Flue Season

At-Home Flu Shots

Flu season is around the corner, so what better time to ensure that everyone in your family has a strong immune system. While I have my personal opinion on the flu shot itself, I am going to throw that aside for this post and share 6 at-home “flu shots” that will boost your immune system naturally.

These six shots are made up of real food ingredients that boost your body’s immune system to naturally ward off colds and flus. Some of the below are made with a juicer, although if you want to boost your immune system and do not have a juicer or do not wish to invest in one, you can blend the food up in a blender with water and strain off the pulp using a cotton muslin towel or bag.  KISST Organics has both if you woul like to purchse them, the towel are 2 for $5 the straining bag is quart size and is only $3 (preferred).  These items are NOT available in our on-line store but are available by calling (308) 254-5373 to place your order.  Please have your credit card ready when you call.

1) “Apple Cider Slammer”
Apple cider vinegar is just that, a type of vinegar made from apple cider. This ‘Slammer’ contains beta-carotene, which according to the Mayo Clinic possesses antioxidant properties that counteract the damage done by free radicals and in return helps boost your immune system [source]. Find organic, raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar for maximum health benefits.  KISST Organics carries Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar.  It is available to order by phone.  It is not available on our web site.
Shot Recipe: Shoot back a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a tablespoon of filtered water. Can’t stomach it? I personally suggest mixing a tablespoon with 8 oz of glass of cold water.  You can also add a touch of raw honey, if you choose.

2) “Green Machine”
Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and parsley provide a significant amount of nutrients including but not limited to, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B6. These crucial nutrients play an important role in optimal immune health [source].
Shot Recipe: Toss together a selection of leafy greens in your juicer and enjoy. If you can’t swallow the taste of only vegetables in your juice, throw an apple through the juicer for some natural sweetness.

3) “Cod Liver Kiss”
Fermented Cod Liver Oil is a raw, traditionally fermented food. It contains more Vitamin A per unit weight than any other common food and is a great source of the ever important Omega-3 Fatty Acids. This powerhouse real food helps regulate and improve overall function of your immune system [source]. Read more about Fermented Cod Liver Oil here and here.
Shot Recipe: Fermented Cod Liver Oil comes in two forms. You can source it in its liquid form and take it daily as a shot, or you can choose to purchase it in capsule form. KISST Organics has Cod Liver Oil available in liquid form available for order by phone. It is not available on our web site

4) “Blueberry Blast”Blueberries are very high in antioxidants compared to other fruits and vegetables and contain powerful phytochemicals which give the fruit their deep blue color. A recent study done by the University of Oregon shared that the pterostilbene found in blueberries, when combined with vitamin D, could boost the body’s ability to fend off illness [source].
Shot Recipe: Juice a handful of blueberries and enjoy this sweet and sour drink. You can also simply increase your intake of blueberries if you do not own a juicer or wish to juice them. 

5) “Carrot Kicker”
Carrots are an great source of beta carotene. One of beta carotene’s main roles is to support the body’s mucus membrane, which lines the respiratory and intestinal tracts. A strong lining makes it more difficult for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause you trouble [source].
Shot Recipe: Juice a handful of carrots and enjoy. Don’t have a juicer or don't want to strain? Consider incorporating fresh raw carrots into the upcoming weeks menus!

6) “Lemon & Ginger Drop”
Lemon and Ginger are a powerhouse duo. This couple not only supports a strong immune system by the lemon’s Vitamin C content, but together they help fight off an oncoming illness. Lemon juice’s anti-inflammatory qualities soothe sore throats and irritated membranes while the ginger helps cleanse your system [source].
Shot Recipe: Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 3 tablespoons of water. Grate or juice a pinch of ginger and enjoy. Instead of taking this as a shooter you can also enjoy a glass of home made lemonade and simply add ginger.  I take lemon and ginger together in the form of a hot lemonade.  Ginger keeps very well long term in the freezer.  I grate it, freeze it and then just take out what I am going to use at the time.

*Dosage: I personally take Apple Cider Vinegar daily, and rotate between these other “flu-shots” throughout the week.  As the shots are made up of real food, I take them freely!
**Please remember that these are just some ways to boost your natural immunity and are not recommended as the only way to stay healthy this winter season.

The Truth About What Is Making You Sick

 

We need more dark leafy greens, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit in our diets!!

Destroy Cancer Cells

 

Oh, there is sooooo much more you can do than this!

 

As far as diet goes, if you have been diagnosed with cancer or you are fearful that you may have cancer and you want to take precautionary or reactive steps...diet is HUGE!  Begin by consuming a whole, raw food diet as noted above.  This includes eating a diet primarily of organic frutis, vegetables, nuts and seeds.  You might also consider adding juicing or smoothies to your diet.  Juices and smoothies are a powerhouse of nutrition. 

