diabetes, and prevents respiratory disorders. Spinach was another of my "icky" vegetables as a child / teen. I absolutely can't stand the taste of it cooked... even now. But I have found a way to "cook" it and enjoy it. I take a flavored tortilla (jalepeno & cheddar is my favorite) and put it in an omelette pan. Spread half with feta cheese, pepper, and cayenne. Turn on heat to medium and let the feta get warm. Top with mushrooms, avocado, and spinach. Fold the tortilla in half. Cut into 1/3s and serve! Yumm..

Watercress - is a little known, easily grown green leafy vegetable. You can find it naturally along lake and river beds. It's taste is milder than spinach. It's benefits are staggering - increases mental function / memory, helps to normalize cholesterol levels, helps to clean the blood of toxins, increases fertility, helps to fight cancer / kill cancer cells, helps fight eye disease, helps clear skin, helps strengthen bones, helps to fight lung disorders, and helps normalize thyroid function. I like my watercress fresh and try to eat it in salads.

Avocado - Another of my "icky" vegetables from my youth - is now one of my favorites. In truth it is a fruit not a vegetable, but since most people think of it as a vegetable, we will put it here. In the spring and summer I eat one a day. Avocados help promote healthy skin, increases metabolism, known to fight several types of cancer (oral, prostate, and breast), fights heart disease, helps prevent strokes, lowers cholesterol levels, helps promote healthy eyes / vision, and helps fight diabetes. I shared my favorite way of serving avocado above. It is also fabulous in GOOD guacamole with lots of lime, chile, and cilantro.

Mushrooms - Specifically Shitake... again I KNOW... not REALLY a vegetable... :) But will be added here. Mushrooms as a whole are very benefitial to the body. Shitake mushrooms are known for promoting long life, reducing cholesterol numbers, promoting a healthy heart, fighting cancer, fighting HIV and Hepatitus B, fighting nutritional deficiencies, and promoting a strong immune system. Shitake mushrooms are usually found in good hot and sour soup... mmm...

Onions - Oh yes! They are a "super vegetable" for sure! Onions have been used for centuries as a medicinal vegetable. They fight colds and lung conditions, repel bugs, lower blood pressure, help promote a healthy heart, fight cancer and tumors, increase bone density and the health of all connective tissue, reduce obesity, reduce allergies, promotes long life, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails among other things. French Onion Soup is AH-MAZING! I have a great recipe if anyone is interested. :)

The best way to get the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals out of vegetables is to lightly saute or stirfry your vegetables until just bright. "Just bright" means that they have changed color. This usually means they are still crisp or barely wilted. Never overcook your vegetables or you will lose most of the nutritional value.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

High Cholesterol

One of the most frequent questions I get is about High Cholesterol. One of my best friends works out (he is a blackbelt in both Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do), is tall and slender, eats all the right foods, and still has to work to control his High Cholesterol. Sometimes your genes / heredity really make you work to stay healthy.

So, until my friend had High Cholesterol, I didn't know the basics of it... good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, good oils, bad oils... it is all quite confusing... they have done a pretty good job though to educate the general population about the basics of Cholesterol. So that we are all on the same page - a brief overview. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is made in the liver. When you get your Cholesterol tested you should be given three numbers - your total count, your HDL (good), and your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Your total number should be below 200mg/Dl. 60mg/Dl is considered good for your HDL. 129mg/Dl is considered good for your LDL. The higher the HDL and the lower the LDL the better. And your triglycerides should be under 150mg/Dl.

As I alluded to above, exercise and diet both play a big part in healthy cholesterol numbers. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce cholesterol numbers. One of the ways it helps is that he helps to move the LDL to the liver to be broken down. The more vigorous the exercise the better - you should be doing a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio daily. Not only does it help break down the bad cholesterol but it also increases the number of your HDL. So you get double benefits with exercise. Maintaining optimal weight is also a factor with cholesterol as carrying excess weight increases the LDL that the liver must process.

