Purium Protein or Arbonne Protein?

Yesterday's post discussed Purity vs. Natural.  Point being, most of our plants absorb toxins from the environment, and in order to make them PURE, extractions of impurities (or gluten) may be required in a laboratory environment. IF one is diligent in purity claims, as Arbonne reports to be.

Arbonne Essentials nutrition... you can bet I have scrutinized, compared, and stayed up many nights looking at other products recommended to me for my  husband's cancer battle. Whether it be Purium, Noni Juice or whatever. Each line that is recommended to me I take seriously... I dig on the net for ingredient lists. What I find over and over - is Arbonne is a shining star.  

As far as protein supplements go, Purium is only 1% up on Arbonne for efficacy.  Purium is reported to be 99% efficacy for $99, whereas Arbonne is 98% efficacy, for $69 retail (and no one I know purchases Arbonne vegan protein at full price - since everyone can shop at a discount).  The amino acid profile score on Arbonne protein is impressive... and I have reviewed it with recommendations made of certain amino acids for muscle wasting in W. Last's book, "Overcoming Cancer".  

A newer tool in our arsenal of healthy living is the Arbonnes Greens Balance. I was impressed beyond measure with the full spectrum, power house of green super food. I call it my "liquid green oxygen"...fuel for my cells.

Last night as I listened to alternative oncologist, Dr. Thomas Lodi, speak on his action plan against cancer, he stated "Metabolic medicine - keeping you insulin in check. This is how to address all cancers."  His statement reaffirmed how very smart Arbonne protein is as a complete food. Formulated to prevent insulin spikes - Arbonne protein turned my health around four years ago.... it is alkaline, helps to restore proper pH, and is the easiest to digest form of protein available.

And then we get back to the word PURE from yesterday's post.... ZERO ppm (parts per million) of any trace toxic metal.  Arbonne is Pure. I would hope Purium is as well...but is a product at such a higher price point necessary to obtain and restore health?  

What I do know...is my husband's HCG test continues to go in the right direction...aka the number of active cancer cells are diminishing. We are on track for recovery...and I trust the protocols we have implemented, of which I am thankful Arbonne is a part.

To your renewed health,
Rita S.

Heartburn Tip - focus on Alkaline Food

DID YOU KNOW?   "It takes 20 times as much alkaline to neutralize 1 part acid. For example, you would need to drink 20 cups water (which is considered alkaline) to neutralize 1 cup of acid-forming milk, coffee, alcohol or cola." from the pH Balance Diet .
Have I mentioned how bad my heartburn used to be? Gave up milk, cut back on gluten - used Arbonne Digestion Plus (formulated with probiotics, prebiotics and ELEVEN digestive enzymes that our bodies cannot manufacture for the breakdown of specific foods) for a month straight to restablish my good gut flora, and haven't had heartburn in nearly two years.
As the daughter of a dairy farmer, it seemed wrong to give up on milk, but the improvement in my health was so great that I would put up with any flak from my family. As it turns out, my dad is reading health news as well and he had read the same thing about dairy and heartburn - so my news was not a shock.
Previously I used to wake up in the middle of the night with that burn and awful taste in the back of my throat. I now sleep really well, even if I enjoy salsa after 8 pm. (which I know I shouldn't do.)
Nor do I  have to worry about developing leaky gut syndrome from the acid-reducing meds, and we save lots of money considering the cost of OTC drugs! I was a Zantac popping fool - and the generic version wasn't cheap either!

Know that if you suspect you already have LGS you can repair your stomach lining. It doesn't require surgery - but does require a commitment to food lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of LGS:
- loose stools, chronic diarhehea
- constipation to the point of constantly requiring laxatives
- cramping every time you eat
- terrible gas

Just to name a few...  There are several good books and resources available on GI issues and disease and how you can help your body heal naturally.  One book is called "Breaking the Viscous Cycle" was written by biochemist and cell biologist Elaine Gottschall, who cured her daughters ulcerative colitis. 

Authors Steve Wright and Jordan Reasoner of the Specfic Carb Diet write, Despite what others might tell you, if you continue using drugs and eating the same foods, it's likely that your digestive disease will continue to get worse. One of the biggest myths of conventional medicine is “diet does not affect your digestion.”  Another HUGE myth is that “no natural ways exist to stop the symptoms of digestive disease” These are MYTHS that can cost your livelihood and leave you stranded on the toilet for hours a day.

These guys have been there, so check out their SCD Lifestyle site if you are struggling with digestive issues that are affecting your quality of life.  

Personally, I had to change only a few things for my nasty heartburn. Life is good. Stay tuned as I share more from the pH Balance Diet cook book.  I love their little "Did you Know" factoids.

To your health,

Rita S.

