Natural Health Choices

How a Hair Analysis Changed my Life

2013-06-24T08:56:00.002-07:00

My journey began many years ago. I had always been "nervous". I was diagnosed with a nervous stomach as a teenager. I also started having migraines in my teenage years. My parents took me to several different doctors who could not find a cause for the migraines and just decided I had inherited them from my family, since both of my parents had them also.

I married and became pregnant with Brian who is now 32 years old. Toward the end of that pregnancy I developed toxemia, now called pre-eclampsia. I managed to carry him full-term, but had to have bed rest for the last few weeks.

Time went on and the migraines got worse, I also ached all over, kind of like you have the flu. At one point in time, the migraines were so bad that I couldn't get over one until another one would hit. I couldn't have held a job and did well to take care of my home and my son. My marriage fell apart and with that combined stress, things just got worse. The doctor prescribed nerve medicine and every migraine medication that they knew of and nothing helped.

Anyway, I remarried and became pregnant with Keith, who is now 18 (and healthy by the way). I developed pre-eclampsia again, only this time much worse. Keith had to be taken at 30 weeks. He weighed only 3 pounds and lost down to 2 ½ pounds. I had to be on blood pressure medication for several months after he was born to bring everything back into balance. Both of us almost died.

I asked the doctor what had caused all of this and his answer was that some women just have pre-eclampsia and they didn't really know why. This answer was not good enough for me. I knew there had to be a reason and I wanted to know what it was.

One day I picked up a magazine and saw an article written by Linda Rector-Page. She was a naturopath. At that time, I had never heard of a naturopath, but reading that article, something clicked and I knew that was what I wanted to be.

Once I began my studies, I was very interested in finding the cause of my migraines and the pre-eclampsia. About the time that I was finishing my degree I got started with a lab that did hair analysis. I sent off a sample of my hair and I was shocked when I got the results back. My copper was off the chart. Copper mimics estrogen in the body, so this meant that I was saturated in estrogen. Too much copper also causes pre-eclampsia, achy feelings, migraine headaches, and all the strange symptoms I had had since my teenage years. Now, I had to find where I got that copper. We had gotten our water from a well since I was a teenager so I decided to start there. There were no copper lines but one small copper fitting. The well water was soft and soft water will leach copper. Here was my answer, after all those years. We removed the copper fitting and I took the steps to detox my body and get my life back.

The migraines slowly let up in intensity, all the achy feelings and all the strange symptoms went away and I got my life back.

Now, I only have a migraine maybe once or twice a year, if that often and they are nowhere as intense as they used to be. I don't know what might have happened to me had I not found Trace Elements and had the hair analysis.

Over the course of the past 13 years, I have seen and heard stories very similar to mine about the results of a hair analysis. Your body has a protective device where if you are exposed to something it considers toxic it will pull it out of the bloodstream and deposit it in the tissues. This is why it can't be found in a blood test. If you are having symptoms that can't be explained or maybe you are concerned about heavy metal exposure a hair analysis is the place to start. I know it really changed my life!

Stay Strong!

Basic Health Guidelines

2013-01-18T11:22:00.003-08:00

Here are some guidelines to help keep you healthy and detoxified.

1. Most Important - drink water daily. Divide your weight by 2 and drink at least that amount in ounces daily. Make sure that it is from a pure source. Never drink tap water. Reverse osmosis is the purest form. Minimize liquids at meals; drink your water between meals.

2. Use a shower de-chlorinator and chlorine free dishwasher detergent to minimize your exposure to chlorine. You will also want to limit your exposure to bromine. This is in white bread, hot tubs and pools, along with some beverages.

3. Consume only organic fruits and vegetables and purchase them in quantities for quick consumption. Remember, fresh is best. Avoid peeling vegetables as the skin contains a lot of the nutrients. Try to eat your fruits and vegetables as near the natural state as possible. Cooking destroys nutrients.

4. Eat portions of mixed green salads and raw vegetables every day.

5. Eat fresh fruits in season. Try to stay with "what grows in your own backyard". Apples, plums, and pears are always good choices. Red apples are easier on the digestion.

6. Eat whole grains. Try quinoa, spelt, millet, and brown rice.

7. If you choose to drink milk, drink only organic milk.

8. Eat organic butter and healthy fats from olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.

9. Eat only organic meats and free range eggs. Avoid GMO foods.

10. Instead of reaching for a soda or a cup of coffee, drink herb teas and use stevia or some raw honey as a sweetener.

11. Avoid all artificial sweeteners. They are poison.

12. Bounce on a mini-trampoline for at least four or five minutes a day. This stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluids, which will help keep your body detoxed.

13. Get rid of the table salt. Celtic sea salt and Himalayan crystal salt are nourishing to the body instead of being toxic.

14. No high fructose corn syrup. This causes a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Not to mention that it is made from GMO corn.

15. Read labels. You would be surprised what is in your food when you start reading the labels.

16. You should be eating enough fiber rich foods that you have a bowel movement at least 2-3 times a day. If this is not you, you might want to consider a colon cleanse.

17. Each week pick one processed food and remove it from your diet. Replace it with a healthy food and before you know it, you will be eating a healthy diet.

Stay Strong!

Time to Detox!

2013-01-07T13:29:00.002-08:00

Okay everyone, the holidays are over and it is now time to start thinking about losing any weight you may have gained and getting your body back to normal. Now is a good time to start thinking about a really good detox. You don't have to stop your life for a week to clean out your system. You can do it in small increments, just as long as you do something. One of the simplest ways you can start is by drinking a detox tea. Although a tea is the weakest form of an herbal formulation, it can still clean you out. The herbs in a detox tea are generally designed to help you have a "moving experience", but they also work to pick up any sludge (toxins) along the way and they should also contain a diuretic to help you lose any water weight gain. If you have an excess toxic build-up, it will be difficult for you to lose weight, so you want a tea that will remove these toxins. Of course, taste is a consideration as well. If it doesn't taste good you are not as likely to drink it.

You could also choose to do a major detox. These usually consist of a weekend and doses of epsom salt and olive oil. You may need this one if you are having trouble with your liver or gallbladder.

There are others where you take large amounts of fiber and as it moves through you, it picks up the toxins with it and moves them on out. Some people have trouble with fiber digestion, so this is not typically the detox that I would recommend.

Certain foods help you to detox. These are great if you want to detox slowly. I know after I got home from vacation, my stomach felt like there was a brick in it and I wanted something to work-- like yesterday! I didn't want to wait!

So, start thinking about cleaning out your system and let me know if you would like any help with a detox or need any products, such as a detox tea, and we can get you started on the path for a healthier you.

Stay Strong!

Zija - The nutritious moringa berry.

