Articles by Donna DiMarco

It’s that time of year again.  We’ve all indulged over the holidays and we are starting our “getting healthy” routine. 

I am pleased to offer a new weight loss program that is inexpensive, easy to follow and healthy.  This program was designed by a doctor in California who catered to the movie industry, those with little time, who ate out a lot but wanted to lose weight and get healthy.

This program will support adrenal health, liver detoxification and fight inflammation much like my 6 week detox plan but in a more gentle and subtle way.  This program is designed for those who don’t like to take a lot of supplements.  The program is packaged in 2 month units.  You can continue on as long as you want to achieve your goal. 

The approximate weight loss is 4-8 pounds per month for women and 10-12 pounds per month for men, although results vary with each individual. 

Each 2-month supply of nutrients costs $320 and they will be delivered right to your door. You will get the required supplements, a shaker and pill box to start you on your way. The instructions are self explanatory but

 if you want more personal attention and guidance from me there will be an additional charge. 

It is suggested that you check with your physician or health care practitioner before starting this or any other weight loss program.

What better way to start off the New Year!  Contact me for more information.

Stay Healthy!

Donna

Healthy bones are needed for support, protection of vital organs (like the brain, lungs and heart), movement, storage of minerals, and formation of blood cells.  And yet, with these important responsibilities, many people don’t address what is really needed to maintain bone health, and end up with osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis affects men almost as much as women.  There is a simple test you can ask your doctor for, called N-telopeptide.  This simple urine test measures how much bone is being broken down and excreted. 

We have all been told that it is because we lack calcium and now the savvy say we lack vitamin D as well, but I say there is a lot more involved.  For instance, vitamins K and A are necessary to make the bone protein called osteocalcin, which is needed in bone health.  Osteocalcin plays a role in weight control and insulin reception.  Maybe healthy bones are needed for the maintenance and prevention of diabetes and obesity.
Vitamin K is found in many green vegetables.  Vitamin A, along with essential fatty acids are found in fish oils.

Inflammation can affect bone health since it promotes the body to produce cortisol, which stimulates the breakdown of bone.  If you have any inflammatory process that requires anti-inflammatory meds like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. on a regular basis, you may be losing bone density.  Regular use of prednisone or any cortisone-like medication will stimulate bone loss.  Instead of masking the pain, find out what is causing the inflammation and fix it.

Studies show that people with elevated homocysteine (an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease) have an increased incidence of osteoporosis.  We are not sure if it is the homocysteine itself that affects the bones or the deficiency of vitamins B-6, B-12 and Folate, all of which help keep homocysteine low.  Be sure to test your own homocysteine level; it should be 7 or less.

Of course, vitamin D’s main purpose (and it has many) is to maintain a calcium balance in the blood so that the heart will function properly. But vitamin D helps prevent hypertension, cancer, immune disorders and controls many other important body functions.  I find most people are significantly low so I recommend at least 2000 IU’s of Vitamin D each day.  Check your vitamin D OH-25 level, which should be above 40.

Hormones play an important part in bone health.  Men need sufficient testosterone and women need sufficient estrogen, and both must have enough progesterone for the bone-building cells to work properly.
But with our sugar-laden diets and the increased incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes (insulin resistance) we are finding that in men, the testosterone converts into estrogen and in women, the estrogen converts into testosterone, which is responsible for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hair loss.

The function of the thyroid, which produces calcitonin, and the parathyroid, which produces parathyroid hormone, are important players in maintaining calcium balance in the blood.  They must be considered when addressing bone health.  These hormone levels are only tested if there is abnormal calcium levels so don’t run off asking for these tests yet.  Keep them in the back of your mind.

We must not forget the role lifestyle plays in bone health.  Exercise, especially weight bearing exercise, strengthens the bones.  Lack of exercise causes weak bones to get weaker.

Diet is important too.  Not just for the consumption of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for bone health, but for maintaining the proper pH in the body.  (See my article on the Power of Hydrogen)
If you consume foods on a regular basis that make you more acid the body will try to neutralize the acid by pulling calcium out of the bones to act as a buffer.  These acid-forming foods are: red meat, white flour, sugar, dairy, coffee, soft drinks, processed foods, etc.; all foods found in the typical American diet.  The foods that alkalinize the body are mostly green leafy vegetables, which many of us lack.

Most importantly, we must remember the importance of magnesium, which is found in green leafy vegetables (yes, the same ones that help your pH).  Calcium and magnesium must be in balance, but unfortunately, many of us take in lots of calcium and not enough magnesium so the bones suffer.  EAT YOUR VEGGIES!!!
A red blood cell (RBC Mg) magnesium test is a good way to check this, NOT a serum magnesium level, which only shows deficiencies if severe.

 We forget that the body, although comprised of many organs and systems, must be viewed as a whole and that many of these organs, systems and functions affect other organs, systems and functions.  So before you start popping calcium to prevent bone loss, check if you are breaking bone down, your inflammation is addressed, your nutrient levels are fine, your diet contains fish, fruit and vegetables in sufficient amounts, your hormones are in balance, and you are  exercising regularly.

Stay Healthy,
Donna
 

Everyone is gearing up for the Swine Flu.  You have all heard how important it is to wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes and nose, cover your mouth when you cough, and most importantly, if you feel ill DO NOT go in to work or school.  We don’t have to succomb to it though.

The good news is that we have a natural defense against foreign invaders.  Our skin and mucous membranes in our gut and respiratory tracts are loaded with natural fighters to protect us from anything that my hitch a ride on what we ingest, inhale, or touch. 

Inevitably, something will get in and we have another defense- we produce natural killer cells, interleukins and interferon.  A lot of the flu symptoms you feel is caused by the increase in interferon.  The fever we get is the body’s way to kill off the invaders. This can begin rather quickly.  The sweating we experience is how the body gets rid of viruses and toxins.  Both are good so don’t be too quick to stop these reactions; they are just doing their job.  Of course too high a fever must be addressed.  Use common sense.

A third defense is the body’s ability to tag the offenders so they can be easily identified and killed by other cytokines so if ever this type of invader comes in the body knows just where it is and how to kill it.  This is what vaccines are; we inject a small amount to tell the body to fight anything that is tagged as this pathogen.  There are some problems with this: the body may actually get the disease from the inoculation, often there are boosters needed, it takes some time for the body to build its defenses to the tagged item and the invaders change and mutate so often they get by the previous vaccine. This is what happened with this new Swine Flu, it is a combination of other viruses so flu vaccines offer no protection.  So what do we do? 

Well, a healthy body has a strong immune system and can usually fight off the invaders.  Unfortunately, sugar knocks out a lot of your immune system and we are presently consuming 150 pounds per year each in the United States.  Diabetes and pre-diabetes is rampant, even in children.  Stop the simple carbs!

Eat lots of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits and a bit of protein with each meal.  This will give your body what it needs to keep the immune system up to the fight.  Vitamin A, in particular, supports the gut and respiratory immune system.  The precursor, beta carotene is found in yellow and orange vegetables and fruits.  Cold water fish also supplies a lot of vitamin A.  Nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin, supply the zinc that has been shown to fight viruses (remember zinc lozenges?).  Fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamin C, which we all know helps the immune system.

Many of us run to the doctor for antibiotics, which are useless when a virus hits.  But there are some natural things that can be done.  First, reduce your consumption of sugar, refined products and dairy products. 
Be sure to get some exercise to keep the circulation going but also to move the lymphatic vessels, which are the vacuum system of the body.  They search around for invaders and toxins and carry them out to be disposed of.  A swollen gland is an indication that the vacuum bag is filled and needs to be emptied.  Exercise helps it empty so it can collect more debris.  A mini trampoline is excellent to stimulate lymphatic drainage.

