Life's Hunger

Lay off the BOOZE

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 +0000

While indigestion is not a distinct condition, it may be a sign of an underlying intestinal disorder.Indigestion, is medically known as dyspepsia, and is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness or discomfort during or after a meal. It can also be accompanied by a burning or sharp pain in the upper stomach…YIKES! Unfortunately, people of all ages and of both sexes can be affected by indigestion…so NO ONE can hide.

There are numerous causes of indigestion, however, one specific cause of indigestion it too much alcohol. An individual’s risk of indigestion is increased through excess alcohol consumption because alcohol can severely irritate stomach lining, THUS, causing indigestion!

So take it easy over the holidays and limit your alcohol intake.

Everyone Loves Ulcers and Hernias

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 +0000

Discussing ulcers and hernias is a delightful topic….NOT! Ulcers and hernias are actually gnarly medical conditions. An ulcer is a sore, which means it's an open and painful wound that may cause puss….YUCK! Most ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is the fancy medical term for saying an infection caused by bacteria.

H. pylori bacterium is located in the stomach and if the bacterium combines with acid discharge then it can damage the tissue of the stomach and BAM!...ulcers. While H. pylori are responsible for most of the cases of peptic (stomach) ulcers, other causes of ulcers exist.

• Frequently consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause ulcers…TRANSLATION--too much aspirin or ibuprofen can cause ulcers.
• Smoking also increases the risk of developing an ulcer because the nicotine in cigarettes causes the stomach to produce acid.
• Frequent consumption of alcohol and caffeine will destroy stomach and intestinal lining, and weakens the stomach and intestines and increasing risks of ulcers.
• Severe stress can also cause ulcers…so RELAX!
• Ulcers can also develop naturally depending on the person.

While it remains unclear on how H. pylori bacteria is transmitted, doctors recommend to follow kindergarten etiquette and always wash your hands after you use the bathroom and before you eat...um duh. Also, engage in healthy habits and lifestyles.

Now let’s discuss the pleasant topic of hernias. A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it...OUCH! Hernias develop when a piece of the abdominal wall is destroyed or tears. Possible reasons for the abdominal wall to tear would be that your abdominal wall was weak at birth or a previous surgical incision splits. Other causes for tearing consist of extreme physical stress, internal injuries, pregnancy, or aging. The condition of a hernia can also worsen when pressure from obesity, heavy lifting, severe coughing, etc is cast upon the abdominal cavity. Hernias are also generic. No matter the cause, it is important to see a doctor for medical treatment because hernias will worsen overtime. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent hernias. So cross your fingers and hope you don’t develop one!
With the holiday’s approaching try to avoid situations and activities that can cause ulcers and hernias, and remember...DON’T PUSH IT TOO HARD. Pun intended.

Steven Hengeveld Wins Trophy Lite!

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Steve Hengeveld and his brother, Joe, won the Blue Water Desert Challenge, Trophy Lite competition during the October 16th weekend.

On Saturday, Ocotober 16, the team had a combined time of 1 hour 51 mintues with an average of 36 minutes for their three laps. On Sunday, October 17, they rounded out at about 1 hour 52 minutes for their three laps giving them an overal 3 hours 43 minutes for both runs. They won their division of the competition and came in 4th for the overall weekend challenge.

This was Parker, Arizona's maiden run for the Blue Water Desert Challenge with 189 races in total. The 32 mile loop course featured landmarks such as The Matterhorn, John Wayne's Gorge, The Haunted House, The Course Cutter and The Snake Pit. It was a similar format to SCORE's, Laughlin Desert Challenge; racers being broken up into heats of similar speed vehicles.

The event opened Thursday, October 14 with a 2.8 mile time-trial course - favoring the smaller vehicles rather than the large trucks.

Brainard's Natural Remedies is excited for Steve's big win! Looking forward to the next one, the Baja 1000 this month.

For more information please visit Off-Road.com or Race-Dezert for a teaser of the race's highlights.

(Image Credit)

SCORE's Baja 1000

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:58:00 +0000

From the official Baja Unlimited website:

The Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

The granddaddy of all desert races, the legendary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 attracts adventurers from around the world. Held annually in the treacherous and unforgiving Mexican desert, the race is the crown jewel of SCORE Desert racing, attracting over 350 entries from 30 States and a dozen countries each year, including Jesse James, NASCAR champion Robby Gordon and action sports stars Cameron Steele and Travis Pastrana. Its grueling course runs through villages along the peninsula luring nearly 200,000 spectators. Little more than half of the racers will finish this incredible test of man and machine where mechanical failures and vehicle flip-overs are all part of the ride.

