FYI-HEALTH TALK

MAY YOUR CHRISTMAS BE BLESSED WITH LASTING GIFTS OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP!…

and “MAPLE SNICKERDOODLE POPCORN”
(Recipe from ‘Natural awakenings’ magazine)

Yields: About 5 cups

Popcorn:
1 tsp coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Maple Snickerdoodle Topping:
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Sea Salt to tase

Heat the coconut oil in a medium saucepan, with a lid over medium heat. Add 3 kernels of popcorn and wait for them to pop. Once the test kernels start to pop, add the rest of the popcorn, cover and allow to pop, shaking occasionally until popping slows to a near stop. Pour popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.

For the topping, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup and cinnamon, until well combined. Pour over the popcorn and mix well. Sprinkle the top with a few pinches of sea salt, mix again and taste.

Serve immediately….and as the kids would say – YUMMY, YUMMY IN MY TUMMY!

If you have your own way of making popcorn – feel free to use it. I put the coconut oil in the bottom of my dry pop, popcorn popper. You can air pop it, microwave pop it, whatever works for you. It’s the topping that makes it so delicious.

Have a wonderful day enjoying your families and friends. May God Bless
you all with safety and good health!

It seems like every time you hear about or read about different health issues, the word Inflammation  comes up. All kinds of things come to mind e.g. swelling, pain, redness, heat, infection etc. It seems to be attached to every dis-ease, or health problem and person can have.

The Webster’s dictionary tells us that “inflammation is a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue.”

Generally, inflammation has a connection to infection – the result of contamination to a body organ or part after the invasion of a disease producing substance or agent such as bacteria.

So basically, inflammation and infection go hand in hand or interact with each other. Alone or together they can set into motion a sequence of events that can lead to many varied health issues.

Two such issues to be addressed today are – (1) Arterial thrombosis and (2) Venous thrombosis/Pulmonary embolism.  Arterial or vascular thrombosis issues often crop up with an increase in age, and generally without outward symptoms. (1)Arterial thrombosis is the involvement of platelet aggregation which forms around the clogged points in the arterial system which can cause an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. (2) Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major causes of disability and death. Venous seems to be the most dangerous of the two – being “the formation of a blood clot inside a vein that can obstruct flow in the localized affected part of the venous circulatory system.” The difference between the two is the Veins contain valves while Arteries do not. A venous blood clot that has traveled to the lung is referred to as a Pulmonary Embolism.

All of these conditions are problematic. All have different risk factors. I will try to break each one down to so as to be understood by the common layperson.

Arterial Thrombosis – The symptoms of arterial thrombosis include mild to severe pain in the affected arm or leg, swelling of an arm or leg, redness or color change, and warmth of the skin. People with artificial heart valves or atrial fibrillation are at high risk for developing a thrombus. A thrombus (clot) can break loose and travel up a carotid artery, where it can cause an acute ischemic stroke. As well, it can travel through the circulatory system, block the blood flow to the lungs which in turn causes pulmonary embolism issues.

Pulmonary Embolism – The symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat.

Venous Thrombosis – is a condition where the blood clot travels through the veins. Most of you have heard of this connected mostly with air travel, where sitting for a long period of time reduces the flow of blood in lower leg veins. Other risk factor causes can be too much TV watching, the use of oral contraceptives, advanced age, pregnancy, severe obesity, recent surgery, trauma, and cancer.  You can check your risk factor by having your personal physician do a Thrombotic Risk test which should include Inflammatory Markers, Insulin Resistance Markers, Blood Cells, and Lipid Markers. Often Compression stocking are suggested to help reduce that stagnation of blood in the lower legs. Symptoms in this case can include, pain, swelling, and heat.

Again, I sound like a broken record which plays the same thing over and over, when I reiterate a lifestyle change to set the healing process into action which will help reduce the cause for all of the above, to include; quit smoking, get more exercise on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet (Detox Diet Plan), and the use of supplements as needed. Nutrients that can help these conditions are green tea, Omega 3 (fish oil), grape seed extract, (or you can eat Black grapes), pomegranate, garlic (I recommend a Cayenne Garlic Combination in Capsules – Visit our Store), flaxseed oil, curcumin, taurine, and magnesium.

Two new supplementations being studied, and which are obtainable, are Nattokinase, and French Maritime Pine Bark. Both are products of Life Extension.

Other INFLAMMATION CONNECTIONS: Diabetes, Alzheimer’s; Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease – which are types of inflammatory bowel disease, RA, Fibromyalgia, Cellulitis, Skin Infections and many more.

