This blog explores the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of total health with some children's stories thrown in to break the intensity.

Archive for the ‘Diets for Healing’ Category

Hypertension (HIgh Blood Pressure) by Jennifer McLaughlin


Jennifer McLaughlin

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very common condition. In the United States, one in four adults are affected (Wang & Vasan, 2005). It is the leading cause of premature death among adults worldwide (Falkner, 2009) and the primary risk factor for both stroke and coronary heart failure (Bartholomy, 2008). The incidence of high blood pressure increases with age. However, even pediatric hypertension is on the rise (Falkner, 2009).

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted by the blood against vessel walls, or simply, how hard the heart has to work to pump blood through the body. High blood pressure indicates an elevated workload on the heart and arteries. This, over time, weakens these vessles and may lead to potentially fatal cardiovascular disease, such as plaque build-up in arteries, aneurisms, stroke, heart attack, or congestive heart failure. Hypertension can also damage the kidneys and the retina of the eye leading to blindness (Bartholomy, 2008).

Hypertension is often called “the silent killer” because there are usually no symptoms associated with the condition. Because of this, health care providers routinely measure blood pressure with the hope of normalizing it before complications arise. Once recognized, high blood pressure can easily be monitored at a health care facility or at home.

Blood pressure measurement consists of systolic pressure (the force when the left ventricle is contracting) over diastolic pressure (the force when the heart is at rest). Normal adult blood pressure is 120 mmHg over 80 mmHg. An individual may be diagnosed with hypertension when blood pressure numbers consistently read 140 over 90, or higher. If only the systolic pressure number is elevated this is known as isolated systolic hypertension. When systolic pressure exceeds 158, the probability of cardiovascular disease doubles regardless of diastolic pressure (Bartholomy, 2008). Blood pressure readings that fall between normal and hypertensive are considered pre-hypertension.

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Secondary hypertension is caused by another condition or medication such as kidney damage, endocrine dysfunction, oral contraceptive, or hormone replacement therapy. However, in 85 to 90 percent of the cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown and is considered primary hypertension.

Although the causes of primary hypertension are unknown, there are many predisposing lifestyle and dietary factors that are known to precipitate the condition.

  • Oxidative stress describes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense mechanisms. ROSs cause structural and functional damage to endothelial cells, create oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, promote the increase of blood sugar and insulin, and degrades the vasodilator nitric oxide. Hypertensive individuals not only have an impaired antioxidant defense mechanism, but they also have a strong response to oxidative stress. (Houston, 2009).
  • Stress causes an increase in free radical activity and cortisol. Cortisol then raises blood pressure and blood sugar and depletes magnesium and potassium, which are necessary to maintain normal blood pressure.
  • Nutrient deficiency or excess can impact blood pressure. For example, high sodium and low potassium consumption work together to increase blood pressure. These imbalances will be explored further in the holistic health supportive protocol.
  • Many hypertensive individuals are insulin resistant and therefore have high serum insulin, which is vasoconstrictive.
  • Obesity adds to the work required of the heart. This extra strain on the heart increases blood pressure.
  • A sedentary lifestyle, even without obesity, can increase insulin resistance and stress, thus increasing risk of hypertension.
  • Heavy metal toxicity (especially cadmium and lead) can play a role in high blood pressure.
  • Smoking increases cadmium and cortisol levels while decreasing vitamins C and B and increasing oxidative stress.

Treatment Plan

The goal of treatment is to reduce blood pressure and this can usually be done with a combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. Although allopathic medicine recognizes the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on hypertension, these practitioners usually rely heavily on medication to normalize blood pressure. Holistic practitioners prefer to focus on dietary and lifestyle changes, adding medications in smaller dosages and only when necessary. Many individuals can control blood pressure through diet and lifestyle changes alone, but antihypertensive drugs may be necessary for some, especially those with complications (Houston, 2009). Practitioners may use one or more of the following blood pressure medications (A.D.A.M, 2011).

  • Diuretics help kidneys remove sodium from the body.
  • Beta-blockers decrease the rate and force of the heart.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) relax blood vessels.
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) relax blood vessels.
  • Calcium channel blockers relax blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the cell.
  • Other medications that are not used as frequently include alpha-blockers, centrally acting drugs that signal the brain and nervous system to relax blood vessels, vasodilators, and renin inhibitors.

In addition to medication, the allopathic approach often includes daily exercise as well as dietary changes outlined in the DASH diet (dashdiet.org). This diet has a strong emphasis on whole grains, low-fat foods, fruits, and vegetables. The following holistic protocol for hypertension differs from DASH in its inclusion of quality fats, reduced grain consumption, and specific anti-hypertensive foods and supplements.

Holistic health supportive protocol for hypertension

A holistic health protocol for hypertension begins with an assessment of current diet and

exercise regimen. A comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, an oxidative stress test,

and a kidney analysis may also be recommended. Current medications or conditions may affect nutrient digestion or absorption and should be considered as well.

A dietary plan will focus on nutrient rich whole foods with a strong emphasis on plant-based foods from organic sources. Many hypotensive individuals have poor digestion. And so, in addition to following these nutritional guidelines, it is important to take a deep breath and relax before eating. Hydrochloric acid tablets and digestive enzymes may also be considered.

Macronutrients

Protein should constitute about 30% of the diet. Appropriate protein foods include whole grains, legumes, nuts, wild caught fish, pastured chickens and their eggs, grass-fed beef, lamb, bison, and grass-fed dairy products. Soy is often suggested as healthy protein food, but individuals should be wary of the phytoestrogens in soy which can have harmful hormonal effects (Sinatra, 2003).

Fats should constitute about 30% of the diet, and should include mono-unsaturated fats, especially omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids (Bartholomy, 2009). Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are coldwater fish, fish oil, flax oil, and nuts. Extra virgin olive oil is a good source of omega-9 fatty acids. Saturated fat, found primarily in animal fats and coconut oil, should be about 30% of fat calories (Barton, 2008). Damaged or altered fats, including trans fats and refined oils, should be completely avoided.

Carbohydrates should constitute the remaining 40% of the diet and come primarily from fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Many individuals select grains to fulfill their recommended carbohydrate consumption. Although grains do contain valuable nutrients, they can be difficult to digest and the nutrients may not be accessible for absorption. Instead of grains, look to vegetables and fruit. Half of every meal and snack should be vegetables or fruit. Avoid refined sugars and refined grains completely.

Fiber has been shown to reduce blood pressure and the need for antihypertensive medications (Houston, 2009). At least 30 grams of fiber should be consumed daily. Most plant foods contain fiber: beans, greens, herbs, and berries are good sources.

Minerals

Sodium should be limited to that found naturally in whole foods and small amounts of unrefined salt. Salt sensitive individuals should see a reduction in blood pressure with a reduction in sodium consumption. These individuals should slowly reduce their sodium consumption to 1000 mg (Houston, 2009). Avoid white salt. All white salt has be processed even when labeled “sea salt.”

