Sacred Eden - April 2011 Magazine

S Eden restoring people Back to Perfection

April 2011

Are You Overweight, or Suffering From Hypothyroidism?

Spring-cleaning, the safe way

Benefits of an Alkaline Diet, page 14

Keep those joints healthy Smart Ways to Manage Allergies, page 12 Glow this season with anti-oxidants

Eat Colorful Foods, Lose Weight! page 11

Spring into Spring!

Celebrate this new season with claiming everything you want in life—we tell you how on page 16

Publisher’s Note

New LIFE W

inter is a lovely season, no doubt.

Everything is bathed in a hush, and people, as well as plants and animals, are invited to hibernate in their own ways. Some use this time to re-assess, re-evaluate, and review their lives. Some use it to recharge. And with the holidays all packed into winter, some use it to re-connect with long-absent family and friends.

As lovely as it may be, everyone breathes a sigh of relief when April rolls around. Most of the snow has melted away, and all at once, the earth rouses from its sleep. Western and JudeoChristian tradition peppers spring with symbolisms of new life: eggs, baby chicks, budding flowers, bunnies. From a wellness point of view, Spring can be seen as a season for renewed energy and attitudes toward nutrition, exercise, and overall health in general.

If you missed out on your New Year’s Resolutions, Spring is a perfect time to re-start. The great outdoors is waiting for you to get active, and Mother Nature is one with you in this thriving new energy—now that’s the type of energy you want helping you along!

Turn to page 16 (“You are the Energy You Exude”) to find out more about harnessing this energy to help you attain what you want most in life. There’s so much ado about the Law of Attraction—this issue gives you how to make it work like it’s supposed to!

The no. 1 concern almost everyone has about spring is allergies. Pollen counts can spike and spring cleaning stirs up long-gathered dust and wastes from dust mites. You don’t have to suffer as you did in the past—turn to page 12 (“Allergy Season: It’s Nothing to Sneeze At”) and page 6 (“Spring Cleaning: Reducing Air Pollutants and Dust Mites”)—for updated ways on how to manage allergies and approach spring cleaning the smart way.

A new way of looking at your health can also help reveal some issues that you once never considered. Being overweight, for example, doesn’t always mean you eat too much and exercise too little. It may point to an underlying health problem related to your metabolism, as in the case of hypothyroidism (page 8, “Are You Just Overweight, or do You Have Hypothyroidism?”). If you’ve done everything—watched your

calorie intake, exercised regularly—and still see yourself ballooning, a visit to your doctor for some tests would be wise.

Several health complications are also caused by a diet that’s too high in acid. Our hunter-gatherer forebears consumed a diet very different from what we are used to today—they ate a lot of whole grains, fresh vegetables, little meat. Sugar consumption rose during the Industrial Revolution, as well as salt and milk (a result of the technology to mine and process salt, and the ease of keeping domesticated livestock). All these work contrary to our body’s natural constitution, which is alkaline (you’ll read more about it on page 14, “Acid vs Alkaline”). It doesn’t take rocket science to deduce that many of today’s chronic illnesses are caused by this imbalance.

So what outlooks and practices will you adopt this spring season? Whatever it is—whether it be a new mindset to attract better energies or a new approach to nutrition—remember that as long you’re focused and intend with all your being to make it a part of your life, the Universe will find a way to make it so.

Good luck.

Here’s to Health, Wealth, and Happiness.

The Sacred Eden Team

Table of Contents 4

1 6

A Note From the Editor

Regulars

Healthy Solutions

3

Is your baby susceptible to SIDS, 6 ways to get kids outdoors, 10 Tips For A Natural Immune System Boost, Know More About Allergic Rhinitis

10

5

11

6

Spring Cleaning: Reducing Air Pollutants And Dust Mites It’s the perfect time to get rid of these irritants.

Do it safely and with care

‘THE Talk’ It may sound cliché, but as the flowers come back this season, it may be time to talk about the “birds and the bees” to the kids

Body

7 13 15

Are You Just Overweight, or do You Have Hypothyroidism? It’s more common than you may think, and you may already have it or be heading for it in your later years. Find out how you can avoid its detrimental effects

8

Joint Pain: Stop the Discomfort Joint problems can happen to anyone—and they don’t have to be mean you should stop continuing your active lifestyle

Beauty and Nutrition

9

‘Feed’ Your Skin Antioxidants for a Glowing Complexion Step out this new season with boast-worthy skin and a whole new attitude toward skincare

10

Count Colors, Not Calories Here’s a novel idea—instead of counting carbs, choose foods that are colorful and add life to your plate to lose weight

17

19

Fruit and Veggie Tandems Juice fasting and detoxifying don’t have to be boring; there are many combinations that can put the punch in detox diets

Features

11

Allergy Season: It’s Nothing To Sneeze At Pollen, dust, mites…it’s about impossible to avoid watery eyes and runny noses these days.

With these tips, you can manage the symptoms the best way possible

13

Acid vs Alkaline Does pH balance have any bearing on one’s health?

You bet! Here’s how to tweak it and what foods to best bring the equilibrium back

15

You are the Energy You Exude Depending on how you think and behave, you can attract anti-goals, or resonate results

17

Fool Proof Your Immune System Don’t succumb to the sniffles this spring. Gird yourself with the right information and foods

HealthySolutions Is Your Baby Susceptible to SIDS?

M

any studies have been done regarding Crib death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between SIDS and the following things: * Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than females * Prematurity makes it more likely * Minority children are affected by it more often than non-minorities * More children of young, single mothers die from it * Children who live in a home with one or more smokers are more likely to be affected * Some people say that sleeping with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to say that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep. * Back sleeping is what most pediatricians recommend for babies to decrease the SIDS risk.

The reason for this is widely debated between health experts. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

Know More About Allergic Rhinitis

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llergic rhinitis is often also called nasal allergy, pollinosis or hay fever, especially when it occurs during the haying season.

Allergic rhinitis is the occurrence of several symptoms, usually in the eyes and in the nose, after exposure to particles that may be airborne like plant pollens, dander and most especially, dust.

An oversensitive immune system is usually cited for the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. Take note that the immune system is your shield against harmful and ailment-causing viruses and bacteria. In some people, immune systems react violently to substances or allergens that are not generally harmful or disease-causing.

The most common and primary cause of allergic rhinitis is allergy to pollen. Pollens are very fine and powder-like substances produced by seed plants’ anthers. Allergic rhinitis can be similar to allergic reactions exhibited in some people by allergies to animal dander, inhaled allergens, mold and dust.

Some of the plants that usually produce pollens that cause reported cases of allergic rhinitis are deciduous and evergreen trees, flowering plants, ragweed and grasses.

Identifying allergic rhinitis The most common manifestations or symptoms of allergic rhinitis are: o Nasal congestion or what you call stuffy nose o Wheezing o Sore throat o Sneezing o Teary eyes o Runny nose o Smell impairment o Headache o Coughing o Itching in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, skin or any other areas in the body How to treat allergic rhinitis Remember, most allergies are treatable but not curable. Allergic rhinitis is not an exception.

Treatments or medications available or prescribed for allergic rhinitis only reduce symptoms of allergy caused by inflammation in the infected or affected tissues.

Doctors advise that the best treatment would be prevention, but if you happen to already have it, several medications may be of help.

Antihistamines are usually over-the-counter or do not require prescriptions when you buy them in drugstores. Such medicines, however, are only recommended to relieve mild symptoms or moderate symptoms. Take note that antihistamines may cause drowsiness and should not be taken when driving.

There are antihistamines that are specifically described longer-acting. Included in this category are cetirizine and fexofenadine. These types of antihistamines will unlikely cause drowsiness.

Nasal sprays are the most common form of medications taken for allergic rhinitis.

They are safe and effective especially for patients whose symptoms are not reduced by antihistamines.

Decongestants are not exclusive for cough. They can also be used to treat allergic rhinitis.

In taking medications, it is important to first seek a doctor’s recommendation and prescription even if some medicines are non-prescription to ensure health and safety. Proper administration and timing is also important.

Preventing allergic rhinitis Prevention is better than treatment, as always. To prevent the onset of allergic rhinitis, people with history should try to remain indoors or inside air-conditioned rooms especially during the pollination or hay season.

