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February 2nd, 2012
We all like to indulge in our comfort foods: pizza, coffee, wine, chocolate, french fries, etc. And I would love to tell you that you can have your wine and chocolate every day. Unfortunately, if you do indulge daily in these kinds of foods, you will not age with quality. I suggest what I call my 80/20 Rule of Moderation. Keep your diet clean for 80% of the week, and enjoy your comfort food or drink no more than 20% of the week (once or twice a week, or not at all!). For those who are dealing with an autoimmune disease, cancer, or chronic condition, I would say keep your diet as clean as possible because indulging in sugar, for example, even once a week can progress your condition.
Why Do I Need To Tone It Down?
- Genetically Modified Foods - chemical-laden seeds that disrupt DNA
- Additives and Preservatives - FDA allows over 2,000 additives/preservatives to be added to our foods
- Environmental Toxins - we are currently being exposed to high amounts of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, dioxins, heavy metals, petroleum chemicals, etc.
- Stress - world, financial, and relationship stress are at all time highs
Our bodies are being assaulted from many directions. This compromises our immune systems and overwhelms our hepatic (liver) pathways to remove toxins. So what we could get away with 20 years ago, I feel we can no longer do.
The best place to start moderating and balancing your health is to be conscious of what you eat. Remember that the food companies are in the business of selling food by telling you, the consumers, that their products, e.g. chocolate, wine, and milk, are good for you. Do the research yourself and you will discover differently. One example is chocolate. Yes, there are antioxidants and minerals in raw cacao, which is where we make chocolate from; but that is not what most of us are eating. We are eating a chocolate bar that is also loaded with sugar, milk products, and chemicals that are not good for you and have no business being in your body.
Start this year with smarter choices and more balance. Your body will thank you!
Top Foods/Drinks That Are Most Damaging To The Body:
- Refined sugars (high fructose corn syrup, white sugar, dextrose, fructose, brown sugar, molasses) are found in candy, ice cream, donuts, fruit juices, snack bars, etc. Sugar creates inflammation in the body and strips it of essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal functioning. Even unsweetened fruit juices have too much sugar. Consider instead: stevia, chicory root, coconut sugar, and small amounts of birch xylitol (Ultimate Sweetener).
- Cow’s dairy products (milk, cheeses, ice cream, and, yes, even yogurt!) Milk is pasteurized, homogenized, and filled with antibiotics and hormones. Pasteurized and homogenized means that milk is heated to high temperatures to kill off bacteria. But this process also changes the mineral structure and makes milk acidic. Acidic foods do not add minerals to the body but actually leach them from the body. Calcium and other minerals come from eating dark leafy green vegetables. What other species drinks milk from another species? None. Switching to Lactaid milk, which removes the lactose (sugar) from milk, doesn’t solve the problem because most people are also allergic to the protein molecule in milk. Consider instead: Unsweetened almond, coconut or hemp milk.
- Gluten (barley, kamut, oats (unless gluten-free oats), rye, spelt, wheat, white flour) is found in cereals, breads, bagels, pastries, and snack bars. Gluten is a protein that creates inflammation in the body. I call it “goo and glue” in the gut. It strips the villi on the intestinal tract lining allowing antigens and food particles to pass through the intestinal wall and leak into the body. Consider instead: quinoa, millet, buckwheat, wild rice, brown rice, teff, and amaranth.
- Alcohol - a neurotoxin. Yes, wine has resveratrol in it, but you can get the benefits of that by taking a supplement or eating grapes–not drinking it in a base of chemicals that negatively impact liver and brain function.
- Trans fats (partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils) - are found in processed foods such as pizza, chips, breads, pastries, donuts, and french fries. Trans fats are vegetable oils heated to high temperatures for the sole purpose of increasing the shelf life of a food product. These denatured oils clog arteries, increases bad cholesterol, and contribute to heart disease and diabetes.
- Artificial sweeteners, caffeine, MSG - many processed foods and drinks contain chemicals and stimulants. They have a direct impact on brain function and energy. High energy drinks such as Red Bull, Rockstar, Cocaine Energy drink, are loaded with sugar and caffeine, which over excite the brain. Caffeine, in particular, is acidic, an irritant to the central nervous system, and disrupts the endocrine system.
HEALTHY DIET:
- Vegetables - ideally, 60% of your diet should be vegetables. Organic, fresh vegetables are high in minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. The most beneficial are dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, arugula, watercress, etc.
- Beans/Legumes - are high in fiber, minerals, and protein. Soak overnight before cooking whenever possible to minimize gas and allow for shorter cooking times which will preserve nutritional value.
- Animal Proteins - fish (not farmed), antibiotic-, hormone-free eggs, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of grass-fed red meat. Amino acids are building blocks of protein needed by every cell in the body.
- Nuts & Seeds - raw nuts/seeds are high in minerals, trace minerals, and supply good fats to the brain, heart, and skin.
- Fruits - organic fruits are nature’s best sweet snack. Limit to one to two pieces a day. Stay away from unsweetened/sweetened fruit juices and dried fruits because of their high sugar content.
