On January 15th, 2013 by Lynn Morales

Sensory Processing Disorder – What is it? Part II

Last week I shared with you Part I about Sensory Processing Disorder. Now let’s continue with Part II and learn why this disorder is misdiagnosed and what treatments are available. I agree that a safe and effective way to treat this disorder is with herbal remedies. Herbs fight off disease; boost the immune system and work to increase a person’s overall sense of well-being. A BodyTalk session with a certified BodyTalk Practitioner will also help in re-wiring the sensory processing of the brain. Consider taking a BodyTalk Access class to enhance better brain communication to address this issue. Find a class near you. Register today! Your health and your family’s health may depend on it.

By Megan Bushman

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis is common because many health care professionals are not trained to recognize sensory issues. The Sensory Processing disorder foundation is dedicated to researching these issues, educating the public and professionals about their symptoms and treatment, and advocating for those who live with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and sensory challenges associated with other conditions.

It’s most commonly diagnosed in children, but people who reach adulthood without proper diagnosis or treatment also experience symptoms and continue to be affected by their inability to accurately and appropriately interpret sensory messages.

These “sensational adults” may have difficulty performing routines and activities involved in work, close relationship and recreation. Because adults with SPD have struggled for most of their lives, they may also experience depression, underachievement, social isolation and/or other secondary effects.

What causes SPD?

The causes of SPD are among the subjects that researchers at Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation and their collaborators elsewhere have been studying. Preliminary research suggest that SPD is often inherited. If so, the causes of SPD are coded into the child’s genetic material. Prenatal and birth complications have also been implicated, and environmental factors may be involved. Of course, as with a developmental and/or behavioral disorder, the causes of SPD are likely to be the result of factors that are both genetic and environmental. Only with more research will it be possible to identify the role of research.

Who is at Risk of Developing SPD?

The people most at risk of developing SPD are those that are gifted, have ADHD or autism. However, anyone can develop it. It is most likely genetically linked, so the people most at risk are those with a family history.

What Treatments are Available?

Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder helps partners and others who live and work with sensational children to understand that Sensory Processing Disorder is real, even though it is “hidden.” With this assurance, they become better advocates for their child at school and within the community.

If left untreated, by the time people with SPD reach adulthood, they will struggle with depression, social isolation, feelings of underachievement, loneliness and other emotional issues.

Occupational Therapy: Once children with Sensory Processing Disorder have been accurately diagnosed, they benefit from a treatment program of occupational therapy (OT) with a sensory integration (SI) approach. When appropriate and applied by a well-trained clinician, listening therapy (such as Integrated Listening Systems) or other complementary therapies may be combined effectively with OT-SI.

Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach typically takes place in a sensory-rich environment sometimes called the “OT gym.” During OT sessions, the therapist guides the child through fun activities that are subtly structured so the child is constantly challenges but always successful.

Chiropractic: Chiropractors focus on the functions of the brain and the nerves along the spine and work to align the spine in order to remove any misalignments that could cause never interference. For a person with SPD this would work well with the rarely known-but extremely important-other two senses called the vestibular and proprioceptive systems.

The vestibular system is physiologically located in the cerebellum (base of brain), upper cervical spine (top of the neck) and inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for regulating all incoming sensory information and is considered the most important sensory system. The proprioceptive system is located throughout the spine and joints of the body. Disruption of the system may lead to problems with learning, motor skills, behavior and social/emotional development.

Chiropractic care is an essential treatment. Properly functioning vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems are key components in developing and maintaining a healthy sensory processing system. Because these two sensory systems are largely located in the spine, it is extremely important to remove any spinal misalignments with a chiropractic adjustment that may be causing nerve inference.

Herbal Remedies: These work gradually to heal various parts of the body. They provide safe and effective treatment. They are good for a person with SPD because they can provide aid to all the sensory problems and emotional issues associated with the disorder.

Recommendations are:

Skullcap-reduces self-stimulating behavior
Golden Root- helps with self-injurious behavior
Ginkgo – addresses issues relating to focus
Lavender and Lemon Balm – assists with relaxation
Melatonin – aids sleep

By taking herbs every day a person with SPD will soon be able to cope with the sensitivities that plague their everyday life. Generally speaking, herbs fight off disease; boost the immune system and work to increase a person’s overall sense of well-being.

HealthKeepers Magazine April 2012

On January 9th, 2013 by Lynn Morales

Sensory Processing Disorder – What is it?