Eat! Don't Starve Yourself to Weight Loss

2013 is not that far off and I know many are already contemplating their new year's resolutions.  I am forming a team for a 30 Day Healthy Living Challenge and a number of people are already "IN". I am excited for them, and for myself. The last time I did the challenge, with my husband, we both lost 16 lbs. in 30 days.  The best thing about that for me is that I had already lost 62 lbs. - so it was not simply a shedding of water weight!
My hope here is to start blogging a bit more regularly to coach those on my team, and others, taking up the AB 30 Day Healthy Living Challenge.  I plan to offer some tidbits of information, recipes, and things that have worked for me.  I have been where many of you may currently find yourself. I was 100 lbs. overweight, but I made up my mind that I would not continue on my unhealthy journey less I put our kids through the burden of providing nursing home care for me - which can put many families in financial straits. I see that often in my day job.
For those that have been following my blog, you already know that my journey to health shed 85 lbs off - my journey started fall of 2010 and I have maintained since April 2011.  However, I could stand to lose another 15 and go down one more size - that is my goal with the 30 Day Challenge and I plan to kick it up a notch this time around by incorporating a probiotic/prebiotic into my vegan and alkaline based protein shake each morning.  See yesterday's post for more on that, but I read that healthy gut flora is critical for successful weight loss.
Oh - and I will probably kick it up by doing some sort of exercise.  Yes... you heard right. My friends know I don't like to sweat. Reason is...if I were to work out in the eve I would have to actually refrain from going out and meeting people afterwards.  I am up too late to work out in the morning. I think an earlier bed time will be  part of my challenge to fit in exercise.
Planning ahead is key to any successful weight loss journey. Think about it...you get a craving, or your stomach gives the hungry symbol...or maybe your are simply bored and want to eat ...your kitchen will either be your friend or foe.
If you are planning to gain more energy or lose weight in the new year, which is not that far off - start assessing your kitchen food  sources NOW.  What's in the pantry - processed foods with additives? Did you know that many additives, such as the myriad of glutamates, artificial sweeteners and such - actually trigger your brain to crave more food?  Diet soda is actually formulated to make you hungry. The  more hungry you are, the more you eat. The more you eat, the more weight you gain. The more weight you gain, presumably all the more diet soda you will buy!!  Contrary to what you think... food manufacturers are not all about YOU, they are all about their bottom line.
I love the insight from one of my holistic sources:

"A healthy diet does not mean a starvation diet. Hunger is a natural signal from your body telling you to eat. Don’t ignore it, eat when you are hungry. However, the key is to differentiate hunger from “habit eating” and to be selective about the foods, and quantity, you choose. Eating regular, nutritious meals that leave you full and satisfied will help you stick to your plan and reach your weight loss goals. Skipping meals will slow down your metabolism and cause you to overcompensate with a larger meal later on. When it’s time for a snack, avoid processed foods. Raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, are filling and nutritious. Permanent weight loss happens when you have a healthy eating plan and stay in control of what you put in your mouth."

Source

 The 30 Day Healthy Living Challenge is all about EATING food. Meals every 4-6 hours so that you do not feel compelled to snack, because you are not hungry. Having the right foods on hand is crucial to avoid temptation. We will not be counting calories, but we will be focusing on a greater ratio of alkaline based foods.  My team is growing but there is still time for you to join in if you desire to live more healthily in 2013!

To your health, 
Rita S

Probiotics Important for Weight Loss

What if we could lose weight simply by taking the right probiotics?  In the August 2012 issue of the Blaylock Wellness Report reveals how the wrong gut bacteria contributes to obesity, especially visceral fat around the middle, which is the most dangerous type of fat to have. For readers of Purely Living, you are now familiar with Dr. Russell Blaylock, a neurosurgeon who left his practice to study nutrition to learn why he was seeing a significant increase of children with cancer in his practice, brain tumors in particular.
Blaylock's August report has recently been backed up by a Chinese study affirming Blaylock's findings. In short, certain types of bad gut bacteria trigger fat.  People who consume diets high in fat and carbs should be particularly concerned.  Such bacteria leave the colon and enter into the bloodstream, where the bacteria deposits into the fat cells, especially inside the abdomen, and triggers a state of inflammation. When this happens it contributes to metabolism abnormalties. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, both derived from metabolism abnormalties, are significant players in gross obesity.
Eating Greek-style yogurt does contain good gut bacteria, but for two reasons that I can think of, it is not the best answer to the situation.  First, a serving of yogurt a day cannot provide the amount of probiotics necessary to turn your gut health around. It is important to supplement in addition to.  Secondly, and perhaps most important in my opinion, is that yogurt, being a dairy product - is in itself an inflammatory food. (Oh, and I should not forget to mention that it is also acidic based - but as we are discussing weight loss today, and not cancer prevention. I won't go into it, but for me personally, that is important as well.) Many are led to falsely believe that eating Greek-style yogurt will resolve all their good vs. bad gut flora issues. Marketing is a powerful thing.
Once good gut bacteria is established, drinking green and white tea also helps keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy. In addition, Blaylock writes that drinking green tea can aid in weight loss.
Blaylock states it is very important to avoid high fat diets, Omega 6, in particular, as well as MSG and other glutamates.Other food products, such as the flavonoids curcumin and quercetin, also protect good bacteria. 


For the 2013 Healthy Living Challenge I will be doing a few things differently this time around. 
First, I will be consuming a packet of Digestion Plus probiotics/prebiotics EVERY DAY in my vegan, alkaline based pea/brown rice/cranberry protein shake as I start out my morning.
Secondly, I will have a cup of Arbonne decaffenated detox tea each evening. This will help curb my desire to snack after 7 p.m., AND provide benefits that aid in weight loss.  Previously I have followed the 30 day Feeling Fit program, but did not incorporate these products daily.  I look forward to seeing the results I will experience in the 30 days and compare them to my 16 lb. weight loss in February of 2012.
As you consider your grocery list for healthy weight loss in 2013 - I encourage you to consider adding these products to your regimen for optimal results.

To your health,
Rita S.

Color Your Plate!! Forget the FDA Food Plate...

It's summertime! With farmer's markets, home gardens and roadside produce stands there is no better time to start incorporating a healthy eating plan. When the FDA released it's newer, modern food plate in 2011 I was actually shocked by the proportions shown on the plate. This is NOT how we teach our own children to eat.

The FDA plate contains, in a nutshell, too many grains. Most households will throw a slice of bread or pasta in that "section" of the plate thinking it is all good for their children and themselves. When in fact, the "grain" being incorporated into the typical American diet is, in all liklihood, sourced from processed refined flours vs. whole grain products that are comprised of 4-5 ingredients. What this means in easy to understand terms - is that these types of grains are classified as SIMPLE CARBS. Now, don't get me wrong - we need carbohydrates for our bodies to function - but we need COMPLEX carbs.

