The Importance of Proper pH Levels in the Body

It has been stated that to be healthy the body cannot be acidic. The ideal pH of urine and saliva are 7.0 a balanced body pH. Acidic pH (Anything from 0-6.9 is acid) is a leading factor in most disease.

SO WHAT IS pH?
The symbol 'pH' is used to represent the acidity or alkalinity level. pH stands for 'potential for hydrogen'. Some have called it 'potential for health'.  Normal, healthy body pH falls within a narrow range of 7.36 - 7.44. It is naturally more alkaline than acidic; even though, some of the systems (like the digestive system) are acidic. If the pH levels becomes  acidic, a condition called acidosis can occur. Acidosis occurs when your blood pH level falls below 7.30. One of the first symptoms of acidosis is fatigue.  A couple of other common symptoms include:  joint inflammation and abnormal muscular aches, a white coating on the tongue, strong body odor or halitosis, digestive disorders or acid reflux to name a few.
Scores ranging from 7-14 are alkaline.  It is best to be slightly alkaline but overly alkaline can lead to health problems as well.  In our society over alkalinity is rare while over acidic is very common. Essentially every function of the body is dependent on our bodies maintaining a precisely balanced pH in the blood, and other critical bodily systems.
The chief culprit in unbalanced pH is mineral depletion within our body.  The cause is generally the acid-forming foods we eat and what we drink (almost all of the fluids we drink on a daily basis are acidic. Coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, fruit juices and even some water. For example. a carbonated beverage has a pH of 2, orange juice is pH of 3, and average tap water is 4.5.   Bottled water is typically a pH of only 6.   It is not safe on the other hand to drink high alkaline water on a regular basis.  This can cause other issues.  Also, there are many acidic foods and beverages that turn alkaline inside the body.  These are most always found in a natural food form, ie.  citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and lemons. Another major cause of acidity is stress and Lord knows most of us have a fair share of that! In addition, antibiotics which can destroy  friendly bacteria along with bad bacteria create problems due to the fact that the bacteria that 'grow back' are often acid forming and can drain the body of health enhancing electrolyte minerals.  Other causes of electrolyte loss might be: strenuous exercise, sickness, infection, or even fasting.
If we can maintain the proper pH balance, we should maintain good health.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR BODY IS ACIDIC?
Basically and acidic pH means your body is prone to disease.  It should be considered of utmost importance to do everything possible to get your pH balanced.
SO WHAT CAN I DO?
Each individual is different and may require different nutrients.  The first thing that I would suggest is test both your urine and your saliva every morning before you eat or drink anything.
Second, eliminate acidic foods such as coffee, tea, meat, dairy.  You are probably wondering at this point:
WHAT CAN I EAT?
Fresh fruits and vegetables have far more nutrition, with a focus on minerals to replace what has been diminished.  They are also more alkaline in nature.  It is highly suggested that you add copious amounts of dark leafy greens to your diet.  This includes: spirulina, alfalfa, wheat grass, kale, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, beet tops, carrot tops, swisschard, etc.  One of the most palatable methods for getting these nutrients into your system is by consuming "green smoothies".  I have several recipes listed here on this blog.  Key smoothies into the search box or look up, "Nutritious & Delicious" or  "Smoothie recipes"
If you are struggling in the area of balancing your pH or if your pH is highly acidic, you may need some additional nutritional supplementation.
pH strips can generally be purchased at any health food store.  They can also be purchased on many online sites.  I carry them in my retail store for only $12 and I am happy to send them to you.  Shipping is always free too.
If you have questions or if I can help you further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Spirulina explained: Here's what you need to know about this healing superfood

