In Search of Natural Health

New Xooma Blast

2012-01-20T18:17:00.000-05:00

There's an amazing new product out from a company called Xooma Worldwide. The product is called Xooma Blast, which is actually a new version of a previously successful top-selling product they carried for a few years. It's just like all those powder drink stick mixes you see in your local supermarket - except without the calories, artificial ingredients, or dangerous additives. Xooma Blast is packed with the antioxidant-boosting power of the coffee bean and sweetened with all-natural Stevia.

Xooma Blast comes in two flavors - Strawberry Lemonade and Grape Xcape.

Check out this video commercial introducing the product:

Kardiaxyme - Nature's Best Kept Secret

2011-11-19T23:13:00.001-05:00

Whoever thought that nature could hold so many amazing benefits in selected species of algae? When grown in a special water environment, the resulting liquid infusion of Proalgazyme becomes what is now called "Nature's Best Kept Secret". For several years, the product has been available simply as "Proalgazyme" but is now exclusively marketed through Xooma Worldwide as "KardiaXyme".

Over 8 years of scientific and clinical research has proven this product to reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL); reduce oxidative stress; increase APOA-1, ABCA1, SRB1; decrease CETP, production of Interleukin 2; increase production of Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 10; and much more.

Numerous testimonies have been sent to the company (see Success Stories here). My mother has been using the product for a little over a month as well and has also seen benefits that she has not seen with other nutraceutical product. Aside from a reduction in her blood pressure, she has found increased energy and stamina to keep up with an exceptionally busy work day.

I must say, the health benefits must also be affecting her personal outlook on life because I think she even looks younger than she ever has before.

Food Matters (a short review)

2011-04-20T21:51:00.001-04:00

Food Matters on Netflix

I recently took the time to view a documentary on Netflix called Food Matters. The film discusses in great detail (via interviews and presentations of scientific observations) the importance of nutrition in keeping your body healthy and free from disease.

The film also covers at length the controversial Gerson therapy and diet which has successfully been used for many years in the reversal of many terminal conditions, including cancer and lupus. The therapy works on the principle of allowing the body to heal itself. It is absolutely amazing and very promising, especially when pharmaceutical treatments tend to have so many frightening side effects and yet offer no guarantee of a "cure".

Overall, Food Matters is perhaps the most concise, educational, and useful documentary about health and nutrition that has been made thus far. Only 77 minutes long, it shows us how the food we eat is affecting us all - in both the positive and negative ways.

Featured speakers and interviewees in this film include: Andrew W. Saul, David Wolfe, Charlotte Gerson, Ian Brighthope, Victor Zeines, Phillip Day, Dr. Dan Rogers, Jerome Burne. If you are concerned about the effects of pharmaceutical drugs on the your health and the health of your family, this is a must see film. If you thought the only way to treat ailments and deadly diseases such as cancer is through those powerful drugs that don't even guarantee a cure, then this film might change your mind.

The Body's Need For Proper Enzymes

2011-02-25T21:01:00.012-05:00

It's easy to eat a hearty meal and not ever think about what happens to the food after you've chewed each mouthful and swallowed it all up. So what DOES happen to the food we eat?

After the masticated food reaches our stomachs, the food has to broken down into even tinier pieces before it can travel through the rest of our bodies and eventually provide our bodies with life-giving sustenance through our bloodstreams. The process is complex and proper processing of the food requires that we have the proper enzymes in our digestive system to break down these food particles. Our bodies cannot always do it alone, especially when a lot of the food we take in already has lost a lot of valuable nutrients before it even gets to our kitchens and dining tables.

Each time we cook food we destroy enzymes naturally present to help assimilate the nutrients. At birth we are given a finite amount of enzymes for a lifetime. When we do not help the body by supplementing with a high quality enzyme complex, our body steals enzymes from important functions and uses them as digestive support. This compensation over time speeds up aging, can create allergic reactions, and is often a cause of inflammation.

Your body can NOT use the nutrients in the food you eat until they are chemically unlocked and absorbed into your system. The proper combination of enzymes is what holds the key! Enzymes are proteins that trigger activity in the cells of the body. They are present in all living cells and control the metabolic processes whereby nutrients are converted into energy and fresh cell material. Enzymes also take part in the breakdown of food materials into simpler compounds.

Dr. Edward Howell, who has written two books on enzymes, theorizes that humans are given a limited supply of enzyme energy at birth, and that it is up to us to replenish our supply of enzymes to ensure that their vital jobs get done. If we don’t replenish our supply, we run the risk of ill health.

