Got Brown Spots? Uneven Skin Tone?

Whatever is happening on the outside is a direct reflection of what's happening on the inside.

Brown spots and uneven skin pigmentation can be a direct result of liver toxicity -- which is how the term "liver spots" originated. You've probably heard it's from overexposure to the sun, when it's your liver's inability to properly cleanse itself so that the rest of your body is able to properly defend itself from sun damage.

Not everyone is a candidate for a commercially sold detox, as the body should be built up before it's detoxed. How can you tell if you're a candidate? It's always best to check with a trained natural health practitioner, ND or MD before starting any detox program.

A safe, easy and inexpensive way to detoxify the liver is by eating organically grown (pesticide/herbicide-free) foods which strengthen, clean and tone the liver. Some examples are:

• Beets, carrots and red onions which contain beta carotene and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants.

• Apples help excrete heavy metals off the intestinal walls. There's a lot of truth in the old saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

• Eggs, broccoli and spinach, which contain B-Complex vitamins, promote liver decongestion and improve liver function. Vitamin B12 helps metabolize fats and improves liver function.

• Garlic contains Allicin, an antioxidant, and Selenium, a detoxifying mineral, as it assists the removal of heavy metals (ie., mercury) from the liver.

• Cruciferous vegetables broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc., contain gluconsinolates which help the liver produce enzymes for detoxification.

• Grapefruits are rich in antioxidants and assist in naturally detoxifying the liver.

• Bitter vegetables such as dandelion greens, mustard greens, bitter gourd and chicory promote the production and flow of bile -- essential to healthy liver function.

Some tips to enhance performance and function of the liver:

• do not overeat

• avoid environmental stresses (smoke, toxic fumes and chemicals, etc.), and poor-quality foods.

• overwork and emotional stress can cause the liver to overload, leading to a decrease in the ability to clear toxins and hormones, and manufacture bile.

• foods which contain high levels of antioxidants help protect the liver and keep it healthy while other foods cleanse the liver.

Herbs such as milk thistle are also helpful in detoxifying the liver. Make a tea from a high quality tincture which can be purchased at a local health food store.

OC

FDA Bans Vitamin B6!

I receive Dr Norman Shealy's newsletter regularly, and I'm sharing what I received today:

FDA at its WORST (c) C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. Everyone knows that the FDA is in the palm of the PharmacoMafia. Now they have done it again. They have banned a natural vitamin, Pyridoxamine, a metabolically more active form of pyridoxine or B6. B6 is the least prevalent in nature of the basic B vitamins and in most vitamin supplements is far lower in concentration that B 1, 2, 3. Personally I prefer equal dosages of all 4 of these critical B's, with adults getting a minimum of 25 mg each daily. B6 is particularly critical for preventing heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, and Alzheimer's. In general Pyridoxine is safe up to 1000 mg daily for one month, 500 mg daily for one month BUT must not be taken long term at higher dosages than 100 mg. Over a 6 to 12 month period, large dosages can CAUSE neuropathy! Pyridoxamine, on the other hand, can be taken in large dosages indefinitely and is of particular benefit in preventing diabetic kidney failure and some other diabetic complications. Here is the unfortunate rub. A DRUG company spent a few million proving the benefits of Pyridoxamine in preventing diabetic kidney complications and they requested the FDA to classify Pyridoxamine as a drug! OF COURSE, the FDA promptly banned the sale of Pyridoxamine OTC!! Now you MAY be able o get it at a cost 10 or 20 times greater! There is nothing to be gained by petitioning the FDA. Call, write , fax, email your Congress reps and INSIST that the FDA reverse this atrocity! At the same time inform your reps that you will vote them out if they vote for anything to restrict free OTC access to vitamin and mineral supplements!! Of course, I believe a minimum of 80% of the bums should be turned out EVERY ELECTION! ********************* Note: If you aren't familiar with CODEX Alimentarius, please do yourself the favor of a Google. This decision seems like a thinly veiled attempt to chip away at our dietary supplement supplies, as they have in the European Union. Due to this recent legislation, our health freedoms are more at risk now than ever. I urge you to write your representatives. Simply Google your state representatives for names and address information (for example, "California state representatives"). I have called and written on various issues, and I always hear back from them. You can email or snail mail (snail mail seems to hold more weight and garners more attention). Just take a moment to write something simple, such as: "I don't agree with the FDA decision to remove Vitamin B6 from the market for OTC distribution. I insist on enjoying my health freedom choices, including the of purchasing all dietary supplements as I have for all my life. I insist that Vitamin B6 goes back on the shelves and all dietary supplements freely remain available for purchase as they are today." Use your voice. YOU have the power to reverse this decision. OC

