Alternative Healing Course

smoothies

2010-09-12T21:18:00.000-04:00

BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
1/2 small, peeled ripe banana
1/4 cup stemmed, sliced strawberries
honey to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla soy protein powder

Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth.

CINNAMON BANANA SMOOTHIE RECIPES

In a blender combine:
1/4 c plain yogurt (Vanilla is good, but choose flavor depending on your taste)
1/4 c skim milk
1/2 banana
A splash of vanilla
A dash of cinnamon
4 ice cubes

Blend to desired consistency. Substitute whatever fruit is in season or even use something like canned peaches. I usually double the recipe above, but these are the original measurements.

BANANA CREAMA SMOOTHIE

1 banana
½ cup natural yogurt
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla essence

Slice banana and put into a blender. Add ½ cup milk, yogurt and vanilla. Blend until banana is mashed. Add remaining milk and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses.

FRUIT BANANA SMOOTHIE RECIPES

1 cup orange juice
2 cups plain low-fat yogurt
4 small bananas
honey to taste

Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth.

BANANA LIME SUBLIME SMOOTHIE

2 cups limeade
1 banana
1 cup lime sherbet
3 Tbs. coconut milk
1 cup ice

Pour all liquid ingredients into the blender. Add all frozen ingredients. Blend at MIX setting for 30 seconds then blend at SMOOTH setting until smooth. While the machine is running, move the stir stick around counter-clockwise to aid mixing. Serve immediately. Each recipe serves 3-5.

BANANA MOLASSES SMOOTHIE

5 pitted prunes
1 medium banana, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups low-fat vanilla soymilk
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 ice cubes

Place prunes in small bowl and cover with hot tap water. Let rest for 15 minutes or until plump. Drain. Combine plumped prunes and remaining ingredients in blender and whip until smooth.

BANANA OAT SMOOTHIE

1 Cup Milk
1 Packet Instant Oatmeal, Regular Flavor
1 Whole Banana, Cut In Chunks
1 Cup Orange Juice

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend on high speed for 1 min.

Banana Smoothie Recipes #1 Pick
BANANA ORANGE SMOOTHIE

1 8-ounce container nonfat cherry yogurt
1 banana, peeled, cut into pieces
1 orange, peeled, white pith removed, cut into segments
8 frozen dark cherries
6 frozen strawberries
Combine ingredients in blender. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Dividebetween 2 glasses.

BANANA PEACH SMOOTHIE

1 cup mashed ripe bananas -- (about 2 large), -- frozen
1 cup peach nectar
1/2 cup low-fat milk

Place all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or until smooth. Serve immediately over ice cubes. Serves 2.

BANANA SOY SMOOTHIE

3/4 cup soy milk
1/2 cup soft silken tofu
4 bananas, frozen
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon carob powder

Combine soy milk and tofu in blender. Add bananas, honey, vanilla extract, and carob powder. Blend until smooth.

Banana Smoothie Recipes #2 Pick
BANANA STRAWBERRY ORANGE

1 banana
1 handful of strawberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
Handful of ice cubes

Put it all in the blender. Serves 3.

NOTE:

a. If Fresh Juice is not available use commercial Unsweetened Juice.
b. Use a little Apple Juice concentrate for extra sweetness.
c. You can add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Thermojetics beverage to the shakes.
d. You can add Herbal Aloe to the shakes.
e. Use low fat Soy Milk for weight loss shakes. Whole fat Soy Milk can be used to increase weight, for high-energy shakes or body building shakes.
*Rice Milk, *Oat Milk, *Soy Milk or *Goat Milk may be used.

IMPORTANT: Other forms of milk may slow down results or cause Diarrhea or Constipation.
* Waste removal
* Weight loss

Best used as a preventative and is excellent for people with low immunity or who suffer from a compromised elimination system due to disease, medication or surgery.

Stress

2010-09-08T18:21:00.002-04:00

By PL Chang on March 15th, 2010
Reduce Stress: Ten Stress Relief Tips
Image provided by Becky Wetherington
Stress is known as the silent killer because it can cause chronic health problems without us even knowing it. This is one of the reasons why we should reduce stress as much as possible. One of the negative effects of stress is hormone imbalance. When we are stressed our bodies produce certain anti-stress chemicals to protect them from its harmful effects. Too much stress can cause our bodies to produce too many anti-stress chemicals. This can disrupt our chemical balance which weakens all the systems of our bodies. Our immune system also produces chemicals to fight stress. One of them is cortisol which is produced by the adrenal glands. When we have too much stress, it can exhaust our adrenal glands and cause them to malfunction. If our adrenal glands can’t produce sufficient levels of cortisol, our immune systems weaken and we become more susceptible to diseases. Too much stress also causes our bodies to deplete certain important nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium. This may lead to premature aging, osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer. These are more reasons why we should reduce stress as much as possible.

Ten stress relief tips

1.Breathing exercise: Slow and deep breathe can help relax the mind, increases oxygen and focus, and stimulates the brain to produce endorphins.
2.Jogging: Helps reduce distraction and may increase the body’s natural healing abilities. According to a study done at the University of Bonn, people who jogged for two hours have significantly higher endorphin levels than those who didn’t.
3.Laying out in the sun: Sunlight synchronize well with our bodies and stimulates our energies. This can cause our bodies to relax which reduces stress. Avoid laying out in the sun for more than 15 minutes straight because you can get sunburn.
4.Being in the present: The present is the moment of now. When we focus on this moment, everything becomes clearer and we tend to lose focus of the past and future. The past and future is where stress usually occur. Stress can’t occur in the moment of now because it is the still point between the conscious and subconscious mind. This moment of now is where balance takes place.
5.Learn to say no: Not being able to say no to things that we don’t want to do can lead to big problems. These problems, whether personal or not, can bring a lot of stress into our lives.
6.Smile more often: When we smile our brains release endorphins and other healing chemicals that can help reduce stress.
7.Think positive: Positive thoughts call forth inner peace and negative thoughts disturb inner peace. Therefore, when we have more positive thoughts, our state of minds are more at peace which will reduce stress.
8.Learn to forgive: When we forgive, we can release energy blockages that are causing us emotional pains.
9.Love self and other self: When we learn how to love ourselves and other selves, we create a reality that has little or no room for negativity. This will help reduce a lot of stress.
10.Self empowerment: The more self empowerment we have, the more we increase that power within us. This can lead to higher self esteem, confidence and gratitude.

souls journey

2010-09-04T16:49:00.000-04:00

Life Between Lives – How Learning about our Soul’s Journey is Healing
Posted by Jenny Mannion On March - 3 - 2010
This is part three of a three part series. If you have not yet, please read the first two parts; “Life After Death” and “Past Lives, What Do They Have to Do With Healing?“.

Learning about life between lives changed my life and how I see every day. Yes, we are SO MUCH more than our physical bodies and than we ever were told we were. Our souls live on and what a truly amazing journey it is. There are pioneers in this field such as Dr. Michael Newton and Dr. Brian Weiss that truly made me see life differently. Reliving my life between lives through hypnotherapy was more powerful than I ever imagined. Learning about past lives and life between lives led to my becoming an Akashic Record Reading (Soul Realignment) Practitioner which has opened up my eyes even more. I would like to share with you a few resources I have found incredible for learning about life between lives, my personal experience and tell you how learning about life between lives can be very healing.

Quote from Mike Dooley, Notes from The Universe:

“It’s pretty much always been the same: First there’s the life review, then there’s the homecoming parties and happy tears flowing like Niagara Falls, and finally… the sudden and profound realization that throughout their entire life all things were, indeed, possible, and that such a concept wasn’t just wishful, part-time, feel-good thinking.
It’s quite the “Kodak Moment.” Whoops, here comes another one. Tissues everyone!

Tallyho,
The Universe

ABOUT LIFE BETWEEN LIVES

My friend, Corinne Edwards interviewed Dannion Brinkley a few years back on his near death experiences. He talked very clearly and frankly about his life between lives experience. I encourage you to watch and also to read Corinne’s post here, “Life After Death Interview with Dannion Brinkley“.

Watch Beyond Death – 2of3 – Corinne Edwards Interviews.25m.divx in Educational | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Dannion Brinkley has had 3 Near Death Experiences (NDE’s) and since been gifted with psychic sight. He tours worldwide speaking about his experience and teaching. You can visit his website to learn more.

The observations Dannion recalls in this amazing interview are also the same experiences shared by many who have had near death experiences. They correlate with the vast experiences documented by Hypnotherapist Dr. Michael Newton and Physicist Dr. Brian Weiss and many others who study this subject. I do not believe thousands of people who have never met would make up the same thing. Most who have never even have heard of near death experiences or ANYTHING about life between lives. With all I have studied over the last three years, I am someone who does not really believe in coincidences anymore.

In writing my last post I was drawn to Andrea Hess’s course in Soul ReAlignment and am now happy to report I am a practitioner. In part 2 of this series, I talk about having my report and clearing done by Akemi Gaines of Real Life Spirituality. The Akashic Records (kept in the Hall of Knowledge) are referenced in many Near Death Experiences and in Dr. Weiss and Dr. Newton’s books. Diane Goble also shares her remarkable story of the Hall of Knowledge and her NDE on her website. I have to access the Hall of Knowledge to get the information on soul’s records when doing an Akashic Reading. Even though I knew it was real before I began doing this work — the results I encountered giving my clients their reports confirms without a shadow of a doubt this is real and there is vast information available there about our soul’s journey.

Some of the commonalities between studies and NDE’s are meeting a guide of sorts and being guided toward a brilliantly beautiful place. Many report seeing people that have passed over as well as people you KNOW but were not in this past lifetime with you. Many mention the life review – seeing the choices you made and that life indeed was in your control the whole time. This is never done as a judgment although many people who have come back remember judging THEMSELVES in that moment. The beings we encounter there emit love and acceptance and it is not THEM who are judging us.

Another commonality in experiences is the talk of just how beautiful it all is and how much love is felt… more love than can be quantified here. This is what I felt in my life between lives hypnotherapy session. My good friend Amy Park is a gifted hypnotherapist and led me first through the death of my last incarnation starting a few minutes before I passed and what happened when I passed. I had lived a long life and was very at peace at the end of my last incarnation. I was in a “deathbed setting” surrounded by loved ones who knew I did not have long left. At the moment of passing I remember feeling a huge sense of remembering and love almost simultaneously. As I traveled through light I was aware of this love feeling growing and a deep sense of peace. When I arrived I saw many familiar faces although not from my current lifetime. They were light beings – almost surrounded by a soft glow and not as solid as we appear here. I saw familiar “guides” that I have seen through other hypnosis sessions. I was greeted by many smiles and a number of them began talking to me immediately – although their lips were not moving I could clearly hear them. I felt love, approval, welcome and a feeling of belonging that seemed more than human. I got this overwhelming sense “YOU ARE LOVED” and felt it deep in my being even as I was telling Amy verbally what was going on. We stayed here and explored a bit more gathering some information. I remember when she said it was time to come out me not wanting to go and filling with tears at the thought of leaving. “But life is so beautiful and so much easier here”, I thought. Quickly it was answered by “but you ALWAYS have that love and there is work to be done in this lifetime”.

I will admit the next few days were kind of rough for me. I WANTED that constant feeling of love and belonging back and had sadness of how hard we make it here. I kind of had this sense of being watched with an odd amusement, “Silly Humans” were the words that kept running through my head. But I felt those words with LOVE and that was the kicker – it was almost like I could STILL feel that strong love accessed during the session as I heard those words. WE CHOOSE to incarnate here. We have picked life lessons we need to work on. We CHOOSE our parents — another precious moment in my hypnotherapy life between lives session was learning WHY I chose my parents…. priceless! Yes, life between lives is beautiful but so is life here when we remember how to see it that way.

HOW LEARNING ABOUT LIFE BETWEEN LIVES IS HEALING

Learning about life between lives has brought me a deep sense of peace and love. If I had ever feared death, I certainly would not now. I have had people ask me, “If it’s so beautiful there, what’s to stop us from offing ourselves?” Well, there are a number of reasons why. Firstly as I stated, we CHOSE to incarnate here. There are many lessons to be learned and gifts to give and receive in this dimension. There is a beauty and REALNESS to this third dimensional life that when you tap into – you understand completely why we are here. Secondly, life when you commit suicide is not exactly greeted with as much joy in life between lives. We are not sent to “eternal damnation” BUT we have to deal with the knowledge there were always other options and our disappointment in ourselves. We also have to answer to our guides and receive more training in areas before we are to incarnate again. Dr. Newton has referenced this in his work as he had a patient who killed himself in a past life (through hypnosis) revisit what happened to him in the life between lives when he arrived – it is totally fascinating!

KNOWING when we pass on from this lifetime we will be somewhere beautiful, filled with love and meet up with loved ones is deeply healing. Reading about the details of what happens there inspires and awes me every time. I have studied this for much of the last six months and it is time for me to move onto studying other ways to heal but BOY did I enjoy and appreciate all my time reading about life between lives. I am also very grateful it led to me becoming a Soul Realignment Practitioner.

I think Dr. Weiss summarizes it best here on WHY learning about all of this is healing in his short video on Religion:

Brian Weiss, MD “Religion” from Omega Institute on Vimeo.

RESOURCES

Dr. Michael Newton: I reviewed his first book “Journey of Souls in my post, “Dr. Michael Newton: A Journey of Souls“. Since then I have read Dr. Newtons’s second book on the subject, “Destiny of Souls” which goes into even more detail of what our life between lives is like. Dr. Newton also has many other books on the subject including, “Life Between Lives: Hypnotherapy for Spiritual Regression” which has some scripts for hypnotherapists wanting to incorporate life between life therapy into their practice. He also is the founder of The Newton Institute for Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy where you can find many practitioners as well as training seminars.

Dr. Brian Weiss’s genius book, “Many Lives, Many Masters: A True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient and the Past-Life Therapy that Changed Both Their Lives” is easily one of the top 5 books I have EVER read. Dr. Weiss has information on his site about where to see him speak and also about completing training with him. Dr. Weiss also offers audio products that may enable you to experience past lives without leaving your home. Some experience this on their first listen but for many others (Including Dr. Weiss himself) it could take months of listening before you experience one. Some of these are; “Regression Through the Mirrors of Time“, “Regression to Times and Places“ and “Spiritual Progress Through Regression Meditation“. Dr. Weiss also has a book. “Through Time Into Healing” that offers techniques on regression.

NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES RESEARCH FOUNDATION: The largest collection online of NDE’s – over 2,000 fully published text accounts. Also has commonly asked questions answered and lots more information. Run by Jeffrey and Jody Long.

In researching for this series what surprised me the most was just how widely accepted much of this is across religions and the medical community. Learning about it has been fascinating and opened my mind up, given me a deeper sense of peace and exposed me to feelings of love deeper than I ever knew existed. I hope you have enjoyed this series. Taking Andrea’s class was a wonderful experience and doing the readings brings me a sense of awe and excitement each time. I now will be returning to writing more frequently and look forward to interacting with you all more. I LOVE comments and would love to know what you think about life between lives.

complainers

2010-08-22T23:19:00.002-04:00

How Do YOU Deal With a Chronic Complainer?

We all come across these people once in a while...and you know the ones I'm talking about. The ones who think their contribution in life is to be the one who spreads the most misery. Nothing is good enough for these people--I call them Chronic Complainers. These people can be extremely frustrating to deal with (if you let them get to you).