REMEMBER – Inflammation is linked to these issues. It has taken most of you a lifetime to get your body’s issues to where they are now. Repairing the damage is a slow process. Do Not expect to be healed overnight. Your body takes its own sweet time to heal itself. THE TIME TO IMPLEMENT PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IS NOW. I hope and pray that it is not too late for any of you. Take it one step at a time. Do not fall into the trap of self diagnosis because of bad experiences or because of what I write or anyone else writes about this subject. You need to consult with a knowledgeable Naturopathic physician, or Detoxification Specialist, keeping in mind that NATURAL HEALING METHODS TREAT THE CAUSE AND NOT THE SYMPTOMS!

(Sited – Life Extension Magazine)

Become a HEALTHIER YOU! May God Bless!

We are still in the wintry holiday season….which starts with Thanksgiving and goes until New Year’s Day when we start again to make resolutions hoping to change our lives.

With the holidays comes the question of food – what to eat and what not to eat?  In my Detox Diet Plan, I recommend that you eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables until you are comfortable with the Plan. Are you ready to add NUTS?

I love nuts…but are they all good for detoxification.  Is there a healthy reason for eating them?

PEANUTS – for years were at the top of the list for nuts. I always bought peanuts, all kinds, in the shell, dry roasted, party, spanish, boiled, and etc. Today peanuts are highly processed, and have a high fat content. I will talk more on that later in the blog. Over the last few year other nuts have come to the front of the pack. They include almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamia, hazel, cashew, Brazil, Pistachios, pine nuts and many seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, and lately cantaloupe, star fruit, watermelon, flax and many more.  It can boggle your mind.

So – what is there to know about these nuts and seeds? I will touch on some and elaborate on the one’s that fit best into the Detox Diet Plan.

PISTACHIOS – My favorite, have, through research been revealed as a healthy snack. In 2011 a research paper stated that “pistachios eaten with a meal high in carbohydrates lowered blood glucose response.” Further studies show that pistachio consumption correlates with weight control, have anti-inflammatory benefits, may lower LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, lower triglyceride levels and contain a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, protein , fiber and phytochemicals.

ALMONDS – The almond is a species of tree native to the middle east, the Indian Subcontinent and North Africa. “Almond” is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. (Wikipedia) Their benefits are suggested by  nutritionist all over the world for use in many ways to include: eating raw as a healthy snack; as the base for almond butter, almond milk, almond flour and even in fragrances and body lotions. Nutritionally, almonds are a very good source of Vitamin E, manganese, biotin and copper, magnesium, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and phosphorus. Unfortunately they contain FAT. The good news is…..that a portion size of 1/4 cup of almonds is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. They are low in Cholesterol and Sodium. Before you get carried away to make a meal of them – REMEMBER – EAT in Moderation.

WALNUTS – have been noted as having more nutritional value than Pecans. As a fiber, it is safe to eat them everyday; alone, in salads, added to casseroles and vegetables. A Walnut is the nut of any tree of the genus Juglans. Technically a walnut is the seed of a drupaceous nut and this is not a true botanical nut. (Wikipedia). Walnuts have been claimed as the World’s Healthiest Nut. They are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory Omega 3 essential fatty acids – in the form of alpha-linolinic acid (ALA). They are also a good source of manganese, copper, molybdenum and biotin the B vitamin. They contain heart healthy fats. As for Walnuts vs Pecans…both are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. They are an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

HAZELNUTS (Also known as FILBERTS) – Are considered one of the lowest fat nuts. They are the nut of the hazel, derived from the genus species Corylus. Hazels are rich in energy and many other health-benefiting nutrients. They are heart healthy and brain boosting, skin improving and may even protect against cancer. They are a sweet flavored nut and are rich in protein and Vitamin E. Can be used in baking and as a snack. I love them.

The BRAZIL NUT – comes from South America. Little known is the fact that Brazil nuts have the ability to stimulate growth and repair and boost heart health. The selenium they contain improves thyroid function, protects against cancer, lowers LDL, and fights inflammation.  This is also one of my favorites, but I have such a hard time cracking the shell.

 

 

COCONUT – Has come into a good place in the last few years. In the past most people just looked at the coconut as an exotic that came from Hawaii and a few other countries, had little nutritional value, had shells that no one wanted to bother with as far as removing, but were delicious as long as the coconut had been mechanically processed for eating purposes.  Coconut Macaroons have always been my favorite cookie. Coconut oil is now on the rise being suggested as good for weight loss, hair growth, thyroid function, skin care and etc, etc, etc. This nut needs it own Blog for its pro and con information. It is on my agenda so look for it down the road (so to speak).

PINE NUT – Expensive (usually over $10.99/lb) but is a great nut to add to the Detox Diet Plan. The eating of Pine Nuts dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times when they were commonly preserved in honey. Pine nuts were a common food for Native American Indian tribes but are also a staple in other countries. You may know of them by other names to include: Indian nut, pignon, pinolos, pinhao and as I learned of them, Pinon Pine (pinus nembroides, or pinis pinea). They are grown extensively in the USA in  Utah, Nevada and Colorado. They are a nut low in fat and can be used in many recipes. I first ate them in a Turkey dressing on Thanksgiving…mmmm good. They are edible seeds of the female cone of the pine trees. They are small, elongated in shape, ivory in color and about 1/2″ long with a soft texture, and sweet buttery flavor – to me. They can be roasted  They are a healthy source of essential minerals, vitamins and heart healthy mono-unsaturated fatty acids that help to cut cholesterol levels in blood. It’s emollient property helps to keep
skin protected from dryness. It is used in various traditional medicinal applications.