- Oils - olive, grapeseed, hemp, flaxseed, and coconut oil are good choices to have in your kitchen. Make sure to check if and at what temperatures these oils can be heated (e.g., hemp seed oil cannot be heated and olive oil should be used at low temperatures).
ANNOUNCEMENTS & BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
- I will be teaching a 2 hour seminar called The Power Of Health In Food on Saturday, Feb. 25th from 1-3 p.m. at Param Yoga Healing Arts Center in Chatsworth, California. Click on this link to find out more http://www.param-yoga.com
- Do you have an autoimmune disease and are you searching for answers on how to tackle your condition? Go to http://www.theselfhealingcoach.com/op to learn more about my autoimmune bootcamp - a 7-week, 14-hour series that you can instantly download to discover the root causes and solutions to heal your body.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION OF THE MONTH:
If Buddha Got Stuck by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
http://www.amazon.com/If-Buddha-Got-Stuck-Spiritual/dp/0142196282/ref=pd_sim_b_1
This is a wonderful book for those who are feeling stuck and want to push past outdated beliefs, limiting thoughts, and negative patterns.
Posted in Diet/Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Newsletters | No Comments »
February 1st, 2011
I was coming back from a short road trip last week and was struck and saddened by five billboard signs encouraging lap band surgery or gastric by-pass surgery. One sign read, “Diets fail, lap bands work.” In what other country in the world would you see this billboard?Unfortunately, we have become desperate and lazy about taking care of our health. We want magic-bullet fixes, surgery, or pharmaceutical medications, which come with high price tags and sides effects.
Remember our bodies are not deficient in Prozac, Crestor, or Prilosec. We are indeed deficient in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Over time, these deficiencies create the unhealthy conditions we are experiencing.
Health is a choice and we all have this amazing capacity to make better choices. The time is NOW to wake up and take action with your health. Millions of people are without health insurance. The conditions which I am used to seeing in a 60 or 70 year old are now appearing in people much younger.
Yes, taking action means moving out of your comfort zone. Yes, it means cooking more, spending more money on organic, antibiotic and hormone-free animal proteins, and eliminating the daily junk food. And yes, it means making time to exercise for at least 30 minutes, four times per week.
As a nation, we are failing to educate ourselves on how to stay healthy. Food manufactures are filling your grocery aisles with processed foods; fast food restaurants are selling “food” for under a $1.00 (what do you think you are really eating?); beauty care manufacturers are selling skin and hair products filled with chemicals that are absorbed through your skin and go directly into your bloodstream; insurance companies are keeping your doctor visits to 15 minutes; prescription medication is overused and misused; chemical companies are controlling the food supply with genetically modified seeds and foods; excessive vaccinations are mandated (a child now receives 32 vaccinations compared to my 17 when I was a child); and our water supplies are contaminated.
There are times when medications are necessary. Similarly, there are times to let yourself enjoy your favorite treat or drink. But we’ve lost the sense of moderation and balance in our lives.
There are many things out of our control, yet YOU can control what goes into and onto your body. It is time that you start making choices that prevent disease and help you age with quality.
10 Action Steps to Integrate
Towards Making You Healthier:
- Stop eating at fast food restaurants. Reduce or omit the intake of white flour, refined sugars, dairy products, trans fats, soda, and alcohol.
- Drink 8 glasses of purified water daily. Any herbal or green teas count as a credit towards your 8 glasses.
- Buy organic vegetables and fruits, antibiotic and hormone-free eggs, dairy products, chicken, turkey, and red meat.
- Cook at least three healthy meals a week. Incorporate dark leafy greens daily (kale, spinach, arugula, broccoli, baby greens, etc.)
- Start a basic supplement regime to replace what your body is missing and to neutralize environmental toxicity:1. Multi vitamin/mineral without iron
2. Extra vitamin C
3. Extra vitamin E
4. Omega 3 fish oil
5. Evening primrose oil for women
6. Probiotics
7. Free form amino acid blend
8. Green powder for alkalizing the body, such as Nanogreens or Macrogreens
- Exercise at least four times a week: walking briskly, yoga, swimming, or your favorite sport.
- Buy only personal health care products that use non toxic chemicals. Brands such as Alba, Aubrey, Weleda (toothpaste and deodorant) on vitacost.com, iherb.com, or amazon.com
- Relieve stress by either meditating for 5-10 minutes before you spring out of bed, yoga twice a week, journal each morning or night, breath deeply throughout the day, smile and laugh several times a day, hug a tree for 1 minute
- Stay informed and educate your family, friends, and neighbors with free daily health oriented web newsletters: www.mercola.com and www.naturalnews.com
- Love and respect your body. Yes, you are more than just a body, but if don’t protect, nourish, and honor your “house,” it will crumble
Posted in Diet/Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Newsletters | No Comments »
January 1st, 2011
Not a great water drinker? Then think about adding powerful teas into the mix of your daily fluid intake. The average person needs half their body weight in ounces of water (e.g.,150 lbs = 75 oz or 9 glasses of water). The good news is that tea counts as water and you can subtract the cups of tea from the total amount of water you need to drink. But note that all teas are diuretics so make sure to drink purified water as well.