2012-12-11T09:22:00.004-08:00

Good Morning,

Hope this December morning finds everyone healthy and ready for Christmas!

I want to share something with you. Normally, I stay away from MLM (multi level marketing) companies because I don't like them and I don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch because it is not. But here is my story. A friend of mine had a Tupperware party and invited both Mom and me. While we were there, a mutual friend very casually mentioned that she was using a product called Zija. Mom was interested and started asking questions. She has been having some health issues and our friend suggested she try an 8-day trial of Zija. I have had several people trying to get me to sell Zija and I always refused because of MLM. I never tried the product. After the 8-day trial Mom began to tell a difference in the way she felt and went for another trial. I also decided to get it a whirl. During this time I did extensive research on this product. I found only good results. It contains as much vitamin C as 7 oranges, as much vitamin A as 4 carrots, as much vitamin B as 4 servings of beef, as much vitamin E as 4 serving of black sesame, and the list goes on and on…antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, minerals….

They also have a weight loss plan, which includes other supplements. I will give you an update on that later as I plan to start it. However, on the 8-trial of the Zija Smart Mix, I have lost 2 pounds. I know that isn't much but remember this is just 8 days. I have found that I am not as hungry and I feel better. I guess giving your body high nutrition; you just don't need to keep looking for that one food that will satisfy you.

Mom has really noticed a change. She has had a problem in her shoulder, which has given her a lot of pain and limited movement. Within 10 days on the Zija she has had remarkable improvement.

Once again, I don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch but I am truly impressed with this product. I would not recommend something unless I felt it would truly work. It contains the moringa berry, which is incredibly nutritious.

If you would like an 8-day trial for $25.00 or the 4-day weight loss trial for $20.00, please let me know and I can get one for you. I think you will be impressed also.

Pumpkins!

2012-10-26T10:50:00.002-07:00

Pumpkins

Fall is in the air and pumpkins are everywhere. We all start thinking about pumpkin pies or carving a pumpkin for Halloween, but do you really know about pumpkins? They offer a wide range of health benefits and are just a powerhouse of nutrients.

Carotenoids - The bright orange color of a pumpkin is due to its high amount of carotenoids. These carotenoids help to fight free radicals, this prevents premature aging, cardiovascular disease and other infections. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which work in the eyes to prevent cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.

Protein - Pumpkin doesn't automatically come to mind as a protein source, but actually the seeds are a rich source and can help in reducing the cholesterol levels. The seeds are also a good source of essential fatty acids. These provide protection against serious health problems such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer. They can even help with improving the brain function and healthy skin.

Vitamins - Pumpkins supply vitamins A & C. Vitamin A can help the health of your eyes and boost your immune system. Vitamin C also provides a boost to your immune system and can offer protection against various forms of cancer.

Minerals - Pumpkins contain magnesium, which is required by the body for the maintenance of bones and teeth. Potassium can help to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Zinc boosts the immune system and provides bone density support.

Fiber - Pumpkins are low in fat and rich in good dietary fiber. Fiber is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorder and lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood. It also helps in regulating the blood sugar levels.

Health benefits of the pumpkin flesh and seeds include:

Anti-inflammatory effect;

Healthy and glowing skin;

Prevents kidney stones;

Helps with depression;

Treats parasites;

Natural diuretic.

So with all these wonderful health benefits, pumpkins aren't just for carving anymore. Don't throw away the seeds for the pulp - boil, bake or cook them.

Here is a recipe to try. Let me know how you like it!

Honey Sweetened Pumpkin Butter

2 cups pureed, cooked pumpkin

½ cup honey/agave

1 tsp. lemon zest

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. ginger

1/8 tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in saucepan and simmer over low heat 35-40 minutes until thick. Stir frequently to prevent burning

Enjoy!

Stay Strong!

The Dangers of MSG

2012-07-30T13:29:00.001-07:00

You have a killer in your kitchen cabinets that is worse for your health than alcohol, nicotine, and many other drugs - MSG or monosodium glutamate. This food additive tricks your taste buds into thinking that the food has more protein and tastes better. Therefore, you eat much more. Remember the saying, "Bet ya can't eat just one." This takes on a completely new meaning when you realize you are being sabotaged. Chemically, MSG is 78% free glutamic acid, 21% sodium and 1% contaminates.

MSG is an excitotoxin, which means that it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death and can cause brain damage or trigger diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

MSG causes the levels of glutamate in your blood to rise as much as 20 times. These high levels of glutamate stimulate all of the glutamate receptors, which can cause explosive reactions. Most of the people who have glutamate reactions are deficient in magnesium. Whenever magnesium levels are low, the glutamate receptors become hypersensitive and can cause cardiac arrhythmias and even death.

Other adverse effects of MSG are migraines, obesity, fatigue, depression, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, drowsiness, and weakness. It is estimated that MSG sensitivity may impact up to 40% of the population. Rats, which normally do not become obese, were fed a diet containing MSG and guess what - fat rats! When ingesting MSG, you don't realize when you are full and you eat much more than you normally would.

Read the food labels! Also watch for hydrolyzed protein, caseinate, and any soy products, all of these have a significant amount of glutamate.

Some of the supplements that can help with MSG reactions are an amino acid, taurine. This works in our system exactly opposite to MSG and can help with the reaction when you accidentally ingest it. Magnesium is very important to help counteract the effects. Read the label carefully to be sure it is pure magnesium. B6 is also helpful. This vitamin is used by the body to help convert amino acids into other amino acids. People who are sensitive to MSG are usually low in this vitamin. CoQ10 helps the body take fuel in the form of glucose (blood sugar) and turn it into energy. If you consume the glutamate, which can over stimulate the nerve cells until they die, this energy is crucial. With enough energy, the nerve cells will recover from the over stimulation, but without this energy the cell will die. Anti-histamines, such as Benadryl can help, MSG will increase histamine reactions, therefore anything that can reduce histamine can help. Vitamin C in large doses, also works as an anti-histamine.

Plan A - avoid all MSG, hydrolyzed protein, caseinate, and soy products.

Plan B- take magnesium, B6, taurine, and CoQ10 on a regular basis and if you accidentally consume MSG, be ready with an anti-histamine such as Benadryl.

Stay Strong!

Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syryp

2012-07-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

We are being poisoned on a daily basis by a common food additive - high fructose corn syrup. It is present in a wide variety of processed foods, soft drinks, salad dressings, cereals, bread, commercially made cakes and cookies, just to name a few. This additive increases our risk of obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

Regular table sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose. High fructose corn syrup can contain up to 80% fructose and 20% glucose, about twice the fructose of table sugar. Each contain about the same number of calories, but the difference is in the metabolism. Not to mention that the high fructose corn syrup is made from genetically modified corn. Between 1970 and 1990 the intake of HFCS increased by more than 1,000% and is now the primarily sweetener added to soft drinks in the US and comprises more than 40% of sweeteners added to foods and beverages.