Remember that most pollinating trees produce and air-spread pollens during spring.

In the case of flowers and grasses, they pollinate during summer and ragweeds produce pollen in early autumn.

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HealthySolutions 10 Tips For A Natural Immune System Boost

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old, allergy and flu season is upon us. The first line of defense is to wash your hands often, and keep your work area clean by wiping it down with an alcohol solution.

Now is a great time to start boosting your immune system. There are a number of great methods. Below are ten recommendations that will boost your body’s immune system naturally.

Vitamin C: You are probably already aware of this reliable supplement. Your body cannot store vitamin C so it is dependent on your dietary intake. To make sure you are getting enough it is recommended to take 1,000 mg a day to fight off infection.

Goldenseal: You will find this remedy very effective in not only preventing infection but also reducing inflammation after you have a cough or flu symptoms.

Turmeric: This herb is a member of the Ginger family and also known as Curcuma.

Animal research has shown this herb to be beneficial as an immune stimulant.

Recommended dosage is 200 mg per day to support immune health.

Maitake: These mushrooms enhance immunity, and are especially effective in helping the body to inhibit cancer growth. Maitake appears to activate the immune response by stimulating the T- cells that are the bodyís defense against viruses and cancer cells. Recommended dosage is 3 to 7 g per day.

Aloe Vera: Supplementation with Aloe Vera has been shown to be extremely effective in bolstering and balancing the immune system.

Recommended dosage is a quarter glass of juice each morning.

Take twice a day when you feel a cold or flu coming on.

L-Arginine: Is a non-essential amino acid that promotes wound healing and improves the immune response against bacteria, viruses and tumor cells. Levels of L-Arginine drop during periods of increased stress. Recommended dosage is 3 to 6 g per day.

Astragalus: Used for nearly 4000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. Early Chinese writings refer to it as "the superior tonic".

Astragalus is a favorite immune system builder among the natural health community. It is good for colds, immune- deficiency- related disorders, including AIDS, cancer, and tumors.

6 Ways To Get The Kids Outdoors Flat You Lay on the sidewalk and take turns outlining each other with chalk. Decorate your flat selves by drawing clothing and funny faces.

Garden Your child will learn science, responsibility and have fun by planting a garden and maintaining it. In fact, if you have the time or inclination, you can make the entire landscape edible. How fun would it be to wander around the yard snacking? Blueberry bushes, strawberries, herbs, and fruit trees are all easy to maintain. Some vegetables, like tomatoes require nothing but a lot of water and sunshine to grow like weeds. Start small and see what happens.

Hoola Hoops Has your child ever tried to hoola-hoop? Show him how.

Then, take hoola hoops and make a pretend circus in the yard or try to get your dog to jump through one. You are only limited by your imagination.

Hopscotch Teach your kids how to play hopscotch. Let them draw their own hopscotch patterns. They’ll make hundreds of squares and hop around all day.

Bubbles Bubbles are always a favorite. Take turns chasing and popping them. Blow bubbles with various bubble wands to see how their shapes and sizes differ.

Turn on the Sprinklers There’s no need to buy a pool when the old-fashioned sprinklers are just as much fun.

Black Tea: You may be able to boost your fight against the flu with black tea. In a recent study, people who gargled with a black tea extract solution twice per day showed a higher immunity to flu virus compared to the people who did not gargle with black tea. Black tea represents probably the single biggest source of flavonoids--a natural class of antioxidants that are found in many natural plant- derived foods.

Olive leaf: Olive leaf extract is a powerful tool in the fight to kill viruses such as the cold, herpes, and Epstein-Barr. Its power also extends to helping wipe out sinusitis and bronchitis, as well as reducing hypertension and cholesterol levels. The most important element in olive leaf extract is a compound called oleuropein. When purchasing this supplement, look for capsules standardized to 6 percent oleurpein. The recommended dose is 500 mg daily to fight an existing bacterial or viral infection.

Licorice: Scientific studies have shown that licorice stimulates immunity. Its ability to fight flu viruses and bacteria allows using it not only for treatment, but also for flu prevention during epidemics.

Licorice root should not be used in cases of high blood pressure, water retention, pregnancy or if on medication.

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Spring Cleaning: Reducing Air Pollutants And Dust Mites

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It’s the perfect time to get rid of these irritants. Do it safely and with care

By Ben Anton

f you’re one of America’s 50 million allergy sufferers, you probably already clean everyday to minimize allergens. Even with daily cleaning, however, allergens can be lurking in your home. To eliminate deep, ground-in dust and mold, perform thorough cleaning two or three times each year. Spring has been long hailed as the perfect time for refreshing a home after a long winter indoors. For allergy sufferers, spring cleaning is a perfect time to address some of the major pollutants that cause asthma and other problems.

Intensive cleaning is often torturous for allergy sufferers, as vigorous cleaning sends a year’s collection of irritants flying into the air. Before beginning spring cleaning, make sure to consider the following: Wear a face mask to reduce your exposure to molds, dust mites, and other allergens that will be disturbed as you clean.

Use a microfiber or damp cloth for dusting.

Avoid feather-dusters, which only whisk dust and dirt into the air, and, in turn, into your tender nose.

Complete your deep clean early.

Those who are allergic to pollen should begin

cleaning before pollination begins. Despite potentially chilly spring weather, open as many windows as you can. This will facilitate thorough ventilation.

Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum and change it as recommended. Unlike traditional vacuum filters, HEPA filters can trap very fine particles, like pollen and dust mite feces, which often cause allergy attacks.

Once you’ve gathered the right materials, focus on the places where allergens love to hidemattresses, upholstered furniture, and woodwork.

Do You Feel Lucky, Dust Mite?

Dust mites are your home’s smallest scavengers.

These microscopic creatures prefer warm environments like mattresses and furniture, where they can gobble up a constant supply of their favorite food, dead skin cells. If you have a pet, your local dust mite population is probably booming, since they also shed hair and dead skin cells. Dust mites often trigger asthma attacks. The National Asthma Council of Australia reported that approximately 45 percent of the world’s population has some sort of allergy, and nearly 80 percent of those allergy sufferers react to dust mites.

In case you need more motivation to do some thorough spring cleaning, here’s a shocking statistic. It’s estimated that dead mites and their droppings comprise 10% of the weight of a two-year old pillow. Do yourself and your family a favor and at least once a year, wipe out the population of mites in your mattress. Here’s how: 1. If you have a mattress pad, wash it in hot water frequently; doing so every two months is standard for intense allergy sufferers. Even better, if you don’t yet own one, consider purchasing a microfiber, hypoallergenic pad, which will prevent mites from slipping into your mattress in the first place.

2. Using your vacuum’s wand attachment or upholstery tool, carefully vacuum the entire surface

of your mattress, paying extra attention to indentations or buttons.

3. Flip and rotate your mattress regularly. This reduces the food supply for dust mites, keeping their population in check.

Upend Upholstered Furniture Breeding Grounds Dust mites can also lurk in upholstery.

Fortunately, simple vacuuming with an attachment wand removes the top layer of dead-skin feeding the mites. To begin, remove all of the cushions and shove the attachment wand into the creases and folds where you would have searched for quarters as a kid. Additionally, consider using a spray-on allergen minimizer. According to the Asthma/ Allergen Foundation of America, allergen reducers are appropriate for use on fabrics, furniture, bedding, and clothing. They help keep air-born particles from getting into the air in your home.

Bathroom Battles In addition to routine cleaning tasks, such as cleaning the tub and sinks, use your spring cleaning time to take down and dust light fixtures and dust vents. Most of a homeís mold resides in the bathroom. Clean your shower curtain, or purchase a new one if mold and mildew have become hopelessly embedded. Take the time to also make sure that the ventilation system is working properly.

Master the Mold in your Woodwork You’re probably already deep cleaning your home’s drapes and blinds at least once a year to reduce allergens. But what about doorjambs and other woodwork? A spring cleaning is the perfect time to flush out areas where allergen-causing molds love to hide. Mold does not just exist in poorly ventilated bathrooms. It can also be found on windowsills and doorjambs where moisture can be a problem during parts of the year. Cleaning these areas with a bleach-based product can help to eliminate allergy-causing mold.

