Author Archives: marie dimercurio

Your Toothbrush Can Protect You From Alzheimer’s

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Category : Diseases , News

Scientists are very concerned with the increasing population of elderly that are becoming disabled with different brain disorders, especially Alzheimer’s. In fact, some studies are showing that Alzheimer’s in not just a disease of the elderly, because unfortunately it is progressing into the younger population. We all know someone who has developed this disease and we are desperate to know why.

It is a preventable disease, that is an important factor. There are a few factors to know and this is just one avenue that researchers have opened up and are pursuing its depths. This one has been overlooked by many, but founded as redeemably urgent.

More than 500 species of bacteria reside in the mouth, but there is one that can deem severe or even dangerous, corroding the gums and decaying the teeth. It is called Porphyromonas gingivitis.

What is even more devastating  is that this infection can travel from mouth to other parts of the body, including the liver and coronary arteries. So it is a known risk factor for heart and artery disease. But now it is found in the brain’s of Alzheimer’s patients.

P gingivalis also produces poisonous enzymes called  gingipains which have been linked to other Alzheimer’s-associated proteins called tau and ubiquitin. The amyloid and tau proteins are the effect of Alzheimer’s not the cause. It’s the result of the infection not the cause of dementia. There are conclusive results that the infection can be prevented. But once the disease microbe is established in the brain, it’s too late. No amount of good oral hygiene will help, so remember PREVENTION IS THE KEY. Some other oral health options to check into:
http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/2020/11/is-your-smile-keeping-you-healthy/

Loving and Caring,
Marie

Linguini and Tomatoes

Category : Entrees , Recipes

Linguini and Tomatoes

Servings: 4-6 hearty ones
Serving Size: 2 1/2 cups approx.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Suggestion: use all organic ingredients
for flavor and health.

Ingredients:
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked, then cut-up
1 large onion, sliced very thin
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
(OR… 1 Tbs. dried parsley)
1  1/2 cups fresh basil, chopped
1  1/2 Tbs. fresh squeezed lemon juice
8-12  oz. fresh linguini pasta
1/3 cup pitted sliced Kalamata olives
1/2 cup grated non-dairy parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Sea Salt
*Pinch of pepper (optional)

Prep:
* Pre-soak the dehydrated tomatoes 20-30 minutes to plump.
* Prepare the 7 ingredients and set aside: cherry tomatoes, pre-soaked sun-dried
tomatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, and lemon squeezed.
* Cook the pasta according to manufactures directions.

Making It:
1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, parsley, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes,
with about 1/4 cup filtered water. for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
2. Then add to the skillet the lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, sea salt, Kalamata olives,
and cook about 5 minutes more or until heated.
3. When the pastas done add the heated tomato mixture and toss while adding the grated parmesan cheese.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a side salad if desired.

**This recipe was revamped from Hallelujah Acres. It’s a winner!

Bon Appetite!
Marie

Fiber and It’s Effect On The Body

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Category : Allergies , Diseases , News

Fiber, known as roughage is the part of the plant-based foods (grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans) of which the body cannot break down. It passes through the body undigested, relatively intact, keeping the digestive system clean and healthy, easing bowel movements, as well as flushing cholesterol and harmful carcinogens out of the body.  The body has to eliminate what it doesn’t need from the foods consumed. This is where fiber comes in. The colon receives the remainder of food after the process of digestion and absorption from the small intestine. Fiber is the remaining elements from our plant food after it has gone through the small intestine. The colon will then extract all the nutrients, minerals and water from the final bits of the food. This absorption happens through the walls of the colon. This is vital for the body’s health to have this process work efficiently; if not the body becomes toxic and malnourished. If it doesn’t get eliminated, it becomes rotten food within the colon. The bowel movements become sluggish and compromised; and sometimes non-existent…thus constipation is a result.  As I worked in the medical field and interviewing patients for exams, it was not uncommon to hear that some would have bowel movement once a week and even once a month. To them this was normal. The elimination of undigested food is equally as important as the digestion and assimilation of food.

Many people should consider incorporating plant-based fiber into their diet, because it seems to be lacking, based on the onset of diseases that seem to be progressing at this time. The low-fiber diets are one of the leading causes for diverticulitis, IBS, constipation, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids…these are lifestyle diseases and can be prevented and treated with diet. People consume supplements or energy bars for their fiber. These are not the best source of fiber for the body’s needs. Diet plant-based food sources are the only way the body will assimilate and process and fill its needs.

