About Me
- Donna
- The HC Wellness Center offers both traditional and alternative therapies to assist clients in achieving optimal health, wellness and balance. Featuring as its principle service Colon Hydrotherapy, formerly seen only at fine spas and destination resorts, HC Wellness Center & Spa is one of the first to offer this valuable wellness service to the Charlotte Metropolitan and surrounding areas. HC Wellness Center & Spa is a premier North Carolina spa providing the most luxurious, and beneficial wellness and beauty services available to the Charlotte Metropolitan and surrounding areas. Established in 2004 with the vision of combining traditional spa treatments, that promote relaxation and well being, with the most advanced skin, body and wellness services. The HC Spa supplies a moment of luxury for your body, mind and spirit. Here nature and science meet harmoniously as the finest massage, skin care and spa treatments await you.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Digestion! Digestive Enzymes: Rapid Relief for Indigestion from Holiday Feasting
So, if you
overindulge, it’s time to break out the enzyme supplements. Enzymes,
along with hydrochloric acid and bile salts, are the catalysts that
break food down into usable components. Without them, food just rots in
the digestive tract, producing acid irritation, belching, bloating and
gas. Poor digestion also contributes to toxicity in the body and
compromised immunity, not to mention bad breath and body odor.
Unfortunately,
many people reach for antacids to settle their holiday indigestion. In
fact, many people regularly use antacids to treat their indigestion.
This just makes the problem worse because it neutralizes the stomach
acid necessary to break down food. Most of these people would be much
better off taking digestive enzyme supplements.
Enzyme
supplements aren’t just for holidays and overeating. Many people have
chronically poor digestion, especially from diets comprised mainly of
cooked food. Taking enzymes helps the body utilize food better, which
can result in overall better health. It can also reduce appetite and
help with weight loss. And, the benefits don’t stop there. Taking
digestive enzymes can also reduce allergic reactions, increase energy,
ease pain and help to detoxify the body.
Taken between
meals, enzymes benefit the immune system and destroy yeast, harmful
bacteria and parasites. For instance, you can take Artemesia
Combination or Herbal Pumpkin along with Food Enzymes or High Potency
Protease between meals to help rid the body of parasites. Using
Proactazyme or Food Enzymes with GastroHealth or Cat’s Claw Combination
between meals can help balance intestinal flora and get rid of harmful
bacteria. Finally, Yeast/Fungal Detox or Capryilic Acid Combination can
be taken with Food Enzymes or High Potency Protease to combat fungal
infections. One can also use Candida Clear for fungal infections as it
contains a special packet of enzymes to take between meals.
Enzyme
supplements like High Potency Protease and Food Enzymes have also been
used as part of a natural program for combating cancer. For this
purpose, they are also taken between meals.
Here are some enzyme supplements to consider.
Proactazyme is a
good enzyme supplement for most people. It contains the plant-based
enzymes that are missing from most modern diets. These enzymes assist
the body in breaking down all three major types of foodstuffs—proteases
to break down protein, lipases to break down fats, and amylases to break
down carbohydrates. It also contains enzymes that break down the
complex sugars in beans and vegetables that cause intestinal gas.
For more
serious digestive problems, Food Enzymes are a better choice. This
formula supplies the digestive secretions and enzymes normally produced
by the human body to break down food. It contains hydrochloric acid and
pepsin (secreted by the stomach to break down proteins), bile salts
(secreted by the gall bladder to emulsify fats) and pancreatic enzymes
(which break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates). This blend also
contains bromelain, an enzyme from pineapples, and papain, an enzyme
from papayas—both of which help to break down proteins.
Food Enzymes is
particularly helpful for elderly people whose digestive systems often
produce less digestive fluids and enzymes. It is also beneficial for
people who are suffering from chronic illness and “wasting” because they
are having a difficult time absorbing nutrients.
This blend contains papaya,
a fruit containing the enzyme papain, which breaks down protein. It
also contains the essential oil of peppermint, which is traditionally
used for gas and indigestion. Sweetened with fructose and sorbitol,
these tasty, chewable tablets will help to relieve acid indigestion,
acid reflux, belching, bloating, gas, heartburn and poor digestion. They
are a safe enzyme remedy, even for children, and they make excellent
natural breath mints, too. Children can also take Sunshine Heros Whole
Foods Papayazyme.
PDA
When people
have specific problems breaking down proteins, there are three products
that may be helpful. PDA Combination supplies hydrochloric acid (HCl)
and pepsin, the digestive secretions produced by the stomach to break
down proteins. As we age, HCl production tends to diminish, making this
a very good supplement for the elderly.
Protease
enzymes, which break down protein, are also available in two potencies,
Protease Plus and High Potency Protease. High Potency Protease is about
three times stronger than Protease Plus. These supplements are very
beneficial for people with poor protein metabolism, food allergies or
immune problems. Taken between meals they can help rid the intestines
of parasites and assist the body in fighting cancer. Caution: Protein-digesting aids (HCl and proteases) should not be taken by persons with gastric ulcers.
Other Enzyme Supplements
If you suffer
from gas after drinking milk or eating dairy foods like ice cream, you
may be lactose intolerant. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that
requires the enzyme lactase to digest. Lactase Plus will help those who
have difficulty digesting dairy products, as it contains both lactase
and protease enzymes that break down milk sugar and milk proteins.
Lipases are a class of enzymes
produced by the salivary glands, pancreas and stomach that assist in the
breakdown of dietary fats. For individuals who have had their
gallbladder removed or for those with difficulty digesting foods
containing fats, such as nuts or fried food, Hi-Lipase can be a useful
enzyme supplement.All of these products can be purchased from our web site: www.hcwellnesscenterandspa.com
Enjoy the wonderful properties of Pumpkin in a healthy drink!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup pumpkin, cooked
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
4 dashes ginger powder
4 dashes nutmeg powder
1 teaspoon stevia
1 teaspoon vanilla
8-10 ice cubes
Blend the coconut milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg,
stevia, and vanilla until completely smooth. Add the ice and blend again.
Serves 1-2
Pumpkin Almond Smoothie
1/4 cup almonds, raw
1 1/4 cup water
1 cup pumpkin, cooked
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon stevia
2 dashes ginger powder
2 dashes nutmeg powder
10 ice cubes
Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly recipes.
email to info@HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Friday, November 9, 2012
Cleanse That Cold Away
In our last newsletter we introduced the idea that it's easy to cure the common cold and flu if you support, rather than suppress, the body's natural ability to fight the cold. In that first part of this article, we talked about Activating the body's energies to get rid of colds and flu. Often, this is all that is necessary, but sometimes you also need to open up the body's eliminative channels to help cleanse out the cold. This is because a cold and flu is really a sort of "cleansing crisis," meaning the body is trying to discharge substances that irritate it.
The
fever, sneezing, sinus drainage, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea associated with colds, flu and other infectious ailments are
all generated by the immune system to flush irritants. When you
suppress these symptoms, you're actually interfering with your body's
ability to flush out the disease. In contrast, if you support the
body's efforts by opening up the channels of elimination, you shorten
the length of time you're going to be ill. This is the C or Cleansing part
of the A-C-B method for curing colds and flu.
Cleanse
Cleansing is
done in four steps. You don't need to do all of these things. Simply
select the cleansing procedures that are most appropriate for your
illness.
Step 1: Clear the Colon
To
break a fever and dramatically reduce congestion in minutes, clear the
colon. The fastest way to do this is with an enema. However, if you’re
not brave enough to take an enema, there are other ways.
