Category Archives: Sleep

Health Effects Caused By High Fructose Corn Syrup

The American public once more has been deceived into believing that high fructose corn syrup isn’t harmful to your health. The truth is, though, there is plenty of research that proves otherwise. A recent study published in the Nutrition Journal uncovered the risks of (HFCS) showing how excessive consumption disrupts the gut health which then leads to fructose malabsorption. This may also produce inflammation and metabolic issues, which are both closely related to an increase risk of cancer. Obviously, regular refined sugar creates health problems as well; but this highly processed sweetener causes increased health issues…so it needs to be avoided. The manufactures have included this (HFCS) in so many processed foods to make them more palatable but it can trigger and create unhealthy food cravings.

High fructose corn syrup is essentially cancer food and consuming even one can of sugary soda per day accelerates intestinal tumors. Diets high in (HFCS) and processed foods are linked to metabolic issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But what’s even more alarming is that sugar directly appears to feed cancer, helping tumors to grow faster. Sugar creates the perfect storm for tumor growth. 

Other issues of concern of (HFCS) and refined sugars are:
The increased risk of diabetes. Consuming excess sugars can lead to insulin resistance, your body’s cells then respond less to insulin. This in turn may lead to type 2 diabetes and can also overwork the pancreas, reducing its ability to produce insulin effectively.
High sugar consumption increases inflammation; contributing to higher risks of heart disease, damage to blood vessels, increased plaque in the arteries. Inflammation can contribute to arthritis and certain autoimmune disorders. It increases your risk for fatty liver disease since the liver has to metabolize the excessive amounts of fructose into glycogen. (excess glycogen is converted into fat). Too much fructose can lead to non alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as other health challenges.

So, it’s time to clean your body and rid the ‘junk’ food from your diet–and your family’s.  Your future health will thank you for it.


What Are The Affects of Sleep On Your Brain Health?

Category : Diseases , News , Sleep

If you are like many people; you may wake up maybe once or twice during the night, while this is common, these nighttime awakenings may have a detrimental effect on your brain health, specifically if you wrestle to fall back asleep. There have been studies highlighting the consequences of insufficient sleep and insomnia on the health of the brain. Swedish studies are investigating the possible link between sleep quality duration and the onset of dementia. This study was conducted over a
19.2-year span.

Those who had problems entering a sleep state, even if they maintained sleep or awoke early in the morning, were more likely to develop dementia. Comparatively, a short duration of sleep was linked to a heightened dementia risk. The analysis proposal was the symptoms of insomnia heightened the risk of dementia among those who get less than seven hours of nightly sleep.

The study group suggests that the symptoms of insomnia raised the risk of dementia in those who had a minimum of seven hours of sleep compared to those who did not have insomnia. So, the study was concluded that a short duration of sleep and insomnia both hike the risk of dementia among middle-aged and older adults. Unfortunately, this is beginning to affect the younger folks as well.

Stress and many environmental combinations can create and exasperate insomniac symptoms. These may have a toil on allowing the brain to relax its activity to relax enough to allow the body to sleep. Turning off your EMF’s two hours before bed.
Refrain from food and beverages at least 2-3 hours before retiring; so your body can relax and not digest.
Deep breathing into your gut throughout the day. Link for techniques:
http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/2022/08/proper-breathing-techniques/
Leaning to calm the body during the day can be a challenging task. It’s an important way to alleviate stress, but It will take effort and practice. Link to help:
http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/2021/10/sometimes-doing-nothing-often-leads-to-the-very-best-something/
Watch what you eat, and when; for example, caffeine, alcohol, sugars should be avoided or limited anywhere near bedtime. I suggest keeping a food diary and experiment, writing down what works and lets you sleep vs. what fails your body. Be diligent and you will get results. I have been on the pathway to retrain my body to sleep. I’m still on the journey.

mariexray@webtv.net
To keep informed.
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


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


The Anatomy of a Headache

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Category : Allergies , Diseases , News , Sleep

According to Oxford’s Dictionary a migraine headache is a “severe headache, often accompanied by nausea and blurred vision.” Mosby’s Medical Dictionary states, “Allergic reactions, excess carbohydrates, iodine-rich foods, alcohol, bright lights or loud noises may trigger attacks, which often occur during a period of relaxation after physical or psychic stress.” A headache is the body’s chief warning signal of the body toxicity. The toxic load in the body has increased so fast that poisons are circulating in the bloodstream and cause irritation to the brain and nerves.

