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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Sore throat ? Let's do some medicine - easy!

Sore throat ? Let's do a mezinha - easy!
 
 
With the arrival of the rain and the cold is quite natural that sore throats are appearing . Instead of opting for medicines from the pharmacy , expensive and diminish their natural defenses , why not opt for homemade medicine that I inherited from my grandmother ?
 
Simple to make , totally natural , this home remedy for sore throats has done miracles here at home .
 
Home remedy for sore throat
 
A container (I use a glass jar ) , place slices of lemon and ginger also cut in " slices " .
 
Cover the lemon and ginger with honey .
 
Close the container and place in refrigerator ( keeps for 2 months max) . A jelly should then be formed .
 
To serve, place a teaspoon of that jam in a cup of hot green tea (I think it happens with other tea because green tea is not for everyone )
 
And voila , your nectar against sore throat 100 % natural is ready !

Copied from Ervas e Curas - O Glossário Herbal oroginal in Portuguese translated by Google

Friday, December 13, 2013

36 Foods That Help Detox and Cleanse Your Entire Body

December 12, 2013 | By | 1 Reply

Flickr - Apple - V.ÁronJohn Summerly, Prevent Disease
Waking Times

Practiced for thousands of years by cultures around the world –detoxification is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health. These foods will assist in boosting your metabolism, optimizing digestion, while allowing you to lose weight and fortify your immune system.

1. ARTICHOKES

Artichokes help the liver function at its best, which in turn will help your body purge itself of toxins and other things it doesn't need to survive. It ups the liver's production of bile, and since bile helps break down foods which helps your body use the nutrients inside them, an increase in bile production is typically a good thing.

2. APPLES

Apples are full of wonderful nutrients. You get fibre, vitamins, minerals and many beneficial phytochemicals such as D-Glucarate, flavonoids and terpenoids. All of these substances are used in the detox process. One flavonoid, Phlorizidin (phlorizin), is thought to help stimulate bile production which helps with detox as the liver gets rid of some toxins through the bile. Apples are also a good source of the soluble fibre pectin, which can help detox metals and food additives from your body. It's best to eat only organic apples as the non-organic varieties are among the top 12 foods that have been found to contain the most pesticide residues. Organically produced apples also have a 15 percent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples.

3. ALMONDS

Almonds are the best nut source of Vitamin E. In fact, just one ounce contains 7.3 mg of "alpha-tocopherol" vitamin E, the form of the vitamin the body prefers. They're also high in fiber, calcium, magnesium, and useable protein that helps stabilize blood sugar and remove impurities from the bowels.

4. ASPARAGUS

Not only does asparagus help to detoxify the body, it can help you wage the anti-aging battle, protect you from getting cancer, help your heart to stay healthy, and is a general anti-inflammatory food. It's also known to help with liver drainage, which might sound like a bad thing, but since the liver is responsible for filtering out the toxic materials in the food and drinks we consume, anything that backs up its drainage is not doing you any favors. Asparagus also helps reduce risk of death from breast cancer and increase the odds of survival.

5. AVOCADOS

This wonder fruit is packed with antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and dilates the blood vessels while blocking artery-destroying toxicity. Avocados contain a nutrient called glutathione, which blocks at least 30 different carcinogens while helping the liver detoxify synthetic chemicals. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that elderly people who had high levels of glutathione were healthier and less likely to suffer from arthritis. Consuming avocados is associated with better diet quality and nutrient intake level, lower intake of added sugars, lower body weight, BMI and waist circumferences, higher "good cholesterol" levels and lower metabolic syndrome risk.

6. BASIL

Basil has anti-bacterial properties, and it's full of antioxidants to protect the liver. The active ingredients are terpenoids. It is also wonderful for digestion and detoxification, too. It supports the functioning of the kidneys and also acts as a diuretic to help the body expel unwanted toxins. Basil has been known to have anti-ulcer qualities as well as antimicrobial effects that guard against bacteria, yeast, fungi and mold. Basil seed can also help with constipation. The anticancer properties of basil may also relate to its ability to influence viral infections.

7. BEETS

A single serving of beets can do more for your health than most foods in the produce isle. Not only can they boost your energy and lower your blood pressure, but eating beets in the long-term can help you fight cancer, reduce arthritic pain, boost your brain as well as help you lose weight. Beets contain a unique mixture of natural plant chemicals (phytochemicals) and minerals that make them superb fighters of infection, blood purifiers, and liver cleansers. They also help boost the body's cellular intake of oxygen, making beets excellent overall body cleansers. When you're detoxing, beets will help by making sure that the toxins you're getting out actually make it out of your body. Many detox cleanses go wrong when toxins are reintroduced to the body because they don't make it all the way out.

8. BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries contain natural aspirin that helps lessen the tissue-damaging effects of chronic inflammation, while lessening pain. Just 300 grams of blueberries protects against DNA damage. Blueberries also act as antibiotics by blocking bacteria in the urinary tract, thereby helping to prevent infections. They have antiviral properties and are loaded with super-detoxifying phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins.

9. BRAZIL NUTS

These tasty treats are packed with selenium, which is key to flushing mercury out of your body. The body uses selenium to make 'selenoproteins', which work like antioxidants preventing damage to cells and there is growing body of evidence to show it has a key role in our health. The consumption of brazil nuts has been found to be inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

10. BROCCOLI

Broccoli specifically works with the enzymes in your liver to turn toxins into something your body can eliminate easily. If you're stuck for ways on how to make broccoli taste better try dehydrating or consider eating it raw. But don't microwave it as this destroys both the nutritional and detox potential. Broccoli contains a very powerful anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial called sulforaphane which helps prevent cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and allergies.