In the enzyme nutrition axiom, Howell postulates that "The length of life is inversely proportional to the rate of exhaustion of the enzyme potential of an organism. The increased use of food enzymes promotes a decreased rate of exhaustion of the enzyme potential."

In other words, the more enzymes you get, the longer and healthier you live.

The key is to remember that food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 118 °F. This means that cooked and processed foods contain few, if any, enzymes, and that the typical diet found in industrialized countries is enzyme-deficient. When we eat cooked and processed foods, we could well be eating for a shorter and less-than-healthy life.

This points back to the importance of eating raw fruits and vegetables because they are "live foods"; that is, foods in which the enzymes are active. The more enzymes you get, the healthier you are. And the more raw foods you eat, the more enzymes you get.

To supplement the amount of enzymes we get from the foods we eat, there are numerous products that are effective for that purpose. One highly recommended product is one called Assimilator, a product sold exclusively by Xooma Worldwide.

Assimilator is a potent combination of natural plant enzymes in a proprietary formulation with essential ionic trace minerals. This formula helps digest processed and cooked foods. Assimilator is designed to promote the healthy oxygen-carrying ability of red blood cells enabling better nutrient utilization, energy production, optimal cellular health and immune system competence.

Digest Gold + Probiotics is another highly recommended product for complete digestive support. the most potent digestive enzyme product on the market, is ideal for anyone suffering from health issues not necessarily associated with digestion. Digest Gold has been formulated to assist in digesting proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber. Digest Gold enzymes represents the most potent digestive enzyme formula available. It is available through Vitamin Shoppe.

A mineral supplement for your pet's drinking water

2011-02-12T10:09:00.002-05:00

In our search for natural health, sometimes we overlook the fact that even our beloved pets could benefit from the same nutritional and mineral supplementation that we humans require.

If you've enjoyed or witnessed the benefits of mineralizing and alkalizing our bodies, then you'll need to know that even Fido or Fifi could do the same if we provide them the same things in their daily drinking water. Through Xooma Worldwide's PET2O, a low-cost supplement is available. It costs less than a dollar a day. That is really small compared to the thousands of dollars in veterinary costs to treat pet illnesses and diseases caused by a poorly supplemented and acidic body condition.

If you know a Xooma Worldwide independent distributor, you should ask them about how to get the product to try for your beloved pet. Or, contact Xooma Worldwide directly for additional information. Their Member Services department is open during the week (Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm Eastern Time) at 1.888.865.6687. Check it out!

Pharmacies vs health food stores

2010-05-24T16:30:00.001-04:00

Here's an interesting cartoon published on the Natural News website:

Considering all the damaging side effects of many prescription drugs and medications, which side would you choose?

Want a Soda? Think Again...

2010-05-24T16:24:00.005-04:00

I remember when I used to stock up on soft drinks at home - almost like the way this fridge is. I loved it whenever I found a sale and bought more to keep in the fridge.

I stopped purchasing so much soda since I started working for a health and nutrition company. Once I learned more about the detrimental effects of the chemicals found in sodas, I eliminated sodas from my regular grocery purchases and found that my family members and I were not getting sick as often as we used to.

This video will really make you think twice before you reach for another can of soda. Imagine giving that to your children!

Here's a healthier, better alternative to filling up on soda pop:

Skin Care and Cosmetics

2010-03-10T20:24:00.002-05:00

Cosmetics are used by women every day. Many cosmetics are made with harsh chemicals that deprive our skins of life-sustaining oxygen, causing premature aging and many unwanted side effects. We may not realize it but the skin is a major organ of our bodies. Through it, our bodies can absorb both life-giving nourishment and life-depleting chemicals.

Many of the side effects caused by cosmetics can be prevented by properly choosing cosmetics that are made from natural or organic materials. It is also helpful to choose cosmetics made by manufacturers who do not test on animals. Below is a very interesting article published in 2006 about the growing "nutricosmetics" industry - an industry that provides cosmetics that are considered safer and healthier for the skin because they also nourish and provide needed supplements through the skin.

The article below gives us a look at the cosmetic industry and some interesting facts to know about the nutricosmetic industry.

By Louise Prance

19/10/2006- Following the growing trend for products that aim to provide beauty ‘from within’ more companies are establishing product lines to target the fast-growing nutricosmetics niche market.

