1.Say “Cheese,” or smile. It changes endorphins in your brain.
2.Try to be with or talk to positive people.
3.Practice a jolly belly laugh. Pretend you’re auditioning to play Santa Claus.
4.Exercise daily for twenty minutes or take a brisk walk.
5.Keep a gratitude journal. Write down ten things for which you are thankful.
6.Dance to lively music.
7.Try Tai Chi or qigong; it uses breath regulation and mediation to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body. It relaxes the nervous system, increases circulation, is an easy form of exercise, engages the mind and improves well-being.
8.Sing a positive song.
9.Read or write poetry. Try writing a limerick and send it off to a contest.
10.Play with a puppy.
11.Play your favorite music.
12.Watch a funny movie or read something humorous. Ask friends and family members to tell you the funniest thing that ever happened to them and write it down. Remember, laughter is a tranquilizer with no side affects.
13.Help someone else, even if it’s sending a card or a positive telephone call.
14.Focus on your successes in life and record or write them down.
15.Concentrate on positive affirmations such as, “I enjoy being happy.”
16.Pray.
17.Tap your brain’s success circuits using guided imagery or creative visualization. Play positive movies in your mind.
18.Meditate. Live in the present moment. Practice mindfulness.
19.Keep busy. When your mind is not occupied you tend to dwell on negative thoughts. Replace the negative tapes you play in your head with positive thoughts.
20.Practice deep breathing, or Kundalini Yoga.
From Defeating Depression& Beating the Blues, by Pat Webb(Butts)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression
The diagnostic criteria for a major depression is a depressed mood for most of each day, which lasts more than two months. Symptoms may include.
1.Poor appetite or overeating.
2.Insomnia or hypersomnia
3.Low energy or fatigue
4.Low self esteem
5.Poor concentration
6.Difficulty making decisions
7.Feelings of hopelessness
8.Significant weight loss or weight gain
9.Diminished interest in pleasurable activity.
10.Thoughts of death or suicide (if you have suicidal thoughts, seek professional help)
The diagnostic criteria for a major depression is a depressed mood for most of each day, which lasts more than two months. Symptoms may include.
1.Poor appetite or overeating.
2.Insomnia or hypersomnia
3.Low energy or fatigue
4.Low self esteem
5.Poor concentration
6.Difficulty making decisions
7.Feelings of hopelessness
8.Significant weight loss or weight gain
9.Diminished interest in pleasurable activity.
10.Thoughts of death or suicide (if you have suicidal thoughts, seek professional help)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Beating the Blues for the Holidays
Beating the Blues
By Patty Butts, Ph.D., LPC
“You cannot keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in you hair.”
Like Jonah, we sometimes end up in the belly of the whale. At least that’s what it feels like. If it’s not the belly of the whale, maybe it’s the blues, melancholy or sadness. Some people feel temporarily blue because of loneliness, grief, death of a loved one, divorce, poor health, financial problems or other life stressors. These moods usually lift and the person will function normally again, but if it lasts for more than several months and interferes with daily activities, professional help may be needed.
Get moving
Depression knocks at every door, but you don’t have to invite it in as a permanent guest. Like my grandfather used to say, “Fresh fish and house guests shouldn’t stay more than three days.” If the blues stay more than a few weeks, someone needs to move, and exercise is a great beginning. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise stimulates circulation, produces an increase in endorphins and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that encourage contentment and cheerfulness. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, jumping on a mini-tramp and biking can generate a significant antidepressant effect. Brisk walking is as effective as any other exercise.
Learn to laugh
Say “Cheese!” University studies confirm that when we use our smile muscles and humor, it increases the endorphins in our brain. Humor is the ability to look at the absurdity in our own lives and find something to laugh about. It may not eliminate the problem, but it will help overcome the effect. Life is at least as funny as it is sad. Humor can stop misunderstandings and ease tension when no other strategies will work. Consider creating a humor folder with clever cartoons and quips. These clips are good to pass on to friends and family when they are ill, recuperating or just need a chuckle to cheer them up.
Eat well
While there are many causes of depression or the blues, good nutrition plays a vital role. My No. 1 recommendation is to add essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet in the form of fish or flax seed oil or a blend that contains both omega 3s and omega 6s such as marine/borage lipid combination. Omega 3s, raise the serotonin level in our brain, improve moods and are found in fresh deepwater fish, flax seed or flax oil. A good quality fish oil or evening primrose oil are examples of good fats. "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" by Udo Erasmus is an excellent resource. Avoid saturated fat and transfatty acids. Bad fats (French fries, deep fried foods, etc.,) inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain because they cause the blood cells to become sticky and clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain.
According to Dr. Norman Shealy, author of "Alternative Medicine," and Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Nutritional Healing," avoid sugar. That means honey, sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup and fruit juice. Avoid drinks or foods with aspartame because it can block the formation of serotonin and also cause headaches and insomnia. Your body reacts more quickly to sugar than it does to complex carbohydrates. The quick increase in energy by the intake of sugar is quickly followed by fatigue and depression. Stevia is an excellent sugar substitute.
Candida is a yeast-like fungus that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, throat, genital tract and bowels and can contribute to depression and mental illness. According to Dr.William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection," diet, antibiotics, and some birth control pills are factors that cause candida-related health problems. As yeast multiplies in the intestinal tract, villi in the intestines is unable to absorb vital nutrients needed by the brain and body. You feel hungry, your body craves sugar and bread, which contributes to more yeast overgrowth. Dr. Crook’s book is an excellent resource and has a candida questionnaire. The candisphere is a test your doctor can give to measure candida in the blood.
Remember when you are eating junk food, dead food without enzymes and empty calories, you are only feeding your mouth, not your body. Dead foods include food like coffee, sodas, candy, alcohol, pastries, peanuts, fried foods, processed foods, microwaved foods and margarine. Live foods include foods like broccoli, avocados, spinach, celery, cucumbers, limes, lemons, fish, almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, grape seed oil, flax seed oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, alfalfa, peppers and sprouted wheat wraps. In the next minute your body is going to give birth to 720 million new cells. What quality of materials have you stockpiled in your body for it to use to make these new cells? When your body wears out, where are you going to live?
Positive thinking
Our thoughts determine our feelings and actions. Wayne Dyer, a well known psychologist and author, has said, “When you realize that what you think about becomes your reality, you become very careful about what you think about.” When an African shaman prays for rain, he prays, “Thanks for the taste of the rain. Thanks for the smell of the rain. Thanks for the rain,” and somewhere out there it is raining.
We can change our thoughts and replace them with words from a positive song, positive affirmations or appropriate music.
Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives us something to do, but it doesn’t get us anywhere. Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”
Depression can be caused by loss, feeling trapped, guilt, and anger turned in on yourself. Acknowledge your feelings; it’s painful to lose a loved one in death or divorce. It’s distressing to have health problems. Write about your feelings. Find a support group or someone you can talk to about your pain or loss, but don’t dwell on it continuously. Widowed twice, I have felt the agony of loss and loneliness, but ultimately I had to ask myself, “How can I turn my pain into service or positive action?”
It’s normal to have a pity party when you are hurting, but make it a short pity party. My mother-in-law, Marie, was one of the most positive people I’ve known. She was in her 60s when first widowed, but said, “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself. I’ll take myself to lunch or have friends over for dinner.”
Marie frequently went for walks or to a shopping mall and said hello to everyone. She took lemonade out to the garbage man and in turn, he delivered her garbage can in the driveway next to her house. When Marie was nearly 80 she said, “I’m going to go visit the old people on the street.” The old people on the street were in their 60s.
Keep a gratitude journal. Each day write down from five to ten things you are grateful for — laughter, the giggle of a baby, sunrises, sunset, trees, rivers, forests, mountains, blue sky, rain, flowers, the song of a bird, music, a healthy heart — the list could go on forever. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Surveys indicate 4 to 6 percent of the general population experience winter depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a severe form of winter blues. Those with SAD may lose their energy, gain weight, sleep too much, suffer anxiety attacks, and crave the wrong foods.
In winter, the level of indoor light produces about a tenth of the illumination of a full day of natural light due to shorter and darker days. Doctors recommend you stay in brightly lit rooms on dark days. According to Dr. C. Norman Shealey, “Getting outdoors in bright daylight as much as possible and sitting near windows in light colored rooms can help.”
Thomas Jefferson Medical Research Facility did a 15 year study on light therapy and found that a specific band of light increased serotonin levels significantly.
Apollo Light Systems in Orem, Utah, has developed a goLite which is that specific band of light. It can be purchased at Costco for about $150. and might cost twice that amount if purchased at a retail outlet. This portable unit can be used at work, home, or even when you travel. If you are having difficulty sleeping you may want to check your circadian rhythm. For an assessment of your circadian rhythm go to www.apollohealth.com and pull up circadian rhythm, then assessment tools.
By Patty Butts, Ph.D., LPC
“You cannot keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in you hair.”
Like Jonah, we sometimes end up in the belly of the whale. At least that’s what it feels like. If it’s not the belly of the whale, maybe it’s the blues, melancholy or sadness. Some people feel temporarily blue because of loneliness, grief, death of a loved one, divorce, poor health, financial problems or other life stressors. These moods usually lift and the person will function normally again, but if it lasts for more than several months and interferes with daily activities, professional help may be needed.
Get moving
Depression knocks at every door, but you don’t have to invite it in as a permanent guest. Like my grandfather used to say, “Fresh fish and house guests shouldn’t stay more than three days.” If the blues stay more than a few weeks, someone needs to move, and exercise is a great beginning. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise stimulates circulation, produces an increase in endorphins and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that encourage contentment and cheerfulness. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, jumping on a mini-tramp and biking can generate a significant antidepressant effect. Brisk walking is as effective as any other exercise.
Learn to laugh
Say “Cheese!” University studies confirm that when we use our smile muscles and humor, it increases the endorphins in our brain. Humor is the ability to look at the absurdity in our own lives and find something to laugh about. It may not eliminate the problem, but it will help overcome the effect. Life is at least as funny as it is sad. Humor can stop misunderstandings and ease tension when no other strategies will work. Consider creating a humor folder with clever cartoons and quips. These clips are good to pass on to friends and family when they are ill, recuperating or just need a chuckle to cheer them up.
Eat well
While there are many causes of depression or the blues, good nutrition plays a vital role. My No. 1 recommendation is to add essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet in the form of fish or flax seed oil or a blend that contains both omega 3s and omega 6s such as marine/borage lipid combination. Omega 3s, raise the serotonin level in our brain, improve moods and are found in fresh deepwater fish, flax seed or flax oil. A good quality fish oil or evening primrose oil are examples of good fats. "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" by Udo Erasmus is an excellent resource. Avoid saturated fat and transfatty acids. Bad fats (French fries, deep fried foods, etc.,) inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain because they cause the blood cells to become sticky and clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain.
According to Dr. Norman Shealy, author of "Alternative Medicine," and Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Nutritional Healing," avoid sugar. That means honey, sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup and fruit juice. Avoid drinks or foods with aspartame because it can block the formation of serotonin and also cause headaches and insomnia. Your body reacts more quickly to sugar than it does to complex carbohydrates. The quick increase in energy by the intake of sugar is quickly followed by fatigue and depression. Stevia is an excellent sugar substitute.
Candida is a yeast-like fungus that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, throat, genital tract and bowels and can contribute to depression and mental illness. According to Dr.William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection," diet, antibiotics, and some birth control pills are factors that cause candida-related health problems. As yeast multiplies in the intestinal tract, villi in the intestines is unable to absorb vital nutrients needed by the brain and body. You feel hungry, your body craves sugar and bread, which contributes to more yeast overgrowth. Dr. Crook’s book is an excellent resource and has a candida questionnaire. The candisphere is a test your doctor can give to measure candida in the blood.
Remember when you are eating junk food, dead food without enzymes and empty calories, you are only feeding your mouth, not your body. Dead foods include food like coffee, sodas, candy, alcohol, pastries, peanuts, fried foods, processed foods, microwaved foods and margarine. Live foods include foods like broccoli, avocados, spinach, celery, cucumbers, limes, lemons, fish, almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, grape seed oil, flax seed oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, alfalfa, peppers and sprouted wheat wraps. In the next minute your body is going to give birth to 720 million new cells. What quality of materials have you stockpiled in your body for it to use to make these new cells? When your body wears out, where are you going to live?
Positive thinking
Our thoughts determine our feelings and actions. Wayne Dyer, a well known psychologist and author, has said, “When you realize that what you think about becomes your reality, you become very careful about what you think about.” When an African shaman prays for rain, he prays, “Thanks for the taste of the rain. Thanks for the smell of the rain. Thanks for the rain,” and somewhere out there it is raining.
We can change our thoughts and replace them with words from a positive song, positive affirmations or appropriate music.
Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives us something to do, but it doesn’t get us anywhere. Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”
Depression can be caused by loss, feeling trapped, guilt, and anger turned in on yourself. Acknowledge your feelings; it’s painful to lose a loved one in death or divorce. It’s distressing to have health problems. Write about your feelings. Find a support group or someone you can talk to about your pain or loss, but don’t dwell on it continuously. Widowed twice, I have felt the agony of loss and loneliness, but ultimately I had to ask myself, “How can I turn my pain into service or positive action?”
It’s normal to have a pity party when you are hurting, but make it a short pity party. My mother-in-law, Marie, was one of the most positive people I’ve known. She was in her 60s when first widowed, but said, “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself. I’ll take myself to lunch or have friends over for dinner.”
Marie frequently went for walks or to a shopping mall and said hello to everyone. She took lemonade out to the garbage man and in turn, he delivered her garbage can in the driveway next to her house. When Marie was nearly 80 she said, “I’m going to go visit the old people on the street.” The old people on the street were in their 60s.
Keep a gratitude journal. Each day write down from five to ten things you are grateful for — laughter, the giggle of a baby, sunrises, sunset, trees, rivers, forests, mountains, blue sky, rain, flowers, the song of a bird, music, a healthy heart — the list could go on forever. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Surveys indicate 4 to 6 percent of the general population experience winter depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a severe form of winter blues. Those with SAD may lose their energy, gain weight, sleep too much, suffer anxiety attacks, and crave the wrong foods.
In winter, the level of indoor light produces about a tenth of the illumination of a full day of natural light due to shorter and darker days. Doctors recommend you stay in brightly lit rooms on dark days. According to Dr. C. Norman Shealey, “Getting outdoors in bright daylight as much as possible and sitting near windows in light colored rooms can help.”
Thomas Jefferson Medical Research Facility did a 15 year study on light therapy and found that a specific band of light increased serotonin levels significantly.
Apollo Light Systems in Orem, Utah, has developed a goLite which is that specific band of light. It can be purchased at Costco for about $150. and might cost twice that amount if purchased at a retail outlet. This portable unit can be used at work, home, or even when you travel. If you are having difficulty sleeping you may want to check your circadian rhythm. For an assessment of your circadian rhythm go to www.apollohealth.com and pull up circadian rhythm, then assessment tools.
Be Kinder Than Necessary
Make a rule and pray to God to help you keep it: never, if possible lie down at night without being able to say, "I have made one human being a little wiser or a little happier or at least a little better this day." Charles Kingsley
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Chronic Fatigue and Hope
I have a friend who has had chronic fatigue for over 16 years. He has made the rounds of doctors with no improvement. I encouraged him to change his diet and buy Dr. Robert Young's book "The pH MIracle." He also bought my book on my recovery from CFIDS. In the beginning, he gradually changed his diet to an alkaline diet, drinking three to six liters of green drinks a day and sometimes juicing green vegetables. Since candida is a major player in CFIDS and Fibromyalgia, his doctor put him on Terbinafin. It is supposed to be as strong as Diflucan but not have the side effects to the liver and kidneys. He has avoided eating grains and dairy since many CFIDS patients are gluten and lactose intolerant. He has eaten quinoa, millet and buckwheat and used rice, almond or soy milk in place of wheat, rye or oats, and dairy in addition to the alkaline diet (in one of my older blogs).
This week I received this email from him, "Yesterday I felt better than I have in a very long time. I am getting closer and closer to 100%.
This week I received this email from him, "Yesterday I felt better than I have in a very long time. I am getting closer and closer to 100%.
Monday, December 1, 2008
David Home from India
It has been several weeks since David returned from India, where he visited six cities. The last was Mumbai,and yes, he stayed in the elegant Taj Mahal Hotel where a beautiful beaded water fountain flowed from a pool in the foyer to the roof top.
Fortunately he came home before the terroist attack inside the hotel, but our heart goes out to those who lost their lives or were injured. Tis the season of "Peace on Earth, Good will to men," and we pray that it may be so.
Sometimes we can have so little to do with what is going on in the world, but we can and do have peace in our home, and in our neighbrohoods and perhaps that is where it can begin with each of us.
Fortunately he came home before the terroist attack inside the hotel, but our heart goes out to those who lost their lives or were injured. Tis the season of "Peace on Earth, Good will to men," and we pray that it may be so.
