Inflammation - A Silent Hidden Cause of "Getting Old"

Summer is a time to be actively enjoying the out of doors, but for many, activity is painful. For those who are along in years, they attribute their pains to a “part of getting old”.  Many, not so old, require knee replacements. Yet, there are people living in remote parts of the world remaining very active and pain free in to their 90’s and 100s.
A study in New England Journal of Medicine in 2005 found that one control event is most related to cancer development - and that is CHRONIC INFLAMMATION.
Chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), and even diabetes (also an inflammatory disease) are all great risk factors for cancer. Per Gary Null PhD, three factors contributing to inflammation include: 
1. Free radicals
2. Stress related oxidation affecting mitochondria
3. Food allergies and sensitivities

Free radicals. We are exposed to these elements repeatedly through day to day living and the environment. "Free radicals, also known as oxidants, are harmful by-products of the natural cell metabolism that occurs in the human body... toxic molecules within cells that are produced naturally as the body breaks down food... form as a result of exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, pesticides, tobacco smoke, industrial chemicals/cleaners, personal care products and solar radiation."

Paleo enthusiasts....a word of caution regarding large consumption of meat. Per ConsumerHealth.org, " The carnivores, or meat eating animals have an intestinal tract three times the body length, so that the food does not stay in the body for a long time. Meat has iron, which in excess again causes free radicals in the colon. The intestinal tract in the herbivores is ten to twelve times the body length because it takes a long time for the vegetarian food to be absorbed. The human intestine is just like the herbivores, twelve times the body length. The hydrochloric acid content in the stomach is very high in meat eating animals. It is twenty times less in herbivores. If you are eating a meat diet, free radicals are being produced, carcinogens are produced, and you don't have that problem in a vegetarian diet."
Paleo diet promoters seem to bounce around quite a bit regarding the amount of meat one should consume. A friend who eats paleo because of serious health issues, tells me that true paleo promotes 80% vegetables and fruits - not a plateful of meat, an image promoted by others.  Truthfully, I am confused by the Paleo people I talk to as they seem to lack consistency. I suppose, like many, we choose to eat a certain way a great percentage of the time, but not exclusively. I have Paleo friends who do enjoy a piece of celebratory cake containing gluten now and then. 
Cooked meat produces arachidonic acid - a free radical created when foods are cooked at high temperature. Organ  meats, such as liver, are particularly high in this acid - which promotes Omega 6. Besides seared meats, other high temperature foods such as French fries, pasteurized dairy, and even deep friend fish - produce arachidonic acid.  If a person's diet is abundant in anti-oxidant rich foods, one's body should generally, be able to counter the effects of free radicals. (Generally being key, as a person with compromised immunit or already diseased will not fare as well aganst free readicals.)

Omega 6, in excess, contributes to inflammation. We NEED Omega 6, but balance is, of course, is key.  Because we, as a general population, consume processed foods laden with Omega 6, we are a very out of balance society.  We need to be on purpose with Omega 3 consumption.

Stress does what to what? We all have Mitochondria, a critical component of a healthy cell. "Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cells. They generate the energy that our cells need to do their jobs. For example, brain cells need a lot of energy to be able to communicate with each other and also to communicate with parts of the body that may be far away, to do this substances need to be transported along the cells, which needs lots of energy. Muscle fibres also need a lot of energy to help us to move, maintain our posture and lift objects."
Stress creates oxidation which in turn creates free radicals in our cells. When a cell is overpowered by free radicals, it becomes diseased, promotes tumor growth - mitochondria are depleted. Seeing that mitochondria ARE our fuel, it is very important to find ways to reduce stress. Learn to say “NO”, and find what makes you happy and do it - you not only deserve it, but your long term health may depend on it.

All three causes of inflammation are closely related as you can see. The opposite of the causes would be ANTI inflammatory.
1. Anti Oxidants (combat free radicals)
2. Happiness and joy (counters stress)
3. Whole, non-allergenic foods
The last cause of inflammation is one we have control over, if we make the choice. Most people eat what they please and it catches up with them later in life, which we have dismissed as "signs of aging". Fruits and vegetables are known for providing anti oxidants to the body.

