Another Sick Day...

It doesn't seem that long ago that my baby girl was sick, but got over it pretty quickly on the yogurt, which in turn saved me a trip to the doctor.

I faced the same challenge again, although this cold seemed a little worse, and as always, I was a little bit worried. I pretty well refuse to take my kids to a doctor anymore since all they want to do is give them antibiotics and drugs, which haven't worked for my kids anyway in the past.

So far, for over a year now, we have done great with treating our ills at home the old fashioned ways, and with a big boost from yogurt.

So when she came down with this cold, I just started letting her eat whatever she wanted, as long as it had nutritional value. Spaghettio's is good because it has a full serving of veggies in it, and she loves spaghettio's.

I also bought her some non-medicated saline nose drops for her nose. Last time I talked to my mom, she told me how there is no medication in them, but it seems to be the quickest way she gets over a cold, so thought I would try it this time.

So I have, and even aside from the reassurance that it is drug free, it also really frees up her airways in her nose! Her nose looks really great after I spray some in there and in fact she seems to feel better as well.

So she has been on this regiment for the last 3 or 4 days and is now pulling out of it. Keep in mind, after I started this regiment (including uping her yogurt intake), I closely monitored her to make sure that she got progressively better, not worse. If she had gotten worse, or became lethargic, etc, I would have taken her to a doctor. She never ran a fever with this cold and she got a little better every day.

So, here is her regiment in a nutshell:
1. all the yogurt she wants
2. all the saline nose spray she needs
3. any healthy food she wants (spaghettios, soup, anything with vitamin C)

That's about it for this one! had she been running a temperature I would have given her the proper dosage of Tylenol. If the Fever does not go down with over the counter medication, something else is probably wrong and you should take your child to a doctor immediately. This happened to my son once when the doctor I guess he didn't believe me, so he went on with a 104 degree fever for 4 days and finally checked him out and found that he had Mononucleosis. (yes, the kissing disease) and he contracted this when he was only 2 years old. His doctor said he had never seen mono in a child this young. He contracted it from someone in the daycare (which I pulled him out of), ended up the daycare was on probation for something and when I notified them to tell them to tell the other parents the exposure to mono, they didn't notify anyone.

That is why I am an at home mother now. You can't really trust your kids to anyone. be careful out there!

Here's How to Minimize Your Childs Sick Days

Author: Darrell Miller

Article:
A healthy diet is critical in keeping your children healthy
especially one filled with power foods such as organic yogurt
and whole grain cereals; cooking with spices; drinking organic
orange juice and elderberry; including omega-3 fatty acids from
wild salmon; consuming lots of colored fruits and vegetables;
and avoiding sugary drinks, artificial sweeteners and sweet
candy. Make sure to also add in adequate amounts of rest, as you
do not want to drive children too hard or overload them.
Additionally, try not to pressure your doctors into making
antibiotics their first choice. Although there are times when
they are needed overuse of antibiotics can actually weaken your
child's immune system.

Many recent studies have found that a healthy population of
beneficial bacteria in our children's stomach is extremely good
to their health as these good bacterial strains help to keep our
children resistant to germs carried by their school friends. One
of these studies shows that special strains of probiotics can
reduce daycare-related illnesses. Probiotic milk may also
slightly reduce respiratory infections in these children. In one
study which took place over a seven month winter period, 571
children attending daycare centers in Finland were given milk
with or without a specific probiotic blend. During this study,
parents recorded any respiratory symptoms such as fever, runny
nose, sore throat, cough, chest wheezes, and earache, or
gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and
stomachache. The actual number of days where these symptoms
occurred was much lower in the group of children who received
probiotics, causing fewer absences from school and a smaller
requirement for antibiotic treatment.

Many pediatricians are now recommending the use of age-specific
probiotics to give your children the support they need in
fighting off germs. It seems as if pediatricians are
increasingly recommending giving probiotics to children instead
of prescribing antibiotics. This is partly because 20 percent of
children develop antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD), which is
a severe diarrhea that can cause them to miss even more school
days. Studies show that children given probiotics even during
antibiotic treatment experienced reduced AAD incidence. Giving
your child or teen probiotics is one of the safest and most
beneficial things you can do to support their overall health.
These probiotics safeguard your body from a buildup of harmful
bacteria, yeast, and fungi, while enhancing immune function,
improving gastrointestinal health, and helping to support colon
health.

One amazing fact that most probiotic companies have ignored is
which probiotics you should take depends entirely on how old you
are and your condition. Unfortunately, most companies only offer
a one-size-fits-all probiotic. Babies and toddlers should have a
predominance of Bifidobacteria such as B. infantis, B. bididum,
and B. breve. Adults, on the other hand, should naturally
contain high concentrations of lactobacilli, such as L.
acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum. Those probiotics
that are right for adults are not right for a teen or child, and
once you're over 55, your needs change again. Researchers have
discovered that after age 55 is reached, the populations of
helpful Bifidobacteria start decreasing steadily. Therefore,
adults in their later years will need higher potencies of
Bifidobacteria strains once again.

