Category: Building a Healthy Foundation Page 1 of 2

Digestive Health

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On December 7, 2015

In Building a Healthy Foundation

Beyond Celiac Disease

One disease, many causes … One cause, many diseases

Celiac disease, wheat allergy and gluten intolerance are all related categories of immune and digestive system disorders that are becoming increasingly more common. More and more, people are beginning to ask, “Just what is celiac disease?” and “What is wrong with gluten?”

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Alkaline Body

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On December 7, 2015

In Building a Healthy Foundation

How an Alkaline Body Fights Off Ailments Faster and More Efficiently

Do you have an alkaline body? Balancing your body’s pH level can make a huge difference in your level of health. Many people don’t realize how the foods they consume affect their body’s pH level.

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RAISING GLUTATHIONE LEVELS

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On October 2, 2015

In Building a Healthy Foundation

 

Glutathione is the most important antioxidant produced by the body. The body’s ability to produce glutathione plays a powerful role in assisting the body with detoxification and healing of Autism and other chronic medical conditions.

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ORGANIC SULFUR – WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?

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On April 16, 2014

In Building a Healthy Foundation, Supplements

Historically, the foods we ate had ample sulfur. However, since the industrialization of our food supply, our soils have been depleted of sulfur. Even organically grown foods will no longer provide our bodies with adequate levels of this mineral.

As an essential mineral, sulfur is needed for many functions in the body and to maintain optimal health.  Sulfur helps us detoxify and regenerate new tissue. It enables the transport of oxygen across cell membranes. Sulfur is also a precursor for the utilization of amino acids, the body’s building blocks. Without a constant supply of sulfur (it is not stored by the body, but is passed every 10-12 hours) we are, in effect, dying each day of cellular degeneration. This makes us much more susceptible to damage of toxins and environmental pollutants that seem to be everywhere in this modern world.

Organic sulfur assists the body in the following ways:

  • Jumpstarts the body’s detoxification (methylation) process; enables efficient detoxification of heavy metals and other environmental toxins
  • Improves oxygen levels in all the cells
  • Improves the utilization of amino acids in the body
  • Helps the body rid itself of excess oxalates
  • Ensures proper levels of enzymes (especially pancreatic)
  • Assists the body with making the hormone CCK, which leads to the release of oxytocin (a hormone that reduces stress and facilitates bonding, often lacking in people with autism)
  • Enables cellular regeneration and healing–even after years of being scarred or damaged
  • Improves cell membrane integrity, allowing cells to better absorb nutrients
  • Assists the body’s ability to rebalance and eliminate unhealthy pathogens (such as fungus and virus) since they cannot thrive in a high oxygen environment; improves a leaky gut
  • Helps production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA, melatonin, dopamine, etc.
  • Improves production of glutathione, methionine, cysteine, taurine, etc.
  • Plays an important role in protecting the body from oxidative damage and radiation damage due to sun exposure and radiation treatments for cancer
  • Has the potential to help prevent and even assist in reversing neurological injuries such as Alzheimer’s disease
  • Improves the look of hair, skin, and nails because they consist of a tough protein composed in significant part of sulfur called keratin

Since 1999, ongoing studies have been conducted, taking feedback from organic sulfur consumers. Study participants have reported amazing benefits with the consistent use of organic sulfur. Here are a few:

  • Arthritis: Participants report much less pain and increased mobility, straightening of finger joints, resolution of internal scars tissue around joints.
  • Skin conditions: Reports of improved acne, psoriasis, rosacea, toenail fungus, burns, liver spots, and disorders associated with Lupus.
  • Diabetes: Sulfur deficiency interferes with glucose metabolism; organic sulfur is helpful because it is necessary in the production of insulin and other sulfur-based amino acids needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
  • ADD, ADHD, autism, hyperactivity, and depression are greatly relieved since organic sulfur acts as a mood elevator or stabilizer and helps the nervous system relax.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Reports of decreased and/or eliminated symptoms of acid indigestion, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, and chronic constipation.
  • Cardiovascular: Participants have reported reduction of scar tissue, healing of high blood pressure, and the breakdown of calcium plaque in arteries.
  • Respiratory: Participants report resolution of lung symptoms such as allergies, asthma and emphysema.
  • Glaucoma: Participants report relief of intraocular pressure and cellular regeneration of the “drainage” system at the inner base of the iris.
  • Liver regeneration: one participant who had suffered with Hepatitis C for 25 years reported complete liver regeneration from taking 2 tablespoons organic sulfur twice daily for 15 months.
  • Hair: Participants have reported a return from gray/white hair to their natural color; others have reported a reversal of hair loss.
  • Teeth and gums: Participants report renewed health in teeth and gums. When used as an additive to toothpaste, organic sulfur appears to eliminate plaque build-up on teeth, regenerate gums and tighten loose teeth.
  • Headaches and migraines have been alleviated over time.
  • Osteoporosis has been reported to respond well to the ongoing use of organic sulfur.

