Monthly Archives: February 2011

Summer Health Myths

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As children, most of us heard lots of health advice. Unfortunately, some of it, however well-intentioned, was medically incorrect. See if you’ve ever heard – or believed – any of these common summer health myths.

  1. “Wait a half hour after eating before you can safely go swimming.” This one seemed almost universally accepted when I was a child and is still believed today. The myth involves the possibility of suffering severe muscle cramping and drowning from swimming on a full stomach. While it’s true that the digestive process does divert the circulation of the blood toward the gut and to a certain extent, away from the muscles, the fact is that an episode of drowning caused by swimming on a full stomach has never been documented. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the American Red Cross makes any specific recommendations about waiting any amount of time after eating before taking a swim. There’s a theoretical possibility that one could develop a cramp while swimming with a full stomach, but a person swimming in a pool or controlled swimming area could easily exit the water if this happens. As with any exercise after eating, swimming right after a big meal might be uncomfortable, but it won’t cause you to drown.
  1. “Sunburn will fade into a tan,” or “You need to burn first before you start to tan.” Sunburn is a burn and not a prerequisite stage for a tan. Sunburn will result in skin damage, redness, and eventual peeling. Any amount of sun exposure poses an increased risk for the development of skin cancers and premature aging, but sunburn poses an even stronger risk.
  1. “Dark-skinned people don’t need sunscreen.” People with lighter skins have less melanin, the pigment that absorbs UV radiation and protects skin, than darker-skinned people. While light-skinned people will be very sensitive to the effects of UV rays from the sun, those with darker skins can still be affected by damaging UV radiation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends routine sunscreen use (with an SPF of at least 15) for dark-skinned people.
  1. Finally, there’s the watermelon-seed myth. No, the seeds won’t germinate and grow in your stomach if you swallow them. There is a very small risk of damage to the intestine (inflammation, obstruction, or a wound or tear in the bowel) from swallowing any small, sharp object such as a seed. A watermelon or other type of seed could potentially lodge inside the appendix and lead to appendicitis, but this is very unlikely to happen. The benefits of including fruit in your diet far outweigh any risks associated with swallowing seeds.

SUGAR … are you addicted?

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By Jenny Brown

Do you take time to read the labels of refined products you plan to eat!

Some of us might spend time making sure that trans-fats have been eliminated from processed products, but many people aren’t aware that in order to make the product taste good without the fats, the food manufacturers add sugar!!   Sugar is loaded into your soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and hidden in almost all processed foods—from Tomato sauce to pretzels to Worcestershire sauce to cheese spread. And now some infant formula has the sugar equivalent of one can of Coca-Cola, so babies are being metabolically poisoned from day one if taking formula!!

Food Manufacturers really don’t  want to inform you that there is a whole lot of sugar in their processed products because that would eliminate those “crazy label reading customers” as potential buyers.  So they disguise this fact by using scientific sounding names like sorghum or corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup or fructose or lactose or dextrose or sucrose or sucralose or galactose ….. all enough to make you comatose!!!

Now I do confess that I’m not a paragon of virtue when it comes to sweetness, but it does pain me when our gardener and other casual labourers we have hired insist on having 3 teaspoons of sugar in their coffee!  Many people I know (including family members) are quite happy to down a can of cola that probably contains up to 10 teaspoons of sugar – and they do this more than once a day!  

If you saw someone in a restaurant adding that much sugar to his coffee, wouldn’t you think he was crazy?

Did you know that just consuming one can of soda a day increases your risk of diabetes by 85% and can cut 11 to 20 years off your life?

A study done at the American College of Neuropsycopharmacology (see if you can pronounce that after two cans of soda!) found that sugar gives the same brain reaction as morphine, cocaine and nicotine.

To put it another way, sugar is addictive!

Sugar and Diabetes:

As we eat more refined foods, this causes sugar to very quickly enter the blood, thus requiring more insulin to transport it into the cells.  If not enough insulin is produced, or if the insulin present is not sufficiently effective, the elevated blood glucose levels that normally follow a “high carb” and “high sugar” meal subsequently do not fall in the normal pattern.

This occurs because glucose cannot enter the target cells in the liver, muscles, and fat for storage or conversion to usable energy.  This is why a highly refined diet is particularly troublesome for anyone with a blood sugar imbalance such as diabetes.

So what are the other negative effects of eating sugar?

From a vast number of Medical Journals and other scientific publications

Nancy Appleton, PhD, contributes in her book “Lick the Sugar Habit” an extensive list of the many ways sugar can ruin your health.

Here are just a few facts we would rather not know:

sugar damages teeth, feeds bacteria, yeast and fungus

All sugars provide quickly absorbed calories that must be rapidly converted into hard fats in order to prevent the toxic effect that “sweet” overload would otherwise have on our bodies.

Sugar interferes with Vitamin C transport

Depletes the immune system and impairs our defences against infectious diseases 

Sugar can produce a significant rise in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol 

All sugars, including honey, brown sugar, corn syrup, fructose, etc…. have the same detrimental effects on our health as do hard fats -  they make platelets (a blood component, which helps with the clotting of blood) more sticky,

Bear Paw Garlic lowers LDL, stops oxidation and raises HDL,  reduces platelet aggregation (blood stickiness).  Helps treat diabetes by regulating insulin – providing more free insulin to the bloodstream.  Bear Paw Garlic enhances cognitive functions and is a powerful immune stimulant

Sugar interferes with insulin function

Upsets the mineral relationships in our body causing chromium and copper deficiencies

Interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium contributing to osteoporosis

AIM’s Glucochrome helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels for people with hypoglycemia and Type II diabetes.  BarleyLife balances blood sugar levels and keeps insulin in the system for longer periods and supplies

11 major minerals and 12 trace minerals needed by the body – high in calcium needed for strong bones!

Sugar causes crankiness in children and is the main contributing  factor for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating 

BarleyLife, AIMega and Proancynol 2000 are three products that are most effective in dealing with ADHD – BUT don’t forget to eliminate sugar!!