Hundreds of studies have confirmed spirulina's powerhouse status. It has 60-70% complete protein, meaning it has all 8 essential amino acids and 10 non-essential ones that support good health). That's more protein than beef, chicken or soybeans. According to Balch, it contains concentrations of nutrients "unlike any other single grain, herb, or plant." Some of its other valuable components include: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which is found only in blue-green algae and has been shown to increase survival rates in mice with liver cancer (Balch).
Spirulina is highly digestible, protects the immune system, aids in mineral absorption and reduces cholesterol. Originally from warm alkaline lakes in Africa and Central and South America, spirulina was consumed by Aborigines of those places (including the Aztecs) for centuries, verifying its safety and healthful effects on the body.
Why take it?
In his book Eat to Live, Dr. Joel Fuhrman talks about the importance of eating nutrient-rich foods to maintain healthy weight, avoid or correct chronic and degenerative disease and maximize longevity. Spirulina is perhaps the most nutritious food source known to humans and has been used all over the world for centuries for both its nutritional density and its medicinal qualities 
Spirulina is a source of vitality and life energy. Consumers of spirulina usually notice an increase in energy and overall health. It supplies nutrients needed to cleanse and heal while providing protection from all kinds of cancers as well as multiple viruses including influenza, herpes, mumps, measles and AIDS.
It's common knowledge that we should all eat fish for the omega fatty acid content. Where do fish get their high omega content? Blue-green algae like spirulina. Omegas are essential in fighting heart disease, reducing arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and depression as well as lowering bad cholesterol. The high content of vitamin B12 makes it excellent for the development of healthy nerve tissue and the metabolism of every cell in the body. This means spirulina helps with nerve damage and diseases such as fibromyalgia. Spirulina is also known for its high content of beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, an essential nutrient needed for healthy immunity, teeth, bones, mucous membranes, skin and eyes.
Spirulina also contains all the other B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. It has various antioxidants, phytonutrients and carotenoids. It protects the brain and detoxifies the liver and kidneys. It balances pH to reduce inflammation, the root of much disease. It balances the immune system, including calming an overactive one, which is significant because overactive (or inflamed) immune systems are responsible for autoimmune diseases These usually have their root in poor nutrition and digestion, which spirulina also helps correct.
Additional Benefits
Its superfood status means spirulina has many more benefits. It increases antioxidant protection, fights free radicals, fights the aging process, curbs appetite and promotes weight loss, supports health cardiovascular function, improves the digestion process and gastrointestinal health, creates beneficial flora in the digestive tract and makes the body produce more red and white blood cells which kill germs and viruses.
Spirulina's antimicrobial effects help control the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. The chlorophyl means it is a blood cleanser. It also oxygenates the blood. Polysaccharides improve the functionality of bone marrow, thymus, and spleen cells.
Spirulina is good for the skin too: it improves age spots, eczema, acne and rashes. It's good for the eyes as well, helping with glaucoma, cataracts and poor vision.
Studies have shown that spirulina improves allergies and respiratory function and enhances exercise performance
Balch says taking spirulina between meals is beneficial for hypoglycemics because the high protein content stabilizes blood sugar levels.
How to get it in your diet
Spirulina is named for the spiraling shape it makes as it grows. It grows best in warm, fresh water lakes, but is also found in saltwater and natural springs. It is what gives bodies of water their dark green color. It is harvested and turned into a thick paste, dried, and packed into powder or flakes to be turned into tablets or capsules.
It is highly digestible and does not have the tough cell wall that others algae have. Most find the taste unpleasant. You can get flakes to add to food or smoothies, but most prefer to take it as a supplement, in pill form.
Other things you should know
Spirulina is one of the main go-to foods for protection from harmful radiation. It protects the organs and helps detoxify the radiation out of the body.  It was used to treat the children of Chernobyl.
Spirulina has no side effects; it is very safe. It does contain iodine, to which some may be allergic. If you haven't detoxed in awhile, add it to your regime slowly or you may experience the ill effects of detoxing.
Some of it is wild harvested and tested for safety and purity while other is farmed to control environmental contaminates. Research the brand you choose or ask a qualified supplement consultant at a health food store.
It is inexpensive, easy to find and it stores well. It is a great addition to your diet (as well as your disaster kit) so stock up!

Read the complete article at: http://www.naturalnews.com

Think Again Before You Drink Another Soda!!

