Category Archives: Diseases

Are Your Cravings Taking Control Of Your Body?

Tags :

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

Tags :

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


Are Your Household Products Safe To Use?

Category : Allergies , Diseases , News

​We assume that the household products we purchase in the store are safe for our use, after all the stores wouldn’t sell anything harmful. Or would they? The air fresheners, multipurpose cleansers, detergents, bug sprays, and even beauty products have been created with toxic chemicals that can be detrimental to our wellbeing. According to Natural health experts, many of these products can cause birth defects, reproductive harm and certain cancers. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development has reported that levels of common organic pollutants are two to five times higher inside the homes than outside. The easiest way to be safe is by taking preventative steps. The following common household products need to be avoided for you and your family’s safety.

Air Fresheners: These fragrances used to clean and scent the living space air have unfortunate side effects. According to the Natural Defense Council, air fresheners contain hazardous chemicals called phthalates, which can cause respiratory distress, reproductive issues, birth defects, and hormonal abnormalities. Use an open window policy as much as possible to allow fresh air into your home.

Cleaning Solutions: Your common window, kitchen and other all-purpose cleaners, don’t just eliminate dirt and soot; but will also jeopardize your liver, kidneys and lung function. Many of these cleaners according to experts are made with 2-butoxyethanol, a key ingredient that gives these products their fragrance. Inhaling these products can cause a sore throat, narcosis, pulmonary edema as well as liver and kidney damage. Even the smallest amount inhaled in a confined space can be extremely harmful. My own experience shows a detrimental challenge to my lungs. While doing laundry, I unintentionally inhaled a spray cleaner De Solv It, I thought I had enough ventilation, but I was using too much spray on a badly stained tablecloth and the cleaner seriously compromised my lungs. “We do need to learn from the mistakes of others, as we do not want to make them all ourselves”. Bug sprays contain pyrethrin, DDT, and other toxic chemicals which can produce severe breathing problems if inhaled. “If it can kill the bugs what will it do to you.”

Cosmetics: The chemicals in our health and beauty products (hair sprays, perfumes, and deodorants) are high in phthalates which are used to bind the color and the fragrance. Also, aluminum is found in some deodorants as well as lead in some lipsticks. The chemicals are quickly absorbed through the skin into your system and lead to the same issues as stated above.
The Solution: Use Natural Products.

To reduce your exposures and regain your health, do a thorough elimination of the products containing hazardous ingredients. Investigate on-line…go to your local health store and replace with non-toxic organic solutions free of abrasive volatile organic solvents. Create your own cleaners with natural ingredients. such as: vinegar, Borax, baking soda, and essential oils. Laundry cleaners, many that have plant-derived ingredients. I use LOC from Amway for most of my cleaning products and even for ant and fly spray (kills the insects dead instantly) one quart water with 3-4 Tbls. LOC. Dr Bonner’s in the bath and even toothpaste.Crystal stick deodorant is non allergic and aluminum free.  Check for more resources:
http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/about/

mariexray@webtv.net
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


WHAT! Give Up Meat? But Why?

There is truth in the saying “You are what you eat”. In the development of disease, many factors are involved. What you consume can be for your health and healing or for your suffering and early death.

The greatest threat to your health is the overconsumption and intake of animal products.  Basically, animal products include not only meat, but chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy as well. Overconsuming of these foods is the leading cause of excess weight, pain, ill health, disease, suffering, and death.

Now I am not saying everyone should become a vegetarian or vegan; that’s a personal choice. There is something that everyone can do, especially to take advantage of the intense research on this subject. Cut back! The overconsumption of animal products is killing us!

Fact: Animal foods including chicken and fish contains cholesterol, saturated fats and excess protein. Cooking these foods alters the protein composition which the body cannot break down for absorption. The saturated fats burden the circulatory and lymph systems, which will damage the vessels and will cause clog the arteries thus creating heart damage and atherosclerosis.

Fact: Heart disease has been the number one killer for over 100 years…it even outnumbers cancer.

Fact: When animal proteins are eaten daily; people are more likely to die of disease of cancers, diabetes, breast, prostate, and large bowel (colon and rectal cancers).

