I was asked to comment on chia seeds.
Chia seeds are from an annual herb called Salvia Hispanica. It is a member of the mint family. The name chia comes from an Aztec word, chian, meaning oily.
They are high in oil content, (about 30%) and the predominant oil is polyunsaturated. Since most Americans have way too much polyunsaturated oils in there diet, I would suggest limiting your intake of chia seeds.
Chia is promoted as an excellent source of nutrition, that will help to curb pain, and will help to extend endurance. It is also high in fiber and protein. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So do most cereal grains, which is what chia seeds are usually compared to.
In spite of the claims made by people trying to sell health promoting products made with chia seeds, it isn't really any more remarkable than other cereal grains. However, it is much more expensive. They call it a superfood, and sell it (even in bulk) for about four and a half dollars a pound.
I can get wheat for seven or eight dollars for 25 pounds. Since I know that wheat contains pretty much all the nutrition I can need, why would I want to spend nine or ten times as much for something that isn't really that much different. Besides, nobody needs the extra polyunsaturated oils.
Even the Aztecs, who are supposed to have revered this as a superfood, listed chia behind several other important grains. The descendants of the ancient Aztecs still grow and harvest chia seeds, but only on a minor scale. It evidently wasn't all that important of a crop to them.
Chia seed sprouts are fine to use like alfalfa sprouts in a salad if you like. Just don't over do them, because they are very high in polyunsaturated oils.
Chickens fed chia had higher deposits of polyunsaturated oils in their legs and breasts. They also laid fewer eggs and lighter eggs.
Contrary to popular myth, polyunsaturated oils are not healthy for your heart or your body. In fact it has now been discovered that polyunsaturated oils contribute to the formation of cancer.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Stress Managment
Stress is one of the things that can cause all kinds of trouble for you. It builds on itself and can spiral downwardly into a real mess.
For health and well being we generally want to eliminate as much stress as possible.
However, it should be noted that there are some good things about stress as well. Stressing the body can stimulate it and cause growth. This is an important type of stress to put on the body.
The biggest problem with stress, is when it becomes chronic or constant. Constant stress that never lets up, doesn't allow the body to rebuild and strengthen. This could be from a dental problem that we are ignoring, or are unaware of. It could be long term unbalanced use of muscles or skeletal systems. It can also be constant worry about things in our lives.
Stress can cause the body to not function correctly. If you are having a health issue that doesn't seem to get better no matter what you do, then you probably need to analyze your stress levels.
Amazingly, getting into a healthy lifestyle can help with all forms of stress. Once you are giving the body the good resources it needs to repair and rejuvenate, many stresses will be relieved.
For some chronic stresses you may need to see a specialist. For instance if you have chronic tooth sensitivity or pain, you probably need to see a dentist.
Another important thing to do, is to learn how to deal with stress. Stress will always be a part of life. But if you learn to pray, meditate, ponder, and relax, you can relieve many stresses.
Take a little time each day to just relax and count your blessings. Ponder on the good things that have happened to you. Look forward with a positive attitude to things that may happen in your future. Don't fear the future, but look for good things to happen. Expect good things and they will usually come.
Imagination is a very powerful force. Use your imagination to imagine a positive future for your self. Dwell on those positive images often, and before you know it, you may very well receive that positive future.
If you would would like some help in dealing with stress in your life, take a look at THIS PROGRAM. It might be what you need.
For health and well being we generally want to eliminate as much stress as possible.
However, it should be noted that there are some good things about stress as well. Stressing the body can stimulate it and cause growth. This is an important type of stress to put on the body.
The biggest problem with stress, is when it becomes chronic or constant. Constant stress that never lets up, doesn't allow the body to rebuild and strengthen. This could be from a dental problem that we are ignoring, or are unaware of. It could be long term unbalanced use of muscles or skeletal systems. It can also be constant worry about things in our lives.
Stress can cause the body to not function correctly. If you are having a health issue that doesn't seem to get better no matter what you do, then you probably need to analyze your stress levels.
Amazingly, getting into a healthy lifestyle can help with all forms of stress. Once you are giving the body the good resources it needs to repair and rejuvenate, many stresses will be relieved.
For some chronic stresses you may need to see a specialist. For instance if you have chronic tooth sensitivity or pain, you probably need to see a dentist.
Another important thing to do, is to learn how to deal with stress. Stress will always be a part of life. But if you learn to pray, meditate, ponder, and relax, you can relieve many stresses.
Take a little time each day to just relax and count your blessings. Ponder on the good things that have happened to you. Look forward with a positive attitude to things that may happen in your future. Don't fear the future, but look for good things to happen. Expect good things and they will usually come.
Imagination is a very powerful force. Use your imagination to imagine a positive future for your self. Dwell on those positive images often, and before you know it, you may very well receive that positive future.
If you would would like some help in dealing with stress in your life, take a look at THIS PROGRAM. It might be what you need.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Genetic Determinism Is Dead (or at least is should be)
Genetic Determinism has failed completely and totally to stay afloat in the science of the day.
The Human Genome Project was going to be the crowning achievement for all those who believed in Genetic Determinism. But the project has proven to be the sledge hammer that has destroyed it completely.
You see, the project caused more and more people to join in the research of discovering how genes work and what they do. As a result we have learned a lot!
Genetic Determinism said that a gene determines what proteins are formed, which determines what happens in the body. (I know that is very simplistic, but I'm trying to keep this understandable.) It was supposed to be kind of a one-way-street. The gene directs the body what to do.
Well, thanks to all the new research, we now know that it just isn't so. The communication channels in the body between DNA, RNA, proteins, etc, are more like the phone lines criss-crossing our country. Communication goes all over the place and in both directions at the same time. In fact, we now know that genes do not initiate communication. They are simply waiting for someone to contact them, so that they can share what they have to offer. I guess they got cell phones with no way to dial out.
The proteins make contact with the genes when they need something from them. Only certain proteins can make contact with certain genes. The proteins are formed by the needs of the body, determined by the environment.
The whole process can be just the opposite of the way Genetic Determinism pictured it to be. The environment can cause proteins to reconfigure RNA and DNA. The body can adapt very quickly to changes in it's environment.
However, there is an innate intelligence in every organism, from bacteria to human, which will always bring the organism back to equilibrium as soon as it can get the resources to do so.
In other words, Evolution of Species is also doomed. There are no changes which gradually little by little get passed along until something has evolved into something else.
I'm trying to keep this simple, but for those interested HERE is a link to a more in depth analysis by a biologist.
Also, be sure to read my book about "Understanding Science". It will help you to make sense of all the different "scientific" stuff thats gets thrown around these days.
So... what does all this mean to you and your life?
As your body comes in contact with toxins and pollutants it tries to adapt quickly to help you survive. If you have long term exposures to toxins, it gets harder and harder for your body to deal with it. This will eventually lead to chronic pain and or disease.
The good news is that your body still has the innate intelligence to heal itself, if it is given a break from all the stress, and also given the good resources (think whole, raw, natural foods) that it needs to repair and rebuild.
Perhaps the most difficult part of that, is to stop the stress. Let's talk more about stress tomorrow.
The Human Genome Project was going to be the crowning achievement for all those who believed in Genetic Determinism. But the project has proven to be the sledge hammer that has destroyed it completely.
You see, the project caused more and more people to join in the research of discovering how genes work and what they do. As a result we have learned a lot!
Genetic Determinism said that a gene determines what proteins are formed, which determines what happens in the body. (I know that is very simplistic, but I'm trying to keep this understandable.) It was supposed to be kind of a one-way-street. The gene directs the body what to do.
Well, thanks to all the new research, we now know that it just isn't so. The communication channels in the body between DNA, RNA, proteins, etc, are more like the phone lines criss-crossing our country. Communication goes all over the place and in both directions at the same time. In fact, we now know that genes do not initiate communication. They are simply waiting for someone to contact them, so that they can share what they have to offer. I guess they got cell phones with no way to dial out.
The proteins make contact with the genes when they need something from them. Only certain proteins can make contact with certain genes. The proteins are formed by the needs of the body, determined by the environment.
The whole process can be just the opposite of the way Genetic Determinism pictured it to be. The environment can cause proteins to reconfigure RNA and DNA. The body can adapt very quickly to changes in it's environment.
However, there is an innate intelligence in every organism, from bacteria to human, which will always bring the organism back to equilibrium as soon as it can get the resources to do so.
In other words, Evolution of Species is also doomed. There are no changes which gradually little by little get passed along until something has evolved into something else.
I'm trying to keep this simple, but for those interested HERE is a link to a more in depth analysis by a biologist.
Also, be sure to read my book about "Understanding Science". It will help you to make sense of all the different "scientific" stuff thats gets thrown around these days.
So... what does all this mean to you and your life?
As your body comes in contact with toxins and pollutants it tries to adapt quickly to help you survive. If you have long term exposures to toxins, it gets harder and harder for your body to deal with it. This will eventually lead to chronic pain and or disease.
The good news is that your body still has the innate intelligence to heal itself, if it is given a break from all the stress, and also given the good resources (think whole, raw, natural foods) that it needs to repair and rebuild.
Perhaps the most difficult part of that, is to stop the stress. Let's talk more about stress tomorrow.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sprouting Grains : How To
Sprouting grains is a fantastic and simple way to get superb nutrition in your diet.
When you know how to sprout grains you can live off of a years supply of wheat. As long as you also have water, of course.
Sprouting your grains is kind of like getting your fruits and vegetables from your grains. Sprouted grains have even more nutrients than the un-sprouted grains. For instance whole wheat kernels have lots of nutrients, but they lack Vitamin C. If you sprout them, they suddenly have Vitamin C. Also sprouts are easier to eat, and to digest, than the whole grains.
Here are the simple steps to sprouting grain.
Soak the grain in water over night. (8 to 12 hours at room temperature).
Then rinse and drain the water off of them approximately every 6 to 8 hours. (Keep them moist, but not sitting in water, at room temperature.)
I do this in a glass jar with netting over the opening, held in place by a rubber band. I invert the jar at an angle and let it set in a small bowl. The jar (on it's side) is longer than the bowl is wide, so that keeps the jar tipped so that all the water can drain out of it. The netting, of course, keeps the grains in the jar, but allows the water to drain.