Sometimes we can have so little to do with what is going on in the world, but we can and do have peace in our home, and in our neighbrohoods and perhaps that is where it can begin with each of us.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
African Women Battling Aids
AFRICAN WOMEN BATTLE AIDS
By Patty Butts
In November of 2000, I accompanied my husband on a trip to Botswana, my first trip to Africa. On the flight from Johannesburg to Sua Pan, I overheard parts of a conversation about the AIDS epidemic in the country. A fourth of the population had AIDS or was HIV infected. By the year 2010 it was estimated there would be 40 million orphans. I had heard of AIDS in Africa, but it had never been so close to me. Suddenly the words struck me like lightning. These children were like our children, but they would not have even one parent.
My first husband died of cancer when our oldest son was ten, another son seven, a two-year-old daughter, and I was expecting a baby. It was very difficult for my children. How excruciating it would be to lose both parents. Why couldn’t this be reversed?
As the plane landed on the desolate private airstrip, I noticed a few towering baobab trees silhouetted against the desert landscape. My plan was to study nutritional healing while my husband consulted at the Botash plant. But there were other plans for me.
When I stepped off the plane, I was introduced to a gracious woman whose assignment was to entertain me for the week. Immediately, I was attracted to her warm and winning way and delightful accent.
Dinner was arranged at the Country Club later in the evening and I was informed the schoolmaster would be there to answer any of my many questions. The Big Question was “What are the children being taught about eliminating AIDS for their generation and generations to come.”
At the compound, under a huge tree that canopied a sand patio used for barbecuing, sat two African men and three women dressed in crisp turquoise-colored maid’s uniforms. They were soft spoken with kind and gentle dark eyes. They nodded their heads when we said, hello.
Over the next few days I would learn much about the African people in Botswana and Sowa Town, the nearest town to the Botash plant. Unlike Johannesburg and South Africa, Botswana was fortunate to have an honest government and a miniscule crime rate. Ruled by tribal clans, they had no use or tolerance for firearms, pornography, sexual crimes or theft. Their people felt safe from crime. I felt safe. Their biggest terror and problems were AIDS, unemployment, and poverty.
During dinner, I found the schoolmaster, a tall man with a hefty frame, a jovial chap who liked to talk. I questioned him about AIDS and the impact on the school children. His answers were disappointing. I didn’t agree that safe sex and condoms were the only answer.
It was a company school for the Caucasian and African children of the nearly 700 employees who worked at the plant or serviced Sowa Town. Built by the company in the late 80’s, Sowa Town was populated by over 2000 residents, most of them African, and was a boon to the unemployment problem. For the black child, the private company school was an elite opportunity that assured them of a college education and a life other than poverty, something not likely to be gained at the Sua Pan School operated by the republic of Botswana.
“Some of the children will not be able to continue at our school,” the headmaster said as he bowed his head sadly. “Their parents have AIDS. Only children of employees are allowed to attend.”
Christa Blake, wife of one the chief engineers had been listening intently to our conversation. Recognizing my passionate concern about AIDS, she whispered to me, “I’m on the AIDS Coalition.” Here was someone I wanted to talk to. We arranged to meet in the next few days.
During the restless night, I dreamt of crying children. While awake, I agonized over the AIDS problem. Suddenly it came to me! WOMEN….the women in Africa could conquer the epidemic. The cry of orphaned children….”waaaaa.” “WAA”, the acronym for WOMEN AGAINST AIDS. If three or four women got together and each of them met with three or four other women, soon the whole town could join in the fight against preventing the deadly disease.
In the morning I had breakfast in the small, nearly vacant mess hall. One of the cooks spoke good English and our casual conversation soon became a meaningful friendship. As I expressed my concern about AIDS, she became very interested.
“In many African cultures, a women must become pregnant before a man will marry her. Fertility is a big issue, and the man will not always marry the women he has impregnated,” Shulume told me. As she continued, I realized that fidelity was not an attribute of relationships.
“If you are ever to win the war against AIDS, that must not continue. Women can change that! What can you do about it?” I asked.
“All a women has to do is say, “No,” and a man can do nothing,” Shulume emphatically told me. “Our country does not tolerate rape.”
That seemed easy enough to me, but as I was to later learn, it wasn’t as simple, as women saying, “No.” The unemployment rate in some communities is as high as 93 percent. Here it was the women who were underemployed. They didn’t consider themselves prostitutes, but it was common to give sexual favors in exchange for food and a place to live.
As I visited the school that morning, I was impressed with the uniformed children, boys in crisp khaki, girls in light blue dresses. As we entered each classroom, the children stood and said, “Good morning, Master Jensen.” There was no disrespect here; they had reverence for authority and their headmaster. These were gentle sweet children. As I gazed at their faces, I wondered how many of them would lose their parents or even their own lives to AIDS. How many would be able to continue their schooling?
Later in the day I met my husband at the compound. We walked a short distance to the weather station so David could check some data. It was there I met Peggy, a beautiful, tall, thin African girl in her late twenties. She was dressed in a long navy blue jumper and white blouse and could have been a New York model. Peggy was one of the meteorologists at the plant. As she explained the weather data to David, I observed how delicate and fragile she was….then I noticed circles of sores on her legs. Instinctively I knew she had parasites…perhaps even in her blood stream, but not AIDS. She smiled at me and there was an immediate connection between us—spirit-to-spirit, soul-to-soul. Peggy had been educated in Nigeria and was also on the AIDS coalition, which led to our long discussion about AIDS. She was not only willing, but also eager to participate with other women in combating AIDS and thought it was a great idea to have women reaching out to other women in the community.
As I questioned her about her health, Peggy said she had been feeling ill for several years, but doctors had not been able to help her. I told her it was possible that she had parasites and suggested natural remedies like garlic, cloves, and a diet that was close to vegetarian. When her ride arrived, she asked me to come back in the morning to continue our discussion.
At dinner that evening I met more people who volunteered to help with the project: the company doctor’s wife who was an advocate of natural medicine, an engineer, and the wife of another engineer.
After dinner, I saw Shulume at the compound. Her eyes were glistening as she said to me, “ I have read from the book you gave me and I know it is true.”
Before the sun was up the next morning, I was pacing the floor thinking—thinking about cottage industries. Would cottage industries work here? Could cottage industries help the unemployment and poverty problems? What protocol could be used to help prevent AIDS? I jotted some notes and watched for Peggy to arrive at work. When the van pulled into the compound, I waited fifteen minutes before heading to her office. Excited to see me, Peggy introduced me to Maggie and Reginah who were also on the AIDS coalition.
When I gave her notes on a possible protocol to prevent AIDS she said, “ We know that God has sent you here.”
Her words surprised me because I really didn’t want to go to Africa, but did want to support my husband on his trip. In October my doctors said I would be unable to travel because I was suffering from exhaustion. My husband and gave me a blessing and promised me I would be well enough to make the trip.
After brainstorming with Peggy, Reginah, and Maggie about forming groups in the community, I was off to Sowa Town to meet with Christa Blake and other women about AIDS and the possibility of starting cottage industries. In the four days I was there, I met with four groups of women who made plans. These were strong, spiritual, God-fearing women. I knew they could make a difference in their community. Sadness engulfed me as I left Sua Pan and my new friends. I wished that I could stay longer.
When I arrived home I sent herbs to help strengthen the immune system, a list of holistic treatments from medical doctors for AIDS, patterns for craft and clothing, and the address and phone number of microcredit groups that lend money to start small businesses. I waited and wondered how the project was doing. It was four months before I heard from Peggy.
She wrote, “The content of your letters was of much help to me and our community. I believe you were an angel sent to our country to pass the good news. We presently have twenty-four groups and committees. (At the time I was there they had only the AIDS coalition). We are just about to open our own AIDS Testing Center here in Sua Pan. We have been having daily prayers in the many committees. I have been following your instructions on improving my diet and using herbs and my health has improved tremendously. I have passed your letters on to top officials, and they have appreciated it very much.” She also said they would be starting groups in other communities. I realized they could be a model for all of Africa.
It was a good start.
It is amazing to me what these women accomplished with prayer and the help of the Lord.
By Patty Butts
In November of 2000, I accompanied my husband on a trip to Botswana, my first trip to Africa. On the flight from Johannesburg to Sua Pan, I overheard parts of a conversation about the AIDS epidemic in the country. A fourth of the population had AIDS or was HIV infected. By the year 2010 it was estimated there would be 40 million orphans. I had heard of AIDS in Africa, but it had never been so close to me. Suddenly the words struck me like lightning. These children were like our children, but they would not have even one parent.
My first husband died of cancer when our oldest son was ten, another son seven, a two-year-old daughter, and I was expecting a baby. It was very difficult for my children. How excruciating it would be to lose both parents. Why couldn’t this be reversed?
As the plane landed on the desolate private airstrip, I noticed a few towering baobab trees silhouetted against the desert landscape. My plan was to study nutritional healing while my husband consulted at the Botash plant. But there were other plans for me.
When I stepped off the plane, I was introduced to a gracious woman whose assignment was to entertain me for the week. Immediately, I was attracted to her warm and winning way and delightful accent.
Dinner was arranged at the Country Club later in the evening and I was informed the schoolmaster would be there to answer any of my many questions. The Big Question was “What are the children being taught about eliminating AIDS for their generation and generations to come.”
At the compound, under a huge tree that canopied a sand patio used for barbecuing, sat two African men and three women dressed in crisp turquoise-colored maid’s uniforms. They were soft spoken with kind and gentle dark eyes. They nodded their heads when we said, hello.
Over the next few days I would learn much about the African people in Botswana and Sowa Town, the nearest town to the Botash plant. Unlike Johannesburg and South Africa, Botswana was fortunate to have an honest government and a miniscule crime rate. Ruled by tribal clans, they had no use or tolerance for firearms, pornography, sexual crimes or theft. Their people felt safe from crime. I felt safe. Their biggest terror and problems were AIDS, unemployment, and poverty.
During dinner, I found the schoolmaster, a tall man with a hefty frame, a jovial chap who liked to talk. I questioned him about AIDS and the impact on the school children. His answers were disappointing. I didn’t agree that safe sex and condoms were the only answer.
It was a company school for the Caucasian and African children of the nearly 700 employees who worked at the plant or serviced Sowa Town. Built by the company in the late 80’s, Sowa Town was populated by over 2000 residents, most of them African, and was a boon to the unemployment problem. For the black child, the private company school was an elite opportunity that assured them of a college education and a life other than poverty, something not likely to be gained at the Sua Pan School operated by the republic of Botswana.
“Some of the children will not be able to continue at our school,” the headmaster said as he bowed his head sadly. “Their parents have AIDS. Only children of employees are allowed to attend.”
Christa Blake, wife of one the chief engineers had been listening intently to our conversation. Recognizing my passionate concern about AIDS, she whispered to me, “I’m on the AIDS Coalition.” Here was someone I wanted to talk to. We arranged to meet in the next few days.
During the restless night, I dreamt of crying children. While awake, I agonized over the AIDS problem. Suddenly it came to me! WOMEN….the women in Africa could conquer the epidemic. The cry of orphaned children….”waaaaa.” “WAA”, the acronym for WOMEN AGAINST AIDS. If three or four women got together and each of them met with three or four other women, soon the whole town could join in the fight against preventing the deadly disease.
In the morning I had breakfast in the small, nearly vacant mess hall. One of the cooks spoke good English and our casual conversation soon became a meaningful friendship. As I expressed my concern about AIDS, she became very interested.
“In many African cultures, a women must become pregnant before a man will marry her. Fertility is a big issue, and the man will not always marry the women he has impregnated,” Shulume told me. As she continued, I realized that fidelity was not an attribute of relationships.
“If you are ever to win the war against AIDS, that must not continue. Women can change that! What can you do about it?” I asked.
“All a women has to do is say, “No,” and a man can do nothing,” Shulume emphatically told me. “Our country does not tolerate rape.”
That seemed easy enough to me, but as I was to later learn, it wasn’t as simple, as women saying, “No.” The unemployment rate in some communities is as high as 93 percent. Here it was the women who were underemployed. They didn’t consider themselves prostitutes, but it was common to give sexual favors in exchange for food and a place to live.
As I visited the school that morning, I was impressed with the uniformed children, boys in crisp khaki, girls in light blue dresses. As we entered each classroom, the children stood and said, “Good morning, Master Jensen.” There was no disrespect here; they had reverence for authority and their headmaster. These were gentle sweet children. As I gazed at their faces, I wondered how many of them would lose their parents or even their own lives to AIDS. How many would be able to continue their schooling?
Later in the day I met my husband at the compound. We walked a short distance to the weather station so David could check some data. It was there I met Peggy, a beautiful, tall, thin African girl in her late twenties. She was dressed in a long navy blue jumper and white blouse and could have been a New York model. Peggy was one of the meteorologists at the plant. As she explained the weather data to David, I observed how delicate and fragile she was….then I noticed circles of sores on her legs. Instinctively I knew she had parasites…perhaps even in her blood stream, but not AIDS. She smiled at me and there was an immediate connection between us—spirit-to-spirit, soul-to-soul. Peggy had been educated in Nigeria and was also on the AIDS coalition, which led to our long discussion about AIDS. She was not only willing, but also eager to participate with other women in combating AIDS and thought it was a great idea to have women reaching out to other women in the community.
As I questioned her about her health, Peggy said she had been feeling ill for several years, but doctors had not been able to help her. I told her it was possible that she had parasites and suggested natural remedies like garlic, cloves, and a diet that was close to vegetarian. When her ride arrived, she asked me to come back in the morning to continue our discussion.
At dinner that evening I met more people who volunteered to help with the project: the company doctor’s wife who was an advocate of natural medicine, an engineer, and the wife of another engineer.
After dinner, I saw Shulume at the compound. Her eyes were glistening as she said to me, “ I have read from the book you gave me and I know it is true.”
Before the sun was up the next morning, I was pacing the floor thinking—thinking about cottage industries. Would cottage industries work here? Could cottage industries help the unemployment and poverty problems? What protocol could be used to help prevent AIDS? I jotted some notes and watched for Peggy to arrive at work. When the van pulled into the compound, I waited fifteen minutes before heading to her office. Excited to see me, Peggy introduced me to Maggie and Reginah who were also on the AIDS coalition.
When I gave her notes on a possible protocol to prevent AIDS she said, “ We know that God has sent you here.”
Her words surprised me because I really didn’t want to go to Africa, but did want to support my husband on his trip. In October my doctors said I would be unable to travel because I was suffering from exhaustion. My husband and gave me a blessing and promised me I would be well enough to make the trip.
After brainstorming with Peggy, Reginah, and Maggie about forming groups in the community, I was off to Sowa Town to meet with Christa Blake and other women about AIDS and the possibility of starting cottage industries. In the four days I was there, I met with four groups of women who made plans. These were strong, spiritual, God-fearing women. I knew they could make a difference in their community. Sadness engulfed me as I left Sua Pan and my new friends. I wished that I could stay longer.
When I arrived home I sent herbs to help strengthen the immune system, a list of holistic treatments from medical doctors for AIDS, patterns for craft and clothing, and the address and phone number of microcredit groups that lend money to start small businesses. I waited and wondered how the project was doing. It was four months before I heard from Peggy.
She wrote, “The content of your letters was of much help to me and our community. I believe you were an angel sent to our country to pass the good news. We presently have twenty-four groups and committees. (At the time I was there they had only the AIDS coalition). We are just about to open our own AIDS Testing Center here in Sua Pan. We have been having daily prayers in the many committees. I have been following your instructions on improving my diet and using herbs and my health has improved tremendously. I have passed your letters on to top officials, and they have appreciated it very much.” She also said they would be starting groups in other communities. I realized they could be a model for all of Africa.
It was a good start.
It is amazing to me what these women accomplished with prayer and the help of the Lord.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Recovery from Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
"Chronic Fatigue is not death, but it takes your life away."
My journey from Chronic Fatigue began 17 years ago when I was diagnosed with CFIDS and Fibromyalgia. I was so ill my doctor wanted to give me medical disability. After four years of agony I said to my doctor, "I either want to get better or I want to die."I wasn't suicidal, I just didn't have the energy to live. Since then, I have recovered even though the Center for Disease Control says there is no cure. I drastically changed my diet from the typical SAD (Standard American Diet) to an alkaline diet (it includes lots green vegetables), finished a degree in Holistic Nutrition and have more energy than I did 30 years ago. My passion now is to educate others and give them hope for recovery.
My doctoral dissertation explored the results of an alkaline diet on patients who had significant disability and pain from CFIDS/FMS. After they were on the diet for a period of three months or more, all of them experienced significant improvement in their symptoms and were able to resume normal activities. They had outstanding improvment in decreased muscle and joint pain. A hundred percent of partcipants had improvment in 13 out of 16 symptoms. According to several doctors, and Dr. Robert Young, "Yeast (candida), fungus and mold, are major players in Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia."
pH is also a very significant factor in these diseases. The more alkaline your blood and tissues, the less pain you will have.