Brainard's Natural Remedies owner Elliott Brainard and possibly off-road racer Steve Hengeveld will be attending (racing) in this year's Baja 1000. Come out and join them on November 18!

You can find more information HERE.

If you're unable to view the video, please click here. (video credit: gavinwhalen7806)

Pre-Season for the Dallas Cowboys

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:44:00 +0000

Last week the Dallas Cowboys held their training camp in Oxnard, California, and our very own Blueberry Girl was lucky enough to sit in on a training session and meet some of the players afterward. The players were really friendly and excited for the opportunity to meet their fans.

Gabby, the Blueberry Girl and her friends posed for some pictures with players including tight end Scott Sicko and offensive tackle Will Barker. One of the friends had Barker sign a football for her husband saying “For the Man Cave.”

The Cowboys’ pre-season is off to a good start with 2 wins and 1 loss. We look forward to the official start of their season on September 12 when they play Washington!

Tribute to Mojave Desert Deaths

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 04:42:00 +0000

There are many types of people in the world and they have many varying interests. However, there is a unique group of people who share a passion for off-road sports. These special individuals appreciate the freedom from their daily, regulated lives that off-road sports provide.

It’s the freedom to drive, ride on a race across the open landscape without rules, speed limits or authority telling them how they should be controlled. Unfortunately, the accident that happened last Saturday night took the lives of some fellow enthusiasts who were enjoying their sport. They went to the desert to participate, in their own way, and be a part of something they love.

A part of all of us who live for these sports was lost in this tragic accident. A part of all of us that realize the risks and dangers involved, but understand that’s what makes life worthwhile. It’s difficult for the families and friends left behind, the driver and co-driver in the vehicle, and for the rest of us, but understand that life’s passions are important to survive.

Remember these people for how they lived and enjoyed life. It’s sad that they are gone and the passing of time will heal those wounds for all of us. Live life and embrace the people around you who choose to share it with you.

Highlights from the KC Hilites Midnight Special

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:24:00 +0000

Joe Hengeveld signing autographs for the youngin's.

Elliott Brainard and Lindsey Carnett.

Just finished the first half of the race!

Elliott in front of the Henge racing vehicle.

Thumbs up for racing!

Elliott, the navigator.

Lindsey Carnett and I headed out to the desert this past weekend for the KC Hilites Midnight Special to cheer on the racers. The rundown below:

106 degrees and we’re driving through the Mojave Desert- I’m thinking “turn this car around! I’m not getting out of the air conditioned car!”. As I pass a sign saying “The Mojave Desert- your link to outerspace” and I watch a tumbleweed roll by I can’t help having the classic western movie tune play in my head. Doodledoo wah wah wah.

This past weekend I was out supporting Henge Racing in the KC Hilites Midnight Special in Ridgecrest, CA. As I walked around handing out samples I got to experience the off-roading culture. It was great to see how receptive everyone was to the Brainard's Natural Remedies antacids. After all the hotdogs, bean dip and beer they were all following me around for more!

Off roading was fun to learn about- the precision of gas mileage and high tech GPS systems. One of the Henge Racing driver's wife, Julie, was sitting with me explaining the math that goes into planning each race; from split times to gas mileage every thing was very precise - needed to be precise. Julie is pregnant and after noticing her discomfort from eating all of the racing food, we happily stocked her up with Brainard's Natural Antacids.

The intense race went from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Can you even imagine what the racers felt like afterwards? Or even during? Henge Racing did amazing well during the race, with a stuck throttle, fuel pump replacement, lights weren’t working correctly and a brake scare they still finished 5th!

I'd love to go to another but next time I bringing a pocket fan!

This Weekend: KC Hilites Midnight Special hosted by SNORE

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Check it out, this weekend, July 30 to August 1, 2010, in Ridgecrest, California is the KC Hilites Midnight Special hosted by SNORE (Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts). Meet the Blueberry Girl, Gabby, and receive a free sample of Brainard's Natural Remedies and shake the hand of Steve Hengeveld.

Check out the full outline:

RACE FACTS

- Appx. 55.39 mile loop.

MAIN PIT WILL BE APPROX 10 MILES OUT OF RIDGECREST WITH 4 OUTLYING REMOTE PITS A THRU D

Download the GPS File here. (.gpx format)

Download the GPS File here. (.usr. format)

COURSE MARKING

Saturday July 24, 2010 - 9:00 Start

Please bring staple guns and hammers.

