November 27 Practice does make perfect!! The brain CAN change. It can adapt from exterior and interior experiences to take on new functions. The more you repeat something - an action or a thought - the more brain space is dedicated to it. In musicians the part of the brain that controls fingers to play an instrument is up to 130 percent larger than that section in the rest of us. While it's easiest to train a young brain - older brains can adapt as well.
November 20 Pet your dog- go ahead - it's good for the brain!! Many of us who found comfort as infants caressing fake furry friends have moved on to real animals. Research shows that blood pressure and other stress indicators drop and that your brain sends out a burst of feel good chemicals when you pet your pets. Buy a pet!!
November 13 Need help with brain power? Try eating more of these foods: apples (for energy); green tea (increases concentration and memory by increased blood flow); oats (transport oxygen); nuts (conduct neronal signals); and fish (act as precursors of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine - important for alertness and concentration). "We are what we eat!!"
November 6 This month we will delve into some facts from "The Scientific American Day in the Life of Your Brain", by Judith Horstman. What happens in your brain each day as you go through your regular routine? What needs changing? What could be dangerous? We'll start out with a fairly well known fact - stress shrinks your brain - "while meditation and exercise strengthen your brain and your ability to relieve stress. Stress is defined as an inability to cope with the demands or challenges presented to us. The stress response is your brain's attempt to try to establish balance with a powerful biological reaction. An occasional stress response is not bad. But habitual stress just wears you down. Like chronic pain, chronic stress is an alarm that doesn't shut off. Its incessant ringing eventually changes your mind and body."
Oct. 30 5th is Essential Oil of Thieves. This is a blend of highly anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, and anti-infectious essential oils. Thieves was created as a mondern "Marseilles Vinegar" and has shown through testing to be 99.96 % effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa after just 12 minues of diffusion. It contains a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Oct. 23 4th is Essential Oil of Lemon. Research by Jean Valnet, M.D. showed that vaporized lemon oil can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in 1 hour, Staphylococcus aureus in 2 hours, and Pneumococcus bacteria within 3 hours. Essential Lemon Oil is antitumoral, antiseptic, improves microcirculation, and is an an immume stimulant.
Oct. 16 3rd is Essential Oil of Oregano. Oregano historically has been listed in Hildegard's Medicine. It is well used in treating arthritis/rheumatism, respiratory infectious diseases, infections, and digestive problems. It has been known to create a feeling of security.
Oct. 9 2nd is Essential Oil of Peppermint. It also was reputed to be part of the "Marseilles Vinegar". Peppermint is known to be anti-inflamatory, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and is a good gallbladder and digestive stimulant.
Oct. 2 I was asked the other day what specifically could be used to help protect from various viruses and bacteria we encounter everyday - including H1N1. Here we will list several simple solutions for protection. Because I am totally confident that Essential Oils are among the most powerful protectors out there I suggest 5 for daily use. 1st is Essential Oil of Cinnamon. Cinnamon was reputed to be part of the "Marseilles Vinegar" or "Four Thieves Vinegar" used by grave-robbing bandits to protect themselves during the 15th century plague. It is good when used against cardiovascular disease, infetious diseases, viral infections (Herpes etc.), digestivecomplaints, ulcers, and warts.
Sept. 25 Listen to your body speak. "Every symptom is the way the body communicates; it is like a word or a message. Remember the word "symptom" means "to fall together," so when you pay attention to the symptom and all the circumstances that have fallen or come together you will be able to "hear" what your body is saying." (Your Body Speaks Your Mind, by Deb Shapiro) Look through the doorway of the symptom into yourself. By understanding what issue the symptom represents, you can go through that doorway to the next, going still deeper till you find the originating cause.
Sept. 18 Listen to yourself speak. The phrases you use may be reinforcing your unconcious beliefs. If you have back pain, are you saying, "I can't stand this," "my back is killing me," "I don't get any support," or "I have such a bad back"? Listen to your conversations with others, and listen to how you think about yourself. Watch where your thoughts and words are limiting or even causing your physical state. Then ask yourself why you are thinking or feling this way...
