Food for Thought

Turkey recipes to use your leftovers

2009-11-17T13:31:00.001-05:00

Turkey Pot Pie Soup
1 package frozen egg noodles
1 package mixed vegetables
2 cups diced turkey
½ cup diced onion
½ cup celery
5 Herb Ox chicken bouillon cubes
3 quarts water
4 Tbsp. cornstarch
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt sea salt

Cook egg noodles until tender. Steam vegetables to crisp-tender. Sauté onions and celery in 3 Tbsp. butter. Bring 3 quarts water to boil. Add bouillon cubes and cornstarch. Cook until thick. Add all ingredients to pot and simmer. Season to taste.

Wild Rice and Turkey Soup

4 cups water
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced carrots
1 small onion, diced
½ cup wild rice (rinsed)
3 cups milk
4 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. unbleached flour
2 Herb Ox chicken bouillon cubes
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 cup diced cooked turkey
salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, combine water, celery, carrots, onion, and rice. Cook until tender. In a separate saucepan, heat milk until scalded. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and stir to make a paste. Add paste to scalded milk to thicken. Add bouillon cubes, milk paste, and almonds to rice and vegetable mixture. Stir in turkey. Stir until creamy. Salt and pepper to taste.

Baked Chicken Salad
4 cups cooked turkey cubes
Sauté in butter; season with pepper, garlic powder, paprika,
cilantro (optional) and basil (optional). Brown lightly.

Toss turkey together with:
1 T lemon juice4 cups chopped celery
1 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Bake in 13x9-inch glass pan at 375 for 30 minutes.
*Optional: Crumble potato chips over top before baking.

Turkey Salad
3-lb. cubed turkey
2 cups Miracle Whip
2 Tbsp. mustard
3 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 can diced water chestnuts
¼ cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. raw sugar
½ tsp. sea salt

In a large bowl, com¬bine Miracle Whip, mustard, celery, onion, water chestnuts, sour cream, raw sugar, and sea salt. Add turkey and mix well. Cover and chill.

Turkey ala King

2 cups cubed turkey
2-3 cups cooked mixed vegetables
1/4 cup diced onions, sautéed
Make white sauce

2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cubes Herb ox chicken bouillon 1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup whole milk
pepper to taste
In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour. Gradually add water with bouillon cubes dissolved and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Season with Kick’n Chicken and pepper. Add turkey, vegetables and onions to white sauce stir well. You can add a cheddar cheese blend to this and pour over rolls or biscuits.

Turkey facts to ensure a safe and healthy holiday

2009-11-14T14:48:00.005-05:00

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 80 percent of foodborne illnesses are linked to meat and poultry, so proper handling and cooking is essential. Here are seven tips to help ensure safe turkey eating.

1. Don’t let uncooked turkey sit at room temperature. Shop for a turkey last and get it home and refrigerated promptly. Bag the turkey separately and place it below other food in the refrigerator.

2. Don’t attempt to thaw a frozen turkey quickly by leaving it sit overnight on a kitchen counter. Use one of the following methods:

Option I - Place a covered turkey in a shallow pan on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator.

Option II - Place the plastic-wrapped turkey in a pan of cold water, changing the water about every 30 minutes.

Option III - Completely submerge the turkey under a stream of lukewarm (70°F) running water.

3. Never place the turkey directly on the counter; keep it on a platter or in a roaster. Clean and sanitize the counter and utensils after handling raw turkey.

4. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw turkey, using plenty of warm water and soap.

5. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, even if the turkey has a pop-up timer. When the temperature reaches 165 F in the thickest part of the thigh away from the bone, the turkey should be done.

6. Wait to stuff the turkey until right before putting it in the oven. Use only pre-cooked meats and vegetables in the stuffing mixture. Cook the stuffing until it reaches at least 165 degrees at the center.

7. Refrigerate any leftovers immediately. Large portions should be separated into smaller containers and covered loosely to speed cooling.

NSF International
789 N. Dixboro Road, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140
Consumer Hotline: 1-888-99-SAFER Website: www.nsf.org

Selba Seed

2009-10-30T17:51:00.003-04:00

Buyer beware is the first thing I can say! There are many pluses involved with the selba seed. However the price vs. what it "can do" needs to be weighed out. Many of the suppliers offer a free trial but they need your credit card to do so. Many times it can take time to get them to stop shipping you product and with prices upwards of $25.00 per pound they can wipe you out pretty quickly. Call the numbers that are given on the web sights before hand to see how easy or difficult it is to get hold of a sales person.
To read more info on this seed check out http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_opinions_of_Salba#at
A great link to help you wade through all of the information.

Sodium

2009-09-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

Aim to eat less than 2,300 mg of salt per day. Some people — African Americans, middle-aged and older adults, and people with high blood pressure — need less than 1,500 mg per day.

1/4 teaspoon salt= 575 mg sodium
1/2 teaspoon salt= 1,150 mg sodium
3/4 teaspoon salt= 1,725 mg sodium
1 teaspoon salt= 2,300 mg sodium
1 teaspoon baking soda= 1000 mg sodium

Table salt vs. sea salt:

Table salt is made up of sodium chloride while sea salt includes minerals. Real salt which is pink in color is an even better choice. Our body needs a good balance of electrolytes which for optimum performance are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. When salt is over processed all you get is salty, not the good stuff and most fast foods and processed foods are made with sodium chloride which in and of itself can cause a myriad of health problems.
Excess sodium intake is linked to: hypertension/high blood pressure and heart disease, fluid retention and kidney stones. A high-sodium diet increases the need for potassium. The average fast food burger is between 800-1050 mg. of sodium! Canned soup can run around 600-800 mg. per serving. Most boxed convenience meals are upwards of 1200 mg per serving.
Mineral deficiencies are the main cause for salt cravings. With a proper balance of minerals from real salt you will get an upper hand on your diet.
The only time it is dangerous to drink too much water is when your electrolytes are low and are not being replaced. This can cause disturbances in brain function with neurological and cardiac complications. Many athletes who seemed to be in top condition but did not replace sodium/electrolytes, have had major health issues and in some cases death.
Many products today are being made with sea salt so read labels and get the best sources as possible. Remember buyer beware!

The dangers of Bromines

2009-09-14T23:45:00.004-04:00

When you ingest or absorb bromine, it displaces iodine, and this iodine deficiency leads to an increased risk for cancer of the breast, thyroid gland, ovary and prostate -- cancers that we see at alarmingly high rates today.
Aside from its effects on your endocrine glands, bromine is toxic in and of itself. Bromide builds up in your central nervous system and results in many problems. It is a central nervous system depressant and can trigger a number of psychological symptoms such as acute paranoia and other psychotic symptoms.

Aside from its effects on your endocrine glands, bromine is toxic in and of itself. Bromide builds up in your central nervous system and results in many problems. It is a central nervous system depressant and can trigger a number of psychological symptoms such as acute paranoia and other psychotic symptoms.

In addition to psychiatric problems, bromine toxicity can manifest as the following:

Skin rashes and severe acne

Loss of appetite and abdominal pain

Fatigue

Metallic taste

Cardiac arrhythmias

Baby Boomers might recall a popular product from the 1950s called Bromo-Seltzer. These effervescent granules, developed by the Emerson Drug Company of Baltimore, were used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, indigestion, headaches and hangovers.

Bromo-Selzer’s original formula contained sodium bromide -- hence the name. The sedative effect probably explained its popularity as a hangover remedy. Bromides were withdrawn from the American market in 1975 due to their toxicity.

Bromo-Selzer is still on the market, but no longer contains bromide.

Bromines in Your Bread Box: Potassium Bromate

The ban on bromines have not prevented them from sneaking into your foods and personal care products.

You probably are not aware of this, but nearly every time you eat bread in a restaurant or consume a hamburger or hotdog bun you are consuming bromide, as it is commonly used in flours.

The use of potassium bromate as an additive to commercial breads and baked goods has been a huge contributor to bromide overload in Western cultures.

Bromated flour is “enriched” with potassium bromate. Commercial baking companies claim it makes the dough more elastic and better able to stand up to bread hooks. However, Pepperidge Farm and other successful companies manage to use only unbromated flour without any of these so-called “structural problems.”

Potassium bromate is also found in some toothpastes and mouthwashes, where it’s added as an antiseptic and astringent. It has been found to cause bleeding and inflammation of the gums in people using these products.

Sodium Bromate and BMOs

Mountain Dew, one of the worst beverages you can drink, uses brominated vegetable oil as an emulsifier. Not only that, it contains high fructose corn syrup, sodium benzoate, more than 55 mg of caffeine per 12 ounce can, and Yellow Dye #5 (tartrazine, which has been banned in Norway, Austria and Germany.)

Choosing a natural apporach vs. prescription drugs

2009-09-03T17:40:00.002-04:00

Instead of reaching for a prescription how about trying some natural remedies that will not have the crazy side effects that drugs can have. Instead of Zoloft what about St. Johns wort. Calm yourself with Valerian instead of Valium. Also drinking tension tamer tea has been found to be a great help in calming the nerves after a stressful day. Ginger has a soothing effect on the stomach while Dramamine can cause you to become drowsy and miss out on your day. P.M.S. symptoms and hot flashes can be eliminated with Black Cohosh and Evening Primrose. Rather than taking Zyrtec or Allegra which both have a long list of side effects try butter bur or bee pollen to help build immunities toward hay fever. Celebrex has had more negative press than any other arthritis medicine yet it is still on the market. Why not try turmeric or ground flax seed to help with the joint pain. And for high cholesterol try artichoke extract instead of Lipitor which has been a big culprit in causing joint pain in patience. Also taking fish oil and garlic have been shown in studies to lower cholesterol. It does take longer to see improvement but given the right dose(you will know what that is as you experiment and pray for wisdom) and proper eating habits many have been able to successfully reduce or even eliminate their prescription drugs. In these days of high cost health care the more you can do for your body naturally the further ahead you will be financially down the road. It is worth the time and effort.

Strengthening your immune system.

2009-09-02T21:43:00.002-04:00

How can you insure yourself against coming down with the Swine Flu this fall? If you have done the proper things during the harvest season by eating good local whole foods and cut down on sugar and soda you are well on your way to a healthy immune system. Taking some good supplements as the busy school years comes into full swing will also help. Garlic and vitamin C are great immune boosters as well. Check into Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy on the market to help your immune system to lessen the severity of the flu this season. Go to the web to check it out at www.oscillo.com and for a $2.00 off coupon. Doing all you can naturally builds your system down the road for other viruses and air born illnesses that will be coming down the pike come winter.

The dangers of consuming soda

2009-08-15T14:32:00.002-04:00

The more children drink soda the less they drink water, 100% juice or milk. Soda dehydrates the body so there is a constant thirst but the more soda you drink the less your taste buds will crave the water your body is needing. The facts are in and the adds are very geared toward teenagers and they are drinking it in (no pun intended).
Soda's are the root cause of headaches, ADHD, ADD, cavities, obesity and huge health problems not only in our children but in adults. Soda used to be for special events only and the health implications were minimal. However those numbers are flipping and soda is the drink of choice. Is it any wonder we are seeing such an increase in childhood onset diabetes? Heart problems in those between 40-50 rather than in your 70's? Pilots have been taken off the docket to fly if they have consumed diet soda due to the seizures that were being seen.
The list of side affects from diet soda is even longer that it's sugary counter part. Migraines, seizures, tumors, memory loss, tremors, and the list goes on an on. The FDA says that only a small percentage of our population are affected by the artificial sweetener, especially those who have a PKU problem. That is a condition where your body does not use proteins properly. Do you know if you are one of those who could have a pre-existing health problem that is exacerbated by the use of these sugar substitutes? Most patients who come in with these problems had no idea that they were at risk until they have major diseases to deal through.
The answer is simple and very inexpensive! DRINK WATER and set a great example for your children while you save your self thousands in medical bills down the road.