Potassium is a diuretic and vasodilator (Bartron, 2008) should be consumed at a 5:1 ratio with sodium. Potassium rich foods include all fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens.

Magnesium is a vasodilator and is usually low in hypertensive individuals (Bartholomy, 2008). A dietary intake of 500 – 1000 mg/day has shown a reduction in blood pressure in epidemiologic, observational, and clinical studies (Houston, 2009). Foods rich in magnesium include green vegetables and herbs, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and nuts.

Calcium is also a vasodilator and should be consumed in a 2:1 ratio with magnesium. Dietary calcium has been shown to be more effective at lowering blood pressure than supplemental calcium. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products as well as green vegetables and herbs.

Vitamins and Supplements

Full spectrum antioxidants will help stop free radical damage. These can be consumed in food and taken as a supplement. Many of the following vitamins and supplements are antioxidants.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene are important for their antioxidant capabilities. Consume 10,000 IUs per day with no more than 2,500 IUs from preformed vitamin A (Sinatra, 2003). Food sources include good quality cod liver oil, liver, and all green and orange fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is also essential for tissue growth and repair, and plays a role in the absorption and utilization of calcium. Studies of supplemental vitamin C have demonstrated a reduction in blood pressure. Vitamin C is sensitive to air, water, and heat so the best food sources are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially  bell peppers, strawberries, papaya, and citrus fruits. Supplemental vitamin C should be limited to 500 mg (Sinatra, 2003).

Vitamin E contributes to cardiovascular health is several ways. It is an antioxidant, and anticoagulant, a plaque stabilizer, and a vasodilator. Almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and wheat germ oil are food sources of vitamin E but fall short of the recommended intake for supporting heart health. A supplement of 200 to 400 IUs per day in the form of mixed tocopherols is recommended (Sinatra, 2003).

Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) not only supports the formation of ATP, which is the energy source for the cells in the body, but it also serves as an antioxidant. The heart consumes a huge amount of energy and therefore large amounts of CoQ10. Although the body can produce CoQ10, this ability declines with age. Dr. Sinatra (2003) recommends 60 to 120 mg of the hydrosoluble form taken in four to eight divided doses over the course of the day. Food sources include sardines, salmon, mackerel, heart, and liver.

L-Carnitine delivers fatty acids to heart cells for energy and removes waste products. It has a synergistic effect with CoQ10. 1000 to 2000 mg are recommended for lowering blood pressure (Sinatra, 2003). Red meat is the best food source of L-carnitine.

L-Arginine is an amino acid that enhances the synthesis of nitric oxide and reduces plaque buildup in vessels (Sinatra, 2003). Six to nine grams of nuts, seafood, eggs, or red meat, will satisfy the need for this nutrient, as will a 1000 mg supplement (Sinatra, 2003).

Hawthorn is an herb whose leaves, berries, and blossoms have antioxidant properties. Additionally, it increases coronary blood flow and decreases blood pressure. A 500 mg capsule can be taken two or three times a day, but check with a physician if antihypertensive medications are being taken (Sinatra, 2003).

Anti-hypertensive foods

Celery contains several components that may help reduce blood pressure: 3-n-butyl phthalide, apigenin, and potassium (Houston, 2009). Four stalks of celery or eight teaspoons of celery juice should be consumed daily to obtain these effects.

Garlic has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 20 points when two to three raw cloves of garlic are consumed daily (Bartholomy, 2008).

Seaweed has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure. In a Japanese study, participants consumed 3.3 g of dried wakame for four weeks and saw significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Houston, 2009).

Lifestyle

Stress management plays an important role in reducing blood pressure. By effectively managing stress, an individual can reduce cortisol production, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, and slow the creation of free radicals. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and prayer are some of the ways to reduce stress.

Exercise is necessary to strengthen the heart, reduce excess weight, and can be a stress reliever as well. An exercise routine should include resistance training at least twice a week and 45 minutes of light to moderate aerobic activity at least 4 times a week.

Stop smoking and avoid caffeine. Both raise blood pressure and should be avoided.

Hypertension is most likely a modern condition born from a processed foods/high sugar diet and sedentary/high stress lifestyle. It is unfortunate that the effects of today’s world and culture sneak up on us so quietly. Perhaps if the consequences of our actions were more immediately noticeable, we would be more likely to correct them before so much damage has been done.

References

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2011).  Hypertension. Retrieved January 4, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001502/

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2011). High blood pressure medications. Retrieved January 4, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0010384/

Bartholomy, Paula. (2008). MSHN 213 – Cardiovascular Nutrition [lecture transcripts]. Retrieved December 15, 2011, from https://student.hawthornuniversity.org/Course_AudioLectureList.aspx

Bartron, Laura. (2008). Key nutrients for lowering blood pressure. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from https://student.hawthornuniversity.org/Course_ReadingMaterialDetails.aspx?id=105

Falkner, B. (2010). Hypertension in children and adolescents: epidemiology and natural history [Electronic version]. Pediatric Nephrology, 25(7): 1219-1224.

Houston, M.C. (2009). Hypertension: Utilizing nutrition in treatment. In I. Kohlstadt (Ed.), Food and nutrients in disease managements (pp. 75-97). Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Sinatra, Stephen. (2003). Lower your blood pressure in eight weeks: a revolutionary program for a longer, healthier life. New York: Ballantine Books.

Wang, T.J. & Vasan, R.S. (2005). Contemporary reviews in cardiovascular medicine: epidemiology of uncontrolled hypertension in the United States. Circulation. Retrieved January 3, 2012, from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/112/11/1651.full


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Diets for Healing, General Health, healing of body, mind and spirit, Health research, Nutrition

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Detoxing the Body, Mind and Spirit


BODY

There are so many views by nutritional experts that it is a confusing subject.  I have studied different theories and diets in the past 5 years with an eye to healing my body of cancer.

I have discovered that while there are many differences in nutrition theories, there are also many common elements.  There are many benefits to incorporating good nutrition: better health, lower medical costs, increased mental concentration, more consistently high energy levels, less hyperactivity and improved behavior.