11. BROCCOLI SPROUTS

Broccoli sprouts can actually provide more benefit than regular broccoli as they contain 20 times more sulfurophane. They contain important phytochemicals that are released when they're chopped, chewed, fermented, or digested. The substances are released then break down into sulfurophanes, indole-3-carbinol and D-glucarate, which all have a specific effect on detoxification. Add these to your salads and get creative with them in your meals. Researchers have found that an oral preparation made from broccoli sprouts trigger an increase in inflammation-fighting enzymes in the upper airways.

12. CABBAGE

In addition to cleansing your liver, cabbage will also aid in helping you go to the bathroom, which in turn helps you expel the toxins, getting them out of your system so you can start fresh. It contains sulfur, which is essential when it comes to breaking down chemicals and removing them from your body. Along with other cole crops, cabbage is a source ofindole-3-carbinol, a chemical that boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.

13. CILANTRO

Cilantro, also known as coriander, Chinese parsley or dhania, contains anabundance of antioxidants. Cilantro helps mobilize mercury and other metals out of the tissue so it can attach to it other compounds and allow it to be excreted from the body. It also contains an antibacterial compound called dodecenal, which laboratory tests showed is twice as effective as the commonly used antibiotic drug gentamicin at killing Salmonella.

14. CINNAMON

The oils from cinnamon contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol. Cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood cells. Cinnamon's essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. It has one of the highest antioxidant values of all foodsand its use in medicine treats everything from nausea to menstruation and energy to diabetes.

15. CRANBERRIES

While they are more popular as fruits that help prevent urinary tract infections, cranberries are antibacterial and are known to remove many different toxins from your body. Cranberries feature a rich profile of anti-inflammatory nutrients, provide immune and cardiovascular support, as well as promote digestive health. Consuming cranberry products has beenassociated with prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for over 100 years.

16. DANDELIONS

Dandelions are considered a powerhouse food full of nutrients that are essential for anyone regularly eating processed foods. Dandelion root (taraxacum officinale) is known to act on the liver and pancreas bystraining and filtering toxins & wastes from the bloodstream and its beneficial effects on liver complaints have been well documented by both Asian practitioners and American physicians. They're a rich source of minerals and provide a variety of phytonutrients. They're super antioxidants that support cleansing of the digestive tract. Try adding dandelion leaves to your salad.

17. FENNEL

The fennel bulb is high in fiber may also be useful in preventing colon cancer. In addition to its fiber, fennel is a very good source of folate, a B vitamin that is necessary for the conversion of a dangerous molecule called homocysteine into other, benign molecules. The vitamin C found in fennel bulb is directly antimicrobial and is also needed for the proper function of the immune system.

18. FLAXSEEDS

When detoxifying your body, it's essential to ensure toxins are eliminated properly. Ground flaxseeds provide a wonderful source of fibre that helps to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal tract. They're also a great source of health promoting omega 3 oils. Try consuming two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in lemon water every morning. University of Copenhagen researchers report that flax fiber suppresses appetite and helps support weight loss. Men should be cautious when consuming flax as the lignans are similar to the female hormone estrogen as can cause problems for some men.

19. GARLIC

Many detox diets list garlic as a crucial piece of the puzzle. The reason is that garlic boosts the immune system as well as helping out the liver. One good thing about garlic is that you can up your intake without having to worry if your body is going to get used to it or build up a resistance.Sulfur is found in high quantities in garlic — which makes it a good detox food and its antibiotic properties heal your body. Garlic is proven to be 100 times more effective than antibiotics and working in a fraction of the time.

20. GINGER

Along side turmeric, ginger is one of the world's most potent disease-fighting spices. Ginger spikes your metabolism, flushes out waste, is thought to help liver function, and has some astringent properties. Some detox diets ask you to chew on ginger root. You may also find that adding it to hot water makes the water taste better. Basically any way you can think of it get it into your system is going to be beneficial, especially if you're suffering from a fatty liver caused by too much alcohol, or too many toxic foods and drinks.

21. GOJI BERRIES

Replace raisins with nutrient-dense Goji berries to boost your vitamin C and beta-carotene intake. Gram for gram, goji berries pack more vitamin C than oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots. Vitamin C can help remove waste from your body, while beta-carotene improves liver performance.

22. GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruits can prevent weight gain, treat diabetes, lower cholesterol, fight cancer, heal stomach ulcers, reduce gum disease and even keep stroke and metabolic syndrome at bay. Grapefruits can treat disease as well as pharmaceuticals without the side effects. The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells. The big takeaway on grapefruit is that it gets your liver fired up and ready for action, while infusing the rest of your organs with nutrient-laden fruit juice.

23. GREEN TEA

Green tea is often thought of as a great addition to any detox program because of its high antioxidant value. It is the least processed tea and thus provides the most antioxidant polyphenols, notably a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to green tea. According to 17 clinical trials, green tea is linked with significantly lower blood sugar.

24. HEMP

Hemp might just be one of nature's most perfect foods since it is full of antioxidants like Vitamins E and C, as well as chlorophyll which is wonderful for cleansing the body from toxins of all kinds, including heavy metals. The soluble and insoluble fiber in hemp can also keep the digestive tract clean and therefore, reduce the toxic burden on other internal organs. Hemp could free us from oil, prevent deforestation, cure cancer and it's environmentally friendly.

25. KALE

Kale is now recognized as providing comprehensive support for the body's detoxification system. New research has shown that the ITCs made from kale's glucosinolates can help regulate detox at a genetic level. This vegetable is so good for you that it is often recommended to patients that are following a doctor recommended diet when fighting kidney disease. It's packed with so many antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties as well, not to mention all of the vitamins and minerals it contains. Leafy greens are likely the number one food you can eat to regularly help improve your health. They're filled with fiber along with crucial vitamins, minerals, and plant-based phytochemicals that may help protect you from almost every disease known.

