HEALTH TIPS
2 Gallbladder Cleanses
It's best to fast 2 to 3 days on unfiltered apple juice or on green apples (5 a day) with a gallon of water - before beginning either of the following gallbladder cleanses.
Process 1: Repeat this for 3 days in a row. Place 6 Asparagus spears in a pan of water and cover with 1 3/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil - then simmer for 10 minutes. Drain the "asparagus water" in a cup - at least 8 ounces. Let it cool enough to drink- then drink it all down. Wait about 5 minutes and then drink exactly 8 ounces of CocaCola - not diet coke. Then lie on your right side for a minimum of 30 minutes with your knees pulled up to your chest. You might experience loose bowels, and it could take 2 days for anything to appear in your bowel movement.
Process 2: another possibility. Use 1 cup of cold pressed virgin olive oil divided into 4 containers - and also 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice divided into 4 containers. Fast 2 or 3 days on unfiltered apple juice, drinking it or water only when you are hungry. Then on the third evening, just before you go to bed, drink 1/4 cup of olive oil every 15 minute and follow it with 1/4 of the lemon juice. (I had to sip some water to chase the lemon juice down.) Go to bed and sleep on your right side. In the morning, you will probably have a loose bowel movement and find soft mushy green "gallstones" in the toilet.
Foods that can trigger Arthritis
Here is what I discovered triggered Arthritic pain in me. We are all different, so you will have to test out the following information and decide for yourself what works for you.
Foods to AVOID: white potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and chili, strawberries, wheat, dairy (milk, eggs, cheese, butter, yogurt), White flour, White rice, White pasta, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, soda, sometimes tea, refined sugar and juices with sugar added, excessive salt, licorice, chocolate. Also corn, soy or safflower oil. For many people: meat, beef, pork, lamb, sometimes chicken and turkey; cured or processed meat, all bacon, sausage, hot dogs, all animal fat; processed foods with chemicals and additives (ketchup, mustard, pickles, pimento). For a few people: corn, rye, rhubarb, chard, spinach, beets, carrots, citrus, nuts and oil-rich seeds, nut butters, cayene, paprika, red pepper seasoning, and fish oil.
So you're asking - then what on Earth CAN I eat?
Sometimes a very small amount of food won't trigger it - 1 or 2 Tablespoons, for example. Here are things to try: fresh salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, mackerel, herring. Others do best with just fruits, veggies, and gluten free items.
Many people find the following items OK: asparagus, broccoli, collards, kale, beans (navy, mung, white or black), cabbage, romainne lettuce, cucumbers, parsley, celery, watercress, chinese celery, lentils, avocado, artichokes, sweet potatoes, squash, apples, pineapple, bananas, peaches, nectarines, pears, apricots, kiwi, mango, papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe, seeds (flax, chia, pumpkin), pecans, oat products, quinoa, brown rice, millet, barley, wheat grass products, sprouts, soy products, almond milk, coconut milk, broth, seaweed, and some green tea.
A Pancreatitis Recovery Diet
Recently my husband rushed me to an emergency room due to severe pains in the stomach and abdominal area. After an endoscopic procedure, the doctor removed a gallstone that was blocking the passage from my stomach to my small intestine. They also wanted to take out my gallbladder.
Arriving at the hosital, my pancreas numbers were normal. After the endoscopic procedure, they shot up extremely high and I was told that I now had Pancreatitis (inflammation) and they had to keep me in the hospital until the numbers lowered before they could take out the Gallbladder. Meanwhile many of my friends told me that they had done gallbladder flushes to get rid of gall stones, and after 5 days in the hospital, I talked them into letting me go home because the blockage had been removed and I was not feeling any more pain. The hospital will not tell you how expensive your stay is there. The cost is outrageous...but that's another story.
No one told me what to do about the Pancreatitis, and researching what to eat on the Internet, I found that many people had been kept in the hospital for 9 days and they also did not know what to eat so that they would not irritate the condition and make it worse.
