Food/Nutrition Articles

What is CBD?

What is CBD?

CBD, cannabidiol, is a compound that is found in hemp and marijuana that accounts for many of the plant’s natural health benefits. CBD oil is primarily extracted from hemp but can come from marijuana as well. CBD is not addictive, psychoactive, habit forming and is legal in GA when derived from hemp. CBD directly interacts with our endocannabinoid system.

What is Our Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System is a complex signaling network within the bodies of all mammals that utilizes different receptors, regulator enzymes, and specialized components such as cannabinoids to control, influence, and regulate various bodily processes. The Body produces its own cannabinoids called endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. The cannabinoid receptor sites are located on the cell surfaces throughout the human body. CB1 receptors are concentrated in the central nervous system and the brain. CB2 receptors are concentrated in the peripheral organs and the immune system.

What Does CBD Do?

CBD has been proven to reduce inflammation, prevent free radical damage, calm anxiety, optimize brain health

How Much Do We Use?

As beginners, it is recommended to start at the lowest dosage. More is not necessarily better. Dosing amounts will vary person to person. Consider starting small working your way up.

CBD Research:

Scientific research has shown CBD may be therapeutic for many conditions like: Acne, Alzheimer’s Disease, Antibiotic Resistance, Anxiety, Arthritis, Autism, Cancer Pain, Colitis and Crohn's, Depression, Epilepsy and Seizures, Fibromyalgia, High Blood Pressure, Inflammation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraine, Mood Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nausea, Neuropathic pain Osteoporosis/Bone Health, PTSD, Rheumatism, Skin Conditions, Sleep Disorders, Spinal Cord Injury, Stress.

*By Deana Panza


Halcyon Vapes DO NOT Contain Any of the Ingredients Linked to Recent Illnesses

September 12, 2019/ by Daniel

In Mid 2019, a rash of illnesses and  6 deaths have been linked to vaping e cigarette products.  This has the FDA, the tobacco industry, the cannabis industry, and the general public scrambling for answers.

While no one knows the long term effects of vaping, we can assure you that Halcyon Essentials DOES NOT and HAS NOT used any of the chemicals that are the suspected causes of the recent illnesses.  Halcyon Essentials uses only MCT, natural hemp extracts, and low percentages of natural terpenes in our CBD vape liquid.

The following is a list of the chemicals that may be responsible for recent string of illnesses:

  1. Nicotine: Nicotine is the active and addictive ingredient in tobacco. Many of the illnesses, especially in young people, is caused by nicotine toxicity. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning are headaches, nausea, fatigue, seizures, coma, and death. The strength of the nicotine concentrations in some e liquids is far stronger than any tobacco. For instance, a .5ml Juul pod can have the same mg of nicotine as 2 packs of cigarettes. A heavy Juul user can consume 2 pods a day. Do the math. Also, many of the victims are teenage boys. It’s not uncommon for testosterone driven teenagers to lack impulse control and overdo things. Think keg stands and beer funneling. Halcyon Essentials does not sell any products that contain nicotine.

  2. Propylene Glycol, polyethylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin: These chemicals are often used as the bases for e liquids. These chemicals are all FDA-approved as food additives, but no long term studies have been conducted to see the safety of vaping them. Just because something is safe to eat or put on for skin, that doesn’t expand to vaping. When compounds are heated to their vapor points, they can change. For instance, early research suggests that vaping PG and PEG can create aldehydes. Aldehydes are nearly always carcinogenic and mutagenic. Halcyon Essentials does not use PG, PEG, or VG in our CBD vapes.

  3. Thickeners: This, by far, is the most nefarious link to the bape illnesses. This mostly applies to the instances involving THC vapes. High THC distillates are very thick – nearly solid at room temperature. Oftentimes, people would look at the viscosity of a vape to know how strong it was. Criminal vape makers figured out a way to increase profit. They diluted THC distillate with a thick oil. Now, they can trick people into thinking these are pure products, but really they are selling them vapes filled with Vitamin E oil or some other thick oil. Vitamin E is great for your skin and healthy to eat in small amounts. However, boiling it and inhaling the vapor is the equivalent filling your lungs with grease. This causes lipid pneumonia and can kill a healthy young person. Halcyon Essentials does not use any fillers or thickening agents in our CBD vapes.