Kick Start Your Body's Natural Energy Production

It seems many of us are tired, almost all the time. That's why we often turn to unhealthy stimulants like sugar, caffeine, energy drinks and nicotine to give us a little boost to get us through the day --but it can leave us jittery and nervous, and it's only a temporary fix. 

Break that slump cycle for good by firing up your body’s neurotransmitters -- the “messengers” of the brain. It takes the perfect combination of nutrients to stimulate your brain's most important energy-makers when under stress.  A carbohydrate*-heavy diet of empty calories and low quality nutritionless refined foods our government has been recommending for years, and a deficiency of some common nutrients (also from sub-optimum nutrition) actually alters our brain chemistry by keeping our bodies from producing the vital "chemical messengers" we need to stay alert, energized, and mentally sharp.

* - high quality carbohydrates are essential to feed the brain and maintain many other functions, eg. blueberries.  Find out more about the carbs your body needs for vibrant health at:

http://lagunanaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2009/05/truth-about-carbohydrates.html

In simplest terms, energy comes from the foods we eat.  This may seem obvious, but consider this: "Food" is not simply the sugars, fibers, proteins, and lipids that our bodies digest and "burn" for energy -- it's also the vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc., that give every cell in our bodies the raw materials they need to extract that energy.

We've discussed Neurotransmitters in previous posts. Neurotransmitters are chemical "messengers" that travel across tiny gaps between neurons in your mind and body. Once sent, they bind to the receptor sites of specific neurons. This determines what electrical message gets sent down the line to the next neuron, and the next, and so on until the signal reaches the intended destination -- perhaps a muscle or nerve.

There are literally hundreds of different types of neurotransmitters in a healthy body. Most of them are specialized. Some help you respond to stress. Some make you euphoric. Some are in charge of memory and mental alertness.

Still other neurotransmitters make you feel energized. These are the ones that most people don't have nearly enough of -- because nutritional deficiencies (especially as we age) are hampering their bodies' ability to produce them in sufficient amounts. That's why so many of us feel lethargic and run down all the time.

Some natural neurotrasmitter-boosters are:

• Tyrosine (alertness, mood, energy) -- Bridges barriers in the brain to produce energizing neurotransmitters like adrenaline and dopamine. Proven by military testing to boost mental response and physical performance under stress, tyrosine also packs mood enhancement benefits. 

• Rhodiola (stimulation, mental sharpness, mood) -- Not only a boost to levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, rhodiola has been shown to increase energy and mental acuity. Used by Soviet athletes to enhance performance, this natural wonder also helps boost mood and immunity. 

• Trimethylglycine (heart protection, energy) -- Often lacking in the body as a result of poor nutrition, this naturally occurring substance is crucial for neurotransmitter production. It also helps convert homocysteine into an energy enhancer called dimethylglycine. 

• Magnesium (energy generation, mental acuity) -- Vital for your brainpower and overall health, this mineral is an essential cofactor in the production of neurotransmitters--and in its aspartate (chelated) form, magnesium is much easier for your body to absorb and put to work. 

• B-Vitamins (neurotransmitter production, overall health) -- All essential cofactors in neurotransmitter production, the five B vitamins in my formula -- niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, B-6, and B-12 -- also give you countless healthy benefits above and beyond restoring energy levels and alertness.

Maintaining sugar, hormone and blood pressure are also important to balance the body. Some examples to maintain energy and mental keenness are:

• Reishi Mushroom Extract -- By stabilizing adrenal hormones, this ancient healing secret sharpens thinking while both calming and energizing the entire body. As a fringe benefit, it can also help manage blood pressure. 

• Siberian Ginseng -- By increasing cellular oxygenation while normalizing blood sugar (and blood pressure) levels, this natural stimulant supports the adrenal system, which boosts both physical and mental energy and performance.