Herbal remedies

2009-08-08T11:17:00.001-04:00

Herbs have been used as medicines for thousands of years. In fact, many of the pharmaceutical products sold today are synthetic chemicals based on herbal extracts. Herbal medicines may contain a whole plant, parts of plants, or extracts of either one or a combination of plants. Many people prefer to use herbal medicines because in many cases they give beneficial effects without the side effects caused by many pharmaceutical drugs.
In the western world, in the last 10-20 years, there has been a tremendous growth in the interest in herbal medicines and more natural and less toxic therapies have become increasingly popular. Scientific researchers have also produced a large amount of information on the use of plants and plant substances as medical agents. Much of this information provides scientific validation for the uses of plants which have been known to healers for thousands of years.
While herbs are, in many cases, free of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, they must be used appropriately. Many herbs have potent effects and may also interact with other medications you may be taking. It is always wise to check on these interactions if you plan to take herbal medicines, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical problem. These are some of the basic remedies for cold and flu symptoms. There are little to no side effects associated with these particular vitamins, minerals and herbs.

Zinc is one of the immune boosters your body can use if you are dealing with a cold or flu bug. Large amounts of zinc may impair copper absorption and reduce your ability to taste sweet and salt. If you were to take large doses of zinc for long periods of time a copper deficiency can lead to heart disease.
Echinacea stimulates the immune system, helps in tissue healing and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. Echinacea should not be used for prolonged periods of time as your system will develop a resistance to the herb.
Astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
Cayenne contains carotene molecules which have powerful antioxidant effects. It aids in digestion, improves circulation and lowers cholesterol and blood fat levels. Applied topically it acts as a pain reliever. High doses on an empty stomach can cause gut irritation and eventually ulcers in susceptible people.
Garlic is an antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Boosts immune function and limits free radical damage to blood fats. Taking garlic at the onset of a sore throat is an ally in fighting infection. The only side effect of garlic is that your friends may keep their distance as the stronger the garlic the more bacteria fighting properties it has.
Goldenseal prevents bacteria from attaching to cells, stimulates the immune system, and lowers fevers. It can be used to treat respiratory infections and as a mouthwash and to treat skin infections. Goldenseal should not be used in pregnancy or in cases of high blood pressure.
Horseradish root stimulates blood circulation and has antibiotic action. It can be used externally and internally, to treat lung and urinary infections, and rheumatic conditions. Take care using it externally as it can blister the skin. Anyone with low thyroid function or taking thyroxin should avoid horseradish.
Sage is anti-microbial, astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Sage is used to treat colds, sore throats and indigestion. It should not be used during pregnancy.
These are some of the main herbs that are used to treat symptoms of colds and flu. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in lessening the effects of a cold. You can take 3,000 -4,000 mg per day but should build up slowly and go back down gradually. Taking too much Vitamin C too quickly can cause problems with the kidneys and can cause diarrhea. Many studies have been done on the benefits of C by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those that destroy foreign micro-organisms. It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects. These effects lead to improved resistance against infections.

Foods to prevent cancer

2009-08-02T23:32:00.002-04:00

We hear more and more from the medical world that the foods that you eat do not make much difference in preventing illness however studies are constantly coming out of those who have healed their bodies from cancer and other debilitating diseases by changing their eating habits. Here is a list of the top ten foods to help fight and prevent cancer.

1. Garlic - Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.
2. Dark Leafy Greens- Greens are rich sources of antioxidants called carotinoids. These scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth.
3. Grapes - Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.
4. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.
5. Tomatoes - The compound lycopene, (which is most easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.
6. Blueberries - Of all the berries blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.
7. Flaxseeds- Flax contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against colon cancer.
8. Mushrooms - Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.
9. Cruciferous Vegetables - Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.
10. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

Of course eliminating soda and replacing it with purified water with lemon to alkalize the body will make a huge difference. Cutting out white sugar, bleached flour and processed foods go along way to strengthen and boost your immune system.

Alzheimer's and Dementia

2009-07-15T13:49:00.002-04:00

So much is coming at us as to how to know whether or not you are more susceptible to certain illnesses. While genetics can play a big role in diseases, more and more we are seeing that poor nutrition and eating habits are the biggest culprit of robbing us of our health. We start the drug cycle and getting out is very difficult. Trying some more natural approaches may help you more in this fight than anything. Starting there first and giving it time to work can keep you off the slippery slope of declining health. Research, research, research! Do not just take everything your doctor has to say as fact. Proactive rather than reactive can be your best defense. This is a great article on night time sleep aids that has been helpful to many.

Your Drugs May Give You Dementia

Maybe you think a diagnosis of dementia is your worst nightmare, but I’d argue that even more gruesome is the possibility of being told you have dementia, when in fact one simple step could reverse it quite simply. "Pseudodementia" is far more common than you’d guess... and the cause can often be found in your medicine cabinet.

Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, sees many elderly patients who seem to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other forms of dementia... but may not be. He told me he believes as many as 10% of those 65 and older believed to have dementia may actually be experiencing side effects from medication.

Sleeping pills are a common culprit. A good night’s sleep often becomes increasingly elusive for aging men and women, leading doctors, sympathetic to their plight, to prescribe drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien). These drugs trigger mental and physical lethargy -- that’s why they work -- but in some people that state of mind and body carries over to the next day and impairs function, says Dr. Gandy. It’s not just prescriptions, either -- over-the-counter sleep-aids, which seem as innocent as popping a vitamin, can also cause this problem. OTC sleep-aids (including brands like Unisom Sleep Tabs, Tylenol PM and Nytol Quickcap caplets) contain antihistamines, virtually all of which can cause dementia-like symptoms.

Yet another common type of drug prescribed in elderly to promote sleep and/or calm nerves are tranquilizers in the benzodiazepine class. This includes lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) and many more. Occasional use is okay, Dr. Gandy says, but when people take such medications often, they can build up in the system, leading to dementia-type symptoms. Dr. Gandy says if you are going to take a "benzo," look for one with a short half-life such as Ativan or Xanax rather than, say, Valium, which lingers much longer in the body, thus making accumulation more likely.

BEYOND SLEEPING PILLS -- WHAT ELSE?

Still other drugs used to treat frequent medical problems in the elderly can slow cognition. These include some beta blocker drugs, prescribed for a wide variety of problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, migraine, angina and glaucoma. Also, anticholinergic drugs are a problem -- these are prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), some gastrointestinal problems, urine retention and more. Although some studies seem to have shown that statin drugs -- the world’s top-selling pharmaceuticals, prescribed to lower cholesterol levels -- help prevent dementia, there is considerable anecdotal evidence of people developing dementia symptoms after taking them -- with symptoms then vanishing when they stop the drug. Drugs are often life-savers, but not all that much is known about what happens in the body when they are used over long periods, and most especially in combination with other medications. This is one of the most important reasons why it is smart to take as few medications as possible.

Yet another frequent cause of pseudodementia is not a drug, but rather depression -- a condition that is particularly complicated in the elderly, says Dr. Gandy, because they tend to isolate themselves and often their depression symptoms closely resemble early-stage dementia. In fact, he told me he has had experiences of trying to set up a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s Disease, only to discover that candidates referred by their physicians actually suffered clinical depression, not AD at all. Treating these patients with antidepressants also improved their cognition, Dr. Gandy said.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The resounding message is that no one should be quick to accept a diagnosis of dementia as the cause of memory loss and/or confusion, especially in an elderly individual. Call your doctor if you develop memory problems soon after starting a new drug. Have your doctor scrutinize all medications to see if one or the combination might be causing the symptoms. Be sure your pharmacist has a complete list of all medications taken, especially if they aren’t all filled at the same pharmacy. If it turns out that one or several of the drugs you take could be the cause, Dr. Gandy advises working out a plan with your doctor to withdraw from the drug or drugs for a month or so to see if symptoms change. Finally, be very careful about any sleep aids, whether OTC or prescription.

Source(s):

Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Making your everyday staple items from scratch

2009-05-18T13:06:00.002-04:00

Baking your own breads and cookies are very economical. The best part is the satisfaction of you and your family being able to say "we did this ourselves". Knowing the ingredients are simply sugar, flour, eggs, salt, leavening agent, not a list as long as my arm most of which are unpronounceable! If you can't say it don't eat it was the motto of Bryer's ice-cream and it is a good one. We have many great bulk food stores in our area that will help us to get our basics at a good cost. Pine Grove bulk foods in Howard, Oak Hill, Hill Crest bulk and natural foods and Crystal Valley in the Penn Yan area. There are many more out there, these are the ones that I am familiar with. The savings are huge especially for baked goods and making your own mayonnaise is so simple and much better tasting. Again knowing that there are not all of the chemicals and preservatives in your food gives you an upper hand on your families health. Find these recipes Food for Thought web page at www.fln.org. Enjoy yourself as you and your family experiment with some new and different taste treats. Bon Appetit'

Foods that heal!

2009-05-08T15:03:00.002-04:00

Flax seed is the number one anti-inflammatory used in the ground form. Grinding the seeds with a coffee grinder releases the omega-3's to lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. Ginger is commonly used for bloating, nausea and motion sickness. Cinnamon is a sugar regulator, lowers cholesterol and the aroma helps your memory. Almonds alleviate food cravings, lower cholesterol are high in fiber and vitamin E. Garlic is a natural blood thinner and antibiotic. Honey is great for energy, helps allergies and boosts your immune system. Apples lower cholesterol, are good for weight loss and anti-cancer. Apple cider vinegar has a long list of uses. With all the digestion problems present today this is one of the best resources to settle stomach acid and help you to digest properly. Potatoes and avocados are high in potassium which helps fight cramping in your legs. These are just a few benefits from eating whole foods. Check it out for yourself by searching, health benefits of, and type in the food you are wanting more info on. You will be amazed at the many medicinal foods that are at your fingertips for much less than the cost of a prescription drug. The results may take more time but your patience and persistence will pay off with a healthy mind and body for you and your family.

Protection from food borne illness

2009-04-10T22:48:00.002-04:00

There is so much talk these days of food borne illnesses and we need to know how to protect ourselves. Making sure that we are thoroughly washing after visiting the restroom in restaurants is vital. So much is passed on from door handles and the exchange of money. Before you sit down to eat take time to wash or use a good anti-bacterial product.
When washing fruits and vegetables before eating soak them in fresh squeezed lemon juice and toss in rind and all or you can use a good organic cleaner such as Basic-H from Shaklee. If you do not know a Shaklee distributor you can call Lois Saxton at 607-776-4737 and she can get the product for you. This cleaner takes off the waxy coating that is on most store bought produce. Under that coating are the sprays and bacteria that can cause the upset stomach. Simple precautions such as these and taking good enzymes can help you avoid the health risks of improper handling of the foods you eat. For some basic enzyme products go to www.puritan.com and type in enzymes. There you will find one that is right for you.

All foods in moderation!

2009-03-26T19:49:00.002-04:00

Years ago all grocery stores had a butcher behind the counter to tell you about the best cut of meat and where it was from. In most cases it was local. We still have that option if we look around us, ask questions and find a farmer who can give you some tips on the best meat lockers in your area. No need to be concerned about the diseased meats coming in from out of the country when you buy local and you are helping your economy. In both New York and Pennsylvania there are farmers markets available to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Combining these foods gives you more fiber which will help your bodies to properly digest and utilize the proteins that you consume. Eating beef and pork 3-4 meals per week while having poultry and fish the other meals also will keep your system at peek performance. Currently Americans consume on average 106 lbs. of red meat per year compared to only 10-15 lbs. of fish. Find ways you can bring in salmon and mackerel to your meal time. These are great for the brain and help lower cholesterol. Eating a food two or three times will make it familiar to your taste buds so it becomes a food that you will enjoy eating.Remembering that all things in moderation helps you to have a healthy mind and body. Find the closest to God made good whole foods, homemade cookies and treats and plenty of fresh water and your chances for good health is much more likely. Also the younger you are changing to positive eating habits, the faster and more complete your body will heal itself.