DRIVER NOTES

Printable Driver Notes

EVENT ITINERARY

Printable Schedule

FRIDAY - July 30, 2010

12:00 – 6:00 PM: REGISTRATION (You MUST be registered BEFORE 5:00 PM to be eligible qualify)

Desert Empire Fairgrounds

12:30 – 6:30 PM: TECH/CONTINGENCY

Desert Empire Fairgrounds

7:00 PM: DRIVER’S MEETING – Qualifying ONLY

NOTE: The driver that qualifies MUST start the race on Saturday.

PARADE LAP

Start/Finish – Main Pit

8:00 – 10:00 PM: QUALIFYING

Start/Finish – Main Pit

QUALIFYING CLASS ORDER: 1450, TL, 1600, 10/12, 1/UT

SATURDAY - July 31, 2010

*A gps file of the racecourse is available on the Midnight Special Outline link.

5:30 PM: DRIVER’S MEETING – ALL drivers

Start/Finish – Main Pit

6:00 PM: STAGING

Start/Finish – Main Pit

STARTING ORDER: 1/UT, 10/12, 16, 8, HM, 7, 5, 3000, TL – 4 LAPS

18, 5-1600, 9, 7S, 15, 13, 1450, VORE, SF, SB – 3 LAPS

7:00 PM: RACE BEGINS

8-hour time limit to complete all required laps

2:00 AM: VEHICLES NO LONGER ALLOWED TO START NEW LAP

AWARDS: Due to the logistics of this event, SNORE will not be holding an awards ceremony. Checks and award vouchers will be mailed.

SUNDAY - August 1, 2010

9:00 AM: COURSE CLEAN-UP

FEATURE CLASS

KARTEK Feature Class - Class 12 and Class 9

$3,000 to first place with 10 cars in class.

$4,000 to first place with 20 cars in class.

$5,000 to first place with 30 cars in class.

Click here for the schedule.

It all seems intense. Being in a vehicle for hours on end, I can feel the sweat and dirt on my face already. Come join Gabby and the team from Life's Hunger for a fun day and night dedicated to off-road racing.

(Image Credit)

Joey Chestnut Wins 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in a Row

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:57:00 +0000

Our previous post had the mention of eating contests, well we'd also like to mention that Joey Chestnut defeater of eating contest world champion Kobayashi won his 4th consecutive Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest. The past three competitions he had beat Kobayashi but this year he had a fly by victory since Kobayashi allegedly had a dispute with Major League Eating.

Not only did Chestnut win the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest on July 4th but he also received the victory Barbecue Belt for winning the ribs eating contest at Chinook Winds Casino and Resort in Lincoln City, Oregon on July 12, 2010. Chestnut, along with 13 other eaters, took on a pile of 10+ pounds of barbecued ribs - Chestnut jawing through 9.5 lbs. His first place victory keeps him on top of the world of competitive eating. He also earned himself $1,500 along with the aforementioned Barbecue Belt.

Chestnut started out in the competitive eating world while still a student at San José State University in 2005. He entered a deep-fried asparagus eating championship where he beat Rich LeFevre by eating 6.3 pounds of asparagus in 11.5 minutes. That same year, during Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, he downed 32 dogs, placing third behind Kobayashi and Sonya Thomas.

In 2006, Chestnut qualified for the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contes t by eating 50 hot dogs with buns. As July 4 approached, there was speculation that 2006 might be the year when Kobayashi would be beaten by the young Chestnut but it wasn't until the year after in 2007 that he would. Chestnut beat out Kobayashi with 66 hot dogs eaten; 3 more than the former reining champion.

It has been said that Chestnut trains by fasting and by stretching his stomach with milk, water, and protein supplements.Three days before winning a chicken-eating contest in Boston, in November 2005, Chestnut drank gallons of water in under one minute and ate buffalo wings to get his stomach accustomed to them.

Who knew there was such a hefty regimen for competitive eating?

Have you ever witnessed a bonafide eating competition? Tell us about it.

(Image Credit)

Eat Your Heart Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:34:00 +0000

The 4th of July is always fun, usually I always do the typical BBQ with friends and family, but this year I am considering the Alameda County Fair. I grew up in Pleasanton, CA so I have been to the county fair too many times to count. They always have super fun activities like the opening day hat contest, a rib cook-off, a talent show, the farm animals, dancers and the list goes on!

This year at the fair their holding a Weinerschnitzel National Hot Dog eating contest. I don’t even want to think of how my digestive system would feel if I had to eat all of those hot dogs. I wonder if Takeru Kobayashi (current world record holder of most hot dogs eaten at an eating competition) feels terrible after every contest he is in. Check out this YouTube video of him in action, click HERE. I wonder what eating that many hot dogs feels like - I recommend he chews on Brainard’s Natural Remedies blueberry tablets before a contest because I’m sure eating all of those hot dogs can produce some bad heartburn. Gotta love that natural heartburn relief!