26. LEMONGRASS

This is an herb that is used in Thailand and other parts of the world as a natural way to cleanse several organs at once. It not only helps the liver but also the kidneys, the bladder, and the entire digestive tract. Benefits of using it in your cooking, or drinking it as a tea include a better complexion, better circulation, and better digestion. It is most often used as a tea in the world of detoxing, and there are several recipes you can try until you find one that suits your tastes best.

27. LEMONS

This wonderful fruit stimulates the release of enzymes and helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily excreted from the body. In addition, they contain high amounts of vitamin C, a vitamin needed by the body to make glutathione. Glutathione helps ensure that phase 2 liver detoxification keeps pace with phase 1, thereby reducing the likelihood of negative effects from environmental chemicals. Drinking lemon water, which is alkaline-forming, first thing in the morning will help to balance out the acidity of foods we've consumed. They also have an incredible effect in detoxing the liver. Fresh lemon juice contains more than 20 anti-cancer compounds and helps balance the body's pH levels. Here are 45 uses for lemons that will blow your socks off.

28. OLIVE OIL

Some liver cleanses out there call for olive oil mixed with fruit juice in order to trigger your liver to expunge its gallstones. But aside from that olive oil should be your go-to oil when you're trying to detox the body. That's because it has a lot of healthy properties, and makes for a better choice of fat than most of your other options. Just be sure not to cook with it at high heat. Use it as a salad dress to help things like dark leafy greens go down. Your best choice is always ice-pressed olive oil, but if you can find a very high quality cold-pressed olive oil, although not as nutritious, it will suffice provided the quality is high and not adulterated.

29. ONIONS

This ubiquitous kitchen staple is as healthy as it is tasty. It's brimming with sulfur-containing amino acids, which efficiently detox the liver. Raw onions deliver the most health benefits. Even a small amount of "overpeeling" can result in unwanted loss of flavonoids. For example, a red onion can lose about 20% of its quercetin and almost 75% of its anthocyanins if it is "overpeeled". Onions will soak up arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and tin in contaminated foods. The total polyphenol content of onion is not only higher than its fellow allium vegetables, garlic and leeks, but also higher than tomatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. Onions have been shown to inhibit the activity of macrophages, specialized white blood cells that play a key role in our body's immune defense system, and one of their defense activities involves the triggering of large-scale inflammatory responses.

30. PARSLEY

Those pretty green leaves don't just make your plate look great. Parsley boasts plenty of beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and K to protect your kidneys and bladder. Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body's plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. The flavonoids in parsley–especially luteolin–have been shown to function as antioxidants that combine with highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules (called oxygen radicals) and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. In addition, extracts from parsley have been used in animal studies to help increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.

31. PINEAPPLES

This tropical delight contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps cleanse your colon and improve digestion. Excessive inflammation, excessive coagulation of the blood, and certain types of tumor growth may all be reduced by bromelain. Two molecules isolated from an extract of crushed pineapple stems have even shown promise in fighting cancer growth.

32. SEAWEED

Seaweed may be the most underrated vegetable in the Western world. Studies at McGill University in Montreal showed that seaweeds bind to radioactive waste in the body so it can be removed. Radioactive waste can find its way into the body through some medical tests or through food that has been grown where water or soil is contaminated. Seaweed also binds to heavy metals to help eliminate them from the body. In addition, it is a powerhouse of minerals and trace minerals. Seaweed extracts can help you lose weight, mostly body fat.

33. SESAME SEEDS

Sesame seeds' phytosterols have beneficial effects which are so dramatic that they have been extracted from many foods and added to processed foods, such as "butter"-replacement spreads, which are then touted as cholesterol-lowering "foods." But why settle for an imitation "butter" when Mother Nature's nuts and seeds are a naturally rich source of phytosterols–and cardio-protective fiber, minerals and healthy fats as well? Sesame seeds contain minerals important in a number of antiinflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems. Sesame representsone of the top 10 healthiest seeds on Earth.

34. TURMERIC

Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, which gives it its yellow color. The rate at which your detox pathways function depends on your genes, your age, lifestyle and a good supply of nutrients involved in the detox process. Curcumin is used a lot in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat liver and digestive disorders. Turmeric has specifically been studied in relation to the positive effect that it has on the liver. As a high antioxidant spice, turmeric protects the body and prevents disease more effectively than drug based treatments and without the side effects.

35. WATERCRESS

Give your liver a big boost with cleansing action of watercress. If you're into making smoothies for your detoxing this is a great one to blend up and drink down. This helps to release enzymes in the liver that clean it out and help rid it of toxic buildup. Eating watercress every day helps prevent breast cancer.

36. WHEATGRASS

Wheatgrass restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice's abundance of alkaline minerals helps reduce over-acidity in the blood and thus also Is a powerful detoxifier, and liver protector. It increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It also cleanses the organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris. Wheatgrass stimulates the metabolism and the body's enzyme systems by enriching the blood. It also aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways throughout the body. Pound for pound, wheatgrass is more than twenty times denser in nutrients than other choice vegetables. Nutritionally, wheatgrass is a complete food that contains 98 of the 102 earth elements.

About the Author

John Summerly is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.