You can eat the sprouts at any time throughout this process. Taste them at different times and see how you like them. Some like them best just right after the initial soaking. I usually like mine about a day later. You can continue this process as long as you like, but eventually you will have grass.
When the sprouts reach the point that you like them best, move them to the refrigerator. This doesn't stop the sprouting process completely, but it does slow it down drastically.
One more note about sprouting. You can also sprout beans.
My mother taught us that if you sprout the beans before making chili, it takes the gas out of them. Now that's useful information!
Thanks Mom!
When you know how to sprout grains you can live off of a years supply of wheat. As long as you also have water, of course.
Sprouting your grains is kind of like getting your fruits and vegetables from your grains. Sprouted grains have even more nutrients than the un-sprouted grains. For instance whole wheat kernels have lots of nutrients, but they lack Vitamin C. If you sprout them, they suddenly have Vitamin C. Also sprouts are easier to eat, and to digest, than the whole grains.
Here are the simple steps to sprouting grain.
Soak the grain in water over night. (8 to 12 hours at room temperature).
Then rinse and drain the water off of them approximately every 6 to 8 hours. (Keep them moist, but not sitting in water, at room temperature.)
I do this in a glass jar with netting over the opening, held in place by a rubber band. I invert the jar at an angle and let it set in a small bowl. The jar (on it's side) is longer than the bowl is wide, so that keeps the jar tipped so that all the water can drain out of it. The netting, of course, keeps the grains in the jar, but allows the water to drain.
You can eat the sprouts at any time throughout this process. Taste them at different times and see how you like them. Some like them best just right after the initial soaking. I usually like mine about a day later. You can continue this process as long as you like, but eventually you will have grass.
When the sprouts reach the point that you like them best, move them to the refrigerator. This doesn't stop the sprouting process completely, but it does slow it down drastically.
One more note about sprouting. You can also sprout beans.
My mother taught us that if you sprout the beans before making chili, it takes the gas out of them. Now that's useful information!
Thanks Mom!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Toquerville Trails Turkey Trot 2009
Announcing the 5th Annual Toquerville Trails Turkey Trot.
This Thanksgiving morning, on November 26th, 2009, anyone in the vicinity of Southern Utah is invited to come to Toquerville. We have a 'Turkey Trot' that is just so much fun, you might not believe it.
This is not a wimpy road race. It is a trail run, on rocky and sandy southern Utah desert trails.
It has been called 'the hardest 3 mile run ever'.
Even so, it continues to grow in popularity. I decided to put the entry form into pdf form and make it available on the internet. You can get it HERE.
You can also get it from Classic Sports, located in Hurricane Utah, at 1141 W. State Street.
You need to register by November 13th to be guaranteed a T-shirt. You can also register the morning of the race, from 8:45 to 9:15AM. The race starts at 10:00AM.
There are two races. A short one (1.7 miles) and a long one (3.0 miles). They run at the same time.
Come and have a great Thanksgiving Day morning. We will help you work up an appetite for later in the day.
This Thanksgiving morning, on November 26th, 2009, anyone in the vicinity of Southern Utah is invited to come to Toquerville. We have a 'Turkey Trot' that is just so much fun, you might not believe it.
This is not a wimpy road race. It is a trail run, on rocky and sandy southern Utah desert trails.
It has been called 'the hardest 3 mile run ever'.
Even so, it continues to grow in popularity. I decided to put the entry form into pdf form and make it available on the internet. You can get it HERE.
You can also get it from Classic Sports, located in Hurricane Utah, at 1141 W. State Street.
You need to register by November 13th to be guaranteed a T-shirt. You can also register the morning of the race, from 8:45 to 9:15AM. The race starts at 10:00AM.
There are two races. A short one (1.7 miles) and a long one (3.0 miles). They run at the same time.
Come and have a great Thanksgiving Day morning. We will help you work up an appetite for later in the day.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Health Basic Missed By Many Nutritionists
There is a basic fundamental of health that is missed by many nutritionists.
I understand why they make the mistake, but it is most unfortunate.
It is natural to start from where you are, and it's a good idea to do so. Where else would you start from? But when you are looking at what is optimal nutrition, you need to start from an optimal position. The optimal position to start from in regards to human nutrition, is whole grains fresh from the fields.
You see, because grains in our modern world have mostly been processed and destroyed before being put into our food products, they have been made very unhealthy for us. That is why many nutritionists will tell people to avoid grains in their diet. Unfortunately that is a very big mistake.
Whole grains, that have not be processed to death, should be the base of your food supply. Grains do wonderful things for the body that have often been overlooked. They contain lots of fiber, which we now know is key to good health. They contain the essential amino acids for building healthy bodies. Grains contain the best kinds of carbohydrates for fueling the body. They contain many vitamins and minerals.
Whole grains are digested slowly, thereby giving you long term energy. This slower digestion also has several other advantages that have only more recently began to be understood. Besides being good for helping to keep blood sugar levels balanced, it helps to balance the pH of the body.
Wheat in particular is very balancing for the body. It even contains a combination of proteins, carbs, and fats, that help to balance and maintain healthy intestinal flora. Thereby helping your digestion to be more efficient, and allowing you to get more of the nutrients from the foods you eat.
One of the more recent discoveries that you may find interesting is that whole grains contain just as many antioxidants as most fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants had not be recognized previously because of the method used to measure antioxidants in food. It turns out that the whole grains kind of act like time-release capsules for antioxidants. As the grains digest, they gradually release the antioxidants into your system. Thus you have a sustained antioxidant effect over a longer period of time. That is definitely good for your body.
Grains are the ideal base for a healthy diet. They also store very well, so that you can stock a supply for years without worrying about them going bad.
I strongly suggest that you base your diet on whole grains. Buy whole grains. They are very inexpensive and are easily used at home for healthy meals. They are delicious, and even more nutritious when they are sprouted. Sprouting grains is very easy! Or you can just soak whole grains overnight for a delicious breakfast cereal in the morning.
I perhaps should mention one other mistake that many people make in regard to grains. There is a saying, that has been repeated many times, to the effect that farmers feed their livestock grains to fatten them up. This simply is not true. Grains are used to promote health and vigor. Yes, grains give animals what they need to grow and mature and produce. But if a farmer really wants to fatten animals just before going to market, he feeds them polyunsaturated fats.
Grains are natures time-release capsules to give health promoting nutrition to the body. They are fairly low in fat. But our ancestors ate them with raw milk and eggs, thereby enhancing the effects with good and healthy fats.
So just remember that when a nutritionist speaks negatively about grains, they are only speaking of processed, denatured grain by-products. Whole grains are some of the best nutrition you can get.
I understand why they make the mistake, but it is most unfortunate.
It is natural to start from where you are, and it's a good idea to do so. Where else would you start from? But when you are looking at what is optimal nutrition, you need to start from an optimal position. The optimal position to start from in regards to human nutrition, is whole grains fresh from the fields.
You see, because grains in our modern world have mostly been processed and destroyed before being put into our food products, they have been made very unhealthy for us. That is why many nutritionists will tell people to avoid grains in their diet. Unfortunately that is a very big mistake.
Whole grains, that have not be processed to death, should be the base of your food supply. Grains do wonderful things for the body that have often been overlooked. They contain lots of fiber, which we now know is key to good health. They contain the essential amino acids for building healthy bodies. Grains contain the best kinds of carbohydrates for fueling the body. They contain many vitamins and minerals.
Whole grains are digested slowly, thereby giving you long term energy. This slower digestion also has several other advantages that have only more recently began to be understood. Besides being good for helping to keep blood sugar levels balanced, it helps to balance the pH of the body.
Wheat in particular is very balancing for the body. It even contains a combination of proteins, carbs, and fats, that help to balance and maintain healthy intestinal flora. Thereby helping your digestion to be more efficient, and allowing you to get more of the nutrients from the foods you eat.
One of the more recent discoveries that you may find interesting is that whole grains contain just as many antioxidants as most fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants had not be recognized previously because of the method used to measure antioxidants in food. It turns out that the whole grains kind of act like time-release capsules for antioxidants. As the grains digest, they gradually release the antioxidants into your system. Thus you have a sustained antioxidant effect over a longer period of time. That is definitely good for your body.
Grains are the ideal base for a healthy diet. They also store very well, so that you can stock a supply for years without worrying about them going bad.
I strongly suggest that you base your diet on whole grains. Buy whole grains. They are very inexpensive and are easily used at home for healthy meals. They are delicious, and even more nutritious when they are sprouted. Sprouting grains is very easy! Or you can just soak whole grains overnight for a delicious breakfast cereal in the morning.
I perhaps should mention one other mistake that many people make in regard to grains. There is a saying, that has been repeated many times, to the effect that farmers feed their livestock grains to fatten them up. This simply is not true. Grains are used to promote health and vigor. Yes, grains give animals what they need to grow and mature and produce. But if a farmer really wants to fatten animals just before going to market, he feeds them polyunsaturated fats.
Grains are natures time-release capsules to give health promoting nutrition to the body. They are fairly low in fat. But our ancestors ate them with raw milk and eggs, thereby enhancing the effects with good and healthy fats.
So just remember that when a nutritionist speaks negatively about grains, they are only speaking of processed, denatured grain by-products. Whole grains are some of the best nutrition you can get.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
8 Rules of Healthy Living (With Elimination List)
I recently updated and improved this, so I wanted to share it again. You can get a nicer copy for printing (PDF) from HERE.
I just know you all want to print it out and live by it! :-)
8 Rules of Healthy Living
I just know you all want to print it out and live by it! :-)
8 Rules of Healthy Living
(With Elimination List)
1. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. (Aim for 90% of your diet, with 80% raw) Try to make wheat your foundation. Dark leafy greens are particularly important.
2. Work up to exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
3. Stop as many toxins as you can from entering your body. (See elimination list below)
4. Forgive.
5. Give thanks.
6. Give service to others with a cheerful smile.
7. Drink plenty of good clean water. (Your weight in pounds divided by 10 is the minimum number of cups of water you should get each day.) Be sure to get minerals, including trace-minerals with water.