Here's the 2 things to remember about chronic complainers:

1. They will NEVER, NEVER be happy or satisfied.
2. They will NEVER run out of things to complain about.

You could bake them a cake and they'd say, "what, it's not chocolate?" They could win a car and gripe about paying taxes on their new FREE car. You could give them a bag full of money and they'd tell you the burlap sack itches their hand. You know the type.

Do you come across Chronic Complainers in your life?

Are these people causing you stress? Wasting your time? Zapping your energy?

Have you always wondered how to deal with these people?

Finally, here's your answer.

All you have to do is SHAKE THEM UP a bit.

That's it! Amazingly simple, and yet it works wonders. Just shake them up a bit. OK, some of you look puzzled, so I'll explain. But first let's look at how you probably alreayd cope with these people when you encounter them (some of you may be unfortunate enough to have to encoutner a Chronic Complainer every day, so listen up!)

When your Chronic Complainer starts griping, which is your coping method of choice:

a) ignore it / allow them to "vent" without responding
b) try to point out the bright side of whatever they'r complaining about (e.g., "Well, at least you're not pregnant!")
c) change the subject
d) join in to make them feel better (misery loves company)
e) avoid the person at all costs and when you must interact, avoiding asking "So, how's it going?"

Here's the trouble with each of these responses (keep in mind rule #1 and rule #2 with Chronic Complainers - they'll never be happy/satisfied and they'll never run out of things to complain about).

a) ignore it/allow it. This only encourages the behavior to continue. Your silence is perceived as permission, and they will continue to complain to you as long as you allow it.
b) illuminating the bright side. See rule #1 (to them, there is no bright side); see also rule #2 (the bright side opens the door for more things to complain about). This doesn't work because you've indicated that you're willing to engage in converation, so now they waste TWICE as much of your time. Bad idea.
c) change the subject. OK, what subject do you really think you can bring up that they will NOT complain about? Remember rule #2, which means every subject is a potential pitfall. These people are like professional complainers, so the subject change will only work with amateurs, and not Chronic Complainers.
d) join in the misery. Does this really make you feel better? Trust me, you're not helping. Plus, guess who they're gonna call when everyone else starts ignoring them and changing the subject...YOU. Don't drag yourself down to their level, you're bigger than that.
e) avoidance/denial. Not always a practical option, especially if it's someone you work with, live with, or are (gulp) related to. Not exactly the mature option, either. Hey, I'm not saying I've never done it, I'm just saying it's not always the best course of action.

OK, so we've covered what NOT to do, now let's get back to that SHAKE THEM UP a bit suggestion.

Here's the million-dollar question:

Are you genuinely interested in helping the person to change (thereby helping not only that person adn yourself, but everyone else in that person's life!) or do you just want to pretend you never met this person?

Because if your motivation for reading this posting is all about YOU, you're not going to like my answer. On the other hand, if you're genuinely interested in helping the other person, read on Brave One.

To shake them up, you have to respond in a way that's different from what they'll expect. You've heard the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over adn expecting different results. How do you think I know about possible repsonses a though e? Becuse I've TRIED THEM ALL. That's how I know they don't work! So I finally had to try something DIFFERENT to find out what will work.

The interesting thing is that there are literally thousands of ways to respond DIFFERENTLY to get a differnet response, and to shake them up a bit. What works for one person may just tick off another person. You've got to go with your gut on this one.

I know what you're thinking...can you have an example? Sure, I'll give you a few.

YOU: How's it going this morning?

THEM: Terrible! I overslept, then my eggs were runny and my bacon was burnt, then we ran out of salt so I had to eat runny eggs that were bland, etc etc etc.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #1): Surely one good thing happened this morning. Can you think of at least one good thing to tell me?

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #2): Man, you are CRANKY today! Maybe we should talk later after a happier version of you shows up.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #3): Why don't you just end it all and put yourself out of your misery before things get any worse. (This only works with someone who can potentially realize how dramatic they're being...you obviously wouldn't want to use this with someone who is frantic or on the edge!)

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #4): C'mon, I refuse to believe it's really that terrible. Tell me something positive that happened to you in the past 24 hours.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #5): Sounds like somebody needs a nap!

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #6): (with KINDness and GENUINE concern) Bob, are you aware that you complain a lot? Sometimes it's hard for me to be around you because you complain so much.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #7): I've found that when I focus on what's wrong, I get more of what I don't want. When I am able to let go of little annoyances like the things you've just mentioned, it creates a space for me to count my blessings. Have you ever thought about that?

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #8): Have you ever stopped to think what you're doing to attract all this into your life?

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #9): How does it make you feel when you tell me all this? If it doesn't feel good, stop doing it, and talk about something that makes you feel good! Because to be totally honest, it doesn't feel very good to listen to what you're telling me, so I'm thinking it probably doesnt' feel good for you to re-live all that frustration while you're telling me about it.

These are just a few suggestions you can use. They key to remember (if indeed you truly are attempting to ASSIST this person in thinking differently) is to use KINDNESS. People who are hyper-sensitive are not going to react well to #2, 3, 5 and 6. Someone who is an impatient, "get to the point" kind of person probably won't respond well to #7. Your boss probably won't respond in a way you'll like if you say #2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. That's why you have to make it fit the person and the situation. These aren't "zingers" they are just ways to get the person's attention adn encourage them to change their thinking. That's the point, right?

If you have frequent, unavoidable contact with a Chronic Complainer, you can pre-plan some repsonses or openers for authentic conversations so that you're prepared instead of coming up with something on the fly or potentially chickening out and resorting to the old, ineffective methods (see a thru e above).

I'd love to hear your suggestions if you have other "reponses" to Chronic Complainers. Email them to me at support@newsuccess.org or post a comment here.

Meanwhile, here is your question for today:

Do you have hte guts to respond differently to the Chronic Complainer in your life?

positve attitude

2010-08-18T15:37:00.000-04:00

Web Shopping Search Enhanced by Google Search Enhanced by Google Home News Finance Sports Shopping Games Entertainment Travel Dating Jobs Video Radio
Mail TV Listings Download Toolbar Benefits Security Center Download IE Download Toolbar Premium Services More... Road Runner Help Mail Help
Password Reset
RR Self Care
24x7 Live Chat Support
jpettit10@neo.rr.com Log Out

Inbox (2) Drafts Sent Mail Deleted Items (137) Junk Mail (39) Manage Folders $1,000,000
asap..
ed2golinkshare
Ezine Training
family health
I am power
net

Read Message Usage22% of 100.0 MB Compose Get Mail Search Mail Address Book Settings Log Out Reply
Reply All
Forward
View Header
Delete
Report SPAM
Printable View
Move to: Drafts Sent Mail Deleted Items $1,000,000 asap.. ed2golinkshare Ezine Training family health I am power net [New Folder] << Prev | Next >>

The Positivity Blog
jpettit10@neo.rr.com

Subject: [Positivity] How to Live a Less Stressful Life: 10 Simple Tips

Priority: Normal Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 12:26 AM Size: 14 KB

This message has 1 images blocked to protect your privacy.

"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."
Jim Goodwin

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
Lily Tomlin

Stress sucks. It sucks joy and the life out of you.

So today I'll share 10 of my favourite tips that I use to minimize stress and live a more relaxed but at the same time productive life. I hope you find something helpful here, even if it's just a few reminders of things you had forgotten about.

1. Accept the situation.

Stress is often to a large part resistance to what already is. You may be in a stressful situation and think to yourself that this situation shouldn't be, that you shouldn't be here. But the situation has already arisen, is here, and so are you.
So to decrease the stress and resistance you accept the situation. With your resistance gone or lowered you can now direct your mental energy and focus to finding a solution in a level-headed manner instead of trying to do it while panicked or confused.

2. Take everything less seriously.

Taking things or yourself overly serious adds a lot of unnecessary negativity and stress to your life. A minor situation may be blown up to a major one in your mind. If you just learn to lighten up a bit, life becomes more fun and you realize that you get great results even if you aren't super-serious about everything.

3. Decrease or put a stop to negative relationships.

If someone is always making you more stressed or creates a lot of negativity in your life you may want to consider decreasing the amount of time you spend with that person. Some people almost seem to like to dwell in negativity. That is their choice. It's your choice if you want to participate.

Or you can choose to hang out more with relaxed and non-stressed people. Both in real life and by watching/listening to CDs and DVDs. Two guys that tend to calm me down when I listen/watch them are Eckhart Tolle and Wayne Dyer.

4. Just move slower.

You emotions work backwards too. If you slow down how you walk or how you move your body you can often start to feel less stressed.

This allows you to think more clearly too. A stressed mind tends to run in circles a lot of the time. And slowing down to decrease stress goes for other forms of movement too, like riding your bicycle or driving the car.

5. Exercise.

A simple and time-tested way to decrease inner tension. Regular exercise can do wonders for both your mind and body. This is one of the solutions that work most consistently for me.

6. Find five things you can be grateful for right now.

Being grateful and appreciating your life and surroundings is one of the most effective ways to turn a negative emotional state to a more positive one. So find a few things you are grateful for right now.

Perhaps it's the sunny weather, that you feel healthy and energetic today, that you have just eaten a delicious after-noon snack, that the guy/gal that just walked by had a great looking jacket on and that tonight there is a new episode of your favourite TV-show to enjoy.

7. Look for solutions.

When faced with a challenge that can cause stress, try to direct your focus to solutions rather than to dwelling on the problem for too long. Dwelling only causes more stress and makes your mind less open to finding a solution.

8. Be early.

Just be 10 or 5 minutes early for meetings etc. This very simple tip can cut down on stress quite a bit.

9. Do just one thing at a time.

Single tasking and focusing on doing just one thing at a time not only decreases stress but from my experience gets things done a whole lot quicker than if you multitask.

10. Talk to people around you about it.

Perhaps they can offer you advice that has worked for them or just an ear and some support. Just telling someone about something, just getting it out can often help to relieve some of the stress.

http://www.positivityblog.com/
Hällskriftsgatan 8B, Gothenburg, 02 41726, SWEDEN

To unsubscribe or change subscriber options visit:
http://www.aweber.com/z/r/?jIxsHGwsTLQsnOycDGysTLRmtKysrCysLGw=

Image Blocked

Previous Message | Next Message

Web Shopping Search Enhanced by Google Search Enhanced by Google RoadRunner High Speed OnlineLog Out
Home
Mail
Video
Radio
Channels
News
Finance
Sports
Shopping
Games
Benefits
Security Center
Download IE
Download Toolbar
Premium Services
More...
Road Runner Help
Password Reset
RR Self Care
24x7 Live Chat Support

Web Mail Support
Security Abuse
Tutorials
Feedback

Contact Us
More...

Copyright © 2010 Road Runner Holding Co. LLC | Advertise with Us | Web Privacy Policy | Privacy Policy | Sign Up for Road Runner

you are what you eat

2010-07-25T20:40:00.002-04:00

Mom was right: You are what you eat
Choosing whole foods can ward off a variety of ailmentsAdvertisement | ad info
.by David Katz, M.D.

updated 2 minutes ago
Share Print Font: +-We are what we eat. We've all heard it, but most of us probably don't quite believe it. After all, you've had french fries and didn't sprout french fry antennae. So we're not really what we eat ... are we?

We are. It's every bit as true as it is hard to see. Just as our homes are made from lumber without looking like trees, our bodies are made from the nutrients we extract from foods without resembling those foods. The nutritional content of what we eat determines the composition of our cell membranes, bone marrow, blood, and hormones. Consider that the average adult loses roughly 300 billion cells to old age every day and must replace them. Our bodies are literally manufactured out of the food we consume.

That's why what we put in them is of utmost importance — and why "clean food" is an urgent priority and "junk" food is neither cute nor innocuous. In short, our bodies are only as clean as the food we feed them.

Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat?
100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories
Try These Powerful Superfruits
14 Secrets to A Happier Vacation Anywhere
..What difference does that make? Nothing less than this: Our forks — and our feet — are the master levers of medical destiny. Let me explain.

Before 1993, a list of the leading causes of death in the United States included heart disease, cancer, and stroke. But in that year, J. Michael McGinnis, MD, and William Foege, MD, changed this paradigm when they published "Actual Causes of Death in the United States" in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which looked at the causes of these diseases.

They concluded that fully half the annual deaths — roughly a million — were premature and could've been postponed by modifying behaviors, including smoking, diet and exercise, alcohol consumption, use of firearms, sexual behavior, motor vehicle crashes, and illicit drug use. Smoking and poor eating and exercise habits alone accounted for 700,000 premature deaths in 1990.

In 2004, a group of scientists at the CDC revisited this issue in JAMA and came to the same conclusion. This time, however, the toll from eating badly had gone up, due to obesity and diabetes.

Then, last summer, CDC scientists published a paper in the Archives of Internal Medicine analyzing records of more than 23,000 German adults enrolled in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC) and investigated four behaviors: Are you eating well? Are you a healthy weight? Are you physically active? Do you smoke?

Those with four good answers (eating well, body mass index below 30, active, not smoking), compared with those with four bad answers (not eating well, BMI above 30, not active, and smoking), were 80 percent less likely to have any major chronic disease. (Imagine if a pill could reduce our risk of dying prematurely from any cause by 80 percent!)

You have doubtless heard of nature (genes) versus nurture (environment) — but this shows that lifestyle is so powerful, we can use it to nurture nature, or influence our genes. Various studies have shown this, but Dean Ornish, MD, and his colleagues have produced the most compelling results. Assigning men with prostate cancer to a "clean living" intervention that included a wholesome, plant-based diet; regular physical activity; and stress management, they demonstrated a marked reduction in the activity of genes that can promote prostate cancer growth and a significant increase in the genes that are able to control it.

That's the power and promise in clean eating, so it helps to know what it means. Is it organic? Not necessarily. Food can be organic without being nutritious — think organic gummy bears — or nutritious without being organic, such as conventionally grown broccoli. Organic is a good thing, but it's not a summary measure of "clean."
Clean foods are minimally processed and as direct from nature as possible. They're whole and free of additives, colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, and hormones. I particularly like foods with one-word ingredients, such as spinach, blueberries, almonds, salmon, and lentils. The longer the ingredient list, the more room there is for manufacturing mischief — additions of chemicals, sugar, salt, harmful oils, and unneeded calories — and the more likely it is that you should step away from the package so no one gets hurt!
There's also strong evidence that, as a rule, the closer to nature you eat, the fewer calories it will take for you to feel satisfied. The reason? Processed foods often have low amounts of fiber and water; a high ratio of calories to nutrients; and a mix of tastes from added sugar, salt, and flavoring that overly stimulates the appetite center in the hypothalamus. Clean foods are the opposite: lots of fiber and fluid, a high ratio of nutrients to calories, and free of added flavors — all of which send signals of satiety to your brain before you consume too many calories. As an example, think of how many raw almonds you eat before stopping, then compare that to honey roasted almonds — that sugary coating spurs you to eat more. By eating clean, you can control your weight permanently without feeling deprived or hungry or having constant cravings.
So, let's sum up the importance of eating clean. Our bodies are replacing billions of cells every day — and using the foods we consume as the source of building materials. Eating well is part of the formula that can reduce our risk of any major chronic disease by 80 percent and reach into our innermost selves to improve the health of our very genes.
I recall my mother admonishing me, as a child, to clean my plate because there were starving kids in China. These days, China, like us, has epidemic obesity. Forget about cleaning your plate — focus instead on choosing clean foods to put on it in the first place. You know what's at stake: life itself, the liberty that comes with good health, and the likelihood of happiness.
Copyright© 2010 Rodale Inc.All rights reserved. No reproduction, transmission or display is permitted without the written permissions of Rodale Inc.

you are what you eat

herbs

2010-07-23T18:55:00.002-04:00

Aromatherapy: Myrrh
by Kathi Keville
More from Discovery Health
Mystery Diagnosis
Millions of Americans who fall prey to real-life medical mysteries. Watch their stories.Print Cite Feedback E-mail This Facebook Digg This Yahoo! Buzz StumbleUpon TwitThis Reddit
Share Recommend
Cite This!Close .Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Keville, Kathi. "Aromatherapy: Myrrh." 26 April 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. 23 July 2010.