Sources:
whfoods.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Black Seed Extract 'Cures' HIV Patient Naturally

GMI Professional Membership
Beyond Medication E-Course: Dr. Kelly Brogan


Posted on:
Saturday, December 7th 2013 at 10:45 am
Written By:
Sayer Ji, Founder

Black Seed Extract 'Cures' HIV Patient Naturally

There are words you don't use in medicine today, such as "cure." But a remarkable case study in an HIV positive patient treated with black seed extract resulted in a sustained remission, indicating a safe, accessible and affordable alternative to highly toxic antiretroviral HIV drugs may already exist.

Nigella Sativa, also known as 'black seed,' has been studied for a wide rage of health benefits, but not until recently was it discovered to hold promise as a curative agent against potentially lethal viral infections, including Hepatitis C[i] and now HIV.

A remarkable case study published in August of this year in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine described an HIV patient who after undergoing treatment with a black seed extract experienced a complete recovery, with no detectable HIV virus or antibodies against HIV in their blood serum, both during and long after the therapy ended.[ii]

This was a remarkable and unexpected observation, described by the researchers as follows:

"Nigella sativa had been documented to possess many therapeutic functions in medicine but the least expected is sero-reversion in HIV infection which is very rare despite extensive therapy with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). " [emphasis added]

Despite its commonplace use as the standard of care for HIV treatment globally, anti-retroviral therapy remains highly controversial, in part because the adverse health effects of the drug class may outstrip those associated with the HIV infection itself.  This is especially true in cases where the infection was treated 'early,' having been discovered through routine blood work in asymptomatic and otherwise still healthy patients. Drug therapy can also produce selective pressure on the HIV virus to mutate and gain resistance, with the net effect that a stronger, more drug-resistant form of HIV is produced in the body at the same time that the drugs have done severe and even irreversible damage to the patient's immune system.  Sadly, however, the decline and ultimate death of the patient is rarely if ever attributed to the treatment (and its many iatrogenic effects) but rather to the "disease" itself – a well-known problem in our failed 'war against cancer' where the victim (patient) and the 'the cancer' gets blamed for the incessant failure and even disease-promoting properties of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. 

This is all the more reason why the possibility that an ancient healing food like black seed -- which the research shows is generally safe, affordable and accessible -- can cure HIV is so exciting.

Continue to Page 2

Pages :
Sayer Ji

Sayer Ji is the founder of GreenMedInfo.com, an author, researcher, lecturer, and an advisory board member of the National Health Federation. Google Plus Profile. His writings have been published and referenced widely in print and online, including, Truthout, Mercola.com, New York Times online, The Journal of Gluten Sensitivity, New York Times  and The Well Being Journal.

He founded Greenmedinfo.com in 2008 in order to provide the world an open access, evidence-based resource supporting natural and integrative modalities. It is widely recognized as the most widely referenced health resource of its kind.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

If It’s Not Fun, Then It’s Not Sustainable


Posted December 9, 2013 by laurabruno in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

While riding the synchronicity train this weekend, I passed several stops on the way to Whitley Strieber Station, most of which had to do with local food and the phrase, "You are where you eat," which I found in a book and then online. The following series of videos from Canada's ChekNews explores "the importance of self-sufficient food farming on Vancouver Island, British Columbia."

I love, love, love that this appeared on mainstream news and that they later posted the videos on YouTube! Even though Jennifer Crosby investigates Vancouver's local food scene, she includes copious details about North American agriculture in general and why we would all benefit from stronger local food security. This video series interviews farmers, chefs, grocery store owners and gardeners, and it gives lots of tips for ways that anyone — from consumers to growers — can contribute to a strong, local food movement. Each video, shown throughout the week, explores a different facet of local food security.

If It's Not Fun, Then It's Not Sustainable

Synchronously — or should I just say, "in the ever more intricately and obviously organized and expanding web that is my life" — my friend Mitch sent me the last video below, which finishes with the title of today's post: "If it's not fun, then it's not sustainable." Yep! Pretty much sums it up for me. Education, community, delicious food, creativity … fun! What's not to love?

The why of local food security:

The economics of farming and the importance of supporting local farmers if you want access to local food:

http://youtu.be/pwsn-KI74g0

Creative use of space: "beyond the backyard" … using public space:

http://youtu.be/Sl7xdUHYvoo

Part 4 is MIA!

http://youtu.be/Sl7xdUHYvoo

"Have attitudes changed enough for farmers to have a future on Vancouver Island?" This farmer is so enthusiastic!

http://youtu.be/GnosKTBgqdw

And finally, the video I found in my inbox this morning explores a new type of community garden using a new model in order to make use of vacant land that might sell again if/when the economy recovers. It's "an excerpt from the upcoming feature-length documentary: Promises of Urban Agriculture, directed by Joseph Redwood-Martinez. Jay Rosenberg speaks about Hayes Valley Farm demonstrating urban agriculture as a strategy for interim land use in San Francisco." As with the Vancouver information above, this video offers ideas applicable to any town or city with vacant or underutilized land:

http://youtu.be/964rsllOEh0

On Wednesday, I'll also be meeting with some people from our Historic South Side Neighborhood to discuss ways to connect non-gardening people with sunny yards with would-be gardeners blessed with tall trees, shady yards or no yards. Land use in exchange for produce — one step at a time towards local food security!


Indoor Garden

Bringing the Garden Indoors

Posted December 10, 2013 by laurabruno in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Several people have inquired if I'm growing any food indoors this year. Initially, my answer was, "No! I burned out on deadheading last winter's basil. Every. Single. Day." In the past few weeks, though, I've reconsidered, taking cuttings of some favorite non-cold-hardy plants like pineapple sage:

pineapple sage

I also brought in the terra cotta pots of pink geranium and lemon balm, as well as starting another lemon balm in a small pot:

lemonbalm

In the above photo, you can also see our Christmas cactus (from my friend Sherri's grandmother) getting ready to bloom, and thriving jade and aloe plants that I got through freecycle.org. To the right, you can see just the tiniest bit of a very happy spider plant started by David's sister.

