Cold, Flu, infection and sickness BEWARE!

People are coughing and sneezing all around. Protect yourself and take some vitamin C. I mean "TAKE SOME!" not just one fresh orange or a popular Emergen-C packet (good that your trying)

The RDA amount from our government is a mere 75mg for a female and 90mg for a male (adults). It so you don't get scurvy. 75mg/90mg prevents a deficiency rather than optimizing health and preventing diseases. I wish the government and medical community would openly and widely educated the general public on what Vitamin C does and why you need it...but then you wouldn't go to the doctors and get drugs for lots of $$$$. medication kills your good bacteria and lots more and the time it takes to get better is around the same time it would take if you take Vitamin C. You need optimum intake for your body to be at 100% health. 75-90mg is not enough. Eat raw pure natural foods, juice veggies and fruits, drink plenty of water and get ready for the battle if you feel it coming on.

Vitamin C is what?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development.
Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required by the body for the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, and cartilage. Vitamin C is also necessary for creating ATP, dopamine, peptide hormones, and tyrosine. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps lessen oxidative stress to the body and is thought to lower cancer risk.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals.

• Free radicals are made when your body breaks down food or when you are exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation.
• The buildup of free radicals over time is largely responsible for the aging process.
• Free radicals may play a role in cancer, heart disease, and conditions like arthritis.

What does Vitamin C do?

• Help protect cells from free radical damage
• Lower your cancer risk
• Regenerate your vitamin E supplies
• Improve iron absorption 

How you know your body needs more Vitamin C?

• Poor wound healing
• Frequent colds or infections
• Lung-related problems

Can you overdose on Vitamin C?
I'm not going to answer that because 2 reported cases are out there but can't be linked. however there are 139,000 overdoses from Rx'd meds. yuck!

Serious side effects are nothing compared to serious side effects on the labels on medications prescribed to us. stomach aches and diarrhea compared to a long long list side effects on meds...okay... I'll take poopy pants over the Rx side effects.

Serious side effects from too much vitamin C are very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin. However, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not recommended because such high doses can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. that is because your body is expelling it especially if your eating lots of veggies and fruits already containing Vitamin C. I like to eat and not worry about powders or vitamins. you should be getting your vitamins from foods and not pills.

Too little vitamin C can lead to signs and symptoms of deficiency, including:

• Anemia
• Bleeding gums
• Decreased ability to fight infection
• Decreased wound-healing rate
• Dry and splitting hair
• Easy bruising
• Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
• Nosebleeds
• Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism
• Rough, dry, scaly skin
• Swollen and painful joints
• Weakened tooth enamel

A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, which mainly affects older, malnourished adults.

Where can I get Vitamin C?

*Pure Vitamin C powder 5000mg per teaspoon*


Veggies
-green and red chilies 109.13mg per chili pepper (hot spice is muy bueno)
-bell peppers. yellow bell peppers have the most at 341mg per pepper, green at 132mg
-brussels sprouts 140mg per cup
-mustard greens 170mg per cup
-broccoli 180mg per cup
-kale 100mg per cup
-cauliflower 90mg per cup
Herbs
-thyme herb 160mg per 100g
-parsley 133mg per 100g

Fruits
-guava 377mg per cup
-kiwi 164 mg per cup
-papaya 188mg per medium sized
-strawberries 98mg per cup
-oranges 98mg per cup
-tangerines 59mg per cup

load up and help your body fight. eat good and take care of your health. you come first


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm

Pre and Pro

This is for people who are open and want help or are ready to realize "wow I may have to think about my health".... mothers, fathers, children, sisters, brothers, fathers, cousins, friends, grandparents etc....

Most people aren't healthy and think they are ok because they are not sick in bed, coughing or at the doctors office that they are ok and can keep eating whatever. sure it tastes great and makes you feel good but at what cost?  and when if ever will you take care of your machine?


Do you take PREbiotics? Do you know what they are? 

