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I hung up the phone after a family member called to ask, "What do you think of prednisone?"... My mind flooded with memories of years gone by, unknown sources of pain and maladies where doctors would say..."Here try this"... without actually knowing the cause or source of my many symptoms. My skin with agonizing blisters oozing and crusting and spreading for weeks at a time with over 40% of my skin covered, no comfortable position for weeks. It was at my lowest point I would give in and take the prescribed prednisone, and it would never change my outcome, only worsen the agony.
I mean prednisone is a steroid...really? And believe me I had the next layer of issues, instant weight gain, voice change, unbelievable as memories played out... Is my instinct that far off to think that as the doctors would surround me one episode after another they would prescribe prednisone for the unknown sickness and not be concerned for my future? Oh and must not forget all the pain killers offered me as well. I would ask myself, what more can I learn and implement to break the debilitating cycle that taking me always down and never up. I discovered Prednisone = Glucocorticoids = adrenocortical steroids ...in case you get a kick out reading the generic definitions. So, what I do think of prednisone?? Just Don't!! Don't start, don't continue, just don't go there. I now understand that my organs & body systems were overwhelmed by environmental toxins from so many sources. My body was screaming out for help through my skin, of course adding chemicals only made it worse and more challenging to find a balance. The balance that I still struggle to find over a decade later wading through ingredient lists, agriculture treatments on foods, water sources and more. My experience offers simple solutions, look to real food, real herbs, real not packaged, real not synthetic, real not man made. You will find it is not a quick and convenient "fix" .. real food takes time when you choose to make a lifestyle shift. REAL FOOD TAKES TIME: Time to acquire, time to prepare, time to nourish, time to heal.
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Organic growers would define organic by the type of land management …watching carefully over the type of ingredients used for pest management, fertilizer, sprays, oils etc.
But some would define organic by the type of seeds used in your garden or farm land. Seeds without changes made to their basic DNA of the fruit or vegetable. In recent years large corporations introduced GMO seeds producing GMO foods, enter major complications. Who really knows the actual definition …and as I wander through our local membership club and see the organic marketplace increasing I fear that these new “organic” labeled products may have been compromised. And the general population…? Do we truly understand the implications of long term consumption of GMO foods? The question begs to be asked…how do we really define "organic" in the world of food. What is real food? Is there such a thing anymore….. (take picture of organic license letter) A car accident from previous years with scar tissue in my neck, reminders of my past come active and alive especially during winter. I brace myself treading lightly over the ice on sidewalks, my shoulders lightly raised in tension as the cold tries to embrace my body and soul. It can be a long winter in the mountains of North Central Washington.
Thankful for a well trained massage therapist who gave valuable advice long ago, included in my personal routines. He suggested I find those tense, tight muscles who try and escape at the slightest touch, apply pressure to work out the knots. I have found a plastic spike ball approximately 3 inches diameter, rolled on the area to relieve pressure points. This simple strategy gets me through to the next massage therapist appointment, as I consider them as one of my true helpers. The how: make friends with your carpet, place massage ball directly under the area that aches, rolling it gently to stretch and relieve. Throw in a 90 degree stretch on the floor up a wall , legs straight, straight up in the air, slowly sliding to the side of wall each to the opposite direction……stretching back, thighs. As my education on estrogen dominance merges with my head knowledge of personal experience, I realize how true the statement made by an elderly friend recently, …”Growing old is not for wimps” so true! It looks like it will take an incredible amount of courage!!