Myrrh has been used in aromatherapy since antiquity as an incense to inspire prayer and meditation and to fortify the spirit. This small, scrubby, spiny tree from the semidesert regions of the Middle East and North East Africa is not very handsome, but it makes up for its looks with the precious gum it exudes.

An important trade item for several thousand years, myrrh was a primary ingredient in ancient cosmetics and incenses. The Egyptians mummified their dead with it, while other cultures burned it in cremations. Believed to comfort sorrow, its name means “bitter tears.” This may also refer to the bitter-tasting myrrh sap, which oozes in tearlike drops when the tree’s bark is cut. Myrrh was added to wine by both the Greeks and Hebrews to heighten their sensual awareness. The yellow to amber-colored essential oil is distilled from the gum and frequently added to toothpastes and gum preparations to help alleviate mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and infection.

Principal constituents of myrrh: Pinene, dipentene, heerabolene, limonene, cadinene, formic acid, acetic acid, myrrholic acid, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, plus resins

Scent of myrrh: It has a warm, spicy, bitter odor, with smoky and musky undertones.

Therapeutic properties of myrrh: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal, decongestant, astringent; heals wounds, brings on menstruation

Uses for myrrh: Myrrh is an expensive but effective treatment for chapped, cracked, or aged skin, eczema, bruises, infection, varicose veins, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. Included in many ointments, it dries weepy wounds. It is a specific remedy for mouth and gum disease and is found in many oral preparations, as it fights candida infections such as thrush. It is very helpful applied on herpes sores and blisters: Add it to a lip balm, using about 25 drops per ounce. Lozenges or syrup containing myrrh treat coughs. As an additional bonus, it increases the activity of the immune system. Herbalists and aromatherapists use myrrh to gradually regulate an overactive thyroid. It can also increase menstrual flow.

Warnings about myrrh: Due to a possible increase of thyroid activity, do not use myrrh if you have an overactive thyroid.

To learn more about Aromatherapy and other alternative medicines, see:

•Aromatherapy: Learn about aromatherapy, how it works, what part essential oils play, and how to use aromatherapy.

•Essential Oils Profiles: We have collected profiles of dozens of plants that are used to produce essential oils. On these pages, you will learn the properties and preparations for the most popular essential oils.

•How to Treat Common Conditions With Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be used to treat a number of conditions, from asthma to depression to skin problems. Here you will learn how to treat some common medical problems with aromatherapy.

•Home Remedies: We have gathered over a hundred safe, time-tested home remedies for treating a wide variety of medical complaints yourself.

•Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies and aromatherapy can be very similar, and they stem from similar historic roots. On this page, you will find all of our herb profiles and instructions for treating medical problems with herbal remedies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Keville is director of the American Herb Association and editor of the American Herb Association Quarterly newsletter. A writer, photographer, consultant, and teacher specializing in aromatherapy and herbs for over 25 years, she has written several books, including Aromatherapy: The Complete Guide to the Healing Art and Pocket Guide to Aromatherapy, and has written over 150 articles for such magazines as New Age Journal, The Herb Companion, and New Herbal Remedies.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

great moments

2010-07-22T22:18:00.002-04:00

Some of the Best Moments in Life:

* To fall in love.

* To laugh until it hurts your stomach.

* To find mails by the thousands when you return from a vacation.

* To go for a vacation to some pretty place.

* To listen to your favorite song in the radio.

* To go to bed and to listen while it rains outside.

* To leave the! Shower and find that the towel is warm.

* To clear your last exam.

* To receive a call from someone, you don't see a lot, but you want to.

* To find money in a pant that you haven't used since last year.

* To laugh at yourself looking at mirror, making faces. :)))

* Calls at midnight that last for hours. :))

* To laugh without a reason.

* To accidentally hear somebody say something good about you.

* To wake up and realize it is still possible to sleep for a couple of hours.

* To hear a song that makes you remember a special person.

* To be part of a team.

* To watch the sunset from the hill top.

* To make new friends.

* To feel butterflies! In the stomach every time that you see that person.

* To pass time with your best friends.

* To see people that you like, feeling happy.

* To use a sweater of the person that you like and find that it still smells of their perfume.

* See an old friend again and to feel that the things have not changed.

* To take an evening walk along the beach.

* To have somebody tell you that he/she loves you.

* To laugh .......laugh........and laugh ...... remembering stupid things done with stupid friends.

These are the best moments of life....

Let us learn to cherish them.

Breathing

2010-07-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

The Art of Breathing

In -spiration -( from latin spiro 'breath') - In breath

The Indo-European root "anh" ("breath, soul, spirit") provides the point of derivation for myriad linguistic developments -- including the Latin "anima", Sanskrit "atman" and English "animate". See Robert Claiborne, The Roots of English: A Reader's Handbook of Word Origins (New York: Timnes Books, 1989), p. 48.

Four Types of breathing:

Upper- Just using mouth to breath, worst, typical western slouched breathing

Middle -expanding diaphram, lifting chest

Lower - expanding stomach / abdomen when breathing in

Complete - Using all three - While inhaling - push out stomach, then expand diaphram and then lift chest - in one smooth movement (practise)

exhale: stomach in - imagine a beach ball at abdomen

Shaman Power Breath (Kenneath Meadows, Earth Medicine)

Inhale for three seconds
Hold for three seconds
Exhale for four seconds
pause for four seconds
The Tao of Breath

Long breath, long life.
Short breath, short life.
No breath, death.

Since the practice of Qigong can be translated literally as Breath Work, the technic of breathing is an integral part of Qigong practice. The history of working with the breath is universal. In Yoga, working with the rhythm of breathing is called Pranayama and involves inhaling then pausing, exhaling and pausing. In Kundalini Yoga, there is the Breath of Fire which involves rapid breathing. In Tibetan Yoga, there is a holding in of inhaled air, called the Vase Breath, to create tremendous inner heat.

Breathing is our gateway to our voluntary and autonomic nervous systems. Respiration can be conscious or unconscious, as when you are asleep or have fainted. For Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or Cot Death, there is very strong evidence that very small babies die from their bodies forgetting to breathe in their sleep. This is tragic and explains why in the Chinese culture one finds a family bed. Allowing the mother to sleep with the new-born baby can be one possible preventive measure against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Since breathing involves both the voluntary and the involuntary nervous systems, Taoist masters shrewdly observed that our emotions influence the way we breathe. When we are angry our breathing becomes heavy. When we are sad our breathing becomes choked.

When we are happy our breathing becomes fluid and smooth. When we are peaceful, our breaths become long and quiet.

In Taoist and Buddhist training, breath is divided into four levels:

Windy Breath: As the name implies, this type of breathing is when we physically exert ourselves and get winded. Windy Breath can easily cause fatigue.

Raspy Breath: In this form of breathing others can hear the sound of our breathing. This is usually due to disturbed emotions or sickness. Raspy breath can cause tension and blockage of the Qi.

Qi Breath: This breathing is so quiet that it can be heard only by one's self. Qi breath can lead to stupor or sleepiness.

Resting Breath: Only this last form of breathing is so quiet that one cannot even hear one's own breath. This is the true Qigong state of breathing. Only when one achieves this level of breathing of total smoothness and velvetness can one consider to have really attained the beginning level of Qigong practice.

In Taiji practice, the common state of breath is the Raspy breath or even the windy breath, only rarely do I encounter a practitioner who has the Qi breath. In my more than 30 years of practice and observation, I have met only a handful of masters with the ability to maintain a flowing state of Resting Breath while practicing Taiji or Qigong forms. Resting Breath can be experienced more readily when one is doing seated meditation. Once one has reached the level of deep theta brain waves or the deep samadhi state the sound of one's own breathing disappears. At this point, one no longer notices whether one is breathing or not. The student will have very concrete physical manifestations to bring to her/is teacher for confirmation.

Caution, one should not try to arrest one's breath deliberately. Attempting to do so can cause great harm to any novice.

The training of breathing involves a personal guide who has attained mastery of at least the fourth stage of breathing. It is no wonder that most students are given the simple advice in regards to breathing in Taiji -- " breathe naturally".

" Breathe naturally" is not bad advice but it is not good advice, either. " Breathe naturally" to most beginners simply means that they continue to breathe according to their personal habits. To really begin breath training, one has to observe dysfunctional breathing habits inside oneself. Pay close attention to the upper torso, the shoulders, the upper back and neck region. The training of breathing does not involve artificially superimposed patterns from the outside. Even the esoteric master, G.I. Gurdjieff, was once told by his teacher that he should abandon all his learned breathing techniques; they do more harm than good.

The different stages of breathing occur naturally as one gains awareness and mastery over one's Taiji movement and respiration. The purpose of breathing is to bring vitality and oxygen into our blood stream.

But there are also many other crucial aspects in breathing: such as assisting the heart's pumping action, the flow of endocrine hormonal emission from the organs as well as the movement of the cerebral spinal fluid in the spinal cord. Uninhibited free breath is rare. If one has the good fortune to experience such free breathing, one feels deep, widening waves of joy spreading slowly over the whole body. This bliss of free breath is more intense than sexual orgasm.

To free the breath involves retracing the trauma of our birth. For most of us our first breath was filled with pain and fear. Usually a doctor gives the baby a good wack on the back or bottom. Emerging from the warmth and darkness of the womb, we took our first breath out of shock and pain. No wonder so many of us gasp every inhalation as if it were our last breath. This conditioning alters and imprints the breathing pattern for the rest of our life. (Now, if you happen to be born in a swimming pool or come from Dr. Larma's clinic, you are one of the lucky few who were born and breathe without pain. Accordingly, babies who were born without pain and allowed to breathe their first few breaths on their mother's belly with the umbilical cord still attached tend to do better in life.) Remember: before there is the spoken word, a breath must be taken. So breathing even comes before the act of creation. Truly then, breathing is taking in the spirit of life, inspiration.

Abdominal Lift ©

Roger Jahnke O.M.D. (Author of The Healer Within: The Four Essential Self-Care Methods for Creating Optimal Health, Harper-Collins) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This technique is a traditional yoga practice called Uddhiyana bandha. Stand with feet at about shoulder width, bend the knees slightly, bend forward, exhale completely, brace the hands above the knees. Either lift and hold the abdomen upward against the spine or rhythmically contract and release the abdomen while maintaining the exhalation. Complete by returning to erect position and inhaling before needing to gasp.

Applications

Suggestions:

Health maintenance: 3 to 4 repetitions, 2 to 3 sessions per day. Health enhancement: 3 to 4 repetitions, 4 to 6 sessions per day.
Disease intervention: Start slowly and build up to 6 to 10 repetitions, 8 to 10 sessions per day. Getting started: 2 to 3 repetitions, once or twice per day. Remember to build up slowly, if you are weak, this can be too much exertion if practiced too vigorously. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other columns provide specific instructions for the following breathing practices: Breathing Practices Full Chest and Abdominal Breathing Every Seventh Breath Full and Relaxed Extending the Inhalation, Extending the Exhalation Exhale to Compress the Organs Rapid Abdominal Breathing Alternate Nostril Breathing

Other Thoughts:

maybe it's just the deep breathing that relaxes smokers?

During everyday life be aware of the gap between the breathing in or out. prana

Why choose breathing as the primary object of meditation?

Why not something a bit more interesting? Answers to this are numerous. A useful object of meditation should be one that promotes mindfulness. It should be portable, easily available and cheap. It should also be something that will not embroil us in those states of mind from which we are trying to free ourselves, such as greed, anger and delusion. Breathing satisfies all these criteria and more. Breathing is something common to every human being. We all carry it with us wherever we go. It is always there, constantly available, never ceasing from birth till death, and it costs nothing. Breathing is a non-conceptual process, a thing that can be experienced directly without a need for thought. Furthermore, it is a very living process, an aspect of life that is in constant change. The breath moves in cycles--inhalation, exhalation, breathing in and breathing out. Thus it is miniature model of life itself. The sensation of breath is subtle, yet it is quite distinct when you learn to tune into it. It takes a bit of an effort to find it. Yet anybody can do it. You've got to work at it, but not too hard. For all these reasons, breathing makes an ideal object of meditation. Breathing is normally an involuntary process, proceeding at its own pace without a conscious will. Yet a single act of will can slow it down or speed it up. Make it long and smooth or short and choppy. The balance between involuntary breathing and forced manipulation of breath is quite delicate. And there are lessons to be learned here on the nature of will and desire. Then, too, that point at the tip of the nostril can be viewed as a sort of a window between the inner and outer worlds. It is a nexus point and energy-transfer spot where stuff from the outside world moves in and becomes a part of what we call 'me', and where a part of me flows forth to merge with the outside world. There are lessons to be learned here about self- concept and how we form it. Breath is a phenomenon common to all living things. A true experiential understanding of the process moves you closer to other living beings. It shows you your inherent connectedness with all of life. Finally, breathing is a present-time process. By that we mean it is always occurring in the here-and-now. We don't normally live in the present, of course. We spend most of our time caught up in memories of the past or leaping ahead to the future, full of worries and plans. The breath has none of that 'other-timeness'. When we truly observe the breath, we are automatically placed in the present. We are pulled out of the morass of mental images and into a bare experience of the here- and-now. In this sense, breath is a living slice of reality. A mindful observation of such a miniature model of life itself leads to insight that are broadly applicable to the rest of our experience. The first step in using the breath as an object of meditation is to find it. What you are looking for is the physical, tactile sensation of the air that passes in and out of the nostrils. This is usually just inside the tip of the nose. But the exact spot varies from one person to another, depending on the shape of the nose. To find your own point, take a quick deep breath and notice the point just inside the nose or on the upper lip where you have the most distinct sensation of passing air. Now exhale and notice the sensation at the same point. It is from this point that you will follow the whole passage of breath. Once you have located your own breath point with clarity, don't deviate from that spot. Use this single point in order to keep your attention fixed. Without having selected such a point, you will find yourself moving in and out of the nose, going up and down the windpipe, eternally chasing after the breath which you can never catch because it keeps changing, moving and flowing.

NOT ONLY ASTHMA, BUT SOME 200 OTHER MALADIES RESULTING FROM MOST PEOPLE'S TENDENCY TO HYPERVENTILATE!

ASTHMA IS OUT OF DATE:

A Revolutionary Approach To Breathing for Therapists, Yoga Teachers and Healers.

By Kathy Alexander.

Is it possible after the thousands of years human > >beings have been practising breathing techniques, that > >there is an important known factor that we have been > >overlooking? > > > >I believe that there is. I think it is so significant that I want you > >to know about it. > > > >We have all seen someone in an asthma attack, gasping > >for air. The ribcage is moving rapidly, like bellows. > >The clavicles are being lifted to get every bit of air > >in. Why are asthmatics short of air in an attack? They > >look to have plenty. I can tell you from more than > >fifty years of experience, it certainly does not feel > >like there is enough air! We are not short of AIR, we are > >short of OXYGEN.

Why are we not receiving oxygen when we are breathing > >in so much air? Because it is the carbon dioxide in the blood > >which facilitates the release of the oxygen molecule from > >the hemoglobin. This is a known physiological fact. > > > >If the carbon dioxide level is not high enough, the > >oxygen molecule sticks to the hemoglobin and is > >trapped in the red cells. So less oxygen is released > >to feed the tissues.