Now let’s talk about SEEDS.

The two I like are Sunflower and Pumpkin seeds.

SUNFLOWER SEEDS – are about 6mm to 10 mm in length and have a conical shape with a smooth surface.  The outer coat, referred to as the hull, encloses a single, gray-white edible kernel. They come from the Sunflower – each sunflower head may hold several hundreds of edible oil seeds. They are crunchy and nutty and considered as a healthful food.  The benefitting nutrients values are minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Their calories come from fatty acids – the good ones to include poly unsaturated linoleic acid and mono-unsaturated oleic acid that helps lower LDL (Bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (the good cholesterol in the blood). They are also considered a good source of protein, amino acids, natural antioxidants, chlorogenic acid (which helps reduce blood sugar levels), Vitamin E, B-Complex Vitamins, and essential minerals to include: calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper.

The seed is harvested when they turn brown and dry. Buy only the good seeds. Avoid thin, shriveled up seeds or old stock. Store at room temperature in a bin or jar. Once the kernels are hulled (shelled), it is best to store them in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Like most seeds they can be eaten as a snack, in salads, sprinkled over veggies, casseroles, baked goods and are now, I just found out are available as Sunflower Seed Butter, sold as Sun Butter, which is a suitable alternative in peanut allergies.

PUMPKIN SEEDS – This seed has provided the most interesting research I’ve met. The botanical name is Cucurbita pepo from the name of the Cucurbitaceae family (which the pumpkin from which the seeds come, is actually considered a fruit). Wow, this is worse than me doing genealogy research. Like the pine nut pumpkin seeds and their oil dates back in use to the time of the Greeks and the origin is unknown other than it dates back to before 5000 B.C. They were found in Mexico and before that – who knows. The use for them in ancient times was for healing damaged skin such as burns. I also found that heat destroys its healthy properties – so I ask, why do they roast them? The oil is a good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, both of which are found to increase energy and mental focus. Traditional medicinal use includes treating parasites and worms and as well, bladder infections. They too are a heart healthy snack food and if eaten an hour or so before bedtime can induce a good nights sleep. They are also known as being beneficially used “to address” prostate issues. (Works cited include: American Botanical Council and “Medical Herbalism” by David Hoffman).

Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, phosphorus and iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. It is a diet-friendly fiber, curbs hunger, and has Vitamin A (for eye health). They serve as a great topping on salads, eggs, in soups and wraps.

PEANUTS – I am going to end with a note about Peanuts – which are simple legumes – included in the beans and lentils family. They are high in protein, folate, Vitamin E and basically the rest of the same nutrients as their legume friends. Today, the drawback or a caution deals with allergies, especially in children, which can also crop up later in life in adults. One of the reasons for allergies has to do with Aflatoxins, a fungus peanuts are susceptible to. It’s naturally occurring and is known as a carcinogen that is many times more toxic than DDT. This would be particularly hazardous to persons prone to liver disease and it would be wise to avoid eating them just to be on the safe side. I recommend, eat at your own discretion.

NOTE: Nuts and seeds are structural foods and are a good source for strengthening the whole body.

The healthiest nuts for Detox are noted in their descriptions. Just remember – eat in moderation – do not make a meal of nuts, they can cause acid issues in the stomach. They are energy robbing and will slow or stop the cleansing process. They all are great as a snack, and I recommend that you eat them raw – usually 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Keep in mind always – the Alkaline/Acid balance of 80% Alkaline to 20% Acid that you are trying to support throughout the Detox Diet process.

Happy Holidays and God Bless!

I probably could put this in the ‘Tip Column’ but decided it was worth a short Blog.  I read all the time to keep up with the latest information on what is happening in the world in regards to our health.  I came across an article in the Life Extension magazine that caught my attention and thought it would be good to share. It was about JUNK FOOD. It talked about an article in a BMC Medicine report stating “that older individuals who eat an unhealthy Western diet have smaller brains, which researchers say is further proof that junk food has a terrible impact on health.”

Anything that has to do with the ‘brain’ interests me, since I had a brain tumor in 1999. Luckily (or should I say ‘I was blessed’), it was successfully removed and was benign. Continuing on, a study conducted by researchers at Deakin University and the Australian University suggested that “older adults who consume more junk foods, such as sweet drinks, salty snacks, and processed meats have smaller left hippocampi” (a curved elongated ridge that extends over the floor of each ventricle of the brain [Websters Dictionary]). It also shows that “older adults who eat healthier foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and fish, have larger left hippocampi.” Other factors that affected this were gender, levels of physical activity, smoking, education, and depression.

