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For many of our readers, the miracles of alternative and natural health are commonly known, but for many that get their information from television only aren't as fortunate. The mainstream media has refused to acknowledge this growing field of study and the wonderful uses of natural and alternative health due to their massive advertising profits generated by Big Pharma ads....until now. Chris Wark, Stage 3 colon cancer survivor who refused chemo tells his story on Ricki Lake.
Chris Wark on Ricki Lake Part 1
Chris Wark on Ricki Lake Part 2
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Back To School Tips to Keep Your Kids Naturally Healthy
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Summer is quickly coming to an end and soon it will be time to send your children back to school or off to college. By the middle of August a flurry of preparation for students and parents is in full swing. New backpacks, new school supplies, new clothes, new shoes and renewing of friendships (who isn’t in touch with their friends to see what everyone is wearing on that “all important” first day of classes?) all go along with the excitement that back-to-school brings. However, returning to classes filled with students in close quarters also means more germs and for many children, more illness.
This doesn’t have to be a down-side if you are prepared in advance. So grab a pencil and paper because I have some effective tips for the school year to help you promote good health and well-being in your children.
1) Show Your Hands! Since there is a bit of time before the beginning of school, it is a good idea to introduce or reinforce to your children the importance of hand washing. Get your children into the habit of washing their hands before eating and after bathroom use. Good old soap and warm water is just as effective as hand sanitizers that sometimes contain toxic chemicals. Be aware that antibacterial soaps can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
2) Coughing, Sneezing, Runny Nose – oh my! Teach your children the importance of coughing and sneezing into their sleeve or a tissue, if one is available. Put a small package of tissue in your children’s backpacks and remind them that used tissues should be thrown away immediately after use.
3) When it’s OK Not to Share. Teach your children that there are certain things that should not be shared. These include utensils, cups, water bottles, pens/pencils, cell phones, grooming articles, cosmetics, etc. This is especially important during cold and flu season. Provide your children access to their own personal school supplies, tissues, water bottles, etc.
4) Keep the Mouth Sparkling Clean. Educate your children not only in the importance of brushing their teeth and gums at least two times daily but also about the health benefits of a clean mouth. Choose a non-fluorinated and non-toxic tooth paste or make your own homemade tooth powder. I also recommend Breath Fresh™ which allows prompt and convenient attention to oral health no matter where you are or what the circumstances.
5) ZZZ’s are Important. With all the excitement of a new school year, getting back into the swing of homework and project deadlines as well as extra-curricular activities, children can quickly become sleep deprived. Without a sleep regimen, older children and teens can show signs of sleep deprivation which includes fatigue, headaches, slow metabolic rates, moodiness and decreased ability to focus and pay attention. It is wise to make sure children of all ages start getting back into a healthy sleep schedule before school starts. Keep computers, TV’s and cell phones out of the bedroom. Set an age-appropriate bedtime for your children and stick to it – even on the weekends. Most healthcare professionals agree that children 5 to 12 years old need approximately 10 hours of sleep per night while older, high school aged children need about 9 hours. The body does a tremendous amount of healing and repair work between the hours of 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM. Keep in mind that when the body is sleep deprived the immune system becomes sluggish.
6) What’s for Breakfast & Lunch? Teaching your children how to make healthy food choices by example is, in my opinion, one of the most important life-long lessons a parent can pass on to their children. Food is what fuels and nourishes the entire body, including the brain. It is proven over and over again that children who eat healthy, nutritious meals and avoid pre-packaged foods require less doctor visits, resist more illness, have less difficulty with concentration, attention and memory and are actually happier than those who feast on a constant diet of HFCS, fast foods and pre-packaged foods laden with chemicals. Make it a requirement that your children eat breakfast every morning – preferably food that is not pre-packaged. Breakfast helps to get the metabolism going and also helps the body to eliminate efficiently. Breakfast smoothies packed full of nutritious fruit, healthy greens and essential fatty acid are quick, easy, very healthy and best of all taste great! If possible skip the cafeteria and snack bar menus by providing a homemade lunch for your children. A piece of fruit along with a wholesome sandwich that includes a protein source and lots of veggies on gluten-free bread will provide a high amount of nutrients, satisfy hunger and provide energy. Add a small bag of raw veggies and healthy dip for added fiber and nutrition. Provide your children with a personal water bottle that includes its own filter so that your children have access to clean and pure water all day long. Teach them the importance of water and keeping hydrated. Be sure to have healthy after-school snacks available for your children. Suggestions include ready-to-eat cold fruit slices, sliced veggies, homemade salsa and homemade sweet potato chips, homemade trail mix in pre-portioned bags, fruit milkshakes using almond milk, etc. Ask your children to come up with ideas for healthy snacks and healthy lunches. One last mention – make sure that all fruits, veggies, etc. are effectively washed and prepared. Make sure to keep countertops and cutting boards properly disinfected (use non-toxic soaps or cleaning products).