Green Tea
Green tea originates from China. Green tea is well-established as a potent source of healing antioxidants called polyphenols–the same beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables and even in red wine. It is very high in antioxidants, which prevent inflammatory responses in the body. Green tea is also good for helping with blood sugar and insulin levels, blood pressure, headaches, lowering cholesterol, immune system, raising metabolism for weight loss, and preventing and fighting cancer. 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup in the afternoon would be ideal times to drink green tea since it contains caffeine. Drink organic green teas. There are many good organic sources you can find in your local health food stores and on the internet. This is a tea that you can drink daily.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is found all over the world. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic, and sedative properties. The key with using chamomile as a sleeping aid is to steep the tea for 20 minutes and drink 1 hour before going to bed. Chamomile is also good as a digestive aid. Organic chamomile tea is a great way to end the day to relax your mind and body.
This is a tea that you can drink daily.
Note: Do not drink Chamomile tea if you have ragweed allergies.
Red Clover Tea
Red clover is a species of clover, native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africia, but is grown all over. Red clover is a rich source of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants).
Red clover is a foundational step to cleansing the blood and lymphatic system. It is also beneficial in removing stress hormones from the body. There is some controversy about using red clover in connection to breast health. I have found it to be beneficial in preventing common female disorders that pertain to the breast, ovaries, and uterus. Make sure your source is organic and bulk loose leaf (www.pacificbotanicals.com). Do not buy tea bags brands–they are typically not good quality and tend to have mold because they sit on the shelves of stores too long.
Work up slowly (increase by 1 cup every three to five days) if you decide to drink more than 1 cup per day as it is initially detoxifying and common to experience die-off symptoms the first few days, such as a headache, fatigue, and brain fog. Make sure you have daily bowel movements (everyone needs to eliminate once per day–two to three time per day is ideal. If constipated, add in more fiber, such as FiberSmart by Renew Life) before drinking this tea. Therapeutic levels of red clover are 3 to 4 cups per day and you can drink three months at a time. Maintenance would be 1 to 2 cups three to four times per week.
How to make: 1 tsp of herb to 8 oz of boiled water makes 1 cup of tea. Steep 15 minutes. For the first couple of weeks finish your tea before 6 p.m. - there is no caffeine but because red clover cleans the bloodstream and it can keep you up at night until your body gets used to it.
Note: Do not drink this tea if you are on blood thinning medication, pregnant/breast feeding, or have grass allergies.
Pau D’arco Tea
Pau d’arco is native to South America and has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparastical properties. It is very effective against candida overgrowth, herpes, cancer, and any other microbial infection. Work up slowly (increase by 1 cup every three to five days) if you decide to drink more than 1 cup a day as it is detoxifying and common to experience die-off symptoms the first few days, such as a headache, fatigue, and brain fog. Make sure your bowel elimination is daily before drinking this tea.
Traditional Medicinals or www.pacificbotanicals.com are good sources for this tea. It is bitter tasting so you might want to add stevia. Pau ‘Darco is good to mix with red clover for the most therapeutic value. Therapeutic levels of pau d’arco are 3 to 4 cups a day and you can drink this tea three months at a time. Ideal to drink after vacations, holiday binging, after weekends of indulging on alcohol/unhealthy foods, or if you have a health condition. Maintenance would be 1 to 2 cups three to four times per week.
How to make: 1 tsp of herb to 8 oz of boiled water makes 1 cup of tea. Steep 15 minutes.
Note: Do not drink this tea if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Rainforest Treasure Tea
Rainforest Treasure Tea is from Amazon Herb Company. This blend of amazon herbs has many beneficial properties. For example, Una de Gato, is a powerful anti-inflammatory good for arthritis and inflammatory conditions. This tea also cleans the blood and is a broad spectrum infection fighter. Jatoba is an herb that helps with bladder and prostate infections, and is also an energizer, fortifier, and decongestant used for respiratory problems. Tahari is an herb that strengthens the immune system. Chuchuhuasi is an herb that helps relieve arthritis, rheumatism, and back pain. Chanca piedra (stone crusher) removes mucous and stones from kidneys and urinary tract as well as from the liver and gall bladder. And Stevia is an herb to help with pancreatic function.
How to make: One tea bag (makes 2-3 cups) daily, steeped for 10 minutes. You can drink this tea daily.
Note: Do not drink this tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Posted in Diet/Nutrition, Newsletters | No Comments »
October 1st, 2010
Pomegranate, Acai, Noni, Blueberry
Yes…No…Which One?
Today the market is flooded with antioxidant powders and juices from pomegranate, acai, black cherry, gogi berries, noni, blueberries, cranberry, etc…each one being touted as the best antioxidant ever to reverse and prevent disease. Do I need to be taking one of these? And which one is the best?
The simple answer is yes. With bodies being containers of toxins from poor diet, the environment, and stress, the demand is greater to keep you in balance. Our food supply is denatured, depleted, and even harmful in many cases from the use of pesticides, herbicides, being genetically modified, and loaded with additives and sugars. Therefore, we need extra antioxidant protection to eliminate free radical damage that is aging us more quickly and bringing about conditions/diseases at alarming rates.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as “free radical scavengers” and hence prevent and repair damage. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that naturally occur in plants and contain antioxidant protection. Carotenoids, flavonoids, isoflavones, phytosterols, are just some of the names of phytochemicals that help us stay balanced.