Do you think you have any damage in your digestive system?
If you said "Nah" then your probably not ready to read this or take any steps forward. I'll bet $1 that you have many symptoms your not tuning into or maybe just don't give a hoot. either way here is some useful information that i've found to be extremely helpful and true.

Prebiotics and why you need them!
Prebiotics help increase probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. (we all know what probiotics are) Prebiotics feed the good bacteria named Probiotics. Most people have malfunctioning digestive systems for a variety of reasons. Our typical 'Western' eating habits and stress can all negatively impact the ‘good bacteria’ in our gut. Probiotics are helpful micro-organisms that live in our intestinal tract. In a healthy body, good bacteria make up most of the intestines’ micro-flora and protect digestive health. If you have primarily good bacteria, your immune system will function optimally and it will help you extract essential nutrients in the foods you eat. In order to feed our cells, we need to absorb the nutrients from our food, otherwise our brain will keep telling us to eat until the cells are fed.

Here are the most common warning signs of a bacterial imbalance, if you suffer one or more of these problems it is quite likely that eating prebiotics and taking a probiotic supplement could help you get your ‘system’ back on the right track: (everyone I know has at least one of these symptoms)

1. Allergies and food sensitivities
2. Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving
3. Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
4. Frequent constipation or diarrhea
5. Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders
6. Sleeping poorly, night sweats
7. Painful joint inflammation, stiffness
8. Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems
9. Frequent colds, flu or infections
10. Chronic yeast problems
11. Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus
12. Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms

There are many stresses and factors that can kill your 'friendly bacteria' every day. Here is a summary of some of the most common good-bacteria-KILLERS:

1. Antibiotics
2. Birth control pills
3. Steroidal & hormonal drugs
4. Fluoride (added to toothpaste and sometimes to drinking water!)
5. Chlorine (added to water to kill bacteria...it kills friendly-bacteria too!)
6. Coffee/Tea
7. Carbonated drinks
8. Stress
9. Preservatives
10. Additives (colorings, flavorings and chemicals in processed foods)
11. Pesticides (choose ORGANIC fruit and veggies to avoid this!)
12. Fertilizers (choose ORGANIC fruit and veggies to avoid this!)

refer to maria's health blog

The China Study

The most comprehensive study on nutrition and diet. In China they eat a very small portion of animal protein and lots of fresh vegetables. whole foods plant based foods. Which is the total opposite of the general American diet. They have great health, low disease rates, low overweight/obese percentage, and live longer.

-Did you know that a lost libido is the first sign that you have a cardiovascular problem?...it's all related but people think its just life, age, genetics and pop a pill or just deal with it.

-Did you know that nations with a low or no intake of dairy such as Asian countries have a extremely low percentage of osteoporosis and hip fractures...weird huh? we are told drink dairy for bones yet we have the highest rates of breaks,fractures and osteoporosis.

-Did you know that people around the world heal from cancer, heart disease, and autism through diet?

-Did you know we have 50% less variety of greens in the US food stores than China.
check out the documentary if your open and have a healthy mind for knowledge ;)

We as a people should try to be more responsible and not rely on doctors, medication or treatments...or keep making excuses. 90% of the population will continue on their way of eating and pay for it in medical bills down the way or health issues that will show up. We as Americans eat like crap, feel like crap and say why am i sick again, then go get and it turns into a vicious cycle. What a terrible cycle it is. Especially when children are sick with ear infections, colds, rashes, bloated stomachs, coughs, colic, etc. "It can't be diet" people say or just don't want to believe or maybe sceptic. Well, your putting foods and liquids into your body that gets into your blood, cells, and organs and brain soooo of course its your diet! your body is suffering to keep you well but who cares huh...its normal because everyone else is eating that way but who wants to be "American normal". It the way of life.

It's all preventable and it's all in our grasp. use your mind and determination to fight the urge and bad eating habits. Take care of your body and it will do the same in return

Got Milk?