8. Try to get to sleep 2 to 3 hours before midnight each night.
They say variety is the spice of life. Variety is also the foundation of good health.
If you eat a variety of whole natural foods you will get all the nutrients you need.
If you do a variety of exercises you can get all the muscles and joints of your body active and strong in all the different directions of motion.
If you eliminate all variety of toxins your body can rebuild cleanly.
If you forgive for all variety of offenses, you can let go of all sorts of pain.
If you show gratitude in all things, and serve others in many ways, you can always be happy.
However, you should hardly ever vary from your daily minimum consumption of water(body weight in pounds/10 cups each day) or from getting a good nights rest.
These are simple rules, that if truly followed will bring great blessings into your life.
Coach G. (For more details see http://garnerhealth.blogspot.com ) Email : CoachG@ghl.zzn.com
Elimination List: (Eliminate as many of these from your lifestyle as possible. No particular order.) Suggested alternatives are in italics.
1. White Flour (Dead food, like glue to the system, drains the body of nutrients) Grind your own.
2. Processed Sugar (Destroys immune function, and the body's ability to rebuild) Use Raw Honey.
3. Table Salt (even if the label says "Sea Salt") Redmond's RealSalt is good to use.
4. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS is toxic to the human body in any amount)
5. Hydrogenated Oils (any hydrogenated oil, even partially hydrogenated oils)(Toxic in any amount)
6. Artificial colors, flavors and sugars (especially Aspartame and Splenda)(Toxic in any amount)
7. MSG (MonoSodiumGlutamate)
8. Anti-inflammatory drugs (over the counter pain medicines) Use eggs, wheat, Vitamin C, coconut oil, and water to control inflammation.
9. Drugs of all kinds. (This includes most supplements.) Instead use whole tonic herbs, or Vitamin C.
10. Soy products (toxic, deters protein digestion, depresses thyroid[growth], slows mineral absorption)
11. Microwaving Food (microwaved food is molecularly changed, and contributes to cancer)
12. Meats loaded with Hormones and Antibiotics (Most meat that you didn't grow or hunt yourself)
13. Pasturized & Homogenized Milk (Store bought milk) Raw milk is very good for your health.
14. Alcohol and Tobacco (of course)(toxins)
15. Most Processed Vegetable Oils, including Canola (toxins) Use Olive Oil or Coconut Oil instead.
16. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)(Nearly all corn or soy is GMO these days)
Saturday, September 05, 2009
"Sunning" Your Eyes
As a follow up to my post the other day on the Sun, I decided to explain a bit more about "Sunning" your eyes.
One of the problems with many vision troubles is that the eyes become extra sensitive to light. Wearing dark glasses to accommodate for this, results in even more light sensitivity.
One of the best things that you can do daily, to help to heal and improve your vision, is to "Sun" your eyes. This will help the eyes to become accustomed to light, and believe it or not, can actually lead to the correction of some vision problems.
Sunning your eyes is done by going outside without glasses on. I suggest doing this in the morning, shortly after the Sun comes up. Find a relaxed position with your body facing directly toward the Sun. With your eyes closed, tilt your head so that IF your eyes were open, you could look straight ahead, and see the sun directly in front of you. Keeping your eye lids closed, slowly rotate your head back and forth from side to side. Try to achieve full range of motion, but without stress. Try to keep your head, face and eyes relaxed.
Try to do this for 5 minutes. Depending on how sensitive your eyes are, you may not be able to do it for that long initially. Just work up to it gradually. If you do a slow head turn that takes about 3 seconds to go from one side to the other, then count 100 of those turns. That will be about 5 minutes.
You will most likely 'see' red, orange, and yellow. The goal is to do this long enough to actually 'see' white'. When you see white, your eyes are relaxed and adjusted to the light. Of course, it isn't a pure white, it's an off white, because you are 'looking' through your eye lids.
This is just one exercise that can help to improve eye-sight. There are others that, when combined with this one, can help unhealthy eyes return to health and good vision.
There are also more advanced versions of 'Sunning'.
Other important eye skills are 'blinking', 'pumping', 'pin point focus', 'palming', 'blurring', and 'swinging'.
Go HERE to learn more.
Or you could try to find the original book by Dr. Bates.
One of the problems with many vision troubles is that the eyes become extra sensitive to light. Wearing dark glasses to accommodate for this, results in even more light sensitivity.
One of the best things that you can do daily, to help to heal and improve your vision, is to "Sun" your eyes. This will help the eyes to become accustomed to light, and believe it or not, can actually lead to the correction of some vision problems.
Sunning your eyes is done by going outside without glasses on. I suggest doing this in the morning, shortly after the Sun comes up. Find a relaxed position with your body facing directly toward the Sun. With your eyes closed, tilt your head so that IF your eyes were open, you could look straight ahead, and see the sun directly in front of you. Keeping your eye lids closed, slowly rotate your head back and forth from side to side. Try to achieve full range of motion, but without stress. Try to keep your head, face and eyes relaxed.
Try to do this for 5 minutes. Depending on how sensitive your eyes are, you may not be able to do it for that long initially. Just work up to it gradually. If you do a slow head turn that takes about 3 seconds to go from one side to the other, then count 100 of those turns. That will be about 5 minutes.
You will most likely 'see' red, orange, and yellow. The goal is to do this long enough to actually 'see' white'. When you see white, your eyes are relaxed and adjusted to the light. Of course, it isn't a pure white, it's an off white, because you are 'looking' through your eye lids.
This is just one exercise that can help to improve eye-sight. There are others that, when combined with this one, can help unhealthy eyes return to health and good vision.
There are also more advanced versions of 'Sunning'.
Other important eye skills are 'blinking', 'pumping', 'pin point focus', 'palming', 'blurring', and 'swinging'.
Go HERE to learn more.
Or you could try to find the original book by Dr. Bates.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Basic Rules For Health And Wellness
The basic rules for health and wellness are actually quite simple.
There is no need for a big book with a step by step program and recipes. You just need some common sense and to be able to recognize the true weight behind the different ideas and studies you will see reported in the media.
One reason that it has been easier for me than it is for some others is because I accept the premise that there is a God that created this earth specifically for the use and benefit of mankind. I could go into all the reasons why I accept that, but suffice it to say that the evidence is overwhelming for that conclusion. No matter how many people may try to persuade you otherwise, the evidence in science, philosophy, mathematics, religion, history, or spiritualism is much more dependable and logical for the existence of a creator than against it.
The simple fact is that the earth was made for mankind, and mankind was made for the earth. Once you understand that, it is so simple to see that the natural foods placed for us here on the earth are the best ways for us to remain healthy. That is not to say that anything found naturally on the earth is necessarily beneficial to all mankind. But we are to use our intelligence to learn and to grow and to have both negative and positive experiences.
The foods that mankind has learned are good to eat are always more life- and health-giving if we eat them in their whole, natural state. Modern mankind has made the sad mistake of deciding to cook and/or otherwise process most -if not all- of what we eat. In so doing, we have destroyed much of the health-sustaining properties of our food. On top of that, the foods that we do tend to eat without cooking, we have contaminated with pesticides and other man-made chemicals that are also detrimental to health.
One of the interesting things that you see as you review study after study after study is that the more we try to break food down into its separate elements to find out which parts we can use to cause health, the more we discover that the raw, natural food as a whole is much better at balancing the systems of the body and avoiding an over-stimulus in any one area.
Looking at study after study, it can become mind-blowing just how ignorant we are of the natural goodness that is built into the grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables that the earth provides for us.
Another amazing thing that you see is that every time raw, natural, pesticide-free food is used as the major or sole source of food for people, they become much healthier and stronger than when they ate man-made, processed foods.
The basic rules for health and wellness all come down to doing what is right for mankind.
1. Eat a variety of good, wholesome foods (raw whenever possible).
2. Drink good clean water.
3. Exercise regularly (ideally six days a week).
4. Rest regularly. One day a week lay off the hard physical labors, and get a good nights sleep every night.
5. Breathe (deeply) plenty of good, clean air. The best way to breathe deeply is to make sure that you blow out as much air as possible when you exhale.
6. Get good doses of sunshine regularly.
7. Think positive, happy thoughts as often as possible. That often comes from helping your fellowman.
8. Give thanks sincerely and regularly.
That's it! Those are the basics that have been proven time and time again in test after test as well as in common sense. Of course we could fill in much more detail as to what things are better for given times and situations, but the basics are still simple. If we all just followed the basics there would be much less disease and sorrow in this world.
Follow the basics and have a great life!
Just eat a high quality natural foods diet, exercise, drink plenty of good clean water, make sure you get fiber (whole raw foods), get plenty of sleep, breathe deeply and have a gratitude attitude.
Your body will take care of you, if you take care of it.
Coach G.
There is no need for a big book with a step by step program and recipes. You just need some common sense and to be able to recognize the true weight behind the different ideas and studies you will see reported in the media.
One reason that it has been easier for me than it is for some others is because I accept the premise that there is a God that created this earth specifically for the use and benefit of mankind. I could go into all the reasons why I accept that, but suffice it to say that the evidence is overwhelming for that conclusion. No matter how many people may try to persuade you otherwise, the evidence in science, philosophy, mathematics, religion, history, or spiritualism is much more dependable and logical for the existence of a creator than against it.
The simple fact is that the earth was made for mankind, and mankind was made for the earth. Once you understand that, it is so simple to see that the natural foods placed for us here on the earth are the best ways for us to remain healthy. That is not to say that anything found naturally on the earth is necessarily beneficial to all mankind. But we are to use our intelligence to learn and to grow and to have both negative and positive experiences.
The foods that mankind has learned are good to eat are always more life- and health-giving if we eat them in their whole, natural state. Modern mankind has made the sad mistake of deciding to cook and/or otherwise process most -if not all- of what we eat. In so doing, we have destroyed much of the health-sustaining properties of our food. On top of that, the foods that we do tend to eat without cooking, we have contaminated with pesticides and other man-made chemicals that are also detrimental to health.
