How to Eat Healthy While Traveling - Part Two

Healthy meals while traveling are of particular importance. Your body undergoes stress when you are traveling because you on not on your regular schedule and you are exposed to things you normally wouldn't be or your body is not accustomed to such as toxins and chemicals. Here are some tips for traveling in a car on a road trip:

• If room permits, bring a cooler or a cold pack to include as many healthy selections as possible and minimize eating out at restaurants which may likely not have the healthiest choices.
• Choose items like raw cheese, raw nuts, boiled eggs that are pasture-raised, organic, pasture-raised meats (even jerky with little to no chemicals is now available), fresh fruits and vegetables that are good for traveling (salads, broccoli, celery, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, apples, pears, oranges), Ezekiel bread, almond butter, and raw butter or an organic fruit spread are all good choices. You can even bring spreads like hummus and salsa to eat on fresh vegetables. Cut up foods into small chunks for easy eating while on the road or when stops are made.
• Make sure you include containers for eating in and on if you know what you are eating will need that sort of preparation such as bowls or small plates. Also include some cutting tools like knives and a few pieces of flatwear. If you want to clean your dishes, bring along some natural dish soap in a small container. If you use plastic, be sure to recycle.
• Bring plenty of filtered water with you, as much as your vehicle will allow. Usually, you won't know the quality of bottled water, and most are contained in plastic, which leaches into your drink.
• When you reach your destination, find local health food stores through the help of people you might be staying with, local recommendations, the Yellow Pages, or an Internet search.
• When you are eating out, avoid as much as possible sweets and simple carbohydrates, alcoholic and sugary beverages, processed foods, and anything that might otherwise be suspect. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, and healthy proteins if available.
• Always bring a good probiotic and digestive enzymes with you on a trip. These substances will greatly help reduce reactions to unknown bacteria from unfamiliar foods and other things you eat while traveling and help eliminate unwanted toxins and bacteria from your gut as well as help you absorb the foods you eat.
• Continue taking any vitamin or other supplements to help maintain your body's defense against fatigue and illness. Make sure you are taking a good quality essential fatty acid supplement as well.

Following these tips will save you money and help ensure that your health survives your traveling experiences the best way possible.

How to Eat Healthy While Traveling - Part One

Traveling can make eating and living healthy challenging. What options do travelers have for choosing healthy foods while abroad? There are some great ways to still eat healthy foods and minimize your exposure to processed foods full of toxins while you are away from home:

• If you are traveling by plane and you know you won't be afforded a substantial meal while in the air for several or more hours, you can pack certain types of foods in a cold-pack in your carry-on. Choose foods like pasture-raised eggs that you boil in advance, peel, and place in a plastic bag. Raw cheese, raw nuts, and certain organic fruits such as pears, grapes, apples, and even dried fruits are fine to consume sometimes as long as they are organic and do not contain chemicals like sulfur or preservatives. Bananas are not a good choice unless you eat them within an hour or so because they tend to soften quickly in containers and can make a big mess in your carry-on.
• If you eat them soon, you can also carry fresh organic vegetables in plastic bags in your cold pack. Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and even spring greens can be good choices. If you bring greens of any kind, try to place them away from direct placement against your cold-pack or ice pack of choice. Extremely cold exposure can cause greens to blacken and become slimy.
• Good-quality organic, pasture-raised jerky is also a good choice. You can find beef, fish, and turkey in jerky varieties now in most health food stores.
• Good-quality water is harder to come by since airlines do not permit bringing water from home. You will likely have to purchase bottled water in the terminal after you check your luggage and go through security. When you reach your destination, look for good-quality filtered water at a local health food store.

If you must eat food on the plane, avoid anything sugary or processed. While this may be difficult since airlines don't tend to provide much of anything in the way of healthy foods, saying no will benefit you in the end. You will be less tired and less short-tempered because you have provided your body with healthy food to keep going while traveling. In the airport, choose salads, cooked vegetables, and proteins as much as possible. You likely won't be lucky enough to find organic in the air terminal, but these are your best bets for health.

While traveling, always take probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes. These substances will help minimize gastro-intestinal distress and digestive issues. Also be certain to bring your regular supplements such as vitamins, essential fatty acids, and any other important tablets you take for health.

Please check back tomorrow for part two of our eating healthy while traveling series.

Vacation Time!

Agriculture Society's writer is going on vacation for two weeks to a third-world location. Posts will not be regular during this time, but will be produced as permitted. Meanwhile, please peruse our current stock of articles contained on this gadget as well as our mother site, Agriculture Society (.com). AS Tip of the Day will resume as normal before the end of June. Thank you for your continued support!

Continue to Eat Healthy with Rising Prices

Here are some tips to keep your diet as healthy as possible in an unstable economy:

• Grow as much of your own food as possible
• Pay attention to specials and sales, but do not compromise on quality. In the long run, quality is better for health than lower prices
• Go in on CSA shares with friends and neighbors
• Use coupons whenever possible
• Make up food in advance and freeze (soups, stews, casseroles)
• Take turns making meals with friends, neighbors, and relatives
• Always make a list before you shop
• Do not go to the grocery store hungry. You will end up purchasing items you don't need or won't be able to consume before spoiling
• If purchasing organic foods is difficult or not possible due to costs, look for local foods and always wash everything thoroughly (such as produce) before eating
• Avoid processed and packaged foods. Stick with whole, raw, and natural foods for optimal health and maximization of your dollar

Safe Personal Care Products

Do you use a lot of personal care products? Personal care products include skin creams, moisturizers, sunblock, makeup, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners, body scrubs, shaving creams, and other related store-bought items. If you use a lot of these products, you should consider reducing the amount used as well as becoming a conscious label-reader of ingredients. What you are putting on your body, in all likelihood, could be harmful to you and the environment - unless what you are using falls under a very small percentage of truly safe products and are used sparingly. Here are some reputable and safe choices for personal care:

• Aubrey Organics
• Dr. Hauschka
• Badger
• Dr. Bronner's
• Logona
• Miessence (ONE Group)

In general, any substance that you have to put on your body should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Even the most safe product lines do contain some hazardous substances, and at least half of the containers these products are sold in are plastic, which leaches into the product itself and is also toxic to the body as well as the environment. When possible, purchase products contained in some other type of container such as glass or metal. If you do need to use a personal care product of some type, the above referenced products are your best bets.

Good alternatives to using personal care products - as well as ideas on saving money - are as follows:

• Wash your hair less. Use a natural shampoo. Less washing will cause less oil to build up, and therefore, less washing. For information on methods to cut down on hair washing and using natural oils, herbs, and vinegar, visit this Apple Cider Benefits.
• Using toothpaste can be hazardous to your health. Peroxide and baking soda are good alternatives. Read this article for more information
• Don't use conditioner, or use less conditioner. Conditioners cause oil to build up in the hair, and using no conditioner or less conditioner will require less frequent washing of hair.
• Instead of using moisturizers or lotions, consider natural oils. A good alternative is a home-made body scrub. A body scrub can be used in the shower or bath, is an exfoliating agent and a moisturizer as the scrub contains sugar and some type of natural oil.
• Instead of using sunblock, wear long-sleeves, pants, skirts, hats, and headwraps such as scarves or bandanas. Wear safe UVA, UVB, and UVC-blocking eyewear when outdoors. Limit your time outdoors with skin and eyes exposed to direct sunlight to less than one hour daily. Most people need about 20 - 30 minutes of direct exposure to sun for optimal health daily.

For any body care issues, also consider your diet. What you eat greatly affects your skin, hair, eyes, fingernails, etc. Receiving enough essential fatty acids, minerals, hydration (water intake), and other basic nutritional requirements is of the utmost importance in maintaining these systems in the body. Make certain each day you are drinking plenty of filtered water, eating raw nuts, eating plenty of organic and naturally-sourced vegetables and fruits, eating healthy proteins such as organic, grass-fed meats, poultry, selected wild-caught fish and seafood, whole, raw dairy, and minimal grain and grain products (which can seriously upset the delicate essential fatty acid ratio in the body with too many Omega 6s and 9s). Avoid processed foods and junk items containing chemicals, sugar, and other sweetner substances.

What is Inulin?

Fiber is essential in the human diet for health. It cleans out the intestinal tract of problematic substances and toxins that can cause disease. Inulins are a great source of fiber, and are produced by a large variety of plants. These naturally-occurring polysaccahrides are used by some plants as a method to store energy. Polysaccahrides are most commonly found in roots or rhizomes. In other words, these plants do not fall in the starchy or simple carbohydrate category. This nutritional substance can be used to replace sugar, flour, or fat. As such inulins are a soluble fiber, and because it promotes friendly intestinal flora or bacteria, also a prebiotic - a substance which helps to eliminate unwanted toxins from the gut.

Good natural sources of inulin can be found in leeks, bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic, chicory root. You can also purchase inulin as a dietary supplement.