If everyone ate organic and hormone/antibiotic free fresh seasonal local foods, there'd probably be no need to supplement. But most don't -- especially with today's abundance of refined and processed foods that we see advertised on TV, giving them more "curb appeal" on the shelves with snappy packaging than actual nutritional value our bodies need to maintain vibrant health. 

In the interest of living a vibrantly healthy life, we suggest you consume the kinds of nutrient-rich raw and unprocessed nourishment our bodies need for optimum energy production. Use supplements to kick start your way out of nutritional deficiencies.  You may not use supplements long term. If you feel better when you use them -- great.  If you stop and feel lethargic, you may need to continue using them and/or look more closely at what you consume and at what time of the day. Journal what you eat for 2-4 weeks and discuss the results with a whole food trained nutritionist you trust.

LNH

10 Ways Sugar Harms Your Health

Food needn’t even taste all that sweet for it to be loaded with sugar. When it comes to convenience and packaged foods, let the ingredients label be your guide, and be aware that just because something boasts that it is low in carbs or a ‘diet’ food, doesn’t mean it’s free of sugar. How could something so sweet leave such a bitter mark on your health? 

1. Sugar causes blood glucose to spike and plummet.

Unstable blood sugar often leads to mood swings, fatigue, headaches and cravings for more sugar. Cravings set the stage for a cycle of addiction, in which every new hit of sugar makes you feel better temporarily, but a few hours later, results in more cravings and hunger. On the flip side, those who avoid sugar often report having little or no cravings for sugary things and feeling emotionally balanced and energized.

2. Sugar increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. 

Large-scale studies have shown that the more high-glycemic foods (those that quickly affect blood sugar), including foods containing sugar, a person consumes, the higher his risk for becoming obese and for developing diabetes and heart disease. Emerging research is also suggesting connections between high-glycemic diets and many different forms of cancer.

3. Sugar interferes with immune function.

Research on human subjects is scant, but animal studies have shown that sugar suppresses immune response. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms. However, we do know that bacteria and yeast feed on sugar, and when these organisms get out of balance in the body, infections and illness are more likely.

4. A high-sugar diet often results in chromium deficiency.

It’s sort of a catch-22. If you consume a lot of sugar and other refined carbohydrates, you probably don’t get enough of the trace mineral chromium, and one of chromium’s main functions is to help regulate blood sugar. Scientists estimate that 90 percent of Americans don’t get enough chromium. Chromium is found in a variety of animal foods, seafood and plant foods. Refining starches and other carbohydrates rob these foods of their chromium supplies.

5. Sugar accelerates aging.

It even contributes to that telltale sign of aging: sagging skin. Some of the sugar you consume, after hitting your bloodstream, ends up attaching itself to proteins, in a process called glycation. These new molecular structures contribute to the loss of elasticity found in aging body tissues, from your skin to your organs and arteries. The more sugar circulating in your blood, the faster this damage takes hold.

6. Sugar causes tooth decay.

With all the other life-threatening effects of sugar, we sometimes forget the most basic damage it does. When it sits on your teeth, it creates decay more efficiently than any other food substance. For a strong visual reminder, next time the Tooth Fairy visits, try the old tooth-in-a-glass-of-Coke experiment -- the results will surely convince you that sugar isn’t good for your pearly whites.

7. Sugar can cause gum disease, which can lead to heart disease.

Increasing evidence shows that chronic infections, such as those that result from periodontal problems, play a role in the development of coronary artery disease. The most popular theory is that the connection is related to widespread effects from the body’s inflammatory response to infection.

8. Sugar affects behavior and cognition in children.

Though it has been confirmed by millions of parents, most researchers have not been able to show the effect of sugar on children’s behavior. A possible problem with the research is that most of it compared the effects of a sugar-sweetened drink to one containing an artificial sweetener. It may be that kids react to both real sugar and sugar substitutes, therefore showing no differences in behavior.

What about kids’ ability to learn? Between 1979 and 1983, 803 New York City public schools reduced the amount of sucrose (table sugar) and eliminated artificial colors, flavors and two preservatives from school lunches and breakfasts. The diet policy changes were followed by a 15.7 percent increase in a national academic ranking (previously, the greatest improvement ever seen had been 1.7 percent).