An article in the journal of Medical Hypothesis proposed that glutathione, an antioxidant essential for lymphocyte function, may be depleted in CFIDS patients. Glutathione is needed for both the immune system and for aerobic muscular contraction. Depletion of the supplement could cause the muscular fatigue and myalgia associated with CFIDS/FMS.
Scroll down to older post on Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
My journey from Chronic Fatigue began 17 years ago when I was diagnosed with CFIDS and Fibromyalgia. I was so ill my doctor wanted to give me medical disability. After four years of agony I said to my doctor, "I either want to get better or I want to die."I wasn't suicidal, I just didn't have the energy to live. Since then, I have recovered even though the Center for Disease Control says there is no cure. I drastically changed my diet from the typical SAD (Standard American Diet) to an alkaline diet (it includes lots green vegetables), finished a degree in Holistic Nutrition and have more energy than I did 30 years ago. My passion now is to educate others and give them hope for recovery.
My doctoral dissertation explored the results of an alkaline diet on patients who had significant disability and pain from CFIDS/FMS. After they were on the diet for a period of three months or more, all of them experienced significant improvement in their symptoms and were able to resume normal activities. They had outstanding improvment in decreased muscle and joint pain. A hundred percent of partcipants had improvment in 13 out of 16 symptoms. According to several doctors, and Dr. Robert Young, "Yeast (candida), fungus and mold, are major players in Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia."
pH is also a very significant factor in these diseases. The more alkaline your blood and tissues, the less pain you will have.
An article in the journal of Medical Hypothesis proposed that glutathione, an antioxidant essential for lymphocyte function, may be depleted in CFIDS patients. Glutathione is needed for both the immune system and for aerobic muscular contraction. Depletion of the supplement could cause the muscular fatigue and myalgia associated with CFIDS/FMS.
Scroll down to older post on Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
David is off to India
My husband, Daivd is off to India tomorrow. It's one of his many business trips around the world. He has traveled to over a hundred countries and worked in 36. He was in China during the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Tiananmen means "gate of heavenly peace." It was in Beijing, China when they awarded him an honorary doctoral degree. Still, he is as down to earth as dirt.
While in Egypt he had dinner with then, King Hussein. Dinner included a huge platter of food with a goats head in the center. Everyone ate with their fingers.
It has been about eight years since I traveled with him to Botswana and South Africa. There is more to tell--much more--but another time.
I will miss him while he is gone.
While in Egypt he had dinner with then, King Hussein. Dinner included a huge platter of food with a goats head in the center. Everyone ate with their fingers.
It has been about eight years since I traveled with him to Botswana and South Africa. There is more to tell--much more--but another time.
I will miss him while he is gone.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Affirmations
How we think determines how we feel, and how we feel often determines our actions. By developing positive self-talk, we can conquer our negative feelings.
1. Laughing, humor and love are all positive parts of my life.
2. Prosperity now comes into my life.
3. I really like myself.
4. I freely forgive all people and embrace them.
5. I am calm, serene, and have peace of mind.
6. All my thoughts are loving and happy.
7. My positive thoughts give me strength, happiness and peace.
8. My life runs smoothly at all times.
9. Help and support are always available to me when I need them.
10. I have all of the positive power I need to take charge of my life.
11. I enjoy serenity.
12. I can clearly see all of the beauty surrounding me.
13. I am overcoming all obstacles.
14. I am creating my own happiness; no one else can create it for me.
15. I am joyfully happy.
16. I have the energy, time, and wisdom to make my world a happy place.
17. I fill myself with love and light with each breath I take.
18. I enjoy a beautiful world.
19. I am releasing all the anger and frustration in my life.
1. Laughing, humor and love are all positive parts of my life.
2. Prosperity now comes into my life.
3. I really like myself.
4. I freely forgive all people and embrace them.
5. I am calm, serene, and have peace of mind.
6. All my thoughts are loving and happy.
7. My positive thoughts give me strength, happiness and peace.
8. My life runs smoothly at all times.
9. Help and support are always available to me when I need them.
10. I have all of the positive power I need to take charge of my life.
11. I enjoy serenity.
12. I can clearly see all of the beauty surrounding me.
13. I am overcoming all obstacles.
14. I am creating my own happiness; no one else can create it for me.
15. I am joyfully happy.
16. I have the energy, time, and wisdom to make my world a happy place.
17. I fill myself with love and light with each breath I take.
18. I enjoy a beautiful world.
19. I am releasing all the anger and frustration in my life.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Pickles on the Porch
My grandson, who just turned two, is adding new words to his vocabualry every day.
Today, as I talked to him on the phone he said to me, "Pickles on the Porch."
I didn't quite understand this message so asked my daughter, "Pickles on the porch?"
She laughed, "He can't say "pumkins" yet, so he calls them pickles."
Today, as I talked to him on the phone he said to me, "Pickles on the Porch."
I didn't quite understand this message so asked my daughter, "Pickles on the porch?"
She laughed, "He can't say "pumkins" yet, so he calls them pickles."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Holes
Someone has said, “The first rule of holes is, when you are in one, stop digging.” quoted from Jeffery Holland
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Light in Your Heart
"There is a light that shines beyond all things on earth, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This is the light that shines in your heart."
-Chandogya Upanishad
-Chandogya Upanishad
Lemons and Limes Alkaline
Lemons & limes are alkaline
Acording to Dr. Robert Young, "It is often said that 'acidic' fruits like lemons, limes and grapefruits will acidify the blood and tissues. In fact, the citric, lactic, and other acids in such low sugar fruits - unlike high sugar fruits - exsist primarily in their anionic (basic or electron) form, especially as their Na+ and K+ salts (e.g., potassium citrate). Following absorption, these anions (bases or electrons) are metabolized to sodium bicarbonate. Thus, lemons, limes and grapefruits alkalinize - not acidify - blood and tissues."
Acording to Dr. Robert Young, "It is often said that 'acidic' fruits like lemons, limes and grapefruits will acidify the blood and tissues. In fact, the citric, lactic, and other acids in such low sugar fruits - unlike high sugar fruits - exsist primarily in their anionic (basic or electron) form, especially as their Na+ and K+ salts (e.g., potassium citrate). Following absorption, these anions (bases or electrons) are metabolized to sodium bicarbonate. Thus, lemons, limes and grapefruits alkalinize - not acidify - blood and tissues."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Seven Weeks to Sobriety
The book "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" is an excellent book on overcoming alcoholism through nutrition. Written by Joan Mathews Larson, Ph.D
Overcoming Addictions, Nutrition
By Patty Butts, Ph.D.
Since my first counseling internship at the University of Utah Alcohol and Drug Center, I have believed there is a chemical component to addiction. Because I had relatives with diabetes and some who were alcoholics, I asked my clients how many had diabetes in their family. Eighty percent of them reported there was diabetes in their family background. The idea of a chemical component was not well-supported more than twenty years ago. Now, when I pull up addictions and nutrition on the internet there are over 18 million entries, and some experts believe that biochemical imbalances may be the cause of addictions. I believe it is both emotional, spiritual, and chemical.
Dr. Janice Phelps, author of The Hidden Addiction and How to Get Free From It, suggests addiction stems from individual biochemistry and says, “Long before a child can get involved in drugs and alcohol, he’s often gotten very addicted to sugar.”
She believes there is an addictive body from birth and it may be evidenced in childhood by the presence of colic, hyperactivity, loss of sleep, irritability, crying and learning disabilities.
Dr. Leon Chaitow points to a link between brain chemistry and food addictions. The neurotransmitter, serotonin, is a calming, analgesic-like substance which is secreted in response to carbohydrate and sugar consumption.
Addiction to sugar may be a misguided attempt to replenish serotonin in the body.
Counselor, Kathleen DesMaisons, says many addictive people have an actual biochemical flaw in the way they process sugar and carbohydrates. This problem with metabolism causes an addict to respond to sugar as if it were alcohol and to white flour products as if they were sugar.
Among other things, DeMaisons uses dietary interventions to change a patient’s neurochemistry and nutrient deficiency, and begins with an increase in protein. Good sources of protein include fish,tofu, almond butter, nuts, seeds, almond and soy milk.
Complex carbohydrates such as vegetables should be encouraged, but most fruits should be avoided because of the high sugar content. Exceptions are fresh limes, lemons, white grapefruit, avocados, and tomatoes.
Addicts need to avoid dairy products, white flour, and sugar, and be aware of hidden sugars, particularly corn syrup, dextrose, sorbitol, and manitol. They should also avoid artificial sweeteners, except stevia, which is a good sugar substitute.
Milk thistle supplements and oat straw tea may help cleanse the liver while an addict is going through withdrawal.
Clients who follow this eating plan may notice a significant difference in three to four days.
Dr. DesMaisons pioneered the field of addictive nutrition and has helped thousands of people with her nutrition-based program, online recovery community and numerous books that define sugar sensitivity. Her work defined sugar sensitivity: what it is, how it affects the mind and body, and how to heal it. This is her web site: www.radiantrecovery.com.
Julia Ross, director of Recovery Systems in Mill Valley, California believes nutritional therapy is a modality for helping addicts and eating disorder patients.
She believes rebalancing brain chemistry, eliminating allergy-producing foods and supplementing diet can lead addicts back to health.
Ross uses amino acids in her program, “because they’re the specific fuels used to create natural ‘feel good’ chemicals in the body.”
These chemicals have different functions. Endorphins are the body’s natural heroin. Norepinephrine is the body’s natural speed, and gamma-aminobuytric acid (GABA) is its natural sedative. Serotonin helps us sleep peacefully, boosts feelings of self-esteem, buoys us up, keeps us from getting depressed at night or during winter, prevents aberrant cravings for sugar and other refined carbohydrates and alcohol, and prevents agitated depression and worrying.
Ross explains a lack of vital amino acids, due to excessive drinking, or starvation (anorectics), malnourishes the brain and the body has nothing to make it feel good. With our patients, “We know what the deficiencies are by what drugs they are using and by what symptoms they present.”
“With amino acid therapy, the brain uses these nutrients to quickly restore normal brain neurotransmitter levels and raise them higher than before the clients ever abused alcohol or drugs.” Patients routinely tell her that they have never felt this good.
Withdrawal from addictive substances should be supervised by a qualified health expert. Those who are on prescription drugs should consult their physician or doctor before taking some nutritional supplements.
According to the Recovery Center, patients who have deficiencies in of important brain neurotransmitters that govern mood and emotion may be helped by amino acid supplementation. Those who lack norepinephrine may use cocaine, speed, tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, and sugar. The amino acid supplement listed is L-tyrosine.
Addicts lacking GABA may use valium, alcohol, marijuana or tobacco and the supplement listed to help is GABA and L-glutamine.
Heroin addicts may lack endorphins and the amino acid supplement listed is dL-phenylalnine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about supplements.
Addicts who use ectasy, sugar, marijuana, and tobacco may be subject to irritability, sweet cravings, depression, and obsession. The amino acid listed is L-tryptophan.
At the Recovery Center, clients are screened for allergic reactions to certain foods—usually dairy products and gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt and oats).
Yeast overgrowth, candida, is also screened for. Low calorie, low fat diets are avoided because a rebound effect causes more cravings. Fresh raw vegetables and protein are the building blocks of the diet. Raw spinach is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and has 18 amino acids. “The more raw food the better because the body breaks it down easier. You don’t need to worry about calories if you can digest and absorb food properly,” Ross says.
Essential fatty acids found in fish, flax and evening primrose oils are integral part of the diet plan. Other supplements include chromium, which is crucial for blood sugar balance to stop cravings, B-complex vitamins (I like the sublingual liquid drops)help with mood balancing and stress, magnesium helps relax muscles and aids in falling asleep, and potassium is one of the crucial electrolytes that keeps the heart beating on a regular schedule. It is low in anorectics and bulimics.
Alcoholics can have convulsions due to a lack of magnesium.
The traditional model of emotional/spiritual recovery in treatment is 25 percent for long-term recovery, but according to Ross adding a nutritional component raises this to about 75 percent.
Sunshine can raise serotonin levels. If you live in a climate where you have long winters and don’t see much sunshine, you can use light therapy. I like the Go-Lite and purchased mine at Costco. To check your circadian rhythms go to www.apollohealth.com. and click on circadian rhythms and then assessment.
Copyright
Since my first counseling internship at the University of Utah Alcohol and Drug Center, I have believed there is a chemical component to addiction. Because I had relatives with diabetes and some who were alcoholics, I asked my clients how many had diabetes in their family. Eighty percent of them reported there was diabetes in their family background. The idea of a chemical component was not well-supported more than twenty years ago. Now, when I pull up addictions and nutrition on the internet there are over 18 million entries, and some experts believe that biochemical imbalances may be the cause of addictions. I believe it is both emotional, spiritual, and chemical.
Dr. Janice Phelps, author of The Hidden Addiction and How to Get Free From It, suggests addiction stems from individual biochemistry and says, “Long before a child can get involved in drugs and alcohol, he’s often gotten very addicted to sugar.”
She believes there is an addictive body from birth and it may be evidenced in childhood by the presence of colic, hyperactivity, loss of sleep, irritability, crying and learning disabilities.
Dr. Leon Chaitow points to a link between brain chemistry and food addictions. The neurotransmitter, serotonin, is a calming, analgesic-like substance which is secreted in response to carbohydrate and sugar consumption.
Addiction to sugar may be a misguided attempt to replenish serotonin in the body.
Counselor, Kathleen DesMaisons, says many addictive people have an actual biochemical flaw in the way they process sugar and carbohydrates. This problem with metabolism causes an addict to respond to sugar as if it were alcohol and to white flour products as if they were sugar.
Among other things, DeMaisons uses dietary interventions to change a patient’s neurochemistry and nutrient deficiency, and begins with an increase in protein. Good sources of protein include fish,tofu, almond butter, nuts, seeds, almond and soy milk.
Complex carbohydrates such as vegetables should be encouraged, but most fruits should be avoided because of the high sugar content. Exceptions are fresh limes, lemons, white grapefruit, avocados, and tomatoes.
Addicts need to avoid dairy products, white flour, and sugar, and be aware of hidden sugars, particularly corn syrup, dextrose, sorbitol, and manitol. They should also avoid artificial sweeteners, except stevia, which is a good sugar substitute.
Milk thistle supplements and oat straw tea may help cleanse the liver while an addict is going through withdrawal.
Clients who follow this eating plan may notice a significant difference in three to four days.
Dr. DesMaisons pioneered the field of addictive nutrition and has helped thousands of people with her nutrition-based program, online recovery community and numerous books that define sugar sensitivity. Her work defined sugar sensitivity: what it is, how it affects the mind and body, and how to heal it. This is her web site: www.radiantrecovery.com.
Julia Ross, director of Recovery Systems in Mill Valley, California believes nutritional therapy is a modality for helping addicts and eating disorder patients.
She believes rebalancing brain chemistry, eliminating allergy-producing foods and supplementing diet can lead addicts back to health.
Ross uses amino acids in her program, “because they’re the specific fuels used to create natural ‘feel good’ chemicals in the body.”
These chemicals have different functions. Endorphins are the body’s natural heroin. Norepinephrine is the body’s natural speed, and gamma-aminobuytric acid (GABA) is its natural sedative. Serotonin helps us sleep peacefully, boosts feelings of self-esteem, buoys us up, keeps us from getting depressed at night or during winter, prevents aberrant cravings for sugar and other refined carbohydrates and alcohol, and prevents agitated depression and worrying.
Ross explains a lack of vital amino acids, due to excessive drinking, or starvation (anorectics), malnourishes the brain and the body has nothing to make it feel good. With our patients, “We know what the deficiencies are by what drugs they are using and by what symptoms they present.”
“With amino acid therapy, the brain uses these nutrients to quickly restore normal brain neurotransmitter levels and raise them higher than before the clients ever abused alcohol or drugs.” Patients routinely tell her that they have never felt this good.
Withdrawal from addictive substances should be supervised by a qualified health expert. Those who are on prescription drugs should consult their physician or doctor before taking some nutritional supplements.
According to the Recovery Center, patients who have deficiencies in of important brain neurotransmitters that govern mood and emotion may be helped by amino acid supplementation. Those who lack norepinephrine may use cocaine, speed, tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, and sugar. The amino acid supplement listed is L-tyrosine.
Addicts lacking GABA may use valium, alcohol, marijuana or tobacco and the supplement listed to help is GABA and L-glutamine.
Heroin addicts may lack endorphins and the amino acid supplement listed is dL-phenylalnine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about supplements.
Addicts who use ectasy, sugar, marijuana, and tobacco may be subject to irritability, sweet cravings, depression, and obsession. The amino acid listed is L-tryptophan.
At the Recovery Center, clients are screened for allergic reactions to certain foods—usually dairy products and gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt and oats).
Yeast overgrowth, candida, is also screened for. Low calorie, low fat diets are avoided because a rebound effect causes more cravings. Fresh raw vegetables and protein are the building blocks of the diet. Raw spinach is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and has 18 amino acids. “The more raw food the better because the body breaks it down easier. You don’t need to worry about calories if you can digest and absorb food properly,” Ross says.