The Dangers of Drinking Soda Pop

The sad truth about soda pop (soft drinks) is that Americans drink nearly more soda pop than water, which is really pathetic! The human body is not made up of effervescent beverage, but water, nearly 75-80% water.
Soft drinks are not hardly soft on the body!
Many soda drinkers are not aware of the dangers of this beverage. Soda is some dangerous stuff!
Soda pop (regardless of the kind or brand) is 100% acid forming! It has a pH balance of 2. This is a very low pH number.
Our bodies were made to have a natural pH balance of 7.3, which is slightly alkaline. A pH of 6 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 7. A pH of 5 is 100 times more acidic than a pH of 7. A pH of 4 is 1,000 times more acidic than a pH of 7. A pH of 3 is 10,000 times more acidic than a pH of 7. And a pH of 2 is 100,000 times more acidic than a pH of 7.
One can of soda pop greatly lowers your alkalinity. Once can of soda is 100,000 more acidic than your natural pH level.
A pH of 2 means that a person would have to drink 32 eight ounce glasses of alkaline water just to neutralize the effect of one can of soda.
So why do we drink soda pop? Well, because we've been conditioned to drink soda pop; plus, we like the taste of this stuff. But more importantly, we drink soda pop because we are sick, and incidentally soda pop originally started out as liquid drug (medicine) sold at the local pharmacy of which I'll go more into detail later on in this article.
The acid forming nature of soda pop is a threat to teeth and enamel. The teeth are alkaline in nature due to calcium, the most alkalizing mineral in the body. Because soda is greatly acidic, it corrodes the teeth and enamel.
Soda pop beverages contain some of the most harmful synthetic sweeteners in existence. Many brands of soda pop contain the artificial sweeteners aspartame and saccharin, both of which are cancer causing.
Aspartame (also known as Nutra Sweet) is an artificially made sweetener composed of two amino acids – phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and is 200 times sweeter than sugar (sucrose, white table sugar).
Aspartame contains 10% methyl alcohol (wood alcohol), which is also known as methanol (a light volatile pungent flammable poisonous liquid alcohol used as a solvent, anti-freeze, or denaturant for ethyl alcohol and in the synthesis of other chemicals).
Aspartame is a known neurotoxin. A neurotoxin is a toxin to the brain and impairs brain health and function and adversely affects fetal brain development in unborn babies.
Aspartame converts into FORMALDEHYDE at a temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Formaldehyde (a/k/a embalming fluid) is a known NEUROTOXIN!
It stands to reason that since the human body's natural temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, aspartame will automatically convert into formaldehyde once inside the human body. It is not wise or intelligent to embalm yourself while you are still alive. But this is what you are doing every time you guzzle down some soda pop.
Nazis and chemical warfare are recurring themes in the aspartame story. The chief patent holder of aspartame is the Monsanto Company, based in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1967, Monsanto entered into a joint venture with I.G. Farben, the financial core of Hitler's regime and the key supplier of poison gas to the Nazi racial extermination program.
Saccharin is just as dangerous and deadly as aspartame. Saccharin is a non-caloric petroleum derivative (masked with glycine) that is 300 times sweeter than sugar. Saccharin is absorbed but not modified by the body. It is excreted unchanged in the urine. Saccharine causes bladder cancer in lab animals (which mean it will also cause bladder cancer in humans).
High fructose corn syrup is another dangerous sugar that many soda pop brands contain. This harmful sugar goes straight into the blood once ingested and adversely affects blood sugar levels almost instantly.
ACE-K is one of the latest synthetic sweeteners added to soda pop, such as certain brands of Pepsi-Cola (Pepsi One). This drug adversely affects the brain.
Other brands of soda pop may contain corn syrup or dextrose, both of which are harmful to your health.
Some soda pop brands outright use sugar (SUCROSE) in addition to other artificial sweeteners. Sucrose or white table sugar is nitroglycerin, a/k/a T.N.T. (dynamite)! Soda pop can explode on you, especially under pressure!
Sugar is the number one legalized drug on the planet. It kills more people in one day than all the illegal drugs combined will in 1,000 years.
One can of soda is equivalent to 11 tablespoons of sugar. No wonder soda pop consumption plays a role in diabetes, kidney failure, and anxiety. Mark Pendergrast, author of "For God, Country and Coca-Cola" correctly states that soda is "99 percent sugar water."
And what do you think make those cola beverages brown in color? Can you say CARAMEL as in caramel coloring? And what is caramel? Caramel is nothing but burnt white sugar. So soda pop literally contains sugar on top of sugar. Soda pop simply has too much sugar in it and thus is a major drug.
Soda pop is laced with serious amounts of caffeine, which is a drug. Caffeine belongs to a chemical drug group known as 'Methyl-Xanthines.'
Twenty (20) to thirty (30) percent of American adults consume more than 500 milligrams of caffeine per day - twice the amount doctors consider a large "drug dose."
Ingesting caffeine places severe stress on your heart. It also drives your nervous system into a state of sympathetic alert - the state you attain when a wild animal is chasing you and you are running for your life. Caffeine is one of the world's most psycho-active drugs and sugar is the most addictive drug on the planet.
Caffeine depletes you in B-vitamins, especially B1 (thiamin).
Vitamin B1 deficiency symptoms include: fatigue, nervousness, general aches and pains, and headaches.