9. Sugar increases stress.

When we’re under stress, our stress hormone levels rise. These chemicals are the body’s fight-or-flight emergency crew, sent out to prepare the body for an attack or an escape. These chemicals are also called into action when blood sugar is low. For example, after a blood-sugar spike (say, from eating a piece of birthday cake), there’s a compensatory dive, which causes the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine and cortisol. One of the main things these hormones do is raise blood sugar, providing the body with a quick energy boost. The problem is, these helpful hormones can make us feel anxious, irritable and shaky.

10. Sugar takes the place of important nutrients.

According to USDA data, people who consume the most sugar have the lowest intakes of essential nutrients -- especially vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B-12, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron. Ironically, those who consume the most sugar are children and teenagers, the individuals who need these nutrients most.

LNH

                                                                          

The Natural High Diet

If you want to lose weight, start by feeding your brain.  Achieving high energy, mental alertness and an optimistic outlook is the best way to gain control over your eating. A diet that makes you feel naturally high also raises your fat-burning metabolism and contributes to high self-esteem as you begin to feel and eat better.

This is the advice from nutrition experts Hyla Cass, M.D., and Patrick Holford, coauthors of the book Natural Highs: Supplements, Nutrition and Mind/Body Techniques To Help You Feel Good All the Time (Penguin Putnam). In it, they present the perfect brain-food diet based on extensive research in the areas of nutrition, psychology and neuroscience.

Statistics show that most of us are exhausted, stressed and depressed. To combat this, we turn to a variety of boosters to get us through the day (and night). We gobble a muffin with coffee in the morning to get a rush, sip a soda or have a cookie to overcome the afternoon slump and wind down at night with a cocktail. This often adds up to excess calories, weight gain and feelings of hopelessness.

What we are unknowingly doing, say Cass and Holford, is attempting to regulate our moods and energy with substances that work only in the short term -- but lead to caffeine lag, blood sugar drops, tiredness and an unhealthy cycle of bad foods.

Here is a highly effective weight-loss diet the experts recommend:

Eat a serving of high-quality protein three times a day

Higher quality protein is better absorbed and more efficiently utilized, so you will need to eat less of it. Adequate protein promotes good moods. However, too much protein encourages fat storage, so use moderation. Good examples of high-quality protein foods are seafood, poultry, lean red meat, soy, low-fat yogurt, rice with beans and rice with lentils.

Eat cold-water fish three times a week 

This is one of the best sources of omega-3, an essential fatty acid crucial to optimal brain function. Omega-3s are found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and cod.

Eat two eggs a week, or sprinkle lecithin granules on your cereal, salads or vegetables

These are the best sources of phospholipids, which help you metabolize fat and enhance your mood and mental performance.

Eat one serving of low-Glycemic Index (low-GI) complex carbohydrates at every meal

Complex carbohydrates are long chains of sugar molecules strung together that are digested slowly and help prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels that can cause depression as well as cravings for sugar and alcohol. Complex carbohydrates also help raise serotonin levels, which calm you down and lift your mood. Good examples of low-GI foods are whole grains, bran, beans, apples, cherries, dried apricots, plums and pears.

Eat one or two servings of antioxidant fruits and vegetables with every meal

These replenish the body and brain with oxygen, giving you energy and combating illness. Antioxidant-rich foods include prunes, berries, kale, spinach, broccoli and alfalfa sprouts.

Have a heaping tablespoon of ground seeds a day 

These provide you with the needed energy and essential fat to keep your body and brain churning out maximum energy. In a blender or coffee grinder, grind half flaxseeds and half sesame, sunflower, hemp and pumpkin seeds. Keep in a sealed glass jar in refrigerator and add to your salads, sprinkle over vegetables or cereal, or have in a shake.

Feel good!

LNH

Disease and Cure

Did you know that the human body is built to be self-healing?  It is, when given what it needs to work out the imbalance -- pure water, whole food nourishment, proper rest, clean air, prayer/meditation, sunshine -- see archived posts for more. Reframing the way we may have been taught to view and understand illness/disease/imbalance is important to having a deeper understanding of how our bodies work and how we can heal ourselves.  

We view disease as an imbalance caused by deficiency/inflammation.  Balance ("cure") is restored when the client/patient learns about and takes responsibility for the imbalance.  For this illustration, the word "stress" indicates "disease", "disorder", "complaint", etc.

