Archive for the ‘Heath’ Category

FDA – The Food & Drug Abomination

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Genetically Modified Food

Genetically Modified Food

I just can’t keep my mouth shut any longer. I don’t have the clout to go meet with Michelle or Ms. Hamburg regarding the state of our FDA (just yet), but I do have a voice and if you eat food, have children that eat food or grow food to eat, I hope you’ll find an outlet for your voice too.
The FDA is not protecting us. Ajinomoto’s newly branded “Aminosweet” (read: aspartame) just sparked my fire once again with regards to how poor of a job this nation is doing with nutrition. And the FDA is allowing it. From artificial chemicals to genetically modified foods, sweetners that destroy our health (Mercola’s site for a good read), we are becoming chemically filled zombies, with a rate of disease and obesity that is our of control. The substances that the FDA allows in our “food” is atrocious. To make it worse, we’re not only feeding our children this crap, we encourage it because these unidentifiable scientific substances comes in pretty, shiny boxes with lots of colors. (ModernSage) Obviously, our trusted and well-paid staff of THE FDA is not doing a damn thing about it, so it’s left into the hands of us. It requires two things: 1 – we use our God-given smarts and 2 – we make choices accordingly.
Yes, we are a people easily influenced, BUT, we are influencial people. If enough stop buying that garbage they call food, they will pay attention. Someday. We’ve already seen a drastic movement to organic lifestyle in the mainstream, and the FDA trying to get there hands in the “alternative supplement” world. Why? There’s a lot of money in that industry.
Let’s not take it any longer. Do your own research. Just because the FDA “approves” something doesn’t mean it’s safe. More than likely, there’s a lot of money behind that decision and it’s not money that’s going toward the health of you or your family.
This subject is a passion of mine, and should be yours. This is a large topic, and there will be more to come. In the meantime, if you’re at work and want to do a bit of research, grab a box of whatchamacallit and see for yourself – just type in one of the 50 ingredients and see what you think.
Help me stop the madness. Eat real food

Flax – The Better Way

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Do you ever have those days that you feel “not quite right”? Your appetite’s never satisfied, you wonder if your diet is good enough – are you getting enough protein without the unhealthy fats? – your skin looks dull or dry, your bones feels a bit stiffer than normal, you’re tired or constipated and bloated. You may even be directly, or indirectly, subject to hot flashes, moodiness or night sweats! Some would just say, “Welcome to the aging process!” I say, “No thanks. There’s a better way.”

With my lifestyle, and probably yours too, it’s hard to have 30-60 minutes of exercise every day, eat ALL the servings of veggies, fruit, fiber, protein and fats that are optimal for great health AND do the zillion things that I have to do before my head hits the pillow. The one consistent thing I do to keepp this machine working is supplement with quality food supplements. That’s not to say I’m an advocate for popping loads of supplement pills in the name of health, but using high quality FOOD supplements is a different story and a good idea. One of my favorites is flax, and in particular, Forti-Flax made by Barleans. Here’s why.

See that list above of the “whoa-is-me” conditions? Forti-Flax helps to address ALL of them. I’m sure you’ve heard about the great powers of flax seeds or its oil, but I’m a big believer in getting the most out of one thing as possible – I like a bargain. Forti-Flax offers all the benefits of dietary fiber, but also gives me a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acid (with a balance of 6 & 9), protein (a complete source with 10 essential amino acids), double-digit essential vitamins & minerals, both soluble and insoluble fiber, lignans and other protective powerhouse nutrients that keep me out of harm’s way from cancer, heart disease and other scary health concerns. Plus, flax helps with my brain function and mood with its naturally occurring DHA, which is essential to the function of brain cells and is also a mood booster. Flax also keeps my skin looking radiant and keeps my colon clean. Now where else are you going to find this kind of service?!?!

I know it sounds like a wonder drug. But it’s not a drug. It’s a food, and a very healthy, wonderful one! Another reason I love this product is that it’s so easy to use. I sprinkle it on my salads, yogurt, in smoothies or sometimes just eat it straight out of the container! (Chase it with water, please.)