One of the interesting things that you see as you review study after study after study is that the more we try to break food down into its separate elements to find out which parts we can use to cause health, the more we discover that the raw, natural food as a whole is much better at balancing the systems of the body and avoiding an over-stimulus in any one area.
Looking at study after study, it can become mind-blowing just how ignorant we are of the natural goodness that is built into the grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables that the earth provides for us.
Another amazing thing that you see is that every time raw, natural, pesticide-free food is used as the major or sole source of food for people, they become much healthier and stronger than when they ate man-made, processed foods.
The basic rules for health and wellness all come down to doing what is right for mankind.
1. Eat a variety of good, wholesome foods (raw whenever possible).
2. Drink good clean water.
3. Exercise regularly (ideally six days a week).
4. Rest regularly. One day a week lay off the hard physical labors, and get a good nights sleep every night.
5. Breathe (deeply) plenty of good, clean air. The best way to breathe deeply is to make sure that you blow out as much air as possible when you exhale.
6. Get good doses of sunshine regularly.
7. Think positive, happy thoughts as often as possible. That often comes from helping your fellowman.
8. Give thanks sincerely and regularly.
That's it! Those are the basics that have been proven time and time again in test after test as well as in common sense. Of course we could fill in much more detail as to what things are better for given times and situations, but the basics are still simple. If we all just followed the basics there would be much less disease and sorrow in this world.
Follow the basics and have a great life!
Just eat a high quality natural foods diet, exercise, drink plenty of good clean water, make sure you get fiber (whole raw foods), get plenty of sleep, breathe deeply and have a gratitude attitude.
Your body will take care of you, if you take care of it.
Coach G.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
The Sun : The True Story
The Sun is the source of our heat and energy.
It also has many other health benefits.
Sleeping is better regulated when you get regular sun exposure.
Vision improves with exposure to sunshine.
Your body's best source of Vitamin D is from sunshine.
So why do so many people hide from the sun? Well, we've been told, by people who are supposed to know, that the sun is dangerous.
We hide behind hats, glasses, sunscreens, long-sleeve shirts, etc.
On a major news source the other day, they interviewed a mother who was a skin cancer survivor. She also happened to be a dermatologist. It was so sad to see how phobic this lady has become of the Sun. She uses all kinds of sunscreen and sunblock sprays and lotions, both on herself and her children. Then even after that, they must wear hats and long sleeves.
She testified as to how dangerous the Sun is. She knows, because she treats people regularly who have skin problems caused by the Sun. How does she know they were caused by the Sun? Well, we know that the Sun is radiation, and that some forms of radiation on the skin cause free-radicals. Free-radicals cause destruction. The Sun is always around, doing it's thing. So it must be the cause. Simple logic.
But if the Sun causes skin cancer, then why are there so many people who spend lots of time in the Sun, but don't get cancer? We are supposed to believe that they have 'lucky genes'.
If you have followed my writing for very long, you know that genetics is one of the very weakest links for health problems. For more on genetics, go HERE.
If bright sunlight is bad for your eyes, then why do people "Sun" their eyes to improve their vision?
The truth is that the Sun is very good for your health. Sun exposure helps you to sleep better at night. Sun exposure helps the eyes to be healthier. Sun exposure causes the body to make the very best kind of vitamin D, which is proving to be an important nutrient to avoid many diseases.
What are we missing? As always, the key to healthy living is a healthy lifestyle.
As with anything else, Sunshine can be dangerous if overdone or done badly. For instance staring directly into the midday Sun with your eyes opened can burn your eyes. But if you "Sun" your eyes regularly with your eyes closed most of the time, it can be a great boon to your vision.
If you spend lots of time in the sun, but your diet and skin care practices aren't adjusted for it, then you can get bad sun burns, which can contribute to the eventual development of cancer. But if you eat well (including lots of healthy fats), and use coconut oil on your skin regularly, you can spend much of each day in the Sun and not have any problems.
Coconut oil, used both internally and externally, helps the body to use the goodness of the Sun without negative side effects. Note that coconut oil should be applied on the skin about 20 minutes before going out into direct sunlight, so that it has a chance to soak into the skin. You don't want fresh oil sitting on top of the skin with a hot summer Sun beating down on it. I'm sure you have heard of boiling in oil. But once the skin has absorbed most of the oil, it is protected, and the oil in the skin actually helps the sun to create vitamin D in the body.
Lack of sunshine is just as dangerous as too much.
So many people with depression would be helped immensely just by getting more sunshine.
The sun helps to boost the immune system to fight off colds or infections.
Wearing dark glasses all the time, desensitizes your eyes to light. Thus leading to poorer vision.
Constantly wearing sunscreens or sunblocks keeps you from forming that very important vitamin D. It also keeps you from forming as many free-radicals, which actually are an important part of the immune system. Not to mention the damage that can be done to your body by many of the chemicals that are used in those sprays and lotions. The chemicals are actually much more likely to contribute to cancer than the Sun.
Even if you are "Sun-phobic", try to get at least 10 minutes of Sun each day on bare skin.
The Sun is not a curse, but a blessing! Use it wisely.
It also has many other health benefits.
Sleeping is better regulated when you get regular sun exposure.
Vision improves with exposure to sunshine.
Your body's best source of Vitamin D is from sunshine.
So why do so many people hide from the sun? Well, we've been told, by people who are supposed to know, that the sun is dangerous.
We hide behind hats, glasses, sunscreens, long-sleeve shirts, etc.
On a major news source the other day, they interviewed a mother who was a skin cancer survivor. She also happened to be a dermatologist. It was so sad to see how phobic this lady has become of the Sun. She uses all kinds of sunscreen and sunblock sprays and lotions, both on herself and her children. Then even after that, they must wear hats and long sleeves.
She testified as to how dangerous the Sun is. She knows, because she treats people regularly who have skin problems caused by the Sun. How does she know they were caused by the Sun? Well, we know that the Sun is radiation, and that some forms of radiation on the skin cause free-radicals. Free-radicals cause destruction. The Sun is always around, doing it's thing. So it must be the cause. Simple logic.
But if the Sun causes skin cancer, then why are there so many people who spend lots of time in the Sun, but don't get cancer? We are supposed to believe that they have 'lucky genes'.
If you have followed my writing for very long, you know that genetics is one of the very weakest links for health problems. For more on genetics, go HERE.
If bright sunlight is bad for your eyes, then why do people "Sun" their eyes to improve their vision?
The truth is that the Sun is very good for your health. Sun exposure helps you to sleep better at night. Sun exposure helps the eyes to be healthier. Sun exposure causes the body to make the very best kind of vitamin D, which is proving to be an important nutrient to avoid many diseases.
What are we missing? As always, the key to healthy living is a healthy lifestyle.
As with anything else, Sunshine can be dangerous if overdone or done badly. For instance staring directly into the midday Sun with your eyes opened can burn your eyes. But if you "Sun" your eyes regularly with your eyes closed most of the time, it can be a great boon to your vision.
If you spend lots of time in the sun, but your diet and skin care practices aren't adjusted for it, then you can get bad sun burns, which can contribute to the eventual development of cancer. But if you eat well (including lots of healthy fats), and use coconut oil on your skin regularly, you can spend much of each day in the Sun and not have any problems.
Coconut oil, used both internally and externally, helps the body to use the goodness of the Sun without negative side effects. Note that coconut oil should be applied on the skin about 20 minutes before going out into direct sunlight, so that it has a chance to soak into the skin. You don't want fresh oil sitting on top of the skin with a hot summer Sun beating down on it. I'm sure you have heard of boiling in oil. But once the skin has absorbed most of the oil, it is protected, and the oil in the skin actually helps the sun to create vitamin D in the body.
Lack of sunshine is just as dangerous as too much.
So many people with depression would be helped immensely just by getting more sunshine.
The sun helps to boost the immune system to fight off colds or infections.
Wearing dark glasses all the time, desensitizes your eyes to light. Thus leading to poorer vision.
Constantly wearing sunscreens or sunblocks keeps you from forming that very important vitamin D. It also keeps you from forming as many free-radicals, which actually are an important part of the immune system. Not to mention the damage that can be done to your body by many of the chemicals that are used in those sprays and lotions. The chemicals are actually much more likely to contribute to cancer than the Sun.
Even if you are "Sun-phobic", try to get at least 10 minutes of Sun each day on bare skin.
The Sun is not a curse, but a blessing! Use it wisely.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Anemia And Iron
When you hear of someone being anemic, or having anemia, you probably think they need more iron.
That is what we have all been led to believe. That is what the doctors have learned, and passed on to us.
But anemia means to be low on blood, generally a reduction of red blood cells. This can be caused by three things. Excessive bleeding, excessive death of red blood cells, or a decrease in the bodies ability to make red blood cells.
Note that any of those three conditions can exist at the same time that you can have an over abundance of iron in the body.
In fact it turns out that most of us, even those who are anemic, have an abundance of iron in our systems. It is simply a matter of getting the systems in balance so that they will use the available iron, along with other resources, to keep our red blood cells functioning the way they should.
Balanced systems will also help to rid us of the excess iron that so many of us get from today's environment. Excess iron can be very dangerous to your bodies health.
I suggest that you read these questions and answers from a biologist and physiologist about the dangers of too much iron in your system (a very common condition in today's world).
Remember that balance in the human body is achieved through healthy lifestyle choices. Whole, natural, unprocessed foods help the body to balance. Of particular importance is whole grain wheat, lots of water, and moderate exercise.
I also suggest virgin coconut oil be used to replace all vegetable oils in your diet. This will help to correct hormonal imbalances that contribute to anemia, as well as many other diseases.
If you don't know where to get coconut oil, click HERE.
That is what we have all been led to believe. That is what the doctors have learned, and passed on to us.
But anemia means to be low on blood, generally a reduction of red blood cells. This can be caused by three things. Excessive bleeding, excessive death of red blood cells, or a decrease in the bodies ability to make red blood cells.
Note that any of those three conditions can exist at the same time that you can have an over abundance of iron in the body.
In fact it turns out that most of us, even those who are anemic, have an abundance of iron in our systems. It is simply a matter of getting the systems in balance so that they will use the available iron, along with other resources, to keep our red blood cells functioning the way they should.