Chemically speaking this makes as well > >as super sensitive mucous membranes in both upper > >respitory and digestive systems. > > > >Prof. Buteyko, a Russian diagnostic physician, contends > >that asthma, hay fever and allergies are symptoms of a > >breathing disorder, for which he has found an effective way > >of treating. Retraining/or reconditioning the breathing patterns > >over twenty four hours a day is the most important part of > >his method. Average results are a 90% reduction in use of drugs > >over three months, with big improvements by the third > >day of the course. For more detail, see > >. > > > >OVER-BREATHING > > > >

Asthma is caused by long-term overbeathing, he says. > >We must learn to conserve carbon dioxide. Breathing out > >through the mouth is the quickest way to lose carbon dioxide. > >I experienced this factor with twenty three other fellow > >asthmatics four years ago in a five day (two hour per day) > >Buteyko course. > > > >I watched five severely asthmatic children ( needing > >three doses of neubulizer/cortico steroids daily) learn to > >bronchodilate themselves in just two days. And what a > >change of confidence! > > > >We know of hundreds of people who have overcome asthma > >through yoga, qi gung, TM meditation, and swimming. > >Some do, but also some like me, do not. Maybe this > >information may clarify issues here. > > > >When Buteyko talks of "shallow breathing" he means low > >volume breathing. The term "shallow breathing" usually > >refers to upper lobe breathing (considered inefficient and tiring). > >Strong use of bronchiodilaters combined with sporting activities > >from 9 years of age distorted my breathing pattern so badly that > >when I began yoga at 30 I needed physio for 3 months to learn to > >use the diaphragm in breathing. My pattern is still poor. Relaxed > >low volume diaphragmatic breathing is the end goal of Buteyko.

> >Severity of breathing pattern distortions and the length of time > >the body has experienced it are of course, factors in the speed > >with which new approaches are learned. > > > >

PLEASE asthmatics, don't take a whiff of a puffer and then go > >to play sport! > > > >EMPOWERING YOURSELF > > > >This method is quick! This method is so empowering! It > >is precisely working with the key factors considered to be the > >physiological cause of asthma. It is most important to do a course > >with a trained Buteyko teacher. It is very valuable for an asthmatic > >to know precisely what is causing breathing restriction. > > > >But what, you therapists will be asking, about the > >emotional aspects of asthma? I have thought a lot > >about that too. How come approximately 50% of people > >who undergo this method totally overcome their asthmatic > >condition over a five day course? So what of the attitudes > >of selfworth, etc, that are so often considered partners with > >the asthma condition? What happened to that in five days? > > > >My theory is that asthmatics have suffered a trauma > >which have made them frightened of not having enough > >air. This can be a difficult birth experience, croupe, > >drowning, etc - any number of experiences both > >remembered or too traumatic and/or too early to > >remember. So we consistently over-breathe. Too much > >volume per breath. The Buteyko method is a conscious > >controlling of air intake. I personally experienced losing fear > >of being without air because I was constantly confronting > >that fear within my practice, and I presume others would as > >well. > > > >Emotional release therapy is now much easier for me. > >One of the factors that is important here is that much > >emotional release work, and deep tissue massage > >involve breathing out through the open mouth. This is > >the quickest way to lose carbon dioxide levels. For > >people who have not learnt to alter their breathing > >pattern, this may result in tightness in breathing > >from a purely physiological cause. Likewise it may be > >valuable for yoga teachers to be aware of practices, > >such as cleansing breath and other breathing practices > >where emphasis is placed on breathing out though the > >mouth. These may not be appropriate for asthmatics. > >I believe this is very valuable information for yoga > >teachers to understand about asthma. > > > >Are asthmatics anxious, anxious to please, sensitive > >to criticism? Yes, I think generally speaking we are. > >We cannot be sure of the most basic requirements that > >our body needs. It makes us feel unsafe. We have also > >learned to stay calm when our body is in total crisis, and > >this helps to learn to be out of touch with emotional reactions. > >This is why this is so important that children no longer need > >to experience the condition of asthma. I believe that no child > >need ever suffer this condition again! I believe it could become > >as out of date as rickets and small pox. > > > >I would be delighted if I were able to help spread the understanding > >that this condition is merely a breathing disorder, extremely easy > >for children to learn in just a few days. I would like to make it clear > >that > >I am not a Buteyko practitioner. > > > >There is much more that I can say about my experiences > >with asthma, hay fever and allergies but space does not > >permit. If your interest has been stimulated I refer > >you to , , > >, and finally or > >contact the nearest Buteyko practitioner. > > > > > >NOTES ABOUT THE AUTHOR: > >Kathy Alexander has experienced severe asthma since the age of five, > >and has been on daily medication until three and half years ago. She > >is now 62 years old. Sportswoman, senior lecturer in PhysEd & Health > >at Melbourne State College, she was superannuated out with severely > >damaged respiratory system, twenty one years ago. She has studied > >natural therapy, yoga, emotional release, deep tissue therapy and > >mind-body therapies since then. > > > >_________________________________ > > > > > >-- > > > > > >Richard Giles > >Home & Health Feng Shui & Astrology > >Mapleton, QLD 4560 Australia > >Phone 61.7.54457441 > >email:- ricgiles@powerup.com.au > > > >

Get Out of a Bad Mood

2010-07-14T17:39:00.001-04:00

Get Out of a Bad Mood
Get out of a bad mood quickly with these mental health tips from WomansDay.Health / Stress Management / Improve Your Mood in 5 Minutes
Improve Your Mood in 5 Minutes
Check out these 18 ways to go from blah to bliss in an instantBy Jennifer Matlack Posted May 18, 2009 from Woman's Day; June 16, 2009
.
Photo: © iStockPhotos
You're in a lousy mood and want to feel better fast. What you need is a happiness fix—right now! Try one of these spirit-boosting tips to jump-start joy in 5 minutes or less.

1. Start a blog. Like journaling, it gives you an outlet for your feelings. “But it may be even better for triggering happiness because people can leave you positive comments,” says Caroline Adams Miller, coauthor of Creating Your Best Life. Begin one at Blogger.com.

2. Make up a ridiculous story. If someone is fueling your sour mood, create a goofy character in your head based on that person. “Imagine an outrageous comic calamity befalling him,” says Amy Riley, a life balance consultant for Tiara Coaching in Chicago. You’ll get a good chuckle out of it.

3. Put yourself in the movies. Think of your favorite film scene, one that makes you feel great every time you see it—like Bridget Jones kissing Mark Darcy in the snow. Now picture yourself as the main character. “Embracing that moment triggers optimism,” says John Ryder, PhD, author of Positive Directions.

4. Soak up the sun. Go outside or stand beside a bright window and bask in the warming rays for a few minutes. Sunlight ups the level of vitamin D in your body, which in turn keeps serotonin (a feel-good hormone) high, explains Mehmet Oz, MD, coauthor of You: Being Beautiful.

5. Touch your toes. “It opens up your hip joints, which is where most people store tension,” says Dr. Oz. Hold the position for a minute, then slowly roll up. As you lift, so will your mood.

6. Take it all in. “Little things in life that inspire joy are often subtle and don’t always grab your attention,” says Barbara Fredrickson, PhD, author of Positivity. So be on the lookout for small wonders: butterflies in your garden, an amazingly bright full moon.

7. Turn on the tunes. Listen to your favorite upbeat song and you’ll be happier in seconds. “Music has a powerful influence over state of mind,” says Alice Domar, PhD, director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Waltham, Massachusetts. That’s because music—especially songs that make you boogie—activates the part of our brain that’s hardwired for pleasure.

8. Show off your moves. Speaking of boogying, that’s another quick way to break into a smile. Got two left feet? It doesn’t matter. “Any form of movement will release endorphins and elevate your mood,” explains Dr. Domar. So while you’re listening to that favorite song, get up and dance.

9. Put photos on the fridge. We look at our refrigerator about 27 times a day, so make the most of it. “Research shows that the happiest people have many joyful family photos displayed in their homes,” says Adams Miller.

10. Get plant-happy. Deadhead the spent flowers on your gardenia or buy a bunch of tulips at the market. Studies show that being around foliage or colorful blooms relieves stress, soothes sadness and increases calmness.

11. Create a new code. Change one of your passwords (e-mail, voice mail, ATM) to a word that primes you to think in an optimistic way—the name of your much-loved pet, the funny nickname you call your husband, or even the word love.

12. Break out of the box. Do one small thing that’s new and unexpected. Put a temporary tattoo on your ankle. Top off your morning coffee with some whipped cream. “Novelty makes people feel good,” says Adams Miller.

13. Mark your calendar. Make a note of an upcoming event that you’re looking forward to—a weekend getaway with your best friend, an outdoor concert with your husband. The sheer anticipation you feel every time you see it penciled in is almost as good as the special event itself.

14. Be generous. A recent study found that when people spent as little as $5 on others, they reported greater feelings of joy. Shopping at the grocery store? Pick up a few staples for your neighbor. Just bought a cup of coffee? Give the barista an extra $5 to pay for the customer behind you.

15. Turn the negative positive. List five to 10 things that went wrong today, then read them out loud, says Riley. It may sound counterintuitive but it works: When you hear all of it together—you dropped your morning bagel on the floor, noticed a new gray hair, discovered that your teen used the last of the shampoo—you’ll see how minor it all is. And a little perspective goes a long way.

16. Send out good vibes. “Text three friends and tell each of them one thing you like about her,” says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, author of The How of Happiness. Your kind words will make them (and you) feel terrific.

17. Lend a hand. Call a local nursing home, shelter, church or charitable organization and ask how you can help. Those few minutes on the phone are all it takes to kick your spirits into high gear. Knowing that you’ll soon be helping others—and then following through—makes you feel good about yourself, says Susan Ouellette, a health care educator in Baltimore, Maryland.

18. Think of the good stuff. Spend a couple of minutes reflecting on your accomplishments over the past five, 10, 15 years, recommends Dan Baker, PhD, author of What Happy Women Know. Maybe you’re a more skilled cook now than you were then, or perhaps you have developed a lifelong hobby into a successful part-time business. Recognizing and acknowledging your growth will provide an immediate sense of gratification. You’ll be cheered instantly.

water

2010-07-10T18:45:00.002-04:00

Think You're Drinking
Enough Water?

By Leroy R. Perry, Jr.
Condensed from PARADE

If you're not, you could end up with excess body fat, poor muscle tone, digestive complications, muscle soreness -- even water-retention problems.

Next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival. A normal adult is 60 to 70 percent water. We can go without food for almost two months, but without water only a few days. Yet most people have no idea how much water they should drink. In fact, many live in a dehydrated state.

Without water, we'd be poisoned to death by our own waste products. When the kidneys remove uric acid and urea, these must be dissolved in water. If there isn't enough water, wastes are not removed as effectively and may build up as kidney stones. Water also is vital for chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism. It carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood and helps to cool the body through perspiration. Water also lubricates our joints.

We even need water to breathe: our lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide. It is possible to lose a pint of liquid each day just exhaling.

So if you don't drink sufficient water, you can impair every aspect of your physiology. Dr. Howard Flaks, a bariatric (obesity) specialist in Beverly Hills, Calif, says, "By not drinking enough water, many people incur excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness and water retention."

Water retention? If you're not drinking enough, your body may retain water to compensate. Paradoxically, fluid retention can sometimes be eliminated by drinking more water, not less.

"Proper water intake is a key to weight loss," says Dr. Donald Robertson, medical director of the Southwest Bariatric Nutrition Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. "If people who are trying to lose weight don't drink enough water, the body can't metabolize the fat adequately. Retaining fluid also keeps weight up."

The minimum for a healthy person is eight to ten eight-ounce glasses a day," says Dr. Flaks. "You need more if you exercise a lot or live in a hot climate. And overweight people should drink in an extra glass for every 25 pounds they exceed their ideal weight. Consult your own physician for their recommendations.

At the International Sports Medicine Institute, we have a formula for daily water intake: 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight if you're not active (that's ten eight-ounce glasses if you weigh 160 pounds), and 2/3 ounce per pound if you're athletic (13 to 14 glasses a day, at the same weight).

Your intake should be spread throughout the day and evening. You may wonder: If I drink this much, won't I constantly be running to the bathroom? Yes. But after a few weeks, your bladder tends to adjust and you urinate less frequently but in larger amounts.

And by consuming those eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day, you could be on your way to a healthier, leaner body.

Calculating Your Own Daily Water Requirements
By Dr. Thomas Stearns Lee

The human body is composed of 25% solids and 75% water. Brain tissue is said to consist of 85% water.

It has become a practice to regard a "dry mouth" as a signal of body water needs, which is further assumed to be well-regulated if the sensation of "dry mouth" is not present. A dry mouth is the last outward sign of extreme dehydration, however. Damage occurs to the body at a persistent lower level of hydration. Because of a gradually failing thirst sensation, the body becomes chronically and increasingly dehydrated.

Signals of dehydration can be any of the following symptoms:

Heartburn, stomach ache

Non-infectious recurring or chronic pain

Low back pain

Headache

Mental irritation and depression

Water retention ( ironic but true! )

Further problems often develop when the sensation of thirst urges an intake of water, and instead, soda pop, coffee, or alcohol-containing beverages are taken to quench the thirst. While these beverages contain water, they are actually dehydrating fluids. Not only do they eliminate the water contained in them, but they also cause you to lose further amounts of water from your body's reserves!

Daily Water Requirements: Drink 50-75% of your body weight in ounces. Sedentary people: 50%; Active people: 75%

Example Calculation:

Pounds of body weight
Water requirement from above (75% of body weight for an active person)

Add for dryness of climate

Add for strenous exercise
150 lb.
112.5 oz.

+ 16 oz.

+ 16 oz.

Total per day 144.5 oz.
Divide by the number of hours you're awake to find your hourly water requirement: 144.5 ÷ 16 = 9 oz.

Therefore, a 150-pound active person who works out should drink 9 oz. of water for each hour awake.

This is only an estimate. "Actual milage may vary."

Links

Lavendar

2010-07-06T16:16:00.000-04:00

Lavender
Keywords: English lavender, garden lavender, anxiety, hair loss, alopecia areata

© Karen Bergeron

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. lavender—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region. It was used in ancient Egypt as part of the process for mummifying bodies. Lavender's use as a bath additive originated in Persia, Greece, and Rome. The herb's name comes from the Latin lavare, which means "to wash."

Common Names--lavender, English lavender, garden lavender

Latin Names--Lavandula angustifolia

What Lavender Is Used For
Historically, lavender was used as an antiseptic and for mental health purposes.
Today, the herb is used for conditions such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and depression.
Lavender is also used for headache, upset stomach, and hair loss.

How Lavender Is Used
Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapyA therapy in which the scent of essential oils from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to promote health and well-being., in which the scent of the essential oil from the flowers is inhaled.
The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin.
Dried lavender flowers can be used to make teas or liquid extracts that can be taken by mouth.

What the Science Says
There is little scientific evidence of lavender's effectiveness for most health uses.
Small studies on lavender for anxiety show mixed results.
Some preliminary results indicate that lavender oil, combined with oils from other herbs, may help with hair loss from a condition called alopecia areata.