A great tip recently heard in a training was to list 5 favorite vegetables and fruits, or whole foods - aka not from a box, bag, middle of the grocery store; and then make those 5 foods 80% of your diet for 30 days. I can assure you, if you do this, you will feel immensely better, probably will have lost some weight and experience less joint pain.
Remember, life won't change unless you make change happen. Now that you know the three causes of inflammation, and the detrimental effects it can have on the body as our earthly journey continues, are you going to continue on the same path, or do you feel a need to make some changes?
Don't be discouraged...I have been where many of you may be. Let's chat if you struggle every time and I can share tips that helped me immensely in getting my health back.

To your health,
Rita S.

The Greatest Health Food Misconception

A new cooking show, called "Eating Allergen Free" or something like that, aired on PBS Create. It is the first time I caught a glimpse of the show and I was so excited to see a cooking show addressing the issue of food allergies.
I did not catch whom the chef was...if I did, I would write him, but instead...I am steaming a bit on my blog instead.
As the chef started preparing a ALLERGEN free dish from "whole, non-processed" foods - he stressed the importance of eliminating gluten and dairy. He then proceeded to start making mashed potatoes with SOY MILK!  I was appalled, quite frankly.
The process of converting soy beans to milk is not a wholesome, healthy choice.  The heat exposure affects the beans and is just one problem of many when addressng the unhealthy properties of soy beans.  I encourage everyone to read THE WHOLE SOY STORY - a book by Dr. Kaayla Daniel.
http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Soy-Story-Americas-Favorite/dp/0967089751/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379813742&sr=1-1&keywords=soy

Per Dr. Russel Blaylock, a neurosurgeon out of New York, soybeans contain more GLUTAMATE than any other plant in the plant kingdom.  Organic soybeans are not excluded from this. Glutamates are BAD - to put it simply.  Glutamates affect brain cells, contribute to brain tumors, and as I learned in his September 2013 newsletter, play a huge role in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  All MS patients should cut glutamate (MSG is one well known ingredient) from their diet.

Thyroid disorders are considered to be reaching epidemic proportions. In my independent consultantng business, I would surmise that 1 out of 5 women I meet indicate thyroid problems on their profile card. SOYBEANS raise havoc with the thyroid hormone. Even if a person is not eating tofu or drinking soy milk...SOY is an ingredient found in nearly all processed foods in one form or another.

People with a thyroid disorder may have some outward appearances to indicate such a problem...water retention, puffiness around the eyes, or swollen looking facial features - are some tell tale signs that Dr. David Brownstein, a renown expert on thyroid disorders, discusses in hs book, "How To Overcome Thyroid Disorders".

Soy has estrogenic effects and therefore should be avoided by cancer surivor's who have had an estrogen dominant breast cancer, as well as cervical, ovarian and even prostrate cancer. It affects hormone balance.

Soy based baby formula's are banned in Europe for a reason...few of which have been cited here. Do you wonder why Europe bans soy baby formula but the U.S. has no such regulation?  Think about the agricultural soy industry in the U.S.  It comes down to the bottom line...the almighty dollar.

"But the Asians eat it and are healthy"...you might be thinking. In Asia soy is consumed more as a condiment, whereas we Americans tend to make it a substitue main dish ingredient.  Asian cultures also consume FERMENTED soy ...of which the fermentation process removes trypsin, a component of the soybean. Trypsin is found to promoteexcess cell growth, tumors in rats. (BTW - rats are used n research studies as ther metab0ilism closely resembles that of humans.)  Soy MILK is not a staple in Asia.

Should soy be avoided at all costs?  This is really up to the individual.  If thyroid is a concern, or you have MS - I would suggest avoiding soy based on all I have read. If you are healthy and eat primarily 80%  vegetables and fruit loaded with anti oxidants - your body can probably counter any ill affects from genetically modified and processed soybeans - and don't be fooled ...GMO soybeans are an American food staple.

Lots of inforamation is available to learn the tuth about soy. For your own sake, I encourage it.

To your heatlh,
Rita S.

Gynecomastia - Men and Hormone Imbalance

This evening as I sat down to hop on my laptop, the television is on and another commercial airs over drug side effects and lawsuits pending against the drug companies.  I don't recall the drug name, but the attorneys running the ad were looking for males who had been treated for Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts in boys and males. Effects of the drug included serious conditions (which seems to be the norm if you read the fine print on prescription drugs doled out on a daily basis).