Cure involves:                                     

1. Locating and identifying the source of the stress/imbalance                             

2. Understanding the cause of the stress/imbalance (genetics, diet/lifestyle abuse, emotional stress, etc.)

3. Understanding of how to remedy it   

4. Doing what is necessary to relieve/eliminate symptoms (making lifestyle adjustments)     

5. Maintaining responsibility for the stress/imbalance process and his/her health                                               

There are no magic bullets to achieving, maintaining and enjoying vibrant health. When we reach homeostasis (balance), life is easier and more enjoyable.

LNH

 

Dry Brushing and Your Skin, Liver, Lymph and Digestion

We love dry brushing.  People say they feel more 'alive' when they dry brush.  They also notice many health improvements.  Here's how it works:

Excretion: Your skin is one of four avenues of elimination.  No other organ is more busy in discharging impurities from the body than the skin. Next in line are both the lungs and the kidneys. Like the lungs, the skin absorbs oxygen and expels carbon dioxide and water vapor, and like the kidneys, it excretes organic and saline matter in a solution. The entire surface of the skin is impregnated with millions of sweat glands which constitute a vast drainage system whereby the blood, via perspiration, purifies itself of poisonous waste that it has collected from the cells.

Blood Circulation:
There are approximately 17 sq. feet of skin surface. When tiny capillaries are fully dilated, it presents 6 times the capillary surface are of the lungs. This vast blood mini vessel network is required for: 

1) nourishing and oxygenating the skin tissue

2) regulating body heat (the blood is cooled when it moves through the surface capillaries)

3) distillation of waste matter from the blood

4) the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and atmosphere

 

The skin’s blood vessel network is as crucial as the heart for normal circulation. The vast storage capacity of the skin’s blood vessels enable them to act as blood reservoirs which release or store blood as needed.

Lymph Circulation:
The lymph vessels transport excess, waste-charged fluid away from the intracellular spaces and return it to the bloodstream. Lymph acts as a go-between medium for the transfer of vital materials from the blood to the cells, and for cellular debris away from the intracellular environment into the blood. Thus, the blood feeds the lymph, and the lymph feeds the cells, making the drainage of intracellular lymph one of the most crucial of all the body functions. The superficial lymph vessels terminate just below the outer layer of skin and inter join freely with the deeper lymphatic vessels. Any blockage at the superficial lymphatic level will result in congestion throughout the lymphatic system. Skin-brushing is an excellent way to stimulate the activity of the entire lymphatic system.

Bio-energy Conduction:
“Aliveness” derives from the presence of high-vibratory, vital energy within an organism. This energy, or natural force, which fills the universe is referred to in traditional neuropathology and homeopathy as Vital Force and in Chinese medicine as Chi.  Chi is also related to the kidneys.

Chi is the fundamental energy which sustains life and is present in the vibratory, biological processes of every cell. Chi is not synonymous with the metabolically generated energy derived from the oxidation of glucose. Rather, it is the force that animates the metabolic processes which ultimately yield caloric energy. Chi differentiates life from death; it circulates through channels, or meridians, throughout the body. Being an essential matrix for the Chi channels, the skin is a crucial medium for Vital Chi movement. The places at which the various channels and vessels reach the skin’s surface are the pressure points used in acupuncture and acupressure. Aside from the Chi which courses through the channels, a superficial portion of Chi (which the Chinese refer to as Wei Chi or Guardian Chi) flows outside the channels in a non-differentiated layer beneath the skin. The Wei Chi serves as a defensive perimeter protecting against environmental influences such as varying weather conditions, pathogenic microorganisms, pollutants, emotional stresses derived from human interaction and other external challenges.

Dry Brushing: Let's Get Started!

1. Purchase a natural (NOT a synthetic) bristle brush. 

2. Purchase a brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. Best-case scenario would be one that had a removable head with a strap for your hand.

3. Skin brushing should be performed prior to your bath or shower on bare, dry skin.

4. Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. If you are feeling ill, do it twice a day until you feel better.

5. Begin brushing your skin in long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction. Always brush towards the heart. Try and brush several (3-5) times in each area, over-lapping as you go.

6. Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken.

7. After brushing your skin, rinse off in the shower. Paavo Airola, author of Swedish Beauty Secrets, recommends alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bring more blood to the outer layers of the skin.