What's wrong with simple carbs, products made from processed and refined flours, hydrogenated oils, etc. you ask? Basically, these foods are major contributors to Type II Diabetes, high cholesterol, hardening of the arties and blockage, heart disease and more.  (Dr. Russel Blaylock, Blaylock Wellness Report Newsletters) Because simple carbs are processed the same as table sugar in our bodies (Dr. John Lee "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer") it promotes and fuels cancer cell growth. There are  many reasons to reduce simple carbs in one's overall diet. Another one is its contributory factors to auto immune diseases, gluten in particular. Once a family staple in our household, I would guess we have not served pasta in our home for at least 18 months. Once fooled by the "whole grain" varieties, label reading helped me realize that those, as well, are made with processed, refined flours.

That's not to say we go completely without.  Sundays are set aside as a day to enjoy a bakery item - such as a muffin or pastry, made with refined flour, sugar and omega-6 oils (I am reading a lot right now on Omega 6 and Omega 3 oils and surely will share more about that in a future post.) Eating clean 90% of the time allows us to deviate and maintain our weight losses, and continue to keep us free of Rx and OTC drugs.

There is a lot more I could go into regarding the FDA's attempt at create a balanced food plate diagram. Even though it is posted in our children's classrooms, we let our kids know that it does not mean it is accurate in portraying a healthy eating lifestyle.

There is no better time than the summer season to cover 1/2 to 2/3 of your plate in non-starchy vegetables, which contain good carbs. Greens and vegetables are GOOD FUEL for your body and give it the energy it needs. These foods are alkaline based, and when consumed in a ratio that is greater than acidic foods (such as dairy and meat food groups) it will help you lead a life in which you will feel better, look better, enjoy increased clarity of mind and energy.

Below is a sample of a Heatlhy Living Dinner Plate I created after listening to Dr. Molly Geil give a talk on a 30 Day Detoxification/Feeling Fit program. I created this mostly to post on our refrigerator to keep us accountable for food serving proportions, along with ideas for each section in order to assist my husband who is home first weekdays, and typically puts our dinner together. There is an entire booklet available for anyone who does wish to detox or eliminate foods they may be allergic or sensitive to in order to determine what is causing their aches, low energy, weight gain, etc.  The page goes into a detox plan a bit as well, but primarily - the idea was to provide a healthy living food diagram. Our family has incorporated much of the information in this booklet into our day to day living, and the page below simply makes a great "cheat sheet".

Currently, if your plate is all protein, then by all means - start with the FDA plate to steer you in the right direction. However, if you experience any of the simple carb related ailments then I would encourage you to shift gears and color your plate - there is no better time to start than when fresh produce is readily available!

To your health,

Rita S.

Irony of Endorsements

Marketing is everything. Here in the U.S. - we have put our trust into American icons, such as the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association - believing that our best interest is truly "at heart".
Yet both Dr. Russel Blaylock and Dr. Chris Kressler, and others, divulge in their publications the irony that both organizations put their seal of approval on food products that contribute to both heart disease and diabetes. Have we as Americans bought into this? You bet we do!
For years I thought eating Cheerios was a smart choice - because the heart association said it helps lower cholesterol? Really?  Refined processed flours, simple carbs - contribute more to high cholesterol numbers than a fat, juicy steak!
It boils down to glucose and insulin - simple carbs are treated like table sugar in our body (I learned this from Dr. John Lee in hish book, "What your doctor may not tell you about breast cancer".) To learn more about insulin resistance visit http://insulinresistanceguide.com
I won't get too technical here, but we all know what too much sugar does to our body, right? Well, if simple carbs from refined, processed flours are treated just as table sugar ....big revelation, don't you think? Well, it was for me and this realization is what made me turn my lifestyle around.
The number one food toxin, per Dr Kressler, is cereal grains - especially that made with refined flours. Which is pretty much ALL! In minute amounts its not going to cause sickness and disease, but we as a population eat a greater percentage of cereal grains than all other foods. Kresser titles "Cereal grains - the unhealthiest "health food" on the planet". Wheat, corn, rice, barley, sorghum, oats, eye and millet have become staples in our diet. They have also become, as he puts it, "poster children" of the low fat, high carbohydrate diet promoted by organizations like the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. Grains with gluten are the worst as it damages the intestine and makes it leaky - per Kressler. Blaylock concurs in his newsletters as well.
Leaky guts cause things to enter the bloodstream that should not, to put it simply, including undigested gluten proteins. This causes an immune system response that can lead to auto immune disease, allergies and more.
Interesting, don't you think? This certainly helps explain why so many adults develop allergies, Celiac's disease and more. Researchers now believe that one of the major predisposing factors for conditions like obesity, diabetes and even heart disease.
Does this mean give up grains forever? No, not necessarily - I guess that depends on your health and symptoms. For myself, my health turned around when I gave up cereal grains (other than organic quinoa and brown rice) 50%, then 75%, working up to 90% - not missing the breads and such much at all. I have "indulgent days" - such as Friday morning with my daughter at the local coffeehouse and I enjoy a  bakery treat, or maybe a pastry with my family on Sunday after worship.
The real message today - don't believe everything you see on labels at the grocery store. The job of the manufactuer is to MAKE YOU WANT to buy it. What about trusting the AHA and ADA? Food for thought...if we did not eat the same foods they promote, we might put them out of business. The head haunch of the American Cancer Society makes multiple millions a year, no doubt the counterparts in these other organizations do as well.
The bottom line is money, the bottom line is not conceren for our well being, although we trust these endorsements because marketing is such a driving force in our world.
All that I continue to learn certainly has made me take a good look at my charitable giving these past two years. The veil has been lifted and the curtain torn in two, as far as I am concerned.

To your health,
Rita S.

What's In Your Health Drink?