There are two kinds of plant-based fiber: Soluble and Insoluble: 
A healthy body needs a combination of both of these.
Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut. It can be found in a variety of foods; some fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, lentils, peas and some grains like oats. When soluble fiber is ingested, it binds with water in the gut and slows down the digestive process, this process helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promote fullness.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and just passes through the digestive system largely intact. Some common sources are wheat bran, some forms of beans, certain vegetables, GMO-free organic popped popcorn, whole grains. Insoluble fiber keeps the body’s promotion of regular movements by adding bulk to stool thus helping it to move quickly through the digestive tract. Because it isn’t digested, it is not a source of calories.
Some suggestions to add plant-based fiber: start low, go slow and keep adding as the body accepts it. When adding to a compromised system, mash, chop, use blender, or food processor, Next tool for healthy digestion is consuming lots of water. Lack of water in the digestive system can result in ulcers, indigestion, heartburn, fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, improper function of any of the organs, partial digestion and constipation

Be kind to your body,
Marie

 

Italian Zucchini Soup

Category : Entrees , Recipes , Soups

Italian Zucchini Soup

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 20 minutes
Servings: 3 hearty servings
Suggestion: Use all organic ingredients for
health as well as flavor.

Ingredients:
1 small onion, cut in chunks
2 cloves garlic
2 cups fresh basil leaves
3 stalks celery cut into pieces
1 Tbs. butter
1 zucchini, cut into bite size pieces
1 cup dried penne (I used Gluten Free)
2 small tomatoes, diced
3 cups filtered water
1 tsp. Sea Salt
dash of pepper

Making It:
1.  Put into the food processor the onions, garlic, basil, celery
and process about 1-2 minutes at low speed. When finished, place
into a 3-quart saucepan, add the butter and sauté for about
5 minutes stirring frequently.
2.  Add the water, zucchini, salt and pepper to the pot, allow to
boil and then add the tomatoes and penne and cook according to
the manufactures direction on penne package.
3.   Serve with a side salad and bread choice.

ENJOY!
Marie

Navigating the Perks and Pitts of Caffeine

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Category : Diseases , News , Sleep

While organic coffee and tea offer potential benefits, it’s crucial to point out the down-sides. It does have addictive properties. Many coffee enthusiasts who miss their regular brew, can experience withdrawals ranging from irritability to a migraine headache.

Morning comes too early, and we have to wake up and function. Whether it was a restless sleep, stress, too much thinking about anything important or not; our body has been robbed of vitality. We manage to get out of bed and out the door, but we are not on all cylinders. We have to have our caffeine, whether in coffee, expresso, energy drinks, anything to wake up. Are these beverages really good for our body? Are there any better options? Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system, similar to cocaine and amphetamines in the same manner. It increases the heart rate and rhythm, changes the diameter of the blood vessels, and affects coronary circulation, blood pressure, urination, and other physiological functions, and creates more insomnia.

Coffees and energy drinks are big marketing items that keep the public coming back for more, without them there can be withdrawals that no one wants to experience. I did; mine, trust me was a horrible nightmare.

In large amounts caffeine can kill you! One–two cans of energy drinks with its large amounts of caffeine (400 mg) have sent some folks to the ER, with increased electrical activity which is responsible for the squeezing and relaxing of the heart’s chambers. They felt like “their heart was going to explode within their chest.” In a study done on heart patients, it was revealed that people who drank five or more cups of coffee daily had twice as many heart attacks as non-drinkers.

Caffeine amounts vary per how it’s processed, but contain between 100–200 mg. per serving. Different medications, herbs, supplementations can interfere with the effects of caffeine. But you wouldn’t even know it until it happens to you, and hopefully it won’t be too late. Let’s not risk an unwanted episode. Our body keeps changing and the chemical imbalances from our environments and food keep altering our body’s ability to aid with the healing processes. Each time you ingest a toxin the body will go out of its way to heal itself; then one day unbeknownst to you it doesn’t heal. Our body is trying to tell us something if it fatigued. People need to pay attention and give it what it needs–sleep and rest, also proper food to replenish it. One can’t beat a tired horse to run a race; eventually it will collapse. I had to retrain myself to sleep, because of years of sleep deprivation. Along with that, came the change of diet and lifestyle which helped get my body back to functioning properly.
Comments or questions?
mariexray@webtv.net

Loving and Caring,
Marie

Are Your Cravings Taking Control Of Your Body?