If you are beginning to see the signs of “aging” or just want to increase your health – you should try my favorite Forti-Flax product. The benefits to the immune system, the digestive tract, arthritis and inflammation, heart health and so much more are well worth the small investment. Enjoy!

My “Crappy” Superbowl Party

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

As a health writer, I can discuss things most people won’t. Halitosis. B.O. Hormones and these pesky chin whiskers, herbs that enhance sex… it’s what I do, what can I say. This story, however, is a bit revealing – and comical in a twisted sort of way – but there is a good health issue at hand. Constipation. Here’s my Crappy Superbowl Party story. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by the way.

It was a SuperBowl I’ll never forget. It just happened last week for crying out loud! Superbowl XLIV. I was at a party, a small gathering of my gay boyfriends. I’m straight, they are all gay, I’m the only woman – go ahead, psychoanalyze that Freud. Anyway, it was all I could do to get to the party. I had recently started a 6 week contract job, was finishing a writing project, had a TV shoot the day before and 3 weeks prior had a death in my family. ‘XLIV’ pretty much summed it up– no life left. On top of all that, I hadn’t gone number 2 in about 7 days. I KNOW!! I was seriously backed up, and felt like crap.

Of course my gay bf’s had lots of yummy food to eat, so eat I did. And by the end of the first quarter I thought I was going to explode. The pain, the bloating, the weariness. I needed help. Luckily these men love me and I figured if I could talk to anyone about anal issues, it was them. In the moment of my not so quite desperation, one bf recommended an enema. I needed it “right now.” For some strange reason, eh-hum, he had an enema bottle on-hand. After sterilization and some icky lube, I was able to find victory during the 3rd quarter. “We won!” I said, returning to the living room with a bounce in my step.

I’m not proud that I was constipated and had to use my bf’s enema bottle, but it did entice an interesting post Superbowl conversation about colon health and colonics. I’ve had issues with elimination most of my life and know, by now, that STRESS and dietary changes are the main culprits that keep me from “winning” on a daily basis. A healthy body and bowel should eliminate at least 1-2 times a day, if not three. It really is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and over 655,000 deaths a year are due to colon cancer. Risk factors include family history, polyps in the colon or age 50 +. If you are stressed or are having poopage problems for other reasons, you may consider a colon cleanse, natural fibers like flax or some gentle yoga exercises. That week was miserable, prompting strict attention to my precious colon. Nothing is worth the stress of ill-health.

Thanks bf’s! It was a great party (btw, who won that game?)

SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER:

* A change in bowel habits.
* Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.
* Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
* Stools that are narrower than usual.
* General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps).
* Weight loss with no known reason.
* Constant tiredness.
* Vomiting.

Lovin’ It

Monday, February 1st, 2010

healthy heartshapeWith V-Day right around the corner, I’ve got “Things I Love” on my mind. Being a passionista for healthy food, grass-roots ventures, and treats that don’t make me feel guilty, here’s a short list of some of my favs.

1) I love to eat. My winter fav of 2010: Organic, refried black beans with jalepenos over organic short-grain brown rice with a dollop of fresh sour cream.
2) I love my new bank. In the effort to “shop local” I just switched from a bohemoth Bank (no name slashing) to a local one. With a new checking account that earns 3.26% interest, return of all atm fees, free checks and personal service, I feel rich already.
3) I love putting olive oil on my face. I saved $30 on face creams this season, and have glowing skin as a result. Organic, extra virgin olive oil, applied nightly, is doing it for my daily glow.
4) I love sweets. And because I have this great gig of producer/host, I get to try lots of great products, including ZSweet. I’m in love with it. I’ve had cookies, hot chocolate milk, brownies and sweetened my tea with NO sugar, NO side affects and am living guilt free. Video coming shortly (plug)! It’s no joke, people – ZSweet will change your life!
5) I love to feel great. Instead of turning to OTC medications, unhealthy products that just mask symptoms or running to the doc for every sniffle, I LOVE that I have options of self-care. A little cough this week & headache led me to my cupboard for some tea (Breathe Easy is a good one), Acai (my new fav wonderfood), Umcka syrup and a powdered greens formula is whipping me right into shape.