Drink lots of pure water, never tap water unless it is filtered to remove the chlorine and fluoride and other chemicals.  Good quality water dilutes the toxins and helps the body eliminate them quickly.  Try to drink at least 8 glasses per day.  This is especially important if you get the flu and sweat a lot or lose a lot of fluid by having diarrhea.  Water with fresh squeezed lemon juice is great.

Far infrared saunas are the best to remove viruses and toxins through the sweat glands.  Be sure to remove the sweaty cloths and launder well before re-use.  The immune system is up-regulated by taking a hot shower first then immediately turning the water cold.  Europeans are quite familiar with this technique, especially around the hot springs in Northern Europe.

There are herbs like andrographis paniculata, elderberry, echinacea, oregano, olive etc., which help stimulate the immune system.  Supplements like zinc, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin A have all been shown to boost the immune system.  I carry products that have a combination of these substances in one product and at the first sign of exposure I take it to boost my resistance.

There is also a great selection of homeopathic remedies available to help prevent the flu from getting hold and for relieving the symptoms.  There are even homeopathic flu prevention remedies that are formulated each year to prevent the expected viruses.  Many people choose this instead of flu shots and they are very effective.  But when a pandemic strikes there is very little time to build the protective defenses so act now.

If you get the flu be sure to stay home and isolated.  Rest and drink lots of fluids, especially water.  One way to stimulate the body is to take a hot soak in a tub filled with water in which ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of Epsom salt has been added.  Soak for at least 15 minutes and wrap yourself up to sweat.  Be sure to change the sheets and pajamas if they become wet.  Don’t let them dry and wear them again, they are contaminated and need to be laundered.  Eat and drink warming foods like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, garlic and cayenne.  Tomato juice or soup with garlic and Tabasco is a good remedy to induce sweating.  But if your fever is too high, the body must be cooled.  I generally don’t try to reduce a fever until it is over 102°.  Please stay in touch with your doctor and follow his instructions. 

Take advantage of this flu threat to gather some of these preventive remedies so that you have them immediately if you need them.  You can contact me for the homeopathics or any of the immune boosters.
Hopefully, you won’t have to use them, but if you do, they are there. 

If you follow these simple recommendations you will grab Swine Flu by the tail.

Stay Healthy!
Donna
 

I was watching the DVD, Food Matters, with my class and something jumped out at me.  The statement was made twice that if we ate a 51% raw food diet we would not have digestive leukocytosis.  Digestive leukocytosis is a condition where the body responds to an improperly digested food as if it were a foreign invader.  The immune system becomes activated and the body reacts as to any other stressor; the white blood cells “beef up” to fight the invaders. Cortisol is produced to fight the inflammation response. This puts a strain on the immune and endocrine systems.  If consistently over-worked the immune system can get locked into an over kill mode where the body cannot distinguish self from non self; that’s an autoimmune disease.  In addition, if the cortisol requirements remain high from constant inflammation, the adrenals become exhausted and are not available when we really need them.  This is why some people develop a sensitivity to a food or environment that they were consistently exposed to but without ever having a reaction.  They tired adrenals can’t hold back the reaction any more so symptoms manifest.

Raw foods contain enzymes that help break down the food into more digestible nutrients, which are then used to nourish the body.  When we cook food we destroy the enzymes.  Here are some examples:
A green banana is not very sweet; the carbohydrates are not broken down into simple sugars.  As the banana ripens the fruit is sweeter.  That is the results of enzymes.  If you’ve ever made Jell-O with fruit added, you know that you must only use canned pineapple, not fresh.  This is because the fresh still has active enzymes that can breakdown the protein in the Jell-O so much that it doesn’t set.  The heat from canning the pineapple destroys the enzymes so that it has no affect on the Jell-O.  Well, this is a benefit when making Jello but not for health. 

In the same manner, cooking foods over 105 degrees destroys the enzymes in the food.  As we age, we produce fewer enzymes in our bodies so that these external sources of enzymes become essential.  In fact, without them, our nutrient intake is significantly diminished, and nutrient deficiency leads to illness. 

Consider how few people really try to eat enzyme-rich foods.  Not many!  Our diet is mostly cooked, processed, powdered, canned, concentrated, frozen, reconstituted and nutrient depleted.  Obesity and illness is still climbing and the United States is the most over-fed and under-nourished country in the world.  Healthcare costs are rising and our research dollars are mostly directed to drugs to stop the symptoms, rather than prevention of disease.  Eating more raw foods is a way to stay healthy so that the drugs (and their side effects) are not needed.

How do we eat 51% raw food diet?  We can all eat more salads; but not just one a day!  Some of my clients only think of salads as some sort of lettuce based dish with a dressing of sorts.  They are surprised to learn that  there are many other types of salads.  Think about fresh fruit salads.  I recently made a raw salad from beet, white and sweet potato, carrot and onion.  Think coleslaw; raw cabbage with mayo, vinegar and spices.  Get a book of Raw Food recipes.  You’ll be surprised at the variety and ease of preparation.

Think about dehydrated foods, which are available at health food stores or you can make yourself if you have a dehydrator.  How about fresh made vegetable juices? Canned and bottled juices are lacking enzymes and pasteurization insures enzyme deficiency. 

Think about dried fruits, nuts, seeds; you can make wonderful snacks from raw nut butters, seeds and carob- see my recipes tab on my home page!

You can make a wonderful chocolate ice cream (without dairy) from bananas, raw cocoa, dates and ice cubes.
How about a chocolate pudding made from a ripe avocado mixed with cocoa powder and stevia; coconut milk is a great addition to a raw food diet. 

Be creative.  Getting in more raw foods is easier than you can imagine.  I will add a link to some books I recommend. 

Until next time, stay healthy!
Donna

The New Year is here and resolutions are being made.
Why not start the New Year off with a resolution to do a three week cleansing program?

This program involves eliminating foods that are known to cause sensitivities and inflammation, while supporting the body with supplements and nutrients that help eliminate the toxic loads we’ve all accumulated.  It will also help rid the excess weight we put on over the holidays. But the main reason to do this program is to feel better.  Aching muscles, swollen hands in the morning, allergy symptoms, tiredness, foggy brain function and more may clear up in just three weeks…if you don’t cheat!

Toxins may be just an accumulation of excess hormones, cholesterol, metabolic wastes, pesticides, medications, environmental toxins, etc.  The elimination of these antigens and toxins allows the inflammatory response to wind down and usually diminishes symptoms significantly.

The process is simple; just modify your diet and add nutritional support; then gradually add foods back in to identify the offenders.  A reoccurrence of a symptom indicates a sensitivity that needs long term elimination.

One of the main ingredients of this program is the addition of functional foods, usually in the form of ahypo-allergenic rice protein powder, which is designed to support the gastrointestinal tract while prompting the liver and kidneys to release toxins. This is NOT just a protein powder, but a scientifically designed compound that functions as a multivitamin-mineral supplement, nutrient- absorption-enhancer, intestinal supporter, liver and kidney cleanser, and more!

In addition, supplements to support specific detox functions are taken to quicken the process and make the functional foods work a bit better.  It is so simple!

It is important to drink copious amounts of water to wash the toxins out of the body.  It is also important to have regular bowel movements for the same reason.  Saunas are a great way to remove toxins through the process of sweating.  Speaking of sweating, remember to exercise; the increase in heart rate helps to get the blood flowing.  That extra flow rate carries nutrients into the cells for repair and maintenance, while carrying toxins and wastes out of the body.  It also increases bowel transit time, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce stress.

Just think, by February 1, 2009 you could be symptom free, have enhanced energy, more restful sleep, clear thinking, better skin and better bowel habits, not to mention you possibly could have lost weight .
Wouldn’t you like to make THIS New Year’s resolution?
Health is right around the corner- GO FOR IT!
Contact me to get started.
Donna

I often get calls from people asking for some advice in dealing with a picky eater; the child who will only eat macaroni and cheese or only pizza or some other nutrient void food.  When the parent puts anything that looks like a vegetable in front of the child, he or she will refuse to eat.  Typically, the parent gives in because the fear of the child missing a meal brings forth visions of swollen bellies and malnutrition.  The result may be a child with poor performance in school, behavioral problems, allergies, ADD and/or ADHD; but what about all the intricate workings of the body that are affected due to nutrient deficiencies?  This is how chronic disease begins.