After you have dusted, vacuumed and washed the last room in your house this spring, making sure to take all of the trash outside, wash all of your microfiber clothes and other cleaning items thoroughly. This will help ensure that your spring cleaning efforts take hold and stay that way for a longer period of time.

Combating Online Predators While the Internet offers a world of information for kids, it also presents great dangers from online sexual predators.

‘THE Talk’

Every year, one in five children receives a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet.

With millions of children in chat rooms and sending instant messages, parents must take action to protect their kids.

A recent survey of young people revealed the following statistics about how parents are supervising their children's online time: More than half of young people (53 percent) say their parents never ask them about whom they are talking to on the Internet, and 55 percent say their parents never surf the Internet with them.

It may sound cliché, but as the flowers come back this season, it may be time to talk about the “birds and the bees” to the kids

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any parents are confused about what they should tell their children about sex and when and how this should happen. Parents are also concerned that sexual information might heighten children’s interest in experimentation, but many studies have shown that information and education do not encourage sexual activity. On the contrary, well-informed children make better and informed decisions regarding their sexuality when they feel that no subjects are considered taboo at home.

The reason why children may be mum about sex is because parents themselves refuse to talk about it. Children pick up subtle cues and have probably realized that the topic makes parents feel uncomfortable and therefore steer clear of it. While remaining ageappropriate about certain topics, it is important to make children feel open about any subject. This will make it easier for them to ask questions—sexually-related or not—and make sure you have firsthand dibs on what they’d like to know, and how you can help them learn about it.

Here are a few good tips on providing your child with the right kind of sexual information: Make it age-appropriate. Questions should be answered naturally and in age-appropriate fashion. A question on pregnancy from a five-year-old should be answered differently from when it is asked by a twelveyear-old.

Be a good role model. Model the lessons you want to teach your children through your own behavior, expectations and messages. Children learn more from what they see you doing than from what you say.

Know your facts. Even if it means reading up, then do so. If asked a question you do not know, say that you

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to create NetSmartz (www. netsmartz.org), an interactive, educational safety resource for children ages 5 to 17. Parents, guardians, educators and law enforcement personnel can access age-appropriate, 3-D activities to teach children how to stay safer on the Internet.

are unsure and go and do some research.

Give facts. Children are not always able to distinguish between facts and beliefs. Do not let your personal belief system influence what you answer to a factual question.

While there is room for imparting your values, this is not it.

Boost your child’s self-esteem. Curious children end up being better informed generally and self-confident children overcome peer pressure more easily. Praise and encouragement is the best way to teach self-confidence.

Self-confidence and self-esteem is the best way to guard themselves against unwise sexual decisions.

Listen carefully. Guard against overkill. Answer what is asked, without going into unnecessary details and don’t jump to conclusions about your children’s sexual activities. Their questions may spring from something they heard on the playground, not because they are experimenting themselves.

Encourage positive feelings. Young people who have positive feelings about sexuality are more likely to be able to protect themselves against STDs, unintended pregnancies, and sexual abuse.

Be patient. Sometimes some of your children’s questions could upset or embarrass you. Try not to criticize, lecture or nag. If you do, you won’t be asked questions again.

Give them assurance. Let your children know that you are proud of them and that they are lovable. It will help to build their self-esteem. Also stress that it is normal for everyone to be different and that you do not find their questions strange in any way. A child is very vulnerable and can get carried away by external sources. Make sure you impart a proper understanding of sexuality in your child, and always be open to them and keep your child safe.

Here are some Internet safety tips for parents: * Keep the computer in the family room or another open area of your home. * If children use chat or e-mail, talk to them about never meeting in person with anyone they "met" online. * Know who your children are exchanging e-mail with, and only let them use chat areas when you can supervise.

Limit chatroom access to childfriendly chat sites. * Let your children show you what they do online. Visit their favorite Web sites. * If you suspect online "stalking" or sexual exploitation of a child, report it to your local law-enforcement agency or call the CyberTipline at (800) 843-5678.

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Body

Are You Just Overweight,

or do You Have

Hypothyroidism?

It’s more common than you may think, and you may already have it or be heading for it in your later years. Find out how you can avoid its detrimental effects

W

hat exactly happens during hypothyroidism?

Not enough hormones are produced to stimulate the metabolism—therefore making a person overweight-- giving a combination of many symptoms related to slowness of bodily processes.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that accelerate and regulate metabolism. A part of metabolism is the process of breaking down energy-containing nutrients, and using the energy to produce molecules that all the processes and activities in the body use as fuel. Another part is the production of molecules that the body uses as building materials. These don’t get broken down, and therefore get stored as fat.

Hypothyroidism is common, but the frequency of the condition is not well determined. Some authorities estimate that 0.5% of the total American population have the disease to some degree. The frequency is much greater among people over 50 years of age than among young people.

Symptoms and Complications The most common early symptoms are: mental and physical fatigue, weakness, weight gain, and depression.

One or more of these symptoms are likely to appear early on: Constipation, sensitivity to coldness, cold hands and feet, thick tongue, decreased sweating, dry hair, thin brittle hair and nails, muscle and joint pain, pale or yellowish skin.

Later on, these may appear: Poor memory, slow thought process, drowsiness, slow speech, thinning of eyebrows, hoarseness, poor circulation, dry and flaky skin, decreased taste and smell, menstrual irregularities for women, skin thickening, puffy face, puffy hands and feet, swelling of extremities, overall swelling, muscle

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spasms, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness.

In children or young persons hypothyroidism may give developmental problems, like disturbed tooth development and short stature.

Hypothyroidism increases the risk of elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease and diabetes (diabetes mellitus). This occurs even by moderately decreased thyroid production.

What Can Happen A serious variant of hypothyroidism is called myxedema. This is a rare condition. However, less serious, but painful variants are common. There are several reasons for hypothyroidism, each giving a variant of the disease: *An autoimmune reaction against the thyroid tissue can destroy the capability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones (like in, for example, Hashimoto's disease). *Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism,

since the thyroid hormones contain iodine. This is seldom in developed countries, but bad nutrition may result in iodine deficiency. *Surgery or radiation at the thyroid area can destroy enough tissue to cause hypothyroidism. * Injury or disease in the pituitary gland, which produces thyrotropin, can result in a decrease of the hormone and result in hypothyroidism. * Some types of food can contribute to a depressed thyroid function or aggravate hypothyroidism when eaten raw in great amounts: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, corn oil, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, rutabaga, soy and turnips. * Other factors that may cause hypothyroidism is increased intake of the artificial sweetener aspartame, mercury pollution, dental fillings containing mercury, and high levels of fluoride.

Treating it For serious hypothyroidism caused by tissue destruction, supplementation of thyroid hormones is necessary. Dietary changes might also be in order for those with iodine deficiency. In some cases, radiation therapy is also called for.

You may also alleviate the condition by eating food that stimulates the thyroid function: Chia seed, dulse, fish from the ocean, flax seed, pumpkin seed, seaweed, coconut, and brewer yeast.

Vitamins and minerals that stimulate the mechanism of hormone production by being a part of necessary enzymes, or by helping the absorption of the ingredients that hormones are made from include: Magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, vitamin E, folic acid or folate, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid or pantothenate), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin) and molybdenum.

Please consult your health professional before embarking on any treatment and therapy.

Joint Pain:

Body

Stop the Discomfort

Relief from Knee Pain You use your knees every time you walk, run, or move your lower body at all. Knee pain, therefore, dramatically affects the daily life of sufferers, who must use their knees throughout the day. Knee pain is second only to back pain among American adult pain sufferers. Knee trouble is most often caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage that surrounds the two bones that comprise the knee joint wears away, sometimes causing painful joint-on-joint contact.

There are many treatment options for knee pain.

Under the care of a doctor, sufferers can select the most appropriate course of treatment to provide optimum knee pain relief. Over-the-counter and prescription medications including acetaminophen and aspirin reduce pain, and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation as well as knee joint pain. At-home remedies like ice packs and capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper, often have a similar effect.

Natural supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine have become popular alternatives to traditional medicines in recent years because they present fewer risks of side effects. Both are naturally occurring substances in the body. The former aids in building joint cartilage, while the latter fights against degeneration of cartilage. Studies have proven their effectiveness in alleviating osteoarthritic joint pain, but have yet to demonstrate that these supplements actually reverse the effects of cartilage degeneration that have already taken place.

