Who would have thought there would be enough information on just Vitamin A....or just Vitamin B1 (thiamin) to fill a textbook with 8 pages of information (no pictures, 8.5x11" pages, small print)--I sure didn't before I opened my current textbook on nutrition (Staying Healthy with Nutrition)!
I listed some examples below to emphasize the importance of BALANCE in our nutrition. Grabbing a specific vitamin or mineral (that you just read about in your favorite magazine) off the shelf of your nearest drug store is not in your best interest! The 'nutrition bytes' below are NOT meant to drive you crazy & throw up your hands in frustration---they are there just to make my point that BALANCE in nutrition (as in just about everything else) is one of the major keys to health.
This info was taken from my recent notes from a class I'm in. Be happy knowing that you can just read through them if you like & that you don't have to commit them to memory (like I'm doing---I hope my brain has enough 'file space!'). Did you know there was a 'Vitamin P'? :o) Read on!
*An excessive intake of iron can block the absorption of Vitamin A.
*Protein & zinc are needed in adequate quantities in order for Vitamin A to function as it should in our bodies.
*Taking more than 2000 mg of Vitamin C per day increases your need for folic acid.
*The average American's diet is deficient in Vitamin A.
*Along with Vitamin D, Vitamins A & C help support the transport of calcium in our bodies.
*Vitamin D & Calcium can help minimize menopausal symptoms.
*Large amounts of calcium can decrease the absorption of magnesium, zinc & phosphorus.
*Calcium in our diet improves the absorption of Vitamin B12---but too much calcium can interfere with the absorption of magnesium, zinc & iron.
*Protein intake helps with the absorption of calcium---yet too much protein may reduce absorption.
*Low magnesium can contribute to high blood pressure and has been linked to heart attacks.
*High amounts of calcium & Vitamin D in the presence of magnesium deficiency can lead to calcification of the soft tissues or kidney stone formation.
*Vitamin D is best utilized in the presence of Vitamin A.
*A high intake of Vitamin E or Calcium may decrease Vitamin K absorption.
*Vitamin B1 (thiamin) deficiency is still fairly common today with symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, depression, insomnia, GI disturbances (to name a few).
*Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is claimed by several authorities to be the most common nutrient deficiency in the US.
*High-dose B3 (niacin) can cause elevated homocysteine levels in the body (not good--cardiac implications!)
*Adequate magnesium in our bodies is necessary for Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) function
*Vitamin P (bioflavanoids) is found naturally with Vitamin C. That's why natural forms of vitamin C are so much more effective than synthetic forms of Vitamin C in similar amounts.
Sorry, I got carried away---Enough already! I think you get my point. As you can see above, just adding a lone vitamin or mineral to your daily routine will probably NOT provide you with the benefit you're hoping for--and may lead to other problems. A better idea: Look for a high quality multivitamin with a balanced formula (not a standard 100% RDA of each of the vitamins/minerals), organic, a whole food component (usually vegetable---an extra source of veggie power!) That's what my husband and I have been doing for years---a very inexpensive & cost-effective form of insurance!
May this New Year find you blessed with good health--
Sana
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy Realistic New Years!
New Year's resolutions can be inspiring & energizing...for at least a few days...until 'real life' sets in once again & we start questioning ourselves about how we can ever keep the goals we set for ourselves on January 1st...to lose weight...exercise 5 days a week...eat 5 servings of veggies a day...OK--I'll stop!
Instead of trying to eat the elephant (or start on a Total Wellness plan), start with 'one bite' (one step) and feel good about accomplishing it. Then move on to the next 'bite' (next step) & master that one.
You can start by make a list of HEALTHY CHOICES that you would like to incorporate into your everyday life---these are 'lifestyle changes'---they work because they are NOT something you plan to do for a limited time for a certain result---they are long-term changes that will continue to benefit you throughout your life.
Once you have your Healthy Choices list, PICK ONE to focus on--just one for now---make some sticky note reminders for the fridge, other handy spots in the kitchen, your bathroom mirror, your desk...
You CAN handle just one of these...of your choosing...and, after several weeks, when it's part of your daily routine to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily or any other option you've chosen, THEN move on to the next one on your list...and just keep moving through your list this way. If you get off track, brush yourself off & get started again.