TODAY is 2 months of my dairy free experiment!

I've been testing myself for 2 months. what i do is drop dairy for 2 weeks then introduce random dairy products into my diet. last week i had some cheese and.... gas, belly pain, headaches, sinus issues, mucus, and skin issues showed up to my door. it's not a coincidence. i use my body for experiments and it's interesting! 2 weeks no dairy and I feel great...2 days eating less than 1/8 cup of cheese and milk and then Dan Dan Dan. I did this 3 times and now it's over so dairy free it is. As of now 60% of people can't digest dairy.

Milk milk milk why do you drink milk or eat dairy products??

Milk has calcium!! not good enough! there is more calcium in dark leafy greens that your body can better absorb.

Milk has protein!! not good enough! you can get protein from small fish and veggies that aren't filled with tons of hormones. the protein found in dairy is casein and its poison in my eyes. casein is no good (google it) why are sooooo many people sensitive to it (that is not a good sign)

Milk is good for your bones!! says who? the government and milk brands. it's interesting how studies not affiliated with the government health department say no to milk. there is no evidence to prove that is true. there is proof linking calcium to bones and because calcium is in cows milk that is the evidence. get your calcium from spinach and leafy greens. do your body good.

Milk has Vitamin D!! you can get it elsewhere. Vitamin D is an oil soluble substance that is found in only a few foods, such as the oil from cod liver, egg yolks, butter, goat cheese, chicken livers, and other cold-water fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel. Vitamin D helps in the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is necessary for normal growth in children. In adults it helps with any function that utilizes calcium or phosphorus, such as transmission of nerves, the beating of the heart, blood clotting, and many others. While the best way to get vitamin D is from the sun, and fruits and veggies don't have them (except mushrooms) I can see why people drink milk but i'll take the mackerel please!

Milk has fats that are good!! are you sure about that? there are plenty other fats for your body to stay healthy. sesame seed butter, nuts, coconuts, fish etc.

If there are no nutritious, healthy reasons to drink milk it comes down to pure delight and taste. Most people just love the taste. I know I did! if your ok with the lack of benefits and harmful triggers then thats that.

BETTER Alternatives:

organic coconut milk  (read why?)

organic almond milk  make your own almond milk (Blend 1 ½ cups of raw almonds that have been soaked overnight in 4 cups of water. Blend with dates if you like your milk with a hint of sweetness. Strain once to remove almond granules. The result is a delicious, creamy milk that is free of harmful vegetable oil, concentrated sweeteners, and the problems associated with cow’s milk and soy. It can be stored safely for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.)

organic goat milk  you can better digest goat proteins

NOT SO GOOD Alternatives:

soy milk (The phytoestrogens in soy bind to estrogen receptors creating serious hormonal imbalances resulting in infertility, miscarriage, lowered libido, precocious puberty in girls and breasts, hypospadias* and testicular cancer in boys. Soy bio-accumulates aluminum, a toxic heavy metal associated with cognitive decline. Soy contains fluoride, which is associated with cretinism, learning disabilities, violence and ADD in children. Soy’s protease inhibitors impair protein digestion. Protease is the enzyme that breaks down protein.)

rice milk  its a grain plus its got lots of sugar. mostly its alright but many people over due it.

I know why I ate or drank dairy products, although i never got into drinking milk (gag) maybe that was the sign I never acknowledged. I loved cheese, ice cream etc because they tasted so good and it's everywhere. I really didn't have a specific health reason for do this.

Milk is made for baby cows to develop. then the calves ween off and eat like the mama cow.

Human milk is made for humans. then we ween off and drink cows milk. we are the only mammals to do this and it's almost like we do this because we are told to or we are around it growing up.