Modifying knee activity with physical aids such as padding, crutches, and splints, and even simple rest take the pressure off of the knee and provide temporary knee pain relief while the joint recovers from injury. Conversely, specific exercises, stretching, and low-impact aerobic activities such as biking, walking and swimming increase joint strength and flexibility, promoting healing and reducing the risk of further injury.

For severe knee injuries that have not responded to the aforementioned treatments, surgery remains an option. There are several common knee surgeries, which range from exploratory arthroscopic surgery, which orthopedic physicians use to diagnose the exact source of knee pain so that they can determine which behaviors and activities need to be modified, all the way to a total knee replacement. Whichever course of treatment a patient decides upon, it is important to work alongside a physician to ensure proper care.

Joint problems can happen to anyone— and they don’t have to be mean you should stop continuing your active lifestyle

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vertraining, strain, injury, an old case of chickenpox, rheumatoid arthritis, chandromalacia patellae, septic arthritis, auto-immune disease, bursitis…all these could cause aching joints. You don’t even have to be middle-aged and weak—and you don’t have to take it as a sentence to long, sedentary hours.

Chances are you or someone you know has joint problems--according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three U.S. adults experience some form of joint discomfort on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many Americans simply view their discomfort as an inconvenience and don't do anything to improve their joint health. Best-selling author of “The Arthritis Cure”, Jason Theodosakis, MD, thinks this philosophy is a mistake. "People can improve their joint health by making simple lifestyle changes. In the short term, these steps can improve joint mobility, flexibility and comfort, and may help protect joints from deteriorating in the future."

Here are Dr. Theodosakis' top tips for creating a healthy, active lifestyle.

Lace Up: Moderate, low impact exercise is crucial to improve mobility. By incorporating activities such as walking, swimming and biking into a 30-minute, three to five times per week schedule, joint strain can be reduced. If it's hard to get moving, find a buddy to exercise with. The buddy system increases motivation and fun levels.

Find Balance: Diet fads often don't become part of a regular eating regimen and, more importantly, don't always provide the essential nutrients that bodies need. Create a realistic, balanced eating plan.

Contact a registered dietitian or nutritionist if you need help developing an eating program that meets your individual needs and goals.

Boost Joint-Protecting Nutrient Intake: Recent scientific studies show glucosamine and chondroitin are extremely safe, and help improve joint comfort, especially in people who need it most. Combination products tend to be more effective than taking the individual supplements. It's most important to look for products that contain 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 800 to 1,200 mg of chondroitin.

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Beauty

‘Feed’

Your Skin Antioxidants for a Glowing

Complexion Step out this new season with boastworthy skin and a whole new attitude toward skincare

By Lori Anton

A

lthough there is no conclusive proof that antioxidants keep skin from aging, experts do agree they have the ability to “capture” free radicals and may protect us from certain diseases.

Antioxidant-rich foods can also give us a healthier, glowing complexion.

According to Susan M. Kleiner, R.D., Ph.D, a Seattle-based nutritionist, eating foods rich in antioxidants is best. “There’s no substitute for getting nutrients through food. The body absorbs and assimilates them far better than in supplement form.”

Kleiner suggests following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid, and eating three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit each day. Choose at least one citrus fruit, such as an orange, a tangerine, or a grapefruit, for vitamin C. To increase betacarotene intake, eat at least two orange-yellow or leafy green vegetables each day.

Eat Right for Younger Looking Skin Eating healthy equals younger looking skin.

Drinking a cup of orange juice and eating one raw carrot provides twice the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and beta-carotene.

The RDA for vitamin E is harder to meet, especially for those on a low-fat diet.

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“Don’t be afraid to add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to your diet, or to eat some nuts or seeds,” advises Dr. Kleiner.

The following guideline can be used for RDAs for three of the most common antioxidant nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene; good sources and how best to maximize benefits of each are included.

Vitamin C: RDA at least 60 mg. (1/2 cup orange juice = 70 mg.) Citrus fruits and juices and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C. Eat whole fruit for extra fiber. Avoid juice in glass containers, and heat-pasteurized juice. Light and heat destroy some of the vitamin C. Vitamin E: RDA 8 mg for women / 10 mg. for men (1 tablespoon of canola oil = 9 mg.) Good sources include nuts, seeds and their oils, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, and trout, and wheat germ. Use canola, olive, or another vegetable oil in place of butter or margarine when cooking.

Beta-carotene: no established RDA. Expert Dr. Kleiner, however, recommends 5-6 mg. ( One carrot = 12 mg.) Orange and yellow vegetables, and leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, are all good sources. Instead of potato chips or popcorn for an evening snack while watching television, opt for pre-packaged, washed and peeled baby carrots.

If you feel you are unable to meet the RDAs through diet alone, by all means take an all-in-one antioxidant vitamin supplement a day, but continue to pay attention to rich food sources.

6 Steps To Clearer Skin 1. Drink lots of purified water. Leave all sodas and other colored and fizzy drinks alone and stick to only purified water.

2. Drink lots of Green Tea (at least 1 to 2 times a day). Green Tea has many antioxidants that will help clearing the complexion.

3. Eat a lot of vegetables (and fruits everyday.

Many vegetables and fruits have antioxidants and vitamins that can help in healing and clearing the skin.

4. Use pure vitamin E oil (use the Natureís Gate Brand) for your face. I am telling you, it will make your look good in about two to three months.

Vitamin E oil has all the healing and antioxidant properties to help in clearing your skin. Apply to your face every night before going to bed.

5. Identify sources of stress and eliminate them little by little.

Enjoy these steps and take your time. Give yourself three to six months to see actual improvements in your skin.

Nutrition Cherries as an Effective Natural Remedy for Gout

Count Colors, Not Calories Here’s a novel idea—instead of counting carbs, choose foods that are colorful and add life to your plate to lose weight

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hen it comes to losing weight, make sure your plate is piled high with a range of colorful fruit and vegetables. You’ll naturally create more balance and health-filled menus.

Why? Color not only brightens your mood, but also your diet. Load your plate with fruit and veggies like a box of crayons in colors such as red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, white and green and you’ll also be filling up on power packed phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are naturally occurring chemicals, which combat disease, including cancer.

Go easy on the beige and brown foods such as pasta and starchy carbs. When there are too many of these drab colors on your plate, weight gain is almost certain. That's because these beige foods often are high in calories and can leave you feeling hungry later. A cup of beige or brown beans can be over 200 calories--but a cup of red or green vegetables is under a hundred! Add fresh greens, deep purple-reds and bright yellow-orange to a meal, and water the nutrient content go up, while calories go down. Plus, you'll get more enjoyment from eating when there's a variety of colors and flavors on your plate.

According to Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of “What Color Is Your Diet” the key to designing your colorful diet is to choose from a range of different color groups: Blue/purple fruits and vegetables contain varying

amounts of health-promoting phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics. Choose from a range including blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, plums, raisins. These assist in memory function.

Green group includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and bok choi. These foods stimulate the genes in your liver to turn on the production of enzymes that break down the cancer-causing chemicals in the body.

The yellow/green group includes green peas, avocado and honeydew melon. These promote eye health.

The yellow/orange group includes carrots, mangoes, apricots, rock melon and pumpkin. These contain carotenoids (beta carotene is one), fierce antioxidants that help prevent cancer and assist to lower heart-attack risk.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the excessive accumulation of uric acid inside the organism. In large amounts, uric acid forms crystals which deposit in various regions of the body, causing inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints.

Uric acid is a waste product that results from purine metabolism.

Although most cases of gout are hereditary, occurring due to genetically acquired renal dysfunctions which determine an inappropriate elimination of uric acid, gout is more likely to occur in people who consume large amounts of purinerich foods. Thus, an appropriate diet and lifestyle improvements can successfully alleviate the symptoms of gout and can actually reverse the undesirable effects of the disease.

There are many natural products that can reduce serum uric acid concentration. Gout sufferers are advised to eat plenty of fiber-rich vegetables (preferably raw) and fresh fruits, as they contain low levels of purines and they are also a great source of vital nutrients.