Phytochemicals In Fruits:
- Blueberries are a rich source of phytochemicals such as anthocyanidins, flavonoids, resveratrol, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid.
- Acai fruits are very rich in vitamins but also contain high levels of antioxidant phytochemicals such as cyanidin.
- Noni is rich in octoanoic acid, scopoletin, damnacanthal, terpenoids, anthraquinones, caproic acid, ursolic acid, and rutin.
- Cranberry contains catechins, triterpenoids, quinic acid, hippuric acid, and anthocyanin.
- Pomegrante juice contains ellagitannins, pelargonidin, punicalin, punicalagin, anthocyanins, cyanidin, and ellagic acid.
Taken from the site: http://www.phytochemicals.info/
What Is The Best Way To Add In Antioxidants?
Eating food is still the number one choice in how to fuel and regenerate the body…the key is buying organic fruits and vegetables. But fruit juices such as pomegranate, blueberry, and black cherry juice, etc are high in sugar. I prefer using powder blends that do not contain a high sugar content and contain a variety fruits to obtain optimal antioxidant protection.
Products With Antioxidant Protection:
Fruits of the Earth - HealthForce Nutritionals
NanoReds - BioPharma Scientific
Nanogreens - BioPharma Scientific - providing both alkalizing greens, fruits, and other vitamins and antioxidants.
Miracle Reds - MacroLife Naturals
Posted in Diet/Nutrition, Newsletters | 1 Comment »
August 1st, 2010
Gluten-free food products are taking up an entire aisle in your health-food stores. Why is that and why is gluten bad for you?
What Is Gluten?
Gluten consists of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, found in all grains but with highest concentrations in wheat, wheat derivatives (such as kamut and spelt), barley, oats, and rye. Oats are included in this list not because they are naturally high in gluten but because of cross-contamination in milling plants that also process wheat.
The typical American diet consists mainly of white flour and wheat products.
The large quantities of white flour and wheat products consumed, in combination with the fact that 90% of wheat is genetically modified (which means more chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides), has made us gluten-sensitive.
Gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease is becoming more prevalent each year. Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder of the small intestinal lining, whereby gluten destroys the villi, tiny hair-like projections along the intestinal walls that absorb nutrients.
Gluten Sensitivity/Allergy Can Result In:
- Allergies
- Anemia
- Autoimmune disorders
- Back pain
- Bloating/gas/cramps
- Celiac disease
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Eczema
- Edema
- Fatigue
- Headaches/migraines
- Joint Pain
- Malabsorption
- Mouth Sores/Cracks
- Sinusitis
- Skin Rashes
- Weight Loss
“Gluten-Free” Doesn’t Always Mean It Is Good For You
Most gluten-free items just remove the gluten grain but still have all the unhealthy items that most processed food products have such as refined starches (potato, white rice), yeast, sugars, and trans-fats. Make sure to read ingredients on everything you purchase and try to get quality ingredients with whole grains (quinoa, millet, brown rice, wild rice, amaranth, teff), and limited or no added sugars or fillers.
Clue: If a food item has more than 5-7 ingredients listed (and you can’t pronounce the words) then put it down…that is not food!
Example: Gluten-Free Muffin Mix
(17 grams of sugar and refined flours that spike sugar levels)
- Sugar, rice flour,modified potato starch, inulin, modified tapioca starch, rice flour, emulsifier, rice starch, ployglycerols esters of fatty acids, mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate,cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate, natural vanilla flavor, salt, guar gum, xanthan gum, nutmeg
Foods Containing Hidden Gluten:
- Beer
- Bologna
- Bouillon
- Brewer’s yeast
- Canned bakes beans
- Chutneys
- Gravy/sauces
- Gum
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Imitation crab meat
- Malt vinegar
- MSG
- Pates
- Pickles
- Salad dressings
- Sausages
- Seitan (wheat gluten)
- Soups
- Soy sauce
Posted in Ailments/Diseases, Allergies, Diet/Nutrition, Newsletters | 3 Comments »
June 1st, 2010
Summer is here: warm weather, barbecues, and corn on the cob. Think again before you eat that corn! Corn, along with soy and wheat are the most genetically modified crops in the U.S. Genetically modified foods means more herbicides and pesticides polluting your body.
But what is more alarming is the use of corn in almost everything you ingest. Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, descriptively educates us on how corn is fed to cows, chickens, pigs, none of which can properly digest corn, making them sick and, as a result, they are pumped full of antibiotics. The majority of antibiotics in this country are used in livestock. If we just fed them grass animals and, in turn, humans would be healthier. Even farmed fish are being fed corn to keep costs down.
Why Is Corn So Bad For Us?
First, corn is high in glycemic index and glycemic load. The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how fast foods breakdown into sugar in your bloodstream. Carbohydrates, such as corn, break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream, thus having a high glycemic index.
