12 Foods That FIGHT Inflammation!

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Inflammation is largely caused by the foods we put in our bodies. Consuming highly processed canned, frozen and bagged foods are foreign to the natural flora of our bodies and so the body naturally fights against the products in these foods (as a part of the immune response), leading to high levels of inflammation. Effects of chronic inflammation can range from heart disease to dementia, to cancer and arthritis. Most autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease are linked to excessive inflammation in the body.

The good news is that you can control the level of inflammation in your body by simply changing the way you eat. Getting regular sleep, eating well, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake (or quitting altogether), stressing less and engaging in regular exercise will all help make a difference.

Here is a list of 12 amazing foods that help combat inflammation in the body:

(1) Papaya

Papaya contains the enzymes ‘papain’ and ‘chymopapain’ which help reduce inflammation  in the body (and also improve digestion). Papaya has powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E which combat free radicals in the body that trigger inflammation-related diseases.

(2) Avocado

Avocados are polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs). PFAs are mostly present in seaweeds and other ocean plants, and are extremely rare in land plants, so this makes the avocado very unusual in this respect. The PFAs and phytosterols in avocados provide our bodies with anti-inflammatory benefits which help fight a variety of diseases. Particularly, avocado’s phytosterols prevent pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 synthesis by the connective tissue (and thus reducing inflammation in the joints of individuals experiencing arthritis and gout.

(3) Cranberries

Cranberries contain important anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that protect the cardiovascular system and prevent hardening of the arteries. They also prevent inflammation-associated diseases of the urinary tract (urinary tract infections), stomach (ulcers), and mouth (gingivitis).

(4) Broccoli

Broccoli is an incredible anti-inflammatory food, thanks to it’s abundant sulforaphane compounds which help the body get rid of potentially carcinogenic compounds (a cause of a highly inflamed body) and relieve inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also very high in vitamin C which is another powerful anti-inflammatory agent which cuts the levels of inflammation markers by up to 45%!

(5) Red Cabbage 

If we do not ingest anti-inflammatory foods, our body cannot regulate the inflammation in our body we acquire from stress and the environment, as well as highly processed foods, wheat, and animal products. Anthocyanins found in red cabbage have been researched numerous times and time and time again they have been found to be one of the best anti-inflammatory vegetables out there!

(6) Hemp seeds

Raw hemp seeds contain an ideal ratio of omega’s 3 and 6. Omega-6 fats contain GLA which works in the body as an anti-inflammatory, decreasing inflammation and helping people suffering from things like asthma, arthritis and other body pain associated from exercising or being bruised. This healthy fat also improves the health of our skin and inhibits cancer cell growth.

(7) Blueberries

Inflammation and damage by free radicals have been linked with pretty much every disease we witness today. Many studies have found that blueberries prevent oxidative stress and inflammation. Blueberries help increase natural killer cell activity which help eradicate free radicals and fight disease. As well, they promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the body which leaves us with lower levels of inflammation and thus reduced chance of falling ill.

(8) Chia seeds

Many arthritis sufferers have reported reduced inflammation associated pain after just a few weeks of taking chia seeds. They contain important omega-3 fatty acids which are converted to prostagladins which have pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Chia seeds are also a great source of antioxidants (they contain more than blueberries!), and antioxidants help keep the body healthy and reduce pain arising from inflammation in the body.

(9) Ginger

Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols which inhibit the production of nitric oxide (which naturally forms potent and very damaging free radicals called peroxynitrites). Ginger has also been found to suppress pro-inflammatory compounds like cytokines produced by synoviocytes, chrondrocytes and leukocytes, and thus making our immune system and joints stronger.

(10) Walnuts

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, phytonutrients (tannins, phenolic acids and flavonoids), quinones and other anti-inflammatory nutrients. Consuming walnuts has been linked to decreased markers for blood vessel inflammation (reduced C-reactive protein) for those at risk for heart disease. Including walnuts as a part of your diet will ensure you gain these benefits.

(11) Turmeric

Turmeric, if you haven’t already heard, is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods out there! Thanks to the active ingredient, curcumin, this root can inhibit the activity and synthesis of COX-2 and 5-LOX, two important enzymes involved in the inflammatory response. One study found that osteoarthritis patients had significantly reduced pain and increased mobility when taking just 200 mg of curcumin per day (the control group with no curcumin had no significant improvements). Curcumin has also been found to block inflammatory pathways, and thus prevents proteins from triggering pain and swelling.