This is really a parenting issue rather than a nutrition issue.  As long as parents offer alternatives to the healthy meal there will not be much change in the child’s diet.  It becomes a battle of will between child and parent and very often the parent gives in first. 

 I am not a psychologist but as a single parent, I didn’t have the time to prepare different menus to suit my children’s preferences.  Of course on occasion I would make a healthy meal they enjoyed but their nourishment was my first priority.  I would make a healthy meal and they had to eat it or go to bed hungry.

Here are my suggestions:
1. Try to serve mostly healthy foods along with one small amount of the child’s favorites.
2. Make less of the unhealthy foods and require that your child eat those foods only after they eat some of their vegetables.
3. Be creative with sauces, dressings and spices.  My girls didn’t like plain broccoli, but with melted butter and seasoned breadcrumbs (before we were gluten free) they loved it.
4. Get your child involved in preparing the healthy food.  During the preparation, point out the fiber on the outside of the broccoli, the carotenoids in the sweet potato, and how steaming is healthier than frying or boiling.
5. Let your child have a voice in what is prepared, for example, after he or she helps you prepare the veggies have him or her choose what they want, but be sure you make only a small amount.
6. Spend some time with younger children cutting photos of the fruits and veggies from magazines.  Save these images and use them to have the child pick out the menu (with your approval, of course).  Be sure to find mostly healthy foods but allow some of the others as well.
7. Explain to your child how the body won’t work properly if the vitamins and minerals are missing.  Explain how much bigger they’ll grow, faster they’ll run and better at school they will be by eating well.
8. Keep a growth chart and remind him or her that the growth must be because of the veggies he or she has eaten.
9. Don’t reward behavior with sugar-laden foods or drinks.  Use healthy versions of the same type, example: organic blue corn chips instead of regular corn chips, or whole wheat cookies instead of conventional.  A better reward would be to play a game or read a story instead of rewarding with food.
10. Create a recipe book with your child.  Try new recipes together and vote on whether it is good enough to add to your recipe book of things you like.  Be sure to use healthy ingredients.
11. Have your child’s friend come for dinner so he or she can show off their cooking skills and how proud you are that they eat veggies and such.
The bottom line is that the parent does the shopping, the parent prepares the meal, and the parent can choose whether or not to give in to the child.  The solution is not necessarily a nutritionist, but in the parent gaining control.

Until Next time….
Donna

Too many women still confuse detection with prevention.  They are NOT the same.  Mammography can only detect cancer - there is no way it can prevent it once it’s already in the breast.  This problem is perpetuated by the media, which persists in sending out this wrong-headed message.  Further, mammography is also being promoted as a one-size fits all screening tool, even though we know that it does not work as well on women who have dense breast tissue, which is a common condition for premenopausal women and women who still continue to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women are being lulled into a false sense of security by merely having a mammogram. Ionizing radiation is the only thing we know that definitive causes cancer (think Hiroshima). Radiation is cumulative in the body and is stored in the breast tissue. For some women, a sonogram may be a better screening tool. Since most breast cancers have a long latency period before they are diagnosed (10-20 years), some breast cancers have been caused by the amount of radiation a woman has been exposed to over many years. What is even more problematic is the idea that younger women with either a genetic mutation or a significant family history are encouraged to be screened beginning in their 30’s.  We simply don’t know that exposing these women to radiation so early will be the key that unlocks the gene that triggers a breast cancer. 

Here’s the criteria I use to determine the effectiveness of a mammogram. I tell women to get a copy of the radiologist’s report.  If the radiologist indicates that the breast tissue is very dense, then the benefit of mammography is limited.  By the way, density of breast tissue may change with a women’s menstrual cycle.  That’s why the best time for a woman to have a mammogram is after she’s had her period, but of course, no one tells women this either. Because of this, I created a handout “Getting the Best Mammogram”. I also created another handout “What Type of Screening Is Right For You?”, to help women make sense out of which is the best screening tool for them. I will gladly email these handouts to anyone who is interested.

I encourage women to educate themselves about breast cancer. Awareness of breast cancer is not the same as understanding the underlying issues. Sadly, education is not high on the list of priorities for doctors or most national breast cancer organizations that merely espouse conventional screening and treatment modalities. In these difficult times of managed care, it’s incumbent for all women to be proactive and engaged about their healthcare.
_______________

Sandra Blank
Executive Director
Florida Breast Cancer Resource Network
Email: bcfbcrn@aol.com

I am home recovering from a cold that came upon me quite quickly.  I want to share some of how I dealt  with it so that you can be prepared and apply this method yourself.

I want to start by saying that a cold and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, therefore antibiotics are ineffective.  In fact, taking antibiotics often can help develop “smart germs”,  but especially when the antibiotics are given for a virus.  This means that the germs mutate so that antibiotics have no effect on them.  This has been a problem in the general population simply because our food supply (animal sources) is routinely treated with antibiotics to overcome the deplorable conditions in which the animals are raised.  As a result, antibiotic-resistant infections are developing faster than we can find new drugs to fight them.  The use of antibiotics for the cold and flu only add to the problem.

Here’s what I did:  a bio-energetic scan indicated that a virus was trying to invade me.  This was identified before I experienced any symptoms.  My weak spot, as indicated by this scan, was my sinuses.  Since I was symptom free, I disregarded the warning.  Seven days later I came down with a severe sinus infection that turned into a cold. 

I immediately used my Neti pot.  A Neti pot looks like a ceramic watering can.  It is designed to irrigate the sinus passages with water.  I must admit that it takes some getting used to (detailed instructions are included in each pot).  I filled the pot with pure, luke-warm water and a small amount of Celtic sea salt.  As I lean over the sink, I turn my head in one direction and place the tip of the Neti pot in the higher nostril.  I then pour the water into the nostril.  You could feel it filling the sinus cavities and may even drip a bit down the back of the throat, but with minimal adjustment of the angle and turn of the head, the water quickly drains out the opposite nostril taking any dust, pollen, dirt, etc. out with the water.  As I finish pouring in one side, a short, abrupt blow of air through the nose expels any remaining mucus and water.  I then proceed to repeat this on the other nostril.

I routinely ask clients with allergies and sinus issues to rinse their sinuses daily to clear out any allergens like animal dander, dust and pollen from sticking to the mucous membranes and causing constant irritation.  It works really well.  But in my case, when I had a cold, I repeated this nasal lavage many times throughout the day.  This dislodged much of the mucus and kept my sinuses open.  As the cold progressed toward healing, this method eliminated much of the constant blowing of the nose and actually helped me sleep comfortably each night. 

I strongly encourage you to buy a Neti pot.  They are available for $13-$20 at health food stores, drug stores and on-line.  It is a must if you suffer from sinus problems or allergies; use it once daily.  It takes about three minutes for me to do this each morning.  You will feel the difference immediately.

If you have a cold, consider using the Neti pot more often to clear the sinuses and nasal passages.
Be sure to use a good water, not tap water.  Celtic Sea Salt should be in each home for seasoning; use a little in the Neti pot as well.  It really does get easier with practice.  This is better than vaporizers, ocean spray, humidifiers or inhales steam.  It incorporates the naturopathic beliefs of using water to help heal.  While you are at it, drink copious amounts of water to thin out the mucus and replace the water lost from sweating. 