It is important to note that organic sulfur does not treat the specific diseases listed in this post. Instead, it allows for renewed and revitalized cellular oxygenation. It opens the door to cellular energy and provides a smooth pathway for cellular regeneration. This helps the body increase its vitality so it can do what it was designed to do by our Creator: to strengthen itself to release toxins, to drain away cellular debris, to regenerate new cells, and to heal.

Some people worry about having an allergic reaction or sensitivity to sulfur. Allergy to sulfur is not possible as it is an integral element of our body. In fact, approximately 0.25 percent of our total body weight is sulfur. Often, when a person is sensitive to sulfur (becomes irritated and itchy on sulfur containing products like MSM or Epsom Salt Baths) s/he is actually reacting to the synthetic ingredients mixed with the sulfur.

A very small number of individuals experience detoxification symptoms (headache, flu-like symptoms, etc.) when they first begin taking sulfur. It is best to start slowly at the proper amount for each individual. Muscle testing or applied kinesiology for the proper starting dose is very helpful. The homeopathic remedy Sulfur or another specific remedy indicated by the individual’s symptoms is also a way to introduce sulfur with minimal detoxification symptoms.  

A Better Way Organic Sulfur has benefited the health of my clients and allowed for more efficient healing. Here is what makes it different from other sulfur products on the market:

  • It has no fillers preservatives or anti-caking additives – the Organic Sulfur study has demonstrated that the variety of fillers found in the other retail MSM products have resulted in significantly decreased healing effects
  • No added silica – Silica which is also added to MSM products has been reported to block the body’s energy and makes the sulfur less efficient
  • Not processed
  • 100% biologically available to the body
  • 99.4%-99.6% pure range and is offered in its naturally occurring large flake form.

It is important to note that A Better Way Organic Sulfur must be ingested with non-chlorinated water. Chlorinated water will render the sulfur much less effective.

I am grateful for the benefits I receive from the use of Organic Sulfur. Consider trying it for yourself.

Blessings!

Jenice

SUNSHINE BLEND CULTURED VEGETABLES RECIPE

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On April 8, 2014

In Healthy Diet, Recipes

Ingredients for Sunshine Blend Cultured Vegetables
Sunshine Blend Cultured Vegetables

Raw cultured vegetables have been around for thousands of years. The fermented vegetables are: rich in lactobacilli and enzymes, alkaline-forming, and loaded with vitamins.

Cultured vegetables are made by shredding vegetables, adding a culture starter, and then packing them tightly into a sterilized, airtight, glass container. They are left to ferment at room temperature for 5 days or longer. Friendly bacteria naturally present in the vegetables quickly lower the pH, making a more acidic environment so the bacteria can reproduce. The vegetables become soft, delicious, and have a slightly pickled taste.

You can benefit by adding cultured vegetables to your diet because they:

  • Help re-establish a healthy inner ecosystem.
  • Stimulate digestion and ensure your food moves through your digestive tract with ease. Cultured vegetables are pre-digested through the fermentation process and are easy for the body to digest.
  • Are alkalizing and very cleansing. They help restore balance if your body is in a toxic, acidic condition.
  • Promote healthy skin and anti-aging.