Certain foods help keep your body alkaline and help maintain good cholesterol numbers - you might be surprised at several of them... almonds, walnuts, oatmeal, blueberries, salmon / tuna, red wine, soy, extra vergin olive oil, cayenne, green tea, apples, shitake mushrooms, artichoke, garlic, avocado, and dark green leafy vegetables. And again, if there is a list of what you should eat... there is also a list of what to stay away from: fast food, fried food, processed foods, junk food, dairy, tropical oils, and sweets / baked treats. You also have herbs that help - fenugreek, cayenne, garlic, hawthorne berries, flax seed, ginger,

Since LDL is broken down in the liver, good liver health is necessary... which means lowering alcohol and caffeine intake and increasing the intake of foods high in B complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and iron. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, organic fruit juices, nuts, seeds, legumes, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and brussles sprouts.

Exercise and Eat your way healthy. :)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

To HRT or NOT... there isn't even a question.

When I was 35 I had to have a full hysterectomy. I fought it with everything I had inside of me. I KNEW there was another way.. and I was still very new to Naturopathy at the time. After six doctors all told me that there WAS no other way, and a week in bed in a fetal position from pain - I relented. After surgery she told me I had to be on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for the rest of my life. I flatly refused. I told her I would take it for the first year, because I knew it would help me heal faster (I had two major surgeries in six months and had almost died the last time due to a nicked artery in surgery) but after that she had better have a solution for me because I would not continue.

When I went back for my one year follow up, she tried to write me a script for more! Again she tried to tell me why I needed it - fights heart disease (actually the proof is leaning the opposite direction), fights Osteoporosis (studies show no proof), fights breast cancer (actually increases this likelihood), and fights stroke (again, increases the chances). Instead I shared what I had learned. HRT increases the chance of cervical cancer, increases the chance of needing joint replacement surgery, increases the chance for blood clots, increases the chance for ovarian cancer, increases the chance for Dementia, and a whole host of other FATAL diseases. WHY would I want that just to stop from having hot flashes and night sweats?

So, I started researching. I got all the books I could find, researched online, talked to Naturopathic doctors and learned a LOT. One of the books I recommend to EVERY woman is Dr. Christiane Northrup's "The Wisdom of Menopause." It was a wonderful starting place for me and REALLY made me think about why I had so many problems with my menses. She was the one to show me that your body gives warning signs when not in balance. You will have to read her book to get the full picture but I will share a piece of it here.

I will go into detail about Chakras and Meridians, but in short we have seven Chakras or energy centers in our body. Each one corresponds to a part of the body and to ailments within those organs. So, the second chakra represents the uterus, ovaries, vagina, cervix, large intestines, lower vertebrae, pelvis, appendix, and bladder. The mental and/or emotional issues related to the second chakra are personal power, sex, money, relationships, fertility, individual creativity, co-creation with others, boundaries in relationships, dependency vs. independence, giving vs. taking, and assertiveness vs. passivity. WOW! This spoke to me very strongly. I had had issues in my marriage. I was a fearful, dependant woman. If I had faced my issues, resolved my relationship issues at a younger age - I would never have gotten to the point of having surgery.

We all need to resolve the issues in our life that cause us stress and mental anguish. Our personal and professional relationships need to be healthy. Our self-worth and world view must be positive and self accepted. So, any major issues we have - cancer, heart disease, stroke, etc... all began as little issues that we ignored, and that caused the "warning" sign to become more and more acute.

So, how did I deal with the hot flashes and night sweats? Well,,, I still have them, BUT they are minor. The first two years was awful. I wish someone had shared with me, what I am sharing with you... it would have saved me so much grief!!! The one thing I found that rung true with me was food. I read somewhere about the Glycemic Index and began playing with it... I found that when I ate things that had a high Glycemic Index in the evening, I would have terrible night sweats. For example... I thought I was making wise choices when I ate carrots as an evening snack, but I would have night sweats. When I changed to an apple, I didn't have the night sweats. The book that helped the most was actually a cookbook from Sandra Woodruff called "The Good Carb Cookbook." I choose to eat my complex carbs in the morning (ie. oatmeal) so that my body can burn it off... and my low glycemic index foods in the evening.

The other thing I added to my diet was the Omegas. I don't eat enough foods that give me the appropriate omega count so I take an Omega 3-6-9 gelcap each day.

Happy eating! Happy healing!