Have you ever participated in an eating contest?
What did you have to scarf down?

Image credit

Do heartburn pregnant women really squeeze out hair babies?

noreply@blogger.com (Restless Mama) — Fri, 28 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000

When I found out I was pregnant I thought my only problem was going to be shaving my legs when my bump became so big that I couldn't see my feet. Seriously, it's a hazard trying to shave your legs because a) you're in a wet, slippery tub daring you to slip, b) you've got this insanely huge uterine protrusion, and c) you're handling a weapon - the blades of the razor. Why did man make it so women had hair on her legs? Why?!

Sure, I could've waxed but what pregnant woman has the time or energy to shower, get dressed decent enough for the general public, and drive to a waxing appointment just to be even more uncomfortable lying on her back with a 20 extra pounds pressing on her spine? Plus, there's just no way I was going to wax my own legs. It would be just as bad as trying to shave my legs - trust me, I tried.

Anyway, that's not what this post is about. It's about that other discomfort and sneaky little problem. The one where you sometimes curse the day you became pregnant because not only do you have a little alien squirming inside of you kicking your lungs and headbutting your bladder, you also have to deal with that sinister burning feeling you get after eating. Yeah, heartburn.

Many a wise woman warned me about how the sneaky rat that is heartburn would creep its way into my last trimester along with many other warnings of pains and discomforts but I thought they were nuts. Why would a pregnant woman get heartburn or any discomfort? They're carrying a sweet little angel inside of them - they are a sacred temple that is immune from anything bad. I mean, don't they just stay inside a little bubble anyway and then come out when the baby shoots out? It's like double gestation, the mama is in her own little incubator of pregnant bliss and the baby gets to swim happily inside of the happy incubated mommy. Pregger women are sacred, Babies R Us has designated parking spots to prove it - even my hometown grocery store.

Heck no! I should've heeded those women and their loving advice. Their sweet, sweet loving advice.

Anyway, my first trimester I vomited enough to fill a dump truck, my second trimester I epic leg cramps, and my last trimester I was discontented with heartburn, acid reflux, the ole stomach and esophogeal 1,2 knock out! Babies should be delivered via a stork.

The vomiting I could handle ok since all I needed to do was pop a cracker in my mouth and I was good. The leg cramps were annoying but tolerable but the heartburn. Nah-uh! It took a toll on my because I could no longer enjoy my favorite foods, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and fried chicken. I love fried chicken - even had it at my baby shower but I paid. I paid bad for eating the friend chicken at my baby shower. At the time I didn't take anything because I was paranoid about any lingering chemicals that might've been in an antacid because some brands contain aluminum or aspirin or are high in sodium (and who needs another swollen appendage?) so I just switched my diet to just plain foods and eating small portions.

If only I had known about Brainard's Natural Remedies (my son is almost two now) back then I think I would've had a more enjoyable and carnivorous last trimester. I use it now though whenever I eat something that I know that will release the stomach acid demons. It tastes surprisingly yummy too. So it's like candied relief.

Blue(berry) Hawai'i

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Aloha!!! Last week I was lucky enough to spend some quality time in the beautiful land of paradise; aloha, hula, and poi <--- try with caution! Although I didn't get to witness a lu'au or do some actual surfing I did chow down on some local grub.

Well, OK fine Hawaiian pizza isn't necessarily LOCAL but hey it is called HAWAIIAN pizza. So there. Anyway, as you may know my first and previous post that I love to eat and I'm not afraid of junk food. I figure I mine as well have some hawaiian pizza while I'm in Hawaii. BUT as you may also know my innards don't necessarily always agree with the food I consume. SO, I popped a yummy blueberry Brainard's Natural Remedies tablet before I grubbed down on the cheese-topped, pineapple pie. You see that tray up above? Yeah, I ate all that. Well, I shared some of it but I sure do like me some well made pizza. Growin' girl's gotta eat.

You see that shaka sign up above? That's what the locals do when they say "Hi!" or just whenever. It's like the equivalent of a thumbs up or high five. As to why it's called shaka - I have no idea but it's fun and well that pizza AND my non-indigestion deserved a Hawaiian Hi-5. Who came up with the idea of putting pineapples on pizza anyway?