About the author:
More information on Children's wellness is available at VitaNet,
LLC Health Food Store; your source for href="http://vitanetonline.com/description/PF0321/vitamins/Well-C
hild-Echinacea-Elderberry-Syrup/" target="_b">wellness
supplements.

Antibiotics vs. yogurt: The test

2 weeks ago, my son woke up early crying and holding his ear. I knew what was wrong but of course I asked anyway, "what's wrong baby?" and he cries "my ear hurts!" So I went downstairs to see if I had anything for the pain. I found some Tylenol meltaways for children and gave him a dose of that. 30 minutes later he was calm and said his ear didn't hurt anymore. Since I knew that this was most likely because the Tylenol kicked in, I decided to take him in to see the doctor. They said his ear was slightly red and prescribed Amoxil (antibiotic) to fight the infection.

The day after, his coughing started, but at least he was already started on the antibiotic. I figured he probably caught this cold from me because I had been sick 4 days before he caught it.

1 week later, my daughter started the coughing and the runny nose. I immediately started upping her intake of yogurt (she eats yogurt as a snack everyday anyway, which is the best way to help your immune system). She coughed for a few days and there were a couple times I though I may have to take her in to the doctor, but since she has a bad history with antibiotics, I always make sure that I can't handle it first with yogurt. She didn't get worse, she got better, and her little cough lasted about 5 days and the runny nose lasted only 1.

My son on the other hand was on the antibiotics prescribed by his doctor right away, and he fought his cold for 2 weeks (he did seem like he was getting over it), but 2 days after his antibiotics were used up, he is starting to cough again!

I'm sure you are wondering, "if yogurt works so well for your daughter, why not use it on your son?" I wish it were that easy! :) He is a child that doesn't like the taste of yogurt. My daughter is easy because she eats yogurt like it's her favorite candy! Occasionally, I do buy the Edy's yogurt ice cream which does have yogurt culture in it (talked about in previous posts), but that would get expensive to buy all the time. Certainly though if it works better than antibiotics, it would be worth it.

And I hear on the news they are talking about this "super bug" that is going around", (it has spread into our county where I live). Do you know why they say that this is happening? Because of all of the antibiotics we injest that make the bugs resistant to it! That's why I try to let my kids and I if at all possible, let our bodies fight it ourselves.

Stop the Runs with Probiotics

Author: Ann Stewart

Article:
Diarrhea can show up at the most unsuspected times and places,
often without warning or obvious cause. Yes, there are over the
counter "flow stoppers" available which may work for a while for
some but do nothing to heal the condition.

Some basic causes of this embarrassing
stuck-within-ten-feet-of-the-toilet condition are: stress,
illness, food and water that is contaminated by harmful microbes.

The majority of diseases and infections enter the body through
the bowel. Studies indicate that bacterial imbalances are
associated with irritable bowel syndrome, post-surgical
infections and type 1 diabetes.

It took the medical profession a long time to discover that
antibiotics destroyed the beneficial bacteria as well as the
harmful ones, thus making the body more prone to secondary
infections.

The bacteria in your gut have many functions in the body and are
essential to your health. These microorganisms are collectively
called your gut flora, micro flora, or beneficial bacteria and
are estimated to make up about 3 pounds of your body weight.
They fight off harmful microbes (pathogenic bacteria, viruses,
fungi and parasites), which cause disease.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that a lack of healthy
bacteria can be one of the causes that lead to medical problems
such as: food allergies, bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy,
irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, yeast
infections, intestinal infections, allergies, asthma, genital
infections, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels,
recurrent ear and bladder infections, and antibiotic associated
diarrhea.

So then, what can you do to ensure that your bowel is armed with
more good bacteria than bad ones? The best way is to take a dose
of friendly microbes, known as probiotics.

"By definition, a probiotic is any substance containing live
organisms that, when ingested, have a beneficial effect on the
host by altering the body's intestinal micro flora," says
physician Robynne Chutkan, Associate Professor of Medicine at
Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Many probiotics are lactic acid, or milk based, bacteria, such
as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium, but not all probiotics have
the same characteristics and, presumably, not the same efficacy.
Are you lactose intolerant? Well, they reportedly even improve
lactose intolerance! Besides, probiotics are not released in the
stomach but travel through the digestive tract and attach
themselves to the large bowel (gut). After four days of regular
daily intake there are enough probiotics in your gut to start
producing health benefits. Many species of bacteria work
together in the human gut to maintain its normal function.

Known benefits include relief from irritable bowel syndrome,
yeast infections and diarrhea. Furthermore they may improve
bowel function, reduce antibiotic-associated infections, prevent
colon cancer, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve
immune function, reduce inflammation, improve mineral
absorption, prevent growth of harmful bacteria, fight off
diseases like candida and eczema, and much more.