In a few days I will be sharing a talk on taking care of your liver - or more importantly, loving on your liver. We each only have one. The liver is the body's filtering system. Just as you would not let your furnace filter get totally clogged, nor would you want the city water treatment plant to not be operating to par - we need to ensure the filtering system that God created for our bodies - the LIVER, is loved on and not taxed, which leads to disease and illness.
Come to learn more on Sunday at Crossroads Coffeehouse from 3-5 pm as we kick of a community group - Vitality 2012.

Today is a couple thoughts about beverages...now, I am referring to health drinks. Not soda, and not even energy drinks, as both are the opposite of health drinks.
This is a complete cut and paste, and wish I could remember from whom I found this - but I do believe it was Dr. Mercola's web site although I JUST downloaded 4 Myths- Sick, Tired, Fat by Dr. Kresser (another web site I just subscribed to) and he reiterates the same thing.
------------------------------
4 health drinks to avoid

Here are 4 of the top so-called "healthy" offenders:
NUMBER 1: 100% "Natural" fruit juice
Surprised?
Ok. Yes. Fruit juice is a better choice than drinking fake high-fructose corn syrup juice … but … it's still a truck-load of calories per ounce of liquid.
On top of that, it has almost all of the blood sugar regulating fiber stripped out of the fruit—this means the natural fruit sugars will trigger insulin surges and send your blood sugar soaring into the diabetic range!
NOT what you want at all.
This is a BIG one because most parents think fruit juice is a "healthy" choice for their children … but … the science shows it's definitely not.
In a study* of 4 to 12 year old children researchers from Deakin University found children who drank more than two glasses (500ml) of fruit juice/drinks per day were more likely to be overweight or obese.
"These odds increased as the amounts of fruit juice/drink consumed increased," Dr Sanigorski said. "Children who drank more than three glasses of soft drink (three quarters of a litre/750ml) or 4 glasses of fruit juice/drinks (1 litre) on the day in question were more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese compared with children who did not drink these drinks."
So the best thing to do is keep fruit juices far out of the hands of our children.
But it's not just the kids who fall prey to these health wrecking Trojan horses—adults fall for it too!
In fact, one particular juice is extremely dangerous for ANY man to consume …
Can you guess what it is?
100% Pure Orange Juice.
Why?
Orange Juice is rich in IRON … which is potentially toxic if your blood levels become too high.
The reason men have to worry about consuming too much orange juice (as little as two big glasses each day) is because we men don't menstruate each month … … And that means we lack an efficient method of clearing excess iron from our blood each month.
Yes.
The "healthy" glass of orange juice you're having at breakfast not only spikes your insulin levels into diabetic ranges (which … along with your energy … will come plummeting down later in the morning) …
… But if you're a man it can also be loading your body with a potentially dangerous heavy metal.
Not good.
So with all this in mind …
It's a much better idea to EAT fruit the way nature intended, with all of the fiber intact, and use a whole foods base multi-vitamin/antioxidant supplement to get enough of the super-nutrients contained in fruit juice.
Let's move onward …

NUMBER 2: Soy Milk
This used to be an often recommended "healthy" alternative to milk …
The truth is:
Most soy products these days are heavily processed with little nutrient density… and … this includes most soy milk you see at the grocery store.
Without question, most soy milk has become too sugary and is controlled by the same food and beverage giants that are still manufacturing and marketing other products that promote degenerative disease.
What's more: high levels of soy consumption have been linked with un-naturally high levels of estrogen production in both men and women …
For men this is death to your sex drive, decreased sperm production and could cause problems such as gynecomastia (abnormal enlargement of men's breasts) …
… For women, even though estrogen is considered a "female sex hormone" … like most anything … too much of it is also bad.
Estrogen dominance has been linked to thyroid disruption, a host of autoimmune diseases and some research questions the connection to hormone sensitive cancers such as breast cancer.
Your best bet? Just avoid it.
And whatever you do, if you are raising a small child, do not feed your child soy-based breast milk replacement products …
… Hopefully, the potential dangers of this commonly accepted practice are evident now.
That said, not all soy is bad …
The only soy based food I have found that is in it's fairly natural state is edamame (green vegetable soypods found at most high-end Japanese restaurants).
Keep in mind I still eat it VERY rarely if I'm dining out or added to a healthy stir fry using walnut, macadamia nut or grapeseed oil.
Speaking of dining out … here's one to REALLY avoid …

NUMBER 3: Crappuccinos
Ok, I mean Cappuccino, but I'm really referring to those high priced gourmet coffee drinks.
While black coffee can help you burn fat because the caffeine content gives your metabolism a slight boost, these tempting coffee calorie hogs can hide up to 1,000 calories!
In one drink!
YES … you are correct … that's insane!
Still craving one of these gourmet coffee drinks?
You can make your own fat-burning version pretty easily:
You'll start by spooning sugar-free, nonfat vanilla yogurt in an ice cube tray and freezing it into cubes overnight.
Then you'll add them to a blender with a splash of organic fat-free milk, a teaspoon of instant coffee crystals, and a scoop of natural vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder.
Lastly, just sprinkle on some cinnamon to add a little fat-burning kick. If you want to cut down on the caffeine, just use decaffeinated instant coffee instead.
This will taste so good that you'll swear it isn't good for you, but it definitely is … and … it's much lower calories than those commercial brands!
Plus, the added protein will give your metabolism a good nudge and help to power your muscles throughout the day.
And last but not least, here is …

NUMBER 4: Zero Calorie Flavored Waters
The good news is these are 0 calories.
That's where the good news stops though …
… most of these still use questionable artificial sweeteners which have been shown to inhibit fat burning, increase appetite, and block the absorption of nutrients into your body in a variety of studies.
Don't be too bummed out though…
A couple of 0 cal flavored drinks use the all-natural stevia plant as a sweetener, include Zevia (a stevia based soft drink), and the 0 cal varieties of Sobe Lifewater for example.
So your best bet?
If you need a little more taste than water every once in a while—look for one of the brands I just mentioned …
… Or … you could always squeeze some lemon in water and maybe add a natural sweetener like stevia to satisfy your taste buds.
So now that you know some top diet drink disasters to avoid … and … you know a few good alternatives to popular "health" drinks.
----------------
I hope you found that information helpful. Today, for the first time ever I drank more than half my body weight in ounces! I drank a 32 oz bottle of body cleansing solution mixed with water and was done by 10 am! I then managed two more 32 oz bottles during the day. At bible study I drank a large mug of detox tea, and two protein shakes. I should be floating!