Help with sleep disorders

2009-03-18T10:06:00.001-04:00

At a shopping mall in Coventry, England, researchers posted colorful signs along the steps of a staircase that said: “Taking the stairs protects your heart.” Over a 6-week period, the number of people who chose to walk up the stairs instead of riding the adjacent escalator more than doubled. The researchers say that every step counts, and that long-term behavior will change only if the signs are seen regularly.
If what we put before our eyes tells us to take a drug to help us sleep that is what we tend to do. If however we challenge ourselves to put into practice those habits that will help us to overcome the stresses and disorders that cause sleep problems we can begin to realize the benefits of a great nights rest!
Now some of those natural remedies are eating celery before going to bed. Drinking sleepy time tea, putting a dot of lavender oil on your pillow, a nice hot bath before bed, taking tryptophan which is the amino acid found in turkey will all help you to get to sleep and stay asleep all night. If you suffer with having to get up frequently to go to the bathroom taking 1000 mg of Ester C an hour or so before bedtime helps to strengthen the bladder and reduce those unwanted trips during the night.
Restless leg syndrome where there is involuntary jerking of the legs can be due to a shortage of B vitamins. Taking a good B-complex can help in that area!
Too much sugar and caffeine can cause incomplete sleep. You may wake up in the morning feeling as though you did not get near enough sleep, even though you may have slept 8 or more hours. MSG and other chemical stimulants can also rob you of much needed rest. Watch the labels on your foods.
Studies have also proven that prayer before bed can relax your mind and body for a complete night of sleep.

Seasonal Affective Dissorder S.A.D.

2009-03-05T19:39:00.002-05:00

S.A.D affects millions of Americans, yes it is real, however it is very combat able! When we understand the how's and whys of this foe we can effectively win the battle. The missing link in the equation is the sun. We become deficient in Vitamin D and it can feel like the world is crashing in on us. For some regions in the country it is much worse than others. In the Icelandic regions they have very little sun at times yet much less of a problem with S.A.D. and researchers have found that diets with higher intake of fish could be the answer.
Fish is very high in Vitamin D with Cod liver oil leading the list at 1360 IU per tablespoon. Now if you find that hard to swallow there are gel caps available or the next best thing on the list is salmon at 360 IU for a 3.5 oz portion. mackerel comes in after that with 345 IU and tuna at 200 IU. Milk is down there a ways with 98 IU per 8 oz. glass and ready to eat cereals as 40 IU per 1/2 cup serving. You have to watch what they are using to fortify the milk and cereals with as in some cases they are not absorb able and if they are synthetic you are adding insult to injury. The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D is 200 IU for new born-50, 400 IU for 51-70 and 70 plus needs 600 IU for optimal health. When we understand the correlation between a lack of sun during the cold and flu season and summer being a time where we tend to be a lot healthier because we are naturally out in the sun, taking Vitamin D supplements during the dreary days will make much more sense.

Water, are you dying of thirst?

2009-02-08T19:51:00.004-05:00

This is from a report done by Lydia Best on the importance of water consumption. Lydia is studying to become a certified nutrition counselor through GCNM.

The average American has medicine at his or her finger tips at all times. The pharmaceuticals have created medicines for every ailment imaginable. There are pills for headaches, indigestion, depression, stress, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In fact Lipitor, the number one prescription drug in 2006 has held that position for the previous five years and is supposedly a great reliever to those struggling with high cholesterol. It also brought in over 12 billion dollars in sales in 2006. Overall, the sales of prescription drugs went up 7% in 2006 to $602 billion. The United States alone paid over $250 billion for their ‘legal’ drugs. But I am not here today to talk about drugs, but instead to share with you the amazing wisdom of Dr. F. Batmanghelidj. In his book, Water: for Heath, for Healing, for life, Dr Batman, as shall now call him, explains and explores the overuse of drugs in our world. Drugs that supposedly are designed to “heal” the body are actually just silencing the cries of severely dehydrated people who are desperately in need of a drink of plain and simple water. I must admit I was, at first, skeptical. If what he was saying was true, almost the entire pharmaceutical industry as we know it could be almost eradicated if people would begin to drink adequate amounts of water. According to Dr Batman, nearly every disease is the body’s response to dehydration; from diabetes to heart failure, from obesity to migraines, they are all outcries for water. His findings and studies are well presented in his book, and he presents a very persuasive argument. If you could eliminate your ailments ranging from aches and pains to cancer, in a non-abrasive natural and inexpensive way, wouldn’t you do it? In his book Dr Batman shows how you can live a healthier and more enjoyable life simply by learning to drink more water. So grab a water bottle and join me as we tap into his wisdom.
As humans, we are water dependant people. Our bodies are 75% water and our brain which is an extremely vital part of the human body is 85% water. Because our bodies were intricately created, it has its own distribution process for the water that is receives. Every part has its rationed amount of water, and no part gets more than its determined amount. In this process the brain takes absolute precedence over all other parts. But when our bodies do not receive the amount of water necessary to function properly, problems arise. Cells are not able to survive and critical job are left undone causing physical trauma within our bodies. These problems aren’t always felt immediately, our bodies are amazing creations and they will do whatever they can to help correct the lack of water. But after days, month, and even years of dehydration, the effects can be serious, even deadly. Dr Batman has done much research and has traced the lack of water in our bodies and found it to be the root cause of most of the wide-spread diseases in our world today. It seems so ridiculous that even young children are dealing with issues that once were confined to adults. But with the popularity of soda, sports drinks, and juices on the rise, it’s not too difficult to see why people of all ages are becoming dehydrated and susceptible to the problems that accompany it. Soda and other sugary drinks cannot meet our body’s need for water. I would like to give you a few examples from the book that Dr Batman gives to show the importance of water in our bodies. Let’s start with diabetes. According to Dr Batman, “diabetes seems to be the end result of water deficiency in the brain, to the point where the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly the system that is regulated by the neurotransmitter serotonin, are affected.” The brain is designed to then rely on glucose for its volume requirements and source of energy. When this happens, the brain requires up to 85% of the needed energy from sugar. Because the brain can be damaged during intense bouts of dehydration, it often resuscitates itself with an “intravenous fluid containing sugar and salt.” But another huge problem is that dehydration negatively affects the salt metabolism in the body. Tryptophan, an amino acid, controls the salt intake of the body and salt controls the regulation of the amount of water outside of the cells in your body. When tryptophan is lacking, there is a total body salt-shortage. With not much salt to work with, the body cannot retain water properly and calls on sugar to step in where salt is lacking. This causes the sugar levels to rise which is the beginning of the problem leading to diabetes and the complications that accompany the disease.
Next, let’s take a look at obesity. The statistics, dealing with the number of people of all ages who are obese, are disturbing. Dr Batman gives the main reason why he thinks obesity is becoming an epidemic. According to his research, there are two sensations associated with eating habits. One is the feeling of hunger and the other is the feeling of thirst. Both feelings are felt in the same area and are produced by histamine. Dr Batman explains that it’s very easy to confuse these two signals, so one might think he is hungry, when in reality his body is crying out for water. Many people, including doctors, believe that dry mouth is the only way your body cries out for water. But if you wait that long before drinking water, your body is already very dehydrated. “The best way to separate the sensation of thirst from that of hunger is to drink water before eating food.” Although many animals make this a habit, as humans we tend to embrace the reverse; we eat food, become thirsty, then we drink water. Even then we often wait until the body has used up much of the needed water to digest the food. Leaving the body overly-full and severely lacking water. Obesity causes people to consume food to gratify the screams of histamine for water.
Dr Batman tracks the dehydration of our bodies and traces it to most of the major diseases and I encourage you to read this book and learn from his wisdom and research. It’s amazing to think that the solution for things so frightening and complicated as diseases could be found in a simple glass of cold water. In closing, I would like to include excerpts from a list that Dr Batman has compiled of reasons why water is so vital to our health and well-being. For more information about Dr Batman, you can check out the website http://www.watercure.com/.
‘Reasons Why Your Body Needs Water Every Day.’
Without water, nothing lives
Water is the main solvent for all foods, vitamins, and minerals. It is used in the breakdown of food into smaller particles and their eventual metabolism and assimilation.
Water energizes food and food particles are then able to supply the body with this energy during digestion. This is why food without water has absolutely no energy value for the body.
Water helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Water is the best lubricating laxative and prevents constipation.
Water helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Water can help prevent attention deficit disorder in children and adults.
Water clears toxic waste from different parts of the body and takes it to the liver and kidneys for disposal.
Water makes the skin smoother and helps decrease the effects of aging.
To lose weight, water is the best way to go—drink water on time and lose weight without much dieting. Also, you will not eat excessively when you feel hungry but you are in fact only thirsty for water.
Water helps prevent the loss of memory as we age. It helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Water helps reverse addictive urges, including those for caffeine, alcohol and some drugs.
Water reduces the incidence of morning sickness in pregnancy.
Water helps prevent glaucoma.
Water increases you efficiency at work; it expands your attention span.
Water prevents clogging of arteries in the heart and the brain.
Water gives us power and electrical energy for all the brain functions, most particularly thinking.
Water integrates mind and body functions. In increases ability to realize goals and purpose.
Are you thirsty yet?

Caring for the all important brain!

2009-02-08T19:41:00.003-05:00

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life- caught my attention too! The brain is one of the most misunderstood organs in our body. Until just recently we had very little insight into how to detect and change malfunction in the brain. Technology today using brain-imaging techniques have opened up a whole new world seeing how your brain patterns either help you with your marriage, parenting skills and how to interact with others or how the wires have gotten crossed and have caused you and those around you grief.
Let us start out by understanding what the brain is.
The weight of your brain is about 3 pounds. Very small in comparison to the huge job it has as the hardware of your soul. Skin weighs twice as much as your brain. Your brain is made up of about 75 percent water. A few hours without a good drink of water and the brain begins to dehydrate. Your brain consists of about 100 billion neurons. There are anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 synapses for each neuron. Synapses are the junction across which a nerve impulse passes from an axon terminal to a neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell. There are no pain receptors in your brain, so your brain can feel no pain. There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in your brain. When these blood vessels lose their elasticity, they begin to break down and stop carrying fresh blood cells to intricate parts of the brain. Your brain is the fattest organ in your body and may consist of at least 60% fat. This is the number one reason that people who live on low fat no fat products tend to have what is termed the spacey feeling and those taking cholesterol meds are at a greater risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Is it any wonder why with declining whole foods consumption in the American diet we are seeing so many problems that are ultimately brain related? Now we can use a myriad of drugs to trick our brains into increasing the neurotransmitters serotonin, nor epinephrine and dopamine. These drugs have yielded some successes and some major side effects that many are still reeling from including lowered function in day to day details and in many cases of suicide. However if we learn how to properly feed the body and brain we can eliminate so many of the causes of ADD, OCD, ODD and on and on the list goes.
High protein, low carbohydrate diets are best for those suffering with ADD. When we use low fat, no fat products, sugar is used to replace the fat for flavor. High sugar consumption is one of the main culprits of ADD. Breakfasts that consist of sugary cereals start you out on a sugar high and you will find yourself searching out more simple carbs to pull you out of the fog and the cycle just goes on from there. OCD and ODD are when the brain gets stuck in a pattern and as it keeps going around and around, you will repeat what has many times already been taken care of. Feeding the brain good fats, lean protein and complex carbohydrates kicks neurotransmitters into gear to give proper messaging.
Good farm fresh eggs and turkey sausage is a great start to anyone’s day. A small glass of 100% fruit juice and this breakfast will keep you and your brain in focus till lunch time and beyond. An ideal lunch is tuna or chicken on tossed greens with a sprinkle of cheese and olive oil based dressing. Dinner should consist of a small piece of protein, steamed vegetables and rice, legumes or potatoes.
These meals are relatively easy to prepare, however, we have been tricked by good marketers that we need to use the prepackaged stuff in order to have the time to do what we want to do in our day. Shouldn't our family’s health be the number one priority in our day? We run at breakneck speed all week long and then when we should take time to relax and enjoy each other’s company on the weekend we are running to several different sports activities, and on the way we drive thru our favorite fast food restaurant to grab that which will not feed or nourish one single cell in our already deficient system. The more we can understand how delicate yet resilient are these amazing bodies that we have and we learn how to keep them running optimally, we have the best chance to teach our children and those we are around in decision making skills that will allow them to live vital lives without the drugs or regrets from poor choices due to cross wired under nourished brains.
I learned about the penguin approach from this book also. Too many times the only response that others get from us in our busyness and stressed out emotions is when they are doing it wrong and how it does not fit in our tight world. Penguin trainers only respond when things are done right. If we learned to spend more time on the positives instead of the negatives we would not have those around us in need of anti-depressants or anxiety meds.
There may be times that we do need to integrate meds into our regimen, however too many times we have been taught to reach for the quick fix which has proven itself over and over to lead to yet another symptom that leads to another medication and complicates what was meant to be so much easier. Eating good whole foods and treats in moderation will lead to a satisfying and fulfilled life.
Teaching ways to listen to one’s own body and getting valued information both medically and naturally and making an informed decision will change our lives for the best.