Balanced systems will also help to rid us of the excess iron that so many of us get from today's environment. Excess iron can be very dangerous to your bodies health.
I suggest that you read these questions and answers from a biologist and physiologist about the dangers of too much iron in your system (a very common condition in today's world).
Remember that balance in the human body is achieved through healthy lifestyle choices. Whole, natural, unprocessed foods help the body to balance. Of particular importance is whole grain wheat, lots of water, and moderate exercise.
I also suggest virgin coconut oil be used to replace all vegetable oils in your diet. This will help to correct hormonal imbalances that contribute to anemia, as well as many other diseases.
If you don't know where to get coconut oil, click HERE.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Swine Flu : How Dangerous Is It?
How dangerous is the swine flu?
Well, it must be pretty dangerous because people are dying from it, right?
Are they? Perhaps we should state it more accurately. People are dying 'with' swine flu.
That is very different.
If we look into the actual cases of swine flu, we find that it is much like a regular flu, only usually less severe. There are many more people who die with flu than die with swine flu.
So why all the media hype and attention about swine flu? Follow the money.
Most people have figured out that the flu is something that is not a really big deal if we just do a few things to boost the immune system. But the swine flu is an unknown to most people, and can therefore be sold as a disaster waiting to happen that must be stopped with a vaccine.
Unfortunately most news today comes from so called 'press releases' by companies trying to sell something.
But hopefully we are learning from history, so that we don't have to keep repeating it. The 'Swine Flu Debacle' of the 70s should have taught us something. Companies trying to sell vaccines hyped up the swine flu back then, and ended up causing much more death and destruction with their vaccine than the flu caused.
Now you would think that we would have learned from that experience, but it appears that we did not. The same thing is happening again. Under the guise of an emergency, safety testing is being put on the back burner. Vaccines are being rushed to market, and the companies creating them are being given immunity against you suing them when the vaccines make you sick.
That is the only real immunity to come out of this deal.
The World Health Organization is even telling doctors to skip testing for swine flu, and just assume it, if symptoms are similar. No wonder the numbers of reported cases have sky rocketed lately. But mind you, they are still far less common than the usually more virulent regular flu.
The best defense against the flu, or any other disease, is to have a healthy immune system. And the best way to have a healthy immune system is to live a healthy life style.
Drink lots of good clean water. Get a variety of minerals and trace minerals. Eat lots of veggies and fruit (raw when over possible). Eat whole grains that you grind and prepare yourself. Eat good fats like raw butter, raw milk, avocados, nuts, and coconut oil. Exercise regularly, working hard enough to make you breath heavy. Get a daily dose of sunshine when possible. Avoid as many toxins as possible (that includes vaccines and drugs, as well as most processed foods).
People always seem to be amazed at the marvelous turn around in health that can occur just from deciding to eat good whole foods in the form that the creator created them in.
Getting back to the title of this post...
In my opinion, the most dangerous thing about the swine flu, is that you might decide to get the vaccine.
Last time this (the hype about swine flu) occurred, back in the 70s, many people who got the shot developed a real nasty side effect that attacks the nerves, called Guillain-Barre syndrome. After watching a friend deal with this disease, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. She has slowly recovered much of the control of her body, but still cannot walk very far without an aid.
Don't believe me? Don't take my word for it. Here it is from a biochemist.
Well, it must be pretty dangerous because people are dying from it, right?
Are they? Perhaps we should state it more accurately. People are dying 'with' swine flu.
That is very different.
If we look into the actual cases of swine flu, we find that it is much like a regular flu, only usually less severe. There are many more people who die with flu than die with swine flu.
So why all the media hype and attention about swine flu? Follow the money.
Most people have figured out that the flu is something that is not a really big deal if we just do a few things to boost the immune system. But the swine flu is an unknown to most people, and can therefore be sold as a disaster waiting to happen that must be stopped with a vaccine.
Unfortunately most news today comes from so called 'press releases' by companies trying to sell something.
But hopefully we are learning from history, so that we don't have to keep repeating it. The 'Swine Flu Debacle' of the 70s should have taught us something. Companies trying to sell vaccines hyped up the swine flu back then, and ended up causing much more death and destruction with their vaccine than the flu caused.
Now you would think that we would have learned from that experience, but it appears that we did not. The same thing is happening again. Under the guise of an emergency, safety testing is being put on the back burner. Vaccines are being rushed to market, and the companies creating them are being given immunity against you suing them when the vaccines make you sick.
That is the only real immunity to come out of this deal.
The World Health Organization is even telling doctors to skip testing for swine flu, and just assume it, if symptoms are similar. No wonder the numbers of reported cases have sky rocketed lately. But mind you, they are still far less common than the usually more virulent regular flu.
The best defense against the flu, or any other disease, is to have a healthy immune system. And the best way to have a healthy immune system is to live a healthy life style.
Drink lots of good clean water. Get a variety of minerals and trace minerals. Eat lots of veggies and fruit (raw when over possible). Eat whole grains that you grind and prepare yourself. Eat good fats like raw butter, raw milk, avocados, nuts, and coconut oil. Exercise regularly, working hard enough to make you breath heavy. Get a daily dose of sunshine when possible. Avoid as many toxins as possible (that includes vaccines and drugs, as well as most processed foods).
People always seem to be amazed at the marvelous turn around in health that can occur just from deciding to eat good whole foods in the form that the creator created them in.
Getting back to the title of this post...
In my opinion, the most dangerous thing about the swine flu, is that you might decide to get the vaccine.
Last time this (the hype about swine flu) occurred, back in the 70s, many people who got the shot developed a real nasty side effect that attacks the nerves, called Guillain-Barre syndrome. After watching a friend deal with this disease, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. She has slowly recovered much of the control of her body, but still cannot walk very far without an aid.
Don't believe me? Don't take my word for it. Here it is from a biochemist.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
HCG Diet : What Does It Do?
The hCG diet is being talked about a lot these days, so I thought I would review it.
First off, hCG stands for “Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin”, a substance found only in pregnant women.
After hearing people tell other people that they should try this new diet, I read the book by the guy who created the diet.
He uses injections of hCG and combines this treatment with a very very strict and restricted diet, about 500 calories a day.
He claims that the hCG causes weight loss of only the bad fat, and keeps the good fat.
It was interesting that while reading through this book he acts like this always works and never fails, but at the same time he keeps making remarks about all the little infractions in the diet regimen that can reverse the results, from losing weight to gaining weight.
When a patient doesn't lose weight, he interviews them to see what diet infraction they committed. And if they deny making any diet mistakes, he assumes they are lying, so he can still claim that his protocol always works.
This diet is not for the faint of heart. It involves daily injections and weigh-ins. It ties you to a doctor and a scale. To keep the weight off after the injections have been completed (23 to 40 daily injections depending on how much weight you need to lose) you must continually travel with a scale and weigh and measure your meals.
This diet will teach you how to obsess over your weight like never before.
The doctor's (Dr Simeons) explanations for how and why this diet works is very suspect. He makes a lot of assumptions about a great number of things. He ties all these assumptions together to create this protocol.
After noticing that his assumptions about digestion, evolution, fats, proteins, carbs, etc, were for the most part wrong according to all that I have studied. I must logically assume that his assumptions about hCG are probably also problematic.
He talks about how pregnant ladies don't get fat, and don't have many other health problems. I know at least several mothers who would disagree with him.
Having said all of that, I must admit that there are a number of people on the internet who claim that it worked for them. I suspect that it is the strictness of the diet that made the changes observed by these people. A change of lifestyle is nearly always the key to improving the well being of your body.
But hey, they say it works. So if you are a glutton for punishment here is where to read all about it.
HERE is where to get the guide to give you all the tips and tricks to having a successful experience with it.
And here is the cookbook for it.
First off, hCG stands for “Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin”, a substance found only in pregnant women.
After hearing people tell other people that they should try this new diet, I read the book by the guy who created the diet.
He uses injections of hCG and combines this treatment with a very very strict and restricted diet, about 500 calories a day.
He claims that the hCG causes weight loss of only the bad fat, and keeps the good fat.
It was interesting that while reading through this book he acts like this always works and never fails, but at the same time he keeps making remarks about all the little infractions in the diet regimen that can reverse the results, from losing weight to gaining weight.
When a patient doesn't lose weight, he interviews them to see what diet infraction they committed. And if they deny making any diet mistakes, he assumes they are lying, so he can still claim that his protocol always works.
This diet is not for the faint of heart. It involves daily injections and weigh-ins. It ties you to a doctor and a scale. To keep the weight off after the injections have been completed (23 to 40 daily injections depending on how much weight you need to lose) you must continually travel with a scale and weigh and measure your meals.
This diet will teach you how to obsess over your weight like never before.
The doctor's (Dr Simeons) explanations for how and why this diet works is very suspect. He makes a lot of assumptions about a great number of things. He ties all these assumptions together to create this protocol.
After noticing that his assumptions about digestion, evolution, fats, proteins, carbs, etc, were for the most part wrong according to all that I have studied. I must logically assume that his assumptions about hCG are probably also problematic.
He talks about how pregnant ladies don't get fat, and don't have many other health problems. I know at least several mothers who would disagree with him.
Having said all of that, I must admit that there are a number of people on the internet who claim that it worked for them. I suspect that it is the strictness of the diet that made the changes observed by these people. A change of lifestyle is nearly always the key to improving the well being of your body.
But hey, they say it works. So if you are a glutton for punishment here is where to read all about it.
HERE is where to get the guide to give you all the tips and tricks to having a successful experience with it.
And here is the cookbook for it.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Whole Grain Foods : Corn ???
Americans have a strange view of corn.
Most of the rest of the world calls it 'maize'.
The interesting part is that most Americans would consider corn to be a vegetable. But the word 'corn' actually has the same meaning as the word 'grain'.
If you hear someone in England talk about 'corn', they are most likely talking about wheat. If you hear it in Scotland, they are most likely talking about oats.
Most uses of the term 'corn' in the bible are actually referring to grains in general.
So, why do we think of it as a vegetable, if it is actually a grain?