Stay well,

Donna

If you’ve read my previous article on allergies and sensitivities, you know that there is a difference, and you also know that these sensitivities cause inflammation and can eventually lead to adrenal burn out. Food sensitivities can be a reason that diabetics are unable to get a grip on their blood sugar levels; even if they stick to a low carb diet. Food sensitivities can cause arthritis and achy joints to become more inflamed and can also result in sinus problems, achy back, high blood pressure and a myriad of other issues. One of the best ways to prevent developing sensitivities is to rotate your food at least every other day; every fourth day is better still. Those who eat the same thing every day are at highest risk. What if you have sensitivities already? One way to check is to avoid the suspected food for at least three weeks in order to see how your symptoms improve, then eat a lot of that food and take notice of how you feel. The problem is that there are often many food sensitivities simultaneously, so avoiding one or two does not bring significant relief or improvement of symptoms. One way to get results is to have a blood test taken. Many doctors do an IgE test, which only identifies immediate reactions, like eating a strawberry and getting a swollen throat and tongue. This is important but it does not measure those offending substances that have a delayed reaction. This delayed reaction is measured by an IgG test. I find this to be the most accurate way to identify the offenders.This test is offered by many labs and if your doctor orders this test, it may be covered by insurance. It usually requires a blood draw and takes about a week or so to get the results. This test changed my life and ended many years of allergy suffering since all my doctors told me it was pollen and dust. Yet, when I removed these offending foods, I was able to tolerate the pollen and dust. After 30 years of allergy shots and treatments, like magic, my symptoms were gone.The latest development is the availability to do these tests by a simple finger stick at home. This test is quick and easy and less expensive than the other types of allergy testing. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles that help you incorporate food rotation and avoidance into your diet, but if you are creative and determined, this finger stick test is for you.In many cases, I can support the body so it can restore balance to the adrenals and immune system. Sometimes, other factors affect the results; food sensitivities are one of those factors. Unless these sensitivities are addressed and eliminated the body cannot completely heal itself.I strongly encourage you to consider doing this simple, inexpensive test to identify any sensitivities before they become an issue. Until next time…Stay Healthy!Donna

I was on vacation sitting by the pool and watching the obese adults and children enjoy the most awful snacks as they “live it up”.   I was absolutely amazed that people were drinking beer at 10 a.m. as they sat in the sun.  Of course intermittent smoking just topped off the perfect week of relaxation and leisure.

Maybe everyone else’s dietary habits were so obvious because I was fasting for the week.  I try to go away when I fast because it is easier to be away from the familiar places where I cook and eat.  This is a week of relaxation, meditation, cleansing and rejuvenation; it works for me. 

While cooling off in the pool, I overheard 4 women discussing their diabetes and other health problems.

One was bragging that her blood sugar level was over 800 before the doctor made a diagnosis and prescribed medicine.  She was the winner; the other women only had a sugar level of 600.  This was quite a lot to be proud of.

One suggested that the other try Metformin since her husband takes Metformin and eats “whatever he wants”.  That’s an endorsement if ever I heard it!

A bit earlier there were three young people discussing hangovers.  The girl said she doesn’t like the feeling so she drinks a bottle of water with each drink.  The boy stated that he never gets hung over since he was able to “do 22 rounds of Captain Morgan and not get hung over”.   He had a great suggestion for her:  besides drinking the water, she should take some B12 and vitamin C before bedtime.  That would prevent the hangover.  Well, my head turned to see this health conscious young man with real wisdom of preventing hangovers.  He was over 300 pounds with an enormous belly hanging over his swimsuit…he was only 20 years old.

What are we coming to?  Are we so numb to health that an arsenal of drugs is a normal way of life?

Have we accepted the Big Pharma lies that sickness is a deficiency of a drug and what we eat has nothing to do with it?

I start teaching a new nutrition class next week.  I have seventy students enrolled.  I have the privilege of sharing with them information that will hopefully change their lives and as evidenced by my last classes, it is significantly for the better. 

A student from my last class wrote me recently:

Dear Valued Prof, I sincerely believe that (this class) remains the most relevant course not just in US, but (for a few of us not from US) even right up to other countries. It is to me a crusade that whoever has come across should ensure that he/she keeps passing on the good news. I wish you will stay longer on the scene so as to keep the flame ever on. God bless you for all your efforts towards ensuring a healthier society. Thanks.Peter Ugwuozor  

This is why I teach.  This is why I encourage you to pass the information on.  There are too many people who don’t know, don’t believe, or don’t care that they are literally killing themselves.  

Please, just for one day a week, think before you eat!  Ask yourself if the food you will eat will make you healthier.  Let’s change the world into a healthier place.

Donna

It has been said that you are not what you eat, but rather what you digest, absorb and assimilate.  This is true.  Health begins with the food choices, but I frequently find people who make significant dietary changes, yet the issues still remain.  One of the first places I look is in the gut.  Is the food moving along the GI tract at the right speed?  Is digestion occuring?  Are the pathogens interfering?  Is there “leaky gut”?  Is there a significant amount of probiotics?  Are the wastes being eliminated?  Is the immune system in the gut functioning properly? Each of these aspects must be investigated thoroughly and must also work properly in order to restore and/or maintain health.

The stomach needs to be acid in order to break down food which will then trigger the release of bicarb from the pancreas.  If you take a lot of antacids, there won’t be enough acid to trigger the bicarb release.  Bicarb is alkaline.  The small intestines must be alkaline in order to digest food further.  When you upset the stomach, you upset the small intestines.

The GI tract is where 70% on your immune system resides.   If you are someone who gets frequent colds and is susceptible to catch whatever someone else has, you may want to support your gut.  Secretory Immunoglobulin A is a good indicator of gut health. 

 ”Leaky gut” is a term used to describe intestinal permeability.  Tiny junctions between the cells that line the GI tract become separated.  This leaves a pathway for partially digested food or pathogens to enter the body.  If it is partially digested food, it may manifest as a food sensitivity.  If it is a pathogen, it may mean an infection.  Either way, it will stimulate an immune response and send your body into an alarm state.  This causes adrenal stress and could lead to the development of an autoimmune disorder.  Leaky gut is caused by a high refined diet, steroid hormones, birth control pills and some other medications. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to reverse.

Probiotic are the good bacteria that live in your gut and help keep the bad bacteria in check, they help absorb nutrients and help provide vitamins like the B vitamins and vitamin K.  If you take an antibiotic and you get a yeast infection, it means your gut flora (probiotics) is low. A normal, healthy gut can withstan 8-10 days of antibiotic therapy without having the good guys die off enough to cause the yeast to grow.  Everyone should be on a good probiotics formula, always.  Lack of probiotics is often the cause of constipation.  Sometimes I find that food is improperly digested.  This can easily be remedied by supplementing with digestive enzymes.  There are different enzymes produced in different parts of the GI tract.  I suggest a broad spectrum digestive enzyme to skip the guess work.  But ultimately, you need to get your body producing enzymes again.  If you have indigestion and pain after eating, consider enzymes.

This is especially true of  hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is produced in the stomach.  This strong acid keeps pathogens from infecting our bodies; it helps digest food, absorb minerals and triggers the bicarb release from the pancreas.  It can be hindered by poor diet, medications, especially proton pump inhibitors, which are given for acid reflux and heartburn. There is also a bacterium called H. Pylori that can cause low HCl, but I find that the most common cause is a deficiency of niacinamide.  Low HCl sufferers typically have gas and bloating  after a meal and foul smelling stool and flatulence.  They may also have symptoms very similar to too much acid, like reflux and indigestion.  Simple supplementation with niacinamide in a hefty dose helps the body produce enough acid.  I have found that this works when nothing else does.  Be sure to use niacinamide; niacin actually works but it causes a flush and itching response to occur. Fiber is another important part of good GI health.  Fiber bulks up the waste material, which triggers the bowels to expel the stool.  Fiber also absorbs toxins, cholesterol and excess hormones released from the liver to be excreted.  Lack of fiber allows these wastes to be re-absorbed back into the body to further hinder proper function. Pathogens, parasites, yeast and fungus can all be found in the gut.  Parasitic worms are often picked  up from walking barefoot outdoors, from kissing and sleeping with pets, from casual, and of course intimate contact.  Any of these can cause the immune system to respond in an effort to get rid of the offender.  These “bugs” must be identified and destroyed so health can be restored. 

