Relaxation 101

Here's a simple relaxation technique:

Deep breathing is a simple stress reliever. Find a quiet moment to yourself (or make one) and sit comfortably or lie flat on your back. Close your eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Each complete breath (inhale and exhale) should last at least 5 seconds. Feel the air expanding your chest and diaphragm. And feel how your body reacts. Your muscles will start to relax automatically, and the tension will melt away. Try to quiet your mind as much as possible, but don't beat yourself up if you can't. Consciously relax each muscle in your body, starting with your feet and legs, then your abdomen and back, then chest, arms and neck, and finally release all the tension that is stored in the muscles in your face. Do this slowly and thoroughly, which usually takes at least 10-20 minutes.

Anti-Antibiotics

My son has been troubled with reoccurring ear infections since he was a baby.  The first time we went to the doctor with a sick 5 month old baby, the doctor prescribed an antibiotic liquid and sent us on our way.  I gave my son the medicine exactly as prescribed, and after ten days his ears were still red and sore and to top that off he had loose stool and upset stomach.  He was miserable.  I went back to the doctor, and guess what they prescribed?  More antibiotics! 

Being an advocate for natural living and whole life wellness, I knew there was no sense trying a medicine that did not work the first time.  My girlfriend worked for a chiropractor at that time, and she suggested taking him in for an adjustment.  She said that her clinic treated many children and infants and that chiropractic adjustments could drain the fluids in the ear to clear the infection.  I took her advice, and within a week my son was back to his normal vibrant health.

Over the next two years we made several trips to the chiropractor any time his ears became a problem, and saw the same amazing results every time.  Within a few minutes of being adjusted his nasal and chest congestion would clear and usually within a week of treatment his ears were clear. 

Last week we noticed that his ears were red and he complained of pain in his left ear at preschool.  I called the chiropractor and he had a few adjustments with good results.  Then this week he began to develop a rattly cough and a fever.  He was so lethargic and not like himself that I felt we better go in to the doctor.  No surprise to me he was diagnosed with an ear infection and of course was prescribed an antibiotic.  Thinking that we needed to take care of this sickness fast so he could get back to his usual spunky activities, I decided to give him the antibiotics.  He took the medicine as prescribed for two days, and within about 12 hours he was running around and playing again.

On the morning of the third day, my son told me his arm itched.  When I checked it out I noticed there was a red rash forming all over his elbow.  Within a half hour the rash had spread all the way up the arm and was starting in on his other arm and even his cheeks.  By the time we got to the clinic the rash had spread onto his belly and back as well.  The doctor explained that it was a reactive side effect of the antibiotic and he should stop taking it immediately.  He had little else useful to say other than to watch for any hives or shortness of breath which are signs of a serious allergic reaction and would require emergency medical attention.

I headed straight for the local health store and bought a fresh bottle of garlic ear drops and silver hydrosol liquid, which is no doubt what I should have done in the first place rather than even start the prescription.  Garlic has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties and when used as an oil in the ears can help treat and prevent ear infections.  Silver has been renown for its antibacterial properties for centuries, but has only recently been released as a readily available immune boosting remedy.  It is available as a throat spray which works miracles on sore throats, a nasal spray for congestion, a salve for burns and other skin infections and also a liquid which can be taken orally in small doses to increase immunity and relieve bacterial and viral infection symptoms.

In addition to the silver and garlic, I have been ensuring that my family is taking a high quality whole food liquid multivitamin and mineral complex and of course eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Prevention is the best medicine, but when illness occurs, we don't always have to rely on antibiotics to treat our symptoms.  Often we can achieve the same or better results with a little help from nature and thousands of years of traditional medicine.

Be your own Valentine!

A short post today to remind us all to give ourselves some love today.  Yes, that's right!  You.  Give it to yourself, too!  You may have planned a special surprise for a loved one, or made a thousand valentines for your kids to give to their friends at school, but if you haven't taken the time to show yourself some true compassion, you are missing a vital ingredient of health and happiness. 

Self love is so often overlooked and can even be seen as selfish, but this could not be more untrue!  Being proud of who you are is healthy and loving yourself is a major key to staying well.  It is critically important to show yourself the compassion and understanding that you strive to show others.  If you don't love yourself, how can you love another?  How can you be happy?

Take a moment today to think about the things that make you truly unique and beautiful.  Write them down if you can, or even make yourself a valentine card that lists your best qualities and the things you are most proud of in your life.  Don't be ashamed of this!  Hang it on your fridge or bedroom mirror and revisit it any time you are feeling low. 