So here is what I did to heal the trama and constipation my body went through from that hospital stay.
Days 1 to 3: I started with only small amounts of liquids, such as, 100% Prune Juice in water (half and half), sipping very slowly to see how it felt. This was to help the constipation.(By Day 2 my constipation was gone.)
Then I also put 1 teaspoon of Flax oil in warm water to help the constipation. Do not use any more that for the Flax oil because too much can cause inflammation.
I also drank 2 teaspoons of liquid Vitamin D3 in 1/2 cup of room temperature water. Vitamin D3 is very important for the immune system.
Then I drank 1/4 teaspoon of ProGreens power in 1/2 cup of water. ProGreens has a probiotic that helps restore the digestive system.
My meals consisted of blended fresh fruits - or fresh vegetables cooked in chicken broth and blended into a soup - because my body could only tolerate liquids. Some fruit blends were: watermelon, or banana blended with Coconut Milk, or Mango blended with Vanilla Almond Milk, or Asparagus cooked in broth and blended into soup, or Black Beans cooked in broth and blended into soup.
From Days 3 to 6, I added small amounts of organic lowfat cottage cheese whenever I felt hungry. I only ate about 2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese and sometimes added 1/4 tsp of Flax oil to it because this combination is excellent for high blood pressure. I also had 1/3 cup of rolled oats cooked in 3/4 cup of Vanilla Almond Milk; or Sweet potatoes cooked in broth and blended into soup - as well as Broccoli and Peas blended into soup. I blended Peaches and Nectarines with Vanilla Almond Milk, and also cooked Apples and blended them as sauce or a spread to put on Gluten Free Bread - only one slice toasted and chewed very slowly until it became mush in the mouth before swallowing.
From Days 7 to 9, I juiced fresh Carrots with Celery and made Corn soup with a spoonful of Greek style nonfat Plain Yogurt. The acidophilus in this type of yogurt is helpful to restore good bacteria in the intestines. Do not eat yogurts with fruit due to the added sugar that can irritate the condition. I also continued with the items listed in Days 1-3.
Then on Day 9, I felt strong enough to do a Gallbladder flush and tons (at least 100) green slimy gall stones came out in the toilet. What was also interesting about this fresh fruit and vegetable diet was that all previous pain in my hips and back was gone. So I looked up Arthritis Diets on the Internet and discovered that I was no longer eating things that triggered Arthritis pain. By Day 12, I was eating small amounts of solid food and feeling great.
Re-energizing Seminar Exercises and Office Exercises
Most Seminar and Workshop leaders know that it is a good idea to give the audience a recess every 45 minutes. Often they have people stand up, breathe and stretch. As well, studies have shown that taking a stretching break in an office setting can help boost productivity.
Here is a simple Qigong exercise that can invigorate the audience at a Seminar and also re-energize people who work in an office.
Louhan Patting: Tapping the body helps bring blood flow to the area you are stimulating. Begin tapping with both hands on the top of the head, and then tap the back of the head. Next tap the forehead and then on the temples. With the mouth open a bit, tap the cheeks. Then tap above the top lip and below the bottom lip. Next tap under the outer part of each collarbone. This helps energize the lungs. Then with two fists, tap the adrenal gland area on either side of the spine slightly above the waist on the back. And finally tap just below the outside of both knees. This is an endurance acupuncture point.
Cancer Recovery
There are lots of theories out there, and I read many of them after I was told that my body had symptoms of the big "C." Very few people know that the law requires doctors to first offer "standard of care," which is chemo and radiation. Not until I said "No" to those options did the thrid doctor I went to offer another possibility. Suzanne Somer's book KNOCKOUT, page 126, shares a conversation with Dr. James Forsyth in which he verified that he needed "to chart that the patient refused conventional chemo" before offering alternative possibilities. That way he was covered.
I didn't like the way the second doctor said statistics showed that I might have only 2 years after I did chemo and radiation. In Suzanne Somer's book, she documents people who have lived 27 years after using alternative treatments.