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Category : Diseases , News , Sleep

Cravings are something that we may have to deal with in our lives. It would be wonderful if the food we craved gave us some kind of nutritional support or really did help us to FEEL better. Usually not, that is the unfortunate part. Very often cravings can be multi-faceted. What I mean by that is the cravings may be caused by; for example blood sugar issues, gut issues, nutrient deficiency and poor diet which consists of the chemical preservatives and additives in these foods which produces in the body what’s called ‘toxic hunger’. This is a chemically induced reaction.

The processed food companies have added so many chemical additives to their products to make them taste better and if it tastes better, it will sell more and people will keep buying and the company gets the profit. Unfortunately, the buyer suffers because of the toxic effects of these poisons within the body. Some of these can be extremely addictive; especially in the case of refined sugar, white flour. and processed carbs. It took over a month for me to detox from refined sugar cravings. Studies have shown sugar withdrawal can be as bad a getting off heroin. The other flavorings and chemicals that we cannot even pronounce, play havoc in sometimes worse ways imaginable.

Actually, fulfilled cravings can be harmful to your body; the cravings sometimes get worse after you give in to your temptation…it’s what is called an addiction. You struggled with it, the ‘toxic hunger’,  your will-power ran out and you were beat by your craving. Now your body gets the brunt of it.

What people fail to realize is that cravings are not hunger to feed the body per say, it is to feed the irresistible need within the brain and satisfy your mouth. It is a body that has gone rampant. and needs to release the toxic load. Begin to ‘hear your body out’!…listen to your body’s voice.

My suggestion is to keep a food journal. You keep record of your each day’s food intake, how does your body react to it? Be specific. Try only one new food item at a time so your body doesn’t ‘tail-spin’ and it’s easier to keep track of. Eliminate from your diet as necessary, based on your body’s reactions.  http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/about/

Two important brain neurotransmitters for proper functioning:
Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain that makes you feel good. Having the right amount of dopamine is important for both your body and your brain. It helps the nerve cells to send messages to each other.
Serotonin acts as a hormone…it carries messages between in the nerve cells in your brain (central nervous system), and throughout your body (peripheral nervous system). This creates long-lasting feelings of happiness.

It is best to give our body what it needs to keep healthy and you will cease to experience these nasty cravings and addictions. I changed my diet and my cravings vanished. Some food suggestions for these two neurotransmitters are:
Some foods that contain Dopamine: Do organic; almonds, apples, avocados, beets, bananas chocolate, pumpkin seeds, turmeric, green leafy, coffee, etc.
Some foods containing Serotonin: Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, eggs, turkey, pineapple, all foods containing L-Tryptophan, (calming the body). Can supplement L-Tryptophanand GABA. (These supplements work great for those who have sleeping issues). Also chromium and ALA (Alpha Lipoid Acid) are helpful to reduce cravings.
Caring,
Marie

Potato Salad with Horseradish Vinaigrette

Category : Entrees , Recipes , Salads , Vegetable Sides

 

Purple Potato Salad with Horseradish Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ready In: 35 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Suggest: Use all organic
ingredients for flavor and health.

Ingredients:

*2 lb. tiny red, yellow and/or purple
potatoes, halved if large. May add
extra purple potato slices as needed.
*1 lb. asparagus, trimmed, and cut
into bite size pieces.
*3 Tbs. red wine vinegar
*1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
*6 cloves of garlic, minced (opt.
can use more or less)
*1 -2 tsp. fresh dill
*1 tsp. prepared horseradish
*1 cup bite-size pieces red bell pepper
*Sea salt and fresh ground pepper,
to taste.

Making It:
1.  In a large 6-qt cooking pot, cook all potatoes
in boiling water 8 minutes or until nearly fork
tender. Add asparagus. Cook 3 minutes more; drain.
Rinse with cold water to drain and drain again.

2. In an extra-large bowl whisk together vinegar,
mustard, garlic, dill, and horseradish. Add potato
mixture and bell pepper; toss to coat. Season with
salt and pepper to taste.

Make Life Very Sweet…Have a Honey of a Day!

Category : Allergies , Diseases , News , Sleep

We do know that Winnie the Pooh loves to eat honey, in fact, that’s all he eats. Who doesn’t like honey? It feeds the palate with a mild delicious sweetness. Sure, it’s sweet, but there is much more to honey than we realize. Honey has so many astounding health benefits. Everything from brain heath, to wound healing, to promoting gut health and it also has antibacterial effects. Now of course I am speaking of “RAW” honey. Many of these benefits I will cover in this article.

RAW honey helps with those pesky seasonal allergies as well as dust mites. There is a natural protectant against specific allergies because it’s a ‘vaccine’ itself that contains trace amounts of pollen. It has various anti-inflammatory characteristics that fight allergy symptoms. Purchase raw, local, and organic for best results.