Sunshine Blend Cultured Vegetables

  • 1 pound organic carrots, scrubbed and trimmed
  • 1 bunch golden beets, peeled
  • 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes
  • 2 medium onions, peeled
  • 
1-2 organic cucumbers
  • 1 bunch celery, cleaned and trimmed
  • 
½ bunch cilantro, washed and drained, stems removed
  • 1 large or 2 small heads of cabbage, washed (make sure to hold aside at least one leaf of cabbage for each jar of cultured veggies)
  • fresh grated ginger to taste
  • 1 Granny Smith apple
  • honey
  • 
Body Ecology culture starter
  • distilled water or RO water
  • 3 or 4 mason jars (1 quart each)
  • 
food processor
  • 
blender
  • 
cutting board
  • 
good vegetables knives
  • 
1-2 large bowls (you can also use a large stock pot)
  • 
1 small glass bowl and some honey for the culture starter (do not use a metal bowl or utensils)
  • 
1 large pot of boiling water, optional (for sterilizing all equipment)
  • 
several clean kitchen towels

DIRECTIONS

  1. Fill a large pot with water and start heating to bring water to a boil. (Boiling water will be used to sterilize the mason jars!)
  2. While the water is heating, gather together all the equipment and vegetables.  Trust me, this will save you a lot of time!
  3. Sterilize your mason jars and lids by placing in the boiling water for a few seconds. Using long tongs, dip each piece into the water.  Set aside the jars and lids (right side up so that air can get in) on a clean towel for the water to evaporate.glass jar
  4. In a small bowl add a packet of Body Ecology culture starter to tepid (about 92 degrees) water. Follow the packet directions. Add in a 1 Tablespoon of sweetener such as honey, agave nectar or EcoBloom. Stir gently and set aside while the bacteria begin to multiply. Allow the culture started mixed with sweetener to sit for at least 30 minutes.starter kit
  5. Using your food processor with the grater/shredder attachment, grate the carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, onions, celery, and at least ½ to 1 whole head of cabbage. (Remember to save enough cabbage leaves, one for each jar of cultured vegetables.) Put the shredded veggies in the large bowl or multiple bowls. shredded veggies
  6. Cut the cucumber into small ½ inch cubes and mix with the shredded veggies.cucumber
  7. Stir in the cilantro.
  8. Take out a 1/2 cup of the veggie mixture and put it in the blender with about 2 cups of distilled water.  Puree the mixture to form a brine.  Add the culture starter, if using, to the brine and mix well. Pour the brine into the bowl of vegetables and combine.blender
  9. Tightly pack the vegetables into the mason jars using your fist, leaving at least 2 inches of space at the top of the jars. Dip the cabbage leaves into some brine, roll them, and wedge them into the jars to force the shredded veggies below the surface of the brine.  Twistthelidson to the jars very tightly.
  10. Set the jars in a dark place at room temperature for 5 days, undisturbed.  After five days, try the veggies. If you want a stronger taste, leave the other jars at room temperature for up to 7 days. At the end of this time, wipe off the jars (some seepage or foaming may have occurred) and place in the refrigerator.  The vegetables are ready for eating at this point, although they will continue to improve over time.  They will keep for many, many months in the refrigerator.

Important – When stirring the starter culture, only use either a glass, wood, or plastic utensil to stir – never metal.

NOTE: If you choose to double or triple this recipe, you do NOT need to use multiple packets of the Body Ecology culture starter.  Just one is all you need!

Delicious ideas for how to use your fermented vegetables:

1.  As a side dish.

2.  Added to salads.

3.  As a sauce or topping.

4.  On a wrap or sandwich.

5.  As a dip.

6.  As a condiment.

7.  Use the juice to flavor soups and sauces.

8.  Mix with avocado to make guacamole.

HEALING PROPERTIES OF BONE BROTH

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On March 19, 2014

In Healthy Diet

Bone-based broths have a long history as a beneficial food for people recuperating from illness, child-birth or surgery. They are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, rich in flavor and easy for the body to assimilate. Bones used to make stocks are filled with minerals that many of us don’t get enough of, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and others.

Also, bones contain cartilage, collagen and marrow — substances found in no other foods. Collagen is the source of bone broth’s immune-boosting properties.

BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH:

  • Heals leaky gut/improves digestion
  • Can aid in healing IBS, crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and acid reflux
  • Fights infections such as colds and flu 
  • Heals food  intolerances and allergies
  • Improves joint health (arthritis)
  • Gelatin promotes probiotic balance and growth
  • Reduces cellulite
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Reduces inflammation in the respiratory system
  • Detoxifies cells, gut and liver

Gelatin in bone broths contains amino acids arginine, glycine, glutamine and proline.  These amino acids also contribute to stock’s healing properties.