Fructose, the main component of HFCS is metabolized in the liver and can cause increased triglycerides and fat storage in this organ. This increased fat storage can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This disease now affects 20-30% of the population. The rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease paralleled the rise in consumption of dietary fructose.

Other potential consequences of excess fructose include weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high triglyceride levels, abnormally high uric acid levels (can result in the development of gout), kidney stones, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. HFCS has also been found to have very high levels of mercury. Mercury is very damaging to the body, especially young children.

You can minimize the dangers of HFCS by avoiding all sweetened soft drinks, switch to an alternative such as water or home brewed teas, read the product labels carefully, use stevia as your main sweetener, this will allow you to cut down on your consumption of sugar.

Some supplements to consider to help protect yourself include the B vitamins, particularly B1 and B6, alpha-lipoic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, acetyl-L-carnitine, and vitamin C.

PLEASE avoid this poison at all costs, read labels, and take supplements.

Stay Strong!

Agent Orange in my Lysol!!!!!

2012-07-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

Do you ever wonder what is in our household cleaners? Lets take a look at a three of the very common ones.

Lysol contains dioxin, also called agent orange. This was developed for chemical warfare in Vietnam. Lysol is also a registered pesticide. Agent Orange is well known for causing cancer. Do you really want to spray this in your home and around your children? How many times have you sprayed this in the air to clear a smell or kill germs? You could be killing your children or yourself, along with the germs.

Pledge - This famous furniture polish contains silicones, butane gas and propane. I don't think I have to list the ill effects this product can cause in your home. Whenever you clean your furniture and hold the rag in your hand this stuff is absorbed into your skin and on to your bloodstream.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes contain Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride and Alkyl Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride. These chemicals are both pesticides. They are known immunotoxicants, neurotoxicants, respiratory toxicants, and skin and sense organ toxicants. We wipe our babies toys with these and them the child puts the toy in its mouth. Think about what can happen to their health.

Household cleaners fall under the Hazardous Products Act. This Act dates back to the 1960s. It is a requirement to provide hazard symbols like "poison" and "flammable" and to give first aid treatment for those ingredients. There is NO requirement to list chemicals that could cause long-term health effects. You won't find a statement like "may cause respiratory problems". Don't just assume that if it is on the shelf it has been tested and is safe.

Thousands of chemicals are capable of causing cancer and we use them in our homes every day. Cancer usually develops after prolonged exposure and may take many years to establish.

You can make a difference by saying NO to all toxic chemicals in any form. You and your children deserve to live in a toxin free home - don't poison them on a daily basis.

There are companies out there that sell non-toxic cleaners and products. You can contact me for more information.

Stay Strong!

Stress and Herbs

2012-05-23T08:24:00.002-07:00

My life has been so stressful lately. Within 2 months, Mom had a stroke, my stepfather passed away, my older son was deployed for the second time, and my youngest son graduated from high school. Any one of these events would be enough to deal with, but I have been faced with all of them. The trick to making it through tough times is to learn how to deal with stress.

Stress can be a killer. It contributes to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. When you are under stress, hormones are released that interfere with sleep and can also damage the brain areas critical to memory formation and can cause us to age prematurely. On the other hand, stress isn't all bad. Without change, life would be boring and uneventful.

If you are experiencing out of control stress, you need to step back and try to reassess the situation and place it in a positive light. Of course, this is easier said than done. Instead of focusing on the uncontrollable situation, look for something you can do - any kind of concrete action. For example, if you are in a hurry to get somewhere and you are stuck in traffic, you could call ahead and let someone know the situation, call to re-route anyone else you know may be coming in that direction - just do something! Try to take control of the situation - what can you do to help? The more control you can take - the less stress you will feel.

Sometimes positive behaviors and thoughts just aren't enough and we have to turn to some kind of help. This is where herbs can step in and help you to cope. Typically, you would want to use the adaptogen herbs. An adaptogen herb is an herb that whenever you take it - it determines if you are male or female and "adapts" to whatever you need. Adaptogens work at the molecular and cellular level to help combat stress. Ginseng, astragalus, schisandra, eleuthero, and rhodiola are a few of the adaptogen herbs that not only combat stress but will boost your immune system. This is a very good thing because chronic stress will undermine the immune system setting you up for chronic illnesses.

Another class of herbs for stress are the nervines. These include chamomile, skullcap, or lemon balm. You might want to include herbs that strengthen the heart, as stress can take its toll on your cardiovascular system. Motherwort is calming and can calm heart palpitations. Hawthorn is a good all around tonic for the heart.

If you need help sleeping you might try valerian or hops. These can induce a restful nights sleep.

You will also need to make sure you are eating a very nutritious diet. Since summer is on its way and the garden produce is plentiful, at least this is one thing that is easier to accomplish.

So remember, take control of the situation, and just know that there are many different herbs which can help you out greatly. I know I have been using a few lately! If you need help with which herb you might need or how to take them, dosages, etc. please contact me and we can discuss your individual situation.

Remember - worry is like a rocking chair - it keeps you busy but you get nowhere!

Stay Strong!

Eating to Help Hypothyroidism

2012-04-30T13:04:00.003-07:00

Most of my clients complain of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). They have been to the doctor and their tests have come back normal, but yet they have strong indicators of hypothyroidism. The test that the doctor uses is flawed and will not show accurate results. They don't even test your adrenals and they could be causing you problems with the same symptoms as the thyroid. Hypothyroidism is believed to be one of the most under-diagnosed health conditions today. So many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors, which makes hypothyroidism very difficult to diagnose. As you age, your risk increases, particularly for women in menopause.

A hair analysis is a very accurate way of diagnosing both thyroid and adrenal problems. This will show if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which is less common. If it does show a problem, it can be treated with glandular extracts, not the synthetic stuff the doctors prescribe.

Food plays an important role in the function of the glands. Some of the very healthiest foods can be "unhealthy" to the glands. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, radishes, soybeans, peaches, peanuts, and pine nuts are just a few that will cause stress on the thyroid. They contain a natural substance that interferes with the production of thyroid hormones. Many people believe that cooking these vegetables will inactivate these substances.

There are at least a dozen vitamins and minerals recommended for prevention of low thyroid function. Iodine is probably the most recognized. Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine and produces thyroid hormones. Good sources of tyrosine include fish, dairy, oats, sesame seeds, bananas, avocados, and almonds. Vitamins such as B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, E, and Zinc all help to improve the function of the thyroid.

