Fight Chronic Inflammation & Prevent Disease

Here are a few simple guidelines to help avoid chronic inflammation:

• Drink plenty of clean, fluoride-free water - Pure, mineral-rich water is the most basic, yet one of the most powerful, anti-inflammatory nutrient that you can feed your body. Drinking naturally high-pH water from mineral sources will not only help to alkalize your body, which will prevent disease from taking hold, but will also purify your blood and cleanse toxins from the body.  Most of our water is chlorinated, flourinated and the minerals are removed.  Supplementing with minerals is also highly reccommended.

• Eat plenty of fermented foods - Kombucha tea, kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt, fermented vegetables, and apple cider vinegar are all excellent examples of probiotic-rich superfoods that will help to populate your gut with beneficial bacteria, and ensure that your digestive tract remains healthy and well-functioning. Fermented foods and beverages also help prevent harmful pathogens from taking hold within the body.  A pro-biotic can be substituted in supplement form if you are not eating enough fermented foods.

• Cut out the carbs and omega-6 oils, and eat plenty of healthy, saturated fats - The average American doctor would probably cringe at this advice, but saturated fats like those found in coconut and palm oils, are actually beneficial for your health, while carbohydrates and oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids are heavy promoters of disease-causing inflammation. Your best bet is to skip the low-fat diet and start eating more healthy fats in combination with mineral and enzyme-rich whole foods. Nuts, seeds and avocados are more examples of healthy fats.

• Get plenty of natural sunlight exposure - The vitamin D hormone plays a critical role in regulating immune function, as well as preventing the onset of chronic illness. A powerful, natural anti-inflammatory, vitamin D is easily accessible through natural sunlight exposure or supplementation, and it is one of the most powerful interventions for deterring inflammation.  On average, if you are not out in the sun for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, you should consider supplementing with Vitamin D3.

Source:  http://www.naturalnews.com/036722_inflammation_disease_prevention.html#ixzz22sQsD4jh

Inflammation Is A Major Reason Why You Can't Lose Weight

(NaturalNews) It's well established that obesity is characterized by low-level chronic inflammation. Several theories as to how this inflammation occurs have been proposed, but dietary choices seem to be the most important factor involved. It's increasingly recognized that regular consumption of certain foods leads to diet-induced inflammation; which in turn sets the stage for insulin resistance, leptin resistance and other conditions that go hand in hand with overweight and obesity. These conditions make it very hard to lose weight and maintain healthy body weight.

Studies done on non-westernized populations show that hunter-gathereres have virtually no incidence of obesity, even when they have access to an abundance of food. Excellent health is seen regardless of macronutrient ratio and physical activity. Sugar, grains, refined vegetable oils and certain dairy products are not a part of these ancestral diets, while they are eaten in abundance in westernized societies. The available literature shows that humans are poorly adapted to these modern foods and that they promote obesity and inflammation through various mechanisms.

Food and inflammation

Fruits, vegetables and nuts have a cellular storage where they are able to store a maximum density of around 23 percent non-fibrous carbohydrate by mass. These living cells are breached in our digestive system and energy becomes available. Flour and sugar don't have these living cells, and they have a higher carbohydrate density than anything we have consumed on a regular basis during our evolution.

It's already known that obese and lean individuals have different gut flora composition, and Ian Spreadbudy at the Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, suggests that high-carbohydrate dense foods specifically increase the quantity of LPS containing bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. LPS, Lipopolysaccharide, is an endotoxin which is strongly linked to diet-induced inflammation.

When an inflammatory microbiota is in place, continued consumption of westernized foods increase the absorption of inflammatory molecules into circulation. It's a viscious cycle where a poor diet helps to preserve the inflammatory microbiota, and the microbiota increases our satiety for unhealthy foods.

Anti-nutrients and problematic proteins in grains, legumes and other modern food staples can further contribute to increased circulating LPS and inflammation.

Some individuals will be more prone to the effects of a poor diet than others. In some regions of the world, cereal grains have been a part of the diet for thousands of years and certain adaptive mechanisms have gotten a chance to evolve.

Low-carbohydrate diets

Low-carbohydrate diets are very effective in promoting weight loss. The reduced carbohydrate consumption in itself and lower insulin levels are often considered the most important factors involved in weight regulation. Based on knowledge about inflammation and obesity, it's likely that the limited consumption of acellular carbohydrates and proinflammatory anti-nutrients and proteins, also are very important in reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss on these diets.

Choosing nuts, fruits and vegetables as carbohydrate sources on a low-carb diet is important
when trying to lose weight on a low-carbohydrate diet, even 20-100 grams of carbohydrates from sources like flours and sugar can help maintain an unhealthy gut flora, and the elevated fat intake can then further increase the circulation of LPS and other PAMPS, pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Not paying attention to carbohydrate sources on a low carbohydrate diet is consistent with failure.

Dietary choices are vital

Avoiding processed foods, high-density carbohydrates and other modern food staples will reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.

Reduced carbohydrate consumption is beneficial when trying to improve insulin resistance, leptin resistance etc. Restoring these functions should allow for an increased consumption of fruits, berries, root tubers and other vegetables while still maintaining good health.