I do feel more skinny and my pants are loose - celebrating my little moment in the spotlight as the top person in a privage Biggest Loser challene I am a part of.

to your health!
Rita S.

Healthy New Year - Part 2

Optimal Nutrition for Fat Loss
Excerpted from an e-blast by Dr. Mercola...
It is important to understand that 80 percent of your ability to reduce excess body fat is determined by what you eat, with the other 20 percent related to exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits.
The greatest pitfall of the American diet that prevents untold millions from reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is excess fructose consumption. It's the number one source of calories in the US, and this ingredient, primarily in the form of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), hides in so many processed foods and beverages, it can be near impossible to avoid unless you alter your shopping and cooking habits. By avoiding processed foods in general, and focusing instead on whole, preferably locally-grown organic foods, you can plow your way through one of the greatest dietary obstacles there is today.
Next, you'll want to pay close attention to your consumption of grains (including organic ones) as they too readily break down into sugar, and promote insulin resistance and retention of body fat.
Following is a quick summary of Mercola's basic recommendations, which pretty much looks like the 30 day detox program I plan to start on January 1st:
· Limit your fructose to less than 25 grams per day. Ideally, you'll also want to limit the amount of fructose from fruit to 15 grams per day, as you're likely consuming 'hidden' fructose if you eat even small amounts of processed foods or sweetened beverages
· Limit or eliminate all processed foods
· Eliminate all gluten, and highly allergenic foods from your diet
· Eat organic foods whenever possible, preferably locally-grown
· Eat at least one-third of your food uncooked (raw), or as much as you can manage
· Increase the amount of fresh vegetables in your diet
· Avoid artificial sweeteners of all kinds
· Swap all trans fats (vegetable oils, margarine etc.) for healthful fats like raw grass-fed organic butter or coconut oil
· To re-balance your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, take a high-quality omega-3 supplement, such as krill oil, and reduce your consumption of processed omega-6 fats from vegetable oils (trans fats) (I use a very high quality vegan Omega 3 supplement that utilizes flax and chia seed oils)
· Drink plenty of pure water
· Optimize your vitamin D levels, either through appropriate sun exposure, a safe tanning bed (I don't agree with tanning beds), or a vitamin D3 supplement (if you are vegan and wish for a vegan D supplement, the source will have to vitamin D2, which, when formulated correctly is very absorbable, such as the calcium/D supplementation I take. Quality of vitamin supplementation is especially key in Vitamin D)

I hope you find this list helpful. It has very much become my mantra in in enjoying a healthier lifestyle. I didn't follow the plan of a renowned, or not so well known doctor, a highly publicized fad diet such as Atkins or South Beach, but in general...absorbed information from various health newsletters and utilized my new knowledge, common sense, and scriptural references to foods we should eat...and the result was a much healthier me!

To your health,
Rita

Healthy New Year Tips - Part 1

Beginning January 1 myself and a number of others are going to be participating in the Million Pound Challenge. Losing pounds, or commiting to exercise, we can help stock the local food pantries. It's a win win!
Over the past 18 mo. I have read much and have shared much. Dr. Mercola found this list of tips in a yahoo compilation, which he is advocates, and I can affirm I have read in a number of sources. I thought I would share this summarized list of tips here, should you have a new year's resolution of living a healthier lifestyle.
1. Eat at the magic hour: Have a snack that contains protein between 3 PM and 4 PM. It will boost your metabolism and balance your blood sugar.
2. Beef up on a belly-zapping hormone: Eat as close to zero grams of sugar as possible. This will keep your insulin levels low, and also keep your glucagon levels high. Glucagon, a hormone, helps keep your belly flat
3. Chew on this: Chewing prevents bloating. Chew food until it is like applesauce in your mouth. (Seriously, do we EVER do this? But it is important!) Digestion begins in the mouth, and better-digested food means less gas and bloating.
4. Size matters: Eating portion-controlled meals will reduce your abdominal flab.

Building muscle, losing fat, and improving overall health is dependent on one very important hormone -- insulin. The website Bodybuilding.com offers 6 tips to get your insulin sensitivity high and keep it there. Here are three of them:
1. Tighten the reins on refined carbs: One of the primary reasons people develop diabetes is their overconsumption of refined carbs and sugars, which causes their pancreas to continually pump out more and more insulin.
2. Have some healthy fats: Another way to increase your insulin sensitivity is by optimizing the rate at which your body processes carbohydrates by eating plenty of healthy fats.
3. Stay active all day: Most people hit the gym regularly, but they succumb to long periods of inactivity during the rest of their day. This is asking for trouble. (My one thought on how we can somewhat address this problem is to try and take a 20 min. walk during lunch time. Even in the winter, have hiking boots and wool socks along, a parka in real cold temps, and walk briskly in brisk temperatures. I did this last winter, making sure I had the sun shining on my face when it actually shone, and it gave me energy through the afternoon.)
The above tips nicely review and summarize blog posts I have made throughout the year - if you seek more detail on these tips you can search for key words or find the topic in the topic cloud tag.
If you are a local reader, I invite you to join me in my home on Thursday, Dec. 29th at 6:45 pm or Saturday morning, Dec. 31, at 10:45 for a "New Year New You" class. In this class I will be sharing my own journey to weight loss, as well as samples of several Essentials foods that were a part of my health journey toolbox.
To your health,
Rita

Colon Cancer Prevention - Part 2

Yesterday I started a post about colon cancer, and included what studies have found to be causes of the “silent killer”. It is the second most deadly cancer, and my goal today is to help give you ideas on how you might prevent colon cancer through some lifestyle changes. We never appreciate our health until it is gone, so take the information below to heart, and put some thought and reflection into your current lifestyle – are you living to live well?