A recent study by Klein & Company found that the global nutricosmetics market was valued at $1bn, a figure the company says is set to double over the next five-year period. Carrie Mellage from Klein and Company told NutraIngredients.com's sister site, CosmeticsDesign, that many large companies are taking on this niche market and developing product lines to target the oral beauty market.

L'Oreal have combined with Nestlé to create the Inneov line, whilst Shiseido's nutricosmetics range is very popular in Japan, as is Imedeen's in Europe. Meanwhile, German cosmetics company, Christine Schrammek, launched their dermaneutrics range, aimed at targeting skin ailments with orally taken tablets, on September 1 this year.

Speaking of its decision to launch at this time, Claudia Hollinger, a spokeswoman for the company told NutraIngredients.com's sister site, CosmeticsDesign that: "We noticed it was a developing niche market and realised it would keep on growing. We know that many people take dietary supplements, therefore we wanted to create a supplement that is specifically focused on creating beautiful skin," she said.

Carrie Mellage from Klein & Company suggested that skin care is the main area targeted, however, there is also a large market for hair, nail and suncare ranges.
Christine Schrammek has launched its dermanutrics line, aimed at enhancing the condition of the skin, at a time when nutricosmetics is being driven into the spotlight, despite some doubts as to their efficacy. Werner Voss, who heads the Dermatest Institute in Muenster, Germany, described them as "simply worthless".

However, a study published this year by the Charite Clinic in Berlin focused on two particular substances that are often found in nutricosmetics, beta-carotene and lycopene, showing them to control the so-called free radicals that lead to premature aging of the skin, therefore establishing that nutricosmetics are indeed an in-road for the cosmetics and nutritional markets.

These ingredients are naturally found in many fruit and vegetables and can work as anti-oxidants. The study says that regular use of these antioxidants can help the skin to look younger and healthier.

However, not all countries are as quick to establish themselves within the market, with the US seemingly slow to pick up on this growing trend.

Talking about the US market, Carrie Mellage stated that "perhaps this is because American consumers are accustomed to getting their healthcare products from pharmaceutical companies and may be a bit skeptical about trying an ingestible product from a beauty company. Also there haven't been a lot of products available in the U.S., especially from the larger, more trusted marketers."

However, it is thought that as the market continues to grow, so will the competition. "Competition [in nutricosmetics] is guaranteed to increase, and companies should try to gain an early advantage and position themselves as a market leader in North America to gain the best competitive advantage," said Susan Babinsky, senior vice president and head of Kline's consumer products consulting practice.

Many companies are already competing with the product lines that they are introducing within the market. The Inneov range has now established a nutricosmetics product that is designed to prepare the skin for exposure to the sun, whilst intensifying the tanning effect at the same time.

Claudia Hollinger of Christine Schrammek also told of the company's desire to establish a similar brand stating that: "we are looking to develop a sun protection product within the next six months."

The Importance of Vitamin D

2009-10-15T21:32:00.004-04:00

Vitamin D Deficiency Called Major Health Risk
By Rob Stein, Washington Post Staff Writer

Many Americans, particularly African Americans, may be suffering from unrecognized deficiencies of a key nutrient -- vitamin D -- that increase the risk of bone problems and perhaps a host of other diseases, a growing number of scientists say.
Pediatricians scattered around the country have been surprised to see children suffering from rickets, a bone disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency that had been largely relegated to a bygone era.

A few doctors have come across adults who were disabled by severe muscle weakness and pain, sometimes for years, until they were treated for undiagnosed vitamin D deficiency. And recent studies suggest low vitamin D may be putting the elderly at higher risk for the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis and life-threatening falls and fractures.

But beyond bone and muscle problems, some evidence suggests a dearth of vitamin D may be associated with an array of more serious illnesses, including many forms of cancer, high blood pressure, depression, and immune-system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

In response, many scientists have begun pushing to sharply boost the official recommendations for how much vitamin D everyone should get daily, either by taking supplements, by eating more food that contains the nutrient or from the sun -- a major source of vitamin D.

Suggestions that people get more sun exposure, however, have sparked an unusually intense, and sometimes bitter, debate. Skin cancer experts are alarmed that people will disregard warnings about unprotected sun exposure, making them more vulnerable to what is the most common malignancy.

The debate is complicated by the many uncertainties about vitamin D. Because the nutrient's apparently widespread functions in the body are just now being recognized, little research has been done to try to answer some of the most basic questions, such as how much is needed for optimal health.