Because my red geraniums helped so well with garden bug control, I decided to rescue a few of them from the brutal cold:

red geraniums

We've got dried mint for smoothies and teas (plus a whole bunch of other dried herbs not pictured):

mint for tea

It is so cold outside right now (hasn't gotten above freezing in many days!) that I've not ventured out to check on the cold frame. In retrospect, I wish I had located that bed just a bit further back so that it would get morning sunshine. My uncovered plants on the East side of the house actually look happier than even the covered ones out back, because they get sunshine at the coldest part of the day — early morning. Oh, well! I trust at least some of my cold hardier plants will survive this week's deep freeze. In the meantime, we've enjoyed meals featuring dried and then rehydrated tree collards from this Fall:

tree collards and dried tomatoes

A quart (half this jar) has provided us with ample greens for 5 different meals featuring tree collards, which taste like an intriguing cross between collards and kale with just a hint of purple cabbage. They're great in stir fries, "beanie greenies," soups and even in scrambled eggs. Above, you can also see some of the many tomatoes I dehydrated, beginning in late July when our supply went through the roof! We even still have some German Yellow Tomatoes ripening inside:

yellow tomatoes

At last week's cold frame workshop, someone reminded me that cilantro and arugula grow well indoors, so I will plant a few seeds of each in small pots once it gets a bit warmer in our garage. The thought of 9 degree planting efforts just doesn't feel very enticing right now. [Update: oh, my goodness! Make that 3 degrees.] Planting in single digits is about as enticing as redistributing the rest of the mulch in our driveway, which I had reallllly hoped to have finished by the holidays. Excuse me, Mama Nature, I'd like to order a string of high forties days with a side of sunshine. Hold the wind, please and thank you!


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Nelson Tiny Houses

Nelson Tiny Houses

by Kent Griswold on November 24th, 2013. Add a Comment



http://youtu.be/xHdHnckR-hE
Nelson Tiny Houses is a locally-owned, sustainably-produced company that builds superior tiny houses. As builders and designers, we are inspired by the mountains, forests, lakes and culture of this special part of southern British Columbia. As such, we view building tiny houses as a place where science meets art, where trade meets craft, where a shelter becomes a home.

acorn tiny house

Whether you are an existing homeowner looking to create a guest house, extra bedroom, office or rental opportunity, or new to owning your own home and looking to find a way that just makes sense, you have come to the right place. Tiny houses are bigger than they appear: they are a political movement, they are a work of art, they are a place to call home. Nelson Tiny Houses: Bigger than just a place to live.

Nelson Tiny House Goals
We build beautiful and functional tiny houses and we want to sell them to you. When you decide to buy a house from us, you will know exactly what you're getting, how much it costs, and when it will be delivered.

interior

We focus on two basic house models, the "V" house and the Acorn house. Each model has a distinctive shape and basic layout. However, many details will be different in each house. Besides being opportunistic about materials (we salvage and reclaim a large portion of our building material), we think uniqueness is an important characteristic of an amazing house. We happily build to suit your needs.

The Acorn house has a 14′ x 8.5′ footprint, covered front porch, gable roof with dormers, shower, kitchen, and lots of cool custom furniture. Check out the video below for a guided tour.

loft

Starting at $38,000 – ready to live in. If you would like to purchase the Acorn but don't want it delivered until spring, you can pay 2/3rds of the agreed price and we will store it for you for free until you're ready. Upon delivery, you will then pay the final 1/3rd of the agreed price. Click here to learn more.

pantry

exterior detail

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Julian Rose and his Activities

Lance's comments on YouTube:

JULIAN ROSE turns a page in history with this paradigm shifting 2 hour show. I first discovered Julian's brilliant writing through several articles. the first being "Reverse Engineering the Illuminati Mindset". Another is "Phoenix Rising". On his website, a guest author wrote an excellent activist post, which are all on his website at the link below:
Learning from indigenous wisdom and knowledge -- To change society a cultural revolution in activism is needed -- by R. Teichmann

When I discovered he was also largely responsible for forming a united group that has successfully banned GMO's in Poland, I knew this was going to be a ground breaking moment. We were deeply involved with the real problems facing humanity at the end of the first hour, so we continued recording for a 2nd hour "off the air". This archive includes the second hour which could be called, Zany Unplugged, Unchained and Uncensored! This is a show that talks about "he who cannot be named". Don't miss this one and be prepared for some shocks and a few expletives during both hours! It's a show that's "off the charts!" There is a wealth of information on his website, http://www.julianrose.info.

If you are part of the growing movement of awakened beings uniting in consciousness to "throw the bums out", be they earth bound, internal, space bound or inter-dimensional, please listen and if you are inpsired, make this show go VIRAL!
Best, Zany Mystic

Julian is President of the International Coalition to Protect the Polish Countryside, successfully banning GMOs in "GMO Free Zones".

In 2000 Julian was invited to become a co-director of the International Coalition to Protect the Polish Countryside, co-launching a highly successful 'Campaign for a GMO Free Poland' as well as leading a high profile defense of peasant farmers whom he holds-up as the true guardians of biodiversity throughout the world. Regular listeners to BBC radio 4?s Framing To-Day will have heard Julian's 2007 series of once monthly "Letters from Poland" passionately highlighting the crisis provoked by forcing 'corporate globalization' onto traditional family farming communities.