The most fav of my favs is the peace of mind that comes from a healthy, positive way of life. Eat fresh, be natural and support your local community. LOVE IT.

Breath ALERT!

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

This guy’s breath. It was motivation enough to write about it right here, right now on my new website. It’s a glorious Winter Solstice, in the midst of holiday cheer, but his breath…it took me down. Knocked me over. The kind of odor that permeates the air within 2 square feet. And then it moves along as if it had a lifeforce of its own .
Being that I was on one of the trains so full it made switching cars impossible, I had to endure, or die. Besides being repulsed to the point of near puke-ation, it made me realize that some people need to get their halitosis under control. It’s a health issue, folks. And should be addressed unless you want to be the ‘last one standing.’
Unlike many believe, bad breath doesn’t really come from the stomach. It may seem like that due to its intensity – I mean, where else could such a putrid odor percolate? The fact is, most all of the time the odor comes from the back of the mouth and tongue. And what causes it? Mostly sugar and dairy. Put them together and you’ve got a funk-fest that could last for days. Dairy and sugar create a situation in the back of your mouth that helps breed bacteria, and that, my friend, is what you are smelling.
How do you get rid of it and keep your friends, make new ones or heaven for bid, kiss someone? First thing I’d do is limit or eliminate the sugar. The stuff is just bad for you all the way around. Whole foods like fruits that have natural sugars, ok. The other, junky sugar-foods? Use as a rare treat and find some healthy, natural alternatives. Second – if you don’t want to eliminate all dairy, try replacing a few dairy foods with alternatives, especially if you are going to consume with a sweet treat. Rice milk with cookies, cheese as a solo, almond milk with cereals, etc. And lastly, there are some cheap and effective tongue cleaners that are easy to use and improve this situation a lot. If all of that fails, chew on some mint, like, for the rest of your life.
Happy holidays, btw! I’ll be over here doing a nasal flush system trying to rid my senses of that smell.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

I’ll never forget these words. My dad used to yell them at me during my whole softball career.  I was a decent hitter, but you couldn’t always count on it. I WANTED to get a hit, but being a teen, I was too busy thinking about what my hair looked like coming out of that helmet. Was my butt sticking out too far? Who was watching? With a wandering mind, the ball often came and went without contact or went flying too high with an easy drop into the opponent’s glove. “Keep your eye on the ball, Leah” I heard my dad say. I now find myself saying these same words as I focus on what I WANT out of life in general.

What do you want? Better yet, what is distracting you from GETTING what you want? Is your eye on the ball? It’s so easy these days to have A.D.D. All of the activities and gadgets, it’s a wonder we get anything of value accomplished! When you want something – be it weight loss, a dream, a better relationship or a hit out of the ballpark, you gotta keep your eye on the ball. No exceptions. If you think you may suffer from genuine A.D.D. or just have an awful time focusing your attention, there are great remedies that can help you tremendously. DHA and other Omega 3 fatty acids are excellent brain foods that have been proven to help concentration, clarity and calmness. Gingko will get that blood flowing, and if you suffer from an anxious mind. Personally,  I use L-Theanine for calm, focused thinking. Meditating for even 5 min/day can calm the mind and help you to focus & Biofeedback is another great technique you might want to check out to keep your mind’s eye on target. Balance your brain and your body with nature’s help. Whatever you are going for, do it with a focused mind.  Keep your eye on the ball and give it your best swing!

My Favorite Supplement Combo!

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf

Introducing: Olive Leaf and Oil of Oregano. The combo you need to feel amazing all year round! (No, this is no commercial. I;m just excited to share the news!) Here’s the scoop…

Olive Leaf has been used medicinally for centuries, and considered by many to be a most potent and sacred herb. Even Hippocrates was a fan and you will most likely become one too. The olive leaf contains powerful antioxidants that are more than just an amazing health tonic, but also anti-microbial and can be used to ward off the flu, common cold or any type of bacterial infection. It’s shown amazing results in the treatment of Herpes virus, retrovirus, shingles, Epstein-Barr, Hepatitis B, candida, throat infections, ear, dental or urinary tract infections, allergies, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue and even supports the cardiovascular system and increases energy levels. I first used Olive Leaf for a strange virus that left little bumps on my hands. Within a day (no kidding!) and along with Oil of Oregano, not only were the bumps gone, but I was running NYC with loads of energy that I thought was only part of my youth! Barlean’s delivers an Olive Leaf product that will meet the best of any standards and Nature’s Way has a good product as well. If you suffer from any of these conditions, look into this powerful herb. I use it anytime I start feeling a little “off” and it does the trick!