If your adrenal glands do not react to the stimulation of caffeine, it could mean that you are headed for a physical breakdown due to adrenal exhaustion.
When you get into a state of sympathetic alert, your digestive system turns off because your blood is now sent preferentially to your muscles, lungs, and heart.
If you have any food in your digestive tract, it is subject to fermentation, putrfaction, and becoming rancid from sitting too long in an intestinal tract that is shut down.
Instead of being nourished by your food, you will become poisoned by the rotting products of incomplete digestion.
Caffeine also has diuretic properties. These properties put extra stress on the kidneys and have a dehydrating effect on the body. Caffeine makes the nervous system work like crazy.
Various studies also link caffeine to birth defects and research shows that caffeine interferes with DNA replication and robs the body of vital nutrients, especially B-vitamins, Vitamin C, zinc, and potassium and prevents the absorption of iron.
Sadly and unfortunately, many Americans have a physiological and/or psychological dependency on caffeine than on all other drugs combined.
Many well-known and liked soda brands are loaded with caffeine. Consider the following:
Mountain Dew - 54.0 milligrams
TAB - 46.8 milligrams
Coca-Cola - 45.6 milligrams
Diet Coke - 45.6 milligrams
Shasta Cola - 44.4 milligrams
Dr. Pepper - 39.6 milligrams
Pepsi-Cola - 38.4 milligrams
RC Cola - 36.0 milligrams
Soda pop contains preservatives as well. The chief preservative in many soda brands is sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate is used to preserve freshness. Soda pop has to be preserved because it is a dead substance. If a thing has to be preserved, it's dead! We must remember that life renders life and death renders death and we cannot obtain life from death.
Most soda pop brands will contain "taste freshener" chemicals such as "erythorbic acid" and "potassium benzoate"; as well as "flavor protector" chemicals such as "calcium disodium." All of these chemicals supra are synthetic. Once inside the body, they help to preserve the taste of other chemicalized foodstuffs in addition to corrupting and polluting the taste buds.
Another sinister ingredient some soda pop brands may contain is polyethylene glycol. In case you didn't know it, glycol is used as anti-freeze in automobiles and as an oil solvent.
I can't forget about soda pop's phosphoric acid. This is some seriously corrosive and caustic stuff! Phosphoric acid is truly acidic. It dissolves calcium out of the bones, which plays a major role in the development of osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones and skeletal structure) which make a person (especially a woman in general, Caucasian woman in particular) be susceptible to broken bones due to the bones becoming fragile.
Phosphoric acid also damages the skeletal system and greatly disturbs and upsets the body calcium-phosphorus ratio. It even kills brain cells! The stuff even fights with hydrochloric acid (which is needed for digestion) in human stomachs and renders it ineffective.
And what makes soda pop so effervescent in nature? Can you say carbon dioxide? Carbon dioxide is a natural waste product that the body produces. Carbon dioxide is released with every exhalation. So how stupid is it to put carbon dioxide back into the body via ingestion of soda pop when the body naturally expels it with every exhalation? Nature takes out the carbon dioxide and then dumb man puts it back in.
Soda is predominantly CO2 and colored sugar water. That's all it really is. When I used to work for General Cinema Theatres (now defunct), I remember the soda machines we used to have and only two things were needed - CO2 tanks and a box of colored, sweetened syrup that we used to call a bag in a box (because the syrup was in a bag which was stored in a box). A box of syrup used to cost $10 back then (c. 1989-1992). From that one $10 box of syrup, General Cinema would reap nearly $800-$1,000 in soda sales. The soda machine had about six different nozzles so do the math.
Sixty dollars ($60) of sugary syrup brought in $4,800.00 worth of soda sales!
A few brands of well-known soda pop brands indirectly contain synthetic phenylalanine, a synthetic amino acid that plays a role in phenylketonuria, a metabolic disease that is characterized by inability to oxidize a metabolic product of phenylalanine and also by severe mental retardation. This is why a few soda pop cans warn the drinker who may be a phenylketonuric that the beverage contains phenylalanine. Anything containing aspartame contains phenylalanine.
Cleverly hidden within the chemical name, but an ingredient contained in some soda pop brands - glycerol ester of wood resin, is actually alcohol; wood alcohol to be exact. This type of alcohol is horrendous to human health. However, it won't stop the soda pop manufacturer from using it in their product.
And I can't forget about those horrible and sinister petroleum-based chemical color dyes - LAKES, e.g. Yellow Lake, Blue Lake, Red Lake, and Green Lake. All "Lake" dyes are dangerous to human health. All are carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Other ingredients soda pop may contain include "citric acid", "sodium citrate", "sodium polyphosphates", "potassium sorbate" (a preservative); and "gum acacia." And just about every soda pop can or bottle today may have the ingredient "natural flavor" listed, which is bogus. Natural flavor is an umbrella term that allows companies to hide synthetic chemicals under the banner of that which is natural, but if the flavor is natural or derived from natural sources, why not list them on the product? Well, clearly because the truth of the matter is that the "natural flavor" is derived from unnatural chemicals - more synthetic chemicals that pollute and corrupt our taste buds and our blood.
Read the entire story at dherbs.com

