“Cancer Detox” Learn how to use nature to fight back



The complexity of our human body to fight off cancer seems almost mind boggling. While there's a battle going on within us, we have to take up "arms" in the fight against cancer through detoxification and wellness. An advocate for medical intervention when needed, I am equally a proponent for utilizing wellness in the fight against cancer. Why not use everything available, especially what comes naturally, to help our bodies become healthy and whole. The below chart shows most of the natural products we can consume to restore/rebuild/replenish what our body requires to help keep us protected in the fight against cancer. Whether through diet or supplemental intake, consuming these items is a preventative method against the war within us.

The "Cancer Detox System" diagram represents what we can do or what our body does naturally and the "Cancer causing" diagram identifies where we become susceptible to cancerous invasion in our body. The increase in using detoxification products (i.e. vitamins, minerals, natural/whole foods) help to counteract the invasion of cancer causing elements (i.e. free and oxygen radicals, poor nutrition/obesity, environmental).



What we know about cancer is this; our bodies naturally "detoxify" cancer within us. The exception to this rule may occur if we possess a genetic deficiency that may adversely affect our ability to detoxify and/or adequately supply our body, naturally, what it needs to produce detoxification. When working properly, the trillions of cells within us possess a natural ability to counteract the toxins we encounter on a daily basis (i.e. free radicals, oxygen radicals, and electrophiles). Whether it's what we consume through diet or the environment, we are constantly fighting off cancer, naturally and systematically, within our own bodies. However, no one knows how much their body will be able to "naturally" fight off cancer or to what extent. That is why it is so important that we avoid things like second hand cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals, preservatives and anything that is unnatural to our body because toxins naturally stimulate the reproduction of free radicals and electrophiles in our body. When we avoid living a healthy lifestyle we (essentially) open the door within us to become diseased. Gambling on how much our body can take isn't wisdom, while living "preventatively" is.

 Krebs Cycle

Through what is referred to as the "Krebs Cycle" our body consumes, breaks down, strips away and then converts carbohydrates and fats into energy (electrons). During the process of breaking down, these electrons attach to oxygen molecules forming a toxic chemical called "superoxide". The more we place our body under stress (fighting off disease) the more we break down our ability to defend ourselves against cancer. A deficiency of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), our body's natural way to store and use energy, can lead to the reproduction of superoxide within us. When our cancer fighting cells become depleted through poor nutrition and exercise, our body becomes increasingly defenseless and diseased. Whether or not your body's disease will be cancer or some other illness (i.e. heart disease, diabetes, etc.) you still need a daily dose of wellness to counteract the attack. The beauty of our body is that we can get "help" through practicing wellness in our daily diet and exercise. Think about that for minute; every time you put something in your mouth you're either assisting or working against your body's natural ability to live healthy. But what about when we haven't been practicing wellness and now we're faced with disease? What do we do then? And are we able (really?) to reverse cancer? That's a "million dollar" question that science is still trying to figure out. What we do know is that there's many, many cancer fighting resources available to us, both natural and scientific. For this blog, I'll focus first on what we can do naturally to assist our body through cancer.


Detoxification
Detoxification is one of the best first steps to take when you're trying to get well. Regardless of what you are facing, if you start with a quick fix mentality you'll be missing the most important first step; change. Our natural inclination is to want "things" to change while we stay the same. It seems much easier to take a pill, a shot or a treatment if that will "fix us". While medicine is certainly there to assist us in our process of getting "well" so is nutrition and exercise. Our bodies thrive off good nutrition (healthy foods/beverage) so when we abuse our bodies, we open the door to disease and once something becomes habitual change is the greatest obstacle we overcome. The simple desire to want to change seems almost impossible to some and achievable to others. I'm not an expert at what it takes to make someone want to change but what I have observed is this; our "fight" or "flight" emotional mentality greatly affects our ability to change. Unless we "detoxify" our mind, spirit and body, we have little chance of changing. No one can continue doing "business as usual" and expect their body to change on its own. Unless you are willing to do the work (detoxification), then you are willingly giving in to disease (now or in the future). My advice is to do everything medically and naturally to fight off, build, replenish and restore your body as much as possible.
Our body's lymphatic system, which assists in fighting disease, needs all the help we can give it. When we "detoxify" our lymphatic system we help our body dispose toxins found in our tissues and nodes. Previously, I wrote about what we can consume to naturally "detoxify" our lymphatic system (April 20^th, 2011, "Lymphatic cleansing"). Another way in which we cleanse/detoxify our system is the intake of minerals and vitamins, either naturally through the food/beverage we consume or via supplements (as listed in the chart at the top of this blog).

The first step in detoxifying your system is to stop doing a few simple things: Avoid fast foods, convenience store products (i.e. candies, crackers, chips, breakfast bars), pre-made refrigerated or frozen meals, premade juices, alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeine related beverages. Start incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal, with half your meal comprised of these products. Choose whole grains (i.e. brown rice, whole wheat bread) beans (kidney, lentils, black beans) and lean (organic) white meat or (fresh caught) seafood. If you're not sure that your diet is providing you with enough antioxidants then supplement your diet with a One a Day type vitamin and read the label to determine the amount of daily dosage requirements you're actually receiving.