7) Exercise and Sunshine Count. Believe it or not but recess and structured PE classes are a thing of the past in many schools. Children need a time to run off energy, soak up sunshine and de-stress. Require your children to go outdoors for some play time after school. Sunshine actually encourages Vitamin D3 production in the body which in turn can help with stress. Encourage teens to take a walk/jog every afternoon or to get involved with an outdoor sports activity. Make sure to provide adequate hydration for all outside activities. If you live in an area where sunshine is minimal consider supplementing your child’s diet with a liquid Vitamin D3. I do recommend having Vitamin D3 levels checked first. Consider a weekday family rule of no TV/video games/computer time if the weather permits outdoor activities.
8) Open Elimination Routes. Children have four elimination routes for the removal of toxins – breathing, sweating, urination and defecation. Girls also acquire an extra elimination route with the beginning of menses. While each elimination route is important, bowel health is often a subject that makes everyone uncomfortable and thus is often ignored. Because 70% of the immune system is located in the small and large intestine, it is important that parents keep tabs on their children’s bowel health. For more information about bowel health, please read my article, Children Get Constipated, Too. Healthy eating, adequate exercise, proper hydration and rest go a long way in helping the elimination routes to work effectively. If your child continues to experience issues such as constipation, I recommend Pure Vegan Mag O7 which will help with elimination in a safe and effective manner. Also a review of diet, exercise, stress and hydration is warranted.
9) Natural Supplements. I believe that all children should be on a daily children’s organic multi-vitamin/mineral supplement as well as a non-acidic, neutral pH Vitamin C powder and effective probiotics. While supplements are no replacement for a healthy diet, they can fill in the gaps and also provide a sturdy nutritional foundation. Studies have proven that the daily use of probiotics reduce the incidence of illness as well as help prevent the onset of cold and flu symptoms throughout the year. According to the results of one study, “When compared to a placebo group, the groups that received the single and combination probiotic supplements reduced their fever incidence by 53% and 72.7% respectively. Their coughing was reduced by 41.4% and 62.1% and their runny noses were lessened by 28.2% and 58.5%. The duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms were also significantly reduced in the children receiving the probiotics. Because of their enhanced natural defenses, these children had less need for prescription antibiotics and missed fewer days of childcare.” See the study reference here. We are living in tough financial times and less time in the doctor’s office can be a huge savings for most families. One of the most effective probiotics on the market today and the one that our family uses is Latero-Flora which is Bacillus Laterosporus BOD. The veggie capsules are small and can be opened and put on foods or in smoothies. The action of Bacillus Laterosporus BOC is three-fold. First these organisms attack and help to eliminate pathogenic organisms such as Salmonella, E.Coli and Streptococci. They also create a hostile environment against viruses. Second, they stimulate thte immune system to produce more antibodies against bacteria and viruses. Lastly, Bacillus Laterosporus BOD improves digestion by completely breaking down food in the intestines and assists in the elimination of toxins. Long term exposure to incomplete digestion and toxins has been implicated as the cause of many chronic diseases.
10. When Sick – Stay Home. No matter how much we watch over our children’s health, at some point illness will occur. Don’t send your child to school if he/she is sick. It’s not fair to your child and it’s not fair to expose other children. If your child is running a fever, complaining of a sore throat, stomach ache and/or headache, has a runny nose and/or is exhibiting a lack of energy, it is wise to take a break, stay home and rest. Should more symptoms appear or continually get worse, a consult with a trusted healthcare professional is in order. When the body is not well, it needs rest, hydration, healthy food (veggies, fruits and hydration) and some down time. Hearty and healthy soup is one of the best foods for cold and flu symptoms. I suggest a soup that we have used in our family for years — Dr. Lanphier’s Healthy Chicken/Vegetable Soup This soup can be adjusted for those who are vegetarians. A warm serving of this soup as well as a plate of fresh, raw veggies with a homemade dip will provide satisfying nourishment and will help to rev-up the immune system.