Sugar can cause many problems with the gastrointestinal tract including: an acidic digestive tract, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel disease, increased risk of Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis

AIM’s Herbal Fiberblend improves the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in nutrient absorption.  BarleyLife helps with any inflammation in the body which means any diseases ending in “itis”

Sugar is to cancer cells as fertilizer is to plants!

Sugar has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, lung, gallbladder and stomach!

BarleyLife contains the enzyme P4D1 known to shrink tumours.

Cancer thrives in an acidic system and BarleyLife is 66.4% alkaline which is helpful in balancing the body’s pH.

Sugar causes us to age fast!

Sugar speeds up ageing by causing a loss of tissue elasticity and function.  The single most important factor that accelerates aging is insulin, which is triggered by sugar.

Sugar can make your skin age by changing the structure of collagen.

AIM TO THE RESCUE FOR AGING SKIN …..

Proancynol 2000:   Contains OPC’s in the grape seed extract.

This  “cosmetic” value  protects elastin and collagen which gives skin its strength, elasticity and smoothness.   Alpha-lipoic acid is described as an anti-aging substance, which protects against the effects of free radicals.

BarleyLife : Contains one of the greatest anti-oxidants – SOD (super oxide dismutase) for anti-aging and the good news is that one can even build up a bank account of it!

Under no circumstances substitute fake sugar and think it’s the answer!

Aspartame will turn you into a zombie because the methanol in aspartame converts to formaldehyde at 84 degree F (the body’s temperature is 37 C) – read Pat Quill’s story below

Sucralose (Splenda) is derived from chlorine and is best used in your swimming pool. It is NOT a sugar, despite its sugar-like name and deceptive marketing slogan, “made from sugar.” It’s a chlorinated artificial sweetener in line with aspartame and saccharin, with detrimental health effects to match.

The reality is that these fake sugars do not eliminate sugar cravings; they actually increase them. A study proved that a person’s risk for obesity went up 41% for each daily can of diet soda.

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, and erythritol are neither sugars nor alcohols but are becoming increasingly popular as sweeteners. They are incompletely absorbed from your small intestine, for the most part, so they provide fewer calories than sugar but often cause problems with bloating, diarrhea and flatulence.

Dextrose, fructose and glucose are all monosaccharides, known as simple sugars. The primary difference between them is how your body metabolizes them. Glucose and dextrose are essentially the same sugar. However, food manufacturers usually use the term “dextrose” in their ingredient list.

What is considered a healthy alternative to sugar?

Stevia is a highly sweet herb derived from the leaf of the South American stevia plant, which is completely safe (in its natural form).

Lo han (or luohanguo) is another natural sweetener, but derived from a fruit. 

Honey  is about 53 percent fructose but is completely natural in its raw form and has many health benefits when used in moderation, including as many antioxidants as spinach. 

How can you keep your blood sugar stable?

Apart from the help from AIM as mentioned above, you can keep your blood sugar stable by including protein with every meal. If you know about quinoa, the incredible grain from Peru  which is a complete protein, you can include that in your diet  and you’ll be getting plenty of fiber as well.

Remember, if it had a face or a mother it has no fiber!

If you use fruit as a substitute for sugar it will help curtail your sugar cravings.

It should now be crystal clear just how damaging sugar is. You simply cannot achieve your highest degree of health and vitality if you are consuming a significant amount of it.    So if you are still “using”  my advice to you is    ……

DO NOT STAY AS SWEET AS YOU ARE!!!

From:  Pat Quill – Ireland

August 2002

AS-PAR-TAME, THAT’S SOME NAME.  YOU TASTE DELICIOUS …

BUT YOU’RE ASPAR-VICIOUS!!!

O.K., I know its not prize winning poetry, nor even Edward Lear but hey, I’m glad that the fuzzy brain is clearing and I’m able to write anything again. Where to begin with this rather long and dreary tale? I guess it must go back to about 5 years ago when I went from never having a headache (except due to a bad hangover!) to ever increasing head aches. Mentioned this to my health guru, sweet sister of mine Jenny Brown, and she advised that she had recently heard that this could be caused by Aspartame, an artificial sweetener which is prevalent in numerous products. So I gave it a try, cut out the Diet drinks, and voila – lost the headaches.

Fast forward to end of July last year. I signed up with WEIGHT WATCHERS here in Dublin. Now let me say at the outset that I have nothing but praise for the organisation and their very balanced and sensible diet regime. I embraced it wholeheartedly and was totally thrilled with the new slimline me and the fact that I never ever felt hungry on their plan. However, I went the whole hog – pardon the inappropriate metaphor – and bought all of the diabetic jams, sugar free yoghurts, sugar free chewing gums, wonderful little low point value sweets sold by W.W., and loads and loads of Diet drinks to compensate for the lack of alcohol!! Achieved my goal weight and happily flew out to C.T., for my 5 months in the sun. During this period I was still trying to adhere to the sensible eating plan (not always successfully as evidenced by the very snug fit to most of my clothing on my return to Ireland) and drinking loads of Diet Coke after a game of golf instead of a beer or 3. However I began to notice frequent dizzy spells. Went to see a local Dr. in C.T. and I guess he was another bald guy having a bad hair day as he made me feel like a hypochondriac woman. So left it until I returned to Ireland. The dizziness increased, headaches began, my ears felt frequently blocked, and I was having problems with my balance. So I saw my local G.P., and he said he thought I had vertigo. Prescribed Stemetil – finished the course, no change. Something stronger called Cerc 16 – finished that, symptoms were by now worse. I told my G.P. that I was now having trouble going for my daily brisk walk as had to focus mightily on just walking a straight line, I was also finding it difficult in getting the correct words out when I talked as telling a joke was almost beyond me, AND (unkindest cut of all) my golf game had deserted me as a golf swing requires balance, putting means bending over (whoops) and just walking the fairway without weaving from side to side was now very difficult.

To cut a very long (and by now totally boring to all of you) story shorter – I was booked in to see a neurosurgeon as the symptoms were all pointing at something like MS, or a brain tumour. Saw the neuro, who gave me a very thorough examination, pronounced himself somewhat baffled, but at least gave me the good news that I had nothing like the aforementioned nasties. SO – where to from here?