(12) Celery

A specific nutrient in celery, called “luteolin”, is particularly effective against inflammation and cancer. This compound is found in smaller amounts in peppers, parsley, thyme, basil and peppermint. It is a biofalvonoid which means that it has double the antioxidant properties of vitamin C! Luteolin essentially prevents the inflammatory pathway in the brain to get switched on, and thus helps reduce the amount of inflammatory responses triggered in the body.

Coca-Cola facing huge class action lawsuit over alleged false claims for Vitaminwater

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For years, the Coca-Cola Company has been deceptively marketing its “vitaminwater” beverage brand as a healthy alternative to plain water and sugary soda beverages, making outlandish claims that the drink can help boost immunity and even help people fight eye disease. But now the beverage giant is facing a monstrous class-action lawsuit over this marketing racket, none of which is true about the sugar-laden junk food drink.

The suit, which was originally filed back in 2010 by the nonprofit health advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), alleges that Coca-Cola has been engaged in what can only be described

as blatant labeling fraud. Vitaminwater’s “Power-C” flavor, for instance, claims to deliver “zinc and vitamin C to power your immune system,” while the “XXX” flavor is branded as containing “antioxidant vitamins to help fight free radicals and help support your body.”

Both claims are an immense exaggeration, as these two vitaminwater products are composed primarily of water, sugar, and a handful of synthetic vitamins, which is hardly a recipe for robust immunity. And yet this is the overall image being portrayed by Coca-Cola for its vitaminwater line of beverages, which is really nothing more than glorified soda pop without carbonation.

“The marketing of vitaminwater will go down in history as one of the boldest and brashest attempts ever to affix a healthy halo to what is essentially a junk food, a non-carbonated soda,” says Michael F. Jacobson, Executive Director of CSPI. “Vitaminwater, like Coca-Cola itself, promotes weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cannot deliver on any of the dishonest claims it has made over the years.”

Other articles you may like:

Most up to date printable non-GMO product list

6 Ways To Buy Organic On A Budget

How To Naturally Detox Your Body

Mother Fined $2,500 After Her 3yr Old Pees in Her Own Yard

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A mother has been fined $2,500 (£1,600) after her 3-year-old son peed in the front garden. Ashley Warden in Piedmont, Oklahoma received the fine when her toddler Dillan was caught urinating in the yard by a passing police officer. Dillan was being potty trained at the time and was not near a toilet.

Ashley told News 9: "Dillan pulled down his pants to pee outside.[Then] the cop pulled up and asked for my licence, and told me he was going to give me a ticket for public urination."

Dillan's grandmother Jennifer added: "I said, 'Really? He is 3 years old', and he said, 'It doesn't matter, it is public urination'. I said we are on our property and he said it's in public view."

Ashley stated that she would be fighting the fine, as Dillan didn't finish peeing because he was interrupted by the police officer.

How To Beat Addictions Naturally

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In this land of plenty, a conservative estimate calls 4 out of 10 Americans "addicts." Abused substances include sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs and street drugs including pot. Addiction can serve us well once we recognize that substance abuse is a way to obscure honest, peaceful, self-discovery. Using, of any addictive substance, gives us the temporary illusion of control, excitement and perfection. In recovery we discover, often to our great relief, that we're not perfect, that we need intimacy, and that integrity is more appealing than denial. The addict is self-obsessed; living for the next "fix." The addict is crisis oriented; using panic as a way of feeling alive while avoiding meaningful contact with others. In recovery we let go of our need to control in favor of serenity and clarity.

Scientists from different schools of thought have attempted to explain addiction. Some say the culprit is a genetic lack of the feel-good, sleep-inducing neurotransmitter serotonin. Others say early brain cell damage begets lack of feedback inhibition for normal cravings, driving them out of balance. For example, non-addictive persons who eat some sugar will be satisfied (in terms of simple carbohydrates) for several hours. The addictive person, by contrast, will crave even more sugar after consuming a moderate serving. This may be due, in addicts, to a lack of endorphin stimulation when a healthy physiologic craving is satisfied. Other researchers and physicians contend that addiction is largely a response to depression. Addiction is major problem in this country, whatever the cause. Sugar addiction is perhaps the most insidious because the substance is so cheap, so available and so universally regarded as a "treat."

Addiction spells confusion. For example, street drugs are "bad" while prescription drugs are "good" despite the statistics which show that in any recent year death due to complications from prescription drug overdose is 50 times more likely than death from street drugs. Nevertheless, IV "recreational" drug addicts are the long-term reservoir for AIDS and the vast proportion of criminal activity among teenagers is due to the cocaine trade. Caffeine and alcohol and nicotine are socially condoned although they contribute to a substantial percentage of hospitalizations in the U.S.
If you ingest white sugar daily, or drink alcohol daily or have an immediate family member who is alcoholic, or feel depressed frequently you may have a problem with addiction without realizing it. Please take a good look; the crucial initiation of breaking free from addiction is recognizing the substance abuse and seeking help to maintain the commitment to quit.