 

You also need to look at other factors...cancer is known as a disease that literally eats you from the inside out and is often encapsulated in your emotions and stress level.  Basically, you need to assess, "What is eating at you?", "What is tearing you up emotionally", "What is it that you absolutely have not been able to let go of?", "What is bothering you and literally allowing your body to lower it's immune system to the point that it cannot fight off disease?"

 

Another area to look at is your Ph balance.  It is a well known fact that cancer or any disease for that matter cannot survive in a slightly alkaline system.  Your blood Ph needs to be between 7.3 and 7.5 in order to effectively fight off disease.  This means that your saliva and your urine should test in the area of about 8 on a Ph strip.

 

There is sooooooooo much more!!!  I cannot go into all of it here at this time but please consult with a Holistic Health Practitioner who is knowledgable about natural remedies and alternative healing. 

For more information or to schedule a Holistic Health Consultation, please contact Veronica at 308-254-5373

Dimensions of Resilience

The word resilience is associated with coping skills/mechanisms. Your resiliency helps you manage being able to be flexible, and even being a realist with most situations which you have no control over. Instead, of rolling on the floor and having a complete meltdown, you manage to clear your head which allows you to think logically and make decisions that will defuse the situation or even possibly save your life and the lives of others. Most importantly, during stressful times, work calmly and check your focus.  Sometimes it may be necessary to quietly remove yourself from the situation in order for the necessary changes to take place. Other times, you may need to take control of the circumstance or situation.  You will know what you need to do when you stay calm, focus on the Lord and ask for wisdom and guidance.  Veronica Phelps

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. Fibromyalgia is classically characterized by chronic pain, particularly muscle pain, restless legs, nerve pain, overall fatigue, sleep disturbances, brain fog or cognitive impairment, depression and painful tender points throughout the body.

Conventional medicine has yet to uncover the cause of fibromyalgia and only offers management of symptoms through pain medications and antidepressants.

Holistic Health Practitioners, on the other hand, looks to find the root cause of fibromyalgia and other chronic diseases, treating the problem at the root level to provide tools to help each individual restore their own health. As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I've helped many people recover from fibromyalgia. Below are the top ten root causes of fibromyalgia and what can be done to overcome them. 

1. Gluten intolerance 
Gluten has been liked to more than 55 diseases and is often called the "big masquerader." The reason for this is that the majority of gluten intolerance symptoms are not digestive in nature, but are instead neurological, such as pain, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, fatigue and depression.

2. Candida overgrowth
Candida is a fungus, or yeast, and a very small amount of it lives in your intestines. When overproduced, Candida breaks down the wall of the intestines and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic byproducts into your body and causing a host of unpleasant symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues and pain. Virtually every person who has fibromyalgia has or has had a problem with Candida overgrowth.

3. Thyroid
Thyroid gland function also plays an important role in the symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Getting  thyroid levels into an optimal range typically alleviates many of the symptoms.

4. Vitamin & mineral deficiencies
Magnesium, vitamin D and B12 deficiency are the most common vitamin deficiencies.  I have seen some symptoms completely reversed simply changing up the diet and adding vitamin and mineral supplements to help support the body. 

5. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Leaky gut
There are more bacteria in and on our bodies than the number of our own cells. When  bacteria gets out of balance through use of antibiotics or a sugar-rich diet, we can lose our ability to digest and absorb nutrients, particularly B12.   This is a vicious circle, gluten can cause SIBO and leaky gut while at the same time SIBO and leaky gut can lead to gluten and other food intolerances. You must first "fix the gut"  if you have been diagnosed or suspect that you have fibromyalgia.

6. Mercury toxicity
I recommend that everyone finds a biological dentist and have their mercury amalgam fillings removed. Mercury is toxic to our bodies and can be one piece of the puzzle for those with fibromyalgia.

7. Adrenal fatigue 
Adrenal fatigue is a result of the chronic stress. Chronic pain is a stress to the adrenal glands, though it's typically not the initial adrenal stressor. The initial stressor is usually something such as food intolerances, Candida, mercury toxicity, or vitamin deficiencies. I encourage support tof he adrenal glands with adaptogenic herbs.

8. Glutathione deficiency
Glutathione is the most critical part of our body’s detoxification system. Glutathione gets recycled in our body — unless our toxic burden gets too high, or we lack GSTM1 and GSTP1, the enzymes needed to recycle and produce glutathione. Taking glutathione or the precursors (NAC, alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle) often help dramatically with fatigue.

As you can see from the above list, many of these causes are interrelated, and often there is no single root cause of fibromyalgia.  Finding the source of the problem can be complex.  However, the good news is, you don't need to suffer needlessly or mask your symptoms with pain medications and antidepressants.   There are methods to overcome fibromyalgia and live a semi-normal, pain free life.