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Recently, I read an article by Megan Bushman on Sensory Processing Disorder. This is what she said and I agree that if this disorder is not identified and treated effectively, a person may experience behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and school failure. A BodyTalk session with a certified BodyTalk Practitioner will be extremely helpful in re-wiring the sensory processing of the brain. Consider taking a BodyTalk Access class to enhance better brain communication to address this issue. Find a class near you. Register today! Your health and your family's health may depend on it.

By Megan Bushman

The way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses is called Sensory Processing, or sometimes called Sensory Integration. Whether biting into a sandwich, riding a bike, or reading a book, your successful completion of the activity requires processing sensation or “sensory integration.”

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), is a neurological disorder that exists when sensory signals don’t get organized into appropriate responses. It is the brain’s inability to integrate everyday sensory information it receives from the five senses: touch, sight, sound, smell and taste. Put another way by pioneering occupational therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PHD, she likens it to a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.

Children learn through their senses. A child who seems to have difficulty processing sensory information may not be developmentally on track in terms of social skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and language. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure and other impacts may result if the disorder is not identified and treated effectively.

Sensory Processing Disorder can affect people in only one sense; for example, just touch or just sight or just movement, or in multiple senses. One person with SPD may exhibit hypersensitivity and over-respond to sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food or other sensory input to be unbearable. Another person may under respond exhibiting hyposensitivity and show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and cold.

What are the symptoms?

A person with SPD may show signs of problems with all, or just some of the categories listed below. An affected person may be over or under responsive to any of these categories.

Tactile-sense of touch and feeling

Vestibular-sense and feelings of movement

Proprioception-sense of position and perception

Auditory-sense of hearing

Olfactory-sense of smell

Visual-sense of sight

What does it look like?

The most notable signs of SPD present themselves in the following way:

Touch: They may avoid or crave touch, get irritated by certain clothing; for example, tags and sock seams.

Smell: They may be susceptible to allergies, may need to excessively smell toys, items or people.

Taste: They are “picky eaters”, exhibit pica (eating non-edible items like chalk, crayons, direct, etc.)

Sight: They have difficulty going down stairs, exhibit poor hand eye coordination, experience eye discomfort when required to perform visual work like reading frequent headaches and stomach upset after school, may need to read out loud to keep place, dyslexia and light sensitivity.

Auditory: They may be upset with loud or unexpected noises, hum and sing to screen out unwanted noises, bothered by clock ticking, refrigerator humming, air conditioner running, cover ears a lot, speak loudly.

Proprioception: They may have trouble judging weight of objects. They will often write too lightly or too hard. They may tear the page when erasing. They have poor motor control and even run into walls or bump into objects by accident.

Vestibular: This has to do with a persons’ sense of movement and balance that is processed in the inner ear. They may like spinning, are fearful of heights and don’t like to be upside down.

In children whose sensory processing of messages from the muscles and joints is impaired, posture and motor skills can be affected. These are the “floppy babies” who worry new parents; or the children who get called “klutz” and “spaz” on the playground because of poor motor skills. Still other children exhibit an appetite for sensation that is in perpetual overdrive. These children are often misdiagnosed and inappropriately medicated for ADHD.

In next week’s article, look for Part II and learn why this disorder is misdiagnosed and what treatments are available.

HealthKeepers Magazine April 2012

On December 4th, 2012 by Lynn Morales

Cravings: Friend or Foe?

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Recently, I read an article by Rupina Meer on cravings. This is what was said and I agree that we should listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us.

By Rupina Meer

Did you know that cravings are important messages that are key to unlocking your body’s optimal vitality? For example, as I watched the nightly news on television and absorbed scene after scene of mayhem and random acts of violence I felt compassion for those directly impacted by these events. I also felt something else-a gnawing feeling of despair that instantly gave rise to a craving for dark, creamy chocolate. After a few bites, my jaw unlocked and my shoulders dropped. I was enveloped by a stream of cacao’s legendary feel-good endorphins and felt the clouds of depression lift. Does this scenario sound familiar to you?

Often we are not craving a particular food but the emotion it creates. Later that night, I had the same uplifting feeling from cuddling with my dog. As I hugged him and looked into his liquid, brown eyes, I realized my earlier craving for chocolate had nothing to do with physical nutrition. I was merely looking for some therapeutic touch.

