Surviving the Holidays

http://www.griefshare.org/holidays/images/holidayphoto.jpg

I know this has nothing to do with herbs or supplements but it definitely has to do with the well being of the individual.

Our local grief share is at
Willoughby Hills Evangelical Friends Church 2846 SOM Center Rd.
Willoughby Hills, OH US Google Maps Yahoo! Maps Mapquest 440-944-1026 Sundays, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
(12/6/2009 - 2/28/2010) Starting soon
Mondays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(2/8/2010 - 3/29/2010) Starting soon

And an added touch is listening to www.air1.com for some inspirational alternative Christian music. My favorite.

God bless those whose are struggling through the Holidays.
Read Matthew 20:20-28 God know for us to be strong we need to be weak so his grace will be sufficient for us. God's greatest power can be displayed in our biggest weakness. let go and LET GOD!

May God bless you all

Black Friday!

You know I hate shopping, I've only done Black Friday once and I think for myself that is enough for a life time.

So instead I am heading back to the G.O. Ministries and grabbing those turkey bones to make a butt load of soup.

I think they have about 10 turkey carcasses that they were going to throw away because now one reuses the bones. I for one love any ones left over bones.

Last New Years my sister and brother in-law had us over for prime rib and was going to throw the bones away. I grabbed them in a heart beat and took them home.

Placed the bones in a roaster with a little water and basted them on 200 for about 6 hours in the oven then plopped them into a stock pot and put the roaster on top of the stove to get the residuals out of the pan.

placed the drippings from the roaster and the stock that it made into the pot and let it simmer for a few more hours until all the meat falls off.

Once it was done the meat filled up the pot half way. I would have never thought that much meat would have come from those bones but it made the richest prime rib soup I have ever eaten.

So BRING ON THE BONES! don't dump them, get creative, most times it's better than the original meal. and way better for you too since there is usually not much fat left over.

Bon Appetite til we meet again

Serving at the Mission

Wow! what a great time we had at the GO Ministries in Ashtabula. We met a lot of fun people and had a wonderful time feeding those less fotunate. There were people from other churches as just some families willing to help. Last year they served over 300 but not sure how many this year. fortunately it was nice out so I think the numbers might have been down because of it.

I was thinking there would have been more because of the economy but I'll find out this week when I go back this week.

It was so nice meeting new people and helping them out. There was an elderly couple there. I helped them with seconds and then another take out container loaded up with ham and turkey. It looked like they were planning on having all that last for at least a week so I did them up good. They walked out with 3 take out containers, 2 loaves of bread and a container of pie.

I wish I could have taken them home with me. They were in their 80's at least and she was with a walker. The world is so twisted it hurts sometimes. How can I even complain about what I suffer each day or even each week. It's nothing compared to reality.

I have My GOD, my family and friends and I pray they have God to hold onto. I don't know what I would do with out him. My life would be so different now and probably not worth much.

I am grateful to him for giving me the desire to share and care. As much as regular people irritate me, those in need are on the top of the chain. I can stop in a heart beat when I see someone hurting or in need.

It seems those who actually have something whine way too much and it just pisses me off. I am ashamed to say that I am that person every time and again and look back on how Christ died for those who have nothing. he's there for us too but we need to reach out to those who are less fortunate then us. And that is anyone. Even if you are set for life. You need to reach to those on the level just below you,. what a difference we would make if we all just checked around us and actually looked beyond our own feet.

Lord bless this land and those that follow that we can be your hands and your feet to reach the REST of your kingdom>

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Well here it is the first day of overeating for everyone.

For us here it starts with the stuffing...... I load up the seasonings (i never measure anything) rubbed sage, course sea salt, parsley, pepper (although you should never cook with pepper only add after cooking it becomes toxic once cooked) just a side note!) then add that to my bread and dry out just enough to softly harden it.

