Seven Superfoods

These fruits, nuts, and veggies are among an elite group of foods with special powers. In study after study, they stand out as true “superfoods,” able to improve our health and extend our lives. How? By destroying cancer cells, whisking away bad cholesterol, preventing infection, sharpening memory, and more.

1. Spinach
Main target: Age-related vision loss
Other benefits: Helps prevent birth defects (high folate content). May improve heart health.
Power Source: Lutein. - filters out the sun’s blue light and reduces ultraviolet radiation; both harm the eyes.
The latest: Though there’s no cure for macular degeneration—a leading cause of blindness after age 60—eating spinach may help. To see if upping lutein, the sight-saver in spinach, could improve vision, Illinois doctors added lutein to the daily diets of seniors with macular degeneration. A year later, not only had their sight loss stopped, it had actually improved, reported a major study in Optometry, April 2004.
Suggested daily dose: Six milligrams of lutein—the amount in a half a cup of cooked spinach. Just that much may cut the risk of macular degeneration by nearly half.
Tips: Cooking spinach releases its full store of lutein. Eating it with a little olive oil or another healthful fat helps the body absorb lutein.

2. Blueberries
Main target: Memory
Other benefits: Helps prevent urinary tract infections.
Power source: Anthocyanins. These potent antioxidants increase communication between aging brain cells, and fend off free radicals. Blueberries have the highest antioxidant power of the 20 most common fruits and berries, according to the USDA.
The latest: A compound in blueberries may also reduce cholesterol, the USDA announced in August 2004. The compound, called pterostilbene, works a lot like the anticholesterol drug Ciprofibrate—without its side effects. Pterostilbene also protects the heart much like Resveratrol, the antioxidant in grapes and red wines.
Suggested Daily Dose: On the strength of his memory studies, Tufts’ lead researcher James Joseph, PhD, downs one cup of blueberries daily.


3. Tea
Main Target: Cancers and heart disease
Other benefits: May reduce incidence of skin cancer. Improves oral health.
Power Source: Flavonoids. Tea is loaded with these antioxidants. One in particular—epigallocatechin gallate —protects normal cells from cancer, keeps cancerous cells from multiplying and constricts blood vessels that feed tumors. In people with heart disease, EGCG lowers LDL and makes clots less likely to form.
The latest: Drinking three cups of black tea daily slashed heart attach rates by half in a 2002 Dutch study. Japanese researchers also found a 42 percent drop in heart attach among a cup-a-day green tea drinkers. Even after a heart attack, people who sip two-plus cups of black tea a day are less likely to die within four years than non-tea drinkers.
Suggested Daily Dose: As little as one cup, but for overall benefits, think four cups. Because of the caffeine content & oxidation process of black tea, green, white or red tea is favored over black tea.

4. Broccoli
Main target: Cancers
Other benefits: Helps prevent birth defects (high folate content). Lowers the risk of heart disease.
Power Source: Sulforaphane. Broccoli is loaded with this phytochemical, which helps zap certain carcinogens. Also high in indoles, plant chemicals thought to inhibit breast cancer.
The Latest: Eaten regularly, the stalky green helps shrink the risk of many cancers, especially bladder. A nearly 50 percent drop in bladder cancer is linked to eating broccoli more that twice a week, versus less than once, reports a 1999 Harvard study.
Suggested Daily Dose: One cup
Tips: Steaming broccoli preserves some 90 percent of its phytochemicals versus 19 percent for boiling and 3 percent for microwaving, found 2003 research in Spain.


5. Tomatoes
Main Target: Prostate cancer
Other benefits: Reduces the risk of heart disease
Power Source: Lycopene. The colorful pigment—it makes tomatoes red—is loaded with antioxidants that are thought to be particularly good at thwarting cancer cells.
The latest: In 2003, the same Harvard researchers tracked prostate cancer in men over 65 years old with no family history of the disease. Those with the highest levels of lycopene had about half the prostate cancer risk of men with lower levels. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic are now giving lycopene (via tomato sauce) to men with advanced prostate cancer to see if it reverses the disease. Results are expected in 2006.
Suggested Dose: Twice a week
Tips: Because heat releases lycopene, tomatoes’ anticancer benefits come largely from the cooked fruit—canned, in sauces or juice. Lycopene enters the bloodstream more completely when it’s accompanied by a little fat, so sauté tomatoes in olive oil.