Fortunately the third doctor I consulted was more "enlightened." He scraped harmful cells out of my bladder and gave me injections of a vaccine that is used for tuberculosis. As well, he sent me to a naturopath doctor who gave me IV's of vitamins C and K to counteract any negative effects of the vaccine and rebuild the body's immune system.
I changed my diet to mostly things from nature: fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, and "juiced" fresh vegetables at least every other day. I also had some salmon now and then.
The curious thing that happened was that I met the second doctor who gave me the "death verdict" as he was coming into my enlightened doctor's office. He took me aside and asked me what I was doing because I looked so well. I told him my daily routine and that I had 3 blood checks that showed I am now clear. Later I wished I had added that perhaps he should reconsider giving people a "death verdict" and work from a more positive approach because emotions are crucial in helping the body heal itself.
Daily Tai Chi and Qigong practice and prayers also kept my spirit positive. It's important to keep your Light alive. There are answers out there. Suzanne Somer's book KNOCKOUT offers lots of good possibilities. Don
Cooling FOODS for SUMMER
In general, green, blue, and purple vegetables and fruits are more cooling than red, orange or yellow ones for summer. An example would be a green apple or green pepper. Fresh ginger, cilantro, lemon balm, peppermint, and white peppercorn are cooling spices. Kelp and all seaweeds tend to have cooling properties.
Raw foods and foods eaten cold are better than cooked foods. Quick stir fries are preferable to anything deep-fried. Lettuce, celery, radish, cucumber, summer squash, broccoli, tomatoes and most leafy vegetable are good. Sprouted grains and legumes tend to be cooling; therefore consider amaranth, barley, millet and wheat or northern, navy, kidney, lima and mung beans.
Yogart is the most cooling of dairy products. Herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices are best for drinks. And of course, always drink plenty of water!
COLA raises Blood Pressure
According to "Environmental Nutrition Newsletter," Volme 33g, cola consumption (regular and diet) was associated with a significantly increased risk of raising blood pressure. The researchers suggest that the caffeine in cola is probably not the culprit. Rather, it may be some as-yet-unidentified component.
WINTER EATING
The ancient Chinese tried to live in harmony with the cycles of nature. Thus the cold darkness of winter urged them to slow down, to reflect on one's life, and to conserve strength. Winter is associated with the Kidneys, Bladder and Adrenal Glands. The Kidneys are considered the source of energy or "Qi" in the body. They store and reserve Qi so it can be used in times of stress and change, to heal or prevent illness, and to age gracefully.
The fundamental principles of winter are rest, reflection, conservation and storage. Eating warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts help warm the body's core. Some kidney shaped foods are black beans and kidney beans. As well, blackberries, blueberries, mulberries, walnuts, chestnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and black sesame seeds are helpful for Kidney Qi. Dark, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, cucumbers and celery also help with Kidney Qi.
Reflect on what truly brings you joy and stop doing the things that drain your life energy.
Tai Chi helping older people with knee pain
On October 30, 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that knee pain from osteoarthritis is a common and often chronic ailment for older people. However, a new study finds that practicing easy Tai Chi movements not only helps reduce osteoarthritis pain, it can improve function as well.
Helping confidence, balance, and peace
After surgery, John Parks experienced balance problems that caused stumbling and falling, breaking some ribs and painful swelling. Dr. R. Lipsky suggested his practicing Easy TaiChi movements at least three times a week. According to his wife, Sue Parks, after doing this - John now "walks more confidently, his posture is great and he is more at peace with himself. He enjoys the exercises and is proud of his accomplishments."
Alkaline-Forming Foods
By now most of you have heard that foods which are alkaline-forming in your body - are the healthiest way to go. A body with a lot of acid seems to be more prone to disease, irritation, and imbalance. And it's not just foods that create acidity in the body - most prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are high in acid as well.
