Food

Dirty Dozen™ Fruits and Vegetables Download your free Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides compliments of the EWG!…article

Download the free Shoppers Guide to Pesticides outlining which fruits and veggies are “dirty” as well as which conventional varieties are ok to consume.

What is Genetically Modified food?…video

4 Ways That Government Corn Subsidies Make You Fat…article

You are probably aware of Government subsidies on various items including agriculture. While the reason for subsidies on a product may be innocent, the effects can be deadly. Subsidies on corn are a good example.

Subsidies on corn exist for the same reason as any other food. Our government feels that increased production will benefit the country. The problem is that good intentioned or not, these subsidies can affect our health in an incredibly negative way.

Organic Foods and Your Health…article

Organic Labeling and Marketing: Who can I trust?…article

Organic Food: Why the Fuss?…article

Is Organic Food Better for You?…article

Organic vs Natural…article

Food Additives to Avoid…article

Grass Fed Beef…article

www.EatWellGuide.org…website

www.LocalHarvest.org…website

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Alternative Treatments

What is Homeopathy?…article

Why Use Homeopathics?…article

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What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a holistic system of healing that is suitable for virtually everyone. It focuses on the individual, concentrating on treating specific physical and emotional symptoms to give long-lasting benefits.

The therapy is based on the theory of treating “like with like”. Homeopathic remedies are diluted natural substances that, if given to a healthy person, would produce the symptoms that the medicine is recommended for relieving. In an assessment, homeopaths will take into account a full range of physical, emotional and lifestyle factors in order to prescribe the right medicine(s).

Homeopathy is a complementary therapy.

Homeopathy has been widely used throughout the world for more than 200 years. In 2000, the House of Lords Select Committee on Science & Technology cited homeopathy as one of the five group one therapies, having “an individual diagnostic approach” along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture⁽¹⁾. Homeopathy can be safely used alongside most conventional medicines.

How long has Homeopathy been used?

Homeopathy has been used in the UK for over two hundred years, but has an honorable tradition dating back to ancient Greece. It was Samuel Hahnemann, a brilliant doctor working in 1796 who developed the scientific and philosophical foundations of this gentler way of healing. These scientific principles form the basis of successful homeopathic practice today.

Are homeopathic remedies safe?

Homeopathic remedies are a unique, poetized energy medicine, drawn from the plant, mineral and animal worlds. They are diluted to such a degree that not one molecule of the original substance can be detected (after the 12c potency).

They work by gently boosting the natural energy of the body and are very safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients. With homeopathy there is no danger of addiction or toxicity^(2).

If they are so dilute, how can they work?

After each dilution the mixture is vigorously agitated in a machine that delivers a calibrated amount of shaking. This is called succussion. It is thought that this process imprints the healing energy of the medicinal substance throughout the body of water (the diluent) as if a message is passed on. The message contains the healing energy. Even in ultra-molecular dilutions, information specific to the original dissolved substance remains and can be detected⁽³⁾. We at Rejuvenation Institute of Natural Health believe that these are a natural, powerful and effective way to bring the body back into homeostasis resulting in improved health.

References:
The Society of Homeopaths
(1) House of Lords Select Committee on Science & Technology. ‘Complementary & Alternative Medicine.’ Session 1999-2000, 6th Report. The Stationery Office, 2000
(2) Dantas F, Rampes H. Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review. Br Hom J 2000;89,p.35-8
(3) Belon P, Cumps J, Ennis M, et al. Histamine dilutions modulate basophil activation, Inflammation Research 2004: 53; 181-188

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MSG

What is MSG?…article

MSG: The Slow Poisoning of America

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Chronic Stress: The Undercover Killer

For many people, being constantly stressed has become an ordinary way of life. Between pursuing a career, raising kids, maintaining relationships, and trying to squeeze in some time for fun, day-to-day life is often so hectic that it is easy not to notice how exhausted and overworked you are, or to brush off these feelings as unimportant. However, many leading causes of death, from heart disease to cancer, have been linked to high stress levels. Reducing stress in your daily life is not just a nice idea, it is vital for your health and your quality of life.

So how can you conquer stress? The first step is to know your enemy – educate yourself about causes and symptoms of stress, and how to deal with them. In their bestselling new book, So Stressed, doctors Stephanie McClellan and Beth Hamilton outline the four major general stress types and some possible ways to greatly reduce it. While the information is primarily focused toward women, we feel that this is a pretty good start for anyone interested in classifying and dealing with stress.

