What to do if your infant has an earache or anyone else- use some or all but not all at the same time:
-use a hot water bottle, 10 minutes on and off for an hour, repeat if necessary
-rub under the ear in a downward motion
-put some breast milk in the ear
-put some hydrogen peroxide in the ear
-give the baby Kyolic garlic drops internally
-give the baby Natren Life Start, children's probiotic drops as directed
-make the following recipe to use 2 times a day, 4 to 8 drops in the painful ear as needed: 2 teaspoons honey, 2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons pure water, 20 drops rubbing alcohol, 20 drops Kyolic garlic drops.
-blow dryer to dry and warm ear on low, not too close.
(as always Consult your doctor :) if you feel you must)
-Mullein Oil (garlic) ear drops
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Beeswax Candles
So, what's so great about beeswax anyway?
Beeswax is a natural substance made by bees in contrast to paraffin which is a chemical bi-product of the oil industry. Beeswax candles burn brighter, longer and with less soot than any other and it does NOT emit toxins to pollute the air you breathe. Beeswax candles emit negative ions when burned which has been shown to clean the air and invigorate the body. Beeswax gets it's color and aroma from the honey and pollen that is packed into the honeycomb cells by the bees that secreted and formed it into the familiar hexagonal pattern. [Unlike soy candles, beeswax candles do not break down in 10 months. These candles store indefinitely under the proper conditions i.e. not in a furnace.][Paraffin is made from the bottom of the barrel of left over residue from refining petroleum. This product produces carcinogens and soot when burned equal to some of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. In fact, if you read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for Paraffin Fume, it states to "Keep away from heat & ignition sources" and to "Avoid breathing vapors". (Hard to do when your burning these type of candles in your home.)]
Here is a great place to buy beeswax candles, they're handmade and have the best price: http://www.beeswaxco.com/ Please note the burn time on these candles.
This post was a compilation of cut and pastes from the beeswax.com site and an e-mail I received and a very little of my own writing.
Beeswax is a natural substance made by bees in contrast to paraffin which is a chemical bi-product of the oil industry. Beeswax candles burn brighter, longer and with less soot than any other and it does NOT emit toxins to pollute the air you breathe. Beeswax candles emit negative ions when burned which has been shown to clean the air and invigorate the body. Beeswax gets it's color and aroma from the honey and pollen that is packed into the honeycomb cells by the bees that secreted and formed it into the familiar hexagonal pattern. [Unlike soy candles, beeswax candles do not break down in 10 months. These candles store indefinitely under the proper conditions i.e. not in a furnace.][Paraffin is made from the bottom of the barrel of left over residue from refining petroleum. This product produces carcinogens and soot when burned equal to some of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. In fact, if you read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for Paraffin Fume, it states to "Keep away from heat & ignition sources" and to "Avoid breathing vapors". (Hard to do when your burning these type of candles in your home.)]
Here is a great place to buy beeswax candles, they're handmade and have the best price: http://www.beeswaxco.com/ Please note the burn time on these candles.
This post was a compilation of cut and pastes from the beeswax.com site and an e-mail I received and a very little of my own writing.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Thanks to the Pope, Now We're Talking
Please read this article (http://catholiceducation.org/articles/multiculturalism/mu0007.htm) as a follow up on the reaction to the Pope's talk at Regensburg that upset Muslims. This is very important to read and pass on to people who only heard half the story.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Avoid Coffee If...
Info on coffee from Dr. Mercola:
It appears that drinking coffee may interfere with your body's ability to keep homocysteine and cholesterol levels in check, most likely by inhibiting the action of the vitamins folate, B12 or B6. Coffee has been previously associated with increased risk of stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also shown that caffeine in coffee can raise blood pressure and levels of stress hormones, and if consumed in large quantities it can lead to heart palpitations, jitters and nervousness.
Pregnant women should NEVER drink coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that easily passes through the placenta to the developing fetus and is also transferred through breast milk.
During pregnancy and in infants the half-life of caffeine is increased, which means that it will stay in your body, and your infant's body, longer. Moreover, fetuses have no ability to detoxify caffeine.
Research suggests that drinking more than 300 mg of coffee daily, or the equivalent of two to three 8-ounce cups, may increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects such as cleft palate and low birth weight, although as I mentioned above I don't believe that ANY amount coffee is safe for pregnant women.
Even with moderate caffeine intake, when the woman experiences no effects, studies have found changes in both the mother's and the fetal heart rate and blood pressure. Preliminary studies also suggest that drinking four cups of coffee or more per day may put the infant at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Caffeine may also make it more difficult for women to maintain necessary levels of iron and calcium, which are especially important during pregnancy.
It also appears that coffee consumption is associated with increased estrogen levels, which means an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
Coffee also has the issue of pesticide contamination, which is particularly harmful during pregnancy. You can read more about this issue below.
Coffee is usually not grown in the United States and we therefore have no control over how many pesticides are sprayed on coffee crops. As such, coffee is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking coffee is likely to expose you to a dose of pesticides with each cup.
Pesticides have been associated with a number of health problems such as:
Prostate cancer and other cancers
Parkinson's Disease
Miscarriages
If you choose to drink coffee, drinking organic coffee might reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. The only drawback is that the countries where coffee is produced probably have less control and monitoring for compliance to organic practices along with pesticide use. Another plus of organic coffee is that you will also be helping to protect the health of the people working in the coffee fields, as you will be helping to reduce their exposure to toxins as well.
Avoid Coffee if You Have High Blood Pressure, Insomnia or Anxiety
Since coffee is a stimulant it will only worsen the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety and should definitely be avoided. People with panic or anxiety disorders may find that they are especially sensitive to caffeine and may find that even a small amount of the stimulant exacerbates their symptoms. Similarly, the caffeine will linger in your body for hours after you drink it, so it may keep you up at night even if you drink it long before bedtime.
For those with high blood pressure, a general rule is that the more caffeine you drink in a day, the higher your blood pressure will be. So if you are already at the higher end of the scales, drinking coffee will only increase your blood pressure further.
[Coffee can contribute to adrenal fatigue.]
It appears that drinking coffee may interfere with your body's ability to keep homocysteine and cholesterol levels in check, most likely by inhibiting the action of the vitamins folate, B12 or B6. Coffee has been previously associated with increased risk of stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also shown that caffeine in coffee can raise blood pressure and levels of stress hormones, and if consumed in large quantities it can lead to heart palpitations, jitters and nervousness.
Pregnant women should NEVER drink coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that easily passes through the placenta to the developing fetus and is also transferred through breast milk.
During pregnancy and in infants the half-life of caffeine is increased, which means that it will stay in your body, and your infant's body, longer. Moreover, fetuses have no ability to detoxify caffeine.
Research suggests that drinking more than 300 mg of coffee daily, or the equivalent of two to three 8-ounce cups, may increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects such as cleft palate and low birth weight, although as I mentioned above I don't believe that ANY amount coffee is safe for pregnant women.
Even with moderate caffeine intake, when the woman experiences no effects, studies have found changes in both the mother's and the fetal heart rate and blood pressure. Preliminary studies also suggest that drinking four cups of coffee or more per day may put the infant at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Caffeine may also make it more difficult for women to maintain necessary levels of iron and calcium, which are especially important during pregnancy.
It also appears that coffee consumption is associated with increased estrogen levels, which means an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
Coffee also has the issue of pesticide contamination, which is particularly harmful during pregnancy. You can read more about this issue below.
Coffee is usually not grown in the United States and we therefore have no control over how many pesticides are sprayed on coffee crops. As such, coffee is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking coffee is likely to expose you to a dose of pesticides with each cup.
Pesticides have been associated with a number of health problems such as:
Prostate cancer and other cancers
Parkinson's Disease
Miscarriages
If you choose to drink coffee, drinking organic coffee might reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. The only drawback is that the countries where coffee is produced probably have less control and monitoring for compliance to organic practices along with pesticide use. Another plus of organic coffee is that you will also be helping to protect the health of the people working in the coffee fields, as you will be helping to reduce their exposure to toxins as well.
Avoid Coffee if You Have High Blood Pressure, Insomnia or Anxiety
Since coffee is a stimulant it will only worsen the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety and should definitely be avoided. People with panic or anxiety disorders may find that they are especially sensitive to caffeine and may find that even a small amount of the stimulant exacerbates their symptoms. Similarly, the caffeine will linger in your body for hours after you drink it, so it may keep you up at night even if you drink it long before bedtime.
For those with high blood pressure, a general rule is that the more caffeine you drink in a day, the higher your blood pressure will be. So if you are already at the higher end of the scales, drinking coffee will only increase your blood pressure further.
[Coffee can contribute to adrenal fatigue.]
"Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine"
Every now and then we run an advertisement for a product called ShowerSafe, a showerhead filter that helps reduce the absorption of chlorine in tap water. http://www1.youreletters.com/t/369627/2660685/788768/0/
The latest ShowerSafe ad prompted this e-mail from an HSI member named Mary: "I read your article on chlorine and have a concern. I do water aerobics 3x a week for an hour. If a 10 minute shower is bad, what can that be doing?"
Good question. When I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., and posed Mary's question, he started at the top: the scalp, noting that the pores of the scalp are highly absorbent.
Dr. Spreen: "As someone who spent a TON of time in chlorinated water (and handling chlorine levels), there is NO question that swimming in American pools is far worse than showering...the chlorine levels are much worse in the pool. That's haunted me for years.
"Even worse, however, would be a hot tub...they are positively loaded with chlorine.
"I say 'American' pools, as in Europe they refuse to use chlorine or bromine, preferring the more expensive process of ozonation. My feeling is the US can't afford to have that bit of news get out, as people will then start to question their municipal (chlorinated) water supplies.
"So, yes there's scalp absorption (plus inhalation, don't forget) in a shower. And never, ever, get in a hot tub unless it's ozone treated (which you won't find in the US, far as I know)."
In the e-mail Dr. Spreen sent, he mentioned a book titled "Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine" by Dr. Joseph Price. The book explains how chlorine intake contributes to narrowing of the arteries.
Dr. Spreen: "Price found that American kids dying in car wrecks at home had far less atherosclerosis than kids the same age killed in Vietnam. His conclusion was that the only thing different was all the chlorine tablets the troops had to dump into all water supplies to be able to drink available water over there.
"He then took chickens (which for some reason have arteries like humans) and tested chlorinated and non-chlorinated water on them. He found that the highly reactive nature of the chlorine molecule scars the arterial intima [the inner lining of the artery]. The body protects itself by painting a thin film of cholesterol over the damaged area. It's not the cholesterol that kills, it's the continual need for protection against the scars that eventually gets out of hand."
In "Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine" Dr. Price offers another key point to support the link between chlorine exposure and atherosclerosis.
Dr. Prince notes that heart disease is a modern health problem. We're told by mainstream nutritionists that high-fat diets are to blame, but high-fat diets were common in the 19th Century while heart disease was rare. Meanwhile, the steady growth of heart disease rates throughout the 20th Century parallels the steady increase in the use of chlorine in our water, paper, clothing, insecticides, paints and cleaning products.
-HSI
The latest ShowerSafe ad prompted this e-mail from an HSI member named Mary: "I read your article on chlorine and have a concern. I do water aerobics 3x a week for an hour. If a 10 minute shower is bad, what can that be doing?"
Good question. When I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., and posed Mary's question, he started at the top: the scalp, noting that the pores of the scalp are highly absorbent.
Dr. Spreen: "As someone who spent a TON of time in chlorinated water (and handling chlorine levels), there is NO question that swimming in American pools is far worse than showering...the chlorine levels are much worse in the pool. That's haunted me for years.
"Even worse, however, would be a hot tub...they are positively loaded with chlorine.
"I say 'American' pools, as in Europe they refuse to use chlorine or bromine, preferring the more expensive process of ozonation. My feeling is the US can't afford to have that bit of news get out, as people will then start to question their municipal (chlorinated) water supplies.
"So, yes there's scalp absorption (plus inhalation, don't forget) in a shower. And never, ever, get in a hot tub unless it's ozone treated (which you won't find in the US, far as I know)."
In the e-mail Dr. Spreen sent, he mentioned a book titled "Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine" by Dr. Joseph Price. The book explains how chlorine intake contributes to narrowing of the arteries.
Dr. Spreen: "Price found that American kids dying in car wrecks at home had far less atherosclerosis than kids the same age killed in Vietnam. His conclusion was that the only thing different was all the chlorine tablets the troops had to dump into all water supplies to be able to drink available water over there.
"He then took chickens (which for some reason have arteries like humans) and tested chlorinated and non-chlorinated water on them. He found that the highly reactive nature of the chlorine molecule scars the arterial intima [the inner lining of the artery]. The body protects itself by painting a thin film of cholesterol over the damaged area. It's not the cholesterol that kills, it's the continual need for protection against the scars that eventually gets out of hand."
In "Coronaries/Cholesterol/Chlorine" Dr. Price offers another key point to support the link between chlorine exposure and atherosclerosis.
Dr. Prince notes that heart disease is a modern health problem. We're told by mainstream nutritionists that high-fat diets are to blame, but high-fat diets were common in the 19th Century while heart disease was rare. Meanwhile, the steady growth of heart disease rates throughout the 20th Century parallels the steady increase in the use of chlorine in our water, paper, clothing, insecticides, paints and cleaning products.
-HSI
Benefits of Organic Food
Here is the short list of the benefits of organic food.
No pesticide, herbicide, fungicide residues on food
Less chlorine chemistry into our environment.
No synthetic fertilizer residuals built into plants
No genetically engineered organisms or varieties.
Intense, realistic flavors.
Higher vitamin content.
Higher mineral content and greater mineral variety
No pesticide, herbicide, fungicide residues on food
Less chlorine chemistry into our environment.
No synthetic fertilizer residuals built into plants
No genetically engineered organisms or varieties.
Intense, realistic flavors.
Higher vitamin content.
Higher mineral content and greater mineral variety
Unbalanced pH
Most people who have unbalanced pH are "acidic." This condition forces the body to borrow calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium from vital organs and bones to buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. This process weakens these organs and bones over time.
[I don't remember where I copied this from. See an earlier post on how to balance your pH.]
[I don't remember where I copied this from. See an earlier post on how to balance your pH.]
Aspartame, "Chemical Poison"
Mansanto website said,"As far as aspartame is concerned, according to researchers and
physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following
chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of
aspartame: Brain tumors, Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Chronic
fatigue syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, Mental
retardation, Lymphoma, Birth defects, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes.
Aspartame is made up of three chemicals, aspartic acid,
phenylalanine, and methanol." The book, "Prescription for Nutritional
Healing" by James and Phyllis Balch lists aspartame under the
category of "Chemical Poison." As you can see, that is exactly what
it is. "
[This was taken from a health forum, possibly Curezone.]
physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following
chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of
aspartame: Brain tumors, Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Chronic
fatigue syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, Mental
retardation, Lymphoma, Birth defects, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes.