Nutrition

You don't have to be obese to inherit the possibility of receiving cancer causing products, but it doesn't make you immune either. What happens when we're "obese" is simple; we're constantly choosing poor nutrition over healthy nutrition, which in turn invites toxins into our body. The path to wellness incorporates our overall body. If we're obese we're less likely to be healthy. Obesity is a sign that our body is "overwhelmed" and unable to handle what we're doing to it. Eating healthy, fresh food, especially darker green, bright red/orange/yellow fruit/vegetables, is an easy way to incorporate the cancer fighting antioxidants your body needs. Nuts, beans, whole grains are also welcome foods, containing a high amount of vitamins/minerals which are full of antioxidants. When we increase our "antioxidant" level in our body, we increase our body's natural ability to fight off the toxins we've consumed. You have to eat, so why not eat healthy fresh food every meal, everyday?

Quick tip for wellness: Start helping your body today by eating fresh, whole foods, while avoiding processed, fried, fatty foods. That one step alone will make a huge difference in your overall wellness.

Easter candy; healthy alternatives

I love everything about Easter. The reason; Christ's resurrection. The beauty; springtime. And the delicious array of delectable choices! Below are my favorite three "treats"….enjoy and Happy Easter!

Chocolate lovers: Nothing tastes as good as chocolate…..especially "special dark chocolate." Hershey's makes the most affordable and one of the most delicious assortments of dark chocolates in a miniature (1 oz) size. For under $4/bag, you can have the perfect portion size for a quick delicious treat.

 

Ice cream lovers: Edy's Ice Cream has a "no sugar added" ice cream (Buy one get one free - on sale now at Farm Fresh) with "to die for" flavors including butter pecan and various chocolate laced flavors. About ¼ cup will keep you under 200 calories! While this product isn't at the top of the wellness list, it's still a nice treat every now and then.

 

Fruit lovers: A chocolate dipped frozen banana or strawberry is one of my all time favorite treats. Slice a banana into 1" thick pieces or use one small/medium sized strawberry, insert a tooth pick. In a sauce pan on low heat, melt 2-3 oz of special dark chocolate in order to "dip" the fruit (you'll only be using a fraction of the chocolate on the actual fruit but you'll need more in order to "dip" the fruit). Once chocolate is melted, using the toothpick dip fruit into chocolate, then place on waxed paper and freeze for one hour. Approximately 125 calories per serving (really depends on how much chocolate used).

 

Enjoy and Happy Easter!

 

 

The “red flag” of Anemia; what to do when you’re low on iron

So you're feeling a wee-bit tired, somewhat disconnected, a little dizzy and you're wondering what's going on? While those symptoms could reflect a myriad of conditions, it could just be "anemia" (low iron). The symptoms can be a combination of things:

*Dizziness

*Fatigue

*Headaches

*Confusion

*Chest pains

*Cold hands/feet

*Pale skin (differing from the color your skin is naturally)

*Fast/irregular heartbeat

 

If you are anemic, it's important that you understand why iron is vital to our overall wellness. First, iron is part of our body's "team" that supports protein and enzymes to our cells, assisting in our overall wellness. There two types of iron; heme (derived from hemoglobin) and nonheme (obtained through animal protein). About two-thirds of our iron is found in our hemoglobin (red blood cells) which carries the oxygen to our tissues. The "myoglobin" (protein that supplies oxygen to our muscles) and enzymes continue to spread iron throughout our body, allowing it to store for future use and regulation. Most of us obtain iron through our diet (see below chart for daily iron requirements as set forth through the National Institute on Health) (http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron).

The remedy for anemia may require medical intervention, but home remedies and diet are worth trying if you suspect you're anemic. Low hemoglobin caused by unusual blood loss (i.e. blood loss from a women's menstrual cycle, bleeding from fibroid tumors) or a lack of iron in your diet will usually signal symptoms of anemia. Your doctor can perform the necessary blood work required to determine if your symptoms are related to low iron. Having suffered from anemia during pregnancy (many years ago) I learned that doing a few simple things helped me tremendously:

*Iron supplements along with Vitamin C and or/meat proteins helps absorb nonheme iron.

*Iron enriched animal foods – Dark meat chicken/turkey, oysters, claims, etc., are a delicious way to obtain iron. If you're a "chicken liver lover" than you'll love knowing that it rates at the top of the chart for providing us with the most iron enriched animal food product available. Most people think of "beef" as being at the top of list, but notice how it only contains about ¼ of the amount found in chicken liver. If you do choose beef as your main supply/source for iron then make sure it's lean and organic. Unfortunately, too much of our beef (especially ground beef, aka hamburgers) are polluted with additives we don't know about because the USDA doesn't require those contents to be listed on the label.

*Iron enriched natural foods - From lentils to beans, especially soy beans, you can find a bounty of iron.

The NIH recommendation for daily iron:

*18 mg (milligrams per day) for adults; various amounts from infancy to adulthood are listed further in this blog.