"It's a nutrient that's been around for a long time, but it's relatively recently that there's been a lot of evidence emerging that indicates there's more to vitamin D than we thought," said Daniel Raiten of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, who organized a recent conference at the National Institutes of Health (news - web sites) to identify the most urgent priorities for more research.
Skin produces vitamin D when hit by ultraviolet light in sunlight. The amount depends on where people live, skin pigment, age and other factors. African Americans and other dark-skinned people, and anyone living in northern latitudes, make far less than some other groups.

Sunbathing is a natural, inexpensive way to get your Vitamin D
With people spending more time indoors, covering up and slathering on sunblock when they are outside, and smog obscuring the sun on many days, the amount of vitamin D people create naturally is probably very low, many scientists say.

"Imagine you're a space alien looking down on Earth. You have these humans who evolved in the Horn of Africa, as nudists living around the equator. They would have been getting lots of vitamin D through their skin. Then they suddenly . . . move north and put on lots of clothes and block out most of their capacity to make vitamin D," said Reinhold Vieth, a University of Toronto vitamin D researcher. "For me it's a no-brainer. We're not getting enough."

Related articles:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/osu-kfo081809.php

http://www.naturalnews.com/027231_Vitamin_D_immune_system_vaccines.html

Feed your brain for longevity

2009-09-19T10:13:00.005-04:00

As we get older, our cognitive function may start to decline. We may lose our ability to focus on conversations or activities the way we could in our youth. And the prospect of developing Alzheimer's Disease is not something we want to have to endure for ourselves and for the sake of our loved ones. So what do we do? Can we prevent our brains from losing its ability to function?

Dr. Kyl Smith, noted author of The Brighter Mind book, researcher, and chiropractic physician has spent years of extensive research on cognitive brain function, looking at the things can be done to keep the brain performing at peak performance, what can possibly be done to prevent it from deteriorating, and what can be done to possibly restore cognitive brain function. He has been recognized in scientific and academic communities for filing a Qualified Health Claim Petition for the brain-nutrient phosphatidylserine – resulting in an unprecedented approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Photo Courtesy of Xooma Worldwide
Perhaps best known for formulating the widely used "Focus Factor", Dr. Kyl Smith has worked closely for over a year with The Health Network, Inc. in Hampton, Virginia in formulating a more effective, easier to use product that comes in a powder form. The product is called "FocusUp". Originally marketed through independent distributors, the product is now available to the general public.

Here's a quick overview of the benefits of some of the active ingredients in the FocusUp Energy Think Drink formula:

Huperzine A is an alkaloid derived from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata. It promotes memory and cognitive function by supporting healthy acetylcholine levels in the brain, vascular function and neuronal health. Several randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials indicate that huperzine A supports memory and cognitive function. These studies indicate that it maintains healthy acetylcholinesterase activity, maintaining healthy levels of the neuro-transmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Additionally, it promotes healthy vascular tissue and neuronal health in the brain via immune, metabolic and antioxidant properties.

Green Tea contains catechins ,specifically EGCG, which scientists have found to exhibit a powerful ability to protect brain cells from free radical activity and increased energy levels. Research has demonstrated that EGCG not only stops neurons from degeneration, but also regenerates and restores their function. A recent study showed that green tea actually slowed the effects of normal aging and its associated regression in brain function.

There are, of course, a lot of benefits found in the other active ingredients as well. But just looking at two of them already shows us this powdered supplement is a powerhouse of brain-enhancing ingredients. Even more inviting is the fact that the product has zero calories, zero sugars, and zero artificial ingredients. What more could we ask for in an energy drink? Our team thinks the product is worth looking into for more than just the energy-enhancing benefits. We believe this may provide us an answer to fighting the possibility of developing age-related cognitive decline.

The Swine Flu Vaccine Song

2009-09-16T20:19:00.001-04:00

Song Lyrics to The Swine Flu Vaccine Song by Mike Adams:

The swine flu's comin' back
like a viral attack
It's like '76, you gotta cover ya back
But not with a vaccine don't give in to that
Because those medical quacks
are makin money off that

They wanna inject you, infect you with the vaccine
They say they protect but they reject your immunity
And if you protest they arrest you and they lock you down
Can't have people like that walkin' around

Contagious
The truth is outrageous
Don't you know the drug companies made this flu
And if you're thinkin' you wanna evade this
Then you gotta say this

Don't inject me
Don't infect me
Don't stick that needle in my arm and chemically wreck me