Well, as researchers look at the history of corn, or maize, it seems that it used to be much more grain like. It grew small kernels in hard husks. Over time it has gradually been crossed with other plants and selectively changed to be what we have today. Large ears with many soft kernels grouped together for easy eating. So, we boil it, or steam it, and think of it as a vegetable.
Maize used to be grown in many different varieties. It was a food staple for some cultures, but not nearly to the extent that some would have you believe. It is not a complete food, and cannot sustain healthy human bodies. No indigenous peoples lived off of it. They used it as a big part of their diets, but ran into health problems when they tried to live off of it.
Today's modern version of corn is still not a complete food. It is high in sugar, and high in polyunsaturated oils. And it can still cause a vitamin B deficiency.
Another major problem with corn these days, is that the tradition of trying to engineer it into being something different has continued. So now we have genetically modified (GM) corn. GM corn can cause many health problems. And the sad part is that more and more of our corn crops are becoming GM.
Many of the natural corn crops are being converted into GM corn, through wind caused cross-pollination. Due to these factors, I don't recommend that people eat a lot of corn.
If you grow your own corn and know for certain that the seeds are not GM, then enjoy your crop. Just be sure to eat a variety of other grains and vegetables, etc., to get a balanced diet.
On the other hand, processed and/or extracted corn oil should be avoided like the plague. It is know to cause all kinds of health problems in both man and beast.
So, yes, corn on the cob can be called a whole grain. But it is not a balanced and complete food.
Most of the rest of the world calls it 'maize'.
The interesting part is that most Americans would consider corn to be a vegetable. But the word 'corn' actually has the same meaning as the word 'grain'.
If you hear someone in England talk about 'corn', they are most likely talking about wheat. If you hear it in Scotland, they are most likely talking about oats.
Most uses of the term 'corn' in the bible are actually referring to grains in general.
So, why do we think of it as a vegetable, if it is actually a grain?
Well, as researchers look at the history of corn, or maize, it seems that it used to be much more grain like. It grew small kernels in hard husks. Over time it has gradually been crossed with other plants and selectively changed to be what we have today. Large ears with many soft kernels grouped together for easy eating. So, we boil it, or steam it, and think of it as a vegetable.
Maize used to be grown in many different varieties. It was a food staple for some cultures, but not nearly to the extent that some would have you believe. It is not a complete food, and cannot sustain healthy human bodies. No indigenous peoples lived off of it. They used it as a big part of their diets, but ran into health problems when they tried to live off of it.
Today's modern version of corn is still not a complete food. It is high in sugar, and high in polyunsaturated oils. And it can still cause a vitamin B deficiency.
Another major problem with corn these days, is that the tradition of trying to engineer it into being something different has continued. So now we have genetically modified (GM) corn. GM corn can cause many health problems. And the sad part is that more and more of our corn crops are becoming GM.
Many of the natural corn crops are being converted into GM corn, through wind caused cross-pollination. Due to these factors, I don't recommend that people eat a lot of corn.
If you grow your own corn and know for certain that the seeds are not GM, then enjoy your crop. Just be sure to eat a variety of other grains and vegetables, etc., to get a balanced diet.
On the other hand, processed and/or extracted corn oil should be avoided like the plague. It is know to cause all kinds of health problems in both man and beast.
So, yes, corn on the cob can be called a whole grain. But it is not a balanced and complete food.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Interesting Facts About Earth
Here are some interesting facts about earth that might surprise you. Hopefully they can also help you to have better health.
Earth was made for mankind.
The earth carries an electrical charge that imparts positive life-giving vibrations to things that are grown in it, as well as to spring waters that come out of it.
People who grow gardens and work in them, have greater health than those who do not. There are actually organisms in the soil that help the human body to thrive. We don't get these when we eat too much processed and/or sterilized foods.
Another reason that working in the earth is healthy for you, is that when you make contact with the earth it electrically grounds your body, and cancels out many of the negative free radicals that can cause you problems. It is a better anti-oxidant than any pill you can take.
A contributing cause to so many of our health problems is that we are shielded from the healthy vibrations of the earth. We wear rubber soled shoes that insulate us from the earth. We hardly ever go barefoot anymore.
Go ahead and walk around barefoot in the grass, or in the sand. Wade in a stream or river. Put your hands down into the soil to work your garden. You are getting healthier by the minute. No wonder those activities make us feel so good!
There are companies that will sell you products you can sleep on or under that will ground your body while you sleep. But if you just get outdoors most days and make skin-to-earth contact, you may be surprised at the boost you will get.
The other consideration is that all of our modern electronic gadgets seem to operate at frequencies that are negative to the health of the human body.
I highly recommend getting something like a Q-Link to help shield your body from the negative effects of using your computer, riding in a car, sleeping next to an electrical alarm clock, or using a cell phone. As well as all the other electrical gadgets we use these days.
Get yours HERE.
Earth was made for mankind.
The earth carries an electrical charge that imparts positive life-giving vibrations to things that are grown in it, as well as to spring waters that come out of it.
People who grow gardens and work in them, have greater health than those who do not. There are actually organisms in the soil that help the human body to thrive. We don't get these when we eat too much processed and/or sterilized foods.
Another reason that working in the earth is healthy for you, is that when you make contact with the earth it electrically grounds your body, and cancels out many of the negative free radicals that can cause you problems. It is a better anti-oxidant than any pill you can take.
A contributing cause to so many of our health problems is that we are shielded from the healthy vibrations of the earth. We wear rubber soled shoes that insulate us from the earth. We hardly ever go barefoot anymore.
Go ahead and walk around barefoot in the grass, or in the sand. Wade in a stream or river. Put your hands down into the soil to work your garden. You are getting healthier by the minute. No wonder those activities make us feel so good!
There are companies that will sell you products you can sleep on or under that will ground your body while you sleep. But if you just get outdoors most days and make skin-to-earth contact, you may be surprised at the boost you will get.
The other consideration is that all of our modern electronic gadgets seem to operate at frequencies that are negative to the health of the human body.
I highly recommend getting something like a Q-Link to help shield your body from the negative effects of using your computer, riding in a car, sleeping next to an electrical alarm clock, or using a cell phone. As well as all the other electrical gadgets we use these days.
Get yours HERE.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Essential Fatty Acids : Essential To What?!
The other day, we talked about protein and the essential amino acids. If you remember, or if you don't, they are essential because the body needs them but can't make them.
Today let's talk about essential fatty acids, or 'essential fats'.
If you follow any media of any kind, you have probably heard that there are essential fatty acids that you need to be sure and get plenty of in order to be healthy. We are told that we need polyunsaturated oils. Omega-6 and Omega-3 oils are talked about right and left. Vegetable oils and fish oils are supposed to be wonderful for maximizing your health. Let's analyze these assumptions.
Essential fatty acids are said to be linoleic and linolenic acids. Interestingly enough our bodies can synthesize these unsaturated acids, so they do not meet the definition of 'essential'.
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are, according to the textbooks, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, and they are supposed to have the status of "vitamins," which must be taken in the diet to make life possible. However, we are able to synthesize our own unsaturated fats when we don't eat the "EFA," so they are not "essential." The term thus appears to be a misnomer. [M. E. Hanke, "Biochemistry," Encycl. Brit. Book of the Year, 1948.]
Secondly these fatty acids, are not health promoting. They are health destroying. Study after study for over fifty years have shown that these oils shut down the immune system, and contribute to cancer. In fact, it appears that a body that doesn't have unsaturated oils in it's diet can not get cancer.
These oils are simply toxins to the body. Here is what the biologist Ray Peat had to say about them.
One of the problems with these oils is that they are made by nature to disrupt digestion. Digestion is the key to getting any and all nutrients from food into the body.
Unsaturated fats are what they use to suppress the immune systems of people who have organ transplants.
These fats also suppress thyroid function. That is why the farmers use them to help make fat pigs. Isn't it interesting that as we have been told more and more how much we need the "essential fatty acids" our population has become more and more obese.
Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer and many other diseases continue to climb. It appears that unsaturated fats play an important role in all these diseases. These diseases can't hardly occur unless there are unsaturated fats in the diet.
To learn more read this article by Ray Peat.
My recommendations are to eliminate all polyunsaturated fats from your diet immediately. This includes corn oil, soy oil, canola oil, cotton seed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, nearly all vegetable oils. Also eliminate fish oils, they are highly oxidated by body temperatures.
The good fats to consume are raw butter and milk, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados.
No need to worry about the small amounts of natural oils that you will consume eating legumes and vegetables. These are natural, and the body handles them well when they are consumed along with the whole foods that they come from. However I do advise that you eliminate all corn and soy products from your diet.
You will continue to hear in the news, and also from many doctors, the importance of consuming polyunsaturated fats to be healthy. Please do your own research, and recognize that even though these people mean well, they have been led astray by bad research and big money.
Get back to health and vitality by choosing whole natural foods.
Today let's talk about essential fatty acids, or 'essential fats'.
If you follow any media of any kind, you have probably heard that there are essential fatty acids that you need to be sure and get plenty of in order to be healthy. We are told that we need polyunsaturated oils. Omega-6 and Omega-3 oils are talked about right and left. Vegetable oils and fish oils are supposed to be wonderful for maximizing your health. Let's analyze these assumptions.
Essential fatty acids are said to be linoleic and linolenic acids. Interestingly enough our bodies can synthesize these unsaturated acids, so they do not meet the definition of 'essential'.
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are, according to the textbooks, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, and they are supposed to have the status of "vitamins," which must be taken in the diet to make life possible. However, we are able to synthesize our own unsaturated fats when we don't eat the "EFA," so they are not "essential." The term thus appears to be a misnomer. [M. E. Hanke, "Biochemistry," Encycl. Brit. Book of the Year, 1948.]
Secondly these fatty acids, are not health promoting. They are health destroying. Study after study for over fifty years have shown that these oils shut down the immune system, and contribute to cancer. In fact, it appears that a body that doesn't have unsaturated oils in it's diet can not get cancer.
These oils are simply toxins to the body. Here is what the biologist Ray Peat had to say about them.