In conclusion, Halcyon Essentials cannot guarantee that there are no long term effects to vaping – No one can.  We can guarantee that we DO NOT use any of the chemicals listed above in our CBD e liquids.  We are monitoring this story very closely and will use science and medicine, not profits, to guide our vape formulations.

Our CBD vapes are intended to provide adults an alternative to burning and smoking hemp buds.

20 Healing Herbs, Teas, Juices, and Beverages for Gut Repair

By Sonali Sadequee CHHC
November 2023

INTRODUCTION: 

Digestive issues can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. If you've been struggling with gastrointestinal distress, whether it's due to dairy and gluten damage or other factors, you can turn to natural remedies to support the healing process. Here, we'll explore 20 different herbs, teas, juices, and beverages that can help rebuild your gut and alleviate digestive discomfort.

Note: Avoid ingredients that you already know do not agree with your system.

Ginger Tea:

  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation, soothes the stomach, and aids digestion.

  • How to Use: Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water or purchase pre-made ginger tea bags.

  • Drinking warm ginger tea just before or during a big meal may improve digestive health and prevent heartburn, stomachache and indigestion. This is because the root stimulates saliva flow, bile and gastric juice production, which jump starts the breakdown of the food you eat.

Lemongrass Tea:

  • Benefits: Alleviates bloating and supports healthy digestion.

  • How to Use: Steep lemongrass stalks in hot water to make a refreshing tea.

  • In addition to being wonderfully tasty, lemongrass tea has been shown to help soothe the stomach and keep digestive functions in check. Used as an ancient Chinese medicine remedy to help decrease symptoms in certain stomach issues such as bloating and constipation, lemongrass contains a compound called citral which provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also caffeine-free, making it an ideal after-dinner beverage or sleepy time tea

Peppermint Tea:

  • Benefits: Relieves indigestion, reduces gas, and eases cramps.

  • How to Use: Brew peppermint tea bags or steep fresh peppermint leaves.

  • Native to Europe and Asia, peppermint has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits. It contains natural chemicals that may help the digestive tract by reducing spasms in the gut, meaning your body is more relaxed and can more easily digest food after ingesting it. For this reason, it has also been found to be likely effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Fennel Tea:

  • Benefits: Soothes an upset stomach, aids in digestion, and reduces heartburn.

  • How to Use: To enjoy the therapeutic benefits of fennel, you can simply chew on the seeds, or make a tea by crushing them and pouring hot water over them.

  • Packed with fiber, fennel may help relieve constipation and other digestive problems that cause gas, as well as keep things moving properly in the digestive tract, though research has shown insufficient evidence for this.

Slippery Elm Tea:

  • Benefits: Promotes mucus production to protect the gut lining and reduce inflammation.

  • How to Use: Mix slippery elm powder with water and consume as a soothing tea.

Hemp Oil:

  • Benefits: Contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support gut health.

  • How to Use: Add a tablespoon of hemp oil to smoothies, salads, or take it directly.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

  • Benefits: Balances stomach acidity and aids in nutrient absorption.

  • How to Use: Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV in a cup of water and consume before meals.

Chamomile Tea:

  • Benefits: Relieves stress, calms the digestive system, and reduces inflammation.

  • How to Use: Steep chamomile flowers in hot water for a calming tea.

Aloe Vera Juice:

  • Benefits: Soothes the digestive tract, reduces inflammation, and supports healing.

  • How to Use: Consume 2-3 ounces of pure aloe vera juice daily, or add it to smoothies.

Turmeric Tea:

  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce gut inflammation.

  • How to Use: Boil fresh turmeric or use turmeric powder in hot water for a warming tea.

Marshmallow Root Tea:

  • Benefits: Forms a protective layer in the gut, reducing irritation.

  • How to Use: Steep dried marshmallow root in hot water for a soothing tea.

Dandelion Root Tea:

  • Benefits: Supports liver health, aiding digestion and detoxification.

  • How to Use: Brew dandelion root in 1c hot water for a caffeine-free herbal tea.