Swelling of the intracranial blood vessels around the scalp causes most headaches. During an onset of a headache, especially a migraine; the blood vessels in the brain continue to restrict because of stress, chemicals, sugars, and improper diet, which also disrupt hormone levels within the brain and body. The toxic flow throughout the body continues to build. Sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, stress, and pain medications only compound the situation.

Pain halts the digestive and elimination processes; so, most people will seek treatments to ‘cure’ their pain, but this systematic approach does not make the headaches go away and stay away. Instead, the headaches always return more frequently and may become more intense because the root cause has not been eliminated. Mild headaches can develop into migraine headaches and more drugs are sought…it’s a squirrel cage effect.

Proteinosis, which is poisoning from excessive protein, can cause headaches and a general achy feeling. Experts claim that a high protein diet will eventually destroy the entire glandular system. It places too much burden on the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

Allergy is defined as an abnormal sensitivity to substances that may be harmless to most people. Migraine headaches are also classified as an allergic phenomenon. Certain food additives and preservatives, as well as chemicals in colognes, cosmetics, perfumes and household cleaners affect headaches.

In fact, when your body is detoxifying of toxins, a headache may result; hard as it is to do I suggest to ride it out, or you will stop the detoxification pathways.

There are other avenues that the body will do when it is challenged with anatomical issues as it is trying to maintain homeostasis. When in doubt it can be the best suggestion is to seek medical advice to perform a scanning procedure to find the root cause and solution.

Keep a diary of your headaches…and start the process of elimination, you will be amazed with the results.  It’s a good thing the body is working as it should be.

To the body’s freedom,
Marie


Is Your Brain Being Plasticized?

Category : BPA , Diseases , News , Sleep

Every year, companies in the US produce 100 billion pounds of plastic for the packaging of the food products The toxic substance–bisphenol A (BPA) is called the “plasticizer”,  is included in the plastic, making it flexible and less brittle. BPA is used in plastic bottles containing drinks, sodas, fruit juices and most frequently bottled waters, but also is found in many types of food containers. This chemical does make its way into the drink or food the container holds, and from there, into our bodies.

BPA has been a concern for those who worry about cancer risk; but it appears it may increase the risk of dementia as well. The bad new is, there is a steady stream of research showing that the BPA we are consuming makes problematic changes on the cellular level that can alter the brain operation. It’s best to avoid this chemical wherever possible. We are practically saturated by BPA because it is so widely used, lining the cans of soups, beer and soft drinks. It is also used in the receipts we receive at the grocery store checkout. Also, polycarbonate water pipes, some medical devices, eyeglasses, compact discs and dental sealants. The CDC says that more than 90 percent of us have BPA in our bodies. The highest level has been found in children. There are tests you can get to show what the levels are.

The chemical BPA shrinks the brain’s prefrontal cortex, creating damage to these neurons and synapses resulting in shorter attention span; making it harder to do mental work which constitutes switching one’s focus from one task to another. It also interferes with the communication and language areas of the brain, ruining spatial memory which affects the ability to remember where things are. Causing oxidative stress to the hippocampus, an important center for memory. Also expanding harmful brain inflammation by causing microglia immune cells to wander within the brain, which will harm neurons.Let’s not be deceived by the “BPA-Free” logo. Many companies will use BPS and BPF as substitutes, which researchers have found can be just as harmful to the body and brain–and maybe even worse.
mariexray@webtv.net Marie


Proper Breathing Posture and Techniques

Category : Allergies , Arthritis , Diseases , News , Sleep

 

Breathing Postures

*Sedentary Lifestyle and  Shallow Breathing— Although breathing shallowly  can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, it also has other reasons. Poor posture may also attribute to shallow breathing. In proper posture, the rib cage sits directly over the hips and forms one column. This closes the rib cage and compresses the lungs. The above diagram can  offer the proper and improper illustrations.

*Breathing Exercises — Most people do not understand how to breathe properly. You can help yourself by doing breathing exercises designed to stimulate proper breathing technique and thus increase your blood oxygen levels.
One of these exercises is as followed: Sit upright on the edge of a hard chair. Do not allow your arms or back to slump against anything. Place one hand on your upper abdomen and one hand on your lower abdomen. Begin slowly breathing in and focus on filling up with air from the bottom up. Your lower hand should start expanding first, followed by your upper hand then; you should feel the middle of your chest open and finally the top. Your shoulder should not move at all. Breathe in slowly and smoothly. Hold for a couple of seconds and breath out slowly. This releases tension  and promotes healthy lung tissue. Repeat this exercise three times. Every day, add one more repetition. In time, you may do this a few times a day as your lungs handle the increased oxygen load to the cells. Eventually, as your lungs are able to handle this; adding an ‘mechanical aid’ to help slowly increase your oxygen intake to your lungs, using a ‘spirometer’, Healthy lungs will become a beacon of health to your body.