There is only one sure way to check for most of these issues– polymerase chain reaction/DNA stool test.  This state of the art exam can help you identify all these factors at one time, and with considerable accuracy.
If you have some of the symptoms described, consider this GI test for yourself.

Stay Healthy!

Donna

Many of you are still using plastic bags to carry your purchases from the stores. This presentation shows the damage these bags can cause. Cloth bags are available to purchase in many places. Bulk stores like Costco offer really large bags with reinforced handles and shoulder straps to carry bulky items.

Be sure to take cloth bags with you to the hardware store, to the drug store and to specialty stores. Think about all the places you go that offer plastic bags. Remember to save a clean cloth bag for clothing purchases. You don’t want moist produce residue soiling your new clothing.

Check it out and do your part. We need to keep ourselves and the planet healthy.

Donna

Dysglycemia  is a term given to the many blood sugar dysfunctions. It is in epidemic proportions in this country. Our children, young people and adults are severely over weight. Our fast food diets and high carbohydrate meals are to blame. Diabetes is a totally preventable disease, in most cases and is rampantly growing. It accounts for much of our health care costs. Let me explain what happens.

When we eat a sugars (or carbohydrates) the pancreas produces insulin to help the sugar transport into the cells to produce energy. When we eat a lot of carbohydrates we produce a lot of insulin. This sends much of the sugar into the cells, leaving little left to keep the brain happy. This is Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar- all the sugar is sent into the cells- none left for the brain.  Symptoms of hypoglycemia are you get shaky if meals are missed, along with light headedness, foggy thinking and irritability.

If we ignore these symptoms and continue to eat a high-carbohydrate diet, the pancreas will continue to produce an excess of insulin. The cells try to compensate for the abundance of insulin showering upon them so they “down-regulate”; they close up some of their receptors. This is called Insulin Resistance or  Syndrome X. The signs of insulin resistance are: craving something sweet after a meal, needing a nap after you eat and awakening after you fall asleep at night. This is the step before diabetes.

In men, insulin resistance leads to testosterone being converted to estrogen (low libido and men developing breasts) and in women it leads to  estrogen being converted into testosterone, which leads to polycyctic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility.  It is suspected that if this happens to a pregnant woman, the increase in testosterone may affect the development of the blood brain barrier in the unborn baby. This protects toxins from getting into the brain. If compromised, and the baby is exposed to a toxin (like in a vaccination) it may lead to the development of autism.

Now the insulin resistant body needs more insulin to force the glucose into the cells. The pancreas puts out insulin at a frantic pace until it wears itself out and says “I quit!” This is Diabetes (type II), the pancreas is burned out from making insulin so insulin shots or pills are given to stabilize blood sugar levels. Some medications force the pancreas to work harder. This only exacerbates the issue.

Here’s the problem: insulin is very irritating to the lining of the blood vessels (even if given by injection) so it promotes inflammation but the body tries to patch it up by putting LDL’s in the arteries. This only leads to arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This is why so many diabetics have heart disease and lose feet or toes due to poor circulation. Diabetes also causes kidney problems, blindness, and a myriad of other degenerative diseases, all of which could be prevented.

One way to avoid these disorders is to avoid the high carb diet. Eat whole, fresh fruits and vegetables with lots of fiber to slow the blood sugar level down. Whole grains, not refined must be eaten. They contain many of the glycemic factors. Avoid any packaged food, even cereals. They have been known to raise blood sugar considerably. Meals that contain protein, fat and carbs cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels than those with just carbs alone. Remember that alcohol, even wine is going to raise your blood sugar level a lot. In fact, most people with alcoholic tendencies are hypoglycemic.

Another way is to make sure you maintain a sufficient level of nutrients that help insulin to work. They include: chromium, magnesium, vanadium, alpha lipoic acid, Conjugate Linoleic Acid (CLA), etc. These are called glycemic factors. These nutrients are used up by continuous consumption of sugars and need to be repleted.

One more way to avoid dysglycemia is to eat every three hours so your blood sugar level doesn’t get too low. The worst thing you could do is skip a meal, especially breakfast. That sets up a whole new set of problems. If you just can’t handle food first thing in the morning,, you must start slowly and gradually build up to a good high-protein meal for breakfast.

If we give our bodies what it needs it will heal itself. If we continuously abuse it it will quit working properly.

Stay Healthy,

Donna

Natural Healing is really a simple process; if there is not enough nutrients—replace them; if there are too many toxins—eliminate them; if functions like digestion, elimination, immune protection, etc. are not functioning properly—support them; and if inflammation is wreaking havoc—identify and quench it.

How simple can it be? Then why aren’t we all doing it? Because these issues often make themselves known by producing symptoms like gas & bloating, foggy thinking, constipation, weight gain or loss, headaches, joint pain, allergies, frequent illnesses and many more. Our medical mentality has been to relieve the symptom. Cover them up. If we make you feel better quick you can go on with living your life.

This may work for a while but not for long. I just got off the phone with a pilot. I explained it this way: suppose you are cruising at 30,000 feet and an alarm goes off on the control panel. Do you take out the fuse that controls the alarm or take out the light bulb that lights up the alarm? Of course not! The annoying noise and flashing light is there to get your attention to address something that is not functioning properly. There are specific alarms for different areas of the plane. Each area of the plane has its own specific function and each of these functions together keep the plane in flight. A malfunction in any one area may affect other functions so it must be addressed quickly to keep the plane safe until proper repair is made.

Our bodies are more complex than a plane, yet when the symptom alarm goes off we immediately look to take out the light bulb or silence the alarm. We are totally unconcerned that the improper function that caused the alarm may eventually hinder other functions.

A good example of this is a fever. Some people panic at the slightest rise in body temperature and immediately seek ibuprofen and such to lower their temperature. In reality, a fever is the body’s way of killing off pathogens, kind of like pasteurization, where high heat kills the germs. If we keep the fever from getting high enough to kill the germs we are actually giving them a chance to proliferate and we end up with a full blown infection. Now I am not saying that all fevers should go unaddressed. No, I am saying that a slight temperature means that the body is working properly and is trying to protect you without the need of antibiotics. This is a good symptom.

What about stomach issues? Many people take over the counter antacids to deal with indigestion. They sometimes get some relief but find they can’t function well without them. Are their bodies suffering from an antacid deficiency? I doubt it. But it is easier to cover the symptom than to identify and correct the cause.

In many cases, people who take antacids actually suffer from not enough stomach acid. This leads to the proliferation of bacteria, fungus and other pathogens like H. Pylori, which cause ulcers. The GI tract is lined with a mucosal membrane that helps keep pathogens out. It also protects the stomach from being irritated by the strong stomach acid. This acid is needed to insure proper digestion. If we are deficient in zinc or chloride or other nutrients, the stomach acid production diminishes and actually produces symptoms much like too much acid. In addition, the improperly digested food ferments and produces irritation to the GI tract. If a person is on an anti-inflammatory Cox inhibitor, they may end up with thinned mucosa, which may lead to an ulcer. If they take antacids for the gastric symptoms without determining the cause, they may actually be making the stomach worse.

Even natural health methods may fall short. Many people believe that if they take a natural remedy for a symptom that it is better than taking a drug. In some ways it is since natural methods rarely have side effects if taken correctly. But how does this help find the cause? The underlying problem still remains. Health practitioners need to be familiar with how the body functions and must be able to trace the symptoms to the cause of the issue. Fix the pathway, fix the function and the symptom will go away.