Source:  http://www.naturalnews.com/036701_inflammation_weight_loss_food.html#ixzz22n5wuk9L

No Inflamation/No Pain

Magnesium For Life

Magnesium is a life giver and if we don't have enough we cannot absorb the calcium we need. Many 

other health benefits from this as well. AND it is soluble so must be replaced on a DAILY basis

Why sit tall in the saddle? Why keep your chin up?
For every inch that the head moves forward in posture, it increases the weight of the head on the neck by 10 pounds.  (Thanks to Wendy Murdoch for this!)

The Most Healthy Vegetables

       Photo Credit vegetables image by Edvin selimovic from Fotolia.com

Vegetables are a necessary component of any healthy diet. They provide essential nutrients including vitamin A, C and E, dietary fiber, folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Vegetables are also low in calories and fat and contain no cholesterol. Eating a diet rich in vegetables can help you maintain a healthy weight and protect you from chronic disease. While all vegetables are healthy, some provide more nutrients and health benefits than others. A well-balanced diet should therefore include a rainbow of vegetables.

Leafy Greens

Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in iron, dietary fiber, calcium, vitamins B, E and K, protein, carotenoids and other antioxidants. Examples include spinach, asparagus, kale, chard, collard greens and lettuce. Add color to your diet and meet your recommended dietary intake of vegetables by eating plenty of dark leafy greens. These vegetables are best eaten raw as in salad, with dip or as a condiment on sandwiches. They are also good lightly steamed or eaten in soups.

Calciferous

Broccoli, cauliflower, green or red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, arugula, mustard greens, artichoke and collard greens are all members of the calciferous family. Calciferous vegetables have sulfur-containing compounds, sulforaplane, that make them pungent and bitter. This compound has potential carcinogen-fighting effects within the body. These vegetables are rich in vitamin C and K, potassium, folic acid, iron, calcium and phytochemicals. Eat calciferous vegetables raw, lightly steamed or stir-fried.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes and yams are best when baked and eaten plain without added butter. They can also be added to stir-fries, casseroles or soups. Rich in carotenoids, vitamin A, B and C, potassium, iron and dietary fiber, sweet potatoes will help you feel full for an extended period.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are available in colors such as green, red, orange, purple and yellow, each with its own unique flavor. Bell peppers are an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin A, B, C and K. One cup of chopped red pepper contains more than three times the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C. Add peppers to any salad or stir-fry.

Beans and Peas

Beans and peas are especially rich in protein. Whether eaten dried, canned or raw, they are also a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Examples include lima beans, peas, kidney beans, soybeans, lentils, garbanzo beans and other legumes. Eat raw or lightly steam. Add to salads, stir-fries, soups, chili or pasta sauce.

Pumpkins and Squash

Pumpkin, a low-calorie vegetable, is high in fiber and vitamin A. It helps boost your immune system while providing you with lasting energy. Pumpkin seeds are packed with magnesium. Try them roasted or sprinkled on salad. Squash comes in varied shapes, colors and flavors. Both summer and winter squash are rich in carotenoids, vitamin A and C, magnesium, dietary fiber and potassium. They can be cooked and served along or incorporated into soups and other dishes.

Allium

Allium vegetables are a group of pungent and flavorful vegetables. Vegetables in this family include garlic, onion, leeks, shallots, chives and scallions and are known for their antibiotic properties. Consuming these vegetables, especially when raw, can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and fight infection. Allium vegetables are most often used in cooking to add and extract flavor from food.

Carrots

Rich in beta-carotene, potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid, magnesium, vitamin A, B, C and K, carrots are bright in color and sweet in taste. Carrots contain high levels of carotenoids and vitamin A, which will help keep your eyes and skin healthy and protect against infection. Carrots can make a healthy raw snack or be grated and added to a salad.

References

• Bella Online; Top 10 Most Nutritious Vegetables; Moss Greene; 2011
• The New York Times; The 11 Best Foods You Aren't Eating; Tara Parker-Pope; June 2008

 http://www.livestrong.com/article/391248-a-list-of-the-most-healthy-vegetables/#ixzz22RgDcmuh

12 Benefits of Wheatgrass

Green Onions

Thank you Homesteading / Survivalism page.. The next time you have green onions, don't throw away the white ends. Simply submerge them in a glass of water and place them in a sunny window. Your onions will begin to grow almost immediately and can be harvested almost indefinitely. (This will save me soooo much money, because I use alot of green onions/scallions) Love the great tip

Health Benefits of Raw Honey

Although honey can be a fantastic health-boosting tool, using the wrong kind of honey will not give you the health benefits  you expect. A study conducted for Food Safety News shows that at least 75% of the honey sold in the US is actually not real honey, according to Food and Drug Administration standards. In order for honey to be deemed “honey” in the United States, the honey must contain pollen as it would naturally. While the FDA has a strict rule on what is and what isn’t considered real honey, they actually don’t bother to check the honey sold, so many people are consuming fake, nutrient-depleted honey. The simplest potential solution to this problem would be for you to purchase Raw Honey at http://www.kisstorganics.com