Cabbage Juice:

  • Benefits: Rich in glutamine, which supports gut repair and healing.

  • How to Use: Make fresh cabbage juice or purchase it from health food stores. Drink about 1/2c/day.

Bone Broth:

  • Benefits: Contains collagen and amino acids that help repair the intestinal lining.

  • How to Use: If bone broth is powdered: Mix 1 scoop to 1c of warm water or mix with smoothie and drink daily.

  • If bone broth is liquid: Sip on homemade or store-bought bone broth as a nourishing beverage or put into soups and enjoy.

Chia Seed Water:

  • Benefits: High in fiber, chia seeds promote healthy bowel movements.

  • How to Use: Mix 1 TBS chia seeds in a bottle of water, let them swell, and drink this hydrating concoction within 2-4 hrs.

Licorice Root Tea:

  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation and helps heal the gut lining.

  • How to Use: Steep 2 TBS licorice root in 1c hot water for a sweet, soothing tea.

Mint-Infused Water:

  • Benefits: Refreshing and aids digestion, especially after meals.

  • How to Use: Infuse water with fresh mint leaves for a delightful, digestive boost.

Cranberry Juice:

  • Benefits: Contains antioxidants that support a healthy gut and urinary tract.

  • How to Use: Drink up to 1 cup per day. Opt for pure organic cranberry juice without added sugars.

Kombucha:

  • Benefits: Rich in probiotics, supports a balanced gut microbiome.

  • How to Use: Enjoy 1 bottle of store-bought or homemade kombucha as a fermented beverage throughout the week.

Lemon Water:

  • Benefits: Balances pH levels and promotes healthy digestion.

  • How to Use: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink in the morning.

Conclusion:

These herbs, teas, juices, and beverages can be powerful allies in your journey to heal your gut and overcome the damage caused by dairy and gluten. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have severe digestive issues. Embrace these natural remedies as part of a holistic approach to gut healing and overall well-being.

How to Level up on Your Hydration

By Sonali Sadequee CHHC
November 2023

INTRODUCTION: 

Plain water does not contain significant amounts of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. When you add certain mineralized ingredients like pink salt or cucumbers to water, these electrolytes are introduced, promoting better absorption and retention of water by cells and tissues. Electrolytes help create an osmotic gradient, allowing water to move efficiently across cell membranes, ensuring proper hydration.

At a cellular level, adding cucumbers or pink salt to water can have specific effects due to their respective components.


1. Cucumbers in water:

When you add cucumbers to water, the cucumber slices release their natural compounds, which include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Cucumbers are rich in water content themselves, making the water more refreshing and flavorful.

At a cellular level, the nutrients in cucumbers can support hydration and cellular function. The water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and some B vitamins, can act as antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall cell health. The presence of minerals like potassium and magnesium in cucumbers can assist in maintaining cellular fluid balance, which is essential for proper cellular function.

2. Pink salt (Himalayan salt) in water:

Pink salt contains various minerals, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements like iron and zinc. When you add pink salt to water, these minerals dissolve into the water and create an electrolyte-rich solution.

At a cellular level, the electrolytes in pink salt can be beneficial for maintaining cell hydration and function. Sodium and potassium are particularly important for regulating the movement of fluids in and out of cells, which helps with cell hydration and overall cellular communication. Adequate electrolyte balance is essential for proper nerve function, muscle contraction, and overall cellular health.

However, it's important to note that while cucumbers and pink salt can add flavor and certain beneficial nutrients to water, they should be used in moderation. Excessive salt intake can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, and overeating cucumbers might cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. Moderation is key to enjoying the benefits of these additives without adverse effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional or nutrition consultant if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.