I utilized a number of sources in pulling together these suggestions – some of it may be old news, some may be new. Here’s to regularity:
1. Fiber Intake  It’s no secret that the American diet lacks fiber. How many of us consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, as recommended? One serving equals one cup of fresh fruit, or a tennis ball sized piece of fresh fruit, or ¼ c. of dried fruit. Blaylock recommends blenderizing your vegetables. I have found that I can toss frozen cauliflower, broccoli or fresh kale and spinach into my vanilla protein shake, with strawberries, and not even taste the “greenies”.

It is recommended to consume 25-35 grams of fiber per day. One source states women can consume on the low end, and men should be on the high end of that figure. I add 12 grams of soluable Fiber Boost to my protein shake each morning, and actually, since I started putting this article together a few weeks ago I am adding in a bit more. Blaylock does state that all fiber supplements are not necessarily beneficial, and one should look for “resistant starches”. He recommends fiber sources from apple, citrus and lentil peas. Apparently, the pectin from these sources and other fruits, when fermented in the colon produce butyrate, which is vital to the health of the cells lining the colon.

2. Probiotics/Prebiotics/Enzymes A number of studies indicate the importance of healthy gut flora in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Unfortunately, when we take anti-biotics we are killing off our good gut flora as well as the bad. Since our body does not replace probiotics we need to supplement to do so, and find a source that includes a robust strain with prebiotics so it can actually pass through the stomach wall and get into the intestines to do its job. In addition to probiotics and prebiotics, digestive enzymes diminish as we age, and it is important to replace them. A lack of enzymes results in esophageal reflux, and an excess of undigested food in the colon, which increases colon cancer risk.

 3. Omega 3s – studies have shown that a high intake of Omega 3 fats substantially lowers colon cancer risk. The type of fats we consume have a great impact on our chances of developing cancer. Blaylock’s report states that studies have shown that omega-6 fats (corn, soybean, safflower, sunflower, peanut, and canola oils) dramatically increase the risk of colon cancer, and turn existing cancer cells into very aggressive, metastasizing cancers. Blaylock goes on to state that this is evident in all cancers. Americans consume 50% more Omega 6 than are needed for good health. (Considering that almost all processed foods contain Omega 6 this should not come as a surprise, should it?) I have done some research on the vegan (non-animal) Omega 3 oils in the supplement that I take: flax seed oil, chia seed oil and more...the more I learned about chia seed and its benefits the more impressed I became. What I do know for certain is our Omega 3s helped my husband get off his statin drugs and our joints feel better as well. Omega 3s are necessary for heart, brain, joint health, as well as cancer prevention. It is the single most important supplement you can take in addition to a QUALITY multi-vitamins. (one a day types don't cut it folks!)

4. MODERATE Exercise – walking weight resistance training, raking the leaves and mowing the lawn are all good forms of exercise. Highly aerobic exercise, per doctors Lee and Blaylock, increase the free radicals and peroxidation in your body, and neither doctor recommends it. Aerobic activity increases prolonged increases in metabolism – a process which is a major source of these harmful chemicals. Lee had discussed this in further detail in his book about breast cancer, stating that cancer survivors who compete in triathalons and climb mountains are doing themselves more harm than good.

5. Diet – Avoid processed foods. Learn to read labels – which scream “Good Source of Fiber” only to be laden with refined carbohyrdrates and fats, which are highly inflammatory.  High fructose corn syrup and MSG abounds in processed foods...contributors to cancer and brain and heart related diseases.
Avoid most vegetable oils – known as omega 6 (N-6). These include corn, safflower, soybean, sunflower, peanut and canola. While Omega 6 are needed for health, most people consume 50x more than as needed (common ingredient in processed foods). Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Coconut Oil should be the oils of choice in the “cancer prevention focused kitchen”. If you cook with EVOO sprinkle turmeric and other spices in the oil, and it prevents oxidation. (I like that last tip!)

Avoid these fish – no matter what due to heavy contamination: shark, swordfish, tilefish, and large tuna.

Red meat in moderation – The biggest issue with red meat is the high iron content, which Blaylock labels “a cancer fertilizer”. Iron dramatically increases free radical generation which fuels cancer growth. Note that it is important to avoid supplements with IRON, as we Americans usually don’t have trouble getting enough iron in our diet, but we often have too much. Dr. Graham Colditz of the Washington University School of Medicine, as well as other experts, state to limit red meat to no more than 3, 3 oz. servings per week. So if you go out to dinner on Saturday night and have a 10 oz. sirloin - you have had your week’s consumption of red meat!

6. Metal toxicity – fluoride, aluminum and mercury are three metals that promote cancer, and Dr. Blaylock states they are very toxic to cells, especially brain cells. Black tea, soy milk, processed meats and processed cheese are high sources of aluminum and fluoride in foods. Mercury comes from fish, dental amalgram, and vaccines. I think we’d be surprised to learn of all things we absorb trace metals from, and it is impossible to avoid it 100%. Keep in mind that although the FDA stamps its approval on many things, and manufacturers will state that amounts are too small to be harmful, trace metals in particular are fat soluable. Basically, these toxins build up as they store inside our bodies. For this reason, I really do believe it is beneficial to detoxify at least once every 3 mo. I use SeaSource 7 Day detox which cleanses and removes trace metals from my essential organs, and is gentle as well. If I had cancer, I would be detoxing every month, especially because of the effects of traditional cancer treatment.
For a healthful life it would seem all of the recommendations above would be beneficial life practices to incorporate for a lifestyle of wellness.
To your health!
Rita S.