In his ground-breaking book, Integrative Nutrition: Feed Your Hunger for Health & Happiness, Joshua Rosenthal says, “food can fill you, but not fulfill you.” He believes that often we are just looking for some Vitamin-L “L” standing for love, or a hug or even physical activity to evoke a certain emotion. But we often misread these vital signs and choose to stuff our faces with the nearest comfort food. For example, when we don’t sleep well, we often crave coffee to get us going and to mask weariness. After a stressful day, many of us turn to something sweet to release the tension of the day. We crave proteins such as eggs or steak in the morning which can leave us feeling heavy and bloated. Do you see how we create a vicious cycle where we ricochet from sweet processed foods to animal fat? From one extreme to another till our bodies and spirits are drained of energy. And we repeat these unconscious patterns daily.

Cravings Are Not the Energy

Ask yourself, why is it so difficult to tame cravings? And why do we want to tame them? Many people view cravings as signs of weaknesses or byproducts of a flawed will power. But in reality they are vital messages that the body sends out in an attempt to start a dialogue with ourselves. They are messages too important to ignore. We have this sophisticated bio-computer called the human body that never makes mistakes. No matter how involved we are in the day-to-day madness of our lives, our hearts never skip a beat and our lungs diligently expand and contract to pump our life force. Once we realize this, it’s easy to conclude that cravings are the body’s solution to underlying imbalances and food becomes the healing salve to regulate our current state. It all comes down to building a trusting dialogue with our bodies.

Shh, Listen, Really Listen, to Your Cravings

We live in an era of “time poverty” where we’re hurtling through life, multi-tasking and being constantly stimulated by pressure. Is it any wonder that we don’t take the time to slow down and actively listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us? The next time you’re overcome with a strange craving, take three conscious breaths to get still, and really descend into the heart of your cravings and decode what your body is asking for. Ask your body, “What is it you really want?”

Primary Causes of Cravings

You’ll find that most cravings fall into one of these categories:

Dehydration – Dehydration often masquerades as hunger. Your body typically doesn’t send the message that you’re thirsty till you’re on the verge of dehydration. The next time you’re overcome with a craving, try hydrating yourself with some pure water to see if that takes care of the underlying craving.
Lifestyle – Often we eat because we are craving entertainment. If you’re bored, try to deal with the issue directly rather than distracting yourself with snacks. We often eat because we’re starving for love, affection or fulfillment. Touch can be therapeutic. Don’t be afraid to ask for a hug when you need it. Dysfunctional relationships, unfulfilling jobs, lack of a spiritual practice, not having regular physical exercise or too much exercise are all triggers for emotional eating.
Yin/Yang Imbalance – Green veggies and fruits have an airy, light, expansive quality that makes the body feel light. They also cool the body and may spark cravings for heavier, warming foods, such as red meat or cheese. This is simply the ancient wisdom of the yin-yang philosophy in play. This is the dance between two opposites that are the complementary forces the body uses to maintain balance.
Conditioned Responses – Your body wants what it’s used to. If you recently indulged in a Chicago style deep dish pizza, your body will likely crave the gooey cheesiness a few days later. You’ll also often experience cravings for foods routinely consumed in your childhood or by your ancestors. The trick is to reach out for less extreme or healthier version of that food. For example, think dark chocolate instead of M&Ms. Another tip is to pay attention to food labels. You may think that you’re doing your body good by eating oatmeal in the morning, but most commercial oatmeal brands have as much as 25 grams of sugar which will likely create a rebound sugar craving in the mid-afternoon.
Seasonal – Cravings for sweets can often be associated with the holiday season while the summer time often gives rise to cravings for cooling sweets such as ice cream.
Hormonal fluctuations – Menstruation, pregnancy or menopause often cause fluctuating levels of testosterone, progesterone and estrogen levels that may cause unusual cravings.
Self-sabotage – Often when things are going really well, we experience a self-sabotage syndrome. We all like to fit in and sometimes cave in to peer pressure to go out and indulge in nutritionally-devoid foods and drinks that we normally avoid.

Ignore the outside world and listen to those innate whispers of wisdom from within. They are always trying to make us feel better by urging us to eat foods that will melt our physical tension, give us more energy and brighten our moods. You will realize that the answer to every problem is wrapped in the problem itself. We only have to stop resisting and decode the message.