TIPS:

1. Make sure your salt contains iodine.

2. Cook foods, which inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.

3. Eat foods that are rich in tyrosine.

4. Use olive oil for all your cooking. This will add vitamin E to your diet. Put nuts in salads.

5. Use raw herbs as garnish for cooked foods. This will add vitamins.

6. Eat a lot of foods that are rich in beta-carotene - sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc.

7. Switch to purified water - reverse osmosis is the best. Fluoride has been thought to reduce the thyroid function.

Stay Strong!

Benefits of Fatty Acids

2012-04-24T07:35:00.001-07:00

Heard about the health benefits of essential fatty acids? They are called essential fatty acids for a reason. The human body needs them for many functions and our bodies can't produce them. The only source is food. Fatty acids are the "good fats" that are produced when fats are broken down. They can keep your skin healthy and help with early aging. They may also help with weight loss by the way they help the body process cholesterol.

Fatty acids will decrease the levels of cholesterol and also decrease triglycerides, which in turn reduce the platelet aggregation in the arteries. This means that the blood platelets circulating in the body do not adhere to each other. This action will prevent a clot from forming.

Omega 3 - These are the fatty acids known for reducing the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. They help with healthy brain and cell function. These types of fatty acids can be found in flaxseed, leafy greens, walnuts, mackerel, tuna, and salmon.

Omega 6 supports the immune system's protective function. As with all fatty acids, it can also lower bad cholesterol. This fatty acid comes from plant oils and it is found in sunflower, soybean, and corn oils. You can also find it in nuts and seeds. About 5% - 10% of your food calories should contain this fatty acid.

Omega 9 fatty acids are found most frequently in animal fats and olive oil. They have strong antioxidant qualities and help to prevent heart disease.

Americans usually consume too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3. This can result in an imbalance and can lead to chronic disease. A good ratio would be one serving Omega 6 to one serving Omega 3 or one serving Omega 6 to two servings Omega 3.

Fish oil supplements are a good source to assure you are getting your daily dose. Whenever you purchase fish oil, make sure you buy the pharmaceutical grade. This is a much purer source.

Fish contains 2 types of Omega 3 - EPA and DHA. These two types are particularly important for lowering inflammation. They are also very important in protecting against heart disease.

Here are some simple ways to add more fatty acids to your diet:

Dip your bread in olive oil instead of butter;

Stir-fry with cashews or almonds;

Add walnuts to your salads:

Drizzle olive oil over vegetables;

Eat fish twice a week.

Add these important fatty acids to your diet for wonderful health!

Stay Strong!

Losing Weight the Smart Way!

2012-02-15T11:54:00.001-08:00

Seems that everyone you see these days wants to lose weight. 90% of the magazines on the shelf offer quick weight loss if you just follow their plan. This strategy may sell magazines but will offer you no real help in the weight loss battle. Online you will find many "quick weight loss" options but there again, these don't work. Usually, you will end up with more weight instead of less. So, what do you do? First of all, don't spend your money on the magazines and ignore the web. In order to lose weight the smart way you have to implement some strategies.

1. Eat sensibly - avoid all the fad diets. These won't work and if you do manage to lose some weight you will gain it all back and then some. Eat 3 sensible meals daily - add lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit your portion size. Also limit fats and high fat foods, sugar, all sodas (even diet), and alcohol. Whatever you do ---stay away from artificial sweeteners (except stevia)!

2. Exercise daily - Get up and move! Dance to the radio, walk, don't just be a couch potato. Incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises in your routine. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat and you don't want to lose muscle. If you are building muscle you might actually gain weight, but are toning up and getting firmer! Yeah!!!

3. Reshape your eating behaviors - Watch yourself - become aware of your eating patterns. What is causing you to overeat? Try to avoid emotional situations or social situations that will cause you to overeat. No one likes change so don't expect your behaviors to change overnight. Try replacing one unhealthy food with one healthy food each day, before you know it you will have made the change and hardly noticed it.

4. Keep a journal - Write down everything you eat, nibble on, (yes, just a taste counts). Anything that passes your lips, drinks, food, candy, whatever - write it down. You may be surprised at just how much food you are consuming. Now write down how much you exercise - how far you walk, etc. Get a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps (5 miles) a day. Start slow and build up. A normal person usually walks about 2,000 steps a day; increase that by 500 a day, soon you will be to the 10,000 mark.

5. Get moral support - The buddy system is great, a workout buddy will motivate you. There are many professionals available to help you also. Coaches, psychologist, personal trainers, or if nothing else, pop in a DVD. There are some great workout DVD's out there.

There is no magic bullet that can take the weight off of you - you have to have willpower to not raise that fork to your mouth and to get up and move. Although there are no magic bullets there are some supplements that can assist you in your journey to the skinny you. First of all, you need a really good multivitamin; you must make sure you are getting proper nutrition. Thyroid and adrenal gland treatment needs to be added as well.

The latest diet fad is the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which is a hormone produced during pregnancy. You are to only consume 500 calories a day and take this supplement. Of course, you cannot remain healthy on 500 calories a day and your body will go into starvation mode and you will have more problems than you want. But, I have found a homeopathic formula similar to the hCG, which seems to work very well. You don't have to cut your calories dangerously low to lose weight. I am trying it out now and will let you know my results - so far, I'm impressed.

So, get moving, eat healthy, and stay strong!!!!!

Is Coffee Healthy?

2012-01-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sure the majority of you out there start your day off with a cup of coffee. Just what is in that coffee? Is it healthy? Well, the answer may just surprise you. First of all, remember coffee is a herb, or bean if you prefer. These beans are complex fruits that contain over 1,000 compounds. Coffee is packed with anti-oxidants, probably the greatest source in the American diet.

The average coffee drinker consumes 3.1 cups per day. Research has found that larger volumes - maybe 4-12 cups a day can prevent many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. But even drinking just one cup a day can decrease the risk of developing diabetes by 13%.

Not all coffees will provide the same protection against disease. The process of roasting will destroy some polyphenols, mainly chlorogenic acid. Whenever this is destroyed you lose some of your anti-oxidant benefits. Meaning that you have to drink more to get the benefits. New processes are being utilized to retain more of these compounds.

Other benefits of coffee include lowered risk of kidney stones, gallstones, gall bladder disease, boost weight loss, prevents constipation, and promotes fat metablolism. Caffeine will sometimes relieve headaches. Although I am not an advocate of pain medication, caffeine will boost their effectiveness and cause them to be absorbed more quickly. Caffeine will also raise your blood pressure, so be sure you don't overdo it. You will get the same benefits from decaf as from regular coffee.