My ears always perk up when any condition is an obvious result of hormone imbalance. Enlarged breasts in males screams "too much estrogen" in my mind.  Because I study hormone imbalance constantly - it is obvious to me, but may not be obvious to a doctor, or I should clarify that to say, treating the cause with a natural remedy is often not obvious, when training and education focus on prescription drugs to treat symptoms.

Interestingly, drugs prescribed for Gynecomastia are drugs prescribed for heartburn, high blood pressure and even foot fungus. That bit of information makes me scratch my head a bit...

How about looking at the cause of abnormal breast enlargement in males? Now, to be clear, this condition is not the same as fatty tissue deposits from being overweight.  Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty usually resolves without treatment within six months to two years. The condition sometimes develops between ages 10 and 12 years, and most commonly occurs between ages 13 and 14, and is uncommon for the condition to persist beyond age 17.

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you may know by now that male and females have the same hormones - of which there are a variety. It is the differences in amounts of a certain hormone that make us men or women. Balance is necessary or we can run into problems, for example, women with excess testosterone might experience hair loss on top of her head, and excess hair growth above and below the lips. 

Gynecomastia can happen when the balance shifts, with an increase in estrogen or decrease in androgens. This can occur because of expected hormonal changes during puberty or aging, or because of the use of certain drugs or herbal products.  Skin care containing lotions with estrogenic properties may contribute to breast enlargement in males - herbs to be aware of include tea tree oil, lavendar and soy, per a report in the 2007 New England Journal of Medicine. 

Note that soy in diet of males, and a host of environmental estrogens (coined as xenoestrogen by Dr. John Lee) should be considered when determing the cause. Males should avoid soy milk, soy based protein shakes, infant males should NOT be fed soy based baby formula, which is banned in England because of its tendencies to create hormonal imbalance in boys. Soy producers and promoters will argue on this point, but if several European countries have mandated a law against soy in infant formula I personally believe there is credibility.

On this topic, Body Logic write, "Breast enlargement in men often occurs after the age of 50 and is frequently associated with andropause. Andropause causes testosterone levels to drop, which leaves less of the hormone available to balance out the estrogen. Increased estrogen production and severe hyperthyroidism can also cause the gynecomastia. Enlarged male breasts are more likely to occur in overweight men due to the effects that obesity has on the body. Furthermore, weight gain is also a symptom of andropause, so it is not uncommon for a man to experience both concurrently."

After reviewing environmental causes (lotions, exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, etc) for estrogen influx in the body, removing them; and diet has been addressed in attempts to bring hormones into balance and reduce enlarged breasts in males, bHRT may be considered.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is the non-drug remedy, and to me, is the common sense approach. The Natural Progesterone Advisory Network provides a list of progesterone creams that the non-biased group has tested to be USP certified, absorbable and provides 20 mgs/dose.  Men over age 50 typically apply 5-10 mg of progesterone per dose. For men,  a USP certified progesterone cream that comes with a pre-metered pump, allows men to quickly apply without having to think too hard about the amount needed.

To your health,
Rita S.

Common Factors in Disease

What are, time and time again, three commonalities of ALL disease?  This summer I have been reading books such as, “Never Be Sick Again” by Raymond Francis, M.Sc.; excerpts from “The Cellular Healing Diet”,  “Defeat Cancer” by Connie Strasheim, and the monthly Blaylock Wellness Reports. It is repeated and reaffirmed  in all of these readings and more, over and over again ...there are three common causes of disease:

1. Nutritional Deficiency
2. Toxicity
3. Hormonal Imbalance

With a constant barrage of all three, our cells are not able to heal as they are programmed to do. The illustration above depicts inflammed cells with tumor growth. When cells lack the anti-oxidants needed to repair, are poisoned with foreign substances and chemicals to the body, and growth hormones (too much estrogen as an example) are allowed to take foothold within our body we become candidates for disease.

As Americans, we have more food available to us than any other country in the world, yet a great portion of the population overeats, but is void on nutrients. Can you understand how that makes sense? I hope so! I learned, when I began my journey to regain health and vitality, that food is one of two things...it is either ENERGY or it is POISON.

If your body is not fueled with nutrients, anti-oxidants, minerals, amino acids... etc., you are starving the cells of the energy required to restore, regenerate, revive. Lacking the proper fuel, and fueled instead with TOXINS, inflammatin and disease begins to set in. My August issue of Purely Living e-news will discuss inflammation, and contributing factors. If you would like to receive my monthly 2-3 page newsletter, along with a one page recipe that can be printed and 3 hole punched to store in a binder of healthy eating recipes. send me an email.

