Can you tell, the good weather has arrived? I’m out in the greenhouse as much as possible. I just about have all of the “winter” cleanup done and then it’s time to start planting things for outside pots. I actually put a blooming geranium outside last night and today my hummingbird started to fly around the patio. He comes back about this time every year. So much fun to watch him, I just wish that I had something really good in bloom, for him. I think it’s a him, he’s very shiny and bright green. Anyway, I haven’t been reading very much, nor am I particularly interested, too much fun outside. Also, I needed to finish the quilt for granddaughter #5. It’s done, except for her name. She’s to be here on the 30th.
Making my own yogurt is the “new” activity. I bought a 1 quart yogurt maker and have made two batches of my own. Don’t know if this was a good idea or not. The jury is still out on this one. It is kind of interesting and since I don’t eat yogurt, as is, but put it in smoothies, the different consistency is just fine. I still drain the whey and use it in various “dishes”. We’re still on our “diet” and still feeling good!...except we fell off the wagon over Easter and both of us paid for it. MDH was quite miserable for a couple of days. He didn’t even whimper when I told him NO! on Monday when he wanted a food that is OK when we’re feeling good but not OK when we’re not. We’re both feeling so much better since getting sugar and grains out of our diet. It’s amazing the difference no sugar, yeast, and grains can make. What a change!
Granddaughters #1 & #4 were her for a visit yesterday. They went to the back yard with their buckets and shovels and in no time they were playing in the mud and water. They were so happy. Our daughter said it reminded her of her brother and herself many years ago, in the same area. Kids are the same the world around when it comes to mud and water, I think! It was a lovely afternoon. Wish we had taken some pictures. Oh well, another time.
As you can tell, I’m busy and still being health minded. I just haven’t taken the time to delve into a particular health subject. As usual…
Healthy Days to You…You’re Smiling Maven
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Sunshine...and More Sunshine!!!
Spring has SPRUNG!!!...here in the beautiful and previously damp NW! We had an absolutely wonderful, sunny day. It is amazing how just a little time outside, doing simple chores, can lift a person’s spirits. I didn’t even realize that they needed to be lifted.
Well, I am now following the writings and newsletters of 2 different MD’s and one researcher who all subscribe to the theory that almost all of us here in the USA have an overgrowth of fungus, and it is mostly at the root of all our illnesses. I read a very good paper last night on how candida cells mimic and transform themselves to look like different cells in our bodies. Such as brain cells or membranes of the human body. This causes our immune system to be fooled and when they attack candida cells they also attack other cells that look like candida, which are really our healthy cells, such as brain cells,(resulting in multiple sclerosis) or joint tissue (resulting in rheumatoid arthritis). Hence, autoimmune diseases. This is a very simplistic explanation of this article. The website for this paper is www.nutritioninstitute.com/Multiple_Sclerosis.html It is a short but very good read.
There is still more research being published on VitD. It is a very important supplement that has been ignored for far too long. Also, probiotics are still in the news and in the advertising budgets of several companies...yogurts and Milk of magnesia to name two of them. Despite the fact that they are commercials and the company is more interested in their profits than our health, probiotics really are “pro-life” and really are one of the most important dietary additions that we can do for ourselves.
We are still on our sugar free, wheat free, and yeast free eating plan. It is definitely different but we’re thinking it is well worth it. MDH really likes not having to get up at night, anymore, and I’m sleeping better, too. We also have more energy, which is always nice!
Time to work on the baby quilt. It’s almost done and the baby is almost here! Spring is going to be so wonderful!!!
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Well, I am now following the writings and newsletters of 2 different MD’s and one researcher who all subscribe to the theory that almost all of us here in the USA have an overgrowth of fungus, and it is mostly at the root of all our illnesses. I read a very good paper last night on how candida cells mimic and transform themselves to look like different cells in our bodies. Such as brain cells or membranes of the human body. This causes our immune system to be fooled and when they attack candida cells they also attack other cells that look like candida, which are really our healthy cells, such as brain cells,(resulting in multiple sclerosis) or joint tissue (resulting in rheumatoid arthritis). Hence, autoimmune diseases. This is a very simplistic explanation of this article. The website for this paper is www.nutritioninstitute.com/Multiple_Sclerosis.html It is a short but very good read.
