Is YOUR body equipped to treat itself?

On this profound voyage (affirmation wish) to finding my better health now, I've dove back into using essential oils and refreshing my memory bank with the uses of herbs and other nutrients that help keep Mr. Crohns at bay. So, today while I'm waiting for the rest of the world to open their eyes, I've pieced this short post for you. Today, I write about "ASTRAGALUS."

Our bodies are equipped with a wonderful healing system capable of handling almost any condition of infection or ill-health-provided it is given the nutritional support it needs. John (the hubs) so often tells me if the body's PH levels are normal you can't get sick. If your acidity is in line, cancer or other disease, can't survive. So, I'm going to test his theory. Starting today, Monday, I am going to support my body with the nutrients that this disease requires for the next two months and report my results- so stay tuned!

Our immune system can be hugely suppressed with Crohns, Colitis or IBD, leaving us vulnerable to getting sick and making us susceptible to many diseases. Needless to say, the state of our nutrition directly influences our biochemistry and our immunological system. Researchers believe that the nationwide prevalence of chronic bronchitis, cancer yeast infections, fatigue, Epstein-Barr syndrome, and even colds and flu, reflect wide spread immunity difficulties. I know since I've come off the SCD, and started eating poorly, my system has gone into complete shock, begging me to put down the carbs.

Here are just a few vitamins that appear to build immunity. This list is from my notes from years ago, so if you know of others, please comment below or feel free to correct me.

· Astragalus

· Echineacea

· Goldenseal

· Cat's Claw

· Garlic

· Milk Thistle

· Green Tea

· Maitake Mushroom

· Beta-Glucan

· CLA

· DIM

· Indole-3-Carbinol

· Colostrum

· IP6

The first on the list is ASTRAGALUS. In short it is a commonly used traditional her in Chinese medicine. Used for 3000 years for its properties that produce resistance to disease. It is an immune stimulant, and Chinese researchers have reported success in using it with cancer patients to offset some of the immune-suppressing effects of radiation and Western Cancer Drugs. American researchers have found that this herb is highly effective in restoring immune function to normal levels in test animals whose immune systems were suppressed by modern drugs.

Next is ECHINEACEA, also known as purple Coneflower. Researchers in both Europe and far east have found this also offering immune-stimulating properties. Echinacea is one of the most potent herbs that support the immune system, and is useful for treating colds and flu. It works like penicillin in the body with no side effects. It improves lymphatic filtration and drainage. Known for detoxifying the blood and an excellent blood cleanser.

Goldenseal, native to North America, had been used medicinally to soothe mucous membranes that line the respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tracts. Its major compound, berberine, exhibits a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity. Berberine finds its use in mouth and gum problems. Goldenseal strengthens the immune system through its antibiotic and antibacterial properties. It also helps against bacteria, protozoa and various other little fungi’s!

The Wonder Herb, a.k.a.- Cat's Claw. This unique herb is actually a high climbing vine found in the highlands of the Peruvian rain Forrest. It has been used for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years by Ashanica Indians for a wide rage of health problems. Evidence suggests that CC is beneficial in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, genital herpes, herpes zoster, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, PMS, irregularities of the female cycle, environmental poisons, numerous bowel and intestinal disorders (here we go), and organic depression. An American D.C. has been working with CC on his patients and has reported CC's remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients with Crohn's, diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, gastritis, ulcers, parasites, and intestinal flora imbalances. This just might be a herb you want to check into for yourself and ask your MD about.

Dating back to the Bible is .....GARLIC. Our ancestors used roots and herbs in abundance particularly Garlic and Onion. Both of these I am hugely not fond of. From what I gather germs do not like garlic and in fact, they can't even live in its presence. Small story....when I was in massage school the owner of the school would make each and every one of us rub our feet on a bed of garlic that she made before we entered into the massage area. We thought she was nuts but turns out she was keeping those of us who went bare footed safe. Back in those days the bulb was used for indigestion, diarrhea, worms, skin diseases, dizziness, headaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, infections, wound healing, heart problems, arthritis, aging and even cancer. In recent years, people have discovered the use in warding off colds and in the treatment of high blood pressure, strokes and cardiovascular disease.

Milk Thistle to Detox the Liver. This herb has been used for centuries for the treatment of liver problems. It protects the liver against damaging toxins.