Side Effects and Cautions
Topical use of diluted lavender oil or use of lavender as aromatherapy is generally considered safe for most adults. However, applying lavender oil to the skin can cause irritation.
Lavender oil may be poisonous if taken by mouth.
When lavender teas and extracts are taken by mouth, they may cause headache, changes in appetite, and constipation.
Using lavender with sedative medications may increase drowsiness.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

For More Information
Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

CAM on PubMed®
Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Lavender and Tea Tree Oils May Cause Breast Growth in Boys

NIH National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus
Lavender Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-lavender.html

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
NCCAM Publication No. D366
Created March 2007
Updated March 2008

Top

Household tips

2010-07-05T17:29:00.000-04:00

100 Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Home
With healthcare a pressing issue, prices going up, and cures in short supply, more and more people are turning away from their medicine cabinets and to their pantries and gardens for remedies. And they are experiencing a certain amount of success.

Whether looking to help a stuffy nose or something more serious, the answer can be as close as an arm’s reach away with a look at these 100 healthy remedies that are right in your home.

Common Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Home

The below are commonly found in the average home and can help in many ways.

1. Water : Because dehydration can cause a range of symptoms from fatigue to headache, a simple glass of water can sometimes work wonders. Other problems that can arise from lack of water include increased heart rate, dark urine, muscle cramps, and nausea. To avoid these, make sure you get your eight to ten glasses a day.

2. Club Soda : Not only useful for getting out stains, it can also help with an upset stomach or dehydration. Because it is free of the sugar and additives of regular sodas, you can get the benefits without the negatives.

3. Chocolate Milk : Often thought of as more of an indulgence than healthy remedy, there are actually benefits to your childhood favorite. When drank after a rough workout, chocolate milk can actually be very useful as a recovery drink. Check out this video from The Doctors to learn more.

4. Honey : From healing wounds to fighting infections, honey is said to be one of the most ancient and turned to remedies across the world. It is even used to combat diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis. Visit here to get more information.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar : From Hippocrates to modern day doctors, apple cider vinegar has been used to treat many ailments. They include aches, pains, lack of energy, warts, and are even used on animals.

6. Lemon Water : That yellow wedge on the end of your glass can be so much more than a garnish. Combining lemon with water helps alkalize both your blood and body, keeping it from becoming too acidic.

7. Cinnamon : Studies have shown that a half of a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon can also help with diabetes, arthritis, and even leukemia.

8. Ginger : Used as a healthy remedy for centuries, the ginger in your home can actually help with many modern ailments. They include ovarian cancer, motion sickness, heartburn, and more.

9. Garlic : This clove has been used on everything from preventing the flu to the Bubonic plague. Raw garlic has also been used on a range of ailments including both acne treatment and managing cholesterol.

10. Hydrogen Peroxide : The subject of much controversy, this substance can help with everything from allergies to gingivitis. Check out this article by a doctor for more information.

Healthy Remedies To Help You Lose Weight

Avoid the dangers of supplemental weight loss pills by giving the below homemade remedies a try.

11. Milk : Studies showed that those who drank a glass of fat free milk before lunch experienced decreased appetite and calorie intake compared to those who drank fruit juice. Visit here to learn more.

12. Almonds : One of the healthiest of all the nuts, research has been found that people with a diet rich in almonds lost more pounds than those without. They also helped with blood pressure. Visit WebMD for the entire article.

13. Vinegar : Some studies suggest that vinegar can increase metabolism. This in turn helps the body process food and burn more calories.

14. Jalapenos : Similar to the above, the spice found here can also increase metabolism. In fact, many naturally spicy foods tout similar properties.

15. Evening Primrose Oil : The oil is extracted from a plant of the same name and contains an essential fatty acid that can help with metabolism. Other benefits include combating cholesterol, fatigue, improper hormone levels, and more.

16. Make It Raw : Because cooking food can remove nutrients while leaving fat, some people choose a raw diet. This site is maintained by raw food chef and published author and contains more information.

17. Coconut : The oil found in coconuts is said to have weight losing properties. Try taking a tablespoon or two before meals to see if it works for you.

18. Pine Nuts : Use these nuts as a garnish to many dishes to help naturally decrease your appetite. The pinolenic acid found in them is what makes it work.

19. Flaxseeds : Similar to the above, they also help suppress appetite. The seeds also contain omega-3 fats and fiber as well.

20. Other Herbal Remedies : Thinking about taking an herbal remedy such as Ephedra or St. John’s Wort? Then visit here to get an expert medical opinion on many weight loss herbs.

Healthy Remedies For Beauty

Look good on the outside as well with these homemade remedies for beauty.

21. Aloe : Most commonly used for sunburn, it can also be used to treat wounds and other types of skin inflammation. There are even studies suggesting that aloe can help with constipation.

22. Cocoa Butter : Extracted from cocoa beans, the white, waxy material can be applied to dry skin for a natural remedy. It can also be purchased at a store in stick or cream form.

23. Avocado : Often used as a main ingredient in face masks, the oils in avocados contain high levels of Vitamin E that are essential for healthy skin. Simply grab one, puree it, spread on your face, and leave for 20 to 30 minutes.

24. Toothpaste : Not just for a healthy smile, it can also be used as a spot treatment for acne. As soon as you feel a growth coming, apply toothpaste to the effected spot. If you feel it tingling, that means its working. Do not use as an overnight treatment.

25. Eggs : The protein found in eggs can be used to restore the strength of your hair. Simply mix one egg and one or two oils rich in moisturizing fats like coconut or sesame, apply to the hair, and wrap.

26. Ashes : Got a wart? Then grab some cool ashes from the fireplace to treat it naturally.

27. Banana Peel : Wrap one of these around a wart to help dissolve it. However, the time it takes to work – weeks to months – can have even the reasonably patient driving to the pharmacy.

28. Castor Oil : Use this on both your skin and hair for optimal results. The oil can also help with constipation, menstrual disorders, and more.

29. Mayonnaise : Coating your hair in this spread once a week can help restore its shine and manageability. Be sure to use the real kind, made of egg and oil.

30. Oatmeal : Not just a healthy breakfast, the beta glucan in real oatmeal can help your skin. Use a washcloth wrapped with oatmeal and rung into a sink to splash on your face for amazing results.

Healthy Fruit Remedies That Are Right In Your Home

That wicker basket in your home can contain a healthy remedy, along with a tasty snack.

31. Pomegranate : This super fruit can help with everything from anti-aging to fighting cancer. Simply choose a product that has pomegranate as one of the top three ingredients. This video from WebMD has more.

32. Acai Berry : Long before Oprah was touting its benefits, Acai berries were well known for their antioxidant content. These can help with free radicals, disease, and are often found in juice or granola.

33. Watermelon : Containing high levels of glutathione, the pulp in water melon is another powerful antioxidant. Because it is made up of so much water, it can also help with dehydration.

34. Grapefruit : The amount of Vitamin C alone found in this fruit is reason to eat it. However, it also contains flavonoids and other nutrients. But this fruit can also be bad for you if drenched in sweeteners.

35. Cherries : If you have arthritis or any kind of joint problem, cherries are sweeter than you think. The Arthritis Foundation recommends drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day for its anti-inflammatory properties.

36. Orange : Not just a high boaster of Vitamin C, oranges also have other uses. In fact, the peel of an orange can be rubbed against rough or dead skin as a healthy remedy.

37. Apples : It’s true that this fruit actually does keep the doctor away. Conditions it can help include prevention of cancer and Alzheimer’s, along with diabetes and cholesterol management.

38. Berries : Both raspberries and blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients that can help a number of conditions. Those with allergies should definitely give a daily dose of this fruit a try.

39. Tangerines : If you want to slow the growth of cancer cells, take a look at this home healthy remedy. Like many other brightly colored fruits, they contain the cancer fighting substance flavonoids.

40. Papaya : This fruit’s high levels of Vitamin C, E, and others help it combat a number of ailments. Anyone looking to combat a cold or cancer should reach for this.

Healthy Remedies For Your Immune System

With cold and flu season in full swing, these items found in your home can help boost your immune system.

41. Elderberry : Used to treat a Panamanian flu epidemic in 1995, its antioxidants are a powerful force. Available as a juice or supplement, it can also help with cholesterol, vision, and heart health.

42. Mushrooms : Not necessarily the ones in the backyard, but the right mushrooms contain both antioxidants and selenium to boost your immune system. The best kind are button.

43. Cabbage : Containing both antioxidants and glutathione, both help the immune system function. Don’t know which to get? Traditional, white, red, and even Chinese are all good sources of the preceding.

44. Wheat Germ : It contains both zinc and antioxidants to help fight infection, in addition to Vitamin B. Hate the taste? Then switch out part of the flour in a recipe to sneak in a little wheat germ.

45. Yogurt : The cultures found in it can both fight disease and keep them from happening. The best kind to get are those with no added sugar, low fat, and loaded with Vitamin D.

46. Spinach : Good for more than sailing cartoon characters, the folate in spinach helps cell production. It also contains fiber and Vitamin C for extra help.

47. Broccoli : Much like the above, even if you don’t like the taste of this vegetable, you’ll enjoy it more than having a compromised immune system. Full of Vitamins A, C, and D, it can help with a variety of ailments, including infection.

48. Sweet Potato : Switch out your baked or mashed potatoes for one of these to take advantage of the immune helping beta-carotene. They are also lower in carbs and contain high levels of Vitamin A for eye health.

49. Salt Water : Got a stuffy nose? Then help your immune system out by flushing your nose with salt water and removing virus particles. WebMD recommends mixing one quarter teaspoon salt, one quarter teaspoon baking soda, and eight ounces of warm water. Simply flush a few times with a bulb syringe to get results.

50. Eucalyptus : Often found in products like Vaporub, this plant can help clear congested sinuses and relieve pain. You can also use menthol or camphor as a substitute.

Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Spice Rack

These spices help make your food tasty, along with your body healthier.

51. Epsom Salt : Have you ever seen those foot detoxifier ads on television? Then save your money and instead soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt to get the same effect. It can also help in a full bath and is even useful for treating sciatica.

52. Tumeric : Part of the ginger family, it can be used for a variety of home remedies. Ailments treated include allergies, obesity, Alzheimer’s, in certain cancers, and more.

53. Sea Salt : Have trouble falling asleep? Pour a little of this into a glass of drinking water and it just may help you fall asleep and stay that way.

54. Horseradish : Anyone with a case of congestion knows that a dose of horseradish can instantly help. However, you can also apply it to acne and melasma for a natural remedy.

55. Pepper : Not only does black pepper help your food taste better, it also has other benefits. The stimulation of hydrochloric acid it stimulates can help improve digestion and reduce gas.

56. Oregano : Did you know that one teaspoon of this spice has as much antioxidants as three cups of broccoli? Simply add a little to pizza, pastas, sandwiches, and more to experience its benefits.

57. Dried Red Peppers : These can include cayenne, paprika, and others. The spices help stimulate digestion and burn fat.

58. Rosemary : This small green spice has been shown to help in heart health. It also helps reduce inflammation that can trigger many diseases.

59. Thyme : Similar to oregano, this spice is also high in antioxidants. Studies are also looking into its benefits against respiratory functions.

60. Curry : Have heart problems? Then you might have the remedy in your home’s spice rack. Made from turmeric, it contains many of the same benefits, along with help against heart disease.

Healthy Cancer Remedies That Are Right In Your Home

Although there is no cure for cancer, use the below to both fight and prevent it without ever leaving your home.

61. Legumes : Use this hearty vegetable as a meat substance to get the protein benefits without the price. You can also use beans, lentils, and the like as well.

62. Soy : This substitute also has the same benefits as the above. Varieties such as tofu and miso also contain cancer combating nutrients called phytochemicals.

63. Tomatoes : Because they contain high levels of lycopene, they can reduce risk of cancer. Try a tomato paste or sauce to get the most amounts.

64. Fish : Healthy varieties such as wild salmon, tuna, and halibut contain many cancer fighting substances such as oil. They also contain cancer fighting selenium that can be dangerous as a supplement but useful in fish.

65. Orange Juice : Containing high levels of folate and Vitamin C, it can help combat cancer. Be sure and get a healthy variety that isn’t overloaded with sugar.

66. Curcumin : This spice is also part of the turmeric family. Sprinkle a little into your next dish to enjoy it’s cancer fighting and anti inflammatory aspects.

67. Walnuts : The antioxidants and oils in these nuts can help prevent or stave off cancer. You can also substitute pistachio, pecan, and other nuts for similar benefits.

68. Cauliflower : Along with broccoli, this vegetable helps create sulforaphane in the body to protect healthy cells from cancerous ones. It is also recommended to grow it in your own home.

69. Sunshine : Get your dose of Vitamin D right from your home with this simple remedy. Simply expose at least 40% of your body to ten minutes of natural sunlight to get it.

70. Tea : Containing nutrients called kaempferol, a cup or four of tea a day can help combat cancer. To find out which kind are the best, see the below.

Healthy Tea Remedies That Are Right In Your Home

Switch out your coffee for one or all of the below to instantly get a healthy remedy.

71. Green Tea : For its high content of both antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea gets the top spot. It can help fight cancer, stimulate metabolism, boost your immune system, and much more.

72. Tea Bags : You don’t just have to drink it to enjoy the benefits. Putting warm tea bags over your eyes can help reduce and alleviate pink eye.

73. White Tea : A cousin of green tea, it helps fight viruses and bacteria. Read this article for more information on a study done at Touro College.

74. Black Tea : If looking to combat heart disease and stroke, check your home for black tea. It even contains fluoride to aid in dental health.

75. Oolong : Burn calories, increase blood flow, and build stronger bones with the help of this tea. It can also help with an upset stomach.

76. Chai Tea : This tea also contains antioxidants and can help in digestion. It can even be found at your local Starbucks as a hot or cold beverage.

77. Vanilla Tea : This tea is an excellent choice for diabetics. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it can help control blood sugar levels.

78. Red Tea : Most popular in Africa, this tea contains flavonoids that are useful against many ailments. It also helps with the nervous system, kidney stones, and can even be used as a sedative.

79. Chamomile : If you suffer from nervous disorders such as insomnia, panic attacks, and twitches, give this tea a try. It also helps with menstrual cramps and ulcers.

80. Tibicos : Think you can’t get tea from a mushroom? Then try this ancient and little known tea to cure endless ailments and has been used by the likes of Mother Theresa.

Healthy Remedies For Unusual Problems

Right in your home may be the answer to that embarrassing or unusual health problem.

81. Bananas : Got a hangover? Grab a banana. Better than a cup of black coffee, bananas contain potassium, which was depleted during that long night of drinking. They can also help with upset stomach and nausea.

82. Peanut Butter : Try eating some of this before drinking to stave off the hangover. This practice is most commonly found in Africa.

83. Tomato Juice : The last of the hangover remedies, there’s a reason why the Bloody Mary is the hair-of-the-dog drink of choice. The tomato juice contained in it actually helps your body speed up the process of alcohol. And, of course, it works best when there is no vodka in it.

84. Lemon Juice : If you have diarrhea and can’t leave the house to purchase an over the counter remedy, try reaching for those lemons. The juice in them can kill of the pathogens that cause it. Drinking the juice of one lemon three to five times a day should do it.

85. Powdered Milk : This substance carries the antibodies of the E. coli bacteria that can cause diarrhea and a host of other health problems. Some health food stores carry special kinds just for this kind of problem.

86. Gingkgo Biloba : Used as an herbal remedy for cardiac patients, it can also help with erectile dysfunction. The herb can improve blood flow to the arteries in the effected area.

87. Ginseng : This Asian herb is also used to treat the above. Be sure not to mix the two.

88. Licorice : Because women have embarrassing problems too, use the above to help treat yeast infections. Pouring teaspoon of licorice powder into a pint of boiling water can make a homemade douche.