One last reminder. Children who learn to implement healthy habits at a young age exhibit less emotional turmoil and greater focus and problem solving skills during their school years. There is absolutely nothing to lose in getting your children involved in their own health and wellness. Call a family meeting and discuss ways in which the above suggestions can be implemented in your own family. Don’t go over-board but instead ease into some of these suggestions until they become habit. Then tackle a few more. It won’t be long until everyone realizes that practicing healthy prevention really does help everyone to feel and look their best and even keeps emotions balanced! From myself and OAW – much success and good health to all students during the coming school year!
I would love to read your ideas about keeping children healthy during the school year. Please share them below.
Source: Oasis Advanced Wellness
Juicing or Blending: Which is Better?
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I often get asked the question of whether it is better to blend or juice. In fact, both blending and juicing hold their own respective benefits, it simply depends on what stage of detoxing you wish your body to undergo. Both juices and smoothies play a very important role in any health and wellness program or lifestyle. Below I will compare these two methods as well as list out the specific benefits of each.
Why Are Blending & Juicing Different?
Juicing:
Juicing removes all indigestible fiber from fruit and vegetables and extracts the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in juice form
This means that your body can access and absorb the nutrients faster, especially if you have impaired digestion (which is often a result of making bad food choices, or if you have ever taken a round of antibiotics). In addition, juicing helps give your digestive system a break, so that your body can focus on rest and repair.
Juicing also allows you to consume large amounts of vegetables that you wouldn’t normally consume. Some people find that eating that many vegetables in one sitting is very difficult, but by turning it into a juice, you can get them down quickly and efficiently.
Individuals who juice often report finer mental clarity and focus, weight loss, increased energy, better complexion and increased immunity. Juices also help cleanse our liver (especially if you add things like dandelion greens and beets) and fight off depression (thanks to their high mineral content).
Blending:
Blending includes all fiber and nutrients from the fruit and vegetables
Blending produce into a smoothie helps preserve the fiber so these mixtures help regulate and keep our blood sugar levels balanced (and thus, keeps your energy levels balanced too). Smoothies also tend to be more filling than juices if you intend on going quite a while without a next meal.
Smoothies also ensure that toxins in the digestive tract get pushed out with healthy, regular bowel movements. They also help support the good bacteria in our gut needed for good digestion! Individuals who consume smoothies also report natural weight loss due to their ability to stave off cravings and hunger pains.
Lastly, smoothies are much cheaper to make than juices. Juicing often takes much more fruit and vegetables to create a hearty drink than it does to make a smoothie.
Tips:
(1) When you consume smoothies or juices, make sure you swish around the mixture in your mouth for 20-30 seconds to assimilate enzymatic activity in your mouth and to prevent bloating and gas!
(2) Make sure you combine fruits, starchy vegetables, and low-starch vegetables properly. Click HERE for a guide to combining.
(3) Try you best to consume the smoothie or juice right away! The nutrients oxidize quickly, and you want to minimize this as much as possible. If you want to store your juice for a couple hours, make sure you keep it somewhere dark and cold like the fridge, and add some high vitamin-C foods like lemons (for juice) or oranges (for smoothies) to slow oxidation rate!
Source: Live Love Fruit
I often get asked the question of whether it is better to blend or juice. In fact, both blending and juicing hold their own respective benefits, it simply depends on what stage of detoxing you wish your body to undergo. Both juices and smoothies play a very important role in any health and wellness program or lifestyle. Below I will compare these two methods as well as list out the specific benefits of each.
Why Are Blending & Juicing Different?
Juicing:
Juicing removes all indigestible fiber from fruit and vegetables and extracts the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in juice form
This means that your body can access and absorb the nutrients faster, especially if you have impaired digestion (which is often a result of making bad food choices, or if you have ever taken a round of antibiotics). In addition, juicing helps give your digestive system a break, so that your body can focus on rest and repair.
Juicing also allows you to consume large amounts of vegetables that you wouldn’t normally consume. Some people find that eating that many vegetables in one sitting is very difficult, but by turning it into a juice, you can get them down quickly and efficiently.