Green Tea enhances the body's natural antioxidant systems. The International Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine reported that the evidence for green tea's potent antioxidant effect continues to accumulate. In a recent study researchers found that green tea compounds not only directly scavenger free radicals but enhance the effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant systems. Green tea contains numerous cancer-fighting plyphenol compounds, including the antioxidant flavonoid catechin. Studies indicate that green tea may help protect against cancer and that’s enough for me to take it!

Maitake mushrooms are highly prized as booth food and medicine. They are indigenous to the northeastern part of Japan. I hate mushrooms, so I my ignorance has me stuck on not taking this herb. But from what I hear another excellent herb for cancer treatments. The Maitake D-fraction is a protein bound extract developed by a Chinese professor. Dr. Nanaba states that although Maitake is not the cure for cancer, one can safely say that they do maintain the quality of life of patients and improve the immune system, resulting in the possible remission of cancer cells with no side effects.

Beta-Glucan has demonstrated significant benefits for immune function. It has been confirmed that it positively activates a powerful immune-system response.

My all time favorite-CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). CLA can help speed up the body's fat metabolism so more fat gets flushed out of the system, instead of getting deposited into our cells. ClA also helps the body to metabolize existing fat deposits-a key to losing weight.

Dim is a very concentrated form of the phytochemical indole-3-carbinol, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc. DIM has an effect on hormonal balance and estrogen metabolism, also a protector against cancer.

Colostrum, some call the Immune Enhancer. When a mother gives birth, her mammary glands provide life supporting factors that she has acquired in her lifetime. Her body concentrates these factors ito a special non milk immune and growth supporting fluid called Colostrum but is only produced for the first 24-48 hours after giving birth. Dairy cows are the only animals that meet all the essential criteria needed. Bovine colostrum is found to be safe, effective via oral administration, with no know contradictions or overdoes. Colostrum offers tremendous possibilities in the prevention and recovery from illness.

IP6-The anti tumor substance. IP6 is an ubiquitous substance, which means it is found everywhere at the same time. It is virtually found in all fiver from whole grains and legumes. Researches has found that IP6 can effectively prevent cancer formation and shrink pre-existing cancers in experimental systems, with virtually no toxicity. When given IP6 by mouth or directly into the tumors, it consistently had the same effects: it showed that it inhibits the growth of cancer.

Taking charge of your health and your Crohns Disease

After you read this post about herbs and other nutrients that can stimulate the immune system, I hope that I helped convince you that it is possible to treat yourself and your symptoms without harsh drugs and prompt you to investigate further. Newer information is out there and is continuously noted in the news, you just need to broaden your level of acceptance.

You DON'T have to be a prisoner to Western Medicine. It is possible to treat your illness with vitamins and nutrients and get your health under control. I would suggest your first step be speaking with your medical doctor. Tell them that you don't want to be on harsh drugs anymore and that you would like information on natural medicine.

And if you aren't convinced that the meds you are taking are "Harsh," all you need to do is read the fine print or better yet, go to the website. After almost 3 years on prednisone, prescribed by my doctor who is now in a psych ward in a Las Vegas hospital, the damage is irreversible. Don't let that happen to you. Know what you are taking, be active in your decision making and by all means, don't just take their word for it. Get educated!

Cutting Ties to Toxic Relationships

My husband loves to refer to an article written about toxic people sucking the life out of you.  I can't exactally remember who wrote it but the bodybuilder passed a few years back.  It describes a toxic friend as one who might blatantly mock you, or use offhand remarks to put you down. A toxic friend will be very needy, but rarely there to lend a hand when you are down. The article states that if you are feeling used and abused, it's time to cut those ties.      

So, this week I re-read the article and I have done just that. Not only with a friend but with what I call "Dead Beat Customers," those customers to steal from my company like Steve in Kentucky!  I'm not sure if it's that I'm getting older and really can't tolerate B.S. anymore or if it's just part of maturity and understanding.  I think that cutting ties in a healthy way helps us to regain our power and self-esteem by cuttting away old attachments or energetic ties that no longer beam us love but have become flat and stale. These attachments cling to our lifeforce, depleting our soul and wounding us over and over again.

There are postive connections we form with people in a healthy way and ties that bind in an unhealthy way. The unhealthy ones sap our energy and the more there are, the more they seem to control and stress us out, therefore, creating a toxic environment. I was feeling quite used and disrespected by my best friend of 20+ years and thought it was time and change the pattern.  Cutting ties without attachment, is an easy and painless way to unbind yourself……find a way to ground your energy.

