Thursday, August 30, 2012

Use Food to Set the Mood

The following guidelines are included in Dr. Mercola's article, "Why have Antipsychotic Prescriptions in Children Skyrocketed?" 

Although this article addresses behavior problems in children, all of us can benefit by following these guidelines.


 
  1.  Eliminate, or severely limit fructose.
    Sugar/fructose has been linked to mental health problem.
  2. Avoid processed foods, especially those containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
  3. Replace soft drinks, fruit juices, and pasteurized milk with pure water.
  4. Eat high quality fermented organic foods and/or high quality probiotic supplements (supplying healthy bacteria).
  5. Add high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats (like krill oil) to the diet. Also,  balance intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
  6. Include whole, organic foods in the diet (both to increase nutrient content and reduce chemical exposure).
  7. Also reduce or eliminate grains. Even healthy organic whole grains can cause problems (they break down into sugars).
  8. "...whole wheat in particular contains high amounts of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), which can have adverse effects on mental health due to its neurotoxic actions, plus wheat inhibits production of serotonin."  Dr. Mercola.
  9. Avoid artificial sweeteners of all kinds.
  10. Exercise.
  11.  Get into the sun for a while each day (or vitamin D3 supplements if this is not possible) to help maintain optimal vitamin D levels.
    "Scientists are now beginning to realize vitamin D is involved in maintaining the health of your brain, as they've recently discovered vitamin D receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system. There's even evidence indicating vitamin D improves your brain's detoxification process. "  
    Dr. Mercola.
  12. Prevent exposure to toxic metals and chemicals.
    "Prevent exposure to toxic metals and chemical by replacing personal care products, detergents and household cleaners with all natural varieties. Metals like aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury are commonly found in thousands of different food products, household products, personal products and untold numbers of industrial products and chemicals. The presence of toxic metals in your child's body is highly significant for they are capable of causing serious health problems by interfering with normal biological functioning. The health effects range from minor physical ailments to chronic diseases, and altered mood and behavior."
       Dr. Mercola
Dr. Mercola article 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Top Ten Herbs and Spices for a Healthier You


 Want to combat aging?   Adopt a healthy lifestyle: regular physical activity, quality sleep, healthy foods.  According to Dr. Mercola, via Dr. Oz, adding some or all of the listed herbs and spices to your cooking (at least one teaspoon) won’t merely spice up your meal...it may save your life. 


TURMERIC: Contains curcumin, guards against cancer and Alzheimer’s.

CLOVES: Cinnamon on steroids, highest in antioxidants, contains eugenol (which has mild anesthetic benefits), fights just about everything. 


CINNAMON: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antibiotic properties, relieves stiffness due to arthritis.

JAMAICAN ALLSPICE: Produced from the fruit of the Pimenta dioica, stimulates digestive juices, keeps blood sugar under control.

APPLE PIE SPICE (key ingredient ginger):  Helps protect against harmful bacteria and fungi, boosts the immune system, keeps your heart young.

OREGANO: Immunity booster, antioxidant properties (contains rosmarinic acid), clears out free radicals, helps to kill Candida or yeast infection, as well as fungal nail infections.

MARJORAM: Improves digestion and sleep.

SAGE: Fights inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis (which causes hardening of the arteries).

THYME: Can kill MSRA bacteria, extracts are used in mouthwashes to treat inflammation, and in cough drops to treat throat infections.

ITALIAN SPICE: Protects your skin cells.
Basil, the key ingredient, is loaded with antioxidants that can protect your cells from harmful free radicals, the damaging molecules that also contribute to heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. 


 LINK: Dr. Oz Article on Dr. Mercola Recommendations

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Emergency/Survival Foods


We must eat and drink; a crisis does not cancel that need...thus the purpose of this post. I will be buying the Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply (pictured) from Sam's Club. It comes in a pail and can be stored easily in a closet (indoors). I am not recommending this particular brand because I haven't tried the food, but this product is priced right and worth a $60 investment. I will be trying different samples from other companies. (Most offer free samples.)


Shopping List
How Much Do You Need?
Disaster Pantry
Emergency Stockpile 
Top Ten Reviews  (also a good overview of essentials needed in an emergency)



Monday, August 20, 2012

Fight Pain With Food















According to Prevention Magazine, science is beginning to recognize that foods can relieve pain as well as—or even better than—drugs. I have provided the link that provides information for each bullet point.
  • CHERRIES (arthritis, muscle pain)
  • GINGER (migraines, arthritis, sore muscles)
  • CRANBERRY JUICE (ulcers)
  • SALMON, HERRING, SARDINES (achy back, neck, joints)
  • TURMERIC (achy joints, colitis)
  • YOGURT (IBS)
  • COFFEE (headaches)
  • MINT (IBS, headaches)
  • EDAMAME (arthritis)
  • HOT PEPPERS (arthritis)
Foods That Fight Pain
Meals That Fight Pain

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Healthy Skin 101

 The following information was in my email inbox this morning. I have listed the bullet points.The expanded article  can be found at the link listed.


Natural Strategies for Healthier-Looking Skin
  1. Avoid eating grain carbohydrates, especially wheat.
  2. Consider a gluten-free diet.
  3. Eliminate/Reduce sugar in your diet.
  4. Establish the proper balance of gut bacteria.
  5. Drink plenty of fresh pure water.
  6. Choose raw milk over pasteurized.
  7. Eliminate ALL sodas, juice, and energy drinks.
  8. Eat for your Nutritional Type (NT).
  9. Optimize your vitamin D levels.
  10. Reduce your stress.
  11. Exercise regularly.
  12. Get a good night's rest.
  13. Naturally cleanse and moisturize your skin.
Dr. Mercola

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Toxic Triclosan

This post is not food-related, but products that contain triclosan are ingested or absorbed by our bodies, thus the posting.

Researchers that have discovered that the chemical triclosan, a polychloro phenoxy phenol found in some antimicrobial soaps, deodorants, cosmetics and toothpaste is toxic. 

Greener Choices 
Dr. Ben Kim  
WebMD

 Chloroform (a toxic chemical linked to cancer) is produced when triclosan reacts with the chlorine in tap water.
 Natural News 

Alternatives:
You can buy toothpaste without triclosan. 
Regular Colgate doesn’t have it (but Colgate Total toothpaste does); 
Tom’s of Maine sells many triclosan-free options; 
Crest Pro-Health toothpaste contains another antibacterial, stannous fluoride, also to help protect against gingivitis. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Don't Eat Green Potatoes


FYI: A friend's mother ended up an intensive care unit because she ate green potatoes. It took a while, but she is on the mend. I am posting links about the toxin, Solanine (an alkaloid), that resides in the nightshade family.





Link 1 (foods that contain Solanine)
Link 2  (Solanine Toxicity Syndrome)
Link 3 (New York Times Article)
Link 4 (What is Solanine?  @wiseGEEK)

I want to get this information out there. I will add more links and refine (and edit) this post as I uncover more facts.