Addiction results from a multifactorial network of choices; the treatment approach must address not only the physical, but the mental and emotional (spiritual) as well. One reason the 12-Step programs (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Spenders Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics, etc.) are so successful is that they are free of charge and thus require only the commitment of the participant for attendance. Sometimes people need stronger measures to kick their habit at the beginning. But quitting per se is not so difficult; the trick is staying quit. Many addicts have incurred so many physical and mental changes that they need to get their fix merely to sustain homeostasis. In other words withdrawal can be very rough. And the better prepared we are for withdrawal, whether it be from inhaled crack or chocolate, the better we will be able to handle the rocky road back to recovery.

The basic parameters for recovery are the same as for any rehabilitation; good high fiber, high fresh veggie, plenty of pure water diet; regular adequate sleep; daily exercise; heartfelt participation in group activities. Don't isolate yourself. The more people know you're trying to quit, the more help will be spontaneously offered, and the more comfortable you'll be with asking for help and taking baby-steps towards your new reality.

The cornerstone towards my own recovery has been wanting to hear that small and enormously personal inner voice that would get drowned in the substances night after night. Breaking free of addictive habits is a blessed opportunity to engage in the ultimate purpose of life -- to know Thyself. Meanwhile, there are a few natural support mechanisms that may help.

1) Good old Vitamin C, preferably the powdered form (1/4 tsp = 1 gram). Take up to 12 grams daily. Vitamin C is the single most potent free radical scavenger and will help cleanse and oxygenate the tissues. It will also help to keep the bowels moving; a very important component of getting clean and sober.

2) The amino acid Glutamine is a so-called amino radical, useful in detox, as well as acting as an excitatory neurotransmitter. Glutamine, 1 gram 4-6 times daily between meals on an empty stomach, will stimulate the body's natural opiates, the endorphins and enkephalins, to help us through the cravings.

3) Essential fatty acids (preferably Flax oil, cold, raw, 1 tablespoon daily) in combination with the sulfur proteins (foods with cysteine or methionine, such as yoghurt, eggs, codfish, sesame paste, garlic and onions) will render fat soluble toxins water soluble, allowing all the toxic wastes, which are preferentially stored in the body's fat cells, to be flushed out via the kidneys and sweat glands.

4) Anything to enhance perspiration; rigorous exercise, Turkish wet steam, or Finnish style dry heat sauna. Make sure to scrub down with a high-fat soap (such as Neutrogena) after sweating, to emulsify the fatty secretions and prevent their re-absorption.

5) Liquid aqueous chromium drops are extremely helpful in reducing sugar cravings. This is because the trivalent mineral chromium is the central molecule in the Glucose Tolerance Factor, which allows insulin to deliver glucose from the blood stream into the cells. Without chromium, the insulin cannot do its job and sugar will build up in high levels in the blood, then flood precipitously into the cells causing the dramatic rollercoaster ride of "sugar blues."

6) There are a number of natural substances to help with sleep and depression, including the amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan (the precursor to serotonin) and the vitamin niacinamide. From the botanical pharmacy we have Valerian, Scutellaria (Skullcap), Passiflora (Passion lower), Chamomile and many others.

7) Many people are helped enormously by acupuncture, especially for getting off nicotine and street drugs. Acupuncture detox clinics using a simple "5 needle protocol" in specific acupoints (Spirit Gate, Lung, Liver, Kidney and Parasympathetic) in both ears are so successful that state governments have become involved. Seattle King County medical insurance will now re-imburse for acupuncture treatments for addicts. In Oregon, heroin addicts MUST try acupuncture before getting methadone.

Whether you go the route of stimulate the natural endorphins or 12-step meetings, the bottom line is commitment to self. Cold turkey off anything is usually the least painful in the long run -- but please prepare yourself. Prepare for the demons who will emerge. Prepare to negotiate with them and bring them around to your best interest. Set a date; tell your friends; locate support groups in your area; stock up the pantry with fresh healthy snacks; invest in a consultation or two with your local holistic health practitioner to get some high quality supplements. Ask your doctor or therapist to help guide you through a visualization of a shiny clean new you. No one is pretending it's easy; but it's certainly worth it.