A list of Healthy Choices may include:
*Drinking at least 8-10 8oz glasses of water daily (filtered, alkaline water if possible--check previous blogs for info on this)
*Taking a good quality (organic/whole food) multivitamin/mineral supplement daily
*Exercising at least 3 times/week for 30 minutes (if you haven't exercised in a while)--with a goal of at least 5 times/week. Make it something you enjoy...walking, working out with a friend, tennis, workout DVD...
*Adding at least 1 more serving of veggies into your day. One of my favorite ways is keeping a small bowl of carrot sticks in the fridge (kept fresh in 'good' water) so every time my family or I open the fridge we can grab a carrot. Celery works well this way, too. I don't use the bags of mini carrots being they have been soaked in a bleach solution, even the organic ones. I buy a bunch of organic carrots, scrub them up quickly & cut them into small carrot sticks to last the week. Try experimenting with squash, green beans, asparagus, spinach---'Google' new recipes for them, like roasted green beans with olive oil & garlic--quick & simple...and so good! Keep a bag of organic salad greens in your fridge at all times to easily add a serving of veggies to a meal with a quick salad.
*Adding a good quality, whole food antioxidant into your daily routine for powerful cancer prevention.
*Prioritizing adequate sleep on a regular schedule to give your immune system a chance to rebuild each night.
*Investing in a good quality air filtration unit for your home (multi-stage filtration with negative ions but NO ozone). The air in our homes is filled with toxins we can't see--toxins that can have negative health effects over time.
*Planning weekly dinner menus so there is less temptation to grab less-than-healthy choices or catch the local drive-in specials.
*Keeping your fridge & cupboards stocked with healthier options for munching...string cheese, yogurt, deli meat, fruit & veggies (cut up for even easier access), baked chips (if chips are a necessity!), organic non-sugared cereals, popcorn (not microwave type!)...
ALWAYS REMEMBER why you're doing this...making healthy choices: for your own health and sense of well-being...AND for those you love...who depend on you...and want you around for the long-term...they are the ones who will keep you moving forward & successfully adding Health Choices to your lifestyle!
I welcome your questions & comments. My past blogs contain info on many of the above topics, including sleep, water, air quality...check them out!
I wish for you a joy-filled and healthy New Year...Wellness Blessings to you!
Sana
Instead of trying to eat the elephant (or start on a Total Wellness plan), start with 'one bite' (one step) and feel good about accomplishing it. Then move on to the next 'bite' (next step) & master that one.
You can start by make a list of HEALTHY CHOICES that you would like to incorporate into your everyday life---these are 'lifestyle changes'---they work because they are NOT something you plan to do for a limited time for a certain result---they are long-term changes that will continue to benefit you throughout your life.
Once you have your Healthy Choices list, PICK ONE to focus on--just one for now---make some sticky note reminders for the fridge, other handy spots in the kitchen, your bathroom mirror, your desk...
You CAN handle just one of these...of your choosing...and, after several weeks, when it's part of your daily routine to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily or any other option you've chosen, THEN move on to the next one on your list...and just keep moving through your list this way. If you get off track, brush yourself off & get started again.
A list of Healthy Choices may include:
*Drinking at least 8-10 8oz glasses of water daily (filtered, alkaline water if possible--check previous blogs for info on this)
*Taking a good quality (organic/whole food) multivitamin/mineral supplement daily
*Exercising at least 3 times/week for 30 minutes (if you haven't exercised in a while)--with a goal of at least 5 times/week. Make it something you enjoy...walking, working out with a friend, tennis, workout DVD...
*Adding at least 1 more serving of veggies into your day. One of my favorite ways is keeping a small bowl of carrot sticks in the fridge (kept fresh in 'good' water) so every time my family or I open the fridge we can grab a carrot. Celery works well this way, too. I don't use the bags of mini carrots being they have been soaked in a bleach solution, even the organic ones. I buy a bunch of organic carrots, scrub them up quickly & cut them into small carrot sticks to last the week. Try experimenting with squash, green beans, asparagus, spinach---'Google' new recipes for them, like roasted green beans with olive oil & garlic--quick & simple...and so good! Keep a bag of organic salad greens in your fridge at all times to easily add a serving of veggies to a meal with a quick salad.
*Adding a good quality, whole food antioxidant into your daily routine for powerful cancer prevention.
*Prioritizing adequate sleep on a regular schedule to give your immune system a chance to rebuild each night.
*Investing in a good quality air filtration unit for your home (multi-stage filtration with negative ions but NO ozone). The air in our homes is filled with toxins we can't see--toxins that can have negative health effects over time.
