Health and Wellness

Healthy Cells, Healthy Immune System, Healthy Body

Our immune system was designed specifically to heal our bodies and keep them healthy. So why are so many failing these days?

There are many factors that cause our immune systems to function poorly - diet, lack of exercise, too much stress and how we handle it, pollutants and contaminants in the air and water, toxins in our food supply, body care and cleaning products among many other factors. But taking our health seriously doesn't have to be burdensome and confusing.

I don't know anyone who wants to be sick or die of disease but sadly that's what is happening to so many people. Death is a sure thing, but disease doesn't have to be.

If you're interested in strengthening your immune system allowing it to do its job, which is to heal your body, then go to Amazing Molecules . Find out how healthy cells make for a healthy body and then contact me!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Super Bugs vs Antibiotics: What's the story?

As a child, I remember quite well that I ate plenty of junk food (that's what Mike's Market was for) knowing it wasn't healthy for me.  But I don't remember all the talk about hormones in milk and antibiotics in our food.  And pesticides were present, but they were not used to the extent they are today.

This article posted and commented on by Dr. Mercola, Deadlier Than AIDS:  Why is this Travesty Allowed to Continue in the U.S.?, examines the reasons why super bugs are gaining momentum and why antibiotic drugs can't keep up. 

More and more people are coming to the realization that diet plays a huge role in our health, though there are many who disagree including many "health professionals."  But the fact is that in order to avoid the need for drugs and antibiotics, we must keep our immune systems healthy and strong.  So get started by adding these to your diet:
  • Lots of fresh, raw organic vegetables and some fruit
  • Raw organic nuts and seeds (make your own trail mix)
  • Lots of pure water (not tap water)
With winter coming it's important to strengthen our immune systems and stay healthy.  This is a time, as we all know, where germs spread much more quickly because of being indoors with the heat on.  In case you weren't aware, heat is a conduit for germs.  Just being in the same room with a person who is coughing or sneezing can cause havoc in someone's else life if their immune system is already compromised and not functioning properly.

Please bring this article and Dr. Mercola's article referenced above to the attention of your doctor and pass it on.  It is we, the people, who have to be educated in this area so that we no longer need others to translate or decipher for us what we should understand and know ourselves.  Our health, spiritually and physcially, is our own responsibility.  It's time we all begin treating our bodies with proper care and respect, not taking for granted that which God has created and designed.

~ Lisa

Saturday, September 25, 2010

My version of Mary Ann Esposito's Roasted Potato Salad Recipe

Easy Potato Salad
Adapted from Mary Ann Esposito's Roasted Potato Salad

Serves 4

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons flaxseed oil
1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste
½ teaspoon celery salt, optional
1 clove garlic, minced
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons dried tarragon leaves or 2 tablespoons fresh minced tarragon leaves
4 medium Idaho potaotes, washed
1/4 - 1/2 cup thinly chopped red onion, as desired

Dressing

In a bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, flaxseed oil, the salt, pepper, celery salt, garlic, dijon mustard, vinegar, honey and tarragon. Pour the dressing into a glass rectangular Pyrex type casserole (9 x 12) Set aside. Or make the dressing ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature when you want to dress the potatoes.

Cook potatoes whole in water until fork tender but still firm (not mushy).  Let cool to warm.  Once cool enough, if desired, remove skins.  Cut into bite pieces, 1-inch cubes.  Add chopped onion.  Toss the potatoes and onion with dressing.  Serve warm or cold.


Saturday, September 18, 2010

Is soy what you thought it was?

Dr. Mercola, a trusted souce when it comes to health and nutrition, wants all of us to know something about soy.  In his recent article, This "Miracle Health Food" Has Been Linked to Brain Damage and Breast Cancer, Dr. Mercola explains how soy became popular and why.  He also explains which soy products are dangerous and which are ok. 