  1. Organic–grass-fed–pastured–local–non GMO (genetically modified organism): It is best to eat foods with the least possible amount of pesticides, chemicals, processing, and tampering (genetic modification).  The more organic, pastured, grass-fed, and process free food is–the better.   Some terms, like cage free and free-range, leave wiggle room.  What you want to ask is “Did this animal eat grass and bugs?”   Poultry and eggs from pastured chickens are especially important.    Except in seasons when there is no green grass outside, you will see a dramatic difference in pastured chicken eggs.  The yolks are very orange from pastured chickens.  These eggs are packed full of nutrients.  A local source for pastured chicken products is Prairie Crossings in Grayslake, IL.  Pastured foods (meats, eggs, dairy products) differ chemically from grain fed meats etc.  They are radically better for our bodies.  Animals store toxins in their fats which is marbled throughout the body.  Fats from grain fed animals store the pesticides used to treat the grain.  These meats are so unhealthy, whereas the fat from grass-fed animals is actually good for you.  As far as organic versus non-organic, it takes only minimal reasoning to know that organic food is better.  What goes on a plant goes into the plant then into us when we eat it.  Pesticides will not completely wash off produce. They are absorbed into plants just as our body absorbs a portion of the things we put on our skin. It may seem like bad economics to buy organic, grass-fed and pastured.  However, consider the alternative in higher medical costs and bad health.  Also, unprocessed foods are cheaper than processed. (By processed, I mean anything which changes food from it’s original garden-fresh state.)   Processing removes nutrients and adds toxins.  When you stay with organic and unprocessed versus non-organic and processed, you may find that the cost balances out.  The best source for garden foods is to raise them yourself.  Start converting your flower gardens.  We have started front and back yard veggie gardens and it is great fun–no complaints from the neighbors yet.  It is possible to make food gardens look quite lovely.  The second best source is local farmers.  Check out farmer’s markets.  They may or may not be good resources.  Ask specifics about how they raise their products to decide.  Third in line are dependable stores.  Whole Foods, Costco, Mariano’s, selective Kroger’s, and Giant Eagle stores have organic produce plus some organic and grass-fed meats and dairy products.  There is some question about fish being safe because of mercury levels, but it is best to eat cold water, smaller fish wild caught from places like Alaska, or Norway.  A good source is http://www.vitalchoice.com/newsletter_index2.cfm
  2. Include Raw.  It is good to add raw produce into our diets at least to the level that it comprises at least 1/3 of our total diet.  This can be fresh fruits and veggies, smoothies, or even cooked or dehydrated foods if they are cooked below 105 degrees. Raw foods have more vitamins, and live enzymes.  Frozen foods lose some vitamins but they are still better than canned.  If you are in a rush, give your child frozen veggies–they thaw almost immediately in warm water.  You don’t even have to cook them. They make great finger food, and kids enjoy them if their palates are not spoiled by sugar and processed foods.  There may need to be a re-education process of your whole family’s palates, if they have some bad food habits.  The pain of withdrawal and change is well worth it in the long run.  My experience is that it takes 2 weeks of misery to get over my addictions to sugar and processed food.
  3. Sprout.  Sprouted seeds and nuts have more nutrition than non-sprouted.  Soaking and sprouting also provide fresh greens especially  in winter. Sprouted foods are delicious,  Here is a website on how to sprout.  http://www.raw-food-diet-magazine.com/how-to-sprout-seeds.html  E-Z Sprouter is the product I use to sprout.  I looked on Amazon for the cheapest price and copied the website:  http://www.amazon.com/Sproutamo-Easy-Sprout-Sprouter/dp/B000GHUD86  This one is $14.50.
  4. Look for food intolerances.  I eliminated dairy from my diet and feel that it would be beneficial for many people.  Certainly non-organic milk is loaded with horrible things including hormones, chemicals, antibiotics and more.  Of course, that carries over to cottage cheese, butter, and cheese.  Ideally, if one wanted to use dairy products, the closest to mother’s milk is organic goat’s milk.  In an earlier time and place, we had a herd of dairy goats.  We gave our sons raw goat milk because they had obvious and severe cow milk allergies.  We also had grass-fed cows for beef and organic gardens before they were dubbed with those terms.  Besides dairy there are many common intolerances.  Gluten is another common intolerance.  There are many others.  You can check out an elimination diet to help with this: http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/file/11270/handout_elimination_diet_patient.pdf
  5. Veg out.  Many agree that veggies should be the staple of most people’s diet.    It is easy to cut up a sweet potato or raw red peppers.  Kids love these–so do adults.  Or throw in some organic carrots or celery for a road trip.  Everyone needs a minimum amount of protein and fat. This cannot be ignored, especially in children.  However too much meat in a diet is not a good thing either.  There must be balance.
  6. Reduce sugar.  Refined sugar, white flour and processed fructose in a diet beat up the pancreas. They contribute greatly to obesity.  They cause spikes and plummets in blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that if you or your family have blood sugar level problems, these other foods may need to be eaten more sparingly also.  Grains, when digested, also become sugar in the body.  Even whole grains, while giving good nutritional elements, can contribute to high sugar levels.  Beans, except lima beans, break down into sugar.  Potatoes produce spikes in blood sugar levels also. Fruits, especially sweeter ones like bananas must be eaten with moderation also, as they can cause sugar levels to increase.  However, these things are much easier on the body than refined sugar, fructose and white flour.  In a whole different category, soda is not only harmful in the ridiculous amounts of sugar it contains, it is also harmful in the many chemicals and carbonation.  (Soda pop should be the very first thing to go in our family’s diets.)  In many people, overconsumption of  sugary foods cause the blood sugar levels to fluctuate between too little sugar in the blood to too much sugar in the blood.  Eventually the body can develop insulin resistance, then pre-diabetes, then diabetes.  In families with genetic predisposition, mindfulness is even more necessary.  Blood sugar related diseases are at epidemic proportions in America now.  These diseases include diabetes, yeast and many fungal infections, and secondarily many other ailments.  Even in children, these conditions are increasing.  A great cookbook for the whole family is Internal Bliss. It gives recipes that foster health by lowering sugar.  By lowering sugar, you will eliminate the hyper periods your kids get from sugar highs.  No longer will your kids have the dramatic energy drops when their blood sugar crashes down after a sugar high.  You will have kids who are healthier hence fewer doctor visits and sick days.  Your family’s concentration level will also drastically increase.  I have read that sugar is more addictive than cocaine.  Determine to hang in for the long haul on conquering sugar’s hold.  It will be a battle.  Work on it a little at a time.  First eliminate sodas and store bought juices.  Pasteurized juices are high in sugar and have many of the nutrients destroyed by pasteurization.  Just give your kids organic milk or filtered water.  Next remove all desserts as we typically think of them and replace them with fruit.  Next change processed and sugary snacks to fruits / veggies/ dried fruits and veggies/ nuts and seeds.  Replace cereal breakfasts with pastured eggs and veggies.  Throw in occasional banana peanut butter “pancakes” and or fresh smoothies from veggies and fruit.
  7. Eat in a probiotic way.  Many people are overrun by candida (yeast) and harmful bacteria because of the standard American diet (SAD).  Diets need to promote starving these bad bacteria and feeding the good bacteria.  There is a whole science to this–a diet focused upon creating good flora balance in the gut is called Probiotic.  Starving the bad bacteria is promoted with low sugar diets such as the diet in the cookbook Internal Bliss.    The second component of this and similar diets is feeding the good bacteria which aid in digestion.  This is done by eating pro-biotic food and supplements.  Pro-biotic food is fermented allowing the good bacteria to proliferate.  Sauerkraut and yogurt are familiar to us all.  There are many more like Kimchi, Kombucha, Kefir, Miso, Dill Pickles and Tempeh.  However, one cannot just run to the typical grocery store for these.  Many at the grocery store are loaded with sugar, or are an imitation made with vinegar rather than true fermentation.  You can either make your own or find a source such as Bubbie’s brand and King’s brands.  These can be found at Whole Foods.  Other stores such as Jewel will often special order these upon request.  If you are interested in making your own a good website that I found is http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/06/baby-steps-eating-cultured-and-fermented-foods.html.
  8. Filter your water.  Unfiltered water can be another source of toxins.  Put a filter on your kitchen faucet.  Ideal is to have one that filters out bacteria, chemicals and chlorine. A great website to keep up on tests of your city’s water is EWG.com. They also give test results on produce to buy organic and non-organic based on testing for pesticides.  They tell which make up, baby products, sunscreens etc are the safest.  If you want to take detoxing a step further, install a filter on your shower to take out the chlorine that would be absorbed through the skin.
  9. Exercise.  Another great way of detoxing is exercise.  I find the best way to exercise is to multitask.  It makes exercise more interesting.  Walk with a friend.  Do the treadmill or Nordictrak while praying.  Do a quick set of weights to maintain strength while listening to praise music.  Don’t forget energetic dancing with the kids or grandkids to upbeat or worship music. This detoxes body and spirit in one fell swoop.
  10. Vitamin D  Especially in the north, we are all deficient in vitamin D because we do not get enough sun.  A great way to get vitamin D into ourselves and our family is cod liver oil.  It is best when from Alaska or Norway.  Fish from there contains less toxins as well as containing more good fats.
  11. Use safe cleaners etc.  Using natural skin and cleaning products is another way of detoxing.    Vinegar, peroxide, borax and baking soda all make great cleaning products.  Vinegar is antibacterial and antifungal.  Peroxide kills germs without harm to people in your house.  Borax is a powerful cleanser but is much safer than detergents.  Baking soda is a good scrubbing agent and neutralizes odors. Norwex cleaning cloths are a good product to clean without any chemicals.  I have been using them for washing my body and I am having much fewer problems with dry skin. For dry skin, I use coconut oil or rose hips oil.  I use jojoba oil as a hair conditioner.  I use just a drop or two spread on my hands then on damp hair before I dry it. Petroleum based products like baby oil and many ingredients in make up, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens, moisturizer, as well as most cleaning products contain toxic ingredients.  We can save money and decrease toxins in our homes by making our own.  It is very simple and fast.  I buy the gallon plus bottle of white vinegar at Costco, as well as their largest peroxide and baking soda.  Borax also is very cheap.  I just save my old soap and shampoo bottles to make these.  I bought a few new spray bottles so that I would not have chemical residue contaminating my homemade cleaning supplies for my kitchen and my body.  These homemade products are  not only easy and safe–they are much less expensive.
  12. Gadgets that help.  I have gone through many kitchen gadgets and experimentations in making a healthy yet easy-to-do diet.  I am so not a cook.  I started juicing raw veggies and fruits after my first cancer.  Freshly made juices are beneficial because they are loaded in concentrated nutrients and are easy for the body to digest. If you get a juicer I recommend the Breville Juice Fountain.  I have gotten years of hard use out of mine.  You can find it at Bed Bath and Beyond or online.  However, I have had problems with extracted fresh juices as they are more concentrated in sugars than whole fruits and veggies (even though the sugars are natural sugars).  I have finally gravitated towards making whole juices.  I use an expensive gadget called Blendtec.  It can be purchased online or at Costco.  I use it many times a day.  It will grind grains, even flaxseed which most grinders will not.  Additionally, it will grind coffee beans.  One can make smoothies, whole juices, soups, sauces, ice creams and sorbet in minutes.  The cookbook that came with it is not super healthy or helpful, but I am gradually making a retinue of recipes which I will put in my blog (healingdiscoveries.com) gradually.  Another gadget that makes my life easier is The Vidalia Onion Chopper.  I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond.  It is $20 and you can always use coupons.  It sounds superfluous but it makes salad and veggie prep fast and easy, and it is a cheap tool.