*Planning weekly dinner menus so there is less temptation to grab less-than-healthy choices or catch the local drive-in specials.
*Keeping your fridge & cupboards stocked with healthier options for munching...string cheese, yogurt, deli meat, fruit & veggies (cut up for even easier access), baked chips (if chips are a necessity!), organic non-sugared cereals, popcorn (not microwave type!)...
ALWAYS REMEMBER why you're doing this...making healthy choices: for your own health and sense of well-being...AND for those you love...who depend on you...and want you around for the long-term...they are the ones who will keep you moving forward & successfully adding Health Choices to your lifestyle!
I welcome your questions & comments. My past blogs contain info on many of the above topics, including sleep, water, air quality...check them out!
I wish for you a joy-filled and healthy New Year...Wellness Blessings to you!
Sana
Friday, December 18, 2009
Fluoride---NOT what we want in our water or toothpaste!
I've had some questions lately about fluoride in water so I thought I would share what I've found in my recent studies (& what I've been aware of for many years).
The controversy over fluoride began around 1945. Prior to then, fluoride was properly regarded as an environmental pollutant mostly from the aluminum & fertilizer industry. Fluoride was somehow transformed from an environmental pollutant to an essential nutrient necessary for producing healthy teeth (with very poor scientific support).
Over time, most developed countries have banned fluoride in their water, including Japan (the healthiest country in the world). Europe is 98% fluoridation-free...and it is opposed in England, Australia among other countries. In the US, it is in almost all commercial toothpastes and regularly added to ~75% of public drinking water. For years the FDA has required warning labels to keep toothpaste out of the reach of children under age 6 and, if swallowed, to get medical help or contact a poison control center right away. In 2005, more than 22,000 people did. Hmmmm....Why is fluoride in our water & toothpastes in the US?
In 1997, the union representing toxicologists, chemists, biologist & other professionals at the EPA in Washington DC went on record against adding fluoride to public drinking water, stating that the health & welfare of the public is not served by the addition of fluoride to the public water supply. This was after an 11 year review of evidence showing that fluoride was linked to cancer, nerve impairment, bone changes & low IQ scores in kids. The November 2008 Journal of the American Dental Association reported that, "There is weak and inconsistent evidence that the use of fluoride supplements prevents dental caries in primary teeth" after conducting a systematic review of fluoride supplement research.
Many pediatricians who have taken the time to learn about the health effects of fluoride stress avoiding the use of fluoridated toothpastes under the age of 3 and avoiding drinking fluoridated water (or making baby formula with it). Maybe this is why: Fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. It is a cumulative poison that accumulates in bone over the years (Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products).
Why is our water being fluoridated when the most recent studies do not even show that water fluoridation is effective in reducing tooth decay? In the largest US study of fluoridation and tooth decay, the US Public Health Service dental records of over 39,000 school children, ages 5-17, from 84 areas around the country showed that the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth per child was virtually the same in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. A similar study in New Zealand of 60,000 school children showed the same.
Fluoridation effects don't pertain to just children. Back in 1993, the US Dept. of Health & Human Services reported that "postmenopausal women and elderly men in fluoridated communities may be at increased risk of bone fractures." Fluoride has also been found to reduce thyroid and metabolic activity.
It usually takes me a day or two to get one of these blog entries written---and over the past 2 days I've had 2 additional articles re: fluoridation of water supplies in the US cross my path---Yes, I'm thinking this IS a BIG DEAL!
One was a bulletin that listed 7 new research studies focused on assessing the effects of consumption of fluoridated water in humans. Some of the effects found include impaired glucose tolerance, DNA damage, memory impairment, decreased capacity for learning & memory and preterm births. The website with this info: www.fluoridealert.org
The other article included this statement: This chemical (fluoride) in the US water supply has been linked to lower fertility rates, hormone disruption and low sperm counts. Wow---as you can see, this issue really does affect all age groups.
What To Do?
Get informed, stay informed & share this information with others. Solid carbon filters do not remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis & distillation both do, at the cost of making the water quite acidic and very poorly absorbed by our bodies. You can learn more about this in some of my posts from June related to pH and water.
Our family uses a simple water filtration unit that filters the majority of fluoride out, with the end result of purified water with minerals intact (making it slightly alkaline) that is well absorbed by the cells in our bodies.
I look forward to your questions and comments!
