Enhance

How to Avoid or Control Cat Allergies

2010-12-26T19:19:00.001-08:00

Many people love cats, but can't have them, or suffer due to cat allergies. There are some things you can do to control allergy problems though, and knowing the triggers and what you can do to minimize exposure will be very helpful.

People think their allergic responses are from cat hair, but it's actually Cat Dander that people are reacting to. This Cat Dander results from a protein found in the saliva of cats. It becomes airborne and causes the allergic response. The hair of a cat can also collect pollen, dust and other allergens, but it's usually the dander that causes most of the trouble. The length of the cat's hair has no impact on allergies, so it doesn't matter if your cat is short hair or long hair.

You can help control cat allergies by using an air purifier which will remove the Cat Dander safely and effectively. It's important to know that dander can remain in a house for months after a cat has been removed, so simply giving the cat to a new home will not solve the problem, at least right away.

Toxic Chemicals and Pregnancy

2010-03-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

It's really shocking to discover that seemingly harmless things like cosmetics, skin care, and even bottles and cans that contain food or drinks may be a big contributing factor to the increase in couples who are unable to conceive. Evidence shows there can be a connection between toxic chemicals and pregnancy.

Chemicals such as BPA, DEA and Parabens can affect hormones, or the development of the unborn baby. Even lead or mercury may be present in personal care products.

BPA is used in such things as water and baby bottles, and is present in the lining of tin cans. Since the chemical can leach into the food or liquid it is best to avoid them entirely, or at least not heat items in these containers.

No one would brush their teeth with drano, or wash their hair with antifreeze, but that is close to what we are doing by using certain personal care products. The cosmetic industry is unregulated, so companies are not under restrictions from adding harmful chemicals. These toxins may be used to give a product more suds, or perhaps smell better, but they are unnecessary.

The solution is to only use skin and personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals, and avoid plastics and canned items as much as you can, especially if you are already pregnant or trying to conceive.

Toxic chemicals and pregnancy may have harmful effects for you or for the baby. As consumers are becoming more aware of these hazards there has been a big increase in the availability of products that are free of toxins, and work just as well if not better than the alternatives.

Diet Plan for Healthy Skin

2010-03-16T23:53:00.000-07:00

It's been said we are what we eat, and that is very true when it comes to our skin. It’s our body’s biggest organ, and it deserves all the nutritional support we can give it. So take a look at what your diet has been, and what you are feeing your skin.

Vitamin A is very important for skin health. One of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt not only provides Vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the "live" bacteria that supports intestinal health. Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens.

Be sure to eat lots of fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. Antioxidants protect the skin cells, which helps to prevent damage. As a result, it's good for premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are necessary for healthy skin. Sources of EFAs are salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed. EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through.

We also need good quality and healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. This keeps our skin looking and feeling healthier overall. The best oils are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil.

Selenium keeps our skin cells functioning optimally. Whole-wheat bread, turkey, tuna are some sources of selenium.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the cell membrane. It may even help prevent or reduce skin cancer risks.

We need to be well hydrated with plenty of water, as it has quite an effect on the skin’s health. Well-hydrated skin is healthy and young-looking. It also helps remove toxins from the body.

How to Stop Acid Reflux Naturally

2010-03-16T12:15:00.001-07:00

Do you ever wonder why so many people these days have problems with acid reflux, heartburn and digestive problems? The older one gets, the more likely it is they will have problems.

Stomach acid is both necessary and normal. When people have problems like reflux we often make the mistake of turning off the stomach acid in an effort to stop the problem.

Most of the enzymes we need for proper digestion are naturally present in our food. In fact, enzymes make fruit and vegetables ripen. However, food processors discovered they could greatly prolong the shelf life of food by destroying these necessary enzymes that we need. Since these enzymes have been eliminated there has been a great increase in acid reflux and other digestive problems. That is no coincidence.

Because the enzymes are lacking, digesting food properly becomes more difficult, and as a result the acid can start to reflux towards the chest .

Some things to avoid that can cause or aggrevate acid reflux include coffee, chocolate, vinegar, and any obviously acidy things like tomato sauces and so on.

It's also recommended that you drink warm, or room temperature liquids as cold temperatures will further inactivate the enzymes. If you like really cold drinks it's best to have them between meals and not during them.