6. Soy
Main target: Heart disease and cancer
Power Source: Isoflavones, which are plant estrogens. They seem to keep the body’s estrogen from stimulating tumors, and seem to cut cholesterol, but how isn’t clear.
The latest: Soy may also lower the risk of prostate cancer, and possibly slow or reverse the disease, suggests a 2003 Wayne State University study. When fed isoflavones (the main cancer killer in soy) for up to six months, 83 percent of men—all untreated—saw their prostate cancer indicators stabilize, a sign that the disease had halted.
Suggested daily dose: 15-25 grams of soy protein, about the amount in 2-3 cups of soymilk.
Tips: Soy’s benefits come in many forms—from soup (made from soymilk) to (soy) nuts.

7. Oats
Main target: Heart Disease
Other benefits: May lower blood pressure. Helps prevent hard arteries.
Power source: Bea-glucan. This spongy soluble fiber, which is what makes oatmeal sticky, is thought to sop up artery-clogging cholesterol and carry out of the body. There’s some evidence that it also may actually inhibit cholesterol production.
The latest: Oats help people who need it the most. When overweight German men with high cholesterol were put on a low-fat, high-oat bran diet in 2003, their LDL levels dropped 50 points, reports the University of Freiburg. Oats help those with normal cholesterol too. After eight weeks of oat bran boosting, Mexican men with normal cholesterol averaged a 37-point drop in LDL, found a 1998 University of Sonora study.
Suggested daily dose: About 3 grams of beta-glucan, the amount in 11/2 cups of cooked oatmeal.

*Excerpted from Vegetarian Times Magazine

The Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy

The past two days I have taken phone calls from women in Michigan and Alberta, Canada about pregnancy and nutrition, and since this ties in with my article posted July 1, 2008, I thought I'd write an article about a study published in the Journal of Physiology.

Mothers who eat an unhealthy diet during pregnancy may be putting their children at risk of developing long term, irreversible health issues including obesity, raised levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, according to new research.

The researchers at the Royal Veterinary College, London,found surprising results from the study on how the maternal diet affects their offspring's metabolism. Mothers who had gorged on junk food while pregnant affected their offspring with obesity, linked to higher levels of leptin (a hormone related to appetite), raised levels of cholesterol, higher levels of triglycerides (a type of fat found in the bloodstream), heart diesease, higher levels of insulin, type 2 diabetes and tended to be fatter.

Pregnancy can be a difficult time for many mothers, but it is important that they are aware that what they eat may affect their offspring.

Wellcome Trust (2008, July 1). Poor Diet During Pregnancy May Have Long Term Impact On Child's Health, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 4, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/06/080630200951.htm

Lemon Balm

L.W. of Virginia had cold sore like legions in her mouth. Here is her testimony used with permission. See the article posted on 6/17/08

"Thanks for the lemon balm, it really works. Even though I was skeptical I gave it a try, it definitely works as well as the cold sore medicine, but some of the cold sore medicine tastes terrible on your tongue."

Cleansing Detox

R. E. of Ontario, Canada asks: “I checked out your blog that Melissa forward to me, and I love it, I really like your writings and I can see you have a real passion for healthy living in all aspects. Very inspiring. I have a question for you. I have been thinking about doing a body cleanse. Since the new year, I have been trying to weed out unhealthy habits and foods from our lifestyle and replace them with healthier options. To better the effects of the healthier foods, I want to cleanse my body out. I was just going to go to the health food store and buy a prepared body cleansing kit. Do you have any suggestions as to the best way to do a body cleanse and what I should use? “