Essential fatty acids found in fish, flax and evening primrose oils are integral part of the diet plan. Other supplements include chromium, which is crucial for blood sugar balance to stop cravings, B-complex vitamins (I like the sublingual liquid drops)help with mood balancing and stress, magnesium helps relax muscles and aids in falling asleep, and potassium is one of the crucial electrolytes that keeps the heart beating on a regular schedule. It is low in anorectics and bulimics.
Alcoholics can have convulsions due to a lack of magnesium.
The traditional model of emotional/spiritual recovery in treatment is 25 percent for long-term recovery, but according to Ross adding a nutritional component raises this to about 75 percent.
Sunshine can raise serotonin levels. If you live in a climate where you have long winters and don’t see much sunshine, you can use light therapy. I like the Go-Lite and purchased mine at Costco. To check your circadian rhythms go to www.apollohealth.com. and click on circadian rhythms and then assessment.
Copyright
Monday, September 29, 2008
Depression & Beating the Blues
“You cannot keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in you hair.”
Like Jonah, we sometimes end up in the belly of the whale. At least that’s what it feels like. If it’s not the belly of the whale, maybe it’s the blues, melancholy or sadness. Some people feel temporarily blue because of loneliness, grief, death of a loved one, divorce, poor health, financial problems or other life stressors. These moods usually lift and the person will function normally again, but if it lasts for more than several months and interferes with daily activities, professional help may be needed.
Get moving
Depression knocks at every door, but you don’t have to invite it in as a permanent guest. Like my grandfather used to say, “Fresh fish and house guests shouldn’t stay more than three days.” If the blues stay more than a few weeks, someone needs to move, and exercise is a great beginning. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise stimulates circulation, produces an increase in endorphins and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that encourage contentment and cheerfulness. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, jumping on a mini-tramp and biking can generate a significant antidepressant effect. Brisk walking is as effective as any other exercise.
A common misconception about exercise is that it will cause fatigue, but if approached sensibly for about 20 minutes a day, it can increase energy, alertness and make you more relaxed. If you’re not motivated, join an exercise group, a gym or find a friend to walk with you. For those with physical limitations, chair exercises are available.
Learn to laugh Say “Cheese!” University studies confirm that when we use our smile muscles and humor, it increases the endorphins in our brain. Humor is the ability to look at the absurdity in our own lives and find something to laugh about. It may not eliminate the problem, but it will help overcome the effect. Life is at least as funny as it is sad. Humor can stop misunderstandings and ease tension when no other strategies will work. Consider creating a humor folder with clever cartoons and quips. These clips are good to pass on to friends and family when they are ill, recuperating or just need a chuckle to cheer them up.
Eat well While there are many causes of depression or the blues, good nutrition plays a vital role. My No. 1 recommendation is to add essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet in the form of fish and flax seed oil or a blend that contains both omega 3s and omega 6s such as marine/borage lipid combination. Omega 3s, raise the serotonin level in our brain, improve moods and are found in fresh deepwater fish, flax seed or flax oil. A good quality fish oil or evening primrose oil are examples of good fats. "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" by Udo Erasmus is an excellent resource. Avoid saturated fat and transfatty acids. Bad fats (French fries, deep fried foods, etc.,) inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain because they cause the blood cells to become sticky and clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain.
According to Dr. Norman Shealy, author of "Alternative Medicine," and Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Nutritional Healing," avoid sugar. That means honey, sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup and fruit juice. Avoid drinks or foods with aspartame because it can block the formation of serotonin and also cause headaches and insomnia. Your body reacts more quickly to sugar than it does to complex carbohydrates. The quick increase in energy by the intake of sugar is quickly followed by fatigue and depression. Stevia is an excellent sugar substitute.
Candida is a yeast-like fungus that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, throat, genital tract and bowels and can contribute to depression and mental illness. According to Dr.William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection," diet, antibiotics, and some birth control pills are factors that cause candida-related health problems. As yeast multiplies in the intestinal tract, villi in the intestines is unable to absorb vital nutrients needed by the brain and body. You feel hungry, your body craves sugar and bread, which contributes to more yeast overgrowth. Dr. Crook’s book is an excellent resource and has a candida questionnaire. The candisphere is a test your doctor can give to measure candida in the blood.
Remember when you are eating junk food, dead food without enzymes and empty calories, you are only feeding your mouth, not your body. Dead foods include food like coffee, sodas, candy, alcohol, pastries, peanuts, fried foods, processed foods, microwaved foods and margarine. Live foods include foods like broccoli, avocados, spinach, celery, cucumbers, limes, lemons, fish, almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, grape seed oil, flax seed oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, alfalfa, peppers and sprouted wheat wraps. In the next minute your body is going to give birth to 720 million new cells. What quality of materials have you stockpiled in your body for it to use to make these new cells? When your body wears out, where are you going to live?
Positive thinking Our thoughts determine our feelings and actions. Wayne Dyer, a well known psychologist and author, has said, “When you realize that what you think about becomes your reality, you become very careful about what you think about.” When an African shaman prays for rain, he prays, “Thanks for the taste of the rain. Thanks for the smell of the rain. Thanks for the rain,” and somewhere out there it is raining.
We can change our thoughts and replace them with words from a positive song, positive affirmations or appropriate music.
Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives us something to do, but it doesn’t get us anywhere. Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”
Depression can be caused by loss, feeling trapped, guilt, and anger turned in on yourself. Acknowledge your feelings; it’s painful to lose a loved one in death or divorce. It’s distressing to have health problems. Write about your feelings. Find a support group or someone you can talk to about your pain or loss, but don’t dwell on it continuously. Widowed twice, I have felt the agony of loss and loneliness, but ultimately I had to ask myself, “How can I turn my pain into service or positive action?”
It’s normal to have a pity party when you are hurting, but make it a short pity party. My mother-in-law, Marie, was one of the most positive people I’ve known. She was in her 60s when first widowed, but said, “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself. I’ll take myself to lunch or have friends over for dinner.”
Marie frequently went for walks or to a shopping mall and said hello to everyone. She took lemonade out to the garbage man and in turn, he delivered her garbage can in the driveway next to her house. When Marie was nearly 80 she said, “I’m going to go visit the old people on the street.” The old people on the street were in their 60s.
Keep a gratitude journal. Each day write down from five to ten things you are grateful for — laughter, the giggle of a baby, sunrises, sunset, trees, rivers, forests, mountains, blue sky, rain, flowers, the song of a bird, music, a healthy heart — the list could go on forever. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Like Jonah, we sometimes end up in the belly of the whale. At least that’s what it feels like. If it’s not the belly of the whale, maybe it’s the blues, melancholy or sadness. Some people feel temporarily blue because of loneliness, grief, death of a loved one, divorce, poor health, financial problems or other life stressors. These moods usually lift and the person will function normally again, but if it lasts for more than several months and interferes with daily activities, professional help may be needed.
Get moving
Depression knocks at every door, but you don’t have to invite it in as a permanent guest. Like my grandfather used to say, “Fresh fish and house guests shouldn’t stay more than three days.” If the blues stay more than a few weeks, someone needs to move, and exercise is a great beginning. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise stimulates circulation, produces an increase in endorphins and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that encourage contentment and cheerfulness. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, jumping on a mini-tramp and biking can generate a significant antidepressant effect. Brisk walking is as effective as any other exercise.
A common misconception about exercise is that it will cause fatigue, but if approached sensibly for about 20 minutes a day, it can increase energy, alertness and make you more relaxed. If you’re not motivated, join an exercise group, a gym or find a friend to walk with you. For those with physical limitations, chair exercises are available.
Learn to laugh Say “Cheese!” University studies confirm that when we use our smile muscles and humor, it increases the endorphins in our brain. Humor is the ability to look at the absurdity in our own lives and find something to laugh about. It may not eliminate the problem, but it will help overcome the effect. Life is at least as funny as it is sad. Humor can stop misunderstandings and ease tension when no other strategies will work. Consider creating a humor folder with clever cartoons and quips. These clips are good to pass on to friends and family when they are ill, recuperating or just need a chuckle to cheer them up.
Eat well While there are many causes of depression or the blues, good nutrition plays a vital role. My No. 1 recommendation is to add essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet in the form of fish and flax seed oil or a blend that contains both omega 3s and omega 6s such as marine/borage lipid combination. Omega 3s, raise the serotonin level in our brain, improve moods and are found in fresh deepwater fish, flax seed or flax oil. A good quality fish oil or evening primrose oil are examples of good fats. "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" by Udo Erasmus is an excellent resource. Avoid saturated fat and transfatty acids. Bad fats (French fries, deep fried foods, etc.,) inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain because they cause the blood cells to become sticky and clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain.
According to Dr. Norman Shealy, author of "Alternative Medicine," and Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Nutritional Healing," avoid sugar. That means honey, sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup and fruit juice. Avoid drinks or foods with aspartame because it can block the formation of serotonin and also cause headaches and insomnia. Your body reacts more quickly to sugar than it does to complex carbohydrates. The quick increase in energy by the intake of sugar is quickly followed by fatigue and depression. Stevia is an excellent sugar substitute.
Candida is a yeast-like fungus that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, throat, genital tract and bowels and can contribute to depression and mental illness. According to Dr.William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection," diet, antibiotics, and some birth control pills are factors that cause candida-related health problems. As yeast multiplies in the intestinal tract, villi in the intestines is unable to absorb vital nutrients needed by the brain and body. You feel hungry, your body craves sugar and bread, which contributes to more yeast overgrowth. Dr. Crook’s book is an excellent resource and has a candida questionnaire. The candisphere is a test your doctor can give to measure candida in the blood.
Remember when you are eating junk food, dead food without enzymes and empty calories, you are only feeding your mouth, not your body. Dead foods include food like coffee, sodas, candy, alcohol, pastries, peanuts, fried foods, processed foods, microwaved foods and margarine. Live foods include foods like broccoli, avocados, spinach, celery, cucumbers, limes, lemons, fish, almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, grape seed oil, flax seed oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, alfalfa, peppers and sprouted wheat wraps. In the next minute your body is going to give birth to 720 million new cells. What quality of materials have you stockpiled in your body for it to use to make these new cells? When your body wears out, where are you going to live?
Positive thinking Our thoughts determine our feelings and actions. Wayne Dyer, a well known psychologist and author, has said, “When you realize that what you think about becomes your reality, you become very careful about what you think about.” When an African shaman prays for rain, he prays, “Thanks for the taste of the rain. Thanks for the smell of the rain. Thanks for the rain,” and somewhere out there it is raining.
We can change our thoughts and replace them with words from a positive song, positive affirmations or appropriate music.
Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives us something to do, but it doesn’t get us anywhere. Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”
Depression can be caused by loss, feeling trapped, guilt, and anger turned in on yourself. Acknowledge your feelings; it’s painful to lose a loved one in death or divorce. It’s distressing to have health problems. Write about your feelings. Find a support group or someone you can talk to about your pain or loss, but don’t dwell on it continuously. Widowed twice, I have felt the agony of loss and loneliness, but ultimately I had to ask myself, “How can I turn my pain into service or positive action?”
It’s normal to have a pity party when you are hurting, but make it a short pity party. My mother-in-law, Marie, was one of the most positive people I’ve known. She was in her 60s when first widowed, but said, “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself. I’ll take myself to lunch or have friends over for dinner.”
Marie frequently went for walks or to a shopping mall and said hello to everyone. She took lemonade out to the garbage man and in turn, he delivered her garbage can in the driveway next to her house. When Marie was nearly 80 she said, “I’m going to go visit the old people on the street.” The old people on the street were in their 60s.
Keep a gratitude journal. Each day write down from five to ten things you are grateful for — laughter, the giggle of a baby, sunrises, sunset, trees, rivers, forests, mountains, blue sky, rain, flowers, the song of a bird, music, a healthy heart — the list could go on forever. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wisdom
"Wisdom is the reward for a lifetime of listening ... when you'd have preferred to talk."
- D.J. Kaufman
- D.J. Kaufman
Monday, September 22, 2008
Are Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia the same disease?
This is for Jo at jo janoski's blog
CFIDS and Fibromyalgia are not the same disease, although many people have both CFIDS/FMS. Many of the symptoms are the same such as muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia or sleep problems.
Case definition for CFS (must have at least 4 out of 8 symptoms): Six months of fatigue that reduces function, unexplained by other illness or major psychiatric morbidity, post exertional relapse/malaise, unrefreshing sleep, muscle aches, joint pain, new onset of headaches, attention/concentration and cognitive complaints,sore throat, and tender or painful lymph nodes.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Tender points-18 specific spots where the muscles are abnormally tender to touch, chemical or food allergies (also true in CFIDS),dizziness and loss of balance, extreme fatigue, jaw pain, irritable bowel, and headaches.
For more information on CFIDS/FMS check out www.OFFERUtah.org. To receive their ENews, look for the ENews button and sign up.
CFIDS and Fibromyalgia are not the same disease, although many people have both CFIDS/FMS. Many of the symptoms are the same such as muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia or sleep problems.
Case definition for CFS (must have at least 4 out of 8 symptoms): Six months of fatigue that reduces function, unexplained by other illness or major psychiatric morbidity, post exertional relapse/malaise, unrefreshing sleep, muscle aches, joint pain, new onset of headaches, attention/concentration and cognitive complaints,sore throat, and tender or painful lymph nodes.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Tender points-18 specific spots where the muscles are abnormally tender to touch, chemical or food allergies (also true in CFIDS),dizziness and loss of balance, extreme fatigue, jaw pain, irritable bowel, and headaches.
For more information on CFIDS/FMS check out www.OFFERUtah.org. To receive their ENews, look for the ENews button and sign up.
Defeating Depression & Beating the Blues
University studies have shown that using your smile muscles, even by saying "Cheese," can raise the endorphins in you brain and body and make you less depressed. In my book, "Defeating Depression & Beating the Blues," I list 50 instantaneous activities or ideas to help you overcome depression. Listen to uplifting music, keep a gratitude journal, sing happy songs, dance, walk, exercise, help someone else, change your stinking-thinking by using positive affirmation such as "I enjoy having a sense of humor", practice laughing, are just a few of the fifty.
This is a review of the book:
By Anita Coleman (Nevada)
I have been in therapy for nearly a year and I think this book has helped me understand depression better than the counseling sessions. I liked the author's personalization, because I also was so depressed, I felt like I was in the belly of the whale. It's rare to find a therapist who understands what you are going through when you are depressed. I was at rock-bottom when I bought this book. It gave me hope. After reading her nutritional section, I found out that I had hypoglycemia and candida. As the candida clears up, and the diet improves (no sugar, white flour), I find that I am feeling so much better. I also walk around saying, "Cheese," and I believe it does change my endorphins. I recommend it. Maybe it's a five star.
This is a review of the book:
By Anita Coleman (Nevada)
I have been in therapy for nearly a year and I think this book has helped me understand depression better than the counseling sessions. I liked the author's personalization, because I also was so depressed, I felt like I was in the belly of the whale. It's rare to find a therapist who understands what you are going through when you are depressed. I was at rock-bottom when I bought this book. It gave me hope. After reading her nutritional section, I found out that I had hypoglycemia and candida. As the candida clears up, and the diet improves (no sugar, white flour), I find that I am feeling so much better. I also walk around saying, "Cheese," and I believe it does change my endorphins. I recommend it. Maybe it's a five star.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Become More Alkaline- increase bone density and muscle mass
Dr.Robert Young recently noted the following information on his newsletter.
A study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded scientists suggests alkaline plant foods may help preserve muscle mass and bone density in older men and women.
The American diet is highly acidic in protein, cereal grains and other acid-producing foods. In general, such acidic diets generate dietary amounts of acid each day. With aging, a mild but slowly increasing metabolic "acidosis" develops. Acidosis appears to trigger a muscle-wasting response. So the researchers looked at links between measures of lean body mass and diets relatively high in alkaline potassium-rich, alkaline-residue producing fruits and vegetables. Such diets could help neutralize acidosis. Foods can be considered alkaline or acidic based on the residues they produce in the body, rather than whether they are alkaline or acidic themselves. For example, acidic grapefruits, lemons and limes are metabolized to alkaline residues because of their high alkaline potassium bicarbonate content.
To find out more about the alkaline diet visit: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/t-approach.aspx
A study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded scientists suggests alkaline plant foods may help preserve muscle mass and bone density in older men and women.
The American diet is highly acidic in protein, cereal grains and other acid-producing foods. In general, such acidic diets generate dietary amounts of acid each day. With aging, a mild but slowly increasing metabolic "acidosis" develops. Acidosis appears to trigger a muscle-wasting response. So the researchers looked at links between measures of lean body mass and diets relatively high in alkaline potassium-rich, alkaline-residue producing fruits and vegetables. Such diets could help neutralize acidosis. Foods can be considered alkaline or acidic based on the residues they produce in the body, rather than whether they are alkaline or acidic themselves. For example, acidic grapefruits, lemons and limes are metabolized to alkaline residues because of their high alkaline potassium bicarbonate content.