Healthy snacks for SuperBowl party!

2009-01-28T22:07:00.006-05:00

Here are some recipes to give you a healthier alternative for your Super Bowl party. Remember to watch your chips and crackers for no hydrogenated oils. Making desserts with fresh cut up fruits helps get in the 4-5 servings that we need each day. If you choose fruits in season you can keep your budget in tact.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

1½ cups warm water
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1½ cups whole wheat flour
¼ cup oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. Italian herb blend
1½ - 2½ cups unbleached flour

Combine water, honey and yeast. Let proof. Add whole wheat flour and oil. Mix well. Add salt and herb blend. Add unbleached flour until dough forms a soft ball. Let sit 10 minutes. Shape crust on pizza pan. Brush with olive oil, butter, and ¼ tsp. of Italian blend. Top with favorite ingredients. Bake at 410° for 18-20 minutes. This crust can be made ahead and par baked (bake for 10 minutes) they can then be frozen till needed.

Chili

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 tsp. diced garlic
1 large can crushed tomatoes
2 large cans tomatoes, diced in juice

⅛ cup brown sugar
½ tsp. chili powder
1 can Mrs. Grimes chili beans
1 can white corn
salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste
In a large skillet, brown meat, onion, and garlic. Drain. In a large saucepan, combine browned meat mixture, undrained tomatoes, brown sugar, chili powder, and undrained chili beans and corn. Add salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste. Simmer until heated through. Top with a dollop of sour cream and grated cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve with warm corn bread!

Corn Bread

½ cup butter, softened
2/3 cup raw sugar
2 eggs
1 ¼ cup buttermilk
½ tsp. baking soda
1 cup corn meal
1 cup unbleached flour
½ tsp. sea salt

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar. Add eggs. Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk; add to mixture. Mix well to combine. Add corn meal, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well. Pour into buttered 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Ranch Style Veggie Dip

2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups sour cream
1½ tsp. parsley flakes
⅛ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. onion salt or flakes
1 tsp. garlic salt
⅛ tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
½ tsp. sea salt

Mix all ingredients together. Makes 1 quart. Store unused portion in tightly sealed container in refrigerator.
Serve with fresh vegetables, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery.

Sante Fe Chicken

2 cans black beans, drained3 cans corn3 cups salsa6-8 cooked chicken breasts, shredded1 block (8oz) cream cheese
Cook first four ingredients in crock pot on slow for 3 hours then add cream cheese. Cook one more hour. Serve with tortillas or over rice.

Vegetable Pizza

1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls
4 oz. real mayonnaise
4 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. dried onion
1 Tbsp. parsley
¼ tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
¼ tsp. garlic salt
carrots
broccoli
cauliflower
onion
green pepper
Colby-Jack cheese, shredded

Unroll crescent rolls and press into rimmed cookie sheet. Bake as directed. Let cool. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, onion, parsley, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, and garlic salt. Blend well and let set for 10 minutes. Chop up carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and green pepper (or any vegetables of your choice). Spread dressing on cooled crescent roll crust. Arrange vegetables on top of dressing and sprinkle with Colby-Jack cheese.

Carrot Cake

2 cups raw sugar
4 eggs (slightly beaten)
1 cup sunflower oil
2 tsp. caramel coffee flavoring
2 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sea salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots

FROSTING:
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter
1 cup chopped nuts
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix sugar, eggs, oil and caramel flavoring. Add dry sifted ingredients. Stir in grated carrots. Pour batter into a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 35 minutes. For frosting: Mix ingredients together and frost after cake has cooled.
Store cake in refrigerator.

Fresh Peach Cobbler

4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
½ cup raw sugar
1½ tsp. caramel coffee flavoring
sprinkle of ground cinnamon
1 cup raw sugar
1 cup unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
⅔ cup milk
½ stick butter

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix first four ingredients together and set aside. Mix together the 1 cup sugar, flour, baking powder and milk to form batter. Melt ½ stick butter in 9x13-inch pan; then spoon in batter. Place peach mixture on top of batter. Bake for 45 minutes

Cheesy Roll-Ups

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
½ bunch chopped green onions
1 small can black olives, drained and chopped)
1 (16 oz.) container sour cream
2 small cans green chilies, drained
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
1 large package flour tortillas

Mix all ingredients except tortillas. Spread mixture on tortillas and roll up. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill overnight. Cut into 1-inch slices. Serve with salsa.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

1 package fresh spinach
1 small can diced mild chili's or 1 can Rotele tomatoes
1 cup Cheddar/Colby cheese,
shredded¼ cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
1 small jar of marinated artichoke hearts (cut up) or
1 regular can of artichoke hearts
Mix well; place in glass 9x13 pan. Heat until cheese melts. Serve with tortilla chips or Wheat thins

Fruit Pizza

1 tube sugar cookie dough or 1 recipe sugar cookies
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp. French Vanilla coffee flavoring or real vanilla
Strawberries, grapes, kiwi, mandarin oranges, fresh pineapple (your choice)

Press cookie dough into 12x16 jelly roll pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool. Beat cream cheese on medium to high speed of electric mixer. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. On low, add whipping cream and beat until fluffy. Stir in French vanilla flavoring. Spread on cooled cookie crust. Top with fruit of your choice.

Granola

6 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup coconut
1 cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup sliced almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup raisins
1 stick butter
½ cup sunflower oil
2 cups brown sugar
⅓cup honey

Preheat oven to 250°. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds, and raisins. In a microwavable bowl, combine butter, sunflower oil, brown sugar and honey. Microwave on HIGH until mixture comes to a boil. Pour over oat mixture. Stir well. Pour onto greased 12x16 cookie sheets and bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes

Toffee Crispix

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup Karo light syrup
½ tsp. baking soda
1 large box Crispix

Melt butter in microwave safe bowl. Add brown sugar and syrup. Microwave on HIGH until it boils for 3 minutes. Add baking soda and stir well. Pour box of cereal in a large paper bag. Pour mixture over cereal and shake well. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and shake bag. Repeat until you have done this 4 times. Pour onto cookie sheet in single layer and allow to cool.

Herbal Remedies for the cold and flu season

2009-01-28T21:41:00.004-05:00

Herbs have been used as medicines for thousands of years. In fact, many of the pharmaceutical products sold today are synthetic chemicals based on herbal extracts. Herbal medicines may contain a whole plant, parts of plants, or extracts of either one or a combination of plants. Many people prefer to use herbal medicines because in many cases they give beneficial effects without the side effects caused by many pharmaceutical drugs.
In the western world, in the last 10-20 years, there has been a tremendous growth in the interest in herbal medicines and more natural and less toxic therapies have become increasingly popular. Scientific researchers have also produced a large amount of information on the use of plants and plant substances as medical agents. Much of this information provides scientific validation for the uses of plants which have been known to healers for thousands of years.
While herbs are, in many cases, free of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, they must be used appropriately. Many herbs have potent effects and may also interact with other medications you may be taking. It is always wise to check on these interactions if you plan to take herbal medicines, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical problem. These are some of the basic remedies for cold and flu symptoms. There are little to no side effects associated with these particular vitamins, minerals and herbs.

Zinc is one of the immune boosters your body can use if you are dealing with a cold or flu bug. Large amounts of zinc may impair copper absorption and reduce your ability to taste sweet and salt. If you were to take large doses of zinc for long periods of time a copper deficiency can lead to heart disease.
Echinacea stimulates the immune system, helps in tissue healing and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. Echinacea should not be used for prolonged periods of time as your system will develop a resistance to the herb.
Astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
Cayenne contains carotene molecules which have powerful antioxidant effects. It aids in digestion, improves circulation and lowers cholesterol and blood fat levels. Applied topically it acts as a pain reliever. High doses on an empty stomach can cause gut irritation and eventually ulcers in susceptible people.
Garlic is an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Boosts immune function and limits free radical damage to blood fats. Taking garlic at the onset of a sore throat is an ally in fighting infection. The only side effect of garlic is that your friends may keep their distance as the stronger the garlic the more bacteria fighting properties it has.
Goldenseal prevents bacteria from attaching to cells, stimulates the immune system, and lowers fevers. It can be used to treat respiratory infections and as a mouthwash and to treat skin infections. Goldenseal should not be used in pregnancy or in cases of high blood pressure.
Horseradish root stimulates blood circulation and has antibiotic action. It can be used externally and internally, to treat lung and urinary infections, and rheumatic conditions. Take care using it externally as it can blister the skin. Anyone with low thyroid function or taking thyroxin should avoid horseradish.
Sage is anti-microbial, astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Sage is used to treat colds, sore throats and indigestion. It should not be used during pregnancy.
These are some of the main herbs that are used to treat symptoms of colds and flu. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in lessening the effects of a cold. You can take 3,000 -4,000 mg per day but should build up slowly and go back down gradually. Taking too much Vitamin C too quickly can cause problems with the kidneys and can cause diarrhea. Many studies have been done on the benefits of C by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those that destroy foreign micro-organisms. It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects. These effects lead to improved resistance against infections.

Overcoming stress

2009-01-11T11:53:00.002-05:00

Graduations, weddings, new jobs, new homes, promotions... even the most positive transitions in life involve some degree of stress. Entering the new year and keeping the resolutions that go along with it brings the impact of transitions in our lives to the forefront. It creates different time pressures... changes relationships with people in our lives... and forces us to view ourselves in a whole different light. Even the balance of time, schedules or power in our households may change. All these changes impact not only our emotions, but also our health. How can we manage transitions in the most healthful way?
EVERYONE CHANGES
Today, people have longer life spans and a broader range of choices than at any other time in history. The average American now has as many as four to five careers, and frequently moves from place to place geographically as well as professionally. This is distinct from past generations. All these transitions play out at a number of levels, from physical to psychological. After all, we are mind-body creatures. On the physical side, when you make a new commitment, such as starting a new job, you may be exhausted with the challenge of a longer commute to work, shifted work hours or meeting unfamiliar demands. This may lead to such symptoms as headaches or stomachaches, feelings of lethargy and anxiety.
Psychologically, a transition may cause you to experience a temporary loss of identity. Perhaps you used to be an A student, and now you are just one of millions of job seekers. You may have been a successful business executive and now find yourself in a retirement community in Florida... or a housewife, returning to the workforce.
All these transitions, whether unexpected or happily anticipated require some adjustment and may at first appear overwhelming. They are exciting on the one hand, but there are also new challenges and concerns as you actively seek to redefine yourself and your new identity. You must adapt and redesign your new environment so that it accommodates you.
LOOK FORWARD, NOT BACKWARD
Traditional stress-management strategies such as exercising, getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet and keeping your sense of humor can help you keep stress at bay. Never underestimate the value of social support. Talk to your close friends and family members about what's going on, and when necessary, seek professional counseling. However, the key to mastering the impact of your transition is to look forward and not backward. In moving toward a new stage in life, looking backward can drain you. It allows doubt to creep in. You begin to second-guess yourself and wonder if you made the right decision. These comparisons and misgivings can exact a severe toll.
After you deeply analyze a situation, the pros, the cons, the impacts, etc. and make a conscious choice to make a transition (in a divorce you may not have a choice... in the case of a new job, you probably do), move forward completely and resolutely. Head down the path fully without looking back. Repeat to yourself: I'm the one choosing to move this way. What works is to keep returning yourself to your choice to move forward and to give up dwelling on any thoughts about what should have been.
Choosing to move forward is a commitment one makes a stand, get rid of all the "woulda-coulda-shouldas." Even when the transition is not fundamentally your choice -for example, if your department is closed down and your job is outsourced make an effort to look at the situation from a forward-looking view. Perhaps you were thinking about changing jobs anyway, and this will give you the push you need to re-enter the market and get a more meaningful or lucrative position.
THE BOTTOM LINE?
Transitions are stressful, but it is your choice to frame and address them in a positive or a negative way. In the long run, your best bet is to focus on the opportunities for the future. Don't waste your time pondering the problems you faced in the past or are likely to face again as time goes by. Instead, take the time to create a promising, productive and rewarding future from the many opportunities that life offers you.