Of course, I shouldn't have to say this but leave the creamer and sugar out. Just drink it black. It won't do you much good if you load it down with all the bad stuff.

Stay Strong!

Water and Health

2012-01-03T08:12:00.001-08:00

Good water is essential to life.

Here are a few quick facts:

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated;

8-10 glasses of water a day can significantly relieve back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers;

Dehydration causes stress and this stress will cause further dehydration;

Most asthma cases are really misdiagnosed cases of chronic dehydration;

Daytime fatigue can be caused by lack of water;

Our thirst mechanism is so out of whack that we sometimes mistake thirst for hunger;

The National Cancer Institute reported a study that showed the drinking of chlorinated water increases one's risks of developing bladder cancer by 80%;

Migraine headaches (as well as other headaches) can be prevented by the regular intake of water;

75% of your body weight is water;

Mild dehydration can cause heart palpations;

A 2% drop in body water can cause you to have fuzzy short-term memory

(your brain is 85% water);

Water is second only to oxygen in importance of your health;

Every nutrient, vitamin, hormone in your body is carried to its destination by water;

Water will eliminate toxins from the bloodstream;

Your daily energy depends on water.

These are just a few problems that can arise with a low intake of water. Generally you need 8-10 -- 8 oz. glasses per day of good quality water. The very best is reverse osmosis. Our tap water may contain as many as 500 different disease causing bacteria, viruses and parasites, not to mention the heavy metals and chemicals. Let's not forget fluoride, which has been forced on us. Fluoride is more toxic than lead and has been linked to Alzheimer's, bone damage and cancer.

With water being this important why don't you just go fix you a big glass. If you want some flavor with added calories, just simply add a slice of lemon. Lemon is alkalizing for the liver and tastes good too.

Remember 8-10 glasses a day!

Stay strong!

Gout and Its Treatment

2011-12-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Gout is an acute type of inflammatory arthritis. It occurs most often in people who eat a lot of rich foods (meat, gravies, spices and alcohol). It is caused from a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Whenever uric acid levels rise beyond a certain point, the kidneys cannot excrete it and it forms uric acid crystals in the joints, which cause intense pain. These crystals can form in the body organs, as well, and do great damage there also.

Gout will typically attack the smaller joints of the hands and feet, usually the big toe. Gout usually affects men in about 90% of all cases. Most individuals affected are overweight.

Symptoms usually come on suddenly, sometimes in the middle of the night. You will have extreme pain and swelling of a joint in the fingers or toes. It can also affect the ankles, knees, hands, elbows and wrists. Motion or pressure will increase the pain. After the swelling subsides, the skin may itch and peel. Whenever you are having an attack you may have loss of appetite, stomach and intestinal problems, fever, and decreased urine output.

Some natural remedies that may help include dietetic changes, drinking lots of water, and weight control. If you suffer from this condition you need to reduce your weight to at least 15% below the calculated normal weight. Lose this weight gradually, if you go to fast you will increase the intensity of the attacks. Drink at least 2 quarts of pure water a day. This helps the body to get rid of the uric acid and minimize the damage to the kidneys. Vitamin B12 helps the body to distribute water and dilute the uric acid. B complex helps the body to convert the uric acid into compounds which are harmless to the body. At the onset of an attack, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C per hour and then slowly lower it to 500-8,000 mg daily. Take 100 IU of vitamin E and gradually increase it to 500-800 daily. This helps to reduce uric acid build-up. Try to balance your diet. High-carbohydrate diet tends to increase acid excretion, high fat diet will decrease the acid excretion and may bring on an attack. Particularly eliminate meat and cheese from the diet. Eat high-potassium foods. Make a soup from potato peelings, this is rich in potassium. Eating cherries is helpful, as is celery extracts. Turmeric will stimulate the adrenals to release the body's own cortisone, which will reduce inflammation and the pain associated with this painful condition. Useful herbal teas include yarrow, peppermint, devil's claw, juniper and birch. These will reduce inflammation and pain.

Stop eating all kinds of meat. Eat whole-grains peas, beans, asparagus, mushrooms cauliflower and spinach only in moderate amounts. Your diet should consist of fresh raw vegetables. Stay away from sugary foods such as cakes and pies. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. All kinds of alcohol will increase uric acid production and can cause attacks. A warm compress with comfrey root or leaves will help with pain. Just apply for two hours or even overnight. Avoid cold baths of any kind and do not immerse the affected part of your body in cold water.

If you have any questions about the treatment of gout, please contact me.

Stay Strong!

ACETAMINOPHEN AND LUNG PROBLEMS -COPD

2011-12-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

Up to 24 million Americans show impaired lung function which is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Most common is COPD. COPD is an acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is not just one disease, but a group of diseases. This group of diseases block airflow during exhalation, which makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. It also includes bronchitis and emphysema.

Symptoms of COPD include: a constant cough, can be called a "smokers cough"; shortness of breath while doing normal activities; a lot of mucus production; wheezing; smothering - feeling like you can't breath or even take a deep breath.

Research connects acetaminophen use with asthma and COPD as stated in the May, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. "Oxidative stress may increase the risk of asthma, contribute to asthma progression, and decrease lung function," writes Tricia M. McKeever, MD, and colleagues from the University of Nottingham, England. "Previous research suggests that use of acetaminophen, which is hypothesized to reduce antioxidant capacity in the lung, is associated with an increased risk of asthma."

Increased use of acetaminophen has been associated with COPD and asthma. The higher use of the drugs, the higher incidence of these lung diseases. Acetaminophen will decrease lung function in general, even people who haven't developed these lung diseases. Daily users have lower lung function than people who have never used this drug.

All of the pain relievers on the market cause side effects. Two aspirin will cause your stomach to bleed for two weeks. There are no "good" pain relievers. The herbal world offers some safe alternatives. They can relieve pain and heal the body at the same time. Be very careful what you take for anything. Just because it is sold over the counter does not mean it is safe.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Dr. Sheila Miles graduated in 2000 and was Board Certified as a Naturopathic Physician by the National Board of Examiners in Integrated/Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Science. In addition, she earned a Doctorate in Natural Health Science. She is also certified in Iridology, Manipulation, Hydrotherapy, Acupressure Massage, Nutrition, Homeopathy and Herbal preparations, Life Coach and NLP practitioner.

Arsenic in Apple Juice - Poisoning our children!

2011-11-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

As I was checking my email this morning I stumbled on an online article entitled "Arsenic in Juice: New Study Prompts Action" and I thought this would make a good blog post. So here it is.

Lately, whenever I do a hair analysis I am finding that arsenic is showing up in more people. Therefore, there must be a common source for this exposure. Is it our drinking water? Bottled water? Juice? This article and their sampling seems to believe so. Dr. Oz tried to bring this situation to light not too long ago, but he was made fun of for his report. Personally, I think he is owed an apology, but anyway.