To find out more about the alkaline diet visit: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/t-approach.aspx
Friday, September 19, 2008
Weight Loss--Alkaline Diet
“We are not overweight, we are overly acidic.”
Author of The pH Miracle for Weight Loss, Dr. Robert Young, claims we are not overweight, we are overly acidic. When the body is overly acidic, the acidity starts to damage our organs and in order to protect the organs, the body goes into preservation mode and says STORE FAT. The body shuttles excess acids into fat cells so they can’t harm vital cells, and in turn, the metabolism slows down in order to generate more fat cells to protect the body. “This makes losing weight virtually impossible,” Young says.
Fortunately there is hope. It all boils down to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The secrets of losing weight include keeping your body hydrated with alkaline water, eating whole, natural unprocessed foods, and building your diet around green vegetables, healthy fats, exercise, and preparing your self emotionally.
Of course you can eat other vegetables, but green vegetables are an excellent source of alkaline salts and help neutralize acids in the blood and tissues. When acids are neutralized, there is no reason for the body to store fat. Green vegetables produce chlorophyll which helps the blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body and reduces the binding of carcinogens to DNA in the liver and other organs. Also, they are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.
One caution about raw green vegetables, if you are on coumadin or other statin drugs that thin the blood, you need to check with your doctor before changing your diet.
The most important single measurement to your health is the pH of your blood and tissues—how acidic or alkaline it is. The body will go to great lengths to maintain a very narrow pH range of 7.365, which is mildly basic or alkaline. The pH level of our internal fluids affects every cell in our body. The entire metabolic process depends on an alkaline environment. Chronic overacidity corrodes body tissue and will interrupt all cellular activities from the beating of your heart to the neural firing of your brain. An acid balance builds cholesterol plaques, stores fat, and leaches calcium from bones or magnesium from the heart muscles—all in an attempt to protect itself from acid damage.
Several years ago while my husband and I were on a mission in Tampa, Florida I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue (CFIDS) for the third time. My body was still carrying the additional twenty pounds I gained with my first bout with CFIDS, which lasted over four years. At the time, my doctor wanted to give me medical disability because I was so ill. I tried all kinds of weight loss programs, but could not lose the added pounds.
Sister missionaries introduced me to Young’s book, “The pH Miracle,” and the alkaline diet. When I started on the alkaline diet, I drank “greens,” ate a whole avocado everyday, and in the first month I lost ten pounds, and my health improved rapidly. Within the first week I had energy, the depression lifted, I could sleep at night, resume my activity, and started walking. Within a few months I lost another ten pounds and have kept the weight off and remained healthy.
In a controlled twelve week study, Young had 27 participants who lost an average of 50 pounds apiece. At the same time they decreased body fat and increased muscle mass. All experienced other improvements in their health including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, normal blood sugar levels, improved libido, improved muscle tone, less depression, indigestion and pain. My friend tried the diet, and within two months lost 38 pounds.
Normal body functions require an alkaline reserve as well as the correct pH in the blood and tissues. To ensure these conditions, a proper dietary ratio of 80% alkaline to 20% acid foods—four parts alkaline to one part acid—is required especially when there is yeast or fungus overgrowth in the body. The goal is to create the proper alkaline balance within your body by eating 80% alkaline foods—green vegetables—like cucumbers-avocados, kale, spinach, broccoli, any sprouts--especially broccoli sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, celery, and dark lettuce.
I like to fill warm Ezekiel sprouted tortillas full of sprouts, romaine lettuce, hummus, avocados, tomatoes, Bermuda onion and then use wax paper to roll it into a wrap. You can add pine nuts, pecans, sun dried tomatoes, or any vegetables you want.
According to Young, the first step in a weight loss program is to hydrate by drinking 1 liter of “green” alkaline water for every 30 pounds of body weight. The body uses water to neutralize and dilute excess acid and other toxins, and wash them out of the body through urine, sweat, and the bowels. Your blood is 90 percent water—you are what you drink. To make a green drink, Young recommends using 1 liter of distilled water, 2 teaspoons of baking soda (if you have high blood pressure use sodium chlorite or sodium silicate) and 1 teaspoon of green powder (which could be a green barley or blend of grasses). Distilled water is more alkaline and does not contain chlorine or other impurities. You may wanto pull up alkalizing supplements on the internet for other options.
It is important to chew your food carefully because the digestive process begins in the mouth as you chew. Chewing speeds up the metabolic process and aids enzymes to do their work. The ideal is to chew your food long enough to convert it to a liquid consistency in the mouth.
Foods to avoid on an alkaline diet because they are highly acidic are meat, sugar (use stevia as a sugar substitute), soda pop, dairy products, vinegar, white flour, and caffeine. Increase the amount of raw food you eat, cut out yeast, use brown rice instead of white rice, and eat only low-sugar fruits—lemon, limes, grapefruits, avocados, and tomatoes. Use soy, rice, or almond milks. Soak almonds overnight (this starts a sprouting process), and you can eat pine nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Do use quinoa, buckwheat, soba noodles, and millet. Find new and exciting recipes and consider including tofu, veggie crumbles, or veggie burgers.
Some of you may not be ready to give up meat or dairy entirely, but remember meat and dairy are some of the most acidic foods you can eat. Fish, particularly, salmon, chicken and turkey are less acidic than red meat, although still acidic .Try to buy organic meats whenever possible.
Dr. T. Colin Campbell, who has been called the Einstein of nutrition, in his book The China Study, writes, “We now have a deep and broad range of evidence showing that a whole foods, plant-based diet is best for cancer.” But, he doesn’t stop there; he includes heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, kidneys, bones, eyes and brains. His message is to eat meat sparingly.
Wheatgrass and barley grass are not only good for you, but they are an excellent source of protein—more than meat, poultry, fish or eggs, Young says. “Wheat grass contains more than a hundred nutrients, including every identified and trace mineral and all the B vitamins, including B12 , which is usually considered to be available only from animal sources. Barley grass has seven times more vitamin C than oranges and four times as much thiamine as whole wheat flour—thirty times as much as milk.”
Both barley and wheat grass are rich in vitamins. Grasses help balance blood sugar levels. In his book, The pH Miracle for Diabetes, Young writes, just 3 ounces of juiced wheat or barley grass in a liter of distilled water will normalize blood sugar in fifteen minutes. In addition, grasses are natural buffers of metabolic acids.
When juicing fresh barley and wheatgrass, I add distilled water, celery, spinach, and a little ginger root.
Author of The pH Miracle for Weight Loss, Dr. Robert Young, claims we are not overweight, we are overly acidic. When the body is overly acidic, the acidity starts to damage our organs and in order to protect the organs, the body goes into preservation mode and says STORE FAT. The body shuttles excess acids into fat cells so they can’t harm vital cells, and in turn, the metabolism slows down in order to generate more fat cells to protect the body. “This makes losing weight virtually impossible,” Young says.
Fortunately there is hope. It all boils down to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The secrets of losing weight include keeping your body hydrated with alkaline water, eating whole, natural unprocessed foods, and building your diet around green vegetables, healthy fats, exercise, and preparing your self emotionally.
Of course you can eat other vegetables, but green vegetables are an excellent source of alkaline salts and help neutralize acids in the blood and tissues. When acids are neutralized, there is no reason for the body to store fat. Green vegetables produce chlorophyll which helps the blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body and reduces the binding of carcinogens to DNA in the liver and other organs. Also, they are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.
One caution about raw green vegetables, if you are on coumadin or other statin drugs that thin the blood, you need to check with your doctor before changing your diet.
The most important single measurement to your health is the pH of your blood and tissues—how acidic or alkaline it is. The body will go to great lengths to maintain a very narrow pH range of 7.365, which is mildly basic or alkaline. The pH level of our internal fluids affects every cell in our body. The entire metabolic process depends on an alkaline environment. Chronic overacidity corrodes body tissue and will interrupt all cellular activities from the beating of your heart to the neural firing of your brain. An acid balance builds cholesterol plaques, stores fat, and leaches calcium from bones or magnesium from the heart muscles—all in an attempt to protect itself from acid damage.
Several years ago while my husband and I were on a mission in Tampa, Florida I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue (CFIDS) for the third time. My body was still carrying the additional twenty pounds I gained with my first bout with CFIDS, which lasted over four years. At the time, my doctor wanted to give me medical disability because I was so ill. I tried all kinds of weight loss programs, but could not lose the added pounds.
Sister missionaries introduced me to Young’s book, “The pH Miracle,” and the alkaline diet. When I started on the alkaline diet, I drank “greens,” ate a whole avocado everyday, and in the first month I lost ten pounds, and my health improved rapidly. Within the first week I had energy, the depression lifted, I could sleep at night, resume my activity, and started walking. Within a few months I lost another ten pounds and have kept the weight off and remained healthy.
In a controlled twelve week study, Young had 27 participants who lost an average of 50 pounds apiece. At the same time they decreased body fat and increased muscle mass. All experienced other improvements in their health including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, normal blood sugar levels, improved libido, improved muscle tone, less depression, indigestion and pain. My friend tried the diet, and within two months lost 38 pounds.
Normal body functions require an alkaline reserve as well as the correct pH in the blood and tissues. To ensure these conditions, a proper dietary ratio of 80% alkaline to 20% acid foods—four parts alkaline to one part acid—is required especially when there is yeast or fungus overgrowth in the body. The goal is to create the proper alkaline balance within your body by eating 80% alkaline foods—green vegetables—like cucumbers-avocados, kale, spinach, broccoli, any sprouts--especially broccoli sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, celery, and dark lettuce.
I like to fill warm Ezekiel sprouted tortillas full of sprouts, romaine lettuce, hummus, avocados, tomatoes, Bermuda onion and then use wax paper to roll it into a wrap. You can add pine nuts, pecans, sun dried tomatoes, or any vegetables you want.
According to Young, the first step in a weight loss program is to hydrate by drinking 1 liter of “green” alkaline water for every 30 pounds of body weight. The body uses water to neutralize and dilute excess acid and other toxins, and wash them out of the body through urine, sweat, and the bowels. Your blood is 90 percent water—you are what you drink. To make a green drink, Young recommends using 1 liter of distilled water, 2 teaspoons of baking soda (if you have high blood pressure use sodium chlorite or sodium silicate) and 1 teaspoon of green powder (which could be a green barley or blend of grasses). Distilled water is more alkaline and does not contain chlorine or other impurities. You may wanto pull up alkalizing supplements on the internet for other options.
It is important to chew your food carefully because the digestive process begins in the mouth as you chew. Chewing speeds up the metabolic process and aids enzymes to do their work. The ideal is to chew your food long enough to convert it to a liquid consistency in the mouth.
Foods to avoid on an alkaline diet because they are highly acidic are meat, sugar (use stevia as a sugar substitute), soda pop, dairy products, vinegar, white flour, and caffeine. Increase the amount of raw food you eat, cut out yeast, use brown rice instead of white rice, and eat only low-sugar fruits—lemon, limes, grapefruits, avocados, and tomatoes. Use soy, rice, or almond milks. Soak almonds overnight (this starts a sprouting process), and you can eat pine nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Do use quinoa, buckwheat, soba noodles, and millet. Find new and exciting recipes and consider including tofu, veggie crumbles, or veggie burgers.
Some of you may not be ready to give up meat or dairy entirely, but remember meat and dairy are some of the most acidic foods you can eat. Fish, particularly, salmon, chicken and turkey are less acidic than red meat, although still acidic .Try to buy organic meats whenever possible.
Dr. T. Colin Campbell, who has been called the Einstein of nutrition, in his book The China Study, writes, “We now have a deep and broad range of evidence showing that a whole foods, plant-based diet is best for cancer.” But, he doesn’t stop there; he includes heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, kidneys, bones, eyes and brains. His message is to eat meat sparingly.
Wheatgrass and barley grass are not only good for you, but they are an excellent source of protein—more than meat, poultry, fish or eggs, Young says. “Wheat grass contains more than a hundred nutrients, including every identified and trace mineral and all the B vitamins, including B12 , which is usually considered to be available only from animal sources. Barley grass has seven times more vitamin C than oranges and four times as much thiamine as whole wheat flour—thirty times as much as milk.”
Both barley and wheat grass are rich in vitamins. Grasses help balance blood sugar levels. In his book, The pH Miracle for Diabetes, Young writes, just 3 ounces of juiced wheat or barley grass in a liter of distilled water will normalize blood sugar in fifteen minutes. In addition, grasses are natural buffers of metabolic acids.
When juicing fresh barley and wheatgrass, I add distilled water, celery, spinach, and a little ginger root.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Worry--what a waste!
'Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.'
Corrie Ten Boom
How many of you remember the song "Whistle While You Work"?
Corrie Ten Boom
How many of you remember the song "Whistle While You Work"?
Friday, September 5, 2008
CFIDS--Vaccinations, Flu Shots
I just read an article from the New York Times that questions flu shots for the elderly. A study by Michael L. Jackson in the Lancet medical journal, called into question much of the statistical evidence for the vaccine’s effectiveness. A growing number of immunologists and epidemiologists say the vaccine probably does not work well for people over 70.
A have never had a flu shot and have never had the flu, while everyone around me who had the shots became ill. I am not saying that is true of everyone. It’s a personal decision.
At the time I had Chronic Fatigue, and even after, my doctor told me not to have any vaccinations, because my immune system was too fragile.
I have concerns about individuals with CFIDS/FMS having vaccinations. I was coaching a 17-year old teenager that had been desperately ill with CFIDS/FMS and
was exhausted all the time, but then she changed to an alkaline diet and supplements and improved dramatically. She was able to go back to work, go to school, lost weight, was happy again—the change was amazing. Then, as she was about to go off to college, her doctor gave her the cervical cancer vaccine containing gardasil. Within a few days she had terrific pains in her stomach, her mouth broke out with white blisters, and she was more ill than she had ever been and ended up in the hospital for a week. Doctor’s couldn’t determine the cause, or didn’t discuss the possible cause.
Here is a brief excerpt from an article in the Post by SUSAN EDELMAN and BRUCE GOLDING
July 6, 2008 —
GARDASIL - a new cervical-cancer vaccine heavily marketed to young girls in ubiquitous ads on TV and in movie theaters - is under investigation for possible links to paralysis, seizures, and 18 deaths.
Federal health officials have logged 8,000 “adverse events” in girls and women injected with the Merck & Co. vaccine introduced two years ago, more than 500 of them from New York.
Check out this link for mor information. http://bronxnews.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/feds-warning-shot-gardasil/
A have never had a flu shot and have never had the flu, while everyone around me who had the shots became ill. I am not saying that is true of everyone. It’s a personal decision.
At the time I had Chronic Fatigue, and even after, my doctor told me not to have any vaccinations, because my immune system was too fragile.
I have concerns about individuals with CFIDS/FMS having vaccinations. I was coaching a 17-year old teenager that had been desperately ill with CFIDS/FMS and
was exhausted all the time, but then she changed to an alkaline diet and supplements and improved dramatically. She was able to go back to work, go to school, lost weight, was happy again—the change was amazing. Then, as she was about to go off to college, her doctor gave her the cervical cancer vaccine containing gardasil. Within a few days she had terrific pains in her stomach, her mouth broke out with white blisters, and she was more ill than she had ever been and ended up in the hospital for a week. Doctor’s couldn’t determine the cause, or didn’t discuss the possible cause.
Here is a brief excerpt from an article in the Post by SUSAN EDELMAN and BRUCE GOLDING
July 6, 2008 —
GARDASIL - a new cervical-cancer vaccine heavily marketed to young girls in ubiquitous ads on TV and in movie theaters - is under investigation for possible links to paralysis, seizures, and 18 deaths.
Federal health officials have logged 8,000 “adverse events” in girls and women injected with the Merck & Co. vaccine introduced two years ago, more than 500 of them from New York.
Check out this link for mor information. http://bronxnews.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/feds-warning-shot-gardasil/
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wisdom from Around the World
"Don't insult the crocodile until you cross the water." (Ghana)
"Rats don't dance in the cat's doorway." (West Africa)
He who cannot dance will say, "The drum is bad." (Ghana)
A man's heart is not a sack open to all. (Rwanda)
"Rats don't dance in the cat's doorway." (West Africa)
He who cannot dance will say, "The drum is bad." (Ghana)
A man's heart is not a sack open to all. (Rwanda)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
CFIDS/FMS-Lymphasizing
Improving lymphatic flow will help prevent muscle soreness and also strengthen the immune system. You may wish to consider a series of lymphatic massages by a therapist trained to move the lymphatic fluids and toxins out of the lymph system. This is done by stroking the hands in the direction of the lymphatic vessels without any downward movements and always toward the heart. Drink extra water after this type of massage. Speed up healing by using your own lymphatic massage with the following three methods:
1. Pressure
2. A massage motion
3. A light fast stroke
If you have a lot of pain use a light fast stroke as though were brushing dust from your shoulder, finger, knee, hip or wherever pain is located. If it is your finger and it too painful to hold, us a light fast stroke, wait 15 seconds, then try massage. Repeat the light fast stroke followed by massage before the pain comes back. You can also apply pressure with your fingers by pushing on each side of where the pain is located. Repeat these self-help pain techniques every 15 minutes to keep the excess fluid and acidic lactic acid out of the tissues.