I recently had someone come to me for help because after working with several practitioners, his stomach issues still remain. Each practitioner did gastrointestinal testing. Some natural remedies were given to stop the symptoms, yet they remain. The cause of the alarm was not found.  After assessing the person I was able to trace back to the ultimate imbalance, in this case lack of stomach acid.  After this was addressed the symptoms went away. 

Think about this before you reach for the next over the counter remedy. 

Donna

Don’t Lie Down!

By Teresa Biber M.S., CCC-SLP

Remember when our mothers used to warn us to “wait thirty minutes before going into the water before eating or you might get a cramp and drown.” Fortunately for those rebellious youngsters who refused to listen, there has yet to be a documented death attributed to swimming right after eating. Yet to this day most people probably will refrain from doing so. What our mothers should have told us was, “Don’t lie down for at least 2 hours after eating.” That warning would have been much more biologically correct and ultimately saved a lot more lives! I am amazed at the number of patients I encounter daily, both young and old, who admit to lying down right after eating. The simple truth is, this is not only unwise but potentially very dangerous. 

By Donna DiMarco, CN, LNC.

During the summer months, sun protection becomes foremost on our minds, well maybe after weight loss. Years ago, when life was simpler, food was nutrient dense and water was pure, even though people spent much more time in the sun, there was less skin cancer. Many types of work were done outdoors without protection, and people looked forward to outdoor activities, even after working in the sun all day. We have been recently taught that if we are to survive exposure to the harmful rays of the sun we should lather ourselves with the highest SPF factor we could find, wear protective clothing, hats and glasses and still run from the sun like the
plague was approaching, but is the sun the real cause?

During the summer months, sun protection becomes foremost on our minds, well maybe after weight loss. Years ago, when life was simpler, food was nutrient dense and water was pure, even though people spent much more time in the sun, there was less skin cancer. Many types of work were done outdoors without protection, and people looked forward to outdoor activities, even after working in the sun all day. We have been recently taught that if we are to survive exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, we should lather ourselves with the highest SPF factor we could find, wear protective clothing, hats and glasses and still run from the sun like the plague was approaching, but is the sun the real cause? 

Now here’s our dilemma: we are deficient in vitamin D because we avoid sunlight and block out its powerful rays, and we are deficient in antioxidants that would allow us to get our vitamin D from the sun as nature intended and with suffering its damage.

Again, there is no doubt that the sun can cause severe damage to the skin but only IF certain nutrients (antioxidants) are lacking. By blocking out the sunlight we block the body’s ability to make much-needed vitamin D. Sunrays offer much more than just the catalyst for vitamin D production. They help regulate our circadian rhythm, promote the feeling of well being, and facilitate better learning and higher productivity.

As a result of avoiding sunlight and blocking out its rays, the incidence of osteoporosis, prostate and breast cancer, and even high blood pressure have risen.

Vitamin D is needed for bones to develop properly and to allow calcium to maintain bone integrity. We originally believed gross vitamin D deficiency only resulted in rickets. As a result, vitamin D was added to milk in small amounts, which prevented rickets but fell far short of our bodies need for vitamin D ( much like iodized salt prevented goiter but left the body iodine deficient). Recently, we have come to realize that vitamin D is important for many other functions. As far back as in the 1940s researchers noticed that individuals living in the temperate zones were more vulnerable to hypertension, colon, prostate, and breast cancer. Only later was the connection made to reduced sun exposure and vitamin D.

Vitamin D is found in fish and fish oils and fortified foods, but according to the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-94, the median intake for children is above the Adequate Intake (AI), but the below the AI for women over 12 years of age and for men over 50 years. This may be due to the increased fortified milk consumption by children. Yet, recent studies indicate that fortification practices in both the U.S. and Canada are not effective in preventing vitamin deficiency. Our food choices are still poor and we still avoid the sun.

Other conditions that may be prevented by optimal intake (or body production) of vitamin D are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and even Type 1 diabetes. In one study, it was reported that children who were given 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily had a reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes by 80 percent.

Another study determined that large doses of vitamin D taken only every four months produced reduction in the incidence of breaking bones among seniors (65-85 year old). Swiss researchers also found that older people who took supplemental vitamin D for 9 months cut their risk of falling by about 50%. In 1989, when a vitamin D precursor (25-hydroxy D) was measured in the blood, it was determined that subjects with higher levels had 50% less risk of colon cancer than those with lower levels. How many of these older people would benefit by sitting out in the sunlight just 20-30 minutes a day?

Although many health care practitioners use to limit their vitamin D supplement recommendations to 400 IU per day, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a couple of articles re-evaluating the safety range of vitamin D and concluded that the current 2,000 IU daily safe limit should be increased by at least 5 fold (1999). They revisited the subject in 2001 with the addition that… “we consider 4,000 IU vitamin D to be a safe (daily) intake for adults.”

The best choice for obtaining vitamin D should be from moderate exposure to sunlight. Supplementation should be the second choice when sufficient exposure to sunlight is not an option, as in areas north of the equator who experience seasonal sunlight deficiency.

Recent research indicates that topical and internal supplementation with selenium and vitamin E, both are powerful antioxidants that protect us from the damage of the sun’s rays. So the simple solution appears to be loading up on antioxidants in diet and topically and enjoy the sun. I always apply an antioxidant rich cream after sunbathing and I do not use sunscreen, but I have an olive complexion and take antioxidants daily.

Try to spend some time exposing your eyes to the daylight (without glasses or contact lenses) to allow the pineal body to receive the full spectrum light it needs. Sunrise is a great time to get that light. This won’t give you vitamin D but may help your circadian rhythm. If your living environment or working area restricts exposure to sunlight or if you are really fair-skinned, try full spectrum light bulbs. Unlike regular light bulbs they offer a light source that is similar to the spectrum of rays of sunlight. They are rated by their Color Rendering Index (CRI), where a rating of 100 would represent natural sunlight at noon in the middle of the summer. Bulbs with a rating of 90-95 are available. Check on line for suppliers.

Be sure to follow the guidelines for healthy eating. Moisturize your skin daily and use a cream that provides adequate antioxidant nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and selenium. If you are fair skinned, you may not want to go without any protection if you are to be exposed to the sun’s rays for any length of time. Small, gradual steps may help you tolerate it better. Please do not get sunburned. That is a sure way to damage your skin. Moderation is the key. Use common sense when outdoors. Allow some time to get the sun you need, then cover up of lather up. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement, but check with your healthcare practitioner first.

Until next time…Donna

By Donna DiMarco, CN, LNC.

Ever wonder why Boston had a Tea Party that triggered the American Revolution? Maybe it wasn’t the tax they rebelled against, but the loss of an important part of their health.

Tea was introduced to the Western world in 1650 when Peter Stuyvesant brought the first tea to New Amsterdam (later re-named New York). In 1670 it became known in Boston, but not popular until 1690. In fact, shortly after, the English found that the small settlement consumed more tea at that time then all of England put together so they decided to tax it.

What is it about tea that made people go to great lengths and expense to get it? Maybe it is all the healing, calming and relaxing properties in teas. Herbs have been used for thousands of years but finding fresh plants was not always convenient.

The first herbalists used dried leaves, roots, bark, and flowers to be made into teas for therapeutic purposes. Once dried, the teas can be easily stored and transported. They found that soaking the loose, dried herb in boiling water for a specific time would release the plant’s active substances and be easily consumed. The longer the herb remained in the water, the stronger the tea would be.

Tea leaves were first placed loose in the pot of boiled water and steeped into tea. Later, tea balls and filters were used to keep the tea leaves from settling in the cup. Tea bags, with or without a string attached, made tea consumption easy and it guaranteed a consistent amount of tea each time.

Today, we typically place a teabag in boiling water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Be careful though, as some teas can get bitter or develop an aftertaste if it has been steeped too long, while some therapeutic teas require longer steeping to be effective, check the instructions.