Anti-Inflamatory Herbs

There are a number of excellent anti-inflammatory herbs. Three that I use on a regular basis are:

• Turmeric: It contains at least two chemicals, curcumin and curcuminoids, that act to decrease inflammation inhibiting the production of prostaglandins (lipid compounds derived from fatty acids) which are linked to arthritic inflammation. Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards. It is in the same family as ginger, cardamom and zedoary. I suggest turmeric for all inflammatory disorders, including arthritis, tendonitis, and auto immune conditions. Don't use turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Pregnant women shouldn't use it without their doctors' approval. In rare cases, extended use can cause stomach upset or heartburn.
• Ginger: Ginger is a blood thinner, which which may help reduce angina episodes by lowering cholesterol. Research indicates that ginger may calm arthritis pain, by lowering your prostaglandin levels. One 2005 study even suggests that ginger could reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin). 
• Boswellia: Boswellic acids, active components in boswellia, deactivate the hormonal triggers for inflammation and pain. Sourced from a resin found in the bark of frankincense trees, boswellia has been shown to thwart chemical reactions involved in inflammation and may be useful for generalized inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia. 

Herbs are not a quick fix...they nourish the body feeding it to better health. A person who is malnourished cannot regain total strength and stamina in a few hours or even a few days. Be patient: the full benefit of herbs can take two months to develop.
Keep in mind that anti-inflammatory herbs won't heal your condition itself, despite their pain-easing effects. Furthermore, addressing the cause of chronic inflammation is essential for working your way toward optimal health; not only known to generate pain, inflammation is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Do You Need More Thyme?

Thyme’s Amazing Health Benefits

There is an average of 360 species of thyme around the world. This perennial plant, was once used by the ancient Romans as a remedy for melancholy. Some historians believe that thyme was used in the medieval period to impart vigour and courage amongst its people.
Most people are aware of its wide usage in the culinary arts. However, there are many who are ignorant of thyme’s medicinal value.
For many centuries, thyme was used as a treatment for chest and respiratory problems.
The usage of this herb is known to reduce the symptoms of colic and irritable bowel syndrome.
This herb, is also effective against plaque formation, laryngitis, mouth sores, sore throat, tonsillitis and halitosis; hence the reason it is an ingredient in some of the toothpastes, ointments and mouthwashes.
Thyme can be utilized as a tonic, since it is known to stimulate the nervous system. It alleviates insomnia, depression and nervous exhaustion.
Thyme’s nutritional value consists of: vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and dietary fibre. 

In Honor of ALL Veterans, Past, Present and Future!

On this Memorial Day know that a grateful Nation weeps with you for a debt that can never be repaid.

May we honor the very real sacrifice made by so many, and may we never take such sacrifice for granted. “Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.” ~Seal of Honor

First Study of Its Kind To Show How Sugar Makes You Stupid - Omega 3 Neutralizes

May 16, 2012

Attention, college students cramming between midterms and finals: Binging on soda and sweets for as little as six weeks may make you stupid.



