JULY 26, 2011 YOUR OWN IMMUNE HEALTH

"If I were to begin life again, I should want it just as it was; ONLY I would open my eyes a little more." - Jules Renard

I think I would keep my eyes wide open. Reflecting back, I have trusted too many individuals, I was aware of certain circumstances, and not only were my eyes shut, but my mouth was too. As circumstances would have it, I was an enabler to the circumstances that happened in my life pre and post sobriety. The difference is I can now accept this. I have gone from awareness to acknowledgment to acceptance. I do not blame others for my mistakes as I once did. I can say honestly and wholeheartedly, I blame myself. This is life. I am one of those people who have learned from their mistakes. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I did. I wouldn't want to have changed anything...well, maybe some things, but I clearly would want to open up my eyes more...

In addition to cardiovascular health, we all could do better with our own immune health. Many of the chronic medical conditions are linked to how well our immune system is functioning. The chronic conditions such as Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, have a direct connection to all aspects of our life including dietary lifestyle, exercise and other lifestyles. Why do you think cancer and auto immune disease increase with age?

These increase because for the years preceding you have had a poor dietary lifestyle.

You ate too many refined carbohydrates, processed foods with dyes, less water and increased alcohol consumption. I often wonder when I see men my age (51) why do they still drink, smoke, use drugs and have unprotected sex? Are these men on a suicide mission?

I feel every person should take the following to promote a healthy immune system.

1. Probiotics - these are the good bacteria. Yogurt is NOT the answer

2. Vitamin D3 - sun can give you enough (without sunblock for 10 minutes 3 times a week, but you need healthy small intestines/colon)

3. Green Tea- you cannot drink what is needed. It cannot hurt to drink green tea but studies indicate 24 + cups of green tea per day.

4. Greens - we ALL need more greens each day. Greens contain antioxidants, B vitamins and much more. If you cannot eat 2-3 servings of greens per day as food, then purchase a Green Powder. (check out www.longevitynutritionals.com for their greens, reds, purples and orange powders)

The list could be endless especially when discussing antioxidants. I could write a separate list of the right herbs to take like ginger, tumeric, green tea, bacopa and rhodiola.

The real question is, "Do you want to change your dietary lifestyle?" I cannot make anyone change. Individuals who are sick and tired of being sick and tired might consider changing. If you aren't one of those individuals maybe you are fearful of change. Are you fearful of change?

Change is good.

Until tomorrow...

HERBS FOR THE GUT

Do you want self worth?
"Leaving your comfort zone of current patterns and behaviors is a courageous step toward self-growth" KM

March 31, 2010 Wednesday

"Horticultural Therapy is a process through which plants, gardening activities, and the innate closeness we all feel toward Nature are used as vehicles in professionally conducted programs of therapy and rehabilitation" S. Davis

I am not sure I totally agree with the above. Plants are special. Those that grow and cultivate any plant are special also. Below is a list of Plant and Herb books that everyone should consider reading.

1. Natural Healing Therapies - Raje Airey and Jessica Houdret

2. Nature's Aphrodisiacs - Nancy Nickell

3. Plenty - Alisa Smith and JB Mackinnon

4. Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals - Kristen Leigh Ball

5. Plant Spirit Medicine - Eliot Cowan

6. Healthy Aging - Andrew Weil MD

When the gut is inflamed by either a food allergy, yeast, heavy metal toxicity or chronic infections, there are some nutrients and herbs that will heal the gut. The first and foremost to alleviate the bloating and gas is an amino acid called glutamine. It restores the flat rug to the shag rug thus allowing the gut to absorb, make vitamin D and to make the happy hormone, serotonin. The amount of glutamine will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. I usually recommend 1 gram to 5 grams per day.

Everyone needs a probiotic. These are the good species of bacteria, not only what you get from yogurt, which is lactobacillus. You need a probiotic that has all the species. This isn't your GNC or Vitamin Shop probiotic.

There are many herbs that can alleviate gut issues. One herb, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has a strong lemon scent and white flowers. It is used for painful menstruation, headaches and even colds due to viruses. Preparations of Lemon balm are approved for the treatment of digestive tract spasms.

For the irritable bowel patients, I suggest trying Linseed. Directions: Dissolve 15 ml/1 tablespoon of linseeds in 250 ml (8 fluid oz) of warm water and leave overnight. The next morning, strain into a mug and drink the liquid to help with the cramps, bloating and gas. There are many other herbs that I will discuss in the coming months. Other herbs that are wonderful for the gastrointestinal tract are chamomille, ginger and peppermint

The needlepoint above was given to a dear friend and mother-like individual, Barbara. Since my mother passed on 28 years ago, I have adopted, or rather some special women have adopted me as their son. It started with Aunt Mary (my dad's sister), Aunt Mary-Ann (my mom's cousin) and Nancy (Rick's mom) who was actually born on the same day as my mom (July 21st). I met Barbara more than 13 years ago. We have had great times together. She is a Yorkie lover and had, I believe, 6 at one time. Daisy was my favorite and I think hers as well. When Daisy passed on, I made this pillow for her. Now she has Gia.

Photo Credit: Barbara Berkall

Until tomorrow...