There is still more research being published on VitD. It is a very important supplement that has been ignored for far too long. Also, probiotics are still in the news and in the advertising budgets of several companies...yogurts and Milk of magnesia to name two of them. Despite the fact that they are commercials and the company is more interested in their profits than our health, probiotics really are “pro-life” and really are one of the most important dietary additions that we can do for ourselves.
We are still on our sugar free, wheat free, and yeast free eating plan. It is definitely different but we’re thinking it is well worth it. MDH really likes not having to get up at night, anymore, and I’m sleeping better, too. We also have more energy, which is always nice!
Time to work on the baby quilt. It’s almost done and the baby is almost here! Spring is going to be so wonderful!!!
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Sunday, March 22, 2009
ADHD...REALLY?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Many nutritionists, doctors, researchers, and parents are now saying that this is a made-up and bogus disease…oopps…Disorder. It breaks my heart to hear about another child being put on these dangerous drugs. Besides the physical danger, the psychological impact on these children can also be devastating. I’ve read an article written by a Natural Health Editor who quotes a newly released study from the New York Medical College of Family Medicine. This is a very sad part of the article, to me. Here’s the quote…“When children are labeled as deviant and placed on Adderall or other drugs to treat ADHD, their self-confidence is undermined and they lose their ability to perform well and to study without them. Children who have lost faith in their own abilities are destined to lose their individuality and their ability to think and advocate for themselves. They are destined to grow into adults who are unable to participate in and defend their democracy.”
“Prescriptions for Adderall or any of the other ADHD drugs send children a clear message that something is wrong with them because they are unable to tolerate endless days of sitting in a seat doing irrelevant tasks and busy work. It teaches them that the problem is not with the school or the education system; the problem is with them.”
It is very easy for such a disenfranchised student to slip into being an unproductive and non-participating member of society. These students are open to self-destructive behaviors and have an inability to form meaningful relationships. Some estimates are that 15% of our students are on these drugs.
So then, what to do? Of course, my first suggestion is nutrition, which would include probiotics. That’s another blog! Discipline and exercise would also need to be incorporated into the child's regimen.
However, if a change in diet doesn’t help, a parent might want to look into bacteria, specifically bartonella and babesia. Yep! Our little friends that are transmitted by ticks, and in some cases by fleas or other biting critters. Probably, if you do not have a leading researcher of parasites and infections of the human body in your area, the best place to start would be a lab that does specialty blood work. Sometimes a compounding pharmacist might know of a clinic or Dr. in your area who is well versed in the field. A veteranarian might be able to help, also. If all this fails, get on the internet. Your child’s future is at stake!
As always...Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
“Prescriptions for Adderall or any of the other ADHD drugs send children a clear message that something is wrong with them because they are unable to tolerate endless days of sitting in a seat doing irrelevant tasks and busy work. It teaches them that the problem is not with the school or the education system; the problem is with them.”
It is very easy for such a disenfranchised student to slip into being an unproductive and non-participating member of society. These students are open to self-destructive behaviors and have an inability to form meaningful relationships. Some estimates are that 15% of our students are on these drugs.
So then, what to do? Of course, my first suggestion is nutrition, which would include probiotics. That’s another blog! Discipline and exercise would also need to be incorporated into the child's regimen.
However, if a change in diet doesn’t help, a parent might want to look into bacteria, specifically bartonella and babesia. Yep! Our little friends that are transmitted by ticks, and in some cases by fleas or other biting critters. Probably, if you do not have a leading researcher of parasites and infections of the human body in your area, the best place to start would be a lab that does specialty blood work. Sometimes a compounding pharmacist might know of a clinic or Dr. in your area who is well versed in the field. A veteranarian might be able to help, also. If all this fails, get on the internet. Your child’s future is at stake!
As always...Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Monday, March 9, 2009
Still more Vitamin D!!!