Try
taking digestive enzymes along with your herbal activator. For example,
take 2 Proactazyme Plus or 1-2 Food Enzymes every hour with plenty of
water. This will break down material in the intestines and usually
clear the colon within 2-6 hours. Drinking freshly made apple juice or
prune juice will also help. If you experience nausea, vomiting and
stomach-related distress, FV is a soothing remedy.
If
you have a fever, bitter herbs will help to clear the digestive tract
and cool down the system more rapidly. Goldenseal/Echinacea or Oregon
grape are good choices here. Again, the key is small, frequently
repeated doses. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per hour.
LB
Extract combined with lobelia can also be used to clear the colon and
reduce the fever. Use 1/4 teaspoon of LB Extract with 5-10 drops of
lobelia every 30-60 minutes until the bowels evacuate.
Step 2: Break a Sweat
Perhaps
you’ve heard about sweating out a cold and, believe it or not, it
works! Native Americans used a sweat lodge to do this therapy, but you
can also use a sauna if one is available. Since most of us don’t have
our own sauna or sweat lodge, here’s how to do a sweat bath at home.
Brew up some HCP-X
tea or make some tea with Yarrow and Chamomile (2 capsules each per cup
of water). If you don’t like the taste of the tea, you can take 2-3
capsules of yarrow or 2 capsules of HCP-X and sip warm water while in
the bath (it is very important that the tea or the water is warm, not
cold).
Once
you have your tea ready, draw a bath as hot as you can comfortably
tolerate. Optionally, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential
oils to the bath. Sit in the bath and drink the warm tea or water for
about 15-20 minutes.
Get
out of the bath, dry off, go to bed and pile on the blankets. Continue
to drink plenty of liquids until you start perspiring. It’s amazing how
quickly this can break up colds, flu and many other acute ailments.
Step 3: Wash it Out
Notice
that we keep stressing the need to drink lots of water. The adage,
“rest and drink plenty of fluids,” is good advice because water is
absolutely necessary for all eliminative channels. It lubricates the
colon, helps the sweat glands, waters down mucus in the respiratory
passages and facilitates kidney function.
When
you’re sick you’ll notice swollen tissues, such as the lymph nodes in
your neck or chest. You can reduce this swelling and lymphatic
congestion by mixing 1 teaspoon Kidney Drainage Formula and 1 teaspoon
Lymphatic Drainage Formula into a quart of water and then sipping the
water frequently. This is particularly important when a person has a
sore throat or earache.
Step 4: Expel the Congestion
When
you’re coughing or sneezing, your body is trying to expel irritating
substances from the sinuses and lungs. Trying to dry up the sinuses or
surpress the cough is counterproductive. What you want is a remedy that
will break up mucus and help the body expell it. These remedies are
called decongestants and expectorants.
Hands down, ALJ
is a very effective herbal decongestant and expectorant. This valuable
blend is available in capsules, liquid and tablets, and can be used by
persons of all ages from kids to the elderly. Take 2-4 capsules or 1/2
teaspoon every two hours along with plenty of water and your herbal
activator when you’re congested.
When
taking ALJ, don’t expect it to dry up your runny nose or supress your
cough. It is not designed to do that. On the contrary, you may cough or
sneeze a little more at first, but this is just the body clearing out
what’s bothering it. As soon as it has expelled the irritants, you’ll
feel a lot better—guaranteed.
When
you have an infection in the lungs, combine ALJ with garlic. For kids,
poke a hole in a Garlic Oil gelcap and give the oil to them orally. You
can also dilute it with a little massage oil and rub it on their
chest. For adults, take one tablet of High Potency Garlic every four
hours. If you can tolerate it, eat 1-2 cloves of raw garlic every two
hours. Combined with ALJ, garlic is really effective at eliminating
congestion in the lungs.
Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter and Recipes at info@HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Thursday, November 1, 2012
All Stuffed Up? Un-stuff Your Head
Clear Up Sinus Problems the Natural Way
Sinus problems are the number one chronic health problem in America. Unfortunately, the antibiotics and antihistamines commonly used to treat this problem offer only symptomatic relief Natural remedies, on the other hand, can permanently resolve chronic sinus problems.
If you suffer from chronic sinus problems, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about 30 million people or 13% of adults have been diagnosed with sinusitis. The U.S. National Center for Health Statistics reports that sinus and allergy problems combined are the number one chronic health complaint across the country and have been for two decades. When you combine upper respiratory allergies with chronic sinusitis, sixty million people (about a quarter of the population) have sinus problems.
Medical treatment for sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) usually involves antibiotics. Researchers in a recent study from the University of Nebraska found that over 80% of patients with acute sinus infections and nearly 70% of patients with chronic sinus problems were prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, the majority of acute sinus problems are viral. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections.
Furthermore, one study determined that chronic sinus problems are primarily due to inflammation, not infection. Chronic inflammation of the sinuses simply makes them more prone to infection. Therefore, the long-term solution is to mediate the immune response and reduce the inflammation.
The other common treatment for chronic sinus problems is antihistamines. These provide symptomatic relief, but do nothing to actually cure the condition. So, the bottom line is that modern medicine has no real cure for chronic sinus problems. This is why people with chronic sinus problems may be told by their doctor to "just live with it."
Natural Remedies to the Rescue
Thankfully, there are options. A number of natural approaches and remedies have enabled many people to actually recover from their sinus problems permanently.
For starters, there is a big connection between the health of the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal system and the health of the respiratory system. This is why the real answer to sinus problems is typically found by healing the intestines. Both sinusitis and respiratory allergies are linked to poor diet and poor digestive health.
In this month's Sunshine Sharing, we'll explain the gut-sinus connection and discuss how digestive enzymes, probiotics, colon cleansing, nasal irrigation and decongestants can get rid of chronic sinus problems. We'll even address emotional factors that may be contributing to the problem. These remedies will often offer immediate relief as well as a long-term cure. The bottom line is that you don't have to just live with a stuffed up head. You can clear your sinus congestion safely and permanently.
Natural Ways to Clear Your Head
To understand how you can resolve sinus problems, you first need to understand why the sinuses get stuffed up in the first place. Here's what happens.
The mucus membranes lining the sinuses, lungs and gastrointestinal tract are a protective barrier, part of the body's innate immune system. They form what we might think of as an internal "skin" or protective layer. As their name implies, these membranes secrete a thin fluid called mucus, which is composed primarily of water with a protein matrix. Mucus protects these membranes and allows them to flush away particulate matter like dust, smoke and pollen, as well as microbes.
The membranes of the sinuses (and lungs) are coated with tiny hair-like projections called cilia. The cilia are constantly sweeping this mucus (and the substances it has trapped) to the throat where it can be swallowed and eliminated.
When someone gets a cold or other viral infection, mucus production is increased to flush these irritants out of the body. This excess mucus production results in a runny nose, sneezing,
post nasal drip and/or coughing. At the same time, white blood cells called macro phages, which live in the membranes, become more active and trigger an inflammatory process that
causes swelling of the tissues. This swelling can make breathing difficult because it narrows the respiratory passages.
In acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), the body's immune system is typically able to destroy the offending viruses (or bacteria) and conditions rapidly return to normal. However,
sometimes these symptoms of congestion and inflammation last for weeks, months or even years. When the sinuses are congested for more than four weeks, a person is said to have
chronic sinusitis.
What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?
Most people assume that their sinus problems are caused by an infection or 'allergic reaction to something like pollen. However, any type of irritation to the sinuses can initiate an inflammatory response, such as exposure to chemicals and air pollution. Furthermore, there is a major connection between the health of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system
and those of the gastrointestinal system.