Finally, plant based digestive enzymes taken just before eating will help you digest your food and avoid reflux. The most effective enzymes are the plant based ones rather than animal sourced. I take two of them before the supper meal, and occassionally before lunch, depending on what I am having. People with more severe cases may need to take the enzymes before every meal. You will find what works best for you.

The digestive enzymes have allowed me to completely avoid taking antacids or other over the counter medications. They are really just replacing the enzymes that were in the food originally before food processors had them removed.

My Experience With Supplements to Relieve Shingles

2010-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles affects the nerve endings in the skin, and is very painful. It can appear anywhere on the body. The painful rash usually is gone within 3 to 4 weeks, but for some people the pain of shingles can last for months afterwards. Here are natural supplements to relieve shingles pain which have helped me with greatly reducing the discomfort and promote healing.

Vitamin C. Rather than take a supplement I've been eating about two oranges a day.

While I already like to eat vegetables and fruit and have that in my regular diet, I wanted extra antioxidant power so have taken Greens to Go which is available at Costco. The directions say you just mix it with water, but I found it tasted a bit better mixed with juice. Even then I'm not crazy about it, but it does have a lot of extra antioxidant which I felt necessary.

Probiotics. Danactive by Dannon has been my choice because I like the taste, but there are others. Probiotics help strengthen the immune system by providing "good" bacteria that our body needs.

Organic aloe vera gel for the rash. This has been very soothing. As my pain began to decrease it also was becoming itchy at times, and the aloe vera has stopped this.

About two ounces of Mangosteen juice by XanGo three times a day. Sometimes it's been a bit more than that. There is no upper limit as to how much juice a person can drink each day, but the average amount is one ounce two or three times a day, so with a health problem it's necessary to take more.

XanGo has the original mangosteen supplement, it's all natural with no added sugars, no artifical flavors or colors. Many years of scientific research on the mangosteen have shown how it can strengthen the immune system and is a natural anti-inflammatory. It's the only mangosteen supplement on the market that uses the whole fruit puree, and this is important because most of the antioxidants found in the fruit are actually in the rind.

When I first broke out in the rash two weeks ago I went to my doctor for the diagnosis and also to get something for pain relief. I did take the prescription pain reliever morning, midday and before bed for the first few days, but it's been 5 days since I took the last one. I am still taking an over the counter pain reliever when I get up in the morning, but otherwise am not needing anything else at this time. I really believe these extra supplements have made a difference, however, I can't of course suggest anyone else would have the same result as me. But I did want to share this with others, because as I mentioned I know the shingles pain can last a long time.

I really will not be without the mangosteen juice and sincerely recommend it to anyone, whether they are healthy and want to stay that way or if they are facing a health challenge of any kind. I encourage everyone to try the juice and see what it can do. I expect to continue to improve my overall health and recover from shingles faster as I keep drinking this juice. And I love the taste too!

This video has more information about the mangosteen also known as the Queen of Fruits.

Natural Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia

2010-03-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Finding natural pain relief for fibromyalgia isn't easy because what helps one person may not necessarily help another. However, there are a few remedies anyone can try to reduce the pain and discomfort.

A diet with plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, and low in carbs can also help to relieve fibromyalgia pain. Sugar needs to be avoided as it depresses the immune system. Also caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms worse.

A medical professional can help you find a regular relaxing exercise routine that is right for you. The exercise assists with blood flow, which can help you to sleep better, as this is a common problem with fibromyalgia.

Heating pads can provide relief and also can loosen up sore muscles and joints, particularly during a flare up. There are many different types available today and even some you can wear under your clothes that can be used for several hours.

Topical pain medications which are free of harmful ingredients can be found in health stores. I use a pain reliever cream with emu oil that is good for natural pain relief. Most stores should have a wide variety, so it's a matter of finding out what works the best for you.

Stress is often the culprit when someone has a fibromyalgia flare up. Depending on what is going on in our lives, it may not be possible to avoid stress, but spending time in a quiet place with calming music may help you to completely relax. Some people find meditation helpful as well.

One final strategy for natural pain relief for fibromyalgia is deep tissue massage. This stimulates blood flow in both joints and muscles. This works similar to a heating pad, but many people with fibromyalgia find deeper tissue massage provides much more pain relief. It's important to have someone experienced in dealing with people who have fibro to do the massage.