In the article online, it states that an advocacy group, Consumers Union, is suggesting that the Food and Drug Administration lower its standard for arsenic levels in juice drinks. 10% of juices tested had arsenic levels greater than the FDA's standard for drinking water and 25% of juices also had lead levels higher than the FDA's bottled water limits. The article goes on to say that "Although federal standards exist for arsenic and lead levels allowed in bottled and drinking water, there are no limits for fruit juices". "Analysis showed that people who reported drinking apple or grape juice had, on average, about 20 percent higher levels of total urinary arsenic than those subjects who did not". Consumer Reports recommends that we reduce the amount of juice we drink. "A Consumer Reports poll also found that 26 percent of toddlers 2 and younger and 45 percent of children ages 3 to 5 drink seven or more ounces of juice a day"

We are poisoning our children at an early age! Since children are smaller, levels of arsenic and lead can build up quicker and cause more side effects than in an adult.

What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning? They begin with headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea and drowsiness. Of course, symptoms will continue to get worse with more exposure and can develop into convulsions and death. Usually the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver are affected. Arsenic can also be related to heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Besides contaminated water or food, you can pick up arsenic from copper or lead smelting and wood treatments or application of pesticides.

            Now, what about the lead?   Symptoms of lead poisoning may be different in adults and children. Adults usually have headache, abdominal pain, kidney failure, and memory loss. They may also have weakness, pain, or tingling in the extremities. Chronic poisoning will produce gastrointestinal, neuromuscular and neurological symptoms. These include short term memory loss, depression, fatigue, problems with sleeps and anemia.
            Symptoms in children include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, irritability, constipation, and kidney failure.   Slow childhood development of normal behaviors and mental retardation are both common with lead poisoning.
            We seem to have an epidemic of autism, ADHD, and other learning problems. These problems can be caused from lead and arsenic exposure.    Not only are kids served juices at home, but at school as well. Poisoned at both places.   Doctors prescribe drugs to try to control these problems. They need to look to the cause and stop this problem at its source.
            How do I know if I have arsenic or lead metals in my body? What about my child? A hair analysis is the best way to find out. When your body is exposed to these poisons it pulls them out of the bloodstream and deposits them in the tissues. A hair analysis is a tissue sample. Therefore, a blood test will not show the amounts in your body. Arsenic and lead can be removed from your body with chelation. Certain minerals will bind with the arsenic and lead and pull it out of your body.
            One way to minimize your exposure is to buy a reverse osmosis water filter. This will convert your drinking water to the purest form or water on the planet. You can buy one at the local home improvement store for about $150.00. The filters will cost about $100. to replace but you only have to replace them once or twice a year. This filter will pay for itself shortly, especially if you are buying all of your water. Unlike bottled water, all of the heavy metals are removed, so you can be sure you are not getting any arsenic or lead, or other poisons for that matter.
            Here is the link for the article I referenced above if you would like to read the entire article.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/30/us-arsenic-juice-idUSTRE7AT23120111130

Stay Strong!

The Importance of a Detox

2011-11-18T08:34:00.001-08:00

Every day we are bombarded with toxins. We live in a very toxic world. Our filtering systems, kidneys, liver and blood, are overworked. Illnesses such as asthma, lupus, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, cancer, insomnia, and memory loss are directly linked to toxins in our bodies.

Our food is full of pesticides, antibiotics, steroids and chemicals. Our water supply is full of who knows what. We absorb this into our system every time we wash our hands or take a shower. Prescription drugs and over the counter medications are so toxic they often do more harm than good. We keep our outer body clean but what about our inner body. How long has it been since you cleaned your inner body? If your answer is never, you might want to consider a detox. Most people think that the body cleans itself and doesn't need any additional help, but that is not true. Maybe in the 1800's that idea worked but now we are just faced with too much. The detoxication process in your body takes energy to work. This energy could be used elsewhere. When your system is overloaded with toxins and working overtime, other parts of your body will suffer. These toxins aren't just waiting to be eliminated, they are causing disease. The faster you can get these toxins moving out of your body the better.

There are several ways to detox. You can target your liver, colon, gallbladder, kidneys, blood, or a whole body cleanse. If you do nothing else, please consider a colon cleanse. You would be surprised how much that alone can help you to become healthier. Our bodies are packed together much like an engine in our car. There is no extra room inside. If our colon gets packed and swells, even just a little, it can cause pressure on all of our organs, which in turn will cause all kinds of health issues. I have known people whose colon was so backed up they would vomit bile. Definitely time for a cleanse. People have lost large amounts of weight simply because they cleaned themselves out. They are literally "full of poop". 98% of the time colon cancer can be "cured" with a good colon cleanse. Cancer will develop from toxins just "hanging out" in your colon.

Ideally you should have a bowel movement after each meal. In my practice I have seen people who go about once a month. This is NOT natural and definitely not healthy. If this describes you, don't wait --- detox NOW.

Contact me and we can work out a plan for you. You can do these over a weekend. You won't have to take off from work. The sooner you detox the sooner you can be enjoying great health.

Stay Strong!

Cold and Flu Season

2011-10-21T08:56:00.001-07:00

With the coming of cold weather and schools in session, we all start to be concerned about cold and flu season. "Get your flu shot" signs are everywhere. I personally think that the flu shot has way too many side effects and no one in my family will get one. You may think that you have no other options but actually you have several, not just for the flu but for all other infections as well.

The microbes that can make you sick are: viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic.

Viruses are the most abundant type of organism. They will cause infections ranging from a common cold to certain types of cancer. Modern medicine has no treatments for viruses, just treat the symptoms --- natural medicine does.

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. There are approximately ten times the number of bacteria in the body as there are human cells. These bacteria are located in the gut and on the skin. Not all of these bacteria are bad. We have good bacteria in the GI system. Whenever we take antibiotics we kill this good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria. This leaves us open for more infections. Once again natural medicine to the rescue.

Funguses - they include yeasts and molds. They tend to behave more like parasitic infections in the body. People with poor immune systems are more susceptible to opportunistic fungal infections.

Parasites - these can cause infection within the body and also on the surface of the body. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, joint aches and pains, chronic fatigue, excessive hunger and problems with the immune system.

Building up the immune system - do you seem to catch everything that is going around? Maybe you need something to strengthen your immune system.

All of the above can be taken care of with simple natural remedies. These work with your body - not against it. They will nourish the body, not harm it.

Call me today at 270-524-0305 or 270-774-1734 for your flu remedy. Have it ready before you catch the flu. Also available is a very effective viral infection formula, remedies for fungal and parasitic infections, and remedies for building a strong immune system. It doesn't hurt to keep these in your medicine cabinet.