A new UCLA rat study is the first to show how a diet steadily high in fructose slows the brain, hampering memory and learning -- and how omega-3 fatty acids can counteract the disruption. The peer-reviewed Journal of Physiology publishes the findings in its May 15 edition.
“Our findings illustrate that what you eat affects how you think,” said Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a professor of integrative biology and physiology in the UCLA College of Letters and Science. “Eating a high-fructose diet over the long term alters your brain’s ability to learn and remember information. But adding omega-3 fatty acids to your meals can help minimize the damage.”
While earlier research has revealed how fructose harms the body through its role in diabetes, obesity and fatty liver, this study is the first to uncover how the sweetener influences the brain.
The UCLA team zeroed in on high-fructose corn syrup, an inexpensive liquid six times sweeter than cane sugar, that is commonly added to processed foods, including soft drinks, condiments, applesauce and baby food. The average American consumes more than 40 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“We’re not talking about naturally occurring fructose in fruits, which also contain important antioxidants,” explained Gomez-Pinilla, who is also a member of UCLA’s Brain Research Institute and Brain Injury Research Center. “We’re concerned about high-fructose corn syrup that is added to manufactured food products as a sweetener and preservative.”
Gomez-Pinilla and study co-author Rahul Agrawal, a UCLA visiting postdoctoral fellow from India, studied two groups of rats that each consumed a fructose solution as drinking water for six weeks. The second group also received omega-3 fatty acids in the form of flaxseed oil and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which protects against damage to the synapses -- the chemical connections between brain cells that enable memory and learning.
“DHA is essential for synaptic function -- brain cells’ ability to transmit signals to one another,” Gomez-Pinilla said. “This is the mechanism that makes learning and memory possible. Our bodies can’t produce enough DHA, so it must be supplemented through our diet.”
The animals were fed standard rat chow and trained on a maze twice daily for five days before starting the experimental diet. The UCLA team tested how well the rats were able to navigate the maze, which contained numerous holes but only one exit. The scientists placed visual landmarks in the maze to help the rats learn and remember the way.
Six weeks later, the researchers tested the rats’ ability to recall the route and escape the maze. What they saw surprised them.
“The second group of rats navigated the maze much faster than the rats that did not receive omega-3 fatty acids,” Gomez-Pinilla said. “The DHA-deprived animals were slower, and their brains showed a decline in synaptic activity. Their brain cells had trouble signaling each other, disrupting the rats’ ability to think clearly and recall the route they’d learned six weeks earlier.”
The DHA-deprived rats also developed signs of resistance to insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar and regulates synaptic function in the brain. A closer look at the rats’ brain tissue suggested that insulin had lost much of its power to influence the brain cells.
“Because insulin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the hormone may signal neurons to trigger reactions that disrupt learning and cause memory loss,” Gomez-Pinilla said.
He suspects that fructose is the culprit behind the DHA-deficient rats’ brain dysfunction. Eating too much fructose could block insulin’s ability to regulate how cells use and store sugar for the energy required for processing thoughts and emotions.
“Insulin is important in the body for controlling blood sugar, but it may play a different role in the brain, where insulin appears to disturb memory and learning,” he said. “Our study shows that a high-fructose diet harms the brain as well as the body. This is something new.”
Gomez-Pinilla, a native of Chile and an exercise enthusiast who practices what he preaches, advises people to keep fructose intake to a minimum and swap sugary desserts for fresh berries and Greek yogurt, which he keeps within arm’s reach in a small refrigerator in his office. An occasional bar of dark chocolate that hasn’t been processed with a lot of extra sweetener is fine too, he said.
Still planning to throw caution to the wind and indulge in a hot-fudge sundae? Then also eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds, or take a daily DHA capsule. Gomez-Pinilla recommends one gram of DHA per day.
“Our findings suggest that consuming DHA regularly protects the brain against fructose’s harmful effects,” said Gomez-Pinilla. “It’s like saving money in the bank. You want to build a reserve for your brain to tap when it requires extra fuel to fight off future diseases.”

Scientists Say Sugar Should Be Controlled Like Alcohol and Tobacco to Protect Public Health

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Cleansing Fast Days 10 & 11

Well the last two days have been interesting to say the very least!  I got to experience the whole travel thing while doing a fast and that is much harder than one might think.  It did work surprisingly well even with my husband in the vehicle eating McDonalds Sausage McMuffins, chips and candy.  
But my resolve has abandoned me.  I have lost my want to and I have pretty much accomplished what I had set out to do on this go around.  I also have not been reading my Bible the last couple of days and that means I am not where I am supposed to be in my head.  
Admittedly, this has been one of the hardest fasts that I have ever done.  I have completed extended fasts previously but this one has just been tough all the way through.
One of the things that I have been praying about is whether the "Raw Foodist" lifestyle or "Vegan/Vegetarian" lifestyle is something that I should adopt for my own life.  Through much prayer and deliberation, the answer to that question at this point in my life is and abrupt, "NO!"  
I resolve to maintain a healthy eating pattern and I will not allow those reduced pounds to sneak back up on me.  Diet and exercise will continue to be a strong focus.
I want to thank each and every one of you that has followed this process, who has prayed for me and been my cheerleader.  I greatly appreciate all that you have done!!  
With being out of town, I didn't get the principles of fasting and the breaking a fast basics posted.  I will plan to work on those and get them posted for you tomorrow.

