by Susan Dean | Feb 2, 2018 | Health, Kitchen Recipes, Medicinal Recipes
Boost Your Immunity to Colds and Flu
1) Take a vitamin D supplement every day. Check our Vitamin D guide for details about choosing the proper dosage.
2) Get as much sunlight as you can for as late into the year as you can manage. Even getting sunlight on just your face helps produce more vitamin D in your body.
3) Drink immune-boost beverages like organic Cocoa Mojo, which contains a blend of 4 medicinal mushrooms. And it tastes like a delicious hot chocolate!
4) Use a high-quality air filter in your home to filter out bacteria and mold spores that may be circulating inside your home.
5) Get regular exercise to boost your circulation and immune strength. This exercise should be frequent and moderate. Do not over-stress yourself at the gym, or your immune system will be temporarily compromised.
6) Take supplements especially designed to protect your respiratory tract. These include Lomatium, Osha, Elderberry and more. You’ll find many of these in the herbal medicine cabinets offered at the NaturalNews Store.
7) Take measures to minimize your exposure to immune-damaging chemicals such as those you’ll find in laundry products, cosmetics, personal care products and fragrance products. The artificial fragrance chemicals found in most of these products are carcinogenic and cause liver damage.
8) Get off all medications that you can safely eliminate! Work with a naturopath to accomplish this, of course, as quitting medications cold turkey can also be dangerous. Most medications suppress your immune system, liver function, kidney function and even your reproductive function.
9) Eat more meals that are rich in pungent spices. Eat more curry, which is rich in turmeric. Eat more ginger. Eat more cilantro, rosemary, thyme and other rich spices. This includes cloves and nutmeg, two spices you’ll typically find in eggnog drinks. These spices boost immune function and taste great, too!
10) Clean up your diet. If you’re eating cheese and drinking processed milk, those substances are to be avoided during the winter influenza season, especially. In many people, cheese and dairy products tend to cause sinus stuffiness, which is really a lack of sinus circulation. This can make you more susceptible to physically catching and harboring a virus floating around.
11) Boost your trace minerals intake, especially zinc. Both zinc and selenium are hugely important for immune function. Zinc is especially well known for functioning as a shield support against many viral attacks. One of the best ways to boost your trace minerals intake is to switch to a natural sea salt or a high-mineral salt. We’ll be offering these salts by Thanksgiving, by the way.
12) Move your lymph! Rebounders (mini trampolines) are great for this purpose. Jumping rope also works, as does just hopping in place for a few minutes each day. You can also do arm rotations and other simple movements to keep your lymph circulating. Lymph movement is crucial for immunity.
13) Take immune-protective herbal tinctures such as goldenseal, garlic, echinacea, osha root and elderberry. All of these herbs are found in the Enerfood Herbal Medicine Cabinet – intermediate. We also have a “basic” and “advanced” kit available.
14) While you’re at it, wash your hands more frequently. Many of the infections we receive during the flu season come from us touching contaminated surfaces and then touching our eyes, nose or mouth. The simple act of washing your hands can dramatically cut down on viral infections.
15) At the same time, demand high levels of hygiene by those around you. Ask them to wash their hands, for example. Ask them to boost their immunity with herbs, nutrients and supplements that really work. In fact, when others fail to boost their immune systems, it’s actually highly irresponsible on their part. Merely relying on a vaccine is actually putting other people at risk, since vaccines don’t work 99 times out of 100.
16) Have an emergency supply of colloidal silver available. Not only do you want the liquid colloidal silver, you may also want to consider an inhalable form of silver like what you’ll find in the Silver Lungs product. At the Natural News Store, we currently carry GHC’s colloidal silver product called Silver Fuzion, and we’ll soon be carrying Sovereign Silver products.
17) Get plenty of sleep. A lack of sleep compromises the immune system.
18) Reduce your levels of chronic stress, if possible. Stress also compromises your immune system, and it even “uses up” nutrients in your body, leaving you nutritionally depleted.
19) Drink more “live” vegetable juice. If that sounds too cold, make yourself some warm but raw vegetable soups. Search online for recipes. My favorites include a raw avocado soup recipe using red peppers, to which I add some Tobasco sauce. You make these soups in a blender like the Vita-Mix.