Arginine

  • Necessary for immune system function and wound healing
  • Needed for the production and release of growth hormone
  • Helps regenerate damaged liver cells
  • Needed for the production of sperm

Glycine

  • Prevents breakdown of protein tissue like muscle
  • Used to make bile salts and glutathione
  • Helps detoxify the body of chemicals and acts as antioxidant
  • Is a neurotransmitter that improves sleep and improves memory and performance
  • Anti-inflammatory

Proline

  • Helps regenerate cartilage and heal joints
  • Reduces cellulite and makes skin more supple
  • Helps repair leaky gut
  • Anti-inflammatory

Glutamine

  • Protects gut lining
  • Metabolic fuel for cells in small intestine
  • Improves metabolism and muscle-building

BONE BROTH RECIPE

Ingredients:
4 quarts of filtered water
1 whole organic/free range chicken (remember you can use any type of protein)
1 garlic clove (more/less to taste)
2 Tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 Tsp unrefined sea salt (more/less to taste )
1 bay leaf
1 small onion
Fresh  ginger (peeled)
Fresh turmeric (teaspoon dry powder can be replaced for fresh)
3 stalks organic celery

Preparation:

  1. Bake the chicken on 325 for 2 hours.
  2. Once the chicken has cooled off, remove the meat and use as you like.
  3. Place the left over bones and water into a crock pot and set the heat to HIGH.
  4. Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce the heat setting to the LOWEST setting.
  5. Add apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, turmeric, ginger, bay leaf  and celery.
  6. Allow the stock to cook for a minimum of  12 hours. A low and slow cook time is necessary to fully extract the nutrients in and around bone.
  7. Turn off the crock pot and allow the stock to cool.
  8. Strain the stock through a fine mesh metal strainer and discard bones.
  9. If you want to make chicken vegetable soup add your favorite vegetables (for added nutrient value). Continue cooking until vegetables are the consistency you like.
  10. Place the cooled stock into covered glass containers for storage in the fridge or freezer.
  11. You can also freeze the bone broth in ice-cube trays. Use the cubes anytime you want to add extra nutrients/flavor to a dish you are making.

TIPS:

  • Only use animal products that you know are organic, pasture-fed and free of antibiotics and hormones (bones can be purchased at U.S. Wellness Meats).
  • If you’re making beef broth or lamb broth, you should brown the meat before putting it into a stock pot.
  • Add a bit of apple cider vinegar to your pot to help draw the minerals from the bones.
  • When re-heating bone broth, bring it to a boil to kill any bacteria.
  • The combination of animal products and vegetables seemed to have synergistic effects, working together to be more beneficial than either alone.
  • I have found in my practice that a very small number of clients may not respond well to bone broth at first. When adding something new (whether it is a supplement, homeopathic remedy, food, or even a new personal care product) it is always a good idea to be observant for any changes. Every product, no  matter how great, organic, natural, or wonderful it is reported to be for others, is not necessarily a perfect fit for everyone! It is wise to be observant when adding anything new. If you see any behavior changes (lethargy, hyperactivity for example) or any physical symptoms (cold symptoms, stomach ache, etc.) perhaps bone broth is not a good fit for your child. Muscle testing (also known as applied kinesiology (AK)) is a good way to test for benefit and tolerance. You can learn AK yourself, and many natural health practitioners incorporate it into their practices. I incorporate AK into my client work, testing foods, supplements, remedies, and a tool to help to refine the most optimal healing strategy for each individual. If you are uncertain or see/experience symptoms when you add bone broth, you could use applied kinesiology or work with a  practitioner who does to test if bone broth is best for you or your child at this time.

Sources:

Weston A. Price Foundation

University of Nebraska Medical Center. “Chicken Soup for a Cold”  http://www.unmc.edu/publicrelations/chickensoup_newsrelease.htm (accessed 21 October  2011).

NATURAL WAYS TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES

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On March 13, 2014

In Building a Healthy Foundation, Homeopathy

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They affect just about everything in your body such as:

  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat
  • Reproduction/Sexual function
  • Mood

Here are steps you can take to balance your hormones naturally:

1. Avoid High Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fats

Avoid vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oil, margarine, shortening, or other chemically altered fats. Instead eat: coconut oil, real butter, ghee, olive oil (low temperature only or use as salad dressing) and a fish that is high in Omega-3 at least once a week.