The suppression of an enzyme system is characteristic of toxins. The "EFA" powerfully, almost absolutely, inhibit the enzyme systems--desaturases and elongases--which make our native unsaturated fatty acids.
After weaning, these native fats gradually disappear from the tissues and are replaced by the EFA and their derivatives. The age-related decline in our ability to use oxygen and to produce energy corresponds closely to the substitution of linoleic acid for the endogenous fats, in cardiolipin, which regulates the crucial respiratory enzyme, cytochrome oxidase.
One of the problems with these oils is that they are made by nature to disrupt digestion. Digestion is the key to getting any and all nutrients from food into the body.
Unsaturated fats are what they use to suppress the immune systems of people who have organ transplants.
These fats also suppress thyroid function. That is why the farmers use them to help make fat pigs. Isn't it interesting that as we have been told more and more how much we need the "essential fatty acids" our population has become more and more obese.
Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer and many other diseases continue to climb. It appears that unsaturated fats play an important role in all these diseases. These diseases can't hardly occur unless there are unsaturated fats in the diet.
To learn more read this article by Ray Peat.
My recommendations are to eliminate all polyunsaturated fats from your diet immediately. This includes corn oil, soy oil, canola oil, cotton seed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, nearly all vegetable oils. Also eliminate fish oils, they are highly oxidated by body temperatures.
The good fats to consume are raw butter and milk, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados.
No need to worry about the small amounts of natural oils that you will consume eating legumes and vegetables. These are natural, and the body handles them well when they are consumed along with the whole foods that they come from. However I do advise that you eliminate all corn and soy products from your diet.
You will continue to hear in the news, and also from many doctors, the importance of consuming polyunsaturated fats to be healthy. Please do your own research, and recognize that even though these people mean well, they have been led astray by bad research and big money.
Get back to health and vitality by choosing whole natural foods.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
FUNctional Exercises
Exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle. But many people don't like the hassle of getting a gym membership, scheduling a time to go, trying to figure out what exercises to do, etc.
But don't worry, that is not necessary.
Exercising can be done anywhere. It can include all types of sports and many types of work or service projects. I have two rules about exercises. They should be fun and they should be functional.
I think most of you know what fun is, so let's talk about functional. Functional exercises are those that help to build natural abilities to move and have fun and be productive in everyday life.
Let me give you an example. I worked as a foreman in the construction industry for years. It was very interesting to watch young men who would hire on has laborers. Some of them were guys who had just graduated from high school. The interesting ones to watch were the big buff looking young guys, who you could tell worked out in a gym, doing plenty of weight lifting. It was not uncommon for them to grab the handles of a wheelbarrow full of mud and start across the job site, but then half way across they would spill the mud all over the ground. Then some scrawny looking guy would help him clean up the mess and take over the wheelbarrow to get it to it's destination.
Why could the scrawny guy get it to it's destination when the 'strong man' could not? Functional exercise is the answer. You see the guy who had been working out in the gym all the time, had the muscle to lift weights. But the scrawny guy who had always helped out on his father's farm, had trained his muscles to do functional work, for long periods of time. With the wheelbarrow it wasn't just the task of lifting the heavy load, it was to lift, and push, and balance, and adjust to uneven terrain, as you go.
So instead of just working out in a gym, climb a hill, dig a ditch, pick fruit, pull weeds, paint a fence, till the ground. Be conscious of what parts of your body you are exercising and try to make sure that you get your whole body to move and push and pull in all different directions and in full range of motion.
For instance if you are digging a ditch, periodically change the shovel in your hands to work both sides of your body. With anything you do try to make sure that you work the left and right sides of your body at least somewhat equally.
Enjoy your gym work outs too, if that is what your into, but make sure you have days each week where you are doing actual functional things.
If there is nothing functional to do at your house, I bet you have a neighbor that wouldn't mind you doing something for them. That is when exercise gets really fun. Serving your fellow man gives you great feelings of accomplishment that go way beyond just a normal workout. Those feelings of helping your fellow man can actually go along way toward helping your body to be healthy in other important ways, way beyond the building and toning of muscle.
That's why I say, "Be functional and have fun!"
But don't worry, that is not necessary.
Exercising can be done anywhere. It can include all types of sports and many types of work or service projects. I have two rules about exercises. They should be fun and they should be functional.
I think most of you know what fun is, so let's talk about functional. Functional exercises are those that help to build natural abilities to move and have fun and be productive in everyday life.
Let me give you an example. I worked as a foreman in the construction industry for years. It was very interesting to watch young men who would hire on has laborers. Some of them were guys who had just graduated from high school. The interesting ones to watch were the big buff looking young guys, who you could tell worked out in a gym, doing plenty of weight lifting. It was not uncommon for them to grab the handles of a wheelbarrow full of mud and start across the job site, but then half way across they would spill the mud all over the ground. Then some scrawny looking guy would help him clean up the mess and take over the wheelbarrow to get it to it's destination.
Why could the scrawny guy get it to it's destination when the 'strong man' could not? Functional exercise is the answer. You see the guy who had been working out in the gym all the time, had the muscle to lift weights. But the scrawny guy who had always helped out on his father's farm, had trained his muscles to do functional work, for long periods of time. With the wheelbarrow it wasn't just the task of lifting the heavy load, it was to lift, and push, and balance, and adjust to uneven terrain, as you go.
So instead of just working out in a gym, climb a hill, dig a ditch, pick fruit, pull weeds, paint a fence, till the ground. Be conscious of what parts of your body you are exercising and try to make sure that you get your whole body to move and push and pull in all different directions and in full range of motion.
For instance if you are digging a ditch, periodically change the shovel in your hands to work both sides of your body. With anything you do try to make sure that you work the left and right sides of your body at least somewhat equally.
Enjoy your gym work outs too, if that is what your into, but make sure you have days each week where you are doing actual functional things.
If there is nothing functional to do at your house, I bet you have a neighbor that wouldn't mind you doing something for them. That is when exercise gets really fun. Serving your fellow man gives you great feelings of accomplishment that go way beyond just a normal workout. Those feelings of helping your fellow man can actually go along way toward helping your body to be healthy in other important ways, way beyond the building and toning of muscle.
That's why I say, "Be functional and have fun!"
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Protein : Is There A Better Whey?
Everyone has heard of protein. It is one of the major building blocks of life. But what is it?
Proteins come in all shapes and sizes. In fact they change in shape as they perform their various functions. They have a multitude of functions in the human body. They are building blocks for muscle, and the structure of every cell in your body. They are also enzymes and signalers and messengers. They are an active part of every function of every cell. They make your immune system work. Proteins even determine which parts of your genetic code get read.
Proteins can be very complex chains linking up hundreds of amino acids to make a single protein. They are made up of 20 different amino acids. 8 of those amino acids are considered essential (9 for children). That is because if you eat foods that contain those eight, your body can manufacture the rest. So foods that contain at least all 8 of the essential amino acids are called complete proteins.
Interestingly enough, even though they are such a huge part of what goes on in the body, we don't have to eat huge quantities of them to get all we need. According to nutritionists, even the biggest muscle building weight lifters only need to get about 1 gram (1.2g maximum) of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For 160 lb person that comes out to about 73 grams per day. The RDA for adult males is 63 grams. Surveys done by the government indicate that on average, Americans eat nearly double the amount of protein that they need. To get this info from a nutritionist go HERE.
Many athletes use special protein powders or whey powder to get lots of protein to build and maintain muscle. Studies however, show that taking extra protein does not result in extra muscle or strength. In fact eating too much protein can be taxing on the kidneys.
One of the reasons whey caught on as a supplement was because farmers could get pigs very large and healthy with it fairly quickly. So body builders started using it. It is now in the realm of 'body builder facts' that lots of whey will help you to bulk up. Never mind all the people who have taken it for years and still can't bulk up. Studies do not show that whey helps to build extra muscle, though it does seem to make pigs eat more food. Only good balanced nutrition, and exercise can build muscle.
Whey powders, as well as many other protein powders, are not good balanced nutrition. Whey is a highly processed artificial food. Now many of you will balk at that statement because I used the word artificial. Whey is usually made from natural ingredients, so many people call it a natural food. However in my world, anything that is processed from a natural food, with certain things added or other things taken away, has become artificial. Whey does occur in nature, but it isn't powdered.
Now, granted, if you have just been eating junk food, and then you start taking whey powders, you will likely see a health improvement. It is much better than most junk food. It is the elimination of junk food that causes the benefit.
But whey is not the perfect protein portrayed in so many advertisements. For one thing it is usually high in tryptophan. Tryptophan, while being a necessary amino acid for the human body, is toxic to the human body in large amounts and has even been shown to be carcinogenic. Read HERE to learn more about that.
Remember that the key to health is in balance. Not 'laboratory balanced', according to some formula made by man, but balanced by God. Whole foods used with prudence and wisdom can easily give you all the proteins, as well as all the other nutrition, that your body needs.
Another great thing about proteins is that they are found in practically every whole food. Grains, fruit, veggies, animal products, nuts, and legumes, all contain protein.
Some great 'complete protein' foods everyone agrees on are eggs and milk. However I will now go astray from the main stream, by telling you that grains (particularly wheat) are also complete protein foods, if the whole grains are used.
Why do others not call them complete? Because they have been taught that you need a certain prescribed amount of each of the essential amino acids to be called complete. Wheat contains all the essential amino acids, as do some other grains. They just aren't all in the quantities that some people would like to see. So, what I'm saying is, if you make whole grains the foundation of your diet you will get all the protein you need.
Nature (God) balances things much better than mankind knows how to.
Oh, yes, potatoes also contain all the essential amino acids. The point is, if you eat a variety of good wholesome foods you will probably get all the protein you need.
PS. What weight lifters need, more than extra protein, is extra calories. (Preferably from good foods.)
Proteins come in all shapes and sizes. In fact they change in shape as they perform their various functions. They have a multitude of functions in the human body. They are building blocks for muscle, and the structure of every cell in your body. They are also enzymes and signalers and messengers. They are an active part of every function of every cell. They make your immune system work. Proteins even determine which parts of your genetic code get read.