My friend Shelley Penney, a retired nurse, has written a great ebook about Natural pain relief for fibromyalgia. These are all natural therapies that can end the pain for good.

Best All Natural Skin Care Products

2010-03-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

When it comes to looking after their skin, many people want the best all natural skin care products available, since they are aware of the dangers of using ones that contain harmful chemicals or toxins.

So, how do you determine which are the best to use? It's not easy to find all natural skin care product that really have no chemicals at all. There are some that really are 100% organic, but their cost might be too expensive for some people. Often these have a shorter shelf life as well because of no preservatives added.

Some people are under the impression that since natural skin care products are without any chemicals, they cannot cause any harm to the skin. This isn't always the case, since you may have sensitivites to things that are toxin free.

Although a product may be labeled "pure, natural and organic" this can be misleading. There are no legal standards for organic or natural skin care and personal care products sold in the United States so products labeled this way may still contain chemicals that could be harmful.

Also, beware of "fragrances" which could contain many different things, and may cause skin irritation and allergy problems.

The best all natural skin care products will offer cleansers for all skin types (dry, oily, normal and sensitive) and be rich in antioxidants as nutrition for our skin is important as well. We should make use of a daily toner, serum and moisturizer as well. This will reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles and brown spots on the skin.

New industry standards are starting to appear that may help people determine the difference between the natural and not-so-natural products, but multiple standards with different meanings can be confusing. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is advocating for a standard that means ingredients really are as safe as they claim to be.

Some essential oils, herbal oils, shea butter, lemon, aloe vera and much more are useful too and are known for their moisturising and antiseptic properties. In addition the mangosteen fruit and particularly its rind has been shown to be rich in anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly helpful.

Using an all natural skin care product should include other lifestyle habits such as eating lots of fruit and vegetables, regular exercise, and drinking lots of water to help you maintain healthy skin for longer time.

Glimpse Skin Care uses topical skin nutrition that is good for your skin, and will leave your complexion healthy and radiant.

The Many Health Benefits of Mangosteen Fruit

2010-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

The mangosteen fruit has many health benefits and has been nicknamed "the queen of fruits" due to its delicious taste.

Over the years a lot of research has been done on the mangosteen fruit which has shown the various health benefits of this remarkable fruit. It contains a large amount of xanthones, which are very powerful antioxidants. There is a whole family of this antioxidant, and the most dynamic of these are found in the mangosteen. Xanthones are found in a few rain forest plants, but they are for the most part found in the mangosteen fruit, and over 40 have been identified.

Antioxidants are protection from free radicals that we are exposed to daily. No matter how healthy a lifestyle we live, we are still exposed to free radicals from air, water and food chemicals. They also can be a result of infection and inflammation. Since we can't avoid them taking antioxidants each day can help protect us from the ill effects they can cause. It is for this reason that many healthy people take supplements, including mangosteen each day. It's far easier to address health challenges before they begin, with prevention, rather than after they have become apparent.

Mangosteen juice has become quite popular since it was first introduced in North America several years ago. When looking for a mangsoteen supplement it is important to get the whole fruit as it is in the rind where most of the health benefits are found. It's also a good idea to check labels as some juices have water as their primary ingredient, or many contain sugar or other unnecessary additives.

Mangosteen juice is a health supplement a person can take each day without any adverse side effects, and because it is a food it is safe for young children as well, although it is always suggested you consult with a doctor if you have any allergies or medical condition.

Because most of the health benefits from mangosteen fruit are found in the rind, it's very important to have the whole fruit in any juice supplement. The mangosteen juice by XanGo is the original mangosteen juice which uses the whole fruit puree, unlike other juices on the market today.

I've been taking the mangosteen juice by XanGo for three years now and would not be without it.

Toxins to Avoid in Skin Care Products

2010-02-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Would you brush your teeth with Drano? Or put antifreeze on your skin? Of course no one would do that, yet it's close to what many people are doing every day without realizing it. Our skin is the largest organ in the body, and easily absorbs what we put on it, yet the skin care and cosmetic industry is unregulated by the FDA. Here is a list of some common toxins to avoid in skin care products, as well as those we use for personal care.

1. Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol acts as a wetting agent and solvent in personal care products, and is commonly found in antifreeze. The EPA warns against skin contact as it can lead to brain and kidney problems, yet no warning is required on products such as deodorant.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is used in personal care products that foam. This may weaken the immune system.

3. DEA, MEA and TEA are hormone disrupting chemicals that may also be carcinogens. These have been banned in Europe but not North America. Shampoo, body wash and shaving creams are most likely to have this.

4. Sodium Hydroxide, found in crystal drain cleaners, is a common ingredient in toothpaste for both adults and children. It's known to be toxic.

5. Triclosan can disrupt hormones, and remain stored in the body and eventually damage the kidneys, lungs and kidneys. It is used widely in a number of household products.

6. Parabens are used primarily as a preservative in skin care. Another chemical that can disrupt hormones and possible links to breast cancer and heart problems.

7. Alcohol and Isopropyl is drying and irritating to the skin. May promote brown spots and premature aging, headaches and nausea.

8. Color pigments cause skin irritations and are carcinogens.

9. Mineral oil clogs the skin pores and interferes with the body's ability to remove toxins. It promotes acne and other skin problems and can cause premature aging.

10. Fragrances are commonly added to many skin care and personal care products. They can affect the nervous system, headaches, dizzyness, rashes, skin discoloration and other skin problems. No breakdown of ingredients are required on labels, other than "fragrance" which could mean hundreds of different things.

These are all very commonly used and are toxins we should avoid in our skin care products.

Gimpse Skin Care s topical skin nutrition without the use of harmful toxins.

Is your daily beauty routine making you sick?

2009-11-05T12:08:00.001-08:00

Below is a report from Seattle TV on the dangers in personal care products, nail polish, makeup etc. What we are putting on our skin could be making us sick.

Check out the products you are using at Cosmetics data base as they list thousands of products and chances are what you are using is there.

We don't have to be using cosmetics and other products with chemicals and toxins as there are safe alternatives now. I think this is especially important for children and women of child bearing age, but everyone can benefit by using safe products.

Mike Adam's Honest Food Guide

2009-10-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Mike Adams of Natural Health News ocntinues to offer great service and information to consumers. The USDA food guide is considered outdated to many so he has done a free Honest Food Guide which you can download immediately from that link.

I think we all know the importance of how diet can have a positive or negative effect on our health. It's one thing we need to be very conscious of for our immune system and overall health. There are a few "superfoods" we should be aware of as well and it's in this guide.

The "Honest Food Guide" provides information like:

* Which common food ingredients can lead to diabetes
* Which foods promote depression and mood disorders
* How to avoid hydrogenated oils
* Which foods promote outstanding health
* Why we should avoid high-sodium snacks
* Where to get healthy protein
* Mineral-rich supplements we should be getting
* Why we should avoid MSG
* What foods support a healthy immune system
* Why breakfast cereals are often poor for your health
* How to get enough healthy oils in your diet
* Why sunlight is so important to good health
* Key nutrients for good health
* How to select the right vegetables
* Superfoods that can heal
* How to have clear, smooth skin
* Which carbs to good for us and which we should avoid
* And more

Get your free copy HERE

XanGo introduces Juni personal care products

2009-10-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Xango has added to their excellent product line by adding Juni personal care products. This includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a vegan body bar.

Xango's new Juni products are a toxin free line of family care products that include the benefits of mangosteen including a signature blend of essential botanicals for a pure and simple clean that is safe for the entire family and for the environment too!

Use the contact me form here if you want more information about these products and how to order.

Beverly Hollister of Xango's video is below:

Woman disabled by influenza vaccine

2009-10-20T01:54:00.000-07:00

Below is a video of a tragic story of a young woman who was injured by getting an influenza vaccine. What I learned just recently is that the drug companies who manufacture these vaccines are immune from liability! I had one flu shot several years ago and my arm was sore for weeks after. Ever since then I decided I would never have another influenza vaccine. I would much rather take natural remedies for flu than take a chance on a vaccine. I feel so sorry for this young woman.

Chemicals linked to asthma, allergies and cancer in our cleaning products

2009-09-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Many products that we have in our homes for personal care or for cleaning have chemicals in them linked to cancer, allergies, asthma and other health problems.