*Foods providing 10-19% per serving are considered an excellent source for iron, while anything below 5% is considered too low.

So what happens when we consume too much iron? Good question. Our bodies will stop storing excess iron in order to keep us from becoming "toxic". When we're iron deficient, our body gladly receives the iron we intake. When we're iron "rich" our body starts resisting the absorption. Certain food contents found in food products (i.e., coffee, tannins found in tea, polyphenols found in legumes, apples, honey, etc.) can actually decrease absorption of nonheme. So, if you're a vegetarian it's vital that you "increase" the your intake of Vitamin C (assuming you do not eat any animal food products).

The following chart is provided via National Institute on Health:

Table 1: Selected Food Sources of Heme Iron [10]

Food	Milligrams per serving	% DV*
Chicken liver, cooked, 3½ ounces	12.8	70
Oysters, breaded and fried, 6 pieces	4.5	25
Beef, chuck, lean only, braised, 3 ounces	3.2	20
Clams, breaded, fried, ¾ cup	3.0	15
Beef, tenderloin, roasted, 3 ounces	3.0	15
Turkey, dark meat, roasted, 3½ ounces	2.3	10
Beef, eye of round, roasted, 3 ounces	2.2	10
Turkey, light meat, roasted, 3½ ounces	1.6	8
Chicken, leg, meat only, roasted, 3½ ounces	1.3	6
Tuna, fresh bluefin, cooked, dry heat, 3 ounces	1.1	6
Chicken, breast, roasted, 3 ounces	1.1	6
Halibut, cooked, dry heat, 3 ounces	0.9	6
Crab, blue crab, cooked, moist heat, 3 ounces	0.8	4
Pork, loin, broiled, 3 ounces	0.8	4
Tuna, white, canned in water, 3 ounces	0.8	4
Shrimp, mixed species, cooked, moist heat, 4 large	0.7	4

Table 2: Selected Food Sources of Nonheme Iron [10]

Food	Milligrams per serving	% DV*
Ready-to-eat cereal, 100% iron fortified, ¾ cup	18.0	100
Oatmeal, instant, fortified, prepared with water, 1 cup	10.0	60
Soybeans, mature, boiled, 1 cup	8.8	50
Lentils, boiled, 1 cup	6.6	35
Beans, kidney, mature, boiled, 1 cup	5.2	25
Beans, lima, large, mature, boiled, 1 cup	4.5	25
Beans, navy, mature, boiled, 1 cup	4.5	25
Ready-to-eat cereal, 25% iron fortified, ¾ cup	4.5	25
Beans, black, mature, boiled, 1 cup	3.6	20
Beans, pinto, mature, boiled, 1 cup	3.6	20
Molasses, blackstrap, 1 tablespoon	3.5	20
Tofu, raw, firm, ½ cup	3.4	20
Spinach, boiled, drained, ½ cup	3.2	20
Spinach, canned, drained solids ½ cup	2.5	10
Black-eyed peas (cowpeas), boiled, 1 cup	1.8	10
Spinach, frozen, chopped, boiled ½ cup	1.9	10
Grits, white, enriched, quick, prepared with water, 1 cup	1.5	8
Raisins, seedless, packed, ½ cup	1.5	8
Whole wheat bread, 1 slice	0.9	6
White bread, enriched, 1 slice	0.9	6

*DV = Daily Value. DVs are reference numbers developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help consumers determine if a food contains a lot or a little of a specific nutrient. The FDA requires all food labels to include the percent DV (%DV) for iron. The percent DV tells you what percent of the DV is provided in one serving. The DV for iron is 18 milligrams (mg). A food providing 5% of the DV or less is a low source while a food that provides 10-19% of the DV is a good source. A food that provides 20% or more of the DV is high in that nutrient. It is important to remember that foods that provide lower percentages of the DV also contribute to a healthful diet. For foods not listed in this table, please refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Database Web site: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl.

 

The following charts provide the daily requirements needed from infancy to adulthood, also provided by the NIH:

Table 3: Recommended Dietary Allowances for Iron for Infants (7 to 12 months), Children, and Adults [1]

Age	Males (mg/day)	Females (mg/day)	Pregnancy (mg/day)	Lactation (mg/day)
7 to 12 months	11	11	N/A	N/A
1 to 3 years	7	7	N/A	N/A
4 to 8 years	10	10	N/A	N/A
9 to 13 years	8	8	N/A	N/A
14 to 18 years	11	15	27	10
19 to 50 years	8	18	27	9
51+ years	8	8	N/A	N/A

Healthy full term infants are born with a supply of iron that lasts for 4 to 6 months. There is not enough evidence available to establish a RDA for iron for infants from birth through 6 months of age. Recommended iron intake for this age group is based on an Adequate Intake (AI) that reflects the average iron intake of healthy infants fed breast milk [1]. Table 4 lists the AI for iron, in milligrams, for infants up to 6 months of age.

Table 4: Adequate Intake for Iron for Infants (0 to 6 months) [1]

 

How much "C" do I need daily?