Here's a comprehensive list of ingredients that can help enhance the absorbability of water:

  1. Electrolytes:

    - Sodium (Pink salt)

    - Potassium

    - Calcium

    - Magnesium

  2. Fruits:

    - Cucumbers

    - Lemons

    - Limes

    - Oranges

    - Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

  3. Herbs:

    - Mint leaves

    - Basil leaves

    - Rosemary

    - Lavender

  4. Spices:

    - A small pinch of pink salt (Himalayan salt)

    - A small pinch of sea salt

    - Ginger (fresh or powdered)

  5. Other ingredients:

    - A small amount of honey (natural sweetener)

    - A pinch of sugar (for a boost in carbohydrates)

    - Aloe vera gel (for added vitamins and minerals)


Remember to use these ingredients in moderation and based on personal preference. You can combine various elements to create your own customized infused water recipes. Keep in mind that the primary goal is to improve flavor and provide additional nutrients that aid in hydration and absorption.

As a bonus tip, you can also infuse water with combinations of these ingredients to create interesting and refreshing flavor profiles. Experimenting with different combinations will not only enhance the absorbability of the water but also make your hydration experience more enjoyable.

Caffeine-Related Health Problems: Top 10

Caffeine-Related Health Problems: Top 10

1. Cardiovascular Problems

Caffeine increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and can contribute to the development of heart disease. Both decaf and regular coffee increase cholesterol and homocysteine, the biochemical that science has linked to increased risk for heart attack. Caffeine is also linked to coronary vasospasms. Coronary vasospasms cause 20% of all fatal heart attacks that kill otherwise perfectly healthy people.

2. Stress

Caffeine stimulates the excretion of stress hormones, which can produce increased levels of anxiety, irritability, muscular tension and pain, indigestion, insomnia, and decreased immunity. Increased levels of stress can keep you from making healthy responses to normal daily stress.

3. Emotional Disturbances

Anxiety and irritability are hallmark mood disturbances associated with caffeine consumption, but equally important are depression and attention disorders. Depression may occur as part of the letdown after the stimulant effects of caffeine wear off. It may also appear during the recovery period after quitting caffeine while the brain's chemistry is readjusted. Rather than increasing mental activity, caffeine actually decreases blood flow to the brain by as much as 30%, and negatively effects memory and mental performance.

4. Blood Sugar Swings

Diabetics and hypoglycemics should avoid caffeine. Caffeine stimulates a temporary surge in blood sugar followed by an overproduction of insulin, which causes a blood sugar crash within hours. This rollercoaster causes weight gain since insulin's message to the body is to store excess sugar as fat.

5. Gastrointestinal Problems

Many people experience a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking coffee because coffee increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which leads to an increased risk for ulcers. Coffee, including decaf, reduces pressure on the valve between the esophagus and the stomach so that the highly acidic contents of the stomach pass up to the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. No wonder the best selling over-the-counter drugs are the so-called antacids.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Caffeine inhibits the absorption of some nutrients in addition to causing the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, and all essential elements necessary for good health.

7. Male Health Problems

Milton Krisiloff, MD, has found that in the majority of cases, men can significantly reduce their risk for urinary and prostate problems by making dietary changes, which include eliminating coffee and caffeine.

8. Female Health Problems

Fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility problems, miscarriage, low birth weight, and menopausal problems such as hot flashes are all exacerbated by caffeine consumption. Women on birth control pills are particularly at risk since they have a decreased ability to detoxify caffeine.

9. Aging

Many people find that in their forties, they can no longer tolerate the same level of caffeine consumption as they could in their 20’s and 30’s. Production of DHEA, melatonin, and other vital hormones decline with age, but caffeine speeds up that process. Caffeine dehydrates the body and contributes to aging of the skin and kidneys. It has been shown to inhibit DNA repair and slow the ability of the liver to detoxify foreign toxins.

10. Adrenal Exhaustion

Caffeine consumption leads to eventual adrenal exhaustion, which can leave you vulnerable to a variety of health disorders related to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fatigue.

Adapted from Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Hidden Dangers of America's #1 Drug, by Stephen Cherniske. Warner Books, $13.95.

50 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid

50 Jawdroppingly Toxic Food Ingredients & Artificial Additives to Avoid

There have been great advances in food preparation in the last century. These days, well over half of the foods that we can buy in a typical supermarket are pre packaged or prepared. They need either no or minimal preparation before being ready to eat. However, there is a dark side to this convenience. Most of the foods on our shelves also contain chemicals and additives that are known to harm either the human body or laboratory animals. If they harm animals, they can harm you too. 