Finding the right vitamin

2008-12-12T09:36:00.002-05:00

So many have asked "how can I find the right vitamin for my family", and I can tell you that is difficult as there are so many products out there to choose from. It is vital that you read the labels just as we have to do in buying our foods. We must find out what their sources are so that we are taking in real vs. synthetic or man made. Our systems have a whole new fight on their hands when we take in synthetic vitamins. The liver especially has to work overtime to assimilate and to break it down to be used on the cellular level. There are some great liquid vitamins out there that won't break your budget and they are easier for the children to get down and of course the liquid form is more readily available for cellular use. Check out some of the web sites and see what you can do to help you and your family to make it through the cold and flu season without the usual down time.

Dangers of artificial sweetners

2008-11-30T18:12:00.002-05:00

We have discussed on a regular basis the importance of eating whole natural foods. So many times we forget that these sweeteners are not in any way natural despite the advertising ploys. It is so very important to thoroughly research any man made food before adding it to our diet. Back in the day margarine was touted to be better than butter, we have since learned that the process that margarine goes through called hydrogenation has cause a myriad of problems and is being blamed for the tremendous number of bi-pass surgeries that are being done today. Consuming what is God made versus man made is always the wisest choice. Splenda and nutra-sweet have a long list of side affects that need to be considered. The best bet is to use raw sugar in moderation and disciplining ourselves to take one good homemade treat and really stop to enjoy the experience.

Vaccines and autism

2008-11-03T21:31:00.002-05:00

We have heard a lot about autism in the news and talk shows all over the country. It is a hot topic! The numbers are an alarming 1 in 150 children becoming autistic! As parents we need to make informed decisions for ourselves and our children. That can be very difficult if we do not have a balanced view of each side. Here is a letter that was emailed to me and it is worth the time to read and consider what your options are. Most of all we need to pray and seek God's wisdom in our day to day decisions. Here is some food for thought!

REASONS TO JUST SAY NO TO VACCINES
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, DOJuly 9, 2008NewsWithViews.com Vaccinating children has become sacrosanct in our culture. Doctors and government officials insist that vaccines are safe, and parents are pressured into compliance. In fact, parents have been reported to social services by doctors who consider not vaccinating to be a form of medical neglect or child abuse. Legislators across the country are attempting to pass laws in which parents will have no rights to refuse what is injected into their children. The inconsistency of rules involving the care of children is striking. Mothers are in complete control of their child's health while in the womb. They make choices against eating tuna, taking medications, smoking cigarettes and avoiding alcohol. Mothers may choose to even terminate the pregnancy. But the moment the baby arrives, control over their child's body is forcibly surrendered to healthcare providers and the government. The leg is jabbed with shots, eyes are gooped with antibiotic ointment and the heel is poked to get a drop of DNA-containing blood. With the passage of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007, signed into law April 24, 2008, the blood will be collected and warehoused for scientific research.[1] Parents have little or no say in any of these events. (see my previous article, 'Who Owns Your Child?')Vaccination is promoted by an industry that capitalizes on fear and the perceived necessity of the procedure has become multi-generationally entrenched. We have been programmed by the medical community and the media to believe that everyone – children and adults -- will become sick, and likely die, unless they are vaccinated. This explains why not vaccinating can be unfathomable to new parents who are unreasonably terrified of what were considered normal childhood illnesses only a few decades ago. The majority adults over 50 years of age remember having measles and the chickenpox. Both were mostly mild diseases, lasting seven to fourteen days, and leaving behind lifetime immunity. And even though chickenpox is rarely fatal, most parents opt to vaccinate. Merck & Co. estimated that as of December 31, 2007, 80 to 85 percent of all four to six-year-olds had received two doses of Varivax®, at one year and a booster before school.[2] With little attention on the problems with the chickenpox vaccine cited in the media, most don't realize that it can cause harm. Research shows that nearly 1 in 5,000 children who receive the chickenpox inoculation develop shingles within ten years of being vaccinated. Shingles, an intensely painful, blistering rash, is most commonly seen in the elderly or the chronically ill. It was rarely, if ever, seen in healthy children before the introduction of this vaccine. Other serious side effects, such as seizures, pneumonia, and anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), have been reported as a result of Varivax. Before it became available, about 50 children died every year from rare or unusual complications of the chickenpox. Put in perspective, 53 children died in drowning accidents in the [U.S.] state of Georgia in 1999. Vaccination has been cited as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. However, it doesn't require an advanced degree in science to grasp that the public health accolades, celebrating high vaccination rates and low infection rates, have lead to serious health consequences across the globe. Vaccine ingredients seem to be playing a substantial role.Problems With Vaccine IngredientsGelatin, one of many ingredients in vaccines, is known to cause allergies and asthma. Allergies are now the most frequently reported chronic condition in children, limiting activities in four out of 10 children. Asthma, the second most common chronic childhood disease, affects more than one child in 20. The combined healthcare costs of asthma and allergies have soared to more than $25 billion/year.[3] Vaccines that contain gelatin include chickenpox, MMR, Boostrix (teen pertussis booster), Tripedia (DTaP) and the adult shingles vaccine, Zostrix. Vaccine gelatin may be contributing substantially to the skyrocketing incidence of, and expenditures on, asthma and allergies. Another vaccine additive, formaldehyde, can interrupt the normal function of the immune system. A colorless, pungent-smelling gas, formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, difficulty in breathing and asthma attacks when exposed to amounts as small as 0.1 parts per million. It is listed as a hazardous chemical on eight federal regulatory lists and considered to be one of the ten worst compounds on the ecosystem and health. Between 10 and 20 percent of general population has a reaction coming in contact with formaldehyde. Topical exposure can cause a mild reaction, such as dry skin and redness. The California Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheet states there is no known threshold level below which cancer risk does not exist.[4] The World Health Association (WHO) recommends that an exposure should not exceed 0.05 ppm or 0.05 mg/kg. So, for 12 pound baby (about 5kg), the maximum exposure should be below 0.25 mg. But with the current schedule, children receive more than ten times that amount, more than 3.5 mg, if they receive every mandated vaccine. Vaccines that contain formaldehyde include DTaP, polio, influenza, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.Thankfully, mercury (in the form of thimerosal) has been removed from most vaccines. However, measurable amounts are still found in multi-vial flu shots, tetanus boosters, Energix-B (hepatitis B vaccine), Menomune (college meningitis vaccine), TriHiBit and Tripedia (both DTaP vaccines), and Twinrix (a combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine). Trace amounts remain in many more. Countless children have developed autism and there is strong evidence that their brains were injured by the preservative thimerosal. Follow the MoneyPositioned as a loss leader, vaccines appear to be the economic drivers of both the medical and the pharmaceutical industry. A loss leader is a business technique in which a less-expensive product is sold or given away for the sake of offering another product at a greater profit. This common practice is utilized to introduce new customers to a product, to build a new customer base and/or to secure future recurring revenue. Using a loss leader is more than just a nifty business trick - it can be a very successful economic strategy when executed properly. The classic example of a loss leader is the sale of razor blades. Companies like Gillette essentially give their razor units away for free, knowing that customers will buy their replacement blades, where the company makes all of its profit, for as long as they use the razor. Vaccines play a similar role for the drug companies. The cost of a vaccine is relatively inexpensive compared to the billions of dollars spent on medical interventions, medications—and even more vaccines—dispensed as a result of a vaccination side effect. Consider this example: the potential consequences of an inoculation with one of the two newly approved vaccines to prevent a rotavirus diarrheal infection, RotaTeq® and Rotarix®. Side effects listed on the package insert for RotaTeq include diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, fever, wheezing and coughing. RotaTeq has also been associated with bloody stools, a warning sign of a serious complication called an intussusception. Triggered by the vaccine, intussusception is an event where a portion of the bowel slides into the next, much like the pieces of a telescope, causing an obstruction. Swelling, inflammation, and decreased blood flow to the fragile lining of the bowel cause the intestine to die. Between February 3, 2006, when RotaTeq was licensed, and January 31, 2007, twenty-eight cases of intussusception were reported in infants who received RotaTeq in the U.S. Sixteen of the 28 infants required hospitalization and surgery on their intestine.
In February, 2008, the FDA issued a warning that there was a 'statistically signficant increase in pneumonia-related deaths and seizures' associated with the other vaccine for rotavirus infection.[5] To reduce the risk of pneumonia, doctors promote the pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar®. A side effect of Prevnar, as listed in the package insert, is ear infections, increasing the use of antibiotics. The many rounds of antibiotics required to treat recurring ear infections can cause serious bowel problems, leading to blood tests and evaluations by the pediatric gastroenterologist. The cause of all these additional problems is rarely indentified as a side effect of a vaccination. All of this can result from a Rotarix or a RotaTeq shot, given to avoid a common infection that most children contract, and recover from uneventfully, by the time they are three years of age.
Another example is the hepatitis B vaccine, given at birth, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dyspepsia (a condition associated with gnawing or burning stomach pain and persistent vomiting). Tiny children receive x-rays, undergo procedures such as endoscopy, and are given adult medications such as Prilosec® or Nexium® to resolve their discomfort. Unfortunately, since the dyspepsia is not recognized as a vaccine side effect, additional dosages of the hepatitis B vaccine are administered, often compounding the problem.Vaccines are the bedrock of expanded illnesses, skyrocketing medical costs and exponential drug sales. But it is more than individual vaccines that are cause for concern. The sheer number of vaccines children now receive between birth and six years of age is staggering and include: Diphtheria (a rare throat infection), pertussis, and tetanus (the DTaP shot); Haemophilus influenza type b (the Hib vaccine); measles, mumps, and rubella (the MMR shot); pneumococcus (the Prevnar vaccine); polio (three strains); rotavirus (five strains); and individual vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, and meningitis. Flu shots (three strains) are now given annually, beginning at six months of age. That adds up to 113 vaccine antigens by kindergarten given in about 33 shots. Parents are becoming wary of the many needles being jabbed into their precious babies at the tender age of two, four and six months. In response, the drug companies are combining several vaccines into a single injection. Comvax (hepatitis B and HiB), ProQuad (MMR and chickenpox), Pediarix (DTaP, polio and hepatitis B) and two newly approved vaccines, Kinrix (DTaP and polio) and Pentacel (DTaP, polio and HiB) have been developed. Parents are deceived into believing that the combination shots are fewer vaccines; they are not: The number of jabs is reduced, but the number of antigen doses remains the same. A significant problem with the combo shots is that, in the event of an adverse reaction, there is no way to determine which component caused the problem. This eliminates the ability to refuse additional doses of a particular vaccine. The ability to make a claim with the Vaccine Injury Compensation program is likewise negated. For adults who believe the days of deciding about vaccines are over because their children are now teenagers, think again: Teenagers are the new target market for the vaccine industry. Boosters are being recommended for vaccines given before five years of age and the new teen vaccines, Gardasil (for cervical cancer) and Menactra (for college-type meningitis), are being heavily marketed by doctors and the media. The additional vaccines add substantially to the total number of vaccine antigen. If little girls receive all doses of all recommended vaccines, they will have received 156 vaccine antigens and about 45 shots by middle school. Boys, not yet approved for Gardasil, receive slightly fewer: only 144 vaccine antigens and about 42 shots. Many more vaccines in the pipeline will put teens and adults in the industry crosshairs. In 2007, adult-teen vaccine sales overtook pediatric sales, the first time ever, accounting for 50.6% of all revenues. This development has been attributed to robust sales of influenza vaccines and the success of Merck's advertising to promote Gardasil for the HPV virus. Gardasil alone posted $1.5 billion in sales in 2007.[6]And yes, it's about the money. In addition to driving revenues as a loss leader, the newer vaccines are driving revenues through direct sales of expensive vaccines. According to Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News,[7]In 2007, the world market for preventive vaccines totaled $16.3 billion, up more than 38%, from $11.7 billion, in 2006. The market is predicted to increase at a compound annual rate of 13.1% during 2008. This growth rate is unheard of in other drug categories, especially since this is expected to be a challenging year for the pharmaceutical industry. Few other drug categories will see as many new product introductions and such public-policy attention. In 2007, global sales of pediatric vaccines exceeded $8.0 billion, an increase of 25.2% over 2006 sales of $6.3 billion. This high growth was due in part to continued heavy gains of Wyeth's pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar, as well as the introduction of Merck's, RotaTeq….This will result in an overall market expansion of 14.2% per year from 2008 to 2013, with total sales reaching $18.8 billion at the end of the forecast period.
Vaccines are promoted as a way to boost the immune system. It only stands to reason that injecting multiple doses of pathogens and measureable amounts of chemicals taxes the immune system instead of enhancing it. I've observed in families who have more than one child and have chosen to vaccinate the first, but not subsequent children, the younger siblings seem to come down with fewer infections and are much healthier overall. I don't believe that's a coincidence. Preventive measures aimed at enhancing health can be incorporated into simple, lifestyle changes. Here are a few helpful suggestions:• Staying away from white (refined) sugar and opting for healthy foods and sugar-free snacks is the first step.• A high-quality, sugar-free, multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement is recommended for all ages, too, not just for picky eaters. • The benefit adequate sleep has on health cannot be overstated. Without adequate sleep, the body is much more susceptible to illness. Toddlers need up to 14 hours a day of sleep, but they typically get only about 10½. Children between the ages of three and six need at least 10 to 12 hours per night; between seven and twelve years of age, 10 hours; and teens and adults need at least 8 hours. Most children get far less; and parents need to enforce bed times for their children, and for themselves.• Provide your family with clean, filtered water. • Encourage regular—but not obsessive—hand washing. • Make sure to get away from the TV and the computer several hours a day to run and play outside. Exercise stimulates the immune system and has a whole cascade of positive effects.
Persons who investigate both sides of this issue rarely continue vaccinating. That speaks volumes. If you do decide to 'Say No to Vaccines,' you're not alone. Thousands of parents who have experienced first-hand the consequences of vaccination, including autism, are not looking for 'something to blame.' They are begging other parents to learn about the risks before they proceed. Learn to trust your intuitive sense and investigate the full spectrum of the vaccination issue. You'll be glad you did.