Cleansing Fast Days 8 & 9

I am tired.  I have been tired for two days.  Emotions are extremely high.  Our little dog died yesterday and that's probably the biggest reason for the unreal stress.  Couple that with increased pain again.  Stress does absolutely ridiculous and terrible things to our bodies.  
Bromelain is said to help manage pain naturally.  One of the best sources of bromelain is raw pineapple.  I juiced half a pineapple an hour ago.  I hope it will work but it hasn't yet.  Generally when I get to this level of pain I am reaching for naproxen sodium which is generally the only thing that will touch it.
I'm still committed to finishing up the 14 days but I must confess there was a little cheat today.  I ate a couple of Brazil nuts.  No excuses, I needed to chew something. 
God is still good!  He is still on his throne!  Praise you Jesus!  
I have figured out two things
#1 It's easiest to do a cleansing fast when there is no one around.  No food sitting on the table next to you like the plate of chicken next to me right now.
#2 Life should not happen when you are going through this process either.  Dogs should not die, family should not visit (loved seeing you mom & Jess, wouldn't change it for anything),  husbands should not cook.  
Love and blessings upon you!  Tomorrow I will talk about the properties of fasting...when to fast, why to fast, how long to fast, etc.

I AM 15 lbs REDUCED!!!!

One of my blog watchers called me to tell me I hadn't listed my weight!
I think I did but here it goes again!


I started at 225
I am at 210
Yay, YAY Hooray!!!

Cleansing Fast Day 7- Half Way!!!!

Wooohooo seeing and feeling results!
I am stronger and that is AWESOME!!!!!!  Spiritually stronger is the most important.  Fasting always allows me to draw closer to the Lord, to be aware of where I am and be in tune to where I should be.  In prayer on Day 7, I realized that part of my physical struggle with my upper back comes from clenching my teeth.  I carry a lot of stress in my neck and shoulders anyway and I have noticed recently that I am clenching. Through prayer the Lord also revealed that this problem is due to hanging on to  unforgiveness and bitterness.  I won't  go into detail on that part but it is something I obviously need to work out within my emotional and spiritual self.  Physically I am stronger in that I don't have the degree of pain that I was experiencing before.  I do have a couple of vertebra out again ~ go figure.  :o)  Emotionally, some people can just set me off!!!  No,  I'm not going to tell you who they are!Lol!!  My hope is that if you are one of them, you will never, never know!  I despise talking about people unless I have something positive to share!  Well, my emotions seem to be more in balance.  I am not jumping on the band wagon every time someone gets my gall up!!  With this I have been able to tell a couple of people to just stop their complaining and carrying on!  I try to be gentle when I do this!  I don't want to hurt their feelings but point out that perhaps they should consider dealing with some of their own problems. 
Here is a dimensional comparison:
Day 1                              Day 7
Size 16                            Size 14
Weight 225                      Weight 210.5
Bust 48                            Bust 44
Waist 42                          Waist 42
Hips 46                            Hips 44
Thigh 29                          Thigh 28
You may notice that my waist has not reduced in proportion to the rest of me. This ok, nothing alarming and certainly not a surprise to me, though I had hoped for better. Stomach fat is the most difficult to remove. Digestive issues also make the stomach area reduce more slowly.
Now! Onto the second half!

Cleansing Fast Days 5 & 6

Today and yesterday have been pretty uneventful.  Just about the same as day 4.  Hunger pains and cravings have pretty much dissipated but it's amazing how the senses are enhanced.  The olfactory senses (the sense of smell) are very awake!  I can smell food that is boxed and has never been opened.  I find that interesting and I wonder if that is the memory of the food in my mind or if it is actually the food in the box that I smell.
I have had several people ask me why I am juicing rather than just eating the raw fruits and vegetables.  I have had people ask why the foods need to be raw and some have asked why are you doing this for such an extended period of time.  Still others have asked what I am doing to get enough protein.  I will try to answer these questions that everyone reading may gain an understanding of why I am doing this the way I am doing it.
#1 According to Holistic health practices disease begins in the colon.  Though this is not a typical colon cleanse, because of the amount of fiber I am consuming it does help to cleanse the colon.  Other than the raw fruit and vege smoothies, I also take psyllium fiber for that same purpose.
#2 Raw fruits and veges still have the life in them.  That is why if you leave them they deteriorate rapidly.  When removed from the original plant, tree, bush or whatever they immediately start the decaying process.  Fresh is best when putting it in your body.  That is also part of the reason when you pull produce straight from the garden that it tastes so much better than what you get in the grocery store.
#3 Juicing is easier on the digestive tract than eating the whole food.  This is due to the fact that the food particles are already partially broken down.  This allows for ease in the digestive process which amounts to less stress.  Less stress equates to the digestive system having time to heal itself and re-esablish the natural functioning properties.  Juicing also allows you to get more in your system.
#4 Juicing also allows a person to get more nutrition (if they are doing it right).  The focus should be on getting a large variety of dark leafy green plants.  I also mix a super food green blend into my smoothie at least once each day to make certain that I am getting ample nutrition.
#5 Protein is a funny thing.  Most people put to much emphasis on how much protein they eat and with that they consume much more than their bodies actually require.  Dark leafy green veges are packed with protein.  In the digestive system they break down far easier than meat therefore the protein is more readily available for the body to absorb. However, these are incomplete proteins so it is vitally important to get a variety including seeds, nuts, legumes and grains (especially on a long term basis).
For me specifically, my body has a hard time breaking down complete proteins.  By giving my digestive system a break and allowing for short term healing, the entire digestive process should become stronger, more functional and more capable of breaking down the complete proteins.
#6 Two weeks may seem like a long period of time to do a fast.  This was a personal decision based on spiritual guidance, my own level of health, and where I want to be physically.  Two weeks is a long time especially if it is not guided by the Holy Spirit.  In fact, I venture to say that without the guidance of the Holy Spirit it is virtually impossible.  I will give more information on fasting in the coming days.
Have a great night!