Raw Honey has long been among the top superfoods used to treat countless health conditions and boost overall health. Raw Honey can be used to help treat an array of health issues experienced on a daily basis. This amazing bee-product possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties – making it one of the most beneficial foods to consume.
Allergy Protection – As an alternative and natural allergy treatment to drug therapies, Raw Honey has been utilized successfully with many allergy sufferers swearing by its antiallergenic properties.
All-Natural Antibiotic: Raw Honey is known to help speed the healing of wounds. One study published in the journal Microbiology found that honey prevented a type of streptococcus from inhibiting the healing of wounds. Researchers conducting the lab tests found that even the smallest amount of honey was enough to kill off the majority of bacterial cells on the skin which infects the wound site. There is a potential that Raw Honey could even be utilized to prevent wounds in the first place.
Other research shows how Raw Honey could be a potent answer to drug resistant bacteria like MRSA. In fact, some researchers have come to the conclusion that Raw Honey could even be more effective than antibiotics in many cases; after examining how the superfood can prevent and fight serious skin infections. After a skin injury like a cut or a scrape, bacteria can penetrate the wound site but scientists have found that Raw Honey can destroy such bacteria and can even painlessly remove pus, scabs and dead tissue from wounds and stimulates new tissue growth.
Soothes Coughs and Eases Colds - Perhaps among the most employed health benefits of honey, this superfood can be used to soothe coughs or ease colds. A mixture of organic, raw vinegar and Raw Honey provides soothing relief for sore throats and helps stop the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey — with all its components including royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen — is high in nutrients and enzymes, which kill bacteria and viruses. Children, given just a little bit before bed often sleep better and cough less than if given nothing.
Further adding to the health benefits of Raw Honey, this super food:

• Increases calcium absorption.

• Can increase hemoglobin count and treat or prevent anemia caused by nutritional factors.

• Can help arthritic joints.

• Works as a natural and gentle laxative, aids constipation.

• Provides instant energy without the insulin surge caused by white sugar or corn syrup.

• Contains a wide array of trace minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, chromium, manganese and selenium, which are critical for healthy cellular insulin sensitivity and blood sugar balance. Raw honey does have an effect on blood sugar and contains approximately 53% fructose, so one should only consume this superfood in moderation. For those with diabetes or blood sugar concerns it is suggested that only 1 teaspoon per day of the Raw Honey be consumed.  1 teaspoon of honey per day is said to be enough to fight most alergy symptoms.

Purchase Raw Honey at http://www.kisstorganics.com

Recipes to Remove Pesiticides From Produce

This is an excellent chart!  These mixed spray recipes will keep for 9 months to a year without spoiling.  Be sure to wash all your fruits and veges!

Health Benefits of Bananas

Tomatoes and Avocados - Why You Should Eat Them Together?

It is really no surprise that tomatoes and avocados are healthy for us; but what is it about this combination that makes these two foods go from merely good to super healthy?

Tomatoes, which contain the antioxidant lycopene, are considered a SUPER food. Eat some avocado at the same time and you've got a SUPER SUPER food -- the healthy fat in the avocado helps the body absorb seven times more lycopene.

Getting more lycopene is important because it has been found to play a big role in the prevention of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and age-related illnesses such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

The medicinal powers of garlic have been used by herbalists for centuries. As a matter of fact, there has been more written about the wonderful benefits of garlic than any other food source known. Its history dates back 3,500 years. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was the first to write that garlic was an excellent medicine for eliminating tumors. The Codex Ebers, an Egyptian medical papyrus dating to about 1,550 B.C., mentions garlic as an effective remedy for a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, headache, bites, worms, and tumors.
Recent studies on garlic have shown that it kills insects, parasites, bad bacteria, and fungi. It also eliminates various tumors, lowers blood sugar levels, lowers harmful fats in the blood, and prevents clogging of the arteries. Researchers have also shown that allicin (the organic compound which gives garlic its aroma and flavor) acts as a very potent antioxidant.

Raspberry Energy Booster Smoothie

Skipping meals is probably one of the worst things you can do for your mood, your metabolism and your over all health. Without sufficient energy (calories/carbs) our bodies are forced into survival mode. This means fat storage, fatigue, headache, moodiness and sometimes even hormonal imbalance. By making sure you’re getting enough during the day, you can experience life to the fullest.

Granted, it’s easier said than done but smoothies are a quick easy method for staying nourished especially when you are on the go! They are packed with anti-oxidants and essential vitamins that help protect your immune system, keep your skin healthy and your body hydrated. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Frozen Bananas
• 1 cup Frozen Raspberries
• 1 cup Pineapple
• 2-3 cups Coconut Water or Water

Instructions: Blend all ingredients together for 30 seconds or until you reach the consistency you desire and enjoy!

http://www.youngandraw.com/raspberry-energy-booster-smoothie/

Have you laughed today? 6 Year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

Research has shown that the health benefits of laughter are far-ranging. While more studies need to be done, studies so far have shown that laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity.

Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol , epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.