Category Archives: Sleep

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


Not All Fats Are Created Equal

Fat digestion begins mechanically in the mouth, but only a small amount actually breaks down there. On the way down the digestive tract the stomach grabs about 10%, with the help of the enzymes and stomach acids. Most of the metablism of fats though comes during the digestion in the small intestine.

An important and interesting fact is how fat reacts in the body with excess sugars. The body will turn these sugars into sticky and degenerative fats. Excess glucose, not used by the body for enegy will be stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. The excess amounts of glycogen not used by the liver are then released as triglicerides and dumped into the blood system and stored as fat. Fat is a carrier of toxins, the body stores them. So it is very important to choose your fats wisely.

Healthy fats feed the brain (the brain is made of 60% fat) and the body’s cells, The roles fatty acids accomplish are; promoting energy, carrying nutrients throughout the body, helping the body to maintain its temperatures, and helping in the many roles of metabolism. Fatty acids are one of the outstanding ways the body achieves its cell integrity and permeability. What that means is fats have a premier role in your body’y abilities to absorb and use the good foods that you eat, right down to the cellular level. Wow!

Fats taste good, I won’t deny that. God made those taste buds for a good reason; enhancing the taste buds on the tongue to allow the flavors to spread around the palate so we can fully savor our foods. He wants us to enjoy our foods and stay healthy at the same time.

Good healthy fats are: saturated fats, monosaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. This category consists of healing fats; and also hydrogenated fats and trans fats, the latter two are the killer fats. And believe it or not cholestrol is an important ingredient that our body needs to maintain optimal health. Actually cholestrol is refered to as a fat but a alcohol molecule that behaves like a fat. But it is needed by the body for its metabolic processes.

Most people think that saturated fats are “bad” and unsaturated are “good” fats. Saturated fats usually come from animal products, but coconut is actually a saturated fat. Unsaturated fats comes from plant sources, which doesn’t always mean that it is good for your health. Certian types of plant seeds such as corn, peanut, safflower and sunflower are highly inflammatory oils because of their processing. These are best avoided for health reasons.

Listing of good fats: butter, ghee, tallow, coconut milk and coconut oil, avocados and avocado oil, olive oil, fish oil and MCT oil (medium chain triglyerides), Omega 3 fatty acids.

Listing of bad fats: canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil, margarine, cottonseed oil, and peanut oil. Most of these are considered as trans fats due to their processing practices. (I will do a future article just on hydrogenated and trans fats, their processing, what makes them killer fats and what they do to the body).
Stay tuned!


Do Solar Panels and Smart Meters Emit EMF Radiation?

Category : Allergies , Arthritis , Diseases , News , Sleep

Many people are now having solar panels installed on their homes and buisnesses.
The concern is now; do these panels create EMF radiation and harm our
health? Yes, solar panels do emit very small amounts of EMF radiation, but the
panels themselves are not the risk. The panels are nowhere near your body, and
even if they were to emit more EMF radiation, their distance will most likely
protect you entirely. The real issue is that the solar panel system or photovoltaic
system creates”dirty electricity” that ultimately radiates EMF radiation into the
home. The other concern comes from “smart meters” installed to monitor how
much solar energy is produced by the home.

Smart meters are simply the utility meters that track usage and transmit data wirelessly. The BIG problem with these meters; they emit large volumes  of RF (Radio Frequency) Radiation, thus exposing people that are near it. Many of these meters are on the outside wall opposite a bedroom and pose a real risk. Smart meters are extremely dangerous and the WHO…World Health Organization has classified them as a possible carcinogen.

What is “dirty electricity” you may ask? It is useable electricity that gets trapped
in your electrical wiring; that is what creates the EMF’s into the home. It is
erratic spikes and surges of elecrical energy traveling along power lines and
building wiring where only AC electricity should be.

Dirty electricity can interfere with the proper functioning of appliances and
electrical equipment and more important with the natural electrical processes
within the human body; which left unchecked can cause a wide variety of health
problems. To reduce the EMF radiation in the home; it is wise to purchase
“dirty electricity filters” which grounds/reduces and shorts out the exposure
of these spikes/surges. I personally purchased mine from Greenwavefilters.com,
a very reliable company and product. I also have invested in a Smart meter shield
to protect from the excess amounts of radiation emitted every few seconds.
From Smart Meter Covers.
Check out link for EMF information:
http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/2019/12/is-your-cellphone-emitting-radiation-intoyour-body/

Very concerned about our environment,
Marie


Stressful Body Equals Bad Pooping

To all my family of readers…Here is important news,

When you are under any type of stress–physical, emotional or mental…the digestive faculties are inhibited and digestion is ALWAYS suspended. What this means is that if you eat while suffering from stress, indigestion will always result. Eating while under stress is actually the worst thing you can do. The digestive system shuts down, food is suspended and held up in the stomach and intestinal tract. Constipation can occur…what that is, what happens is the large intestine becomes impacted with the undigested food particles and that substance lines the tract. Food putrifies and creates digestive distress. You begin taking more or fewer trips to the bathroom. Your poop doesn’t have the normal consistancy and perhaps you may have more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Don’t strain to eliminate…BAD BAD BAD! Diseases may be  connected to this stessful gut situation…Diverticulitis, IBS, Crohn’s, Cancer, and believe it or not your mental health is also affected. Mental health issues can be traced back to the gut. It isn’t just what goes in, but what can be absorbed and definitely what is excreted and eliminated.

It’s a good habit to check your stools before flushng to check for any irregulariteis or dyfunctions…color changes and texture changes indicates stress, diseases… to prepare and prevent any future disease issues. Here’s a visual chart to help you to see, reference, and compare your poop to know what is going on.
BRISTOL POOP CHART

The gut and the brain are connected in more ways than I can define in this short space. Stress changes the way your mind thinks and makes decisions. It means you may still end up making poor choices when it comes to food…emotional eating which is based on stressful eating. If you get time to read through in more detail of and it includes tips on reducing stress:
How Does Stress Impact Your Digestion?  

Try and recall a stressful event in your life; death of a loved one, change of job, illness, etc. Perhaps you failed to notice your bathroom habits also changed when these stressful events occured. Then you started to experience different digestive symptoms, including headaches, brain fog, difficult stools, chronic pain issues in other ares of your body, etc. Food allergies or sensitivites, leaky gut, stress are some causes.

Now it’s important to consider what you may be holding on to…or not releasing!! Negative thinking, foul moods are paralleled with the disease process. Slow down, work relaxation into your life BEFORE stress develops and tension sets in…is a great preventative treatment for stress. Chewing Well: A New Concept to Wellness
Keep a Food, Mood, and Poop Journal to keeping a log of what works for you and what doesn’t. History is always to learn from.
(Questions feel free:  jmdimercurio@webtv.net…I will answer all.)

Our body is the only one we get through life,
let’s take good care of it!
Marie