Don't inject me
Don't infect me
Don't stick that needle in my veins and medically wreck me

Don't use me
Don't abuse me
Don't push your medical lies and try to confuse me

Don't trick me
Don't you dick me
With that needle in ya hand don't you dare try to prick me

Don't you know the swine flu is made by man
Pharmaceutical scam
It's all part of the Big Brother population plan
But the thing I don't understand
is why they in Mexico City
in an unmarked military van

They don't want you to see the remedies
you can stop influenza with vitamin D for free
Herbal medicine is all that you need
But they can't charge a fifty dollar fee

Unless
They inject you
They infect you
They stick that needle in your arm
and chemically wreck you

They use you
They abuse you
They say they're saving your life while they really confuse you

All you parents grab your kids
And shoot 'em up just like guinea pigs
Inject your teens and your babies in the crib
And when they get paralyzed
That's when you realize
There's no way to undo what you did

The big drug companies are makin' a killing
Collectin' the billions and gettin' away like a James Bond villain
cause they're willin' to do almost anything
Just to make money with the flu vaccine

Song and Lyrics © 2009 by Michael Adams, All Rights Reserved
Found at http://www.naturalnews.com/Dont_Inject_Me_The_Swine_Flu_Vaccine_Song.html.

If you're concerned about the Swine Flu (and other similar flu viruses) and want to find natural alternatives to preventing and curing the virus, check this article: The Five Best Anti-Viral Products to Beat Influenza, Swine Flu, Bird Flu and SARS

Swine Flu Vaccine Concerns

2009-09-11T12:12:00.017-04:00

What is the Swine Flu? We know that it spreads among people easily and is affecting younger people disproportionately. We also know that a number of people, many with underlying health conditions, have died from this virus.

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

With a swine flu vaccine expected to be ready in October, the debate over mass vaccination of children has been rapidly growing. The panic which occurred over the swine flu might soon be even more dangerous than the virus itself. The infected persons are shunned as if they have the plague. We are bombarded with new information about
the number of deaths every day and millions from “slim” state budgets have been transferred to the accounts of pharmaceutical companies which produce the vaccine for the “lethal” flu.

In addition, according to information from alternative media, the U.S. government has given immunity to Baxter, the main manufacturer of Tamiflu. According to this document, the company will not be held responsible if the swine flu shot harms someone. Is there something they are not telling us?

While that video may be entertaining to view, the subject matter is definitely nothing to be taken lightly. If the big pharmaceutical companies have their way, we could be forced to be vaccinated to avoid being shunned in society. We need to arm ourselves with more information - the kind of information that the big pharma companies keep suppressing from the public by convincing the governments that what they have are the "only safe choice" there is. But that's not the complete truth. We know there are risks with these "approved" drugs and vaccines. But how can we decide if those risks are truly worth it if no one wants to look at and weigh those risks against any possible risks of using alternative medicines such as herbal products?

Before you decide on vaccinating yourself or members of your family against this new strain of influenza with a vaccine that has not yet proven its worth, please take the time to read this article found on the Natural News website. We have natural health choices. The article can explain them all to you.

(Shared by Alisa Rivera)

The Sugar in Our Drinks

2009-08-12T13:35:00.012-04:00

Soft drinks are not the only commercially sold beverage that is loaded with sugar these days. There are alarmingly high amounts of sugar in the different popular drinks, including a popular organic soy milk and good old orange juice. A friend of mine shared this link to a site that compares various beverages by serving size, total calories, and calories from sugar. I was quite shocked to see how much these popular drinks contain. What's fascinating is what a difference it makes to better understanding the sugar content concept when you see a picture showing you exactly what those numbers mean in terms of sugar cubes.

The website owner (or author) took the time to stack up sugar cubes and the drinks to help the reader understand the concepts. I also noticed some corrections that were made (based on reader feedback) to some items that have been changed by the manufacturer. I think that shows that the author is not trying to mislead anyone into avoiding or banning these beverages, but willing to present the facts so that we all can make informed decisions about our food and beverage consumption.

Hopefully the website owners do not take down such an informative site. I think it's a valuable educational tool we can use to help others avoid the excessive consumption of high-sugar beverages.

Check the site out by clicking here.

Vitamin Facts We Need To Know

2009-08-09T00:00:00.016-04:00

To be able to make informed decisions about our nutritional and dietary needs, we must get all the facts. There are some vitamins that can be toxic when taken in large doses (i.e., vitamins A, D, E or K). The body does not need these every day and stores them in the liver and fatty tissues when not used. They are also eliminated much more slowly than water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C). How do we know how much is considered too much?