The first type they mention are “Hyperdrive Stressors”, characterized by constant anxiety and feeling “on-edge”. Symptoms of this type of stress typically include nail-biting, teeth-grinding and headaches. Other individuals are the “Fried and Frazzled” type. While they may have a calm demeanor, they are highly sensitive to stress and usually experience chronic fatigue, muscle tension and physical pain when dealing with stressful situations. The third group are the “Dash and Crash Stressers”. These individuals thrive in stressful situations, handling them with energy and effectiveness. This productivity, however, is ultimately followed by a feeling of total burnout,even causing individuals to sleep for days. Finally, some people are “Detached Stressers”, characterized by feelings of detachment, low energy, a sense of helplessness, poor digestion and dizziness.

By now, I’m sure you have begun to think about which of these types best describes how you feel on a day to day basis. Once your have identified which type of “stresser” you are, it is time to take action toward eliminating it. Doctors McClellan and Hamilton offer some very practical tips for improving your response to stress and reducing your particular symptoms. If you are a “Hyperdrive Stresser” for example, rigorous exercise (preferably in the morning) will use up the anxious energy that body is mobilizing. “Fried and Frazzled” people should focus on implementing an anti-inflamatory diet such as the Mediterranean diet, pilates style exercise, walnuts and dark chocolate. “Detached” is the rarest and most extreme of the four categories. People that are experiencing it feel alone, are at risk for ulcerative colitis and experience lots of intestinal cramping. These individuals need to learn to connect the pain (physical and emotional) with what is going on in their lives.

This information is from the book entitled So Stressed: The Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women, written by Dr Stephanie McClellan and Dr. Beth Hamilton. Their years of clinical experience and review of scientific studies have led them to the startling conclusion that the root cause of many physical and emotional problems they see in their patients is stress. So Stressed provides you with a thorough and detailed stress-reduction plan tailored to your specific needs. This will also deepen your understanding of the profound connections between stress and physical well-being, and shares inspiring stories of women who have radically improved their lives by changing how they deal with stress.

If you are interested in more information, check out Stephanie McClellan’s book “So Stressed: The Ultimate Stress-Relief for Women”.

Resources:
ABC News Interview, 1/14/10
So Stressed Official Website

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What is MSG?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a white crystalline compound (powder) that is added to food and beverages to enhance the flavor. MSG is most famous in the United States for its widespread use in Chinese Restaurants. As it has gained poor publicity in recent years however, some restaurants have stopped using it and even post “NO MSG” signs in their windows. It can also be found, usually listed by its full name monosodium glutamate, in many foods that people consume every day including chips and snacks, especially with orange color or cheese flavor, soup broths (i.e. boullion, stock etc.), cookies, sauces (e.g. soy sauce), lunch meats, seasonings and almost any other heavily processed foods.

MSG is a food additive that is considered an excitotoxin, which is defined by Biology-Online.org as a “class of substances that damage neurons through paroxysmal overactivity. They are toxins that bind to certain receptors (e.g., certain glutamate receptors) and may cause neuronal cell death.” Glutamate has been found in various instances to destroy neurons and even cause seizure activity. This also may begin to affect nerve impulses stimulating the pancreas to secrete excess insulin. Other adverse reactions which are more common include dizziness, headache, racing heart, nausea and sweating.

Other substances that may be related to, substituted for or react similarily to MSG are listed below.

• Autolyzed yeast
• Barley Malt
• Calcium caseinate
• Carrageenan
• Enzyme-modified substances
• Gelatin
• Glutamate
• Glutamic acid
• Hydrolyzed corn gluten
• Any hydrolyzed protein
• Malt Extract
• Malt flavoring
• Maltodextrin
• Monopotassium glutamate
• Natrium glutamate
• “Natural flavors” and flavorings
• Pectin
• Protein-fortified substances
• Sodium caseinate
• Sodium glutamate
• Soy protein
• Soy protein isolate or concentrate
• Soy sauce extract
• Textured protein
• Vegetable gum
• Whey protein
• Yeast extract
• Yeast food
• Yeast nutrient

There are many opportunities to ingest toxic chemicals in our modern society. As a result, the simple solution is just to prepare your own foods at home using natural and organic ingredients. Many have heard us preach and 80/20 rule for eating in which you eat really well 80 percent of the time so that you can allow yourself 20% cusion for when you are out or cannot cook. Of course it would be ideal to eat healthy all the time, but do your best and you will be doing yourself a service. For more information on this you can check out our series of articles on Organic Eating.