Do something nice for yourself as well.  Buy yourself something indulgent (not necessarily expensive) that you normally wouldn't, or simply do something you love but rarely find the time to do, like take a walk or a bath, or fix your hair or makeup so you look fabulous.  Whatever it is, feel good about it.  You are a beautiful and unique person, and no matter how much love you get from others, make sure there is always a special place in your heart for yourself.

Live in Balance

Balance is the most fundamental principal of wellness. When we lead a balanced life we have the least chance of disease, because our bodies are not being stressed by excesses. But what does it mean to live in balance?

The first definition of balance, according to Dictionary.com is:

1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.

The nature of balance is equality. The saying “all things in moderation” comes to mind. Think about the things you eat for a moment. Do you have certain foods that you eat more of than any other? Do you eat processed meals and fast food? Are you addicted to sugary snacks and drinks?

When we eat too many processed, deep fried and microwaved foods, we create a build up of toxins in our bodies. Our bodies become stressed out fighting for balance, and our immune system weakens. This creates a constant lack of energy that is often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue or depression.

Start balancing yourself by reducing foods and drinks that do not enhance your health and give you true lasting energy. Then begin to add more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is not necessary to completely omit foods that are less than wholesome, as long as there is a larger portion of the diet being made up of nutrient rich, high energy foods. Dark leafy greens in particular have an extraordinary ability to counteract the toxins that are so abundant in our Standard American Diet. Superfoods and foods high in antioxidants should be consumed daily to ensure that we are doing our part to stay balanced.

Nutrition is not the only area of our lives that we must achieve balance. The third and fourth definitions of the word balance from Dictionary.com are:

3. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.
4. a state of bodily equilibrium

Balance is a state of wellness that encompasses all areas of our lives. Our minds must be focused to achieve our goals, and a strong, limber body is crucial to getting the job done. Our mind, body and spirit are all equally important to Whole Life Wellness. This means that in addition to proper nutrition and exercise, we must also keep our emotions and convictions in balance. Make a list of all the things that create true happiness for you, then make another list of things you don't enjoy. Take a good long look at these lists, and decide how you can create more joy and less suffering in your life. Make a plan, write it down, and stick with it. Setting and achieving goals is one way to ensure that you are increasing balance and living up to your full potential.

No matter how determined we are, it is probably impossible to achieve complete balance, at least for any length of time. Imagine an old fashioned scale of weights, with a pointed fulcrum between the two suspended trays. The point is so small, that even the slightest difference of weight causes the scale to tip. Then it seesaws back and forth, a slave to the laws of science, with only the resistance of the air to slow it down. No one can live in perfect balance all the time, but if we make smart choices and strive for balance, we can ensure that we are not swinging out of control.

A Question of Digestion

More often than we would like to admit, there is the unpleasant feeling of indigestion. Heartburn, acid stomach, diarrhea, bloating and gas. None of it pretty. We treat the problem not by looking at why it is happening, but rather by adding medicines and antacids to the already tumultuous depths of our guts.

Lets move beyond treating symptoms, and start addressing the real problems: poor diet, excess stress and a lack of beneficial probiotics and enzymes.

The simplest way to improve your digestion is to eat more raw, fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods contain more micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eating more fruit and vegetables daily will improve digestion and increase overall health, immunity and beauty.

Fresh fruits and vegetables also contain water, which is another important element of digestion. Drink at least 8 large glasses of water every day, and be sure to take a water bottle with you wherever you go. By the time you actually feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated, and dehydration is a common cause of heartburn and acid reflux. Drinking water and reducing sweet drinks and caffeine will keep you hydrated, and keep your body looking and feeling your best everyday.

Another key to digestive health, particularly if you suffer from chronic indigestion, is choosing the right supplements. Chewable papaya enzymes are a great remedy for heartburn and even prevent indigestion when chewed after meals. They work as fast and even more effectively as an antacid and taste much more pleasant.

A high quality probiotic supplement is also recommended for optimal digestive health. The best contain several different types of beneficial bacterias and flora. These little guys help break down our food for us, relieving the heavy burden on our stressed out systems. They also fight to kill nasty bacteria and yeast in our bodies that often give us the gut rot to begin with. An easy way to get more probiotics in your diet is to eat a whole, low sugar yogurt daily.

The most popular cause of indigestion of course, is stress. Not only ulcers, but also chronic heartburn, acid stomach and IBS are often caused by a stressed out body. Taking a good look at the pace of our lives and evaluating where we can cut complication and reduce stress is critical to overall better health. Implementing a daily meditation or relaxation for several minutes each day also does wonders to relieve stress and brings a greater sense of balance.

