Healthit up for YOU!

Loose weight healthy and virtually effortless!  May seem impossible but with a few lifestyle changes, and by adding Acupuncture to your weekly menu, you will enjoy the pounds just melt away!There are a variety of reasons why Acupuncture works to control weight on various levels:

RELEASE ENDORPHINS -  With diet changes, many people experience cravings, which can lead to binge eating. Cravings in the body are often due to a lack of endorphins.  Acupuncture can help to balance out the cravings by helping the body to release endorphins.

REDUCE STRESS – An increase in the “stress hormone” cortisol can alter the metabolism.  Through the release of endorphins, the “stress hormone” can also be neutralized.

SUPPORT DIGESTION – Acupuncture can support the body to generate an efficient digestive process.

If you struggle with your weight, you’re not alone.  In fact, more than 30% of all U.S. adults meet the criteria for being obese.  Americans spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise.  People are even turning to surgery as a weight loss option.  This is a drastic measure and can cause unwanted side effect.

As we all know, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue.  Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.  The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk and most importantly it is never too late to get started.

Acupuncture and implementing healthy choices can become a great partnership to better health!  It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix”.  By working with an acupuncturist, and committing to long- term goals, you will experience positive changes in your overall health, including maintaining a healthy body weight.

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PATH TOWARD A HAPPIER, LEANER YOU!

* Exercise is an important component of any weight loss program.  Adding exercise to your daily routine will not only have positive effects on your weight but also on your overall health and well-being.

*  Diet is another important issue to consider closely, as the old saying goes, “you are what you eat”.  Eating healthy is a way of life for optimum health, not to be considered a diet. Unprocessed whole organic foods is what our ancestors ate and indeed lived better! 

*  Stress is abundant in the times we live in!  However, incorporating techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle exercise into your daily routine will not only benefit you mentally and emotionally, but you may also loose weight more easily.

“Your day to make a change for the better”

Liquid…. Light, refreshing, smooth, that burst with flavor and health benefits! Even though we may pay close attention to what we are eating and how it affects our bodies,  sometimes though we may be overlooking a powerful component as liquid.  The old saying goes, “We are what we eat”.  We are also what we drink, or the sad result of what we do not drink!

COFFEE:  Over the decades we have heard that yes coffee is good for you, then no it is not!  One shot, two shots, whip, no whip ,flavor of every sort, or black drip please?  The coffee industry took new heights when the first drip coffee maker was invented in 1930, now in our century coffee is at its extreme height of getting the world to pay what used to be  a tank of gas for your very own custom made coffee drink.  Can there really be any health benefits to this powerful bean?  New research has shown that yes there are indeed health benefits to that good morning cup of coffee!

There are 1,299 milligrams of immune-boosting antioxidants that the average American receives from there daily coffee!  Putting this bean right up there with dark chocolate, berries, and red wine.  Drinking antioxidant rich java appears to protect against type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.  A simple cup of coffee can also be the delivery of many other nutrients.  Add a splash of milk which provides bone healthy calcium, a dash of cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, a little nutmeg goes a long way in reducing inflammation.  Enjoy the power in your cup!

MILK:  The benefits of milk go on and on, its an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D which build strong bones and fight osteoporosis, simply drink 3 cups of day can fortify your insides with rich nutrients.  However, milk has another wonderful health benefit as well!  As the air becomes drier so does your skin, and as you walk up the isles at your local markets looking for the perfect moisturizer, look no more its in your refrigerator!  Take a milk bath!  The lactic acid serves as a gentle exfoliant, while the natural fat content acts as a wonderful nutrient rich moisturizer.  Just add a gallon of whole milk to a tubful of warm water and start soaking!

” The power of liquid is in your hand”

The next time you have a scratch, sniffle, headache, sleepless night, and you rush to the medicine cabinet for the first bottle of relief, smell your way to nature and select the perfect Essential Oil to apply for a healthy and satisfying answer to your ailment.