The lack of knowledge really hurts our health. I was one of those people who just lived to eat whatever and not think twice. I didn't eat to live. Then i got sick and had to change to live. People say "Your so SENSITIVE" but really when i think about it, i think my body is just sending out louder help signals than most people. People that tell me things and continue eating the way they do because they think they can usually have health issues, headaches, bloat, gas, stomach issues, skin issues, weight issues etc so maybe they ignore their bodies signs or just can't hear them. maybe one day!

Soooooo just pure natural foods are the way to go! Lots of greens, veggies, limited sugary fruits, stay alkaline neutral, no grains or limited grains that aren't as harmful, lean meats, no or very limited red meat, no dairy, healthy fats and tons of water...stay away from processed!!!

Fat vs. Muscle

Yes it is gross! and yucky to look at. Here is 5 lbs of fat vs. 5 lb of muscle. Same weight but the actual amount looks very different.

VIA @ Wikipedia
(In physical fitness, body composition is used to describe the percentages of fat, bone and muscle in human bodies. Because muscular tissue takes up less space in our body than fat tissue, our body composition, as well as our weight, determines leanness. Two people at the same height and same body weight may look completely different from each other because they have a different body composition.)

Do you know your body fat percentage? If you can find a place to accurately measure your body fat please do so to know your body. Did you know that fat in the belly region also means that there is fat around your organs. no good!

How do you describe your body type? Do you go by weight or inches?

Here are some descriptions I use to describe body types:
Super Skinny
Skinny
Skinny Fat
Thin
Thin Muscular (think I'm here)
Thin Fat
Average
Average Fat
Average Muscular
Athletic
Athletic Muscular
Buff
Chubby
Big Fat
Big Muscular
Big
WOW
Etc....etc....

Everyone guesses I'm around 100-110 max. I weigh 123 and no one believes me until I weigh myself. Little fat goes a long way. I'm glad I weigh that much or I'd be 100 with more fat to fit in the same jeans. I remember this girlfriend in college that wore the same size as i did. She said " I would rather weigh less than you and wear the same size"...ok...that's fine we will just have different body comps and I'll be the lean muscular and you'll be the thin fat. I'll burn more calories sitting than you will moving around... but can we still share clothes lol

go nuts for coconuts

I live by coconut milk, oil, and meat :) coconut soup when you feel down or sick is great!!!

Coconut In Modern Medicine (read more here)

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

 

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
• Reduces epileptic seizures.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
• Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
• Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

  Benefits of coconut oil!

  The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. the good stuff!!!
  

  How is Lauric Acid Used by our body?

  The human body converts lauric acid found in coconuts (found in mothers breast milk) into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system.
  

  
  

are you aging faster than you'd like...?

ageing comes with age. its happens to all of us. some faster than others. genetics do play a role (facial features etc.) but so does your diet.....

you might be too acidic. what do i mean you say? the human body has a normal balanced pH level around 7.4 on the pH scale (pH = power of hydrogen) look at the image below... to maintain ultimate health and age gracefully you have to maintain a balance.

At rest, the normal blood pH of a human being is slightly alkaline, with a pH around 7.4 on the pH scale. Anything above that value is considered alkaline; anything below is described as acidic. Both, in their extremes, are life-threatening for the human body; if the pH value drops below 6.8 or increases above 7.8, the cells of the body cannot function properly anymore and the human will die.

Most Americans are below the balanced pH levels. More acidic foods just sounds bad for you don't they? Foods such as animal foods – meat, eggs, dairy – processed and refined foods, yeast products, fermented foods, grains, artificial-sweeteners, fruit, and sugars are acidifying, as are alcohol, coffee, chocolate, black tea, and sodas. Look at the way we celebrate getting older--hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, cake and soda. No way to kick off a new year at all :(

So how can I slow down the aging process?

well we get old because we are not disposing of all the internally generated wastes and toxins, and accumulate the leftovers within our body.  healthy cells end up living in a toxic environment and are screaming out for help. our biggest organ, the skin starts to show since it is our external billboard of health. cells need to regenerate and thrive but how can they if your body is a toxic landfill. our bodies need an opportunity to release its highly positively-charged toxic heavy metals and other toxic acid waste stored in the cells. Alkaline water and alkaline foods/forming foods will help. (FOODS!!)


typical aging:
dehydrated skin
dry flaky areas
little glow or no glow
lack of color
wrinkles
lines
fatigued look
grey hair
and you know the rest...