I found a pretty useful downloadable pamphlet that may help consumers make better decisions in regards to the use of vitamin supplements. This one is provided by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It's only three pages long so you don't have to read for hours to get the information. There's also no charge for it so check it out.

Yes, we're safer with supplements now...

2009-08-07T10:53:00.006-04:00

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there have been 450,000 adverse event reports reported in pharmaceutical-related cases in the last 6 months. In comparison, there have only been 604 adverse event reports related to dietary supplements in the same six months.

Vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs of the Natural Products Association, Daniel Fabricant said, "As it stands now, the number of mandatory AERs (adverse event reports) is well within - and even a bit below - the normal range that the FDA expected to receive from dietary supplements based on last year's guidance," he said. "To put the number in perspective, the FDA received more than 450,000 mandatory AERs in 2007 from prescription pharmaceuticals."

What does this tell us? FDA-approved drugs are no safer than dietary supplements.

The times are changing, too. Two decages ago, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published articles that there was no evidence that healthy people would benefit from taking multivitamins. Then in June 2002, they turned around and published an article about a study concluding that vitamin deficiencies were a cause of chronic diseases.

Taking multivitamin and mineral supplements should still be done with caution and with respect to the individual's condition - size, weight, age, physical activity, current diet, and other factors that affect one's health. Standard vitamins and minerals are considered relatively risk free if you avoid high doses. Very high doses of some vitamins, such as vitamin A or E, can make you ill or may increase the risk of developing other health problems.

We'll look at multi-vitamin and mineral supplements more closely in future posts.

Water Is Life

2009-08-03T09:37:00.010-04:00

This is a learning tool regarding alkaline water. This video is in Japanese with English subtitles, however, the information provided in it is remarkable and well worth the 9 minutes it takes to view. It is called "Water is Life." The video shows the results of several different experiments with alkaline water.

There is no marketing in the video to try to convince you to use one type of alkaline water product over another. The choice is yours. Look for the product that works best for your situation - your budget and lifestyle.

Acid-Alkaline Balance

2009-08-01T22:20:00.007-04:00

"The cells of a healthy body are alkaline, while the cells of a diseased body are acidic."
- Arthur C. Guyton, M.D.
Textbook of Medical Physiology

If you suffer from a pH imbalance, it can:

* Thicken your blood and increase your risk of heart problems.
* Block vitamin absorption and starve your body of essential nutrients.
* Create toxic buildup in clogged cells.
* Slow down organ function and make you feel sluggish and weak.
* Prevent proper digestion and create excess gas and bloating.
* Cause unhealthy weight gain.
* Speed the aging process and make you look and feel older.

Check out this educational handout prepared by health experts promoting a pH-enhancing product (called Xtreme X2O) sold through Xooma Worldwide independent distributors: Possible Symptoms of Acidosis.

More information about this vital health topic can also be found in a NaturalNews Special Report by Jack Challem:

Rather than reprint or summarize an already well-written document, I thought it would be best to share the link to the report instead. Just click on the book cover to access the website.

Hydration is a Key

2009-07-30T21:43:00.010-04:00

A lot of research reports point to hydration as a key factor to maintaining good health. Nutrition experts such as Brad King (best-selling author of Fat Wars) and well-known fitness professionals such as Clark Bartram (author of Spiritually Fit) frequently emphasize the importance of water in our diets. After all, our bodies are composed of nearly 70% water. If you lose that water, you are losing part of what your body is made of.

The late Dr. Batmanghelidj, MD, the best-selling author of Your Body’s Many Cries for Water has also published literature regarding the effects of improper hydration. There is a published interview with Dr. Batmanghelidj wherein he shares answers to such questions as how dehydration impairs mental functioning, why the body produces cholesterol and how water keeps it in balance, and which common ailments and "diseases" are actually caused by dehydration. You can check out the interview here: The Water Cure: An interview with Dr. Batmanghelidj

Note the following symptoms of dehydration in the body:

• Feeling tired when it is not the result of strenuous work (in its extreme form, chronic fatigue)
• Excessive hunger and cravings
• Feeling flushed
• Feeling irritable and easily angered
• Feeling anxious without a justified cause
• Feeling depressed

Imagine how many of the health problems we experience today are actually resultant conditions of the lack of proper hydration. So if you need a place to start in improving your health (without having to compare and analyze vitamins and other supplements), start by drinking more water. Water hydrates the body...and hydration is a key to better health, energy, and longevity.