I’ve been reading for the last few months that VitD, lack of, has a lot to do with developing Multiple Sclerosis. That horse has left the barn!!! Well, finally today a report came floating across this computer screen, from the Vitamin D council, that says a number of epidemiological studies suggest VitD has a treatment effect in MS, not just a preventive effect. Yahoo!!! So, it is suggested that while we are waiting for more studies to be done, a person could take some initiative and have their VitD level checked and make sure it is in the “high normal” range. It is suggested that 10,000IU a day may be in order. Wow!!!
Guess I’ll up my intake again and have my level checked again this summer. Should be interesting to say the least!
Another article came through about a gene variant and lack of VitD as being linked to the development of MS. This research suggests that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the early years may increase the risk of the offspring developing MS later in life. This area of research is apparently referred to as epigenetics. In other words, the heritable changes or gene expression may be caused by mechanisms other than the underlying DNA sequence. Vitamin D or insufficient amounts of VitD can cause a gene, with this particular variant, to “malfunction”. I think that I can promise you that my mother probably had low levels of VitD. We’ll never know. I’m just glad that my daughters and granddaughters are taking supplemental VitD. So much more research to be done on Vitamins, in general, and genetics. Optimal health for all!! What a good goal!
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Guess I’ll up my intake again and have my level checked again this summer. Should be interesting to say the least!
Another article came through about a gene variant and lack of VitD as being linked to the development of MS. This research suggests that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the early years may increase the risk of the offspring developing MS later in life. This area of research is apparently referred to as epigenetics. In other words, the heritable changes or gene expression may be caused by mechanisms other than the underlying DNA sequence. Vitamin D or insufficient amounts of VitD can cause a gene, with this particular variant, to “malfunction”. I think that I can promise you that my mother probably had low levels of VitD. We’ll never know. I’m just glad that my daughters and granddaughters are taking supplemental VitD. So much more research to be done on Vitamins, in general, and genetics. Optimal health for all!! What a good goal!
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Ready for Spring!!!
It’s nice to feel “well” again!! I’ve had 7 days of being attacked by a virus and it has not been fun! MDH and I came down with this last Tuesday afternoon. It’s been a slow slog for me. He was over it on Saturday. So, today I rewarded myself with a facial. I had the dry nose after having the red nose and the rest of my face felt like sandpaper. So I gave myself a microdermabrasion and some super hydrating moisturizer and my skin feels so much better. I could face the real world now. Sort of like spring cleaning!
I also decided that I could actually get some work done on the new baby’s quilt. It’s such a pleasure to have the “umph” to do things. I’d think that I would be used to dragging this body around by now, but I’m not. “Dragging” is not my speed. I even felt so good that I told MDH that I felt well enough to run to the store. He gave me that “Look” and a very stern “NO, Don’t even think about it!" Pushing myself and being surprised that I’m out of energy is just the way it is! So, I went out to the greenhouse instead and messed around in there for a few minutes. That was fun and Yes, it proved him right. I was exhausted very quickly.
Working with the plants and seeing how they are recovering from the cold and dark winter is very encouraging. Kind of like the human body when we remove the undesirable things that are making us ill. Thriving is so much easier with proper temperature, fluid, and nourishment. The goal is to stay on this path. Spring really is just around the corner!!
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
I also decided that I could actually get some work done on the new baby’s quilt. It’s such a pleasure to have the “umph” to do things. I’d think that I would be used to dragging this body around by now, but I’m not. “Dragging” is not my speed. I even felt so good that I told MDH that I felt well enough to run to the store. He gave me that “Look” and a very stern “NO, Don’t even think about it!" Pushing myself and being surprised that I’m out of energy is just the way it is! So, I went out to the greenhouse instead and messed around in there for a few minutes. That was fun and Yes, it proved him right. I was exhausted very quickly.
Working with the plants and seeing how they are recovering from the cold and dark winter is very encouraging. Kind of like the human body when we remove the undesirable things that are making us ill. Thriving is so much easier with proper temperature, fluid, and nourishment. The goal is to stay on this path. Spring really is just around the corner!!
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Friday, February 20, 2009
Health...In Nutshell
A few days ago someone asked me what I considered important things to do for a healthy body. This person had recently decided that something needed to change in her life or she might end up like some of her relatives and she didn’t like the picture of what she had to look forward to. So, could I tell her what I considered some of the best things that I had done? I said of course, but let me organize some of my thoughts and I’ll post something on my blog.