Help arrived in the form of a timely email from Saint Jen who casually remarked “I guess its stupid to even think you might be taking Aspartame again but those little W.W., liquorice sweets you brought over from Ireland contain them and it might have escaped your notice”. Click – the little man in my mind who turns on the light managed to fight his way through the fog and mist and new horizons opened up to this dizzy dame. I went onto the web, typed ‘aspartame’ into the search section and got back so many hits and web sites that I didn’t know where to begin. Aspartame undergoes a chemical reaction in the body and this can cause an amazing variety of side effects, including mimicking MS, and sundry other horrid things.

I am not for one moment suggesting that it would affect everyone in the way it affected me and thousands of others world wide. But if you do find yourself presenting with baffling symptoms take the 60 day abstinence test that web sites suggest and see if ridding your system of the toxin makes a difference to your general sense of well being. Lets face it we imbibe numerous harmful substances on a daily basis unknowingly – why on earth add to the toxic build up deliberately?!

To sum it up – Aspartame is totally toxic and should never have been passed by the American Food and Drug Association. However, money talks, big money shouts, and Monsanto (the manufacturers of Aspartame) had money that would deafen one. Lets be among the many who open ears by boycotting the product.

ADDENDUM: Its now 2010 –I had to re-read this because I couldn’t even remember how bad I was.  The symptoms don’t clear up overnight, but once you stop taking Aspartame the improvements you need to experience should show within a few weeks.

Tips for staying healthy when entertaining during the festive season

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  1. Plan ahead
    When friends are coming over be sure to have low calorie snacks that both the boys and girls can enjoy, you won’t want the boys running off to “watch a game” while the wolf down handfuls of dry wors, rather have the unsalted nuts and some sugar free fruit snacks available.
  2. Quality over quantity
    If you are planning to enjoy a glass of wine, rather up your usual brew to something a little more classy, the added cost will stop you from drinking it like coolaid and hopefully you will enjoy it all the more. Remember the fines for drinking and driving are pretty stiff these days! Be sure to maintain your intake of water, it will help prevent over indulgence and keep you hydrated.
  3. Make a large green salad
    Create a wonderful dark green leafy vegeatable with spinach, rocket, watercress and lettuce, add in some sprouts, cucmber, celery and tomoatoes, avocado etc. A large salad before a meal will stimulate the digestive process, help to make you feel fuller so you won’t eat too much and assist in the clearing out of the unnecessary foods when you are done.
  4. Steam vegetable
    Vegetables are just as delicious when steam or oven grilled, a collection of you favourite veg in a large pan under the grill will cook them through thoroughly but still leave them with much of their nutrition in tact. Drissle a little Olive Oil after having baked them for extra flavour
  5. Serve a berry dessert
    Berries are in season summer fruits, they are low in calories and filled with anti-oxidants and taste fantastic after a meal. The berries are very flavourful and add a nice touch to any meal, with enough sweetness for any discerning palate.
  6. Take your time
    In our lives that are already so rushed there is little harm in spending time at the dinner table, taking the meal slowly will aid in the digestive process making more of the meal available to your body and also prevent you from over eating.
  7. Care for the harder working organs
    In the event that you have over indulged take extra care of the organs that will be over working, ensure you have probiotics nearby for after meals and digestive enzymes to help you throughout. Try after a heavy fat meal to drink a few glasses of hot water before bed, your live will appreciate the extra support in clearing out that saturated fat.
  8. Keep your exercise routine
    Do keep your daily exercise routine, you will feel stronger and healthier, even if you aren’t going to the gymn at least take long walks and do something physical, your waistline will feel the effort and any extra pounds eaten won’t as quickly find their way to your hips.
  9. Most of all ENJOY
    The new year festivities are a time to enjoy and savour, so make sure you are not lost in the activity of counting calories, watching your weight and ensuring daily litres consumed rather than enjoying your friends, family and holiday.

Setting up your home office

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Home offices are no longer relegated to a corner of the basement or inside a small closet. With more and more people working from home, the home office has become an important space in the largest home or the smallest apartment.

With the average home office using a computer, fax machine, copier, shipping facilities, and internet connections, a small desk and chair in a corner just don’t work. Working at home is routine for many adults.

Whether you use your home office for paying bills or running a company, there are some basic things that are needed. Get some solutions for setting up your home office so that it works just how you need it.

When I started writing this website, my computer sat in a space on a stair landing. It still does. But the space has been adapted to my needs and my comfort. So how do we begin? Read on.

To begin planning, let’s look at the top five needs and solutions for a great home office:

  • Identify the Space for Your Home Office

If your space is limited, you won’t have as many choices. By removing the clothes pole and installing electrical connections, you can easily convert a closet of any size into a work space. I installed a working desk at the top of some stairs in my home.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office, you might prefer a better view and more room. Identify space that is infrequently used, such as a guest room or dining area. Using an armoire for papers, a computer and printer, the entire workspace can be closed behind doors. Your working space will be able to extend into a larger area.

  • Plan Your Work Area

Think of all the things that you’ll need to work comfortably and efficiently in your home office. Start with proper temperature control and lighting. Have a telephone installed in the space or be sure to have a portable phone available. Your desk chair will be moving around in the space, so flooring should be a hard surface, at least near the desk. Select window coverings (if you’re fortunate to have a window nearby) that will allow you to control the light in your area.

  • A Place to Write

Probably the most important piece of furniture you’ll have will be your desk or work surface. Whether you select custom-designed cabinets and writing surface or use two file cabinets with a door stretched across them, this is where you’ll spend the most time, and it should be large enough and the right height to most comfortably do your work. If your space is limited, draw out a floor plan on graph paper and move the shapes around until you find a workable space.

To make the most of limited space, have shelving installed behind your desk. Books and supplies will be easy to reach.

  • Sit in Comfort

Select a chair that is comfortable, the right height, and provides proper back and arm support for the type of work you will be doing. I like to put my feet up, so I have a small footstool (about 10″ high) under my desk. Find resources and information about ergonomic office furniture before you go shopping.