I use Olive Leaf with Oil of Oregano for that extra one-two punch. Oil of Oregano is a pungent, bitter herb extracted from the Oregano family, but you can’t receive the medicinal benefits from what you’d eat on your pizza! I recommend taking the capsules instead of the oil, as the taste is.. WOW! But, whatever way you get it down, you’ll benefit none-the-less. It is another power-house antioxidant that is used for clearing the common cough, easing migraines, healing skin infections, anti-fungal, strengthens the immune system, eases sore throat, improves breathing & respiratory difficulties and even controls dandruff. North American Herb and Spice has a capsule that is potent and will do the job.

Use these herbs to keep your physical self in tip-top shape. Let me hear your feedback!

Threshold

Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Chlorella

Chlorella

Every health conscious human alive in this era has embraced the word green. It’s become a word about lifestyle, be it environmental, physical or mental. Green represents sustainability. Freshness. Eco-friendliness and frankly, life itself. This word is now embedded into American pop culture: the “Go Green” movement of the 21st Century. I propose we employ an even more thorough green movement, one that will feed the hungry, heal the sick and preserve our ecological system: The “Green Micro-Algae” movement, powered by the dynamos Spirulina and Chlorella.

With a full spectrum of macro and micro-nutrients, trace minerals, fatty acids, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, phytochemicals as well as being chock full of protein, these food substances have fueled civilizations for centuries, offering not only a food alternative to the natives, but optimal nutrition for modern-day health enthusiasts alike. These superfoods are thought to contain every nutrient required by the human body. You could literally live off these micro-algae!

A scientist I am not, but as a natural lifestyle expert and passionista for health and healing, I can attest that Spirulina and Chlorella are harmoniously effective for any body’s health. And, like all food or beverage, the higher the quality input, the greater the results output. That’s why I love Source Natural’s Organic Spirulina and Emerald Garden Organic Chlorella. These superfoods from Source Natural are super-high quality, grown under the rigorous standards of the USDA Certified Organic regulation with no GMO’s, presticides, contaminants, filler or binders, harvested in fresh water or open air in natural sunlight… just the way nature intended.

People often ask, “Do you need to take both Spirulina and Chlorella?” I liken these two powerhouse foods to exercise and nutrition. You can take spirulina or chlorella, the same way as you could choose exercise or a healthy diet. There will be arguments until the end of time if healthy food is better for your health than exercise alone, but in general we know that the two absolutely compliment and support each other. The same is true with Spirulina and Chlorella. One without the other is a great start. The two together? Watch out! Your body, mind and spirit will soar!

Emerald Garden Organic Chlorella is a vegetarian protein that contains 90% of the amino acids available and up to 7% chlorophyll. With a full range of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, amino acids and ample protein, this food source is unique in that it actually nourishes the system while at the same time cleanses the body of toxins. Chlorella has a unique fibrous cell wall to bind all toxins including heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides and excrete them from the body. Also, Chlorella contains very unique Chlorella Growth Factors to promote growth and regeneration for a younger and more beautiful you! This broken-cell wall Chlorella is a powerful food that also supports the immune system, the cells/DNA, circulation and even blood sugar regulation. You can equally count on this natural cleansing agent to cleanse the colon, blood, kidneys, lungs and liver; as well as to stimulate healing and repair of tissue.