Individuals who juice often report finer mental clarity and focus, weight loss, increased energy, better complexion and increased immunity. Juices also help cleanse our liver (especially if you add things like dandelion greens and beets) and fight off depression (thanks to their high mineral content).
Blending:
Blending includes all fiber and nutrients from the fruit and vegetables
Blending produce into a smoothie helps preserve the fiber so these mixtures help regulate and keep our blood sugar levels balanced (and thus, keeps your energy levels balanced too). Smoothies also tend to be more filling than juices if you intend on going quite a while without a next meal.
Smoothies also ensure that toxins in the digestive tract get pushed out with healthy, regular bowel movements. They also help support the good bacteria in our gut needed for good digestion! Individuals who consume smoothies also report natural weight loss due to their ability to stave off cravings and hunger pains.
Lastly, smoothies are much cheaper to make than juices. Juicing often takes much more fruit and vegetables to create a hearty drink than it does to make a smoothie.
Tips:
(1) When you consume smoothies or juices, make sure you swish around the mixture in your mouth for 20-30 seconds to assimilate enzymatic activity in your mouth and to prevent bloating and gas!
(2) Make sure you combine fruits, starchy vegetables, and low-starch vegetables properly. Click HERE for a guide to combining.
(3) Try you best to consume the smoothie or juice right away! The nutrients oxidize quickly, and you want to minimize this as much as possible. If you want to store your juice for a couple hours, make sure you keep it somewhere dark and cold like the fridge, and add some high vitamin-C foods like lemons (for juice) or oranges (for smoothies) to slow oxidation rate!
Source: Live Love Fruit
1 Man Produced 6,000 Pounds of Food on 1/10 Acre. Here's How
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“In danger of being free.” That’s how Jules Dervaes sums up his journey from a small backyard garden to a super-productive microfarm. It’s a low input, highly efficient urban homestead right next to the metropolis of Los Angeles.
Jules, his son Justin, and his two daughters Anais and Jordanne live in a 1,500 sq. ft. craftsman bungalow on 1/5 of an acre. Here they have a 1/10 acre garden and grow 350 different vegetables, herbs, fruits, and berries. The sustainable plot is complete with chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, and honey bees. For two years in a row they were able to produce 6,000 pounds of food.
Their mission is to live sustainably and simply, and they are doing it. 90% of their vegetarian diet comes from the homestead and 2/3 of their energy comes from solar panels. They make biodiesel fuel with used vegetable oil. Their commitment to reducing consumption extends all the way to a hand-cranked radio. They are highly motivated and have a lot to say about the way things are in the world.
“Government can’t do it and corporations won’t do it,” says Jules in the short film Homegrown Revolution."
With a corporatocracy running the show in Washington and millions of Americans addicted to television and fast food, the Dervaes family provides a model of what can happen if we change our priorities. We don’t have to rely on a centralized industrial system that is poisoning public health and the environment more than ever with pesticide-laden, GMO food. We can get off the couch and start providing for ourselves.
Most of the Dervaes’ food production is for their own consumption, but they do sell excess harvests to local establishments and individuals, and then use that to buy other basics like flour and rice. They are truly one of the most independent family units in the country, with an ever-decreasing environmental impact.
Not only do they provide a model for suburban-style sustainability, but their efforts are beneficial to the community and local schools. The Front Porch Farmstand sells Dervaes’ organic produce to neighbors and restaurant chefs. They offer workshops, film screenings, and exhibits at festivals. They host school field trips at the homestead and offer school visits with their “citified” farm animals.
Source: RealFarmacy.com
by Justin Gardener
Most Nutrient Dense Foods
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We all know which foods we do best to avoid, right? Despite the alluring appeal processed foods, they provide little nutrition and a whole lot of risks. Yet when it comes to the good stuff—what are the best foods to put into our bodies? While experts all agree we need a variety of foods for a healthy diet, do you know which are the healthiest of the bunch? The answers may surprise and delight you.
1. Spirulina: While the thought of eating lake algae might gross you out, spirulina is actually pretty tasty, especially blended into a smoothie or hidden in a chocolate bar. It has more antioxidants than any other food on earth and is loaded with protein and minerals making it the most nutrient dense food.
2. Kale: According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, kale is the most nutritious food, loaded with minerals, vitamins, fiber and amino acids, as well as important antioxidants that reduce inflammation and can prevent cancer. It's also delicious and an easy to prepare, versatile food.