Aspartame is made up of three chemicals, aspartic acid,
phenylalanine, and methanol." The book, "Prescription for Nutritional
Healing" by James and Phyllis Balch lists aspartame under the
category of "Chemical Poison." As you can see, that is exactly what
it is. "
[This was taken from a health forum, possibly Curezone.]
Tinnitus
According to Holistic Online, onion juice is a folk remedy that calls for one drop of the juice in each ear, three times a week until the ringing in the ears is relieved. I have no idea if this works , but I do know that onion juice is not the only natural treatment for this very annoying condition.
In a 2002 ginkgo biloba study conducted in Germany, patients who received 200 mg of ginkgo daily generally reported marked reduction in tinnitus.
A deficiency of zinc may be at the root of some tinnitus cases. Foods that contain zinc include spinach, oysters, beef, papaya, asparagus and prunes.
Tinnitus is a common topic in the HSI Healthier Talk community forums. One HSI member with an "extreme case" of tinnitus notes that CoQ10 supplements combined with a low carbohydrate diet helped enormously. And another member found relief with chiropractic treatments.
Jenny Thompson -HSI
In a 2002 ginkgo biloba study conducted in Germany, patients who received 200 mg of ginkgo daily generally reported marked reduction in tinnitus.
A deficiency of zinc may be at the root of some tinnitus cases. Foods that contain zinc include spinach, oysters, beef, papaya, asparagus and prunes.
Tinnitus is a common topic in the HSI Healthier Talk community forums. One HSI member with an "extreme case" of tinnitus notes that CoQ10 supplements combined with a low carbohydrate diet helped enormously. And another member found relief with chiropractic treatments.
Jenny Thompson -HSI
Prevent Alzheimer's
Can vitamins help prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Many HSI members are well aware that an elevated level of homocysteine (an amino acid) increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. And they also know that foods and supplements rich in vitamins B6, B12, and folate can help reduce homocysteine.
Less well known, however, is a demonstrated link between high homocysteine and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia.
So we return to the original question: Can vitamins (specifically, the ones mentioned above) help prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Last year, researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University recruited more than 320 healthy older men from a Veterans Affairs study on aging. At baseline, all of the men completed food-frequency questionnaires, and blood was drawn from each subject to measure B vitamins and homocysteine. Over the following three years the men took occasional tests to monitor cognitive function.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers reported these results:
High homocysteine levels were associated with a decline in recall memory
High folate levels were significantly linked to verbal fluency
Subjects with elevated folate levels had fewer declines in spatial copying (a drawing test that measures the brain's ability to understand and reproduce geometric figures)
Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the USDA authors concluded that, "Low B vitamin and high homocysteine concentrations predict cognitive decline."
Vitamins B6, B12, and folate have been proven to help metabolize homocysteine. These nutrients are abundant in asparagus, lentils, chickpeas, most varieties of beans, and especially spinach and other leafy green vegetables. But many people don't absorb B vitamins well, so in addition to these food sources a good B-complex supplement is often required to lower homocysteine levels.
According to several studies, supplements of the antioxidant amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may also lower homocysteine levels.
In 2001 I told you about a study that showed how NAC improved cognitive function in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. The 24-week study of 47 subjects revealed that those participants who took NAC showed improvement in nearly every outcome measure, without experiencing any negative side effects.
Once homocysteine levels are addressed, there are other nutrients that may offer further protection from Alzheimer's. In the e-Alert "Form Rides with Function" (4/20/05), I told you about two studies from Johns Hopkins University that show how two key vitamins may support cognitive function.
In the first study, nearly 580 subjects, aged 60 or older, were followed for more than seven years. A diet high in vitamin E (spinach, eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados, tomatoes, peaches and blackberries) was strongly associated with a significant reduction of Alzheimer's risk. Intake of dietary vitamin C was found to be somewhat useful in reducing AD risk, but less effective than vitamin E.
Nearly two years later, another Johns Hopkins team interviewed more than 4,700 subjects aged 65 or older. Supplement intake was assessed, as well as the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, from 1995 to 1997, and again from 1998 to 2000. Evaluation of the data showed that in the first phase, those who took supplements of vitamins C and E combined had a 78 percent lower risk of AD. In the second phase, the percentage dropped to 64, but still indicated a significant level of protection.
In addition, Alzheimer's risk was even lower among subjects who took a vitamin E supplement along with a multivitamin that contained vitamin C.
Jenny Thompson -HSI [Also, be sure to do your Sudoku!]
Many HSI members are well aware that an elevated level of homocysteine (an amino acid) increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. And they also know that foods and supplements rich in vitamins B6, B12, and folate can help reduce homocysteine.
Less well known, however, is a demonstrated link between high homocysteine and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia.
So we return to the original question: Can vitamins (specifically, the ones mentioned above) help prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Last year, researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University recruited more than 320 healthy older men from a Veterans Affairs study on aging. At baseline, all of the men completed food-frequency questionnaires, and blood was drawn from each subject to measure B vitamins and homocysteine. Over the following three years the men took occasional tests to monitor cognitive function.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers reported these results:
High homocysteine levels were associated with a decline in recall memory
High folate levels were significantly linked to verbal fluency
Subjects with elevated folate levels had fewer declines in spatial copying (a drawing test that measures the brain's ability to understand and reproduce geometric figures)
Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the USDA authors concluded that, "Low B vitamin and high homocysteine concentrations predict cognitive decline."
Vitamins B6, B12, and folate have been proven to help metabolize homocysteine. These nutrients are abundant in asparagus, lentils, chickpeas, most varieties of beans, and especially spinach and other leafy green vegetables. But many people don't absorb B vitamins well, so in addition to these food sources a good B-complex supplement is often required to lower homocysteine levels.
According to several studies, supplements of the antioxidant amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may also lower homocysteine levels.
In 2001 I told you about a study that showed how NAC improved cognitive function in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. The 24-week study of 47 subjects revealed that those participants who took NAC showed improvement in nearly every outcome measure, without experiencing any negative side effects.
Once homocysteine levels are addressed, there are other nutrients that may offer further protection from Alzheimer's. In the e-Alert "Form Rides with Function" (4/20/05), I told you about two studies from Johns Hopkins University that show how two key vitamins may support cognitive function.
In the first study, nearly 580 subjects, aged 60 or older, were followed for more than seven years. A diet high in vitamin E (spinach, eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados, tomatoes, peaches and blackberries) was strongly associated with a significant reduction of Alzheimer's risk. Intake of dietary vitamin C was found to be somewhat useful in reducing AD risk, but less effective than vitamin E.
Nearly two years later, another Johns Hopkins team interviewed more than 4,700 subjects aged 65 or older. Supplement intake was assessed, as well as the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, from 1995 to 1997, and again from 1998 to 2000. Evaluation of the data showed that in the first phase, those who took supplements of vitamins C and E combined had a 78 percent lower risk of AD. In the second phase, the percentage dropped to 64, but still indicated a significant level of protection.
In addition, Alzheimer's risk was even lower among subjects who took a vitamin E supplement along with a multivitamin that contained vitamin C.
Jenny Thompson -HSI [Also, be sure to do your Sudoku!]
Migraine and Blood Sugar
Migraine patients may have a new strategy for minimizing headaches.
Italian researchers at the Headache Centre at the University of Turin investigated the confirmed link between migraines and an increased risk of blood vessel-related disorders such as high blood pressure.
The Turin team recruited 30 migraine patients and a control group of 15 healthy subjects without migraines. When blood sugar levels were measured after each subject drank a beverage with high sugar content, blood sugar levels in the migraine group remained much higher than those in the control group for up to three hours after taking the drink. Other measures also indicated a general insensitivity to insulin among the migraine group.
Lead researcher Innocenzo Rainero, M.D., told Reuters Health that methods for addressing insulin insensitivity - such as regular exercise and avoidance of high glycemic foods - might help prevent migraine attacks.
-HSI
Italian researchers at the Headache Centre at the University of Turin investigated the confirmed link between migraines and an increased risk of blood vessel-related disorders such as high blood pressure.
The Turin team recruited 30 migraine patients and a control group of 15 healthy subjects without migraines. When blood sugar levels were measured after each subject drank a beverage with high sugar content, blood sugar levels in the migraine group remained much higher than those in the control group for up to three hours after taking the drink. Other measures also indicated a general insensitivity to insulin among the migraine group.
Lead researcher Innocenzo Rainero, M.D., told Reuters Health that methods for addressing insulin insensitivity - such as regular exercise and avoidance of high glycemic foods - might help prevent migraine attacks.
-HSI
Psoriasis, Natural Treatment
In psoriasis, skin cells multiply too rapidly, resulting in unsightly, itchy rashes. Complicating matters is the fact that psoriasis is still poorly understood, has no certain cause, and is considered by conventional medicine to be incurable.
Incurable, maybe, but not untreatable.
Here's a treatment that's been successful for thousands of psoriasis patients - an extract of mahonia aquifolium (also known as the Oregon grape). In 1995, researchers in 89 dermatology practices throughout Germany put mahonia aquifolium to the test, using 433 patients who suffered from chronic psoriasis. Over the course of 12 weeks, the dermatologists reported that symptoms improved or completely disappeared in 81 percent of the patients.
Further biochemical research has isolated several active alkaloids from the bark of the Oregon grape that appear to be responsible for the beneficial functions that help fight psoriasis, including: inhibition of abnormal proliferation of skin cells, reduction of inflammation and histamine release, and strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
There are a number of products based on mahonia aquifolium, marketed under the brand name of M-Folia. These products include ointment and cream preparations, shampoo, sunscreen, and bath oil, which can provide relief from eczema as well as psoriasis.
For more information, HSI members can view the article titled "Incurable No Longer" in the December 1999 Members Alert, available on our web site at hsibaltimore.com. M-folia can be easily ordered through sources on the Internet, but talk to your doctor before using M-folia.
Non-drug treatment for psoriasis is a common topic in the HSI Healthier Talk community forums. Here are a few suggestions posted by HSI members:
A member named George has a case of psoriasis that was treated unexpectedly. He began taking two grams per day of inositol (niacin) to address a cognitive condition. But to his surprise, "My psoriasis has reduced to something barely noticeable - even through the cold winter with the dry heat and little sunshine."
Mary: "A friend of mine noticed a big difference, when she was going to the beach daily. Something about the sea water helped her a lot. It was almost cleared up, until she had to stop going to the beach. Just a thought, wouldn't that be a great prescription, daily dose of beach time."
Rick: "The real cure is free - Just takes your time and effort! Sunlight is the ultimate healer!"
Bob: "Vitamin D I think is a big factor. Dr. Douglass has been talking about lack of Vit. D and sun, and psoriasis was one thing he mentioned."
Kathy: "The following herbs are specific for psoriasis: Nettle Leaves, Silymarin and sarsaparilla." Terry: "Many sources will tell you that the Essential Fatty Acids in fish oil and flax seed oil will help psoriasis. It has helped mine a lot."
Tressa: "I read in Adelle Davis that lecithin could cure it. Started eating lecithin, several tablespoons a day, and it disappeared."
-HSI
Incurable, maybe, but not untreatable.
Here's a treatment that's been successful for thousands of psoriasis patients - an extract of mahonia aquifolium (also known as the Oregon grape). In 1995, researchers in 89 dermatology practices throughout Germany put mahonia aquifolium to the test, using 433 patients who suffered from chronic psoriasis. Over the course of 12 weeks, the dermatologists reported that symptoms improved or completely disappeared in 81 percent of the patients.
Further biochemical research has isolated several active alkaloids from the bark of the Oregon grape that appear to be responsible for the beneficial functions that help fight psoriasis, including: inhibition of abnormal proliferation of skin cells, reduction of inflammation and histamine release, and strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
There are a number of products based on mahonia aquifolium, marketed under the brand name of M-Folia. These products include ointment and cream preparations, shampoo, sunscreen, and bath oil, which can provide relief from eczema as well as psoriasis.
For more information, HSI members can view the article titled "Incurable No Longer" in the December 1999 Members Alert, available on our web site at hsibaltimore.com. M-folia can be easily ordered through sources on the Internet, but talk to your doctor before using M-folia.
Non-drug treatment for psoriasis is a common topic in the HSI Healthier Talk community forums. Here are a few suggestions posted by HSI members:
A member named George has a case of psoriasis that was treated unexpectedly. He began taking two grams per day of inositol (niacin) to address a cognitive condition. But to his surprise, "My psoriasis has reduced to something barely noticeable - even through the cold winter with the dry heat and little sunshine."
Mary: "A friend of mine noticed a big difference, when she was going to the beach daily. Something about the sea water helped her a lot. It was almost cleared up, until she had to stop going to the beach. Just a thought, wouldn't that be a great prescription, daily dose of beach time."
Rick: "The real cure is free - Just takes your time and effort! Sunlight is the ultimate healer!"
Bob: "Vitamin D I think is a big factor. Dr. Douglass has been talking about lack of Vit. D and sun, and psoriasis was one thing he mentioned."
Kathy: "The following herbs are specific for psoriasis: Nettle Leaves, Silymarin and sarsaparilla." Terry: "Many sources will tell you that the Essential Fatty Acids in fish oil and flax seed oil will help psoriasis. It has helped mine a lot."
Tressa: "I read in Adelle Davis that lecithin could cure it. Started eating lecithin, several tablespoons a day, and it disappeared."
-HSI
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Excitotoxins (MSG and Aspartame)
Blaylock states, "Diets high in excitotoxins can cause learning disabilities, nervous disorders, seizures and hormonal imbalances in children." At any age, MSG and aspartame may cause headaches, seizures and allergic reactions in those who are sensitive.
Biotin Deficiency
Eating the raw whites of eggs can cause a biotin deficiency. Signs of biotin deficiency are red around the eyes, mouth, and nose and brittle fingernails, thinning hair and or loss of color. Take biotin for a few weeks if you are deficient. Sally Fallon recommends eating raw yolks in smoothies. The best way to eat cooked eggs are over-easy or soft boiled. I have raw eggs in my egg-nog. This is fine just don't eat too many raw egg whites or save the whites and use in a cooking recipe. The whites are good for you they just need to be cooked. There is a long article on this at mercola.com.
Spiritual Direction
You should try to make it regular, generally no less than monthly and often weekly or biweekly. Although needs are varied, normally a well prepared session of spiritual direction need not last for more than half an hour. It is good to jot down concrete resolutions drawn from the normally few words of advice given. These resolutions should be brought to prayer and action and then spoken about if possible in the next meeting. Try never to leave your meeting without setting up the next appointment. Certainly the quality and quantity of your prayer and spiritual reading and sacramental life should always be touched on. Your struggle to live as a Christian in marriage and family, work, friendship, and social life should normally be addressed -- specifically. There should be an effort to address a very particular area of life which needs improvement, that defect or fault that keeps you from making more rapid progress towards holiness. With time your efforts to share your faith in a natural way with those around can also be a topic of discussion. These efforts may well result in God's grace in reconciliations, conversions, and vocations. And, oh yes, from time to time you may simply need to unburden yourself of unexpected joys and sorrows that come on your pilgrimage to the house of God, the Father. If you are seeing a priest for direction, you may also want to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Penance, adding the sacramental grace to the actual graces received from being open and docile in the conversation with your spiritual director.