2. Limit the Caffeine or Eliminate it from Your Diet Entirely

Cut down on the caffeine, if you can. Replace your caffeinated drink with organic herbal teas. Numi Organic’s Emperor’s Pu-Erh tea has a full-bodied taste like coffee and is delicious with cream. Caution: Pu-Erh tea contains caffeine, although not as much as other teas. However, it is full-bodied like coffee, so can be helpful when trying to break the coffee habit. Pu-erh also contains antioxidants and other substances known to protect the heart. Organic teas such as peppermint, ginger and licorice are free of caffeine and very satisfying as well.

3. Avoid Toxins

Toxins are pretty much everywhere in today’s world, but there is a lot we can do in our everyday lives to make good choices. Choose your household cleaners and personal products with care.  Hormone disrupting chemicals are found in pesticides, plastics, household chemicals, and mattresses. Birth control pills also contribute greatly to hormone imbalance in women. Make wise choices to take care of your body.

Cook in glass or enamel coated cast iron pans (avoid Teflon). As much as possible, store foods in glassware, and minimize the use of plastics. Choose organic produce and meat whenever possible. Use clean, non-toxic household cleaners, or even consider making your own (watch for a post on this topic in the near future!). Consider buying a mattress cover to keep from breathing the chemicals emitted from your mattress as this is a much less expensive option than buying an organic mattress. Another option is to buy a sleep number mattress as they are filled with air instead of chemicals.

4. Sleep

If you aren’t getting enough sleep, your hormones will not be balanced. Sleeping eight hours per night can improve hormones and is even linked to longer life, less chance of disease, and weight loss.

5. Supplement Wisely

Ideally, our diet would be balanced enough to keep our hormones at optimal levels. However, if your hormones are not in balance (with the help of a healthcare professional) you can consider trying:

  • Maca– A tuber in the radish family that is said to boost hormone production and libido. Many women notice less PMS, increased fertility, and improved skin. Men often notice increased sperm production, libido, and better sleep when taking Maca. Maca is also high in minerals and essential fatty acids, making it great for hormones.
  • Magnesium– Magnesium supports hundreds of reactions in the body and often contributes to better sleep (good for hormone balance).
  • Vitamin D– A pre-hormone is supportive of hormone function. It is best obtained from the sun. But if that is not possible, consider a D3 supplement or Fermented Cod Liver Oil. It is also possible now to procure UVB-based Vitamin D-enhancing light systems. If you have an interest in supplementing with Vitamin D, first take the time to get your blood tested to find out your current level. Taking too much Vitamin D can be toxic. There is research by the Autoimmunity Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization, indicating that excess vitamin D may actually have an immunosuppressive effect and can possibly interfere with healthy immune function and recovery.
  • Fermented Cod Liver Oil– Provides many of the necessary building blocks for hormone production including Vitamins A, D, and K. It also is a great source of Omega-3s and beneficial fats.

6. Consider Homeopathy

When toxins are removed and organs and glands are supported, the body can often rebalance its hormones effectively. Sequential homeopathy provides an effective and simple way to gently detoxify the energetic residue and toxic effects of birth control pills and other toxic exposures that contribute to hormone imbalance. Sarcodes, or remedies made from healthy glandular or tissue extract, can also be helpful to rebalance hormones and bring them their optimal vibration.

7. Exercise Lightly

If you have hormone imbalance, intense extended exercise can actually make the problem worse in the short-term. Try to walk for at least a half hour a day or do another light form of exercise like yoga or Pilates. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week.

8. Eat Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is extremely beneficial for hormone health. It provides the necessary building blocks for hormone production, can assist weight loss, reduce inflammation, and even has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Try to consume 1/4 cup of coconut oil a day.

9. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Incorporate more fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, plus raw nuts and seeds (soaked and sprouted whenever possible) into your diet. Foods such as processed carbohydrates, fried foods, soft drinks, enriched flour, processed vegetable oil and soy products may alter hormone balance. Avoid non-organic dairy products which may contain harmful bovine growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics.

10. Take Care of Your Soul

Remember to make time for yourself at least once a day. Find small ways to incorporate rest and relaxation throughout the day. Be present. Breathe. Smile and laugh. Consider learning some form of yoga or meditation. Trauma and trapped emotions can contribute to any physical symptom pattern in the body, and hormone imbalance is no exception. Symptoms are only a message from the body. When we understand the message, the symptoms can go. Energy healing sessions can bring healing to the root cause, allowing for trauma (and symptom) release.