I know you've seen girls and guys that have lost their youthful look and glow. I am 99.9% sure it is what they are recklessly putting in their bodies. I met a 65 year old woman that seriously looked 40...she ate mostly raw foods and only drank water and was active at least 3 times a week. I also then met a nurse at my Obgyn's office. We started talking and had a little in common and she asked "so how old are you?" and I said 30.."WOW, I thought you were 24 or 25" then she said I just turned 30...I thought in my head oh my gosh I totally thought she was 38 or 40. She was not taking care of herself...anywho...


How can I reverse it?!


They say "eat healthy" and "'be on a healthy diet" helps you look younger but by what standard?
A diet filled with grains, breads, meats and veggies (as per the food pyramid) or a diet filled with greens, low sugar fruits, nuts and lean meats in moderation. Well lets see...since the birth of the food pyramid its been downhill for humans and uphill for food companies.


Eat MORE veggies, greens!!! drink more water!!! You need to hydrate you skin and clean out the toxins so your healthy cells can thrive and re-energize!

In some extreme cases, the build up of acidic elements are so great that it starts to destroy healthy cells around them. Healthy cells must maintain a slightly alkaline pH level. Some cells change their formula in order to survive in an acidic environment. If they are successful, this is the beginning of cancer. Cancer cells are acidic while healthy cells are alkaline. Even if the cancerous tumors are completely removed surgically, as long as the acidic conditions in the area remain, the chances are that new tumors will develop around the same area.

To maintain a balanced pH in your blood and tissues, your diet should consist of at least 70 to 80 percent basic foods that is, no more than 20 to 30 percent acidifying foods. Its weird because our " FOOD PYRAMID" says otherwise. Too fill your diet with acidic foods. So what right!! wrong...your blood is your body’s living ‘river’ and needs to be kept at a p. Once again "NO GRAINS"  Having a healthy intestine is essential to maintaining a healthy body. Eating refined, fiber-less foods has resulted in sickness and disease because of a dysfunctional colon. Eighty-percent of all the nutrients from food are absorbed through the intestine. 

DRINK ALKALINE WATER IF POSSIBLE or a ph around 8.5

It will help to:
o Assimilate vitamins and minerals from foods and supplements you take
o Combat arthritis and heart disease
o Cleanse the kidneys, intestines and liver
o Protect your body from free radical cell damage
o Increase muscle and joint mobility
o Increase your oxygen levels
o Control digestive problems
o Regulate blood sugar
o Manage blood pressure
o Neutralize harmful acids

Some of the benefits of going alkaline…

• Prevention and cure of disease, helping to avoid many widespread and preventable diseases such as colds, yeast infections, even diabetes and cancer.
• Weight loss, as your body releases excess acid stored in fat.
• Anti-aging, as your body’s cell life is prolonged.
• More energy than ever! No afternoon sluggishness.
• Great skin, as it no longer needs to release acidic toxins through it.
• Better sleep and great sex life!
• Optimum health – there’s more to health than absence of disease. An alkaline diet lifestyle will make you feel alive and vital, improve concentration, mental and physical stamina and overall self-esteem.

why apples rule

Apples are rich sources of flavonoid and polyphenols both are powerful antioxidant.

Studies show that by eating 100g of an apple can give an antioxidant effect that equal to taking about 1,500mg of vitamin C. (read below)

Apples contain a large amount of minerals and vitamins that can strengthen the blood.

Apples contain malic acid and tartaric acid, that can help prevent disturbances of the liver and digestion.

Apple cider vinegar when used as beverage can help to prevent the formation of kidney stone.