Anyone serious about their health, and especially while detoxifying should invest in a juicer. What you want to do is not only cleanse, but nourish the body. You can begin a detox without any herbal formulas, just by diet alone, but with herbs, they bring a more thorough detox, while strengthening, toning, rebuilding and healing the organs specific to the herbal formula which you are targeting. Since I studied under the teachings of Dr. Christopher, we formulate a gentle cleanse based on his herbal detox. Always we cleanse the colon first so the toxins in the body have a way to be eliminated. Added to this is the liver-gall bladder, kidney and finally cleansing the blood stream. If you began to detox the later without first cleansing the colon, you would really make yourself sick, autointoxicating yourself. This is begun by a three day juice and distilled water fast, adding only fresh fruits & veggies (organic preferably), whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. No animal proteins, white flour, sugar, or processed foods.
In just 5 days you can really see and feel a difference! I tell my clients to continue on for 4 weeks…6 weeks is ideal. By the end of this time, you will have more energy than you have ever remembered experiencing, sleep sounder and wake refreshed, body odor will have all but disappeared, acne, skin, hair will all see a remarked improvement as well as clear thinking, a great joy and well being will permeate your life, not to mention that a high 80-90 percent of all my clients had varying symptoms eliminated while on the detox, therefore eliminating the need for more indepth herbal treatment. No more headaches, sinus congestion, digestion discomfort, aches and pains. Weight is equalized, those who need to drop the pounds will do so, those who are trying to gain will also do so. As incredulous as this sounds, what they are doing is nourishing a malnourished body, and it will begin repairing and rebuilding.

So, I would look for something that cleanses out the colon first and then anything that would also cleanse the organs mentioned. But please note the importance of diet during a detox. It’s not like popping prescription drugs and living “normal”, if you don’t change the way you are eating, you are missing the “nourishing” part.

Health and blessings as you detox!

Protocol For Digestive Health

These past three weeks I have used myself as my own case study, working on a protocol for digestive health.
As a foundation I have taken probiotics first thing in the morning and last thing at night, both on an empty stomach. Thus supplying my colon and small intestine with friendly bacteria to help boost my immune system while they form a protective barier on the walls of the small intestine and colon, making it hard for pathogenic bateria to take root and multiply.
With meals I take digestive enzymes and HCI (hydrocholoric acid). Personally and professionally, I have seen with digestive difficulties that the cause isn't due to too much stomach acid, but a lack thereof. And without a steady diet of raw fruits and vegetables, our society is enzymed deprived. So with anything cooked, I take a digestive enzyme.
I have also with this case study taken the advice of Maureen Salaman, in her book How to Renew You, in which she sites research done by a biochemist from Milan by the name of Marc R. Rossellini"The number one epidemic and killer is chronic inflammation/autoimmunity (CIA)-the process the body uses to defend itself from harm." Chronic inflammation-swelling that causes pain-can be treated with enzymes. She takes a large amount of enteric coated enzymes before bed to help reduce inflammation which alays any pain in her body, helps with eye puffiness and helps reduce wrinkles!
The other digestive culprits I have been aiming at are candida yeast overpopulation and a possibility of a gluten sensitivity, which I will do an article about in the coming days.

Almonds For Digestive Health

In my research on the effects of probiotics, their use and how to choose which ones for what aliment, I also stumbled upon the lesser known term 'prebiotic'.

First lets make sure we know what probiotics are and what they do. Probiotics, called lactic acid bateria, are living organisms living naturally in milk and on the surfaces of grains, vegetables, and fruits. While fermentation takes place,lactic acid is produced, keeping the bacteria responsible for spoilage from working. It is also the lactic acid bateria which gives fermented foods that tart flavor. Foods such as plain yogurt, kefir, kim che, sourkraut, miso and tempeh. As food ferments, probiotic bacteria proliferate, so when we eat foods that contain live probiotics, we're delivering an army to our digestive tract, friendly bacteria that will do battle against harmful microbes and boost our immune system.

Prebiotics create a source of compounds that make the digestive tract more hospitable to probiotic microbes. These 'friendly' microbes thrive on prebiotics, feeding them, others slow down the microbes they compete against for survival, while ohters act like selective antibiotics, inhibiting the growth of particular microbes. The main sources come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Prebiotics also are found in certain fats, tea, herbs and spices, red wine, and dark chocolate. But the best prebiotic is dietary fiber. Recently published work by the Institute of Food Research has identified potential prebiotic properties of almonds that could help improve our digestive health by increasing levels of beneficial gut bacteria.


Raw almonds being high in fiber, are also high in vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. The beneficial bacteria use the almond lipid for growth, and this is the basis for the prebiotic effect of almonds. Listen to your mother (or your natural health care practiioner) and chew your food, as previous studies have shown that the amount of available lipid is reduced if the almonds are not processed, for example by grinding or by chewing thourouly.