Sept. 11 "There is an innate connection between the mind and the body...All diseases have their origins in the mind. The pains that affect the physical body are secondary diseases." (Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda) Thoughts and emotions have energy. When you cannot, or do not, express what is happening on an emotional or psychological level, that feeling becomes embodied (you take it deeper within yourself) until it manifests through the physical body. Rage is most often repressed. What happens when a stress factor is added? The weakest spot will show the effects (as in a tube of toothpaste when squeezed). If a joint becomes inflamed, it is possible that your body is storing a repressed emotion in that area which needs to be dealt with.
Sept. 4 The role of the Mind and Emotions in your state of health is vital. It is only a part of the overall picture - but it is very often overlooked. By understanding this relationship - you can understand yourself more deeply, and can claim a greater role in your personal well-being. "By learning the bodymind language of symptoms and illness you can learn what is being repressed or ignored in your physche and emotions and the effect this is having on your physical body." (Your Body Speaks Your Mind, by Deb Shapiro) The truth is that you are little more than a chemisty set. All your thoughts and feelings get translated into chemicals that fire throughout your body.
August 28 Bodies which are in good health thrive on extremes. If you engage in rigorous activity regularly, you will tend to feel more awake and alert during active hours, and you will be a sound sleeper and more rested after resting hours. The lust of life for extremes (intense activity and intense rest) also affects other vital health attributes such as strength, vitality, and youthfulness of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, blood, and virtually every system in the body. Go ahead - live a FULL life!!
August 21 3rd is Sleep: Sound sleep allows your body to spend most of its attention in repairing, recuperating, rejuvenating, and developing itself. In general you should allow yourself 7-9 hours of sleep each night (even more for young children). Inadequate sleep will show up in your ability to perform well on a day to day basis and in performance tests.
August 14 2nd is Exercise: Your activities determine the type of diet necessary to provide balance for you. For a balance in your activities, you should include movements which involve as many parts of the body as possible. These should include Power exercises (weight training); Speed work (designed to increase your ability to act and move quickly); Endurance exercise (exercises that burn fat off); Stretching exercises (to maintain flexibility and range of motion); and Nonlinear exercises (provide side to side movement).
August 7 Medicine is nothing more than the art of relieveing disease symptoms using methods which bring relatively prompt - yet not necesarily long lasting relief, mostly through the use of drugs, appliances, or surgery. While drugs may alleviate symptoms or kill germs or cancer before it kills you, long lasting relief will only come when your body kicks in to eliminate the disease. The better your health - the faster this will ocur. The better your health - the less chance you will have of getting a disease. Lets look at some helpful things. 1st is Nutrition: what should you eat? Organic and un-processed is best. the food industry, in an atempt to make things more convenient and long lasting has added all kinds of chemicals and artificial factors that your body was never designed to handle. We each need to learn how to evaluate, recognize, and avoid artificial factors that present a threat to our health.
July 31 There is a 16 day schedule listed on my website to help you with your system purge. A good maintainance after the purge is usually 5-15 drops weekly, depending on the amount of cooked and processed fods you are eating. Remember that peroxide is just watermolecules with extra oxygen atoms. When H202 comes in contact with the virus and streptococcus that cause the different diseases it wil liberate the free oxygen and kill the germs by oxidation. You may experience a "healing crisis" as you purge - but this is necessary and good. Just remain at that level for an additional day before you move on. Buy it now!!
July 24 There are more than 200 illnesses that manifest in our bodies as health concerns because of lack of oxygen in the system. Some of these are: Headaches, Heart disease, Infection, Immune disorders, Influenza, Arthritis, Ulcers, and Type II Diabetes. Some results from drinking H2O2 include: Normalizing Blood Pressure, Bowels Regulated, Alertness and Increased Memory, Elimination of Depression. H2O2 stimulates enzymes systems throughout the body enhancing the body's distribution and consumption of oxygen while raising body temperature. Get yours here!
July 17 A study published in June 4, 2009 issue of "Nature" journal found that hydrogen peroxide plays a role in the immune system. Scientists found that hydrogen peroxide released in the damaged tissue of zebra fish acted as a signal to white blood cells to converge on the site and initiate the healing process. Hydrogen peroxide is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as an antimicrobial agent, and oxidizing agent and for other purposes by the FDA. 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide is best to use in a schedule for "purging" your system of toxins. Get yours now!!