I am amazed at the many terms that have emerged in the last few years…and not just from teenagers creating their own exclusive language. I remember the first time a doctor looked me straight in the face and stated not only was my hormone balance off, but estrogen dominance was off the charts. Huh? Estrogen what? And what in the world could that possibly mean. I vaguely knew women may choose hormone therapy ..somehow that must relate to the subject…but in my world… how did that translate? I have since come to learn the following…. Estrogen dominance may be aggravated by a variety of foods, activity or lack of. But soy milk? …Oh great, I thought I had made the most responsible choice to move away from dairy to Soy Milk. Additionally some fresh meats and dairy with additional hormones added; What to do? So many choices, yet feeling overwhelmed by choice limitations……. What I did know for sure? My bra size kept changing and discomfort and pain was added to my daily endurance. I find myself back to the internet, food research and more to find my balance….. This week has been learning all about the natural alternative remedies for a healthy gallbladder. This journey set in motion by the emergent need of a friend. I discovered many recipes to address this topic, including use of Apple Cider Vinegar, Epsom salts and more.
Sunflower Lecithin also brings high benefits to the table, helping to break down fat in the gall bladder that has crystalized into stones. My first question was, lecithin? Don't we usually find combined as in "Soy Lecithin", an ingredient to be avoided? As I questioned and studied, I saw the differences found from the sunflower source. Thank you to all the personal conversations and this amazing online source: How To Prevent Gallstones With Everyday Foods | FOOD MATTERS®foodmatters.com/article/how-to-prevent-gallstones-with-everyday-foods Its looks like Sunflower lecithin may provide extra energy, lift emotions, and overall functions...excited to share with my friend and try myself as I just purchased my first container. My background is propelled by inexpensive solutions found at the grocery store...you could call me an official cheapskate.
Today my research led me to find solutions for a friend with recent diagnosis for gallstones, and looming surgery in her future. As I pursued discussions with alternative health professionals, I discovered so many exciting natural recipes and remedies to share on the topic. Apparently, Epsom salts & water, assists in softening and flushing out gallstones, but don't take my word for it, there are so many experts and sources who share the DIY details, dig in to discover your favorite recipe and protocol. The extra benefit may reduce discomfort and possibly change the surgery diagnosis and outcome where by an organ remains in your body....sounds like the best scenario and worth changes in daily routine to accomplish. Then the magnesium benefits from a long soak in the bath tub with Epsom Salts...well it just all makes sense. Amazing health benefits from pennies spent, a true investment into your health and well being. A common phase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away..." but recent studies show Avocado is a more perfect fruit.... Keeps the doctor at Bay. I know I can feel it when making food choices... when eating avocado my day feels more balanced, stomach relaxed and calm, the studies are proving the why.
So glad I have decided....just do it...eat one avocado every day and enjoy the results. As I have added in Vital Reds from Dr Gundry for making my heart happy, his most recent e-news shared the great avocado news. According to lead researcher and Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at Penn State University, Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., RD: "Including one avocado each day as part of a moderate-fat, cholesterol-lowering diet compared to a comparable moderate-fat diet without an avocado provides additional LDL (low-density lipoproteins) lowering effects, which benefit CVD (cardiovascular disease) risk.” This definition helps to set the stage for conversation in regards to natural antibiotics.
Often synthetic antibiotics are prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections, additionally there are natural antibiotics used by holistic health practitioners, herbalists and many individuals. Herbs and other natural treatments may be used to compliment medical practices. A quick search "natural antibiotics in real food" often brings more options then one could expect, a list and definitions found on myhealthwire online shares the following details. Ten Natural Antibiotics
I am not above adding supplements in the mix.... ascorbate acid in several different forms, tablets, supplements, powders etc. Essential Oils are added to my personal list as well, clove, ginger & cinnamon oil. We will discuss this topic another day, I promise. A play on words, No added sugar vs sugar free or sugarless. Your initial thought would be that the titles mean the same, unless you have been reading labels and health articles for any length of time, you sense that semantics have come into play..