The glycemic load (GL) is a ranking system for carbohydrate content in food portions based on their glycemic index (GI) and the portion size. Foods with a glycemic load under 10 are good choices-these foods should be your first choice for when it comes to carbs. Foods with a glycemic load above 20 will cause blood sugar and insulin spikes. Corn products range between 20 and 30 in GL.
Second, corn is everywhere. For example, high fructose corn syrup, which is derived from corn, is a staple used in nearly all processed foods in the U.S. And we wonder why diabetes is 1 out of 3 adults and 1 out of 2 children.
Corn is making us overweight, destroying our endocrine system (hormonal), and inflaming our bodies, which results in disease.
How Does Agave Nectar Relate To Corn?
Agave nectar (also called agave syrup) is a sweetener commercially produced in Mexico from several species of agave. Agave nectar is sweeter than honey because of its high concentration of fructose (90%) compared to the small amount of glucose (10%). Agave has to be heated to 140 degrees and broken down into fructose to be sweet. (Adding insult to injury, some suppliers of agave mix it with corn syrup.)
Agave, which is touted as being a natural sweetener, turns out to be just as bad as having a soda, particularly when eaten every day in moderate to large quantities. Beware as many raw and health foods contain agave sweetener.
Better Complex Carbohydrates To Eat Instead Of Corn:
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Amaranth
- Millet
- Teff
- Wild rice
Better Sweeteners To Use:
- Stevia
- Just Like Sugar (chicory root)
- Sweet Fiber (chicory root and luo han)
- Xylitol (small amounts and use Birch tree source, not corn)
- Raw honey (small amounts, not daily)
Posted in Allergies, Diet/Nutrition, Environmental Health, Newsletters | 2 Comments »
May 1st, 2010
How many of you out there, including myself, have devoured a box of cookies, eaten a pint of ice cream, or couldn’t stop eating the bread and butter served at a restaurant? Why is it that we know sugar and white flour are not good for us but we still can’t stop ourselves?
Researchers at Princeton University report that sugar-loving mice demonstrate all three criteria of addiction: increased intake, withdrawal, and cravings that lead to relapse. Previous work has shown that mice deprived of food for several hours and then allowed to binge on sugar water (with concentrations similar to that of soft drinks) soon developed addictive behaviors. Sugar intake causes the release of dopamine in the brain, a reward chemical. After a month of sugar binging and increased dopamine levels, the rats’ brains developed fewer dopamine receptors and more opioid receptors–changes similar to those observed in mice on cocaine and heroine. When their sugar supply was suddenly cut off, the mice exhibited signs of withdrawal, including teeth-chattering, anxiety, and refusing to leaving their tunnels. The latest research showed that when these mice were offered sugar once again, they worked harder to attain it and consumed more than ever. (Discover magazine, December 2008)
Unfortunately there is one more element that adds to your sugar/carbohydrate addiction - Candida. Candida or yeast live in everyone’s body and stay balanced until you upset the environment. Sugar is the main fuel source for the overgrowth of yeast and once the yeast is out of balance it compounds the cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. So now you have a viscous cycle of sugar cravings stemming from your brain receptors wanting a fix and candida overgrowth.
Because sugar is addictive, food manufacturers put it in at least 80% of the products in your grocery store, such as breads, salt, package meals, dressing, crackers, meats, etc. Please read your ingredient labels. Most consumers don’t know that the following are sweeteners which can contribute to candida overgrowth and cravings:
Sugar And Other Sweeteners
-
Agave nectar
-
Aspartame (NutraSweet)
-
Barley malt
-
Brown rice syrup
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Brown sugar
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Corn syrup
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Dextrose
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Fructose
-
Fruit juice sweetened
-
Honey
-
Maltodextrin
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Maltitol
-
Maple syrup
-
Molasses
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Raw/evaporated cane juice
-
Saccharin
-
Sorbitol
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Sucralose (Splenda)
-
Sugar
Nancy Appleton’s book,Lick the Sugar Habit points out 59 reasons why sugar ruins your health…here are a few off the list:
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Sugar may cause hyperacidity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and crankiness in children.
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Sugar produces a significant rise in triglycerides.
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Sugar can lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, intestines, prostate or rectum.
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Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
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Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
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Sugar can cause signs of premature aging.
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Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
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Sugar contributes to obesity.
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Sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Sugar can cause symptoms often found in people with gastric and duodenal ulcers.
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Sugar can lead to arthritis.
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Sugar can contribute to asthma.
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Sugar can cause Candida albicans (yeast infection).
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Sugar can contribute to gallstones.
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Sugar can lead to heart disease.
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Sugar can cause appendicitis.
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Sugar can lead to multiple sclerosis.
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Sugar can contribute to varicose veins.
Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
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Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
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Sugar can cause food allergies.
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Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
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Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
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Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
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Sugar can contribute to sagging skin by changing the structure of collagen.
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Sugar can lead to cataracts.
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Sugar can cause emphysema.
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Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
What Steps Can I Take?
- Stick to a diet of protein and vegetables. Eliminate grains, beans/legumes, and fruits until you feel balanced and energized.
- Take antifungals or probiotics to kill off candida and other microbes.