Postpartum-depression/anxeity

Sara from Chicago wrote: I was wondering if you could recommend something natural that i could take for anxiety? since having (my baby) i have been having terrible anxiety can you help me please?

After having worked in midwifery earlier in my career, I have found that a woman who is nourished does not fall prey to post-partum depression as easily. I can't stress the role of good nutrition as the foundation for health. Once we have gotten away from good nutrition, and especially with the incredible drawing effect creating another human being, the mother is left depleted and mal-nourished. This begins a domino effect, as hormones are set askew and are further hampered when our sleep cycle is disrupted by the demands of our newborn. The good news is that breastfeeding can reduce a woman's stress level, so that their inflammatory response systems remain inactive. This then reduces their risk of depression.
While working with your physician, especially if this is an on-going condition,there are a number of herbs and therapies that can prove helpful.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has the highest amount of antidepressant compounds, at least eight compounds are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitores, which are compounds capable of potent antidepressant action. You can buy extracts, but its great to simply add some to any of the other herbal teas and drink up to three cups a day. St. John's Wort has a long history of folk use for treating anxiety and depression. Clinical studies show that treatment with just one of the active compounds in this herb, hypericin, results in significant improvement in anxiety, depression and feelings of worthlessness. Some studies show that it's a more powerful antidepressant with little to no side effects than some pharmaceutical drugs such as amitriptyleint (Elavil) and imiprimine (Tofranil). Again, you can buy a tincture, but a tea made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, up to two cups a day for six weeks will work. Just avoid intense sun exposure while using it, since this herb can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Other herbs with a history of treating anxiety and depression are ginger, purslane, rosemary (use the essential oil), ginkgo, and Siberian ginseng. All of which are available at
Dr. Christopher makes a formula called MindTrac, which is specifically formulated to help with depression, while PreTrac is used to cleanse the liver. He also formulates an herbal combination called Changease and taken along with Wheat Germ Oil, helps balance the hormones. These are a great way to begin dealing with the symptoms. The next step is to cleanse. Beginning with the bowel and adding liver, kidneys and blood to cleanse and detoxify the body.
We begin to nourish by staying away from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, meat and dairy products, all of which contain chemicals that can cause an imbalance in the body. Eat foods rich in B vitamins. Neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate and function properly, play a role in depression. Getting enough of certain B vitamins-folate and vitamins B6 and B12-keep neurotransmitters high. Good sources of folate include pinto beans, navy beans, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, okra, and brussels sprouts. As far a vitamin B6 is concerned, high levels occur in cauliflower, watercress, spinach, bananas, okra, onions, broccoli, squash, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, peas and radishes. You might also try adding the amino acid phenylaanine to your diet. In one study, more than 75% of people with severe depression showed rapid improvement while taking supplements of phenylalanine and vitamin B6. Since I generally prefer getting nutrients from foods, I'd recommend the four richest food sources-sunflower seeds, black beans, watercress and soybeans.
Exercise, try to get outside and walk in the fresh air and sunshine everyday, breathing deeply. Consider speaking with a trainer at a gym to design an exercise program just right for you.
Using time during breastfeeding for prayer is a very calming and productive time. Also giving service to others can be a surprising way to find out how fast you can get your mind off of your own problems by helping someone else. Family support is very important during this time as well.
Finally, here is a link to help in the Chicago area: http://www.ppdil.org/ I don't know what they would recommend as treatment, but if you feel overwhelmed to the point of hurting yourself or you baby, it is time to get local help.