Here is an article I found on About.com that goes into more detail. Take a peek...
http://healing.about.com/cs/energyhealing/a/cutcords.htm

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The Spoon Theory

Yes, yes, I know, I'm always tired. I'm always sick. I'm always at the doctor's office. I'm always sleeping. I'm always in the bathroom.....I know already! Seriously, it does get old and the more I try to hide it the fact remains the same: I have Crohns Disease.

When I was first diagnosed in 2007, I felt the shame that everyone else usually does and didn't feel the need to explain what was happening to me to anyone.  Then as time went on I thought it would be easier to send this beautiful find to my friends and family.  It's the easiest description I could find and so simply understood.  Read this if you'd like to understand a little more about the Crohn's sufferer.

The Spoon Theory

by Christine Miserandino www.butyoudontlooksick.com

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn’t seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.
As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.
I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.
Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of “spoons”. But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn’t even started yet. I’ve wanted more “spoons” for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said ” No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can’t take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too.” I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s “spoons”, but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less “spoons”. I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on “spoons”, because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.
We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly “Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared.”

Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day’s plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count “spoons”.

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can’t go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my “spoons”.

© Christine Miserandino

Have Your (Protein) Cake and Eat It Too!

Chocolate cake that even a fitness enthusiast would eat?  That's right! Who would have thought!

What was once a diet taboo is now being spotlighted as a nutritional rockstar. Why? Cocoa beans contain polyphenols, which contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which are highly beneficial to one’s health by reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Cocoa beans also contain serotonine and phenylethylamine, which have anti-depressant affects similar to the body’s natural production of adrenaline. Isn't that alone, enough to convincing to eat chocolate?

Chocolate is best consumed in darker varieties, which contain less added sugars. Be aware that while chocolate does have health properties, too much can be fattening, and thus- it should be consumed in moderation or for special occasions, such as birthdays!

Ingredients:
My Sweet Birthday Cake

• 2 squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1 Tbsp walnut oil / canola oil
• 2 Tbsp sweetener of choice: honey/stevia/brown sugar/splenda
• 2 scoops Dedicated Woman Protein Powder in Chocolate
• 2 Omega 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 Tbsp nut butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Dash salt

Preparation:1) In a microwavable dish our double burner, melt chocolate squares and oil in 30 second intervals, stirring in between.
2) Using blenders or a magic bullet, blend together chocolate mix and remaining ingredients.
3) Pour batter into a sprayed mini cake pan and bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes.

The Icing

• 1 scoop Dedicated Woman Protein Powder any flavor 
• 1 tbsp. Nut butter
• 1 tbsp. Skim milk
• Crushed nuts

Preparation
1) Mix together protein powder, nut butter, and enough milk to make into a icing consistency.
2) Cut cooled protein cake in half horizontally. Spread 1/2 of icing over bottom half and top with the top of the cake. Spread the remaining icing on top and sprinkle with crushed nuts.
3) ENJOY!

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 cake)
Calories 318; Fat 18 g;Protein 27 g; CHO 11 g

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Enjoy Your Weekend!

Changing Gears, Going a Different Direction...

...damn it, where has the time gone?

So, here we are; changing gears, going in a different direction, there are a lot of phrases for making changes in our lives. Alas, for this OCD girl, the past year has been one of discovering what the hell I'm good at, what I suck at, where my passions lay and what I want to be when I grow up. It's been really challenging to say the least. It's probably the hardest thing I've had to do since college. Nevertheless, it's something new, a new plan- a new life.....

I’ve had a great career as a supplement manufacturer and distributor over the last 9 years. I ran/run an awesome company, Extreme Labs and Dedicated Woman for 8 years, and I’ve worked with the best athletes, clients and vendors. Although it's still a multi-billion industry,- and most likely where my main salary will still come from, I have a deep nagging at my soul to find something else, something that takes me into the second half of my life, and something I can be proud of.

I'm still on a journey of sorts to figure it all out, slowly but surely, I'm finding my way. These changes along with a pending divorce really throws things into overdrive and propels you forward into making quick decision and sometimes a decision you're really not sure of. But either way, I look at it like this: it's a step toward something and something to look forward to.

Its bath time for the puppies!