If you could get all the generators turned on in the cells of your body, would you be healthy? According to Dr. C. Samuel West, the answer is “Yes.” To do this, he recommends a basic lymphasizing program. The idea for the program came from Dr. Norman Walker.
Walker West Walk--Oxygenation
Walker had an exercise that could move the lymphatic system and help remove trapped proteins. He named it the “Walker West Walk,” and it is so simple, that anyone can do it. Children like to call it the Choo-Choo Train.
Exhale as deeply as you can, then using the “SHHH” sound, inhale as deeply as you can. Do this through your teeth. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, exhale, exhale, completely emptying your lungs by the last exhale. Repeat this process over and over again. You may alternate by doing: Inhale, inhale, inhale, inhale, exhale, exhale, exhale, and exhale. Only do the first part once or twice because some of you may become dizzy or light-headed.
The second part involves swinging you arms and stepping lively along with the breathing exercise. If you can’t do that yet, just sit down and swing your arms as you inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. If you can do it, step as lively as you can while you swing your arms, but do not get tired or cause any negative stress on your body. The more you are able to do it, the better you will feel. You may need to do this gradually. Increase the number of times and the length of time you do this exercise as you feel like it. You will get more oxygen to the lungs and to the cells and your body will become more alkaline.
Dr. Stephen E. West, in his book, “The Golden Seven Plus Two,” says lack of oxygen causes most pain. As you sit on a hard chair for a while, you will come to know this is true because it blocks circulation. Deep breathing is important. Also, as you move around the blood becomes more oxygenated and it helps take the pain way. Unhealthy cells contribute to fluid retention. That is why it is important to eat alkaline foods and avoid sugar, too much salt, bad fats and high cholesterol foods. Body fluids follow the blood proteins (acid). If we put too much water on a crop, we kill the crop.
These proteins must be removed by the lymphatics and we need movement to get the lymphatics moving. Doctors use electrical stimulators to help heal fractures, knees, etc.
Remember, the lymph system pumps fluid and proteins out of the tissue spaces each time the tissues are compressed or moved in some other way.
MOVEMENT- Mini Trampolines
Jumping on a trampoline is a form of lymphasizing. As you move up and down something magical begins to happen in your body. Research reveals that the lymph system pumps fluid and protein (acid) out of the tissue spaces each time the tissues are compressed or moved in any way. If you have a bad back, you may want to sit on a mini-trampoline and gently bounce. Consult your physical therapist or physician before beginning jumping on a mini tramp.
At the bottom of a bounce the one-way check valve closes. At the top, they open and the lymph fluids are propelled through the system, just like they are when you breathe in deeply. If you just walk around without breathing deeply at the same time, it is impossible to get the benefits of lymphasizing. If you can get the body to the aerobic zone (and some of you can’t right now), you are breathing deeply and flooding the cells with oxygen which enables them to convert glucose into A.T.P. (adenosine triphosphate which helps transfer energy into the cells) and also into glycogen. The goal is to convert glucose into glycogen inside your muscle cells.
If you have a lot of toxins, start slowly and drink a lot of water after any type of exercise.
Exercise Ball If you have chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia you may not be able to jump on a mini-trampoline. Use wisdom and do not overdue. However, you may be able to sit on a large exercise ball and bounce and that will also get the lymphatics moving. Make sure that you place the exercise ball in a safe place, like up against a sofa, so it won’t move sideways or backward on you. When I had Chronic Fatigue, my balance was off and I was frequently dizzy.
1. Pressure
2. A massage motion
3. A light fast stroke
If you have a lot of pain use a light fast stroke as though were brushing dust from your shoulder, finger, knee, hip or wherever pain is located. If it is your finger and it too painful to hold, us a light fast stroke, wait 15 seconds, then try massage. Repeat the light fast stroke followed by massage before the pain comes back. You can also apply pressure with your fingers by pushing on each side of where the pain is located. Repeat these self-help pain techniques every 15 minutes to keep the excess fluid and acidic lactic acid out of the tissues.
If you could get all the generators turned on in the cells of your body, would you be healthy? According to Dr. C. Samuel West, the answer is “Yes.” To do this, he recommends a basic lymphasizing program. The idea for the program came from Dr. Norman Walker.
Walker West Walk--Oxygenation
Walker had an exercise that could move the lymphatic system and help remove trapped proteins. He named it the “Walker West Walk,” and it is so simple, that anyone can do it. Children like to call it the Choo-Choo Train.
Exhale as deeply as you can, then using the “SHHH” sound, inhale as deeply as you can. Do this through your teeth. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, exhale, exhale, completely emptying your lungs by the last exhale. Repeat this process over and over again. You may alternate by doing: Inhale, inhale, inhale, inhale, exhale, exhale, exhale, and exhale. Only do the first part once or twice because some of you may become dizzy or light-headed.
The second part involves swinging you arms and stepping lively along with the breathing exercise. If you can’t do that yet, just sit down and swing your arms as you inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. If you can do it, step as lively as you can while you swing your arms, but do not get tired or cause any negative stress on your body. The more you are able to do it, the better you will feel. You may need to do this gradually. Increase the number of times and the length of time you do this exercise as you feel like it. You will get more oxygen to the lungs and to the cells and your body will become more alkaline.
Dr. Stephen E. West, in his book, “The Golden Seven Plus Two,” says lack of oxygen causes most pain. As you sit on a hard chair for a while, you will come to know this is true because it blocks circulation. Deep breathing is important. Also, as you move around the blood becomes more oxygenated and it helps take the pain way. Unhealthy cells contribute to fluid retention. That is why it is important to eat alkaline foods and avoid sugar, too much salt, bad fats and high cholesterol foods. Body fluids follow the blood proteins (acid). If we put too much water on a crop, we kill the crop.
These proteins must be removed by the lymphatics and we need movement to get the lymphatics moving. Doctors use electrical stimulators to help heal fractures, knees, etc.
Remember, the lymph system pumps fluid and proteins out of the tissue spaces each time the tissues are compressed or moved in some other way.
MOVEMENT- Mini Trampolines
Jumping on a trampoline is a form of lymphasizing. As you move up and down something magical begins to happen in your body. Research reveals that the lymph system pumps fluid and protein (acid) out of the tissue spaces each time the tissues are compressed or moved in any way. If you have a bad back, you may want to sit on a mini-trampoline and gently bounce. Consult your physical therapist or physician before beginning jumping on a mini tramp.
At the bottom of a bounce the one-way check valve closes. At the top, they open and the lymph fluids are propelled through the system, just like they are when you breathe in deeply. If you just walk around without breathing deeply at the same time, it is impossible to get the benefits of lymphasizing. If you can get the body to the aerobic zone (and some of you can’t right now), you are breathing deeply and flooding the cells with oxygen which enables them to convert glucose into A.T.P. (adenosine triphosphate which helps transfer energy into the cells) and also into glycogen. The goal is to convert glucose into glycogen inside your muscle cells.
If you have a lot of toxins, start slowly and drink a lot of water after any type of exercise.
Exercise Ball If you have chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia you may not be able to jump on a mini-trampoline. Use wisdom and do not overdue. However, you may be able to sit on a large exercise ball and bounce and that will also get the lymphatics moving. Make sure that you place the exercise ball in a safe place, like up against a sofa, so it won’t move sideways or backward on you. When I had Chronic Fatigue, my balance was off and I was frequently dizzy.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Free Yourself from Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
My book has only been on Amzon.com a few weeks and already I have a review.
My friend, Joyce said I should post it,...so....
Customer Review EXCELLENT FOR ANYONE WITH FATIGUE, August 20, 2008
By D. Heath "busy mom" (Salt Lake City, UT) -
Author tells her story of her battle with Severe Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. She documents her many years of research and what treatments and supplements worked for her.
I have suffered with Chronic Fatigue for 16 years. I've seen several Dr.s and none were able to offer any real help or information. After reading this book and following several of the suggestions I can now manage my Fatigue and Fibromyalgia symptoms.
My friend, Joyce said I should post it,...so....
Customer Review EXCELLENT FOR ANYONE WITH FATIGUE, August 20, 2008
By D. Heath "busy mom" (Salt Lake City, UT) -
Author tells her story of her battle with Severe Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. She documents her many years of research and what treatments and supplements worked for her.
I have suffered with Chronic Fatigue for 16 years. I've seen several Dr.s and none were able to offer any real help or information. After reading this book and following several of the suggestions I can now manage my Fatigue and Fibromyalgia symptoms.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Trust in a Higher Power
The Need to Trust
As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because he was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help in ways
That were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How could you be so slow?"
"My child," he said, "What could I do?"
"You never would let go."
-author unknown--
As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because he was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help in ways
That were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How could you be so slow?"
"My child," he said, "What could I do?"
"You never would let go."
-author unknown--
Friday, August 22, 2008
Worry
"For every problem under the sun,
There is a remedy or there is none;
If there be one, hurry and find it,
If there be none, never mind it."
"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something
to do, but doesn't get you anywhere."
There is a remedy or there is none;
If there be one, hurry and find it,
If there be none, never mind it."
"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something
to do, but doesn't get you anywhere."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sadness
"You cannot keep the birds of sadness
from flying over your head, but you
can keep them from nesting in your hair."
--author unknown
from flying over your head, but you
can keep them from nesting in your hair."
--author unknown
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Cancer and "The China Study."
THE CHINA STUDY—a book review by Patty Butts, Ph.D.
“The China Study,” by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, one of the world’s most respected nutrition authorities, is the largest and most comprehensive study ever done on diet, disease and nutrition. The New York Times called it the “Grand Prix,” of nutrition. After 34 years of solid scientific research, findings indicated that advanced heart disease, relatively advanced cancers of certain types, diabetes and a few other degenerative diseases can be reversed by diet. The China Study was the culmination of a twenty year partnership with Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine and was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Campbell’s interest was peaked about the effect of diet on disease when he was doing a nationwide project in the Philippines working with malnourished children. Their goal was to have the children consume more corn and peanuts to improve the consumption of protein. At the time, the Philippines had a high prevalence of liver cancer among children and it was assumed this was among the poor children. At first, the team working with Campbell thought the cause could be a mold toxin called aflatoxin found in peanuts and corn (also in stored wheat and grains), something they had not been aware of prior to the study. Aflatoxin has been called one of the most potent carcinogens ever discovered. The project to feed more corn and peanuts was soon abolished and more research was done. Collin found the children who ate the highest-protein diets were the ones most likely to get liver cancer. They were from the wealthiest families.
Dr. Campbell then found research from India that had studied two groups of rats. In one group, they administered high doses of aflatoxin and fed them a diet of 20% animal protein, a level that many of us consume in the West. In the other group they gave the same carcinogenic amount of aflatoxin, but fed this group of rats a diet of 5% protein. Every animal that consumed the 20% protein diet had evidence of liver cancer, and every single animal that consumed a 5% animal protein (sometimes casein from milk), avoided liver cancer. Dr. Campbell and his group replicated this study over and over, always with the same results.
The team then studied the diets of over 6500 people from 64 counties in China. This was a longitudinal study. Blood and urine tests were taken from all participants. Researchers spent time in the homes to determine the diets and foods participants were eating. Environmental issues were examined. There were over 8000 statistically significant results from this study.
The evidence to support that animal protein increased tumor development while nutrients from plant-based foods decreased tumor development was statistically significant throughout all of the studies.
Campbell writes, “We now have a deep and broad range of evidence showing that a whole foods, plant-based diet is best for cancer.” But, he doesn’t stop there; he includes heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, kidneys, bones, eyes and brains.
America’s health is failing even though we spend more per capita on health care than any other society in the world. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight and one-third or our children are either overweight or at risk of becoming so. More than 15 million Americans have diabetes and we fall prey to heart disease as often as we did thirty years ago. The War on Cancer is a continuous battle. “The issues all come down to three things, breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
“The China Study,” by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, one of the world’s most respected nutrition authorities, is the largest and most comprehensive study ever done on diet, disease and nutrition. The New York Times called it the “Grand Prix,” of nutrition. After 34 years of solid scientific research, findings indicated that advanced heart disease, relatively advanced cancers of certain types, diabetes and a few other degenerative diseases can be reversed by diet. The China Study was the culmination of a twenty year partnership with Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine and was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Campbell’s interest was peaked about the effect of diet on disease when he was doing a nationwide project in the Philippines working with malnourished children. Their goal was to have the children consume more corn and peanuts to improve the consumption of protein. At the time, the Philippines had a high prevalence of liver cancer among children and it was assumed this was among the poor children. At first, the team working with Campbell thought the cause could be a mold toxin called aflatoxin found in peanuts and corn (also in stored wheat and grains), something they had not been aware of prior to the study. Aflatoxin has been called one of the most potent carcinogens ever discovered. The project to feed more corn and peanuts was soon abolished and more research was done. Collin found the children who ate the highest-protein diets were the ones most likely to get liver cancer. They were from the wealthiest families.
Dr. Campbell then found research from India that had studied two groups of rats. In one group, they administered high doses of aflatoxin and fed them a diet of 20% animal protein, a level that many of us consume in the West. In the other group they gave the same carcinogenic amount of aflatoxin, but fed this group of rats a diet of 5% protein. Every animal that consumed the 20% protein diet had evidence of liver cancer, and every single animal that consumed a 5% animal protein (sometimes casein from milk), avoided liver cancer. Dr. Campbell and his group replicated this study over and over, always with the same results.
The team then studied the diets of over 6500 people from 64 counties in China. This was a longitudinal study. Blood and urine tests were taken from all participants. Researchers spent time in the homes to determine the diets and foods participants were eating. Environmental issues were examined. There were over 8000 statistically significant results from this study.
The evidence to support that animal protein increased tumor development while nutrients from plant-based foods decreased tumor development was statistically significant throughout all of the studies.
Campbell writes, “We now have a deep and broad range of evidence showing that a whole foods, plant-based diet is best for cancer.” But, he doesn’t stop there; he includes heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, kidneys, bones, eyes and brains.
America’s health is failing even though we spend more per capita on health care than any other society in the world. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight and one-third or our children are either overweight or at risk of becoming so. More than 15 million Americans have diabetes and we fall prey to heart disease as often as we did thirty years ago. The War on Cancer is a continuous battle. “The issues all come down to three things, breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Depression and Medication
After writing the blog on depression, I thought it best to add a caution. If you are on prescription medication for bipolar disorder, don't ever go off medication quickly. You need a doctor's help and advice before going off medication. As a counselor I have seen too many patients stop their medication immediately and become suicidal. Fish oil will enhance the effectiveness of some medication (The Omega 3 Connection). An alkaline diet and some nutrients will help relieve symptoms of bipolar and depression, but that doesn't happen overnight. Consult your physician.
If you are not on medication, some doctors recommend supplements and diet. Dr. Carl C Pfeiffer, an expert in orthomolecular psychiatry, author of "Nutrition and Mental Illness," did extensive research into nutrition and mental illness and treated more than 25,000 patients successfully. They did blood work on patients, checked the thyroid and other significant factors to determine what a patient needed to recover.
In his book, "Natural Prozac," Dr. Joel Robertson, a doctor of pharmacolgy has other recommendations.
If you are not on medication, some doctors recommend supplements and diet. Dr. Carl C Pfeiffer, an expert in orthomolecular psychiatry, author of "Nutrition and Mental Illness," did extensive research into nutrition and mental illness and treated more than 25,000 patients successfully. They did blood work on patients, checked the thyroid and other significant factors to determine what a patient needed to recover.
In his book, "Natural Prozac," Dr. Joel Robertson, a doctor of pharmacolgy has other recommendations.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Bipolar Disorder and Depression, is there new hope?
A few days ago a young mother in our neighborhood, suffering from postpartum and Bipolar Depression committed suicide. In my early years as a counselor I came to believe that nutrition and diet has a major role in depression and mental illness. I counseled brothers who were Bipolar, yet I had known them when they were younger, and mentally healthy—normal , outstanding young men. Their diet was terrible—lots of sugar, meat, soft drinks and junk food. A very acidic diet. Now they are unable to function normally in the community. I watched with sadness the results of their medication. Constant drooling, slowness of speech, periods when they went off the medication and the ups and downs of their disorder. I wanted desperately to help them. It was then I decided that I would pursue a Ph.D.degree in Holistic Nutrition.
I have long believed that candida has a role in depression and Bipolar Disorder and I am not alone. Dr. William Crook, author of The Yeast Connection, and Dr.C .Orian Truss, author of The Missing Diagnosis and other physicians suggest this is the case, although more research needs to be done.