Another post from Dr. Mercola, The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food is an interview with Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of the groundbreaking book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food

It's no wonder why so many children have learning disabilities and why so many adults cannot bear children, not to mention the disease rates, not that soy is the only culprit.  It's not just babies drinking soy formulas or toddlers drinking soy milk.  I know this is hardly discussed but it's also about the health of the mother and father at time of conception and about their diet.  We need to understand and realize that soy is in just about all, if not all, processed food, much like HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is.  

So click on these links to read Dr. Mercola's postings.  They will help you get familiar with what to look for when grocery shopping when you're reading those labels! 

Ezekiel 4:9a
"Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a storage jar and use them to make bread for yourself..."
Where's the soy?


Lisa

Sunday, September 5, 2010

On the subject of Cancer

There are a lot of emails circulating about cancer.  I get a lot of them and sometimes I am compelled to write back.  There are so many who are misinformed about how to treat cancer and disease.  This particular email I received seemed to be a contradiction to me, so I responded.  In response I recevied an email from one of the recipients who disagreed with me.  What I said inmy response is nothing new and it's nothing I haven't said before but I want to share it again because I don't think we can hear it enough.  It hits on many points that have been misunderstood misrepresented for many years now. 

HERE IS MY RESPONSE 

First I'd like to say I did not mean to offend anyone with my email. It's just that I get so many emails about cancer that sometimes I am compelled to respond in hopes of someone seeing through all the lies. If I gave the impression that medical doctors are not human, I apologize. I don't believe that they are cold hearted people, just very misinformed. The truth is, they are only taught what they are taught in med school and that's what they know. And what they are taught is how to treat illness and disease with medicine, surgery and and medically approved treatments. They learn how to treat symptoms but not the underlying cause. Their curriculum does not include how to obtain and maintain a healthy immune system which is our only defense against illness and disease, and it only includes about 4 hours, if that, of nutrition education. Medicine, surgery and treatments are not a defense, and they usually have side effects that require more medicine, surgery and treatment. Medical doctors can seek other alternatives but many who have done this were blackballed and called a quack. It is to everyone's disadvantage that it's that way though I do see a slight rise in medical doctors who are turning to natural healing methods.

I'd also like to clarify that I'm not saying that we don't need doctors or hospitals or medication. We need them in certain instances like when we have accidents or when we're so far gone that we need treatment or surgery until or so that we can get on the right track. Medical treatment should be used as a last resort but today it's the first. It is so misused. Everyone runs to their doctor to get tests and treatments/meds instead of letting the illness run its course - allowing their immune system to do its job. And what used to be considered mainstream (natural healing) is now considered quackery. Just like with organic foods. Everything was organic before synthetic pesticides were used but now anything grown using pesticides is considered "conventional". We have it all backwards but it's this way for a reason. There is money in it. Many are capitalizing on our ill-health, this is a fact. And again, I'm not saying all doctors are doctors and are heartless just because they make a lot of money. Though many many years ago doctors hardly made any money and there weren't as many doctors. So there is something to be said for the carrot being dangled but that's in any profession.

I had breast cancer myself six years ago and as a result have done a lot of research and experimentation, talked to numerous medical doctors as well as natural doctors. Not only have I read and heard a lot on the subject but have also met medical doctors and even vets who have crossed over to natural alternative medicine who have gladly and generously shared information with me. They all have said the same things because their eyes were finally opened, too. A lot of it is simple and common sense, not complex or difficult to understand.

I also would like to say that my thinking was like Christina's before I had cancer. I saw what I wanted to see until I heard from someone else who had cancer and who was an orthopedic surgeon who finally separated the lies from the truth. It was at that point, after hearing the information from her, that I had a decision to make, too. Would I keep on believing the lies or would I recognize them for what they are turn to the truth? I am also a Christian (and was at the time I was diagnosed with cancer), and the Lord was the One who guided my steps and decisions. God took something that was meant for bad and turned it into something wonderful. I knew quickly after hearing the truth that the cancer was a blessing in disguise and that it was God who made it beautiful. I also recognized and knew (not that I ever thought it) that God didn't give me cancer.

I did not continue with medical treatment because my faith in God and in what HE could do led me to understand and realize there was so much more to be discovered and by trusting Him He would guide me in the way I was to go and open my eyes. Every step was very obviously stamped out by Him. I could not have concocted any of it myself. It was truly a miracle and continues to be.