Among all fruits, cherries seem to be the best natural remedy for gout. Apart from being irresistibly delicious, cherries have anti-inflammatory, sedative and analgesic properties, and they can considerably ameliorate the clinical manifestations of gout. A frequent intake of cherries (experts say 100 grams a day) can considerably reduce the duration and the intensity of gout attacks, by normalizing uric acid levels inside the body. Recent studies have revealed that by including cherries in their diet, gout sufferers are able to eliminate more uric acid through urine.

Cherries contain few calories and are rich in natural fibers, and contain melatonin, a chemical that has sedative and analgesic effects.

Sweet cherries can also lower the levels of inflammatory substances such as nitric oxide and C-reactive protein, chemicals that are related to gout, diabetes and heart disease.

The white group includes bananas, white peaches, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, mushrooms and are helpful to maintain heart health.

The red group includes tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon all of which contain lycopene.

Lycopene is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The red/purple group includes grapes, grape juice, prunes, cranberries, strawberries and red apples.

These foods contain anthocyanins which have a beneficial effect on heart disease by inhibiting blood clot formation. www.SacredEden.com

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Allergy Season: It’s Nothing To Sneeze At

Pollen, dust, mites…it’s about impossible to avoid watery eyes and runny noses these days. With these tips, you can manage the symptoms the best way possible

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lmost 50 million Americans face seasonal allergies, which usually begin in the spring and can last through the first frost. They're often triggered by pollens, molds or other airborne allergens. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Americans spend as much as $4.5 billion annually on medications and doctor visits to treat their allergies.

The first step in treatment is to reduce exposure to specific allergens. If that's not possible, managing symptoms through medication is often next.

Here are some tips to help control your allergies: Know Your Triggers: To avoid an allergen, you need to know what it is. Physicians can determine what you're allergic to by reviewing your personal and medical history or doing a physical exam.

In some cases a skin, patch or blood test may be used to confirm suspected allergens.

Create a Sneeze-free Environment: A few

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changes at home can make a difference. Use an air conditioner whenever possible, make your home "dust mite"-unfriendly by vacuuming often, using hypoallergenic products, and checking pollen counts before going out. If they're high, stay inside.

percent less. Popular allergy medications Allegra and Flonase are now available as genericsfexofenadine and fluticasone. According to a recent Medco analysis, 80 percent of all Allegra prescriptions were filled with a generic at retail pharmacies within 30 days of its introduction.

Find the Right Remedy: Antihistamines reduce symptoms and work best if taken before exposure to allergens. Decongestants should only be used for a short time as they can worsen the condition.

Nasal sprays, known as inhaled steroids, are another option.

Discuss the options with your doctor. With the right knowledge and treatments, you can spend more time outside and less time concerned about watery eyes, a runny nose and the cost of medication.

Know the OTC Options: Doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications as a first-line treatment. Those that include diphenhydramine have been an allergy staple for years but can cause drowsiness. Newer nonsedating antihistamines are now available without a prescription. OTCs are usually far less expensive than prescription drugs and are now covered under pre-tax health care accounts, such as FSAs and HSAs. Consider Generics: They can be as effective as brand-name medications and cost 30 to 80

How About Hayfever?

Hay fever season--which ironically has nothing to do with either hay or fever—is here, subjecting millions to itching and watery eyes, stuffy noses, skin reactions, and other allergic reactions as high pollen counts invade the country sides and city blocks of America.

Hay fever or as I affectionately call it, "seasonal allergic rhinitis" is triggered by tree allergens such as pollens or molds. Above, it’s advised that you check pollen counts before venturing outdoors.

The National Allergy Bureau (NAB) has over 70

Helpful Household Tips for Allergy Sufferers

By Ben Anton One of the most common causes of indoor allergy symptoms is the house dust mite. It’s estimated that up to 85% of asthma cases--eczema and hay fever too--are caused by the fecal matter and cast-off skins of these little critters. These allergy triggers are only a couple microns in size, invisible to the naked eye. They are abundant in almost all homes, with infestations prevalent in bedrooms and in bedding; the dead skin cells we naturally exfoliate every day are the food source for these microscopic creatures. Protective measures can be taken to at least limit one’s exposure to dust mite populations and to reduce their effect in the home. Here are 10 steps that will help keep your allergy symptoms at bay.

1. Encase your mattress and pillows with a zippered hypoallergenic allergen barrier that blocks any particles larger than 1 micron in size and that fully encases the mattress and pillow. Doing this will eliminate new mites from populating these areas and will lock in dust mites that are already living there, keeping you free from their allergens.

2. At least once every week, wash your sheets in very hot water. The water should be at least 130 degrees F. If your bedding is made of fabrics that cannot be washed in hot water, you can put it in the freezer for one to two days, which will effectively kill dust mites. Every 2 to 4 weeks, you should also wash blankets and mattress pads.

3. It is recommended that severe allergy sufferers also completely cover their box springs and their comforters or duvets with allergen barrier encasements as dust mites can infest these two areas as well.

4. Keep the temperature in your home and especially in your bedroom below 70 degrees F if possible and the humidity below 50 percent because dust mites thrive in warm, humid climates. Leaving your sheets unmade each morning allows them to dry out (nighttime perspiration) and keeps the bed cooler because less heat is being trapped beneath the sheets.

In addition, dust mites are photophobic, afraid of the light so are less likely to settle in an unmade bed exposed to sunlight.

5. While encasements keep dust mites from entering your mattress and pillows, allergens and dust may still accumulate on the surface. It’s important to wipe down encasements each time that you change your sheets or remove them to be washed. You should also wash your encasements in hot water every 8 weeks or so.

6. Always vacuum beneath your bed and mattress. Damp mop any hard flooring and use a damp rag to dust. Sweeping a dry floor may only stir up dust and allergens.

7. If it’s in your budget to do so, remove carpeting, especially in the bedroom, and replace with hardwood flooring.

Replace drapes and cloth blinds with wood or vinyl blinds. If you prefer to have carpeting, make sure to vacuum weekly.

8. Wash children’s soft-cloth toys in 130 degree-F water if possible, otherwise place them in the freezer for a full 24 hours to kill off dust mites, if they are non-washable.

9. Dust mites also consume the dead skin cells that Fido and FiFi exfoliate, and pet dander itself is yet another common allergen trigger that affects many people. If you or your children suffer from allergies or asthma, don’t allow cats or dogs or any other pets in the bedroom.

10. Not only can cigarette and fireplace smoke be carcinogenic, they also can exacerbate any respiratory condition.

Don’t smoke in the house and if you have a fireplace in your bedroom, don’t use it.

pollen counting stations throughout the nation. To view the pollen and mold counts for your area, go to the NAB website at http://www.aaaai.org/nab/ index.cfm?p=pollen Weather conditions, which can vary greatly, have a great impact on the pollen counts. This means you need to periodically monitor these counts. If the NAB is unreachable or inconvenient to you, be aware that some community newspapers publish the pollen and mold counts as well.

It would be wise to also see your allergist at this time. You may have developed new allergies or need newer medication. A certified allergist can assist you in identifying the exact allergens that are affecting you and provide you with a custom treatment plan (including pills, nasal sprays, herbs, acupuncture) to alleviate your symptoms.

A certified allergist can likewise suggest other treatments, like immunotherapy or allergy shots, if you're simply sick and tired of being forced to hide indoors for much of the spring season. While not a cure, immunotherapy can help greatly in reducing your sensitivities to allergies.

When Locked Up at Home While more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, almost 20 million suffer from asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While Americans can't control the allergens lurking in the great outdoors, there are many ways for them to take action inside the home to improve their indoor air quality and help reduce the severity of their symptoms.

One way is to vacuum regularly. A survey undertaken by a vacuum company found that 70 percent of Americans clean under furniture and beds less often than weekly—exactly where the majority of allergens like dust mites and pet dander hide. Look for a vacuum cleaner with sealed HEPA technology that captures 99.97 percent of dust, allergens and other small airborne particles, locking them inside the vacuum's filter and helping to provide cleaner indoor air.

Next, don't let the bedbugs bite. Though it's not a pretty picture, research on dust mites shows that they linger predominantly in the bedroom. So make washing the sheets a weekly routine and cover pillows, mattresses and box springs with allergen-impermeable or plastic covers to make the bed less appealing for mites.