To Your Healthy Lungs,
Marie


The Perfect Gift…A Hug!

Category : Diseases , News , Sleep

​Why are hugs so powerful?  Hugs release the hormone ‘Oxytocin’. This can be called the “love hormone”, it is released when you bond, hug or cuddle. This hormone surges when you really connect with those we love; partners, close friends and children. It is the reason being hugged feels so good!  So, when you are feeling down give someone you love a hug and you will feel your mood lift.The hug is called reassuring, comforting, and calming. Believe it or not, there have been many legitimate studies conducted about the incredible powers of hugging.
First, hugs ward off illness. Frequent hugs, studies have shown actually protect people from increased stress which lowers one’s immunity in combating infections within the body. Participants in the study exhibited fewer symptoms when sick when they were hugged more often.

Secondly, hugs just make you feel like everything is going to be okay. You instinctively reach out to hug those who are struggling and hurting. When you receive a hug from someone that you care about or who really makes you happy, it can generally give you that feeling of safety and reassurance.

Thirdly, hugs cut down on stress. Cortisol, which is called the stress hormone, is actually reduced and vanquished when oxytocin from hugs enters the picture. Hmmm! The science behind the studies can sound complicated, but fundamentally hugs do lower cortisol levels and counteract the physiological consequences which contribute to diseases induced by stress.

You may often hesitate to touch or reach out to another, especially in these times. You may back down because of fear, possibly overstepping personal boundaries, or making someone feel uncomfortable; but sometimes it’s worth the risk to hug it out!  It’s okay to ask to hug if you are uncertain whether a hug would be accepted or not. Sometimes a hug can change someone’s day and it only takes seconds. Hug your loved ones and friends more often.  Show them you care and you’ll also reap the benefits. You are not being weird for needing hugs; everybody needs them  they are so good for you!

mariexray@webtv.net 
Marie


The Big, Bad and The Ugly…Killer Fats!

Category : Allergies , Arthritis , Diseases , News , Sleep

Hydrogenation is a process that turns polyunsaturates, which are normally liquid oils at room temperature, into fats that are solid or semi-solid at room temperature. This is a chemical process; the oils are altered under pressure with a metal catalyst for about six to eight hours. This process will break the double bond which is naturally occurring in the oil by adding hydrogen to make it into solid or semi-solid product. The really big problem here is that through this processing the chemical and metal catalysts remain in the oil, when the processed foods are eaten these toxins enter into our body will therefore contaminate us. These metal catalysts are nickel, aluminum, platinum, or cobalt. If the unsaturated fat chain is fully saturated by this chemical process, it becomes hard and stable, but completely dead. What that means it becomes pure fat, without its health benefits. The difference between partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated fats is that the partially hydrogenated fat creates trans-fat, because the fully hydrogenated returns to “zero-trans-fat” level.

So, you ask, what makes them killer fats? These laboratory altered fats are considered an inflammatory ingredient that get stuck inside the body; there isn’t any way for the body to metabolize them or excrete them out. Since your body can’t metabolize them, they sit in the fat tissues of the body hindering its ability to efficiently break down and use other proteins or fats which can keep the body in a healthy state. The blood becomes sticky and hard and can create cardio vascular issues. Triglycerides increase, LDL cholesterol (bad) also increases, while the HDL cholesterol (good) decreases. There is an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, stroke, disruption of hormones function, also interfering with the enzyme structure which the body needs to eliminate certain toxins. Also, these toxins create massive amounts of inflammation within the body, thus hindering the body’s healing process.

So, it is so important to not just look at the front label but to investigate and read the INGREDIENT label instead. Toxic fats are hydrogenated and trans fats. Margarine, shortening, and other man-made oils are particularly harmful. Some of these toxic fats are canola, corn, vegetable, soybean, cottonseed, safflower, grapeseed and peanut oil. These oils are highly processed and oxidize easily. Beware of these!

Very concerned,
Marie