Here are some of the best alkaline-forming foods: most edible grasses and their juices, most sprouted seeds, grains and beans, fresh spinach, celery, cucumber, garlic, dandelion, green beans, red cabbage, chard, parsley, cilantro, fresh lemon, lime, tomato, green pepper, eggplant, avocado, jicama, lima beans, fresh soy beans, white beans, baking soda, sea salt, mineral water, and seaweed.
A brief list of highly ACID-forming foods: all artificial sweeteners, white sugar, high fructose corn sweetener, liquoir, wine, beer, coffee, molasses, fruit juice sweetened with white sugar, black tea, ketchup, mayonnaise, prepared mustard, most canned processed and micro-waved foods, all fried foods, ice cream, cottonseed oil, pudding, jam and jelly, anything hydrogenated, white vinegar, apple cidar venegar, all candy, packaged snack food, cola and all soft drinks.
Just as toxic are thoughts that are "acidy," such as anger, jear, jealousy, and stress. Turn your attention back to gratitude. It's probably one of the best healing agents around.
For more information, go to Dr Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/ecs/pyramid/press-foodpyramid.html
Meditation for reducing stress
A study from the Centre of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Allahabad, India, found that meditation was helpful for theta activity, reducing stress, and allowing sleep.
Tai Chi can stimulate antioxidant enzymes
A study from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia noted the effect of Tai Chi exercise on DNS damage, antioxidant enzymes, and stress in middle-age adults. It used sedentary volunteers, age 45 and older. After 6 months the Tai Chi subjects had increased mildy damaged DNA. After 12 months the conculsion was: "Regular Tai Chi exercise stimulated endogenous antioxidant enzymes and reduced oxidative damage markers."
Depression, Anxiety, Weight and Fall Risk
The study Clinical Trials of Tai Chi and Qigong in Older Adults from Arizona State University found "improved physical function, mood, weight, and cardiovascular risk factors." Also, "the meditative movement forms are holistic in nature and can help older adults improve physical function and reduce blood pressure, fall risk, depression and anxiety." It pointed out that "the spiritual exploration of the meditative forms is an important component to the movement activities that can contribute to successful aging."
Heart Benefits with Tai Chi
Integrative Medical Therapies of Harvard Medical School conducted a systematic review evaluating Tai Chi exercise as an intervention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). They examined 29 clinical studies published in English and Chinese, and the studies reported "improvements with Tai Chi, including blood pressure reductions and increases in exercise capacity." Many doctors see a correlation between physical heart problems and emotional problems with relationships.
Qigong for Diabetes
From the Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine: Diabetes rates have doubled China over the past decade. Over 35 studies were reviewed and found that "Qigong therapy may be an important complement to conventional medicine in treating diabetes."
The trouble is that many who have diabetes do not like to exercise. A quick 10-minute routines either once a day or throughout the day is a good way to begin. As well, adding more greens to your diet can help balance sugar and create more natural energy.
Stroke Rehabilitation
According to NATURAL SOLUTIONS Magazine, July/Aug 2009, page 20, T'ai Chi can help improve balance for stroke survivors. In a research study in Hong Kong, 136 people who suffered a stroke more than 6 months prior to practice, did T'ai Chi for 12 weeks. Researchers then tested the subjects' ability to keep balance when reaching, shifting weight, and standing on a lurching surface that simulated a crowded bus. "The T'ai Chi group demonstrated a significant improvement in balance."
Recently we received an email from the wife of Olympic Pole Vault Champion, Don Bragg. She shared how he has gained benefits from doing Easy Tai Chi and Qigong movements. "Daily use of the Easy Tai Chi - Qigong DVD has increased his sensations and helped build his strength back. It has also helped his mental outlook and lessened the depression that so often is part of having a stroke." Theresa Bragg
Don Bragg's new book is "Kamp Olympic." Email him at: tarzanbragg@aol.com
International Symposium at Vanderbilt University
Just recently an International Tai Chi Symposium was held at Vanderbilt University in which five Grand Masters of Tai Chi met with top mind-body researchers from Harvard, Mayo Clinic and NIH, the National Institute for Health. Those attending spoke about how helpful Tai Chi was when used before and after surgery as part of the healing process. They also talked about ways to modify Tai Chi so that it is accessible to people of all physical levels, including those in wheel chairs.