[I forgot where I copied this from]
[I forgot where I copied this from]
Appendicitis
In England and Wales, a study was performed to review whether low intake of fiber and high intake of sugar and meat may influence the development of acute appendicitis. The study evaluated the dietary habits of 49,690 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Although no specific correlation was found with sugar or meat, the analysis did suggest that the more fresh and frozen green vegetables and fresh and processed tomatoes people ate, the less likely they were to develop appendicitis. The researchers concluded that eating green vegetables—particularly cabbages, cauliflowers, peas, beans, and Brussels sprouts—and possibly tomatoes may protect against appendicitis.
Constipation should be avoided. Eating Veggies helps keep you regular.
Constipation should be avoided. Eating Veggies helps keep you regular.
Dangerous Antibiotic
The drug company is Sanofi-Aventis and the drug is telithromycin, better known by its brand name: Ketek.
Ketek is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections associated with sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. After the safety concerns and outright fraud described above, was it approved by the FDA? Of course it was! And now - two years after approval - some ugly chickens have come home to roost.
Here's the latest box score for Ketek adverse effects, according to a 6/29/06 Reuters report:
The FDA has received 12 reports of acute liver failure linked to Ketek
Four of those patients died
One patient required a liver transplant
The Times states that liver failure has occurred in 14 patients, and 23 others experienced serious liver injury. The Times also notes that Ketek may cause blurred vision and loss of consciousness. So it's no surprise really that SOMEONE at the FDA is up in arms about this drug.
Ketek is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections associated with sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. After the safety concerns and outright fraud described above, was it approved by the FDA? Of course it was! And now - two years after approval - some ugly chickens have come home to roost.
Here's the latest box score for Ketek adverse effects, according to a 6/29/06 Reuters report:
The FDA has received 12 reports of acute liver failure linked to Ketek
Four of those patients died
One patient required a liver transplant
The Times states that liver failure has occurred in 14 patients, and 23 others experienced serious liver injury. The Times also notes that Ketek may cause blurred vision and loss of consciousness. So it's no surprise really that SOMEONE at the FDA is up in arms about this drug.
Sunlight
A little more than 50 years ago, doctors in Europe and North America were using sunlight to treat potentially fatal diseases on a routine basis, and a number of hospitals were built specifically for sunlight treatment. In fact, sunlight not only increases your energy and general well being, but it can also help:
Lower your cholesterol
Treat multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis
Prevent and treat cancer
Lower your blood pressure
Increase the value of exercise
Improve your body's ability to detoxify
(From Mercola)
Lower your cholesterol
Treat multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis
Prevent and treat cancer
Lower your blood pressure
Increase the value of exercise
Improve your body's ability to detoxify
(From Mercola)
Monday, September 04, 2006
Got an Ant Problem? Use Aspartame
Ant Poison: For all the dire health problems associated with aspartame -- the worst of them being cancer -- the original "anything-but-sugar" substitute may have an ideal purpose to exist, not as a food additive, but as an ant poison
Already aware of aspartame's origins as a toxic chemical, a health-conscious consumer with an ant problem emptied one packet of aspartame in the corner of each of her bathrooms two years ago. The "sweet" solution worked brilliantly, as she's seen no signs of carpenter ants crawling around for the past year.
Aspartame may be just the thing for getting rid of fire ants (impervious to many poisons) too, although this solution takes a bit more effort. Initially, fire ants ignored their aspartame treat until a light rain moistened it. After the rain, however, the fire ants came back with a vengeance, taking the aspartame back to the mound by the hundreds. Within two days, any evidence that fire ants existed at all, save for an empty mound, vanished.
No mystery aspartame works like a pesticide, as the asparctic acid contained in this toxic product is a well-documented excitotoxin that causes specific brain cells to become excessively excited to the point they quickly die, just as both kinds of ants did.
Makes you wonder if aspartame is a far safer, better alternative to getting rid of lawn and home pests than the average toxic pesticides found at your neighborhood hardware store ...
If you ever wanted a painless way to find out all the dangers of aspartame you will certainly want to view Sweet Misery. If you are a natural health care practitioner you might want to consider showing this in your reception area.
Idaho Observer June 2006 (I copied and pasted this from Mercola.com)
Already aware of aspartame's origins as a toxic chemical, a health-conscious consumer with an ant problem emptied one packet of aspartame in the corner of each of her bathrooms two years ago. The "sweet" solution worked brilliantly, as she's seen no signs of carpenter ants crawling around for the past year.
Aspartame may be just the thing for getting rid of fire ants (impervious to many poisons) too, although this solution takes a bit more effort. Initially, fire ants ignored their aspartame treat until a light rain moistened it. After the rain, however, the fire ants came back with a vengeance, taking the aspartame back to the mound by the hundreds. Within two days, any evidence that fire ants existed at all, save for an empty mound, vanished.
No mystery aspartame works like a pesticide, as the asparctic acid contained in this toxic product is a well-documented excitotoxin that causes specific brain cells to become excessively excited to the point they quickly die, just as both kinds of ants did.
Makes you wonder if aspartame is a far safer, better alternative to getting rid of lawn and home pests than the average toxic pesticides found at your neighborhood hardware store ...
If you ever wanted a painless way to find out all the dangers of aspartame you will certainly want to view Sweet Misery. If you are a natural health care practitioner you might want to consider showing this in your reception area.
Idaho Observer June 2006 (I copied and pasted this from Mercola.com)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Gossip
To make sure you do not gossip, ask yourself three questions regarding what you want to say. The answer has to be "yes" to all three questions.
1. Is it true?
2. Is it charitable?
3. Does the person I want to tell it to need to know?
Remember the sin of detraction is when you say something that is true, but it is not charitable to repeat as it may ruin the subjects reputation as they may have repented of what they had done or been ignorant.
1. Is it true?
2. Is it charitable?
3. Does the person I want to tell it to need to know?
Remember the sin of detraction is when you say something that is true, but it is not charitable to repeat as it may ruin the subjects reputation as they may have repented of what they had done or been ignorant.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Five Major Causes of Success in Life
by Napoleon Hill
1. Having a definite purpose, an aim, a goal
2. Consistent Self-discipline
3. Positive mental attitude
4. A commitment to excellence
5. Perseverance, never giving up
1. Having a definite purpose, an aim, a goal
2. Consistent Self-discipline
3. Positive mental attitude
4. A commitment to excellence
5. Perseverance, never giving up
Five Major Causes of Failure in Life
This is by Napoleon Hill:
1. Drifting without aim or purpose
2. Lack of self-discipline
3. A negative mental attitude
4. An acceptance of mediocrity
5. Lack of persistence
1. Drifting without aim or purpose
2. Lack of self-discipline
3. A negative mental attitude
4. An acceptance of mediocrity
5. Lack of persistence
Monday, June 12, 2006
Love
By St. Peter Julian Eymard, The Real Presence
What are the proofs of a genuine love? There is only one, its sacrifices: the sacrifices it prompts us to do and those it accepts with joy.
Love without sacrifice is but an empty name, a self-love in disguise.
What are the proofs of a genuine love? There is only one, its sacrifices: the sacrifices it prompts us to do and those it accepts with joy.
Love without sacrifice is but an empty name, a self-love in disguise.
Prayer
By St Claude
Occupy yourself with Him whom you love and bother very little about yourself.
The mere sense of the presence of God is an excellent prayer.
Go to God simply, with great confidence that His goodness will guide you.
Love and do what you will.
Occupy yourself with Him whom you love and bother very little about yourself.
The mere sense of the presence of God is an excellent prayer.
Go to God simply, with great confidence that His goodness will guide you.
Love and do what you will.
On Mortification
From The 12 Steps to Holiness by St. Alphonsus Liguori
'Except they do penance for their deeds' says Holy Scripture, 'they shall be in very great tribulation.'
'Souls that truly love God,' says St. Teresa, 'have no desire for bodily rest and indulgence.' ...by mortification may we attain great glory in Heaven.
Our present tribulations are momentary and light, but they 'work for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.'
If you, Christian soul, desire to become holy and enjoy uninterrupted peace, strive as often as you can to mortify your will. Do nothing for your own satisfaction, but everything to please God.
'Except they do penance for their deeds' says Holy Scripture, 'they shall be in very great tribulation.'
'Souls that truly love God,' says St. Teresa, 'have no desire for bodily rest and indulgence.' ...by mortification may we attain great glory in Heaven.
Our present tribulations are momentary and light, but they 'work for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.'
If you, Christian soul, desire to become holy and enjoy uninterrupted peace, strive as often as you can to mortify your will. Do nothing for your own satisfaction, but everything to please God.
Reprove with Meekness
From The 12 Steps to Holiness by St. Alphonsus Liguori
To correct emphatically is one thing; to reprove harshly is another.
But we must guard against using a angry tone which betrays an absence of self-control; this often does more harm than good.
Let meekness and gentleness predominate.
Meekness accomplishes far more than anger and bitterness.
You must endeavor to be mild and amiable to everyone, under all circumstances and at all times.
If we must answer one who offends us, let us do so with meekness. A mild answer breaketh wrath, says Holy Scripture.(Prov. 15:1)
To correct emphatically is one thing; to reprove harshly is another.
But we must guard against using a angry tone which betrays an absence of self-control; this often does more harm than good.
Let meekness and gentleness predominate.
Meekness accomplishes far more than anger and bitterness.
You must endeavor to be mild and amiable to everyone, under all circumstances and at all times.
If we must answer one who offends us, let us do so with meekness. A mild answer breaketh wrath, says Holy Scripture.(Prov. 15:1)
Sunday, June 11, 2006
factory farm milk as "organic"
ACTION ALERT: ORGANIC DAIRY REGULATION COMMENTS
WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION
ACTION ALRT
May 22, 2006
Organic Cattle Should Be Pasture Fed- Not Raised in Intensive Feedlots
Two of the largest organic dairy companies in the nation, Horizon Organic (a subsidiary of Dean Foods), a supplier to Wal-Mart and many health food stores; and Aurora Organic, a supplier of private brand name organic milk to Costco, Safeway, Giant, Wild Oats and others, are purchasing the majority of their milk from feedlot dairies where the cows have little or no access to pasture. Together, these corporations control up to 65% of the organic dairy market. A routine practice on these giant dairy feedlots, many with thousands of cows, is to continuously import calves from conventional farms, where animals have been weaned on blood, fed slaughterhouse waste and genetically engineered grains, and injected or dosed with antibiotics. Certifiers endorsing these factory farm organic products include QAI and the Colorado state department of agriculture.
Here's How Organic Consumers Can Help Put a Stop to This
The USDA has posted revisions to the National Organic Program and is seeking public comment until June 12, 2006. A portion of the revisions relate to the issue of dairy produced on factory farms being labeled as "organic." The National Organic Standards Board, which is made up of representatives of the organics industry, has proposed that organic dairy cows be required to spend at least 120 days each year on grass and that at least 30 percent of the cows' feed must come from pasture during the grazing season.
For many organic dairy farmers, having grazing standards that can be enforced are essential to protect the industry from the large corporate players in the West with large herds that offer their cows only token access to grass. The organic dairy farmers warn that by leveraging economy of scale, these large dairies can lowball prices, thus putting the livelihood of the smaller family dairies along with the more modest-sized companies and cooperatives that market their milk at risk.
Please send a message to the National Organic Program of the USDA to stop the labeling of ." To do so, please click on the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/mqvup
WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION
ACTION ALRT
May 22, 2006
Organic Cattle Should Be Pasture Fed- Not Raised in Intensive Feedlots
Two of the largest organic dairy companies in the nation, Horizon Organic (a subsidiary of Dean Foods), a supplier to Wal-Mart and many health food stores; and Aurora Organic, a supplier of private brand name organic milk to Costco, Safeway, Giant, Wild Oats and others, are purchasing the majority of their milk from feedlot dairies where the cows have little or no access to pasture. Together, these corporations control up to 65% of the organic dairy market. A routine practice on these giant dairy feedlots, many with thousands of cows, is to continuously import calves from conventional farms, where animals have been weaned on blood, fed slaughterhouse waste and genetically engineered grains, and injected or dosed with antibiotics. Certifiers endorsing these factory farm organic products include QAI and the Colorado state department of agriculture.
Here's How Organic Consumers Can Help Put a Stop to This
The USDA has posted revisions to the National Organic Program and is seeking public comment until June 12, 2006. A portion of the revisions relate to the issue of dairy produced on factory farms being labeled as "organic." The National Organic Standards Board, which is made up of representatives of the organics industry, has proposed that organic dairy cows be required to spend at least 120 days each year on grass and that at least 30 percent of the cows' feed must come from pasture during the grazing season.
For many organic dairy farmers, having grazing standards that can be enforced are essential to protect the industry from the large corporate players in the West with large herds that offer their cows only token access to grass. The organic dairy farmers warn that by leveraging economy of scale, these large dairies can lowball prices, thus putting the livelihood of the smaller family dairies along with the more modest-sized companies and cooperatives that market their milk at risk.
Please send a message to the National Organic Program of the USDA to stop the labeling of ." To do so, please click on the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/mqvup
Food Sources of Vitamin E
Virgin (Red) Palm Oil
unrefined veg. oil (olive, etc)
Butter (organic, raw if possible)
organ meats (liver and such)
grains (whole organic)
nuts (almonds, etc)
seeds (pumpkin, sesame, etc)
cold pressed unrefined nut and seed oils
lugumes
dark green leafy vegetables
pastured
one list also included the following fruits: apple, apricot, nectarine, peaches and fish and fish oil.
unrefined veg. oil (olive, etc)
Butter (organic, raw if possible)
organ meats (liver and such)
grains (whole organic)
nuts (almonds, etc)
seeds (pumpkin, sesame, etc)
cold pressed unrefined nut and seed oils
lugumes
dark green leafy vegetables
pastured
one list also included the following fruits: apple, apricot, nectarine, peaches and fish and fish oil.
GM (Genetically Modified) News
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CORN PRODUCING HERBICIDES IN YOUR GUT?