MIND

  1. Eliminate the toxins.  I have found that nourishing the mind is similar to feeding the body.  If you put good quality in, it functions much better.  This really eliminates most of TV and much reading material.  One needs to be as selective in feeding and exercising the mind as the body.  This includes toxic thoughts and words.  One cannot help what passes through the mind, but there is always a choice on what planes you allow to land in your airport of a mind.
  2. Feed the brain good food.  The Bible is the best food to feed the brain on planet earth.  It makes wise the simple, it is living and active and transforms in a really good way.  Of course, it can be abused and misinterpreted, but that does not detract from the absolute goodness and power of The Book when used in conjunction with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  I recommend an easy to read translation like the NIV or NLT.  The Message is great for just reading.
  3. Exercise the brain.  I love to do online scrabble to challenge my brain.  It is like any other part of the body.  It needs to be pushed to work its best.

SPIRIT

Honor, give, forgive.  The best way to detox the spirit is honoring, giving and forgiving.  The Bible says that as we give, we will receive; as we judge we will be judged; and as we forgive, we will be forgiven.

You could restate all of this as an inverse golden rule.  As you do to others it will be done to you.

I think if any of these 3 things were easy, then we would all live in peace and harmony in a loving world.  The truth is that these things have a supernatural component.  God must help us.

Firstly, true honoring is seeing someone as God sees him and treating him or her as a true child of God (as a brother or sister that we cherish).  Everyone is to be honored.  It is not a treatment that Is to be earned.  To see people through God’s eyes, we must have the Holy Spirit within us.  This means that we must have accepted the payment that Jesus made for us on the cross and have given him reign in our hearts.

Next, giving can be motivated from many directions.  Only one type of giving makes a lasting difference.  Again, that is the giving led by the Holy Spirit.  Wrong giving can enable, stop personal growth, or interfere with God’s loving processes.  When giving is guided by the Holy Spirit, it accomplishes God’s purposes.

And lastly, forgiveness is the heart of the Bible’s message.  God made it clear that forgiveness is not optional.  Yet, forgiveness is a losing battle unless we enlist God’s help.  We think an offense is long gone only to discover dregs of bitterness in our hearts.  If we recognize repeated bad fruit in our life, often the source of this is unforgiveness, resentment or bitterness lodged in our hearts.  In actuality, we often cannot see the bad fruit in our own lives.  It takes a bold, kind and honest loved one to point it out.

The best way to detox our spirit is prayer.  Pray for God to show us the root of the bad fruit.  Pray for forgiveness in the ways we have judged others (labeled them or put them in a box of our perceived limitations–failed to honor them).  Pray for God to give the gift of forgiveness to us in letting go of offenses and hurts to us.  Pray blessings upon the ones who hurt us.  Give restitution to the ones we have hurt.

Amazingly, one of the best sources for detoxing our spirits is right at our fingertips.  It is the Bible.  The Bible is most useful when it is interpreted to us by the Holy Spirit.  For a non-Christian reading the Bible is like reading history.  For one filled by the Holy Spirit, it is like reading God’s love letters, teachings and admonitions from someone who is speaking to me personally.