20) Laugh a little! Watch some comedy movies, or spend some fun time with family and friends. Laughter boosts immune function at many levels. It’s good for your body and your mental health. Find creative ways to expose yourself to comical situations and you’ll benefit as a result.
by Susan Dean | Feb 2, 2018 | Health
Cut or completely eliminate all grains from your diet. This is the single most effective method of losing body fat, reducing your waist, flattening your abs, improving digestion, improving wellbeing and energy levels. Reduce significantly or totally eliminate grains and white sugar from your diet. They both have similar negative affects on the health of your body. Grains and sugar are the major contributing factor to most all metabolic conditions such as diabetes, cancer and syndrome X.
Symptoms associated with eating grains on a regular basis:
1. Cancer
2. Syndrome X (pre-disposition to diabetes, stomach fat accumulation)
3. Acne
4. Weakened immune system
5. Poor digestion
6. Ab distention (paunch belly)
7. Diabetes
8. Depression
9. Lack of energy
10. Asthma
11. Mood swings
12. Joint pain
13. Poor immune response
14. Increased body fat
15. Bacterial infections
16. Short term memory loss
17. Lowered IQ
Increase your protein consumption.
Protein encourages the body to use fat as a fuel source through the signaling of the production of Glucagon and consequently lowering it’s antagonist, Insulin. Lowering insulin levels is a good thing for body fat reduction but more importantly health. Over production of insulin can cause fat accumulation (as it is a storage hormone) and Diabetes.
Protein has close to double the thermal effect of both fat and carbohydrates. The consumption of protein leads to increase in metabolic rate. Lowering of insulin is associated with increased Growth Hormone levels. Growth Hormone has received much publicity lately and seems to be the new anti-aging substance of choice in America. It preserves muscle tissue, promotes fat loss, tissue healing, and improves immunity.
Another benefit from increasing protein intake is the auxiliary nutrients; Creatine, branch chain amino acids, GLA, CLA, vit b in meat, omega 3, vit A and vit D in eggs. These have numerous health benefits but holistically aid in the attainment of a lowered fat percentage.
List of positive improvements attributed to optimal protein consumption:
Decreased headaches
Improved muscle tone
Decreased fat storage
Increased energy levels
Increased mood stability
Improved strength
Improved focus
Improved recovery
Increased sense of wellbeing
A full protein is a protein that contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need to thrive. They are found in meat, fish and eggs. The amount needed for optimal improvements depends on lifestyle, training type, physique goals and genetic type. Most individuals, especially women consume too little protein. A full source of protein at every meal is for most, ideal.
by Susan Dean | Feb 2, 2018 | Health, Herbs
Uses for Tea Tree Oil
Acne – Tea tree oil contains very strong anti-microbial properties, which basically means it kills bacteria. It has been used to treat mild to moderate acne. Studies found that although initially it took a bit longer to see results with tea tree oil, this natural remedy was more effective and had fewer side effects than over the counter medications. For acne treatment you dilute 5 mL of tea tree oil with 95 mL of water.
Nail Fungus – Clean and dry the area thoroughly. Apply undiluted tea tree oil to toe nails unless you notice irritation. If you do notice irritation, dilute the oil slightly. Be consistent with applications to see results.
Respiratory Infections – The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can combat the symptoms of respiratory infections. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the tea tree vapors to help relieve congestion, sore throat and runny nose.
Dandruff – Tea tree oil helps alleviate dry scalp. To treat dandruff, add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo. If you have severe dandruff you may want to massage a small amount of tea tree oil into your scalp
Split Ends – To help daily hair issues like split ends or fly aways, take a few drops and rub it between your palms and them apply to trouble areas.
Skin Conditions – Tea tree oil can be an effective treatment for skin conditions including ringworm, insect bites, and dry skin. To use tea tree oil topically for these ailments you should dilute the oil 5mL of oil to 95mL of waters.