Although sugar technically is a natural ingredient sourced from sugar cane, the process may vary creating more or less natural definitions. Some would say ingredients grown have higher benefit level then synthetic, yet even naturally grown ingredients processed, refined, chemically treated end up disrupting digestion and nutrition. To learn to navigate the nutrition jungle is a daunting task, one that requires extracurricular reading and research as I have struck out to learn more. My personal discovery of the chemical refinement and processing procedures was enough to mentally change much of my daily sugar intake. I will be the first to admit, trying to implement a strict diet excluding sugar is extremely difficult in todays culture, and wow do you ever feel deprived during withdrawals! The motivation factor had to come from another place, and it never did originate from "oh I need to lose weight and go on a diet" It was deeper.... not for a body image desired for myself really but for the future. Future desire to move easier, have energy to enjoy the outdoors, future travel, future relationship activities, with the constant question rolling in my head, "what must I do to push towards my future health.." and hopeful memories vs the current moment of feeling deprived and personal undisciplined indulgence. As with anything, baby steps multiple towards success as I began with the glaring delinquents, candy bars, soft gooey cookies, soda, hot chocolate, bread...oh how I love bread...that turns into sugar so easily. I point out here that none of these offenses were daily, multi weekly perhaps, but not multi daily...that did not take away the addition ...comfort comes in many forms. If you were to follow me around even now, you would find I am not perfect in the least...but I have made great progress in the overall scheme of things. Because real food is so much of a better option, I never traded real sugar for the "sugar free" options filled with sythezied ingredients. I personally could not justify living with the side effects my research found in the spotlight. Simplicity...has been the best policy for me, a simple set of ingredients, as few steps possible from the ground to the glass, farm to table, garden to plate.... Reading labels has become a bit of a game. What are the first 2 ingredients? I have found it interesting how many different ways sugar is listed. Through time trades have been made, OK....I was raised on peanut butter, my fathers work refridge only had 2 ingredients for lunch options, multigrain bread and peanut butter. I do admit the peanut butter was the kind that had oils rising to the top...not smooth and creamy with slightly sweet like todays preference.
On my quest to remove refined sugar from my diet at least the majority of my diet, realization of how many things have sugar intertwined ..the challenge was real as my body had become used to sugar at every meal and all snacks inbetween. One of the characteristics of my journey has been to obsess over each new find as the individual gift that it is ..
My family provides testimony for this....so 4 years later I still sing praises of bentonite clay. At on of my lowest points, covered with blisters from head to toe, bentonite clay became part of my routine. Characteristics include pulling toxins out of the body, or providing a soothing poltice to aggravated skin, alternative for chemically laden sun screen, pulling out infection from acne white heads, inexpensive facial mask, with enormous health benefits in the process. A simple DIY process for prepping includes powder into ceramic bowl, add water, stirring with wooden spoon only (metal has chemistry reaction) . The powder/product seems to grow, add to a squeeze tube for daily use. The things that interest me would likely bore most people.....but I share my story as I personally dig and learn more about health and wellness for myself personally. Studies support something as simple as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to streamline health.
Proper balance of acid and alkaline in your body can be challenging to figure the how's and why's. A book written by Barbara O'Neill "Self Heal by design" discusses the role of micro-organisms for health covering a variety of topics, my most recent read. She lists a book written by Dr.Tullio Simoncini published in 2007 named "Cancer is a Fungus" suggesting sodium bicarbonate as a simple solution to assist higher health. This can be exciting news, there are obviously many variables environmentally, but brings some hope forward....I'm in willing to try. I read also read by Dr Tennant, as he studies voltage in your body will affect as well... all this intersects with a protocol to control your voltage using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). OK, so I'm in...here I go ... the next learning curve...roller coaster or many other definitions. Detox dose taken on empty stomach in glass of water: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) making sure it does not include aluminum in the ingredient list. Learning to check my pH is the next goal. Many of us have heard of super foods and their benefits to our nutritional balance. I find there are so many options available to rebuild from the cellular level up in our bodies. I share from the position of my own learning curve as it becomes more familiar through the process.
