Monday, April 7, 2014

Genetically Modified Foods in America | Health Documentary

Avoid 'Genetically Modified Foods' (GMOs)!  Reasons to Eat Organic Produce & Non-GMO Foods. 


 
Watch the Above Video for the Dangers of T-O-X-I-C - GMOs


**** WARNING:  This Video will change the way you view food, while Naturally Enhancing your HEALTH &   QUALITY OF LIFE........ ****

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Probiotics --- The "Good" Bacteria that starts in your GUT


Probiotics are simply ‘friendly’ or ‘good’ bacteria that are found throughout your gut. They line your entire gut & if you ingest something that contains harmful bacteria, probiotics will destroy the 'bad' bacteria.

When the good bacteria gets reduced (i.e. antibiotics, low fiber intake, illness, etc.) it leaves you open to disease and inflammation. Common gut problems are diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramping, and pains in the stomach.

You can introduce probiotics to the body by either taking supplements or eating certain foods. (The supplements are easily available online or in health food stores. Many foods contain probiotics such as yogurt, garlic, cheese, buttermilk and sour cream.)

Probiotics Will:

Increase nutrient absorption, (the B vitamin range, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, etc.)

Reduce inflammation in stomach (diarrhea, bloating, IBS, etc.)

Help Lactose intolerant people by helping you to digest dairy (by releasing the enzyme lactase that is required to break down the sugar found in milk and its products.

Relieve constipation / regulate bowel movements (even in children)

Enhance Immune System (by attacking ‘unfriendly’ bacteria)

Cure Yeast Infections

Decrease Cholesterol (when taken regularly)

Cleanse Colon

Prevent Colds (by strengthening your immune system with 'good' bacteria)

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Wheat Germ for Weight Loss, Fiber, Vitamins


Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel. The germ is only a very small part of the kernel, approximately 2 ½ percent in total. The word germ does not have anything to do with bacteria; it simply refers to germination. The germ is the reproductive part that germinates and forms the wheat grass.


Wheat germ is a good source of fiber which has many benefits, which include

~ Improved bowel functions
~ Reduces Heart Disease & Diabetes, while preventing weight gain.
~ Lowered cholesterol and blood pressure
~ Helps elevate mood
~ High Protein (28% - more than most meats)
~ High in vitamin E - an antioxidant which is also good for the skin and anti-aging process


Wheat germ is a good source of:


* B vitamins such as folate, niacin, thiamin, and vitamin B6
* Calcium
* Complex carbs
* Fiber
* Folic Acid (great for Prenatal / pregnancy)
* Iron
* Magnesium
* Manganese
* Omega-3 fatty acids
* Phosphorous
* Potassium
* Protein
* Selenium
* Vitamin E
* Zinc

Nutrients:
Wheat germ contains many important nutrients, including healthy oils. Each ounce of toasted wheat germ--approximately 30 grams or 1/4 cup--contains 108 calories, 8.25 grams of protein, 4 grams of dietary fiber, 2 grams of sugar and 8 grams of starch. Each ounce provides 0.5 gram of monounsaturated fat and nearly 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat.


You can buy wheat germ health stores and many supermarkets. It can either be purchased in toasted or fresh form. (Because of the oils in wheat germ, it can become rancid if stored improperly. When you buy toasted wheat germ, check the expiration date on the package. Store wheat germ in an airtight container in your refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life. Once opened, it will last for about nine months in the refrigerator.)

Friday, November 29, 2013

How the Food you Eat affects your Chi

Natural life force energy is believed to flow through all living beings, and in some cultures there is a natural energy believed to flow through everything. 

The food you consume directly affects your Chi ('life energy' / 'vitality' / 'ambition')   Overcooked, processed, chemically, &/or hormone-packed food depletes 'chi'.  Try to avoid or at least limit fast / convenience food.

Caffeine & other stimulants also give us unhealthy energy through adrenaline.  Caffeine triggers our adrenal glands,  which puts our body into 'fight or flight' mode.

Chi builders are:
* organic produce & meats
* freshly cooked meals
* pure water
* raw foods
* sprouted grains
* green foods (barley, wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella)

Chi depleters are:
* fast food
* processed food
* coffee
* sugar
* alcohol


Natural: Avoid unrefined processed high-stress foods containing preservatives, artificial colors and flavors that delete Chi.

Locally Grown: If grown locally and in season the nature of the food's Chi should be in tune with the Chi of the local environment and is more likely to meet the body's needs.

80% Rule: For optimal Chi, eat until you are 80% full. Too much food can disorder Chi, not enough food weakens your Chi.

Hydration: Water is vital for life and for the creation of Chi, so make sure you replenish this daily.

In Season: Eat according to the season. In winter eat more pressure-cooked grains, roots and hearty soups, while in summer cook less and eat more salads. The Chi in food is affected by the seasons, so you want your food to support the Chi around you.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Boost your Immune System Naturally & Beat the Cold / Flu Season

Stay Healthy this Cold / Flu Season



Multi-Vitamins             

It's very important to take a mult-vitamin. Daily intake of multivitamins prevent vitamin/ nutrient deficiency.   ('Alive' Multi-Vitamins are affordable & great!)

Check out this informative article from the Harvard School of Public Health.


Probiotics

Probiotics are "Good Bacteria" which help fight off "Bad Bacteria" in your gut.

Some benefits of (quality) probiotics include: improved digestive health, reduces allergy symptoms, & prevention of respiratory infections.   (PB8 are affordable, quality probiotics worth trying.)

For more great information on probiotics, check out this site on the Benefits & Side Effects of Probiotics.