Third, put pollen in its place. Fresh breezes and open windows aren't always a blessing. Prevent pollen spores from infiltrating the home by turning to airconditioning, not windows, to keep the indoors cool.

Make mold move out. It's no secret that mold thrives in dark, damp climates, so keep mold away from the home by eliminating places for growth.

Dehumidifiers can decrease the amount of moisture and growth potential inside the home, as can fixing leaky faucets and disposing of old firewood.

Acid vs Alkaline Does pH balance have any bearing on one’s health? You bet! Here’s how to tweak it and what foods to best bring the equilibrium back

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ur body’s internal system needs a pH of just above 7.0; our immunologic, enzymatic and repair mechanisms all function at their best in this alkaline range.

If our body becomes over acidic, i.e. under a pH of 7, you may start to experience a combination of these symptoms: * Low energy, fatigue * Nasal congestion * Hives * Muscle Pain * Weak nails, dry skin, dry hair * Frequent colds, flu and infection * Headaches If you have these symptoms and eat foods which create acid in the body, you may need to balance it with an alkaline diet.

What foods cause acid in the body?

There is a whole list of foods that cause the body to be over-acidic: dairy and dairy substitutes, animal meat, most grains, chickpeas, condiments, aspartame, prunes, chocolate, peanuts, alcohol and quite a few other types of foods.

To balance your pH, the remedy is simple

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and logical; eat more alkaline causing foods: watermelon, lime, mango, most vegetables, vegetable juices, almonds, sprouts, avocados, and green tea.

When your body becomes more alkaline, the benefits include: * Rapid weight loss * Increased energy * The need for less sleep * Improved skin and hair condition * Better mental attitude

How it Works The premise of an alkaline diet is that the nutrients found in supplements, alkalizing foods, and water can bring the body back to balance.

These vitamins, minerals, and herbs infuse the body with new energy, vitality, and better health.

Alkaline foods and water must be consumed in order to provide nutrients the body needs to neutralize acids and toxins in the blood, lymph, tissues, and cells.

When pH balance inside the body is “out of balance” the body tries to correct that sensitive pH balance. That process shows up as uncomfortable symptoms, including colds, flues, allergies, diseases, viruses, and bacteria.

When the pH level in our body is unbalanced, almost any area of the body can be affected.

For example when the nervous system is affected as the result of unbalanced pH balance, it shows up in the form of the depression. When cardiovascular system is affected, we could have heart disease or experience other heart-related problems, including thickening and hardening of the arteries, coronary heard disease, pain or discomfort in the chest, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart failure. When muscles are affected, we often feel fatigue and lack of energy.

When skin is affected, by improper pH balance we age quicker than normal.

When the body’s pH level is in balance, the body reaches ideal weight and corrects negative health challenges naturally.

Transition to a more alkaline healthy diet requires a shift in attitude towards food. The important point to remember is that small changes go a long way. Add more alkaline foods to your diet gradually.

7 Rules of an Alkaline Diet 1. Reduce the consumption of sugar and products made from sugar, including soda pop, pies, ice cream, sweetened gelatin, jams and jellies, artificial juices, puddings, doughnuts, corn syrups,

Water: Truly the Gift of Life Can Body Ph Balance Be An Early Detection For Cancer?

When healthy, the average pH of blood is 7.4, the pH of spinal fluid is 7.4, and the pH of saliva is 7.4. Thus the pH of saliva parallels the extra cellular fluid. A pH test of saliva represents the most consistent and most definitive physical sign of the ionic calcium deficiency syndrome--the pH of the non-deficient and healthy person is in the 7.5 (dark blue) to 7.1 (blue) slightly alkaline range.

The range from 6.5 (blue-green), which is weakly acidic, to 4.5 (light yellow) which is strongly acidic, represents states alkaline is mildly deficient to strongly deficient, respectively.

Most children are dark blue, a pH of 7.5. Over half of adults are green-yellow, a pH of 6.5 or lower, reflecting the calcium deficiency of aging and lifestyle defects.

Cancer patients are usually a bright yellow, a pH of 4.5, especially when terminal.

Virtually all degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, kidney and gall stones, and tooth decay are associated with excess acidity in the body. While the body does have a homeostatic mechanism which maintains a constant pH 7.4 in the blood, this mechanism works by depositing and withdrawing acid and alkaline minerals from other locations including the bones, soft tissues, body fluids and saliva. Therefore, the pH of these other tissues can fluctuate greatly. The pH of saliva offers us a window through which we can see the overall pH balance in our bodies.

Cancer cannot exist in an alkaline environment. All forms of arthritis are associated with excess acidity. Acid in the body dissolves both teeth and bones. Whatever health situation you are faced with, you can monitor your progress toward a proper acid/alkaline balance by testing your saliva pH

The problem Your body functions best when it’s neither too acidic nor too alkalinic. Unfortunately almost all of us have become acidic due to diet, drinks and stress -- both psychological and from pollution. Acids can build up in our body, causing systems to be out of balance.

The effects According to Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, "Acid wastes build up in the body in the form of cholesterol, gallstones, kidney stones, arterial plaque, urates, phosphates and sulfates. These acidic waste products are the direct cause of premature aging and the onset of chronic disease."

When this occurs, the body will restore its optimal pH by depleting certain minerals, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, from organs and bones. In addition, your immune system may become fatigued from dealing with an excess of acid.

Your body then stores acidic wastes in “hiding places” such as muscles, rather than releasing the acids into the bloodstream.

As Dr. Robert Atkins, the well-known author, health and diet expert, notes: "Just about every condition I can think of, from arthritis to diabetes to cancer, is associated with acidity."

"The countless names of illnesses do not really matter. What does matter is that they all come from the same root cause...too much tissue acid waste in the body!" says Theodore A. Baroody, ND, Ph.D. What can be done?

chewing gum, sweetened drinks, cookies, breakfast cereals, liqueurs, and mixed drinks.

A vast body of research reveals that you can help neutralize acid build-up in the blood and maintain a balanced pH, by taking some simple steps, such as:

2. Avoid processed foods and condiments including ketchup, salad dressings, pickles, luncheon meats, canned fruits, breads, relish, cheese dips, peanut butter, prepared seafood, frozen vegetables, crackers, canned soups, hot dogs, sausages, sweetened yogurt.

* Exercise * Avoiding highly acid-forming food and drink * Drinking the right water

3. Avoid cooking and heating foods and drinks in microwave.

4. Avoid dairy, meats, fried foods and fast foods.

5. Increase your consumption of raw vegetables and raw fresh fruits (without sugar). You should include raw vegetables in every meal. If your breakfast is so small that you only eat toast or cereal, stop eating toast and take fresh fruits or vegetable juices instead. If your lunches are usually consist of sandwiches, try to substitute it with a raw salad or a vegetable juice. Have a large salad before you eat a heavy entree at dinner. This way, you will be sure to eat all of the salad instead of finding yourself too full to finish it.

6. Grains form the base of a balanced diet and are important in maintaining the alkaline balance in the body. Grains are great source of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, including folic acid, fiber, carbohydrates antioxidants and phytoestrogens. The Department of Food and Science and Nutrition at University of Minnesota determined that consumption of whole grains reduces the risk of chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. By eating grains you can eat less but feel full. Grains should comprise about 20% of your diet.

7. Don't forget to hydrate. Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of good quality water each day (alkalinized water is already likewise available). Add liquid minerals to increase the quality of water.

What is the "right" water?

"International studies show that populations with little or no history of illness drink higher pH (alkaline) waters. After all potential risk factors were considered and factored out, it became evident that they had been drinking waters with a pH of 9.0 to 10.0," wrote Dr. Leonard Horowitz in "Aids and Ebola".

Alkaline ionized water "first came to notice in Japan, where researchers noted that people drinking water that came from certain fast-moving rocky mountain streams enjoyed extraordinarily good health. It turned out that this naturally occurring water was alkaline and had a different structure and electrical properties," Larry Clapp, PhD observed and wrote in "Prostate Health in 90 Days".

Alkaline water is produced at home with a small kitchen appliance called a water ionizer (long in use in Japan and Korea). As water ionizers have become popular in North America, more health professionals have had the opportunity to evaluate their effects on clients: Sue Pollock, N.D. writes, we can "assist the body in being more alkaline with ...drinking alkaline water."