In "Changing Course For Life", Julian Rose draws together all the strands of his highly diverse life experiences and, in a multidimensional vision of the future, calls for an uncompromising commitment to dynamic, decentralised community leadership as the chief vehicle for overcoming the dominant and life threatening Orwellian collusion between corporate greed and political ineptitude. Julian foresees this new beginning blossoming into a life-affirming process of humanistic and spiritual self realisation.

LINK to VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa7ChmFgC c8

Julian's website, articles and links, here: http://www.julianrose.info

Saturday, November 16, 2013

The Science That Proves You Are What You Eat


March 4, 2013 | By | 6 Replies

Ginger Garner, Guest Writer
Waking Times

No one wants to hear the phrase "you are aging prematurely."  However, that is exactly what is happening when you suffer from chronic disease.

The phrase "anti-inflammatory diet" is a huge buzzword now in medicine, fitness, and nutrition circles. But does it have any scientific support? Can we actually improve longevity through our nutritional and exercise habits?

The short answer is yes.  Harvard trained physician and integrative medicine pioneer, Dr. Andrew Weil states, "It is becoming increasingly clear that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many serious illnesses – including heart disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer's disease." There is mounting evidence that foods and exercise can either cause or create inflammation in the body.  Researchers and health care professionals alike report that most all modern diseases can be attributed to inflammation in the body.[1]

But how can we sort through the gimmick diets and mountains of supplements recommended to us by pop culture science? First, let's take a look at the science of inflammation in the body to understand why inflammation, even low grade levels of inflammation, can wreck your health.

The Science of Food-Induced Inflammation

Saturated Fat & Trans-Fatty Acids

"All foods fit into three categories: pro-inflammatory, neutral, or anti-inflammatory," says dermatologist and best-selling author, Nicholas Perricone, MD.  Perricone says an anti-aging diet slows cellular aging, which depends on choosing foods that are anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants.

Dr. Alcock and colleagues, in a landmark study (Alcock et al 2012) on the role of dietary fats in inflammation, show through a comprehensive literature review of over 207 peer-reviewed medical studies, reported that "the body preferentially up-regulates inflammation in response to saturated fatty acids, which promotes harmful microbes."  In short, the study found that saturated fat consumption immediately increases activity and presence of harmful and damaging gut bacteria, which are correlated with increased inflammatory response and expression of inflammatory genes. Saturated fats in general, induce inflammation by "activating nuclear transcription factors "(Schwartz et al 2010).  The take home message is that a plant based diet, high in anti-oxidants, flavonoids, prebiotic, and probiotic function, can reduce our risk and even help us immediately manage inflammatory states in the body.

But that is not all.  Saturated fats are not the only lurking inflammatory culprit of chronic disease.

Sugar & Starches

In addition to saturated fats and trans fatty acids, other foods which are inflammatory agents include:

  • Sugar
    High sugar diets lead to abnormal modulation of the gut microbiome. This essentially contributes to insulin sensitivity, inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and other dysregulation in blood chemical levels (Cani et al 2009)
  • Starches
    High starch/carbohydrate diets (potatoes) causes insulin levels to surge and trigger an inflammatory response and accelerate the aging process," (Perricone).
  • In a Nurse's Health Study (Mozaffarian et al 2011) that followed over 128,000 Americans over a 20 year period, the following specific foods were found to cause the most weight gain and in this order:
  1. Potatoes in all forms
  2. Sugar sweetened beverages
  3. Red meats
  4. Processed meats (deli meats)
  5. Trans fat
  6. Sweets/desserts
  7. Refined grains
  • By contrast the same study found yogurt, whole fat milk, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and nuts to be the least inflammatory.
  • Other anti-inflammatory foods include red wine, green tea, dark chocolate, as well as many common vegetables like garlic, broccoli, onions, kale, and chile peppers.  Berries (which the Environmental Working Group labels as one of the "Top 12 Dirty Dozen" produce which must be organic) are considered high in flavonoids and anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant effects.

Learn more about what foods to include in an anti-inflammatory diet, which resembles a Mediterranean Diet, here.

Exercise as an Anti-Aging Activity 

At the Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, research supports the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise as well. "Regular exercise offers protection against all-cause mortality, primarily by protection against atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. There is also evidence that physical training is effective as a treatment in patients with chronic heart diseases and type-2 diabetes" via inducing anti-inflammatory actions (Pederson 2006).  The study suggests that regular exercise induces suppression of inflammatory activity such as TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) induced insulin resistance.  Brandt and Pederson (2010) also report that regular exercise offers protection against type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer, breast cancer, and dementia via "induction of an anti-inflammatory effect secondary to reduction of visceral fat mass" or by cellular and biochemical environmental changes in the exerciser.

When a person exercises, scientists posit that contracting skeletal muscles facilitate healthy neuroendocrine regulation.  This means that exercise (like yoga or Tai Chi, for example) via contracting skeletal muscles release myokines that have an anti-inflammatory biochemical, or endocrine, effect. Further, changes in signaling pathways involved in "fat oxidation and glucose uptake" further increase the anti-inflammatory benefits of exercise.  What this means is that exercise can have both local and global anti-inflammatory effects. For example, therapists or physicians working in orthopaedic medicine should consider the enormous implications that anti-inflammatory dietary counseling would have on improved patient outcomes. Personally, it means that even after a single inflammatory meal – your body is adversely affected on both a macro (whole body health) and micro (cellular and biochemical health) level.  The good news is that a single anti-inflammatory meal or bout of exercise can result in immediate improvement in your systemic health.