Veronica
KISST Organics

Turmeric Extract 100% Effective At Preventing Type 2 Diabetes, ADA Journal Study Finds

A remarkable human clinical study published in the journal Diabetes Care, the journal of the American Diabetes Association, revealed that turmeric extract was 100% successful at preventing prediabetic patients from becoming diabetic over the course of a 9-month intervention.[1]
Performed by Thailand researchers, the study's primary object was to assess the efficacy of curcumin, the primary polyphenol in turmeric which gives the spice its golden hue, in delaying the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a prediabetic population.
The study design was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial including 240 subjects who met the American Diabetic Association's criteria for prediabetes. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 250 mg of curcuminoid or placebo capsules for 9 months.
Type 2 diabetes progression was assessed by measuring a wide range of parameters, including changes in the insulin-producing cells within the pancreas known as β-cells, insulin resistance, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine known as adiponectin, at four different times:  baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month visits during the course of intervention.
The results were reported as follows:

"After 9 months of treatment, 16.4% of subjects in the placebo group were diagnosed with T2DM, whereas none were diagnosed with T2DM in the curcumin-treated group. In addition, the curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β-cells, with higher HOMA-β (61.58 vs. 48.72; P < 0.01) and lower C-peptide (1.7 vs. 2.17; P < 0.05). The curcumin-treated group showed a lower level of HOMA-IR (3.22 vs. 4.04; P < 0.001) and higher adiponectin (22.46 vs. 18.45; P < 0.05) when compared with the placebo group." [emphasis added]

The researchers concluded:

"A 9-month curcumin intervention in a prediabetic population significantly lowered the number of prediabetic individuals who eventually developed T2DM. In addition, the curcumin treatment appeared to improve overall function of β-cells, with very minor adverse effects. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the curcumin intervention in a prediabetic population may be beneficial."

The full study can be viewed for free on the American Diabetic Association's Diabetes Care website: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/35/11/2121.full

Discussion

Considering that at least 40% of the US population ages 40-74 are believed to have prediabetes, according to CDC statistics, [2] the health implications of this study are profound.
Curcumin, which constitutes approximately 3-4% of dry turmeric powder by weight, is affordable, safe and easily accessible.  Moreover, over 600 potential health benefits of curcumin (and/or turmeric) have been documented within the biomedical literature freely available to peruse on either the National Library of Medicine's open access database (pubmed.gov search: "curcumin"), or for your convenience, our intricately organized Curcumin database.
Recently, we highlighted research on curcumin's potential ability to heal the diabetic liver. (Read:Turmeric May Repair and Regenerate Diabetic Liver Function)  But this is really only the tip of the iceberg.  Below you will find the related sections on our Curcumin database indicating curcumin's value in a wide range of diabetic complications:

Disease Category	Article Count
Diabetes Insipidus	1
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1	9
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1: Prevention	1
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2	13
Diabetes: Bone Quality & Density	1
Diabetes: Cardiovascular Illness	11
Diabetes: Cataract	2
Diabetes: Cognitive Dysfunction	6
Diabetes: Glycation/A1C	2
Diabetes: Kidney Function	4
Diabetes: Liver Disease	1
Diabetes: Oxidative Stress	2
Diabetic Microangiopathy	1
Diabetic Nephropathy	2
Diabetic Neuropathies	2
Diabetic Retinopathy	4

Considering the abject failure, if not also sometimes deadly nature of diabetic medications, turmeric (curcumin) provides an ideal alternative. We can only hope that medical professionals who treat prediabetics and diabetics will take seriously this study, especially considering that it was published in the American Diabetic Association's very own, highly respected journal.

source: 

green med info

What Really Causes Heart Disease

Inflammation in the artery wall is the real cause of heart disease. Simply stated, without inflammation being present in the body, there is no way that cholesterol would accumulate in the wall of the blood vessel and cause heart disease and strokes. Without inflammation, cholesterol would move freely throughout the body as nature intended. It is inflammation that causes cholesterol to become trapped.

Inflammation is not complicated -- it is quite simply your body's natural defense to a foreign invader such as a bacteria, toxin or virus. The cycle of inflammation is perfect in how it protects your body from these bacterial and viral invaders. However, if we chronically expose the body to injury by toxins or foods the human body was never designed to process,a condition occurs called chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is just as harmful as acute inflammation is beneficial.

What thoughtful person would willfully expose himself repeatedly to foods or other substances that are known to cause injury to the body? Well,smokers perhaps, but at least they made that choice willfully.

The rest of us have simply followed the recommended mainstream diet that is low in fat and high in polyunsaturated fats and carbohydrates, not knowing we were causing repeated injury to our blood vessels. This repeated injury creates chronic inflammation leading to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.