Cleansing Fast Day 3 & 4

Hi everyone!  I neglected to get here yesterday to report in but all is well!  I will cover two days worth of events in this post to save us all time and get cuaght up!
Yesterday, day 3 was a tough one.  I had major cravings all day long from sweets, to salt to spicy.  Just about anything would have tasted absolutely wonderful.  My pain level was greatly reduced after I went to see my Reflexologist (Morris Hartman).  We found out I had a lot of toxins built up in my lymph glands.  I also had several vertebra that were acting like adolescent children.  Once we got those things back in order, I felt pretty good!Lol!!
Today, Day 4 has been relatively uneventful!  Whew!  Over the hump!  It should be easier from here on.  The first 3 days are usually the most difficult.  Today, I didn't have the cravings, in fact I can't even say I was really hungry.  I only drank about half the amount of smoothies that I have been drinking.  The reduction in hunger is a good indicator of the stomach shrinking.  Praise the Lord!
I haven't spoken about the spiritual side of a cleansing fast and I feel like it is such an important part that quite honestly I have neglected pretty much since the beginning of this process.  Don't get me wrong, I am in prayer regularly but I also need to be in God's word. I have a friend who tells me often, "Get in the word!, Get in the Word!  Get in the Word!"  She is so right!  How can we grow closer to the Lord if we are not in His word?  The word of God, the Bible is the only way to get to know the heart of our Creator, Lord and Savior.
I have many reasons (excuses) but none of them are truly worthy of listing here and honestly we all know that reasons or excuses are just our way of rationalizing or justifying what we know we should have done in the first place.  Heaven forbid!  That's one of my Grandma's saying's (she's no longer with us).  For Heaven's sake is another one of her sayings that I think I will use to get me back on track!
For Heaven's sake!  I need to Get in the Word!!Lol!!  Hope you are in the Word too!
Here is a song that has stuck with me since Sunday when we sang it in church and one that is the cry of my heart as I look for cleansing within my entire body!


Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me


Take me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
And take not Thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cleansing Fast Day 2

I have been nagging my mom to come see me.  She hasnt' been here for awhile and I have been giving her just a little bit of grief for it.  Well, she and my oldest daughter traveled from Western CO to come see us!  They arrived Monday, the first day of my cleansing fast.  What does that tell you?  Well, no.  I kept up my end of the bargain but my mom might not want to come see me again!LOL!!!  I am making them suffer with me!  They are  not doing the complete fast but they have tried some of my smoothies!  Love my family and the support they give me!! Lol!!!
Day 2 was more difficult than Day 1.  I was hungry for a good part of the day and my pain level seemed more intense than normal but Hey!  I survived!  I did take some extra ginger and tumeric to help lower the pain level.
For lunch I prepared a beautiful salad laden with colorful veges and I didn't take even one bite.  I was certainly tempted and everything smelled wonderfully good!
In the afternoon mom, Jess & I did ionic foot detox cleanses.  That was fun to see the difference in the water for each one of us.  Mine smelled high of chlorine but was pretty much clear without much debris.
In the evening we decided to go to town for supper. There were six of us and we didn't want to rearrange the kitchen or be stumbling over the three dogs confined to that area of the house.
Oya Grill is one of my favorite food stops in Sidney, NE.  With great success, I took my green smoothie with me and tried hard not to drool over everybody's appetising morsels.
Today is Wednesday, Day 3.  My mom will be leaving today and I am sad to see her go.  We have had fun and enjoyed our short visit.  Jess will stay for another day or two.  :o)  I am happy!