Fact: Osteoporosis is caused by an acid overload in the body; caused from excess dietary protein. In order for the kidneys to excrete this acid from the body it will pull calcium from the bones to complete this transfer. Of course, bones become very weak and brittle. Now this transfer of calcium to the soft tissues (arteries, skin, joints, internal organs and eyes) results in bone fractures, wrinkling of the skin, the formation of stones, cataracts, high blood pressure, degeneration of internal organs, loss of hearing, senility, and cancer. Meat also causes an increase in the urinary excretion of calcium.

Always caring,
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


Are Organic Foods Really Worth It?

Category : Allergies , Diseases , News , Nitrites , Sulfites

When buying healthy foods, are the organic foods really important for your health? What makes organic foods so-called superior? Under USDA guidelines, organic means the food has not been contaminated with any man-made chemicals. The organic farmers are also conservative in their growing methods, thus diligent in their watering and conserving the soil for future generations.

The organic farmers also avoid ionizing radiation—the process of applying radiation to raw meat, poultry and produce. Conventional farming uses radiation in meats to kill pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms. In produce, it is used to kill spoilage-causing bacteria, thus giving it a longer shelf-life. The organic farmers abstain from the radiation usage, instead following very strict sanitation and hygiene practices as well as climate control, which is also providing refrigeration.

What is the difference between organic and non-organic you may ask? There are many; flavor, taste, nutrients and even the way the produce looks and smells. We do know it is pricier and that is due to the fact of expensive farming practices and is more labor intensive.

So, what are the advantages? The biggest; in my opinion, are the health benefits. The chemicals and pesticides used on non-organic are to boost production; but have been proven to cause a number of diseases and create greater health risks. Pesticides and herbicides are hormone disruptors as well as toxic to the nervous and immune systems. Consuming naturally grown organics, boosts your immune system and prevents premature aging.

The nutrients, organics are a grade higher than conventional foods. The organics has more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients because of the sustainable farming practice. For example: 21% more iron, 27% more Vitamin C, 29% more magnesium, 13% more phosphorus than conventional vegetables. Also there is an important factor, organic foods, on the average contain 25% less mercury and 29% less lead than conventional foods—both of these metals are toxic to the nervous and immune systems.

The taste as well as the smell of the organic produce is far superior, because they have a more concentrated retained flavor. which explodes in your mouth wonderful flavors which enhance the taste buds. Test it out yourself, buy one of each …Experiment!
.
I am concerned about children who consume pesticides and other toxins in food. So, feeding them healthy chemical-free food is best for them and all future generations. While organic cost more, your body’s health is worth the expense.

Pamper your health,
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 Freedom of Forgiveness

When you are hurt by someone you care about, do you hold on to anger, bitterness, resentments or even thoughts of revenge–or do you embrace forgiveness and move forward?

Everyone has been hurt by another’s actions or words at one time or another. After all we are all infallible human beings, but we also will have to plead guilty to the pain we may have caused to others. Some of us carry deep wounds from our past that get triggered and infected by present circumstances. These wounds can open up and one may bleed emotionally. The expectations we had for someone have failed, we are then stumped and look at the present with eyes of the past. So, it may be a time to embrace the situation, look at it, reevaluate it as it is now, as well as what it was. It’s time to learn from this, healing your heart and soul with forgiveness for yourself as well as the person who failed you. If you don’t practice…I say that again PRACTICE forgiveness or your wounds may never heal, and you may be the one who pays dearly for it. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace joy, peace, love, hope, and gratitude. Forgiveness can lead you down an enriching path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Holding onto a grudge allows you to be swallowed up in the negativity and crowding out any of the positive feelings, thus you can’t enjoy the present moments. Depression and anger results, life loses its meaning or purpose, and you become at odds with your connection with others and your spiritual beliefs.

Forgiveness is a commitment to an individualized process of change. To move from suffering to forgiveness you might recognize the value of forgiving, its freedom, and how it may improve your life. Identify what needs healing and who needs to be forgiven and for what. Choose to forgive the person who has offended you. Move from the role of victim to overcomer. It is all a process, sometimes short, other times not. But keep on practicing forgiveness it will set you free!
https://tourpikecounty.com/hatfields-and-mccoys-a-story-of-forgiveness/
Compassionately,
Marie