Please stay tuned for future posts where I will discuss natural ways to support your adrenal gland (your ability to deal with stress), thyroid gland (your metabolism), and pancreas (blood sugar/maintain healthy insulin levels).

Blessings,

Jenice

DAIRY – A HIDDEN SOURCE OF GLUTEN?

By

On March 6, 2014

In Healthy Diet

Introduction:

Did you try eating a gluten-free diet without seeing significant improvement in your health? Yesterday, in my post, I spoke about one of the possible reasons for this. Removing corn from your diet is important in order to truly be “gluten-free.” Today, I want to explain another reason some people don’t see improvement in their persistent health problems simply by eliminating gluten from their diet… dairy. Removing dairy from your diet is another important step in order to truly determine if a gluten-free diet is key for your healing.

Researchers have identified that dairy proteins can affect as much as 50% of those with gluten problems.  A quote from a research study is listed below:

“Patients with celiac disease (CD) on a gluten-free diet may still have gastrointestinal symptoms. On clinical grounds cow’s milk (CM) protein sensitivity may be suspected…A mucosal inflammatory response similar to that elicited by gluten was produced by CM protein in about 50% of the patients with celiac disease. Casein, in particular, seems to be involved in this reaction.”

Source: Clin Exp Immunol. 2007 Mar;147(3):449-55.

Reasons Why Dairy Causes an Inflammatory Reaction:

  1. Processing of dairy alters the casein protein creating a molecule that resembles gluten, thus creating an inflammatory response.
  2. Cows eat large quantities of GMO corn and grain based foods.  It is likely that these grain based proteins (including gluten) make their way into the milk, thus creating an inflammatory reaction.
  3. Gluten can cause intestinal permeability.  When this happens, people often times become allergic to the foods that they consume most often.  Dairy is often a major staple used by those on a gluten-free diet and therefore, many develop an allergic response to dairy.
  4. Those with gluten induced intestinal damage tend to have a hard time breaking down the sugars and proteins in dairy.  This can cause tremendous GI distress, gas, distention, bloating, and pain.  The undigested dairy materials can rot in the gut.  This can also lead to disruption in the healthy bacterial counts of the gut.

Should You Eat Dairy Products on a Gluten Free Diet?

I would encourage a dairy free diet for at least 6 months when initially going gluten-free.  This will allow time for your digestive system to heal.

Guidelines to Follow if You are Going to Include Dairy in Your Gluten Free Diet:

  • Buy grass-fed dairy only.
  • Be sure your dairy comes from animals who are antibiotics and hormone free.
  • Buy dairy in the raw form.  If you want to pasteurize it, heat it up yourself on your stove at home.

Closing:

Remember, just because your doctor’s test did not show you have a sensitivity to gluten, there’s no guarantee that gluten is not slowing down your healing. Health is a choice we make every moment – what we choose to put in and around us, conversations we choose to listen to, things we choose to eat and drink – all impact the rate at which we heal. You have the power to choose the rate of your healing by the simple choices you make every day.

Through Applied Kinesiology, I can determine the foods most optimal for your healing – what to limit and what to avoid completely.

Source: Gluten Free Society

GLUTEN FREE DIET DIDN’T WORK FOR YOU? CONSIDER THIS…

By

On March 5, 2014

In Healthy Diet

Many times, my clients will tell me that a gluten-free diet did not improve their health in any noticeable way. However, when I ask them a few follow-up questions, I often discover what may be the reason they did not see their negative symptoms improve. One of the biggest reasons for this is that people who go on a gluten-free diet tend to begin eating large amounts of corn.

Corn is in virtually all of the pre-packaged gluten-free foods (they contain corn gluten or corn byproducts). In addition, corn is used in the production of sweeteners, shampoos, soaps, plastics, fuels, etc.  On top of that, all of our domesticated farm animals are fed staple diets of genetically modified corn. The only way to avoid eating corn in your beef is to buy grass-fed. It is easy to see why the typical American is eating an over-abundance of corn in their diet.