89. Cranberry Juice : Also used to treat the above, the juice can even help with urinary tract infections. Be sure to get an unsweetened, 100% juice kind.

90. 24 More : For more on this health problem, click here to get a list of ways to treat and prevent if from How Stuff Works.

Lesser Known Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Home

When you think of the below, home healthy remedy doesn’t come to mind but should.

91. Bacteria : You read that correctly. Friendly bacteria in your intestines can actually help keep the more dangerous variety out. A variety of probiotics purchased over the counter can help. Check out this video from a licensed nutritionist for more.

92. Oysters : Because raw oysters are often seen to cause more problems than they solve, the benefits usually go unnoticed. However, the zinc found in oysters can help stave of the flu, heal wounds, and yes, increase male fertility.

93. Wine : The polyphenols found in wine actually can act as an antibacterial agent. They can help with everything from flu to diarrhea. Drinking more than one glass of red or white wine, however, can do more harm than good.

94. Ice : If you have a black eye, putting a steak on it can actually make it worse. The raw meat can contain high levels of bacteria and cause an infection. A plain old ice pack will have to do.

95. Black Strap Molasses : This lesser known healthy remedy contains tons of nutrients including iron, calcium, and copper. It is said to help with everything from arthritis to going prematurely gray.

96. Beer : Another correct read, studies have shown that one to two glasses of beer a day can reduce the risk of stroke and other heart disease. The type and brand you drink doesn’t matter, and you can visit AskMen for more.

97. Tequila : Can a shot of tequila be good for you? According to Associated Content it can. A moderate amount can help with cholesterol, metabolism, and even stress. As with all alcohol, addiction can also develop.

98. Cayenne Pepper : You don’t have to be from Cajun country to enjoy the healthy remedy of cayenne pepper. Simply mix with water and drink to cure a sore throat. Repeat as necessary.

99. Vodka : Vodka can make a very healthy remedy straight from your home without ever having to drink it. Use it topically to cure toothaches, neutralize jellyfish stings, and even combat swimmer’s ear. Visit here to learn more.

100. Tobacco : Use this for more than a nicotine fix the next time you have a bee sting. Simply pinch off the end of a cigarette, wet, and place it on the sting to relieve it.

These 100 healthy remedies that are right in your home should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about remedies or health conditions.

Fear

2010-06-24T00:38:00.002-04:00

Dealing With Fear At the Source
by Jonathan on December 8, 2009

Have you ever wondered where fear comes from? Most people feel some sort of fear on a regular basis, but it’s rare that anyone questions the source of that fear. Since fear wears so many different faces, is it possible for all fear to come from the same source?

Before we look at the actual source of fear, let’s talk about three of the more common broad categories of fear. I think you will find that most fears fit into one of these general categories:

Impending danger. This is the fear associated with the “fight or flight” response. Much of what happens in the face of impending danger is automatic. That doesn’t mean that we all respond the same way, not by a long shot. Just that our response in the face of real impending danger is usually dictated by our own unique emotional reflex. Some will feel paralyzed by the fear, while others will take flight. But whatever the response, it tends to be automatic.

Unexpected tragedy or loss. When we are forced to face unpleasant situations, it can easily trigger feelings of fear. This often happens in the face of loss or tragedy. It might be the loss of a job, a loved one, or an opportunity we were depending on. It could also be a serious disease or accident. Whenever circumstances take an unexpected and unwelcome turn, we can easily see things in a fearful light.

Uncertainty, the what if syndrome. This is the broadest category and it includes many of the most common types of fear. For example: fear of failure, fear of loss (not the same as actual loss), fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment, fear of loneliness, fear of disease, and so on. This category is unique because none of the huge variety of fears included in it are based on existing realities. Instead, they are the result of dwelling on a possible negative outcome. They are all based on an imaginary “what if.”

A common source?
Realizing that fears come in such a wide variety, it might seem unlikely that they could all stem from on e common source. Especially considering that some are based on real situations, while others are nothing more than figments of our imaginations.

Well, as unlikely as it might seem, all fear is based on one core emotion. In fact, it is the granddaddy of all human emotions. What is it? It is the inherent and insatiable desire to feel safe and secure. Anything that threatens that sense of security creates feelings of insecurity, and all fear is based on insecurity.

Real or imagined, it doesn’t matter
Let’s go back and identify how insecurity is involved in our three categories of fear. When it comes to impending danger, on an emotional level we feel like our very existence is being threatened. The “impending” aspect means there is a strong sense of urgency involved. This is why we tend to react automatically. It’s programmed into our survival instinct. Our sense of security is directly linked to our survival instinct on the deepest level.

Tragedy and loss rock the very foundations of our world. Our sense of security is deeply rooted in our physical wellbeing and our close relationships with loved ones. Any threat or loss in these areas triggers a corresponding sense of insecurity.

Uncertainty has a different relationship with our sense of security than the other two categories. Fears included in this category are an expression of an existing sense of insecurity that is being projected into the future. If you want to reduce the level of fear in your life, this is the place to start.

Dealing with the “what if syndrome”
Changing the way we deal with impending danger or tragedy is very involved. These are either major emotional events that involve a healing process, or sudden, unexpected situations. However, most of the crippling effects of fear that limit people on a daily basis fall under the heading of uncertainty.

There are an almost limitless host of emotional conditions that depend on the what if syndrome for their existence. Anxiety is one of the more prevalent. Even depression is often based on a sense of hopelessness about the future. Changing the emotional anchors we attach to our perception of the future can work wonders.

Negative thoughts produce negative results
What if syndrome is a negative mindset being expressed in a future tense. Since the mind is only creative, this is an extremely dangerous way to project your energy. It can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This is true even if your thoughts are something like “I hope I don’t… (lose my job, get cancer, spend the rest of my life alone,etc).” What you are really projecting is “I’m afraid I might…” So, right away your creative mind goes to work looking for a way to manifest the very result you are fearful of.

Change your focus, change your outcome
The obvious solution here is to stop projecting fear into your future. I suggest a twofold approach. First, you need to shift your focus in a more productive direction. Additionally, it’s a good idea to identify things that encourage feelings of insecurity and eliminate them from your life. This second step can have a huge impact on your overall outlook.

Replace negativity with curiosity
What’s so great about curiosity? Several things! It allows for many possibilities without trying to dictate or force an outcome. Curiosity is almost emotionally neutral, leaning slightly to the positive. And curiosity is inquisitive instead of judgmental.

The ability to view life as a journey is greatly enhanced by a curious nature. This mindset allows life to unfold naturally. Once we are comfortable with the unfolding nature of life, we begin to feel secure in the process. Change becomes something to embrace, rather than something to fear.

Reduce your exposure to negative input
What do you gain by watching distorted sensationalism on the nightly news? How is your outlook improved by long conversations that focus on problems you can’t do anything about? How does listening to chronic complainers and fault finders help you adopt a less fearful mindset?

Constant exposure to these things will only make you feel less secure about your life and your future, why go there? I’m not suggesting that you hide your head in the sand. I am simply saying that being bombarded by negativity will increase your feelings of insecurity and fear.

Get over the “what if syndrome”
Most of the things people tend to worry about never happen. And, even if they do, worrying about them never helps. It just robs you of your joy and fills you with fear. Truth is, most fear is nothing more than a figment of our imaginations. It’s an expression of insecurity based on pointless speculation.

In other words, most of the time “there is nothing to fear but fear itself.” Do yourself a giant favor, let it go!

www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com

2010-06-19T19:49:00.002-04:00

Introduction to Natural Health and Healing
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
http://AlternativeHealingCourse.blogspot.com
This online course introduces you to the principles of natural healing. We will discuss the various stages of health and illness. You will begin to understand that true health means wholeness of the mind, body and spirit. You will begin a personal health journal to self-evaluate your current lifestyle. Throughout the course, you will be able to observe how your behaviors can affect your health.
You continue your understanding that physical, emotional, and spiritual factors make up your whole being. You will learn that you handle these three sectors can determine our stress levels and healing rates. You will begin to take charge of your health and healing. We discuss what to expect when going to a Natural Health Therapist.
Natural Health and Healing
Attention Natural Health enthusiasts! Are you interested in learning more about natural health, but don't know where to start? Are you trying to improve your and your family's health naturally? This is the course for you.

Lesson 1 - This lesson introduces you to the principles of natural healing. We will discuss the various stages of health and illness. You will begin to understand that true health means wholeness of the mind, body and spirit. You will begin a personal health journal to self-evaluate your current lifestyle. Throughout the course, you will be able to observe how your behaviors can affect your health.

Lesson 2 - Naturopathy is introduced in this lesson. You will learn that the basic philosophy of Naturopathy seeks ways for the body to heal itself. You will learn about proper breathing techniques that enhance health. You will learn the values of hydrotherapy, diet, biorhythms and fasting.

Lesson 3 - We will explore ways of using the power of the mind and the placebo effect. You will begin to understand the power that the mind can have in healing the body. We will learn about brain function tests, visualization, and relaxation therapies. We will discover the power of belief.

Lesson 4 - This lesson will teach you to look at nutrition and it healing effects. We explore basic nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and free radicals. You will learn basic requirements needed to promote a healthy diet. You will be able to develop menus to improve health.

Lesson 5 - In this lesson, we will briefly explore the history of herbal healing. You will have the opportunity to identify the most popular herbs and learn ways to prepare herbal mixtures. You will have access to herbal charts to help you to understand herbal remedies.

Lesson 6 - Today we will explore Aromatherapy. You will not only learn about the benefits of Aromatherapy, but you will also learn how to blend oils for medicinal uses. You will discover how to make and use poultices, compresses, tinctures, and infusions. Essential oil charts are included to help you create wonderful blends.

Lesson 7 - You will soon discover the wonders of Body Therapies. You will learn about many therapies and their benefits. We discuss massage techniques, osteopathy, chiropractic, and T'ai Chi, Reflexology and yoga. You will discover the main theme of body therapies is to regain and maintain balance and well being.

Lesson 8 - Today you will learn about natural energy fields. You will learn how energy can be manipulated to include using magnets, TENS, Feng Shui and Therapeutic Touch. You will learn how to center your consciousness, and have the opportunity to try energy modulation. You will learn how to feel your own energy between your hands!

Lesson 9 - In this lesson you will be able to identify pollutants in your environment. We discuss indoor pollutants, and ways to clean indoor air. We discuss drinking water purification systems and allergy testing methods. You will gain an understanding of the relationship between your immune system and the health of your surroundings. Many pollutant charts included for reference.

Lesson 10 - Today you will discover how to use natural remedies for common emergencies, illnesses and injuries. Some of the topics discussed include cuts, bruises, fractures, burns, breathing emergencies, fainting and travel illnesses.

Lesson 11 - You will begin to understand the effect that light, color and music can have on mood and behavior. You will learn methods of healing and relaxing by practical applications of these therapies. You will be able to use energies that are inherent in light, color and sound to improve your overall well being. We discuss using chakras and colored light in healing.

Lesson 12 - You continue your understanding that physical, emotional, and spiritual factors make up your whole being. You will begin to understand that how you handle these three sectors can determine our stress levels and healing rates. You will begin to take charge of your health and healing. We discuss what to expect when going to a Natural Health Therapist.

law of attraction

2010-06-17T23:17:00.002-04:00

« Freedom Starts Between The Ears | Main | Power Start Your 2009 »
Saturday
Jan032009
Is There A Real Law Of Attraction?
Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10:13AM
Is there really a Law of Attraction in the Universe? The movie the Secret and the writings of Abraham-Hicks have brought this idea of a law into our awareness over the last few years. We know gravity is a law because we have tried and proved it. Is the Law of Attraction something we can try and prove or disprove? Of course it is.

The challenge of this law however is that it is complicated because it means consciously directing our thoughts and emotions toward a level of vibration that will attract what we want. I don’t know about your experience of directing your thoughts, but my experiences tell me that this can be a challenge.

Let’s do an experiment for the next 30 days and see how this Law of Attraction (LOA) can work for us. Choose something that you want to attract into your life. It could be: more money, a loving relationship, your ideal body weight, a job you like, peace of mind, or whatever would make you feel good. Here are the guidelines for the experiment:
• You have to use your mind to imagine and feel what it would be like to have what you want in your life now. It needs to feel real to you.
• You must avoid thoughts and feeling that would indicate that you lack what you want. Lack only attracts more lack.
• You can think that you are beginning to feel what it feels like to live your life with what you want in it. It can feel uplifting to have what you want.
• You can enjoy life and feel the relief of moving towards what you want. If you can imagine it you can make it happen.
• You need to take time each day to visualize what you want and visualize or sense the vibrations necessary to attract this desire. When you wake up, before you go to sleep, and throughout the day are good times to visualize/sense.
• You must do your best not to make this an effort. This is not about doing something effortful but rather effortlessly.
• You need to have an open heart in this experiment. An open heart is part of the vibration of attraction.
• You also must engage your spirit, your higher power, your connection to the source of the universe. This spirit in you is more powerful than your ego/personality, which should not be involved in the attraction.
• You can do this best if you enjoy what you are doing. Make this fun and do it lightly with joy as a powerful vibration in you.

Yes I know this is a challenging list but I know you can do it. Please remember that being effortless in your effort is important here. Let your thoughts come into alignment, your heart make you joyous and your spirit expand your consciousness and very soon you will see results if this Law of Attraction is truly a law you and I can live by.

insomnia

2010-06-15T23:41:00.002-04:00

Natural Solutions for Insomnia
By Dr. Casey Adams on 01/12/2009
Every night 5% to 10% of us wrestle with problems like this, usually followed by an inability to stay awake and alert the next day. Pharmaceutical options may seem easy, but they also come with side effects and the risk of dependency.

Fortunately humans have been sleeping soundly for thousands of years, long before pharmaceuticals came onto the scene. This means nature offers a wide range of safe and simple strategies to help us achieve sound sleep night after night.

Sleep Basics

There are two general types: NREM (non-rapid eye-movement) and REM or (rapid-eye-movement) sleep. NREM prevails, especially in the beginning, while precious REM stage sleep increases with each cycle. A full night’s sleep typically stacks four about-ninety minute cycles of increasingly deeper sleep. REM sleep is critical to mental and physical well-being, as it facilitates healing processes and memory consolidation. A complete four-cycle night’s sleep gives us that magic six-to-eight hour envelope research has linked to longer and healthier lives.

Our body clocks are not irreversibly ‘set’ to be “evening people” or “morning people.” In a recent study of 1572 children from 4th to 8th grades, those claiming to be “evening people” simply drank more coffee, had less parental monitoring, had more environmental disturbances, and tended to be older than did self-determined “morning people.”

Biochemical Rhythms

Sleep is an intrinsic biorhythm, and our bodies secrete biochemicals periodically to stimulate energy and relaxation alternatively. Four decades of sleep research confirms that sleep directly relates to environmental rhythms of light, diet, mood, body temperature, activity, and stress. When light strikes the pineal gland first thing in the morning, it stimulates biochemicals that either orchestrate relaxation (namely melatonin, serotonin, dopamine and GABA), or drive heightened activity and alertness (cortisol, adrenaline, thyroxine and insulin). Melatonin is the central sleep biochemical, while cortisol is pivotal for our active cycles. Melatonin levels rise slowly after nightfall, peaking around midnight, and falling thereafter. As melatonin rises, core temperature drops and metabolism slows. Melatonin levels fall to a low point at about three a.m., just as cortisol levels begin to rise in anticipation of our body’s awakening. During the day, cortisol levels rise and fall through the afternoon and early evening, ushering melatonin’s slow rise after dark. Supporting melatonin’s functions are serotonin, dopamine and GABA—biochemicals that help relax the body and nerves, and help us submerge into the depths of sleep. As these biochemical messengers connect with receptors lying on cell membranes, the cells slow down and cool off.