Chatting it up with an elderly senior we found a recipe and decided to put our own blend together and see if we could save some $. Our criteria, we were looking for ingredients organic if possible, and place our own powders together to include into daily smoothies and compare energy and health levels for a time for progress. These ingredients are our first attempt ...taste is not too bad especially with fresh fruits and berries. We worked with ameriherb.com and www.bulkapothacary.com to acquire ingredients. Guess we will see in 30 days how we feel...more to come. Acai Assai Berry Powder Cocoa Powder Alkalized Cholorella Barley Grass Licorice Root Irish Moss Moringa Leaf Muria Puiam Bark Spirulina Reservatrol Wheat Grass Misc optional add in Beet Powder Hawthorn Berry Red Cayenne Pepper Fresh ginger is a pretty funny looking root that packs quite a power punch. It certainly spices things up. It takes very little to gain the spicy attribute showcased. I personally cut a section of ginger approximately the same size as the end of your thumb, taking peel off and dicing fine.
Place this into your morning smoothie or pour hot water over for early morning tea. Benefits of ginger Ginger is an important ingredient in my specialty herb mixture in the dry form. Long luxurious baths have long been in my weekly routine, but recently with even more justification and motivation while discovering the wealth of health benefits adding magnesium sulfate to soaking tub assist in so much more then relaxation. Such a simple change and the benefits are huge and range from sore muscles softened, its crazy to think that more magnesium, helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body. I found the www.epsomsaltcouncil.org has so much knowledge to share on the subject. Meanwhile, 1-2 cups dissolved into my bath water, 3-6 drops essential oils, lavender, peppermint, spearmint give me the extra mag boost to either begin my day energized or end with relaxing sleep. Ingredients very easy to find in stores, generic boxes run approximately $3 per 2 lb. The local drug store, grocery stores, Walmart and more give easy access to this inexpensive health and wellness alternative. How many of us have vowed to never adopt habits and characteristics of our Mothers...only to find we did exactly that....
My Mother decided apple cider vinegar was the cure of all ailments, much like "My Fat Greek Wedding where Windex was the cure all... But now, 4 children later, struggling health, a restrictive medical budget, I find myself adopting more of the "I will never do as my mother...." daily choices. So, you ask, how do I use it? I think the question may be...how do I not apple cider vinegar use it??... Apple Cider Vinegar assists in maintaining the proper acid/ alkaline balance in our bodies. It gives the morning smoothie an extra snap, brings flavor into salad dressing, marinated meats, in hot tea for sore throat, breaks up chest and sinus congestion, reduces bloating, and so much more. ...Thanks MOM.... Extremely popular in the natural health community is Apple Cider Vinegar. Claims lead to so many different types of benefits, some supported by science. The list includes weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and improved diabetes symptoms. Recent medical research suggests apple cider vinegar use can assist to cure acid reflux, lower blood pressure, improve diabetes, and assist weight loss. The powerful healing compounds and benefits of apple cider vinegar include acetic acid, enzymes, potassium, magnesium, probiotics. In basic daily terms, adding 1 tablespoon into a smoothie in the morning, another afternoon tea or included in simmering bone broth from scratch to benefit from accessing more nutrients and minerals.  ... While our national celebration of Fathers Day occurs in June, I write this in August in remembrance of my one and only earthly Father. Especially since Fathers Day should be every day in the truest sense of love and memory. I was blessed with a wonderful father, and I am keenly aware as I write.. that is not the case for everyone...... Fresh Blackberries......The freshest are best acquired early morning since they ripen in the heat of Summer. The brier patch has an intoxicating aroma even as you approach from a distance. The containers you bring along may struggle to fill quickly due to the continuous sampling required to stay motivated. My father, who had the softest hands ever from years of delicate fine furniture creation of upholstery, recovery and design. His late in life accomplishments included food acquisition, specifically free, and the preparation for future enjoyment, as he gleaned, simmered, canned, and stored delicious berries, spread indulgently on morning toast. Never mind that his bronzed arms would be covered in so many scratches from insistent vines holding him hostage as he separated them from the blackberries. I dedicate this day to my Father; You knew it was better for the soul to read a book then watch TV. You declared a media fast over your entire life with occasional glimpses through newsprint covering basics. Most importantly you invested time.. heart and energy into countless people you mentored around the globe. The role model to so many as you joined the journey and came alongside .... Through sickness and health, a living dedication of your love of Jesus Christ as your personal & Eternal Savior. So today, fresh and wild black berries found alongside the Columbia River banks; You are remembered... as I walk.. reflect...inwardly and prayerfully picking berries. And the world that once you dwelt.... well it would not look so familiar... Yet...maybe?.... Toasting to your memory.. I'm eating the berries......Missing You......Your baby daughter.... Blackberries Benefits: Consumption of blackberries found to promote healthy tightening of tissue, creating natural spa qualities, a great non-surgical procedure making your skin appear younger. As you weave this beautiful berry into your daily routine, consumption helps with brain focus and alertness, while maintaining higher memory retention resulting in clearer brain thought and overall function. The high tannin in blackberries assists in reducing digestive inflammation, hemorrhoids and calms system from diarrhea. Be sure to change it up ...choosing variety, as a snack, in cereal or smoothie.