Reasons to make sure your diet includes a regular intake of inulin are as follows:

• Reduces risk of cancer because it aids the intestinal tract by helping to grow beneficial bacteria Eliminates common digestive problems such as IBS and
• Is soothing to digestive tract and can be beneficial to both diarrhea and constipation
• Can help Diabetics take control of their disease more effectively because inulin does not raise blood sugar levels'
• Supports bone health and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  

For more information about inulin, visit Body Ecology.

Lifestyle Matters

Do you live a healthy lifestyle? Do you eat enough vegetables and fruits, healthy proteins, avoid processed carbohydrates with grains, exercise regularly, take whole-food, organic supplements, get adequate sleep, and engage in stress-reducing activities? If not, your health could be in jeopardy.

"We all know that living a healthy lifestyle, eating well, being physically active and not smoking
reduces the risk of physical problems and improves overall physical health," said Kevin Stein, director of Quality of Life Research at the American Cancer Society's Behavioral Research Center and lead author of the Clinical Oncology study. "Here we have additional evidence that it not only reduces disease burden but also improves emotional health and quality of life and, moreover, the effect appears to be cumulative. The more you comply, the better your quality of life."

Making changes now can prevent problems in the future. Don't wait until you start to notice something is wrong. It is not what you do once in awhile that provides quality of life, but what you do on a daily basis. When you make a commitment to changing your lifestyle to a healthy one permanently, you provide yourself the best insurance you need for a healthy life. How you live really can mean the difference between developing degenerative health issues and a lifetime of sickness versus superior well-being and health.

Fevers and Illness

Are fevers dangerous? Actually, no. A fever is the body's response against foreign invaders that come into the body such as viruses and bacteria. When infection is present, the body manufactures additional white blood cells, known as leukocytes. The job of these cells is to fight infection by destroying bacteria and viruses. When those have been destroyed, the white blood cells remove the dead tissue. The activity level of white blood cells speeds up as they move to the site of infection to remedy the problem. This process, called, leucotaxis, is activated by the release of pyrogens which raise the body temperature above normal. Oxygen consumption and metabolic rate increases, also contributing to the increase in body temperature.

The presence of these functions indicates the healing process is working. Bacteria also need iron to survive. In response to this, the body removes iron from the blood to be stored in the liver. The number of bacteria which can multiply is then reduced.

When the body generates a fever, as a general rule, taking antibiotics or over-the-counter medications for pain or fever reduction is not a good idea. Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, a medical pediatrician agrees, "When the body temperature is elevated due to a cold and influenza it may generate a fever up to 105 degrees, but even at that level it is not a legitimate cause for alarm. More important is determining whether a fever is the result of mild infection like a common cold, or a more serious one such as meningitis, is the overall appearance, behavior, and attitude of the child." In the rare instance that a high fever might cause a seizure or convulsions, these episodes usually last no longer than five minutes and will cease without treatment. When the episode is concluded, the person with the fever will usually go to sleep. Upon waking, permanent damage does not result and the person should be fine.

George Wootan, M.D., who wrote Pediatrics: A Course for Parents, stated that the increase in body temperature has nothing to do with the severity of the illness. Body temperature will regulate itself as needed. If temperature elevates, there is a reason and its presence is necessary to fight off infection. Fevers are a powerful defense against disease and it is well-known in intelligent medical circles that fevers activate the immune system in a positive way.

Allowing the body to sustain a fever, in most cases, is not only helpful to fighting off infection but also provides the body a chance to develop natural immunity to the invader causing the illness. This supplies the body with protection for future exposure to bacteria and viruses. The best regimen to follow when you have a fever is to rest, stay adequately hydrated - drink at least eight ounces an hour, eat healthy foods, and keep warm when chills accompany the illness.

Effective, natural treatments for fevers caused by colds, bacteria, and viruses include chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathic, and naturopathic care. For more information on treating your body naturally when you have a fever, visit Doctor Yourself.

The Dangers of Fluoride

Do you drink tap water? Do you or anyone in your family use fluoride toothpaste or take fluoride treatments at the dentist? Fluoride found in some of our tap water supply and used in treatments at the dentist, particularly for children, is a toxic substance to the human body. The use of this dangerous chemical has been found ineffective toward reducing tooth decay and poses serious health risks. The following information about fluoride may change your mind about using it.

In a statement first released August 9, 2007, over 1,450 professionals urged Congress to stop water fluoridation. The Fluoride Action Network describes itself as “an international coalition seeking to broaden public awareness about the toxicity of fluoride compounds and the health impacts of current fluoride exposures.” FAN, a non-profit group releases pertinent data and checks on government policies about the use of fluoride.

The National Research Panel of the National Academies released a 500-page report in 2006 regarding the toxicology of fluoride. The report states the hazards and unknowns of long-term fluoride use, and challenges the EPA’s current safe water drinking standard for fluoride.

FAN has reported the following health issues as a result of fluoride use: increased risk of bone fractures, decreased function of thyroid, arthritic-like symptoms, lowered IQ, dental fluorosis and, possibly, osteosarcoma." People included as higher risk would be children, those with Diabetes, and those who have kidney problems. Anyone who consumes above average amounts of tap water are in danger as well.

Communicate to your legislature that you want an end to fluoridation now! Visit the Fluoride Action Network to sign the online petition.

How Chemical Exposures Affect Health

More than 70,000 synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals are in modern commercial use. Only a very small percentage of these have been examined to adequately determine levels of toxicity to humans - especially for cases of multiple exposure. However, even minimal exposure can be significant on a biological level.

Substances that are cause for concern include the following:

• Industrial chemicals including solvents (toulene, benzene, perchloroethylene, and tri-chloroethylene
• Metals (lead, mercury, cadmium)
• Pesticides
• Endocrine disruptors (dioxins, PCBs, some pesticides, alkylphenols, phthalates)
  

Places where exposure can occur:

Home
Cleaning products
Paints and varnishes
Hobby materials
Pesticides
Building materials
Home office products
Pet care products
Food
Contaminated water (ingestion, skin absorption, inhalation)
Indoor air

Work
Agriculture and food preparation (pesticides)
Electronics
Health care
Painting
Dry cleaning
Auto repair industries (solvents)
Construction
Painting
Welding
Jewelry making (metals)

Community
Schools
Hazardous waste sites (landfills, military bases)
Waste incinerators
Industrial emissions
Dry cleaners
Gas stations
Farms and greenhouses

Exposure to these chemicals can lead to infertility, cause miscarriages, cause birth defects, hormone disruption, and/or chromose damage.

For information about lead poisoning, call LeadLine at 1-800-368-5060. To learn more about companies and consumers that support poison-free living and products, become a part of the Coming Clean Campaign and visit the Organic Consumers web site. This organization is working to rid the marketplace of personal care products which are mislabeled as natural and organic but contain dangerous chemicals.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are necessary in the alimentary canal (intestinal tract) to allow the body to absorb food. Over time, processed diets of developed countries can contribute to an overall inability of the body to lose absorption of the nutrients it needs from foods. Taking digestive enzymes, along with a healthy diet, exercise, and detoxification, can aid the body in becoming healthy enough to be able to absorb these nutrients we need from the foods we eat. Lack of enzymes can cause many health problems such as allergies, candida overgrowth, and immune system disorders.

A good source for natural enzymes comes from raw foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and raw dairy from a reputable source. Foods heated to above 118 degrees lose their precious, live enzymatic content. Processed, preserved, homogenized, and pasteurized foods - which comprise a great deal of the food supply in developed countries, are the leading culprits which cause the very health issues described above.

When cooking, cook foods on the lowest heat possible. Steam and lightly sautee vegetables. When preparing certain meats that are healthy, natural, and organic such as wild game and beef, cooking the meat until it medium-well or medium rare is actually a very beneficial way to consume because the enzymes and proteins are left intact. If you eat the meat right away, you should experience no ill-effects from consuming it.

For more information about digestive enzymes, visit Healing Daily and the Enzymedica site, a leading manufacturer of superior digestive products.

Eat Raw Nuts

Are nuts one of the foods you eat every day? A good source of healthy fats comes from nuts and seeds. To reap maximium benefits of these foods, they should be eaten raw. Roasted nuts are not healthy because in order to achieve that roasted flavor, nuts are heated and their delicate fats are denatured, rendering them less absorbable by the human digestive tract. Two handfuls daily are a good rule of thumb. Eat nuts on salads, in casseroles, hot cereals, or by the handful.

Raw nuts are contain good levels of unsaturated fats, which is useful for the cardiovascular system. They contain magnesium which supports bone structure and chromium which regulates proper insulin function. Also found in nuts is zinc for growth and wound healing, and manganese which protects against free-radicals. All nuts are a good source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Like all plant foods, they are high in fiber and phytochemicals—both of which help protect against cancer and other chronic diseases.