If you value your health, then I am sure you will agree we should not be having poisons in our homes. The effects of toxins in the home usually takes time to become apparent, but they gradually can have a negative effect on your health, because they are absorbed through the skin, in our personal care products or laundry detergents, and are in the air we breathe.

Your skin is like a sponge. The chemicals in laundry soaps end up on your clothes, they are never rinsed completely. We absorb the creams and lotions we put on our skin as well.

Have you ever had dry, itchy, or irritable skin? Do you get headaches when cleaning your home?

These could be initial 'mild' symptoms of the toxins in your body. As time passes this toxic soup can build up in your body and affect your immune system and over-all health.

Companies shouldn't have the right to put toxic chemicals into our cleaning products or personal care. Why should we need poison to do a cleaning job? There are safe alernatives that won't harm us but big companies don't want us to know.

Many of the products commonly found in homes contain formaldehyde, which is highly toxic and has been shown to be a carcinogen in animals, and so very well in people as well. Formaldehyde, phthalates, and other toxins can cause so many problems for our immune systems, hormones, and so much more. Companies will often add fragrances which may give the products a more pleasant spell but also contain chemicals.

So why do so many companies make household and personal care products that have potentially harmful toxins and chemicals in them? The answer, in my opinion, is cost. Companies use the cheapest things they can in their products so it won't cut into their profits. Natural and safe things like essential oils cost more.

The good news is there are lots of safe alternatives in health food stores as well as products offered by many direct sales and network marketing companies. Even some grocery stores are getting into the trend of using safe products and have some on their shelves, along with the toxic ones.

I got rid of toxins in my home and it's certainly helped with allergy problems I had and I don't get a headache using cleaners anymore either.

We still need to detox our bodies, however, because this alone won't eliminate all toxins in the body. However, it's a very positive step in living a healthy lifestyle.

FTC Targets Supplement Companies

2009-09-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Many people have no idea the FTC has targeted nutritional supplement companies for termination. The FTC is going after several small supplement companies, trying to intimidate them into silence so they won't tell the public about the truth about natural remedies.

According to Natural Health News:

"The FTC is demanding that Daniel Chapter One lie to all its customers by signing and distributing a document claiming their natural cancer remedies do not work. That same document would also direct customers to the National Cancer Institute -- a pro-Pharma government group engaged in widespread scientific fraud and public disinformation campaigns (the NCI runs ads warning people to avoid all sunlight, for example, promoting widespread vitamin D deficiencies)."

If this isn't blatant government interferance and deception I don't know what is. It's an attack on free speech, and also a government cover up. Governments do not want us to take natural supplements for health and protection, they would rather support the drug companies so they can make huge profits. Keep people uninformed of natural remedies that actually work and have no side effects.

This cover up includes nearly all of the news media. There is no information given, for example, of the benefits of Vitamin D and how it can be an effective antiviral. Instead, we are being told how we should get vaccines this fall for influenza and the swine flu. I'm so grateful for resources like Natural Health News and others that are doing their best to educate consumers.

The link to the full article is here:

FTC Orders Daniel One To Lie To Consumers.

Joanne

250-588-5514

Safe Skin Care Products --- Why They Are So Important

2009-08-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Many people do not realize the cosmetics industry is unregulated by the federal government. The ingredients found in many skin care and cosmetic products may be the main route of exposure to harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is a good idea for consumers to be educated as to what they are using.

The average person absorbs hundreds of chemicals and toxins every day, using such products as facial cleanser, soap, shampoo, deodorant, nail polish etc. These products can do much more harm than good to our bodies. Many skin care products contain unnecessary ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives. In addition, there are many potential health risks associated with chemicals commonly found in many items which may be linked to cancer, birth defects, and hormonal difficulties, and yet no warning label is required.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and readily absorbs whatever we put on it. Safety testing of ingredients in personal care products is not mandatory, and even terms like "natural" and "hypoallergenic" can be misleading. For this reason it is essential that one reads the ingredients on the labels before purchasing or using.

A great resource to help you find safe skin care and cosmetic products is The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. Its goal is to protect the health of the public by requiring the beauty industry to phase out the use of harmful toxins and replace them with safe alternatives. Companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics are committed to this promise to make products that will do no harm. The companies that have signed this are all listed, so you can determine if what you are using is safe or not. In addition you can discover which organizations are supporting the campaign.