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Glysen (a supplement for those with hyperglycemia, i.e. diabetes or insulin resistance) - balances sugar regulation, helps with insulin resistance, and diminishes sugar cravings. Signs of hyperglycemia are cravings for sweets/carbs throughout the day, fatigue after meals, craving sweets after a meal, and if one’s waist girth is equal or larger than their hip girth. Call Apex Energetics at 800-736-4381 or (949) 251-0152 - set up a client account using P2017. My recommendation is 1 pill 3x/day after a meal. If you are still fatigued and have intense cravings, double the dose to 2 pills 3x/day. Note: For those on diabetic medication check with your doctor first before taking Glysen and monitor your sugar levels throughout the day, as you might not need as much insulin or medication.
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Gluco abx (a supplement for those with hypoglycemia) - balances sugar regulation and diminish sugar cravings. Signs of hypoglycemia are feeling jittery/shaky if meals are skipped, and eating tends to relieve feelings of fatigue, blurred vision, agitation and irritability. Call Apex Energetics at 800-736-4381 or (949) 251-0152 - set up a client account using P2017. My recommendation is 1 pill 3x/day after a meal for a couple of months until you feel your energy is restored and cravings are gone.
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Incorporate EFT (emotional freedom technique) - method to remove subconscious addiction to sugar.
Posted in Addictions, Ailments/Diseases, Candida, Diet/Nutrition, Emotional/Mental/Spiritual Health, Newsletters | No Comments »
April 1st, 2010
Today’s stress (environmental, mental/emotional, dietary) is higher than it has ever been equating to the statistics below.
In the U.S.:
- 1 out of 2 children will have diabetes
- 1 out of 3 adults will have Type II diabetes
- 1 out of 3 people will have cancer
- 1 out of 5 people will have an autoimmune disease
Alarming to say the least. It is not uncommon for clients to say to me “what does it matter what I eat and drink, I’m going to die anyway.” My reply, “yes you are…but quality aging is what you are striving for so that through your nineties you are not suffering from a chronic disease, depending on dozens of medications, functionally immobile, or losing your mental faculties.”
The root of all disease is infection (candida, parasites, viruses, bacteria) and inflammation (infections, dietary deficiencies/toxins, environmental toxins psychological stress) over time. If you can move toxins out as fast as they accumulate you will stay healthier in the short and long run.
What Is The Key To Assuring That?
- Prevention and education
- Making lifestyle changes NOW
What Steps Can I Take?
- Sleep - (6 to 8 hours a night) - insomnia is one of the top 5 complaints I hear in my office. Either you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or both. Growth hormone is produced during sleep and is known as the anti-aging hormone. With interrupted sleep you create more oxidative stress and age faster.
Remedies
- Cut out caffeine (even if you have it in the morning)
- Exercise in the morning
- Take B vitamins at breakfast and lunch (not dinnertime)
- Drink chamomile tea (steep for 20 minutes one hour before bed)
- Eat a couple slices of turkey one hour before bed - tryptophan will make you sleepy
- Try natural remedies such as melatonin, Valerian root, Benesom by Metagenics, or Calming (homeopathic) by BHI
- Healthy eating - keep your diet to 50% organic vegetables, 1-2 animal proteins (organic, antibiotic and hormone free) per day, 10% good fats (coconut oil, olive oil, raw nuts/seeds, avocados), 1-2 servings of gluten- free grains (amaranth, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, teff, and wild rice), 1-2 organic fruits per day, 1 serving or less of beans/legumes per day, and very small amounts of dairy (organic butter, almond milk, and raw goat/sheep cheese). Use sweeteners such as stevia, xylitol, Just Like Sugar, Sweet Fiber, or small amounts of raw honey. Keep your diet clean: 80% of your week, stick to what is listed above. 20% or less each week (once or twice) indulge in your favorite treat (i.e. ice cream, cookie, french fries, glass of wine, etc).
- Stay hydrated - drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water each day (e.g., 150 lbs = 75 ounces of water per day). Herbal and green teas count towards your water intake, but because they are diuretics, you must nonetheless drink water. Filtered water is better (reverse osmosis, structured matrix, distilled, Kangen water system).
- Make sure your body is free from infections - candida overgrowth is pandemic in this country - read The Candida Cure to know more. Either take an antimicrobial formula or probiotics daily to keep candida, parasites, viruses, and bacteria away.
- Exercise - walking, yoga, swimming, cycling, etc. is critical to keep the blood and lymph system moving toxins out of the body. Even if you can’t leave your house you can march in place for 20 minutes watching your favorite t.v. show. Twenty minutes or more 5 times a week is what your body needs to stay balanced.
- Breathing - deep breathing, particularly the exhale removes 3/4 of the body’s toxins. Most of us hold our breath (unknowingly) throughout the day adding to tight muscles and strain in the upper back, neck, and arms. >One to two minutes three per day - inhale slowly to 7 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 7 counts. Work your way up to 14 counts for each.
- Supplements - you have to eat five times what your grandparents ate to get the same nutrients. If you want quality aging know that you can’t get everything from food today. The most crucial are:
- Multi vitamin/mineral - one with high amounts of d3 and B vitamins, chelated minerals, and high antioxidants. NSI Synergy Neuropower.