These findings that “consuming junk foods accelerates brain atrophy have substantial relevance for both dementia prevention and mental health.”  Also included could be, “cognitive decline, and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety in older people” (Felice Jacka).

We should not discount how the effect of eating  junk foods also impacts other age groups.  “The hippocampus is critical to learning memory throughout life, as well as being a key part of the brain involved in mental health.” This study underscores how important GOOD NUTRITION is for children, adolescents and adults of all ages.

Wow!  This is pretty heavy information and hopefully it will impact your way of thinking in regards to the eating of JUNK FOODS. Of course the breakdown of the body organs because of eating junk foods does not just happen overnight. It takes years and, as with many health issues does not show up until the senior years.  Good reason to start healthy eating habits when you are very, very, young.

May your blessings be many, until next time…..

            HAPPY THANKSGIVING…..To all my wonderful followers. 

Yes, we are in the Holiday Season of the year.  As a word of caution ‘BEWARE’…..actually BE AWARE of what you eat.

Heartburn, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is on the horizon. GERD manifests as occasional or chronic pain the center of the chest and contrary, so it said, to popular belief “excess stomach acid is not the cause of GERD (heartburn).” (info from Life Extension Magazine)

The influx of media advertising regarding GERD, encourages people to use PPI’s – proton pump inhibiting drugs to give them heartburn relief. These include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, etc. which are suppose to block stomach acid production. Science is now saying “this is a misconception and can have deadly consequences….which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, and heart disease.” Scientists say “PPI’s “impede acid production” (that means the body’s natural  acid production). They “don’t stop the reflux of digestive enzymes, bile, and corrosive food/drinks into the esophageal lining.”

Scary! This is definitely a major problem which affects millions of people, young and old alike.

What to do…..

* AVOID certain foods and beverages to include coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, tomatoes, milk, cheese, some citrus, cakes, pastries.
* QUIT SMOKING!
* LOSE WEIGHT – “increased body mass and abdominal adiposity increases pressure on the stomach and lower esophagus.”
*  MONITOR MEAL SIZE – and high fat meals. “Weight reduction positively impacts many aspects of health….and potentially enhances longevity.”
*  AVOID – eating close to bedtime.
*  ELEVATE – the head of the bed while sleeping.
*  LIMIT “aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory  drugs.”

It is your choice as to whether you want to use PPI’s for relief….but as for me, I would avoid using them as they are risky.  Helpful supplementation, away from over-the-counter drugs and prescribed PPI’s, includes Vitamin B-12 and, would you believe, Pomegranate (the real fruit).

The above is for informational purposes only. My rule during the holidays is – it is okay to enjoy those special meals – but in moderation. Just remember NOT TO OVEREAT. If you have implemented the Detox Diet Plan (noted in my earlier blog) you may notice, as I do, that your body may not accept many of the foods that you used to eat and loved while in your old state of mind and body. I usually have an all night session in the bathroom. That being said, enjoy your meal but know when to stop eating.

After the football games are over and family and friends have departed, don’t forget to ‘Thank God’ for the blessing you received on this special day.

 EVENTIDE

As the hours slowly ween away
The sun behind the mountain folds,
Leaving the sky an azure blue
With tinted clouds of pink and gold.
The distant landscape glittering bright
Gives way to a world of shadows
Closing o’er the day, bringing forth the night,
And the world in sleep awaits the awakening from
A morning ray.

Written in 1954 by: I J Hull (Cutrubus)

Until next time….God Bless!

 

My body was in dire straits when I became interested in self-healing. I had pneumonia 3-4 times during my life and caught every flu bug that was in the air. My immune system was out of control. Today people are always saying to me, “well you are getting older and our bodies just break down with age.” I am not satisfied with this and as I now know….

The IMMUNE SYSTEM weakens as you age – ONLY IF YOU LET IT!

The Japanese people and other Asian cultures have a life expectancy of around 100 years, which is among the highest in the world. Longevity and a healthy immune system go hand in hand. Both depend on the correct food intake for the vitamins, minerals and amino acids the food has, for the body to stay in a healed condition. The things we eat should promote cardiovascular health, electrolyte balance, good hearing/visual function, and immune modulation. Issues such as liver disease, kidney, heart failure, diabetes, cancer and obesity can block the body’s promotion of these essential supplements which it is capable of producing itself for our metabolic and neurologic health.

The Immune System is our natural defense system. It includes the entire body – every gland, organ, and tissue. The Immune System more than any other system in the body is central to your health and well-being, because it affects every part of the body.  The fewer toxic burdens you have the more effectively the immune system can work.  Everything you eat either strengthens or weakens your immune system. Correct foods give the necessary nutrients the body needs. The longer the body is deprived of the nutrients it needs – for cell repair, the more susceptible you are to illness. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids help to strengthen the natural defense system. When toxins pile up faster than the body can eliminate them, the less effective the immune system becomes over time.