PEPPERMINT:  IBS SYMPTOMS AND HEADACHES

Peppermint oil is excellent for digestive issues and gas.  Take 0.2 milliliter capsule two to three times per day.  To ease head pain, mix 6 drops of the oil in 1 teaspoon container and massage into temples forehead, and behind ears and neck.

Walking through a field of lavender can do much more than satisfy the eyes with its beauty!  Lavender is one of the most gentle essential oils and is well tolerated by almost everyone.

LAVENDER:  INSOMNIA, AND ANXIETY

Mix 1 teaspoon of lavender oil with 5 teaspoons of water and mist on your pillow before bed to lower stress. To alleviate anxiety put 10 to 20 drops in a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes, then put 3 drops of oil on a cotton ball and place inside your pillow case.  Keep one in a plastic bag to carry with you to smell throughout your stressful day to remain calm.

Ah the fresh crisp  scent of the eucalyptus tree and with its numerous health benefits!

EUCALYPTUS: CONGESTION

For nasal, sinus, or chest congestion, steam your way to relief!  In a bowl, mix 4 cups of near- boiling water with 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus oil. Wait on minute, cover head with a large towel and lean over bowl, breathe deeply for 3 to 4 minutes.  You may also put a few fresh eucalyptus sprigsin your shower to have the same affect with a nice relaxing hot shower for extra benefits.

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaf of the Melaleuca alternifolia which history of uses are amazing!

TEA TREE OIL:  WOUNDS, AND FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Apply tea tree oil to small cuts and wounds 3 times a day, uncover at night to allow the air to do its natural healing.  For athlete’s foot mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 8 teaspoons of water and put into a spray bottle.  Spritz on feet twice a day, and for any toenail fungus, apply oil directly to area.

“Have Good Scents lead you to better Health”

Ah at last!  We are in full Spring and will quickly be sailing into Summer!   Enjoying warm sunshine, picnics, naps on the terrace, ants, flies, bugs…. Wait a minute!  There is something wrong with this daydream.  Every year we look forward to this season, however, we would all agree that these little pests can turn rest into stress!  Not only are we very satisfied with the exit of Winter, but inside and outside little crawly critters are very excited as well !  Even though we share the Earth with these critters they can become quite a pest!  So before you loose control and start spraying chemicals in every nook and crannie, consider an easy healthy alternative.   How can we control pest without chemicals?  Is it possible?  Please notice an easy homemade recipe for five remedies.

ANTS:

  1/4 Cup of Confectioners Sugar

   1 Tablespoon of Borax

Sprinkle in kitchens and bathrooms as well as outdoors.

BEDBUGS:

  1 Teaspoon of Peppermint Oil

  1 Teaspoon of Rosemary Oil

  2 Cups of Water

Mix in a spray bottle and spray on mattress, floors, furniture, and surrounding areas.

FLIES: 

 In a sachet enclose, Cloves, Eucalyptus, and clover blossoms and hang it from the ceiling in any room.

MICE: 

 1 Tablespoon  Peppermint Castle Soap

 1/2 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

 8 Cups of Water

Mix in spray bottle and spray along baseboards.

ROACHES: 

 2 Tablespoons of Tea Tree Oil

 2 Cups of Water

Mix into a spray bottle and spray in kitchens and bathrooms.

” Getting rid of pest the Healthy way helps the Earth and You!”

Fall is in the air, and it is the season for apples!  However, is the old saying true?  An apple a day keeps the doctor away?

Bone Protection
Asthma Help
Alzheimer’s Prevention
Lower Cholesterol
Lung Cancer Prevention
Colon Cancer Prevention
Breast Cancer Prevention
Diabetes Management
Liver Cancer Prevention
Weight Loss

Studies have proven that in all 10 of these, the nutrients found in eating an apple a day helped these conditions tremendously!