First, let’s break this into different areas of bodily needs. 1---Diet 2---Supplements 3---Physical Activity 4---Emotional or Spiritual Health
1---Diet…. Perhaps the most important change to a person’s diet, in my opinion, is to eliminate refined sugar. Yep…It’s very difficult, but I think it is the most crucial diet change to do. I’m still struggling but the less sugar I consume the better I feel. The fungus connection and the havoc sugar reeks on a body is incredible. It’s not called “White Death” for nothing. The other thing to add to one's diet would be some kind of probiotic or fermented food. Also, add as much fresh vegetables and fruit as budget allows. Thoses 5 to 7 servings per day on the food pyrimid are crucial.
2---Supplements…. Until recently, I would have suggested a good, all natural multi vitamin 1st. They are still important, but if you have to choose, I consider Vitamin D to be the most important supplement. Without adequate vitamin d, our bodies are at great risk for any number of diseases. I just received another newsletter about Vit. D. Very crucial to have adequate levels during pregnancy….. Another blog.
3---Physical Activity…. This is another area that is so easy to ignore. We say to ourselves that we are too tired or I’ll do it tomorrow, or I’ve been really busy today, so that must count. The experts tell us to get our heart rate up for 20 minutes at least 3 times per week. If you’re confined to a wheel chair, that is really difficult, but I’ve read that there are some yoga movements designed for just this situation. This is another area where I struggle. To my generation, exercise was for P.E. class in high school.
4---Emotional or Spiritual Health….This is an area of life that we tend to think has nothing to do with our physical health. However, research shows that those who struggle emotionally tend to be less well physically. A person has to make their own Spiritual Peace with their God or just figure out how to keep it all together. If you need help there are plenty of loving and qualified Pastors. Also, there are great self help books to guide you thru turbulant or trying times. Since I’ve been blessed with a deep and abiding faith from childhood, this is an area that is second nature to me. My faith is not always on my sleeve, but there none the less. Also, I have a very loving and supportive family. Yes, I’m very grateful for my blessings and very thankful.
This is just a thumb nail sketch of some basic things that I consider are important to one’s overall good health. Start here and read, read, and read some more. New things are being published every day that pertain to our health. Ask questions, ask for clarification, and ask some more.
Healthy Days to You…Your Smiling Maven
First, let’s break this into different areas of bodily needs. 1---Diet 2---Supplements 3---Physical Activity 4---Emotional or Spiritual Health
1---Diet…. Perhaps the most important change to a person’s diet, in my opinion, is to eliminate refined sugar. Yep…It’s very difficult, but I think it is the most crucial diet change to do. I’m still struggling but the less sugar I consume the better I feel. The fungus connection and the havoc sugar reeks on a body is incredible. It’s not called “White Death” for nothing. The other thing to add to one's diet would be some kind of probiotic or fermented food. Also, add as much fresh vegetables and fruit as budget allows. Thoses 5 to 7 servings per day on the food pyrimid are crucial.
2---Supplements…. Until recently, I would have suggested a good, all natural multi vitamin 1st. They are still important, but if you have to choose, I consider Vitamin D to be the most important supplement. Without adequate vitamin d, our bodies are at great risk for any number of diseases. I just received another newsletter about Vit. D. Very crucial to have adequate levels during pregnancy….. Another blog.
3---Physical Activity…. This is another area that is so easy to ignore. We say to ourselves that we are too tired or I’ll do it tomorrow, or I’ve been really busy today, so that must count. The experts tell us to get our heart rate up for 20 minutes at least 3 times per week. If you’re confined to a wheel chair, that is really difficult, but I’ve read that there are some yoga movements designed for just this situation. This is another area where I struggle. To my generation, exercise was for P.E. class in high school.
4---Emotional or Spiritual Health….This is an area of life that we tend to think has nothing to do with our physical health. However, research shows that those who struggle emotionally tend to be less well physically. A person has to make their own Spiritual Peace with their God or just figure out how to keep it all together. If you need help there are plenty of loving and qualified Pastors. Also, there are great self help books to guide you thru turbulant or trying times. Since I’ve been blessed with a deep and abiding faith from childhood, this is an area that is second nature to me. My faith is not always on my sleeve, but there none the less. Also, I have a very loving and supportive family. Yes, I’m very grateful for my blessings and very thankful.
