New vitamin! Yahoo!!! Not really new, just new for me to talk about. It’s B12, something that many elderly people and vegetarians are deficient in because the human body cannot produce this vitamin and it is also a vitamin that can only be found in certain foods. That food has been traditionally thought to be beef as the best form of B12. However, new research from the University of Oxford, in England and the University of Bergen in Norway has found that a diet of fish and dairy products elevated blood levels more significantly than other traditional foods. The human body can metabolize vitamins from these sources better, apparently. Good news for me, since I eat fish and I have recently added yogurt to my diet. In fact the person writing the report specifically recommended yogurt for the dairy product. I’m guessing that is because there has been other research that claims the human digestive track has shown signs of producing b vitamins with the right gut flora. That falls under the category of maybe yes, maybe no. All I know is I have been feeling terrific lately, which as is turns out is not a “good thing”.
I was feeling so good that I did too much and now I have paid for it. No stitches but lots of blood and a very frightened husband. So today I’m sitting inside doing almost nothing. Not fun. Someday I may learn that I am not capable of the things that I used to do…someday…maybe!
So, was my feeling terrific because of the B vitamins, the enhanced Vitamin D, getting rid of more fungus, or adding coconut oil to my diet. Don’t know but I think I’ll keep up the diet and supplements. More care will have to be exercised when venturing outside of the home! Poor husband! He has to watch me all the time….maybe I should be more careful, if for no other reason than to be more considerate of him. Yep, I think that’s it!
As Always, Healthy Days to You....Your Smiling Maven
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sunshine and Probiotics
Wow!! A person would think that I was really busy and had a life! Not! Just busy doing “stuff”, especially since it has been very rainy in the great northwest and being outside has been kind of “not fun”.
So, I’m off to the races again on Vitamin D and Probiotics. You can groan now, but the evidence keeps mounting that these two “supplements” are vitally important to our health. A new study just published in the journal “Postgraduate Medicine” states that probiotics help boost the immune response to the flu virus. Seems like a good thing to have during flu season, maybe the rest of the year, too. Also, the “New England Journal of Medicine” has published an article stating that almost ½ of critically ill patients in hospitals are deficient in Vitamin D. The article goes on to say that Vitamin D is crucial to overall good health and that low levels leave us vulnerable to many illness. It says that most flu and cold viruses are more prevalent in the winter months when Vit D levels tend to be lower. Makes sense.
Also, just read an article that says that this country used to have 50 applicants to medical school for every opening available. Now it is estimated that we are short 200,000 doctors. It is suggested that giving away national healthcare is impossible for this reason alone. We can cover all US citizens, but we cannot provide care for all citizens. Forget the financial aspects, it simply cannot be done logistically.
I’m glad that I am generally healthy and don’t need a Dr. very often. MDH and I are going to work at staying that way. We’re not too thrilled with the state of “doctor care” now. What’s it going to be like in the future? We’ll stick to our vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and natural foods. It’s working pretty good, so far!
Healthy Days to You...You're Smileing Maven
So, I’m off to the races again on Vitamin D and Probiotics. You can groan now, but the evidence keeps mounting that these two “supplements” are vitally important to our health. A new study just published in the journal “Postgraduate Medicine” states that probiotics help boost the immune response to the flu virus. Seems like a good thing to have during flu season, maybe the rest of the year, too. Also, the “New England Journal of Medicine” has published an article stating that almost ½ of critically ill patients in hospitals are deficient in Vitamin D. The article goes on to say that Vitamin D is crucial to overall good health and that low levels leave us vulnerable to many illness. It says that most flu and cold viruses are more prevalent in the winter months when Vit D levels tend to be lower. Makes sense.
Also, just read an article that says that this country used to have 50 applicants to medical school for every opening available. Now it is estimated that we are short 200,000 doctors. It is suggested that giving away national healthcare is impossible for this reason alone. We can cover all US citizens, but we cannot provide care for all citizens. Forget the financial aspects, it simply cannot be done logistically.
I’m glad that I am generally healthy and don’t need a Dr. very often. MDH and I are going to work at staying that way. We’re not too thrilled with the state of “doctor care” now. What’s it going to be like in the future? We’ll stick to our vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and natural foods. It’s working pretty good, so far!
Healthy Days to You...You're Smileing Maven
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May Rain Brings May Flowers!!
OK...So the weather has been awful today and I haven't an excuse for not posting. Today the sky fell! Wow! Did it ever rain!!! So I've been inside...no greenhouse activity. Granddaughter #5 arrived. She is just darling and I did get her quilt done. Now I'm working on one for granddaughter #1. I have a need to always be working on a project. I think there is an old saying about busy hands.
The yogurt making is getting better. We found a raw milk dairy, so I am not making my yogurt with adulterated product. In this country we have done to our dairy products the equivalent of what we have done to our wheat products...in my opinion!! We've stripped them of all enzymes and most vitamins and minerals. In so doing, they become anti-nourishing and indigestible. So, my yogurt has all of the fat per serving that it is designed to have. I also do not super heat the milk. I'm going to be exploring more recipes for making raw milk yogurt. I want all of the enzymes and probiotics and vitamins and minerals possible. The probiotics are especially important to me. The more that I research, the more convinced I am that once a food is out of its natural state there is little nutritional value left and it is difficult for our bodies to digest it or absorb the few nutrients that are left. I've read articles that refer to this processed food as "anti-nutritive".
So, I will keep experimenting with yogurt recipes. Lots of fun, anyway! The sun is supposed to come out again in a couple of days. So, I will not complain about the rain and cold.
As Always...Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
The yogurt making is getting better. We found a raw milk dairy, so I am not making my yogurt with adulterated product. In this country we have done to our dairy products the equivalent of what we have done to our wheat products...in my opinion!! We've stripped them of all enzymes and most vitamins and minerals. In so doing, they become anti-nourishing and indigestible. So, my yogurt has all of the fat per serving that it is designed to have. I also do not super heat the milk. I'm going to be exploring more recipes for making raw milk yogurt. I want all of the enzymes and probiotics and vitamins and minerals possible. The probiotics are especially important to me. The more that I research, the more convinced I am that once a food is out of its natural state there is little nutritional value left and it is difficult for our bodies to digest it or absorb the few nutrients that are left. I've read articles that refer to this processed food as "anti-nutritive".
So, I will keep experimenting with yogurt recipes. Lots of fun, anyway! The sun is supposed to come out again in a couple of days. So, I will not complain about the rain and cold.
As Always...Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Where Have I Been???
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
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
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
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