The skin of an Apple contain pectin that can help remove toxic substances from the system by supplying galacturonic acid. Pectin helps prevent protein matter in the intestine from spoiling.

Eating an apple daily can lower cholesterol and reduce skin diseases.

Apples have been recommended for : Obesity, Headache, Arthritis, Bronchial asthma, Inflammation of the bladder, Gonorrhea, Anemia, Tuberculosis, Neuritis, Insomnia, Catarrh, Gallbladder stones, Worms, Halithosis, Pyorrhea

Nutritive Values : Per 100 grams

Vitamin A : 900 I.U.
Vitamin B : Thiamine .07 mg.;
Vitamin C : 5 mg.
Vitamin G : Amount uncertain
Calcium : 6 mg.
Iron : 3 mg.
Phosphorus : 10 mg.
Potassium : 130 mg.
Carbohydrates : 14.9 gm.
Calories : 58

EXTRA Info.....Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development.

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.

All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C.

Foods that are the highest sources of vitamin C include: (limit the high sugar fruits and stay with citrus unless sensitive to candida, apples, grapefruit and watermelon)

Cantaloupe
Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit
Kiwi fruit
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries
Watermelon
Vegetables that are the highest sources of vitamin C include:

Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Green and red peppers
Spinach
Cabbage
Turnip greens
Leafy greens
Sweet and white potatoes (do not eat white or limit)
Winter squash

don't beat yourself up

it takes time to drastically and permanently change your lifestyle. The stress some people put on themselves about food and exercise is just insane! Eat...don't starve and make better choices one meal at a time till you reprogram your brain and body for ultimate wellness. Don't worry we all cheat here and there but once you get to the point where food does not run your life and food is not your focus it is pure. I am almost there I can feel it ;) join me if you'd like to feed your mind and body and make decisions for health...read, educate yourself and don't follow anything blind...but please start with a baby step.

so many people are walking zombies or aren't even aware that they are not functioning at 100% it's a fact you are what you eat. my story is I've always been thin so I ate like crap for years. never gained weight so why not eat bags of oreos right...? well my outside may look good and lean but my insides were not. my cholesterol was high, I had headaches, bad circulation and damaged intestines. I took a baby step and almost 1.5 years later I'm happy with the progress. it's hard when you travel but it's getting easier everyday. I'm craving tomatoes and lemons now. baby steps!!!

a whole cherry pie to oreos to ice cream to jello to flavored yogurt to an apple for a snack took about 12 months. what a great change

Whole grains or No grains

So what are the pros to eating grains? Do you know? Why do you eat them? They taste good, food is food, it's in everything, it's easy, full of fiber, it's nutritious, it helps with heart disease and helps people lose weight.....really? Why?....I'm curious as well! Let's see here......

If you can get it from grains you can get it from somewhere else!

One slice of whole wheat bread has around 80% less folate and vitamins than lamb or veggies. So what it has fiber right?

Yup whole grain foods have fiber for sure and different grains have different nutrients and properties....but you can get higher fiber content from other sources such as greens (better for you and more nutrient dense, and not processed)
For example:
100g or brown rice = 1.8 grams of dietary fiber
100g of collard greens = 2.8 grams of dietary fiber

Grains are no competion for greens. Is it that we get told we need whole grains? Is that why we eat them? Or is that an excuse? but do we honestly need them?...I don't blame the preachers because they are making $$$$ of the industry of processed foods.