The most effective way I have found to detox body, mind and spirit is to hang out with God.  That means many different things–the Bible, dancing with him, talking to him, singing to him and I am sure that I will discover more as I hang around him.  This is something that I am just learning to do after many years of being a Christian in a very dry and rules-oriented way.  It is an adventure that I want to share with everyone.

Category:

Cancer info, Diets for Healing, General Health, healing of body, mind and spirit, Healing the mind, Nutrition

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Another Reason to Avoid Milk Products


Casein, a protein contained in milk products, was referenced previously in this blog.   Casein is linked to cancer growth.

Below is a link from Dr. Mercola’s site.  The article and video discuss an artificial hormone, Rgbh, given to cows in the U.S. to stimulate milk production.   Rgbh is found in many non organic milk, cheeses and other dairy products.  The article shows how milk products which are not certified organic may contribute to your chances of getting breast cancer.

Just as a side note, organic ghee is fine for cooking as it is casein free.  It looks, tastes, and cooks like butter. It is actually clarified butter.   You can buy it in the non refrigerated shelves near the oils.  It is the one dairy product which I use.

 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/23/rgbh-in-milk-increases-risk-of-breast-cancer.aspx

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Diets for Healing, Nutrition

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Yummy grain free gluten free, GAPS-diet-okay banana peanut butter pancakes


Ingredients:

1 ripe banana broken into 1 inch pieces

2 organic eggs from free range chickens

3 Tablespoons of organic peanut butter

Mix ingredients with mixer or immersion blender in medium bowl.  Preheat griddle to medium heat on stovetop and grease with ghee (this is casein free and can be found at Whole Foods with the oils– not in the refrigerated section).   Drop pancakes by spoonfuls onto griddle.  If you like your pancakes thin, add more eggs.  If you like them thick add more peanut butter.

Cook to golden brown then flip.  they take less time on the 2nd side.

Recipe adapted from Internal Bliss GAPS cookbook.

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Diets for Healing, GAPS recipes, Healthy recipes

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Dr. Mercola’s summary on probiotics


This is reprinted from Dr. Mercola’s website.  It is a great summary on probiotics.

The History Behind Fermented Foods and Their Health Benefits

History provides us a few clues on how different cultures promoted their intestinal health before modern times. Years ago, people used fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut – as food preservatives and as support for intestinal and overall health.

Raw Yogurt DrinkAncient Indian culture (as well as today),
promoted intestinal health with a raw yogurt
drink called lassi – full of probiotics

Here are a few examples…

  • During Roman times, people ate sauerkraut because of its taste and benefits to their overall health.
  • In ancient Indian society, it became commonplace (and still is) to enjoy a before-dinner yogurt drink called a lassi. These Indian traditions were based on the principle of using sour milk as a probiotic delivery system to the body.
  • Bulgarians are known both for their health and their high consumption of fermented milk and kefir.
  • In Asian cultures, pickled fermentations of cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash and carrots still exist today.
  • People of the Ukraine consume probiotics from foods like sauerkraut, raw yogurt, and buttermilk.

The interesting thing was most of these dietary habits were born from tradition… at the time, no one really knew or understood why they were so healthy to your digestive system.*

How Probiotics Got Their Start – An Uphill Battle
Against Big Pharma

Well, things changed in the early 1900s, when Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff (Nobel Prize 1908) proposed that the Balkan population enjoyed excellent health due to consumption of large quantities of fermented milks containing beneficial bacteria.*

These ‘good’ bacteria were later defined as probiotics, which comes from Greek terminology meaning ‘for life.’

In the 1950s, the USDA licensed a probiotic formula for use in the digestive tract of pigs. Later on in the 1970s, the effectiveness of the probiotics in that role in pigs was discovered. Probiotics were later pioneered for human use.

So, what took so long to bring probiotics to the forefront in human health enhancements?*

I believe that the mere fact that large pharmaceutical companies were able to leverage millions of dollars to market their products pushed probiotics out of the way… relegated them to the back-burner.

But today, the health trend has clearly begun to shift toward natural nutrition. And that has allowed probiotics to resurface and gain the attention they deserve.

And that’s why I spend so much of my time researching factual data on how to provide you with the best probiotic formula available.

All this is well and good, but…

Why Are Probiotics So Vital to Your Health?*

Mother Embracing her BabyWhy do many caesarean-section infants have
less-than-optimal health after birth?

From the very first breath you take, you’re exposed to probiotics.

How so?

On the way through the birth canal during a normal delivery, a newborn gets dosed with bacteria from their mother. This event starts colonization in the infant’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract of ‘good’ bacteria. Compelling new research now shows many caesarean-section infants have less-than-optimal health after birth. This is most likely because they are not exposed to the mother’s healthy bacteria in the birth canal which would then serve to populate its own GI tract.

As you mature, you’re faced with many threats to the beneficial bacteria in your gut… from chlorinated drinking water… to overly-processed foods.

The ‘good’ bacteria in your gastrointestinal system can only provide you with optimum health if the proper balance of different types of bacteria is maintained in your gut.*

This is where probiotics can have a profound effect… not just on your GI health, but on your overall health as well.* Keep in mind, 80% of your immune system actually lives in your gut.

Probiotic formulas are available with many different types of bacterial strains… with the most common being Lactobacillus acidophilus. But as you’ll find out shortly, not all probiotics are created equal… and not all probiotic formulas are properly produced to provide optimal benefits.*

In general, if formulated properly, the major benefits of a high-quality probiotic are to…

  • Aid you in digesting food, particularly hard-to-digest foods and foods to which some individuals are more sensitive.*
  • Enhance the synthesis of B vitamins and improve calcium absorption*
  • Help you keep a healthy balance of intestinal microflora*
  • (In women) Promote vaginal health*
  • Support your overall immune function*

And more…

I strongly believe the key to an optimal probiotic formula is through science-backed research by a qualified non-biased laboratory… and through a manufacturer with rigorous high-quality process standards in place.

You’ll see more evidence of this unwavering belief I have coming up…

When’s the Best Time to Take a Probiotic Supplement?

One of the confusing issues with probiotic supplements hinges around timing… when is the best time to take them?

Medicine IntakeWhen’s the best time to take a probiotic?
See my recommendations here

Recommendations are pretty much all over the place on the best time to take them around meal times.

I can tell you when it comes to this, my team and I have carefully researched this issue and even consulted with the one of the foremost authorities and pioneers on probiotics…

The bottom line… my recommended approach and timing for taking a probiotic supplement are…

  • Take it prior to eating breakfast with a glass of pure water
  • Wait 10-15 minutes after taking it before you eat because stomach acid from your meal could impact some of the ‘good’ bacteria (you could lose 5-10%)
  • Avoid taking it within 3 hours of taking any antibiotic

And talking about meals and probiotics, something I hear quite often is…

“If I Eat Yogurt, Should I Still Take Probiotics?”