Perhaps you've noticed that if you eat something that doesn't agree with you, your sinuses may start to run shortly thereafter. Also, it's not uncommon for people who are experiencing upper
respiratory allergic reactions to have gas and digestive upset at the same time. This is due to the close relationship between the respiratory tract and the colon-and the immune functions they share. Healing the digestive tract is often the answer to healing the sinuses. If more people and their doctors understood this, many of their sinus problems would be resolved.
Food Allergies and Digestive Problems
Allergic reactions in the intestines sensitize respiratory membranes, causing them to hyper-secrete mucus. This can result in chronic sinus problems. The most common foods that contribute to chronic sinus problems are dairy products and gluten-bearing grains (e.g, wheat, rye, barley). Eliminating these allergy-causing foods starts clearing up many people's sinus problems automatically. Try fasting for a few days. If your sinus problem clear up while fasting, food allergies are probably a contributing factor.
It also helps to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and get more fiber in the diet. Eating organically grown fruits, vegetables, legumes, gluten-free grains, modest amounts of fermented dairy products like yoghurt and kefir, free-range organic chicken and grass-fed organic beef provides balanced nutrition and promotes healthy digestion, while minimizing the potential for allergic reactions and inflammation.
One doesn't need to have food allergies to have digestive issues triggering sinus problems. Many people have chronically poor digestion, which means food isn't broken down properly.
This causes stagnation in the digestive tract and creates congestion in the lymphatic system. The result is a similar congestion in the sinuses.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this congestion of fluids is referred to as "damp accumulation." This dampness becomes a breeding ground for mold, yeast and other invading pathogens.
One way to tell if you're suffering from this "dampness" in your system is to look at your tongue. If you have a thick coating (white or yellowish) on the surface of your tongue, your
system is congested.
Improving Digestive Health
Enzymes help to break down food and reduce congestion, so people suffering from sinus problems should consider taking an enzyme supplement like Proactazyme or Food Enzymes.
Proteolytic enzymes (pro teases such as bromelain from pineapples) can also be directly helpful in thinning mucus by breaking down its protein base. This makes the mucus more watery and easier to expel. So, taking Food Enzymes or High Potency Protease between meals with lots of water can be helpful in breaking up thick mucus that is difficult to expel.
A good colon cleanse can also be very helpful in reducing chronic sinus congestion. Many people have found rapid relief from sinus congestion after doing a colon cleanse. Try taking
one or two boxes of CleanStart or the Tiao He Cleanse. Make sure to drink plenty of water while doing a cleanse. After the cleanses, make sure that you continue to keep the colon clean by taking a fiber supplement like Nature's Three or Psyllium Hulls Combination regularly. It is also helpful to re-establish gut flora after a cleanse by taking probiotics like Probiotic Eleven or Bifidophilus Flora Force.
It's also important to take probiotics after taking antibiotics. In fact, if you've taken antibiotics for sinus problems, you should definitely take probiotics for six to twelve months. Several years
ago, the Mayo Clinic cultured the sinus cavity of individuals with sinusitis and chronic sinus infections and found that 96% of them had fungal infections rather than bacterial infections.
So you may also want to do the Candida Clear cleanse.
Lending Your Cilia a Helping Hand
As we've explained, the cilia or "hairs" which line the mucous membrane in your sinuses constantly sweep mucus and debris out of your airways. Unfortunately, they can atrophy or become functionally impaired through chronic infection, dehydration, chemical damage and other factors.
According to Dr. Murray Grossan, a Los Angeles-based internist and author, "The treatment of choice for sinus disease is to help the body return the cilia to their normal function, beating 16 times per second. When the cilia are normal, people do not have sinusitis; they don't even have sinus-related allergies."
To test the functioning of your cilia, place a grain of saccharin in your nose, then time how long it takes the particle to travel from the front of the nose to the back. If you taste the sugar
within five minutes, your cilia are functioning normally. If it takes thirty minutes, your cilia are not functioning properly.
If your cilia have atrophied, you will need to drink lots of water and irrigate your sinuses on a regular basis to help clean them out. Regular exercise is also helpful, as it increases lymph
and fluid flow. Lymphatic massage can also be beneficial.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is a procedure one can perform at home and involves using a saltwater rinse to
clear 'the nasal passages. It flushes out trapped mucus, particulate matter and microbes. Over
time, it can help to heal the sinuses and restore the normal functioning of cilia. A popular way to do this is to use a bulb syringe or a ceramic neti pot (available from many health food
stores). Fill the pot or syringe with a solution of pure, room temperature water mixed with a natural salt. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to eight ounces of water.
To perform the nasal irrigation, place your head downward over the sink. Tilt your head to the side and use the neti pot or syringe to place the solution into the top nasal passage. It will
flow out the lower nasal passage.
To destroy pathogens in the sinuses, one can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of Silver Shield to replace the salt in the irrigation water. Silver Shield can also be sprayed directly into the sinuses. It will
destroy viruses, bacteria and yeast.
Another popular way to help clear out the sinuses is to inhale steam. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove and use a towel to direct some of the warm steam towards your face. Inhale the steam (making sure to stay far enough away from the pot so that the steam won't burn you). Adding some essential oils to the water, such as eucalyptus or pine, makes this therapy even more effective.
Breaking up Congestion
There are many herbal remedies that are helpful in breaking up congestion in the sinuses and
helping them to drain. Be aware that these remedies are NOT antihistamines, so they won't dry
out nasal secretions. Instead, they break up the congestion, loosen the mucus and help the sinuses to drain properly.
Fenugreek and Thyme is a traditional herbal formula that relieves sinus pressure, including sinus headaches, and aids drainage. Another option is Sinus Support, which tends to be
a more slow-acting formula that works on some of the underlying causes of sinus congestion.
ALJ is a very popular herbal formula that clears congestion from both the sinuses and lungs. It has the added benefit of helping to improve digestion, thus helping to heal the mucus
membranes of both the respiratory passages and the gastrointestinal tract.
If the mucus is discolored (yellowish or greenish in color), then it is likely there is an active infection present. Two good remedies that can help in this case are Goldenseal and Echinacea
and High Potency Garlic.
When nasal polyps are an issue, or the sinus congestion has been an issue for many years, a useful therapy is making an herbal snuff to clear the sinuses, shrink the polyps and reduce swelling. It also fights infection and aids healing of the sinus tissues. Mix equal parts bayberry root bark and goldenseal powder by emptying the contents of a couple of capsules. Snuff a pinch of this mixture into the sinuses once or twice a day. Although it can be somewhat irritating at first, this therapy often causes copious drainage, clearing the sinuses. This mixture can also be made into a tea and used as a nasal irrigation.
The Emotional Factor
Many people are surprised to learn that sinusitis and other respiratory problems can be connected to unresolved emotional issues. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the lungs and
the colon are considered part of the metal element, which defends the body. This makes sense, considering that the mucus membrane linings of the respiratory and digestive system are a
primary line of immune defense.
TCM wisdom says that grief can damage the metal element and many people find there is a link between chronic respiratory problems and unresolved grief. A stuffed up head can be
related to an inability to grieve or cry. Post nasal drip may be thought of as internal tears or suppressed grief. So, consider the possibility that grief and sadness may be a factor in chronic
sinus problems. The flower essence blend Release It, can be used to aid the grieving process, or, if it is deeply buried, the Open Heart flower essence may be beneficial.