By educating yourself you can avoid the use of harmful chemicals on you and your family's skin.

Why The Silence On Natural Remedies For Swine Flu?

2009-08-27T01:24:00.000-07:00

Last post I wrote about the great articles at Natural Health News about the Swine Flu. Now Mike Adams has added another one, asking the important question about why the government is suppressing any information about natural remedies to combat the Swine Flu.

In recent days news articles have started to appear warning about a new wave of this influenza and how possibly millions could be affected. It's up to the individual to decide if this is fear mongering or not.... but in any case the government warnings are dire. Of course, the only remedy the government endorses are vaccines. Not a word about getting help with natural remedies and treatments. This of course benefits drug companies but not consumers.

For example, did you know that extra vitamin D, especially during influenza season, can greatly enhance your immune system? I think it is quite commonly known about vitamin C, but until reading this article I did not know about the link between vitamin D and avoiding influenza. Vitamin D has many other benefits as well, so it makes sense to be sure we get enough of it daily.

It's hard to understand why there is such a silence about natural supplements. They may not actually prevent Swine Flu.... but if they aren't going to hurt anyone why not tell people about it? Personally I think it has a lot to do with profits for the drug companies distributing the vaccines, which themselves can lead to side effects.

Here is an article on Probiotics and how they also can enhance and boost your immune system. Probiotics are good not only for the digestive system.

These are examples of just two low cost and no risk pro active things that people can do to reduce their risk of Swine Flu and other influenzas.

We are coming into flu season with fall just around the corner. The more proactive we are the better. I'm a big believer in supplements and ones such as AgariGold from Waiora which I will discuss in more detail in another post.

And as I have mentioned before, I highly recommend Natural Health News and subscribing to their newsletter.

Joanne

250-588-5514

H1N1 Swine Flu: Great Articles At Natural Health News

2009-08-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

As we approach the fall and flu season, we can expect to hear much more about the H1N1, also known as Swine Flu. Governments are ordering millions of vaccines. I really believe the government is going to spread fear about the H1N1, and we need all the good information we can get.

Natural Health News by Mike Adams has some great articles, and I'm providing a link to one of them here.

You should know that the FDA is going to be taking a hard line against anyone promoting natural products to help the public from H1N1 influenza A. There are warning leeters saying the FDA will "take enforcement action... such as seizure or injunction for violations of the FFDC Act without further notice."

"Firms that fail to take correction action," the FDA states, "may also be referred to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations for possible criminal prosecution for violations of the FFDC Act and other federal laws."

So the FDA is saying no product may be described as protecting against or preventing H1N1 infections unless it has their stamp of approval. The FDA, of course, has approved Tamiflu and the new H1N1 vaccine that's costing the public millions of dollars, all with a huge profit to Big Pharmacy. Anything that really can help people, such as natural antivirals is prohibited from even mentioning H1N1 without the threat of the FDA coming after them.

Natural Health Neews includes five of the most powerful antivirals on their web site you should know about. Also the excellent article, Mike Adams gives the worst case and best case senarios, and what he believes is likely to happen.

We need to be well informed about H1N1, and do what we can to protect ourselves. This includes natural supplements that don't have side effects.

Natural Health News Article.

FDA Claims Mercury Fillings Are Safe For All, Including Children and Pregnant Women

2009-08-12T11:10:00.001-07:00

I have an article to share with you today from Mike Adams from Natural Health News.

Mike has written an excellent article by taking a hard look at the FDA and their negligence in saying mercury fillings are harmless for almost everyone including even babies!

"Any scientific credibility the FDA might have been clinging to in these last few years has now disintegrated with the agency's recent announcement that after reviewing 200 scientific studies, it has concluded mercury fillings are safe for human health! This ruling, as you'll read below, further demonstrates how the FDA is a rogue federal agency that respects no law and frequently operates in direct violation of the law."

This is an important article for everyone to read, especially if you have young children or are pregnant.

The rest of the article can be read here:

FDA Claims Mercury Fillings Safe

I highly recommend reading other articles from Natural Health News if you are concerned about making positive changes in your health. Nearly all the information they provide is free, and author Mike Adams is not affiliated with any company or products for pay, ensuring any reviews he does are totally non biased and neutral.