Nutritive Values : Per 100 grams

• Vitamin A : 900 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .07 mg.;
• Vitamin C : 5 mg.
• Vitamin G : Amount uncertain
• Calcium : 6 mg.
• Iron : 3 mg.
• Phosphorus : 10 mg.
• Potassium : 130 mg.
• Carbohydrates : 14.9 gm.
• Calories : 58

Apple’s are a rich source of flavonoid and polyphenols both are powerful antioxidants. Studies have shown that by eating 100g of apple’s can give an antioxidant effect that equal to taking about 1,500mg of vitamin C. Apple’s contain a large amount of minerals and vitamins that can strengthen the blood, in turn this helps our bodies so they do not catch common colds and flu viruses.  Now is the season to stock up and try a natural way of combating seasonal sicknesses.

~ Have you had your Apple today?~

Blood Pressure

An abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, plenty of legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and tofu, will boost your intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all important precious minerals for regulating blood pressure.  The ingredients of this vegetable soup all have shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, have a wonderful relaxing effect all the while protecting the heart and arteries from disease.

Spanish Gazpacho

Grate 1/2 cucumber into a large bowl

Blend 1 Large Onion, 3 Garlic Cloves, and 3 Tomatoes in a blender/food processor.

Add 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, 2 Tablespoons of White Wine Vinegar, 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice, 2 Teaspoons of Tomatoe Paste, and 1 Teaspoon of Pesto Sauce.

Then add this mixture to the Cucumber with 1 Green Pepper finely chopped and 3 Cups of Tomatoe Juice.  Pinch of salt and pepper stir and chill for 6 hours.  Serve with fresh bread or croutons.

Diverticulitis

Incorporating plenty of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, which are all high in fiber is the solution to this problem!  Pears, potatoes, rice, barley, and millet are all excellent because they cool an inflamed gut.  Carrot, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and turnips are beneficial because they soothe inflammation and regulate bowels.

Parsnip and Rutabaga Soup

Sweet and starchy parsnip and rutabaga blend together make a thick nourishing soup that is high in fiber.

Fry  1 Onion diced, 2 Small Potatoes diced, 2 Large Parsnips diced, and 1 Small Rutabaga diced in 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil slowly for 5 minutes.

Add 4 Cups of Vegetable/ Chicken stock, pinch of salt and pepper and bring to a boil.  Then cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Blend soup mixture with 2 Cups of Milk and 1 Tablespoon of Soy Sauce in a blender.  Serve and garnish with Cilantro.

Fluid Retention

The turnip has been cultivated for about 3,000 years and has been recognized as an effective diuretic since the Roman era.  This thick, nutrition packed soup, rich in vitamins and minerals will give the relief you need.

Scottish Neep Soup

Heat 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil in a pan.  Add 2 Oninos sliced and cook slowly for 5 minutes.

Add 1 cup of peeled diced Potatoes, 1 1/2 Cups of peeled and diced small Turnips, 5 Cups of Vegetable/ Chicken stock, a few sprigs of Thyme tied together in a bunch, pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

Remove Thyme and blend soup in blender and garnish with Parsley.

3 Wonderful Soups! 3 Healthy Alternatives!

                             Borage Flower
This 2- to 4-foot-tall annual has purplish blue, star-shaped flowers that add a cucumber taste to salads, dips, and cold soups.                                           

Borage for Healing Emotions: Borage has a relaxing effect and is famous for its ability to relieve grief, sadness, and be an aid  for the broken hearted.

Borage and Lemon Balm Drink

Mix:  2 1/2 cups of apple or pear juice, 1 handful of borage flowers, 1 handful of fresh lemon balm leaves.

Heat the fruit juice in a pan until almost boiling; place a teaspoon of each herb in a pitcher and pour the hot fruit juice over the herbs; cover and leave to cool; strain and serve with ice.

Lemon balm lifts the spirits, balances emotions, and imparts inner strength and courage, while borage relaxes and elevates sadness.  A definite cocktail for a day when your are feeling low.

                               Chamomile

This annual grows 1 to 2 feet tall in full sun. The sweet apple flavor and fragrance make a delicious tea!  Chamomile also helps to ease emotional pain, to soothe anger, conflict, and to release tension from inner problems that might contribute to stress-related illness and insomnia.