"It is my opinion that ionized water will change the way in which all health practitioners and the public approach their health in the coming years,” adds Dr. T. Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." Why not just rely on a change of diet?

According to Sang Whang, researcher and author of "Reverse Aging", the danger is that we might omit important foods: "Since the waste products that we are trying to discharge are acidic, the right kind of water is alkaline water...My personal recommendation is to enjoy the foods that we like, but do not over-eat or exclude any food. Eat in moderation following the professional dieticians' ‘balanced diet’ concept, and let alkaline water do the job of cleansing acidic wastes."

You are the

Energy You Exude

Depending on how you think and behave, you can attract anti-goals, or resonate results

“P

ositive thinking,” “The Secret,” “The Law of Attraction”—people have called it different things, and more people are becoming aware that the attitude they have about their lives is the single most defining factor that determines what their lives are going

to be like.

“What you focus on grows”—this adage is very real, and it comes into play for positive as well as negative results. As opposed to focusing on what you don’t want, focusing on what you want to have.

The universal Law of Attraction basically states that whenever you have an emotional response to something, that you will then attract people and circumstances that resonate with that emotional response.

In more simple terms, to resonate with something means to be in alignment with it, or to agree with it. A common confusion about the Law of Attraction is when it is described as “like attracts like.” On a general level, that is true.

Positive attracts positive, and negative attracts negative.

For example: The statement “I don’t want to be overweight anymore” focuses on one thing-- being overweight. When you focus on being overweight, you will continue to be overweight.

The statement “I don’t want to work at this dead-end job anymore” focuses on the dead-end job, thus assuring you that or a similar position in the future.

Turn those around in order to show you not only what you should say to yourself about your goals, but the feeling that you should have about those goals—and that you want to bring into your life considers only the positive end result: “I am happy and healthy, and my body is lean, sexy, and powerful.”

“I have a rewarding and well-paying job that I enjoy so much that I hardly even consider it work.”

Think to yourself: What is the difference between people who seem to have it all and people who seem to have little? The difference is not fate or coincidence. The difference is the way people think about whatever it is that they are thinking and feeling. The Law of Attraction is responding to feelings and thoughts. Thoughts are energy, thoughts make us have feelings and emotions.

So many people are able because of this to make big changes in their lives. It is a powerful knowledge that you can use to turn things around completely.

Get Started Today Here is how you can get started today to attract what you want into in your life: 1. Make a list of all the things you would like to attract into your life. Put the most important one at the top of your list.

2. Do some mind work. You know that whatever you have right now in your life, whether you wanted it

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or not, you have attracted to you by the way you think and feel. Your emotions play a big role in this. If you do not like what you are attracting simply change the way you are thinking! To help you along with this you can start daily meditations daily. You may find this difficult at first if you are new to meditations.

If you continue however, you will soon notice a difference in the way you are feeling.

Meditations will help you are great deal to become a person that is able to be in harmony with cosmic laws. Choose this special time of the day when things are quiet around you, maybe late in the evening or early in the morning what ever may work best for you and your lifestyle. Sit quiet for at least 10 to 15 minutes and try not to think about anything. If thoughts will enter into your mind just dismiss them gently. As longer you can do this as easier this kind of exercise will become for you. These sessions will be refreshing for you and soon you will be looking forward to meditate. You can make them even more pleasant with some instrumental background music and herbal candle lights.

3. Reprogram your subconscious mind. This is an important factor. We are only using a very small fraction of our mind consciously. Using the Law of Attraction successfully means we need to make sure that we deliberately creating thought patterns that match with what we want.

Allowing As we learn more about using the Law of Attraction consciously in our lives, we become masters at visualizing, affirming, and attracting what we desire. We learn how to infuse our desires with emotion and power, we learn how to raise our vibrations through joyful thoughts and align ourselves more fully with the circumstances we want to bring about.

However, most of us forget one crucial step in the process: allowing. Allowing is a multifaceted phase in the creation process, and it can be confusing for those of us who haven't had much exposure to the concepts.

In generations past, hard work was a way of life. In some cases, it was the ONLY way of life.

Like many of you, hard work is valued and was the way of life of our forebears. This isn't a bad thing, and it wouldn’t be fair to diminish the accomplishments of those who paved the way for us.

However, the more deeply we delve into Law of Attraction principles, the more we realize that there is another way. Some would call it a better way, but let us see it simply as an alternate path to a similar destination. What is this alternate path? ALLOWING. As we just covered, action is needed at the beginning stages of conscious creation. We know we need to visualize our desires, affirm our belief in a new reality, raise our vibrations (thoughts) and come into alignment with the end result so it can manifest in our lives. What most of us do then is take further action to encourage our new circumstances to form physically. We might work harder to make more money, or we might join a dating service to meet the partner of our dreams. There is nothing wrong with

these actions, except the belief that we need to "do" anything to make our desires manifest.

That's where allowing comes in. What if, after we've visualized, affirmed, and expressed our desires to the universe, we simply let go?

What happens then? Most of us are under the impression that nothing would happen. Ah, but we can ALLOW the universe to manifest exactly what we desire. That's the beauty of the Law of Attraction. We don't HAVE to make things happen, we can simply allow the universe to deliver our desires fully formed and neatly wrapped in a beautiful package with a bow on top.

There are three key parts to allowing: 1. Let go of the "how." As most of us go along, we eventually realize that the more we try to control the outcome, the less circumstances seem to work in our favor. By consciously letting go of HOW the universe will manifest our wishes, we affirm that our desired outcome is already a done deal. There's no need to beg, manipulate, or control the situation because it already exists in perfect form. We simply need to let go and trust that the universe will deliver it to us in the most beautiful and beneficial way possible.

2. Let go of the "when." This is one of the most difficult things to do because we want what we want right NOW. We don't want to wait for divine timing or anything else. Unfortunately, our very impatience can delay the process.

Why? Because by wanting it right now, we place emphasis on the "wanting." Remember, we create what we focus on the most! If we focus on wanting, we create more want. By affirming that our desires will manifest at exactly the right time, we automatically focus more on trust and faith.

We believe that our deepest heart's desires are on their way to us, and guess what happens?

They come more quickly.

3. Appreciate. It can be hard to appreciate what we have when we're not happy with our lives, but once again, it's all about what we focus on and what we attract. The more appreciative we can be about our existing circumstances, the

more we will attract things to appreciate. If you have to, start with something small and obvious.

Each morning when you awake, say something like, "I appreciate the opportunity to live another day. I appreciate the bed I slept in all night. I'm grateful that I can take a hot shower and put on clean clothes today." As you go about your day, take a moment to appreciate everything you can, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Over time, this puts you in a gratitude mindset and will begin to attract more and more things to appreciate--and more often than not, those things continue to get bigger and bigger the more you keep up with this practice.

So, does this mean that we never have to work hard again? We can just sit back and "allow" the universe to give us everything we want? Yes, and no. There is one more important point that ties in to the concept of allowing, and that is taking inspired action. Occasionally, after we have expressed our desires to the universe and we've begun "allowing" them into our lives, the universe will provide a way for US to bring about what we want, rather than simply plopping it into our laps fully formed.

In this case, we will usually feel a nudge in a certain direction. We might be inspired to start a business, buy a lottery ticket, attend a lecture, read a particular book, or any number of other actions. If we act immediately on these nudges, circumstances usually shift and opportunities appear. These opportunities usually create an opening that can help us to manifest our desires simply and easily, and often quickly.

However, remember that inspired action shouldn't be painful or difficult. It should feel wonderful and inspiring. You will feel excited about it, and eager to do it. That's how you can tell whether you are being inspired to take a particular action, rather than feeling like you "have to" do it in order to get what you want.

Simply let go, relax, and allow the creation process to unfold exactly as it will. If you feel inspired to act, act. If not, just trust that the universe has your highest good in mind. Believe that, and let it guide your every step.

Fool Proof Your

Immune System Don’t succumb to the sniffles this spring.

Gird yourself with the right information and foods

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hen you were growing up your mom may have fought to get you to eat your vegetables. Or maybe you're the parent fighting with your kids to eat the right foods. What many of us don't know is that our food also fights for us.