Since 1978, there have been a number of studies investigating whether or not corn gluten is a problem for patients with gluten sensitivity.  There are multiple studies showing that corn has a negative effect on patients with celiac disease. Here is a quote from a recent study:

“Maize is used as an alternative to wheat to elaborate foodstuffs for celiac patients in a gluten-free diet. However, some maize prolamins (zeins) contain amino acid sequences that resemble the wheat gluten immunodominant peptides… “

At this point there is ample evidence to consider corn gluten as a major contributor to gluten related illnesses. Regardless of gluten content, a diet high in corn is not conducive to good healing.  A TRUE gluten-free diet eliminates all forms of gluten – including corn gluten.

If you even remotely suspect that you may be sensitive to gluten, I urge you to give the gluten-free diet a try (including the elimination of corn). Sadly, statistics show that those with gluten sensitivity will go on to develop 7 + autoimmune diseases in their lifetime.

In my next post, I will discuss another hidden source of gluten for those attempting to follow a gluten-free diet. Stay tuned.

Blessings,

Jenice

Source: Gluten Free Society

ARE NIGHTSHADES BAD FOR YOU?

By

On February 14, 2014

In Healthy Diet

What Are Nightshades?

The nightshades are members of family of plants called Solanaceae. For example, tomatoes, potatoes (not sweet potatoes or yams), eggplant and peppers—this means all peppers including chili peppers, Habanero, cayenne pepper and paprika (not peppercorns). Other nightshades include goji berries, ashwagandha, Cape gooseberries (not normal gooseberries), ground cherries and garden huckleberries.

Who May be Especially Sensitive to Nightshades?

  • People who suffer from inflammation and joint pain
  • People sensitive to weather changes
  • People with muscle pain and tightness and morning stiffness
  • People with poor healing, arthritis, insomnia and gall bladder problems
  • People with heart burn or GERD

Why Are Some People Sensitive to Nightshades?

  • Because overconsumption of calcitriol from nightshade foods can circumvent the kidney’s control and over time lead to calcium deposits in the soft tissues such as the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, cardiovascular tissues, kidneys and skin.
  • Because of Solanine, a potent poison found in species of the nightshade family (especially potatoes and eggplant). Solanine is poisonous because it inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, resulting in increased level and duration of action of this neurotransmitter. What does this mean? It causes prolonged muscle contractions. This is why people who are sensitive to nightshades or eat a lot of them often feel stiff when they wake up in the morning or sit for extended periods. Solanine affects the gene expression of human intestinal cell linings, inhibits proteolytic enzyme activity, and destroys human liver cells.
  • Nightshades contain nicotine, which is why they can be addictive. A large body of research shows that nicotine consumption inhibits proper healing.

Are Nightshades Causing Your Medical Problems?

  • Try removing all nightshades from your diet for at least six weeks. Many people notice an improvement in their pain; sometimes it goes away completely.
  • If you avoid nightshades for six weeks, yet your pain has not decreased, do a “nightshade party day”: salsa and eggs for breakfast, tomato and eggplant for lunch, potatoes for dinner. Eat as much as you can in one day and then watch for symptoms over the next two days. Often there is a delayed onset reaction.

Bottom Line Recommendation:

  • Even if you are one of those lucky people who don’t seem to have trouble with nightshades, it’s a good idea not to overdo.
  • Avoid having nightshades with every meal. Vary your diet. Sweet potatoes, yams and parsnips are good substitutes for potatoes. You can steam cauliflower and mash it with butter and cream. As a substitute for chili pepper, use wasabi, horseradish, mustard powder, ginger, or freshly ground peppercorns. There’s no good substitute for tomatoes, so learn to use them sparingly.
  • Cooking reduces the solanine levels in potatoes somewhat, and may even help reduce other toxins. So if you are eating nightshade foods, cook them in butter or poultry fat—this is a synergistic combination because these fats provide vitamin K2. And you’ll end up eating less of the nightshade foods because when you cook in good fats, you are more quickly satisfied and end up eating less.
  • For those who are sensitive to nightshades, the best strategy is to avoid them completely for a long time, until you can completely heal.

My Thoughts:

I know, for my clients, it is especially hard for them to give up tomato sauce. Here is a link to a recipe for “tomato-less” tomato sauce. Also, there is a company that sells tomato-less tomato sauce. Their product is called Nomato.

Blessings!

Jenice

Source and Full Article: Weston A. Price Foundation

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