A widely cultivated variety of genetically engineered corn may be slowly poisoning American consumers. Dupont's Pioneer Liberty Link corn was bioengineered to withstand high levels of the toxic herbicide glufosinate. Enzymes in the plant actually break down the herbicide, making it less toxic to the plant, thereby allowing farmers to apply higher levels of herbicides to the plant and surrounding weeds. Scientists are now finding that enzymes in the human gut are likely "reactivating" the herbicide within our bodies. A recent study on rats found that 10% of the chemicals were reconverted back to the toxic herbicide within the digestive tract of the animal. Another study on goats found a full 30% of the herbicide was rebuilt in the gut. Glufosinate is known to cause nerve damage and is a likely endocrine disruptor. Scientists are also concerned that by reactivating the toxic chemical in the digestive tract, it is likely killing off beneficial bacteria necessary for healthy digestion.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_637.cfm
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED COTTON KILLING SHEEP AND GOATS
In India's Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh, government officials have ordered an investigation into the deaths of hundreds of sheep and goats who appear to have been poisoned by eating genetically engineered (GE) cotton. "They just became very dull and lifeless and died," said one shepherd, Pendala Venkatamma. Sheep and goats regularly graze on traditional cotton, but after 4-5 days of eating Monsanto's genetically engineered bT cotton, the animals'stomachs swelled, and they died. Although Monsanto denies its cotton could have this effect, government officials have launched a scientific investigation. "We have immediately alerted the animal husbandry department to give us the details of villages where this has happened and... their findings regarding this" said Poonam Malakondaiah, Agriculture Commissioner.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_646.cfm
A widely cultivated variety of genetically engineered corn may be slowly poisoning American consumers. Dupont's Pioneer Liberty Link corn was bioengineered to withstand high levels of the toxic herbicide glufosinate. Enzymes in the plant actually break down the herbicide, making it less toxic to the plant, thereby allowing farmers to apply higher levels of herbicides to the plant and surrounding weeds. Scientists are now finding that enzymes in the human gut are likely "reactivating" the herbicide within our bodies. A recent study on rats found that 10% of the chemicals were reconverted back to the toxic herbicide within the digestive tract of the animal. Another study on goats found a full 30% of the herbicide was rebuilt in the gut. Glufosinate is known to cause nerve damage and is a likely endocrine disruptor. Scientists are also concerned that by reactivating the toxic chemical in the digestive tract, it is likely killing off beneficial bacteria necessary for healthy digestion.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_637.cfm
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED COTTON KILLING SHEEP AND GOATS
In India's Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh, government officials have ordered an investigation into the deaths of hundreds of sheep and goats who appear to have been poisoned by eating genetically engineered (GE) cotton. "They just became very dull and lifeless and died," said one shepherd, Pendala Venkatamma. Sheep and goats regularly graze on traditional cotton, but after 4-5 days of eating Monsanto's genetically engineered bT cotton, the animals'stomachs swelled, and they died. Although Monsanto denies its cotton could have this effect, government officials have launched a scientific investigation. "We have immediately alerted the animal husbandry department to give us the details of villages where this has happened and... their findings regarding this" said Poonam Malakondaiah, Agriculture Commissioner.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_646.cfm
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Splenda Not Only In Food/Its Symptoms
Eight percent of the artificial sweetener Splenda is currently sold to pharmaceutical companies for over-the-counter cold remedies, lozenges and vitamins sold in America. The following symptoms have been noticed within a 24-hour period following consumption of Splenda products:
* Skin -- Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts). These are the most common allergic symptoms that people have.
* Lungs -- Wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath.
* Head -- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; headaches and migraines (severe headaches).
* Nose -- Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing.
* Eyes -- Red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery.
* Stomach -- Bloating, gas, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea.
* Heart -- Palpitations or fluttering.
* Joints -- Joint pains or aches.
* Neurological -- Anxiety, dizziness, spaced-out sensation, depression.
From Mercola.com
* Skin -- Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts). These are the most common allergic symptoms that people have.
* Lungs -- Wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath.
* Head -- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; headaches and migraines (severe headaches).
* Nose -- Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing.
* Eyes -- Red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery.
* Stomach -- Bloating, gas, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea.
* Heart -- Palpitations or fluttering.
* Joints -- Joint pains or aches.
* Neurological -- Anxiety, dizziness, spaced-out sensation, depression.
From Mercola.com
Saturday, May 13, 2006
The Top 4 Reasons Your Liver Gets Clogged
1. Pharmacueticals and over-the-counter drugs. One of the side effects just about every single drug is that it overloads your liver. The AMA has admitted that prescription drug side effects have now risen to become fourth leading cause of death in America. Ironically, this means that prescription drugs are now killing more people than the diseases they are supposed to be curing.
2. The hundreds of Poisons in the food you have eaten. More than 70,000 plus synthetic chemicals are in commercial use today. Of those less than 7% have been tested for adverse effects. Benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical that causes liver tumers, leukemia and other diseases of the blood is found in plastic bottles, polypropylene containers and in soda. 79% of diet sodas were contaminated with hazardous levels of benzene. Also found in food, fruits, veggies, etc are pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, preservatives, etc.
3.The toxic air you are breathing. The air inside American homes is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air and toxic fumes from common household cleaners cause cancer along with what's in your drapes, wood furniture, plastics, beds, and clothing.
4.Polluted water. Drinking tap water is toxic, but your shower leads to even greater exposure to toxic chemicals. This is because the chemicals evaporate out of the water and are then inhaled, making it even more toxic than drinking it. Plus you absorb toxins through your skin.
(This info was from a Dr. Schulze's newsletter.)
2. The hundreds of Poisons in the food you have eaten. More than 70,000 plus synthetic chemicals are in commercial use today. Of those less than 7% have been tested for adverse effects. Benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical that causes liver tumers, leukemia and other diseases of the blood is found in plastic bottles, polypropylene containers and in soda. 79% of diet sodas were contaminated with hazardous levels of benzene. Also found in food, fruits, veggies, etc are pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, preservatives, etc.
3.The toxic air you are breathing. The air inside American homes is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air and toxic fumes from common household cleaners cause cancer along with what's in your drapes, wood furniture, plastics, beds, and clothing.
4.Polluted water. Drinking tap water is toxic, but your shower leads to even greater exposure to toxic chemicals. This is because the chemicals evaporate out of the water and are then inhaled, making it even more toxic than drinking it. Plus you absorb toxins through your skin.
(This info was from a Dr. Schulze's newsletter.)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Biotin Deficiency
Eating the raw whites of eggs can cause a biotin deficiency. Signs of biotin deficiency are red around the eyes, mouth, and nose and brittle fingernails, thinning hair and or loss of color. Take biotin for a few weeks if you are deficient. Sally Fallon recommends eating raw yolks in smoothies. The best way to eat cooked eggs are over-easy or soft boiled. I have raw eggs in my egg-nog. This is fine just don't eat too many raw egg whites or save the whites and use in a cooking recipe. The whites are good for you they just need to be cooked. There is a long article on this at mercola.com.
Asthma
-vitamin E is very good. Make sure it's the correct type. Do your research.
-proper omega 3 to omega 6 ratio. Take cod liver oil, use butter, don't use canola or veg. oil or margarine etc.
-antibiotics are linked to causing asthma and allergies. Avoid them.
-tylenol may cause asthma
-polyunsatuated fats contribute to asthma
-non breast fed babies have a higher risk for asthma
-Chiropratic care can help
-pasteurized homogenized milk is bad for asthma sufferers
-Don't use anti-bacterial soap.
-exercise is beneficial and deep breathing exercises. Blow up balloons as exercise everyday.
-proper omega 3 to omega 6 ratio. Take cod liver oil, use butter, don't use canola or veg. oil or margarine etc.
-antibiotics are linked to causing asthma and allergies. Avoid them.
-tylenol may cause asthma
-polyunsatuated fats contribute to asthma
-non breast fed babies have a higher risk for asthma
-Chiropratic care can help
-pasteurized homogenized milk is bad for asthma sufferers
-Don't use anti-bacterial soap.
-exercise is beneficial and deep breathing exercises. Blow up balloons as exercise everyday.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Suffering
However great your suffering may be, consider that you have probably deserved them and that they are still far less than your guilt, since you have so often deserved hell. The time of suffering is the most precious time of all; spend it, not in complaining, but in eliciting acts of conformity with the will of God. Kneel down at the Redeemer's feet; lovingly kiss His sacred wounds, unite your sufferings with His and say at last: Lord, do not spare me here, but be merciful to me in the next world.
Always receive with thanksgiving the little crosses that God sends you. All punishments in this world are genuine acts of mercy.
[This is from The Gift of Self to God by Fr. Nicholas Grou, S.J.]
Always receive with thanksgiving the little crosses that God sends you. All punishments in this world are genuine acts of mercy.
[This is from The Gift of Self to God by Fr. Nicholas Grou, S.J.]
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Master Cleanse
The Master Cleanse
· Is a 10-40 day liquid only diet that dissolves and eliminates toxins and congestion that have built up and been stored throughout areas of the body.
· Frees up energy within the body (since the body normally uses 35% or more of its energy to digest food, which can now be used to release toxins and rejuvenate the body.)
· Cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system
· Purifies the glands and cells throughout the entire body
· Eliminates unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles
· Builds a healthy blood stream, enhances the senses, and helps clear the mind
· Relieves pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels
· Helps the body increase alkalinity, better assimilate nutrients, build body tissue, fight off disease, and control weight.
· Helps treat a large amount of ailments from joint and muscle pain to headaches, ulcers, skin ailments and much more.
LEMON DRINK for your Master Cleanse
you need:
2 tablespoons FRESH squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
2 tablespoons genuine organic maple syrup, Grade B (the darker the better)*
1/10 teaspoon (a small pinch!) cayenne pepper, gradually increase (the more BTUs the better)
300 - 500 ccm (10-14 oz) pure water
In a 300ccm (10-ounce) glass (to allow for 227ccm and mixing room): 2 tablespoons fresh (and organic, if possible) lemon or lime juice (absolutely no canned or frozen juice). 2 tablespoons real (and organic, if possible) grade B or C maple syrup. (Don't use Grade A maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup. They are over-refined, which means that they are mostly refined sugars and lack essential minerals.) A small pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste). Spring or purified water, between room temperature and medium hot (but not cold) – fill to 1/4 liter (8 oz). Mix all the ingredients by thoroughly stirring or shaking, and drink. Or, in two 1 liter bottles: Juice of 3 lemons, divided equally between the two bottles (about 85ccm or 3 oz per bottle) An equal quantity of grade B or C maple syrup in each bottle (about 85 ccm or 3 oz per bottle) A pinch of cayenne in each bottle Spring or purified water (fill bottles to the top) Mix all the ingredients by thoroughly shaking; then drink throughout the day. Use fresh lemons or limes only, never canned or frozen lemon juice. Use organic and vine ripened when possible. Also, mix your lemonade fresh just before drinking. Don't mix it up in the morning for the whole day. You can, however, squeeze your lemons in the morning and measure out the 2 tablespoons when needed.
* YL Clinic says you can use Agave instead of the maple syrup. Tom Woloshyn (who studied with Stanley Burroughs himself) disagrees. Clinic says if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, use molasses. If you feel weak or have a sugar imbalance you can add a scoop of Power Meal. Or you can try Master Amino Acid Profile (MAP) for protein without any residuals or strain on the body more info here: http:/www.weightlossessentials.com/aminoacid.html
SALT WATER FLUSH:
Drink an oral salt water enema upon arising. To do this, add 2 level teaspoons of uniodized sea salt (celtic seasalt is best) to a quart of lukewarm water (the one-quart juice bottles in which most organic juices come work very well or a quart canning jar). Shake well, then drink the entire quart. It's also good to massage the colon as well. Make sure you use uniodized sea salt; regular or iodized salt will not have the same beneficial effect. This oral enema will flush out your entire digestive tract and colon from top to bottom, usually within an hour, prompting you to eliminate several times, clearing out the plaque and debris from the walls, and the parasites that have been living there.
Lemonade Drink:
Drink the lemonade mix every 1 to 2 hours. Take no other food, but do be sure to drink plenty of purified water in addition to the lemonade drink. Drink as much of this lemonade as you want, but make sure that you drink at least twelve 1/4 liter (8 oz) glasses. The lemonade contains all the vitamins and minerals you need. This can be combined with supplements for colon cleansing such as Bentonite or Psyllium Seeds. You don't have to start your fast on the morning of the first day. You can begin later in the day, even if you've already eaten. Once you begin, however, eat nothing more while you're on the fast. It's also a good idea to read Stanley Burrough's book, The Master Cleanser. Note: Diabetics, refer to the special instructions on page 19 of The Master Cleanser.
Note: Bentonite is the only product known to remove plaque from the walls of the intestine and colon. The plaque in your stool will look like egg shells on the outside of the bentonite "gel." Bentonite works most effectively when the colon is empty of food. It grabs the plaque which has been loosened by the lemon juice and the resting/fasting process. The salt water enema pushes out the bentonite gel and the plaque and debris that is stuck to it and in it. The salt water further cleanses the walls as it passes through, resulting in shiny clean walls.
Herbal Laxative:
Each evening you can drink an herbal laxative tea to help with elimination, do this right before bed time. (I don't recommend this).
GOING OFF LEMONADE FAST
Burroughs recommends a minimum of 10 days on this. You can safely do 40 days or more.
First Day: Start with 4 oz. [1/8 liter] fresh squeezed orange juice mixed with 4 oz. water. If it goes well, drink several more 8 oz. [1/4 liter] glasses of fresh orange juice during the day. Sip slowly. Dilute with water if needed.
Second Day: Drink several 8 oz. [1/4 liter] glasses of orange juice during the day -- with extra water, if needed.
In the evening make a vegetable broth (no canned soup). Use seasonal leafy and root vegetables such as: beets and beet tops, turnips and turnip greens, kale, carrots, onions, parsley, celery, potatoes, okra, one or two inds of legumes, squash, beans, a little salt, cayenne pepper and dehydrated vegetables or veg. powder may be added for flavor (no MSG or hydrolyzed protein).
Cook lightly. Drink the broth, eating only a few bites of the vegetables.
Third Day: Orange juice in the morning. At noon have some more soup with some of the vegetables. No meat, fish, eggs, bread, pastries, tea, milk, or coffee. For Dinner, have the vegetables in the soup.
Fourth Day: Orange juice or lemon and maple syrup in the morning. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts for lunch. Salad or fruit for dinner.
Fifth Day: Eat normally but no junk food, dairy, tea, coffee, white flour or white rice, heavy animal proteins. If, after eating is resumed, distress or gas occurs, go back to the lemonade diet for a few days until the system is ready for food.
(Excerpt from "Healing for the Age of Enlightenment" by Stanley Burroughs -Stanley Burroughs Master Cleanse - available through Essential Science Publishing.)
· Is a 10-40 day liquid only diet that dissolves and eliminates toxins and congestion that have built up and been stored throughout areas of the body.
· Frees up energy within the body (since the body normally uses 35% or more of its energy to digest food, which can now be used to release toxins and rejuvenate the body.)
· Cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system
· Purifies the glands and cells throughout the entire body
· Eliminates unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles
· Builds a healthy blood stream, enhances the senses, and helps clear the mind
· Relieves pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels
· Helps the body increase alkalinity, better assimilate nutrients, build body tissue, fight off disease, and control weight.