Most infants receive adequate amounts of "C" from milk/breast feeding. Children require varying amounts from 15 mg – 45 mg daily. Usually, their pediatrician will recommend their daily requirements based upon their current health condition. Adult women need 75mg per day; adult men need about 90 mg daily. Pregnant women need 85-120 mg per day (from pregnancy to breast feeding). The best way to obtain "C" is through consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily (about 1 cup per serving).

If you suspect (at all) that you are iron deficient, certainly put into practice what nature provides but also see your primary care physician who can provide you with a complete perspective of your current health condition.

 

Quick tip: Annual physicals are worth their weight in gold; don't ignore getting one….it's the best investment of time you can make, today!

 

 

Lymphatic cleansing; naturally cleanse your body for wellness

Springtime….the perfect time of year for cleaning your closets, carpets, windows and……your lymphatic system. It's almost impossible for us to imagine our "insides" being cleansed, much less how to do it. Wash your face, hands and brush your teeth….but clean out your lymphatic system? My imagination starts to run a bit wild when I start to think about how this might be accomplished or what on earth I might have to consume to do it. Here's the good news; eating healthy, antioxidant foods assist in keeping your entire "system" running smoothly.

Most of us have no idea what all the internal parts of our body are doing to help us keep healthy. The lymphatic system is probably one of the most important functions our body performs daily in assisting us with our wellness. A filter and supplier of antibodies to our body, the lymph nodes provide vital nutrients to our blood stream and tissue. Something as basic as eating too much protein can clog up our lymphatic system, which eventually can breakdown our ability to stay healthy. Cleansing our system is very much like changing the HVAC air filters every few months; your system runs more efficiently and the pollutants it trapped are removed. Makes sense, doesn't it, that we need to do the same to our body and specifically to the lymphatic system.

According to my resources (http://www.detoxsafely.org/lymph.html) below are some of the food products you will need. If any particular food doesn't agree with your digestive system, then simply avoid it:

Foods you need:

*Dark green vegetables

*Onions, garlic

*Ginger

*Seaweed

*Wheatgrass juice and/or any vegetable juice

*Citrus fruits, other tart fruits (i.e. cranberry juice)

*Bitter vegetables (i.e. kale, mustard greens, radish)

*Flax seed

*Omega 3 fatty acids

 

Foods to avoid:

*Processed/enriched products (i.e. white bread, canned food, fortified carton/bottled juices)

*Refined sugar (i.e. candy, donuts, ice cream)

*High protein diets, saturated fat meats (i.e. beef and pork)

 

Vitamins you'll need:

*A, B, C, E, Selenium

*Natural herbs and spices are also great in assisting and cleansing:

*Parsley

*Myrrh

*Burdock, Dandelion and Red Root

*Cleavers, Echinacea and Goldenseal

*Orange grape, yellow dock

 

So how exactly do you perform a lymphatic cleanse? It's simple; just start consuming these items in your menu daily or be creative and prepare a meal centered on the use of these items. Even if you just stop consuming the "foods to avoid" and start introducing the "foods you need" into your daily routine, you'll be cleansing your filter by doing so. Here are my basic three rules to follow that will make "cleansing" simple:

*Fresh is best (i.e. fresh fruit/vegetables)

*Whole not processed (i.e. whole wheat bread – no enriched)

*Darker, tangy and spicy (i.e. leafy green salads, fresh juices)

 

In my monthly seminars I teach these principals, along with my basic theory; Wellness produces weight loss and better health. Cleansing your lymphatic system is much easier than "spring cleaning". Once you do, you'll be amazed at how great you'll feel and how much better your overall health will be. Since starting my program, I've not had the flu or other infectious illnesses that frequently go around. I highly recommend that you not only focus on cleansing but you incorporate "clean living" as part of your everyday routine. Again…you'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel!

 

 

The ABC’s of the Lymphatic system; understanding the wellness connection

Most neighborhoods have curbs and gutters, allowing the streets to drain properly into a centralized drainage system, which eventually leads to a filtering system. Without these systems, our streets would easily overflow, backing up into our yards, causing massive problems of waste and the spread of infectious disease. To have curbs but no gutters or streets without drainage systems would be ridiculous, as the two require each other to work properly. Our bodies are much the same. Wherever there's a blood vessel there's a lymph vessel, both of which work together to filter and protect our body.


Our body's processes protein and water from tissues back into the blood stream. The lymphatic system is related to our blood and circulatory system, thereby being a vital system that is used to resupply and assist our body in properly functioning. The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of ducts (aka lymph vessels) that act much the same as blood vessels. Lymph, a clear watery fluid closely resembling blood, performs alongside blood vessels (where there are blood vessels there are lymph vessels). The lymphatic works to flow towards the blood stream, returning body fluid from tissues to the blood vessels. Without this flow, the body would retain fluid and swell. When our body swells the lymphatic system works to carry that excess fluid from the tissue back through the vessels. The lymphatic system is so important in the overall function of our body, as it constantly assists in the recirculation of excessive water, proteins and excessive molecules that leak out into our tissue, constantly draining and circulating our body fluids.