Camellia sinensis is the name of the plant that provides us with most of the tea consumed in the world. When the leaves are crushed, then dried to allow some fermentation, it becomes the black tea we are all familiar with. When the tea is picked and dried without fermentation it is known as green tea. Worldwide, only water exceeds green tea consumption to total approximately two and a half million tons each year. Green tea contains larger amounts of catechins than black tea. These polyphenic compounds work as potent antioxidants preventing cancer, arteriosclerosis, and providing relief for rheumatism. Green tea is also higher in vitamin C content and contains approximately half the caffeine found in a cup of regular coffee.

Green tea has been shown to be effective against high blood pressure, bacteria and viruses, high cholesterol, ulcers, and strokes. It has demonstrated its protective ability in both the liver and the brain, against toxins and free radical damage. Japanese dentistry schools are successfully testing the effectiveness of green tea on gum disease. Green tea is effective antibacterial against salmonella, cholera and typhoid, while sparing the good bacteria residing in the intestinal tract. Viruses, such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis seem to be inhibited by green tea. But the most encouraging research seems to be in the area of cancer prevention and treatment. Black tea had been more popular in the US, but Green tea is growing in popularity as a result of all the recent research. Black tea contains some beneficial properties, but not as many as green tea. Make the switch! I often mix them for a great flavor with health benefits.

There are also a variety of medicinal teas available to help you promote or restore good health. For instance, for the intestinal tract, Chamomile tea is known to be a relaxer and stomach soother. Peppermint is another great tea for calming irritable bowel and digestive problems and is high in potassium. Ginger tea is good for nausea and indigestion and fennel stimulates the digestive process and is good for gas. Marshmallow is mucilogenous and soothing. Try drinking one of these after a meal and to see if the bloating and discomfort is relieved.

After a hard day, relax in a hot tub with some of the calming teas. Matté is a calming herb from South America with a light pleasant taste. Another powerful herb for relaxation is Valerian Root tea. When I have trouble falling asleep, a cup of Valerian tea does the trick. The taste is pleasant but the smell takes some getting used to. Hops can also be quite soothing in tea form as can Passiflora. Some tea companies make these herbal teas in combination, which provides the best of each herb.

Many women suffer from recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Pau D’Arco tea, also known as teheebo, can help rid the body of yeast (candida) systemically. Dandelion root tea is my favorite for liver cleansing. The rich taste of the roasted root has a satisfying flavor.

Of course there are the antibiotic type teas like Echinacea and Goldenseal (goldenseal has a really strong flavor and may need some honey to make it palatable). Both of these herbs are known for their ability to help fight infection. Uva Ursi and Cornsilk teas are good diuretics. These teas may help women who hold fluids during their menstrual cycle. Speaking of menstrual cycles, Red Raspberry and Damiana may help cramps. Crampbark can also be used. Damiana is also used as an aphrodisiac, but consistent use is required.

For energizing teas consider Ginseng. This adaptogen will help balance your body’s energy. Gotu Kola not only gives some energy, but helps strengthen connective tissue (this is great for preventing varicose veins and cellulite). Fenugreek is good for lung congestion, as are Lobelia and Mullein. Remember this when you catch a cold.

Teas can be made out of fresh garlic or onion for infections, parasites, colds and flu. Simply cut up the garlic or onion into small pieces and steep in boiling water. The aromatic steam from these teas are helpful for sinus infections when breathed in.

Laxative teas are very popular. Many are sold as dieting aids. Although they may be good for occasional constipation, long-term use can cause damage to the intestinal lining. I’ve seen many people think that since it is an herbal tea it is safe. Not true, they are still addictive and can be very damaging. Please use these teas only when really necessary.

There are some herbs that are dangerous to take over a long period of time. Ephedra or Ma Huang has recently been pulled of the market. Although it has wonderful properties for providing energy and clearing up cold symptoms, abuse caused it to be pulled off the market. Comfrey is a wonderful herb when used properly, but abused results in liver damage so many companies don’t offer it any more. These are just some of many. Do your homework!

The healing powers of natural substances are gifts from nature.

Any herb or remedy needs to be respected. These substances are powerful and helpful but constant long-term use can be harmful. Also remember that herbs may have an effect on a medication you may be taking. Please use teas wisely. Consult an herbalist, check out a book and be sure to read the directions, especially the contraindications and interactions with drugs.

Please don’t load the teas up with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Raw, unfiltered honey is a great sweetener, as is stevia and agave. Medicinal teas should not have milk added to them since milk can cause mucous and allergic reactions. Consider using soy or rice milk if you need to lighten your tea. Sip slowly, savor the flavor and watch your health improve.

Until next time, Donna

By Donna DiMarco, CN, LNC.

There are many factors that affect a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer; age, genetics, alcohol, diet, etc. We all know about the increased cancer risk to smokers. We also know that there is a direct relationship between adipose tissue (stored fat) and breast cancer believed to be due to the increased production of estrogen from these fat cells (If you have a hip to waist ratio of .81 you are 7 times more likely to get cancer than if it were less than .73.) Simple solution- lose weight and quit smoking. There are some things you can control.

It is believed that estrogen, the hormone that keeps menopausal women sane, prevents hot flashes and night sweats, and mellows out our temperaments, causes breast cancer when there is constant exposure into the receptor sites of certain cells. The longer we expose these cells to estrogen, the greater the cancer risk. When a woman becomes pregnant, estrogen levels diminish and progesterone (pro-gestation) increases. Therefore, if a woman never has a child, she’s never had a break from estrogen exposure. The more children she has the less her chance of getting breast cancer. We can also conclude that the longer a woman either produces estrogen (naturally delayed menopause) or supplements with estrogen (intentionally delayed menopause by taking estrogen pills usually from horse’s urine, which is many times stronger than human estrogen) the greater the chance of breast cancer, as well as other diseases.

Menopause is nature’s way of keeping our hormones in balance, and to borrow from an old commercial, “It’s not good to fool Mother Nature!” The body naturally counters estrogen with progesterone. Often progesterone levels diminish and you need to add a bio-identical progesterone, NOT progestin, to keep estrogen in balance.

Estrogen receptor sites are conformed to receive estrogen for normal body function, but they can also filled with substances that look similar to but are not exactly estrogen. They have a similar enough configuration that the receptor sites welcome them in. But since they are not bio-identical estrogen they may have many undesirable side effects, one of these side effects is cancer. These false estrogens, or xeno-estrogens are found in many places. One major source is pesticides; yes, our monthly house spray, those cans of flying insect spray, or just the old roach spray is full of xeno-estrogens. And don’t think the toxic gas that is used in tenting houses dissipates quickly; it’s been known to remain for years. Some people with environmental illnesses can’t live in a house that has ever been tented. Now with the scare of West Nile and Malaria from mosquitoes, sprays are dropped from planes and we have no control. I understand the risks of these diseases, but we do pay for it with our health. Some exposure is inevitable and beyond our control.

Another source is plastics: plastic bottles, plastic wrap, plastic bags, plastic storage containers all contain the same dangerous substances. Even if recipes recommend covering food with plastic wrap before warming in the microwave, don’t do it. The toxins and vapors drip down into the food. How many of us have heated something a little too long in a plastic container and the plastic melted just a little. We’ve all done it. What’s even scarier is that most IV tubes used in hospitals are made of plastic. Try making a list of all the plastic you are exposed to. Store food in glass jars, reheat in non-plastic containers and never cover food to be reheated with plastic wrap.

Hormones or hormone-like substances are taken into our bodies through food as well. Animals are given Bovine Growth Hormone to increase mass; cows are forced into a permanent lactation state to produce milk. These hormones can be ingested and received in the receptor sites. Animals are fed grains that have been sprayed with pesticides. In fact, studies have shown that farm raised fish, like salmon and tilapia, have tested positive for pesticide content. It comes from the spraying of the food they are fed. Try to buy Alaskan salmon, non-farm raised fish, organic meats and poultry and organic eggs, and avoid milk.