According to Dr. Sherry Rogers, author of Depression Cured at Last, says depression always involves a seriously malabsorptive state and gut that needs to be "cleaned out". or needs to be "fixed"as soon as possible.Celiac disease and candida contributes to malabsorption.
Yeast is a vegetable, not an animal and is a strong invasive parasite that attaches itself to the intestinal wall and becomes a permanent resident of your internal organs. It is an integral part of life. It is present in food, and is found on exposed surfaces and in the air we breathe. Candida yeast intake and exposure cannot be avoided. Only when yeast becomes dominant in various parts of the body does it begin to present a serious health problem, resulting in disease, pain, and discomfort.
Yeast can become a hardy fungus. It multiplies very rapidly, can assume long periods of dormancy and when necessary, becomes cannibalistic. Candida is very sensitive to sugars, foods and other specific substances as they pass along the digestive tract. Yeasts cells thrive on sugar and have an aggressive appetite.
Minor increases in intestinal yeast are usually not a problem, but if yeast overgrowth is left unchallenged it can change into a mycelial fungus with rhizoids (tentacle-like projections) that penetrate the lining of the intestinal tract. These projections can cause intestinal permeability and leak toxins across the cellular membranes. This can cause a disruption in the absorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to reduced immunity and weaken the body’s defense systems.
Without proper nutrition, the body can’t heal or regenerate its tissues and if you
cannot digest and assimilate food, the tissues will eventually starve, states Dr. Robert Young, author of The pH Miracle.
Cleansing the body and taking probiotics, and other anti-candida measures is a step toward healing.
Cleansing the Body
You should have three bowel movements a day. To help this process, juice lots of raw vegetables—especially spinach and carrots, eat lots of fiber, take a good bowel cleanser such as Naturlax 2, drink ½ cup aloe vera juice both morning and night, and drink lots of water.
Milk thistle helps cleanse the liver and aids in enhancing bile output to soften stools. Enzymes help digest foods and speed up elimination. Alfalfa tablets aid in detoxifying the body. Magnesium and a high dose of vitamin C, (the two "bowel loosening" nutrients), help constipation.
Depression involves a state of fairly broad essential nutrient and amino acid deficiency almost 100% of the time. It is suggested that consuming carnitine and phospatidyl choline is helpful when taking a therapeutic dose of amino acids.
Thyroid Function & Bipolar Disorder
There is currently an investigation on low thyroid and candida relationships connecting bipolar disorder and celiac disease. There is a clear connection between the process of thyroid hormone regulation and bipolar disorder. The problem is, this connection is only just now beginning to become evident, and how the connection works is basically a mystery. Two studies recently showed a strikingly high rate of autoimmune-caused thyroid problems in people with bipolar disorder, far more than you would expect to find.Vonk, Kupka Thyroid problems are more common in the complex forms of bipolar disorder (mixed states and rapid cycling) than in classic bipolar manic patients.Chang Signs of thyroid auto-immunity are much more common in people with anxiety and depression, particularly the forms of anxiety which don’t easily fit into typical “anxiety disorder” labels.Carta
Poor intestinal flora can contribute to depression by altering the immune system. Let’s examine this relationship a bit closer. Cytokines are produced by our immune system. In depression, there is an increase in inflammatory cytokines called IL-1, IL-6, and TNF. These same cytokines can be increased by exposure to the LPS in the cell wall of gram-negative intestinal bacteria. By increasing these cytokines, intestinal bacteria have been shown to induce depression, anxiety and cognition impairment.
Can Virgin Coconut Oil Help the Thyroid
Celiac disease, triggered by gluten proteins from wheat in susceptible people, can damage the central nervous system. The cell walls of Candida, the yeast responsible for oral thrush, vaginal infections and intestinal Candidiasis, contain the same protein sequence as wheat gluten and may trigger or stimulate Celiac Disease.
For the last ten years we have known that celiac disease is associated with hypothyroid disease, specifically Hashimoto’s Disease. About 10- 14% of celiac patients are hypothyroid. Celiac patients are about ten times as likely to have thyroid nodules. [5,6,7] Is it the same genetic predisposition making people overly prone to develop autoimmune diseases that causes both conditions? Or is it the chronic bowel inflammation that stimulates these autoimmune reactions? At this point it isn’t clear.
Since the unsaturated oils block protein digestion in the stomach, we can be malnourished even while "eating well." There are many changes in hormones caused by unsaturated fats. Their best understood effect is their interference with the function of the thyroid gland. Unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. Coconut oil is unique in its ability to prevent weight-gain or cure obesity, by stimulating metabolism. It is quickly metabolized, and functions in some ways as an antioxidant.9
Because coconut oil is saturated and very stable (unrefined coconut oil has a shelf life of about three to five years at room temperature), the body is not burdened with oxidative stress as it is with the vegetable oils. Coconut oil does not require the enzyme stress that vegetable oils do, preventing T4 to T3 hormone conversion, not only because it is a stable oil, but also because it is processed differently in the body and does not need to be broken down by enzyme dependent processes as do long chain fatty acids. Also, since the liver is the main place where damage occurs from oxidized and rancid oils that cause cell membrane damage, and since the liver is where much of the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place, eliminating long chain fatty acids from the diet and replacing them with medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can, in time, help in rebuilding cell membranes and increasing enzyme production that will assist in promoting the conversion of T4 to T3 hormones.
More research in this area is necessary.
Omega 3 deficiency contributes to Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Omega-3s are a safe, simple, natural treatment for depression, mental health, and enhancing mood without side effects. Andrew Stoll, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McClean Hospital, is author of the book The Omega-3 Connection. The book is designed to educate about benefits of fish oil and help readers restore their natural balance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high concentrations in the brain.
Over the past century, people in the United States have largely eliminated omega-3 fatty acids from their diet, due to the huge consumption of processed foods and a low-fat diet craze.
However, there is reason to be concerned about bad fats. Some fats are absolutely required for good health, while others detrimental. The most dangerous fats are those found in margarines, shortenings, heated oils, cheese, and some meats, but we need the healing fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for optimal function of every cell in our bodies and we cannot manufacture them internally. They can be obtained only through our diet.
Stoll, on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, was interested in alternatives for bipolar patients. He conducted extensive searches on medical research papers to find substances with properties similar to standard mood stabilizers, lithium and valproate. After he and his colleague, Dr. Emauel Severus, reviewed hundreds of papers, they pulled up one match time and again—common fish oil.
Fish oils are already known for their roll in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. They may also be responsible for protecting against arthritis, diabetes, and some psychiatric disorders. The brain requires more omega-3 and fatty acids than any other system in the body. According to Dr. Stoll, without omega-3s, the brain cannot function normally, so even the most powerful antidepressants will be unable to improve mood. For optimum health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be eaten in nearly equal proportions. Omega-6 fatty acids are contained in vegetable and seed oils, including olive oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oils. Omega-3s are more difficult to obtain, and are most often from fish oil. Flax oil and seed contains some Omega-3s.
In addition, omega-3s are safe and effective supplements for pregnancy, nursing mothers, and postpartum depression. Blood levels of omega-3s decrease during the later stages of pregnancy and stay low, because the fetus receives these essential lipids preferentially (especially if there is a shortage). Lack of omega-3s can damage a mothers health after birth and cause major postpartum depression. These fatty acids are so important in cell-signaling pathways, and are vital to the function of many brain systems, including those neural systems regulating mood and emotions. Research indicates that a lack of omega-3s during pregnancy may impair development of the visual system of a fetus, and may also compromise future intelligence.
Evening Primrose is another Omega 3 that is particularly helpful for PMS (premenstrual syndrome), irritability, mood swings, and cramps.
There is some evidence that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be rooted in a deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers noticed that in two groups of children it was found that those who had omega-3 deficiency and ADHD had similarities. Both had excess thirst, greater frequency of dry hair and skin, and an increased need to urinate. When they tested the blood levels of the ADHD subjects they found that 40 percent had low levels of omega-3s.
Dr. Stoll recommends 1 to 3 grams (1000-to 3000 milligrams) of fish oil daily for health, mood, or cognitive improvement.
I have long believed that candida has a role in depression and Bipolar Disorder and I am not alone. Dr. William Crook, author of The Yeast Connection, and Dr.C .Orian Truss, author of The Missing Diagnosis and other physicians suggest this is the case, although more research needs to be done.
According to Dr. Sherry Rogers, author of Depression Cured at Last, says depression always involves a seriously malabsorptive state and gut that needs to be "cleaned out". or needs to be "fixed"as soon as possible.Celiac disease and candida contributes to malabsorption.
Yeast is a vegetable, not an animal and is a strong invasive parasite that attaches itself to the intestinal wall and becomes a permanent resident of your internal organs. It is an integral part of life. It is present in food, and is found on exposed surfaces and in the air we breathe. Candida yeast intake and exposure cannot be avoided. Only when yeast becomes dominant in various parts of the body does it begin to present a serious health problem, resulting in disease, pain, and discomfort.
Yeast can become a hardy fungus. It multiplies very rapidly, can assume long periods of dormancy and when necessary, becomes cannibalistic. Candida is very sensitive to sugars, foods and other specific substances as they pass along the digestive tract. Yeasts cells thrive on sugar and have an aggressive appetite.
Minor increases in intestinal yeast are usually not a problem, but if yeast overgrowth is left unchallenged it can change into a mycelial fungus with rhizoids (tentacle-like projections) that penetrate the lining of the intestinal tract. These projections can cause intestinal permeability and leak toxins across the cellular membranes. This can cause a disruption in the absorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to reduced immunity and weaken the body’s defense systems.
Without proper nutrition, the body can’t heal or regenerate its tissues and if you
cannot digest and assimilate food, the tissues will eventually starve, states Dr. Robert Young, author of The pH Miracle.
Cleansing the body and taking probiotics, and other anti-candida measures is a step toward healing.
Cleansing the Body
You should have three bowel movements a day. To help this process, juice lots of raw vegetables—especially spinach and carrots, eat lots of fiber, take a good bowel cleanser such as Naturlax 2, drink ½ cup aloe vera juice both morning and night, and drink lots of water.
Milk thistle helps cleanse the liver and aids in enhancing bile output to soften stools. Enzymes help digest foods and speed up elimination. Alfalfa tablets aid in detoxifying the body. Magnesium and a high dose of vitamin C, (the two "bowel loosening" nutrients), help constipation.
Depression involves a state of fairly broad essential nutrient and amino acid deficiency almost 100% of the time. It is suggested that consuming carnitine and phospatidyl choline is helpful when taking a therapeutic dose of amino acids.
Thyroid Function & Bipolar Disorder
There is currently an investigation on low thyroid and candida relationships connecting bipolar disorder and celiac disease. There is a clear connection between the process of thyroid hormone regulation and bipolar disorder. The problem is, this connection is only just now beginning to become evident, and how the connection works is basically a mystery. Two studies recently showed a strikingly high rate of autoimmune-caused thyroid problems in people with bipolar disorder, far more than you would expect to find.Vonk, Kupka Thyroid problems are more common in the complex forms of bipolar disorder (mixed states and rapid cycling) than in classic bipolar manic patients.Chang Signs of thyroid auto-immunity are much more common in people with anxiety and depression, particularly the forms of anxiety which don’t easily fit into typical “anxiety disorder” labels.Carta
Poor intestinal flora can contribute to depression by altering the immune system. Let’s examine this relationship a bit closer. Cytokines are produced by our immune system. In depression, there is an increase in inflammatory cytokines called IL-1, IL-6, and TNF. These same cytokines can be increased by exposure to the LPS in the cell wall of gram-negative intestinal bacteria. By increasing these cytokines, intestinal bacteria have been shown to induce depression, anxiety and cognition impairment.
Can Virgin Coconut Oil Help the Thyroid
Celiac disease, triggered by gluten proteins from wheat in susceptible people, can damage the central nervous system. The cell walls of Candida, the yeast responsible for oral thrush, vaginal infections and intestinal Candidiasis, contain the same protein sequence as wheat gluten and may trigger or stimulate Celiac Disease.
For the last ten years we have known that celiac disease is associated with hypothyroid disease, specifically Hashimoto’s Disease. About 10- 14% of celiac patients are hypothyroid. Celiac patients are about ten times as likely to have thyroid nodules. [5,6,7] Is it the same genetic predisposition making people overly prone to develop autoimmune diseases that causes both conditions? Or is it the chronic bowel inflammation that stimulates these autoimmune reactions? At this point it isn’t clear.
Since the unsaturated oils block protein digestion in the stomach, we can be malnourished even while "eating well." There are many changes in hormones caused by unsaturated fats. Their best understood effect is their interference with the function of the thyroid gland. Unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. Coconut oil is unique in its ability to prevent weight-gain or cure obesity, by stimulating metabolism. It is quickly metabolized, and functions in some ways as an antioxidant.9
Because coconut oil is saturated and very stable (unrefined coconut oil has a shelf life of about three to five years at room temperature), the body is not burdened with oxidative stress as it is with the vegetable oils. Coconut oil does not require the enzyme stress that vegetable oils do, preventing T4 to T3 hormone conversion, not only because it is a stable oil, but also because it is processed differently in the body and does not need to be broken down by enzyme dependent processes as do long chain fatty acids. Also, since the liver is the main place where damage occurs from oxidized and rancid oils that cause cell membrane damage, and since the liver is where much of the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place, eliminating long chain fatty acids from the diet and replacing them with medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can, in time, help in rebuilding cell membranes and increasing enzyme production that will assist in promoting the conversion of T4 to T3 hormones.
More research in this area is necessary.
Omega 3 deficiency contributes to Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Omega-3s are a safe, simple, natural treatment for depression, mental health, and enhancing mood without side effects. Andrew Stoll, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McClean Hospital, is author of the book The Omega-3 Connection. The book is designed to educate about benefits of fish oil and help readers restore their natural balance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high concentrations in the brain.
Over the past century, people in the United States have largely eliminated omega-3 fatty acids from their diet, due to the huge consumption of processed foods and a low-fat diet craze.
However, there is reason to be concerned about bad fats. Some fats are absolutely required for good health, while others detrimental. The most dangerous fats are those found in margarines, shortenings, heated oils, cheese, and some meats, but we need the healing fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for optimal function of every cell in our bodies and we cannot manufacture them internally. They can be obtained only through our diet.
Stoll, on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, was interested in alternatives for bipolar patients. He conducted extensive searches on medical research papers to find substances with properties similar to standard mood stabilizers, lithium and valproate. After he and his colleague, Dr. Emauel Severus, reviewed hundreds of papers, they pulled up one match time and again—common fish oil.
Fish oils are already known for their roll in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. They may also be responsible for protecting against arthritis, diabetes, and some psychiatric disorders. The brain requires more omega-3 and fatty acids than any other system in the body. According to Dr. Stoll, without omega-3s, the brain cannot function normally, so even the most powerful antidepressants will be unable to improve mood. For optimum health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be eaten in nearly equal proportions. Omega-6 fatty acids are contained in vegetable and seed oils, including olive oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oils. Omega-3s are more difficult to obtain, and are most often from fish oil. Flax oil and seed contains some Omega-3s.
In addition, omega-3s are safe and effective supplements for pregnancy, nursing mothers, and postpartum depression. Blood levels of omega-3s decrease during the later stages of pregnancy and stay low, because the fetus receives these essential lipids preferentially (especially if there is a shortage). Lack of omega-3s can damage a mothers health after birth and cause major postpartum depression. These fatty acids are so important in cell-signaling pathways, and are vital to the function of many brain systems, including those neural systems regulating mood and emotions. Research indicates that a lack of omega-3s during pregnancy may impair development of the visual system of a fetus, and may also compromise future intelligence.
Evening Primrose is another Omega 3 that is particularly helpful for PMS (premenstrual syndrome), irritability, mood swings, and cramps.
There is some evidence that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be rooted in a deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers noticed that in two groups of children it was found that those who had omega-3 deficiency and ADHD had similarities. Both had excess thirst, greater frequency of dry hair and skin, and an increased need to urinate. When they tested the blood levels of the ADHD subjects they found that 40 percent had low levels of omega-3s.
Dr. Stoll recommends 1 to 3 grams (1000-to 3000 milligrams) of fish oil daily for health, mood, or cognitive improvement.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
How to Eat Alkaline
The question I am most often asked is, "What can I eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner that is alkaline? First of all, always have snacks that include foods like cucumber, celery, jicima, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, avocado, grapefruit, raw greeb, yellow or red pepper slices, almonds, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts to snack on. There is no limit to the number of vegetables you can eat.
For Breakfast: Grapefruit, soy milk smoothies,celery with almond butter, scrambled tofu, green drinks, tofu burritos wrapped in Ezekiel Sprouted Tortillas,wraps filled with spreads such as hummus,tofu eggless salad, sundried tomatoes, pesto and greens, bean spreads, tofu cream cheese, almond cheese, and veggie burgers. Topping can include sprouts, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, olives, shredded vegan cheese, peppers, red or yellow onions,avocado slices, tomatoes, and shredded carrot.