Thanks for taking the time to be a well-informed 'Owner of your Health'!
Sana
The controversy over fluoride began around 1945. Prior to then, fluoride was properly regarded as an environmental pollutant mostly from the aluminum & fertilizer industry. Fluoride was somehow transformed from an environmental pollutant to an essential nutrient necessary for producing healthy teeth (with very poor scientific support).
Over time, most developed countries have banned fluoride in their water, including Japan (the healthiest country in the world). Europe is 98% fluoridation-free...and it is opposed in England, Australia among other countries. In the US, it is in almost all commercial toothpastes and regularly added to ~75% of public drinking water. For years the FDA has required warning labels to keep toothpaste out of the reach of children under age 6 and, if swallowed, to get medical help or contact a poison control center right away. In 2005, more than 22,000 people did. Hmmmm....Why is fluoride in our water & toothpastes in the US?
In 1997, the union representing toxicologists, chemists, biologist & other professionals at the EPA in Washington DC went on record against adding fluoride to public drinking water, stating that the health & welfare of the public is not served by the addition of fluoride to the public water supply. This was after an 11 year review of evidence showing that fluoride was linked to cancer, nerve impairment, bone changes & low IQ scores in kids. The November 2008 Journal of the American Dental Association reported that, "There is weak and inconsistent evidence that the use of fluoride supplements prevents dental caries in primary teeth" after conducting a systematic review of fluoride supplement research.
Many pediatricians who have taken the time to learn about the health effects of fluoride stress avoiding the use of fluoridated toothpastes under the age of 3 and avoiding drinking fluoridated water (or making baby formula with it). Maybe this is why: Fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. It is a cumulative poison that accumulates in bone over the years (Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products).
Why is our water being fluoridated when the most recent studies do not even show that water fluoridation is effective in reducing tooth decay? In the largest US study of fluoridation and tooth decay, the US Public Health Service dental records of over 39,000 school children, ages 5-17, from 84 areas around the country showed that the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth per child was virtually the same in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. A similar study in New Zealand of 60,000 school children showed the same.
Fluoridation effects don't pertain to just children. Back in 1993, the US Dept. of Health & Human Services reported that "postmenopausal women and elderly men in fluoridated communities may be at increased risk of bone fractures." Fluoride has also been found to reduce thyroid and metabolic activity.
It usually takes me a day or two to get one of these blog entries written---and over the past 2 days I've had 2 additional articles re: fluoridation of water supplies in the US cross my path---Yes, I'm thinking this IS a BIG DEAL!
One was a bulletin that listed 7 new research studies focused on assessing the effects of consumption of fluoridated water in humans. Some of the effects found include impaired glucose tolerance, DNA damage, memory impairment, decreased capacity for learning & memory and preterm births. The website with this info: www.fluoridealert.org
The other article included this statement: This chemical (fluoride) in the US water supply has been linked to lower fertility rates, hormone disruption and low sperm counts. Wow---as you can see, this issue really does affect all age groups.
What To Do?
Get informed, stay informed & share this information with others. Solid carbon filters do not remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis & distillation both do, at the cost of making the water quite acidic and very poorly absorbed by our bodies. You can learn more about this in some of my posts from June related to pH and water.
Our family uses a simple water filtration unit that filters the majority of fluoride out, with the end result of purified water with minerals intact (making it slightly alkaline) that is well absorbed by the cells in our bodies.
I look forward to your questions and comments!
Thanks for taking the time to be a well-informed 'Owner of your Health'!
Sana
Friday, November 27, 2009
Healthy, Anti-Aging Foods...The Day After Thanksgiving!
I know, I know...the thought of 'food' still brings back memories of yesterday (Thanksgiving Day in the US) & that stuffed feeling many of us left the table with...
How appropriate (at least in my thinking) to have a quick refresher course in healthy foods--foods that have 'Anti-Aging' properties--to guide us in our eating choices during this most challenging time of year.
I have a goal of eating healthy at least 75% of the time, realizing that it's a 'real world' out there, with time crunches...holiday get-togethers with few if any 'healthy eating choices'...and the whole Christmas baking/cookies arena... :o)
Keep this list in mind when grocery shopping, eating out, and preparing menus & meals for the week (if you're one of those organized people I'm jealous of!).
->Fresh fruits & vegetables: Keep handy in the fridge or basket on the counter for healthy munching options. Get organic if possible--be sure to include dark green veggies!. The nutrients in fresh fruits & veggies are huge in keeping you healthy & slowig the aging process.