Other sources of xenoextrogens are dry cleaning chemicals. When you bring home your dry cleaning, remove the plastic bag and let the clothes hang in a garage or the patio for about a week to allow the chemicals to escape. Never wear clothes right from the cleaners. Or better yet, buy clothes that you can launder yourself.

Gasoline fumes are also a dangerous source. When pumping gas, stand away from the fumes. But there are other petro-chemical sources all around us that you may not have thought of. I use to apply baby oil to my body after a shower until I read that it contains mineral oil- a petroleum product. Consider the many moisturizing creams that have a petroleum base. Even some expensive names have mineral oil in it. Try using natural moisturizers from the health food store. Remember petroleum jelly? What were we thinking, it was right in the name?

Stain protective sprays for furniture and carpets provide a constant source of fumes. As is polyurethane coating we put on wood. These things can out-gas for years to come. Tests have shown that the chemicals used to pressure treat wood gives off toxins for 20-30 years after being treated. Think of the children who play on jungle gyms or sit on picnic tables made from arsenic-treated wood. They are under constant exposure to toxins. Always use a tablecloth on wooden picnic tables and if you are wearing shorts or a swimsuit, avoid direct contact with wooden furniture.

If you have a cabinet full of cleansers and cleaning fluids, consider natural cleaners like baking soda and white vinegar. Your house may smell like a Greek salad but you’re reducing your toxin exposure.

What about nail polish and nail polish remover? There’s a company in Boca Raton called No-Miss, Inc. that makes healthier nail polish and remover. It is free of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl-pthalate. I’ve tried it and it works great and they have a wide selection of colors and their nail polish remover doesn’t take my breath away. Their website is nomiss.com but you can pick it up at most large health food stores. While you’re there, check out the natural lip colors as well.

Consider your room deodorizing sprays and dispensers. Try using natural essential oils for fragrance. It can also be very therapeutic.

The list goes on and on. In my practice I spend a lot of time trying to remove these toxins from my client’s bodies since they are related to many other illness as well as breast cancer, including high cholesterol, high triglycerides and excess weight (the body tries to hold fat to give the toxins a place to be stored without harming the body).

I know you can’t stay away from all of these substances. We will always have environmental pollution, molded plastic in our cars, paint, sealers, varnishes, and cleansers, etc., but you can take some steps to minimize your exposure. Yes, it takes a little effort and time, but the benefit is certainly worth it. You’re worth it. Take a step today toward a healthier life.

Donna

By Donna DiMarco, CN, LNC

If you’ve been following my articles in sequential order, you would have learned many of the basic principles of healthy eating. I wrote about drinking with meals, sugar and milk consumption, and even chewing. If you’ve incorporated these tips into your lifestyle, you should have noticed your energy increased, your skin cleared, your mental clarity improved, and your digestion is better. My goal is to help you be your own nutritionist. Today I’ll discuss the importance of fiber.

What comes to your mind when I mention fiber? Grapenuts®? Metamucil®? Most people haven’t a clue as to what fiber really is, what it does, or why we need it, but we really do need it for optimum health.

Fiber, by definition, is the particular composition or structure of something made up of filaments. In our diet, fiber is comprised of the connective strands and vasculature found in plant foods. It is a bulk-forming agent that helps sweep out intestinal debris by soaking up liquids and fats from the diet, then expanding. The expansion of the intestines due to the fiber swelling and the increase in intra-intestinal pressure stimulates the contractions (peristalsis) of the muscles around the intestinal tract, which then promotes evacuation. Plainly speaking, fiber is a form of carbohydrate that doesn’t get absorbed into the blood stream.

Picture a long balloon (like the kind a clown twists into animal shapes); as you squeeze one end, the other expands as the air is forced further down. Like the balloon, peristaltic contractions start squeezing near the top of the intestinal canal, then gently move down, causing wastes to get into position to exit, hence the term “to move your bowels”. Without adequate fiber, wastes remain in the gut to putrefy and to produce toxins. Those who eat little fruits and vegetables are usually consuming a low fiber diet and typically suffer from constipation.

Most people on a low fiber diet have a bowel transit time of 48 to 96 hours, but Abram Hoffer, MD, Ph.D. states in his book, ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE FOR PHYSICIANS, that the normal bowel transit time should be 24-48 hours. He believes that even regular bowel movements aren’t necessarily a sign of good bowel health. “The normal range is probably one to three movements a day and that the fecal mass should be the consistency of toothpaste so it is expressed easily without the need for excessive strain by the abdominal wall.”

Many years of improper diet ultimately can cause toxic matter to collect in the intestinal wall forming a hard, putrefied shell that can possibly cause colitis, diverticulitis, prolapsus, or more frightening, cancer. It has been stated that up to 80% of colon cancers could be prevented by dietary changes. Some researchers believe that fiber helps prevent colon and rectum cancer because the food stays in the bowel a shorter time; the bacteria in the large intestines has less opportunity to convert fecal material into carcinogens. Many studies indicate that fiber has other benefits as well. It can give some relief to allergy sufferers by binding toxins in the intestinal tract. It also helps prevents hemorrhoids and may lower blood pressure by as much as 10 percent, it can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, it can help prevent hormone related cancers. Fiber can help blood sugar problems, including diabetes, by slowing, stabilizing, and preventing sugar absorption.

There is soluble and insoluble fiber found in our diet, each serves a specific purpose. Insoluble fiber, which is not dissolved in water, absorbs liquids causing the fiber to swell and increasing the bulk of stool. This helps increase transit time through the bowel, which reduces the chances of putrefaction and fermentation that release poisonous gases. Dr. Linda Berry, a chiropractor in Berkeley, California, who promotes internal cleansing and colon health, believes that organs surrounding the colon can be irritated by these poisonous gases, causing low back pain or even the common headache.

Soluble fiber breaks down in the digestive tract but is not absorbed into the blood stream. Good sources would be oat bran, psyllium and beans, along with fruits and vegetables (one third of their fiber content of fruits and veggies is soluble). Soluble fiber is believed to prevent bile acid re-absorption and prevent cholesterol production by almost completely fermenting into short chain fatty acids. James Anderson MD., professor of clinical nutrition and medicine at the University of Kentucky states that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol without the harmful side effects of drugs that can cause constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain and nausea.

Soluble fiber will not cleanse the intestines as well as insoluble fiber, but it produces benefits of equal importance in the heart by its aid in reducing cholesterol 11 to 32 percent, according to Dr. Anderson.

Soluble fiber sources include: dried white beans, dried split peas, cooked rolled oats, and of course, oat bran and psyllium.

Good sources of insoluble fiber include: shredded wheat, barley, wheat bran, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots and broccoli.

The National Cancer Institute advises us to increase our fiber intake to 30 grams a day, including 5 grams of soluble fiber from a concentrated source of fruit, beans or oat bran.

Fiber should initially be taken in a small amount and gradually increased to prevent sudden onset of bloating, gas and diarrhea. The maximum intake should not exceed 60 grams a day to prevent interference with vitamin and mineral absorption. The easiest way to insure adequate fiber intake is to increase those fruits and veggies. Be sure to get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and by the way, french fries and corn chips DO NOT count. Try to eat whole fresh fruit between meals. It will help carry you until your next meal, provide you with the much-needed fiber, and nourish your body with a plethora of nutrients needed for health. Be sure to add a serving of veggies and even a small salad with lunch and dinner. It will help provide all the important nutrients and add good amounts of fiber as well. Be sure to drink large amounts of water throughout the day. It will help the intestines evacuate more readily, but it will also dilute toxins, cleanse the liver, bathe each cell, and help transport nutrients through the cell membranes.

Fiber is one more tool to restore and maintain good health.

Donna