· Helps treat a large amount of ailments from joint and muscle pain to headaches, ulcers, skin ailments and much more.
LEMON DRINK for your Master Cleanse
you need:
2 tablespoons FRESH squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
2 tablespoons genuine organic maple syrup, Grade B (the darker the better)*
1/10 teaspoon (a small pinch!) cayenne pepper, gradually increase (the more BTUs the better)
300 - 500 ccm (10-14 oz) pure water
In a 300ccm (10-ounce) glass (to allow for 227ccm and mixing room): 2 tablespoons fresh (and organic, if possible) lemon or lime juice (absolutely no canned or frozen juice). 2 tablespoons real (and organic, if possible) grade B or C maple syrup. (Don't use Grade A maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup. They are over-refined, which means that they are mostly refined sugars and lack essential minerals.) A small pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste). Spring or purified water, between room temperature and medium hot (but not cold) – fill to 1/4 liter (8 oz). Mix all the ingredients by thoroughly stirring or shaking, and drink. Or, in two 1 liter bottles: Juice of 3 lemons, divided equally between the two bottles (about 85ccm or 3 oz per bottle) An equal quantity of grade B or C maple syrup in each bottle (about 85 ccm or 3 oz per bottle) A pinch of cayenne in each bottle Spring or purified water (fill bottles to the top) Mix all the ingredients by thoroughly shaking; then drink throughout the day. Use fresh lemons or limes only, never canned or frozen lemon juice. Use organic and vine ripened when possible. Also, mix your lemonade fresh just before drinking. Don't mix it up in the morning for the whole day. You can, however, squeeze your lemons in the morning and measure out the 2 tablespoons when needed.
* YL Clinic says you can use Agave instead of the maple syrup. Tom Woloshyn (who studied with Stanley Burroughs himself) disagrees. Clinic says if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, use molasses. If you feel weak or have a sugar imbalance you can add a scoop of Power Meal. Or you can try Master Amino Acid Profile (MAP) for protein without any residuals or strain on the body more info here: http:/www.weightlossessentials.com/aminoacid.html
SALT WATER FLUSH:
Drink an oral salt water enema upon arising. To do this, add 2 level teaspoons of uniodized sea salt (celtic seasalt is best) to a quart of lukewarm water (the one-quart juice bottles in which most organic juices come work very well or a quart canning jar). Shake well, then drink the entire quart. It's also good to massage the colon as well. Make sure you use uniodized sea salt; regular or iodized salt will not have the same beneficial effect. This oral enema will flush out your entire digestive tract and colon from top to bottom, usually within an hour, prompting you to eliminate several times, clearing out the plaque and debris from the walls, and the parasites that have been living there.
Lemonade Drink:
Drink the lemonade mix every 1 to 2 hours. Take no other food, but do be sure to drink plenty of purified water in addition to the lemonade drink. Drink as much of this lemonade as you want, but make sure that you drink at least twelve 1/4 liter (8 oz) glasses. The lemonade contains all the vitamins and minerals you need. This can be combined with supplements for colon cleansing such as Bentonite or Psyllium Seeds. You don't have to start your fast on the morning of the first day. You can begin later in the day, even if you've already eaten. Once you begin, however, eat nothing more while you're on the fast. It's also a good idea to read Stanley Burrough's book, The Master Cleanser. Note: Diabetics, refer to the special instructions on page 19 of The Master Cleanser.
Note: Bentonite is the only product known to remove plaque from the walls of the intestine and colon. The plaque in your stool will look like egg shells on the outside of the bentonite "gel." Bentonite works most effectively when the colon is empty of food. It grabs the plaque which has been loosened by the lemon juice and the resting/fasting process. The salt water enema pushes out the bentonite gel and the plaque and debris that is stuck to it and in it. The salt water further cleanses the walls as it passes through, resulting in shiny clean walls.
Herbal Laxative:
Each evening you can drink an herbal laxative tea to help with elimination, do this right before bed time. (I don't recommend this).
GOING OFF LEMONADE FAST
Burroughs recommends a minimum of 10 days on this. You can safely do 40 days or more.
First Day: Start with 4 oz. [1/8 liter] fresh squeezed orange juice mixed with 4 oz. water. If it goes well, drink several more 8 oz. [1/4 liter] glasses of fresh orange juice during the day. Sip slowly. Dilute with water if needed.
Second Day: Drink several 8 oz. [1/4 liter] glasses of orange juice during the day -- with extra water, if needed.
In the evening make a vegetable broth (no canned soup). Use seasonal leafy and root vegetables such as: beets and beet tops, turnips and turnip greens, kale, carrots, onions, parsley, celery, potatoes, okra, one or two inds of legumes, squash, beans, a little salt, cayenne pepper and dehydrated vegetables or veg. powder may be added for flavor (no MSG or hydrolyzed protein).
Cook lightly. Drink the broth, eating only a few bites of the vegetables.
Third Day: Orange juice in the morning. At noon have some more soup with some of the vegetables. No meat, fish, eggs, bread, pastries, tea, milk, or coffee. For Dinner, have the vegetables in the soup.
Fourth Day: Orange juice or lemon and maple syrup in the morning. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts for lunch. Salad or fruit for dinner.
Fifth Day: Eat normally but no junk food, dairy, tea, coffee, white flour or white rice, heavy animal proteins. If, after eating is resumed, distress or gas occurs, go back to the lemonade diet for a few days until the system is ready for food.
(Excerpt from "Healing for the Age of Enlightenment" by Stanley Burroughs -Stanley Burroughs Master Cleanse - available through Essential Science Publishing.)
13 Dangerous Food Additives
Propyl Gallate This preservative, used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, might cause cancer. It's used in vegetable oil, meat products, potato sticks, chicken soup base and chewing gum, and is often used with BHA and BHT (see below).
BHA and BHT Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)are used similarly to propyl gallate -- to keep fats and oils from going rancid. Used commonly in cereals, chewing gum, vegetable oil and potato chips (and also in some food packaging to preserve freshness), these additives have been found by some studies to cause cancer in rats. If a brand you commonly buy uses these additives, look for a different variety, as not all manufacturers use these preservatives.
Potassium Bromate This additive is used in breads and rolls to increase the volume and produce a fine crumb structure. Although most bromate breaks down into bromide, which is harmless, the bromate that does remain causes cancer in animals. Bromate has been banned throughout the world, except for in the United States and Japan. In California, a cancer warning would likely be required if it were used, which is why it is rarely used in that state.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many packaged foods, including soups, salad dressings, sausages, hot dogs, canned tuna, potato chips and many more. According to Dr. Russell Blaylock, an author and neurosurgeon, there is a link between sudden cardiac death, particularly in athletes, and excitotoxic damage caused by food additives like MSG and artificial sweeteners. Excitotoxins are, according to Dr. Blaylock, "A group of excitatory amino acids that can cause sensitive neurons to die." Many consumers have also personally experienced the ill effects of MSG, which leave them with a headache, nausea or vomiting after eating MSG-containing foods. To find out more about the side effects associated with MSG, as well as a complete list of which foods contain it, see our past article MSG: If it's Safe: Why do They Disguise it on the Labels?
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet) This artificial sweetener is found in Equal and NutraSweet, along with products that contain them (diet sodas and other low-cal and diet foods). This sweetener has been found to cause brain tumors in rats as far back as the 1970s, however a more recent study in 2005 found that even small doses increase the incidence of lymphomas and leukemia in rats, along with brain tumors. People who are sensitive to aspartame may also suffer from headaches, dizziness and hallucinations after consuming it.
Acesulfame-K Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener that's about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It's used in baked goods, chewing gum, gelatin desserts and soft drinks. Two rat studies have found that this substance may cause cancer, and other studies to reliably prove this additive's safety have not been conducted. Acesulfame-K also breaks down into acetoacetamide, which has been found to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits and dogs.
Olestra Olestra is a fat substitute used in crackers and potato chips, marketed under the brand name Olean. This synthetic fat is not absorbed by the body (instead it goes right through it), so it can cause diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramps and flatulence, along with other effects. Further, olestra reduces the body's ability to absorb beneficial fat-soluble nutrients, including lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene.
Sodium Nitrite (Sodium Nitrate) Sodium nitrite (or sodium nitrate) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. These additives can lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. Some studies have found a link between consuming cured meats and nitrite and cancer in humans.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil The process used to make hydrogenated vegetable oil (or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil) creates trans fats, which promote heart disease and diabetes. The Institute of Medicine has advised that consumers should eat as little trans fat as possible. You should avoid anything with these ingredients on the label, which includes some margarine, vegetable shortening, crackers, cookies, baked goods, salad dressings, bread and more. It's used because it reduces cost and increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods.
Blue 1 and Blue 2 Blue 1, used to color candy, beverages and baked goods, may cause cancer. Blue 2, found in pet food, candy and beverages, has caused brain tumors in mice.
Red 3 This food coloring is used in cherries (in fruit cocktails), baked goods and candy. It causes thyroid tumors in rats, and may cause them in humans as well.
Yellow 6 As the third most often used food coloring, yellow 6 is found in many products, including backed goods, candy, gelatin and sausages. It has been found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors, and contains small amounts of many carcinogens.
Sucralose (Splenda) See past post
This post was taken from sixwise.com titled "12 Dangerous Food Additives"
BHA and BHT Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)are used similarly to propyl gallate -- to keep fats and oils from going rancid. Used commonly in cereals, chewing gum, vegetable oil and potato chips (and also in some food packaging to preserve freshness), these additives have been found by some studies to cause cancer in rats. If a brand you commonly buy uses these additives, look for a different variety, as not all manufacturers use these preservatives.
Potassium Bromate This additive is used in breads and rolls to increase the volume and produce a fine crumb structure. Although most bromate breaks down into bromide, which is harmless, the bromate that does remain causes cancer in animals. Bromate has been banned throughout the world, except for in the United States and Japan. In California, a cancer warning would likely be required if it were used, which is why it is rarely used in that state.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many packaged foods, including soups, salad dressings, sausages, hot dogs, canned tuna, potato chips and many more. According to Dr. Russell Blaylock, an author and neurosurgeon, there is a link between sudden cardiac death, particularly in athletes, and excitotoxic damage caused by food additives like MSG and artificial sweeteners. Excitotoxins are, according to Dr. Blaylock, "A group of excitatory amino acids that can cause sensitive neurons to die." Many consumers have also personally experienced the ill effects of MSG, which leave them with a headache, nausea or vomiting after eating MSG-containing foods. To find out more about the side effects associated with MSG, as well as a complete list of which foods contain it, see our past article MSG: If it's Safe: Why do They Disguise it on the Labels?
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet) This artificial sweetener is found in Equal and NutraSweet, along with products that contain them (diet sodas and other low-cal and diet foods). This sweetener has been found to cause brain tumors in rats as far back as the 1970s, however a more recent study in 2005 found that even small doses increase the incidence of lymphomas and leukemia in rats, along with brain tumors. People who are sensitive to aspartame may also suffer from headaches, dizziness and hallucinations after consuming it.
Acesulfame-K Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener that's about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It's used in baked goods, chewing gum, gelatin desserts and soft drinks. Two rat studies have found that this substance may cause cancer, and other studies to reliably prove this additive's safety have not been conducted. Acesulfame-K also breaks down into acetoacetamide, which has been found to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits and dogs.
Olestra Olestra is a fat substitute used in crackers and potato chips, marketed under the brand name Olean. This synthetic fat is not absorbed by the body (instead it goes right through it), so it can cause diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramps and flatulence, along with other effects. Further, olestra reduces the body's ability to absorb beneficial fat-soluble nutrients, including lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene.
Sodium Nitrite (Sodium Nitrate) Sodium nitrite (or sodium nitrate) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. These additives can lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. Some studies have found a link between consuming cured meats and nitrite and cancer in humans.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil The process used to make hydrogenated vegetable oil (or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil) creates trans fats, which promote heart disease and diabetes. The Institute of Medicine has advised that consumers should eat as little trans fat as possible. You should avoid anything with these ingredients on the label, which includes some margarine, vegetable shortening, crackers, cookies, baked goods, salad dressings, bread and more. It's used because it reduces cost and increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods.
Blue 1 and Blue 2 Blue 1, used to color candy, beverages and baked goods, may cause cancer. Blue 2, found in pet food, candy and beverages, has caused brain tumors in mice.
Red 3 This food coloring is used in cherries (in fruit cocktails), baked goods and candy. It causes thyroid tumors in rats, and may cause them in humans as well.
Yellow 6 As the third most often used food coloring, yellow 6 is found in many products, including backed goods, candy, gelatin and sausages. It has been found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors, and contains small amounts of many carcinogens.
Sucralose (Splenda) See past post
This post was taken from sixwise.com titled "12 Dangerous Food Additives"
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Coconut Oil
This was taken from Mercola.com.
HISTORY: The Japanese military occupied the Philippines and other South Pacific islands, where bloody battles were being fought. The supply of coconut oil was effectively cut off from the United States. Although coconut oil had been popular both as a cooking oil and ingredient in numerous food products, the occupation continued to interrupt the supply for several long years as the war slowly dragged on. Enter good old American ingenuity (in this case, not so good for your health).Manufacturers began to develop alternative sources of cooking oils, and the polyunsaturated oils phase was born. By the time the war was over, there was a lot of money at stake in the promotion of these polyunsaturated vegetable oils. By the end of the 1950's, public opinion had turned totally against saturated fats like butter (and coconut oil). Saturated fats were blamed for raising cholesterol, and cholesterol was now viewed as the evil enemy, the culprit responsible for the steep rise in heart disease. Butter, eggs and coconut oil were out. The new vegetable oils were in ... and erroneously viewed as "heart-healthy". Coconut oil continued to be demonized by the vegetable oil industry throughout the ensuing decades. Adding insult to injury, the soybean industry began to condemn the use of tropical oils, particularly coconut oil. And I'm sure you realize the reason why -- competition ... and millions and millions of dollars. Unfortunately, the tropical oil industry, centered in poorer nations like the Philippines and Indonesia, could not afford to counter the negative propaganda spread by rich American industrial conglomerates. Science and good health took a back seat to profits, as they have on more than one occasion ...
BULLET POINTS: Reducing your risk of heart disease and your risk of cancer and degenerative diseases...
Promoting weight loss when and if you need it...
Supporting your immune system health ...
Supporting a healthy metabolism ...
Providing an immediate energy source for you ...
Helping to keep your skin healthy and prevent age-related damage ...
Supporting the proper functioning of your thyroid gland ...
Preventing infections due to harmful bacteria, viruses, yeasts and other micro-organisms
Stable enough to resist heat induced damage while it also helps you prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and even lose weight.
INTERESTING INFO: Coconut oil isn’t stored as fat but is burned for energy. Your metabolism speeds up with coconut oil so you will burn more calories each day, accelerating weight loss.