I have this huge popcorn bowl (actually it's a stainless steel salad commercial salad bowl but who eats that much salad. hahaha!

start breaking up the bread in bite sizes then for one turkey I use about 4 or 5 loaves of bread so whatever doesn't fit I put in foil but make sure you keep it close and baste it like you do the turkey so it tastes as if it was inside. (I HATE MOST PEOPLES DRESSING BECAUSE OF THIS ERROR!) you can't just put it in the oven and think it's going to taste good.

Then I take about 4 or 5 free range farm eggs. Not from the store! find a good farm by you, you'll never go back. I promise. Did you know that the eggs in the store could have been around for over 3 months. EUW!!!!!! check it out, I'm not lying and once you have the real stuff you will believe me.

Next step is take at least a stick of butter, 1 whole head of celery chopped small and 1 or 2 nice size onions and saute with a little sea salt.

Beat those babies up throw it on the bread that has all the seasoning, then fold in the celery onion mix slowly since it's hot. You want it moist so it sticks together.

I'm usually already starting to get full from sampling the stuffing.

Next comes the turkey stuffing and preparing.

I'll talk to you after we are back serving.

Talk to ya then

day 3 OOPS

Sorry about the delay, Ya know with Thanksgiving around the corner the kids come home from school. Had to drive 3 hours to get my daughter which put a little glitch in the cleanse.

Down these country roads there are not many bathrooms so yesterday I mostly drank water which made me really hungry by the time I got home at 5pm so I was bad and had some of my home made turkey soup.

BIG MISTAKE! I was all cramped up and gassy. but over all the day went well.

Today was suppose to be the third day but my heart wasn't in it since I blew it yesterday plus I had a massage at 9am this morning and didn't want to do the prune juice and be in trouble on the table if you know what I mean.

I had some pizza for lunch, but continued on with the water and juice even through our PIE night at church.

Tomorrow my family and I will be serving to the homeless and just relaxing the rest of the day so I will be back on what's next with my adventure.

Stay tuned.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Day 1 on the 3 Day Cleanse

It's 4:17 and things have slowed down some in the intestines. They are more bloated then anything else and the smell of our Turkey soup bubbling in the kitchen isn't helping either. At least we will be able to jump into having the soup on Thanksgiving.

I'm not sure how much we will be able to eat since it will be 4 days of just liquids but I'll keep you posted on that.

If any thing fun happens before the end of the day I will be sure to clue you in. Wouldn't want you to miss out on any of the internal fun we are having here.
ttyl

My 3 day Cleanse Starting Today!

Boy what a weekend! We had our Thanksgiving Feast after service today and of course I ate too much.

Ray and I decided to go back on this 3 day cleanse we've done in the past. It's always done us good before but we've never gone this long either.

I know you are just dying to find out what it's all about and I can't wait to hear your response since some of this is hilarious.

Okay, so I woke up this morning feeling way better than the night before but remembered about the cleanse so I staggered up to the store and jumped right on it.

Here's our routine then I'll share the wonders of my first day.

#1 Start off chugging a 16oz bottle of Prune juice preferably no later than 9am
#2 every half hour from then on you alternate with 8oz of water and your favorite juice but it MUST be straight juice and fresh. You will go through approximately 1 gal of juice depending on you weight and size.
#3 3 times a day to keep you nourished you need to drink raw apple cider vinegar with cayenne in it (starting with 1/8 of a teaspoon working up to a tablespoon) as well as a table spoon of black strap molasses topped off with an ounce of a good Olive oil.

Continue this for 3 days then slowly move into a mucusless diet (more on that later)

So this morning @ 8am I downed my Prune Juice, I can only do it room temperature so it doesn't taste as strong. I chugged then waited. 8:30 came and I drank down my first water which triggered the prune juice and what do you know, I'm running to the bathroom in hopes that I make it.

The first elimination wasn't that bad but I knew that was only the beginning. By the next glass which was apple juice this time I needed to run not once but twice to what me and my husband call "peeing out your butt" what a hoot.