Proteins can be very complex chains linking up hundreds of amino acids to make a single protein. They are made up of 20 different amino acids. 8 of those amino acids are considered essential (9 for children). That is because if you eat foods that contain those eight, your body can manufacture the rest. So foods that contain at least all 8 of the essential amino acids are called complete proteins.
Interestingly enough, even though they are such a huge part of what goes on in the body, we don't have to eat huge quantities of them to get all we need. According to nutritionists, even the biggest muscle building weight lifters only need to get about 1 gram (1.2g maximum) of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For 160 lb person that comes out to about 73 grams per day. The RDA for adult males is 63 grams. Surveys done by the government indicate that on average, Americans eat nearly double the amount of protein that they need. To get this info from a nutritionist go HERE.
Many athletes use special protein powders or whey powder to get lots of protein to build and maintain muscle. Studies however, show that taking extra protein does not result in extra muscle or strength. In fact eating too much protein can be taxing on the kidneys.
One of the reasons whey caught on as a supplement was because farmers could get pigs very large and healthy with it fairly quickly. So body builders started using it. It is now in the realm of 'body builder facts' that lots of whey will help you to bulk up. Never mind all the people who have taken it for years and still can't bulk up. Studies do not show that whey helps to build extra muscle, though it does seem to make pigs eat more food. Only good balanced nutrition, and exercise can build muscle.
Whey powders, as well as many other protein powders, are not good balanced nutrition. Whey is a highly processed artificial food. Now many of you will balk at that statement because I used the word artificial. Whey is usually made from natural ingredients, so many people call it a natural food. However in my world, anything that is processed from a natural food, with certain things added or other things taken away, has become artificial. Whey does occur in nature, but it isn't powdered.
Now, granted, if you have just been eating junk food, and then you start taking whey powders, you will likely see a health improvement. It is much better than most junk food. It is the elimination of junk food that causes the benefit.
But whey is not the perfect protein portrayed in so many advertisements. For one thing it is usually high in tryptophan. Tryptophan, while being a necessary amino acid for the human body, is toxic to the human body in large amounts and has even been shown to be carcinogenic. Read HERE to learn more about that.
Remember that the key to health is in balance. Not 'laboratory balanced', according to some formula made by man, but balanced by God. Whole foods used with prudence and wisdom can easily give you all the proteins, as well as all the other nutrition, that your body needs.
Another great thing about proteins is that they are found in practically every whole food. Grains, fruit, veggies, animal products, nuts, and legumes, all contain protein.
Some great 'complete protein' foods everyone agrees on are eggs and milk. However I will now go astray from the main stream, by telling you that grains (particularly wheat) are also complete protein foods, if the whole grains are used.
Why do others not call them complete? Because they have been taught that you need a certain prescribed amount of each of the essential amino acids to be called complete. Wheat contains all the essential amino acids, as do some other grains. They just aren't all in the quantities that some people would like to see. So, what I'm saying is, if you make whole grains the foundation of your diet you will get all the protein you need.
Nature (God) balances things much better than mankind knows how to.
Oh, yes, potatoes also contain all the essential amino acids. The point is, if you eat a variety of good wholesome foods you will probably get all the protein you need.
PS. What weight lifters need, more than extra protein, is extra calories. (Preferably from good foods.)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Acai Berry Information
You see claims about the wonders of acai berries all over the place these days. Is there any truth to all the claims? Are there acai side effects? Should you try acai? Is there good acai berry research? What are the benefits of acai?
There is so much information being thrown around about Acai, lets talk about what is true.
There has been some good research projects done on acai. Here is a link to some of the abstracts.
Yes, acai berries do contain anti-oxidants. They are also high in fiber. They also have other poly-phenols.
Unfortunately, they also have the common side effect of being over-hyped. Many acai products also have other negative side effects because they are formulated with other less desirable things (like fructose, preservatives, and so called 'essential' oils).
Acai pulp (not juice) has been shown to be very effect against some free radicals, but not so effective against others. In reality acai is just another berry that gets a lot of attention because of press releases, and because it isn't grown in the USA. Exotic things always sell better.
Acai isn't any more effective than a lot of other fresh fruits and berries.
My question is, why pay exorbitant prices for exotic berries when I can get as good, or better, results by eating locally grown grapes and apples (or other readily available fruits, berries, and vegetables)?
Of course some of you will say, "But what about all the weight loss products (with many testimonials) that are being made with acai berries?"
Read the fine print on those articles and ads. You will find that it has the common disclaimer of nearly all diet supplements sold, "Can result in weight loss when combined with exercise and a healthy diet."
That is the key to all weight loss gimmicks. The only people who actually have success with the products are those who change to healthy diets and active lifestyles.
Products like acai are beneficial in that they can be tools to motivate people to make basic lifestyle changes that can help people to have better health. This is their major advantage. The disadvantage to this is that many people do not recognize that it was the lifestyle change that caused the improvement, not just the single product.
My suggestion would be to skip the expensive and unnecessary supplements, like acai, and eat healthy raw foods, exercise, and drink lots of good water.
There is so much information being thrown around about Acai, lets talk about what is true.
There has been some good research projects done on acai. Here is a link to some of the abstracts.
Yes, acai berries do contain anti-oxidants. They are also high in fiber. They also have other poly-phenols.
Unfortunately, they also have the common side effect of being over-hyped. Many acai products also have other negative side effects because they are formulated with other less desirable things (like fructose, preservatives, and so called 'essential' oils).
Acai pulp (not juice) has been shown to be very effect against some free radicals, but not so effective against others. In reality acai is just another berry that gets a lot of attention because of press releases, and because it isn't grown in the USA. Exotic things always sell better.
Acai isn't any more effective than a lot of other fresh fruits and berries.
My question is, why pay exorbitant prices for exotic berries when I can get as good, or better, results by eating locally grown grapes and apples (or other readily available fruits, berries, and vegetables)?
Of course some of you will say, "But what about all the weight loss products (with many testimonials) that are being made with acai berries?"
Read the fine print on those articles and ads. You will find that it has the common disclaimer of nearly all diet supplements sold, "Can result in weight loss when combined with exercise and a healthy diet."
That is the key to all weight loss gimmicks. The only people who actually have success with the products are those who change to healthy diets and active lifestyles.
Products like acai are beneficial in that they can be tools to motivate people to make basic lifestyle changes that can help people to have better health. This is their major advantage. The disadvantage to this is that many people do not recognize that it was the lifestyle change that caused the improvement, not just the single product.
My suggestion would be to skip the expensive and unnecessary supplements, like acai, and eat healthy raw foods, exercise, and drink lots of good water.
Celiac Disease : Do You Have It? Or Is It LGS?
Celiac disease is being blamed for many health problems these days, but chances are you don't have it.
There are groups of people that are claiming if you are low on energy, or have a bowel problem, or are obese, or don't sleep well, then you must have Celiac disease. The real truth is that you probably don't.
Celiac disease is only actually found in less than one percent (1%) of people. Even if you have a close relative that has been diagnosed (by a real doctor with blood tests and intestinal biopsy), your chance of also having the disease is still only 4 or 5 percent.
So why do so many people think they may have Celiac disease?
Well, there are many people who have a much simpler problem. The problem is ... (drum roll) ... bad diet.
The 'standard American diet' (SAD) causes lots of problems for lots of people. Processed and refined foods cause an imbalance in the body that causes the intestinal walls to deteriorate and get very thin. This leads to the inability to digest many foods. This is commonly called 'leaky gut syndrome' (LGS).
LGS in this sense has very similar symptoms to celiac disease which also destroys the body's ability to digest food. However, unlike celiac disease, leaky gut syndrome can be healed.
So, how do you fix a leaky gut?
Well, stop doing the things that make it leak. Some of the major causes are antibiotics, vegetable oils, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like asprin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), bacterial overgrowth (usually caused by too much sugar, and/or other highly processed foods), and other toxins from taking various drugs.
And, of course, you also need to do things that will help the intestinal lining to heal. That includes things like drinking kefir, eating lots of green leafy veggies, eating good fats (raw butter, raw milk, avocados, coconut oil), drinking lots of good water with all the trace minerals in it, and chewing your food very well before swallowing.
If you have a lot of intestinal damage, it could take 6 weeks or more of very close monitoring of your lifestyle to heal it. Even some suspected cases of celiac disease can heal from this type of a lifestyle. But it could take a year or two to heal if it was really far progressed.
To learn more, go HERE.
There are groups of people that are claiming if you are low on energy, or have a bowel problem, or are obese, or don't sleep well, then you must have Celiac disease. The real truth is that you probably don't.
Celiac disease is only actually found in less than one percent (1%) of people. Even if you have a close relative that has been diagnosed (by a real doctor with blood tests and intestinal biopsy), your chance of also having the disease is still only 4 or 5 percent.
So why do so many people think they may have Celiac disease?
Well, there are many people who have a much simpler problem. The problem is ... (drum roll) ... bad diet.
The 'standard American diet' (SAD) causes lots of problems for lots of people. Processed and refined foods cause an imbalance in the body that causes the intestinal walls to deteriorate and get very thin. This leads to the inability to digest many foods. This is commonly called 'leaky gut syndrome' (LGS).
LGS in this sense has very similar symptoms to celiac disease which also destroys the body's ability to digest food. However, unlike celiac disease, leaky gut syndrome can be healed.
So, how do you fix a leaky gut?
Well, stop doing the things that make it leak. Some of the major causes are antibiotics, vegetable oils, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like asprin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), bacterial overgrowth (usually caused by too much sugar, and/or other highly processed foods), and other toxins from taking various drugs.
And, of course, you also need to do things that will help the intestinal lining to heal. That includes things like drinking kefir, eating lots of green leafy veggies, eating good fats (raw butter, raw milk, avocados, coconut oil), drinking lots of good water with all the trace minerals in it, and chewing your food very well before swallowing.
If you have a lot of intestinal damage, it could take 6 weeks or more of very close monitoring of your lifestyle to heal it. Even some suspected cases of celiac disease can heal from this type of a lifestyle. But it could take a year or two to heal if it was really far progressed.
To learn more, go HERE.
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