Install a slide-out keyboard holder so that your computer keyboard is the right height for easy and comfortable use. Place your computer mouse in a place that is accessible and provide cushioning for your wrists.

AIM’s Natural Supplements to help Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common digestive disorder seen by physicians.  For reasons unknown, IBS is most common in women between the ages of twenty and thirty, and it occurs five to six times more often among people of Jewish ancestry than among people of other ethnic backgrounds.  This disorder is also sometimes called intestinal neurosis, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon.

In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated.  This interferes with the normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to the accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestine.  This accumulated material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn causes bloating, distention, and constipation.  IBS may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth through the colon.

Symptoms of IBS may include constipation alternating with constipation, lasting for six months or more; intermittent abdominal tenderness; bloating and abdominal distention; gas; nausea and vomiting; and loss of appetite, anorexia, and intolerances to certain foods.  Pain is often triggered by eating, and may be relieved by a bowel movement.  Because of the pain, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes severe headaches and even vomiting, a person with IBS may dread eating.  Whether or not an individual with IBS eats normally, malnutrition may result, as nutrients often are not absorbed properly.  As a result, people with IBS require as much as 30% more protein than normal, as well as an increased intake of minerals and trace elements, which can quickly be depleted by diarrhea.  Although the physical cause of IBS is not known, predisposing factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, and the use of laxatives.  People with IBS are often “bowel conscious” – they are more sensitive than other people to motion and sensations within the digestive tract.

Many other diseases can be related to IBS, including candidiasis, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, malabsorption disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, ulcers, and the parasitic infections amebiasis and giardiasis.  Over 100 different disorders may be linked to the systemic effects of IBS.  Diagnosis of IBS requires ruling out disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance, and ulcerative colitis.  A physician may recommend one or more of a variety of procedures to do this, including barium enema, colonoscopy, and rectal biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool examination to check for the presence of bacteria, blood, and/or parasites.

IBS is painful, but not serious and most people who have it can lead active, productive lives if they change their diets, get regular exercise, and replace needed nutrients.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Eat a high-fiber diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus whole grains (especially brown rice) and legumes.
  • Use supplemental fiber (Herbal Fiberblend!)  Psyllium powder regulates bowel movements and should be used daily.  Also use oat bran and ground flaxseeds daily, on an alternating basis.
  • Avoid animal fats, butter, all carbonated beverages, coffee and all other substances containing caffeine, candy, chocolate, all dairy products, fried foods, ice cream, all junk foods, the additives mannitol and sorbitol, margarine, nuts, orange & grapefruit juices, pastries, all processed foods, seeds, spicy foods, sugar, sugar-free chewing gum, and wheat bran and wheat products.  These foods encourage the secretion of mucus by the membranes and prevent the uptake of nutrients.
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco; these irritate the linings of the stomach and colon.
  • When an intestinal upset occurs, switch to a bland diet.  Put vegetables and non-acidic fruits through a food processor or blender.  If you are on a soft diet, take come type of fiber and a protein supplement.  (Herbal Fiberblend & Pro Peas)
  • For excessive gas and bloating that lingers, take some Florafood – this will replace the “friendly” bacteria very quickly and resolve the problem.  Exercise, such as stretching exercises, swimming, or walking, is also important.
  • Check to see if you have food allergies; they are important factors in this disorder.  Eliminating allergenic foods from the diet relieves symptoms in many cases.
  • Chew your food well.  Do not overeat or eat in a hurry.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises.  Shallow breathing reduces the oxygen available for proper bowel function.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing.  Do not wear anything that is tight around the waist.
  • Do not eat right before going to bed.  Wait one or two hours after eating before lying down.
  • Test your pH as significant acidosis may occur with IBS.  You can buy AIM’s pH Tester and test your urine first thing in the morning.  If you are very acidic, increase your alkaline forming foods in your diet until balance is restored (BarleyLife/ Garden Trio).

 

CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Eating the correct diet, using supplemental fiber, and drinking plenty of quality water are very important in controlling IBS.  Early recognition of the disease, good nutrition, and a positive outlook help minimize complications.
  • Certain foods irritate the wall of the intestinal tract.  Lactose (milk sugar) is a common culprit, as are all dairy products.
  • IBS should not be confused with the more serious bowel disorders, such as Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  These are also inflammatory bowel diseases but, unlike IBS, they result in demonstrable lesions in the digestive tract.  Crohn’s disease affects the entire length and thickness of the wall of the large and/or small intestine; ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the large intestine, the last five to seven feet of the digestive tract.
  • People with IBS should receive regular physical examinations.  This disorder has been linked to a higher than normal incidence of colon cancer and diverticulitis.
  • If IBS causes chronic diarrhea, electrolyte and trace mineral deficiencies are likely (Peak Endurance to the rescue!)
  • Certain drugs can aggravate the malabsorption problems often present with IBS.  These include antibiotics, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, and sulfasalazine, among others.  These drugs increase the need for nutritional supplements.
  • Research and testing have found not only that breathing exercises can control IBS, but that people who practice stress management have fewer and less severe attacks.  Stress management also relieves symptoms.  (Composure for stress – very important in IBS patients!)
  • The symptoms of IBS are similar to those of many other disorders, including cancer.  If dietary modification and natural remedies yield no relief, it is wise to consult a physician to rule out some other underlying problem. 