People are becoming more conscience about the foods they choose, however, many do not think twice about the moisturizer applied to their skin, or the shampoo or body wash used in the shower daily.  Our skin is our largest organ, and per the EPA 60% of what is applied to the surface is absorbed into the bloodstream and major organs in less than a minute. Because the skin provides a direct pipeline, mainstream cosmetics and hygiene bypass the liver, which filters out toxins on our behalf as we ingest food and medicine.

Many of these toxins also contribute to hormonal imbalances, which is my favorite topic to present to a group of people. (Contact me if you would like "Hormne Happy Hour" presented in your neck of the woods!). The next time you are shopping, whether it is for food or hygiene, Iencourage you to become “toxin savvy” and avoid products that may fuel disease. The books named above are a good start, as is the book "Toxic Beauty" by Dr. Samuel Epstein.

You can peruse the archives of this blog for more details on each of the three common causes - as I have been blogging for over three years on these topics.

To your health!
Rita S.

Avoid the DEET and Look to Nature for Bug Repellant!

If you haven’t noticed, the mosquitoes are out in droves this summer. Mainstream repellents are quite toxic not only to the skin, but to the neurological and endocrine systems as well.
Nature is a great place to look for natural ways to thwart the mosquitoes and no-see-ums, that seem to amass in clouds this year. 
Consider Limonene. What? If you have ever peeled an orange, no doubt you have “been exposed” to the organic chemical - limonene.  Scrape an orange peel and smell your fingers... limonene is a chemical released from the peel that produces a very strong citrus smell. Per NakedScientists.com “the reason that fruit, citrus in particular, make the chemical is because it’s also quite nasty for things, other  than humans, who haven’t got fingers to peel an orange.  If you try to borough through the peel of an orange, you’d have to eat the peel and the peel doesn’t taste too good.  Limonene is mildly toxic and being organic and unpleasant tasting as it is, it puts off insects...a way (fruit) tree uses in keeping its fruit in good condition."
Our family stocks up on the all natural citrus scents of AB botanical citrus aromatherapy line during the summer. The mist awakens my senses with key ingredients such as lemon peel, and essential oils from coriander and limonene.
A friend of mine, who is a new mom,  swears by that citrus aromatherapy that is pure and safe (one most know and trust the brands they choose for their family)  found in her summer arsenal of safe baby care products. Although green science botanical products are not going to provide a 10 ft. shield from bugs, and insects may still hover near human skin, my friend stated that her new baby has not been bit once despite the bugs being around in great supply.
Although natural aromatherapy lines arfe not sold or guaranteed as an insect repellant, many find they work. For my daughter, a mist alone repels. I personally prefer to double my defenses, and apply the citrus fragrant body  lotion first, on my skin, whether exposed or not as those “skeeters” have a nasty habit of biting through lightweight summer material. I then follow with the citrus mist, which also serves as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or freshener after a work out. I take the mist along to an outing to reapply as needed.
If you have been applying toxic chemicals, because you figure it is a better alternative than perhaps getting Lyme's disease, you may want to study the side effects of Deet and other harmful insect repellant ingredients. All pesticides are endocrine disruptors, and contribute to hormone imbalance with a lean towards estrogen dominance.  Consider purchasing a mosquito net. I did just that this summer!
For more on the harmful effects of sprays containing DEET check out this article, and then consider whether we might learn from nature, and the natural insect repellents of the natural world.

To your health,
Rita S.

Summertime Friend or Foe: Chlorinated Water

Most agree that swimming is good  exercise.  Swimming is therapeutic as well, and of course it’s a great way to cool of during these hot days of summer. Public pools, and for most of us, even the backyard pool, utilize chemicals to maintain and sanitize the pool water. Chlorine is most commonly used, and poses a risk to our health as well. It seems to be a Catch 22. It seems if we want to swim in water with a balanced pH, we have to subject our bodies to hazardous chemicals.