3. Hemp Seeds: What do you get when you combine protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals? Hemp, of course. This easily digestible seed is versatile, easy to use and extremely tasty, too.
4. Chocolate: Yes, you read right. Cacao beans are so nutrient-dense that scientists haven't even begun to identify all the benefits in the little bean yet. Don't grab a Snickers though—the good stuff is found only in raw cacao beans or nibs (or really, really dark chocolate). Minerals, vitamins and tons of antioxidants are great for your heart, skin, and release chemicals in the brain that make you feel like you're in love.
5. Broccoli: Mom was right, you should eat your broccoli if you want a healthy digestive system and to decrease your risk of cancer. Broccoli has a wide range of yumminess too, from soups and stews to stir fry.
6. Spinach: Popeye was onto something with that spinach fixation. But skip the canned stuff and stick with fresh or frozen for an antioxidant, protein and fiber-rich burst of healthy goodness. Fresh or cooked, spinach's sweet and hardy flavor brightens any meal.
7. Chia: The Aztec warriors may have died out, but their legacy is alive and strong in the chia seed. This yummy, unassuming ancient favorite is loaded with omega fats, protein and fiber. Dr. Weil says it's a better choice than flax because "chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid."
8. Berries: Unlike other fruit, berries tend to be less sugary and full of vital vitamins, minerals and those free-radical avenging antioxidants. Wild berries are always a great choice, especially black raspberries.
Thank you Dave Sommers
Article Sources:
http:// www.superfoodsforlife.com/ site/531699/page/103407
http://www.dwlz.com/ HealthyLife/healthy50.html
http://www.drfuhrman.com/ library/article13.aspx
http:// www.happyhealthylonglife.co m/happy_healthy_long_life/ andi-scale-aggregate-nutrie nt-density-index.html
http://www.drweil.com/drw/ u/QAA365093/ Chia-for-Health.html
Article Author: Jill Ettinger
We all know which foods we do best to avoid, right? Despite the alluring appeal processed foods, they provide little nutrition and a whole lot of risks. Yet when it comes to the good stuff—what are the best foods to put into our bodies? While experts all agree we need a variety of foods for a healthy diet, do you know which are the healthiest of the bunch? The answers may surprise and delight you.
1. Spirulina: While the thought of eating lake algae might gross you out, spirulina is actually pretty tasty, especially blended into a smoothie or hidden in a chocolate bar. It has more antioxidants than any other food on earth and is loaded with protein and minerals making it the most nutrient dense food.
2. Kale: According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, kale is the most nutritious food, loaded with minerals, vitamins, fiber and amino acids, as well as important antioxidants that reduce inflammation and can prevent cancer. It's also delicious and an easy to prepare, versatile food.
3. Hemp Seeds: What do you get when you combine protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals? Hemp, of course. This easily digestible seed is versatile, easy to use and extremely tasty, too.
4. Chocolate: Yes, you read right. Cacao beans are so nutrient-dense that scientists haven't even begun to identify all the benefits in the little bean yet. Don't grab a Snickers though—the good stuff is found only in raw cacao beans or nibs (or really, really dark chocolate). Minerals, vitamins and tons of antioxidants are great for your heart, skin, and release chemicals in the brain that make you feel like you're in love.
5. Broccoli: Mom was right, you should eat your broccoli if you want a healthy digestive system and to decrease your risk of cancer. Broccoli has a wide range of yumminess too, from soups and stews to stir fry.
6. Spinach: Popeye was onto something with that spinach fixation. But skip the canned stuff and stick with fresh or frozen for an antioxidant, protein and fiber-rich burst of healthy goodness. Fresh or cooked, spinach's sweet and hardy flavor brightens any meal.
7. Chia: The Aztec warriors may have died out, but their legacy is alive and strong in the chia seed. This yummy, unassuming ancient favorite is loaded with omega fats, protein and fiber. Dr. Weil says it's a better choice than flax because "chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid."
8. Berries: Unlike other fruit, berries tend to be less sugary and full of vital vitamins, minerals and those free-radical avenging antioxidants. Wild berries are always a great choice, especially black raspberries.