As I see people everyday, in all walks of life, with protruding stomachs I see a sign that their Colons are in jeopardy. OLD AGE begins in the COLON!  So there goes your hope for longevity. It takes years of living and eating the wrong foods to produce a colon that is damaged. There is no quick easy way to correct a colon that is as damaged as any of the colons in the picture. So what do you do? CLEANSE, CLEANSE, CLEANSE…..

Eliminate the toxins, Rebuild, Regenerate. 

A healthy Immune System needs a healthy Colon. The cleansing process means applying enough natural nutrient values in food, and the intake of correct herbal supplementation. The process is a gradual rebuilding of the blood, all glandular systems, skeletal (by way of exercise), and it also takes time and patience. Applying these strategies will aid in bringing the colon and the rest of the body back to a simulation of normalcy.

Additional conditions, from those mentioned above, that emerge because of a defenseless immune system include: chronic degenerative inflammatory disorders, sleep deprivation , chronic fatigue, joint and muscle issues, the common cold and flu, low sex drive, stress disorders, low motivational levels, weight gain etc. Do any of these conditions ‘ring a bell’ in your situation?

The following is a suggested list of the best foods to eat:

FRUITS: Grapes, Bananas, Strawberries, Mangoes, Grapefruit, Apples, Peaches, Pears, Pineapple, Oranges, Pomegranate, Dried fruits (not processed), Melons, etc.

VEGETABLES:  Romaine and all dark leaf lettuce (Iceburg lettuce has less nutritional value), Kale, Spinach, Carrots, Celery, Green Peppers, Cucumbers, Avocados, Squash, Green Beans, Peas, Raw Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes (better than white potatoes), Cauliflower, etc.

** OTHER (Raw): Pecans, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Macadamia nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut, Pistachios.  (**Eat moderately…too much can be acid forming.)

2 SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS: Taurine (which few of you have ever heard of, and Magnesium (which depletes in the body as it ages and is riddled with health issues). I take both of these as additional supplementation in my diet. They are extremely beneficial in combating all of the health issues, and more, than those mentioned in this article.

NOTICE: NO MEAT LIST.  Meat is for the most part too acidic, and is basically the cause of many of our health issues. Remember – we need to Alkalize the body. The body makes enough of it’s own acids to do the job of breaking down the foods we eat. It doesn’t need help from other acid forming sources. Also remember that you are working on healing the IMMUNE SYSTEM  AND COLON damage that has already taken place over the years. 

REMEDY – Again, and repetition is good; Eliminate toxins, Nourish the body with correct nutrients, be Consistent, and Patient. Once your body’s own defence system is back on track to adequately protect you, your body will be rejuvenated and you will feel revitalized and energized!

Have a wonderful healing day and GOD BLESS!

I know – you hear it again, and again, and again….but repetition is good if it is for our benefit.

Young and old alike complain about the same ailments to include: hard to stay physically active, loss of energy, fatigue, depression, stress, etc. These complaints are all the aftermath of a TOXIC LOAD caused by the SAD (Standard American Diet).

The body, if it is more acidic than it is alkaline succumbs to parasites. Yes, we all have parasites, fungi, and other harmful organisms invading our bodies which deplete the body of necessary nutrients. Toxins are all around us: in the air, the food, the water, in our homes, the office where we work, stores, church, and all public places. The acid/alkaline balance should be 20% acid to 80% alkaline.

Toxins and chemicals are contaminants we come in contact with on a daily basis in products such as soaps and all the cleaning agents, carpeting, plastics, mercury fillings in our teeth, industrial materials and fish. Mercury, of which we are warned almost daily, is dangerous as is attacks the master gland (posterior pituitary gland) that regulates the Endocrine System, which regulates the Reproductive System. Mercury suppresses all these systems and more as it destroys the helpful antioxidants in the body.

The older one gets the more toxins are accumulated in the body. These toxins create glandular (thyroid and adrenal) weakness, lung problems, inflammation, sugar imbalance, etc. These symptoms are triggered by the use of stimulants like coffee, tea, refined sugar, alcohol, etc. Eating the correct diet of foods will help regenerate these glandular systems.

How does a person lift this burden of toxicity? It can be done by detoxifying with the healthy intake of raw fruits and vegetables. If your detox is going well, you can eat freshwater fish – not farm raised. Exercise regularly to strengthen those weakened muscles, and set goals to keep you motivated. Natural whole foods contain more nutrients. The Detox Diet Plan mentioned in an earlier blog is loaded with antioxidants. A good night’s sleep, and taking supplements and corrective herbal formulas is also beneficial.