Per Dr. Joe Mercola, a well known health advocate whom authors the most popular health web site on the internet, writes: “Chlorine is a hazardous chemical when absorbed by your body or inhaled. Most public pools are overloaded with chlorine, as the well-intentioned people who maintain public pools overly shock them with chlorine to make sure bacteria and other organisms get snuffed out quickly. But even the swimming pool in your backyard could be toxic if you treat it with chlorine.”
Studies have pointed out risks to those working in and around chlorinated water, such as, swim instructors are twice as likely to suffer frequently from sinusitis or sore throat, and more than three times as likely to have chronic colds, than pool workers with less trichloramine exposure, such as waiters or receptionists. Compared to the general population, pool workers with high levels of exposure were at a 40% greater risk for tightness of the chest, and over 700% more likely to suffer breathlessness while walking. Chlorine in pools poses the risk of miscarriage and stillbirths in pregnant women, and birth defects. It can weaken the immune system, disrupt central nervous system, damage the cardiovascular system, and more, per Mercola’s article.
Swimming is a great recreation, and should be encouraged, but take some actions to reduce chlorinic overload on your body. For a number of years our family had a backyard EasySet pool.  Learning about the toxicity of chlorine, we learned that Patio Pleasures Pools and Spas in Madison offered a “green chemical” that was a more safe alternative than chlorine. Our family really enjoyed pool time not having the sting of chlorine in the eyes.
We use an AB Detox Rescue Wash (for head to toe cleaning), whic contains sea algae extracts in a sulfate-free cleanser to provide antioxidant benefits to help neutralize the toxicity of heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury  chromium and cadmium).
Research indicates that heavy metal build-up can lead to poor digestion, hormonal imbalance and depression. The unique formula lifts away impurities and environmental toxins and also provides a moisture barrier on the skin’s surface to provide a relaxed, and comfortable feel. The item number for this product is 7320.
Hair care products developed for chemically treated hair,  free of parabens, SLS and other harmful or irritating ingredients, can help combat the effects of chlorine. Learn to become your own ingredient watchdog, as shampoos and conditioners are some of the most toxic hygiene products on the market, yet we apply them on our scalp - right above our brain (now, that is a scary thought!).  If hairs get especially tangled after hours in a pool, a quality hair mask can also be of great help in repairing chemically damaged hairs after being washed, in addition to smoothinig out tangles and restoring softness.

Summer Fresh Produce Helps Avoid Processed Nasties

Summer is the perfect time to focus on healthier lifestyles. Farmer’s markets and   fresh produce abound, making it easier to   incorporate fresh and whole foods into your eating plan.

To lose weight, or for more energy, shopping around the OUTSIDE of the grocery store is the most assured way of shedding unwanted pounds.  This time of year consider shopping for produce at the markets to help sustain local farmers and growers. In today's fast paced world, that is not always possible. Here are a few ingredients to be aware of and avoid as much as possible when grocery shopping.

- High fructose corn syrup (even grain breads contain HFS)
- MSG or glutamates
- Partially hydrogenated oils (worse than trans fats)
- Aspartame, surcralose and other artificial sweeteners

HFS and MSG both not only contribute to weight gain and cravings, studies reveal these ingredients are being linked to serious disease, including cancer.

Margarine is NOT your friend.  A recommended read is "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes.

Beware of "low-fat" foods.  To make up for the taste of removing the fat, food manufacturers load these foods with artificial sweeteners, corn syrups and "ose" words. High fructose corn syrup is a GMO product (genetically modified organism). Corn and soybean crops grown in the U.S., unless organic, are GMO, and what that means for you and me is that the end result food product messes with our endocrine system, and thereby creates a hormone imbalance.

Fructose is sugar derived from fruit, and although it should be  limited in the diet, it is a healthier choice long term than an artificial sweetener. (Unless you have cancer, in which case all sugars and artificial sweeteners should be avoided as they fuel cancer cells, per Dr. Russel Blaylock, renown neurosurgeon and author of Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills.)

A note that may shock some...regular soda, is a "more healthy" choice than diet-soda; because of the artificial sweetener content. Although it is pretty much guaranteed that if a person drinks soda daily, and kicks the habit, they would easily drop at least 10 lbs. in a month's time, likely more. Remember, in this paragraph, healthy is relative. Soda is never a HEALTHY choice of refreshment. It is toxic to your body, but regular is better than diet free. Just saying...

Avoiding these nasty ingredients alone is a step in the right direction for a healthier, and
happier you. Sometimes we need to start with baby steps before we can take leaps and bounds in living a more healthful and energetic life.

To your health,
Rita S.