NOTE: As I am not yet used to moderating comments on this blog, I accidentally rejected a comment posted by TC. I am copying here from an email notification I received. I thought it was worth sharing. (Sorry, TC, I didn't mean to delete it).

TC has left a new comment on your post "Hydration is a Key":

Hey Liggy. It is true. To many people don't really understand the significance of being adequately hydrated especially when it comes to eliminating many of the generalized ill health conditions. I have written extensively on the water issue in my book - Live Smart and have posted about it as well. I even have an insightful Squidoo page about water if your interested. http://squidoo.com/clean-drinking-water. Some good info there. Your site is looking great.

Please look at his suggested page, too, for more information regarding this subject. Thanks!!!

Organic Foods - More or Less for Your Money?

2009-07-29T21:25:00.018-04:00

When you see signs for organic food and a grocery section devoted entirely to organic foods that are priced higher than your average food store item, you wonder if maybe organic foods have better nutritional value. But if you review the research that has been published on both types of foods, it seems that the higher price of organic foods has nothing to do with nutritional content.

Over the years there have been debates over organic vs non-organic foods. With creative marketing strategies and increased media attention, organic foods have caught the attention of many natural health searchers (like myself).

In fact, The Food Standards Agency in the UK released an independent review which states: There is little difference in nutritional value and no evidence of any extra health benefits from eating organic produce. The Soil Association, which is the UK's leading organic association, has criticized the report and demands that more research be done before making such conclusion.

So how do you choose between organic and non-organic when you see two identical items in the grocery store, one labeled organic and the other not labeled so, and one costing more than the other? Well, unless cost is your major deciding factor, then you have to know what makes one item considered organic and what makes the other not. Basically the difference has to do with the way the produce was grown.

Conventionally grown produce may be farmed in conditions where they are exposed to chemical herbicides to control weeds, insecticides to reduce pests and disease, and chemical fertilizers to increase growth and production. Organic produce, on the other hand, are grown in conditions which conserve soil and water, use natural fertilizer such as manure or compost to feed the soil, and will use more tedious processes of tilling and crop rotation to prevent or control weeds (which leads to the higher cost of organically grown foods).

But back to nutritional value, even the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) reports that "No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food. And the USDA — even though it certifies organic food — doesn't claim that these products are safer or more nutritious." In other words, the choice is up to the consumer. If the method of production is of great importance to you, select organic foods. If not, you can choose either one. And if cost is a factor, perhaps you're better off buying conventionally grown produce (which is normally less expensive).

Either way, you should always practice safe food handling with any produce, whether it is organically grown or conventionally grown. That means, buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the best taste and quality, wash them thoroughly before consumption, and remove peels or outer coverings to be sure you're not consuming any dirt or chemical or non-chemical pesticides.

Chasing Miracles

2009-07-25T00:01:00.006-04:00

Pictured (from L to R) - Mrs. Burdick (friend), Tommie Weber, Liggy (me), and Mr. Burdick (friend)
Let's face it. In our quest for perfect health, we are all "chasing miracles". What works for one does not always work for another, and what scientists or medical professionals tell us we need are not ever real "cures". Most medications out there only relieve or rid us of one system, but never truly stops what caused the symptoms to begin with. What we really need is to get to the root of it all and find a way to stay healthy. And that's the challenging part.

I have had the pleasure and honor to meet and work directly with the author of "Chasing Miracles" - nutrition lecturer, holistic researcher, and health advocate, Tommie Weber. He is one of the strongest believers I know in drug-free cures and prevention as the key to health. He absolutely hates pharmaceutical substance in his body. In fact, he recently had to go to Nigeria for a business trip and if not for Nigeria requiring him to have certain immunizations in order to enter the country he would not have had that needle touch his body at all. He is a strong believer in preventing illness through keeping your body alkaline, hydrated, and mineralized.

Perhaps the central focus of his lifelong crusade for health is the use of alkalizing minerals in the body. You can obtain these minerals in many different ways (capsules, sachets, tablets). One very easy way to get them is through sachets that contain the minerals that when added to purified or distilled water, are transformed into an ionized form and are readily absorbed by the body. The secret to the mineral-rich sachets is found in coral. Coral, when harvested properly and safely, provides us a rich source of calcium, magnesium, and over 72 trace minerals. The only one I've found that lives up to its claim is the Alkaline Coral Calcium products (distributed by Health Thru Nutrition). The sachet form is also sold through Xooma Worldwide distributors under the name Xtreme X2O.