Colon Cancer Prevention – Part 1

Colon cancer makes me nervous…not only is it coined “the silent killer”, but according to the American Cancer Society it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. (Moving up from third place in 2007.) Some of my family members have had concerns which keeps this cancer gnawing at the back of my mind. I have been reading quite a bit about this particular cancer, and am taking the stance of prevention for myself.

Dr. Robert Russell of Tufts University School of Medicine states that one half the risk of colon cancer is diet related. Changing one’s diet can significantly reduce the risk. I thought I would share some of the steps I have learned one can take to hopefully avoid Colon Cancer. By the time I finished reading from my various sources, this blog post became so long that I feel I must break it up in to two parts.

So first, some thoughts on causes….

Hormones? In many cases, colon cancer arises from what is known as a polyp, a growth in the colon. I have suspected for a year now that colon cancer could be related to hormones. Afterall, if excess estrogen causes cysts in the ovaries, fibroids in the breast, and enlarged prostrate – all forms of excess cell growth, it makes sense to me that excess estrogen also causes the growth of a polyp. I am still researching this and finding some who substantiate these thoughts, but not finding enough affirmation to say “it is so”. Still, I think it is worth mentioning, because let’s face it…we don’t want those other forms of cancers either, do we? I am a believer in the benefits of using a bio-identical progesterone cream that counters excess estrogen in the body.
UPDATE NOTE OCT. 2011 - In reading Dr. Michael Platt's book - The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones, he also concurs and adds colon cancer to the list of cancers in which too much of the estrogen hormone and too little progesterone play a part. I have increased my Prolief progesterone cream usage upon hearing this.
Inflammatory Diet: Dr. Russell Blaylock states, “As with all cancers, chronic inflammation and free radical generation are the ultimate causes.” Those with inflammatory bowel conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease,and Type 2 Diabetes, the latter of which results in high levels of free radicals in the body, have high association with colon cancer risk.”

Lack of Sunshine? Studies show that those who live in the northeastern portion of the U.S. have higher incidence than those who live in the south. Why is this? Vitamin D3 deficiency. Studies show that vitamin D3 inhibits many types of cancer, including colorectal cancers. How do you get your D3 – spend 15 min. a day out in the sun without sunscreen! Tanning bed users beware…it is not the same thing!

Calcium deficiency is another mineral shown to dramatically reduce colon cancer. However, per Dr. Blaylock, don’t replace your water intake with milk (which substantially increases the risk of prostrate cancer, and even heart attacks). The almond milk I drink every morning in my yellow pea, brown rice and cranberry based protein drink contains 45% of the daily recommended allowance for calcium, as compared to 30% for skim milk. Also, a calcium supplement (look for calcium citrate for absorbability) that also contains Vitamin D and Magnesium necessary for the body to utilize the calcium, would be supportive in colon cancer prevention. I was in Costco and noted the highly marketable chocolate chew form of a calcium supplement (geared towards women of course, who usually take a calcium supplement when older) and I noticed that the product did not contain magnesium. So yes, it may taste good, but your body would not be able to make use of the calcium without magnesium present. Most Americans also have a magnesium deficiency, which is a greater problem than we realize.
I have a Calcium Plus product that contains all of these nutrients, and the ORAC value is 10,000! (Which means the actual absorption of the product is phenomenal!
Okay, so now we know we need some sunshine, avoid inflammatory foods (wheat, gluten, and dairy are especially inflammatory), eat vegetables rich in calcium, or supplement, and strive to balance our hormones, either with diet or utilizing bio-identical supplementation (which is not the same as HRT by any means! If you have been reading this blog a while you are aware, and if not, check the topic cloud at the upper right to learn more.) What else can we do to help thwart the “silent killer”? Check the next post for some specifics on prevention.
To your health,
Rita S.

Probiotics Can Reverse GI Issues

Recently I searched for information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome for a friend, in my archive of Dr. Russel Blaylock health newsletters. I have read up on digestion quite a bit for another close friend who may have GERD, but in searching for IBS I learned even more, and feel sharing the information may benefit others.
Per Blaylock: "Good bacteria protects lining of intestine to metabolize numberous chemicals going through the colon. A lack of good bacteria is a major cause of gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrom."
Blaylock lists Lactobacillus (Digestion Plus has 150 billion CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium (D+ has 50 billion) probiotics that have turned IBS around for patients. AB Digestion + includes prebiotics in addition to the robust probiotics. This is what allows the good bacteria to make it into the colon/intestine and survive the tranport through stomach acid - many OTC probiotics never make it to the intended destination as the prebiotics are not present to help probiotics remain alive.
Typically live probiotics should be refrigerated and have a short shelf life. Probiotic cultures in yogurt, for example, have to be consumed within a few weeks/months of being processed. Digestion + probiotics go through a specialized stabilization process that renders them dormant and increases resistance to temperature variations. Once the products are ingested they are activated and begin to colonize in the intestines.  Resistence to temperature and the fact that they are a more robust strain make Digestion + probiotics a most excellent option. The little pouches it is packaged in makes it very convenient - I keep a box at work and add one to my protein shake many mornings.
For my friend I learned that IBS can lead to more serious things down the line, per Blaylock, so it would be good to resolve the issue. If you have ever had antibiotics to take care of something in the past, it might be the culprit for IBS as anti-biotics kill off good bacteria.
Other tips from Blaylock in living with Crohn's Disease, IBS, etc. are to:
AVOID MSG, soy products, and carrageenan as they are powerful stimulants for the bowel muscle, inflate inflammation and cause colon spasms.

Also, AVOID ibuprofen, aspirin and acetamenophen as much as possible.