A good place to find nuts that are less expensive is the bulk aisle of your food store. They are generally fresher and have a better flavor, too. Avoid buying nuts in containers as there is no way to tell how long they have been sitting in the store or somewhere else in storage.

Buy organic whenever possible to avoid unnecessary toxins from pesticides and other chemicals. The only instance where organic is not superior is in peanuts. Peanuts are not one of the best choices since they contain aflatoxins - a mold that tends to infest these nuts more than any other. This toxin has also been found in wheat, soy, corn, and soybeans as well. There have been various concerns raised about consuming even low levels of aflatoxins, especially with the enormous amounts of allergies people have to peanuts. For this reason, eliminating peanuts entirely from your diet is not a bad idea.

Sun Exposure and Sun Protection

Human beings need sun exposure, but how much? You need your daily sun exposure of about 20 - 30 minutes for health. The rays you receive from the sun contain Vitamin D, and natural Vitamin D is important for preventing cancers of the lung, prostate, colon as well as skin, and other diseases such as lymphoma. Skin cancer is rarely deadly, and lack of sun exposure may be actually worse for your health than too much.

How can you protect yourself from too much sun exposure? First, try to limit direct exposure on bare body parts to no more than 20 - 30 minutes daily. If you find that you must be out in the sun longer, here are some tips:

• Wear long sleeves and pants (white or light colors are good for repelling heat). In the desert, native people wear long, white or light-colored clothing to protect themselves from sun damage.
• Wear hats - especially large-brim hats to keep the sun out of your face as well as off your head.
• Wear head scarves, wraps, or turbans to protect your scalp and areas around your hair that are not on your face.
• Get out of the sun whenever you can and seek shade. Avoid the sun at mid-day hours when it is hottest and most damaging. Keep in mind that the sun is more powerful in tropical locations and higher altitudes as well. Water also reflects off water, snow, sand and concrete. Use particular care in such situations.
  
• Wear protective eye-wear that provides optimal UVA, UVB, and UVC coverage. Inquire where professional eye-wear is sold about this important protection. Generally, optometrists carry eye-wear with this type of protection. Many stores and merchants do not.
• If you must wear sunscreen, choose a reputable brand that "physically" covers and protects your skin, such as Badger (SPF 30) or California Baby (SPF 30). These products are the highest-rated sunscreen by Cosmetics Database. Most sunscreens are not healthy to use and contain toxic chemicals that can cause health problems. Learn the difference between a chemical sunscreen and a mineral or physical sunscreen - those which contain either zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Check out Cosmetics Database for a directory of top-selling sunscreens and see if the brand you use is on this list. Only 14 percent of sunscreens sold on the market effectively block UVA and UVB damaging rays and contain minimal or no toxic ingredients.
• When wearing sunscreen, keep in mind that you must apply a thick enough layer to cover your skin evenly, and provide adequate protection. Reapply often if you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time - once per hour, and particularly more so if you are in the water. Choose sunscreens with at least 15 SPF or higher.
• If you have left over sunscreen from a previous year, throw it out and purchase new.
  

Treat Your Depression Naturally!

Don't take antidepressants unless you really need them. Millions of Americans succumb to taking drugs for their mental ailments without earnestly trying other routes. Here are some great alternatives to taking pills:

• Get outside twenty minutes a day, or more if possible. Don't stay sitting in one position longer than about 30 minutes at a time before redirecting your focus to something else. If you work in an office or a cubicle, get up and walk around every so often. Get some water, or have a healthy snack. Go outside for fresh air for five or ten minutes.
• Engage in some type of exercise that gets your heart rate and breathing up 3 to 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes at at time.
• Don't smoke, take drugs, or overindulge in alcoholic beverages. Studies show that people who use these substances tend to have more depression and mental issues.
• Eat healthy foods. Don't cave in to sugary, processed junk or snacks when your body needs real, natural, organic foods with whole fats, lots of fiber, protein, and nutrients. Eat lots of vegetables, moderate amounts of fruits, and moderate amounts of whole grain (sprouted) breads. Eat grass-fed, natural meats. Eat wild-caught fish.
• Make meals regular and have small snacks inbetween.
• Drink plenty of filtered water.
• Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed by 10:30 p.m. and don't sleep later than 7 a.m.
• Seek alternative health care options for various issues you might be experiencing - among good choices are: chiropractic, acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, reflexology, massage, naturopathic care, nutritional therapy, or yoga classes.
  

Stay healthy mentally, and you'll be healthy physically as well. It's all connected!

The Importance of Buying Local

Here are some compelling reasons to buy local:

• You have a much better chance of being able to trace how your food is raised and produced. According to recent research, many outfits claiming to use "organic", "natural", "free-range", and so-called "humane" methods actually do not employ these practices and use these terms to turn a profit. Use caution, because if that is indeed the case, there is even more good reason to buy from local farmers where you can contact them and arrange to visit their premises to verify that conditions under which produce is produced and animals are living is indeed acceptable.
• Children are at an advantage when they eat local food purchased by their families because they develop a knowledge and appreciation for where food comes from - especially when you involve your children in the choosing and purchasing of the food you eat.
• Supporting your local economy feeds back into the efforts of those same merchants and farmers, and provides a climate which allows those individuals to continue bringing safe, healthy food to your family and community.
• You will help reduce your carbon footprint by using less fossil fuels. The largest usage of fossil fuels in factory farming is not transporting food or fueling machinery; it’s chemicals. As much as forty percent of energy used in the food system goes towards the production of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. "Fertilizers are synthesized from atmospheric nitrogen and natural gas, a process that takes a significant amount of energy. Producing and distributing them requires an average of 5.5 gallons of fossil fuels per acre". (Richard Manning:"The Oil We Eat: Following the Food Chain Back to Iraq", Harpers, July 23, 2004).
• Food that travels a distance picks up toxins along the way and also loses its nutritional value, the less fresh it is. Flavor also suffers, as fresh always tastes superior to frozen, canned, or even something fresh that is shipped 1500 miles in two days.

Although it is true that some foods produced in your local communities do not use practices and methods you would want to support, it makes it vastly easier to find those things out when those farmers and merchants are 30 or 40 miles from home as opposed to 1500 miles away. Be willing to do the necessary research to make certain the food you are eating and buying is healthy and sustainable. Think about it.

Digestive Health and Your Appendix

Is the appendix really a useless organ? Maybe not. In 2007, researchers at Duke University uncovered research supporting the fact that the appendix is indeed necessary. However, doctors claim that in developed countries, loss of an appendix is not a problem because if the flora from your digestive system dies it can easily be replenished by germs from other people. Considering the average health of a person from a developed country such as the United States, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you would be receiving sufficient support for the digestive system.

The world is chock-full of microorganisms, and the more beneficial bacteria in your gut, the better. Something you aren't likely to find from casual contact with other people is beneficial bacteria that will help your immune system and digestion. Furthermore, when you engage in intimate contact with others such as family members and significant others, the types of bacteria you are most likely to pick up are the kind that can cause disease and illness such as candida overgrowth.

Prevention can help avoid disease of the appendix. That prevention is a healthy lifestyle. People who have experienced appendix problems or ruptured (perforated) appendix may not have had issues had they maintained a healthy way of life up to that point.

Some ways to protect your appendix and support digestive health include the following dietary considerations:

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and moderate amounts of whole, sprouted grains. Avoid processed grain products such as crackers, bagels, cereal bars, pastas, and other similar items.
• Take a good probiotic that contains at least 9 active strains
• Drink plenty of filtered water (mineral water is a plus)
• Eat a good variety of healthy meats and poultry that are naturally sustained and fed on pasture or alfalfa, certified organic is a plus.
• Make certain you are getting enough fiber in your diet. If you aren't, supplement with a good product such as Biotics Research Colon Plus or Sonnes.

Another important component for good digestive health is proper nutritional supplementation with organic, whole-foods based vitamins and minerals to help heal a damaged immune system, as well as a detoxification program. Consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner before undertaking any cleansing activity, as you can cause further damage and waste a lot of money if you don't know exactly what to do for your own individual needs.

One of the main reasons other than a genetic predisposition to appendix trouble for a diseased appendix is poor diet and lifestyle choices. This organ typically begins to act up when the hollow portion of this finger-shaped structure becomes obstructed with various particles such as hardened stool, parasites, tumors, stones, or other foreign bodies. If you have had your appendix removed, it is of particular importance to supplement your diet each day with good quality probiotics.