->Whole grains, nuts & beans: These will keep your fiber intake up, along with providing great protein, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA's).
->Cultured foods: Good quality yogurt, kefir (like drinkable yogurt--very good!), miso (soup), & tempeh are in this category. They help keep your digestive system working as it should, which keeps your immune system strong (the good bacteria/bad bacteria benefits--see past blog from 7/26/09).
->Sea greens: These are amazing 'superfoods of the ocean' that are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals chlorophyll, enzymes, fiber...and are very helpful in regulating thyroid function. You can buy the dried version of them & 'get used' to them by crumbling a few on green salads & adding to soups. I'll post a blog about Sea greens in the near future as well.
->Fish & fresh seafood: Choose ones with lower mercury levels & ecofriendly, like cod, halibut, pollock, salmon... (http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=15890 This website gives a great listing of good fish/seafood choices). Fish & seafood are a great protein source, with many of them a great source of essential fatty acids (EFA's) as well.
->Whole grain pasta & rice: A great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (esp. B vits) & iron. There are many 'brown rice' options to choose from---they have so much flavor!
->'Good' fats (monounsaturated): Our bodies need small amounts of healthy fats each day...olive oil, peanut oil, almonds, avocados & pumpkin seeds are some great sources of 'good fat.'
->Filtered, pure water: (I know...water is not a FOOD, but it is THAT important!) Drinking at least 8 8-oz glasses/day is a good start. An more precise guideline for water consumption is drinking half your body weight in ounces/day. I weigh 140lb, so I should drink at least 70 oz/day (about 9 8-oz glasses). Being well-hydrated has a powerful effect on your entire body, not to mention providing energy & a greater sense of well-being. For information on the various types of water & how they affect our bodies, check out my blog post from June 10th.
Here's to a Healthy & Joy-Filled Christmas Season...so we can all start out the New Year on the right foot (instead of the 'I wish I hadn't eaten so much over Christmas' foot!)
Blessings on your health...
Sana
How appropriate (at least in my thinking) to have a quick refresher course in healthy foods--foods that have 'Anti-Aging' properties--to guide us in our eating choices during this most challenging time of year.
I have a goal of eating healthy at least 75% of the time, realizing that it's a 'real world' out there, with time crunches...holiday get-togethers with few if any 'healthy eating choices'...and the whole Christmas baking/cookies arena... :o)
Keep this list in mind when grocery shopping, eating out, and preparing menus & meals for the week (if you're one of those organized people I'm jealous of!).
->Fresh fruits & vegetables: Keep handy in the fridge or basket on the counter for healthy munching options. Get organic if possible--be sure to include dark green veggies!. The nutrients in fresh fruits & veggies are huge in keeping you healthy & slowig the aging process.
->Whole grains, nuts & beans: These will keep your fiber intake up, along with providing great protein, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA's).
->Cultured foods: Good quality yogurt, kefir (like drinkable yogurt--very good!), miso (soup), & tempeh are in this category. They help keep your digestive system working as it should, which keeps your immune system strong (the good bacteria/bad bacteria benefits--see past blog from 7/26/09).
->Sea greens: These are amazing 'superfoods of the ocean' that are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals chlorophyll, enzymes, fiber...and are very helpful in regulating thyroid function. You can buy the dried version of them & 'get used' to them by crumbling a few on green salads & adding to soups. I'll post a blog about Sea greens in the near future as well.
->Fish & fresh seafood: Choose ones with lower mercury levels & ecofriendly, like cod, halibut, pollock, salmon... (http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=15890 This website gives a great listing of good fish/seafood choices). Fish & seafood are a great protein source, with many of them a great source of essential fatty acids (EFA's) as well.
->Whole grain pasta & rice: A great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (esp. B vits) & iron. There are many 'brown rice' options to choose from---they have so much flavor!
->'Good' fats (monounsaturated): Our bodies need small amounts of healthy fats each day...olive oil, peanut oil, almonds, avocados & pumpkin seeds are some great sources of 'good fat.'
->Filtered, pure water: (I know...water is not a FOOD, but it is THAT important!) Drinking at least 8 8-oz glasses/day is a good start. An more precise guideline for water consumption is drinking half your body weight in ounces/day. I weigh 140lb, so I should drink at least 70 oz/day (about 9 8-oz glasses). Being well-hydrated has a powerful effect on your entire body, not to mention providing energy & a greater sense of well-being. For information on the various types of water & how they affect our bodies, check out my blog post from June 10th.