Stay Strong!

I CAN'T LOSE WEIGHT AND I AM TIRED ALL THE TIME - HELP!!!

2011-09-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

I had such an over whelming response to my blog post on Adrenal Glands, I decided to do a "part 2" to the post. So here goes…..

So many of my clients complain that they have picked up weight and are unable to lose it or they say "I stay so tired all the time." These are two statements that lead me to check the adrenals and the thyroid. Namely the adrenals. Hormones secreted by the adrenals powerfully effect metabolism, which has an impact on your body weight. These hormones regulate the way your body responds to daily stress and how you generate energy. The three main hormones released by the adrenals are cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline. If the adrenals secrete either too much or too little it will interfere with your ability to process nutrients, circulation of fluids, protection from infections and your reaction to stress. When you are under stress the hormone cortisol will cause the liver to release glycogen (glucose) and give you a boost of energy (fight or flight). Daily stress will cause your body to release more cortisol than you need and the excess is converted into fat, usually stored in the belly area. If cortisol is circulating constantly in the body, (daily stressful situations) you will crave high calorie foods such as fats and sugars. These contribute to weight gain. Fatigue from this constant bombardment will make it hard to establish a fitness program or just eat healthy.

If you have adrenal fatigue you must change the way you eat. First of all, never allow yourself to get too hungry. In an effort to keep your energy levels up and your body functioning normally, your adrenals will release more cortisol (remember excess cortisol converts to fat). So getting too hungry will cause you to gain weight. You should eat three meals and two to three well-timed snacks during the day. This will help to balance your blood sugar and help the adrenal burden. When you eat will make a difference because cortisol has a natural cycle. It usually reaches its peak around 8:00 a.m. and gradually decreases throughout the day. Remember the old saying "Eat like a king in the morning and like a pauper at night". Eat breakfast around 8:00, lunch around 11:00 -12:00, a snack around 2:00-3:00 and dinner around 5:00 - 6:00 in the evening and make it the lightest meal of the day. Now, consider what you eat - when you are under stress you tend to reach for a "burst of energy" - sugar and caffeine. After the "burst" from these foods you bomb out even lower than you started and you feel worse. Caffeine and gluten (wheat) are very hard on the adrenals. If you have adrenal fatigue you should consider a gluten-free diet and limit caffeine. If you crave caffeine, your body may be calling for rest (I know that sounds crazy). Take a break and try a ten or fifteen minute walk. This is a great stress reliever. If you must have that morning cup of coffee, make sure you eat a nutritious meal and put the cream in your coffee to dull the effects of caffeine.

Eat fresh whole food, preferably organic. Include protein in all your meals and snacks, these help to stabilize blood sugar and help you with caffeine and sugar craving.

Women with adrenal problems will often crave salt. If you feel lightheaded when standing up quickly or getting out of a bath or hot tub, this can be a sign of low blood pressure, which is often a symptom of adrenal fatigue. You may find that salt in your diet can be helpful. The adrenals also work with the sodium/water balance and fluid retention. You may need salt. I know this sounds strange coming from me but adrenal fatigue can change all the rules. Actually salt cravings are a result of low aldosterone. This hormone regulates blood pressure. When cortisol levels go up, your aldosterone goes down, which lowers blood pressure. This can disturb electrolyte balance and cell hydration. Salt restores these imbalances. I like Himalayan crystal salt. It is not as harsh on your blood pressure.

Time your meals and watch what you eat. Stay away from sugar and caffeine. Restrict you gluten (wheat) containing foods. Eat protein at every meal and snack. Start an exercise routine - even if it is just walking 10 minutes a day. Just move!!!!! This will help with the weight gain and fatigue.

Although changing your eating habits will help, you need to take further steps to correct the problem. I don't agree with just covering up the symptoms - you need to get to the root of the problem. A hair analysis will show which stage of adrenal fatigue you are in. There are three stages and each stage requires different treatment. The doctors offer no help because they do not test the adrenals. They only test the thyroid and that test is not accurate. They test the circulating T3 (thyroid hormone), but this may not be available for use to the thyroid. Just testing the circulating hormone does not accurately test the thyroid. The adrenals and thyroid are under the control of the pituitary gland (master gland) which is under the control of the hypothalamus. Either of these may need treatment also. Once again, this is where a hair analysis comes it. It can pinpoint exactly where the problem is. Call me today for an appointment and start on a wellness journey.

Stay Strong!

2011-09-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.choosing-natural-health.com/

Neuropsychological Problems - Part 1

2011-09-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Do you know someone who is suffering from anxiety, bi-polar, ADHD, depression, dementia, or even more serious behaviors such as schizophrenia? These behaviors could be caused by imbalances in minerals or heavy metal exposure. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium are common in our environment and exposure is quite common. These metals can cause emotional changes and neurological impairment.

LEAD. In adults lead toxicity can cause fatigue, anorexia, irritability, abdominal pain and muscle weakness. Long-term exposure works with your memory. Children with chronic exposure have learning disabilities, hyperactivity, distractibility and motor coordination. Even just a small amount of lead can change an I.Q. score. If you know of a child who suffers from ADHD or ADD, it is very important to get them tested for lead. I have found that this is a very common culprit and you can see remarkable recovery in these children.

MERCURY. Ever hear of the "mad hatter". Workers in the hat industry were exposed to mercury and developed tremors, thus the name "mad hatter." Actually, George Washington was accidentally killed by a well-intentioned doctor. Treating with mercury was very common in George's day as was bloodletting. George had developed a sore throat and after a couple of rounds of blood letting combined with mercury, he died.

Other signs of mercury toxicity include, weakness, irritability, headaches, rashes, slurred speech and pain in the extremities. In infants mercury toxicity can include cerebral palsy syndromes and mental retardation. Mercury can also mimic the symptoms of MS. If you receive that diagnosis from your doctor, I would recommend a hair analysis to make sure it isn't caused from mercury toxicity. If it is mercury you can take the steps to remove it from your system, thus removing the symptoms of MS.

CADMIUM. This metal is a neurotoxin and will damage the nervous system. It also concentrates in the kidneys and heart, causing damage to the organs. Behavioral abnormalities are very common with toxicity from this metal. Some sources of cadmium include cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and our water system.

ALUMINUM. Aluminum is the one metal associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Don't wait until your doctor tells you that you have dementia to reduce your exposure to this metal. Start now! This is probably the most common metal we are exposed to. It is in deodorants, our cooking utensils, our canned vegetables, soda cans and even the wrap we use to cover our food. Be very careful with how you cook if you still use any aluminum pots and pans. You should really consider changing to cast iron or glass. They are much healthier for you.