Mammograms Do Not Save Lives

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among American women between the ages of 44 and 55. Here is some startling and little-known information about mammograms you may not know - mammograms can actually increase your risk of developing cancer. Mammograms are an ineffective tool for early detection of cancer for the following reasons:

• The use of radiation to create an image of breast tissue can only increase the risk of harmful exposure and heightens the risk of developing cancer.
• Mammograms are historically well-known for delivering a noticeably high rate of false-positive findings. A Swedish study of mammograms concluded that out of 60,000 women 70 percent of tumors detected by this method were in fact, not tumors. False-positive findings cause unnecessary financial as well as emotional stress on the patient, family, and friends. Mammograms also come out with at least as many false-positives. In his book, Politics of Cancer, Dr. Samuel S. Epstein reports that 1 in 4 instances of cancer is missed during mammography. The rate is even higher according to the National Cancer Institute at 40 percent among women ages 40 to 49.
• Compression of breast tissue can often lead to further development of mutated cells and cancerous conditions. As far back as 1928, warnings were issued to physicians to handle "cancerous breasts with care— for fear of accidentally disseminating cells" and spreading cancer (from D.T. Quigley, Some neglected points in the pathology of breast cancer, and treatment of breast cancer. Radiology, May 1928, pp. 338– 346). Mammography utilizes tight compression of breast tissue to complete its imaging, which can lead to the rupture of malignant cells and blood vessels near undetected cancers.

In 1978, Irwin J. D. Bross., Director of Biostatistics at Roswell Park Memorial Institute for Cancer Research remarked about the cancer screening program:

"The women should have been given the information about the hazards of radiation at the same time they were given the sales talk for mammography... Doctors were gung ho to use it on a large scale. They went right ahead and X rayed not just a few women but a quarter of a million women... A jump to the exposure of a quarter of a million persons to something which could do more harm than good was criminal and it was supported by money from the federal government and the American Cancer Society." (Excerpt from H.L. Newbold, Vitamin C Against Cancer, 1979).

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) was warned in 1974 by professor Malcolm C. Pike at the University of Southern California School of Medicine that a number of specialists had concluded that "giving a women under age 50 a mammogram on a routine basis is close to unethical." (From "XRay Mammography Background to a Decision," By Daniel Greenberg in the New
England Journal of Medicine, September 23, 1976).

Many women who have fibrous tissue or lumps deemed as benign and also are under the age of 40 - the age at which the American Cancer Society recommends annual screenings should begin - are coerced into having mammograms done repeatedly, even when no cancerous findings are located. This causes unnecessary exposure to radiation and compression. Most traditional practitioners also spend little to no time emphasizing natural treatments nor lifestyle and nutritional alternations which could largely reduce or entirely prevent carcinogenic development.

A good alternative to mammograms is a process called thermography, or "mammoscaning". Thermography is an FDA approved procedure which does not use radiation nor breast compression, and has been used in European countries for many years. Thermography does not lose effectiveness due to denseness of breast tissue, as is the frequent criticism of mammograms - thus reducing chances of false-negative results. The process uses infrared imaging sensors to detect heat changes in the body that signal the presence of cancerous findings. This process can actually detect changes that could mean a precancerous condition even earlier than mammography, allowing patient and doctor to map out lifestyle changes and provide a much higher rate of survival and prevention of further malignant development.

The technology of thermography, then, should be great news to women everywhere for education and knowledge about a frightening medical issue that can bring information soon enough to implement necessary changes to prevent a problem from occurring in the future. For more information about this exciting technology, visit the site of Dr. Rose Thomas, Naturopathic Physician.

Compare Activa with Nature's Life Probiotic

There is a lot of media hype about products containing probiotics for health. If you are wondering about the healthful benefits of products such as Activa or a similarly marketed product, wonder no more. These products are full of chemicals and pasteurized dairy, which does not help digestion as claimed by advertisements. In fact, prolonged use of products such as this one will create more problems than it will solve such as candida overgrowth, blood sugar disorders or Diabetes, as well as heart disease.

For healthy, probiotic support from a reputable product, try Nature's Life Green Apple Pro 96 Acidophilus. On this link, you can read a complete list of ingredients. This product is completely natural, contains no dairy, and also includes important enzymes for digestion from plants like papain, oat fiber, bromelain, spirulina, kelp, chlorophyll and barley grass as well as amino acids.

Here is a list of ingredients in Activa by Dannon:

Cultured grade A reduced fat milk, strawberry, fructose syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, contains less than 1% of fructose, whey protein concentrate, kosher gelatin, natural flavor, carmine (for color), sodium citrate, malic acid.

The average container of Activa contains 13 grams or higher of sugar and reduced fat milk which is unhealthy to consume because it is not a whole food. With all the other chemicals in this product, it's a wonder customers are unable to see it for what it is and have been convinced this product is actually a health food. In addition, anything with "modified food starch" should be avoided, as this substance adds nothing to the nutritional value of the food and is toxic as it comes from genetically altered corn.

In general, store bought yogurts are a health hazard and should be avoided as they are generally processed and are not whole foods. Any yogurt that you do intend to consume should be as natural as possible, and be made from organic, full-fat milk. There should be little to no added sugars, colors, or other substances in the product as those negate any health benefits you might gain from eating yogurt in the first place.

Other good natural, whole foods to obtain probiotic benefit from include the following:

• Raw, cultured organic butter from grass-fed cows
• Raw, organic milk from grass-fed cows
• Raw, organic cheese from grass-fed cows
• Miso soup with bacteria that has not been pasteurized
  

For an in-depth article about good probiotic choices, visit Agriculture Society.

Hot Lunch Away From Home

Here's a great way to keep soups, stews, and casseroles hot in your lunch box until lunchtime:

Heat a pot or kettle with water to boiling, and then pour the boiling water into a thermos - preferred types are aluminum or stainless steel. Allow the water to sit in the thermos for about 3 minutes. Replace the water with boiling food. Your food will stay hot for 2 - 3 hours. Use this method instead of a microwave at work, since microwave ovens destroy nutrients and enzymes in food.

Your Gallbladder Needs Fat

Many people at younger ages are experiencing gallbladder problems. The gallbladder is a delicate organ whose job is to concentrate and store bile from the liver, which is used to digest fats. Many practitioners tell people who are having gallstone issues to avoid high fat diets, but one of the main reasons people develop gallbladder problems in the first place is from a highly-concentrated diet of processed and fried or deep-fried foods. Real fats and proteins such as healthy meats and whole, raw dairy products do not cause these issues to arise because they are natural and necessary to the body.

There are many different things you can do to treat a diseased gallbladder without pharmaceutical intervention or surgery. If you are having gallbladder problems, see a certified nutritional therapist. Nutritional therapists are ideally qualified to help eliminate gallbladder distress without surgery and drugs. He or she will evaluate your condition and place you on a protocol to nutritionally supplement your body with substances in which it is lacking, and recommend a healthier way of eating - i.e., whole foods, natural fats, lots of purified water, and removal of alcoholic beverages and processed foods from your diet. Your practitioner will likely also recommend a type of liver/gallbladder cleanse detoxification.

Research shows living without your gallbladder can be even more detrimental to your health, and can compound your risk of developing more serious health issues such as colon cancer. At the very least, removal of the gallbladder upsets the delicate balance of your digestive system and can cause varying degrees of problems from nausea to diarrhea to lower energy levels and weight gain.

So, before you make a decision to remove your gallbladder, consult with a knowledgeable health care practitioner who is willing to treat your problem with natural remedies. For more information about dealing with your gallbladder and digestive system naturally, visit Gallbladder Attack.com.

Use Oil of Oregano

Looking for a natural and effective treatment for many ailments? Oil of Oreganol (also known as Oil or Oreganol P73) is one of the safest, most powerful natural anti-bacterial and antibiotics (NOT pharmaceutical) available.

The oregano in Oil of Oregano comes from wild Mediterranean sources and supports health in many ways, but is particularly effective for boosting the immune system. Oregano contains antioxidants which help fight the takeover of free radicals in the body. This natural oil is also a super antiseptic, killing unfriendly germs. It is also capable of extinguishing fungi, yeast, viruses, and parasites as well as bacteria. This product is very effective against many flus, colds, and other illnesses, and has been used since Biblical times for similar purposes. It can be taken topically as well as internally.

When selecting a container of Oil of Oreganol, make certain you choose a variety that is from the Mediterranean, and not derived from wild Spanish thyme (check the label), which is your assurance of high quality and guarantee that you are indeed purchasing the genuine oregano oil.

The oil is very powerful on the tongue and should be taken with water. The best method is to add 3 - 5 drops to a small glass of water and drink it down. I have personally experienced sinus headaches disappearing within minutes after taking this remedy, as well as know others who have had similar occurrences.

For additional information about this wonderous substance and how it can help you, visit VitaMaker. To learn about how this plant has been researched and clinically proven to improve health, read an incredible book by Dr. Cass Ingram called The Cure is in The Cupboard.

Omega 3s - You Need Them!

Are you getting enough Omega 3s in your diet? Most people aren't. These important, essential fatty acids are crucial in many functions in the body. You can obtain Omega 3s from foods like flaxseed and walnuts, but the best sources for these critical elements are from pasture-raised eggs, organic, raw dairy products, grass-fed meats, and deep-sea marine fish.