Source: OasisAdvancedWellness.com

Study: Pesticides Are Leading Cause of Bee Die-Offs

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As we’ve written before, the mysterious mass die-off of honey bees that pollinate $30 billion worth of crops in the US has so decimated America’s apis mellifera population that one bad winter could leave fallow. Now, a new study has pinpointed some of the probable causes of bee deaths and the rather scary results show that averting beemageddon will be much more difficult than previously thought.

Photo: Ben Margot

Scientists had struggled to find the trigger for so-called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) that has wiped out an estimated 10 million beehives, worth $2 billion, over the past six years. Suspects have included pesticides, disease-bearing parasites and poor nutrition. But in a first-of-its-kind study published today in the journal PLOS, scientists at the University of Maryland and the US Department of Agriculture have identified a witch’s brew of pesticides and fungicides contaminating pollen that bees collect to feed their hives. The findings break new ground on why large numbers of bees are dying though they do not identify the specific cause of CCD, where an entire beehive dies at once.

When researchers collected pollen from hives on the east coast pollinating cranberry, watermelon and other crops and fed it to healthy bees, those bees showed a significant decline in their ability to resist infection by a parasite called Nosema ceranae. The parasite has been implicated in Colony Collapse Disorder though scientists took pains to point out that their findings do not directly link the pesticides to CCD. The pollen was contaminated on average with nine different pesticides and fungicides though scientists discovered 21 agricultural chemicals in one sample. Scientists identified eight ag chemicals associated with increased risk of infection by the parasite.

Most disturbing, bees that ate pollen contaminated with fungicides were three times as likely to be infected by the parasite. Widely used, fungicides had been thought to be harmless for bees as they’re designed to kill fungus, not insects, on crops like apples.

“There’s growing evidence that fungicides may be affecting the bees on their own and I think what it highlights is a need to reassess how we label these agricultural chemicals,” Dennis VanEngelsdorp, the study’s lead author, told Quartz.

Labels on pesticides warn farmers not to spray when pollinating bees are in the vicinity but such precautions have not applied to fungicides.

Bee populations are so low in the US that it now takes 60% of the country’s surviving colonies just to pollinate one California crop, almonds. And that’s not just a west coast problem—California supplies 80% of the world’s almonds, a market worth $4 billion.

In recent years, a class of chemicals called neonicotinoids has been linked to bee deaths and in April regulators banned the use of the pesticide for two years in Europe where bee populations have also plummeted. But VanEngelsdorp, an assistant research scientist at the University of Maryland, says the new study shows that the interaction of multiple pesticides is affecting bee health
.
“The pesticide issue in itself is much more complex than we have led to be believe,” he says. “It’s a lot more complicated than just one product, which means of course the solution does not lie in just banning one class of product.”

The study found another complication in efforts to save the bees: US honey bees, which are descendants of European bees, do not bring home pollen from native North American crops but collect bee chow from nearby weeds and wildflowers. That pollen, however, was also contaminated with pesticides even though those plants were not the target of spraying.

“It’s not clear whether the pesticides are drifting over to those plants but we need take a new look at agricultural spraying practices,” says VanEngelsdorp.

Sources: Raw For Beauty
qz.com

Proof That Community Gardens Lower Crime Rates

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Among the many befits of having or starting a community garden in your area, crime prevention is one feature that can easily be over-looked. "It’s been a crime prevention tool, we work with the police officers so children come down and they look in and ask questions, so our neighbors are talking to each other now more too," said Ezekiel Amador. As we have posted about here before, community gardens are also a great way to make sure you know what you're eating, stay healthy, get off the Big Grocery food grid, and help your community. Here is a video about one community that benefited in many ways from a community garden.

 


RELATED: 10 Easy Steps For Starting A Community Garden

After the latest and ongoing March Against Monsanto protests there has been an even greater awakening to the adverse effects of GMOs and pesticides on human and environmental health. Many people who would love to grow their own food are forced to shop at grocery stores due to the fact that they simply have no space to grow their own gardens. If you must buy your food from someone else, it's best to try to buy locally grown food to ensure that you can have a better idea of what's in it.

Here is a great source to find locally grown food near you: http://eatlocalgrown.com 

There are a few option for people that would like to grow their own food but don't have the space: one is community gardening. The video posted below is a short introduction with the 10 basics steps it takes to get a community garden started in your neighborhood. 

FREE College in Oregon and Ohio?

Some things you may want to pay attention to. This is one of them. Also, on this topic, Denmark pays their citizens to go to school. They want their population to be education. ;)

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Alternative Medicine Finally Goes Mainstream (VIDEO)

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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

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

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.com/happy_healthy_long_life/andi-scale-aggregate-nutrient-density-index.html
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA365093/Chia-for-Health.html


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

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.

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.

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/