Melatonin levels slow with age. Reduced melatonin is tied not only to insomnia, but also to a number of degenerative diseases including cancer and arthritis. This means that higher melatonin levels are critical to the body’s well-being. We might conclude that supplemental melatonin is the solution. Not so fast, Sherlock. Recent studies have confirmed that endogenous (produced by the body) melatonin is necessary for falling asleep, but exogenous (supplemental—not produced by the body) melatonin is not much better than placebo—although it can sometimes help in delayed sleep phase syndrome. Indeed, like other non-bioidentical hormone replacement, the long-term safety of exogenous melatonin use remains unclear.

Sleepy Foods

A number of foods stimulate the body to produce these biochemicals, and thus promote sleep. Foods containing the amino acid L-trytophan are used by the body to produce serotonin, a hormone that promotes positive moods and relaxation. Serotonin also happens to convert to melatonin. Foods that contain tryptophan include milk, cheese, whole grains, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, soy foods, cottage cheese, cooked beans, rice, peanuts, hazelnuts, spinach, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ and encourage insulin release by reducing amino acids in the bloodstream competitive to tryptophan. Calcium-containing foods increase conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and melatonin.

Eating tryptophan-rich foods early in the day can dramatically affect sleep quality. In a randomized study of seventeen healthy adults, a lack of dietary tryptophan during the mid-morning caused a drop of 71% serum serotonin at three p.m. and a 44% drop at nine p.m., resulting in falling asleep an average of 26 minutes later, and a 58% increase in waking episodes during the night.

A number of foods also contain phytomelatonin, which increases endogenous melatonin. Montmorency tart cherries have some of the highest levels, along with oats, sweet corn, rice, ginger, tomatoes, bananas and barley.

Nutrients that help maintain proper levels of serotonin and melatonin include B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. A calcium/magnesium supplement prior to bedtime has been known to almost immediately relax the body. Magnesium deficiency, on the other hand, stimulates brain neurons—increasing our tendency to overthink things when we should be sleeping. Magnesium-rich foods include bananas, barley, milk, oats and beans.

Foods and drinks that disturb sleep include refined sugar and carbohydrates, chocolate, coffee, black tea, carbonated drinks, and eating too much too late. Caffeine takes several hours to clear the bloodstream so should not be taken in the evening. Despite alcohol being a central nervous system depressant, it can cause rebound insomnia.

Herbs to Sleep By

A number of well-researched herbs effectively promote sleep. Research has shown that the phytonutrients in these plants work variously to stimulate particular biochemicals and receptors, soothe nerves, cool body temperature, and safely slow metabolism. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used for thousands of years. Numerous controlled studies have illustrated its effectiveness for many sleep issues. It was included in the U.S. National Formulary as a sleep aid and anxiolytic agent for many years until being bumped by pharmaceuticals. Over 150 active constituents have been identified in valerian. Passiflora (Passiflora incarnate) has been found to elevate mood and decrease anxiety and overthinking. Its relaxant effects have been observed over thousands of years of use, and research has confirmed its ability to increase sleep quality. Hops (Humulus lupulus) has been recognized to relieve tension and anxiety-related sleeplessness. Research has shown subjective sleep quality improvements and quality of life improvements comparable to pharmaceutical benzodiazepines, without their side effects and dependency issues. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has been used traditionally as an antispasmodic, sedative and anticonvulsant. Its leaves and blue flowers also stimulate a cooling of the body.

A number of other herbs support sleep by relaxing the body and nerves, and reducing pain and inflammation. These include wild lettuce (Lacuca virosa), known traditionally for its mild sedative, antispasmodic, bitter and stomachic effects. Asafoetida (Ferula asafetida L.) has also been used traditionally for its antispasmodic, carminative, nervine, and sedative properties. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) contains natural alkaloids known for muscle relaxing and pain relief. Poppy seeds from Papaver somniferum contain small amounts of the alkaloids codeine and morphine but not enough to influence dependency or other effects known from restricted extracts. Poppy seeds provide sedative, hypnotic and anodyne effects, used frequently in traditional herbology as a tincture. Lavender (L. angustifolia or L. officinalis) is well known for its sedative effects in tinctures, infusions and aromatherapy applications. Kava (Piper methysticum) has been used traditionally for its sedative, psychotropic and nervine effects. The raw powder (mixed with water, by tincture or capsule) relaxes and calms muscles, soothes tensions, and improves moods. Wild oats (Avena fatua) has been used traditionally as a nervine, tonic, sedative and demulcent to strengthen and soothe nervous exhaustion insomnia. Catnip (Nepeta cateria) has been used traditionally for its antispasmodic, sedative, diaphoretic and cooling properties, to relax muscles and slow metabolism. Sage (Salvia officinalis) contains volatile oils known for their cooling effects upon the body.

These can be taken as tinctures, hot teas, tablets or capsules. Combinations of three to five are recommended—with at least two of the first group above—as they tend to synergize each other in the right combinations. A number of herbalist-formulated combinations of these can be found in health food shops.

Light Therapy

Our body’s sleep patterns can be adjusted naturally through light therapy. The easiest form of light therapy is to stand, sit or walk in direct sunlight early in the day—preferably just after sunrise—for 10-15 minutes each day for a few weeks. This resets the pineal-driven body clock, and alters our cortisol and melatonin cycles, helping us become sleepier earlier in the evening.

Another form of light therapy is rotational therapy. This is done by going to sleep later and later on progressive days until we cycle into the next evening. Sleep researchers typically recommend falling asleep three hours later each day to accomplish this. This effectively rotates the body clock forward a few hours a day until we reach our desired bedtime. This can be exhausting and difficult to do without being on a week’s vacation.

Other Sleep Strategies

Sleep research has revealed a number of simple lifestyle changes to increase our sleep quality. Vigorous daytime exercise tends to increase sleep quality. White noise or natural sounds can help in a noisy environment. Relaxation techniques such as guided imagery and progressive relaxation are helpful. Self-guided imagery might include visualizing a beautiful peaceful island, a waterfall or clouds floating across the sky. Books of landscapes can also be used for this purpose, to flip through before going to sleep. Progressive relaxation alternates the contraction and relaxation of major muscle groups one by one, typically moving from head to toe.

A warm-hot bath an hour before bedtime has been shown to increase sleep quality. The bath will relax and soothe muscles and nerves, followed by a cooling of core body temperature as our metabolism slows. Light massage—done preferably by our mate—is also a great way to relax and soothe muscles and anxieties. Professional massages are not recommended. They tend to be too rigorous and often require a financial transaction—to be avoided any time near bedtime. Soothing massage oils include olive oil and sesame oil with a few drops of St. John’s wort oil or lavender oil. Target zones tend to be the trapezius muscles, lower lumbar region, and occiput (base of the back of the skull).

Lowering core body temperature is critical to falling asleep. The best sleep environment is slightly cool (65-72 F range), and well ventilated with clean, fresh air. Loose-fitting pajamas that breathe and linen sheets will help prevent overheating.

As the evening proceeds, we should steadily dim lights and appliances. No bright bathroom lights to brush by or late night visits to the bright lights of the fridge. These can lower melatonin levels and stimulate cortisol release—retarding our sleep. The electronics around our bedroom can also have this effect. They should be off or dimmed when we sleep. The best sleeping room is uncluttered and simple. Our bedroom should be our escape. Desks, phones, mirrors, electronics, bookshelves, photos, wallets, animals, and calendars are all entrapments, reminding us of our daily responsibilities. Our bedroom should usher our minds and bodies effortlessly into a drift off to dreamland. Sweet dreams!

laughter

2010-06-15T21:59:00.002-04:00

Feature Stories

Editor's Note: A team of University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers, led by Dr. Michael Miller, has recently shown for the first time that laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels. See news release

Laughter is the "Best Medicine" for Your Heart
Ask the Expert
Get answers to your heart disease prevention questions.
Ask Dr. Miller
Dr. Miller’s Bio | Q&A Archive

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Heart Center Virtual Tour

Related Content
•Audio/Video Library

•Center for Preventive Cardiology

•Laughter Good for Your Heart

•Maryland Heart Center

•Our Doctors

Can a laugh every day keep the heart attack away? Maybe so.

Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack, according to a recent study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.

"The old saying that 'laughter is the best medicine,' definitely appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart," says Michael Miller, M.D., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "We don't know yet why laughing protects the heart, but we know that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries and ultimately to a heart attack."

In the study, researchers compared the humor responses of 300 people. Half of the participants had either suffered a heart attack or undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. The other 150 did not have heart disease. One questionnaire had a series of multiple-choice answers to find out how much or how little people laughed in certain situations, and the second one used true or false answers to measure anger and hostility.

Miller said that the most significant study finding was that "people with heart disease responded less humorously to everyday life situations." They generally laughed less, even in positive situations, and they displayed more anger and hostility.

"The ability to laugh -- either naturally or as learned behavior -- may have important implications in societies such as the U.S. where heart disease remains the number one killer," says Miller. "We know that exercising, not smoking and eating foods low in saturated fat will reduce the risk of heart disease. Perhaps regular, hearty laughter should be added to the list."

Miller says it may be possible to incorporate laughter into our daily activities, just as we do with other heart-healthy activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. "We could perhaps read something humorous or watch a funny video and try to find ways to take ourselves less seriously," Miller says. "The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day."

By Michelle W. Murray

Herbal Remedies

2010-06-14T18:49:00.002-04:00

Natural herbal remedies from the most popular herb garden herbs
June 13, 12:02 PMTampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture ExaminerRobin MontanyePrevious
Comment Subscribe
Subscribe
Get alerts when there is a new article from the Tampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use. Email Address

Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use

ShareThis

Herbs can be used in refreshing and healing teas
Image: flickr - thebittenword.comHerbal remedies have been used for centuries to provide relief for a variety of ailments. Home remedies can stop a headache, ease a stomach ache, relieve stress and help with an abundance of aches and pains all with the use of simple herbs from the garden. View the slide show below to see the beauty of herbs and to learn how to identify some of the more commonly used herbs.

In the Tampa Bay area, herb gardens can be maintained all year long and what's a better way to cool off on a summer day than a refreshing glass of peppermint tea?

Herbs and their uses

Calendula, a type of marigold, is applied externally in home remedies as salves and ointments for skin irritations. When used in tea it is used to relieve heartburn and to treat ulcers because of its ability to reduce stomach acid. Make an infused oil for use on minor skin irritations by combining 2 parts extra-virgin olive oil and 1 part dried Calendula blossoms in the top of a double boiler and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the cooled mixture before use. If stored in a cool, dark place, this oil will last for 3 to 6 months.

Chamomile is a white flower with a yellow center, very similar to a daisy, and makes a very relaxing tea. Use a tea infuser to brew the dried flowers into a tea. Chamomile can be added to bathwater to soothe fussy babies or for a great way for adults to relax before bed on a stressful day.

Echinacea, a purple coneflower, boosts the immune system. Simply brew the roots by boiling in water for 20 or 30 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Garlic, although not as pretty as the others, if a very powerful and useful herb for both culinary experiences and for use in natural home remedies. Garlic is an antibacterial and anti-viral, and has cardiovascular benefits. It has also been said that garlic has cancer fighting properties. It is wise to note, that it is believed that once it is cooked garlic loses some of its antibacterial and anti-viral properties.

Ginger has been used to treat digestive difficulties for more than 25 centuries. Ginger root relieves nausea, motion sickness and indigestion and its anti-inflammatory benefits aids with rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger is cooked into foods, made into candy, used to make ginger ale, and used to make ginger tea, among a variety of other uses.

Lavender, a deep purple flower, is used for its relaxing scent and is used to treat insomnia, headaches and burns. Use lavender oil in compresses or in a bath or as a mild tea. Store dried flowers in a pillow for relaxation and to help insomnia.

Lemon Balm is a lemony scented leaf that is used as a tea or as a garnish for relieving headaches and stress. Use dried lemon balm in a tea infuser to make a refreshing lemon-favored tea.

Peppermint leaves are used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract this allows it to soothe stomach aches, and is excellent for indigestion. Use the leaves in a tea infuser or use peppermint oil.

St. John's Wort is a vivid yellow flower with deep green foliage. When infused, St. Johns' Wort makes a dark red oil. Place 2-3 ounces of dried or fresh-wilted St. John's Wort leaves in 1 pint of olive oil. Place the jar in a warm spot – a sunny windowsill works great – for 2 weeks. Gently shake the jar every 2 or 3 days to mix the oil. After the 2 week period, strain and press the oil from the st. John's wort. Allow the remaining oil to sit until any residual water separates out, then poor off the oil and store in a dark location. This oil will keep for 3 to 6 months.

Valerian grows wild in North America on plants that grow up to five feet. Valerian has long, fern-like leaves with small white to pink and lavender flowers that grow in clusters. Use one dropper full of tincture in some water at bedtime to benefit from its relaxing qualities. It is not recommended to make tea out of Valerian because of its foul odor. Many people prefer to just take it in capsule form to avoid the smell altogether. It can be used in combination with some other sweeter herbs to help disguise the taste; use with chamomile, catnip, peppermint and lemon balm as a soothing and relaxing tea or in a calming bath.

Stress

2010-06-12T23:57:00.000-04:00

BEST WORKING THEORIES:

1. Fluoride poisoning causes chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Written by Jason Uttley and posted on 2/9/2007, this well written and compelling article is something you don't want to miss!

2. Acid reflux is most often caused by painkillers.

3. Certain brands of ice cream cause a fake flu (fever, chills, congestion) within 24 hours and a sinus infection within 48 hours. Are we crazy or brilliant? You be the judge.

4. The past 3 years mark a tremendous upsurge in BOILS and MRSA around the world.

5. Ingestion of Artificial Sweeteners can cause herpes outbreaks within 10 minutes.

BEST HOME REMEDIES

1. For cancer and viruses (including HIV) that linger on and on, we urge you to read Bill Munro's 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation method.

2. For sore throats that won't respond to antibiotics: Penny's Cayenne Pepper Remedy.

3. To break a high fever: the Egg White remedy.

4. For acid reflux: Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

5. For tricky fibroid tumors, check out Blackstrap Molasses.

6. For sinus congestion, you just can't beat Oil Pulling. We are coming to the conclusion that it may even be better than apple cider vinegar!

7. For depression and anxiety, we suggest you look into the fabulously cheap and effective Cold Shower Cure .

BEST CURE

Our Bangkok, Thailand contributor Ted has an amazing concoction of home remedies and supplements that cures Lupus, a deadly disease.

BEST CASE STUDIES PAGE

If you know anyone with Fibromyalgia, you might want to check out our Fibromyalgia Case Studies page. We have over 800 case studies that our readers have graciously written to us. Jason Uttley has furthered our research by compiling all of this valuable data into an Excel Spreadsheet.

BEST STRESS INDICATOR TEST ON THE PLANET (Would We Kid You?!)
Working too hard lately? Take our ultra-serious stress indicator test and let us know if you need to take a long vacation. If you fail the test, you might want to follow up with remedies to treat stress.

naptime

2010-06-06T23:08:00.002-04:00

Seven Simple Rules for How to Take a Nap
By: Mental Floss (View Profile)

Birds do it, bees do it (we think), even educated monkeys do it. So let’s do it, people. Let’s fall asleep. We’ve talked about the whys of taking naps before—they improve mood, creativity, memory function, heart health, and so much else—but never, to my knowledge, have we discussed how to take a nap. In fact, whenever we write about naps, we always get a few comments from people claiming they’re unable to nap during the day; they just can’t fall asleep, or when they do nap, they wake up groggy and unable to work. In that case, read on, my sleepy friends.