Coconut oil is comprised of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also called medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of these healthy MCFAs.
MCFAs are smaller than LCFA (long chain fatty acids). They permeate cell membranes easily, and do not require lipoproteins or special enzymes to be utilized effectively by your body.
MCFAs are easily digested, thus putting less strain on your digestive system. This is especially important for those of you with digestive or metabolic problems.
MCFAs are sent directly to your liver, where they are immediately converted into energy rather than being stored as fat.
MCFAs in coconut oil can actually stimulate your body's metabolism, leading to weight loss.
The long chain fats nearly always go to fat storage, while the MCFAs are burned for energy
Since your metabolism speeds up with coconut oil, you will burn more calories each day, accelerating weight loss (and probably your activity & energy level)
Coconut oil has often been compared to carbohydrates in its ability to be "burned" for energy. However, since insulin is not involved in the process of digesting the MCFAs in coconut oil, you won't get those carb-related spikes in your blood sugar level. This is especially good news for those of you with diabetes or other blood sugar issues.
In fact, the ability of MCFAs to be easily digested, stimulate the metabolism and turned into energy has entered the sports arena. Several studies have now shown that MCFAs enhance physical or athletic performance.
Additionally, research has demonstrated that, due to its metabolic effect, coconut oil increases the activity of the thyroid. And you've probably heard that a sluggish thyroid is one reason why some people are unable to lose weight, no matter what they do.
Besides weight loss, there are other advantages to boosting your metabolic rate. The healing process accelerates cell regeneration to replace old, worn-out or damaged cells. And your immune system functions better overall.
Incredibly, coconut oil contains the same compound—lauric acid – as mother’s milk! And lauric acid is the predominant type of MCFA found in coconut oil.
In fact a great volume of research has been done esetablishing the ability of lauric acid to fight dangerous micro-organisms – things you don’t want to deal with -- like viruses, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, parasites and molds
HOW TO USE: Whenever you fry, stir-fry or sauté veggies, eggs, poultry, fish or whatever, use coconut oil for a healthy light flavor ... Toss some coconut oil into your smoothies or juiced drinks for a burst of lauric acid ... Make your own mayonnaise with coconut oil ... Use it on your salads for a tropical flair
Coconut oil is ideal for skin care. It prevents the formation of destructive free radicals, and can prevent your skin from developing skin blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight.
HISTORY: The Japanese military occupied the Philippines and other South Pacific islands, where bloody battles were being fought. The supply of coconut oil was effectively cut off from the United States. Although coconut oil had been popular both as a cooking oil and ingredient in numerous food products, the occupation continued to interrupt the supply for several long years as the war slowly dragged on. Enter good old American ingenuity (in this case, not so good for your health).Manufacturers began to develop alternative sources of cooking oils, and the polyunsaturated oils phase was born. By the time the war was over, there was a lot of money at stake in the promotion of these polyunsaturated vegetable oils. By the end of the 1950's, public opinion had turned totally against saturated fats like butter (and coconut oil). Saturated fats were blamed for raising cholesterol, and cholesterol was now viewed as the evil enemy, the culprit responsible for the steep rise in heart disease. Butter, eggs and coconut oil were out. The new vegetable oils were in ... and erroneously viewed as "heart-healthy". Coconut oil continued to be demonized by the vegetable oil industry throughout the ensuing decades. Adding insult to injury, the soybean industry began to condemn the use of tropical oils, particularly coconut oil. And I'm sure you realize the reason why -- competition ... and millions and millions of dollars. Unfortunately, the tropical oil industry, centered in poorer nations like the Philippines and Indonesia, could not afford to counter the negative propaganda spread by rich American industrial conglomerates. Science and good health took a back seat to profits, as they have on more than one occasion ...
BULLET POINTS: Reducing your risk of heart disease and your risk of cancer and degenerative diseases...
Promoting weight loss when and if you need it...
Supporting your immune system health ...
Supporting a healthy metabolism ...
Providing an immediate energy source for you ...
Helping to keep your skin healthy and prevent age-related damage ...
Supporting the proper functioning of your thyroid gland ...
Preventing infections due to harmful bacteria, viruses, yeasts and other micro-organisms
Stable enough to resist heat induced damage while it also helps you prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and even lose weight.
INTERESTING INFO: Coconut oil isn’t stored as fat but is burned for energy. Your metabolism speeds up with coconut oil so you will burn more calories each day, accelerating weight loss.
Coconut oil is comprised of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also called medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of these healthy MCFAs.
MCFAs are smaller than LCFA (long chain fatty acids). They permeate cell membranes easily, and do not require lipoproteins or special enzymes to be utilized effectively by your body.
MCFAs are easily digested, thus putting less strain on your digestive system. This is especially important for those of you with digestive or metabolic problems.
MCFAs are sent directly to your liver, where they are immediately converted into energy rather than being stored as fat.
MCFAs in coconut oil can actually stimulate your body's metabolism, leading to weight loss.
The long chain fats nearly always go to fat storage, while the MCFAs are burned for energy
Since your metabolism speeds up with coconut oil, you will burn more calories each day, accelerating weight loss (and probably your activity & energy level)
Coconut oil has often been compared to carbohydrates in its ability to be "burned" for energy. However, since insulin is not involved in the process of digesting the MCFAs in coconut oil, you won't get those carb-related spikes in your blood sugar level. This is especially good news for those of you with diabetes or other blood sugar issues.
In fact, the ability of MCFAs to be easily digested, stimulate the metabolism and turned into energy has entered the sports arena. Several studies have now shown that MCFAs enhance physical or athletic performance.
Additionally, research has demonstrated that, due to its metabolic effect, coconut oil increases the activity of the thyroid. And you've probably heard that a sluggish thyroid is one reason why some people are unable to lose weight, no matter what they do.
Besides weight loss, there are other advantages to boosting your metabolic rate. The healing process accelerates cell regeneration to replace old, worn-out or damaged cells. And your immune system functions better overall.
Incredibly, coconut oil contains the same compound—lauric acid – as mother’s milk! And lauric acid is the predominant type of MCFA found in coconut oil.
In fact a great volume of research has been done esetablishing the ability of lauric acid to fight dangerous micro-organisms – things you don’t want to deal with -- like viruses, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, parasites and molds
HOW TO USE: Whenever you fry, stir-fry or sauté veggies, eggs, poultry, fish or whatever, use coconut oil for a healthy light flavor ... Toss some coconut oil into your smoothies or juiced drinks for a burst of lauric acid ... Make your own mayonnaise with coconut oil ... Use it on your salads for a tropical flair
Coconut oil is ideal for skin care. It prevents the formation of destructive free radicals, and can prevent your skin from developing skin blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Alkalize or Balance Your pH
Well, here is the post I've been wanting to write for a long time. Much of what is written below was taken from the article, "The Easy Way to Health", by Pearl Barrett from "Above Rubies", issue 66
Why alkalize? "Acidosis is the foundation of all diseases. It decreases energy in our cells, decreases our ability to eliminate toxins, makes us more susceptible to fatigue and illness and makes cancer cells thrive." As parasites and candida thrive in an acidic environment, an alkaline environment kills them. Acidosis also can cause chronic headaches.
How to alkalize:
LEMONS! Sqeeze fresh lemon juice in your water. Drink this with a straw as this is not good have your teeth come in contact with so much lemon. NOTE on lemons: It's one of the most alkalizing foods we can consume. They have 4x's the vit. C of oranges. They enable the liver to make more enzymes than any other food. They relieve indigestion such as heartburn, bloating, and belching. They are antiviral, antioxidant, astringent, antifungal, an immune stimulant and diuretic and a potent anti-carcinogens that prevent cancerous cells from spreading. Lemons cleanse the lymphatic system, invigorate skin tissue and increase blood flow. They counteract anxiety and depression, drain excess water retention and reduce uric acid which is responsible for arthritis and gout. They lower cholestrol. Their high mineral content is one reason why they are so alkalizing. They contain 48% potassium which nourish the teeth and bones. It is important to consume lemons while pregnant for strong bones for the baby.
After lemons and watermelon, the next most alkalizing foods are greens. Tabouli is great for this as it has parsley and lemons in it. If you are into supplements alfalfa is cheap and full of vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium and natures best source for vit K which helps protect against osteoporosis. It is a great source of chlorophyll and is up to 50% protein(?). [There is some controversy as to whether or not alfalfa is good for you.]
Eat millet. It is highly alkaline and inexpensive. You can use it like oatmeal for breakfast with fruit and syrup (100% maple) or like rice with any dish. Millet has the highest calcium of all the grains and is rich in B vitamins. The only other alkalizing grains are buckwheat and quinoa.
The most important thing to do is avoid all sugar and refined foods. These are extremely acid forming. The highest is artificial sweetners. Not all acid forming foods are bad. Meat and cheese are acid forming. Most nuts are acid forming, except almonds and Brazil nuts but all nuts are still beneficial in their raw state. Cold pressed olive oil is alkaline. Almost all raw and dried fruits and raw and steamed veggies are alkaline. Juicing is a great way to alkalize. Maple syrup and honey are alkaline, but use them in moderation.
A woman's menstrual cycle often has an effect on her pH level where she becomes more acidic during it, which can cause headaches.
Why alkalize? "Acidosis is the foundation of all diseases. It decreases energy in our cells, decreases our ability to eliminate toxins, makes us more susceptible to fatigue and illness and makes cancer cells thrive." As parasites and candida thrive in an acidic environment, an alkaline environment kills them. Acidosis also can cause chronic headaches.
How to alkalize:
LEMONS! Sqeeze fresh lemon juice in your water. Drink this with a straw as this is not good have your teeth come in contact with so much lemon. NOTE on lemons: It's one of the most alkalizing foods we can consume. They have 4x's the vit. C of oranges. They enable the liver to make more enzymes than any other food. They relieve indigestion such as heartburn, bloating, and belching. They are antiviral, antioxidant, astringent, antifungal, an immune stimulant and diuretic and a potent anti-carcinogens that prevent cancerous cells from spreading. Lemons cleanse the lymphatic system, invigorate skin tissue and increase blood flow. They counteract anxiety and depression, drain excess water retention and reduce uric acid which is responsible for arthritis and gout. They lower cholestrol. Their high mineral content is one reason why they are so alkalizing. They contain 48% potassium which nourish the teeth and bones. It is important to consume lemons while pregnant for strong bones for the baby.
After lemons and watermelon, the next most alkalizing foods are greens. Tabouli is great for this as it has parsley and lemons in it. If you are into supplements alfalfa is cheap and full of vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium and natures best source for vit K which helps protect against osteoporosis. It is a great source of chlorophyll and is up to 50% protein(?). [There is some controversy as to whether or not alfalfa is good for you.]
Eat millet. It is highly alkaline and inexpensive. You can use it like oatmeal for breakfast with fruit and syrup (100% maple) or like rice with any dish. Millet has the highest calcium of all the grains and is rich in B vitamins. The only other alkalizing grains are buckwheat and quinoa.
The most important thing to do is avoid all sugar and refined foods. These are extremely acid forming. The highest is artificial sweetners. Not all acid forming foods are bad. Meat and cheese are acid forming. Most nuts are acid forming, except almonds and Brazil nuts but all nuts are still beneficial in their raw state. Cold pressed olive oil is alkaline. Almost all raw and dried fruits and raw and steamed veggies are alkaline. Juicing is a great way to alkalize. Maple syrup and honey are alkaline, but use them in moderation.
A woman's menstrual cycle often has an effect on her pH level where she becomes more acidic during it, which can cause headaches.
Red Palm Oil (Virgin Palm Oil)
Taken from the article, "I Love Fat", written by Serene Allison from Above Rubies, issue 66.
-Rich "in natural carotenoids, tocoplerols and tocotrienols which are powerful super antioxidents."
-"...Richest source of tocotienols which are not found in any other vegetable oil." "Tocotrienols inhibit the proliferation and growth of human breast cancer cells in culture. Gamma tocotrienol is three times more potent in stopping the growth of breast cancer cells than tamoxifen, a drug widely used in the treatment of this cancer."
-"...prevents cancer and stops the growth of existing cancer cells."
-"It is naturally rich in vitamin E for a healthy heart"
-"Red palm oil is a must for stroke victims and for those who have a family history of this problem. It keeps the blood thin and free flowing. This miracle "cure all" actually dissolves dangerous arterial plaque that can lead to heart attack. ...78% of arterial plaque is oxidized fat, stuck there by our modern diet filled with bad trans fats"
-"The antioxidants in red palm oil act as scavengers. They prevent and eat up the free radicals that are the instigators of most our modern diseases-Alzheimer's, senility, rheumatism, heart attacks, arthritis, asthma, Parkinson's disease, cancer, spinal muscular atrophy, macular degeneration, and stroke.
-"It can make you slender! It can trim body fat by 27 percent. Research shows it can melt off those stubborn pounds. 'The secret is palmolein, a compound in red palm oil that hepls your liver break down sugar for energy before it can be stored as fat,' expalins nutrition researcher, K.C. Hayes, Ph.D."
-"Reduces risk of diabetes by a whopping 58%.
Naturally rich in retinal for great vision.
High in essential fatty acids.
Rich in beta carotenes-15x's more than a carrot and 300x's more than tomatoes.
Prevents aging.
Easy to digest and absorb.
Excellent source of energy.
Safe for cooking" ("Research revealed that cooking with red palm oil, even at high temperatures showed no adverse affects on blood lipids.")
"Resistant to rancidity."
-Rich "in natural carotenoids, tocoplerols and tocotrienols which are powerful super antioxidents."
-"...Richest source of tocotienols which are not found in any other vegetable oil." "Tocotrienols inhibit the proliferation and growth of human breast cancer cells in culture. Gamma tocotrienol is three times more potent in stopping the growth of breast cancer cells than tamoxifen, a drug widely used in the treatment of this cancer."
-"...prevents cancer and stops the growth of existing cancer cells."
-"It is naturally rich in vitamin E for a healthy heart"
-"Red palm oil is a must for stroke victims and for those who have a family history of this problem. It keeps the blood thin and free flowing. This miracle "cure all" actually dissolves dangerous arterial plaque that can lead to heart attack. ...78% of arterial plaque is oxidized fat, stuck there by our modern diet filled with bad trans fats"
-"The antioxidants in red palm oil act as scavengers. They prevent and eat up the free radicals that are the instigators of most our modern diseases-Alzheimer's, senility, rheumatism, heart attacks, arthritis, asthma, Parkinson's disease, cancer, spinal muscular atrophy, macular degeneration, and stroke.
-"It can make you slender! It can trim body fat by 27 percent. Research shows it can melt off those stubborn pounds. 'The secret is palmolein, a compound in red palm oil that hepls your liver break down sugar for energy before it can be stored as fat,' expalins nutrition researcher, K.C. Hayes, Ph.D."