proteolytic enzymes

2008-11-03T15:21:00.003-05:00

We have discussed earlier the major role that enzymes play in proper digestion and better absorption of nutrients, this is a substance that enhances the process very efficiently. The reports coming out are very positive. Proteolytic enzymes have tremendous healing properties. As we age our bodies do not have the proper balance of enzymes to effectively break down proteins, fats and carbs which in turn slows down out digestion allowing foods to putrefy in the gut causing a gamut of health problems. As foods are broken down more completely your cells are nourished giving you a stronger defence system to fight off the culprits stealing your health and well being!

Get the most from your vitamins

2008-10-16T18:10:00.005-04:00

Poor bioactivity - carbonate (e.g., calcium carbonate)

oxide (e.g., magnesium oxide)

sulfate and phosphate
Acceptable bioactivity - aminoate, chelate, gluconate

Optimal bioactivity - ascorbate, citrate, fumarate, malate,

picolinate, succinate, tartrate

The easiest way to check B vit. Especially B2 and B6 look for B2 riboflavin 5-phosphate. B6 will read pyridoxine hydrochloride. Remember synthetic vitamins will tax the liver as the body is not able to use them and they need to be flushed out through our already weakened liver. The most expensive vitamin is the one that does not work!

There are many web sites to check out the source of your vitamins.

Building your defences for the cold and flu season

2008-10-07T22:44:00.003-04:00

The cold and flu season is on its way are you ready? There are some very simple safeguards you can set in place in your home. Teaching that it’s a courtesy to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing helps to keep germs to a minimum. Talk to your children about the importance of thoroughly washing their hands. Taking vitamin C and a good multi-vitamin can boost the immune system to fight through illness faster and more completely. Ester C is a patented formula ensuring you of maximum potency and absorbability. Setting these simple guidelines into place in your home will give you the upper hand on disease control.

2008-09-29T22:34:00.000-04:00

How can you safeguard yourself from food borne illnesses? Taking betaine hydrochloride and pancreatic enzymes boosts your digestive system and keeps you from having to take the acid blockers that lower your resistance to e-coli and salmonella. When we are deficient in these areas acid reflux happens and our first response is to grab a Pepcid or Tums which in turn takes away the protection that was built into your body. Enzymes also help you to absorb and utilize the nutrients more efficiently and take away that bloated feeling associated with a slow digestive system.

The incredible edible egg!

2008-09-29T10:36:00.002-04:00

The incredible edible egg! It isn’t any wonder that this slogan fits the food. For a long time eggs got a bad rap as a cause of high cholesterol. The more the egg is researched the more we find out how amazing it is. It’s one of few foods that has all of the enzymes to break it down and utilized it most completely in the body! It’s a complete protein and actually helps to disarm free radicals that try to invade your system. So let’s get crackin and whip up a delicious, nutritious meal!

Here are some simple recipes to get you started. These can be made ahead and reheated.

Chiche

1 cup chopped onion
1½ Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper
2 cups grated Swiss cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ tsp. unbleached flour
1 cup half-&-half
2 eggs
1 large tomato, chopped

Preheat oven to 400°. In a small skillet, sauté onion in butter. Add salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and flour. In a small bowl, beat eggs lightly and add the half-&-half. Spread onion in bottom of 9-inch pie plate. Cover with cheese mixture. Pour egg mixture over cheese. Place tomatoes on top. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes, then at 325° for 30 minutes.

Ham and Cheese Quiche

1(9-inch) pie shell
1 cup Virginia baked ham, diced
1 cup grated Mozzarella or Jack cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp.
dried basil leaves
1 Tbsp. mustard
3 eggs
¾ cup half-&-half
dash black pepper
1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
sliced tomatoes, for garnish
basil leaves or parsley, for garnish

Pre-bake pie shell for 5 minutes at 400°. Mix ham, cheese and basil leaves. Spread mustard on bottom of pre-baked pie shell. Sprinkle with ham-cheese mixture. Beat eggs, cream and black pepper. Pour mixture over ham and cheese in pastry shell. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° on middle level of oven for 30 to 35 minutes until filling is set and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley and sliced tomatoes. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Breakfast Pizza

1 lb. cubed ham
1 (8 oz.) tube crescent rolls
1 cup hash browns
4 cups mushrooms and onions, sautéed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
5 eggs
¼ cup milk
½ Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small skillet, lightly brown ham. Separate rolls and place on pizza pan with points to center. Press over bottom and up sides. Spoon ham over top. Sprinkle with hash browns, onions and mushrooms; top with Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour over all and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for approximately one hour.

Broccoli Quiche

4 slices bacon
4 eggs
1 cup half-&-half
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 cups broccoli flowerets
¼ tsp. sea salt
⅛ tsp. garlic powder
⅛ tsp. lemon pepper

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook bacon until crisp, set aside. Beat eggs with half-&-half and Swiss cheese. Stir in broccoli, salt, garlic powder and lemon pepper. Crumble bacon. Stir half of crumbled bacon into egg mixture. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Top with remaining bacon. Makes 4 servings.
Spinach Quiche

1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach
¾ cup half-&-half
3 oz. cream cheese
1 cup Colby-Jack cheese, grated
6 eggs
1 T. Kick’n Chicken
1 Tbsp. unbleached flour
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl beat together spinach, half-&-half, cream cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, eggs, Kick’n chicken flour, and butter. Let set for 5 minutes. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Place on wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges. Great brunch with fruit and muffin

2008-09-27T15:17:00.000-04:00

What are we really getting with white flour and sugar? Maybe the better questions is what are we losing! Wheat has 25 nutrients removed in the refining process that turns it into white flour. Only 4 of these nutrients are replaced, iron which in many cases is an unabsorbable source, B1, B2 and B3. On average, 87% of the essential minerals zinc, chromium, and manganese are lost. White sugar goes through 13 chemical processes which strip it of 90% of the vitamins and minerals, all the enzymes and natural molasses which helps our bodies to break down and utilize the sugars more efficiently. You are left with only sweet! Without these vitamins and minerals our metabolism becomes inefficient, contributing to poor energy and weight control problems. Buying whole grain flour and raw sugar gives back what nature intended.

Sugar

2008-09-23T18:25:00.000-04:00

Are we consuming too much sugar? In one year the average American consumes 100# of refined sugar! Sugar is hidden in so many of the processed foods we are eating. Some of the ways sugar can ruin your health is by suppressing your immune system, causing kidney damage, hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties and crankiness in our children. If that list is not enough to reevaluate our habits, go on line to fln.org and check out my blog to get the rest of the story!

How destructive is simple sugar?

2008-09-23T18:21:00.000-04:00

78 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health
In addition to throwing off the body’s homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a
number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of
sugar’s metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other
scientific publications.
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar can upset the body’s mineral balance.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and
crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
5. Sugar can adversely affect children’s school grades.
6. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
7. Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
8. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
9. Sugar can reduce helpful high-density cholesterol (HDLs).
10. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
11. Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
12. Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
13. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
14. Sugar may lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.
15. Sugar can cause colon cancer, with an increased risk in women.
16. Sugar can be a risk factor in gall bladder cancer.
17. Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
18. Sugar can weaken eyesight.
19. Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can
narrow blood vessels.
20. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
21. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
22. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
23. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
24. Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair.
25. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
26. Sugar can promote tooth decay.
27. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
28. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis.
29. Sugar can cause a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in persons with gastric or
duodenal ulcers.
30. Sugar can cause arthritis
31. Sugar can cause asthma.
32. Sugar can cause candidiasis (yeast infection).
33. Sugar can lead to the formation of gallstones.
34. Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
35. Sugar can cause ischemic heart disease.
36. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
37. Sugar can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
38. Sugar can indirectly cause hemorrhoids.
39. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
40. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraception
users.
41. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
42. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
43. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
44. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
45. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
46. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.
47. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
48. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
49. Sugar can change the structure of protein causing interference with
protein absorption.
50. Sugar causes food allergies.
51. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
52. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
53. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
54. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
55. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
56. Sugar can cause cataracts.
57. Sugar can cause emphysema.
58. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
59. Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
60. Sugar lowers the enzymes’ ability to function.
61. Sugar can cause loss of tissue elasticity and function.
62. Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
63. Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
64. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the
kidney.
65. Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
66. Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.
67. Sugar can cause constipation.
68. Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70. Sugar can cause hypertension.
71. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
72. Sugar can cause an increase in delay, alpha and theta brain waves,
which can alter the mind’s ability to think clearly.
73. Sugar can cause depression.
74. Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar
diets compared to low sugar diets.
75. Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.
76. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
77. Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of
blood clots.
78. Sugar increases the risk of Alzheimer Disease.