 

AIM PRODUCTS FOR IBS:

  1. Herbal Fiberblend – use as prescribed, for every year struggling with digestive trouble, stay on HFB for a month, e.g. 10 years trouble, at least 10 – 12 months consistently every day!
  2. Composure – excellent supplement to help with stress management, as well as that the herbs are feeding/aiding the adrenal glands.  To be taken daily, whether client thinks they need it or not; consistent use will aid greatly in general wellbeing & managing of daily stress.
  3. Florafood – you cannot be without this product.  The bacteria balance in the colon & digestive tract is directly responsible for your health.  Please take 1-2 capsules daily.  If a severe attack is experienced, up your intake of Florafood to 6 a day until relief is experienced for 5 days, before cutting back down to a daily maintenance dosage.
  4. BarleyLife & LeafGreens – this is foundational food for your body, especially when you are battling with IBS.  The LeafGreens is high in protein, and your body struggles with protein absorption when you have IBS.  The BarleyLife & LeafGreens are high in all the minerals & vitamins, your body will be fed at cellular level & best of all, it gives your digestive system a rest from digestion!!  Win-Win all the way!!!!
  5. ProPeas – a most wonderful vegetable protein supplement.  Use as suggested on the container.  Helps assist the body with protein absorption as well.
  6. Cell Wellness Restorer – a daily soak in the bathtub with this product is just what the doctor should order.  It replaces the magnesium through your skin, helps you to relax, and aids in a good night’s rest.  When you are struggling with IBS, you are always tense, waiting for the next painful spasm.  CWR is a wonderful aid to help relax, so that when you sleep, the body can recover, restore, & rejuvenate properly.

 

Once the IBS is under control, I would strongly suggest the client do a parasite-cleanse, using AIM’s Para90.  Parasites are dangerous, and they cause more harm than most in the medical fraternity acknowledge.  You have nothing to loose, just parasites!!  I would also recommend a course of Herbal Release to aid the lymph in cleansing the blood, thereby assisting the liver, which will in turn assist the digestive system to get healthy & strong. 

Get your digestive system strong, clean, & healthy, and you will experience abundant life on a whole new level.

Ananda Russ

Royal Emerald Director

Can Food be Medicine?

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By Tracey Karele – AIM Nutritionist

 

Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician and the father of modern medicine, said the following more than two and a half thousand years ago: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” It is therefore curious that modern doctors, many of whom take the Hippocratic Oath, very seldom administer dietary advice along with the powerful pharmaceuticals that they prescribe. In the case of chronic disease, these drugs are more often than not an attempt to correct damage done by years of self-inflicted bodily and dietary neglect. 

Obviously, not all health conditions can be prevented or alleviated through dietary means. The chronic diseases of lifestyle, however, are degenerative and irreversible diseases that are due in part to poor food choices, lack of exercise, the use of tobacco and alcohol and stress. These diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world.

 

These diseases were relatively unheard of 100 years ago. So what has changed? A century ago, most people had more physically demanding jobs, the primary form of transport was your own two legs and food processing was minimal. Today, sedentary lifestyles and diets of refined and processed foods have led to nations of sick and overweight people.

 

Chronic diseases represent 60 percent of all deaths, yet it’s a relatively small number of risk factors – namely high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and alcohol – that actually cause the majority of these diseases.

A few statistics according to the World Health Organisation (WHO):

  • Heart attacks and strokes kill about 12 million people every year. In addition, another 3.9 million people die annually from hypertensive and other heart conditions.
  • An estimated 177 million people are affected by diabetes, the majority by type 2 diabetes.
  • More than one billion adults worldwide are overweight, and at least 300 million of these are clinically obese.
  • Up to 80 percent of cases of coronary heart disease, 90 percent of type 2 diabetes cases, and one-third of cancers can be avoided by changing to a healthier diet, increasing physical activity and stopping smoking.

 

Free from side effects

 

Side effects are an unfortunate but common occurrence with many prescription drugs. Statins, for example, are a class of drug frequently used to lower cholesterol levels. Side effects include muscle pain, possible muscle damage, liver damage, digestive problems and rashes or flushing. A diet that is high in unsaturated fats, soluble fibre and phytosterols could also help to lower cholesterol levels, but without these harmful side effects. For many people, dietary intervention would be the preferred route, but most are actually unaware that this option exists.

However, certain foods can aggravate certain conditions; for example, purine-rich foods like sardines can aggravate gout. For the most part though, with the obvious exception of food allergies and intolerances, food has a supportive and preventative effect, helping the body to heal itself. 

In fact, there was a 20-year study completed about ten years ago in Europe that compared drug versus non-drug therapy for heart disease. What they found was that for the first ten years, the drug group taking anti-hypertensive and anti-cholesterol drugs fared slightly better than the non-drug group. However, when they analysed the groups after a further ten years, they found that the non-drug group not only fared better but they actually had a lower death rate than the drug group.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”

 

This popular saying is believed to have originated in 18th century Wales and is one of many early sayings to encourage healthy eating. Apparently, in old English, the word “apple” was used to describe any round fruit that grew on a tree, and it was known that eating fruit would help one to remain healthy. 

 

Prevention IS better than cure

According to the Oxford dictionary, the word medicine is defined as “a drug or other preparation for the treatment or prevention of disease”. Rather than addressing the issue after the fact, it would be a far better idea to prevent the onset of these chronic diseases before they even start, by watching what you eat, exercising and indulging in moderation.

Your choice of diet is one of the primary factors that influence your long term health prospects. Only two common lifestyle habits are more influential – smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. What you put in your body now affects your health later. Many older people suffer from debilitating health conditions that could have been largely averted had they known of the preventative effects of a healthy and balanced diet in their younger years.

Yes, we are living longer now thanks to modern medicine, but what about quality of life? Is living longer really the objective if we spend our later years sickly and reliant on medicines? Prevention is the answer, so act now by changing your diet and lifestyle rather than living with the consequences later.

 

Where should I start?

 

According to the University of Minnesota, the following ten dietary tips are a great place to start on your journey to a healthier you:

1. Eat a variety of foods. Studies show that people who eat a variety of foods are healthier, live longer, and have a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

 

2. Increase fruits and vegetables. Scientific data on the benefits of fruits and vegetables in preventing a variety of diseases has been mounting. For example, several studies show that the higher the consumption of fruit and vegetables, the lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including stroke (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2008).

 

3. Choose whole grains. Data from the now famous Nurse’s Health Study shows that whole grains reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease and improve the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Whole grains contain multiple nutrients, but when the whole grain is processed, the large majority of these nutrients are lost.