The Wonders of Ginger

Since ancient times, the ginger plant has been used as a medicine in Indian, Asian, and Arabic healing treatments. Some of its most common uses involve treating nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea, as well as colic, heart conditions, and arthritis. Ginger is valued around the world for its medicinal and cooking uses, and is an important cooking spice believed to cure the common cold and heavy menstrual periods in many cultures. Ginger grows in the moist, fertile soil in its native Asia, where its use as a culinary spice goes back nearly 5,000 years.
Though a powerful, multi-functional herb, ginger is widely used as a digestive aid for mild stomach pain to serious nausea, associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and the flu.
Most pregnant women will experience bouts of nausea and vomiting - particularly in the first trimester. Multiple studies have concluded that ginger is more effective than a placebo in relieving vomiting and nausea associated with pregnancy. "Ginger is effective for relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy," concluded researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. "Twenty-eight of 32 in the ginger group had improved in nausea symptoms compared with 10 of 35 in the placebo group. Further, no adverse effect of ginger on pregnancy outcome was detected." Ginger is a safe and effective treatment for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Ingesting as little as 1 gram of ginger root every day for four days will significantly reduce feelings of nausea and incidences of vomiting in pregnant women.
A study in the United Kingdom demonstrated ginger's effectiveness in easing nausea and vomiting in women recovering from serious gynecological surgery: "The effectiveness of ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an antiemetric agent was compared with placebo and metoclopramide in 60 women who had major gynecological surgery in a double-blind, randomized study. There were statistically significantly fewer recorded incidences of nausea in the group that received ginger root compared with the placebo."
In another study, ingesting 11 grams of ginger root before surgery reduces nausea as effectively as a leading medication. In the same study, women who received ginger also required fewer nausea-relieving medications following surgery. This is true for men as well, as when Jordan had major surgery two years ago. The hospital was a teaching hospital and allowed me to use our herbal products and reflexology, as I was using Jordan as a case study for my Masters thesis.
I call cayenne and ginger the ‘dynamic duo’ for cleaning out the arteries and for the whole circulatory system. Ginger warms from the far extremities inward, while cayenne warms from the inward out.
Ginger products are made from dried or fresh ginger root - other tinctures are derived from steam distillation of the oil found in the root. This powerful herb is available in capsules, tinctures, extracts, and oils. Fresh ginger root is widely-available, and can be brewed into a tea.

How To Find Affordable Local Organic Produce

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a wonderful way to have access to organic food from local farmers. Becoming a member allows you to have seasonal produce each week, either delivered to your home or picked up at either a drop point or the farm itself.

You are actually buying a share of the farm’s crops and are guaranteed the freshest organic fruits, vegetables and sometimes meat and dairy products. Depending on what part of the country you are from, an average 5-6 months. The season is May-Oct for our region of the country. You can pay up front, but most allow monthly payments as well. For us it is less than the price I would pay for our family of four in the grocery stores. Whatever else we need, I supplement with what I can pick up at the local farmer’s market.

Many of the farms are family based and have u-pick times for members first before the community along with spring, summer and/or fall events such as a hayride, potluck, etc. Besides being a big improvement for the health of your family, it is a great way to support small farmers in your area, as well as cutting down on the resources it takes to get organic produce shipped across the country.

It really has enabled me to experience a wider variety-what a culinary adventure!!
Here are some links for you to find your own local farms, CSA’s, and farmers markets;

http://www.realpeopleeatlocal.com/
www.localharvest.org
http://www.eatwellguide.org/

Five Reasons to Get a Massage

As a reflexologist, it is always good to see positive publicity on massage. I see first hand the benefits of massage and acupressure to the reflex zones. CNN just ran a story on the benefits of massage (see link below).

Massage offers real health benefits, so much so that some conventional hospitals are making them a standard therapy for surgery patients and others.

This interesting CNN article details many of these benefits (including some that may surprise you). Along with promoting relaxation and improving our sense of well-being, getting a massage has been shown to:

• Relieve pain (from migraines, labor, fibromyalgia and even cancer).


• Boost your level of alertness and attention


• Increase your body's natural killer cells, which help your immune system to defend against illness


• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and ease insomnia


• Decrease symptoms of PMS

If you've never had a professional massage before, it will likely only take you one visit to understand why they're becoming so popular: they feel great! This is because massage/reflexology affects the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals.

Massage/reflexology is one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care used to ease pain and anxiety, and massages have profound health benefits. Massages can be an excellent addition to your healthy lifestyle.

Endorphins help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being, relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline--reversing the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

Massage is said to increase activity of the vagus nerve, one of 10 cranial nerves, that affects the secretion of food absorption, hormones, heart rate and respiration. It has proven to be an effective therapy for a variety of health conditions--particularly stress-related tension, which experts believe accounts for as much as 80 percent to 90 percent of disease.

Dr. Mercola M.D., also states added benefits of massage can:

• Stimulate the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders.


