A new year. A fresh start. A NEW YOU! The next chapter in the story of your life. It is all up to you. Catch your breath and focus on your future with some miscellaneous tips that might put you on the road to better health.
DID YOU KNOW?
ANTIBIOTICS – kill friendly flora in your gut. This can result in depression, anxiety, inflammation, and memory loss, to name just a few health issues.
STRESS – decreases immune system productivity, and disrupts gut microbes.
What is a microbe? My medical dictionary tells us the Greek derivation means small. It is a minute one-celled form of life not distinguishable as to its vegetable or animal nature. It is bacteria – germs producing fermentation, putrefaction, and disease. When I was young I had a book called ‘The Adventures of Jimmy Microbe’. It had stories in it that taught children about good health habits. That is how I learned about germs, the ‘good’ ones and the ‘bad’ ones.
SUGAR – impairs memory and learning ability. Artificial sweeteners can cause obesity.
PROBIOTICS – there is a lot of talk today about Probiotics, but do you know why? The Mayo Clinic tells us that scientific research shows that having too many of the ‘bad’ and not enough of the ‘good’ bacteria – caused in part by an unhealthy diet – can cause havoc on all the systems of your body – leading to the chemical balance being disrupted – which can lead to weight gain, skin problems, constipation, diarrhea, and many other chronic health issues. Probiotics are, “good bacteria that are either the same as or very similar to the bacteria that are already in your body.” (good Jimmy Microbes). They go on to say that “your lower digestive tract alone teems with a complex and diverse community of these bacteria.” And, that ‘factually there are a greater number of bacteria in your intestines than there are cells in your body.’ So, why “Probiotic” supplementation? Probiotic supplements are live microorganisms that can provide good health benefits when consumed, by restoring the balance of the friendly bacteria in the digestive system. Aside from the store-bought version – they can best be eaten the old fashion way (like in the picture).
Did you know only 1% of the genetic material in your body is your own? The rest belong to the 2000 different microbe species that live on and in you. (from Microbiome’s by the “Human Microbiome Project”. What they found is that your body of 30 trillion cells is home to 100 trillion microbes and 10 trillion of those little guys live in your gut! The Quantum Wellness Botanical Institute suggest that good bacteria, called microbiomes, during a person’s lifetime are disturbed, minimized or killed. Diseases now being linked to disturbances in the gut/stomach include; diabetes, obesity, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, Rheumatoid arthritis, MS, MD, fibromyalgia, allergies/asthma, and depression/anxiety, etc.
Did you know – BLEACH was invented in the late 1940’s? It’s chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops. PEROXIDE was invented during WWI in the 1920’s. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals. Uses for peroxide (Hydrogen Peroxide 3%) include: rinsing the mouth out daily to avoid canker sores, and have cleaner whiter teeth: Use instead of mouthwash – one capful (the cap that is on the bottle) will do the job; clean your toothbrush; clean your counter tops to kill germs; pour on cutting board after cleaning to kill salmonella and bacteria; spray a 50/50 mix of peroxide to water and spray on feet to get rid of fungus; the same mix in a spray bottle will keep the bathroom disinfected; spray into nostrils when you have a cold or plugged sinus. Hold in for a few minutes and then blow your nose; put 1/2 bottle in your bath water to help get rid of boils, fungus, or other skin infections; add 1 cup instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them; I use peroxide to clean my mirrors – there is no smearing.
NUMBNESS – and TINGLING in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, etc.) This feeling may be experienced by everyone. Not a fun feeling to have. The Home Health site among others tell us that Numbness and Tingling in the extremities can be caused by a number of conditions to include pressure on the spine or peripheral nerves, atherosclerosis, nerve damage or injury, and even insect or animal bites. Also, abnormal levels of calcium, sodium and potassium can be the cause. (In this case, I conclude that a person could be underdosing or overdosing on these supplements). Neuropathy – usually peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition is usually caused by diabetes, and/or nutritional imbalances, infections and autoimmune disorders. When numbness/tingling is felt in the arm/hand, you can also add carpal tunnel syndrome as a cause. Vascular damage, cancer, chronic inflammation, kidney, blood or liver disease, alcoholism, exposure to toxins such as arsenic, mercury, lead and thallium are, as well causes for numbness and tingling in the extremities. Insect caused numbness can result in infections caused by ticks such as Lyme disease, and as well, herpes, shingles and HIV. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your family physician. Numbness is not to be ignored, as it can indicate many issues other than those mentioned.
IMMUNE SUPPORT – on the lighter side Black Elderberry is full of antioxidants that are beneficial in supporting the immune system and preventing sickness. Check with your local Health Food Store for more information.
I hope you learned something new – PASS IT ON!
FYI-HEALTH TALK 