For Breakfast: Grapefruit, soy milk smoothies,celery with almond butter, scrambled tofu, green drinks, tofu burritos wrapped in Ezekiel Sprouted Tortillas,wraps filled with spreads such as hummus,tofu eggless salad, sundried tomatoes, pesto and greens, bean spreads, tofu cream cheese, almond cheese, and veggie burgers. Topping can include sprouts, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, olives, shredded vegan cheese, peppers, red or yellow onions,avocado slices, tomatoes, and shredded carrot.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Hope and Healing
Fairy-Godmother’s Wand
It was December, the hospital was festive, decorated with a huge Christmas tree adorned with shiny red ornaments and elegant red velvet bows. Pots of Poinsettias decorated the counters. Outside it was snowing. I fought back my anxiety, felt my racing pulse and the lump inside my heart as I walked through the corridor toward the elevators to visit my husband who was critically ill. He had coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and was fighting to recover from surgery for kidney cancer. The surgeon had hoped to remove the cancer from the kidney, but because of the cancer mass, had to remove the kidney. Now, my husband was on dialysis.
Wanting to do absolutely anything I could do to cheer my husband, I held my battery operated fairy-godmother’s wand in my hand. I had bought it at a costume shop for Halloween. I figured everyone could use a fairy godmother’s wand, especially one with twinkling lights. I prefer angels, but it is hard to find angels. Then, in front of me was a tall gorgeous young woman with long flowing blond hair, dressed in white clothing, resembling an angel, but without wings. As we stepped inside the elevator, I sensed her sadness and gently asked, “Do you need a fairy-godmother’s wand?” as I waved the blinking wand toward her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded in the affirmative. As we stepped off the elevator I reached out to comfort her and listen. She had two small children and was going through a traumatic divorce. Her mother was in the hospital for kidney failure and had been waiting for a transplant for five years, this was just one of her many crisis visits to the hospital. “My mother is tired of fighting for her life. She wants to give up—go off dialysis—and die, but she just turned fifty. My father is dead—I don’t want to lose my mother. I feel so hopeless.”
I put my arms around her as she sobbed, then she wiped her tears with a tissue. “Would you like to take my fairy-godmother’s wand?” I asked. “You can return it to my husband’s room later this evening.”
Several hours later my husband was delighted and surprised to see a beautiful “angel” with long blond hair tumbling down her shoulders, all dressed in white, walk into his room. She was carrying a flashing fairy-god-mother’s wand. After greeting my husband, she asked how he was feeling. “This was wonderful,” she said, as she handed me the wand. “Mother loved the wand. She even laughed. We took turns waving it around the room and granting wishes for the nurses who were coming in and out. She granted me wishes—I waved wishes over her head, and we giggled. Mother now has hope and the will to live.”
from my book "Defeating Depression & Beating the Blues."
It was December, the hospital was festive, decorated with a huge Christmas tree adorned with shiny red ornaments and elegant red velvet bows. Pots of Poinsettias decorated the counters. Outside it was snowing. I fought back my anxiety, felt my racing pulse and the lump inside my heart as I walked through the corridor toward the elevators to visit my husband who was critically ill. He had coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and was fighting to recover from surgery for kidney cancer. The surgeon had hoped to remove the cancer from the kidney, but because of the cancer mass, had to remove the kidney. Now, my husband was on dialysis.
Wanting to do absolutely anything I could do to cheer my husband, I held my battery operated fairy-godmother’s wand in my hand. I had bought it at a costume shop for Halloween. I figured everyone could use a fairy godmother’s wand, especially one with twinkling lights. I prefer angels, but it is hard to find angels. Then, in front of me was a tall gorgeous young woman with long flowing blond hair, dressed in white clothing, resembling an angel, but without wings. As we stepped inside the elevator, I sensed her sadness and gently asked, “Do you need a fairy-godmother’s wand?” as I waved the blinking wand toward her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded in the affirmative. As we stepped off the elevator I reached out to comfort her and listen. She had two small children and was going through a traumatic divorce. Her mother was in the hospital for kidney failure and had been waiting for a transplant for five years, this was just one of her many crisis visits to the hospital. “My mother is tired of fighting for her life. She wants to give up—go off dialysis—and die, but she just turned fifty. My father is dead—I don’t want to lose my mother. I feel so hopeless.”
I put my arms around her as she sobbed, then she wiped her tears with a tissue. “Would you like to take my fairy-godmother’s wand?” I asked. “You can return it to my husband’s room later this evening.”
Several hours later my husband was delighted and surprised to see a beautiful “angel” with long blond hair tumbling down her shoulders, all dressed in white, walk into his room. She was carrying a flashing fairy-god-mother’s wand. After greeting my husband, she asked how he was feeling. “This was wonderful,” she said, as she handed me the wand. “Mother loved the wand. She even laughed. We took turns waving it around the room and granting wishes for the nurses who were coming in and out. She granted me wishes—I waved wishes over her head, and we giggled. Mother now has hope and the will to live.”
from my book "Defeating Depression & Beating the Blues."
Friday, July 18, 2008
Healing Your Spirit
When I was ill with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, my life was so out of control I thought I might die and knew I could if I stopped fighting to get well and just stayed in bed. I was depressed and life seemed hopeless. I felt useless.
One day I ran into an old friend I hadn’t seen in several years. She didn’t recognize me at first. “It’s Patty,” I reminded her.
“Patty? What has happened to you? Your aura—your light is gone.”
I had worked with her when I was an enthusiastic, energetic coordinator of a women’s education resource center where I counseled and taught self-sufficiency skills. Now, I had CFIDS and was only a shell of what I once was. Prolonged stress has a way of zapping your immune system. Several hundred women went through our program and many came into the program as little ducklings, filled with fear and afraid to go into the water and face their future. I tried to instill them with hope and direction. I knew they could do it because I had been a single parent of seven children who returned to school and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Why did I choose a web site (www.healingyourspirit.com/) on healing your spirit or soul?
I believe that your spirit, your soul, your chi-whatever you want to call it--is grieved when you are so ill. It's as if your spirit is saying, "I'm not comfortable here--I want to be in a peaceful, happy place (or body).
In Chinese culture, Chi is known as a universal l force energy. Everything in creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies that correspond to sound, light and color. The existence of electromagnetic fields around every object in the world, known as an Aura, is a scientifically proven fact. The Chinese refer to this energy as 'Chi' (pronounced Chee), the vital life force energy of the Universe, present within every living thing. Western medical science is now beginning to take a serious look at ancient Far Eastern traditions that focus on Chi - the life force energy which flows through the pathways of all living forms - in order to maintain health and wellness, mentally, physically and emotionally.
Chi is a Chinese word meaning aliveness, life force energy or life breath - also known as Ki, Qi or Prana.
"Theories of traditional Chinese medicine assert that the body has natural patterns of qi associated with it that circulate in channels called meridians in English. Symptoms of various illnesses are often seen as the product of disrupted or unbalanced qi movement through such channels (including blockages), deficiencies or imbalances of qi, in the various organs. Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to relieve these imbalances by adjusting the flow of qi in the body using a variety of therapeutic techniques."
I believe you can help heal the spirit.soul or chi) by filling your heart with love, forgiving, getting rid of negative emotions, expressing gratitude, using Tai Chi, and/or by connecting to a higher power. For me that means God or Jesus Christ. For others it may mean something or someone else.
While attending a convention of workshop presentations for therapists, psychologists, and marriage counselors, I watched in amazement as about 75 professionals learned the following technique.
Some displayed symptoms of being stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or other negative emotions or feelings. All lowered their stress level tremendously by doing the following seven steps. Some overcame anxiety. Repeating this exercise over and over as needed, changes the negative neural patterns in the brain. It leads to more effective communication, lowers blood pressure, improves decision making, helps panic and obsessive compulsive tendencies, and helps in solving problems. It helps get rid of negative thought patterns and replaces them with positive feelings.
Take a short emotional vacation by using the Freeze Frame Technique explained below. Positive emotions can help you replace negative, stressful thought patterns and feelings with more positive perceptions and emotions in the moment you need them most. It is so easy to do.
Steps:
When you are feeling stressed or ill, or are facing a problem, describe your feeling in one word. Examples could be ill, weak, anxious, fearful, afraid, confused, angry, frustrated, sad, disgusted, enraged, overwhelmed, lonely, victimized or depressed.
2. Now, shift your attention to the area around your heart. Imagine yourself breathing in through your heart—breathe in to the count of five, breathe out to the count of five. Continue doing this for several minutes.
3. Think of a positive feeling—the love you have for a child, spouse, or grandchild. Try to
experience that positive feeling and send that positive feeling or love out to
someone else. You may want to think of a positive experience or place where
you have felt serenity, peace or laughter. Work on recapturing that
feeling right now.
4. Go back to step number two and again breathe in through your heart to the count
of five and then breathe out to the count of five through your solar plexus while
still experiencing the positive feelings.
5. Ask yourself what would be good answer to your problem or a helpful attitude to
balance and de-stress your mind and body. If possible, write it down. Heart perceptions and intuitions are often subtle. They gently suggest effective
solutions for you and all concerned with the problem.
6. Sense any change to your original stress as noted in step number one. Write it
down and sustain the positive feeling as long as you can. Listen to answers.
7. Repeat these steps as often as needed.
One day I ran into an old friend I hadn’t seen in several years. She didn’t recognize me at first. “It’s Patty,” I reminded her.
“Patty? What has happened to you? Your aura—your light is gone.”
I had worked with her when I was an enthusiastic, energetic coordinator of a women’s education resource center where I counseled and taught self-sufficiency skills. Now, I had CFIDS and was only a shell of what I once was. Prolonged stress has a way of zapping your immune system. Several hundred women went through our program and many came into the program as little ducklings, filled with fear and afraid to go into the water and face their future. I tried to instill them with hope and direction. I knew they could do it because I had been a single parent of seven children who returned to school and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Why did I choose a web site (www.healingyourspirit.com/) on healing your spirit or soul?
I believe that your spirit, your soul, your chi-whatever you want to call it--is grieved when you are so ill. It's as if your spirit is saying, "I'm not comfortable here--I want to be in a peaceful, happy place (or body).
In Chinese culture, Chi is known as a universal l force energy. Everything in creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies that correspond to sound, light and color. The existence of electromagnetic fields around every object in the world, known as an Aura, is a scientifically proven fact. The Chinese refer to this energy as 'Chi' (pronounced Chee), the vital life force energy of the Universe, present within every living thing. Western medical science is now beginning to take a serious look at ancient Far Eastern traditions that focus on Chi - the life force energy which flows through the pathways of all living forms - in order to maintain health and wellness, mentally, physically and emotionally.
Chi is a Chinese word meaning aliveness, life force energy or life breath - also known as Ki, Qi or Prana.
"Theories of traditional Chinese medicine assert that the body has natural patterns of qi associated with it that circulate in channels called meridians in English. Symptoms of various illnesses are often seen as the product of disrupted or unbalanced qi movement through such channels (including blockages), deficiencies or imbalances of qi, in the various organs. Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to relieve these imbalances by adjusting the flow of qi in the body using a variety of therapeutic techniques."
I believe you can help heal the spirit.soul or chi) by filling your heart with love, forgiving, getting rid of negative emotions, expressing gratitude, using Tai Chi, and/or by connecting to a higher power. For me that means God or Jesus Christ. For others it may mean something or someone else.
While attending a convention of workshop presentations for therapists, psychologists, and marriage counselors, I watched in amazement as about 75 professionals learned the following technique.
Some displayed symptoms of being stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or other negative emotions or feelings. All lowered their stress level tremendously by doing the following seven steps. Some overcame anxiety. Repeating this exercise over and over as needed, changes the negative neural patterns in the brain. It leads to more effective communication, lowers blood pressure, improves decision making, helps panic and obsessive compulsive tendencies, and helps in solving problems. It helps get rid of negative thought patterns and replaces them with positive feelings.
Take a short emotional vacation by using the Freeze Frame Technique explained below. Positive emotions can help you replace negative, stressful thought patterns and feelings with more positive perceptions and emotions in the moment you need them most. It is so easy to do.
Steps:
When you are feeling stressed or ill, or are facing a problem, describe your feeling in one word. Examples could be ill, weak, anxious, fearful, afraid, confused, angry, frustrated, sad, disgusted, enraged, overwhelmed, lonely, victimized or depressed.
2. Now, shift your attention to the area around your heart. Imagine yourself breathing in through your heart—breathe in to the count of five, breathe out to the count of five. Continue doing this for several minutes.
3. Think of a positive feeling—the love you have for a child, spouse, or grandchild. Try to
experience that positive feeling and send that positive feeling or love out to
someone else. You may want to think of a positive experience or place where
you have felt serenity, peace or laughter. Work on recapturing that
feeling right now.
4. Go back to step number two and again breathe in through your heart to the count
of five and then breathe out to the count of five through your solar plexus while
still experiencing the positive feelings.
5. Ask yourself what would be good answer to your problem or a helpful attitude to
balance and de-stress your mind and body. If possible, write it down. Heart perceptions and intuitions are often subtle. They gently suggest effective
solutions for you and all concerned with the problem.
6. Sense any change to your original stress as noted in step number one. Write it
down and sustain the positive feeling as long as you can. Listen to answers.
7. Repeat these steps as often as needed.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Chronic Fatigue/ FMS and an alkaline diet.
An alkaline diet may be the answer for some who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a debilitating disease that sometimes makes you feel like you’re going to die. More than 800,000 people in the US suffer from this disease.
Candida is a major player in fatigue. When our body is alkaline, candida, fungus, yeast, mold, parasites, viruses, and bacteria do not thrive. According to Dr. Robert Young, author of The pH Miracle, microforms are the major players in chronic fatigue syndrome. If your body is acidic, it is likely you have microforms. How do you know if your body is alkaline or acidic? Dr. Robert Young, suggests you use litmus paper (you can buy it a health food store) and get an indication of where the pH of the urine is by testing the first morning urine. Take a strip of the pH paper and wet it. If the paper does not change color, that indicates a highly acidic body. Urine should be 6.8 to 7.2 (medium green), if it too much color (dark blue) that also indicates highly acidic.
As I have researched and talked to people who have overcome Chronic Fatigue with an alkaline diet, I have been amazed at some of the results.
Carol, had chronic fatigue for 16 years and tried everything. At one time she was taking 55 capsules a day. “I had a fisherman’s tackle box to organize my supplements,” she told me. Although her health had started to improve three years ago, she claims it was the alkaline diet and SuperGreens that “pushed me over the edge to good health.”
SuperGreens is a powdered green drink, but you can juice your own greens. I have a vita mixer and blend spinach, celery, kale, a small carrot, cucumber, a thin slice of ginger (natural antiseptic properties), parsley, a little red onion, favorite spices (I use Zip) and a cup of distilled water.
What are alkaline foods? Cucumbers, while not the most nutrient dense food, is one of the most alkaline foods you can eat. Include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, avacodoes, jicima, lemon, limes, grapefruit and other alkaline foods in your diet.
Foods to avoid include all dairy, meat, most processed foods, soft drinks, sugar, most sweetners (except Stevia), and white flour.
Ihave found that most people who green, alkaline foods in the morning have almost double the energy of those on the Standard American Diet, (SAD)
Candida is a major player in fatigue. When our body is alkaline, candida, fungus, yeast, mold, parasites, viruses, and bacteria do not thrive. According to Dr. Robert Young, author of The pH Miracle, microforms are the major players in chronic fatigue syndrome. If your body is acidic, it is likely you have microforms. How do you know if your body is alkaline or acidic? Dr. Robert Young, suggests you use litmus paper (you can buy it a health food store) and get an indication of where the pH of the urine is by testing the first morning urine. Take a strip of the pH paper and wet it. If the paper does not change color, that indicates a highly acidic body. Urine should be 6.8 to 7.2 (medium green), if it too much color (dark blue) that also indicates highly acidic.
As I have researched and talked to people who have overcome Chronic Fatigue with an alkaline diet, I have been amazed at some of the results.
Carol, had chronic fatigue for 16 years and tried everything. At one time she was taking 55 capsules a day. “I had a fisherman’s tackle box to organize my supplements,” she told me. Although her health had started to improve three years ago, she claims it was the alkaline diet and SuperGreens that “pushed me over the edge to good health.”
SuperGreens is a powdered green drink, but you can juice your own greens. I have a vita mixer and blend spinach, celery, kale, a small carrot, cucumber, a thin slice of ginger (natural antiseptic properties), parsley, a little red onion, favorite spices (I use Zip) and a cup of distilled water.
What are alkaline foods? Cucumbers, while not the most nutrient dense food, is one of the most alkaline foods you can eat. Include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, avacodoes, jicima, lemon, limes, grapefruit and other alkaline foods in your diet.
Foods to avoid include all dairy, meat, most processed foods, soft drinks, sugar, most sweetners (except Stevia), and white flour.
Ihave found that most people who green, alkaline foods in the morning have almost double the energy of those on the Standard American Diet, (SAD)
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