Hypoglycemia

2008-09-22T21:58:00.000-04:00

At my highest weight of 186, I could consume a box of Ding Dongs and three or four Pepsi Colas in nothing flat. I craved it. I was hypoglycemic. Simply put, I had too much insulin so I felt the effects of low blood sugar crisis. Feeling weak and anxious, or having a headache, I would reach for a quick fix of processed junk foods which can provide an almost euphoric feeling, but which throws the body into unhealthy cycles. For me, consuming a green drink leveled out my insulin so I controlled the hunger and cravings instead of them controlling me. Then I was able make wise choices for meals and snacks.
Hypoglycemia, the culprit behind the sugar cravings! So many are unaware that this is why they cannot get disciplined to leave the simple sugars alone. Your body will scream for sweets day and night if you do not get this under control. It is a cycle that is hard to break because it’s an adrenaline rush for the system when sugar is ingested. Drinking barley, oat and wheat grass (green drink) helps the body to curb the cravings allowing you to gain control and begin to consume what the body needs to put you on the road to better health.

The benefits of flaxsed

2008-09-22T14:23:00.001-04:00

It may be tiny, but it’s mighty: The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. And while it’s not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains, while the amount of fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids in flax leaves grains in the dust. Additionally, flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance -- many dieters have found that flax seed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied.
Flax Seed Nutrition
Yes, flax seed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, but this little seed is just getting started. There are three additional nutrient groups which flax seed has in abundance, and each has many benefits.Flax seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in such oils as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help. Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 which is a precursor to the fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty cold-water fish (called EPA and DHA). Because not everyone is able to easily convert ALA into EPA and (especially) DHA, it is best not to rely solely on flax for your Omega-3 intake, but ALA also has good effects of its own, and definitely helps in the Omega 3/6 balance. Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber -- both soluble and insoluble -- than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines. Phytochemicals: Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances which tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.Note that a) flax seeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available (otherwise they just “pass through”) and b) flax seed oil alone contains neither the fiber nor the phytochemicals of whole flax seed meal.
Flax Seed Safety and Side Effects
Concerns about flax seed revolve around four potential issues. However, remember that a lot of research about the wonders of flax show little or no problems from eating it –- to the contrary, it has shown many benefits.
Big Fiber Load: Since flax has such a high fiber content, it's best to start with a small amount and increase slowly, otherwise cramping and a "laxative effect" can result. People with irritable bowel syndrome may have an especially strong reaction to it, and should be extra-careful. More about fiber, including tips to prevent problems.
Oxidation/Rancidity: The oil in flax is highly unsaturated. This means that it is very prone to oxidation (rancidity) unless it is stored correctly. The very best way is nature’s own storage system – within the seed. Flax seeds not exposed to large amounts of heat stay safe to eat for at least a year. However, flax meal, and especially flax oil, are a different story. The meal, stored away from heat and light, will keep fresh for a few months, and the oil must be protected by refrigeration in dark containers, preferably being consumed within a few weeks of opening.Actually, the surprising thing about flax is not that the oils go rancid, but that they don’t go rancid as quickly as we would think, considering how unsaturated they are. The oils are quite stable when the seeds are used in baked foods, for example. Researchers theorize that this is due to the high levels of antioxidants in the seeds. Hormonal Effects: Lignans contain phytoestrogens. Although research has shown them to be beneficial so far, it is unknown what effect high doses of phytoestrogens might have. Cyanide: Like many other foods (cashews, some beans, and others), flax contains very small amounts of cyanide compounds, especially when consumed raw. Heat, especially on dry flax seeds, breaks these compounds down. However, our bodies have a capacity to neutralize a certain amount of these compounds, and the US government agencies say that 2 tablespoons of flaxseed (~3 T of flax meal) is certainly safe and is probably an “effective dose” for health purposes. Various researchers who have used up to 6 daily tablespoons of the seed in different studies indicate that the amount they were using was safe.

This is from an excerpt from about.com from Laura Dolson
There is a lot more information at this web site to better understand health and nutrition

The benefits of flaxseed

2008-09-22T14:21:00.000-04:00

Fight inflammation the natural way! Swelling in the body causes so many problems, from bone spurs to coronary disease to arthritis. Ground flax seed in your diet will help ease the swelling and take away the pain associated in these areas. Best results are found when grinding the seeds fresh which keeps the oils from getting rancid. Using a simple coffee grinder you can add this flavorful seed to cereal, salad or just in drink it down with 100% fruit juice. The results are amazing! See my blog at fln.org for more on the wonders of this tiny but mighty seed.

Dr. shortage!

2008-09-22T00:58:00.006-04:00

A doctor shortage is on its way according to the front page of September 9th USA Today! What can we do to get our family ready for this challenge? As we learn to watch the things that we are eating and drinking we will feel a renewed sense of balance and well being! Teaching our families about proper hygiene, a diet of whole live foods, a good mulit vitamin and returning to the water that our bodies are thirsting for will put us back in charge of our grocery and medical budgets. Going back to using the medical system only for emergencies, and learning the basics for good health will restore your confidence as dr mom.

Detox

2008-09-10T22:32:00.007-04:00

There seems to be two groups of people today- the ones who go to great lengths to protect themselves from the toxic world we live in and the ones who say “something is going to get me so I’ll just live for today and hey whatever!” What if you could bring a balance to those mindsets and live in the wisdom the Lord has called us to? What if doing some simple detox’s could keep our system balanced and help us to stay more alert, level our moods and ward off the bugs that tend to infiltrate our work space and homes? Research bentonite clay- it comes in many forms and is called the ant of detoxification. It can carry out 100x its weight in toxins. In my recent studies on nutrition I have found heavy metals, which are coming at us from many different directions, are wreaking havoc with our cells. Since all disease is cellular malfunction, only when our cells are compromised does our immune system go down. As good stewards of our body and mind, let’s do all we can as the Lord gives wisdom and understanding to keep our bodies running at optimal performance!

Learning to read labels

2008-09-09T17:04:00.000-04:00

There is amazing freedom in learning to read food labels. Once you have established your, “I will not go there” list, you are saved from a plethora of unnecessary calories. Many items have gone right back on the shelf as I read through the list of ingredients, saving me many unwanted calories and possibly a head ache due to additives and preservatives. Things to avoid are hydrogenated oils, monosodium glutamate, corn syrup and corn syrup solids, artificial flavor and color, BHT, vitamin A palmatate, aspartame, asulfame K. These are the main culprits in throwing your system into a tailspin. Actually shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is your best bet. Big dollars and empty calories lurk in the center isles of the grocery store. Produce, meat and dairy should be the main fare as you peruse the store. This takes a lot less time and money as you shop. As we learn to save time and money in the store we have more time to prepare those delicious and nutritious meals that will give us and our family optimum nutrition
For fun and easy recipes go to fln.org kitchen page click on recipes

Diet is a four letter word

2008-09-09T16:57:00.000-04:00

Diet is a four letter word! I have tried almost everyone you can imagine. Since there is no way you can live on the restrictions of a diet for long periods of time as soon as you return to your former eating habits, the weight returns. As the pounds and frustrations set in, you will find yourself adopting another fad diet, hence the term yo-yo dieting. We need to establish permanent life style. It is easier than any diet you will ever attempt. Simply begin by writing down everything you eat for a week or two. You will be amazed by the empty calories that sneak in unnoticed. Now begin to weed out the stuff you can live without. Going back to the basics is always a great place to start. Water should be our main beverage, that is simple. Breakfast does not have to take a ton of time. A good whole grain cereal, or perhaps muffins that were made the night before and a small glass of 100% juice. Starting your day on the right foot nutritionally will make the rest of the day run much smoother

Bad habits

2008-09-09T16:50:00.001-04:00

Bad habits rob us of our joy and peace! 15 years ago confined to a recliner my emotions were all over the place, I was in constant pain and miserable! When I started my own household, I threw the eating habits that I had grown up with out the window. Whole foods where exchanged for quick processed foods. Water was exchanged for soda and dessert was Hostess Ding Dongs. A friend came to visit and was astounded to see a once vital woman in this shape. The corn syrup solids that I had been consuming at a startling rate had gummed up my colon causing a myriad of problems. We needed to start cleansing immediately. By the end of the first week the lower back pain was all but gone. By the end of the third week my energy level was returning and the changes over the following 8 months were nothing short of a miracle. The positive and upbeat me was back and it felt great! Lifestyle change not diet is the answer. Learning to read labels and understanding your cravings will release a powerful new you. Making some simple changes in choices will radically change your life for the better.

Do I need vitamin supplements?

2008-05-13T22:01:00.006-04:00

So many ask the question, "If I am eating 'well', do I still need vitamins?"
Here are some interesting statistics:

On any one day, an estimated 45% of people don't consume any fruit or juice and 22% don't eat any vegetables.
Less than 10% consume the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.
Only a third of the population consumes foods from all the food groups on a typical day, with less than 3% consuming foods from all the food groups in at least the recommended amount.
Many diets contain half the recommended amount of magnesium and folic acid; as many as 80% of women who exercise may be iron-deficient; and their average calcium intake is 636 mg per day (2/3 the RDA).
71% of males and 90% of females consume less than the 1980 recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6.
The average calcium intake of teenage girls resembles that necessary for 3-5 year olds.

So where do you fit into this equation? Are you eating even close to the RDA standards? If not, do you need supplementation? What are the best supplements? What happens when you are deficient? Those are questions we answer next time....

How to change cravings and begin to eat healthy!

2008-05-01T09:08:00.002-04:00

So many of you are trying to eat a healthier diet but I hear in the background about so many cravings. If you cleanse the pallet and change your insulin output for a short concentrated period of time you can reverse the pattern in your life of cravings and sugar highs and lows.

Doing the lemonade diet is one way to help this process. If you can do it for 3 to 5 days those processed foods and diet sodas will no longer be appealing to the taste buds. Respond to that and do not force it until it does taste good again out of habit. Beginning to eliminate those things from your diet will now be easier.

Our bodies are so smart, they will tell us what is good for us and what is not. We we simply must take time to listen. It is the same with the Holy Spirit: respond when you are prompted in your heart and mind. Habits that have gripped us for years will fall to the wayside. There is great freedom in living this disciplined life.

Water is Essential

2008-04-21T09:24:00.003-04:00

Our bodies are made up of 32 to 42 quarts of water.

Fluids such as soda, coffee, or alcohol tend to dehydrate the body. When we drink these, we compromise our systems which need good fluids to do their jobs efficiently.

For example, the lymphatic carries white blood cells that fight disease and germs that get into the body. It cannot do its job properly if it is robbed of much-needed fluids.

We need to consume at least 64 ounces of water per day to keep our systems operating at peak performance.

Binge Eating

2008-04-13T19:01:00.002-04:00

I had to learn what triggered binge eating for me.

At my highest weight of 186, I could consume a box of Ding Dongs and three or four Pepsi Colas in nothing flat. I craved it. I was hypoglycemic. Simply put, I had too much insulin so I felt the effects of low blood sugar crisis. Feeling weak and anxious, or having a headache, I would reach for a quick fix of processed junk foods which can provide an almost euphoric feeling, but which throws the body into unhealthy cycles.

For me, consuming a green drink leveled out my insulin so I controlled the hunger and cravings instead of them controlling me. Then I was able make wise choices for meals and snacks.

Fats

2008-04-09T13:21:00.002-04:00

Fats are a huge controversy in our culture today.

In our stores, the shelves are inundated with low-fat, no-fat alternatives – yet people battle more than ever with weight gain. Why? Read labels. Regular sour cream for example contains about 3 ingredients, all of which are natural. Low fat has about 12-15 ingredients. No fat can have more than 20!