The time is now – gear up – empower yourself against an early death. Live longer by doing the right thing. The body will heal itself.

God bless!

Here in Florida, many Tropical Fruits are available. Listed below are my favorites.

POMEGRANATE: Love this fruit. I saw a new contraption on YouTube for getting the seeds out nice and clean.  It worked. This fruit can be grown in Florida. It is a shrubby tree…grows 6-12 feet tall. I’ve got just the place for one in my backyard. Think I will give it a try – that is if I can find someone who sells the tree.

LOQUAT: I do have one of these trees. The squirrels love the fruit. One day I looked at my tree and said to myself…this is going to be a good harvest. Two days later the whole top of the tree looked like I had pruned it. Had to be the squirrels. It’s fruit is a tasty small yellow to orange fruit…has a big seed inside. Tastes kind of like a cross between a peach and a pear to me. It can’t be bought in stores because it doesn’t ship or store well.

FIG: I have this one too. It has taken a long time to grow….I put it in a pot because this can become a pretty big tree and I didn’t have the space. I didn’t know the color of figs range from green to purple. I had two green ones and was waiting for them to get ripe….The squirrels got them too.

MACADAMIA: I haven’t tried this tree. It was interesting, to discover it also is an “attractive evergreen ornamental” tree. I had better find a spot for this one….as I love those expensive to buy nuts. This tree grows great in Hawaii. However, it is listed as a tree that also grows well in Florida.

AVOCADO: How many times have you tried planting those big seeds in a pot? Did you know Florida and California fruits have different nutritional values?  Did you know the tree has male and female flowers on the same tree, and you get fruit sporadically if they don’t bloom at the same time? I’ve had the trees grow and then die, or if they live – have bore no fruit. I have never seen a flower on my trees.  Does anyone have any suggestions about how to plant and grow them to get fruit?

BANANA: This is a big tree. It needs lots of space and water. As I have the lack of space I haven’t tried to grow these trees, but have friends who grow them well in their yards.

LYCHEE: I always thought, as many of you may have, that this was a nut-tree. It is not, it is a fruit. This tree is also an evergreen. The tree likes humus. There is a Vietnamese family near where I live that farm these trees. They sell the fruit to China and then China sells the fruit back to the United States to stores like Wal-Mart. I first saw the fruit at Wal-Mart  store in Canada. Anyway, mulch…lots and lots of mulch is always piled around bottom to hold the moisture in the root system. I love the fresh fruit, but have seen them canned in some grocery stores.

MANGO: When ripe…the taste of this fruit cannot be beat. However, my first experience was with eating a not so ripe fruit – which left a bitter taste in my mouth for this one. I have since learned to love mangos. There are many varieties – that is why so many different shapes and sizes are on display in the grocery store.

PAPAYAS: I have been growing this tree for over 30 years here in Florida. It is another species with many shapes and sizes of fruit. I plant the seeds…get many trees and then sort them out. Some growers still say you need a male and a female tree to get fruit. However, I did purchase a bisexual tree, out of curiosity. It bore the best fruit I’ve ever eaten. I planted the seeds – gave away the trees – and now many of my neighbors are growing papaya trees with great fruit. I think that kind of blew the male/female theory. However, if you can’t find a bisexual tree you do need a male tree among the female trees to get fruit. Papaya is also the source for pepsin in meat tenderizers.  This fruit works wonders in the digestive tract.

PINEAPPLE:  My very favorite. I have had great success growing pineapples in pots. When ripe, I twist the top off, and peel off the bottom leaves until I see the little root sprouts. Then, I put the top in a glass of water for a few days before I plant it or I plant it right away.  Either way works. I put a little Miracle Grow around the bottom of the plant, water it when it needs water, and in 12 to 18 months I have a pineapple.  I have 3-4 plants growing at staggered times so I have fruit to eat on a regular basis every 12 – 18 months. Love that Hawaiian Queen variety. Pineapple is a great source for pain relief because of the Bromelain content in the fruit.

STAR FRUIT (Averrhoa carambola): The five-angled star fruit, also known as carambola, is a waxy yellow-green tropical fruit. Again, described as a bushy evergreen tree, I have seen several varieties here in Florida that don’t look like evergreen trees to me. They grow well here, as they are not cold tolerant. Usually the taste is described as a cross between an apple and a grape.  I always take the seeds out, but read that they are edible….therefore you can eat the whole fruit. Well known for its Vitamin C content – it provides 76% of the daily recommended value in one single serving. It also provides fiber, copper, pantothenic acid and potassium. It also has B-Complex nutrients. There is a tart variety and a sweet variety. I’ve yet to find the tart or bitter variety. Natural fructose provides the sweetness in the sweet variety. Therefore it is recommended that you should not eat too much of it….but the nutritional value is awesome.