Most of the ingredients that you should avoid fall into one of three areas

  • food additives

  • artificial sweeteners

  • artificial colors

More and more experts are agreeing that you are wise to try to avoid as many chemicals in your foods as possible. By shopping in mostly the produce, dairy and meat sections of your grocery store, you can avoid many of the harmful food additives listed below. However, all of us need to be on our guard, because some of these ingredients also are used in meats, dairy products and even produce. What does this have to do with Public health? The health of our country is determined by the things we consume. This ultimately adds massive costs to our healthcare system as more and more people experience disease from eating processed foods and additives.

Food Additives to Avoid

While FDA generally recognizes most additives on this list as ‘safe,’ there are growing concerns about the safety of many common food additives, if consumed in large quantities.

  1. Sodium nitrate: Added to processed meats to stop bacterial growth. Linked to cancer in humans. (Worst Offender)

  2. Sulfites: Used to keep prepared foods fresh. Can cause breathing difficulties in those sensitive to the ingredient.

  3. Azodicarbonamide: Used in bagels and buns. Can cause asthma.

  4. Potassium bromate: Added to breads to increase volume. Linked to cancer in humans.

  5. Propyl gallate: Added to fat-containing products. Linked to cancer in humans

  6. BHA/BHT: A fat preservative, used in foods to extend shelf life. Linked to cancerous tumor growth.

  7. Propylene glycol: Better known as antifreeze. Thickens dairy products and salad dressing. Deemed ‘generally’ safe by FDA.

  8. Butane: Put in chicken nuggets to keep them tasting fresh. A known carcinogen.

  9. Monosodium glutamate (MSG): Flavor enhancer that can cause headaches. Linked in animal studies to nerve damage, heart problems and seizures.

  10. Disodium inosinate: In snack foods. Contains MSG.

  11. Disodium guanylate: Also used in snack foods, and contains MSG.

  12. Enriched flour: Used in many snack foods. A refined starch that is made from toxic ingredients.

  13. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH): Genetically-engineered version of natural growth hormone in cows. Boosts milk production in cows. Contains high levels of IGF-1, which is thought cause various types of cancer.

  14. Refined vegetable oil: Includes soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. High in omega-6 fats, which are thought to cause heart disease and cancer.

  15. Sodium benzoate: Used as a preservative in salad dressing and carbonated beverages. A known carcinogen and may cause damage our DNA.

  16. Brominated vegetable oil: Keeps flavor oils in soft drinks suspended. Bromate is a poison and can cause organ damage and birth defects. Not required to be listed on food labels.

  17. Propyl gallate: Found in meats, popcorn, soup mixes and frozen dinners. Shown to cause cancer in rats. Banned in some countries. Deemed safe by FDA.

  18. Olestra: Fat-like substance that is unabsorbed by the body. Used in place of natural fats in some snack foods. Can cause digestive problems, and also not healthy for the heart.

  19. Carrageenan: Stabilizer and thickening agent used in many prepared foods. Can cause ulcers and cancer.

  20. Polysorbate 60: A thickener that is used in baked goods. Can cause cancer in laboratory animals.

  21. Camauba wax: Used in chewing gums and to glaze certain foods. Can cause cancer and tumors.

  22. Magnesium sulfate: Used in tofu, and can cause cancer in laboratory animals.

  23. Chlorine dioxide: Used in bleaching flour. Can cause tumors and hyperactivity in children.

  24. Paraben: Used to stop mold and yeast forming in foods. Can disrupt hormones in the body, and could be linked to breast cancer.

  25. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose: Used as a thickener in salad dressings. Could cause cancer in high quantities.

  26. Aluminum: A preservative in some packaged foods that can cause cancer.

    Artificial Sweeteners to Avoid

    Artificial sweeteners are regulated by FDA, just as food additives are, but this does not apply to products ‘generally recognized as safe.

  27. Saccharin: Carcinogen found to cause bladder cancer in rats. (Worst Offender)

  28. Aspartame: An excitotoxin and thought to be a carcinogen. Can cause dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and stomach problems.