Low fat foods contain more sugar than the regular version. They add extra sugar to replace the good taste that fat offers. The problem is that eating excess carbohydrates, especially the wrong kinds, stimulates the body’s fat storage.

One Smart Cookie

2008-03-31T16:06:00.009-04:00

A good homemade treat is much more substantial than a store-bought one.

Look at the ingredients on the package of your favorite cookies. I’d bet you can’t pronounce half of them! These are the ingredients that can cause food allergies. They also cause addictions to simple carbs. The more we get, the more our bodies crave!

A homemade cookie is made of butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda and a good chocolate chip. Stay away from artificially flavored chips which usually have waxes and a long list of additives. One good cookie can satisfy the sweet tooth if we allow ourselves to enjoy the moment instead of just quickly gulping it down.

Less is more when dealing in whole foods!

============================================
Click here for the best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. ============================================
Click here for a super Monster Cookie recipe. ============================================

The Power of Whole Foods

2008-03-26T14:09:00.003-04:00

When the Power Team was here, we saw for ourselves that whole foods will fill you up more efficiently. I packed their lunches for the week, and I can tell you that the first day they kind of freaked out!

They were each used to 2 or 3 sandwiches on white bread with lunch meats. Instead, I gave them one and a half sandwiches consisting of 2 thick slices of homemade oatmeal bread, 1/3 of a pound of real meat (sliced beef or oven-roasted turkey), Romaine lettuce, cheese and tomato. A bag of whole grain chips and a good homemade cookie finished off the meal.

They all were surprised at how satisfied they were! Whole foods are filling foods!!

Let's Talk Fats!

2008-03-17T15:16:00.002-04:00

We have been conditioned to believe that dietary fats are the primary culprit in our fight with obesity. The answer lies in a hormone called insulin. Insulin is essential to life in proper amounts, but detrimental when produced in excess. Approximately 75% of Americans produce too much of this hormone when they eat a diet of refined foods and simple carbohydrates.

Both complex and simple carbohydrates turn into glucose (blood sugar) once they enter the bloodstream. Simple carbs cause a very quick rise in blood sugar and trigger the pancreas to rapidly release insulin. Its main task is to convert glucose to glycogen (the stored form of sugar), which is typically stored in the liver. When carbs are consumed in excess, especially simple and refined, some are used immediately for energy and some are stored as glycogen. Since only 2,000 calories can be stored as glycogen in the body at a time, the excess is stored as fat. As long as the body continues to get a steady supply of carbs for energy, it will be not need to tap into the fat-storage to utilize fat as an alternative form of fuel. This is why eating a diet that consists of mostly simple carbs makes weight loss very difficult.

We are in a no-fat, low-fat mindset, yet have more and more difficulties losing weight. Why? Regular sour cream, for instance, has about three ingredients! Low-fat contains about 10-12 ingredients, mostly adding flavor with sugar. Fat-free contains 20-23 different ingredients adding many chemicals with the sugar. This taxes the pancreas and the liver as to how to break all this down to utilize it most efficiently.

Remember this train of thought: the closer to God-made the better for the body, the closer to man-made the more difficult for the body to break it down and use it to our best advantage.
Therefore, butter not margarine; regular, not no-fat or low-fat; non-hydrogenated oil and little to no preservatives and additives are going to make your body run most efficiently.

People are under the faulty thinking that artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharine, sucralose) are a dieter's dream. Dr. Sandra Cabot, a medical doctor for 23 years states, "There are logical reasons to explain the fattening and bloating effects of aspartame. The liver metabolizes aspartame to its toxic components- phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol. This process requires a lot of energy from the liver which means there will be less energy remaining in the liver cells. This means the liver cells will have less energy for fat burning and metabolism which will result in fat storing. Excess fat may build up inside the liver cells causing 'fatty liver' and when this starts to occur it's extremely difficult to lose weight. Aspartame also causes weight gain by causing unstable blood sugar levels which increase the appetite and cravings for sweets and sugars. Thus it is particularly toxic for those with diabetes or epilepsy…it causes fluid retention, giving the body a puffy and bloated appearance and increasing cellulite.

Being a heavy diet coke drinker, I was challenged by a doctor back inthe 80's to get off of it due to memory loss. I lost 10 pounds almost instantly due to swelling. God has created us in such an amazing way. In a very short period of time of giving my body the nutrients that it needed and taking away the over-abundance of chemicals, my memory returned along with many other benefits. A renewed vitality and determination to become a healthier me had begun!

Liver & Gallbladder Flush

2008-03-14T20:22:00.003-04:00

Cleansing the liver and gallbladder dramatically improves digestion, which is the basis of your whole health. You can expect your allergies to disappear, too, more with each cleanse you do! Incredibly, it also eliminates shoulder, upper arm, and upper back pain. You have more energy and increased sense of well being.

It is the job of the liver to make bile, 1 to 1.5 quarts in a day! The liver is full of tubes (biliarytubing) that deliver the bile to one large tube (the common bile duct). The gallbladder is attached to the common bile duct and acts as a storage reservoir. Eating fat or protein triggers the gallbladder to squeeze itself empty after about twenty minutes, and the stored bile finishes its trip down the common bile duct to the intestine.

For many persons, including children, the biliary tubing is choked with gallstones. Some develop allergies or hives but some have no symptoms. When the gallbladder is scanned or X-rayed nothing is seen. Typically, they are not in the gallbladder. Not only that, most are too small and not calcified a prerequisite for visibility on an X-ray. There are over half a dozen varieties of gallstones, most of which have cholesterol crystals in them. They can be black, red, white, green or tan colored. The green ones get their color from being coated with bile. Other stones are composites- made of many smaller ones- showing that they regrouped in the bile ducts some time after the last cleanse.

At the very center of each stone is found a clump of bacteria, according to scientists, suggesting a dead bit of parasite might have started the stone forming.

As the stones grow and become more numerous the back pressure on the liver causes it to make less bile. Imagine the situation if your garden hose had marbles in it. Much less water would flow, which in turn would decrease the ability of the hose to squirt out the marbles. With gallstones, much less cholesterol leaves the body, and cholesterol levels rise.

1/2 Cup Olive Oil Extra Virgin
1 Big grapefruit (2 small) (Or 3 lemons)
4 tablespoon EPSOM salts
3 cups water

Choose a day like Friday for the cleanse, since you will be able to rest the next day.

Eat a no-fat breakfast and lunch such as cooked cereal with fruit, fruit juice, bread and preserves or honey (no butter or milk), baked potato or other vegetables with salt only. This allows the bile to build up and develop pressure in the liver. Higher pressure pushes out more stones.

2:00 PM. Do not eat or drink after 2 o'clock. If you break this rule you could feel quite ill later. Get your Epsom salts ready. Mix 4 tbs. in 3 cups water and pour this into a jar. This makes four servings, 3/4 (three fourths) cup each. Set the jar in the refrigerator to get ice cold (this is for convenience and taste only).

6:00 PM. Drink one serving ¾ cup of the ice cold Epsom salts. You may add 1/8 (one eight) tsp. vitamin C powder to improve the taste. You may also drink a few mouthfuls of water afterwards or rinse your mouth. Get the olive oil and grapefruit out to warm up.

8:00 PM. Repeat by drinking another ¾ cup of Epsom salts. You haven't eaten since two o'clock, but you won't feel hungry. Get your bedtime chores done. The timing is critical for success.

9:45 PM. Pour 1/2 (half) cup (measured) olive oil into the pint jar. Wash grapefruit twice in hot water and dry; squeeze by hand into the measuring cup. Remove pulp with fork. You should have at least 1/2 (half) cup, more (up to 3/4 (three fourths) cup) is best. You may use part lemonade. Add this to the olive oil. Close the jar tightly with the lid and shake hard until watery (only fresh grapefruit juice does this).

Now visit the bathroom one or more time, even if it makes you late for your ten o'clock drink. Don't be more than 15 minutes late. You will get fewer stones.

10:00 PM. Sip a little water and take capsules that help you to sleep, something with valerian and 4 capsules specifically for liver function, with milk thistle and dandelion root. Lie down immediately. You might fail to get stones out if you don't. The sooner you lie down the more stones you will get out. Be ready for bed ahead of time. Don't clean up the kitchen. As soon as the drink is down walk to your bed and lie down flat on your back with your head up high on the pillow. Try to think about what is happening in the liver. Try to keep perfectly still for at least 20 minutes. You may feel a train of stones traveling along the bile ducts like marbles. There is no pain because the bile duct valves are open (thank you Epsom salts!). Go to sleep, you may fail to get stones out if you don't.

Next morning. Upon awakening take your third dose of Epsom salts. If you have indigestion or nausea wait until it is gone before drinking the Epsom salts. You may go back to bed. Don't take this potion before 6:00 am. 2 Hours Later. Take your fourth (the last) dose of Epsom salts. You may go back to bed again.

Ginger Bath

2008-03-14T20:21:00.001-04:00

If you want a real treat, try a ginger bath. It is marvelous!

I like to take one before going to bed because I sleep so incredibly well. I always do, but the ginger bath cleanses the body (internally as well as externally) and relaxes you. I wake up feeling so relaxed and so great. Make yourself a cup of hot detox tea. You also may want to line your bed with towels to absorb the sweat.

To take a ginger bath, put approximately 1/4 cup of ginger (either grated or powder from the supermarket) running tap. Add ½ cup Epsom salts and run pretty warm water in at first and get in the tub. Once in the tub, let enough hot water run in to make the water pretty hot. Lie back and relax or read for about 20 minutes.

When I'm not going to read, I like to light a candle and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. After the 20 minutes or so, get out of the tub, wrap up in a large towel or sheet that is cotton and crawl into the bed and cover up with your bedcovers. Try not to uncover yourself for the entire hour. If you get to warm simply put out your foot or hand for a short time then back in again. You will usually sweat for approximate an hour. After the hour is up I like to take a shower, however if you are feeling too relaxed just roll over and go to sleep!

This method really helps sweat toxins out of your body.

Never Say Diet

2008-03-10T11:44:00.000-04:00

Diet is a four-letter-word that needs to be exterminated from our vocabulary! Remove the ‘T’ and you have DIE. That is what we do to our bodies when we jump from one diet to another.

I lived that cycle back in the 80’s and 90’s. I tried and failed them all. So what worked?

Finding a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle of nutrition. Eating whole foods and eliminating the processed foods that are high in empty calories.

Check back soon and I’ll show you how you can do it too!

The Healthy Body

2008-03-03T14:20:00.002-05:00

All disease and sickness happen due to deficiency and toxicity within the body.

In an office or home, everyone will be exposed to germs, viruses and bacteria, but only those whose systems are deficient or toxic will develop a full blown illness. Even if you end up with a mild cold or flu, the body that is properly nourished can bounce back quickly. This is why it is important to continually fuel your body with healthy foods and to occasionally cleanse your body of toxins.

Check back soon for more information on NUTRITION and CLEANSES.

My Story

2008-02-28T21:32:00.002-05:00

For years I struggled with my weight and the many health issues that go along with being overweight. I had horrible eating habits and food cravings that always seemed to win. At my heaviest of 186 pounds, I had constant back aches and my back kept going out on me. A friend came to visit and challenged me to better health and nutrition to help the problem. At first I laughed at her suggestions and then I got angry. I thought, “What is all of this saying about me?” Then I decided that I felt so horrible I had nothing to lose.

That was the beginning of an incredible journey --a tough one, but a rewarding one! I began to pray for God's wisdom like never before in this area of my life. I needed discipline and a new understanding of what a healthy lifestyle was all about. The more I dug in and applied what I read, the more the pounds dropped off and my energy and vitality returned. In the shape I was in back then I could never have done the job I am doing now at FLM. Twenty years later, I have more stamina than before and a passion to help others who are searching to find the healthy way of life.

As I share with you week to week, I hope you are challenged, encouraged and motivated to start your road to optimum health. Hang on and let’s go!