Especially in Western and developed nations, people consume too many Omega 6s and 9s (especially in processed grains), which contributes greatly to early onset of many diseases such as Diabetes, heart disease, premature aging, and cancer. Our bodies need Omega 3s because we don't produce them naturally like the Omega 6s and 9s. Adequate amounts of Omega 3s assist the following:

• Reduces damage to tissues
  
• Cardiovasular health
• Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
• Supports energy levels and ability to concentrate
• Provides mental clarity
• Promotes optimal cholesterol levels (LDL to HDL ratios)
• Maintains cellular integrity
• Reduces damage from free-radicals
  

The essential fatty acids DHA and EPA can only be found in fish oils. You must use extreme care in selection of these products because most are inferior and have gone rancid sitting on the shelf. Here are your best bets:

Carlson's Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil
Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oils

If you do not take fish oil, another outstanding product which provides excellent Omega 3 support is SIBU. SIBU is a liquid, life-giving supplement containing seabuckthorn berry, a highly nutritive plant grown in the Himalayan Mountains used for centuries by natives to maintain optimal health. It is purported to contain many other nutritional benefits not found in most other supplements such as Omega 7 essential fatty acids, and is a natural antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and anti-radiation therapy.

Add the important dietary sources listed above to your diet or take a good quality fish oil or SIBU and realize great health.

What About the Rice Shortage?

In the news, everyone is talking about the rice shortage. This doesn't have to be viewed as a negative occurrence. As other commodities such as wheat and corn continue to rise in price as well, there is a definite sense of panic ensuing around the globe. We've been told by environmental voices to cut down on meat consumption due to the extreme damage to the environment caused by industrial cattle farms. What can we do?

• Relax and know that consuming less wheat, corn, and rice is a good step for health. You will be consuming less carbohydrates (and many of these are processed and full of chemicals) which will reduce insulin levels and weight problems, diseases associated with those issues such as Diabetes and heart disease, and increase energy levels. Many healthy and delicious meals can be eaten without wheat, corn, and rice. Get creative! Use spices and seasonings to help enhance flavor in your food and make flavors appealing.
  
• Eat more vegetables and fruits, raw nuts, and legumes.
• Eat moderate amounts of organic, grass-fed and naturally raised meats and poultry (naturally high in Omega 3s, high in protein and low in calories). By supporting those types of agriculture, you will help minimize mass waste of resources, health, and land as with industrial and factory farming.
• Consider eating game meat and safe seafoods. These foods are higher in Omega 3s, which is vital to human health, and contain good fats, proteins, and enzymes for health.
  
• If you haven't in the past, start considering raw dairy products in your choice of foods. Raw dairy is extremely beneficial to health as it contains undisturbed, whole enzymes and probiotics which are important to digestion and the immune system.
  
• When in doubt about what to eat, always choose whole food options over anything else.
• If you aren't someone who typically prepares home-cooked meals, start cooking more foods from scratch. Learn where foods come from and educate yourself about how to create your own meals instead of relying on others to do it for you. Remember, this is a valuable survival skill.
  
• Many foods containing rice, corn, and wheat are packaged and processed foods which are full of chemicals and ultimately cost more money at the cash register. Don't rely on those types of foods to keep you healthy or make you feel satisfied; they never have been a good choice for health and they never will.

Follow these tips and you will save money and improve your health!

Eat Your Breakfast!

Do you eat breakfast in the morning? If so, is your meal effort something more substantial than coffee and a muffin? If you answered yes to the first question and yes to the second question, give yourself a gold star.

If you skip breakfast meals or don't eat much more than caffeine and carbs, here are some good reasons to change your ways:

• Eating breakfast is extremely important because it helps stabilize blood sugar levels after hours of fasting while asleep.
• Your body needs a good jump start in nutrition to rise and shine, and if you are in the habit of skipping meals, your body has nothing with which to fuel itself.
• Various health problems will result such as heart disease, obesity, metabolic disorders, blood sugar fluctuations (which cause a myriad of unpleasant symptoms), low energy, and general malaise.
• Eating something nutritionally empty such as a muffin, croissant, bagel, or toaster pop just adds simple carbohydrates and calories to your body. The caffeine will wake you up temporarily, but what will come next is jitters and inability to concentrate. A good breakfast will never do that to you. Now, how do you like them jitters with your staff meeting? How about that loan signing?
  

For a detailed article about why you should eat your breakfast everyday, visit Agriculture Society.

Organic and Conventional -- What Choices Do You Have?

Organic food is a healthy choice to make, but it generally costs more. What can you do to maximize benefits to your health but save a bit of money in the process?

Although eating organic and natural foods is always important, if you must make a choice about buying some foods organic and others not, make certain as many of those foods which are fat and protein-based such as meats, dairy, eggs, and even oils and nuts are of the organic variety. Though pesticides and other residual toxins from produce can be found on conventional fruits and vegetables, you can wash some of these substances away. Also, if you are able to purchase locally-produced fruits and vegetables, prices are normally reasonable and many local growers have joined in the effort to reduce or eliminate pesticide and chemical use on their crops and foods. If you are in doubt, call local produce merchants and ask about their growing practices.

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that are ranked by The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) from highest to lowest based on tests done for pesticides on produce collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You are better off buying organic bell and hot peppers, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, potatoes, spinach, apples, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries and strawberries.

If you must choose conventional, the following are better choices: asparagus, avocadoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, onions, okra, peas, mushrooms, radishes, sweet corn, tomatoes, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, U.S.-grown grapes, honeydew, kiwi, papaya, pineapples, plums, lemons, limes, mangoes, oranges, tangerines and watermelon.

For more information on this list, visit FoodNews.

Yoga for Pain and Health

Are you a chronic pain sufferer? If so, perhaps you have arthritis or fibromyalgia, or some other chronic pain issue stemming from an injury or congenital defect. One of the best ways to keep your body limber and reduce inflammation and pain is to participate in some type of regular low-impact movement such as yoga.

Yoga is also great for people who remain sedentary for long periods of time due to occupational necessity. As yoga is a holistic approach to health, these exercises benefit many parts and systems of the body, it would be hard to list them all here. Some of the more notable that have been positively affected by yoga, are digestive disorders (such as IBS discomfort), energy levels, bone density, stamina, and endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory-related problems (asthma). Yoga is also well-known to have a positive affect on people who have high stress, heart disease, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke.

If you are new to yoga, here are some things to consider and practice:

• If you have a health condition that might be affected by physical movement, check with a knowledgeable health care practitioner first
• Always warm up first
• Start out slowly
• Do not push yourself into a position you are unable to hold; instead gradually work up to the position over a period of days or weeks
• Learn techniques from a qualified yoga instructor
• Drink plenty of fluids

For more information about yoga, visit Health & Yoga Community.

Juicing is the Ticket

Do you eat abundant amounts of vegetables daily? Most people don't receive daily adequate amounts needed. One way to achieve this is by juicing vegetables in your own kitchen. Juicing preserves nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins while providing a good variety and amount of vegetables in one serving. Intake of vegetables in this manner allows nutrients to be absorbed into the body the most efficiently - on the cellular level, which is where nutrients are most readily taken in.

Drinking processed juices in jars, cans, and bottles is not advised because these substances are mostly pasteurized, removing vital nutrients and enzymes needed by the body, leaving no pulp and delivering a hefty dose of liquid sugar into the bloodstream. Because these products fail to contain important live enzymes for life, they are a simply a waste of money and do not provide proper nourishment.

Here are some basic tips for juicing:

• Don't use vegetables such as beets or carrots. These root vegetables contain a lot of sugar and raise insulin levels too high. Eat these vegetables raw in salads or lightly stir fry them with a main meal.
• In the beginning, do use vegetables such as celery, cucumber, and fennel. When you have become accustomed to this mixture, add leafies such as red, green, romaine, endive, escarole, and spinach. After a week or so of this combination, add cabbage and bok choy. Once you have done that for another week add in some herbs like cilantro and parsley. Finally, after one more week you can add in the most nutrient dense varieties such as kale, dandelion, mustard, and collard greens.
• Use protein such as one or two raw eggs. Also use a good quality seed for healthy fats such as pumpkin or flax. Use a coffee grinder to grind the flax seeds and use immediately after grinding.
• If you cannot use raw eggs, you may use instead a high-quality protein powder that uses whey as the base of the protein. Whey is the most complete protein and easy to digest. If you are worried about allergies (lactose intolerance), there is no cause for concern with whey protein because most issues arise from casein (an ingredient in most dairy products, and especially pasteurized varieties). Do not use soy protein because of the intensive, industrial processing that takes place to produce soy products, rendering it not a whole food. As an alternative, rice may be acceptable.
  