 Looking to increase your collagen intake, and nutritious minerals found in bone marrow? A fun experiment encouraged by how many websites are selling "bone broth" powder. Since I always prefer the real thing, and don't mind trading the long way around for superior taste, I set out to figure out how to go about this process. Stopping into the local meat market, asking if they have bones for sale, and yes found minimum pound bags with 3-5 bones. As I tested just one bone to start, to determine if this process was a daily routine type activity, or batches. Love all my supplies calling attention to themselves... Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Italian Herbs, joined by Himalayan Sea Salt added to softly simmering bone broth slowing bringing fragrant smells into the kitchen for over an hour. The smell is intoxicating of comfort and reminiscent of Grandma... Benefits include healing your gut, collegene . touted as better then botox. The slow simmer includes apple cider vinegar that assists in breaking down minerals and vitamins in the bone marrow. Your personal recipe may include all the farmer market favorites and whatever you may have in your refridge like celery, carrots, onions, and more. There are helpful charts that describe the specific organs assisted when eating each of these fresh produce items and the shape is definitely familiar as well. eyes- carrots celery- bones, skeleton parsley beets - heart asparagus - walnut - brain olives - ovary  Biking is a true love only really discovered the last few years. You could say it was the balm for empty nest as I first sobbed myself through mile after mile. But now.. the smile stretches wide and far as the miles melt by.
My absolute favorite are all the many beach stops in South Florida where the salt water fills my lungs and beach sand give natural pedicures. The boardwalks, bike lanes, & portals for beach exploration lend themselves to exercise to whatever amount of benefit or intensity you set for yourself. My daily goals have ranged from 3 - 26 miles. Should I admit to multiple biking favorites? North Central Washington, Montana, wherever I find myself. Biking has beaconed me while offering simple exercise and the motivation to visit nature. I am told pedaling assists the heart with a secondary motion, so those looking to remove build up in the arteries, now you have the perfect excuse to put the paperwork down and leave the cell phone behind... Just keep moving...cruising is fine. As I follow up on the most recent doctor visit, my research leads me to Chlorella. A superfood, that now needs to be on my list to incorporate into the daily rituals. Take the journey with me as I discover more about Chlorella.