- Omega 3 Fish Oil - Carlson Super Omega 3 Fish Oil - crucial for hormonal and cardiovascular balance.
- Vitamin C - NSI AdvanC with bioflavonoids - antioxidant, immune system booster, feeds the adrenals for energy.
- Vitamin E - Carlson E Gems Elite - Unfortunately, multivitamins do not contain enough of this critical antioxidant, requiring you to supplement.
- Green powder - Macro Greens or NanoGreens - alkalizing to the body and contain minerals to rebuild the body.
- Maca root - vitamyr.com (1 lb jar organic). Root from Peru that balances male and female hormones, enhances libido, balances the endocrine system, helps with production of red blood cells, and increases energy and endurance
- Amino Acid Complex - Carslon Super Daily Amino Acid Blend (750 mg) - basics to rebuild the body
- Hobby - pursuing a passion is essential for quality aging. Many of us do not like our jobs so when you have downtime it is important to engage in what feeds your soul. If you are not sure what your passion is start experimenting…take a class in something you’ve always wanted to do.
- Spiritual connection - times are challenging and it is important to feel connected to something that is greater, something positive that gives us faith, hope, and vigor to be the best we can be.
- Green household and hygiene products - we are bombarded with chemicals. Make sure your household cleaning products are chemical-free. Use non-toxic pesticides, herbicides, etc. You should also purchase non-toxic body care shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc.
- EMF (electromagnetic field) reduction - technology is helpful to us yet causes inflammation. Sleep with your head facing magnetic north, use a hands-free or speaker for cell phone, take mini breaks outside throughout your computer usage.
- Laughter - endorphins are released when you laugh making you feel happier. Physical laughter can cut through the most tense/critical mental situations and give you the courage to keep moving forward. Laughter also gives us perspective and reminds us not to take life so seriously. Be willing to laugh at life and yourself daily.
- Read/crossword puzzles - you want to keep the mind active and engaged, not let it turn to Jello. Stimulate the brain by reading books regularly and/or doing puzzles, such as word searches, sudoku or crossword puzzles.
- Live in the NOW moment - this is your place of power to neutralize anxiety, expectations, and feel more calm, joyous, and peaceful.
Posted in Anti Aging, Diet/Nutrition, Emotional/Mental/Spiritual Health, Exercise & Fitness, Newsletters | No Comments »
March 25th, 2010
We hear the words organic and genetically modified foods. What do these terms mean and why is it important to know the facts?
Organically farmed animals are those raised without the use of antibiotics, artificial hormones, steroids, or other drugs and chemicals. They are raised on open farmland and allowed to graze and roam freely, getting their dose of fresh air and sunshine. They are also fed clean and healthy organic foods. Organic meat must also not be irradiated or processed with harmful chemicals. Organically farmed animals must not be the offspring of cloned or otherwise genetically modified animals.
By contrast, commercially farmed animals are usually raised in filthy and cramped conditions, where they are hemmed in and locked up, resulting in total lack of movement. They are often fed unclean foods which includes, among other things, the sometimes diseased innards of other animals.
Organic produce are grown using organic farming methods, without the use of chemical or synthetic pesticides, such as fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals. No chemicals are used to make the fruits and vegetables grow faster, or ripen faster, or grow bigger, or alter their taste and appearance, etc.
Organic food products must not have artificial or chemical flavorings, colors or additives added. Organic food must neither have been irradiated, nor be biologically or genetically modified, nor have genetically modified organisms (GMO).
A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. We are making super foods that stray from nature’s creation, which also consist of using more pesticides and herbicides. Genetically modified foods are purportedly used to increase crop yields, reduce costs for farmers, and to use less herbicides. Far from the truth. The traits of GM crops can get passed on to other non-GM crops. This means that a crop engineered to contain a vaccine, or to be sterile, could easily taint an entire region, and eventually the entire world. The majority of corn, soy, and wheat in this country is genetically modified.
GM Foods Can Be Or Cause:
- Toxic
- Less nutritious
- Carcinogenic
- Infertility
- Infant mortality
- Food allergies
- Immune dysfunction
- Stunted growth
- Accelerate aging
- Super-viruses
- Outbreaks of Morgellons Disease. (Morgellons Disease, has been cropping up worldwide, is described as a sensation of bugs moving around beneath their skin. This unsettling sensation is accompanied by open lesions that ooze blue, black or white fibers that can be several millimeters long. These fibers are strong enough to distend the skin when pulled and are painful to remove).
How To Recognize GM Foods:
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Examine produce stickers on the fruits and vegetables you buy. The PLU code for conventionally grown fruit consists of four numbers; organically grown fruit has five numbers prefaced by the number nine; and GM fruit has five numbers prefaced by the number eight.
Examples Of PLU Stickers On Produce:
#94017 organic
#4017 conventional
#83058 genetically modified
What Can You Do?
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Buy organic foods. The only foods that you can be sure are not GM foods are labeled “Certified Organic“. Bottom line - organic foods are more expensive and you are worth it. As the demand increases prices will come down.