I did try some actual local food - though very reluctantly...I like my food simple and the less green the better. But it seems like Hawaiian food is always wrapped in something green. I tried laulau - shredded pork wrapped in taro leaf and that was interesting but I wouldn't make it a part of my daily diet. Oh and poi? That stuff is NOT for me but it isn't bad on the digestive system which is nice. My friend suggested I try it with sugar, it wasn't as bad as it is plain but I won't be eating poi again.

The Thai food wasn't bad - I ate calamari and spring rolls. What? It was my first time. After tasting some of the Hawaiian food, I had to be careful with the Thai food. Maybe, MAYBE I'll try some Phat Thai next time. Maybe.

This guy? He tried to get me to surf. That wasn't happening but he did play a couple jams on his ukulele for me. Mahalo!

Aloha and shaka!

Stay tuned for my next adventure but in the meantime, what kind of adventures are you taking?

Disneyland Fun vs. Disneyland Runs...

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Wed, 05 May 2010 06:03:00 +0000

You know how when we were little and went to all those state fairs and amusement parks with the family? Remember how we were able to chow down a few hot dogs and take a few licks of the ole swirly ice cream cones and still get swung around on a Ring of Fire ride or Top Gun rollercoaster without being phased by the need to vomit or the heat of heartburn? Yeah well that isn't the case for me anymore and I'm only in my sophomore year of college. Disneyland is every kids dream, even for the big kids! Though I've been to the wonder park many times I just get so excited each time I plan the trip to the point that my stomach gets into a knot - yeah that's how my excitement rolls. But happy excitement isn't the only reason my stomach tends to knot.

So I could easily be one of those girls who don't eat park food so that I can prevent myself from getting sick - I mean you've heard of all of those horror stories about where those workers' hands have been, right? But I'm not the kind of girl who brings her own water bottle or granola bar to hold me over throughout the day - whoever heard of a granola bar holding a person over at an amusement park anyway? My point being is I'm a park food girl. I love to eat! I love to eat park food! Park food, yummmmmmmmm! I just can't stop myself - I cannot be stopped.

The riding of park rides and consuming massive amounts of grease and carbonation can sometimes lead to a deadly and unwanted combination when it comes to a fun day at the most

wonderful park in the world!

Sure, I've tried to hold back from eating the food or popping a few dozens Tums when I start to feel the burning sensation in my chest or the rumbling of stomach drums inside of me but since I'm pretty convinced that those little chalky tablets contain some of those chemicals that I just downed I am not totally convinced they're good for me - just sayin'.

For this trip I wanted something that was going to prevent me from feeling like my stomach lining was going to burn a hole through my skin. Since I'm mostly a natural kind of gal I searched for an antacid or something to help prevent me from regretting park food forever. My friend, Becca, told me about this all natural antacid tablet that Brainard's Natural Remedies. She said it totally worked for her since she took it so that she wouldn't get a burning and bloated feeling when she drank her Guinness accompanied with a burger. So I figure if these tiny circular wonders were able to help her get through a beer and a burger then they just might be able to help me get through a day in the wonder park and its hypnotizing food.

Did it work? Well is it any wonder now why I'm the Blueberry Mascot?

Oh and can you guess where I'll be this week?

Here's a clue:

Get dirty!

noreply@blogger.com (Brainard's Natural Remedies) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:41:00 +0000

Tomorrow, May 1st, 2010 in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico people will be happy to get dirty by way of Mud Bogging. Have you heard of it? It's similar to Off Roading but with mud and lots of it.

Mud boggin' or mud racing or mud running or mud drags or just muddin' is a growing sport in the States. It requires two things: powerful engines and a pit of mud. This mud usually forms a long trench, ranging from 1/8 of a mile to a mile, for the off road trucks to try and pass through.

If you live out in a rural area then you will know that mud boggin' is a competitive sport with many spectators. Winning a mud bog is usually as simple as getting through the trench but often enough few engines are actually able to get their trucks through to the other side without help. Only thing is if a truck gets stuck then that's the end of it for them but if everyone gets stuck then they judge by who was able to make it the furthest in the trenches. This is where people can't shy away from getting dirty.

If more than one person makes it out of the other side without assistance, the driver who accomplished this with the best time takes top spot. The driver needs to be sure that they have a vehicle that can handle the mud, sunken and elevated course if they hope to compete and/or win a typical mud bog. This means you should have a powerful engine that can keep on chugging, even when it's being worked far past its routine capacity. Many participants will stress the importance of jacking up your mudder and throwing on some big tires. Making a semi-monster truck to get you easily across.

Now that you've gotten an intro into mud boggin' go check out one. If you're in the Truth or Consequences, NM area then definitely check out that one and their sponsors like Brainard's Natural Remedies, the all natural antacid.

Get dirty!