July 10 Hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent for many years due to its oxidating effect. It's popularity has decreased over the years. Readily-available, manmade, chemical based, over the counter products have become more popular. But Hydrogen Peroxide is still used by many hospitals, doctors, and dentists. It is found that most common ailments affecting our population are directly related to oxygen starvation. Asthma, emphysema, and lung disease are on the rise, as well as cases of constipation, diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and bowel cancer. H2O2 can help with all of these!! Buy it on my webiste!!
July 3 H2O2 is back! Hydrogen Peroxide is naturally produced as a by-product of oxygen metabolism. Even though God has provided an abundance ofhealing oxygen in many of the raw foods we eat, we lack an adequate supply because of the way we process our food. Heat destroys or neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, lessening the benefits to out body. This is why now many peolpe are turning to hydrogen peroxide to suplement this vital oxygen. Buy it on my website!!
June 26 Fourth is reservatol - or maybe you would recognize the ingredient if we called it "red wine" !! Research and health hype surrounding red wine centers on an anti-oxidant component called reservatol. Studies show it can suppress cell gowth that leads to most types of breast cancer by blocking the action of estrogen. Many researchers suggest taking a reservatol supplement rather than drinking the wine.
June 19 Third is tomatoes. After reviewing 72 studies published by the National Cancer Institute, a Harvard researcher has concluded that lycopene (the active chemical in tomatoes) lowers the risk of many cancers. Cancers particularly affected by lycopene are prostate, breast, lung, and colon. Make lots of tomato sauce!! Enjoy!!!
June 12 Second is Garlic. More thatn 30 respected studies document garlic's anti-cancer properties. Most focus on digestive concerns, but garlic has been shown to protect against all types of cancer. Scientists have isolated 2 main ingredients in garlic and have proven that they prevent cancer in both animals and humans. Cook often with garlic - and take supplements!!
June 5 For years research has pumped out information on foods, their specific ingredients, and how they work. Here we will look at 4 superfoods that have stood the tests of research and proven their anti-cancer capabilities. First is Green Tea. It contains a powerful chemical - catechins. These were the first plant based chemicals to be studied for their anti-cancer properties and have been known for some time to prevent and reduce the recurrance of breast and other cancers. Take 2 cups a day - or supplement with a green tea extract.
May 29 There are alternative treatments that work on pain. For those of you who go through every day suffering with chronic pain, you know that anything that can ease the discomfort is sought after! Here are a few ideas: Nutritional and Herbal remedies - help all types of pain, especially abdominal, headaches, and arthritis by boosting the body's natural imunity, soothing pain, and decreasing insomnia. Things to try are fish oils, ginger, and tumeric. There are some lifestyle changes that would also help all types of chronic pain by strengthening the imune system and enhancing well being, thus decreasing pain. Some of these changes include proper sleep, comfortable work environment, and regular exercise.
May 22 Recently a research team of chemists set out to find out just how fast the potent anti-oxidant powers of garlic actually are. They discovered "it is as fast as it gets!!" While garlic has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine, and there are many garlic supplements, until now there was no convincing evidence that it was beneficial. The first steps have been made to uncover the fundamental chemical mechanism explaining garlic's medicinal benefits..Eat your garlic!!!
May 15 New studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrate the crucial and positive role of vitamins and minerals in supporting health and preventing disease. The 3 stars who emerged were Calcium, B vitamins, and Vitamin D. Women with higher intakes of Calcium both from food and supplements show a lower overall risk of cancer. Another study showed that women who took a vitamin B complex supplement dereased their risk of age related macular degeneration - the leading cause of severe irreversible vision loss for older Americans.
May 8 The US Govt. is now stressing the importance of Vitamin D intake. In the last year 3 of the leading Medical Associations in the US have issued position statements stressing the need for increased Vitamin D. It is estimated that nearly half of adults and 30% of kids in the US are at risk of a Vitamin D dificiency. Recent research shows optimum levels of Vitamin D have been linked tomaintaining colon, breast, prostrate, and ovarian health. It also is shown to benefit heart and colorectal health as well as enhancing the strength of the immune system. Vitamin D is found in butter, eggs, and fish liver oils. Beause it is difficult for most people to meet their requirements through food and sunlight, Vitamin D supplements are found to be very important!!