• Relax and soften injured and overused muscles, reducing spasms and cramping.

Provide arthritis relief by increasing joint flexibility.

• Reduce recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminate subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.


• Reduce post-surgery adhesions and edema and reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.


• Contribute to shorter labor and reduce tearing for expectant mothers.

So if you lived near, you'd be welcome to come see me for a reflexology session...but consider adding this form of healing to your regime!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/03/08/healthmag.massage/index.html?eref=yahoo

Sinus Flush

Last week, I was physically pulled by many events in my life. While excited to be helping so many people, it took a toll on my health. For the first time this year, I lost my voice and found I was fighting a sinus infection. Welcome summertime!

Along with our 'Fire juice', echinacea, vitamin C, and our cold and flu formula with plenty of water, a sinus flush is an excellent way to stop any germs wreaking havoc with your sinus'.

Fill a hot water bottle with warm water. Add a teaspoon of salt to turn it into a saline solution. Put the plastic tube in it and the water regulator, which is provided, on the tube. Lower your head parallel with the sink with your mouth open, breathing rapidly. This closes the glottis, preventing water from dripping down the throat.
Cut the tube at an angle and gently insert it into your nostril, slowly letting the water go into the sinus cavity, flushing out all the filth that has been living right behind your nose and eyes.
Do this 3 times a day. You’ll feel completely revitalized and refreshed. You’ll notice the swelling around your eyes disappear as the air circulates through your newly cleaned, clear passages. It feels wonderful. Infections from bronchitis to pneumonia start from the sinuses and drip down the back of the throat. As the viral and bacteria-laden mucus is trapped, it works its mischief on your bronchial tubes and lungs, causing throat and lung infections. The sinus flush prevents this from occurring.

When and if I can catch it before it becomes a problem, I take Dr. Christopher's eye wash into the shower with me and use 5 drops in an eye cup to cleanse both eyes, followed by 5 drops in the palm of my hand. With my hand cupped, I mix enough water in to fill my palm and while holding one nostril closed, breath up deeply, washing the entire sinus cavity. Repeat on other side. This is so easy to do in the shower, after retaining it for a minute or so, simply blowing gently will eliminate any mucus.

A Peppery Little Green

Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) is also known as rocket, roquette, Italian cress and roka. Arugula is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows so wild and abundantly, it only recently became cultivated. Arugula is a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family and relative of watercress. It is gaining popularity as a salad green. Arugula is pungent, warm and highly alkaline. It stimulates the liver and lungs.
Arugula contains dithiolthiones, which are antioxidant and anti-cancer compounds, as well as beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and sulfur. Arugula is antiseptic (antibiotic and antiviral properties). It is recommended as a preventative food by the American Cancer Society and has been used to treat scurvy. Use young green leaves, as older leaves become bitter and intense. It is best when added to a salad containing other greens

Summer Deck Options

In the last house we lived in, my husband put in a new wrap around deck. To match the pre-existing wood, we happily went to the local home improvement center and bought all the wood. I remember being alarmed at the warnings listed on the wood, of not to touch with bare hands etc. I was told that this was a necessity and quickly forgot my worries as the new deck neared completion.

Alternative Wood for Decking
Instead of the predominant pressure-treated CCA lumber (chromium copper arsenate)-which has been soaked with arsenic and chromium, there is an alternative called ACQ (alkaline copper quat) that uses no arsenic or chromium. The best choice is naturally rot-resistant wood, such as cedar and redwood. Today both are renewable resources, as millions of seedlings are replanted every year. Cedar can be forested more easily and quickly than reduced.
For redwood decking, the best choice is “kiln-dried deck heart” or “deck common”. Less durable (but still acceptable) for decks are “clear heart”, “clear”, “B heart”, and “B grade redwood”. For the longest lasting cedar deck, choose “dear all- heart cedar”. Less reliable- but still an okay low-cost alternative for dry climates- is “grade No. 1 select tight knot (STK)”.