 

4. Include beneficial fats. For years, fat was deemed to be public enemy number one. But, as we learn more about the effects of fats in the body, the message has become that fat itself is not the issue, but rather a vital nutrient.

 

5. Drink water. When concocting a recipe for health, one of the most important ingredients is water. The body is made up of 65 percent water, and water is needed for the digestion, absorption and transportation of nutrients.

6. Include green tea. The healthful properties of green tea are primarily attributed to its potent antioxidant activity and polyphenols (phytonutrients) called catechins. The most active of these polyphenols in green tea is called epigallocatechin (also known as EGCG).

 

7. Control portions. A 2006 Clinical Interventions in Aging article on delaying age-related disease recommended, on the basis of current research, a diet low in calories and saturated fats and high in whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables – all of which maintain lean body weight.

 

8. Avoid trans-fatty acids. Trans-fatty acids are man-made fats, created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil in a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is favoured by manufacturers because it increases shelf-life and adds stability to foods. Trans-fatty acids have been shown to cause endothelial dysfunction, raise bad cholesterol, lower good cholesterol, increase triglycerides and promote inflammation.

9. Avoid corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners. The U.S. department of Agriculture reports that the consumption of high fructose corn syrup increased more than 1000 percent between 1970 and 1990. Now evidence is mounting that corn syrup has negative impacts on health.

 

10. Limit processed foods. Processed foods lack nutrients and they often contain artificial colours, additives, flavourings and chemically altered fats and sweeteners.

In addition to the above 10 points, the University also stressed one key rule of thumb: to include foods that are natural and whole while excluding those that have been “monkeyed with.”

The effects of caffeine on Osteoporosis

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What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease where the bones gradually become weaker and weaker.  It can cause changes in posture and make you susceptible to bone fractures and compression of the spinal vertebrae. Osteoblasts are cells that make bone and Osteoclasts are cells that remove old bone for the minerals to be used elsewhere in the body. When Osteoclasts take away old bone faster than can be replaced by the Osteoblasts the bones become less dense and bones can break easily. It is possible to have Osteoporosis in one area of our skeletal system and not in another. Due to nutritional and hormonal physiological differences in males and females, Osteoporosis affects more women than men. Men seem to suffer more as a side effect of certain medications which cause low bone mass. Our bones are strongest around the ages of 30 to 35, there after we have a natural decline of bone density which reaches its peak during the time of menopause which can be accelerated due to an unbalanced diet and other factors. Many people believe osteoporosis is caused by a calcium deficiency and that taking a calcium supplement will sort this out. This is not the case.

It was requested of me to do and article on “The effects of caffeine on Osteoporosis” in which case all the research that I have come across has indicated that caffeine will aid with the loss of calcium from the body, however caffeine is not the only culprit – let’s get a clearer picture of this.

Contributors to Osteoporosis include caffeine, lack of exercise, not enough sunlight, an acidic diet as well as a diet lacking bone building vitamins and minerals, long term use of certain medications, smoking, and decreased hormone production. Lets’ take a closer look at these:

Caffeine – Caffeine is a stimulant found in some beverages, foods and some medications. It is believed to deplete the bodies’ fluid resources; increasing urination causing excessive calcium to be lost from the body. Caffeine has an acidic effect on the body. Caffeine also has a negative effect on the hormonal system. According to a study published in the American journal of clinical nutrition in 2001 caffeine was discovered to have a negative impact on elderly women’s bone density.

Lack of Exercise – Weak muscles will give less support to the skeletal system. Lack of exercise will accelerate loss of bone mass. Exercises as easy as walking, jogging, or dancing daily can boost the health of your bones.

Lack of Sunlight – Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium and helps keep the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. When our skin is exposed to sunlight cholesterol is converted into Vitamin D.

An Acidic diet – the typical western diet – high in refined carbohydrate, animal protein and fat, canned and processed foods. Not only does this type of diet lack good nutrition but it leaves the system very acidic. Carbonated drinks contain high amounts of phosphates and can cause the body to eliminate calcium.

Long term use of medication, such as diuretics, anti-seizure, blood thinners, anti-ulcer drugs and antacid abuse have been linked to increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture risk.

Cigarette smoking – recent studies have shown a direct link between smoking and decreased bone density. Calcium is drawn from the bones and teeth in order to neutralise the acidic effect from the nicotine.

Decreased hormone production is probably the primary cause of bone loss among women. Dr. John.R.Lee, author of the best selling “What your Doctor may NOT tell you about Menopause” found that 100 participants between the ages of 38 to 83 that engaged in a Natural osteoporosis treatment program that included dietary changes, nutritional supplements and exercise in addition to estrogen/progesterone or progesterone only had an increase in bone density every year by 3 – 5% until it stabilised at the bone density levels expected for a 35 year old women.

So how do we support and keep our bones healthy?

  • Cut out or keep your caffeine products to a minimum. If you get your fix from coffee or tea why not try replacing it with herbal teas or even better – water!
  • ·        Get moving! Exercise, even if you start off with 5 -10 minutes a day and increase to 20 – 30 minutes daily and it can be an easy weight bearing exercise such as walking. Not only will it be good for your bone health but it will reverse the detrimental effects of stress, lift depression, improve circulation, build self-esteem and improve body image, improve the circulation of immune cells in your blood and leave you feeling euphoric!
  • Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine! Get some natural sunlight exposure for about 20 minutes daily. You might as well do this whilst exercising.
  • Sticking to a more alkaline forming diet will not only improve your skeletal health but improve your health overall. Avoid/Limit refined carbohydrates, animal protein and fat, canned and processed foods. These are foods that leave an acid-ash in the blood stream. Increase foods that are alkaline-ash forming foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Great alkaline forming AIM products are the AIM BarleyLife, AIM LeafGreens, AIM ProPeas and AIMega. The AIM Living Well Partners magazine for Sep-Oct 2010 had a nice chart on Alkaline and Acid forming foods on page 27.  So see your magazine for these helpful guidelines.
  • If you are on medications please DO NOT go off them without your Doctors consent. If you are concerned about your medication chat to your Doctor and see what solutions she/he can offer you.
  • QUIT Smoking. Need I say more?
  • Digestive Health. What good will it be if you are eating all the right foods but not absorbing the nutrients because your digestive system is not working efficiently. In order to assimilate the nutrients we need from our food I would recommend adding the AIM Prepzymes and AIM Florafood to aid digestion to ensure maximum assimilation of nutrients.