  29. High fructose corn syrup: Sweetener made from corn starch. Made from genetically-modified corn. Causes obesity, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis and insulin resistance.

  30. Acesulfame potassium: Used with other artificial sweeteners in diet sodas and ice cream. Linked to lung and breast tumors in rats.

  31. Sucralose: Splenda. Can cause swelling of liver and kidneys and a shrinkage of the thymus gland.

  32. Agave nectar: Sweetener derived from a cactus. Contains high levels of fructose, which causes insulin resistance, liver disease and inflammation of body tissues.

  33. Bleached starch: Can be used in many dairy products. Thought to be related to asthma and skin irritations.

  34. Tert butylhydroquinone: Used to preserve fish products. Could cause stomach tumors at high doses.

    Artificial Food Colorings to Avoid

    Food colorings are used to give foods a more attractive appearance, but some experts believe they cause serious health problems, including asthma and hyperactivity in children.

  35. Red #40: Found in many foods to alter color. All modern food dyes are derived from petroleum. A carcinogen that is linked to cancer in some studies. Also can cause hyperactivity in children. Banned in some European countries. (Worst Offender)

  36. http://mphprogramslist.com/50-jawdroppingly-toxic-food-additives-to-avoid/Blue #1: Used in bakery products, candy and soft drinks. Can damage chromosomes and lead to cancer.

  37. Blue #2: Used in candy and pet food beverages. Can cause brain tumors

  38. Citrus red #1: Sprayed on oranges to make them look ripe. Can damage chromosomes and lead to cancer.

  39. Citrus red #2: Used to color oranges. Can cause cancer if you eat the peel.

  40. Green #3: Used in candy and beverages. May cause bladder tumors.

  41. Yellow #5:  Used in desserts, candy and baked goods.Thought to cause kidney tumors, according to some studies.

  42. Yellow #6: A carcinogen used in sausage, beverages and baked goods. Thought to cause kidney tumors, according to some studies.

  43. Red #2: A food coloring that may cause both asthma and cancer.

  44. Red #3: A carcinogen. that is added to cherry pie filling, ice cream and baked goods. May cause nerve damage and thyroid cancer.

  45. Caramel coloring: In soft drinks, sauces, pastries and breads. When made with ammonia, it can cause cancer in mice. Food companies not required to disclose if this ingredient is made with ammonia.

  46. Brown HT: Used in many packaged foods. Can cause hyperactivity in children, asthma and cancer.

  47. Orange B: A food dye that is used in hot dog and sausage casings.  High doses are bad for the liver and bile duct.

  48. Bixin: Food coloring that can cause hyperactivity in children and asthma.

  49. Norbixin:  Food coloring that can cause hyperactivity in children and asthma.

  50. Annatto: Food coloring that can cause hyperactivity in children and asthma.

Conclusion

▪ Avoid fast foods

▪ Avoid soda and sugary drinks & juice

▪ Eat more organic fruits, vegetables and grains

▪ Eat hormone free meat

▪ Drink hormone free milk

▪ Know what you’re eating!

Posted by admin in Public Health Analysis

http://mphprogramslist.com/50-jawdroppingly-toxic-food-additives-to-avoid/

Reference:

http://soulicious.net/2012/07/03/top-10-food-additives-to-avoid/

http://celinemarrec.com/detox/not-so-sweet/

All You Want to Know About Natural Sugars

natural-sugars-resource-wellness

What are natural sugars that are not from sugar cane? Xylitol, Stevia, Agave Nectar...there are so many alternatives. What are their positive properties? And, what should you watch out for? Here is a comprehensive chart that breaks down the positive attributes as well as the limitations of natural sugars. View/Download

Primary Food

Primary Food

All that we consider today as nutrition is really just a secondary source of energy.

Think back to a time when you were passionately in love. Everything was exciting. Colors were vivid. You were floating on air, gazing into your lover’s eyes. Your lover's touch and your shared feelings of exhilaration were enough to sustain you. You forgot about food and were high on life. 

BOOST Your Immune System, PROTECT Your Health

BOOST Your Immune System, PROTECT Your Health

Practical tips on how to create and sustain a robust immune system this season and beyond!
 