You are probably wondering why using nearly any commercial yogurt might not be as beneficial as a probiotic supplement. Afterall, traditional cultures have been consuming cultured, fermented foods like yogurt for years for digestive health promotion.

Eating YougurtMost commercial yogurts are not a good source
of probiotics. Heat pasteurization significantly
reduces most of the ‘good’ bacteria benefits

The problem arises because…

  • Traditional yogurts were phenomenal sources of beneficial bacteria due to their raw and unpasteurized state.
  • Most of today’s yogurts are pasteurized, unless specially purchased raw and unpasteurized from a local farmer. Sadly, pasteurization radically reduces most of the benefits.
  • Even most of the yogurts certified organic by the USDA are pasteurized in some fashion.

So what, in my opinion, is wrong with pasteurization?

Well, it basically kills or sterilizes most of the beneficial and other bacteria during the heat processing. And some yogurts (particularly the frozen ones), don’t contain any live bacteria at all.

So, as great-tasting as many of them are, don’t be fooled by yogurt products advertising live cultures beneficial to your digestive system… many have likely had the beneficial bacteria already reduced or wiped out by heat-intensive pasteurization processes.

To me, this is one of those cases where it appears that in our collective zeal to rid ourselves of every trace of infectious agents in our food supply and homes, we may have outdone ourselves.

As a whole, we’re less exposed to bacteria now than in the past, including beneficial bacteria. Antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and the like have made for a world that’s a whole lot cleaner, but is it really that much healthier?

Due to strict food safety regulations, less bacteria (including the ‘good’ ones) survive the manufacturing process. Many overly-processed products, just like yogurt, undergo pasteurization or sterilization, which may destroy beneficial bacteria.

While this may be helpful in some ill-health prevention, it also means we are exposed to less health-enhancing bacteria.*

And with helpful bacteria less available in our food, I’m even more convinced how crucial it is to consider supplementation with high-quality probiotics.

But, I first must raise the caution flag and give you fair…

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Cancer info, Diets for Healing, Nutrition

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Blood Sugar


High blood sugar and cancer are linked.  This is a complex cause effect relationship which is not as simplistic as “Sugar feeds cancer.”  However, to me it is functionally that simple.

Here is an article from Dr. Mercola’s website about this.  Following that is a link to a great article by Tom Cowan on blood sugar, diabetes and ways to control this.

 

More Evidence Sugar Feeds Cancer

Growing tumor cells can crowd out other cells and cut them off from oxygen-carrying blood vessels, necessary for their survival. When this happens, some cancer cells have developed the ability to bypass the need for oxygen and instead switch to the glycolytic pathway, which they use even when oxygen is restored.

Researchers from the Harvard Medical School have now found that blocking one of the glycolytic pathway’s enzymes, LDHA, may be an effective anti-cancer therapy.

The researchers shut down glycolysis in breast cancer cells by blocking LDHA and implanted the cells in mice. Among the LDHA-deficient mice, only two died, one at 16 weeks and the other at 18 weeks, and 80 percent were still living at the end of the four-month study.

In contrast, the control mice, which had tumor cells with a working glycolytic pathway, died at 10 weeks or before.

The researchers concluded that LDHA may be a weak point in the glycolytic pathway, and knocking out the pathway could be an effective way to fight cancer.  

Sources:

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:
 


Cancer is now the number one cause of death in the United States; it surpassed heart disease last year.

Does anyone think that might be related to the obesity epidemic that we are in the midst of? Two out of three Americans are overweight and 73 million Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Elevated insulin and leptin levels are usually major contributing factors in both of these diseases.

It is vital to understand what insulin actually is. Insulin is something you need as without it you would go into hyperglycemic coma and die, but many have insulin levels that are too high.

Your pancreas releases insulin — produced by beta cells — after you eat carbohydrates. This causes a rise in blood sugar. Insulin ensures your cells receive some blood sugar necessary for life, and increases glycogen storage. However, it also drives your body to use more carbohydrate, and less fat, as fuel. And, insulin converts almost half of your dietary carbohydrate to fat for storage. In other words, when we eat too much carbohydrate, we’re essentially sending a hormonal message, via insulin, to the body (actually, to the adipose cells).

The message: “Store fat.”

Not only do increased insulin levels tell your body to store carbohydrates as fat, they also tell it not to release any stored fat. This makes it impossible for you to use your own stored body fat for energy. So the excess carbohydrates in your diet not only make you fat, they make sure you stay fat.

High levels of insulin can cause major damage to your body. The most recognized of these is diabetes. In addition, hypertension, obesity, high levels of cholesterol and other lipids, heart disease, kidney disease, female infertility and neurodegeneration are all caused by eating too many carbohydrates, resulting in high insulin levels.

If you want to use more fats for energy, the insulin response must be moderated. Diets high in refined sugars release more insulin thereby allowing less stored fat to be burned.

Insulin is the Key to the Vast Majority of Chronic Illness

Getting back to the study, though, I find it somewhat tragic that this is not really new information. The article mentions Otto Warburg, who was the German physician that was awarded a Nobel Prize over 75 years ago for first uncovering cancer cells’ massive dependence on sugar as a fuel source.

Yes, you read that correctly. Physicians have been exposed to this information for 75 years, when most of your great grandparents were alive and kicking.

It is reassuring to have Harvard researchers confirm this again, though. But do you think for one moment this will change the clinical protocols for the average oncologist?

Don’t hold your breath.

It is just shocking to me that they don’t understand this basic fact and integrate it into their treatment program.

This is likely why exercise has consistently been shown to be associated with lower cancer rates.Exercise is a powerful way to improve insulin and leptin sensitivity, which helps to keep your fasting blood sugar below the magic 100 level.

My feeling is that you start to dramatically increase your risk for cancer once your fasting blood sugar rises above 100. The higher your blood sugar level the higher your risk of cancer.

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait another 75 years to benefit from this information. Just because your physician may be clueless about insulin’s influence on cancer doesn’t mean you have to be.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or are overweight you are best served by avoiding all sugars and most grains. Yes, even whole organic grains as they are not vegetable carbs, and all grains, even alternative ones like spelt, millet, amaranth and quinoa, will tend to raise your insulin levels.

Of course you will also want to participate in an effective exercise program.

How do you know you are doing good enough?

Simple, just have your doctor run a fasting insulin level and if it is below 4-5 you win.

 

Treating Diabetes: Practical Advice for Combatting a Modern Epidemic PDF Print E-mail
Written by Thomas Cowan, MD

   http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/diabetes/587-treating-diabetes 

 

 

 

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Chronic Candida by Jennifer McLaughlin (nutritionist)


This article is written by Jennifer McLaughlin, nutritionist and educator.