Sealing
Sealing your deck is a required maintenance which prevents water form entering and damaging the wood. The aforesaid deck had me using my medical skills when husband, and two oldest sons were sealing the deck. First I have to say, they were not wearing protective eyewear, and second, they were using a solvent-based sealant.
Look for water-based rather than solvent-based sealants. Apply when deck is built and reapply every 2 years.
The sun’s UV rays break down the cells of the wood, causing that gray color. To restore, apply a deck or wood “brightener” to remove dirt, stains and gray wood fibers. Skip the ones that contain chlorine bleach. Instead, shop for a cleaner that contains a no bleach whitener (such as sodium per carbonate) or peroxide. Sealing your deck won’t require a repeat waterproofing treatment for about 3 years.

Stains
You can also keep away the “gray” by applying an exterior stain that will keep your deck bright and waterproof for about 4 years. Just remember to always choose deck stains that are based on water rather than solvents.

Cold Sores

Some of my clients have had re-occuring cold sores, brought out especially during times of sun exposure. Here is an article by Mackawiak ED, PhK, U.S. Pharmacist Dec. 2003 "Prevention and Treatment of Cold sores"
Get rid of cold sores in two days or less.
If you suffer from cold sores, you know how painful and unsightly these lesions are. Unfortunately, there's no way to completely stop cold sores. That's because they're caused by a virus, the herpes simplex virus HSV-1. And you probably know you can't eradicate any virus (you can only keep it in remission). But I've got great news for you... I've found an easy way to reduce the painful, blistering effects of a cold sore. And this remedy can do so in just one or two days. Since it usually takes 7 to 10 days for cold sores to run their course, that's a huge improvement.
HSV-1, which is related to Epstein-Barr and cytomegaloviruse (CMV), is not a benign virus that just causes cold sores. It can also lead to serious eye infections. And while it's different from genital herpes (HSV-2), these two viruses are so closely related that one can actually trigger the other. So if you are able to prevent cold sores, or even shorten their duration, you could be preventing more dangerous viral infections.
Most doctors will tell you Acyclovir (Zovirax) or a number of popular pharmaceutical topical anti-virals can treat herpes. They may reduce its pain and itching, and promote healing. However, they don't prevent cold sores.
But my favorite natural remedy does. I'm talking about the extract of Melissa officinalis, also known as the herb lemon balm. Researchers tested this herb in a 1999 study. They found it effectively reduced the duration of cold sores when applied topically four times a day as soon as they appeared. I use it at the first sign of a prodrome, that little tingling that precedes a blister.

A good source for quality herbs is Mountain Rose Herbs.

Want even more protection? The amino acid l-lysine is anti-viral and often prevents cold sores when you take 500 mg every day. Then, at the first sign of an outbreak, increase the dosage to 1,000 mg (1 gram) three times a day in between meals.

"Prevention and treatment of cold sores," U.S. Pharmacist, Dec 2003. *****************************************************

Noodle Eating

Eating these noodles...more to follow later

Over 70 lbs of Weight Loss

Sorting Through the Hype of PROTEIN

When my sons come home from college for breaks, I am constantly hearing: “Where’s themeat? Where’s the protein?”

I didn’t start out to head towards being a vegetarian. I don’t even advocate it for my clients, unless they want it, are seriously chronically ill, or have heart disease. I still enjoy occasional free range chicken, and I love salmon. But in my training and in dealing with so many people who suffer such poor health, directly related to the diets they have subjected their bodies to…I fully believe that eating a diet of mostly raw fresh food (preferably organic) is the best way to have an awesome full life filled with energy and life!

When I was doing all my schoolwork as a nutritional herbologist, I surprised myself and silenced my PhD (in Analytical Chemistry) Scientist husband . I saw for myself that we get all the protein we need for our bodies without any animal protein. Did you hear that?! With the traditional Western diet, the average American consumes about double the protein his or her body needs. Additionally, the main sources of protein consumed tend to be animal products, which are also high in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Most individuals are surprised to learn that protein needs are actually much less than what they have been consuming.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein for the average, sedentary adult is only 0.4 grams per pound of body weight. To find out your average individual need: take your weight and multiply by 0.4. This will equal your recommended protein intake. (ie: 130 pounds = 52 grams of protein per day) Even these amounts are high and are best suited for athletes, nursing and pregnant women. My husband is a scientist and works some with the causes, effects and possible cures for cancer. The healthiest people groups around the world have been documented to eat lower than our generous 0.4 grams of protein daily. Cancers have been found to feed on protein and those who consume the most protein tend more towards cancer in their bodies.
The plant foods highest in protein are legumes, beans, soy foods, tofu, nuts , whole grains and vegetables. So I advocate a diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables (organic if possible), whole grains, nuts and seeds, along with pure water. Each individual that I see has different requirements for their bodies and their health needs, but basically, that is the foundation of a good diet. After a detox and as you begin learning also how to add fasting to your lifestyle, food tastes different and helps the transition to eating a healthier diet.