Warts – Warts are caused by a virus in your skin. Tea tree oil has been proven to kill all sorts of viruses and is effective at curing warts. Apply oil, full strength, to the area. Apply daily for best results.
by Susan Dean | Feb 2, 2018 | Health
Staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp, mood stable and motivation intact. When you’re well hydrated, you can think through a problem more easily. Researchers hypothesize that not having enough water could reduce oxygen flow to the brain or temporarily shrink neurons — or being thirsty could distract you. Water keeps your throat and lips moist and prevents your mouth from feeling dry. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste, and can promote cavities. Dehydration lowers your blood volume, so your heart must work harder to pump the reduced amount of blood and get enough oxygen to your cells, which makes everyday activities like walking up stairs more difficult. When you’re well hydrated, the water inside and outside the cells of contracting muscles provides adequate nutrients and removes waste efficiently so you perform better. Water is important for lubricating joints. Muscle cramps do not appear to be related to dehydration, but to muscle fatigue, according to Sam Cheuvront, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist for the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.
When a person is severely dehydrated, skin is less elastic. This is different than dry skin, which is usually the result of soap, hot water and exposure to dry air. Drinking lots of water won’t prevent wrinkles. Your kidneys need water to filter waste from the blood and excrete it in urine. Keeping hydrated may help prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones. If you are severely dehydrated, your kidneys may stop working, causing toxins to build up in your body.
Water is incredibly important to the human body. The average adult human body is 55-60% water. A baby’s body is closer to 75%. Two crucial organs in the body, the brain and the lungs, are 70% and 90% water respectively. The quality of the water you drink greatly impacts your overall health.
The poor environmental habits of modern society have degraded the quality of our water and have led us to a point where high quality drinking water is difficult to find. While the argument is made that tap water is amongst the best water available to us, a series of testing for the ingredients in our tap water would tell almost anyone that it is certainly not of high quality.
Recent analyses of municipal drinking water have shown that, despite government regulations, there are many dangerous contaminants present in our water. There are many chemicals that are not regulated and there are no legal specifications to restrict what amount of certain chemicals can be in the water. This means that certain chemicals can be found in any given amount.
Many municipalities in Canada and the United States voluntarily add fluoride to their water supplies without the consent or vote of the citizens. Most citizens and government officials are drastically misinformed about fluoride.
The Safe Drinking Water Act only regulates 91 potential water contaminants. In the US alone, over 60,000 chemicals are used that can find their way into water supplies. Many of them have been identified as possible carcinogens. Current estimates suggest that there are more than 2,100 known chemical toxins present in U.S. tap water. Cities with older pipelines face problems as chemicals leach from the lines as the water travels.
What’s in our tap water?
- Fluoride
Fluoride used in water fluoridation practices is a mix of a number of highly toxic chemicals, including radioactive chemicals formed during aluminum and fertilizer production. The substance is considered a class 4 hazardous waste product by the EPA and it is illegal to dump anywhere in the environment. The chemical used in our water, hydrofluorocilicic acid is in fact a class 4 hazardous waste substance that is ILLEGAL to dump in the environment. Yet for over 50 years, the U.S. government has mandated that fluoride be added to the water supply to prevent dental problems. We are still dumping this waste product into the environment, but under the guise of a “health practice.” While there has never been research to suggest the safety or effectiveness of water fluoridation, current research has shown that fluoride has been shown to damage tooth enamel, increase fracture risk, suppress immune and thyroid function, increase cancer risk and disrupt the function of the pineal gland.
- Chlorine
We have all heard of chlorine, not only is it found in our water, but in most swimming pools. In both uses, it is a disinfectant as it effectively kills microorganisms. The trouble is, chlorine does not know when to stop killing organisms, which leads to toxic effects for the body. Chlorine has been identified as a leading cause of bladder cancer, and has been associated with rectal and breast cancers, asthma, birth defects and premature aging of skin.
- Radioactive Contaminants
Remember the Fukushima nuclear accident? Since then, radioactive fallout from Japan has been detected in drinking water supplies throughout the U.S. Radioactive iodine-131 was detected in drinking water samples from 13 U.S. cities. In some cities, radioactive cesium and tellurium isotopes have been detected at low levels. The health implications of this radioactive contamination are not known yet.