FRESH NEW THINKING FOR 2011

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Well it’s the start of another fabulous year. I’m sure we all had a peaceful rest and are ready for 2011 – and what a year we are all going to have- awesome, amazing and sensational!! While I was away I met two women who were not sure what the New Year will hold/bring for them. I said to them its how we look at it, every year is a good year so be determined to be happy and have fun. Be positive in your outlook. I’m sure we all had challenges in 2010 – I did, but I saw the positive side out of those challenges and I am all the better and happier for it. I must add here that for one to be positive one has to be healthy. This means eating correctly, exercising and of course supplementing with Aims awesome products.

You see when you healthy your mind and body work better, and this allows you to face life’s challenges head on.

Love and being loving goes a far way in helping you be a better and healthier person. How you might ask? Love is the most powerful emotion / feeling a human can have – think of when you fall in love – you feel as if the world can never bring you down, there are no challenges  you can face anything, everything is brighter, happier, kinder and everyone you know is fabulous in some way – you are a special creation now  ( if you don’t feel this falling in love I suggest 1000 scoops of Peak Endurance – if this does not work there is something wrong ). Showing love makes us better and happier people. Believe me not that many people today know how to show love. So how does one begin to show love?

Begin with the little things – say thank you, please, have a nice day, awesome to see, awesome to meet you, that dress / jacket / shirt or whatever looks great on you, complement people in every way. You see in all of these examples are showing love, actually you are GIVING and GIVING makes you feel AWESOME. Now that you feel awesome its easier for you to approach your challenges in life.

Something very important has to happen though before this can begin – YOU NEED TO LOVE YOURSELF FIRST- yes you read right – LOVE YOURSELF FIRST. You cant give if you have nothing to give. You can’t show love if you can’t show yourself love. This means being comfortable with who you are and accepting yourself for who you are – hey remember you can be anything you want and you can change what you are anytime you want – you decide what you want to be. Forget about the past, it’s the past, whatever we have done or not done its in the past – its behind us. Never look back at your mistakes learn from them and move on. We are not perfect, allow yourself to make mistakes, but learn from them. Research shows over 70% of perfectionists suffer from sever frustration. Laugh at your mistakes, laugh at yourself allow yourself freedom to be alive, so what if you fail at something, just try again- laugh at it and move on. Love the now, live in the now, love the present moment. One of my favorite authors Louise L Hay has a phenomenal saying: The point of power is in every moment. Meaning what you think, feel, do and react to right now in this moment is creating your future, that’s powerful. Every moment you alive you are creating / attracting with your thoughts and feelings, so if you want love be loving, if you want happiness be happy, if you want health be healthy. When was the last time you did something amazing – like tell someone you know how good they are or send  emails or sms to 5 people you have not been in touch with for some time, tell them you miss them they are special. Hug a few friends – show passion for life. Do something you have not done for a while, or do something you have never done. I did 2 things in November I have never done before, im still in awe. Be brave, bold and courageous. The more brave you are the more life opens up for you.

Be thankful for who you are, show gratitude for being you. Be grateful everyday for your life. Say thanks for 5 things you truly grateful for everyday. Gratitude brings abundance in every aspect of your life.

If you asking yourself this question : How can I do this I feel guilty for something I did, said or feel – move on, its in the past remember, if you did, said or feel something not great tell yourself you won’t do it again,  laugh at yourself if makes you feel better. MOVE ON NOW. The issue must not even be in your thoughts and the deeds or people do not exist anymore. Don’t be afraid to say “sorry, how can I make it right” if that’s what it takes.

Remember you are a special creation, unique in every way.

Finally watch your thoughts, you cannot hold two forms of thought simultaneously – its either positive or negative – you choose. Like attracts like. Attract the life you want.

By the way after this amazing discussion with the two woman, I might have another down line.

I leave you with this thought “Nothing out there has power over us – only the power we give it “

Live well, love well and be well.

 

 

 

A Detox that isn’t crazy

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Its only natural, that we would want the best for our bodies, we try our best to eat healthy, but our lifestyles are so busy that it’s not always possible. We have a lot of stress to cope with and lots of people end up eating foods with preservatives and additives, taking oral contraceptives, drinking to much alcohol and smoking. By doing this you keep on putting chemicals and toxins into your body, some people choose to ignore the harm that it causes. The body has it’s own way of detoxifying, but in the long run, you will need to do something because the buildup of toxins in the body can cause; nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and insufficient metabolism. There are a few indications that could be a sign that you need to detox, these include: allergies, dull skin, occasional pains and lethargy.

There are numerous ways in which to detoxify your body, like only eating apples or grapefruit for a few days, surviving on liquids for a week, foot pads, etc. Another  good way to get rid of toxins in the body is through your skin. In order to understand why this important, you first need to know what the skin is capable of.

Except for the skin being our largest organ, it is unique in another way, and that’s being our only exposed organ.

Functions of the skin:

  • The skin serves as a barrier: Keeping bacteria, dust and harmful substances remote and body fluids contained. It also makes the body impermeable.

 

  • Absorption: The skin absorbs vitamin D, usually only as much as it needs from any product; although it depends on the area of skin, the product, concentration and size of the area it is applied to. It also depends on the molecule size of the product being applied.

 

  • Elimination: The skin is responsible for large amounts of elimination, about a forth of all the toxins in the body (uric acids) are eliminated by means of  sweating and the rest through the kidneys, lungs and bowls.