HealthKeepers Magazine April 2012

On November 13th, 2012 by Lynn Morales

What’s In This? Part II, Avoid the “Dirty Dozen”

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Last month I shared with you Part I about toxins in our body care products. Now let’s continue with Part II and find out what toxins to avoid.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: Found in Anti-freeze. Acts as a “surfactant11 (wetting agent and solvent). Penetrates skin and weakens protein and cellular structure. Strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that workers are required to wear protective clothing and to dispose of PG by burying it in the ground. PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against contact to prevent brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. But there isn’t even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than is most industrial applications.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Detergents that pose serious health threats. Used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and in 90% of personal care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experience eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS. May damage the skin’s immune system. Can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. Your body may retain SLS for up to five days and maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain.

DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (Monoethanolaniie) & TEA (triethanolamine): Hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing nitrates. Restricted in Europe due to carcinogenic effects, yet they are still used in the U.S. Americans may be exposed 10-20 times per day with shampoos, shaving creams and bubble baths. Dr. Samuel Epstein (processor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated applications of DEA-based detergents result in major increase in liver and kidney cancer. The PDA’s John Bailey says, “The risk is significantly increased for children.”

Sodium Hydroxide: The most recent addition to our personal care products. This is poison (caustic lye) found in drain cleaners, yet is now found in our children and adult toothpaste!

Triclosan: Synthetic “antibacterial” with a chemical structure-similar to Agent Orange! The EPA registers it as a pesticide, giving it high scores as a risk to human health and the environment. It is in a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. It may produce dioxin, a hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per trillion; that is only one drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools! Hormone disrupters pose enormous long-term chronic health risks. It can change genetic material, decrease fertility and sexual function, and foster birth defects. Internally it can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse and convulsions. Stored in body fat, it can accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the liver, kidneys and lungs, and can cause paralysis, brain hemorrhages and heart problems. Tufts University School of Medicine says Triclosan can force the emergence of “super bugs” that it cannot kill. Its widespread use in antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes and household products may have nightmarish implications on future generations.

DMDM & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. Exposure also irritates the respiratory system, triggers heat palpitations or asthma and aggravates cough and colds. Other side effects include weakening the immune system and cancer.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that reduces the skin’s natural moisture. Increases the appearance of aging and leaves you vulnerable to bacteria. Used in spray-on oven cleaners and cleansers to dissolve oil and grease.

Liutane or Propane: Found in aerosol products. May be narcotic and cause asphyxiation.

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): Drying, irritating solvent that strips skin’s moisture and immune barrier, making you vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Made from a petroleum derivative found in shellac and antifreeze as well as personal care products. Promotes brown spots and premature aging. A consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients says it may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting and coma. Fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less.

Mineral Oil: Petroleum by-produce that coats the skin like plastic wrap, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil!

FD&C Color Pigments: Synthetic colors from coal tar that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Fragrances: Can contain up to four thousand ingredients (including animal urine), many toxic or carcinogenic. Causes headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting and skin irritation. Fragrances affect the nervous system, causing depression, hyper activity, irritability, inability to cope and other behavioral changes.

To learn more about cosmetic safety and the health concerns associated with certain ingredients in beauty care products, please consult the follow resources:

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org)
Environmental Working Group’s Shoppers’ Guide to Safe Cosmetics (www.ewg.org)
CosmeticsDataBase.com (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com)
Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer Project from Vassar College (erbc.vassar.edu)
National Geographic’s “The Green Guide” (thegreenguide.com)

To learn more about products that are more health friendly contact Lynn for information on a full skin care line. There are a number to choose from and they don’t have to be costly. My new favorite is a package of five facial care products for as little as $85 that will last you a couple of months. The kit contains a cleanser, toner, antioxidant serum, skin repair cream and lipid complex. These products do not have these harmful ingredients listed in this article.

HealthKeepers Magazine April 2012

On November 7th, 2012 by Lynn Morales

What’s In This? Part I - Are There Toxins In Your Body Care Products?

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Recently, I read an article in HealthKeepers Magazine about toxins in our body care products. This is what it said and I agree that we should use more natural and organic personal care products for a healthier body.

Personal care products are supposed to make us beautiful. But have you read the list of ingredients on the label of your favorite shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, cosmetics or lotion recently? Have you come across chemical names like phthalates, triclosan, paraben or sodium laureth sulfate? What are these substances and what are they doing in these products that go directly on your skin?

Our body’s biggest organ is the skin. It’s your most important immune defense barrier as well as your largest organ for eliminating waste. Did you know that many chemicals found in body care products pass easily through the skin and tissues into the blood stream, which carries them throughout the body? While we have wonderful detoxification capabilities for eliminating harmful toxins, today there are so many synthetic chemicals assaulting our bodies from the air, water and food that we are experiencing toxic overload. Unable to adequately process and excrete the overwhelming number of incoming toxins, our bodies store them in our tissues, especially in our fat cells. This creates an ever-growing accumulation of toxins which can interfere with our normal biochemical processes and can eventually produce diseases or worse.