The season is changing and the temperature is cooling as we enter into the drier seasons of the year. Which means our immune system will require some extra attention.
It can be scary to think about getting sick/flu with flu shot stations everywhere on the background. It's enough to drive us running to our local clinics/grocery stores or even airports for a flu shot!

Healthy Snack List | For Food Sensitivities

Healthy Snack List | For Food Sensitivities

Enjoy diversity, Eat variously, & Alternate bi-monthly!

Crunchy/crispy   
•    Apples, pears, frozen grapes
•    sweet potato chips
•    nuts and seeds: pine, macadamia, almonds, pumpkin/sunflower seeds, etc.plain carrots:       particularly the super sweet, organic baby carrots
•    crunchy crudités of veggies and dip (hummus, tabouli, vinaigrette, favorite dressing)
•    celery and almond/sunflower butter or tahini (use non-hydrogenated butter) 
•    hummus with whole GF toast, carrots, celery, cucumber,daikon,greens,seaweed sheets

Glorious Greens

Glorious Greens

Green vegetables are the foods most missing in modern diets. Learning to cook and eat greens is essential to creating health. When you nourish yourself with greens, you will naturally crowd out the foods that make you sick. Greens help build your internal rain forest and strengthen the blood and respiratory systems. They are especially good for city people who rarely see fields of green in open countryside. 

How to Address GERD

How to Address GERD

What is Heartburn?
There are many types of heartburn, but most commonly the acid burning feeling is part of a condition known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). This is caused by stomach acid building up in the stomach and refluxing or moving up into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining. This can cause burning, an acid taste in the mouth, coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, ulcers, cancer and/or pain.
GERD is a chronic problem. 

Dairy Dangers

Dairy Dangers

Dairy  products  can contribute  to heart  disease
•    Whole milk dairy products are very high in cholesteroI'. Your body does not need all of this cholesterol because the liver is designed to make it for you. When you combine the large amount of cholesterol that whole milk has with the large amount of sugar (lactose) that whole milk has, your body responds by absorbing the fats and cholesterol into the bloodstream. This causes plaque' to form on the artery walls and occlusions of these arteries begin to form.

Condiment List

Condiment List

Create a condiment tray for your table so that you and your family can personalize every meal. Lazy Susans are perfect for storing all the different condiments on your table. Here are some recommended condiments worthy of experimentation. Feel free to add your favorites. (use “healthy versions” of below items)

The 8 Causes of Cravings

The 8 Causes of Cravings

The body is amazing. It knows when to go to sleep, wake up, go to the bathroom, maintain 98.6 degrees, and tighten the eyes when the light gets bright. It knows the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. Your heart never misses a beat. Your lungs are always breathing. The body is a super-computer, and it never makes mistakes. 

Bitter Mellon (Bitter Gourd)

Nutritional Benefits
Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients.  It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber.  It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.

Beans

Beans

Beans are a wonderful way to add high-quality, plant-based protein to your diet. They are high in iron, B vitamins and fiber, and are versatile enough that you may never tire of them. Beans stay fresh longer when stored in a cool, dark place (rather than on your countertop). Don’t use beans that are more than a year old, as their nutrient content and digestibility are much lower. Also, old beans will not soften, even with thorough cooking.

Largest USDA Study Of Food Antioxidants Reveals Best Sources

Largest USDA Study Of Food Antioxidants Reveals Best Sources

Artichokes and beans may not be at the top of your list of favorite foods, but when it comes to antioxidants, these veggies earn a coveted place. They are among a growing variety of foods found to contain surprisingly high levels of these disease-fighting compounds, according to a new USDA study, which researchers say is the largest, most comprehensive analysis to date of the antioxidant content of commonly consumed foods. 

Sonali's Anti-Inflammatory Cocktail

Sonali's Anti-Inflammatory Cocktail

Are you dealing with body aches and pains, recovering from injuries, suffering from digestive challenges and/or depleted immune system, or simply looking to feel cleansed and refreshed in a healthy way?
 
We invite you to try this powerful drink that combines a few of the most powerful ingredients into a potent refreshing beverage! Upgrade from your  lemonade to this anti-inflammatory cocktail.