How do you eat Star Fruit?  In many ways. Choose fruits that are still firm, not mushy and do not have brown spots all over them. My neighbor has a huge tree and he brings me Star Fruit on a regular basis when the tree is bearing fruit. If there are mushy ones – I use them in smoothies. However, First, wash the fruit thoroughly – scrub it with your fingers and not a brush – or the skin will peel off. Second, with a sharp knife, cut the fruit across its broad side so that it is divided into star-shaped slices. Cut at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Now you can take out the seeds, eat and enjoy.

Other uses include: putting the cut up pieces in chicken soup, in lettuce or fruit salads, in cookies, cakes, pies, breads, make juice, and smoothies etc. You can even pickle them and make relish with them.

COCONUT:  Last, but not least on my list of fruit….is another of my favorites. I do not grow Coconut Trees. I don’t have the room in my yard for one. Coconut is coming into its own as far as nutritional value, and Coconut Oil is the big item today. It is used in cooking, baking and even as skin care. I will blog more on that later.  I love to cook with coconut oil. It is the cleanest oil to use in popcorn makers and the popcorn tastes better. I also use it as a skin moisturizer. It works miracles, at least for me.

There are many more tropical fruit trees that could be added to this list, but the ones listed are the easiest, in my opinion, to grow in the area in which I live – of Southwest Florida.

HAPPY TESTING, TASTING AND EATING!

What is the difference between a Gland and an Organ?

GLAND: 1. A secretory organ or structure. 2. A cell or group of cells which have the ability to manufacture a secretion that is discharged and used in some other part of the body rather than for its own function. e.g. It selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body. A gland may be simple (consisting of one or a few secreting units) or compound (consisting of many secreting units). Simple glands may be straight, coiled, or branched. Glands consisting of one cell are called unicellular, those of more than one cell multicellular. Secretion is accomplished within cells and is passed through cell membranes into secretory ducts.

Glands of concern for the purpose of beginning the detoxification process include specifically:
1. Adrenal, a gland lying above each kidney. This gland produces and secretes neurotransmitters, which increases or decreases cardiac output, blood flow to tissues, neuro response, (muscular, skeletal and nerve cells). They increase glucose and fatty acid availability in the blood, all to increase systemic and cellular energy. As well it affects the hormones which affects the reproductive system in both males and females. It aids in tissue repair. It is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic in nature. It is part of the Endocrine System.

2. Endocrine, a structure which secretes a hormone that is absorbed into the blood or lymph; a ductless gland. All of the Endocrine glands are vital to the health and well-being of the physical body. It is part of a system where every tissue in your body interacts with every other tissue.

3. Lymph System: is composed of nodules of lymphatic tissue, found along the path of a lymphatic vessel. The Lymph system is your sewer system. Your Lymph nodes are your septic tanks. Keep them cleaned out. That is the why of raw fruits and vegetables – to keep your GI tract clean. The intestinal flora will restore itself.  Exercise-move, walk.

4. Thyroid, a ductless gland of internal secretion situated in the neck in front of the trachea. You need to clean, enhance, strengthen and regenerate the thyroid gland to avoid chronic fatigue, heart arrhythmias, osteoporosis, brittle fingernails, hair loss, arthritis, bursitis, migraine headaches, obesity, wrinkles etc. The thyroid gland affects normal growth and development. It affects calcium utilization for the bones.

ORGAN: A differentiated structure (as heart or kidney) consisting of cells and tissues and performing some specific function – a body part performing a function or cooperating in an activity. Most organs are in pairs. Any one organ may be extirpated (destroyed completely, wiped out, removed surgically) and the remaining one will perform all necessary functions peculiar to it. Even half the brain may be removed without being fatal. From one-third to two fifths of some organs may be removed without interference with their functions.

Organs of concern in the detoxification process include:

1. Kidneys – two organs situated at the back of the abdominal cavity, with one on each side of the spinal column. Their function is to excrete urine  which contains the end product of metabolism and to help regulate the water, electrolytes, and acid base content of the blood. The Bladder is the vesicle which acts as a reservoir for the urine.

2. Liver – the largest organ in the body. It is situated on the right side beneath the diaphragm, is covered by a tough fibrous sheath – is the site of a great many metabolic functions. The liver receives blood from the portal vein and thus is the first organ to receive blood from the intestine where the blood has absorbed the final decomposed products of digestion. From this blood, the liver removes glucose from which it synthesizes glycogen which it stores.The liver excretes bile pigments – filters out and destroys bacteria present in the blood stream. It is also a storage place for vitamin B-12 and the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It plays a role in the regulation of blood volume and is one of the main sources of body heat. (Hence, the temperature changes in the body, sweats, chills, and liver enlargement). Cholesterol, which is found in most body cells and is a major constituent of bile, is manufactured mainly in the liver. The Gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac on the under-surface of the right lobe of the liver holding bile from the liver until discharged through the cystic duct. Once the gallbladder is removed, other body parts to include the liver and bile duct generally compensate for its absence working hard to do what the gallbladder was designed to do.