Vitamin C

Suppresses Cell Damage & Improves Immune System.  Vitamin C is also a natural antihistamine and antioxidant.  (1,000-2,000mg daily)

Benefits of High Doses of Vitamin C


Spirulina

Spirulina is actually a super-food, rather than a supplement.  Spirulina fights disease, removes toxins,  provides protein , helps with allergies, weight loss,  and rich in nutrients & antioxidents.
(Check out Swanson's Organic Spirulina for only $6.99 a bottle.)

Check of this site at Herb Wisdom.



+ Plenty of Water & Excercise






****Best Natural Cold / Flu Remedy**** 1 tsp. Raw Honey + Cinnamon (couple dashes) Takes 2-3x a day! 'Raw Honey' & 'Cinnamon' are antibacterial & antiviral, which will help you fight off illnesses naturally. (Plus, it's also great for sore throats.)

Friday, April 5, 2013

Flax Seed - Health Benefits


Flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) has been cultivated since around 8,000 B.C. and is said to be native to Egypt.   Flaxseed has been cultivated for more than 7000 years.  Flaxseed is rich in essential fatty acids, or EFAs.  Flaxseed oil is used to prevent and treat heart disease and to relieve a variety of inflammatory disorders and hormone-related problems, including infertility!

Benefits of Consuming Ground Flax Seeds / Flax Seed Oil:

Cholesterol
Flax contains essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, that help the body with many functions including controlling cholesterol levels and balancing good and bad fats.  Flaxseed has lipid-lowering properties.

Cancer
Flax contains lignans which prevent the growth of many types of cancer including colon, prostate and breast cancers.   The two most notable anticancer components of flaxseeds are lignans and alphalinolenic acid (ALA). 

Constipation
Flax seeds (not 'Flax Oil') is a great source of fiber which alleviates constipation. Flaxseeds also helps relive intestinal inflammation that can lead to Crohn's disease. Proper elimination also helps prevent cancer of the digestive tract. - Fiber rich (1 Ounce = 32% Daily Fiber intake)

Menopausal Symptoms
A poor diet can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, and a flaxseed supplement helps to balance estrogen levels and fill out an imbalanced, modern diet.

Cardiovascular Health, Weight Loss and Diabetes
Flaxseeds are an excellent source of all omega-3 essential fatty acids (including alpha-linoleic acids) that are critical for reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as cancer. Omega-3s help balance blood sugar, boost metabolism and control appetite. Flax is known to help keep fats moving, as it emulsifies them in the body instead of storing them and keeps arteries from hardening.

Immune System and Inflammation
Flaxseeds are known to boost the immune system and relieve inflammation resulting from auto-immune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Depression, Memory and Attention Deficit Disorder
The high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in flaxseeds help keep the brain, and its neural pathways functioning properly. -Also, increases energy and stamina, and improves mental function.

Pain Preventer
One of the richest sources of magnesium (one-half cup equals almost 100% of the daily requirements which makes flax a pain preventer. Magnesium also eases the stressed nerve cell activity that causes tension headaches and neck pain).

Lowers Blood Pressure


Hormonal Balance
Flaxseed contains the phytoestrogen, which is the richest source of estrogen.  Phytosestrogens are weeker form of natural estrogen that is in the body, which binds to estrogen receptors.  Flaxseeds can help alleviate menopausal symptoms by regulating the body's hormone levels.


Improves the absorption of calcium and strengthens bones, teeth and nails.


Flax Seeds &/or Flax Seed Oil can be purchased at Health Food Stores & some grocery stores. Whole flax seed can stay stored up to a year, but once ground it loses it shelf life / can go rancid quicker. For this reason, many people choose to buy whole flax seed and grind it into meal themselves (this takes seconds in a blender or coffee grinder). Ground Flax Seed should be stored in the fridge & used within 3 months.

Side Effects & Cautions:
  • Flaxseed should always be taken with plenty of liquids, as it could cause constipation.
  • Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil could cause loose stools.
  • Don’t combine this herb with the following medications: laxatives, oral rugs and stool softeners
  • Do not take flaxseed when pregnant or breast feeding
  • Do NOT heat Flax Seed Oil
  • Do NOT give to Children under 12yrs. old


  • Thursday, November 29, 2012

    5 Simple Tips to Stay Stress-Free during the Holidays!

    Don't let the holidays stress you out.  
    Stress will make you more susceptible to illnesses by lowering your immune system responses.
    1) Enjoy some 'Me' time.  
    Whether you love meditating, yoga, Zumba, reading, taking a hot bath, painting your nails or a picture - it is important to your health to make time for yourself.
    2) Don't get wrapped up in DRAMA
    During the holidays most people spend more time with their loved ones (family/friends).  People will generally catch up with each others 'personal lives'.    Remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and decisions in life, therefore give your advice to a situation (if needed) and let it go.  Don't spread gossip nor be consumed by other peoples' drama.  
    3) Take your Vitamins
    Unless you are extremely disciplined, even the most health-driven people succumb to occassional holiday treats, and go through periods of not eating a healthy, balanced diet.   Remember to take your multi-vitamin and probiotics, daily.
    4) Be Happy
    Remember happiness is a choice!  Everytime you get angry or worried, take a deap breath and think of what makes you happy.   Positive thoughts will lead to more positive thoughts and vice versa.
    5) Don't Overspend
    Don't allow yourself to go into debt around the holidays. Remember that love is not measured by the money you have / don't have.   Look up 'Home-made Gift ideas'.   Remember the most sentimental gifts are usually the cheapest.  (Have a collection of family pictures online?  Try creating a mouspad, mug, t-shirt, etc.