Toxins found in body care products generally fall into these categories: Neurotoxins; endocrine disrupters; irritants and allergens; and kidney and/or liver poisons. They’ve been linked with all kinds of disease, including infertility and birth defects; asthma and respiratory failure, convulsions; circulatory collapse; anemia; skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis; nervous system disorders like Parkinson’s and ALS; chemical sensitivity; and cancer.

Watchdog groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and researchers at Vassar College are finding that these culprits are found in the following chemical groups: phthalates, triclosan, paraben and musks. Byproducts of these substances such as sodium sulfate and 1, 4-dioxide are suspected carcinogens.

When you consider the fact that we use an average of nine body care products a day which contain an average of 126 different synthetic chemicals, which are not all poisons, but many toxic enough to do serious damage to your health-you have to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this? What’s in these products?”

What can you do about this? Vote with your dollar. Carefully read the list of ingredients on product packaging to stay away from these chemicals. Suggest to your local pharmacy and supermarket that they carry more natural and organic personal care products or visit your local health food or natural product store to find healthier alternatives.

In next month’s article, look for Part II and get the “Dirty Dozen”. Find out what toxins to avoid.

HealthKeepers Magazine April 2012

On October 9th, 2012 by Lynn Morales

Is It Smart to Install Smart Meters?

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Recently, I read an article in HealthKeepers Magazine on smart meters that I wanted to share.

It is the plan of power and energy authorities worldwide to replace current disk-style (analogue) hydro, gas and water meters with digital “Smart Meters.” These are wireless devices that use and transmit information about each household’s consumption. They are being enthusiastically promoted by governments and industry as a “green initiative,” supposedly enabling utility companies to efficiently monitor consumption during peak and “down” times, and encourage wise use of energy and resources. The vision is that these “Smart Meter” will operate within a wider ranging “Smart Grid.” In California alone the estimate is over 17 million meters will be installed by end of 2012.

How Smart Meters Work

The information-carrying radio waves-transmitting 24/7-will effectively blanket homes and neighborhoods with radiation that could adversely affect not just humans but all living systems. In particular, these meters have the potential to affect not only electro-hypersensitive person, but children and pregnant women, persons with medical conditions such as heart arrhythmia, those with compromised immune systems and others who rely on medical and/or metal implants or equipment. In addition to health concerns, Smart Meters bring with them questions about fire and security hazards.

Health Concerns

Their concern centers on the public’s exposure to microwave and radio wave radiation emitted from these meters that is involuntary and continuous.

Transmitted microwave and radio frequency radiation have the potential to cause serious long-term health consequences, even for those who do not notice overt symptoms. The majority of independent studies report similar results: impairment of cellular communication, DNA breakages, increased stress proteins, etc. Studies targeting cell phone and cordless phone usage are finding increased risk of brain tumors. Children seem to be particularly vulnerable. A review of studies performed prior to 2007 is available at http://www.bioinitiative.org. A recent public health study provides particularly strong evidence that we should be concerned about continuous exposure to transmitted microwave radiation. Radio wave and microwave radiation are not just a problem for people, they are causing serious problems for animals of all types and plant life as well.

Real Costs

Additionally, consumers are concerned about the unnecessary costs. Claims have been made that the meters were inaccurate and caused utility bills to spike. The multimillion-dollar cost of the smart meter project is being passed through to utility customers on their monthly bills. The costs of installing the new digital wireless meters is substantial, their accuracy is debatable and there is much controversy as to whether or not the readings serve to decrease power use, or simply to increase power costs to consumers. Worse yet, digital Smart Meters will effectively eliminate a number of jobs.

From California to Texas to Main and across the border into Canada consumers have created push back initiatives voicing their concern about the move. In city council meetings around the country people are challenging the sweeping plan.

In California the complaints grew so vocal that the president of the state’s Public Utility Commission, directed Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to develop a plan to allow customers who object to the meters to be provided another option. “I think it’s clear the time has come for some kind of movement in the direction of customer opt-outs,” said Michael Peevey. He added that the health complaints have been limited to the PG&E customer base. His initial order did not extend to the other two utility companies.

For as little as $25, you can help protect your home from harmful electromagnetic fields from these meters and other electronics you use everyday. Contact me to order Q-Tape. Click number 17 for Q-Tape Instructions.