Thank you Dave Sommers
Article Sources:
http://
http://www.dwlz.com/
http://www.drfuhrman.com/
http://
http://www.drweil.com/drw/
Article Author: Jill Ettinger
More Than Honey (A Bee Movie): The Not So Talked About Factory Farming of Bees
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“If the bee disappears off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.” Albert Einstein
In the US, the latest estimates suggest that a total of 1.5 million (out of 2.4 million total beehives) have disappeared across 27 states. In Germany, according to the national beekeepers association, one fourth of all colonies have been destroyed, with losses reaching up to 80% on some farms. The same phenomenon has been observed in Switzerland, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Poland and England, where this syndrome has been nicknamed “the Mary Celeste Phenomenon”, after a ship whose crew vanished in 1872.
Scientists have found a name for the
phenomenon that matches its scale, “colony collapse disorder,” and they have
good reason to be worried: 80% of plant species require bees to be pollinated.
Without bees, there is no pollinization, and fruits and vegetables could
disappear from the face of the Earth. Apis mellifera (the honey bee), which
appeared on Earth 60 million years before man and is as indispensable to the
economy as it is to man’s survival.
“If the bee disappears off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.” Albert Einstein
More Than Honey is a new documentary
written and directed by Markus Imhoof. In his new documentary, Imhoof travels
the world to take an in-depth look at honeybee colonies in California,
Switzerland, China and Australia. Imhoof is more than qualified to make this exposé on the harm being done to bees as he
is a second generation bee keeper. This movie sheds light on the not so
talked about aspect of moving bees all over the country to pollinate
monoculture crops. After watching this documentary, one can only “bee” left
feeling sorry for these poor little buggers as they represent an entire other
scale of factory farming that is equally as harmful as the over crowded cattle
yards or chicken houses.
Official synopsis from the film’s
website: ”
Over the past 15 years, numerous
colonies of bees have been decimated throughout the world, but the causes of
this disaster remain unknown. Depending on the world region, 50% to 90% of all
local bees have disappeared, and this epidemic is still spreading from beehive
to beehive – all over the planet. Everywhere, the same scenario is repeated:
billions of bees leave their hives, never to return. No bodies are found in the
immediate surroundings, and no visible predators can be located.
In the US, the latest estimates suggest that a total of 1.5 million (out of 2.4 million total beehives) have disappeared across 27 states. In Germany, according to the national beekeepers association, one fourth of all colonies have been destroyed, with losses reaching up to 80% on some farms. The same phenomenon has been observed in Switzerland, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Poland and England, where this syndrome has been nicknamed “the Mary Celeste Phenomenon”, after a ship whose crew vanished in 1872.
Should we blame pesticides or even
medication used to combat them? Maybe look at parasites such as varroa mites?
New viruses? Travelling stress? The multiplication of electromagnetic waves
disturbing the magnetite nanoparticles found in the bees’ abdomen? So far, it
looks like a combination of all these agents has been responsible for the
weakening of the bees’ immune defenses.”
Source: http://www.realfarmacy.com
Glutathione: The Most Powerful Antioxidant
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Did you know that glutathione is one
of the most powerful antioxidants utilized by the human body? It is a tripeptide (3 amino acids bonded together) made by
our bodies for protection against free radical damage, to eliminate toxins, to
support energy production and help enhance our immune system.
This antioxidant is actually made by
our bodies, however, things like toxins, medications, stress, pollution, poor
diet, trauma, infections and radiation deplete our glutathione stores, leaving
us susceptible to developing a host of diseases. Without enough glutathione,
your liver becomes overworked, and it makes it hard for it to properly detox
chemicals and toxins from your environment and food.
Even aging depletes our glutathione
levels. By the age of 45, our glutathione levels begin to drop, and they can
drop as much as 50% below optimal as we get older. This is one reason why we
must consume fresh plant foods that are high in this antioxidant to ensure our
GSH stores don’t drop below optimal.