Purifying the Air
One final tip for chronic sinus problems is to purify the air in your living environment. This is particularly helpful if you live in an area prone to dampness and mold. The Boomerang Air
Sanitizer sanitizes the air by neutralizing and killing airborne pathogens. It also helps to knock airborne allergens out of the air, such as dust and pollen. One can also diffuse essential oils
like eucalyptus or pine into the air.
Give us a call if you want to order any products or log into our web site at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Join our e-mail list and get monthly newsletters and recipes at info@HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Sinus problems are the number one chronic health problem in America. Unfortunately, the antibiotics and antihistamines commonly used to treat this problem offer only symptomatic relief Natural remedies, on the other hand, can permanently resolve chronic sinus problems.
If you suffer from chronic sinus problems, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about 30 million people or 13% of adults have been diagnosed with sinusitis. The U.S. National Center for Health Statistics reports that sinus and allergy problems combined are the number one chronic health complaint across the country and have been for two decades. When you combine upper respiratory allergies with chronic sinusitis, sixty million people (about a quarter of the population) have sinus problems.
Medical treatment for sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) usually involves antibiotics. Researchers in a recent study from the University of Nebraska found that over 80% of patients with acute sinus infections and nearly 70% of patients with chronic sinus problems were prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, the majority of acute sinus problems are viral. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections.
Furthermore, one study determined that chronic sinus problems are primarily due to inflammation, not infection. Chronic inflammation of the sinuses simply makes them more prone to infection. Therefore, the long-term solution is to mediate the immune response and reduce the inflammation.
The other common treatment for chronic sinus problems is antihistamines. These provide symptomatic relief, but do nothing to actually cure the condition. So, the bottom line is that modern medicine has no real cure for chronic sinus problems. This is why people with chronic sinus problems may be told by their doctor to "just live with it."
Natural Remedies to the Rescue
Thankfully, there are options. A number of natural approaches and remedies have enabled many people to actually recover from their sinus problems permanently.
For starters, there is a big connection between the health of the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal system and the health of the respiratory system. This is why the real answer to sinus problems is typically found by healing the intestines. Both sinusitis and respiratory allergies are linked to poor diet and poor digestive health.
In this month's Sunshine Sharing, we'll explain the gut-sinus connection and discuss how digestive enzymes, probiotics, colon cleansing, nasal irrigation and decongestants can get rid of chronic sinus problems. We'll even address emotional factors that may be contributing to the problem. These remedies will often offer immediate relief as well as a long-term cure. The bottom line is that you don't have to just live with a stuffed up head. You can clear your sinus congestion safely and permanently.
Natural Ways to Clear Your Head
To understand how you can resolve sinus problems, you first need to understand why the sinuses get stuffed up in the first place. Here's what happens.
The mucus membranes lining the sinuses, lungs and gastrointestinal tract are a protective barrier, part of the body's innate immune system. They form what we might think of as an internal "skin" or protective layer. As their name implies, these membranes secrete a thin fluid called mucus, which is composed primarily of water with a protein matrix. Mucus protects these membranes and allows them to flush away particulate matter like dust, smoke and pollen, as well as microbes.
The membranes of the sinuses (and lungs) are coated with tiny hair-like projections called cilia. The cilia are constantly sweeping this mucus (and the substances it has trapped) to the throat where it can be swallowed and eliminated.
When someone gets a cold or other viral infection, mucus production is increased to flush these irritants out of the body. This excess mucus production results in a runny nose, sneezing,
post nasal drip and/or coughing. At the same time, white blood cells called macro phages, which live in the membranes, become more active and trigger an inflammatory process that
causes swelling of the tissues. This swelling can make breathing difficult because it narrows the respiratory passages.
In acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), the body's immune system is typically able to destroy the offending viruses (or bacteria) and conditions rapidly return to normal. However,
sometimes these symptoms of congestion and inflammation last for weeks, months or even years. When the sinuses are congested for more than four weeks, a person is said to have
chronic sinusitis.
What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?
Most people assume that their sinus problems are caused by an infection or 'allergic reaction to something like pollen. However, any type of irritation to the sinuses can initiate an inflammatory response, such as exposure to chemicals and air pollution. Furthermore, there is a major connection between the health of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system
and those of the gastrointestinal system.
Perhaps you've noticed that if you eat something that doesn't agree with you, your sinuses may start to run shortly thereafter. Also, it's not uncommon for people who are experiencing upper
respiratory allergic reactions to have gas and digestive upset at the same time. This is due to the close relationship between the respiratory tract and the colon-and the immune functions they share. Healing the digestive tract is often the answer to healing the sinuses. If more people and their doctors understood this, many of their sinus problems would be resolved.
Food Allergies and Digestive Problems
Allergic reactions in the intestines sensitize respiratory membranes, causing them to hyper-secrete mucus. This can result in chronic sinus problems. The most common foods that contribute to chronic sinus problems are dairy products and gluten-bearing grains (e.g, wheat, rye, barley). Eliminating these allergy-causing foods starts clearing up many people's sinus problems automatically. Try fasting for a few days. If your sinus problem clear up while fasting, food allergies are probably a contributing factor.
It also helps to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and get more fiber in the diet. Eating organically grown fruits, vegetables, legumes, gluten-free grains, modest amounts of fermented dairy products like yoghurt and kefir, free-range organic chicken and grass-fed organic beef provides balanced nutrition and promotes healthy digestion, while minimizing the potential for allergic reactions and inflammation.
One doesn't need to have food allergies to have digestive issues triggering sinus problems. Many people have chronically poor digestion, which means food isn't broken down properly.
This causes stagnation in the digestive tract and creates congestion in the lymphatic system. The result is a similar congestion in the sinuses.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this congestion of fluids is referred to as "damp accumulation." This dampness becomes a breeding ground for mold, yeast and other invading pathogens.
One way to tell if you're suffering from this "dampness" in your system is to look at your tongue. If you have a thick coating (white or yellowish) on the surface of your tongue, your
system is congested.
Improving Digestive Health
Enzymes help to break down food and reduce congestion, so people suffering from sinus problems should consider taking an enzyme supplement like Proactazyme or Food Enzymes.
Proteolytic enzymes (pro teases such as bromelain from pineapples) can also be directly helpful in thinning mucus by breaking down its protein base. This makes the mucus more watery and easier to expel. So, taking Food Enzymes or High Potency Protease between meals with lots of water can be helpful in breaking up thick mucus that is difficult to expel.
A good colon cleanse can also be very helpful in reducing chronic sinus congestion. Many people have found rapid relief from sinus congestion after doing a colon cleanse. Try taking
one or two boxes of CleanStart or the Tiao He Cleanse. Make sure to drink plenty of water while doing a cleanse. After the cleanses, make sure that you continue to keep the colon clean by taking a fiber supplement like Nature's Three or Psyllium Hulls Combination regularly. It is also helpful to re-establish gut flora after a cleanse by taking probiotics like Probiotic Eleven or Bifidophilus Flora Force.
It's also important to take probiotics after taking antibiotics. In fact, if you've taken antibiotics for sinus problems, you should definitely take probiotics for six to twelve months. Several years
ago, the Mayo Clinic cultured the sinus cavity of individuals with sinusitis and chronic sinus infections and found that 96% of them had fungal infections rather than bacterial infections.
So you may also want to do the Candida Clear cleanse.
Lending Your Cilia a Helping Hand
As we've explained, the cilia or "hairs" which line the mucous membrane in your sinuses constantly sweep mucus and debris out of your airways. Unfortunately, they can atrophy or become functionally impaired through chronic infection, dehydration, chemical damage and other factors.
According to Dr. Murray Grossan, a Los Angeles-based internist and author, "The treatment of choice for sinus disease is to help the body return the cilia to their normal function, beating 16 times per second. When the cilia are normal, people do not have sinusitis; they don't even have sinus-related allergies."