These are not the only metals we need to be concerned with, there are others in the environment and our bodies fight with these on a daily basis. Once you are exposed to these metals they never leave your system unless you take steps to remove them. You could have even picked them up from your mother while in the womb. Your body has a protective device whereas whenever it detects a metal it pulls it out of the blood stream and deposits it into the tissues. If you doctor does a blood test you might not show a metal toxicity. Since your hair is a tissue, a hair analysis is the ideal medium to test for these metals. Hair analysis has been used for heavy metal testing for years and has proven very reliable. With this test you can tell if your exposure is acute or is chronic.

Watch for part 2 of this article and we will explore the nutritional minerals and their effects on behaviors.

Stay Strong!

Adrenal Glands

2011-09-15T11:59:00.001-07:00

In my practice, I do hair analysis. This is a great tool, which takes a comprehensive picture of your body. I have done these since 2000. The majority of the people I have tested have shown adrenal fatigue. Always the first question is what do my adrenal glands do. Let's take a look at our adrenals.

The adrenal glands are small glands, which are located on the top of your kidneys. Each one is about 3 inches wide and about ½ inch tall. These glands consist of three different regions. Each of these regions produce different hormones. All of these hormones are considered steroids. When these hormones are not produced sufficiently, you have what is known as adrenal fatigue. Some of the symptoms include: excessive fatigue and exhaustion, craving for salty and sweet foods, sleep that doesn't refresh (you get sleep, but wake up tired), insomnia, unable to cope with stress, difficulty concentrating or brain fog, poor digestion, sensitivity to cold, allergies, low or high blood pressure, you may feel more energetic in the evening, low immune function, and slow recovery from illness or stress, muscle loss, belly fat, water retention, reduced sex drive, and being unable to remember things, and constipation.

The hormones that the adrenals produce help to balance your blood sugar, which controls your energy. Each time your blood sugar drops, the adrenals will release hormones and cause the blood sugar to rise which increases energy. They also release hormones when you are under stress. All of this puts a toll on the adrenals and they stop or slow down the production of sufficient hormones.

Doctors won't test adrenals because they can only diagnose extreme dysfunction where the adrenals completely shut down, which is potentially fatal. This is where a hair analysis comes in. It will show exactly how the adrenals are working.

If your adrenal glands are exhausted all the rules of weight loss are reversed. Calorie restriction and exercise will make you fatter. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenals when you are under stress. This hormone is not your friend. It acts as a fat storing, muscle destroying, skin wrinkling and age-accelerating enemy. Not only that but it causes you to retain fluid, making you feel even fatter.

Your body needs water and the amount that you retain is determined by the balance of sodium and potassium. Water follows sodium and if there is too much sodium in the body you will retain fluid. An imbalance between sodium and potassium determines whether there is the right amount of sodium. If there is not enough potassium relative to sodium then you will retain water. Cortisol will inhibit sodium loss, thereby causing fluid retention. Cortisol will cause excretion of potassium, thereby increasing the sodium. Cortisol is also an anti-diuretic. You have always heard that the more you drink, the more you flush out your body, but not true with your cortisol levels. The more you drink the more you retain.

Cortisol will also cause the loss of magnesium, which will cause cardiac arrhythmias.

The areas of your body that have the greatest amount of cortisol receptors are your midsection, face, and upper back - let me guess - this is where most of your fat is accumulating.

As your adrenal glands progress to burnout, you feel dead. If you move around much you feel totally exhausted. Your heart races and you are out of breath with just simple walking. You may not be getting fatter at this point but you are losing muscle.

What can I do, you might ask? First of all, you can add several vitamins to your daily routine, but most important you need a test, such as a hair analysis to see what stage your body is in. There are three stages of adrenal fatigue and each stage is treated differently. Call me for your appointment today and we will take it from there.

Stay Strong!

Build Your Bones

2011-09-02T09:50:00.001-07:00

As we age we all have growing concern over bone strength and reducing our chances of osteoporosis. It is normal for us to lose some bone mass as we age but we can slow its progression. You see all the ad campaigns to drink milk. Actually milk is a poor source for calcium, but herbs and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources. Some common herbs that can inhibit the breakdown of bone include sage, rosemary and thyme. In addition to herbs, you need to exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in vegetables, including onions.

Here is a recipe for a bone building tea.

Boil 1 quart water

Oatstraw
Nettle leaf
Dandelion leaf
Raspberry leaf
Red clover flowering tops
Horsetail shoots

Blend your herbs in equal parts and add approximately 4 tablespoons of the herb blend to the water. Cover and steep for at least 30 minutes and then strain. You should drink 3 to 4 cups of this a day.

Stay Strong!

ENERGY DRINKS

2011-09-01T07:48:00.001-07:00

What is really in these drinks? What am I doing to my body whenever I pop the top? Lets look at the ingredients - most are sugar, B vitamins, and caffeine, some have some exotic sounding ingredients, some have some herbal ingredients and some have amino acids. But do they really give you energy?

Taurine is a popular ingredient. It is an amino acid. It is essential for cardiovascular function, development of skeletal muscle, it also works in the central nervous system and the retina of the eye. It has not been proven to be energy giving. It works as a neurotransmitter in the brain and may work more as a sedative than a stimulant. Instead of giving you wings - they may be clipped!

Guarana has the same characteristics as caffeine. In testing with rats, guarana did show increased memory retention and better physical endurance. People with high blood pressure or heart problems should avoid this. The same is true with caffeine. Both are stimulants. You can overdose on both and you can get addicted to both.

Ginseng is another common ingredient in energy drinks. Briefly, ginseng is an adaptogen herb. This means that basically, whenever you ingest ginseng it knows if you are male or female and can adapt to whatever you need. Ginseng builds strength, gives energy and calms the body. Usually in energy drinks the dosage is so small that it does not have any measurable medicinal effects.

B vitamins in mega doses are added to energy drinks such as 5-hour energy. Although these vitamins are water soluble, which means simply what you don't use, you lose. If you do not drink large amounts of water to dilute this mega dose, it can make you sick and you can overdose. No one bothers to tell you that. So a lot of people end up with a sick stomach after one of these or worse.

Next we have sugar and caffeine. Enough has been said about both, so I am not going to add anything here.

My verdict is avoid these high calorie drinks. You are probably already consuming too much sugar. If you need a caffeine boost, try unsweetened tea or unsweetened coffee. If you must have a sweetener, please do not use any artificial sweeteners, they are poison. Use Stevia, which is an herb that is naturally sweet and will not cause you any problems. These are much better choices. They will give you an energy boost and not cause problems for your waistline.

Stay Strong!