Issues I am looking to address... high blood pressure, extreme low levels of Iodine, high levels of mercury. Research shows chlorella detoxifies the body from heavy metals and toxins and appears to be recognized as nutrient-dense superfoods worldwide. Chlorella’s green rich color comes from the high concentration of chlorophyll. And because that was not enough to convince me, chlorella contains a good amount of vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and phosphorus, assists in homone balance, weight loss and revive aged skin, hair and nails..... OK, sign me up to try this super food! From a cost perspective, there is no real substitute for eating real food that will deliver the vitamins and minerals, so the detoxifiying from heavy metals may be the main objective for using Chlorella....Verdict has not been declared yet.. to be continued.  For Decades we have been educated to avoid fats in our food, for reasons of collestrol and other health studies. I remember in the 1980"s my father who had spent every morning with a plate of eggs was told about the newest study of eggs and the recommendations to change up daily menus. In retrospect 30+ years later the tables have turned...eggs are a complete food recognized in many ways. So it goes with Coconut Oil, many may remember when warnings came out against, and instead the marketing trend to bring forward corn or canola oil. Sometimes you just have to ignore the newest fad and come back to real food as its created without the intervention of humans to change the natural source. Personally I use coconut oil often instead of butter, adding my own sea salt on toast, or pancakes; stir into oatmeal, stir fry veggies, meats, or added to a simmering sauce or soup. I try to slip it in daily 2-3 times a day which many include to nourish my skin. When purchasing I look for virgin, organic coconut oil found in grocery & health food stores. It will have a solid appearance unless it becomes warmed up.   Consider the first time you ever tasted beets, the musty, earthy qualities of this vegetable fast becoming the champion of significant health benefits, rising from obscurity to popular demand in a single decade.
My first exposure to fresh beets was a small juicing bar, where the visual experience of frothy red beverage outweighed the initial taste. That has been over 7 years ago and the flood of benefits shared keep rising. Qualities ranking high on the priority list, beets value is increased by their nitric oxide content that assists in a natural form to stabilize blood pressure, and other vital functions.  Every life journey has ups and downs..the merry go round, the ferris wheel...the spin cycle on the washing machine...and the questions of purpose, value, discouragement, with challenges through the funnel of faith and hope.
Scars are so much more then the initial injury, or marking of the surgery. The ongoing pain associated with the loss physically, emotionally, mentally can be a mountain you find yourself forced to climb, not by choice but sheer requirement as the only option in front of you. Your best intentions will be tested in choosing Hope versus the alternative of Hopeless...Faith instead of Fear...Peace instead of Chaos...Joy not dependent on the circumstances but the inner strength found inside you were not sure existed until tried and tested. So in my personal melt down and weak moment ..I call to the kindred sprits ..you know exactly who you are, grab the steering wheel of your heart and emotions.. together let us get back on the trail with knowledge that all has a reason...unseen yet wrapped in this moment. Reach for the resources that surround, family, friends, helpers, grateful and thankful ...reach out..shift the thoughts ..pray...meditate. Together we will heal from scars and so much more. As for me, music reaches into my soul and songs will feel like they have been written just for me, so Thank you; Tenth Avenue North.... " I have this Hope" ..I am definitely walking the unknown, constant questions ..purpose to the pain? I sure hope so...not wanting to live in fear but rather hope, in something/someone far greater then I.
Just for the record my family has been the testing grounds for many years on all the different concoctions I try out on them. ... So this recipe was given to me my a friend with the comment..."try this for the inflammation you are feeling, you may be surprised how much better you feel." Oh...the rest of the conversation included how they used during a cancer diagnosis and gained a greater boost to immunities and overall health.
I decided to try it out and so far have used all ingredient options, from expensive to cheap $1.00 store just to play with it include into my daily routine before getting too crazy in cost. Ideas for daily use: sprinkle on your morning breakfast, from eggs, to oatmeal or on toast with preserves; use while cooking up that curry chicken dish, or building a soup or salad, stir into tea or hot chocolate, whip it alongside berries in a smoothie. We share the recipe freely and encourage you to make your own. In case that is more ambitious then you wish to deal with.. we are happy to ship our version to you. (Link) Recipe: Includes equal amount of each of the following, except where noted. Curry (sweet) Ginger Turmeric Lemongrass Coriander Cinnamon Pepper (1/2 part) Use grinder on lemongrass & coriander (coffee grinder works great), others are generally found in powder form. Your grocery bulk food section carries ingredients or www.bulkapothacary.com has been a wonderful resource. |
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June 2020
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