Ibuprofen and aspirin can produce tiny microscopic holes in your intestinal lining - causing leaky gut syndrome in which tiny food particles escape into the bloodstream. Acetamenophen harms the liver and has actually poisoned it (when taken according to directions), and has been cause for a number of liver transplants annually.
Probiotics are more and more making headline news today. Finding OTC probiotics is easy, finding them offered with prebiotics is likely more difficult. I take mine first thing in the morning and it really helps my stomach stay at its best all day.

Quality Multi-Vitamins - Are You Worth It?

A client commented today about Daily Essentials women's vitamins: "For me, I’ve always wondered why I had digestive issues, since I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, and drink water throughout the day… but this has absolutely changed since starting the vitamins, within a week… I’m not sure what it is, but has to be it.  I have done nothing else to my diet or routine.  Honestly, I feel better, too, but that seems to make sense.  Everything’s connected, somehow, in our bodies.  I am a believer in these vitamins.  They may be pricey, but I have seen very real results, and very quickly."
Indeed, results are a powerful testimony. My husband and I both began using Arbonne's Daily Essentials Power Packs in February.  I was eager to see if my husband noticed a difference, in particular, with prostrate health as I have already heard a number of testimonies shared by men in regards to improved plumbing.
However, apparently my hubby's plumbing is fine - what he HAS noticed are changes I had not really expected.
The first thing he commented on was improved breathing. He no longer has difficulty breathing, and guess what the results of that are? LESS SNORING!!!  He is sleeping better because I am no longer tapping him multiple times a night and asking him to turn onto his side. Praise the Lord for this result - totally unexpected, but oh what a blessing!
Another comment he made was that his typing speed has improved greatly. He feels he has more clarity of mind, his brain is functioning better. Well, that is pretty cool, too!
Jesse and I both recently finished the "Jumpstart - 28 Days to Healthy Living" program, which is not so much a diet as it is a lifestyle change. For those 28 days we eliminated dairy, gluten, soy, caffeine and wheat products. He began the vitamins about the same time. At the end of the 28 days he had his blood drawn for a cholesterol check, and praise be to God - the "bad cholesterol" levels dropped in half and he is off statin drugs! This was at the top of my 2011 goals - to help coach my husband into getting off those drugs which can cause Alzheimer's later in life, amongst other bad side effects. When we are empty nesters I want him to know who I am! I am absolutely thrilled at this result, as is he.
Now that "28 days" is over - I think he has added back in just about every allergen food we cut from our diet - within a few days. So much for the recommended one by one reintroduction to see if he has any adverse effects. Oh well...he does intend to maintain his new lower cholesterol levels and has no intention of returning to his former meal routine. He will still have an Essentials protein shake a couple of mornings a week and salads for lunch a couple of times as well.
As a family I can attest to a built up immunity for all.  Our 8 yr old daughter took ill with the dreaded influenza last week - the high fever/cough one that has been going around. It has taken some people down for 2-4 weeks - it's a nasty virus!!  I guess we need to count our blessings that our daughter was down with the fever for only 2.5 days, and the cough lingered for about five total. She is not one to eat her daily "kids'chew" vitamin without cajoling - but I believe she may now be convinced at how beneficial they are.
Our son, on the other hand, who is a teenager, sets his chew out every evening when he gets things ready for his breakfast in the morning. He is a creature of good habits. When my daughter became sick I instructed everyone in the house to take a 3 oz shot of the Anti-Oxidant and Immunity Booster, which we all did for 3 days. (Ok, I know I did as did our son...not sure what my hubby did - he is a grown man afterall and can do what he wants...)  Suffice it to say - no one else in the house became sick.
I am surrounded by sick people lately. When I volunteered at school recently I had kids coughing right into my face (hmmm, ever heard of covering your mouth?), my boss gets sick a lot (that's what he gets for drinking Red Bulls and eating poorly)...but, PTL, I have not gotten sick.
Our family has made a lifestyle change in the direction of eating better. The only one who really does not is our picky 8 yr. old who despises broccoli and spinach, barley (seriously, there is no taste to barley so I don't get that), etc.  We are taking our multi-vitamins, and I feel we are all healthier than we have been in years.
I am reading from a new book called "The Metabolic Typing Diet". I have not gotten too far into it yet, but for anyone with an auto-immune diesease - I can already recommend this title. The quote is from page 57 and reads, "True good health is not a condition that is merely free of adverse symptoms. It's a state of dynamic well-being, one that is reminiscent of childhood exhuberance and joy. When your body is functioning the way it is desired to function, you should be experiencing boundless energy at all times, a keen awareness of your surroundings, a very strong and positive emotional state, and a natural love and zest for life."
When I read that I realized, "hey, that's me!!"  In a few days I will be 48 years old. I used to look ahead to a birthday with unpleasant thoughts - aka "another year older another 10 or 20 lbs." But not anymore!!  I am embracing my age because I truly feel 20 years younger. You can turn back time when it comes to aging. I never thought I would be that person, but I am living proof.
When people say, "quality multi-vitamins are so expensive!", I admit, they are! They cost much more than the cheap "natural" vitamins we were getting from Shopko or Walgreens. We have no six figure income. My family rarely goes to the theatre for a movie, we do not have exorbitant cell phone costs, Kindle this, i-phone that...  We have cut back on eating out, because frankly - we have no control over ingredients when we eat out. We no longer buy processed foods - and you may be surprised how quickly those convenience foods add up! Our budget is focused towards healthy living - fresh produce, quality, lean meats, bulk organic grains...and vitamins with an ORAC value of 8000. What this means for us is our bodies are actually absorbing that which we spend our money on, versus flushing it away as wasted dollars.
We feel great, and there is nothing I want more for my family than for all of us to feel and be healthy. Gadgets cost money. Entertainment costs money. So do quality supplements...but the result of the latter is not a fleeting couple of hours of enjoyment, but a body that functions as it is designed to, and we have zest for life. Now that, my friends, is priceless!

To your health!
Rita S.