- Pharmaceutical Drugs
Pharmaceutical drugs are consumed in great numbers in North America. Inevitably, these drugs find their way into our water after being flushed or discarded via urine. Investigations have demonstrated that an increasing number of pharmaceutical drugs are finding their way into our drinking water and this should pose some concern. Anything from antibiotics and birth control pills to painkillers, antidepressants and other psychiatric medications are showing up in most municipal water supplies.
- Hexavalent Chromium
An Environmental Working Group report revealed that hexavalent chromium, a chemical identified as “probably carcinogen by the EPA,” is present in high concentrations in 31 U.S. cities. If you are unaware of this chemical, it was made famous by the movie, Erin Brockovitch, which chronicled the truth story battle against Pacific Gas and Electric for contaminating the water in an area of Southern California. The chemical poisoned thousands of people yet there are still no regulations for hexavalent chromium in drinking water.
- Lead, Aluminum & Heavy Metals
Lead and other heavy metals can make their way into our tap water as a result of the corrosion of pipes in our plumbing systems. Lead consumption has been linked to severe developmental delays and learning disorders in children. Aluminum and other heavy metals have been linked to nerve, brain and kidney damage. In the United States, some municipalities still transport water in lead pipes.
- Arsenic
Arsenic is a wellknown poisonous element known to be extremely carcinogenic. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, it is estimated that as many as 56 million Americans drink water containing unsafe levels of arsenic. Considering the carcinogenic nature of Arsenic, this can greatly increase the rate of cancer.
What Can You Do?
Drink reverse osmosis water or distilled water. Due to the lack of minerals, it would be beneficial to add minerals back via supplements.
by Susan Dean | Feb 2, 2018 | Health, Kitchen Recipes, Medicinal Recipes
Toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and uranium are pervasive in much of the environment. There are safe, organic and affordable ways to detoxify and eliminate these toxins from the body. Ten such examples are:
1) Bentonite (Clay) – Aluminium Phyllosilicate (Montmorillonite)
Bentonite clay is a form of volcanic ash that has the ability to physically remove from the body up to 25 times its weight in impurities through a process called adsorbtion. Bentonite has laxative properties and contains high levels of iron, magnesium and silicon. Available in two forms (sodium and calcium) bentonite clay is used in cement, ceramics, acne medication, facial clay, cat litter and to clarify wine. Higher grades of clay are safe for ingestion while lower grades are for external use only and thus are of questionable benefit.
2) Bladderwrack (Sea vegetable) – Fucus vesiculosus (Fucaceae)
Bladderwrack is a type of brown seaweed found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The stem is used medicinally while the thallas (air filled pods) help the algae float. Containing the active components iodine, fucoidan, alginic acid and phenols in varying amounts based on the water where it grew, bladderwrack is used to relieve heartburn and to stimulate both the immune system and thyroid. Bladderwrack has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
3) Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) – Anabaena sphaerica (Cyanophata)
Blue green algae (along with green algae such as Chlorella) contain chlorophyll, an antioxidant and deep green pigment. Bacteria such as Fecal Coliform cannot coexist with chlorophyll, which helps keep fresh water clear. Algae not only contain nearly every required vitamin and mineral, but also have the effect of increasing oxygen while reducing nitrogen and carbon. Chlorella appears to bind to heavy metals to both detoxify and remove them. Studies in Japan following the nuclear disasters at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 showed that 8 grams of Chlorella daily caused a five-fold increase in the amounts of uranium, lead and cadmium that were eliminated.
4) Burdock (Root) – Arctium lappa (Compositae)
A potent blood purifier, burdock root removes heavy metals such as mercury along with other toxins. Containing up to 45% inulin along with arctiopicrin, arctiin, tannins and volatile oil, burdock is used to treat skin conditions such as acne. Burdock helps to purify the liver and is used as a natural cancer treatment. Burdock has antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-tumor properties.