English Heartsease and Chamomile Drink:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon heartsease flowers, 1/2 teaspoon chamomile flowers, 1 cup of boiling water, honey to taste.

Place herbs in a small teapot and pour boiling water over; cover and leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes; sweeten with honey.

English heartsease (wild pansy) derives its name from its ability to heal the heart, and soothe the pain of a separation from loved ones. While chamomile eases emotional pain and tension.  Find a comfortable place and enjoy this heartwarming tea.

Which Food is  the best for bone building?

Foods such as milk that contain calcium and vitamin D are not the only ones that strengthen your bones!  Can you guess?

Actually eggs, onions, and nuts are all the best for bone strengthening!  New research proves that a compound inulin found in onions, wheat, asparagus, artichokes, and bananas boosts calcium absorption.  Another compound phytate which is found in nuts and whole grains prevents bone mineral destruction.

People who ate phytate less than 3 times a week had the lowest bone mineral densities, and fell into the high risk  category for osteoporosis.  This is excellent news for all you who are either allergic to dairy, lactose intolerant, or just want a variety to building bones!

~Healthit up to bones by adding veggies and whole grains to your diet~

Knowledge is power!  Dig out the Herbal books and ditch digestive issues for good.  Even though some may have stomachs of steel, we all from time to time deal with digestive issues.  Whether you have gas, bloating, heartburn or a stomach ache, rest assured there is a herbal remedy that can come to your rescue.  For centuries herbal remedies have helped humans combat a wide variety of ailments, it worked then, it will work now with no post chemical side effects.  Here are some of the most common digestive issues and natural, healthy, herbal solutions.

Alfalfa/Anise/ Bay:  Reduces bloating, flatulence, and indigestion.

Dill/ Fennel/ Ginger:  Help prevent heartburn, nausea, indigestion, irregular bowel, and stomach pain.

Juniper/Peppermint/ Sage/ Rosemary:  Stimulate stomach acid to improve digestion of fatty foods, relieve cramping,  and diarrhea.

Flax/ Licorice/ Psyllium:  Soothes inflammation in the GI tract, Eases acid indigestion, constipation, cramps, spasms.

~The Herbal way to put Healthit into your life ~

” Do as I do”…. not as I say!  We as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family and friends are the first influence our children are exposed to.  It is our example they watch, study, imitate, and follow at a very young age. If we are demonstrating bad health habits, then they will grow up doing the same.  The downfall?  Is the simple fact unhealthy eating and habits, equals disease and sickness.  It is never too late to start a healthy way of living!  Set a new goal of 14 CUPS A WEEK and see how this will change your life and influence your children for a healthy future!

14 CUPS A WEEK

DARK GREENS: 2 CUPS PER WEEK

Spinach, broccoli, romaine, mesclun, collard, turnip, and mustard greens.

Payoff  Better lung health, stronger bones, stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and a healthier brain!

ORANGE VEGETABLES: 1  1/2 CUPS PER WEEK

Carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and pumpkin.

Payoff  Better vision, blood sugar control, and lung health; also high cancer fighting carotenoids!

BEANS: 2 1/2 CUPS PER WEEK

Pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, lentils, edamame, chickpeas, tofu.

Payoff  Lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, breast and colon cancers, and type 2 diabetes!

STARCHY VEGETABLES: 2 1/2 CUPS PER WEEK

White potatoes, corn, green peas.

Payoff  The nutrients in the group range from vitamins A, C, B6, and folate, potassium, and magnesium and rich in unique antioxidants!  Isoflavones in peas are cancer fighters, and kukoamines in potatoes lower blood pressure.

VARIETY:  5 1/2 CUPS PER WEEK

Artichokes, asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, wax beans, zucchini.

Payoff   This amazing group ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients and antioxidants that will protect every system in your body!  Beta- carotene in bell peppers, and quercetin, a natural anti- inflammatory in onions.

“Add a Cup of Health to Your Life”