On the bright side, GSH helps prevent
aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia, and can be used to treat things from
autism to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, individuals with the least amount of
glutathione in their blood are 30% more likely to suffer from a heart attack
and stroke than individuals with high glutathione levels, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Glutathione functions in a number of
ways:
- It functions in the metabolism of
iron
- It is used in a variety of
biochemical reactions like DNA synthesis & repair, protein synthesis,
prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport and enzyme activation. Thus, it
affects a large chunk of the immune system, nervous system, gastrointestinal
system and lungs
- Regulates the nitric oxide cycle
- Maintains antioxidants like vitamins
C and E (gives them a “second life”)
- Neutralizes free radicals and
reactive oxygen compounds which, if not tended to, can lead to a host of
diseases and illnesses
Long Life Span
Most antioxidants have short life
spans (for each free radical molecule, 1 molecule of antioxidant is completely
wiped out – they sacrifice their lives). Not glutathione! This antioxidant has
the power to recharge not only itself, but other antioxidants as well (like
vitamins C and E, mentioned above).
Free Radicals and Detox
Free radical damage to our tissues
and DNA is one of the main causes for chronic illness. The cumulative overload
of free radicals (from the environment, stress, foods we eat, water supply,
etc.) is called oxidative stress, and this is what slowly deteriorates our
health. It is important that we maintain a constant store of GSH (and other
antioxidants) because this is what protects our cells from oxidation. In
addition, the fact that GSH helps restore other antioxidants in our body, it is
particularly important that we do not deplete
these stores.
The highest concentration of
glutathione is located in the liver, the
body’s primary detox organ. The liver undergoes two stages of
detoxification:
1) Liver enzymes convert toxins into
flushable compounds and,
2) Glutathione escorts these toxins
out of the body via urine or bile
If glutathione levels are low, our
liver becomes overloaded with toxins and this leads to many unexplained
sicknesses and health issues we see today.
Glutathione and Aging
The Journal of Age and Aging reported
that glutathione levels are highest in seniors who are in good health. These
seniors actually had higher glutathione levels than
individuals 20-40 years younger. This could be one reason as to why
some individuals make it to 90 and 100 years old, versus individuals who make
it to 70 or 80.
Boost Your Glutathione Levels!
Plant Foods High In Glutathione
Some plant foods contain the full
version of glutathione like asparagus, spinach, avocado, melon, grapefruit,
peaches and squash. Try to consume these foods raw and
without heat to allow for greatest absorption and to prevent
the destruction of the antioxidant.
Eat Raw
Consuming a high raw, plant based
diet will ensure that you get an array of antioxidants into your diet which
helps to relieve the stress on glutathione and give it a break. The more
antioxidants you have in your body, the less your body will need to depend on
its glutathione reserves.
Consume Foods High in Cysteine
In addition, eat more foods high in cysteine like garlic and
onions. This sulfur-rich amino acid is a key building block for the antioxidant
glutathione.
Eat Cruciferous Vegetables
Also include foods in your diet like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and kale which
enhance glutathione production!
Limit Toxic Exposure
Switching to a whole foods natural
lifestyle will reduce your exposure to toxins. Cleaning your home with natural
cleaners like vinegar or lemon, and switching to chemical free beauty and skin
care products will minimize how many chemicals you are exposed to day in day
out. Filtering your water, reducing the amount of refined and processed foods
you eat (or cutting them out all together), as well as consuming lots of
organic, non-GMO produce minimizes potential toxic burdens. This will help
preserve your body’s glutathione producing ability, and prevents it from
becoming depleted at an early age.
Exercise
Exercise actually boosts the
production of glutathione and helps improve the functioning of your immune and
detoxification systems. Any form of exercise will work – whichever you have fun
at most. Go outside and play, breathe the fresh air, and move your body for at
least 30-60 minutes a day!
Sources:
http://experiencelife.com/article/glutathione-the-great-protector/
Heal-All Miracle Smoothie
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This smoothie is a great
heal-all. It contains ingredients that reduce inflammation, purify and cleanse
the skin and liver, naturally boost our energy, improve the functioning of our
immune system and help us de-stress. Best of all, it can be quickly made in the
morning and super charge you for the rest of the day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic raspberries
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 cups leafy greens of your choice (choose from butter leaf, romaine, kale, baby greens, sprouts, etc.)
- 2 ribs celery
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- water & meat from 1 young thai coconut
- 3-4 inches ginger
- LOVE
Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and pulse blend for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
- 1 cup organic raspberries
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 cups leafy greens of your choice (choose from butter leaf, romaine, kale, baby greens, sprouts, etc.)
- 2 ribs celery
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- water & meat from 1 young thai coconut
- 3-4 inches ginger
- LOVE
Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and pulse blend for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Before trying anything you find on the internet you should fully investigate your options and get further advice from professionals.