- Shop and support local farmers markets.
- Make more meals at home using organic foods.
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As a consumer you have power. Large portions of Europe have already succeeded in kicking GMOs out of their food supply, forcing food manufacturers to use real ingredients in their European product lines.
- Let your elected official know how you feel about GM foods.
- Sites to help you become educated and more vocal:
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Stay away from processed foods. Most of these contain corn, wheat, and soy products.
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Ask your local supermarket to stock the shelves with more natural organic foods.
- Watch the movie “Food Inc.”
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The True Food Shopping Guide is also great tool to help you determine which brands and products contain GMO ingredients. Print it out and take it with you every time you go to the grocery store. Avoid all processed food products and buy only fresh, locally grown, organic foods.
Check out what the latest health experts are saying about menopause. This site has free education on menopause and other female conditions. Go to:
http://www.360menopause.com/
Posted in Diet/Nutrition, Environmental Health, Laws & Regulations, Newsletters | No Comments »
March 25th, 2010
Acid/Alkaline Balance
What Does This Mean And Why Is It Important?
The body has a natural acid/alkaline balance and different parts of the body have different pH values. pH (potential of hydrogen) is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale goes from 0-14. A pH of 7 is neutral and any value below is acidic, and any value above is alkaline. Your blood must stay at 7.35 (alkaline) otherwise if it varies slightly you cannot survive. The stomach has a normal pH of 1.5 to 3.5 making it very acidic to help you breakdown food.
When you hear the term you are too acidic understand that this refers to the pH of the body’s fluids and tissues (more the entirety of the body), which is different than talking about stomach pH. The cause of disease is infection and inflammation. Being too acidic is one of the greatest factors to create inflammation in the body.
Worst Acidic Offenders:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Refined sugar (ice cream, chocolate, candy)
- Stress
- Artificial sweeteners
- White flour (bread, pastry, donuts, pasta)
Your body’s innate intelligence is to keep homeostasis or equilibrium. When you are acidic the body will steal minerals from organs and tissues to keep the blood alkaline and maintain homeostasis. Unfortunately this buffer system causes unknown strain and can go unnoticed for years. Osteoporosis is a prime example of this. Eating chocolate and drinking coffee and sodas makes you acidic, which causes minerals, that are alkaline, to be leached the from the bones in order to keep your blood pH balanced.
Mild Acidosis Causes:
- Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic acid buildup
- Cardiovascular damage
- Weight gain, obesity and diabetes
- Bladder and kidney conditions, including kidney stones
- Hormonal imbalances
- Premature aging
- Gout
- Osteoporosis; weak, brittle bones, hip fractures and bone spurs
- Low energy and chronic fatigue
- Slow digestion and elimination
- Yeast/fungal overgrowth
Severe Acidosis Causes:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
The foods you ingest are either acid or alkaline. Vegetables and fruits are the highest in alkalinity, especially dark leafy greens. To get an idea of what foods are acid and alkaline just Google search acid/alkaline food chart and many sites will come up.
Suggestions To Keep You Balanced:
- 60% of your daily diet to consist of organic vegetables, especially dark leafy greens
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Green powder - NanoGreens (BioPharma Scientific), Vitamineral Green (Healthforce Nutritionals), or Miracle Greens (Macro Greens). Because soils are depleted and you need 5 times what my grandparents ate to obtain the same nutrient value everyone needs a green supplement as most will not get to the 60% daily intake of vegetables.
- Breathing exercises
- Filtered water
Liberation Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis
There is a new discovery to what might be causing multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Paolo Zamboni, a former vascular surgeon and professor at the University of Ferrara in northern Italy has found higher iron levels in the brain clustered around the veins that drain blood from the head. The iron deposits have caused narrowing or blockages to blood flow to the brain. Zamboni dubbed the vein disorder CCSVI, or Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency.
His solution - a surgical treatment known as Liberation Treatment (like standard angiography but performed on the veins in the neck). Zamboni emphasizes that the Liberation Treatment does not make people in wheelchairs walk again. Rather, it seems to stop the development of further MS attacks, and in some cases, improves movement and decreases the debilitating fatigue that are the hallmarks of MS.
Even though the US and Canada are very skeptical about this finding and procedure I feel it is very viable to consider, especially for those that are more progressed. This can be a possible solution to halt the progression and eliminate some of the debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Zamboni doesn’t exactly know why those with MS have this excess iron. I feel it has to do with lifestyle habits that create infection and inflammation in the body. Just as arteries in the heart get clogged so can the veins if poor nutrition, lack of exercise, excess heavy metal exposure, and stress are not neutralized.
To hear his interview - click on the link below.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091120/W5_liberation_091121/20091121?s_name=W5
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Mauk Family Farms Crusts
Finding products that are tasty and healthy are hard to come by. One of my new discoveries are Mauk Family Farms Crusts. Get the raw wheat free crusts or the raw mineral rich crusts. Both are gluten free and acceptable on a candida program. They are delicious by themselves or put raw organic almond butter or guacomole on top.
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Posted in Ailments/Diseases, Diet/Nutrition, Newsletters | No Comments »
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