Benefits of having healthy "anti-inflammatory" exercise and nutritional habits include: (Gonzales 2010, Jin 2010, Larrosaa et al 2010, Mamplekou et al 2010, Muller 2010, Pantsulaia et al 2010, Sticher et al 2010, Garcia-Lafuente et al 2009, Jurenka 2009, Tice et al 2003, McAlindon and Felson 1997):

  • Decrease your risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia.
  • Decrease your risk of cancers like breast, prostate, colon, and colorectal cancer
  • Decrease your risk of neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases
  • Lose & maintain a healthy weight
  • Improve lung/respiratory health
  • Improve neurophysiological and psycho-emotional health (i.e. depression)
  • Decrease allergies
  • Stabilize blood sugar

Pursuit of longevity and enjoying a high quality and quantity of life depends on developing good anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits, especially for exercise and nutrition. In effect, the old cliché "you are what you eat," really is true.

About the Author

Ginger Garner MPT, ATC — is an educator and subject matter expert in medical therapeutic yoga and women's health. As a published author and sought after speaker, Ginger pens the popular blog for mothers — Breathing In This Life (BITL –which is one of the columns in Yang-Sheng magazine and network).  Ginger is founder of Professional Yoga Therapy (PYT), the first education program for Complementary and Alternative Medicine practice in medical therapeutic yoga in the US.  Ginger's focus is on education and activism for maternal and child health – through BITL, her school, PYT, through the organization she founded for Haiti relief in 2009, Musicians 4 Missions, and her work with the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women.   Ginger has spoken and performed across the US to educate people about medical yoga and to raise awareness and funds for improving women's health.   As a working mother of three she has learned a thing or two about finding work/life balance through the healing arts, which she shares through BITL, at www.gingergarner.com.

Sources:

  1. Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KM. Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti-inflammatory agent, against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseasesInt J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009 Jan;41(1):40-59. Epub 2008 Jul 9.
  2. Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H. Curcumin: The Indian solid gold. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 2007; 595: 1-75.
  3. Alcock J, Franklin ML, and Kuzawa CW. Nutrient Signaling: Evolutionary Origins of the Immune-Modulating Effects of Dietary Fat. The Quarterly Review of Biology. Vol 87, No. 3 September 2012. pp 187-223.
  4. Brandt CPedersen BKThe role of exercise-induced myokines in muscle homeostasis and the defense against chronic diseases. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010;2010:520258. Epub 2010 Mar 9.
  5. Fantuzzi G. Aipose tissue, adipokines, and inflammation. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2005; 115:911-915.García-Lafuente A, Guillamón E, Villares A, Rostagno M, Martínez J. Flavonoids as anti-inflammatory agents: implications in cancer and cardiovascular disease.Inflammation Research. Vol 58 (9); 2009-09-01: pp 537-552.González-Gallego J, García-Mediavilla MV, Sánchez-Campos S, Tuñón MJ. Fruit polyphenols, immunity and inflammation. Br J Nutr. Oct;104 Suppl 3:S15-27. 2010.Hsu A, Bray TM, Ho, E. Anti-inflammatory activity of soy and tea in prostate cancer prevention. Exp. Biol. Med. 2010 235: 659-667.Hyman, M. Is Your Body Burning Up With Inflammation? August 27, 2009. Article originally published in Huffington Post.Mathur N. Pedersen BK. Exercise as a means to control low-grade systemic inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2008:2008:1-6.
  6. Jin JH, Kim JS, Kang SS, Son KH, Chang HW, Kim H. Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of total flavonoids of the roots of Sophora flavescens. J Ethnopharmacol. Feb 17;127(3):589-95. Epub 2009 Dec 23.2010.
  7. Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review, 2009 June; 14(2): 141-53.
  8. Mamplekou, E, Bountziouka, V, Psaltopoulou, T, Zeimbekis, A, Tsakoundakis, N, Papaerakleous, N, Gotsis, E, Metallinos, G, Pounis, G, Polychronopoulos, E, Lionis, C, Panagiotakos, D. Urban environment, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits correlate to depression among elderly living in eastern Mediterranean islands: The MEDIS (MEDiterranean ISlands elderly) study. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. Vol 14(6); 2010-06-01: 449- 455.
  9. McAlindon T, Felson DT. Nutrition: risk factors for osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 1997;56:397-400 doi:10.1136/ard.56.7.397Mueller M, Hobiger S, Jungbauer. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of extracts from fruit
  10. Mozaffarian et al 2010. Effects on coronary heart disease of increasing polyunsaturated fat in place of saturated fat: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS Medicine 7:31000252
  11. Pantsulaia I, Kalichman L, Kobyliansky E. Association between radiographic hand osteoarthritis and RANKL, OPG and inflammatory markers. Osteoarthritis and cartilage / OARS, Osteoarthritis Research Society 1 November 2010 (volume 18 issue 11 Pages 1448-1453 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2010.06.009)
  12. Pederson 2006. The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Exercise. Essays Biochem. 2006;42:105-17.
  13. Pederson and Saltin 2006. Evidence for Prescribing Exercise as Therapy for Chronic Disease. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. Volume 16, Issue S1, pages 3–63, February 2006
  14. Peterson and Pederson 2006. The Role of IL-6 in Mediating the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of ExerciseJournal of physiology and pharmacology ISSN 0867-5910 2006, vol. 57, pp. 43-51, SUP10 [9 page(s) (article)]
  15. Schwartz et al 2010. Nutrient Modification of the innate immune response: a novel mechanism by which saturated fatty acids greatly amplify monocyte inflammation. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology 30: 802-808.
  16. Stewart LK, Flynn MG, Campbell WW, et al. The influence of exercise training on inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein. Med. Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39:1714-1719.
  17. Sticher MA, Smith CB, Davidson S. Reducing heart disease through the vegetarian diet using primary prevention. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. VL  - 22, IS  - 3, PB  - Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 134-139. 2010. Tice JABrowner WTracy RP,Cummings SR. The relation of C-reactive protein levels to total and cardiovascular mortality in older U.S. women. Am J Med. 2003 Feb 15;114(3):199-205.
  18. Tice JABrowner WTracy RPCummings SR. The relation of C-reactive protein levels to total and cardiovascular mortality in older U.S. women. Am J Med. 2003 Feb 15;114(3):199-205.
  19. [1] Alcock et al 2012, Hsu 2010, González-Gallego et al 2010, Larrosaa et al 2010, Sticher et al 2010, Hyman 2009, Garcia-Lafuente et al 2009, Aggarwal and Harikumar 2008, Aggarwal et al 2007, Fantuzzi 2005, Pederson 2006, Pederson and Saltin 2006, Peterson and Pederson 2006, Stewart et al 2007.