The lymphatic system also works in conjunction with "lymph nodes", which house/store important antibodies to fight off disease and infection. The nodes act as a "filter" from which bacteria, viruses and various fungi filter through, stopping the threat of disease from going further into our bodies. When our natural "anti-bodies" are insufficient, disease spreads. Although our body can build/store antibodies through our lymphatic nodes, housing them in our lymphocytes (white blood cells), and in our spleen, what we feed our body assists in the rebuilding of these antibodies. When our white blood count, which is stored in our lymph nodes, is high it's a red flag that our body is fighting off an infection which has by now reached into our blood stream.


A quick way to understand how vital and important our lymphatic system is to every part of our body is to remember that it is connected to everything except the central nervous system. Heart, lungs, intestines, liver, marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes and tonsils are all connected to the lymphatic system. It is a major filter to our entire "wellness" and body function. Something as simple as swollen glands are a signal of infection in our body, as this is where the germs congregate in greater numbers. If an infection or disease infects the body it is typical (based upon the severity or type of infection/disease) for the nodes surrounding that area to be removed (i.e. cancerous areas along with their surrounding nodes).

Much of this blog was researched at http://www.gorhams.dk/html/the_lymphatic_system.html, which gives great detail of the lymphatic system. My purpose in explaining this part of our body is to help us understand the significance/importance of why what we eat, drink, consume and interact with (environment) is so vital to our overall wellness. Our body is a filter to every part of our being. What we take in goes somewhere and filters through a natural process that is meant for our wellbeing. When we abuse food, beverage and drugs, we are not only overworking our filter (i.e. lymphatic system) we are slowly breaking down its ability to help us stay healthy. Preservatives are another form of toxins to our body. Refined sugar, saturated fat and enriched products are unhealthy and should be avoided altogether. The more we do "naturally" to help our body the more our body will "naturally" help us.


Something as simply as consuming a healthy amount of antioxidants a day (five servings of a combination of fruits and vegetables daily) not only helps replenish/restore/rebuild our antibodies, it assists our lymphatic system in performing its job. If you are leading an unhealthy lifestyle my best advice is to stop immediately and start consuming healthier choices. No matter how long your granddad lived or what he did to reach 90 years old doesn't guarantee you or me that our body can handle the stuff we're doing to it today. Too many times I hear people say that they've got great "genes" and they don't have to worry about their health. Pure nonsense. The conditions under which we live today are more toxic than ever before and that is why disease and infection is so much more rampant in our culture today.


Stay tuned…more to come on how we can help our lymphatic system do its job!

Animal therapy for wellness

Since I can ever remember, I've had a dog or an occasional cat (the latter of whom I am sadly allergic) who provided me with a great deal of comfort, friendship and some of my best memories. Their unconditional love underscored my need for affection and trust from someone who will never let me down and is always emotionally available. Having suffered in the past from mild depression, I can attest to their ability to therapeutically elevate my mood in an instant. So, I've decided to write on this subject and would enjoy knowing your personal experience with your favorite pet and how it's helped you through your toughest moments.

According to my sources, animals have been used for thousands of years as companions and comfort to their owners. Today, we see animals being partnered with a variety of needs, from returning war veterans, aging residents at nursing homes, abused children and terminally ill patients. Their role is quite simple; they provide positive and attentive affection and companionship, something everyone needs. In addition, they provide mental stimulation, positive psychological benefits. While they may not "heal" the physical pain, they help to heal the emotional wounds while motivating us to "hang in there".

There are many wonderful resources for animal assisted therapy (AAT) and/or animal assisted activities (AAA) that offer most of their services for free. Listed below are just two organizations that offer training for animals and their handlers/owners or who can provide you with further information on AAA or AAT service organizations:

*American Animal Humane Society – Provides a wonderful program for both AAT and AAA services.

American Animal Humane Society

63 Inverness Drive East
Englewood, CO 80112

(800) 227-4645 or (303) 792-9900

Fax: (303) 792-5333 (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, Mountain Time)

*Delta Society – Provides training and membership for volunteers who enlist in their program.

Delta Society

875 124th Ave NE #101
Bellevue, WA 98005
Phone: (425) 679-5500
Fax: (425) 679-5539

I'd love to hear your personal stories or experiences using animal therapy or if you have additional resources, please provide them and I'll post them in future blogs on this subject.

 

Reversing the fat gene; what does faith have to do with it?

As a society, we often like to categorize ourselves into square boxes in order to understand who, what, and why we are the way we are. It just makes sense when we help our brain wrap itself around the information instead of "fighting off" the truth. But if you're in the box that says "fat gene family", you are more than likely wanting to move across the street to the skinny farm family address. Although my family history wouldn't have classified me as such I can fully understand the emotional roller coaster that comes with being obese and the overwhelming difficulty of becoming healthy.