I have seen so many people completely healed of their illnesses and diseases and begin to experience living a life of quality, joy and wellness..it is incredible!

So as you consider what I’ve just said about protein, research it for yourself, and come join us on a much healthier journey to be able to fulfill all that God has destined you to be!!

April is National Autism Awareness Month

Lyn from Michigan has requested a source for metal testing for her grandaughter who is autisitc, beleived to be a result of vaccinations.

Well Lyn, April is National Autism Awareness Month and you can order tests done at Direct Labs without having to go to a physician's office. Take advantage of these discounts and God's blessings to you as you seek to see healing come naturally to your whole family!

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Hair Elements $75 (reg. $93.)Toxic Metals-Fecal $155 (reg. $175)Toxic Metals-Urine $86 (reg. $119)To order multiple kits at the special prices through April, call Tania ext 211

Call our toll-free number: 1-800-9... and press 0 or order onlinehttp://www.directlabs.com/?source=7search

T from Baltimore wrote: "I'm 33 and am slightly underweight, have bad acne (pretty much always have) and also often suffer from insomnia. My main concern is actually the acne - over the years I've tried the gamut of drugs and topical medications and over-the-counter stuff. It has no impact. I really feel it comes from the inside out - hormones? stress? connection with being underweight (I'm working on this) and not getting rest (related to several stressors including grief, transistion and a chaotic living environment). Anyway, for a long time I've been hoping and wondering if there was not something that would help improve my skin naturally be it diet or herbs or some other natural remedies. "

Both the acne and the insomnia can stem from your lifestyle, as well as from a hormonal imbalance. When our body begins showing symptoms on the outside, it is only an insight into what is going on inside. If you are not eliminating after every meal, you are constipated. This leads to auto intoxication. As your eliminating organs (liver, kidney..) filter from the inside, if there is no eliminating channel open through the bowel, the toxins begin eliminating through our skin. A detox would begin by cleaning out your colon, allowing an elimination channel for the toxins and then to begin to clean up your liver-gall bladder, kidneys, and your blood stream. Cleaning is the first step, nourishing is the next step.
Begin by drinking pure water. Most of us are dehydrated, complicating the constipation. Begin by taking your weight and dividing by two. The number left represents the ounces you need to drink pure water daily for your weight. Juicing is a great way to nourish your body on a cellular level without over burdening your digestive tract, which is in gear to clean and is working very hard at this time. Only eating fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds (preferably organic) at this time will give your body the foundation of nutrition while it cleans.

This means you will stop eating the typical American diet of white flour, sugar, dairy, processed foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and for the time of detoxing, no animal proteins.

Topically for the acne, to wash with a natural soap, such as pure Castile soap, followed by some witch hazel. While the face is still damp, dab tea tree oil on. Tea Tree oil has been found to kill any bacteria and fungus which causes acne. Sunshine is also a great healer of acne, just begin slowly-)begin with 5 min and increase by 5 min every day-15-30 min )will give you a good dose of vitamin D.
As for the insomnia, I could write a whole article just on this topic alone. There are herbs which can relax you, and things to look for, like...are you sleeping in a totally dark space? This will allow your body to naturally manufacture the melatonin needed. That means no night lights. Exposing yourself to natural sunlight during the day and then in the evening begin to dim the lights in your house, causing the natural cycle of the body to begin winding down for a nights rest.
In your own words "not getting rest (related to several stressors including grief, transistion and a chaotic living environment" can bring us to such a degree of stress, that we are on a dangerous road, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In the middle of a busy life, if we do not learn to take the time for ourselves, we will be of no use for others. Exercise, and diet will help bring balance, but until we learn to turn to our creator and lay our burdens at the foot of the cross, and learn the joy of life from receiving His love and acceptance, we may face burnout on every level.
I hope this is a beginning point for a new you.

God bless,
Melody

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