Are you waiting for the U.S. government to come up with a plan to keep you healthy and disease-free? Or how about provide you with insurance to overcome whatever ails you? Be prepared to wait a very long time.
Even in a perfect world, there is no entity other than you that can keep you healthy. It is your everyday habits of thought and self-care that keep you well. Your intention to take care of yourself outweighs even the worst effects of environmental exposures, things unknowingly ingested, even negative experiences from the past.
You must be willing to take responsibility for yourself. Shifting that responsibility to your parents, your employer, your country will always leave you frustrated and disconnected from your real power to heal yourself. When you take responsibility for yourself, there is nothing you cannot overcome.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Vegan Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. Our bodies do not produce these fats so we get them from foods or whole food supplements. Wild Alaska salmon is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, but many people are choosing not to eat fish. There are numerous and compelling reasons to forego fish. Maybe you are a vegetarian, vegan or just concerned about the contamination in our waterways.
Whatever your reasons, take heart – you don’t have to choke down (and burp up!) fish oil capsules anymore!
By the way, wild Alaska salmon get their high levels of omega-3 fats from their diet which consists mostly of phytoplankton (algae and various seaweeds) and smaller fish like krill which also feed on phytoplankton. Seaweed is a good source for us as well as is blue green algae. They may not sound as appetizing as salmon, but there are some great recipes for seaweed (like sushi, cucumber and seaweed salad, crunchy and salty snacks, etc.). And the algae comes in powder or capsule form.
A terrific source of omega-3’s is flax. You can use the seeds or the oil. If you use the seeds, buy them whole and grind them yourself fresh each time you use them. You need to grind them to be able to absorb their oil, otherwise, the seeds tend to stay intact throughout your intestines. The seed shell protects the oil from oxidation so just grind what you will use each day. Ground flax needs to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to keep from becoming rancid. Raw walnuts are another good source and store them in the freezer or refrigerator as well.
Other great sources of omega-3’s are leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli and spinach and green beans. Beans like navy and kidney are also fairly good sources. They need to be soaked overnight and cooked slowly at low temperature (think crockpot) to keep their nutrition intact.
Most oils are heat sensitive and omega-3 fatty acids are no different. Find ways to prepare these foods without heat or low heat so you can maximum their nutrition.
Whatever your reasons, take heart – you don’t have to choke down (and burp up!) fish oil capsules anymore!
By the way, wild Alaska salmon get their high levels of omega-3 fats from their diet which consists mostly of phytoplankton (algae and various seaweeds) and smaller fish like krill which also feed on phytoplankton. Seaweed is a good source for us as well as is blue green algae. They may not sound as appetizing as salmon, but there are some great recipes for seaweed (like sushi, cucumber and seaweed salad, crunchy and salty snacks, etc.). And the algae comes in powder or capsule form.
A terrific source of omega-3’s is flax. You can use the seeds or the oil. If you use the seeds, buy them whole and grind them yourself fresh each time you use them. You need to grind them to be able to absorb their oil, otherwise, the seeds tend to stay intact throughout your intestines. The seed shell protects the oil from oxidation so just grind what you will use each day. Ground flax needs to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to keep from becoming rancid. Raw walnuts are another good source and store them in the freezer or refrigerator as well.
Other great sources of omega-3’s are leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli and spinach and green beans. Beans like navy and kidney are also fairly good sources. They need to be soaked overnight and cooked slowly at low temperature (think crockpot) to keep their nutrition intact.
Most oils are heat sensitive and omega-3 fatty acids are no different. Find ways to prepare these foods without heat or low heat so you can maximum their nutrition.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Healthy Teeth for a Lifetime
Healthy teeth are a great asset and can help you live a long and healthy life.
Interestingly enough, our teeth can reflect our physical health. Gum disease, tooth decay and other oral infections are related to many conditions as diverse as heart disease and skin rashes.
There is no substitute for good food and water – they’re essential for overall health. Beyond that, here are a few simple things you can do to help your mouth cleanse and heal.
1. Eat lots of fresh, organic greens. Chew thoroughly, allowing the food to become liquid and your mouth to soak in the organic vitamins and minerals.
2. Consider oil pulling with unrefined, virgin coconut oil. Oil pulling is a technique that comes to us from Ayurvedic medicine and many have experienced miraculous results. (For details on oil pulling, you can google it or go to http://www.earthclinic.com/ for more information.) Coconut oil is my first choice for this as it is pleasant tasting, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic.
3. Avoid eating between meals – particular sticky and sweet foods that cling to teeth and encourage bacteria to proliferate.
4. Consider rinsing your mouth with water and sea salt when you are not able to brush (like after snacking or eating on the run). Sea salt contains trace minerals and also has antiseptic qualities.
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime and with a little maintenance, they will serve you well.
Interestingly enough, our teeth can reflect our physical health. Gum disease, tooth decay and other oral infections are related to many conditions as diverse as heart disease and skin rashes.
There is no substitute for good food and water – they’re essential for overall health. Beyond that, here are a few simple things you can do to help your mouth cleanse and heal.
1. Eat lots of fresh, organic greens. Chew thoroughly, allowing the food to become liquid and your mouth to soak in the organic vitamins and minerals.
2. Consider oil pulling with unrefined, virgin coconut oil. Oil pulling is a technique that comes to us from Ayurvedic medicine and many have experienced miraculous results. (For details on oil pulling, you can google it or go to http://www.earthclinic.com/ for more information.) Coconut oil is my first choice for this as it is pleasant tasting, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic.
3. Avoid eating between meals – particular sticky and sweet foods that cling to teeth and encourage bacteria to proliferate.
4. Consider rinsing your mouth with water and sea salt when you are not able to brush (like after snacking or eating on the run). Sea salt contains trace minerals and also has antiseptic qualities.
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime and with a little maintenance, they will serve you well.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Taking Care of Yourself
There has never been a more important time to take care of yourself than right now. What you do for yourself everyday makes a difference. The intention you put forward to care for yourself is always rewarded. And make no mistake: there is no selfishness in caring for yourself. The stronger you are – the more you have to offer others.
Your body always wants to move in the direction of health. Symptoms are your body’s way of communicating to you. Even if you get off track, you can tune back in to your own inner knowing. Get quiet. Relax. Trust your gut. Your body could be asking you to change your diet, get exercise, seek out more knowledge – whatever the call – take the inspired action.
Your body always wants to move in the direction of health. Symptoms are your body’s way of communicating to you. Even if you get off track, you can tune back in to your own inner knowing. Get quiet. Relax. Trust your gut. Your body could be asking you to change your diet, get exercise, seek out more knowledge – whatever the call – take the inspired action.
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