 

  • Protection: The skin protects the bones, muscles and organs from injuries. It also provide protection from the sun. The melanin in the skin turns darker to make it less sensitive to sunlight. The difference between tanning and burning in the sun will be controlled by the amount of melanin in the skin is , the more sensitive your skin is to sun the less amount of melanin you have. If the skin has had too much sun exposure, pigmentation will be visible which is also a form of protection. The fat storage in the hypodermis (the deepest layer of the skin) also protects your body against burns. Another way in which the skin provide protection is by the ph level, a healthy skin’s ph should be 5.5, being slightly acidic. This ph is ideal to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Acid mantle immediately neutralizes any alkali and helps regulate the production of lipids on the skin. Lipids helps to prevent moisture loss in the skin, because of its moisture binding properties.

 

  • Temperature regulation: By producing sweat to cool down the body  and raising the hair to generate warmth, the skin can regulate your temperature. Other means are through the blood vessels. The blood vessels vasodilatate to allow more blood to an area to cool it down. It also constricts and lets less blood through to retain body heat.

 

  • Sensation: A sense of temperature, pressure and touch can be experienced through nerve endings in the skin.

 

  • Respiration: The skin does help with respiration, even though the surface is much smaller then that of the lungs

In order for your skin to be able to perform the above mentioned functions at its best, it needs to be healthy and free of toxins.

A few easy ways to detox the skin:

  • Dry body brushing: Using a loofah or a natural bristle boar brush you are removing the dead skin cells and oils that clog pores. The skin can release toxins much more effectively when the pores are not congested. Body brushing also stimulates the lymphatic system, which will cause more white blood cells to move to the surface of the skin. These white blood cells will then improve the immune system of the skin. When using a body brush use long strokes and always move towards the heart.
  • Sauna: Steaming will help the body get rid of more toxins through perspiration. It is very important to hydrate the body by drinking lots of water after getting out of a sauna.
  • Body wraps: Body wraps are designed to draw toxins out of the body that is difficult to get rid of through other processes of detoxification. Body wraps usually consists of a mineral rich clay or seaweed. Before a body wrap can be applied, the body needs to be exfoliated with a loofah or salt. Salt is a better option because it draws toxins out of the body as well. When the body wrap of your choice is applied, the body gets wrapped in a type of a cling wrap. You will then be covered in a blanket as a body wrap works best when the body is kept warm. It is advised to only wrap a part of your body in your first session to test your body’s reaction to this form of detoxification. 
  • Soaking in a epson salt bath: There are lots of home recipes and concoctions that’s advertised to detoxify the body. Salt draws toxins out of the body, this is the easiest way to do a detox at home.

 

A healthy way to do a good detox at home is by using AIM’s Cell wellness restorer,  it is a unique and completely natural concentrate. It contains desalinated seawater and a unique mineral power, deprived from an ancient seabed located 40 feet underground. You can use it in different ways:

  • Soaking in a bath: Add it to your the water and have a relaxing soak in the water
  • Footbath: Add a capful to the water, and soak your feet in the footbath. The feet are the end point of circulation and carries the bodies entire weight so it’s good to give your feet a bit of extra attention once in a while as a lot of toxins can build up in this area.
  • Topical application: You can apply it directly to the skin, wash the area well before application. A 50/50 (diluted with water) can be sprayed onto the skin after bathing or showering.

This product is much more effective than Epson salt, because it’s completely natural, there’s no added fragrances or colour. Because of the processing method the product penetrates much deeper which makes it work faster. It contains the following minerals: Sodium, Vanadium, Boron, Selenium, Molybdenum, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Potassium and Chloride.

The benefits include:

  • Increased Magnesium and DHEA levels in the body.
  •  Reduced stress.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Increased energy.
  • Softer skin.
  • Reliefs sunburn and insect bites.
  • Reduced joint and muscular aches, pains and swelling.
  • An overall state of wellbeing.
Avoid red meat, heavy exercise, alcohol and too much products on the body for at least 8 hours after detoxification.

Lose Weight While Dining Out

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Top five healthy ordering tips you haven’t already heard

I actually like to prepare all of my meals at home. I like to eat healthy meals and know exactly what is going into my food, ensure my ingredients are fresh and cook without butter, while still making the food taste amazing. However, there is something nice about going out to eat and knowing that I don’t have to slave over the stove or clean up afterwards. But, going out to eat provides a minefield of unhealthy options and diet traps.

 So, what’s a girl to do? I’m sure you have already heard all of the common diet advice when it comes to eating out, like “avoid cream-based sauces” and “order chicken grilled rather than fried.” Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard all of that too, but I want to share my top five tips for eating healthy while dining out that you may have not heard before:

  1. Plan Ahead – If I am eating somewhere new, I’ll check the menu out on their website and plan what I’m going to eat. If the restaurant is a chain they may be listed on The Daily Plate, which is a comprehensive website that lists the nutritional content of many foods. Planning ahead ensures that I’m not thrown by the sights, smells and descriptions of unhealthy food when I arrive.
  2. Invest in Tupperware – I always bring my own salad dressing with me when I go out to eat. I put about two tablespoons of my light raspberry vinaigrette in a small plastic container with a tight-fitting lid and throw it in my purse. It acts as my security blanket. While I may not always use it, I always know I have a fall-back if the only healthy item on the menu is a salad with full-fat dressing.
  3. Choose your evil –Bread, chips, desserts and appetizers, oh my! There is so much temptation when going out to eat, if you give in to it all, you will have consumed an entire days worth of calories before your main dish even arrives! If I choose to indulge that evening, I will decide beforehand if I want to have a piece of bread, small appetizer or dessert, but not all three.
  4. Get picky –Even though I’m sure waiters are not fond of my lengthy ordering process, I always customize my order. I order sauces and dressing on the side and request everything “dry”, which means no added butter or oil. I don’t feel embarrassed by it because I’m spending a lot of money to go out to eat and I have the right to “have it my way.” (even if I’m not at Burger King.)
  5. “It’s not an option” – This is what I tell myself when I scan the menu and am tempted by some of the mouthwatering descriptions like “Mile High Chocolate Pie.” I just repeat to myself “It is not an option.” It saves a lot of grief if you are not agonizing over the decision to order healthy.

 Try out some of these tips the next time you go out to eat and don’t feel embarrassed for making special requests. You deserve to treat yourself well and be healthy!