HealthKeepers Magazine April 2012

On October 3rd, 2012 by Lynn Morales

The List of Lists Part II

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Last month I shared with you Part I about how we love to make lists. They’re a stress reliever because they make us feel in control and get us organized so we can get things done. Outside of the home office, there’s probably no other room where list making is more important than the kitchen. Now let’s continue with Part II of The List of Lists and see what’s included in List Three that guides you to the foods that contain super healing properties.

List Three: The Healing Fifteen

These are the food items you may already have around the house that contain alternative healing properties. Consider using them first when you’re in distress. They’re all natural and can bring soothing relief without the side effects of pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter drugs. Incorporate them in your diet to keep your body in great shape.

Honey – Promotes healing. Use topically as an ointment for insect bites. The antimicrobial properties in honey prevent microbial growth in the moist healing environment created. Unlike other topical antiseptics, honey causes no tissue damage, promotes fast healing and prevents scarring. Be sure it’s raw honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered.
Garlic – Fights infections. Laboratory studies confirm that raw garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Not only does it knock out many common cold and flu viruses, but its effectiveness also spans a broad range of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (two major classifications of bacteria), fungus, intestinal parasites and yeast. Cooking garlic, however, destroys the allicin, so you’ll need to use raw garlic to prevent or fight infections.
Papayas – Aid in digestion. Papayas contain a number of protease enzymes, such as papain, which are very similar to enzymes produced naturally in the stomach. Eating raw papaya after a meal makes it easier for the body to digest proteins, which help to ease an upset stomach. The carotenoids in papaya are extremely powerful antioxidants. Studies after studies have shown that people who eat the most carotenoid-rich foods like papayas have significantly lower risk of heart disease and cancer.
Lemons – Antivrial, antibacterial and have immune-boosting powers. Lemons contain many substances-notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, pectin, bioflavonoids and limonene-that promote immunity and fight infection.
Use as an astringent, a gargle for sore throats or as a lotion for sunburn. It’s also a cooling drink for fevers. With strong anti-inflammatory properties, lemon juice is recommended for acute rheumatism. Use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser.
Onions – Relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, inhibit allergic, inflammatory response like that seen in asthma. Onions contain a number of sulfides similar to those found in garlic that may lower blood lipids and blood pressure. Onions are a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Onions are also natural anti-clotting agents since they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity and can suppress platelet clumping. The anti-clotting effect of onions closely correlates with their sulfur content.
Raisins – Improve digestion and lower blood pressure. They’re a good source of potassium, the mineral that’s been shown to lower high blood pressure and a good source of iron, particularly for people who eat little or no meat. Iron is essential for the creation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which the body uses to transport oxygen. Note: If you are sulfite-sensitive, you should stay clear of golden seedless raisins in favor of the sun-dried varieties.
Ginger – Nausea relief, aids in digestion, is an anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol and decreases high blood pressure. Soak in a warm ginger bath to relieve pain in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Eating ginger encourages the gall bladder to release bile, which stimulates digestion. This increases the assimilation of nutrients from the food consumed. Make a ginger tea if you have a cough, cold or a sore throat. Add lemon and raw honey and you have the elixir of health.
Tumeric – Contains curcumin. Curcumin has antioxidant properties that decrease swelling and inflammation. Purifies the blood, the liver and removes toxins from your system. Reduces dependency on painkillers and their side effects. Regular consumption of tumeric in food-or when ingested by combining it with honey, water or milk-eases pain from arthritis or post-operative pain. When applied as a topical paste, controls the spread of infection, heals wound faster and clears the skin of blemishes. Turmeric is being studied for use in treating or preventing a number or cancers, including colon, prostate and breast cancers.
Parsley-Relieves urinary tract infections, acts as a diuretic, boosts kidney function and eases premenstrual discomforts. Parsley is nature’s original breath freshener and it’s also a delicious way to cleanse the palate. It is a good source of folate, a B vitamin, which aids in producing red blood cells and helps to prevent birth defects. Make a parsley tea to detoxify your kidneys.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar-Adds shine to your hair when used as a final rinse after shampooing. Regulates the pH balance of your skin when used as a toner. Reduces swelling of hands and feet. Helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you suffer from acid reflux, heartburn or nausea, try taking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar prior to each meal.
Avocados-So versatile! Act as an effective breath freshener, moisturizer, reduce morning sickness, control cholesterol and lower blood pressure. They are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, particularly a kind called oleic acid, and these monounsaturated fats improve fat levels in the body and help control diabetes. High in potassium, which helps to reduce urinary calcium excretion, lowering the risk of stones forming in the kidney. Strengthens your immune system.
Baking Soda – Has a huge range of uses for the body and the home. Alkalizes the body. Polishes your teeth. Relieves sunburn pain, insect bites or skin irritations. Clears up diaper rash. Makes a soothing bath, use as a deodorizer, wash vegetables to remove wax and residue, use as a facial scrub for a mile exfoliation. Relieves heartburn, digestive distress, stomach upset and fatigue. Is a wonderful cleaning produce that removes odors, cleans kitchen surfaces without scratching.
Prunes-Promote good digestive health. Acts as a mild laxative. Good for detoxing. Rich in anti-oxidants, fights free radicals and signs of aging. Prunes help to improve bone health by reducing the incidence of fractures and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Provide a prolonged source of energy, comparable to sport or power bars. Prunes make great filling snacks, and can help curb weight gain.
Coconut Oil – Topically, a great moisturizer for the face, body or hair. Internally, contains lauric acid that contributes to optimal brain function. The human brain is 60% fat. Just think of the brainpower we’re losing due to low-fat diets. Lauric acid also contributes to a highly functioning immune system with its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti fungal and anti-microbial properties. Coconut oil closely mirrors the immune system’s building properties that are found in mother’s milk, which helps to develop our immunity from day one.
Cinnamon-Alleviates indigestion, stomach cramps, intestinal spasms, nausea and flatulence, improves the appetite and treats diarrhea. Cinnamon extracts are active against Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infection. Can be useful as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of common food-borne bacteria such as Salmonella and E coli. Regulates and supports healthy hormone function.