• Use chlorella - a potent nutrient that comes from the sea and is important for detoxification as well. One teaspoon is sufficient - check your health food store for this product and ask for something you can add to juice mixtures. Roughly 30 percent of people are unable to tolerate chlorella, so if you find that consuming it causes nausea, discontinue.
  
• If you cannot use chlorella, consider spirulina - another algae superfood from the sea. Obtain spirulina at your health food store.
  
• Use oil in your juice mixture - the best type is a high-quality, fresh cod liver oil (in winter months due to less sunshine; cod liver oil contains Vitamin D), and fish oil for summer. If you live in a primarily sunny climate year-round, it is not recommended to use cod liver oil.
  
• Add some garlic - one clove or less, depending on the individual.
  
• For flavor add ginger, lemons, cranberries, or unsweetened, fresh coconut - all of these substances render their own special health benefits to the body and are most beneficial.
  
• Be sure to purchase a high-quality juicer (but don't follow recommendations that come with juicers as they recommend using carrots and beets).
  

If you don't normally have time to make your own juice at home, BarleyMax is a good alternative from Hallelujah Acres.


Here is a link from Dr. Mercola's site which provides in-depth information about proper ways to juice depending on your individual needs, and shows which vegetables are good to use versus which ones are not as useful.

Here is another resource from Juicing for Health.

Is Your Memory Poor?

Do you find that your memory isn't what it used to be? Here are some tips for improving your ability to retain information and remember important items:

• Prioritize your life. Make lists and keep goals by accomplishing necessary tasks first and letting less important ones go to the back of your list. Cross off anything that you have already taken care of so you can have a mental focus in your brain of what you must concentrate on during the here and now. Lists are useful because when you look at your own handwriting, your eyes tell your brain to remember things that may have only been in your thoughts and this will reinforce your intentions.
  
• Drink plenty of water daily. Keep a jar nearby that you can refill and drink out of throughout the day. Avoid bottled water or using plastic bottles due to the leaching of BPH and other toxins into your drinking water.
  
• Increase consumption of high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, and replace processed grain products with moderate amounts of whole, sprouted grains.
  
• Obtain 20-30 minutes of sun daily, and expose as much skin as possible. Sun's rays provide maximum benefit when various part of the body are exposed. Avoid sunscreen. Begin sun exposure with shorter periods (10 -15 minutes) and slowly add minutes each day to keep from sunburn.
  
• Obtain moderate exercise. Begin with walking for 10 minutes and increase gradually each day until you are walking for one hour.
  
• After about 15 days, you will notice improvement in the ability to remember more things. Keep doing this for the rest of your life.
  

Take Time to Eat a Good Meal

Are you in the habit of rushing running around from place to place? Do you find that eating meals is always done on the run? Taking the time to prepare a healthful meal and sitting down and eating it is beneficial in many ways. When you eat a healthy balance of complex carbohydrates and good quality fats, you help maintain a metabolism that operates smoothly and reduces erratic cravings for unhealthy sweets and other junk foods.

When you take time to make and eat a healthy meal, you also enjoy a sense of peace and feel more satisfied from the foods you eat. Rushing and feeling stressed while eating also causes malabsorbtion of nutrients, and you are not receiving the benefit of eating healthy foods in the first place.

Here are some tips for making your meals count and having time to eat them:

• Plan shopping trips ahead of time so you are not guessing in the store and having to make additional, unnecessary trips
• Decide on some healthy recipes to make for yourself or your family, and be sure to pick up all the proper ingredients ahead of time
• Make time to cook and prepare meals
• Sit down with family, friends, or loved ones at the table at least once a day
• Don't have distractions while you are eating such as the television turned on or a cluttered table
• Don't take phone calls while you are eating
• Don't plan so many other activities in your day that you fail to have time to prepare good meals; good meals should come first, activities can always wait. If your health suffers because you have not been eating well, all other items on the agenda will suffer as well.
• Make sure you have lined up good sources for healthy foods - natural grocery and health food stores, local food sellers and farmers, or reputable merchants both local and mail-order or from the Internet
• Healthy food choices should be organic, whole, raw, and local, if possible. If you have never considered foods such as raw dairy, read this article to learn about its benefits.
  
• Share responsibility in your household with a spouse, roommate, children, or other family members for getting meals shopped for and cooked
• If you have friends or family who don't live with you, plan regular nights weekly where you have a "family" or "group" dinner where you get together and prepare and share a healthy meal
• If you have children and would like ideas about how to get your children more involved in learning about nutrition and health, read this article about nutritional wellness for families.
  

Beware of Soy

Are you an advocate for soy? If you have been regularly consuming this substance because of the overwhelming hype and information on the market advocating its health benefits, you should know that most soy available on commercial markets is dangerous to consume. Claims made about its miracle properties in curing infertility, cancer, heart disease, and a myriad of other health problems are a hoax.

"Americanized" soy is a completely different and processed version of the humble soybean from Asia. In the factory, it undergoes an alteration that virtually renders it unrecognizable from its original state. The result is Soy Protein Isolate, found in the majority of soy products on the market such as "meat" and "dairy" substitutes, many soy milks, and baby formulas.

For more information on this poisonous product that has been touted for decades as a miracle health cure-all, visit Agriculture Society for our latest article.

Counting Calories? Don't Do It!!!

Are you a calorie counter? If so, your health could be in jeopardy. People who count calories are usually not consuming the right types of foods and often develop all types of problems such as obesity and heart disease. Calories found in natural, whole foods eaten in moderation can never make you gain weight. If you are regularly eating processed, packaged foods and thinking you can get away with continuing to eat those foods because you watch your calories, think again.

Research shows that people who eat full-fat, natural foods are able to maintain correct body weight. Contrary to popular belief, eating low-fat foods do not eliminate weight gain - in fact, they contribute to the putting on of pounds. A Swedish study conducted at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute revealed that drinking full-fat milk and eating full-fat cheese led to a decrease in weight in a group of overweight women. The study took place over a ten-year period of time, and resulted in a 15 percent less weight gain from drinking milk and a 30 percent less weight gain from eating full-fat cheese.

So, stop counting calories and eat full-fat, whole foods! Your body will likely be able to shed those pounds it has been stubbornly keeping on for so long, and you will probably find you have more energy and that everything, including exercise, becomes easier and more enjoyable.

Feed Your Kids Vegetables

Do your children eat enough vegetables? Don't assume that because they're kids, they won't eat healthy food. That is the mistake I see most parents making in their choices to teach children about healthy lifestyles. Children consume inordinate amounts of sugar, and their habits translate into how they will live their lives as adults. If sugary treats and snacks are always around for children to see and want, they will always ask for these items instead of healthy food. Not only will they ask for them, but they will come to expect that everywhere they go, that' s what will be available.

I am appalled at the types of foods available for children everywhere I go - restaurants, school lunches, stores, and even places like health clubs. Health clubs are especially at fault because they are supposed to be teaching and encouraging healthy life styles. Besides bananas, I never see any whole foods offered at the snack bar at the YMCA. The vending machines are full of processed foods and "energy" drinks, which are no better than soda pop. Because I spend a lot of time at the YMCA, I regularly observe what people eat there, and believe me, it is nothing but junk. Sometimes people will bring in food from outside the YMCA such as hamburgers and french fries from Burger King or Sandwiches and chips from Subway. Even Subway is pushing the "healthy" food rhetoric to sell food, and their food is anything but healthy.

Children will only eat what is offered to them by the adults and sometimes other children in their lives, since they are unable to go and purchase their own food. If you continue to expose children to good, healthy foods and avoid the processed, packaged variety, they will eventually begin to develop a taste for real food and it will be easier for them to say "no" to bad choices as they get older and start to live life on their own without parental supervision.

Sugary "treats" and "snacks" are not just limited to ice cream, candy, cookies, desserts, popsicles, and the like. Be careful not to get in the habit of feeding your children fruit snacks, crackers, food bars (such as cereal, granola, and "protein" bars), bagels, breads, pastas, french fries, rice cakes, tortillas, soy products, and other related items. These products are not whole foods, are nutritionally bankrupt, and only offer empty calories. Your children will also be hungry sooner, and want more of the same next time food is offered. The more these types of items are offered and available, your children slowly become addicted to them.

Instead of junk from a package, box, or can, offer whole foods to your children for snacks between meal times such as raw cheese, raw nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Other good alternatives to these health hazards appeal to children as well such as soft or hard-boiled eggs, hummus dip with vegetables (make your own or purchase a whole-foods based variety at the health food store), almond butter on Ezekiel bread (for a treat, you can add a dollop of whole-fruit spread with no added sugar or artificial sweetners).

When you feed your family healthy, regular snacks and meals, you will find they stay full longer and will have fewer health issues such as allergies, weight problems, blood sugar trouble, and will have more energy and ability to focus and concentrate. Many other problems that eating junk food can cause such as digestive disorders, heart disease, and even cancer could even be eliminated by eating a primarily whole-foods diet.