To test the functioning of your cilia, place a grain of saccharin in your nose, then time how long it takes the particle to travel from the front of the nose to the back. If you taste the sugar
within five minutes, your cilia are functioning normally. If it takes thirty minutes, your cilia are not functioning properly.
If your cilia have atrophied, you will need to drink lots of water and irrigate your sinuses on a regular basis to help clean them out. Regular exercise is also helpful, as it increases lymph
and fluid flow. Lymphatic massage can also be beneficial.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is a procedure one can perform at home and involves using a saltwater rinse to
clear 'the nasal passages. It flushes out trapped mucus, particulate matter and microbes. Over
time, it can help to heal the sinuses and restore the normal functioning of cilia. A popular way to do this is to use a bulb syringe or a ceramic neti pot (available from many health food
stores). Fill the pot or syringe with a solution of pure, room temperature water mixed with a natural salt. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to eight ounces of water.
To perform the nasal irrigation, place your head downward over the sink. Tilt your head to the side and use the neti pot or syringe to place the solution into the top nasal passage. It will
flow out the lower nasal passage.
To destroy pathogens in the sinuses, one can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of Silver Shield to replace the salt in the irrigation water. Silver Shield can also be sprayed directly into the sinuses. It will
destroy viruses, bacteria and yeast.
Another popular way to help clear out the sinuses is to inhale steam. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove and use a towel to direct some of the warm steam towards your face. Inhale the steam (making sure to stay far enough away from the pot so that the steam won't burn you). Adding some essential oils to the water, such as eucalyptus or pine, makes this therapy even more effective.
Breaking up Congestion
There are many herbal remedies that are helpful in breaking up congestion in the sinuses and
helping them to drain. Be aware that these remedies are NOT antihistamines, so they won't dry
out nasal secretions. Instead, they break up the congestion, loosen the mucus and help the sinuses to drain properly.
Fenugreek and Thyme is a traditional herbal formula that relieves sinus pressure, including sinus headaches, and aids drainage. Another option is Sinus Support, which tends to be
a more slow-acting formula that works on some of the underlying causes of sinus congestion.
ALJ is a very popular herbal formula that clears congestion from both the sinuses and lungs. It has the added benefit of helping to improve digestion, thus helping to heal the mucus
membranes of both the respiratory passages and the gastrointestinal tract.
If the mucus is discolored (yellowish or greenish in color), then it is likely there is an active infection present. Two good remedies that can help in this case are Goldenseal and Echinacea
and High Potency Garlic.
When nasal polyps are an issue, or the sinus congestion has been an issue for many years, a useful therapy is making an herbal snuff to clear the sinuses, shrink the polyps and reduce swelling. It also fights infection and aids healing of the sinus tissues. Mix equal parts bayberry root bark and goldenseal powder by emptying the contents of a couple of capsules. Snuff a pinch of this mixture into the sinuses once or twice a day. Although it can be somewhat irritating at first, this therapy often causes copious drainage, clearing the sinuses. This mixture can also be made into a tea and used as a nasal irrigation.
The Emotional Factor
Many people are surprised to learn that sinusitis and other respiratory problems can be connected to unresolved emotional issues. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the lungs and
the colon are considered part of the metal element, which defends the body. This makes sense, considering that the mucus membrane linings of the respiratory and digestive system are a
primary line of immune defense.
TCM wisdom says that grief can damage the metal element and many people find there is a link between chronic respiratory problems and unresolved grief. A stuffed up head can be
related to an inability to grieve or cry. Post nasal drip may be thought of as internal tears or suppressed grief. So, consider the possibility that grief and sadness may be a factor in chronic
sinus problems. The flower essence blend Release It, can be used to aid the grieving process, or, if it is deeply buried, the Open Heart flower essence may be beneficial.
Purifying the Air
One final tip for chronic sinus problems is to purify the air in your living environment. This is particularly helpful if you live in an area prone to dampness and mold. The Boomerang Air
Sanitizer sanitizes the air by neutralizing and killing airborne pathogens. It also helps to knock airborne allergens out of the air, such as dust and pollen. One can also diffuse essential oils
like eucalyptus or pine into the air.
Give us a call if you want to order any products or log into our web site at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Join our e-mail list and get monthly newsletters and recipes at info@HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Let Your Food Be Your Medicine
Super Foods Nutritional Superstars That Prove Food Is Your
Best Medicine!
Talk about superfoods seems to be increasingly popular, but this trend isn't a fad, it's age old wisdom. Whole, natural foods contain thousands of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals needed to stay healthy.
Learn how superfoods can help you stay healthy and feel great.
When most people are chronically ill, the first thing they look for is the magic bullet that will make them well. This bullet often takes the shape of a drug that promises to fix the problem, but even people who are involved in natural health can end up searching for a magic herb or supplement. However, when anyone suffers from chronic health problems, the wisest place to start their healing process is with food.
The body largely heals itself when it has what it needs to do the job. In modern Western culture, however, much of the available food is processed and devoid of essential nutrients. It may also be loaded with preservatives and other non-nutritive chemicals. The next time you're at the grocery store, take a look around the ratio of refined, processed foods to whole, natural foods is about five to one.
The advice of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, to let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food, is still sound. If we follow this advice, given more than 2,000 years ago, it doesn't take long to realize that food truly is the best medicine.
Nutritional supplements only contain the nutrients we currently recognize. In contrast, the simplest of natural foods contain thousands of compounds, including many compounds with medicinal benefits. Supplements cannot provide all the substances found in whole foods, and drugs don't provide any. That's why whole foods are vital for both maintaining and improving your health.
Superfoods to the Rescue
Giving up refined and processed foods can be difficult, because it may feel like you're being deprived. So, instead of thinking about what you need to give up, the best way to improve your diet is to focus on what you should add to your diet, not what you should eliminate. All you need to do is make sure you include more nutritionally dense natural foods in your diet.
Many TV shows, internet sites and magazines are praising these various nutritionally dense superfoods. The term isn't just hype. It's based on the fact that these foods contain nutrients that tend to be lacking in modern diets. Superfoods contain large quantities of natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and other compounds that can give us more energy, promote healing and fend off disease.
Imagine delicious foods powerful enough to boost your immune system, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and even put you in a better mood without side effects. That's what adding more superfoods to your diet can do. Furthermore, as your body starts getting what it really needs, you start naturally losing the cravings for those refined and processed foods, which means you are able to give them up without struggle.
In this issue, we'll present 12 categories of superfoods. We'll teach you about some of the disease fighting, stress relieving and energy boosting properties these foods possess. In addition to going over these categories of foods we'll also look at some powerful superfood supplements you can utilize to gain the benefits of these powerhouses on a daily basis, even with a busy schedule.
Twelve Amazing Superfoods
Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods, which simply means that they contain a high percentage of beneficial nutrients for the calories they provide. This is in contrast to refined and processed foods, which are often referred to as empty calories because they have low percentages of vital nutrients. Shopping for these superfoods allows you to make your grocery store the first place you go when you want to maintain or improve your health.
Superfood 1 Antioxidant Fruits
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are now believed to be the underlying causes of heart disease, dementia, cancer, premature aging and many other chronic diseases. Antioxidants are nutrients that reduce the tissue damage caused by oxidation, cool the inflammation and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. One of the best natural sources of antioxidants is fresh or frozen berries such as: blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries and goji berries. These berries are known to help the liver detoxify, protect eyesight and reduce the risk of heart disease.