The Paleo diet is a great example to show you don't need grains, and it becomes clear how addicting grains are. Yummy breads, cake, cookies, cereal, pizza and pastas to name a few. It is true that there is an addictive component (that's another article)

10 reasons to quit grains...get the will power and you won't regret

1. You can get everything elsewhere. More of it and better quality
2. Grains aren't good for you gut. Intestinal health is critical (read previous article)
3. Grains cause inflammation. Due to high starch they are an inflammatory food
4. Your probably gluten intolerant to some extent. 30-40% of European descents are intolerant
5. Grains aren't good for your joints. Inflammation + immune cells = attack on soft tissue
6. Grains aren't good for your skin. Elevated insulin leads to hormonal issues
7. Grains are bad for your teeth. Grains contain phytates which is linked to decay
8. Eating grains makes you crave grains. Foods rich in carbs such as grains give you quick energy and rise in insulin levels which starts the vicious cycle.
9. Grains are in foods that are processed. We all know that is no good no matter if it says organic blah blah blah
10. Grains are fairly new on the scene. Think about how long we have been without grains. Hunter gatherer!

But you lose weight! Well of course you will because your eating more fiber silly but at what cost. You could permantely lose weight with veggies and no grains plus feel healthier, not rely on processed junk and look great...Plus your getting way more fiber, vitamins and minerals!

Why do I have a gut...?

INFLAMMATION IN ACTION

Why do some people have a small, medium or large gut then look thin or average everywhere else?? (you don't have to be thin to have a flat healthy stomach, it is not about size its about health)

some say:

- that is where i carry fat

- it's genetic

- i'm just bloated

- it runs on my moms side

- stress etc....

if you believe that then that is fine I am merely here to give you some personal information and compile learnings from online articles to book and stories so that you can think differently if that is something you choose to be aware of and better...

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The Digestive System

a set of organs that digest the food you eat and absorbs the vital nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, grow and function. Two major parts are the small and large intestines. Just like any other organ you have it can cause problems and diseases that could dramatically affect your life.

in simple terms:

-it extracts nutrients from foods

-turns nutrients into units small enough to be absorbed (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants)

-eliminates waste

The Immune System

When most people think of their immune system the last thing would be their intestines.

-poor digestion leaves the body and immune system wrecked. when you eat bad your not providing nutrients your body needs, and your digestive system has nothing to absorb and give to your body.

- your using your digestive enzymes to process unhealthy processed, rich, glutenous foods. we only have a limited amount of them and then your left with none which leads to gas, bloating, belching, muscle pain, skin disorders, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and even emotional symptoms.

- a ruined or weak digestive system will "STEAL" enzymes from the immune system to process the crap you are eating. when this happens your are increasing your toxins and impurities.

-It’s not surprising that your immune system first clicks into hyperdrive in your digestive tract — it was designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria in your food before they infect your body.

Symptoms that something in your gut is haywire

symptoms of digestive problems may include abdominal pain, allergic symptoms, belching, bloated feeling, a burning sensation after eating, chronic bowel irritation, chronic fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gas, insomnia, joint and muscle pain, nausea, rumbling stomach noises, skin disorders, sugar cravings, vomiting and indigestion.

Allergies

probiotics are closely related to mediating certain allergy symptoms and when you don't have probiotics...well you get it.

Inflammation

inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system to infection. many experts now see inflammation as arising from an immune system response that’s out of control. with most of the population eating processed foods their body can actually think its being attacked and cause inflammation. inflammation is easy to understand...

we give our digestive systems plenty of work to do. our evolution from the hunter-gatherer diet to convenience and fast food is overwhelming our metabolism and GI tract. the deck is now stacked in inflammation’s favor. the modern diet offers us an upside-down ratio of fatty acids (omega-3, -6, and -9), too much sugar and carbs, and high levels of wheat, dairy, and other common allergens.

foods that cause inflammation in the body >

-polyunsaturated veggie oils ike safflower, sunflower, corn, peanut and soy

-high-carb, low-protein diets

-refined sugar and other foods with high glycemic values jack up insulin levels and put the immune system on high alert

-common allergens like casein and gluten

-synthetic fibers, latex, glues, adhesives, plastics, air fresheners, cleaning products

-pesticides, pollution, and heavy metals

-stress and cortisol

Why inflammation is on the rise

our wonderful bodies weren’t designed for a daily barrage of toxins, chemicals and pesticides in our food. eat clean, natural and feel better now!