 

Chronic Candida

AlimentaryLiving | June 16, 2011 at 10:10 AM | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p16WZ7-1B

Candida albicans is a fungus that is commonly found in the digestive tract. In a healthy situation this fungus causes no problems or symptoms and is controlled by friendly bacteria, our immune system, and intestinal pH. But if any of these control mechanisms are compromised, the candida may begin to multiply and spread. Candida albicans produces toxins, and as candida colonies increase in number and size, the quantities of toxin increase as well. Lipski (2005) describes how these toxins are absorbed into the blood stream and affect our immune system, hormone balance, and thought processes causing an amazing variety of systemic symptoms that vary by individual.

Trowbridge and Walker (1986) describe the symptoms of Candidiasis as “feeling bad all over.” The list of major symptoms is long and includes multiple food allergies, fatigue, depression, poor memory, erratic vision, achy muscles or joints, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vaginal itch or burning, menstrual irregularities, loss of sexual desire or impotence, as well as prostatitis or endometriosis (Murray, 1997).

There are several candida questionnaires available that allow a quick and simple analysis of whether candida may be responsible for the poor health of an individual. Murray (1997), Crook (1986), and Lipski (2005) have similar questionnaires. Based on an individual’s responses to a series of questions regarding medical history and symptoms, the questionnaires interpret the results in terms of the likelihood that their health problems are yeast-connected. Although the questionnaires are certainly quick, easy, and useful; they do not provide a confirmed diagnosis. If an individual and their practitioner decide that they would like to confirm the diagnosis or simply tract the presence of candida through the treatment, a comprehensive stool and digestive analysis (CSDA) can provide this and other information that may help guide the treatment plan.

There are four primary factors that may lead to Chronic Candidiasis: altered intestinal flora, dietary factors, reduced digestive secretions, or a depressed immune system.
Altered intestinal flora leaves the intestinal wall susceptible to Candida overgrowth. The primary reasons for altered intestinal flora is the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, or
steroid medications (Lipski, 2005). These medications kill the bacteria in the large intestine that is controlling the candida population thus allowing the candida colonies to take over. These large colonies of candida damage the intestinal lining which may lead to leaky gut and multiple food allergies.

Dietary factors such as high sugar diets promote candida overgrowth. The primary nutrient for candida is sugar, therefore high sugar diets feed candida and may lead to overgrowth. Nutrient deficiencies often found in the standard American diet may also affect the immune system as discussed below.

Secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine normally help keep candida controlled by creating prohibitive environments (Rubinstein etc). Decreased secretions may therefore allow candida growth.

A depressed immune system can also lead to Candida overgrowth. There are many reasons that a person’s immune system could be compromised including the use of immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids, nutrient deficiencies, impaired liver function, or chronic disease. According to Murray (1997), people with candida overgrowth often have other chronic infections and while the immune system is weakened it will be difficult for a person to overcome any of these conditions.

The typical allopathic approach to treating chronic candida relies primarily on anti-yeast medications. A holistic approach begins by correcting any imbalances that may have contributed to the candida overgrowth, but may include anti-yeast medications or supplements as part of treatment. The difference between these approaches is that the anti-yeast medications are a short-term solution and may not protect from another candida overgrowth situation. The holistic approach involves lifestyle and diet changes to keep the yeast under control in the short and long term. The steps below outline a typical holistic approach to candida, although it will certainly vary by client and by practitioner. These steps are adapted from Murray’s approach proposed in Chronic Candidiasis.

Step 1: Identify and address predisposing factors.
With a physician’s guidance, discontinue use of antibiotics, birth control pills, as well as steroids and other immune-suppressing drugs.

A hydrochloric acid test or a step-wise increase in HCL supplementation can determine whether decreased HCL is a factor. Murray (1997) outlines this process on page 36 of Chronic Candidiasis. If a client has decreased HCL secretions, HCL supplements can be taken during a meal.

A CSDA can provide information as to whether adequate protease is being produced and pancreatic enzyme supplements are available if needed. Even if the CSDA does not report decreased enzyme secretion, pancreatic enzyme supplements may help with food allergies associated with candida by more thoroughly digesting food (Murray, 1997).

Step 2: Follow a candida control diet.
In general, consuming a whole foods diet comprised of organic produce and naturally raised animal products will provide maximum nutritional support thus providing the body with the means to heal itself. A whole foods diet will not contain additives, toxins, or processed ingredients thus allocating more time and nutritional resources to healing instead of removing harmful substances from the body. The candida control diet excludes three categories of food that I have detailed at the end of this step.

Vegetables should be the primary food while on the candida control diet. Vegetables are nutrient rich, provide antioxidants to support the liver and immune system, and contain fiber which will help keep move the bowels and clear toxins from the body. Almost all vegetables are included in the diet and should be consumed with every meal and snack. The only exception is mushrooms which are a fungus (see Exclusion #3). Potatoes, winter squash, and sweet potatoes tend to raise blood sugar quickly and should be eaten only in combination with other vegetables and a protein.

Grass-fed animal protein, pastured eggs, and sustainable seafood should be consumed daily to boost the immune system and nourish the body with nutrients only available from animal sources. Small amounts of animal fats are welcome in the diet. While most dairy is not allowed (see Exclusion #1); butter, ghee, and homemade yogurt that has fermented 24 hours contain no lactose and may be included.

Whole grains and legumes may be consumed, however breads and other processed grains contain simple sugars and should be avoided (see Exclusion #1). Raw, soaked or sprouted nuts and seeds are wonderfully nutritious and may be included (although peanuts and cashews should be avoided due to their high mold content, see Exclusion #3).

Water is an important element of this diet as it plays a vital role in delivering nutrients to cells and removing toxins from the body. Ten to twelve 8 ounces glasses of water a day is usually adequate.

Exclusion #1: While supporting the body with whole foods, starve the candida by removing refined and simple sugars from diet. This includes added sugars such as sucrose, glucose, maltose, lactose, fructose, agave, maple syrup, honey, and corn syrup, as well as white flour, white rice, milk and other lactose containing dairy products, fruits, fruit juices, and high-sugar vegetables juices such as carrot juice.

Exclusion #2: Sufferers of chronic candida often have multiple food allergies. These allergies need to be identified through an elimination diet or an allergy test. Once identified, these foods should be avoided initially and dealt with once the candida overgrowth is controlled.

Exclusion #3: Many practitioners recommend avoiding foods containing mold and yeast such as yeasted breads, fermented beverages, vinegar, and cheese. Although these foods don’t cause candida growth, people with chronic candida sometimes develop yeast and fungi allergies, which can impede recovery (Crook, 1986).
Step 3: Provide nutritional support.
A candida control diet will provide the body with a full spectrum of nutrients. However, many clients may be suffering from years of malnutrition or malabsorption and it may take time to adjust their diet completely. To help fill nutritional deficiencies, clients should take a high-potency full-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement containing bioavailable nutrients. A good multi-vitamin will include several antioxidants, but additional vitamin C and E supplements may be appropriate as well. Essential fatty acids support cellular function and therefore whole body health. Although they are found in seafood, nuts, and seeds, a daily dose of cod liver oil or one tablespoon of flaxseed oil is also recommended.