Even nutrition expert and author of Fat Wars: 45 days to transform your body (For Dummies (Health & Fitness), Brad King, wrote about the effectiveness of the coral calcium sachets and the importance of hydrating and alkalizing the body for better health. You can download a free copy of his Xtreme Health Book here. It's a truly informative piece of literature with no advertising.

I've read many published articles that an alkaline body prevents viruses and degenerative processes from growing because more oxygen is present in an alkaline body. Diseases (even cancer cells) need an oxygen-deprived environment to sustain growth. That's just a small gist of it. I think looking into hydrating, alkalizing, and mineralizing your body might be a good first step in your search for natural health.

Java Lovers Will Love This

2009-07-22T21:51:00.014-04:00

More and more research are coming out with positive news for coffee lovers. In fact, the latest issue of SELF magazine (August 2009) has a feature article titled "Brava, Java" in the Food & Diet section. The article, written by Beth Janes, gives us a little history of coffee as it comes from the coffeeberry bean up to the time we consume it in our coffee cups. Gone are the days when your only choices for coffee were black or with cream and sugar. Now coffee afficionados can enjoy the drink hot or cold as well, thanks to the successful marketing efforts of food and beverage establishments like Starbucks.
The SELF article outlines some of the many benefits of java and caffeine:

* antioxidant power to help fight radical cell damage

* antibacterial power to help against cavities and oral cancer

* the ability to unleash phytoestrogens and flavonoids which may help halt or slow down the growth of tumors

* Xanthine, found in caffeine, which may help against gallstones

* Chlorogenic acid, also found in caffeine, which may help against Type 2 Diabetes

You can check out the rest of the article online at SELF.

The Benefits of Coffee

2009-07-19T11:36:00.002-04:00

A recent article in the BBC News Health Section reads Coffee 'may reverse Alzheimer's.' The report states that a Florida study showed that caffeine slows down the growth of plaque that is responsible for dementia and that leads to Alzheimer's Disease. It also tells that previous research indicates that caffeine may even reverse the progress of the disease. Very interesting.

I have been a coffee drinker since I was in middle school. I became a coffee drinker because it helped wake me up in the mornings when I had to be in school by 7:25 every morning. And contrary to the notion that caffeine can make one jumpy, it actually relaxed my nerves so that I wasn't so fidgety and scatter-brained in class. For the same reasons that medical professionals have prescribed stimulants to patients with ADHD, the stimulant in coffee actually slows down my impulsivity and relaxes my brain in a way that I can focus a little easier, controlling the "traffic of thoughts and movement" within my brain.

That reaction seems to be supported by a statement made by Dr. Jonathan Geiger of the University of North Dakota. He states, "Caffeine is a safe and readily available drug and its ability to stabilise the blood brain barrier means it could have an important part to play in therapies against neurological disorders." Although Dr. Geiger's group's studies did not specifically focus on ADHD as a neurological disorder, the reports of caffeine's effects seems promising. The reason why caffeine in coffee has the same effect as stimulant drugs (amphetamines) on ADHD is that caffeine increases the dopamine levels, too.

Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrolled shaking in its sufferers, appears to also benefit from coffee. Studies show that about 80 percent of coffee drinkers are less likely to develop the disease. (I wonder if Michael J. Fox drank coffee at all?). In fact, researchers are now trying to develop drugs containing caffeine derivatives for use in Parkinson's patients.

Other studies have shown caffeine to be beneficial against diabetes as well. A Harvard University study of 126,000 people over an 18-year period showed a decreased likelihood of contracting diabetes in people who drank between one to three cups of coffee a day.

There is also a study published in the Washington Post that showed a 50 percent lower risk of chronic liver disease in coffee (or tea) drinkers than those who did not drink either of these two caffeine-containing beverages. The results were based on a study of about 10,000 people and was conducted by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and Social & Scientific Systems Inc.

Of course, coffee may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure may still be adversely affected by caffeine-containing products. Always check with your doctor before consuming anything that you are unsure of.

God's Pharmacy

2009-07-18T18:19:00.002-04:00

(Note: Some of you may have seen this come across in the form of a forwarded email message. I thought I'd post it because it contains a lot of interesting information very suitable for this blog).

A friend sent this to me. It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us great clues as to what foods help what part of our body!
God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.