4/24 Eating nuts for a snack is super-smart!! It might seem illogical to eat to reduce cholesterol and control diabetes, but research has shown that pistachio nuts and sunflower seeds contain phytosterols which block cholesterol from being absorbed nto the blodstream. These same easy snacks could also help prevent cancer and heart disease and treat enlarged prostrate.
4/17 Try an amazing "youth preservative"! The antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase is a relatively new discovery. Called S.O.D. for short, this antioxidant scavenges the body to eliminate free radicals before they cause aging, heart disease, or cancer. One of the best ways to get plenty of superoxide dismutase is also a delicious treat - found in maple syrup. Choosing between typical high-fructose table syrup and real maple syrup should be an easy choice with this knowledge - which one fights cancer, and aging?
4/10 Switch on the genes that fight cancer! Flavonoids are remarkable natural compounds that have a wide range of healing effects on the body. In the test tube they have been shown to have more antioxidant power that vitamin C. They hunt down and absorb free radicals before they cause aging and disease. In the body they have been found to acually change the way genes are expressed. They can cause the body to "switch on" in ways that fight cancer. Flavonoids force the body into making enzymes that destroy the substances that cause mutations and tumors. Grapes and other fruits and vegetables are healers that can help heal multiple problems at the same time!
4/3 Nutrients in Blueberries are found to lower cholesterol as effectively as prescription drugs! Pterostilbene is a remarkable phytonutrient that s making big news. This powerful antoidant found in blueberries has been tested against ciprofibrate, a cholesterol-lowering drug. The study explored how each ingredient helped cells metabolize cholesterol. The results showed that pterostilbene was just as effective. Need to reduce your cholesterol? Just enjoy some blueberries!!
03/27/09 Boost Immunity: (7) Probiotics - also known as the "good bacteria". Published studies have shown that those given daily probiotics stayed healthier and missed less days of work due to illness. Good sources are yogurt and sour kraut. (8) Anti-Oxidants - Probably the most well known class of Immune Boosters, found in vitamins C, E, and A. These are highly recognized as effective free-radical fighters.
03/20/09 Improve Digestion and Regularity: (5) Psyllium Husks - aid in the absorbtion of liquid in the intestines, making a softer stool that's easier to pass. (6) Fennel Seed - Wards off abdominal pain and gas.
03/13/09 Beat Pain and Inflamation: (3) Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Salmon and Flaxseed oil contain Omega-3's that have shown to be effective in calming inflamation and pain. (4) Green Tea - long recognized for its powerful anti-oxidant content, it also has gotten kudos in several studies for its anti-inflamatory capabilities.
03/06/09 There are certain "natural fixes" that are tried and true - the ones recommended by experts. This month we will list the top 8. Getting Energized: (1) Ginseng - no matter if it is American, Asin, or Siberian - all varieties are thought to increase alertness and stimulate physical performance with the release of the adrenal hormone, ACTH. (2) Guarana - this Brazilian shrub has seeds that are known to boost memory, mood and alertness.
2/27/09 Egg White Firming Mask Using this mask can dramatically firm your skin and shrink your pores. The results are amazing - if only temporary. You'll swear you've been in for a mini face lift when you're done!! Be Aware - egg whites and cornstarch form a verytightening duo - this combination will make it uncomfortable to move your mouth when it is completely dry. Combine 1 egg white of a fresh small or medium cold egg and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Beatwith fork until foamy and well blended. Using fingertips, smooth the gel-like goo onto the face and throat in a thin coat. Lie on your back with your head tipped back for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse and follow with moisturizer. Repeat 1-2 times a week as desired.