We actually have a lot of fun with this as long as you have someone to have fun with otherwise you might be tempted to quit and eat something.

right now it's almost 1pm and I just had my apple juice and the count for running to the bathroom so far is at 6 but now things slow down and not to much movement going on inside.

They say after the 3 day cleanse you replace 3 gallons of mucus with your 3 gals of juice so it will help with aches and pains, allergies, sneezing and wheezing as well as many other ailments that are caused by mucus.

Well, I'll update in a while so I don't bore you. If you want send me a post during my cleanse and we can do this together OKAY!
by for now.

Information Sources

Websites
www.nowfoods.com
www.renewlife.com
www.drchristophers.com

Books
Renew Your Life
7 Colors
7 Syndrom Healing
Gut Solutions
The Healing Power of Flax

H.O.P.E Formula: Enzymes

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are protein-based substances that are essential for every function in the human body, including digestion. In the digestive system, enzymes are the key to breaking down the foods we eat into the nutrients that feed the body’s cells and tissues. Enzymes assist with digestion by breaking apart the bonds that hold nutrients together. Once the bonds are broken, tiny molecules can pass into the bloodstream where they are used as energy. A lack of enzymes may result in impaired digestion and a decrease in overall health. Getting enough enzymes is one of the most important components of the H.O.P.E. Formula.

Where Do I Get Enzymes?

In addition to the natural enzymes produced by your body, enzymes are normally present in raw foods to assist with digestion. However, many foods today are depleted of their natural enzymes as a result of cooking and processing. Likewise, the body’s ability to produce its own enzymes decreases with age. Without the essential enzymes necessary for proper digestion, the body may not be able to efficiently break down the food we eat and absorb its valuable nutrients.

How Do I Know if I Don’t Have Enough Enzymes?

Impaired digestion is often a sign that you don’t have enough enzymes. If you experience symptoms such as heartburn, gas and bloating, or fatigue after eating, it is likely that you have too few enzymes to properly digest the food you eat.

How Do I Choose the Right Enzyme Supplement?

Two important things to consider when choosing the right enzyme supplement are:

Is it properly balanced? A good digestive enzyme will contain a variety of enzymes to help digest all types of nutrients, including fats, starches, dairy, plant and vegetable material (cellulose) and sugar. Each nutrient type is digested best by specific enzymes that are designed to break down that certain nutrient. For example, dairy products require the enzyme lactase to digest them, while protein requires protease for proper digestion.

Does it contain plant-based enzymes? The ideal digestive enzyme supplement will contain plant-based enzymes. Such enzymes are already activated when they enter the system and begin to work in the stomach, and they continue to function throughout the body over a broad pH range (typically 2 to 14). pH refers to the acid level required to break down a particular type of nutrient. For example, dairy breaks down in a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Plant-based enzymes work efficiently in the body, breaking down and cleaning up undigested food in the digestive tract. For this reason, plant-based enzymes are the best choice for those suffering from impaired digestion and as a preventive measure to ensure complete digestion.

H.O.P.E Formula: Probiotics

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive tract. Literally translated, the word probiotic means “for life,” and the World Health Organization defines these good bacteria as, “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.

Because nearly three-quarters of the body’s immune system is located in the digestive tract, maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria is essential to your overall health. The two most prevalent probiotics are Lactobacilli, which make up the majority of the probiotics living in your small intestine, and Bifidobacteria, the most prevalent probiotics residing in your large intestine.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Probiotics?

• Promote healthy digestive and immune function*
• Help maintain healthy colon cells*
• Promote bowel regularity*
• Support the body’s natural detoxification processes*
• Assist with the manufacture of digestive enzymes*
• Assist with nutrient absorption*
• Create an unfriendly environment for potentially harmful bacteria and yeast*

Your Bacterial Balance is the Key to Your Good Health

You have both good and bad bacteria in your digestive system. A healthy bacterial balance is approximately 80% good (or neutral) bacteria to approximately 20% bad bacteria. If those harmful bacteria are allowed to flourish, your health may suffer.