For instance, blueberries and bilberries are known to reduce inflammation linked to diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's and to protect the eyes from macular degeneration and other degenerative eye diseases. Cranberries are known for reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. Gogi berries, also known as Iycium or wolfberries, help protect the liver from chemicals.
There are other antioxidant rich fruits with similar benefits, such as mangosteen and pomegranates. A quick way to supplement your intake of these superfood antioxidant berries and fruits is to take the superfood supplement Thai Go.
Superfood 2 Dark, Leafy Greens
One of the most beneficial categories of superfoods is dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, mustard greens, spinach and Swiss chard. The green color of these foods are indications of their abundance of magnesium -bearing chlorophyll. As high as 70% of the population doesn't get enough magnesium, which helps maintain healthy nerves, heart function and blood pressure. Chlorophyll helps build healthy blood, improve oxygenation of tissues and reduce the risk of cancer. Other great greens include barley grass, wheat grass and algae like spirulina, chlorella and blue-green algae. Super Algae is a supplement that contains these beneficial algae. It helps to balance blood sugar and aids brain and nervous system function. Many of these green foods can also be found in the superfood supplements Nature's Harvest and Ultimate GreenZone.
Superfood 3 Sulfur Rich Alliums
Garlic, onion, leek, chive, scallions and shallots all contain sulfur compounds that have numerous health benefits. For starters, they enhance glutathione an intracellular antioxidant that helps the body eliminate heavy metals, carcinogens and other toxic chemicals from cells. They also enhance liver detoxification, improve circulation and help fight infection. Eating these vegetables regularly can lower LDL cholesterol while increasing your HDL cholesterol. They can even reduce high blood pressure and reduce (or possibly reverse) plaque formation in the arteries. High Potency Garlic is a great way to get the benefit of garlic without the strong odor.
Superfood 4 Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables from the mustard family, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage and brussel sprouts are also loaded with sulfur compounds that enhance immunity and liver detoxification. These foods help your body break down xenoestrogens, environmental toxins that mimic estrogen and contribute to breast and prostate cancer. Nature's Harvest and Ultimate GreenZone contain kale.
Superfood 5 Nutrient Packed Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are loaded with nutrition because they have to support a growing plant when they sprout. The problem is that the nutrients are locked in a dormant state. Soaking or fermenting nuts and seeds before eating them releases these bound nutrients. After soaking, the nuts can be dried out in a dehydrator or an oven set on low to preserve them until we're ready to eat them.
Nuts, particularly walnuts, are high in fats, but these are good fats, meaning they contain essential fatty acids necessary for the immune system, the brain and nerves and the health of cell membranes. These good fats control inflammation, regulate cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. Other seeds like chia, quinoa, hemp, flax, sunflower and sesame are also loaded with nutrients that benefit cardiovascular health and ·immunity. Many of these seeds are found in the superfood supplements Ultimate GreenZone and Nature's Harvest.
Superfood 6 Protein Rich legumes
Legumes, such as beans, soybeans, split peas and lentils, are seeds from plants in the pea family. Legumes are one of the few plant foods that are high in protein. They are also great sources of fiber. Many beans contain phytoestrogens, which help protect the body from harmful xenoestrogens. University studies have documented that eating beans on a regular basis reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity. Because they are seeds, you'll get more beneficial nutrients from beans if you soak them before cooking them. The vegetable protein in Nature's Harvest and Love and Peas are derived from these nutritious legumes.
Superfood 7 Wild Caught Fish
Fish are famous as sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are a high quality protein. Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important for the brain and nervous system. Eating two servings of wild-caught fish each week helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Choose mercury-free varieties such as barrarnundi, wild caught salmon, herring, sardines, freshwater trout and catfish. Also, farm-raised fish don't have the same nutritional value as wild-caught fish. If you don't like fish, try taking Super Omega 3 EPA to get more omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.
Superfood 8 Fermented Dairy Foods
Dairy gets an extremely bad rap by many people in the natural health field. While it is true that some people have allergies to dairy products, many of the problems with dairy come from the way modern dairy foods are produced. The milk from cows raised on artificial feed, antibiotics and/or hormones isn't as healthy as milk from cows raised on pasture grass without chemicals. While pasteurization destroys many nutrients, ultrapasteurization does even more damage to the nutritional value of milk. So it is unfortunate that most brands of organic milk are ultrapasteurized.
If you're not allergic to dairy, the best way to maximize the nutritional benefits of dairy foods is to eat them in a cultured form, such as yogurt and kefir, Culturing dairy makes nutrients more bioavailable and reduces allergic reactions. Cultured dairy foods are also a natural source of friendly bacteria or probiotics, which are necessary for the health of the intestinal tract and the immune system. If you can't tolerate dairy, you can get your probiotics from naturally fermented vegetables or from a probiotic supplement like Probiotic Eleven.
Superfood 9 Medicinal Mushrooms
Many species of mushrooms and fungus have wonderful health building properties. They can promote intestinal health and modulate the immune system to help the body fight infections while reducing allergic responses and autoimmune reactions. Some species contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients that reduce stress, balance blood pressure and promote heart health. Beneficial varieties include reishi, shiitake, miatake and cordyceps. Immune Stimulator and cordyceps are supplements you can take to get the benefits of these fungi superfoods.
Superfood 10 Sweet Potatoes, Yams and Winter Squash
One of the most over consumed vegetables in the American diet is the potato. It's not that potatoes aren't a natural food, it's just that they have a very high glycemic index, which means they contribute to weight gain and diabetes when over-consumed. Try alternating potatoes with other starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams and winter squashes. These vegetables tend to have a higher content of antioxidant nutrients like carotenoids and B-vitamins and a lower glycemic index. This means they can help you manage your weight and blood sugar better.
Superfood 11 Nutritious Nightshades
Potatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, hot peppers and eggplants. Like dairy, some people have sensitivities to nightshades and need to eliminate them from their diet. However, for those who don't have nightshade sensitivities, nightshades like tomatoes and hot peppers have great nutritional value. Tomatoes (especially vine ripened ones) are great sources of vitamins A and C. Tomatoes also contain a carotenoid called lycopene (which gives them their bright red color). Lycopene has been found to help prevent prostate problems in men, which is why it is an ingredient in Men's Formula.
Hot peppers, like capsicum and jalapeno, are also high in vitamin C and other antioxidants. They also contain capsaicinoids, which stimulate circulation and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Like the sulfur rich allums, they can help to maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent arterial plaque. If you can't stand the spicy taste of hot peppers, you can always take capsicum in capsules.
Superfood 12 Healthy Pick Me Ups
Millions of Americans have to get their FIX of caffeine every day to keep them going. Well, research is showing that not all stimulants are bad. For starters, green tea is being found to have many health benefits. It contains an amino acid called l threonine, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. It also contains catechins polyphenols with powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Green tea also helps fight tooth decay and gum disease, helps maintain cholesterol and has a mild diuretic effect. Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom found that catechins can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. If you don't want to drink green tea or want to avoid the caffeine it contains you can also take Green Tea Extract in capsule form.
Then, there is chocolate. Who would have thought this guilty pleasure would be considered a superfood!
As it turns out, the cocoa in chocolate contains many potent antioxidants, including Havonols, epicatechins and procyanidins. These compounds reduce the cell damage implicated in heart disease, help to lower blood pressure and improve vascular function. In addition, some research has linked chocolate consumption to reduced risk of diabetes, stroke and heart attack. The important thing is to eat dark chocolate (the darker the better), that's free of refined sugars and-to eat-in moderation. Try some of the Nature's Sweet Life Dark Chocolate bars.