Here's to a Healthy & Joy-Filled Christmas Season...so we can all start out the New Year on the right foot (instead of the 'I wish I hadn't eaten so much over Christmas' foot!)
Blessings on your health...
Sana
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What A Strong Immune System? Mushrooms To The Rescue!
I'm still working on a regular study routine---I admit it's still pretty random at present, but I'm getting it done. Maybe my study routine is just supposed to stay in the random quadrant for now. I look forward to the time I have each day to move ahead in my classes--pretty nerdy, I know--but someone's gotta love it, right? :o)
I think many of us are now aware that mushrooms aren't just for pizza or steaks anymore...they have amazing health properties. Once again, from my current textbook, Healthy Healing, by Page---here's a brief overview of Medicinal Mushrooms:
*Maitake mushrooms are the strongest tumor growth inhibitors of all mushrooms. Considered highly effective against hormone-driven cancers like breast & prostate--& even lung, liver, pancreatic & brain cancer. It also has a synergistic effect with chemo, with reports of a lessening of the side effects (nausea, poor appetite...).
*Reishi mushrooms are the most famous mushrooms (being they used to be reserved for the royal Chinese families). It is known for promoting longevity (that's why they kept it for the royal families!), great antioxidant activity, helpful in normalizing high blood pressure & relieving allergy symptoms, also beneficial in lowering cholesterol & triglycerides & increasing resistance to infections. That's the short list---now you know why the royal families wanted it!
*Shiitake mushrooms can protect the body from cancer risk, showing strong anti-tumor powers. Like the reishi, it is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels & reducing high blood pressure. It fights viruses & bacteria & is helpful with candida yeast overgrowth. A certain component in the shiitake is proving to be more effective in preventing the spread of the HIV virus in the body than AZT---imagine a SAFE option! Once again, that's the 'short list'---moving on...
*Agaricus or Royal Agaricus is the richest source of Beta Glucan, which make T-cells function at top level, kicking the immune system into maximum efficiency. It is also helpful in regulating blood sugar and lowering high blood pressure & cholesterol. Rainforest researchers in Brazil found that the natives who lived where Agaricus grew were much healthier then the rest of the population & had especially low cancer rates.
*Tremella mushrooms enhance calcium absorption & provides vitamin D (Hello, Osteoporosis!) It's commonly used in Chinese medicine in herbal cough syrups for asthma & coughs. It ALSO helps with lowering cholesterol, balancing blood sugar & has anti-tumor activity. Anti-tumor activity means reducing your cancer risk--HUGE!
*Cordyceps mushrooms provide dramatic oxygenation & energy---that's why the Chinese runners broke 9 world records in 1993! Increased lung capacity & stamina and shorter recovery times make it a huge support to athletes. Cordyceps also increases immunity by increasing activity of the good immune worker cells.
My family & I have been taking a 'Medicinal Mushroom' whole food product, appropriately named 'Immunity'---it includes a few more mushrooms:
*Phellinus Linteus--anti-tumor
*Trametes Versicolor--anti-cancer drug in Japan
*Hericum Erinaceus--helps with digestion & boosts energy
*Pleurotus Tuber-regium--anti-tumor with beta glucans
*Oyster--anti-tumor & cholesterol lowering
*Chaga--immune modulator (helps keep immune system on track)
*Lepiota Procera--powerful beta glucans
*Enoki--anti-tumor
The astragalus, shiitake & reishi mushrooms are all considered herbal antioxidants (antioxidants are crucial in our fight against free radicals which can lead to cancer and accelerated aging).
Mushrooms are naturally probiotic in nature--yet another wonderful benefit of these powerful, sometimes quite homely looking fungi!
I honestly meant for this to be a shorter post---but there's so much good info to share--thanks for hanging in there!
May you be blessed with great health...
Sana
I think many of us are now aware that mushrooms aren't just for pizza or steaks anymore...they have amazing health properties. Once again, from my current textbook, Healthy Healing, by Page---here's a brief overview of Medicinal Mushrooms:
*Maitake mushrooms are the strongest tumor growth inhibitors of all mushrooms. Considered highly effective against hormone-driven cancers like breast & prostate--& even lung, liver, pancreatic & brain cancer. It also has a synergistic effect with chemo, with reports of a lessening of the side effects (nausea, poor appetite...).