Let me repeat that: The injury and inflammation in our blood vessels is caused by the low fat diet recommended for years by mainstream medicine.

What are the biggest culprits of chronic inflammation? Quite simply, they are the overload of simple, highly processed carbohydrates (sugar, flour and all the products made from them) and the excess consumption of omega-6 vegetable oils like soybean, corn and sunflower that are found in many processed foods.

source:  

veg-out with linda

You Are What You Eat

Lonely vs Alone

Rethink Your Drink

There isn't any sugar in water unless you are purchasing a flavored water.  What looks like sugar in the water in the  image is merely a reflection.

Artificial sweeteners are actually worse than sugar.  

Facts About Fast Food

36 Natural Alternatives For Infection

Most people have issues with bacterial or viral infections from time to time. Unnecessary antibiotics ARE dangerous! Antibiotics damage the integrity of the microbial balance in the gut. The healthy gut microflora is 70-80% of the immune system. Impaired immune systems are less effective at healing the body.

Plant products have historically been consumed and utilized for their anti-microbial and health boosting benefits. Many plant materials are being researched for their therapeutic value for our immune health.

Here are 36 natural substances which have been studied to help to support our body's immune system to heal itself!

1. Manuka honey fights serious infection caused by MRSA
2. The inhalation of tea catechin appears to suppress MRSA infection in the elderly.
3. Tea tree topical preparations are superior to standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization.
4. Garlic and tea have antibacterial activity against Klebsiella, as well as drug resistant strains of Saphylococci, Enterococci and Psedomonas aeruginosa.
5. Water extract of garlic has antimicrobical activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and Candida species, and many other microbials.
6. The compound found within garlic known as allicin has antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
7. Probiotic therapy has therapeutic value in treating Klebsiella infection in children.
8. Susceptibility to ear disease in children may be a result of deficiencies of zinc and vitamin A.
9. Topical nanocrystalline silver dressing may provide an alternative treatment for MRSA infected wounds to oral antimicrobials.
10. Cranberry may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by inhibiting biofilms in the bladder.
11. Probiotic strains from breast milk are superior to antibiotics in the treatment of infectious mastitis.
12. Honey may have a therapeutic role in treating refractory chronic rhinosinusitus.
13. Honeydew and manuka honey has strong antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens.
14. Cinnamon verum bark has the highest antimicrobial activity, particularly against antibiotic resistant strains, of 13 essential oils tested.
15. A number of plant oil extracts inhibit multi-resistant strains of bacteria and yeast.
16. Clove, guava and lemongrass exhibit the highest synergism rate with antimicrobial drugs.
17. Thyme and Eucalyptus oil have antibacterial activity against MRSA isolates.
18. Compounds isolated from Bay leaf have anti-MRSA activity.
19. The essential oil of dill and peppermint enhances the antimicrobial activity of nitrofurantoin against enterobacteria.
20. Grape seed extract has bactericidal effects on MRSA.
21. A combination of Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) and geranium oil showed the greatest anti-bacterial effects against MRSA.
22. Rosemary has activity against drug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens.
23. Propolis exhibits antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to various antibiotics and some microorganisms.
24. Cumin essential oil exhibits anti-Klebsiella activity.
25. Green tea exhibits anti-MRSA activity.
26. Mango seed kernel extract may potentially be useful as an alternative therapeutic agent or an adjunctive therapy along with penicillin G in the treatment of MRSA infections.
27. Wormwood, tarragon and eucalyptus contain the compound pipertone which reduces antibiotic resistance against Enterobacter cloacae.
28. Alpinia galanga contains a compound with activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
29. Elecampane (Inula helenium) has potent antisaphylococcal activity, including against MRSA.
30. Lavender oil has antimicrobial activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
31. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG inhibits invasion of cultured human respiratory cells by macrolide-resistant group A streptococci.
32. Lime has potent antibacterial activity against multiple drug resistant E. coli.
33. Nigella sativa has anti-bacterial activity against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
34. Nutmeg contains a compound with potent anti-biofilm activity against oral bacteria.
35. Olive leaf extract demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus [including meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)].
36. Cinnamon and Oregano, containing cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol, respectively, exhibit powerful antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni isolates.

source:
Greenmedinfo

Going Bananas

God Speaks - God's Plan

Sugar & Inflamation

Did you know that sugar and refined carbohydrates are the No.1 trigger of inflammation?

Inflammation = Weight Gain

“If you don’t address inflammation by eliminating hidden food allergens or sensitivities and by eating an anti-inflammatory diet, you will never succeed at effective and permanent weight loss.

Anything that triggers inflammation_ including sugar—also triggers disease.”

- Dr. Mark Hyman