Four Great Superfood Supplements
In a hurry! Need some superfoods nutrition that's quick and easy. Here are four great superfood supplements you can use to get this whole food nutrition for your body on a daily basis. Nature's Harvest is a superfood supplement that contains 13 grams of vegetable protein from legumes (peas, adzuki, black and garbanzo beans) in each serving. It's also loaded with nutritious seeds (amaranth, quinoa, flax, chia), dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, parsley, kale) and antioxidant fruits (mangos teen, goji, blueberry, cranberry). It provides essential fatty acids, fiber and 18 essential vitamins and minerals. Nature's Harvest is vegan, dairy free and lactose free.
1. Nature's Harvest tastes great just mixed with water, but you can also use it to make superfood smoothies containing antioxidant fruits and berries, yogurt, nut butters and other whole foods. Smoothies are a great way to make a quick and nutritious meal.
2. Another superfood protein powder you can use in your smoothies is Love and Peas. This blend contains 20 grams of protein derived from split peas and includes a whole food complex that contains blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate and broccoli. Flax seed and borage oil provide essential fatty acids. Love and Peas also supplies 18 vitamins and minerals and is free from common allergens, including dairy, lactose and gluten. It is also certified vegan.
3. Ultimate GreenZone is a superfood supplement that is not a protein powder. It contains nutritious seeds (amaranth, flax, chia), green foods (spirulina, chlorella, spinach, kale, asparagus) and herbs that aid the immune and eliminative functions. GreenZone also contains prebiotics to feed friendly intestinal bacteria and enzymes to aid digestion. It tastes great mixed with pineapple juice or other natural fruit juices.
4. Our final superfood supplement is Thai Go, a potent mix of berries and other superfood ingredients that are rich iribioflavonoids and antioxidants. These include mangosteen, grape, blueberry, raspberry, goji, acai, pomegranates and green tea extract. This delicious tasting juice can be consumed straight, mixed with water or added to other beverages. It has a certified antioxidant value, the highest of any antioxidant beverage on the marketplace. It is also rich in beneficial xanthones.
If you are interested in any of these products please check out my web site at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com under products or call 704.823.1577 and I would be glad to help you pick the best product for you.
Sign up for your Monthly Newsletter and recipes at info@HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com
Talk about superfoods seems to be increasingly popular, but this trend isn't a fad, it's age old wisdom. Whole, natural foods contain thousands of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals needed to stay healthy.
Learn how superfoods can help you stay healthy and feel great.
When most people are chronically ill, the first thing they look for is the magic bullet that will make them well. This bullet often takes the shape of a drug that promises to fix the problem, but even people who are involved in natural health can end up searching for a magic herb or supplement. However, when anyone suffers from chronic health problems, the wisest place to start their healing process is with food.
The body largely heals itself when it has what it needs to do the job. In modern Western culture, however, much of the available food is processed and devoid of essential nutrients. It may also be loaded with preservatives and other non-nutritive chemicals. The next time you're at the grocery store, take a look around the ratio of refined, processed foods to whole, natural foods is about five to one.
The advice of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, to let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food, is still sound. If we follow this advice, given more than 2,000 years ago, it doesn't take long to realize that food truly is the best medicine.
Nutritional supplements only contain the nutrients we currently recognize. In contrast, the simplest of natural foods contain thousands of compounds, including many compounds with medicinal benefits. Supplements cannot provide all the substances found in whole foods, and drugs don't provide any. That's why whole foods are vital for both maintaining and improving your health.
Superfoods to the Rescue
Giving up refined and processed foods can be difficult, because it may feel like you're being deprived. So, instead of thinking about what you need to give up, the best way to improve your diet is to focus on what you should add to your diet, not what you should eliminate. All you need to do is make sure you include more nutritionally dense natural foods in your diet.
Many TV shows, internet sites and magazines are praising these various nutritionally dense superfoods. The term isn't just hype. It's based on the fact that these foods contain nutrients that tend to be lacking in modern diets. Superfoods contain large quantities of natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and other compounds that can give us more energy, promote healing and fend off disease.
Imagine delicious foods powerful enough to boost your immune system, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and even put you in a better mood without side effects. That's what adding more superfoods to your diet can do. Furthermore, as your body starts getting what it really needs, you start naturally losing the cravings for those refined and processed foods, which means you are able to give them up without struggle.
In this issue, we'll present 12 categories of superfoods. We'll teach you about some of the disease fighting, stress relieving and energy boosting properties these foods possess. In addition to going over these categories of foods we'll also look at some powerful superfood supplements you can utilize to gain the benefits of these powerhouses on a daily basis, even with a busy schedule.
Twelve Amazing Superfoods
Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods, which simply means that they contain a high percentage of beneficial nutrients for the calories they provide. This is in contrast to refined and processed foods, which are often referred to as empty calories because they have low percentages of vital nutrients. Shopping for these superfoods allows you to make your grocery store the first place you go when you want to maintain or improve your health.
Superfood 1 Antioxidant Fruits
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are now believed to be the underlying causes of heart disease, dementia, cancer, premature aging and many other chronic diseases. Antioxidants are nutrients that reduce the tissue damage caused by oxidation, cool the inflammation and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. One of the best natural sources of antioxidants is fresh or frozen berries such as: blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries and goji berries. These berries are known to help the liver detoxify, protect eyesight and reduce the risk of heart disease.
For instance, blueberries and bilberries are known to reduce inflammation linked to diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's and to protect the eyes from macular degeneration and other degenerative eye diseases. Cranberries are known for reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. Gogi berries, also known as Iycium or wolfberries, help protect the liver from chemicals.
There are other antioxidant rich fruits with similar benefits, such as mangosteen and pomegranates. A quick way to supplement your intake of these superfood antioxidant berries and fruits is to take the superfood supplement Thai Go.
Superfood 2 Dark, Leafy Greens
One of the most beneficial categories of superfoods is dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, mustard greens, spinach and Swiss chard. The green color of these foods are indications of their abundance of magnesium -bearing chlorophyll. As high as 70% of the population doesn't get enough magnesium, which helps maintain healthy nerves, heart function and blood pressure. Chlorophyll helps build healthy blood, improve oxygenation of tissues and reduce the risk of cancer. Other great greens include barley grass, wheat grass and algae like spirulina, chlorella and blue-green algae. Super Algae is a supplement that contains these beneficial algae. It helps to balance blood sugar and aids brain and nervous system function. Many of these green foods can also be found in the superfood supplements Nature's Harvest and Ultimate GreenZone.
Superfood 3 Sulfur Rich Alliums
Garlic, onion, leek, chive, scallions and shallots all contain sulfur compounds that have numerous health benefits. For starters, they enhance glutathione an intracellular antioxidant that helps the body eliminate heavy metals, carcinogens and other toxic chemicals from cells. They also enhance liver detoxification, improve circulation and help fight infection. Eating these vegetables regularly can lower LDL cholesterol while increasing your HDL cholesterol. They can even reduce high blood pressure and reduce (or possibly reverse) plaque formation in the arteries. High Potency Garlic is a great way to get the benefit of garlic without the strong odor.
Superfood 4 Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables from the mustard family, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage and brussel sprouts are also loaded with sulfur compounds that enhance immunity and liver detoxification. These foods help your body break down xenoestrogens, environmental toxins that mimic estrogen and contribute to breast and prostate cancer. Nature's Harvest and Ultimate GreenZone contain kale.