Colon Cleansers - - Why I think they are a waste of money

2009-07-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

In recent years as consumers have become more health conscious there has been a big increase in colon cleansers. Advertisements often show graphic pictures designed to frighten people into buying. There is no question that keeping the colon healthy is important to overall health, but are you wasting your money by purchasing cleansers?

We are exposed to toxins and free radicals every day, and detoxification is becoming more common for people who want to maintain health or to help them feel better. However I don't think that colon cleansing is an effective means of doing this.

Mucoid plaque is a term coined by a naturopath to describe mucus like material and food residue that coats the intestines. This name was started by a naturopath, however, there is no actual medical condition with this term. Mucus does occur naturally in the digestive system and helps protect the intestines from infection, however, the suggestion that this may form a mucoid plaque is not supported medically.

One of the main ingredients found in colon cleansers is psyllium husk which is also the main component of Metamucil and other laxatives. Psyllium can be bought very inexpensively in health food stores.

Generally the colon can be expected to do its job, if we are living a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fruits and vegetables and fiber in our diets, as well as plenty of water. Regular exercise will help as well.

An effective detoxification should eliminate toxins from the rest of the body and not just the intestines. Colon cleansers only work on the digestive system, and do not have a systemic effect. The goal of regular detox is to cleanse the whole body of toxins that have built up over time.

Some Simple Ways To Enhance Your Immune System

2009-07-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

Every day we are exposed to chemicals in the air, our food and our homes. While some of it is beyond our control there are several simple things we can do for better health and to enhance our immune systems. Taking care of our bodies and helping our immune system is not difficult at all, it just requires some discipline. Here are a few things you can do.

1. A proper diet is essential for good health, and especially lots of antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables. It's recommended we get at least 6 to 8 servings a day. It's also to our benefit to avoid sugar. Just a small amount of sugar can impair white blood cells and make us more prone to infections. Eliminating sugar is a great thing to do to boost your immune system.

Of course we know sugar intake can cause obesity however it also can be linked to digestive problems, bacterial and fungal infections, diabetes and high cholesterol. If we crave something sweet the natural sugar in fruit is fine but we should avoid it otherwise. Sugar can depress the immune system which makes us more prone to infections.

2. Get enough sleep. During deep sleep, our bodies release potent immune-enhancing substances that strengthen our defenses. By not allowing our body sufficient rest, the immune system will not function at full capacity. When our immune systems are weakened we are more likely to get sick. A healthy, deep sleep allows the body to release a significant amount of growth hormone that boosts the immune system and aids in the growth and repair of our cells.

3. Drink plenty of water. We need to be well hydrated to regulate body temperature and so the nutrients can travel to all your organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs.

A lot of people don't get enough water. Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation. Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration however your body needs water long before you feel thirsty.

Water is the very best source of fluid intake and we should not depend on getting it from juices or coffee or tea. Juices of course are good if there is no added sugar but we still need water daily.

4. Nurture yourself. Our bodies respond to our emotions. If you're feeling tired or worried, it can manifest itself in a cold or something else. Spending some time in being grateful, listening to a good CD or relaxing music will help. Don't ignore warning signs of a cold or exhaustion or whatever it might be so you can keep them from getting worse. When you're happy, and you have taken the time to look after yourself illness is less likely to happen. It's important we have the right mental attitude.

5. Avoid chemicals in your home and in personal care products. Many people are not aware of the toxic chemicals in their facial cleansers, makeup, and other personal care products. Our skin absorbs what we put on it, and for our health we should use products that are safe and toxin free.

The same is true of cleaning products for our homes. There are many safe alternatives now so we don't need to use poison to clean our homes.

6. Detoxify. Everyone needs to detox their body from heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals and other poisons. These chemicals can contribute to many health problems and can disrupt hormones and affect the body's ability to absorb the nutrients that it needs.

What We Think About Really Matters

2009-07-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I listened to a CD called The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale. This is a very powerful message in which he says "we become what we thinkg about." Earl Nightingale talks about the importance of attitude and having the right thoughts. This is one of the most profound messages I have heard on personal development, and yet it is very simple.