5) Cilantro (Leaf and stem) – Coriandrum Sativum (Umbelliferae)
Cilantro contains the antioxidants camphor, carvone, elemol, geraniol and limonene. A natural deodorizer, cilantro relieves nausea, indigestion and bloating. Consuming cilantro (the seeds of which are the spice coriander) helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Cilantro kills Salmonella and removes heavy metals such as mercury from the body. Cilantro has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be easily grown in the home garden.
6) Garlic (Clove) – Allium Sativum (Liliaceae)
Garlic contains the antioxidant allicin, which is formed from alliin and allinase when the cloves are crushed. Garlic helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol while cleansing the liver. Offering unique health benefits when consumed in raw versus cooked or aged, Garlic has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
7) Glutathione (GSH)
Glutathione is a type of amino acid chain called a tripeptide. Glutathione modulates the order of cell life, a process called homeostasis. Glutathione is essential for handling environmental toxins as it detoxifies carcinogens (in particular arsenic) and helps the body to remove heavy metals such as cadmium, iron and mercury. This helps the metabolism and immune system by removing dead weight. GSH has antioxidant properties.
8) Onion (Bulb) – Allium Cepa (Liliaceae)
Onion contains the antioxidant quercetin. Onion relieves allergy symptoms and congestion along with helping reduce cholesterol. Onion can treat and prevent cataracts, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease and helps remove heavy metals from the body. Onion has antimicrobial properties.
9) Selenium (Mineral)
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as an antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system. Required in remarkably small amounts (the RDA is measured in the millionths of a gram), selenium is highly toxic in larger amounts. Selenium has strong anti-cancer effects and is known to help detoxify the body and remove heavy metals including mercury.
10) Zeolite (Mineral)
Zeolite is a natural combination of volcanic ash and sea water. With a honeycomb-like structure it forms (teeny) tiny cage-like structures that physically trap heavy metals without removing critical minerals. Animal studies show zeolite to actually improve overall nutrition. A patented process purifies zeolite (since it is a heavy metal magnet it is already ‘full’ when found naturally). Purified zeolite has been shown to help prevent and reverse the growth of cancer cells. While it seems promising, it appears that more independent studies on zeolite are needed as most of the research is published on “Tribute to Zeolite” style web sites that enshrine the product.
by Susan Dean | Feb 2, 2018 | Health, Kitchen Recipes, Medicinal Recipes
Detoxifying Your Body – The rate at which your detoxification pathways function depends on your genes, your age, lifestyle and a supply of nutrients involved in the detox process.
Beets have vitamins B3, B6, C and beta-carotene a high amount of fibre and are a valuable source of iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, necessary to promote optimal detoxification and elimination. They support gallbladder and liver health, the organs important in breaking down and removing toxins.
Algae have powerful antioxidants that help alkalize the blood and strengthen the digestive tract. Toxins are absorbed from the digestive tract. Sea vegetables have the most minerals of any food, containing all the minerals in the ocean and found in human blood.
Dandelions are rich in minerals and phytonutrients. They support cleansing of the digestive tract and offer great liver support.
Broccoli is a powerhouse and releases phytochemicals. Broccoli sprouts can provide more benefit than regular broccoli. They contain 20 times more sulfurophane.
Ground flaxseeds provide fibre that helps bind and flush toxins from the intestinal tract. They’re a great source of omega 3 oils.
lemon stimulates enzymes and helps convert toxins to a water-soluble form easily excreted from the body. Drinking lemon water in the morning helps balance out the acidity of foods.
Garlic is a powerful antiviral, antiseptic and antibiotic. Ridding your body of these pathogenic microbes can reduce endogenous (made by your body) toxins. The vital sulphuric compounds garlic contains makes it an essential detoxifier.
Artichokes increase bile production and purify/protect the liver. They have a mild diuretic effect on the kidneys, ensuring proper removal of toxins.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin is used a lot in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat liver and digestive disorders.
Apples are wonderful and give us fibre, vitamins, minerals and many beneficial phytochemicals used in the detox process. One flavonoid is thought to stimulate bile production, as the liver gets rid of toxins through the bile. Apples are a good source of pectin, which helps detox metals and food additives from the body. It’s best to eat organic apples. The non-organic varieties are among the top 12 foods containing the most pesticide residues.