-"Reduces risk of diabetes by a whopping 58%.
Naturally rich in retinal for great vision.
High in essential fatty acids.
Rich in beta carotenes-15x's more than a carrot and 300x's more than tomatoes.
Prevents aging.
Easy to digest and absorb.
Excellent source of energy.
Safe for cooking" ("Research revealed that cooking with red palm oil, even at high temperatures showed no adverse affects on blood lipids.")
"Resistant to rancidity."
Monday, March 20, 2006
Coffee (Revised 3/29/06)
Below are some bullet points on coffee. Much of it is conflicting. I suggest you go to Mercola.com and westonaprice.org and do the research. Many of the "pros" listed below are suspect.
PROS
-A lower risk of type 2 diabetes
-A reduced risk of gallstones
-A lower risk of colon cancer
-Improved cognitive function
-A reduced risk of liver damage in people at high risk of liver disease
-A reduced risk of Parkinson's disease
-Improved endurance performance in long-duration physical activities
-Have an 80 percent lower risk of Parkinson's disease
-A 25 percent reduced risk of colon cancer
-An 80 percent lower risk of liver cirrhosis
-A 50 percent lower risk of gallstones
-A lower risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis
-Finally, coffee has also been found to benefit asthma, headaches and mood and prevent cavities.
CONS
-caffeine always raises blood pressure.
-Worsening of PMS symptoms in some women
-Reducing fertility in women while trying to conceive
-Insomnia, anxiety and irritability
-Heartburn and indigestion
-An increased risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
-A possible increase in the risk of heart disease (studies are conflicting)
-Another recent study of more than 3,000 coffee drinkers in Greece found that coffee drinkers had higher levels of inflammatory substances in their blood than non-coffee drinkers. Inflammatory substances have been linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke.
-While fast caffeine metabolizers who drank coffee showed a reduced risk for heart disease, "slow caffeine metabolizers" who drank two or more cups of coffee a day:
Were at least 36 percent more likely to have a non-fatal heart attack than those who drank little or no coffee and were more at risk if under the age of 50. This group was up to four times more likely to have a heart attack. There currently is no way to tell whether or not you're a slow metabolizer of caffeine, so what's the answer?
PROS
-A lower risk of type 2 diabetes
-A reduced risk of gallstones
-A lower risk of colon cancer
-Improved cognitive function
-A reduced risk of liver damage in people at high risk of liver disease
-A reduced risk of Parkinson's disease
-Improved endurance performance in long-duration physical activities
-Have an 80 percent lower risk of Parkinson's disease
-A 25 percent reduced risk of colon cancer
-An 80 percent lower risk of liver cirrhosis
-A 50 percent lower risk of gallstones
-A lower risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis
-Finally, coffee has also been found to benefit asthma, headaches and mood and prevent cavities.
CONS
-caffeine always raises blood pressure.
-Worsening of PMS symptoms in some women
-Reducing fertility in women while trying to conceive
-Insomnia, anxiety and irritability
-Heartburn and indigestion
-An increased risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
-A possible increase in the risk of heart disease (studies are conflicting)
-Another recent study of more than 3,000 coffee drinkers in Greece found that coffee drinkers had higher levels of inflammatory substances in their blood than non-coffee drinkers. Inflammatory substances have been linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke.
-While fast caffeine metabolizers who drank coffee showed a reduced risk for heart disease, "slow caffeine metabolizers" who drank two or more cups of coffee a day:
Were at least 36 percent more likely to have a non-fatal heart attack than those who drank little or no coffee and were more at risk if under the age of 50. This group was up to four times more likely to have a heart attack. There currently is no way to tell whether or not you're a slow metabolizer of caffeine, so what's the answer?
Friday, March 10, 2006
Hurrying
The following excerpts were taken from an article by Rev. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, that was written several years ago.
Hurrying:
-Robs us of the simple capacity to be in the moment.
-Can constitute an obstacle to spiritual growth and holiness.
-Is a form of violence exercised upon time, an attempt , as it were, to make God's time our own, our private property.
-We exercise a form of greed and gluttony.
God didn’t make a mistake in creating time. He made enough of it.
When we hurry too much and for too long we end up doing violence to time, to ourselves and to our blood pressure.
Hurrying:
-Robs us of the simple capacity to be in the moment.
-Can constitute an obstacle to spiritual growth and holiness.
-Is a form of violence exercised upon time, an attempt , as it were, to make God's time our own, our private property.
-We exercise a form of greed and gluttony.
God didn’t make a mistake in creating time. He made enough of it.
When we hurry too much and for too long we end up doing violence to time, to ourselves and to our blood pressure.
Essential Oils
-Essential oils contain trace elements of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, and antifungal, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, and immune-stimulating properties.
-The chemical structure of essential oils can penetrate the cell membrane and transport oxygen and nutrients into the cell.
-Essential oils support the immune system inhaled or topically applied. They can also be taken internally if it is theraputic grade. [Young Living is the only brand I know for sure that is theraputic grade.]
-Essential oils increase ozone, negative ions and atmospheric oxygen, which inhibit bacterial growth, promotes healing, purifies the air, and destroys odors from mold, cigarettes, animals, etc.
-Essential oils can make chemicals non-toxic by fracturing their molecular chain structure.
-Essential oils work as natural chelators, bonding to metallics and chemicals ferrying them out of the body.
-Diffused essential oils work as an outstanding air filtration system, helping to remove dust particles from the air.
-Essential oils do not accumulate in the body; they are metabolized in the cells like other nutrients.
-Essential oils have frequencies that promote health and fight disease. The average frequency of a healthy human body is 62-72 Hz. If the frequency drops to 58 Hz cold and flu symptoms appear; 55 Hz, diseases like Candida take hold; 52 Hz, Epstein Bar; and 42 Hz, Cancer. Processed foods have a frequency of zero.
-Essential oils create an environment where disease, bacteria and viruses cannot live.
This information was taken from a handout written by Dr. Gary Young, N.D.
-The chemical structure of essential oils can penetrate the cell membrane and transport oxygen and nutrients into the cell.
-Essential oils support the immune system inhaled or topically applied. They can also be taken internally if it is theraputic grade. [Young Living is the only brand I know for sure that is theraputic grade.]
-Essential oils increase ozone, negative ions and atmospheric oxygen, which inhibit bacterial growth, promotes healing, purifies the air, and destroys odors from mold, cigarettes, animals, etc.
-Essential oils can make chemicals non-toxic by fracturing their molecular chain structure.
-Essential oils work as natural chelators, bonding to metallics and chemicals ferrying them out of the body.
-Diffused essential oils work as an outstanding air filtration system, helping to remove dust particles from the air.
-Essential oils do not accumulate in the body; they are metabolized in the cells like other nutrients.
-Essential oils have frequencies that promote health and fight disease. The average frequency of a healthy human body is 62-72 Hz. If the frequency drops to 58 Hz cold and flu symptoms appear; 55 Hz, diseases like Candida take hold; 52 Hz, Epstein Bar; and 42 Hz, Cancer. Processed foods have a frequency of zero.
-Essential oils create an environment where disease, bacteria and viruses cannot live.
This information was taken from a handout written by Dr. Gary Young, N.D.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Fluoride Facts
-Fluoride is the active ingredient in Prozac and many other tranquilizers and deadly nerve gas (Sarin). The first places ever fluoridated were Nazi concentration camps in WWII to control prisoner behavior.
-After earlier experiments and studies, 98% of Europe in now non-fluoridated. Interestingly, while only 9% of England is fluoridated, they force all of Northern Ireland to be fluoridated.
-Most commercial water filters cannot remove fluoride from water. Reverse osmosis works but is quickly ruined by the corrosive nature of fluoride.
-The American Academy of Pediatric dentistry has no proof of fluoride safety or effectiveness.
-Fluoride causes fluorosis (mottled, brittle teeth prone to fracture).
-Fluoride is the only chemical added to U.S. municipal water that is used to mass medicate, rather than render water safe to drink.
-Fluoride is cancer causing in rats, mice, and humans.
-The type of fluoride added to water is hazardous waste by-product of aluminum, uranium, and phosphate fertilizer industries.
-Hip fracture rates are much higher in fluoridated communities.
-Recent large-scale studies in U.S., Australia, and Canada show no difference in decay rates of permanent teeth in fluoridated and non-fluoridated water.
-Fluoride is more toxic than lead even in minute doses. It accumulates in and damages the brain/mind development of children, produces abnormal behavior in animals, and reduces human I.Q.
This was given to me by my Young Living sponsor.
-After earlier experiments and studies, 98% of Europe in now non-fluoridated. Interestingly, while only 9% of England is fluoridated, they force all of Northern Ireland to be fluoridated.
-Most commercial water filters cannot remove fluoride from water. Reverse osmosis works but is quickly ruined by the corrosive nature of fluoride.
-The American Academy of Pediatric dentistry has no proof of fluoride safety or effectiveness.
-Fluoride causes fluorosis (mottled, brittle teeth prone to fracture).
-Fluoride is the only chemical added to U.S. municipal water that is used to mass medicate, rather than render water safe to drink.
-Fluoride is cancer causing in rats, mice, and humans.
-The type of fluoride added to water is hazardous waste by-product of aluminum, uranium, and phosphate fertilizer industries.
-Hip fracture rates are much higher in fluoridated communities.
-Recent large-scale studies in U.S., Australia, and Canada show no difference in decay rates of permanent teeth in fluoridated and non-fluoridated water.
-Fluoride is more toxic than lead even in minute doses. It accumulates in and damages the brain/mind development of children, produces abnormal behavior in animals, and reduces human I.Q.
This was given to me by my Young Living sponsor.
Arthritis and/or Inflammation/ Pain
1. Most important: eliminate sugar and grains from your diet. This has been proven to give amazing relief.
2. Take ginger. This has pain relief and stomach-settling properties. Eating fresh is best: add to salad, grate on main dishes, or add to fresh vegetable juice. Or you can steep grated fresh ginger in boiling water for ten minutes.
3. Take Boswellia, "Indian frankincense". This has an active anti-inflammation ingredient boswellic acid. This has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation.
4. Take fish oils not only for its anti-inflammatory properties, but because it is so important for your cells and your general well being and health.
5. Eat animal based omega 3 fats. Reduce your intake of omega 6. The ratio should be 1:1.
6. Eat fresh pineapple for its Bromelain. You can also take this in supplement form.
7. Take either Evening Primrose oil, Black Currant oil, or Borage oil. BTW dry skin in winter shows a deficiency of that these oils will help correct.
8. Cayenne cream (Capsicum cream) helps by depleting the body's supply of substance P, a chemical component of nerve cells that transmits pain signals to the brain. This is just for immediate pain relief.
9. Epsom salt baths. 2 cups of Epsom salt in a bath as hot as you can stand it for 20 minutes. Don't do this if you are a male and your wife is of child bearing age this could make you sterile, not the Epsom salt, but the temperature of the hot water.
2. Take ginger. This has pain relief and stomach-settling properties. Eating fresh is best: add to salad, grate on main dishes, or add to fresh vegetable juice. Or you can steep grated fresh ginger in boiling water for ten minutes.
3. Take Boswellia, "Indian frankincense". This has an active anti-inflammation ingredient boswellic acid. This has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation.
4. Take fish oils not only for its anti-inflammatory properties, but because it is so important for your cells and your general well being and health.
5. Eat animal based omega 3 fats. Reduce your intake of omega 6. The ratio should be 1:1.
6. Eat fresh pineapple for its Bromelain. You can also take this in supplement form.
7. Take either Evening Primrose oil, Black Currant oil, or Borage oil. BTW dry skin in winter shows a deficiency of that these oils will help correct.
8. Cayenne cream (Capsicum cream) helps by depleting the body's supply of substance P, a chemical component of nerve cells that transmits pain signals to the brain. This is just for immediate pain relief.
9. Epsom salt baths. 2 cups of Epsom salt in a bath as hot as you can stand it for 20 minutes. Don't do this if you are a male and your wife is of child bearing age this could make you sterile, not the Epsom salt, but the temperature of the hot water.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Eggs
'[Eggs] are an inexpensive nutrition powerhouse containing high quality protein, 13 essential vitamins and minerals including folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and nutritive compounds - all within a 70-calorie package'
Ten eggs a day would make your arteries cleaner and sharpen your memory too. (NOTE: Be sure to include those yummy yellow yolks, because that's where all the goodness is!) And eggs are just the first in a long list of 'forbidden foods' that you can and should start enjoying again... Egg-eaters have a much lower rate of heart attacks and strokes than egg-avoiders. Much preferred are egggs from pastured raised chickens, they have the proper omega 3 to omega 6 ratio of 1-1. Conventionally raised eggs have 1-19. Although pasture raised chickens are superior, eating conventionally raised eggs is still better for you than not eating eggs.
Most of this was taken from ...?
Ten eggs a day would make your arteries cleaner and sharpen your memory too. (NOTE: Be sure to include those yummy yellow yolks, because that's where all the goodness is!) And eggs are just the first in a long list of 'forbidden foods' that you can and should start enjoying again... Egg-eaters have a much lower rate of heart attacks and strokes than egg-avoiders. Much preferred are egggs from pastured raised chickens, they have the proper omega 3 to omega 6 ratio of 1-1. Conventionally raised eggs have 1-19. Although pasture raised chickens are superior, eating conventionally raised eggs is still better for you than not eating eggs.
Most of this was taken from ...?
How to Iron a Shirt
Iron the collar and cuffs first then the sleeves. Next start at the buttons or buttons holes and go around till you get to the other side. finally touch up the shoulders.
Kidney-Bladder Flush
Here is an easy kidney-bladder flush recipe. I don't remember if it's the best one or not, but it can only help. In a glass quart jar put the juice of one lemon and one lime or 2 T of fresh lemon juice per 10oz of water some cayenne pepper (1/10 t.) and some organic 100% maple syrup to taste(2 T). Then add pure water (I use R/O water, spring is good too) to fill the jar and shake and drink all at once or throughout the day. Acctually, this is a well known "Master Cleanse" done for 10-40 days. this is basically all you consume (at least 60 oz a day) with the exception of a quart of lukewarm water with two level teaspoons of celtic seasalt in the morning.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Splenda's Sour Side Effects
from Mercola.com:
Splenda's Sour Side Effects
* Shrunken thymus glands (up to 40 percent shrinkage)
* Enlarged liver and kidneys
* Atrophy of lymph follicles in the spleen and thymus
* Reduced growth rate
* Decreased red blood cell count
* Diarrhea
Please read the article below if you or someone you know eats splenda.
http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm#
Splenda's Sour Side Effects
* Shrunken thymus glands (up to 40 percent shrinkage)
* Enlarged liver and kidneys
* Atrophy of lymph follicles in the spleen and thymus
* Reduced growth rate
* Decreased red blood cell count
* Diarrhea
Please read the article below if you or someone you know eats splenda.
http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm#
Tylenol Most Common Cause of Liver Failure
From Mercola's blog:
TylenolAcetaminophen poisoning is now the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Attempted suicides account for many cases, but almost half are the result of unintentional overdose.