*Reishi mushrooms are the most famous mushrooms (being they used to be reserved for the royal Chinese families). It is known for promoting longevity (that's why they kept it for the royal families!), great antioxidant activity, helpful in normalizing high blood pressure & relieving allergy symptoms, also beneficial in lowering cholesterol & triglycerides & increasing resistance to infections. That's the short list---now you know why the royal families wanted it!
*Shiitake mushrooms can protect the body from cancer risk, showing strong anti-tumor powers. Like the reishi, it is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels & reducing high blood pressure. It fights viruses & bacteria & is helpful with candida yeast overgrowth. A certain component in the shiitake is proving to be more effective in preventing the spread of the HIV virus in the body than AZT---imagine a SAFE option! Once again, that's the 'short list'---moving on...
*Agaricus or Royal Agaricus is the richest source of Beta Glucan, which make T-cells function at top level, kicking the immune system into maximum efficiency. It is also helpful in regulating blood sugar and lowering high blood pressure & cholesterol. Rainforest researchers in Brazil found that the natives who lived where Agaricus grew were much healthier then the rest of the population & had especially low cancer rates.
*Tremella mushrooms enhance calcium absorption & provides vitamin D (Hello, Osteoporosis!) It's commonly used in Chinese medicine in herbal cough syrups for asthma & coughs. It ALSO helps with lowering cholesterol, balancing blood sugar & has anti-tumor activity. Anti-tumor activity means reducing your cancer risk--HUGE!
*Cordyceps mushrooms provide dramatic oxygenation & energy---that's why the Chinese runners broke 9 world records in 1993! Increased lung capacity & stamina and shorter recovery times make it a huge support to athletes. Cordyceps also increases immunity by increasing activity of the good immune worker cells.
My family & I have been taking a 'Medicinal Mushroom' whole food product, appropriately named 'Immunity'---it includes a few more mushrooms:
*Phellinus Linteus--anti-tumor
*Trametes Versicolor--anti-cancer drug in Japan
*Hericum Erinaceus--helps with digestion & boosts energy
*Pleurotus Tuber-regium--anti-tumor with beta glucans
*Oyster--anti-tumor & cholesterol lowering
*Chaga--immune modulator (helps keep immune system on track)
*Lepiota Procera--powerful beta glucans
*Enoki--anti-tumor
The astragalus, shiitake & reishi mushrooms are all considered herbal antioxidants (antioxidants are crucial in our fight against free radicals which can lead to cancer and accelerated aging).
Mushrooms are naturally probiotic in nature--yet another wonderful benefit of these powerful, sometimes quite homely looking fungi!
I honestly meant for this to be a shorter post---but there's so much good info to share--thanks for hanging in there!
May you be blessed with great health...
Sana
Monday, November 16, 2009
Barley Grass (Jades) Details--Straight From My Textbook!
I know...I know...I already have a post/blog about the benefits of barley grass (back in July)---but it's so cool reading about it from a total 3rd party perspective (ie. my current Naturopathy textbook, 'Healthy Healing' by Page). And it honestly is that important for great health!
Barley grasses fall under the category of 'Nature's Superfoods.' They are one of the lowest-calorie (Yay!) & most nutrient-rich foods on the planet.
Here's what my text has to say about barley grass ('Jades' to some of us)...
Barley grass has:
*10X more calcium than cow's milk
*5X more iron than spinach
*7X more vitamin C & bioflavonoids (anti-inflammatory part of Vit C) than orange juice
*80 mcg of Vitamin B12/100 Gm of powdered juice---that's huge!
*antiviral activity (flu & 'colds' are caused by viruses)
*neutralizes heavy metals like mercury
*an ideal anti-inflammatory
*richest food source of the antioxidant isoflavone 2-0-GIV (works with DNA repair)
Once more from my text by Linda Page:
Studies on barley grass show that it has the capacity to aid a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, liver disease, asthma, eczema, anemia, burns & even cancer.
Another major reason that most people who take a barley grass supplement do so is to maintain a healthy slightly alkaline pH in their body. According to Dr. Robert Young (one of many health experts writing on the benefits of alkalinity), 'Overacidification of body fluids & tissues underlies ALL disease...for one thing, it is only when a body is acidic that it is vulnerable to germs. In short, good health requires a body on proper pH balance: slightly alkaline.' (excerpts from his book, 'The pH Miracle).