2/20/09 Manual Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a professional skin care service that literally means polishing of the skin using very fine crystals. This expensive and popular service is offered by many of today's spas and salons. When performed properly, this procedure can reducefine lines and erase wrinkles, and restore a smoothness and even texture to the skin over several weeks time. Combine 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 & 1/2 teaspoons water with 2 drops helichrysum esential oil until a velvety slurry (watery) paste forms. With your finger pads slowly and lightly massage the entire face and throat using very small circular motions. Let the tiny baking soda granules do the exfoliation work instead of using pressure. The procedure should take about 10 minutes to complete. Rinse and follow with moisturizer.
2/13/09 Honey Cream Bath This ultra-pampering, luxurious, hydrating bath blend will moisturize the driest skin!! The emollient cream combined with soothing, healing, humectant honey feels great on parched, irritated skin. Pour 1cup of heavy cream or half and half and 1/2 cup raw honey (at room temp.) together directly under running bath water. Swish the water with your hands to mix before getting into the tub. Relax and submerge your whole body for 20-30 minutes.
2/6/09 Strawberry Tooth Brightener Strawberries have a slight bleaching action and, if used daily, help to rid the teeth of tea, coffee, and cigarette stains. This treatment leaves your mouth feeling clean and tasting wonderful!! A strawberry is safer to use than lemon juice, which is more acidic. When fruit is in season, eating a bowl of strawberries daily is another good way to brighten your teeth and improve your health. Remove the green top and stem from 1 medium sized ripe strawberry. Using a small bowl and fork, mash the strawberry into a pulp. Dip your toothbrush into the pulp and brush normally. Rinse thoroughly.
1/30/09 The internet has been a boon in our lives, opening doors and destroying barriers that have plagued our society. But there is also a set-back involved involving our reading skills. Surfing on the internet marks our inter-connectivity, but it does nothing for our ability to sit and read a magazine or newspaper article from start to finish. (9) Read an entire article. Skimming articles gives us the gist of the information with none of the nuance or character of careful reading. (10) Try another stress relief. We develop patterns of behavior, without giving them much thought. How to deal with stress is one thing that we tend to learn by watching others, whether negative or positive. Look around you and find one new positive way to deal with stress. It may feel unnatural at first, but give it a week or two and you may find that you have added to your arsenal for dealing withthe stressors in your life.
1/23/09 Some of us know how to have fun - and do it regularly. But some of us, especially as we get older, forget how to have fun. We use stand-ins instead of participating in actual pleasure. Instead of using the TV or a video game as a substitute, there is a theraputic value in taking time at least once a week to forget all the troubles and actually (7) have some fun!! (8) Enjoy the journey. Often we get so focused on the goal - or where we think we are supposed to be going - that we forget that getting there is half the fun! Even when we go through a boring and mind numbing experience, we forget that life is trying to teach us something. Embrace the journey, even if it is just once in a while, and remember that everything we experience is part of living a full and meaningful life.
1/16/09 Yeah, we all know we should exercise more - and we even make resolutions, but it doesn't usually stick. It's just too much work. (5) Exercise. But did you ever think about how much a simple 15 minute walk once a day can improve your long-term health? The more effective solution is to find 15 mintes a day to do something that you can keep up long term and improve your health a little bit at a time. In this fast paced world, do we realy listen when someone talks to us? We pretend to listen, wen actually we are doing something on the computer, watching TV, reading an article, or thinking about work. (6) Listen. You may feel that what you're doing is mre important - but what is more important than listening to what someone you care about is saying??
1/9/09 Sometimes our lives are percieved as outside of our control with all the activities demanded of us. (3) Have a real conversation. One way to regain a sense of control is to stop and have a real conversation about something meaningful. Just once a week, and you will feel more grounded. (4) De-clutter. We all seem to have somewhat of a clutter problem. If we deal with junk mail immediately instead of letting it pile up, if we have the kids pick up their things each week, the reduced clutter will also help you feel more in control of your life.
1/2/09 This month we will give you suggestions on little improvements you can make to change your life. Sometimes we get into ruts and don't even realize it. (1) Changeyour routine. Changing your routine (even a little bit) can lighten the day and give insight. (2) Eat better. Eating better is always seen as such a big thing but in reality all it takes is to change a couple choices a week, say choose a piece of fruit instead of a cookie, or order the smaller cheeseburger instead of the whopper. As you make small changes every day, they will eventually become habits. Give it a try...