Consequences of Bacterial Imbalance

The consequences of too few beneficial bacteria (probiotics) may include diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating, yeast overgrowth and vaginal yeast infections, decreased immune function, lactose intolerance, impaired digestion and even skin disruptions.

How Many Probiotics Should You Take Each Day?

There is no exact science to answer this question, but generally the more beneficial bacteria you have, the better your ability will be to fight harmful bacteria in the gut. The H.O.P.E. Formula recommends between 6 billion and 50 billion active cells each day, depending on your age and individual need. Studies have shown that our level of good intestinal bacteria declines with age, so older adults may benefit from a higher culture count.

While some nutrients (such as vitamins) are measured in grams or milligrams, probiotics are measure in units called “active cultures”. Adults should consume between 6 and 15 billion active cultures daily, and those over 50 should take 30 to 50 billion active cultures daily. For critical care needs, 50 billion or more active cultures are recommended.

How Do You Maintain a Healthy Balance of Intestinal Bacteria?

Eating a diet rich in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir (a fermented milk drink) and sauerkraut will support a healthy bacterial balance. You should also eat plenty of fiber, since fiber is a preferred food source for good bacteria and helps them flourish. Taking a balanced probiotic that contains both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli is also essential.

Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement

When deciding which probiotic is right for your needs, there are three important factors to consider:

Does it contain both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli? These are the two most prevalent probiotics in your digestive system, and both are equally important. Unfortunately, many probiotic supplements contain high amounts of Lactobacilli and not enough Bifidobacteria. Be sure to choose a probiotic supplement that has a high amount of each to ensure that both the small and large intestine are supported.

Is it right for my age? Research has proven that as we age, the probiotic population in our intestines decreases. Therefore, it is important to increase our probiotic intake by choosing an age-specific supplement.

What is the delivery method? Make sure that the probiotic you choose is either enteric-coated or uses BIO-Tract™ tableting. Both methods of delivery ensure that the beneficial probiotics have the extra assistance necessary to bypass the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and get delivered directly to the intestines where they are best utilized.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

H.O.P.E Formula: Omega Oils

What are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a type of polyunsaturated fats commonly referred to as “good fats”. They include Omega-3 fats and Omega-6 fats, found primarily in cold-water fish, flax seeds and certain vegetable oils, and they are considered essential because the human body cannot produce them on its own. In addition to supporting the structure and function of every cell in the body, EFAs help lubricate the colon and promote gastrointestinal health. Although not considered essential (as the body can produce limited amounts on its own) Omega-9 fats are also important, as they have been shown to support the immune system and promote a healthy inflammatory response in the body. While each is important to our overall health, the typical American diet is most deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids?

• Support a healthy digestive tract*
• Support a healthy inflammatory response in the body*
• Nourish active tissues such as brain, heart, eyes and kidneys*
• Support healthy immune and nervous system function*
• Support circulatory health and healthy metabolism*
• Support brain health and development*
• Promote healthy hormone balance*
• Promote a positive mood*

How Much Omega-3 Do You Need Each Day?

The World Health Organization recommends at least 2 grams of Omega-3 oils per day, which is consistent with the H.O.P.E. Formula. Because the body does not produce these beneficial fats, the only way to get them is through your diet or dietary supplementation.

The Different Types of Omega-3s

There are three types of Omega-3 oils. The two you may be most familiar with are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), both of which are found primarily in cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. Other than some types of fresh kelp, plant foods rarely contain EPA or DHA. By contrast, the third Omega-3 oil, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is found primarily in dark-green, leafy vegetables, flaxseed oil and certain vegetable oils, and is thus easier to include in your diet.