Superfood 5 Nutrient Packed Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are loaded with nutrition because they have to support a growing plant when they sprout. The problem is that the nutrients are locked in a dormant state. Soaking or fermenting nuts and seeds before eating them releases these bound nutrients. After soaking, the nuts can be dried out in a dehydrator or an oven set on low to preserve them until we're ready to eat them.
Nuts, particularly walnuts, are high in fats, but these are good fats, meaning they contain essential fatty acids necessary for the immune system, the brain and nerves and the health of cell membranes. These good fats control inflammation, regulate cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. Other seeds like chia, quinoa, hemp, flax, sunflower and sesame are also loaded with nutrients that benefit cardiovascular health and ·immunity. Many of these seeds are found in the superfood supplements Ultimate GreenZone and Nature's Harvest.
Superfood 6 Protein Rich legumes
Legumes, such as beans, soybeans, split peas and lentils, are seeds from plants in the pea family. Legumes are one of the few plant foods that are high in protein. They are also great sources of fiber. Many beans contain phytoestrogens, which help protect the body from harmful xenoestrogens. University studies have documented that eating beans on a regular basis reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity. Because they are seeds, you'll get more beneficial nutrients from beans if you soak them before cooking them. The vegetable protein in Nature's Harvest and Love and Peas are derived from these nutritious legumes.
Superfood 7 Wild Caught Fish
Fish are famous as sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are a high quality protein. Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important for the brain and nervous system. Eating two servings of wild-caught fish each week helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Choose mercury-free varieties such as barrarnundi, wild caught salmon, herring, sardines, freshwater trout and catfish. Also, farm-raised fish don't have the same nutritional value as wild-caught fish. If you don't like fish, try taking Super Omega 3 EPA to get more omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.
Superfood 8 Fermented Dairy Foods
Dairy gets an extremely bad rap by many people in the natural health field. While it is true that some people have allergies to dairy products, many of the problems with dairy come from the way modern dairy foods are produced. The milk from cows raised on artificial feed, antibiotics and/or hormones isn't as healthy as milk from cows raised on pasture grass without chemicals. While pasteurization destroys many nutrients, ultrapasteurization does even more damage to the nutritional value of milk. So it is unfortunate that most brands of organic milk are ultrapasteurized.
If you're not allergic to dairy, the best way to maximize the nutritional benefits of dairy foods is to eat them in a cultured form, such as yogurt and kefir, Culturing dairy makes nutrients more bioavailable and reduces allergic reactions. Cultured dairy foods are also a natural source of friendly bacteria or probiotics, which are necessary for the health of the intestinal tract and the immune system. If you can't tolerate dairy, you can get your probiotics from naturally fermented vegetables or from a probiotic supplement like Probiotic Eleven.
Superfood 9 Medicinal Mushrooms
Many species of mushrooms and fungus have wonderful health building properties. They can promote intestinal health and modulate the immune system to help the body fight infections while reducing allergic responses and autoimmune reactions. Some species contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients that reduce stress, balance blood pressure and promote heart health. Beneficial varieties include reishi, shiitake, miatake and cordyceps. Immune Stimulator and cordyceps are supplements you can take to get the benefits of these fungi superfoods.
Superfood 10 Sweet Potatoes, Yams and Winter Squash
One of the most over consumed vegetables in the American diet is the potato. It's not that potatoes aren't a natural food, it's just that they have a very high glycemic index, which means they contribute to weight gain and diabetes when over-consumed. Try alternating potatoes with other starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams and winter squashes. These vegetables tend to have a higher content of antioxidant nutrients like carotenoids and B-vitamins and a lower glycemic index. This means they can help you manage your weight and blood sugar better.
Superfood 11 Nutritious Nightshades
Potatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, hot peppers and eggplants. Like dairy, some people have sensitivities to nightshades and need to eliminate them from their diet. However, for those who don't have nightshade sensitivities, nightshades like tomatoes and hot peppers have great nutritional value. Tomatoes (especially vine ripened ones) are great sources of vitamins A and C. Tomatoes also contain a carotenoid called lycopene (which gives them their bright red color). Lycopene has been found to help prevent prostate problems in men, which is why it is an ingredient in Men's Formula.
Hot peppers, like capsicum and jalapeno, are also high in vitamin C and other antioxidants. They also contain capsaicinoids, which stimulate circulation and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Like the sulfur rich allums, they can help to maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent arterial plaque. If you can't stand the spicy taste of hot peppers, you can always take capsicum in capsules.
Superfood 12 Healthy Pick Me Ups
Millions of Americans have to get their FIX of caffeine every day to keep them going. Well, research is showing that not all stimulants are bad. For starters, green tea is being found to have many health benefits. It contains an amino acid called l threonine, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. It also contains catechins polyphenols with powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Green tea also helps fight tooth decay and gum disease, helps maintain cholesterol and has a mild diuretic effect. Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom found that catechins can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. If you don't want to drink green tea or want to avoid the caffeine it contains you can also take Green Tea Extract in capsule form.
Then, there is chocolate. Who would have thought this guilty pleasure would be considered a superfood!
As it turns out, the cocoa in chocolate contains many potent antioxidants, including Havonols, epicatechins and procyanidins. These compounds reduce the cell damage implicated in heart disease, help to lower blood pressure and improve vascular function. In addition, some research has linked chocolate consumption to reduced risk of diabetes, stroke and heart attack. The important thing is to eat dark chocolate (the darker the better), that's free of refined sugars and-to eat-in moderation. Try some of the Nature's Sweet Life Dark Chocolate bars.
Four Great Superfood Supplements
In a hurry! Need some superfoods nutrition that's quick and easy. Here are four great superfood supplements you can use to get this whole food nutrition for your body on a daily basis. Nature's Harvest is a superfood supplement that contains 13 grams of vegetable protein from legumes (peas, adzuki, black and garbanzo beans) in each serving. It's also loaded with nutritious seeds (amaranth, quinoa, flax, chia), dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, parsley, kale) and antioxidant fruits (mangos teen, goji, blueberry, cranberry). It provides essential fatty acids, fiber and 18 essential vitamins and minerals. Nature's Harvest is vegan, dairy free and lactose free.
1. Nature's Harvest tastes great just mixed with water, but you can also use it to make superfood smoothies containing antioxidant fruits and berries, yogurt, nut butters and other whole foods. Smoothies are a great way to make a quick and nutritious meal.
2. Another superfood protein powder you can use in your smoothies is Love and Peas. This blend contains 20 grams of protein derived from split peas and includes a whole food complex that contains blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate and broccoli. Flax seed and borage oil provide essential fatty acids. Love and Peas also supplies 18 vitamins and minerals and is free from common allergens, including dairy, lactose and gluten. It is also certified vegan.
3. Ultimate GreenZone is a superfood supplement that is not a protein powder. It contains nutritious seeds (amaranth, flax, chia), green foods (spirulina, chlorella, spinach, kale, asparagus) and herbs that aid the immune and eliminative functions. GreenZone also contains prebiotics to feed friendly intestinal bacteria and enzymes to aid digestion. It tastes great mixed with pineapple juice or other natural fruit juices.
4. Our final superfood supplement is Thai Go, a potent mix of berries and other superfood ingredients that are rich iribioflavonoids and antioxidants. These include mangosteen, grape, blueberry, raspberry, goji, acai, pomegranates and green tea extract. This delicious tasting juice can be consumed straight, mixed with water or added to other beverages. It has a certified antioxidant value, the highest of any antioxidant beverage on the marketplace. It is also rich in beneficial xanthones.
If you are interested in any of these products please check out my web site at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com under products or call 704.823.1577 and I would be glad to help you pick the best product for you.
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