 

Growing up in the 60's, I was born during the birth of "Pop-Tarts" and "Frosted Flakes". My daily routinely started off being fed a sugar based breakfast, followed by a homemade lunch (topped off with an ice cream sandwich, of course), and a healthy (meat, potatoes, gravy, veggies and bread) homemade dinner. Both my parents worked outside the home but were pretty old fashioned about the family meal (which I continued into my own home while raising our three sons). Active and always on the run, I would have been labeled a "healthy" weight during my childhood. But by my teen years my "playing outside" became exchanged for more teenage activities (like hanging out with my friends, listening to music, driving the strip at Virginia Beach, etc.). At thirteen years old my Dad left home, mom became a single mom and I was pretty much left to take care of myself. My well rounded routine began to change dramatically; no breakfast, junk for lunch and rarely a home cooked meal. This routine began to shape the following years as well as my waist line. Needless to say, I began experiencing the anxiety and endless cycle of feeling defeated when it came to weight gain. Although it would take thirty plus years, I would eventually add almost sixty pounds to my petite five foot frame. Albeit I didn't come from a family with a history of obesity I felt that I was beginning to wonder if I didn't have a "fat gene" here or there in the hiding.

 

And then forty hit me like a ton of bricks. A victim of a drunk driver hit and run car accident I was left with injuries up and down my right side (torn rotator cuff, torn meniscus, sciatica, three bulging discs and systemic depression brought on by PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder). Within a few short years I gained an additional forty pounds blossoming up to 174 lbs in my five foot frame. Miserable and feeling defeated I began reading and digesting everything I could about my condition, trying everything imaginable (except surgery) to lose the weight. From mail order food to gym memberships, I ran the gamut of choices only to feel like I must be another victim of the dreaded "fat gene". Some of my relatives were similar in shape to me; short "pear-like" women who just seemed to hold onto their weight below the belt. Maybe I would just carry on the tradition. I started to become complacent to my condition waving farewell to the hope that I would ever see anything change.

 

In 2008, I suffered a pretty bad fall causing my previous injuries to become increasingly worse. By 2009 I elected to have knee surgery for my meniscus tear. By January of 2010, I was in therapy for my knee and feeling overwhelmed. My weight, still topping over 170 lbs, only added to my knee problems as well as my ability to see any hope for my future. Feeling defeated and hopeless I tried something that had never occurred to me to try before; I asked God to help me and heal me – of my obesity, my injuries and my depression. While this will be hard for some to understand, that became my answer. It wasn't easy and didn't happen overnight (but over the course of a year) for my "fat gene" to be exchanged for my new outlook on life. My new healthy lifestyle of both diet and exercise allowed me to naturally loose 57 lbs and over 57 inches. It also enabled me to understand my body, how it works and why I gained so much weight and how to keep it off. To this day I no longer struggle with weight gain, have found a way to keep the weight in-check and off, while enjoying physically, emotionally and spiritually a new lease on life.

 

Regardless if you're suffering from a genetic disposition or if you have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle, struggling with your weight is a real problem. For me, I found that until I completely surrendered my injuries, weakness and my lack of self control (yes, self control…..put the donut down…..) nothing would change. No pill, no surgery and no store bought diet could have done for me what surrendering my will to God and asking for His help did.

 

My personal experience has given me a passion and compassion for understanding those who suffer from obesity, their trials, struggles and social acceptance. Medical studies in obesity definitely point to many genetic factors related to the "fat gene", so please know that I agree with it's significance and impact on anyone's struggle to overcome obesity. But I've learned an important lesson in all of the studying and examining of this subject; you can overcome the fat gene through practicing wellness. I teach a monthly four hour class on "wellness for weight loss" from a biblical perspective at my church, which embodies the mind, body and spirit connection. It has been this teaching that has helped hundreds of my attendees and their families reverse years of unhealthy living.

 

Here is my best advice for you today: If you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed and hopeless about being obese why not consider asking God for help? I'm not here to promote myself or my seminar's to you, but I am here to share my personal testimony about the dramatic changes made in my life through my simple act of asking God to help me. Maybe, just maybe my story can become your story, as well. I'm here to help you so just ask! And by all means, make sure you ask for professional medical advice when it comes to your health. A clinical dietician or nutritionist is the best qualified physician when it comes to nutrition. But remember….God is the great physician and He's here for free!

 

God bless you as you pursue Him and your wellness, today!

D.I.Y. Herb garden kits

I'll never forget the first time my then boyfriend now husband, Doug, casually reached down and picked several leafs off some plants in his mother's front yard garden. Wondering what he was doing, I was quickly informed that's where his mom planted the herbs she regularly used in the evening meal. I had seen backyard gardens but never an herb garden and certainly not one mixed in with the flowers. But when you think about it, planting herbs amongst the flowers makes a lot of sense. Relatively easy to start and maintain, herbs do not require much more than good soil, occasional watering and indirect sunlight. They're also one of the best resources for antioxidants (toxin fighters!).