For more information on the problems with school lunch menus and meals for children in restaurants, read this article on Agriculture Society.

For ideas on nutritional wellness for families, check out this article as well on Agriculture Society.

Prescription Drugs, Healing, and the Almighty Dollar

The use of prescription drugs has led us into a lot of trouble with regard to our health. According to Dr. Hyla Cass, "Nearly 50% of American adults take at least one prescription medication, and nearly 20% take three or more." Often, little consideration is given to the side-effects of medications until it is too late. News of drug recalls fill media broadcasts in alarming numbers, and doctors fail to try natural remedies or solutions as an alternative to the flood of prescriptions and surgical procedures recommended, many of which fail. As a result of the over-use of antibiotics, drug-resistant strain bacteria capable of causing death now prevail. Annual spending on drugs for medical conditions in 2004 was nearly $200 billion. Health care costs and insurance premiums continue to rise with no hope of relief in sight.

Besides the obvious damage to the economy, the condition of our health as a society continues to decline. Our dependence on drugs to solve health issues shows no sign of letting up. One of the most common side-effects of continued prescription drug use that is never mentioned the body's loss of nutrients. The body relies on nutrition as the foundation of its ability to retain health. Dr. Cass agrees, "Most medications will rob your body of essential nutrients." Because the body is compromised already when the medications are prescribed, resources in each organ and affiliate system function at lower and lower levels when medication enters the blood stream. In its weakened state, the body cannot use its most powerful resource to its full potential - the immune system - to regulate and bring health back up to its optimal state.

Why does this happen? Most doctors have limited time to devote to each individual patient in office visits. Also, doctors know very little about nutrition and how it supports overall health.
Finally, doctors receive paybacks from drug companies for using their medications, and therefore they have an interest in maintaining a relationship with pharmaceutical corporations.

In general, it is wise to avoid taking medications at all costs unless there is simply no other alternative. Just because you have a cold or sore throat should not warrant making an appointment to receive antibiotics. There are many successful ways to manage health and prevent disease. Normally the medication route is used because people desire a quick fix and they don't want to bother trying to find out what can be done to eliminate their symptoms completely, nor do they want to do the necessary work.

For more information on this subject, read "Supplement Your Prescription" by Dr. Hyla Cass. Dr. Cass explains how you can take control of your health by knowing what lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements can make you healthier without drugs, and specific information about what side-effects and nutrient depletions occur most frequently with commonly used drugs.

Here are some natural treatments used by many with success for many health disorders:

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture
chiropractic Care
nutritional therapy
naturopathic care
homeopathy

Each of these methods seeks to use the body's natural healing abilities to maintain health without surgeries or drugs. For more information on natural health, visit Agriculture Society.

The Whole Fowl and Nothing But

Nature intended us to eat our meat whole. What does that mean? When you purchase your chickens, turkeys, and other poultry, don't opt for the skinless, boneless variety unless a recipe specifically calls for it to turn out correctly. The skin contains healthy fat needed by the body, and its a good source of energy. Poultry eaten with the skin on is more digestible and absorbed by the body more efficiently. You don't have to count calories when you eat healthy, whole foods. Chicken and turkey meat is no exception.

Everywhere you look, popular health rhetoric recommends removing the skin for less fat content, but the skin actually contains vitamins and nutrients as well as the healthy fat. So removing the skin can actually be harmful to your health. Just remember, anytime a food is altered or changed from its original state designed by nature, it becomes less beneficial to consume. When you remove the components of the whole from nature's creation, what remains is simply not as healthy. Chicken with the skin is always more moist and, therefore, more delicious as well.

Dark meat has also received a bad reputation as containing saturated fat, but it is also extremely healthy to consume and is a nice change from the traditional selections of white meat. Natural, saturated fats are an important part of a complete diet. Dark meat contains more nutrients and is juicier too, adding to its delectable flavor. These pieces contain more zinc, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, Vitamins B6 and B12, amino acids, folate, selenium, phosphorus, and iron.

Try cooking your dark meat parts (like thighs and legs) in Coq au Vin , a fantastic French recipe which is a stew-like meal that is hearty as well as delicious. Many mistakenly believe French food is too rich and unhealthy, but if you use whole ingredients and don't skimp on quality, you will create a fabulous and satisfyingly healthy meal. You will then realize that the French have always known how to eat!

If your recipe does require the skin and bones to be removed, save all of it and use it for chicken stock for soup or gravy. Don't waste money by throwing away poultry parts - you can create another entire meal out of it.

Organic Farming is Good for the Planet!

Did you know organic farming helps the earth in a variety of ways? Organic farming practices help improve the fertility of soil which has suffered great amounts of depletion since the advent of industrial farming due to use of chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and other toxic materials. Organic farming protects groundwater, conserves energy, and helps to prevent erosion of topsoil which is so vital to retaining nutrients for optimal growing conditions.

When you practice organic farming methods in growing and producing and/or support organic farming through the foods you purchase, you are helping the planet on many levels. The personal health of each individual is in peril because of the amount of industrial foods we consume. Industrial farming and agricultural practices are responsible for many of our health issues today, including the E. coli bacteria, overuse of antibiotics, and bacteria that are now resistant due to those antibiotics.

For more information on organic farming practices and how they benefit us, visit The Organic Trade Association. To read more articles about helping the earth and your health naturally, visit Agriculture Society.

Replace Your Shower Curtain

Do you use a vinyl shower curtain? Vinyl shower curtains are toxic to the environment and you because they are made from petroleum. Petroleum products produce an "off-gas" chemical and as such can generate lasting toxic fumes in your home. Additionally, the heat of the water hitting it as you shower exacerbates this problem. Plastic should never be heated up for any reason as when this substance is subjected to heat it begins to degrade and toxic fumes increase as well as leaching into other surrounding substances increases.

According to The Daily Green: "One of the chemical additives, DEHP, a phthalate, is a suspected carcinogen and has been linked to hormonal disruption in humans. An EPA study found that vinyl shower curtains can elevate air toxins in your home for more than a month."

Good alternatives for vinyl or plastic shower curtains are hemp, bamboo, linen (also check out their cork bath mats as well!), and cotton. Organic fabrics are a plus and are well worth the investment in your health. These fabrics are specially chosen because they are naturally resistant to mold and mildew. When properly cared for they are sturdy and long-lasting.

Take Your Fiber

Fiber is one of the most important aspects of health. Proper fiber in your diet is critical to reducing your risk of colon cancer and many other issues such as digestive disorders like irritable bowel, candida syndrome, and leaky gut, obesity, high blood pressure, and allergies.
Here are some ideas for adding more fiber in your diets from the foods you eat:

• Eat raw fruits (also known as soluble fiber) instead of fruit juice
• Eat more vegetables in each meal, particularly raw vegetables (also known as soluble fiber)
  
• Reduce or completely eliminate the amount of processed grain products you eat - crackers, bagels, pasta, packaged breads, corn chips, potato chips, and similar processed foods
  
• Eliminate wheat products
• Add into your diet moderate amounts of real whole grains - also known as insoluble fiber - such as Ezekiel breads, hot-cooked cereals such as oatmeal, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, or amaranth

Even under the most favorable conditions, most people do not consume adequate fiber. If you would like to take good quality supplements that offer fiber, try the following:

Biotics Research Colon Plus and other related products (you must consult a licensed health care professional for these products)
Sonnes - outstanding natural products for cleansing and colon maintenance
Gastro Fiber - Standard Process brand products for health and prevention

Also, consider visiting with a knowledgeable health care practitioner to determine which fiber product is right for your individual needs, as not all products work for everyone.

In conjunction with fiber, you should also be taking a good probiotic as well to maintain immune system function and overall health. Fiber and probiotic activity work together to keep you healthy! Visit Agriculture Society for an informative article on probiotic selection and use.

Treat Your Health with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a great way to naturally take care of your health. With concerns of antibiotic abuse, allergic issues, and side effects from medications and vaccinations, a visit to the chiropractor can dramatically reduce health issues connected with these types of activities. A chiropractic visit takes into account your spine and brain's function in keeping the entire human body running. Your spine, nerves, muscles, and bones are just as important in consideration of health as your diet, digestion, exercise, sleep, and stress handling. Adjustments are completed and no drugs or surgery are necessary.

We all have slightly different physiologies and body structures. Because of this, each individual possesses a unique body situation. For instance, your brain might be having trouble sending messages to one part of your body, causing congestion in your sinuses. Someone else might have mixed messages being sent to the heart, which can cause palpitations. The brain is like a computer, constantly sending messages to all parts of your body to make it work properly. When your brain and body have trouble communicating, this is referred to as a subluxation. Subluxations can cause many different issues in the body to arise. The chiropractor helps bridge that gap of miscommunication between your body and brain. By adjusting the spine, the entire body benefits from having these pathways cleared and open to the brain so body systems can function optimally.