PLUMS for strengthening bones
A recent READER'S DIGEST shared that a Florida State University study suggested: PLUMS are a good bone-strengthening fruit. "In animal studies, dried plums not only prevented bone loss but also reversed it. Preliminary research in postmenopausal women suggests that plums may be just as powerful in humans (a larger, longer study is under way)."
Plums are high in disease-fighting antioxidants and a good source for boran, potassium and vitamin K, which are all helpful for bone health. In the recent study, women ate eight to ten dried plums - prunes - a day. As well as eating them for a snack, plums are great with cereal or some people stew them with onions, garlic and carrots, and serve this as a side dish.
CARROTS - King of Vegetable Juices
The body converts carrot juice into vitamin A, and carrot juice also contains vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, as well as the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and sodium.
Alkaline minerals contained in carrot juice, such as calcium and magnesium, help soothe and tone intestinal walls and strengthen bones and teeth. Skin, nails, and hair also benefit from its high protein and mineral content. As well, fresh carrot juice stimulates digestion and sometimes has a mild diuretic effect.
Perhaps the most important contribution to your health is that carrot juice assists in cleansing the liver. With regular use, carrot juice helps the liver release stale bile and excess fats; and when fat levels are reduced, cholesterol levels are reduced.
There is one drawback, however...drinking more that five glasses of carrot juice per week could cause the skin to turn slightly yellow. Some suggest that this is a manifestation of the toxins that the liver is excreting. If this occurs, simply reduce the amount of carrot juice you are consuming, or mix it with other vegetable juices.
The Jack LaLanne Power Juicer is the best on the market because it does not destroy valuable enzymes. We've found that fresh vegetable juices fill the stomach, and we feel lots of energy after drinking them. Enjoy the natural power of carrot juice!
Is RED WINE really good for your heart?
A "60 Minutes" television report pointed out that the French, who drink a lot of wine, enjoy one of the lowest heart attack rates - despite their eating lots of saturated fats. Other studies suggest that it is the SKINS of grapes that provide the healthy ingredients. Wine contains polyphenols and flavonoids, primarily from the skin of grapes, which are removed in making white wine. Studies show a positive link between eating foods with flavonoids and cardiovascular health.
A study of men and women in Europe showed that a "Mediterranean diet," which often contains a glass of wine and fish, maximizes omega-3 intake. Of course, moderation is the key. One glass a day for women and two daily for men seems to boost levels of omega-3 in cell membranes.
What if you are not a wine-drinker? Then enjoy a "smoothie" with red grapes, bananas, and other fruits in season. Fresh grape juice is better than most grape juices from stores that have lots of sugar or sweetener added to them.
Clean the grapes by squeezing the juice of lemon into a large bowl of water. Then dump the rind into the water as well. Next add sea salt and stir. Let the grapes sit in this purifying mixture for at least 5 minutes...but not too long. This lemon and salt mixture is also good for cleaning other fruits and vegetables.
CELERY Juice
Many have found that celery juice has a calming effect on the nervous system. It might be due to its high concentration of organic alkaline minerals, especially sodium. As well, the minerals contained in celery juice make the body's use of calcium more effective by balancing the blood's pH.
Unlike inorganic sodium chloride, organic sodium found in celery juice is naturally blended with many other useful minerals. And for weight-reduction diets, celery juice can help curb the desire for sweets.
Make sure to choose celery that is firm and crisp. Even the leaves of celery can be used to make juice. On the average, two to three celery stalks will yield about one ounce of juice.
Studies have shown that in some cases celery juice is helpful for asthma, insomnia, kidney or liver disorders, fluid retention, and nervous disorders. Munch away....