Some 36 percent of Americans take acetaminophen at least once a month, making it the most widely used pain reliever in the United States. Taking more than the recommended dose, however, can lead to fatal liver injury.
And those who had unintentionally taken overdoses usually have even worse outcomes than those who has done so intentionally, since unintentional overdoses are usually not recognized as such immediately.
Researchers examined the case histories of almost 700 liver-failure patients over a six-year period. They found that:
* Cases of acute liver failure blamed on acetaminophen use rose sharply from 28 percent in 1998 to 51 percent five years later.
* More patients overdosed unintentionally on acetaminophen (48 percent) than did so intentionally (44 percent)
* Sixty-three percent who accidentally overdosed used a prescription acetaminophen compound while 38 percent had been taking two acetaminophen meds at the same time.
* Some patients had been taking less than 4 grams of acetaminophen daily before their livers failed.
The data suggests that consistent use of as little as 7.5 grams of acetaminophen a day may be hazardous. Rather than resulting in chronic illness, acetaminophen injury has a threshold of safety that, when exceeded, can have immediate and devastating results.
What Tylenol Does To Our Environment
Even an over-the-counter drug like acetaminophen -- the most widely used pain reliever in America -- can become toxic when combined with chlorine, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
When acetaminophen is combined with chlorine during the disinfection process, it forms a minimum of 11 new products, two of which are toxic. Makes sense, considering acetaminophen is one of the more widely detected man-made chemicals in the environment, according to a study of 139 streams by the U.S. Geological Survey.
All the more reason to ensure the water you're drinking is clean and pass up acetaminophen for safer, healthier options.
TylenolAcetaminophen poisoning is now the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Attempted suicides account for many cases, but almost half are the result of unintentional overdose.
Some 36 percent of Americans take acetaminophen at least once a month, making it the most widely used pain reliever in the United States. Taking more than the recommended dose, however, can lead to fatal liver injury.
And those who had unintentionally taken overdoses usually have even worse outcomes than those who has done so intentionally, since unintentional overdoses are usually not recognized as such immediately.
Researchers examined the case histories of almost 700 liver-failure patients over a six-year period. They found that:
* Cases of acute liver failure blamed on acetaminophen use rose sharply from 28 percent in 1998 to 51 percent five years later.
* More patients overdosed unintentionally on acetaminophen (48 percent) than did so intentionally (44 percent)
* Sixty-three percent who accidentally overdosed used a prescription acetaminophen compound while 38 percent had been taking two acetaminophen meds at the same time.
* Some patients had been taking less than 4 grams of acetaminophen daily before their livers failed.
The data suggests that consistent use of as little as 7.5 grams of acetaminophen a day may be hazardous. Rather than resulting in chronic illness, acetaminophen injury has a threshold of safety that, when exceeded, can have immediate and devastating results.
What Tylenol Does To Our Environment
Even an over-the-counter drug like acetaminophen -- the most widely used pain reliever in America -- can become toxic when combined with chlorine, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
When acetaminophen is combined with chlorine during the disinfection process, it forms a minimum of 11 new products, two of which are toxic. Makes sense, considering acetaminophen is one of the more widely detected man-made chemicals in the environment, according to a study of 139 streams by the U.S. Geological Survey.
All the more reason to ensure the water you're drinking is clean and pass up acetaminophen for safer, healthier options.
Olestra in "Light" Chips
From Mercola's blog:
You may remember an article I wrote a little over a year ago warning against the dangers of olestra and Frito Lay's blatant deception in changing their "Wow" chips to "Light" chips. Now a consumer group is demanding they put warning labels on chips with the dangerous fat substitute.
The group is speaking out after a Massachusetts woman's lawsuit and over 20,000 consumer complaints. After eating the fake fat, she experienced stomach cramps and bathroom ugency. Olestra can also cause:
* Decreased absorption and blood levels of fat soluble nutrients
* Significant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including diarrhea, loose stools and more severe GI effects
* Increased risk of dehydration due to greater water loss through diarrhea
Frito-Lay, however, still claims warning labels aren't needed, one spokesman even referred to them as "extremely safe and well tested." Outrageous! And unfortunately, just one of many fake health foods confusing consumers.
You may remember an article I wrote a little over a year ago warning against the dangers of olestra and Frito Lay's blatant deception in changing their "Wow" chips to "Light" chips. Now a consumer group is demanding they put warning labels on chips with the dangerous fat substitute.
The group is speaking out after a Massachusetts woman's lawsuit and over 20,000 consumer complaints. After eating the fake fat, she experienced stomach cramps and bathroom ugency. Olestra can also cause:
* Decreased absorption and blood levels of fat soluble nutrients
* Significant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including diarrhea, loose stools and more severe GI effects
* Increased risk of dehydration due to greater water loss through diarrhea
Frito-Lay, however, still claims warning labels aren't needed, one spokesman even referred to them as "extremely safe and well tested." Outrageous! And unfortunately, just one of many fake health foods confusing consumers.
Soy Update
From Mercola's blog:
A recent study indicated that mice carrying a genetic mutation linked to altered heart growth and function in humans had markedly worsened heart problems when fed a soy diet as opposed to a soy-free (milk protein-based) diet.
The harmful effects of a soy-diet have been attributed to the presence of phytoestrogens, plant-derived estrogen-like compounds that interact with the estrogen receptor. The research revealed substantial growth (hypertrophy) of the heart of male mice fed a soy-based diet.
I have long stressed the ultra-damaging effects of soy. It is not a health food, an answer to world hunger, a disease-preventative or even safe. It is an agent that causes:
* Malnutrition
* Digestive distress
* Immune-system breakdown
* Thyroid dysfunction
* Cognitive decline
* Reproductive disorders
* Infertility
* Cancer
* Heart disease
A recent study indicated that mice carrying a genetic mutation linked to altered heart growth and function in humans had markedly worsened heart problems when fed a soy diet as opposed to a soy-free (milk protein-based) diet.
The harmful effects of a soy-diet have been attributed to the presence of phytoestrogens, plant-derived estrogen-like compounds that interact with the estrogen receptor. The research revealed substantial growth (hypertrophy) of the heart of male mice fed a soy-based diet.
I have long stressed the ultra-damaging effects of soy. It is not a health food, an answer to world hunger, a disease-preventative or even safe. It is an agent that causes:
* Malnutrition
* Digestive distress
* Immune-system breakdown
* Thyroid dysfunction
* Cognitive decline
* Reproductive disorders
* Infertility
* Cancer
* Heart disease
Discernment of Spirits
First find out what the Church teaches regarding it. If there is still ambiguity consider the following:
1. The devil never impels to virtue; nature usually inclines to the convenient and easy.
2. Does this thing I want to do conform to my state in life?
3. The devil agitates and fills with restlessness; God gives peace to the heart.
4. Humble obedience to our superiors.
5. What does my Spiritual Director say about this?
These were from a hand-out at a day of recollection. These are some things to consider when making a decision. Always pray when making a decision. If it is a small decision say a 'Hail Mary' if it is a life altering decision you may need to make a retreat to hear God's will for you and say many Rosaries.
The following link is to a chapter on discernment of spirits in Fr. Hardon's book on the Spiritual Exercises. It is much more detailed.
http://www.therealpresence.org/archives/Christian_Spirituality/Christian_Spirituality_030.htm
1. The devil never impels to virtue; nature usually inclines to the convenient and easy.
2. Does this thing I want to do conform to my state in life?
3. The devil agitates and fills with restlessness; God gives peace to the heart.
4. Humble obedience to our superiors.
5. What does my Spiritual Director say about this?
These were from a hand-out at a day of recollection. These are some things to consider when making a decision. Always pray when making a decision. If it is a small decision say a 'Hail Mary' if it is a life altering decision you may need to make a retreat to hear God's will for you and say many Rosaries.
The following link is to a chapter on discernment of spirits in Fr. Hardon's book on the Spiritual Exercises. It is much more detailed.
http://www.therealpresence.org/archives/Christian_Spirituality/Christian_Spirituality_030.htm
A Great Source of Calcium
Unhulled sesame seeds are incredibly rich in calcium and are one of the highest sources of bio-available calcium. They are also a rich source of minerals and are packed with vitamin E, which strengthens the vascular and nervous system. They are also very alkalizing. They are good to throw into smoothies. They probably should be soaked first, over night or for at least seven hours. If you do it too long they get bitter.
A very easy snack recipe is to grind sesame seeds (when dry) in a coffee grinder till you hear the motor slow down, it will be just about a paste consistancy. Mix with raw honey, organic coconut oil and cinnamon. Roll it into little balls, keep in the refrigerator or freezer (if you won't eat them in a day or two). The hulled sesame seeds (whiter) aren't quite as strong in flavor or as high in calcium, but are still very high in minerals and you may prefer the taste. I just made a batch with unhulled organic seeds it tasted very good. The honey and cinnamon are key.
This info and recipe were mainly from Rejuvenate Your Life Recipes for Energy by Serene Allison.
A very easy snack recipe is to grind sesame seeds (when dry) in a coffee grinder till you hear the motor slow down, it will be just about a paste consistancy. Mix with raw honey, organic coconut oil and cinnamon. Roll it into little balls, keep in the refrigerator or freezer (if you won't eat them in a day or two). The hulled sesame seeds (whiter) aren't quite as strong in flavor or as high in calcium, but are still very high in minerals and you may prefer the taste. I just made a batch with unhulled organic seeds it tasted very good. The honey and cinnamon are key.
This info and recipe were mainly from Rejuvenate Your Life Recipes for Energy by Serene Allison.
Monday, January 02, 2006
10 Year Old Girl Saves Lives
The Sun - UK; 01-02-2005,
PHUKET, Thailand - Quick-thinking 10-year-old Tilly Smith is being hailed as a hero after saving her parents and dozens of fellow vacationers from the deadly tsunami - thanks to a school geography lesson.
Tilly warned the doubting adults at a resort that a massive tidal wave was about to strike - just minutes before the deadly tide rushed in and turned the resort into rubble.
Tilly's family, from Surrey, England, was enjoying a day at Maikhao Beach last Sunday when the sea rushed out and began to bubble.
The adults were curious, but Tilly froze in horror. "Mummy, we must get off the beach now!" she told her mother."I think there's going to be a tsunami."
The adults didn't understand until Tilly added the magic words: "A tidal wave."
Her warning spread like wildfire. Within seconds, the beach was deserted - and it turned out to be one of the only places along the shores of Phuket where no one was killed or seriously injured.
Last night, Tilly was being hailed as a savior.
"I think it's phenomenal that Tilly's parents and the others on the beach are alive because she studied hard at school," said Craig Smith , the American manager of the JW Marriott Hotel where Tilly's family was staying.
He said a tsunami is not like you see in the movies, where a huge wave wells up on the horizon and can be seen for miles off shore. It is more like a sudden surge of water," he said. "There's very little warning. She's a hero."
Tilly shrugged off the attention and modestly said, "Last term, my geography teacher, Mr. Kearney, taught us about earthquakes and how they can cause tsunamis. "I was on the beach, and the water started to go funny. I recognized what was happening and had a feeling there was going to be a tsunami."
"When the water went back, I was like most people on the beach. I wanted to walk down and look at what was going on," she recalled. "It was only when Tilly explained what she thought was going to happen that I had second thoughts.
"We ran off the beach as fast as we could and went to the first floor of the hotel where it would be safe. Minutes later the water surged right over the beach and demolished everything in its path.
"It was terrifying to watch but I'm very proud of her."
The Sun
PHUKET, Thailand - Quick-thinking 10-year-old Tilly Smith is being hailed as a hero after saving her parents and dozens of fellow vacationers from the deadly tsunami - thanks to a school geography lesson.
Tilly warned the doubting adults at a resort that a massive tidal wave was about to strike - just minutes before the deadly tide rushed in and turned the resort into rubble.
Tilly's family, from Surrey, England, was enjoying a day at Maikhao Beach last Sunday when the sea rushed out and began to bubble.
The adults were curious, but Tilly froze in horror. "Mummy, we must get off the beach now!" she told her mother."I think there's going to be a tsunami."
The adults didn't understand until Tilly added the magic words: "A tidal wave."
Her warning spread like wildfire. Within seconds, the beach was deserted - and it turned out to be one of the only places along the shores of Phuket where no one was killed or seriously injured.
Last night, Tilly was being hailed as a savior.
"I think it's phenomenal that Tilly's parents and the others on the beach are alive because she studied hard at school," said Craig Smith , the American manager of the JW Marriott Hotel where Tilly's family was staying.
He said a tsunami is not like you see in the movies, where a huge wave wells up on the horizon and can be seen for miles off shore. It is more like a sudden surge of water," he said. "There's very little warning. She's a hero."
Tilly shrugged off the attention and modestly said, "Last term, my geography teacher, Mr. Kearney, taught us about earthquakes and how they can cause tsunamis. "I was on the beach, and the water started to go funny. I recognized what was happening and had a feeling there was going to be a tsunami."
"When the water went back, I was like most people on the beach. I wanted to walk down and look at what was going on," she recalled. "It was only when Tilly explained what she thought was going to happen that I had second thoughts.
"We ran off the beach as fast as we could and went to the first floor of the hotel where it would be safe. Minutes later the water surged right over the beach and demolished everything in its path.
"It was terrifying to watch but I'm very proud of her."
The Sun
Happy New Year
A great New Year's resolution to help you have a happy New Year is to go to daily Mass. What better way to love our dear Lord than to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receive His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity? Satan does not want you to go to Mass. He will try every means to get you to not go. He will even use seemingly good excuses to get you to not go, and if you should go he will try to distract you while there. If you are aware of this and ask the Blessed Mother to help you to get to Mass and protect you while there you will avoid many pitfalls and be able to overcome Satan's ploys. If we who believe don't attend, who will? Now, many people with young children don't even try; this is a mistake. There are times when it is prudent not to go, although these instances should be rare. If your children know that you want to go everyday and you try to go everyday and they see you making the effort to go everyday, they get a real good idea of the importance of Holy Mass. You will find that this is the best way to start the day, but more importantly it is the best way to show your love for God when you are able. Sometimes it is impossible to go: the car has broken down and you have no one to pick you up or there is no daily Mass in your area; or charity prevents you from going: your child is sick and you must attend to him, etc. If you can't make it to Mass for some really good reason try to have an in-home prayer time with the children where you read the readings for the day and do a Spiritual Communion with them. The graces you receive when you are truly unable to go can be just as great as when you can go. For those who work: do all you can to find a Mass time that will allow you to go, even to the point of asking your pastor to add a Mass, or possibly consider switching jobs or changing your work hours if possible. Remember to have 'the love of God' be your motive for going each and everytime. God bless your New Year.
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