My family & I take 'Jades' or Jade Greenzymes, a whole food, organic green barley supplement. I honestly don't consider it a supplement---it's a basic food for every day that 'builds disease prevention into our lives' ... simply, safely & effectively.
Let me know if you have questions about barley greens -- or any other questions/requests for blogs--
May you be blessed with true health...
Sana
Barley grasses fall under the category of 'Nature's Superfoods.' They are one of the lowest-calorie (Yay!) & most nutrient-rich foods on the planet.
Here's what my text has to say about barley grass ('Jades' to some of us)...
Barley grass has:
*10X more calcium than cow's milk
*5X more iron than spinach
*7X more vitamin C & bioflavonoids (anti-inflammatory part of Vit C) than orange juice
*80 mcg of Vitamin B12/100 Gm of powdered juice---that's huge!
*antiviral activity (flu & 'colds' are caused by viruses)
*neutralizes heavy metals like mercury
*an ideal anti-inflammatory
*richest food source of the antioxidant isoflavone 2-0-GIV (works with DNA repair)
Once more from my text by Linda Page:
Studies on barley grass show that it has the capacity to aid a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, liver disease, asthma, eczema, anemia, burns & even cancer.
Another major reason that most people who take a barley grass supplement do so is to maintain a healthy slightly alkaline pH in their body. According to Dr. Robert Young (one of many health experts writing on the benefits of alkalinity), 'Overacidification of body fluids & tissues underlies ALL disease...for one thing, it is only when a body is acidic that it is vulnerable to germs. In short, good health requires a body on proper pH balance: slightly alkaline.' (excerpts from his book, 'The pH Miracle).
My family & I take 'Jades' or Jade Greenzymes, a whole food, organic green barley supplement. I honestly don't consider it a supplement---it's a basic food for every day that 'builds disease prevention into our lives' ... simply, safely & effectively.
Let me know if you have questions about barley greens -- or any other questions/requests for blogs--
May you be blessed with true health...
Sana
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
My studies--Info on 'Magnet Therapy' from my textbook
After being a user of magnetic technologies for over 13 years, it was great to read a section in my Naturopathy textbook (Healthy Healing) devoted to 'Magnet Therapy.' Our family has benefitted greatly from this simple technology--better sleep, relief of a wide range of discomforts, relaxed muscles, rapid recovery from sports injuries (think kids...football, hockey, golf, baseball, gymnastics...)---who would have thought?? :o)
The main points from the book:
*The 1st recorded use of therapeutic magnets dates back to 600BC! (Nothing new--it's been around a long time).
*Modern science has known since the 1950's that a magnetic field is critical to normal body function and coordination. In fact, immune deficiency syndromes (like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis...) were first identified as magnetic field deficiency syndromes.
What we know so far---Magnet therapy (Again from my book):
*increases blood flow
*balances pH
*helps break down scar tissue & realease toxins
*speeds up the migration of calcium to help heal nerve tissue & bones
*stimulates enzyme activity
*enlarges blood vessel diameter & reduces inflammation
*reduces pain by modulating pain receptors
this is a partial list...
Studies abound--solid studies performed by non-pharmaceutical sources--validating the positive, SAFE benefits of magnetic technology for our health. Other countries have been enjoying the benefits of safe, natural & proven energy technologies like this for years--we're just catching up! For further information, check out earlier posts from June & July...
Be well & Stay well!
Sana
The main points from the book:
*The 1st recorded use of therapeutic magnets dates back to 600BC! (Nothing new--it's been around a long time).
*Modern science has known since the 1950's that a magnetic field is critical to normal body function and coordination. In fact, immune deficiency syndromes (like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis...) were first identified as magnetic field deficiency syndromes.
What we know so far---Magnet therapy (Again from my book):
*increases blood flow
*balances pH
*helps break down scar tissue & realease toxins
*speeds up the migration of calcium to help heal nerve tissue & bones
*stimulates enzyme activity
*enlarges blood vessel diameter & reduces inflammation
*reduces pain by modulating pain receptors
this is a partial list...
Studies abound--solid studies performed by non-pharmaceutical sources--validating the positive, SAFE benefits of magnetic technology for our health. Other countries have been enjoying the benefits of safe, natural & proven energy technologies like this for years--we're just catching up! For further information, check out earlier posts from June & July...
Be well & Stay well!
Sana
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