But what if you have limited space or time to grow a garden? Maybe a "kit" that keeps the space requirements to a minimum is the answer for you. Never mind your "brown thumb", most herb gardens can be purchased as a kit with easy to follow instructions that will help you get a jump start on your gardening. They're also great for folks who might be house bound and prefer something "inside" versus "outside" or would like a hobby that isn't too time consuming. Below are just a few of the one's I found to be great gift ideas, are very affordable, space-saving and easy to use:

*Dune Craft Dome Terrariums Culinary Herb Garden DOMETER-0007 – Available at K-Mart or online (priced from $15/up) this compact dome allows you to try your hand at raising herbs. It's also a great activity to enjoy with your kids/grandkids, teaching them the value of growing herbs while also watching the progress together. Very simple to assemble and maintain.

*Stack herb kit – Available at http://www.herbkits.com/stackandgrow.htm, this charming stackable herb kit allows you to use limited space wisely while also creating a beautiful display. This site also has some great ideas on stackable gardening, as well. They also makes wonderful gifts; $29.95 for the kit or $34.95 kit and wrapping.

*Indoor culinary herb garden starter kit – If you're a culinary type, you might want something that will take you from the basic start up to a full scale herb garden. This kit gets you on the right track and allows you to plant a larger variety of plants. Starting at $27.00, they can be found online at www.amazon.com.

Enjoy and get started today!    

 

Top five teeth whitening procedures; which one is best for you?

A dazzling smile goes a long way in showing off your pearly whites, but how do you get that smile without spending a (small) fortune? From home remedies to professional treatments, there are many procedures to select from – but which one is right for you? First, you have to assess the current condition of your teeth and the "root cause" of your discoloration (do you have fillings or dental decay, are your teeth discolored from tetracycline antibiotics or some other medical condition?) Based on your response, certain dental processes would then be recommended.

Here are my top five to choose from, listed from home care to professional application:

*Whitening toothpastes – Mostly meant to remove "surface stains", do not contain bleach and acts as a mild abrasive process which may slightly whiten the teeth one shade.

*Over the counter whitening strips and gels – Contain about 3% hydrogen peroxide, applied twice a day for fourteen days, up to thirty minutes per application and (usually) provide results in a few days, up to several months. There are also "leave on" strips (which are much more convenient) that literally melt in place and are applied once or twice a day, rendering the same results.

*Whitening rinses – Similar to a mouth wash, you swish these around for about sixty seconds and spit out. Not real effective and very little visible results (on most people).

*Tray based whiteners – Can be professionally made/purchased through a dental office or generic (one size fits all) purchased over the counter. Both contain about the same strength as a whitening strip or gel, and require up to four hours of continuous treatment over a period of a month or more. This process maybe initially effective but is not real convenient. In my opinion, I recommend obtaining the tray through your dentist versus purchasing over the counter, the latter of which can be very risky and costly.

*Professional dental whitening – Obviously, this is the most effective (and expensive) process. Within one (30-60 minute) treatment the difference in the color of your teeth is most notable as it can deeply penetrate your teeth brightening the color by several shades. Usually applied with a heat, light or laser, taking anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes per application. The strength, by comparison to at home or products sold through a dental office, contains 15-43% of hydrogen peroxide versus 3% for over the counter products, producing greater longer lasting results. A dentist can also provide you with a full assessment of your dental needs, based upon your medical history and current condition of your teeth, what caused the stains and which application is the best overall treatment for you in the long run. The cost of trying to undo damage to your teeth, caused by a poor or improper application, is just not worth it.

 

So who's a good candidate for professional teeth whitening?

….anyone over sixteen years of age, not suffering from gum disease, cavities, exposed roots or worn enamel

….women who are not pregnant or lactating

….a person who doesn't have fillings, crowns or restorations (remember, whitening only works with natural tooth to bleach and lighten the surface)

….smokers, darkly stained or decayed teeth are not likely to see desired results – veneers and complete restorative care is highly recommended for such cases

What to look for in a whitening procedure or product?

ADA approval – American Dental Association is the only organization which authorizes medically dental approved products. While not all products seek the approval of the ADA, the standards set forth through the board ensure an extra measure of oversight and safety.

Results – Before you start shelling out the big bucks, talk to someone who has used or applied a similar process you are considering. Toothpastes, strips and rinses are usually very safe, but trays and professional cleaning involve a greater involvement and possible risks.

Costs – Over the counter products can range from a few dollars and up. A professional dental process can be $500-$2000.00, depending upon the application.

Before you decide you want a brighter smile, consider the costs, the process and the overall benefits. You may just find that some simple daily applications will do the trick!

Quick tip for today: Join "Groupon" at www.groupon.com and start saving today on the cost of your next dental treatment. I received a coupon this morning for up to 80% off dental services including whitening procedures starting at $149/worth $650 or a dental check up for $49, four x rays and teeth cleaning ($242 value). It's not a gimmick, just a great way to save money NOW!

 

 

 

 

Gesundheit! Has “pollen” got you down? Learn some quick tips to “rise above” the downside of Springtime!

Spring….the long awaited warmth of a sunny day……the respite from winters cold embrace……and there there's the pollen…….allergies…….sneezing…….coughing and hacking - almost enough to drive you back into hibernation!