Increase Your Omega-3 Intake with the Following Foods:

Fish. Choose cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, sardines, herring and mackerel.

Red Meat. Two sources of red meat that are rich in Omega-3s include venison and buffalo meat. While venison is not widely available, buffalo is actually gaining in popularity and can be found in many markets and health food stores.

Plant Sources. There are several Omega-3 plant sources, including flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts, and some leafy green vegetables.

The Advantage of Omega-3 Supplementation

Although consuming plenty of cold-water fish is considered beneficial due to their high Omega-3 content, many people do not eat enough fish to receive their daily Omega-3 needs. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, a 3-oz. serving of salmon contains less than 1.7 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids. There is also significant evidence showing that certain types of fish contain high levels of mercury (a neurotoxin) and should not be eaten regularly.

One of the major advantages of taking a fish oil supplement is that purification techniques are used to ensure that the beneficial oils are free of detectable levels of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants. Be sure to choose a fish oil supplement that has been manufactured using such techniques. Also, taking a daily fish oil supplement is actually less expensive than eating salmon every day!

Lipase: The Most Important Ingredient in Your Oil Supplement

Lipase is an enzyme that helps digest fats. Because it assists with digestion and therefore maximizes the absorption of the healthy Omega-3 oils, it is important to choose a fish oil supplement that contains lipase.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What is Fiber?

If scientists were to discover fiber today, it would be hailed as a miracle ingredient. This extraordinary substance —found naturally in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and other plant foods—plays a significant role in improving and maintaining the health of the whole body. In addition to promoting healthy digestive function and bowel regularity, fiber can help lower the risk of developing heart disease and high cholesterol, and it even plays a vital role in weight management.

Nearly every poorly functioning digestive tract can benefit from an increase in fiber. Studies have shown that once fiber enters the digestive tract, it interacts with other foods and substances you consume, helping to absorb and eliminate harmful toxins that may otherwise have been ingested and stored in the body. In addition, fiber is a significant food source for the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract that support healthy immune function.

How Much Fiber Do You Need?

The majority of health experts recommend consuming between 25 and 35 grams of fiber every day, but statistics show that the average American adult consumes less than half of that number. Eating a diet high in fiber can help reverse this trend and promote health and regularity, but for many people it may be difficult to get more fiber through diet alone. The recommended 25 to 35 grams is roughly equivalent to 15 servings of fruits, vegetables or grains. If you don’t typically eat that many servings of fiber-rich foods, adding a natural fiber supplement to your diet may help you reach your goal.

Choosing the Right Fiber Supplement

The best way to get enough fiber is the way nature intended: through your diet. When you consume the recommended 25 to 35 grams daily through a diet rich in high-fiber foods, you receive a natural balance of approximately 75% insoluble fiber to 35% soluble (water-soluble) fiber, and each type is important to your health. Soluble fiber helps absorb toxins in the liver and the digestive tract, and insoluble fiber helps to sweep the colon free of toxins and waste, promoting regular, healthy bowel movements as a result.

Flax-based fiber supplements are a beneficial choice because they mimic this natural balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. Psyllium-based fiber supplements, however, provide the opposite balance and may cause gas, bloating and constipation.

Organically Grown vs. Commercially Grown Fiber

Choosing organically grown foods instead of commercially grown foods is always a better choice, and fiber is no exception. One of the primary benefits of fiber is that it helps remove toxins from your body, so eating fiber commercially grown that has been treated with pesticides and other harsh chemicals is self-defeating. Always try to choose organic fiber sources, whether from food or fiber supplements.

7 Reasons to Increase Your Fiber Intake

1. Fiber supports healthy digestion and promotes bowel regularity
2. Fiber assists with the elimination of intestinal and liver toxin
3. Fiber provides a food source for beneficial intestinal bacteria
4. Fiber helps maintain cardiovascular health
5. Fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
6. Fiber helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels
7. Fiber supports healthy weight management