 

Fruit, Vegetables and Honey are in Danger!

http://animals.change.org/blog/view/wikileaks_uncovers_government_bee_killing_conspiracy

If you have ever had the pleasure of getting up close and personal with a colony of honey bees, you know that these tiny insects are some of the most amazing and energized creatures on the planet.  Watching them work to feed, build and protect their community is truly a spiritual experience.  Honey bees create some of the most versatile and potent health products on the planet, including bee pollen, royal jelly, and of course, honey! 

What's more, bees are the number one plant pollinating insect, which means that they are an integral part of growing and sustaining natural foods.  Any fruit or vegetable that produces a flower needs a bee to pollinate that flower before the tomato, squash, apple or berry will grow.  Considering this, bees are probably the most important player in our quest to a more healthful and sustainable future.

Many of you have heard about the "bee crisis."  For those who haven't, basically billions of bees have been dying since 2003 and scientists have been unable to pinpoint and eliminate the problem.  Bee farmers around the country are losing entire colonies and sometimes their entire bee farm to this "disease."

But it is no disease that is killing our bees!  A pesticide that has been approved to kill undesirable insects on common crops like soy and corn has a devastating effect on our honey bee population, and the government and the chemical's distributor have been covering it up to increase crop production and  profits.

Please sign this petition to make a stand against this gross disregard for our health and the sustainability of our planet!  Thank you.

Healthy Holidays

1. Reduce Sugar Use – Choose the recipe ingredients you use in your holiday baking wisely. Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or stevia extract instead of refined sugars. For recipe ideas, see my blog at www.realfastfood.blogspot.com

2. Plan Ahead – Stress is a major holiday bummer, not to mention a hazard to your health. Any preparation and planning you can do ahead of time will cut down on the last minute stress that the holidays can induce. Make a list and check it twice if you need to, so you stay nice throughout the holidays!

3. Take ME Time – We all need time to ourselves to do whatever makes us feel most content. Don't forget to schedule in at least an hour every week that is only for you. Do your most desired activity, whether that be taking a nap, a hot bath, making love or working out.

4. Be the Boss of the Cost – Don't get carried away on spending. Often the most treasured gifts are those that were the most thoughtful, not the most expensive. Gifts of homemade bread, treats or even frozen meals that your friends or family can pop in the oven and enjoy on a busy evening are bound to bring more holiday cheer than yet another pair of slippers.

5. Enjoy the Magic – Even if you don't have children, spending time with our families around the holidays can help us remember the magic of the season. Donating a bit of time or money to a worthy cause is another way to make your days merry and bright. If you have a talent or hobby, use it to share your gift with those around you.

6. Don't Panic – No matter how much it seems like everything has to be absolutely perfect when Aunt Gertrude arrives, remember that this is a time of love and sharing – not stressing and obsessing. No matter what she says about the color of your curtains or the dried out ham, let it slide off of you with a smile. Life happens, to all of us. And there is no reason you can't enjoy it anyway.

7. Make Your Own Tradition – Traditions are things we do each year because we look forward to them, not because it has always been so. Make up a new tradition with your family that you all will enjoy. One year my family made cut-out cookies, decorated them and drove around the neighborhood ringing doorbells and leaving plates of cookies on the front step. We called ourselves The Phantom Santa, and it was so much fun, we did it year after year.

8. Steer Clear of Excess – Whether it's drinking, indulging in sweets or excess shopping, don't let yourself go overboard just because its a holiday. All things in moderation is an excellent creed, any time of year.

9. Listen to Your Body – There is a reason we crave baked foods and rich flavors when the weather gets chilly. Our body knows that warming foods will nourish us more deeply than lighter dishes at this time of year. Allow your body to tell you what it is craving, and listen closely. You may be surprised that you are craving a big bowl of chili or some mashed potatoes, and not that second slice of cheesecake.

10. Stay Hydrated – Cold temperatures and dry heating systems literally suck the moisture from our skin and bodies. Be sure to carry your water bottle with you everywhere and drink water at least every half hour. Hydrate your lips and skin with natural products with as few ingredients as possible. Unrefined coconut oil is a great skin, hair and lip conditioner, and its sweet scent is deliciously soothing. Smooth unrefined coconut oil onto lips and skin. To condition your hair, warm the oil, then apply lightly from roots to ends. Wait 15 minutes to one hour, then rinse out with very warm water. Wash hair as you normally do.