This article is offered under Creative Commons license. It's okay to republish it anywhere as long as attribution bio is included and all links remain intact.

Top Vegan Sources of Immune-Boosting Zinc

Top Vegan Sources of Immune-Boosting Zinc

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Zinc is one of the most critical nutrients needed for maintaining a strong immune system. It's also imperative for digestion and utilization of carbohydrates like grains, vegetables, fruits, and sugars as well as protein foods.

It helps to ensure healing from wounds and burns and supports healthy prostate function in men. It is necessary for healthy blood, bones, brain, heart, liver, and muscles. If you haven't already guessed, adequate zinc is essential for great health.

Some of the symptoms of a zinc deficiency include: acne, a small appetite, brittle nails, growing pains or stunted growth in children, diarrhea, difficulty conceiving children, frequent colds or flu, hair or nails grow slowly, loss of sense of smell or taste, prostate disorders or impotence in men, sleep disturbances, and slow-healing wounds or injuries.

There are many plant-based sources of zinc.  Here are some of the best ones:

Beans/Legumes, including:  black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, Romano beans, etc.
Beets and beet greens
Brazil nuts (other nuts too but Brazils contain higher amounts)
Carrots
Dark leafy green vegetables
Nuts and nut butters
Onions
Peas
Pumpkin seeds
Seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Sprouts
Sunflower seeds
Whole grains and breads

Be sure to eat fermented foods as well since zinc tends to become more bioavailable during the fermentation process.  These foods include:  miso, tempeh, sourdough breads, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, seed and nut cheeses that are fermented, and non-dairy yogurt.

 

Adapted from The Life Force Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, ROHP.

Subscribe to my free e-magazine World's Healthiest News to receive monthly health news, tips, recipes and more. Follow my blog on my site HealthySurvivalist.com, Twitter @mschoffrocook and Facebook.

 


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-vegan-sources-of-immune-boosting-zinc.html#ixzz2kq5eeAMN

Lower Your Blood Pressure with Purple Potatoes



Posted: 15 Nov 2013 10:16 AM PST

 
Lower Your Blood Pressure with Purple Potatoes
 
Great news for potato lovers: they may be a health food after all. Although many people now think of potatoes as fattening, starchy and one of those white foods to avoid, research shows that just a couple of servings a day reduces blood pressure almost as much as oatmeal  - without causing weight gain.
But don't get carried away. The potatoes in the study were not fried or served with ketchup or sour cream and bacon bits. They were instead cooked without oil in a microwave oven. Some might argue that potatoes aren't even edible like that.   
The research was done on a group of overweight people with high blood pressure and the results were presented at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Joe Vinson, Ph.D. of the University of Scranton headed the research and is hoping to remake the potato's sad nutritional image.  He points out that most people think of potatoes as fattening, high-carb, and basically empty calories.  That's why more than any other vegetable, they've been abandoned by many health conscious people.  But Vinson points out that when prepared without frying or fat, one potato has only 110 calories and dozens of healthful phytochemicals and vitamins.
In the study, 18 patients who were primarily overweight or obese with high blood pressure ate 6-8 purple potatoes (each about the size of a golf ball) with skins twice daily for a month. The researchers used purple potatoes because the purple pigment in fruits and vegetables is especially rich in beneficial phytochemicals.
The average diastolic blood pressure of the study subjects dropped by 4.3 percent and the systolic pressure decreased by 3.5 percent, said Vinson, who has done extensive research on healthful components in foods. The majority of subjects took anti-hypertensive drugs and still had a reduction in blood pressure. None of the study participants gained weight.
Although researchers used purple potatoes, they believe that red-skin potatoes and white potatoes may have similar effects.
Vinson said that other studies have identified substances in potatoes with effects in the body similar to those of the well-known ACE-inhibitor medications, the main pharmaceutical treatment for high blood pressure. Other phytochemicals in potatoes occur in amounts that rival broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts, and also may be involved in the beneficial blood pressure effect according to Vinson.
Should you eat 8 purple potatoes twice a day?  Probably not.  But the study does show that it doesn't hurt and potatoes have some serious health benefits. 
Unfortunately for French fry and potato chip fans, high cooking temperatures seem to destroy most of the healthy substances in a potato, leaving mainly starch, fat and minerals. Skip the microwave, too, and try them simply baked.  But don't forget the butter for additional health benefits.
 
mmking
Margie King is a holistic health coach and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®. A Wharton M.B.A. and practicing corporate attorney for 20 years, Margie left the world of business to pursue her passion for all things nutritious. She now works with midlife women and busy professionals to improve their health, energy and happiness through individual and group coaching, as well as webinars, workshops and cooking classes. She is also a professional copywriter and prolific health and nutrition writer whose work appears as the National Nutrition Examiner. To contact Margie, visit www.NourishingMenopause.com.
 

Your Garden will not green-grow
-if you do not water it properly-