This is just a thumb nail sketch of some basic things that I consider are important to one’s overall good health. Start here and read, read, and read some more. New things are being published every day that pertain to our health. Ask questions, ask for clarification, and ask some more.
Healthy Days to You…Your Smiling Maven
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Candida...Not Candy
Well…Hello! It’s been awhile. I’ve been busy with “busy work”. I’ve been making a quilt top for Granddaughter #5, who is soon to be with us, and tweaking my diet, and just “stuff” in general. Life…it can get out of control, sometime.
However, the “tweaking” is what I want to talk about tonight. I’ve been working on ridding my body of excess fungus for about 3 years. I’ve also sort of “fallen off the wagon” and hit a plateau. So, I’ve been reading and thinking and doing the “Hmmmm” thing, a lot. Why do we Americans have so many chronic illnesses and other countries do not?...until they start adopting the standard American diet. What is in our diet that is so different than theirs?
Possible areas to explore…More refined foods than theirs….More vaccines given at an earlier age…Different oils used for cooking and all areas of food preparation…Different grains…Different grain storage (commercial storage)…More cooked foods as opposed to raw foods? I could go on if I really wanted to think about the different areas that I’ve read about. But, tonight I’m looking at fungus.
One of the newsletters that I’ve been following since I’ve been ridding myself of candida, is “Know the Cause”, by Doug Kauffman. Yes, he’s very one sided. Basically, he insists candida overgrowth is the primary cause of all of our health challenges. He just might be right. I’ve read other articles that are similar to his. He has quite an informative web site. On there is a video that is an interview between Kauffman and an oncology doctor from Italy. It shows pictures of cancer and how it is being cured simply by flooding the cancer with sodium bicarbonate. Yes, alkalizing the body. This I’ve read about before. There are other videos on the site and I’m going to do some more research. Meanwhile, I’m being a bit more strict on dietary intake, especially in the area of sugar and grains. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m also going to a Nutralite seminar later in the month. I can hardly wait. The presentation is going to be mainly about inflammation. Of course, Kauffman insists that inflammation is caused by fungus. It will be an interesting evening and I’m sure I’ll have a lot more to think about!!! Until then…
Healthy Days to You....Your Smiling Maven
However, the “tweaking” is what I want to talk about tonight. I’ve been working on ridding my body of excess fungus for about 3 years. I’ve also sort of “fallen off the wagon” and hit a plateau. So, I’ve been reading and thinking and doing the “Hmmmm” thing, a lot. Why do we Americans have so many chronic illnesses and other countries do not?...until they start adopting the standard American diet. What is in our diet that is so different than theirs?
Possible areas to explore…More refined foods than theirs….More vaccines given at an earlier age…Different oils used for cooking and all areas of food preparation…Different grains…Different grain storage (commercial storage)…More cooked foods as opposed to raw foods? I could go on if I really wanted to think about the different areas that I’ve read about. But, tonight I’m looking at fungus.
One of the newsletters that I’ve been following since I’ve been ridding myself of candida, is “Know the Cause”, by Doug Kauffman. Yes, he’s very one sided. Basically, he insists candida overgrowth is the primary cause of all of our health challenges. He just might be right. I’ve read other articles that are similar to his. He has quite an informative web site. On there is a video that is an interview between Kauffman and an oncology doctor from Italy. It shows pictures of cancer and how it is being cured simply by flooding the cancer with sodium bicarbonate. Yes, alkalizing the body. This I’ve read about before. There are other videos on the site and I’m going to do some more research. Meanwhile, I’m being a bit more strict on dietary intake, especially in the area of sugar and grains. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m also going to a Nutralite seminar later in the month. I can hardly wait. The presentation is going to be mainly about inflammation. Of course, Kauffman insists that inflammation is caused by fungus. It will be an interesting evening and I’m sure I’ll have a lot more to think about!!! Until then…
Healthy Days to You....Your Smiling Maven
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