I encourage people interested in adding Organic Chlorella to their diet to begin slowly. Chlorella will most definitely be a great support, but to jump in at mega-doses may not be  comfortable, depending on your level of health and/or toxicity. Hearing the amazing benefits of this superfood might inspire you to chug a whole bottle at once. Probably not the best idea. Chlorella’s amazing detox ability should be folded into your lifestyle with ease. Chlorella is capable of removing alcohol from the liver and heavy metals (such as cadmium, mercury, uranium and arsenic), certain pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorbiphenyls (PCBs) from the body’s tissues. Let your body adjust to the healing transformations, allow your system to release the negative toxins and gradually increase dosage as desired results are attained. An added bonus: weight normalization. When the functions of the body are balanced and cleansed, and the processes of assimilation and elimination are working correctly, the body will naturally revert to its ideal weight. As the body is supported at cellular levels, a sluggish bowel is restored, friendly bacteria in the gut are increased and the organs throughout are working with ease. Your energy levels soar, your skin radiates, your mental clarity sharpened and over-all vibrancy returns. It’s the miracle of Green. Green Algae that is.

If  Chlorella is the cleansing nourisher, Organic Spirulina is the energy enhancing, nutrition champion of this powerhouse duo. The simple, multi-celled blue-green algae is a complete vegetable source protein that also offers a rare vegetarian form of GLA and is chock full of nutrients. The benefits of ingesting this highly alkaline food substance are so numerous, you’ll wonder why it’s not mandatory on our food pyramid. From antioxidant defense, anti-inflammation support, immune function enhancement, healthy circulation, increasing endurance and energy to preventing oxidative damage to your DNA and supporting healthy neurological function, Organic Spirulina is a win-win-win for your health. It’s highly absorbed protein content is a major bonus for vegetarians and vegans, which has made it a universal food option for all health enthusiasts. With the added nutritional benefits of chlorophyll, calcium, iron and antioxidants, anyone will benefit from Spirulina’s nutritional profile. In fact, Spirulina offers 10x more calcium than milk, 50x more iron than raw spinach and approximately 20x more chlorophyll than wheatgrass, barley grass or alfalfa! And, if you’re watching your weight, this is a perfect addition to your diet. It’s low fat and low calorie but you won’t sacrifice nutrition while monitoring food intake!

Organic Spirulina works congruously with its cousin Chlorella to enhance the natural cleansing and detoxification processes throughout the body. This duo is sure to take you to the next level of health. As is the case with all foods and supplements, it’s imperative to know the source and trust the brand you use.

Eat Your Blues, Baby

Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Yummy Blueberries!

Yummy Blueberries!

Eating a wide variety of color foods is important for a healthy diet. A plate that resembles an artist palate is sure to provide optimal health as green, red, yellow and brown are staple colors that can provide a full range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. And, if your interest is in aging gracefully and keep your mind a powerhouse of information, don’t forget to eat your blues; in particular BLUEBERRIES!

Look at what the powerful little Blueberry boasts as some of its health-promoting benefits:

~Improved Vision

~Enhanced Memory

~Clearing of Arteries

~Stops Urinary Tract Infections

~Reverses Age-related Physical and Mental Declines

~Promotes Weight Control

~Strengthens Blood Vessels

~Lowers the risk of some cancers

~Natural Anti-inflammatory

Research has found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. The pigment (anthocyanin) that makes blueberries blue is thought to be the responsible factor. When it comes to brain protection, there’s nothing quite like blueberries according to Tufts neuroscientist James Joseph as recounted in Newsweek (6/17/02). “I call the blueberry the brain berry,” says Joseph, who attributes the effects to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

It has also been known by researchers, nutritionists and doctors that blueberries are rich in phytochemicals that have anti-aging effects. Berries, in general, are nutrient-dense and offer a lot of bang for the buck, but blueberries, in particular, have protective effects for brain health in later life. So, as you can see, eating your blues not only tastes great, but will reward your body and brain with superior nutrition that will have affects that last a lifetime.

 

The best part?  They are low in calories!  In a 1/2 cup serving (that’s a lot of blueberries!) you’ll only take in 40 calories! And you’ll get loads of potassium, iron, vitamin C plus 2 grams of fiber!

Add blueberries (local, fresh and organic preferred) to your cereal, yogurt or salads, or pack ‘em and snack ‘em all day at work. They are divinely yummy and your body will thank you!

Eat Your Blues, Baby!