3. Stomach and Bowels. The stomach is a dilated saclike, distensible portion of the alimentary canal below the esophagus and below the diaphragm to the right of the spleen, partly under the liver. It is composed of a fundus or round part, a body or middle portion, and pyloric portion which is the small end. It has two openings: the upper cardiac orifice opens into the esophagus and the lower pyloric orifice opens into the duodenum. The stomach is composed  of four layers; the outer serous coat covers almost all of the organ. The muscular layer just beneath is formed of three layers of smooth muscle fibers; an outer longitudinal layer, a medial circular layer and an inner oblique layer. The submucous layer is a connecting medium between the muscular and mucous layer, the inner lining of the stomach. The stomach secretes gastric juice and converts proteins into peptones serving as an organ of digestion. It regulates the admission of food to the remainder of the gut, acting as a reservoir – its acid kills a large proportion of the microbes present in most food. It is important in the acid-base equilibrium of the body – particularly when electrolytes are removed from the body during vomiting. Many of the body issues begin in the stomach to include cancer, cardiac, and even tooth dentition problems.

Bowels – the intestines which purpose is the evacuation of feces. The number of bowel movements varies in normal individuals. Today it is advocated that a person have from 1 to 3 bowel movements a day in order to maintain good intestinal health.

Some glands and some organs may be referred to interchangeably within certain body systems, such as the Endocrine System.

Right now we are concerned mainly with those glands, organs and systems suggested above.  As you read the information given – you should begin to understand how each of your body systems and parts interact with each other.  If something goes wrong in one system/part, it affects most,- if not all, of the others systems or parts.

The biggest issues encountered when the systems are affected or weakened include: brain and nerve function, heart, vascular system, skin, blood pressure, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal, inflammation, aging, osteoporosis, acidosis, hormonal imbalance, cholesterol plaque, sugar (diabetes) and etc.

It is important that you be in charge of your health’s destiny. Don’t let bad habit food choices create toxic conditions in your bodies that can result in illness or death.

(References for this article include: Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary; Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary; and The Detox Miracle Sourcebook.)

I pray this article helps each of my readers to understand their bodies better, and how all the body’s parts work hand in hand. More body system info will come after you all have had a chance to digest this information, which may be new to some of you.

May God Bless!

(Quotes are from: A Tragic Myth: The Truth about Sugars by Dr. Robert Morse)

The human body is a machine and needs fuel to run. The fuel consists of amino acids, fatty acids and SUGAR.  It is the sugar mixed with oxygen that the body needs to run the machine.

What do you know about Sugar?

There are two types: #1 Monosaccharide: A simple sugar e.g. glucose, fructose, and galactose (also known as carbohydrates). Simple sugar cannot be broken down any further. #2 Poly or Disaccharide: Complex sugars or starch – consists of several glucose/fructose bonds – depends upon the type of starch or carbohydrate.

FACT: “The body’s digestive system separates the simple from the complex.”  To do so, “it must break down a complex amino acid (protein) into amino acids, fats to fatty acids, and starch or complex sugars to simple sugars before your body can use it properly. “Your body mixes glucose or fructose with oxygen to make cellular energy (known as ATP). Without ATP, cells weaken.  Therefore, “sugar (carbon) and oxygen are the number one need of your body.

Simply, when you consume complex sugars your body has to deal with it. Acidosis has settled in – the immune system is compromised – and the adrenal gland is weakened, all of which lead to blood sugar problems-such as Diabetes.

Factually, “the same is true with proteins and fats.” Toxemia is caused from excess proteins, fats and sugars.  If the lymphatic system is weak the parasites move in along with body odors, inflammation and atrophy of the body.”

When you feel low energy and fatigue – again, it means your adrenal glands are weak. “Mistakenly, we think that protein is our energy source.” Not so, “carbon and oxygen (carbohydrate) is our main source of chemical energy.”

Your body does not use proteins for energy. “Nature uses the parasitic kingdom to clean and get rid of that which is not needed….to support life in a healthy way.” Healthy cells and a healthy lymph gland do not need parasitic interception.

NOTE: EXCESS STARCHES AND SUGARS feed yeast, fungus, molds, warts, etc., which also is an indication that the adrenal gland is not functioning as it should.

In Summary: The body needs Sugar, the Right Sugar, Simple Sugar (glucose and fructose) natural – not processed.

Fruits are good providers of this simple sugar. Fruits are high in antioxidants and astringents. They are “superior for blood sugar conditions, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and all other gastric and intestinal conditions. Fruits are a superior brain and nerve food. Deep tissue detoxification can only take place with fruits and water fasting.”

Vegetables also detox, but at a lower level.

NEVER FEAR THE EATING AND USE OF FRUITS!

 Welcome to the world of DETOXIFICATION!