1. The first thing you should know is, feeling sleepy in the afternoon is normal.
It doesn’t mean you had a big lunch, or that you’re depressed, or you’re not getting enough exercise. That’s just how animals’ cycles work—every 24 hours, we have two periods of intense sleepiness. One is typically in the wee hours of the night, from about 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., and the other is around 10 hours later, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. If you’re a night owl and wake up later in the morning, that afternoon sleepiness may come later; if you’re an early bird, it may come earlier. But it happens to everyone; we’re physiologically hardwired to nap.

2. Naps provide different benefits depending on how long they are.
A short nap of even 20 minutes will enhance alertness and concentration, mood and coordination. A nap of 90 minutes will get you into slow wave and REM sleep, which enhances creativity. If you sleep deeply and uninterruptedly the whole time, you’ll go through a full-minute sleep cycle, and recoup sleep you might not have gotten the night before (we’ve all heard it a million times, but most of us don’t get enough sleep at night).

3. Try not to sleep longer than 45 minutes but less than 90 minutes.
Then you’ll wake up in the middle of a slow-wave cycle, and be groggy. I used to hate taking naps during the day for just this reason—I would always wake up in a fog. My problem was I hadn’t yet perfected the art of the 20 minute catnap.

4. Find a nice dark place where you can lie down.
It takes about 50 percent longer to fall asleep sitting up (this is why red eye flights usually live up to their name), and be armed with a blanket; you don’t want to be chilly. You also don’t want to be too warm, which can lead to oversleeping. (There was a kind of urban legend circulating when I was a kid: don’t fall asleep in the sun, or you’ll never wake up. Not true—but you might wake up three hours later with a ripe sunburn.)

5. White noise can help you fall asleep.
Especially during the day when construction crews, garbage trucks, barking dogs and other noisy awake-world things can conspire to destroy your nap. Keep a fan on, or turn on a nearby faucet for a pleasing rushing-river sound. (Just kidding about that last one.)

6. Don’t nap too close to bedtime.
If you do, you’ll find it difficult to fall asleep later. Remember, your inbuilt sleepy window is sometime in the early to mid-afternoon—try to nap then.

7. Quit your job.
Quit that silly job where they don’t let you take naps during the day

How to Make a Tincture

2010-06-05T19:13:00.000-04:00

How to Make a Tincture
by Bryan Shillington

It does not matter what size jar you use as long as the top one quarter is liquid. Dry herbs lose their potency within a year. Fresh herbs rot soon after harvest. Tinctures preserve and extract the medicinal properties of an herb in an alcoholic extract. Tinctures may last more than a hundred years.
You can purchase tinctures through Organic Solutions, or you can make your own. They are very easy to make, but the process is time consuming, and it takes months to brew a strong tincture.
All of our formulas are available to the public. If we lose business and gain competitors, so be it. We need more herbalists and natural healers in this horrid world of huge pharmaceutical companies and pill pushers in white coats. Be the family herbalist. Be your own doctor. Maybe if enough of you make your own herbal preparations, we’ll drive them out of business.
I’ll drink to that! (Herbal tea of course.)

Stuff for making:
Blender
100 proof alcohol (vodka works well)
Glass mason jar
Organic dried or fresh herbs Stuff for straining:
Wooden spoon
Fine kitchen strainer or cheesecloth
Bottle to put the finished tincture in

Note: Make on the new moon; strain on the full moon. Shake tincture at least once a week

It’s really easy:
Put herbs in blender. Add 100 proof alcohol to cover ¼ inch over the herbs. Blend well to a soupy consistency and pour into a glass jar. Screw on lid.
Let herbs settle for a day to see how much liquid is on top. 3/4 herbs to 1/4 liquid on top is best (see diagram). Screw the lid on and let it brew in the dark for at least 4 weeks or for months if you desire (but remember to strain on the full moon). To strain, pour the entire contents of the jar through your strainer and press all liquid out of the soaked herbs with a wooden spoon. Keep finished tincture sealed as the alcohol will evaporate if left unsealed. Cheers,
~ßryan
Journeyman Herbalist
Call 828-835-8071 if you have any questions on how to make a tincture.
www.organicsolutionsstore.com
How to Make a TinctureCopyright © 2009 Organic Lifestyle Magazine

power of life

2010-06-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

Power of life
If I raise my head a little I see my wife sitting on the sofa by the window, our 2 dogs sleeping on the floor, a couple of flies buzzing, several trees growing outside and a few birds flying around. All that beauty available to me with hardly moving a muscle.

No-one knows how long life has been around on this planet, how widespread it is through the universe or what life will look like in the distant future. Much of this can be fun to hypothesise and imagine and remains, for the most part, the stuff of science fiction.

I grew up during the Cold War and the topic we discussed most passionately in student bars was the likelihood of war and whether we (the ‘good’ guys) and they (the ‘bad’ guys) would destroy each other. Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) was the way we described it and it seemed a reality to our young minds that mankind had the power to destroy the planet. Or if not the planet, at the very least, all life on the planet.

Now, the Climate Change debate seems to have taken over the MAD concept and ‘destroying our planet’ has moved from Cold War rhetoric into Environmental rhetoric.

Let me be clear.

I abhor the wanton destruction of life and irresponsible use of the the world’s resources in the interests of profit.

But we do not have the power to destroy the planet.

I doubt we even have the power to destroy our own species, let alone life in all its forms. Life is deeply rooted into this planet of ours and is stronger than we are – and always will be.

Life itself is here to stay, it is enduring, adaptable and you and I are part of its intricate web. I also believe my life force, my soul if you like, is permanent and immortal.

This is not a reason to abuse our planet but even greater reason to treat life with respect. To be in awe of it, admire it and feel humble in its presence.

It is the strength of life that gives me a sense of purpose and permanence. A conviction that it is worthwhile making an effort to make something out of this life of mine, no matter how small and insignificant it might be in the grand scheme of things.

It is the fragility of life that brings to me this almost overwhelming joy and sadness when my younger daughter loses her first tooth and my elder daughter turns 17 …

… and it’s the power of life that helps me withstand the fact that I was not around to witness either

brain food

2010-05-31T21:54:00.000-04:00

Note: If you enjoy this article, consider reading Brain Foods: List Of “Bad Brain Foods”.

What are “brain foods”?
Brain foods are foods that help improve functioning within the brain. One example of a brain food is fish. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which allow the blood vessels of the brain to remain healthy and fluid. Fish also provides nerve cells within the brain with necessary nutrients that allow cells to function at their highest level.

Due to the profound benefits that have largely been associated with eating fish, it is recommended to include fish within your diet at least a couple times per week. If you cannot include fish within your diet, you may want to consider taking fish oil supplements. Taking supplements and eating fish have been proven to be equally as effective.

There are many great foods that have been researched and documented to boost brain power. Knowing which foods boost brain power will allow you to make necessary dietary changes that will positively impact your brain. I’ve compiled a list of 50 Good Brain Foods and posted them below. Beneath the list is a section featuring more information about “good brain foods,” more information about the glycemic index, and other various food technicalities.

A list of “50 Good Brain Foods“:
1.Acai berries
2.Almonds
3.Avocados
4.Bananas
5.Blackberries
6.Blueberries
7.Brewer’s yeast
8.Broccoli
9.Brown rice
10.Brussels sprouts
11.Cantaloupe
12.Cashews
13.Cauliflower
14.Cherries
15.Cheese
16.Chicken
17.Collard greens
18.Cranberries
19.Dark chocolate
20.Eggs
21.Eggplant
22.Fish
23.Flaxseed oil
24.Green Tea
25.Lean beef
26.Legumes
27.Milk
28.Oatmeal
29.Oranges
30.Peanut butter
31.Peas
32.Plums
33.Potatoes
34.Pumpkin seeds
35.Raspberries
36.Red cabbage
37.Red grapes
38.Romaine lettuce
39.Salmon
40.Soybeans
41.Spinach
42.Stabilized rice bran
43.Strawberries
44.Tomatoes
45.Tuna
46.Turkey
47.Walnuts
48.Water
49.Wheat germ
50.Yogurt
Understanding “Good Brain Foods”:
Foods in the complex carbohydrates family are amongst the best type of brain foods. In complex carbohydrates, the molecules are longer. Because the molecular structure is longer, it takes a longer period of time for our intestines to digest and break-down the complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that our body is able to use. Why is a longer digestion or breaking-down process optimal? Because they don’t provide us with a large surge of energy and then die down. They provide our bodies and brain with optimal amounts of balanced energy for our body and brain to access.

What is the glycemic index?
The speed and intensity to which sugars from foods impact our brain cells is measured directly by the “glycemic index” also known as the “G.I.” Foods that are ranked with a high-glycemic index are likely to make our bodies create a lot of insulin. The part of the body that produces insulin to regulate our sugars is known as the pancreas. Diabetics often have a dysfunctional pancreas and need to take insulin because their body cannot naturally cope with the sugar levels.

Eating foods with high glycemic indexesEating foods high on the glycemic-index will put lots of stress on the pancreas and will directly affect the body, brain, and our hormone levels. Because the pancreas becomes over-stressed and overworked, the body may feel sluggish and the brain may feel initially energized, but will likely crash within a short period of time. That is why eating foods with a low-glycemic index are recommended.

They don’t put pressure on the pancreas to excrete much insulin and our blood sugar levels remain steady. When our blood sugar levels are steady, our brain is being fed a constant, steady supply of energy to work with; rather than excess energy for 20 minutes followed by a mental burnout for several hours. To figure out which foods are better for your brain and overall brain power, use this glycemic index search form.

Types of brain foods – Glycemic Index examples:
Cereals: Oatmeal and bran cereals are the healthiest. Corn flakes have a higher glycemic-index ranking.
Dairy: Milk has a relatively low glycemic index: higher than legumes, but lower than fruits.
Fruits: Apples, blueberries, cherries, and grapes are examples of fruits that have a lower glycemic index rating. Whole fruits rank lower than juices due to the amount of fiber in fruit which slows the production of simple sugars.
Grains: Spaghetti and rice have a low glycemic index ranking. White bread is less healthy and is higher on the glycemic index.
Vegetables: Legumes, kidney-beans, soybeans, lentils, and chick peas are all examples of great brain foods. They have the single lowest glycemic-index of any food group. Carrots and potatoes have significantly higher glycemic indexes.
Preparation of your food

The way in which you eat and prepare your food definitely can affect the ways in which the body and brain uses it. For example: eating a cupcake after a meal of vegetables may actually slow the absorption of sugars. You may not get nearly as much of a “sugar high” or crash-and-burn affect. Eating most fats can also slow the absorption of sugars inside your body. Over-cooking certain types of starches can be much like pre-digesting them. This causes them to unload their sugars into the blood at a much quicker rate than usual, which isn’t good.

Amino acids and neurotransmitters
Certain types of proteins also affect your brain’s overall ability to perform at a peak level of functioning. Proteins provide our brains with amino acids, from which neurotransmitters are created. Neurotransmitters carry signals between neurons (brain cells) and allow parts of the brain to effectively communicate with one-another. When you feed the neurotransmitters with quality food, they deliver messages to other neurons more quickly, more effectively, and more powerfully.

When you eat foods that aren’t brain boosters, the neurotransmitters have a much tougher time carrying messages from neuron to neuron – their strength is much weaker. Neurotransmitters are created via substances tyrosine and tryptophan. Tyrosine is not an essential amino acid because the body can make it without any help from food. Tryptophan, on the other hand, is an essential amino acid that can only be obtained via your diet.

Low carbohydrates vs. high carbohydrates and low protein vs. high protein
Several low carbohydrate foods with high amounts of protein and tyrosine include: soy, eggs, dairy products, and seafood. These are all foods that are likely to increase activity in the brain quickly and speed things up. On the other end of the spectrum, we have foods that are likely to calm down the brain. They are low in protein, but high in carbohydrate and tryptophan. Foods that will calm the brain include: almonds, sesame seeds, chocolate, sunflower seeds, legumes, and pastries.

Optimal proportions of proteins to carbohydrates depend on the individual. Everyone is different and certain people have slight sensitivities or abnormal reactions to various foods. It really all depends on the individual, therefore, experimenting is a must. You need to do it yourself to figure out what type of diet feels optimal for your body and brain. Use some common sense in addition to the list of “50 Good Brain Foods” above and you should be off to a great start.

Consider taking multivitamin supplements
You can also consider taking multivitamin supplements. Taking vitamins are healthy, though it can cost you a little bit of money. I take one multivitamin on a daily basis and am satisfied with it. Though I don’t fully know the degree to which it is helping, I have a good feeling that it does make a difference. I don’t always eat a perfectly balanced diet – and I don’t think that most people are able to eat a consistent balanced diet. Here is where vitamins come in to play: they pick up your slack. Any vital vitamins that you may have missed in your diet during the day are usually covered by taking vitamins for memory loss. If you think that you could benefit from taking multivitamins, it sure wouldn’t hurt to give them a try.

cravings

2010-05-28T18:41:00.000-04:00

Food cravings...

Dr. Huber's book is now available...

Natural medicine topics:
•Botanicals
•Chinese Medicine
•Environmental Medicine
•Homeopathy
•Nutrition
•Physical Medicine and Hydrotherapy

Other links:
•NatureWorksBest.com - Intravenous Cancer Therapy
•January/February 2009 Newsletter
•Newsletter Archive
•Research
•About Dr. Huber
•Office Location
•Contact Us
•Home

If you crave this... What you really need is... And here are healthy foods that have it:
Chocolate Magnesium Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
Sweets Chromium Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, calves liver, chicken
Carbon Fresh fruits
Phosphorus Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
Sulfur Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage
Tryptophan Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Bread, toast Nitrogen High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, beans
Oily snacks, fatty foods Calcium Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Coffee or tea Phosphorous Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes
Sulfur Egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onion, cruciferous vegetables
NaCl (salt) Sea salt, apple cider vinegar (on salad)
Iron Meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Alcohol, recreational drugs Protein Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
Avenin Granola, oatmeal
Calcium Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Glutamine Supplement glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
Potassium Sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens
Chewing ice Iron Meat, fish, poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Burned food Carbon Fresh fruits
Soda and other carbonated drinks Calcium Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Salty foods Chloride Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt
Acid foods Magnesium Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
Preference for liquids rather than solids Water Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Preference for solids rather than liquids Water You have been so dehydrated for so long that you have lost your thirst. Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Cool drinks Manganese Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
Pre-menstrual cravings Zinc Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables
General overeating Silicon Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Tryptophan Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Tyrosine Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables
Lack of appetite Vitamin B1 Nuts, seeds, beans, liver and other organ meats
Vitamin B3 Tuna, halibut, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seeds and legumes
Manganese Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
Chloride Raw goat milk, unrefined sea salt
Tobacco Silicon Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Tyrosine Vitamin C supplements or orange, green and red fruits and vegetables

1.Lectures, Cheryl M. Deroin, NMD, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Spring 2003 (healthy food recommendations)
2.Benard Jenson, PhD, The Chemistry of Man B. Jensen Publisher, 1983 (deficiencies linked to specific cravings and some food recommendations)
Home Email

The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases or illnesses. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition, consult your naturopathic physician. Consult your naturopathic physician or other qualified health care professional before making changes in diet or lifestyle.

© 2004, 2006 Colleen Huber unless otherwise noted.
All rights reserved.