You can also check out Russell Blaylock’s book “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills”

Sources
http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Excitotoxin

20 Health Beneits of Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils

 

THERAPEUTIC-GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS

All essential oils from Young Living are of therapeutic-grade quality. These oils have life-enhancing properties, are highly concentrated, volatile, and bring aromatic pure essences of plants from all over the world. Essential oils have been revered for centuries for their restorative properties to body, mind, and spirit. Each drop of a therapeutic essential oil contains hundreds of organic constituents and other natural elements that work on many levels with all living beings. They are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than dried herbs.

THERE ARE FOUR GRADES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Grade A = pure therapeutic quality and made from organically grown plants, distilled at correct temperature, time, pressure and harvested at proper season.
2. Grade B = food grade, probably contain synthetics, pesticide, fertilizers, extenders, or carrier oils.
3. Grade C = perfume grade, probably contain same type of adulterating chemicals as food grade oils. Usually contain solvents which are used to gain a higher yield of oil per harvest.
4. Floral Water = a byproduct of the distillation process and is very high quality IF it comes from Grade A distillation process.

Synthetic fragrance oils may duplicate the “signature” aroma of a pure botanical, but the complex chemical components of each therapeutic-grade essential oil are missing. Synthetic fragrance oils will not have medicinal or therapeutic properties and are NOT suitable for healing (aromatherapy). Quality Grade A therapeutic essential oils are inhaled, ingested, and topically applied for deep cleansing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing.

20 HEALTH BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC-GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS *

1. AFFECT THE PSYCHE: The aroma of therapeutic oils triggers physiological and psychological responses: lift moods, aid in reducing “the lows”, increase alertness, calm anxiousness, and clears memory -lavender, orange, bergamot, rose, jasmine; JOY and PEACE & CALMING blends
2. SUPPORT IMMUNE FUNCTION: Some therapeutic essential oil constituents mimic human immunoglobulin, elevate lymphocytes and stimulate our natural immune system -German chamomile, clove, mountain savory, lemon; IMMUPOWER, THIEVES blends
3. SUPPLY POTENT ANTIMICROBIALS: Research supports that therapeutic oils are highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and even the “superbug” (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus~MRSA). Bacteria do not mutate in the presence of therapeutic oils -melaleuca(s), geranium, clove, melissa, eucalyptus, rosemary; MELROSE, THIEVES blends
4. REDUCE INFLAMMATION: Caused by bacteria, poor diet, injuries, an over-burden of toxins, hormonal imbalances, inflammation is at the root of most degenerative diseases.
   -German chamomile, fenne, balsam fir, peppermint, helichrysum, wintergreen, juniper, thyme; BELIEVE blend
5. EASE STRESS AND ANXIETY: Excessive stress, tension, and anxiety are the physiological responses to our “thoughts and beliefs” and trigger unresolved emotions. This phenomenon is often associated with chronic illnesses and imbalance of body-systems. Therapeutic oils are known to soothe, bringing peaceful thoughts, quieting thoughts, and calming the physical body.
   -lavender, frankincense, clary sage, bergamot, melissa, vetiver, sandalwood, Roman chamomile; HOPE, RELEASE, 3 WISE MEN, SURRENDER, VALOR blends
6. DECREASE INSOMNIA: Reseach studies support that lavender promotes sleep, enhances relaxation and decreases anxiety. However, it must be therapeutic-grade Lavandula angustifolia. Other oils also are effective sleep aids.-lavender, valerian, Roman chamomile, frankincense, marjoram, clary sage, cistus; PEACE & CALMING, CITRUS FRESH, EGYPTIAN GOLD blends
7. PROVIDE NATURAL PAIN RELIEF: Massage into sore, tired muscles; use with a warm compress; apply to brain stem, deeply inhale. -balsam fir, black pepper, peppermint, ginger, lavender, wintergreen; PAN AWAY, RELIEVE IT blends, ORTHO SPORT, ORTHO EASE massage oils
8. REJUVENATE SKIN: Used for thousands of years to restore, rejuvenate, and improve damaged, wrinkled skin. Now used to clear acne, clogged pores, eczema, dark spots, and stretch marks. -lavender, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, Idaho tansy, melaleuca(s), patchouli, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum; A.R.T. SKIN CARE SYSTEM, SKIN SERUMS (dry, oily, acne), BOSWELLIA WRINKLE CREAM, TENDER TUSH, ORANGE BLOSSOM FACIAL WASH, NEUROGEN LOTION
9. PROTECT AGAINST COLDS AND INFLUENZA: With antimicrobial actions, therapeutic oils protect against colds, flu, and aid respiratory tissues. Inhale oils, put in hot tea, put in empty capsules to aid lungs, ears, and throat problems. -lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, ravensara; RC, RAVEN, PURIFICATION, MELROSE
10. SOOTHE DIGESTIVE DISORDERS: Effective relief for nausea, indigestion, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel. Rub on abdominal area; take internally in water or empty capsules -peppermint, ginger, fennel, basil, patchouli, chamomile, clary sage, black pepper; DI GIZE blend, DIGEST & CLEANSE CAPSULES, COMFORTONE CAPSULES
11. IMPROVE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM: Therapeutic essential oils oxygenate and “cleanse” cells. As healthier blood carries oxygen and nutrients to healthier cells, the vascular system is free of clots, arteriosclerosis, and broken veins -cypress, German chamomile, myrtle, helichrysum, grapefruit, basil, ylang ylang, spikenard; AROMA LIFE blend, HRT TINCTURE
12. PROMOTE OPTIMAL ENDOCRINE FUNCTION: This delicate system includes 9 glands that interconnect with organs, hormones, and each other to maintain our body’s balance and metabolism in nearly all functions. Stress and imbalance in the endocrine system is at the root of many western culture degenerative diseases. -clary sage, fennel, nutmeg, myrrh, pine, lemongrass, balsam fir; ENDO FLEX blend
13. SUPPORT THE URINARY SYSTEM: For over 70 years, oils have been recommended for aid in kidney, bladder, and urinary infections. Rub oils over the kidney area; take internally in water or empty capsules. -orange, oregano, melaleuca(s), juniper, rosemary, lemongrass; MELROSE blend, K&B TINTURE
14. SOOTHE BURNS, SUNBURNS, MINOR CUTS & SCRAPES: The power of lavender to heal burns was “re-discovered” pre-WWI. Therapeutic oils are antiseptic and cleansing and can be very effective in healing. -lavender, geranium, marjoram, melaleuca(s), rose; LAVA DERM SPRAY, TENDER TUSH
15. SUPPORT MUSCLES AND BONES: When overworked, stressed or burdened with toxins, muscle tissue and bone/joints become stiff and painful. Oils applied to areas give support, reduce inflammation and heat. -black pepper, peppermint, wintergreen, rosemary; RELIEVE IT, ORTHO SPORT, AROMA SIEZE, PAN AWAY, VALOR
16. PROVIDE ORAL AND DENTAL CARE: Bacteria in the mouth can cause disease in other parts of the body, including the heart. The therapeutic oils in oral care products by Young Living kill microbes associated with tooth decay, gum disease, systemic infections and unpleasant mouth odor. -mountain savory, clove, melaleuca(s), myrrh, thyme, peppermint; THIEVES TOOTHPASTE & MOUTHWASH
17. NOURISH AND STRENGTHEN HAIR: Essential oils make excellent hair care ingredients to rejuvenate hair, encourage hair growth, and cleanse follicles. Young Living personal care products do not contain harmful toxic ingredients (SLS, propylene glycol) that are stored in fatty tissue of the heart, liver, lungs, and brain. –sandalwood, rosemary, ylang ylang, lemon lavender, sage, cedarwood; LEMON SAGE or LAVENDER SHAMPOO
18. IMPROVE MENTAL CLARITY: Therapeutic oils have a profound impact on keeping the mind alert and focused thereby decreasing forgetfulness, dementia, and “brain fog”. –frankincense, sandalwood, cedarwood, lavender, helichrysum, orange, peppermint, rosemary; CLARITY, BRAIN POWER, EN-R-GEE blends
19. PROTECT AGAINST CANCER: Numerous studies show promising results for the use of therapeutic essential oils to combat specific types of cancer and that in the presence of the constituents of certain oils cancer cells cannot multiply. –frankincense, lemon, orange, lemongrass, clary sage, bergamot, helichrysum, clove, tsuga, lavender
20. PROVIDE SAFE AND NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS: Research points to common household cleaners as a suspected link to the 55% increase in cancer (specifically for women who work only in the home). The powerful yet safe antimicrobial activities of essential oils make them a natural choice as cleaners and disinfectants. –clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, rosemary, melaleuca(s), grapefruit; THIEVES HOUSEHOLD CLEANER

*Adapted from 20 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS by Health and Wealth, Inc., 2006.

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A Woman’s Fantasy

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Humorous Look Alikes

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