There you have it. List Three to make your life more stress free and your decision making easier. Most of all, the list fulfills our desire to support you in your quest for a vibrant, healthy life.

HealthKeepers Magazine December 2011

On October 1st, 2012 by Lynn Morales

The List of Lists Part I

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Articles | Blog | Health News

Lists-we love to make them. They’re a stress reliever because they make us feel in control and get us organized so we can get things done. Outside of the home office, there’s probably no other room where list making is more important than the kitchen. This is where food preparation happens, food supplies are stored, family gathers and celebrations occur. It’s the place where creative alchemy takes place when a beautiful meal is prepared and enjoyed. A lot happens here and there’s a lot to keep track of.

HealthKeepers Magazine has created a list of lists you’ll want to keep handy when you’re shopping for your fresh produce. List One helps you choose which organic foods you should buy to avoid pesticide residue. List Two directs you to the foods that are considered clean with little or no traces of pesticide. List Three guides you to the foods that contain super healing properties. You probably have most of these items in your home right now. If not, you may want to shop for them. The versatility of these items is amazing. They have both immediate and long-term benefits. Consider incorporating them into your diet. The next time you need relief, walk right past the medicine cabinet to the kitchen cabinet and they’ll be there.

List One: The Dirty Dozen

Here are the top twelve fruits and vegetables you should buy organic to avoid pesticide residue.

Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines (Imported)
Grapes (Imported)
Sweet Bell Peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries (domestic)
Lettuce
Kale/collard

The Environment Working Group created this list. Please note, the 2011 dirty dozen list reflects testing data from the 2010 harvest, and because some pesticide use is dependent on weather conditions that vary by farm, it may not reflect the pesticide residue on the produce in your grocery store.

List Two: The Clean Fifteen

These are the fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue.

Onions
Sweet Corn
Pineapples
Avocado
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Mangoes
Eggplant
Cantaloupe
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Sweet Potatoes
Grapefruit
Mushrooms

Since the USDA tests produce after a typical household preparation, fruits and vegetables with thick skins that are removed before eating i.e. melons, avocado, corn, etc. tend to have the lowest amounts of pesticide residue.

There you have it. Two of the three invaluable lists to make your life more stress free and your decision making easier. In next month’s article, look for Part II and get List Three that guides you to the foods that contain super healing properties. Most of all, the lists fulfill our desire to support you in your quest for a vibrant, healthy life.

HealthKeepers Magazine December 2011

On September 4th, 2012 by Lynn Morales

Ways to Boost Serotonin: The Happiness Hormone Part II

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Recently, I read an article in HealthKeepers Magazine on Serotonin. I shared with you Part I last month. Now let’s continue with Part II and learn ways to boost Serotonin.