Chiropractic adjustments are useful to help prevent problems as well as heal existing ones caused by life stressors, poor diet, medications, and exposure to environmental toxins. In order for the body to heal properly, a holistic approach must be taken. For maximum benefit and outcome in tandem with chiropractic care, you must also address your basic health points such as a healthy diet and moderate exercise, sleep, stress relief, and detoxification.

Be aware that various chiropractors are also knowledgeable about homeopathy and high-quality nutritional supplements as well and perform muscle-testing - a reliable method to determine the specific needs of your individual body.

For more information about chiropractic care, visit Dr. Jennifer Anacker's web site.

Are Vegetarian Diets Dangerous?

Are you a vegetarian? Vegan? If so, do you feel as though you are getting an adequate supply of nutrients in your diet? Do you feel healthy? If not, here are some reasons why you may be suffering with health ailments due to dietary habits:

Strict vegetarian diets often rely too heavily on carbohydrates to provide daily intake of foods and to feel "full". Too many carbohydrates in the diet are harmful in various ways such as having a negative effect on the digestion, and in particular, the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Without adequate amounts of the right type of protein to balance out carbohydrates, the digestive organs become overworked and unhealthy. According to Nina Planck, "A vegan diet may lack vitamin B12, found only in animal foods; usable vitamins A and D, found in meat, fish, eggs and butter; and necessary minerals like calcium and zinc. When babies are deprived of all these nutrients, they will suffer from retarded growth, rickets and nerve damage."

People who restrict their diets to "vegetables and fruits only" run the risk of being deficient simply because they are unable to eat the quantities required in order to remain healthy. "It can be hard to get all the right nutrients on these diets, including calcium, magnesium, B-12, and folic acid," says Edith Hogan, dietician and spokesperson for the American Diabetic Association.

The lack of fats and proteins in diets excluding animal products are strongly connected with obesity, depression, and a variety of other modern diseases. H.L. Abrams reported in The Journal of Applied Nutrition (1980) that vegetarians living in southern India who eat low protein and fat diets with high carbohydrate levels suffer heart disease rates double those of their counterparts in the northern region of the country, and have among the shortest life spans on the planet. These inhabitants are said to have very low muscle mass, possess a weakened constitution, and their children fail to thrive.

The most healthy recommendation for dietary eating is that which includes a moderate amount of animal proteins and fats, and also includes a heavy amount of vegetables and fruits with moderate whole grain intake. Animal proteins should be organic, chemical/antibiotic/steroid/nitrate free, and pasture-raised or grass fed. Animals and birds who are bred for their meat should not consume corn, soy, or grains as a primary food source. These substances upset the delicate balance of enzymes and essential fatty acids critical to human health in the meat itself. Grass and pasture-raised meats are leaner, higher in healthy fats which promote proper function of body systems, contain more protein, and less calories.

For an informative article on the critical importance of eating grass-fed meat and meat products, visit Agriculture Society.

Protect Your Skin

To keep your skin as healthy as possible, follow these tips:

• When skin is dry, use natural oils directly from bottles (preferably contained in glass) such as coconut, apricot kernel, sweet almond oil, or even olive oil.
• Avoid using most personal care products - this includes lotions, moisturizers, etc. Many products contain chemicals and toxins that absorb directly into your skin and can cause health issues. Some good products to consider for use are Badger, Aubrey Organics, and Logona.
• Be certain you are getting adequate essential fatty acids in your diet. These essential fatty acids are essential because the body cannot produce them on its own. These substances have a positive effect on your skin, hair, eyes, and mucous membranes. Lack of proper balance in essential fatty acids in your diet can spell trouble. Good sources of essential fatty acids are from natural sources such as flax seeds and flax seed oils wild Chinook salmon, walnuts, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds. Essential fatty acids also reduce the burden of diseases such as depression, asthma, cardiovascular issues. Although it is better to absorb EFAs from foods, if you cannot obtain proper essential fatty acids in your diet, try the following supplements: SIBU, Biotics Research products (for best results, consult with a licensed health care professional), and Nordic Naturals.
• Receive adequate exposure to the sun - about 20 minutes daily.
  

Also, be certain you are listening to your body in terms of reactions from food allergies. In many cases, skin disorders such as eczema and other problems can be attributed to reactions from processed foods such as wheat, dairy, nuts, or soy. If you have been regularly eating one of these types of foods and suspect symptoms you have are tied to their consumption, elimination for two weeks up to a month is the best way to determine whether you are correct.

Getting Enough Sun?

Do you spend enough time in the sun? Studies show that both health and mood improve with just 20 minutes of exposure to the sun daily. Many people believe that the sun is unhealthy for people, but it is all about how much exposure you receive. Sunbathing can be very healthy and beneficial if you expose a good portion of your body for a short amount of time. When you go outside, if possible, uncover your face, arms, and even your legs. Lay back in the grass or in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and relax for 20 or 30 minutes. The Vitamin D from the sun's rays is necessary for keeping depression and mental issues at bay

Studies show that an increase in both cancer and Multiple Sclerosis are connected to less sun exposure. For years, so-called "experts" have warned against sun exposure, but what was never mentioned is that a moderate amount of time in the sun is actually helpful for warding off disease and illness. What has always been considered in instances of skin cancer are those who go out for hours in little clothing and expose for longer than healthy periods of time. You should always work up to being out in the sun for longer than normal time as well. At first, go out for only 10 minutes, and increase gradually as days go by.

Last but not least, using sunscreen is not a good way to avoid skin cancer and sunburn. Most products you can buy actually add to your risk of developing disease because they are full of chemicals and are absorbed directly into your body. Use care when spending too much time in the sun. If you must be out for longer periods of time, cover up with light-colored clothing, wear sunglasses and a hat or head scarf, and drink plenty of water.

Start a Home Garden

What's growing in your garden? You can grow many different things in your own backyard with a little time, patience, and sweat equity (and a bit of money for start-up costs). A great way to save on money you spend at the market on produce is to grow the same items you would buy in your own garden patch. Vegetables and fruits that you grow in your own yard can also be protected from chemicals and dangerous pesticides used on commercial grown produce.

When you grow your own plants, you can decide where to plant, how much to grow, and you can control what goes "into" the growing of the fruit or vegetable - such as quality of fertilizer or composting materials. Having your own compost heap also has great benefits for reducing garbage in your can and for your health.

Seeds are cheaper than plants, but they take a greater amount of patience and time to grow to completion. Plants cost more, but sometimes don't do well after transplantation into a new location. The key is to decide what works for your own backyard setup, time availability, and interest, and go from there. You also need to consider whether you will plant in raised beds (which require some preparation, construction, and obtaining good quality soil), in pots, or directly in the ground.

Tomatoes are easy to start as seedlings in small containers inside your home before the last frost comes. Strawberries are a hearty plant that does well in ample sunshine and spreads quickly, and are a tasty addition to a raw milk fruit smoothie. Broccoli is a fantastic tasting vegetable you can grow in open sun as well, and is great to throw in to your daily egg mixture (like omelettes or quiche) for a healthy start in the morning. Chives are a nice addition to your garden because they also produce pretty white or purple flowers, as well as being a versatile vegetable you can add to soups, salads, and sandwiches.

For those interested in having fruit trees or bushes, there are a variety of different and appropriate types for each yard, soil type, and climate to accommodate everyone's taste. Trees require a fair amount of time, knowledge, effort, and care, but can provide an enormous amount of yield for family meals and canning/jarring, and cooking efforts.

For more information on gardening, visit Backyard Gardener.

To read articles on natural and sustainable living, visit Agriculture Society.

Improve Your Dental Hygiene

Stop using mouthwashes! Dentists always tell their patients to use some type of chemical product to keep their teeth and mouth clean. But have you ever considered how dangerous many of these products are to your body?

Most over-the-counter and prescription mouth wash products destroy natural good bacteria in your mouth. Don't let the dentist fool you into thinking these products are safe. You don't need chemicals in your mouth. All you need is good hygiene habits which include daily brushing and flossing, dietary, and lifestyle changes. Just like your intestinal tract, your mouth harbors millions of good, as well as bad bacteria - and the good bacteria help keep germs in your mouth that allow plaque to grow at bay. They also help keep other mouth problems in check such as canker sores and mouth ulcers.

If you are going to use any type of mouth wash, one of the most superior products to use is from Dental Herb Company. Dental Herb Company sells the highest quality mouth and tooth cleaning products you can find - all natural, herbal support for your body that really works. In order to purchase from Dental Herb Company, you must have your dentist fax a request over to their business.

Obtaining permission from your dental care provider is quite simple, and then you can report your great results to the entire dental staff at the office where you receive oral care. Dentists who have never heard of these products will more than likely be won over by by these products when you come in for a teeth cleaning and they see the outstanding results. Clean up your dental habits and try Dental Herb Company's products today!