So not only did God reinforce my faith but He also showed me the truth through all the lies we've been fed. There were a lot of layers to go through and I was anxious and excited to lift them because the truth sets us free! There IS a cure for cancer that the AMA, the ACS and those who support them will not admit to. My friend is a surg tech and of course, knows a lot of doctors and nurses. She can attest to what I'm saying and what their responses are to natural healing. I am also very good friends with a Chiropractor who I go to who has also shared things with me and confirmed what I know to be true. As I said, I've also talked to medical doctors and vets who also shared things with me and confirmed what I know to be true and yet I've also talked with medical doctors, some I know and some I contacted through email who I don't know, tell me that it's hogwash, so to speak. They believe that anything other than medical treatment will not help a cancer patient or anyone with a disease. This is also what the FDA, our gov't tells us, which is why any doctor or company that promotes natural healing must disclaim that what they have to say is only for educational purposes only and that it is not meant to treat, cure or diagnose a disease.

So what's the cure? It's very simple. To build up and strengthen your immune system and maintain it so that it gets stronger and stronger. By doing this it will be equipped to fight off illness and disease. Of course, there's a lot that goes into this and some main ingredients are what we put in and on our bodies and how we live. God's design of our bodies is flawless and He didn't make a mistake. We have by not taking proper care of them Manufacturer warranties, if not followed properly, are voided. It's the same with our bodies.

Lisa

Saturday, September 4, 2010

To be or not to be...healthy. That is the question.

Being healthy takes a lot more than just eating fruits and vegetables.   But for the sake of this article, the topic is fruits and vegetables! 

It's All Relative

When someone says they eat fruit and vegetables, what exactly do they mean?  Do they mean that they eat canned or cooked, frozen, dehydrated or fresh, organic or conventional, home-grown or store bought?  As you can see, it's not black and white. 

When I talk about eating fruits and vegetables, I mean fresh, organic produce, preferrably home-grown or from a farm.  There are many reasons why I believe that organic produce is best.  Here are some of the reasons I've found to be the most important:
  • They are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and sewer sludge (and who knows what else).  Not many people realize the impact that these have on our bodies and that they are cumulative.  Please note:  Pesticides etc... can run (when it rains) and blow over (from the wind) from non-organic farms which just can't be helped.
  • They are more flavorful. This is not just my opinion. It's a fact.  And when food tastes good, you want to eat it.  Also, there's no need to add anything when it's flavorful, though adding fresh sqeezed lemon juice or nuts to create a new dish (just a couple of examples) adds more nutrition and taste.
  • They have more nutritional value because they are picked, distributed and sold much more quickly than conventional because they are picked when they are ready to be eaten.  They have no processes to go through.  In other words, many conventional fruits and vegetables are picked long before their time and are put through a process to give it the appearance of being ripe when it's really not.  This is why it's not as flavorful as its organic counterpart.  However, it is always important to know where the produce is coming from and the time frame in which it's picked to the time it gets to the store and on your table.  This is why home-grown is best.  The less time in between picking the fruit or vegetable and eating it, the more flavor and nutrition it has.
  • Eating fresh organic produce, as opposed to canned or cooked, provides necessary enzymes our bodies need to help us digest our food and absorb the nutrients.  If you eat all or mostly cooked foods your body must produce the enzymes for you.  After time and as you age, this process slows down and your body cannot produce the enzymes needed.  This can result in disease.
  • Besides having a positive effect on your physical well being, they also have a physiological effect on you.  Just knowing you're feeding your body truly healthy food elevates your mood.
I know I've said this many times before, but organic produce is not a cure-all and is no guarantee for good health.  Here's another thing to consider:  If your body is not absorbing nutrients, then there's a bigger problem that should be addressed with a Naturopath who can discover the underlying problem(s).  A medical doctor, unless they also practice integrative or natural medicine or unless they are well versed on natural healing, is not equipped to help in this instance.

Here's to opening our eyes to the truth!

Lisa