Increase the amount of tryptophan-rich foods in your diet. Your body utilizes tryptophan to produce serotonin, increasing the amount available and improving both mood and sleep. Proteins such as garbanzo beans, nuts and seeds tend to have high amounts of tryptophan. Other proteins particularly high in tryptophan are eggs, Atlantic cod or perch, raw soybeans, milk, yogurt, cheddar or parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, chocolate, oats and sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Also dark chocolate has been found to increase serotonin levels.

Consider replacing a carbohydrate binge with a high-protein snack or a piece of fruit, such as a banana. Carbohydrates are necessary, not only for energy, but also for serotonin levels, but they are tricky. Eat too much of them and you gain weight. Eat too few and your energy levels will drop. People who are sad or depressed often reach for foods rich in carbohydrates because the body knows that carbs will increase serotonin levels. However, many people tend to overdo it and are unable to stop at just a few bites.

Avoid “quick fixes” such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol. While these may provide a short-term boost in mood and energy level, the long-term reliance on sugar or stimulants will have a negative effect on your body’s ability to regulate serotonin levels, which may lead not only to mod fluctuations but digestive irregularities.

Physical touch can increase serotonin levels. Serotonin helps regulate dopamine, and an excess of dopamine can lead to aggressive and sometimes violent behavior. Everyone needs hugs and touching to maintain serotonin levels, so hug friends, loved ones and even your pet, often.

Expose yourself to sources of natural light. The amount of sunlight you receive each day is directly related to the amount of serotonin in your brain in a positive way. Our bodies and our brains need sunlight in order to metabolize calcium, absorb vitamin D and regulate sleeping patterns. If you live in a northern climate or you are indoors for most of the day, consider using a light box, which is a form of artificial sunlight you can use indoors.

Think positively. Science has shown that your thoughts have an effect on your brain’s biochemistry, and so making a concerted effort to see things in a more positive light can help increase serotonin. This is a cascading positive effect because optimism has been found to be inversely correlated with the risk of developing heart disease. In short, the more optimistic you are, the less likely you are to develop one of the top causes of death.

BodyTalk is a technique that can improve your physical, emotional and/or mental well-being. Register for the upcoming BodyTalk Access class today!

HealthKeepers Magazine December 2011

On July 31st, 2012 by Lynn Morales

Make Sure Your Rice Does NOT Come From Japan

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Recently, I read an article from HealthKeepers Magazine on rice from Japan. This is what it said and I agree that we should avoid rice from Japan until we can be sure it is safe to eat.

The rice market is being turned upside down by radiation fears. Japan’s rice harvest season started at the end of August, and is presently centered on the Tohoku region; or, at least it would be centered there if so much of the crop hadn’t been neutralized by the March 11, 2011 tsunami. What was left was contaminated by fallout from the stricken Fukushima nuclear reactor. The earthquake and tsunami hit at around the time of planting, which means a lot of rice didn’t make it into the ground and that which did may have been irradiated. Supposedly, the government checked much of the rice grown in the region when it was immature and decided it was safe, but a lot of people are far from being reassured by such announcements. On September 23, 2011 for instance, the government of Fukushima Prefecture said it detected cesium above allowable levels in rice from Nihonmatsu. With more rain and the resultant seepage into the soil, the numbers are always changing. Beef from the region became suspect after it was found that the cattle might have eaten irradiated rice straw. All of this has become a familiar pattern. The authorities say there’s no problem only to reveal later something that seems to indicate there is a problem. People react accordingly. Consequently, the market for rice has been knocked on its head. New rice from the Tohoku region is being avoided, while old rice from last year’s stocks are in high demand. The consumer food cooperative Daichi said they no longer had any rice in stock from 2010. Moreover, since so many wholesalers sell blends of rice from different regions, but don’t necessarily specify which regions on the packaging, people are avoiding cheaper blends that may, in fact, contain rice from Fukushima Prefecture or the Tohoku Region.

HealthKeepers Magazine December 2011

Categories

Sensory Processing Disorder – What is it? Part II

Sensory Processing Disorder – What is it?

Cravings: Friend or Foe?

What’s In This? Part II, Avoid the “Dirty Dozen”

What’s In This? Part I - Are There Toxins In Your Body Care Products?

Is It Smart to Install Smart Meters?

The List of Lists Part II

The List of Lists Part I

Ways to Boost Serotonin: The Happiness Hormone Part II

Make Sure Your Rice Does NOT Come From Japan