RAW honey aids in intellectual development. Do you seem to forget basic things? Maybe trying to form clear thoughts? Honey might help by providing your brain with more energy to think and process thoughts. It has an ability to improve memory by helping your brain to recover faster. The antioxidant properties of honey help the brain cells to thrive and stay in shape.

RAW honey is used for dressing burns and wounds. In a randomized trial of burn victims. honey dressing worked better than silver sulfadiazine dressing. After one to two weeks the skin grew back faster, inflammation reduced quicker and there was better control of infection with the honey dressing.

RAW honey reduces the presence of infection causing bacteria in the gut, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterocolitis, and others which are known to cause diarrhea; while acting to stimulate the growth of beneficial species of healthy gut bacteria.

RAW honey acts as a sleep aid. It can naturally induce sleep as well as improved sleep quality. Its rich content helps raise insulin levels which in turn release serotonin. This chemical converts to melatonin which is a critical component for creating sleep.

RAW honey creates healthy skin. Using it as a face mask, honey has binding capabilities to help reduce to signs of aging; also reduces blemishes, and fights acne and other bacterial issues.

For the best of nature’s health benefits choose the right RAW honey. First option, go to your local farmers market for your purchase. You want RAW, unpasteurized, (organic, if possible), read labels carefully…no added any ingredients. No markets? Options are health food stores and organic grocery stores that sell RAW honey. As a child I got to experience RAW honey directly from the hive; I was in heaven. So you will notice the difference.

Honey doesn’t replace fruit and vegetables in your diet, but can replace refined sugars as an alternative sweetener. Also be warned, those who have sugar issues, check with your doctor.

Have a sweet day,
Marie

Delicious Sugar Free Hot Cocoa

Category : Beverages , Desserts , Recipes , Snacks , Uncategorized

 

Delicious Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa

Makes: 2 2/3 cups beverage
Servings: 2-3
Prep and Cooking time:  8-10 minutes

Ingredients;
* 1 15oz can Organic Native Forest Coconut Milk
(unsweetened classic)
* 3/4 can filtered water (more or less,
depending on how frothy you like it)
* 2 Tbls. Organic Cacao Powder
* 1 tsp. Organic Vanilla (non-alcohol)
* 1/2 tsp. NOW Brand Organic liquid stevia
* Cinnamon sprinkle on top of cocoa (optional)

Making it:
1. Pour the coconut milk into saucepan, pour filtered
water into empty can and then pour that water into pan.
2. Add rest of ingredients to the pan, whisk over medium
heat just to barely heat it, but do not boil.
Pour into cups; if desired sprinkle with cinnamon, or
put on top non-dairy whipping cream.
Enjoy

What Is Nerve Energy? How Does It Affect Me?

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Category : News

What is the body’s primary need to increase your brain power? The greatest need is nerve energy. Although it is not the only need—it is the primary need. Without wellbeing nerve power is elusive. How then does one acquire nerve energy? I am glad you asked. Nerve energy is created by the brain and the nervous system for its own use. It is generated under the condition of sleep. It is low-grade electricity measured in millivolts. How the processes of sleep help the brain to generate nerve energy is still under study by scientists. There are not any definite answers as of yet, just intense research still going on. But we do know that adequate sleep and rest are gravely important to having adequate nerve energy.

Another factor—toxic materials must be very low in the bloodstream and the body before the brain can function at its maximum peak. Even the bloodstream burdened with the nutrients from a meal will cause the brain to preform less effectively than if one had fasted instead. It has been said that “a full stomach makes a dead head.”  Missing a meal or periodic fasting for brief periods has been proven to increase the brain’s thinking power.

Intellectual pursuits use more nerve energy than physical labor. Thinking draws more current from our mental batteries than digging ditches. Mental labor is quite a bit more exhausting and wears one down, from mental tiredness to physical tiredness. Stress from overthinking is enough to short-circuit or deplete your reservoirs of nerve energy. Many have experienced deep emotional states and then collapse into depression—this is called enervation; meaning without nerve energy.

Periodic fasts are absolutely essential to the highest level of mindpower and health, no matter how good the rest of the life regime followed. Missing one meal occasionally will be of a great benefit. The body and the blood are cleansed of toxins, restful sleep will then occur, and health begins to increase, the brain once again functions effectively; thus, there is a great enhancement on nerve energy. So, you must turn yourselves around if you want to be mentally sharp all the time. It is now time to build and maintain a high level of nerve energy.   let’s keep your reserves high. Rejuvenation begins with you.

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