Step 4: Support immune function.
A multifaceted approach is the best way to reestablishing proper immune function. While the candida control diet will provide necessary nutrients, stress and poor diet are usually the largest factors contributing to a depressed immune system (Murray, 1997). High levels of stress can impact immune function as well as nutrient absorption. If a candida sufferer is dealing with stress it will be important to remove stressors or learn to manage them. Daily deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and adequate sleep will support stress reduction and therefore increased immunity. In addition, research has shown that moderate exercise will also stimulate the immune system (Lutack & Bongiorno, 2006). Murray (1997) suggests at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise four times per week.

Step 5: Take probiotics.
As candida is starved out or otherwise removed from the large intestine, we want health-promoting flora to replace them. A probiotic will provide a constant stream of these flora.

Step 6: Use appropriate anti-yeast therapy.
There are two main approaches to anti-yeast therapy: natural anti-yeast agents and prescription anti-yeast agents. Doctor’s Data (2011) is a clinical laboratory that provides stool analysis as well as helpful information regarding the effectiveness of several of
these agents. They have found the natural anti-yeast agents berberine, caprylic acid, tannic acid, and citrus seed extract to be the most effective. Lipski (2005) also adds garlic to this list. Doctor’s Data has also found nystatin, a prescription antifungal not absorbed into the body, to be effective as well as several prescription azole antifungals.

When the candida fungus dies it produces toxins that may aggravate symptoms initially. This “die-off” may be controlled a bit by following steps 1-5 for about two weeks prior to introducing an anti-yeast agent. Die-off will be more apparent in severe cases, so in the case of a more mild overgrowth, this two week window may be skipped or shortened.

Candida albicans may be difficult to diagnose initially if a practitioner is not aware of the diversity of symptoms associated with the fungus. However, once recognized and controlled, diet and lifestyle changes can keep candida overgrowth from recurring and will promote general good health thus keeping other diseases at bay as well.

References

Crook, William. The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough. (1986). Vintage Books: New York.

Doctor’s Data. (2011). Sample Patient: Yeast profile. Retrieved May 17, 2011, from http://www.doctorsdata.com/repository.asp?id=2255

Lipski, Elizabeth. Digestive Wellness (3rd Edition). (2005). McGraw Hill: New York.

Lutack, B. & Bongiorno, P. (2006). The exercise prescription. In Pizzorno, J. & Murray, M. (Eds.) Textbook of Natural Medicine (3rd Edition). Churchill Livingstone: St Louis.

Murray, M. Chronic Candidiasis. (1997). Three Rivers Press: New York.

Rubinstein, E., Mark, Z., Haspel, J., Ben-Ari, G., Dreznik, K., Mirelman, D., & Tadmor, A. (1985). Antibacterial activity of the pancreatic fluid. Gastroenterology, 88(4), 927-32.

Trowbridge, J.P. & Walker, M. The Yeast Syndrome. (1986). Bantam Books: New York.

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Game Plan for Eating


Here are the things that I have blended together that have really worked from the different diets and all the study on healthy eating.

I kept the oatmeal in the mornings from the Gerson plan.  I use steel cut organic oats (ordered online), soaked overnight with a little lemon juice or vinegar to break down the phytic acid.  I add ground flaxseed when I eat it– a couple of heaping tablespoons a day to add fiber.  Flaxseed does not do well with heat—it breaks down and is no longer good for your body.  It must be used raw.  Also, I use an alternative to dairy, like almond milk.  I make sure it is not sweetened.  As of yet, I have not ventured to make my own nut milk.

The mainstay of my diet is organic veggies.  I don’t eat potatoes, sweet potatoes or corn as these are very high on the glycemic index.  Generally speaking it is best to keep your blood glucose level down as cancer loves sugar.  In the Gerson diet, they recommend no meat or fish on the premise that protein feeds cancer.  I found I could not function without protein–my energy was at sub-basement level.  So I added a  little wild caught fish.  I still try to keep it down to 10% or less of my diet.  I eat fruits, organic when possible, but try to minimize the super sweet ones as they contribute to higher blood sugar plus they make the body more acidic.  Also acidifying to the body are meats and grains, so I stay away from those.  This is a recent change.  It may just be necessary for me as I have blood sugar level problems and a strong genetic predisposition towards diabetes.

Nuts are fine if they are soaked overnight so that they are sprouted.  Gerson does not allow them because of the fat, however eating sprouted almonds keeps me sane with all the other restrictions.  I sprout a small amount each night so that they don’t spoil.  The healthiest nuts are almonds and walnuts.  Raw almonds are pretty easy to find in grocery stores.  Roasted nuts cannot be sprouted.  Peanuts are not the best nuts because they tend to have a lot of molds from the storage process.  Organic  nuts are best if you can find them.

Juicing provides lots of nutrients plus live enzymes of which people with chronic diseases (like cancer, fibromyalgia, lupus, etc) have special need.  These are a very powerful weapon for fighting disease and growing healthy tissue.  They are building blocks for healthy cells.  Using a variety of veggies and minimal fruits in your juice is a good idea, but getting to that point is best done in stages.

Cooked veggies are easier to digest so soups and stir fried dinners are a great addition.  Smoothies are also easier to digest, so these are also good for a healing body.  Eating asparagus often, either cooked or raw, is extremely alkalizing for the body (which is good).  Cancer loves acid and hates alkaline.

Bone broth from organic pasture raised livestock, specifically chickens, seems like a great way to get minerals. My body does not seems to do well with pork or beef.  When I make it I skim off all the fat after it has cooled.

If I absolutely have a need for sweetener, I use stevia which has an unpleasant aftertaste.  I hide this by adding the tiniest bit of honey.

I also take daily probiotic (Klaire Labs Therabiotic Complete Powder) which has made my life so much better.  And I take a daily dose of Norwegian cod liver oil.  Supplements are constantly changing based on what I have read or what Jen, my nutritionist daughter in law, tells me.  Fairly constant are a multivitamin made from food sources, vitamin C, selenium, Co Q 10, kelp, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, niacin and now vitamin E.

Another wonderful source of probiotics are Bubbie’s pickles and sauerkraut and King’s Kim Chi.  These are available at some grocery stores.  Jewel ordered them in for me.

Good snacks are apple or celery slices with nut butter.  Avocados are not allowed on the Gerson diet but if I am desperately needing fat, they fill the bill.  I have noticed when I eat more fats, the night sweats, which are a symptom of cancer, increase. Gerson may be right– eating fat may not be a great idea.

Decaf green teas are healing and spices are generally good.  Jalapeno peppers are rumored to help fight cancer which makes sense to me because they increase blood flow, thereby oxygenating.  Cancer hates oxygen.  That is why exercise is one of the most powerful things you can do to fight cancer.

Now, if things look good with the lumps on Friday, we will see if this diet has helped.

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Cancer info, Diets for Healing, Nutrition

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Table Comparing Components of Healing Diets


Here is a link with a very cursory listing of diet components in various diets that are designed  to heal.

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