Spring, without a doubt, is (just about) my favorite time of year, less the latter of the aforementioned. While I'd love to open up all the windows and let the fresh breeze blow through my house, I know that in doing so I've just invited a mess of trouble inside. To reduce my reaction to the pollen I practice a few things that might just help you too:

*Bathe before bedtime – A lot of people shower in the morning, but bathing at nighttime actually 'washes' off the pollen from your hair and skin. If you've been outside, working in the yard, take a quick shower to rinse off the pollen, as well.

*Change the HVAC air filters once a month during springtime. Even though you might think once every three months is adequate our HVAC fan needs the switch more often during this time of year. Just remember: most filters don't eliminate odors but reduce air flow, so changing them often is important.

*Invest in "allergen" filters for your HVAC air vent. A little more expensive but well worth it, the "3M Filtrete 2020 Allergen filter" is highly rated and can be purchased online. If you buy filters in bulk (usually six to a package) you'll save anywhere from 10-15%. Investing in a filter rated for "allergens" usually presents additional features with the filter (grocery stores and hardware shops are usually the most expensive places to buy filters).

*Nasal rinse kits. I cannot stress this recommendation enough! What a difference I can feel once I rinse my nose! The hacking, coughing, nasal dripping……all come to a stop and automatically I feel so much better. I recommend rinsing a few times a day. Visit your local pharmacy and talk with the pharmacist about the best products available and then buy the generic or store label brand. Or if you want to invest in a brand name product, "Ayr", "Neil Med" and "Neti Pots" are reliable brands that make excellent nasal rinse kits. Rinsing out your nasal passage ways rids you of allergens that cause various symptoms (nasal drip, coughing/hacking and sneezing). You'll be surprised how much relief you will receive once you "rinse out" your nose!

*Dust every other day with an "allergen" type product (Febreeze makes a great allergen free product that cleans and remove allergens). If you open up the windows then prepare to dust every day.

*Stock up on anti-histamines.
Your sneezing and coughing are a combined result of an allergic reaction to pollen. Zyrtec is an excellent brand but generic products (with the same content) are usually half the price.

*Have all carpets and window treatments cleaned professionally (unless you can throw it in the washing machine). Professional cleaning equals deep cleaning. Allergens like to "dig deep" into upholstery and carpet, so get those drapes cleaned as well while you're at it! Allen's Dry and Clean, 495-3626, clean my carpets and upholstery; I highly recommend them. They're professional, reliable and competitively priced. Right now they have a three room special (call for details). Tell them "Pat" sent you!

*Drink plenty of herbal tea and distilled water. Peppermint, green tea or anything with a squeeze of lemon are great choices for soothing your throat and opening up your passageways. Lemon in your tea or water adds extra antioxidants which help fight toxins.

*Avoid certain types of fruit for certain types of allergies.
According to www.livestrong.com, if you are allergic to ragweed, avoid cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and bananas. If you have a variety of allergies and want to know more about which fruits to avoid, visit their website to learn more about the interaction between allergies and fruit (http://www.livestrong.com/article/368714-fruits-to-avoid-with-pollen-allergies).

*Use coupons to save money on all your "allergy" needs. My dear friend, Lori Clayton (aka "The Coupon Consultant") is an excellent resource for all things related to "couponing". Her website, www.thecouponconsultant.com, provides a continuous feed for the best places to save money and where to use coupons for the best deals. If you don't see the coupon you're looking for, she has a section on her site that allows you to ask a question (http://www.thecouponconsultant.com/about). Let Lori know I sent you!

Quick tip: The first wave of spring is always the toughest part. Just practicing a few things each day will make surviving the pollen much easier.

The possible side effects of vitamin “D” injections

So you've been told your "D" is too low and a shot will help you elevate/replenish/supplement your level of D. Guess what? That isn't exactly true. Here's why:

Vitamin D is……

*Collected through the skin's exposure to sunlight

*Consumed through eating animal products

*Stimulated by exposure to sunlight

In my previous blog on vitamin D you learned that too much can lead to kidney stones. In fact, too much "D" can cause more damaging side effects than not enough. Since the body uses D to assist calcium, too much can lead to the following side effects:

*Excessive calcium deposits in your blood vessels which can eventually lead to narrowing the flow of blood to vital organs such as your heart

*Dizziness, nausea, weight loss

*Kidney stones, forming from excessive calcium

*Bone loss, the result of excessive calcium leaching from your bones into your blood

Most of us wouldn't know any better if we were told our "D" was low and would automatically go for the easiest route in replenishing our "D" levels. But before you jump to that conclusion, why not seek the advice of a nutritionist or clinical dietician for a full evaluation. You may find out that there is more going on than just low levels of "D" and you will be seeking the advice of a licensed/degreed individual who specializes in this area of expertise.

If I had a heart problem I'd see a cardiologist, right? If I suffered from allergies I'd consult with an allergist, right? So why not seek the advice of someone who specializes in all matters related to diet and nutrition. Even your primary care physician would recommend you to do so. There are no quick fixes but there are answers. Find the answer that not only helps you feel better now but also in the future.

Quick tip for wellness: When it comes to nutrition, seek wise counsel from a nutritionist or clinical dietician and you'll receive sound advice.