Phytochemicals are the active substances in plants that give them their color, flavor, odor, and protection against plant diseases. Phytochemicals work as powerful antioxidants, which can increase our resistance to disease and boost immunity.

While most research focuses on the anti-carcinogen effects of phytochemicals, the results are equally important to those who just want to boost their immune system or help reverse the aging clock.

Scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRC) rated 60 fruits and vegetables for potency of antioxidants, which stabilize cells and help fight the damaging effects of free radicals, molecules that weaken the immune system. Antioxidants can help keep cancer, heart disease and other degenerative conditions at bay.

The top scoring fruit in the HNRC study was blueberries followed by strawberries, prunes, black currants and boysenberries. The deeper the color, the better. Many of these antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, and some naturally reduce blood cholesterol.

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6 Ways To Improve Your Children's Immunity Don’t forget the little ‘uns! It is normal for your little kids to get fever, cough, or cold once in a while.

However, don't let the virus and bacteria disrupt their development.

Therefore, boost your kids' immune system by practicing these habits: 1. Breastfeeding There's no doubt that breast milk provides the best and complete nutrition for babies ever since they were born. Colostrum, the yellow-colored substance that comes out in the early days after the labor, are proved to have antibodies that can protect babies from many illnesses, such as diarrhea and meningitis.

2. Consuming Fruits and Veggies Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients to boost your kids' health. Having them in daily menu will prevent your loved ones from infection.

3. Making Hygiene as a Way of Life Washing their hands with soap is a very good start.

Always do it before having meals, after using the bathroom, after playing, and after handling their pets.

4. Having Enough Sleep Lack of sleep can lead to the decline of body's immunity. Taking a nap everyday is a good way to make your children have enough sleep. If they refuse it, put them to bed earlier in the evening.

5. Regular Exercises or Outdoor Activities Exercises and staying active will increase your kids' endurance.

6. Saying No to Tobacco Smoking is unhealthy in itself; the smoke your kids inhale is even more damaging.

FRUITS: Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, grapes, kiwi fruit, lemons, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, plums.

Good Sources for a Better Immune System Zinc. You can get your regular zinc supply through poultry, pork, fortified cereals, yoghurt, oysters and milk.

Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and pumpkin or any kind of orange vegetables.

Shiitake and maitake mushrooms increase white blood cells to fight the bacteria.

Black or green tea are good sources of polyphenols which helps in clearing the free radicals.

Things That Can Harm the Immune System Taking too much antibiotics.

Smoking.

Depriving yourself of sleep.

Not drinking adequate amounts of fluids.

It's important to fill your diet with all the colors of the food rainbow. Eat the blues, reds, purples, oranges, yellows, and greens.

Fresh or Frozen, and Supplements It's okay if you don't have time to steam your own fresh veggies. Studies by the FDA and the University of Illinois show that frozen fruits and vegetables are nearly as nutritious because they can wait to be picked until they're at the peak of freshness. Fresh produce is usually picked early, before it's ripe and fully nutritious, so that it ships well.

But if you're lucky enough to grow your own fruits or vegetables, or you can buy straight from a farm-then that's where you'll find the most nutritious fruits and vegetables!!!

The value of most supplements is, at best, ineffective. The power of phytochemicals seems to be lost when removed from food, except if you're fortunate enough to find a high quality “greens drink” (Sacred Eden products are of the highest quality and are sold on the Sacred Eden website).

Drinking one glass of a quality “greens drink” supplies more than five servings of powerful, phytochemical rich nutrition.

Other Phyto-rich Foods Phyto foods come in many varieties and for all palates. Among the most common sources are:

GRAINS: Barley, cornmeal, whole grain, quinoa, brown rice, wheat germ.

NUTS and SEEDS: Flaxseed (a small brown seed used in cooking), macadamia, pecans, sesame seeds, walnuts.

VEGETABLES: Asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cauliflower, corn, eggplant, dark leafy greens and lettuces, mushrooms, onions, green and dried peas, sweet and hot peppers, white and sweet potatoes, pumpkin, soybeans, watercress, winter squash, tomatoes, and a host of others.

Herbals for Immunity Astragalus - This is a Chinese root which has been used in Far East as an excellent tonic. You can boil this root along with chicken broth to make an excellent soup. It has been used for lung problems, colds, chronic ulcers and external infections.

Echinacea - has been known to treat common cold, influenza and other kinds of infection.

Raspberries and plums – they contain contains Xylitol (a sugar free sweetener) which helps to fight ear and sinus infection and tooth decay.

Amla - A rich source of vitamin C. It is considered as a versatile and powerful antioxidant that protects the body against all types of cancer, and fights against the virus that is responsible for causing AIDS and HIV. Amla also helps in lowering the blood pressure.

Other than a rich source of vitamin C it is a good dietary source of various minerals and amino acids.

It is helpful in raising the total protein level and the body weight. Due to its antibacterial and astringent properties it helps to fight against various infections, thus, making the immune system strong.

Ashwagandha – it is believed to have antiinflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, rejuvenating, aphrodisiac and immune-enhancing properties. It is considered as an adaptogen that stimulates the immune system and improves the memory. It also helps to fight against stress due to its anti-stress properties. It increases the count of white blood cells and prepares the body to produce antigens against various infections and allergies. It is also considered as a tonic for the heart and lungs as its regular intake controls the blood pressure and regulates the heartbeat. It has a strong nourishing and protective effect on the nervous system.

The Northwestern Larch Tree Boost The Immune System?

There is a tree called the Northwestern Larch that can boost the immune system. The fiber that has this amazing immune boosting property is found in the wood of the larch tree and its called arabinogalactan (AG).

Researchers recently discovered that AG can boost the activity of natural killer (NK) cells--these cells kill off microbes and cancer cells as soon as it detected in the body. In laboratory tests, AG has shown to prevent cancer cells from spreading to the liver and organs prone to secondary tumor development. Researchers speculate that AG will become part of a supplement list shown to fight cancer in the near future.

A study done by the University of Minnesota and Southwest College discovered that AG boosts white blood cell count in health individuals and combined with Echinacea, AG increased the chemical properdin in the blood which helps the immune system fight foreign substances.

AG is also known as a prebiotic, which feeds friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract and help bring balance to your colon. Friendly bacteria or flora is important to help fight bacteria and microbes that enter the body through the intestinal tract and also help in the digestion and absorption of the foods we eat.

AG is a fiber and can help get things moving in the colon, in America the average fiber consumption is 15 grams per day, 50% less than the recommended 30 grams of fiber needed for optimal colon health.

Consuming the proper amounts of fiber each day helps with regularity and can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Some don’t even get 15 grams a day.

These individuals may suffer from chronic constipation from lack of fiber.

By helping support a healthy digestive tract, feeding friendly flora, and boosting production of NK cells, AG helps promote a primary immune system defense against cancer and bacteria.

Fruit and

Veggie Tandems Juice fasting and detoxifying don’t have to be boring; there are many combinations that can put the punch in detox diets

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uice fasting is gaining popularity as a great way to detoxify. When toxins accumulate in the body, people tend to feel sluggish and have compromised immune systems. Juice fasting, as a cleansing method, can help to people to achieve better health and more energy. It is quite easy to do as fruits are readily obtainable and all that is required additionally is a juicer.

For a beginner to juice fasting, it is important to start out slow and to try it out for one day. By juice fasting, you are limiting your intake to juices only. Fruit juice is high in sugar, so if you are a diabetic or otherwise in need of monitoring your sugar intake you should be cautious of trying a juice fast with fruit juices. Anyone just starting out with fasting should always speak with their doctor first. Also, do not juice fast for prolonged periods (more than 3 days)--not unless your doctor agrees that it is safe for you to do so.

The following are sample recipes that can help give you an idea of combinations of fruits and vegetables to use together:

Recipe 1: Vegetable Juice Combo

2 Swiss chard leaves 1/2 beetroot 2 or 3 sprigs of watercress 3 carrots 1 celery stalk Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

Recipe 2: CarrotApple Juice

2-3 Green Apples 1 carrot Fresh basil leaves Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

Recipe 3: CarrotVegetable Juice

A handful of dandelion leaves 1 kale leaf 4 carrots Fresh mint, basil or coriander leaves Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

Recipe 4: Peach Juice

2 or 3 peaches Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.