I believe having a positive mental attitude is important for our overall health. Worry and stress can cause all kinds of health problems, so I think we should make it a priority to include something postive each day. There are many great books and CDs by such people as Jim Rohn, John C. Maxwell, Steven K. Scott and many others.

We live in a very negative world. I call CNN "constant negative news." Unfortunately, negative news sells. But does it do any good to feed our minds with such things? I think it's especially important to avoid the news at night, just before we go to bed. We need to feed our minds with something encouraging, and that will help us grow as a person. It's also a good way to enhance our immune system.

Having a positive attitude can have many good effects on our health. It's one reason why I like to listen to a CD or read every day.

Not Just A Pretty Face Book Review

2009-07-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Not Just a Pretty Face, The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry by Stacy Malkan, is a must read for anyone concerned about toxins in skin care and cosmetic products. It's very interesting but has some shocking facts as well, and contains some critical information that everyone should have. It's not just cosmetics, but includes such things as soap, toothpaste, shampoo and shaving cream. Basically all personal care products. Even more surprising is what she has to say about children's toys! However the primary focus of the book is the beauty industry.

One of the many disturbing things mentioned in this book is blood that was analyzed for chemicals by two independent laboratories in one particular study, and was found to be positive for a wide range of chemicals in newborn babies. Toxins were found in umbilical cord blood. Another study done on breast milk in several states found all the milk samples contained chemicals.

While toxins in cosmetics can affect the health of anyone, this message may be of particular concern to young women of child-bearing age tod determine how they can protect their unborn babies by making good choices in their personal care products.

Many people are likely unaware that the skin care and beauty industry is unregulated, which means products do not have to be tested for safety. There is no requirement for companies to safety test personal care products before they are available to the public. For this reason, I believe it's vital that people become educated in this regard, and Not Just a Pretty Face exposes the hidden dangers in products we use every day.

This book is very readable and actually has a very encouraging message of empowerment so we can protect ourselves with the personal care products we buy. There are safe alternatives to be found in virtually everything we buy. The skin is the largest organ in the body and readily absorbs whatever we put on it. Skin care and makeup that is meant to make us beautiful on the outside should not be making us sick on the inside.

Hidden Dangerous Ingredients In Food

2009-07-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

There are several ingredients commonly added in popular food items that we should be aware of and avoid, at least as much as possible.

Sodium nitrate is used as a preservative and to give meat a more appealing color. It's found in such things as hot dogs, sausages, bacon, cold cuts and some fish. Since there is a link between nitrates and some types of cancer it's high on the list of things to avoid. Processed meats such as bacon and sausages tend to be high in fat as well, another reason to not eat them.

I wrote very recently about why we should avoid sugar, but the articifial sweetner aspartame can also lead to health problems. This is found in diet drinks, diet desserts, salad dressings and other things. Aspartame has less calories than sugar, leading some people to believe it's a healthier alternative. It can cause headaches and migraines, nervous system disorders and more.

Hydrogenated oils are found in cookies, other bakery items and many processed foods. Can lead to obesity, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

Sodium is added to almost all food items like ready to eat meals, condiments, etc. It is usually added in great excess, you may be surprised when you look at food labels how much. Too much sodium is linked to high blood pressure.

Toxic additives in our groceries can cause chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, ADHD and depression. Study after study is confirming an undeniable link between the food we eat and disease.

It's good to see more and more people understanding this reality and doing something about it. Organic food is much more prominent in grocery stores. Consumers are reading food labels and learning what things to avoid.

Apple Cider Vinegar Natural Remedy

2009-07-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I came across some information online about what a great natural remedy apple cider vinegar is. It's been used for hundreds of years. I believe that if something won't do any harm, and it potentially could affect our health in a positive way I'm willing to try it. It's important to get an organic brand.

The one thing I can tell you is it was one of the worst things I had ever tasted! I diluted it with water but apparently not nearly enough.

Proponents of apple cider vinegar say it is great for allergies, for balancing the ph in the body, it helps with diabetes and so much more. I honestly don't know how much we should believe, but as far as I know it has no side effects. It's getting past the bad taste that is the challenge. It certainly needs to be diluted with LOTS of water or other liquid.

If you do want to learn more here is a detailed web site about it:

Apple cider vinegar health benefits.

Until next time,

Joanne

250-588-5514