8. After getting out of the shower, dry off vigorously and massage your skin with pure plant oil, such as almond, jojoba, sesame, grapeseed or coconut. We suggest Blissentials™ Therapeutic Essential Oil Blends because they are high quality, organic and wildcrafted.  Go to:  http://www.blissentials.com

9. Don’t forget to clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.

10. For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, perform skin brushing daily for a minimum of three months.

Caution: Do not brush on or over skin rashes, wounds, cuts, infections, poison oak or poison ivy.

It takes approximately 3 minutes to dry brush, and it's worth every second to reduce the environmental toxic burden on the body.  Some people feel better in a day or two, but like any well designed program, allow 21-30 days to see and experience changes.

LNH

Your Immune System: Some Common Misunderstandings About Allergies

To the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, getting through a day can be exhausting. Allergies are exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that don't cause symptoms in most people. Allergies affect the lungs, constricting airways, and can be life threatening. There are many misunderstandings relating to allergies and the immune system, which is why many people suffer unnecessarily.

Symptoms are signals indicating that the body is stressed due to injury, environment, etc. Toxic environmental symptoms can be eliminated when we take proper precautions protect ourselves from them. 

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

- Benjamin Franklin

Our immune system is designed to protect from true natural environmental factors - sun, wind, air...even insect bites. As societies have evolved and nations have become industrialized over the centuries, human immune function has taken on the additional task of defending against modern toxic environmental burdens. Our immune function has become more susceptible, challenged and depleted, working harder than ever to protect us, as our environment continues to become increasingly toxic with man-created chemical substances. Some people are more affected by these factors than others, largely due to their lifestyle choices. 

Here are some easy things you can do to de-stress your immune system and improve your overall well being:

• Dr Mehmet Oz recommends avoidance to allergens that you are aware of that trigger symptoms. This is a "no-brainer", but some people are unable to avoid allergenic challenges due to work environment. When this is the case, there are other ways to defend yourself:

• Replace chemical household cleaners with a solution of vinegar and water (as a glass/surface cleaner), baking soda (as a scrub-type cleaner), hydrogen peroxide to remove laundry stains, etc. They're far less expensive than commercial cleaners and are non-toxic.

• If you can't get around using chemicals, wear gloves when handling any and all chemicals - even household cleaning products.  After years of 'a spray here and a spray there', the immune system can become compromised. The skin is the largest organ, and an avenue of elimination with 2 lanes -- one in and one out. Toxins can pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream. We suggest, if you wouldn't put it in your mouth, don't put it on your skin.

• Wear a mask when working in or cleaning dusty and moldy areas to protect your sinus and respiratory functions. We've heard the excuses - especially from people with the biggest sinus and respiratory issues. You'll know what they are from our responses:  

- It's not an inconvenience when you have some handy, so keep a supply on hand! 

- There are many styles available on the market that are easy to wear, disposable and light weight.

- No, you won't suffocate.  

- Yes, you perspire when you work. So, go outside and take the mask off when you get hot. You probably need the break anyway -- and that would be the perfect opportunity to take a few minutes and rehydrate -- remember to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 100 lbs, drink 50 oz (approximately 1.5 liters) per day. Do the math to calculate your suggested water intake. Add more to compensate for perspiration factor.

- Who cares if you don't look 'cool'? Your neighbors and passers-by will probably not be the ones taking care of you when you're sick. And you don't want the people who will be there for you saying, "I told you so".

- They're certainly not as uncomfortable or life changing as being hooked up to an oxygen tank.

• Use a neti pot to relieve/eliminate sinus issues. Neti pots are very easy to use, safe, inexpensive and can be purchased in your local health food store or online.

• One man's 'moderation' is another mans allergy. As close as you are to your friends and family, they are not YOU. Learn about and know your body, and do what's best for your health and well being.

• Unload toxic people from your life (you know, the 'energy vampires' who drain your happiness and energy).

• Laugh.

• Get outside - walk, hike, swim, commune with nature, sit on the beach....just get out there and --

• Breathe!  Oxygenating the body is one of the most important things you can do to restore and rejuvenate healthy cells.  Healthy cells equals healthy body. A healthy body makes it easier to be happy about your life. Your lungs are an avenue of elimination for the body.  They take in air and pollutants, so it's important to detoxify them frequently. Practice 8-10 deep connected breaths (it just takes a minute) -- breathe in and completely fill the whole chest and belly, using the "root/tail bone area" as your focal point, exhale and repeat. Doing this several times throughout the day helps relieve stress, too! Some people find it particularly helpful when they start to feel anxious or frustrated. Integrate connecting breathing 15 minutes twice a day into your daily routine - upon waking and when retiring in the evening. This could improve your sleep quality, too.

• Do something to nurture your spirit - pray, meditate, read...and do it every day for 15-20 minutes. Many people have found that keeping a Gratitude Journal, jotting down things they are grateful for that have happened each day, is helpful to remain in a positive mindset. Living in gratitude is a great place to be.

Enjoy a peaceful weekend. Happy Father's Day, Dad!

OC

Gout and Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies for Gout have become very popular in recent years. Two of the most asked about herbal remedies for gout are Vitamin C and Black Cherry Juice. The main reasons for the popularity of natural/herbal remedies is that traditional Gout medications may not be effective, and they have serious side effects. 

Gout is a very painful arthritic-like disease. It is caused when uric acid crystals deposit in tissues and joints of the body. Many of the foods we eat contain purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. People with gout are unable to properly secrete the uric acid, so it builds up in the body and eventually crystallizes. Having excessive uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia.

When the uric acid crystals start to build up, the body will attack them with white blood cells. This will worsen the condition. The white blood cells will surround the crystals, which leads to more inflammation, pain and redness.

Causes of Gout:
Although the exact cause of gout usually cannot be determined, the following factors can cause an increase in the levels of uric acid in the blood:

• Heredity - some people inherit the inability to properly secrete increased levels of uric acid in the blood.

• Obesity - overweight people are more likely to suffer from gout.

• Alcohol - excessive alcohol consumption causes an increase in the uric acid levels. Many people suffer gout attacks right after drinking.

• High blood pressure and heart disease are known to increase uric acid levels.

• Drugs - certain drugs can increase uric acid levels. These include: low dose aspirin, diuretics, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, etc.

• Consumption of foods with high levels of purine. These include: shellfish, red meat, organ meats such as liver, mushrooms and creamy sauces.

The herbal remedies for gout outlined below are excellent for lowering uric acid levels. 

Symptoms of gout:
Although the most common place for gout pain is the big toe, it can also occur in other places such as the feet, ankles, wrists, fingers and elbows. Symptoms of gout include:

• Severe pain that comes on suddenly. Many people with gout in the big toe have difficulty walking, or severe pain from having bed sheets covering their feet.

• The affected joint becomes very painful, turns reddish, swells and feels warm.

• Attacks usually last a few hours to a few days. In rare cases, it can last a few weeks.

• The joints can swell, leading to bursitis.

• During an attack, some people get chills, fever, and a general ill feeling.

• If left untreated, the symptoms will worsen and can lead to deformities.

Prevention

An anti-gout diet includes: 

• drinking lots of water

• eating foods low in purines

• maintain a proper healthy weight

• avoid alcohol 

Foods known to be good for Gout sufferers include blueberries, cherries, soybeans, tofu, salmon and olive oil. Regular exercise will help reduce symptoms and improve the overall condition. Supplements that are good for gout include Folic Acid and Vitamin C. 

It is also important is to treat the symptoms as soon as possible. Immediate treatment will not allow the disease to progress, and the symptoms to worsen.  

Treatment

There are many treatment options available for Gout. The problem with most Gout medications though is that they do not work very well, are not safe to use long-term, or they have severe side effects. For example, NSAID’s (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs) can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, high blood pressure, skin rashes, etc. COX-2 inhibitor drugs can adversely effect the kidneys, increase bleeding, increase the chances of heart attacks, and cause hallucinations. Steroids are not safe to use long-term and can have even more severe side effects.

For these reasons, many medical professionals believe that herbal remedies for Gout are the best option. These natural treatments have no side effects, and for many people is the most effective treatment.

Recommended Herbal Remedies For Gout

Herbal treatments that have shown some success include:

• Vitamin C - Taking supplemental amounts of Vitamin C helps some people to reduce the uric acid in their blood. The exact relationship between Gout and Vitamin C is still unclear.

• Black Cherry Juice - Taking 2-3 teaspoons of Black Cherry Juice a day helps some people. Why the Cherry Juice Gout remedy helps some people and not others is not entirely understood.

LNH