The scientific concept behind probiotics is now accepted, but
clinical trial work has only recently started to test the
ability of probiotic preparations to prevent or treat specific
diseases, like gut inflammation, gut infection or cancer.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate
the growth and function of certain good bacteria in the gut.
Similarly, eating foods or supplements containing probiotics
improves the ratio of good bacteria to bad in the gut. Some
foods that are good for your gut health beside yogourt, are
asparagus and leeks. Both prebiotics and probiotics may help
change poor eating habits, heal ulcers, chronic stomach
inflammations and infections of all kinds, including uro-genital
tract, respiratory and childhood bugs acquires in daycare.
Beside all those, they are said to reduce blood lipids (fats),
treat both irritable bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), and traveler's diarrhea. They are also known to
fight off skin infections, tooth decay and periodontal disease!

In conclusion, having a balanced intestinal flora greatly
affects the way you feel, and how healthy and energetic you are.
As well as keeping your intestinal flora in perfect balance,
probiotics also help to keep your intestines clean! The most
common probiotic is Acidophilus, or yogurt. They can be obtained
over the counter in your health store or pharmacy in pill form.

Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

All material provided is for informational and educational
purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or
instruction.

It is of utmost importance that you do your own due diligence.
Consult with your physician or a qualified health professional
on any matters regarding your health and well-being.

About the author:
Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach,
shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in
her weekly newsletter, href="http://youthmakeover.com">Youth Makeover

Reverse the Aging Process with Live Foods

Author: Michelle Honda PhD

Article:
As hard as we try, we cannot improve on the foods nature
provides. Vital nourishment is lost through the process of
preserving, pickling, stewing and changing food's natural state.
Devitalized foods cannot build good blood, strong bodies or help
us to maintain a youthful appearance. Disease can develop from
the lack of nutrition in lifeless foods.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FREE RADICAL DAMAGE

Beta-Carotene, for example, is one voracious phytochemical found
in raw yellow and orange fruit and other vegetables. These raw
foods have proven to be beneficial in reducing damage to cells
caused by free radicals. Free radicals work to damage cells,
fueling the aging process through cell mutation and cell death.
One molecule of beta-carotene can kill up to one thousand free
radicals.

Research is also mounting on alpha lipoic acid. As an
antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is very powerful. For the past
thirty years throughout Europe it has been used to stabilize
blood sugar in treating diabetes. Dr. James B. LaValle, R.Ph.
CCN, ND and author of Cracking the Metabolic Code, recommends
six hundred to nine hundred milligrams daily as an antioxidant.

USE RAW AND WHOLE FOODS TO REVITALIZE HEALTH

Diet is one of the best ways to maintain our youth or reverse
the aging process. The nutrients in raw and whole foods,
accompanied with various supplements, are the chemical elements
used by the body to ward off disease and maintain health. The
combinations of deficiencies of vital nutrients, toxicity from
the environment, and a poor diet contribute to disease. Eating
whole and raw foods may be issues for some people, but for those
who can digest whole foods the benefits are enormous.

People are constantly trying to get life from lifeless food. All
enzymes are destroyed by heat, diminishing the life force in
food. Enzymes are wiped out when temperatures start to reach 118
degrees. Once 140 degrees is reached, enzymes are lost. Our body
produces certain enzymes, but the burden upon our systems would
be greatly lessened with a plentiful supply from our diet. The
body does its best but will eventually fall short without a
replenishing supply.

FEED YOUR GLANDS TO STAY YOUNG

When the diet is deficient in a particular chemical element
required by a specific organ or gland, our bodies will be
vulnerable to disease. We are only as young as our glands.
Glands need whole foods such as nuts, seeds, sprouts, egg yolk,
and sardines (with the bones), hard cheese, whole grains and
algae. Nuts and seeds are among our most complete foods. They
contain hormone value for both the male and female glands. They
are small but mighty, loaded with glandular elements, vitamins,
minerals and proteins. Almonds are the king of nuts and sesame
seeds are the king of seeds. However, sick people do not handle
cold proteins well. For this reason, nut and seed drinks,
butters, meals and soy milk powders are recommended. Sprouts
contain auxins, a substance which promotes plant growth. A diet
high in sprouts will provide the auxins for cell stimulation and
life force. People from cultures whose diets are plentiful in
sprouts typically retain their youthfulness and vigor well into
their advanced years.

THE HIDDEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF FIBER

Fiber is another whole food highly recommended for stimulating
peristalsis and moving food along our intestines. Studies show
that when bile acids are retained by fiber the body absorbs less
cholesterol. There is growing evidence that fiber in the diet
will lower your blood fats and may protect against degenerative
diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis and diabetes. In
addition, case studies show that a patient's blood sugar is not
as high following a meal of high fiber as compared to a meal of
processed low fiber food. Blood sugar is lowered when the fiber
slows down and smoothes out the absorption of sugars from the
intestine.

JUICING: GREAT SOURCE FOR NUTRIENTS AND ENZYMES

Juicing is another excellent source for supplying the body with
live foods rich in nutrients. If you are tired, sluggish or
stressed, fresh juice will give you a boost. Though it may be
better to eat the whole plant, juicing is the next best thing
for those who have difficulty digesting whole foods, raw
vegetables and citrus fruits. Also, the amount one is able to
consume in a day may be an issue. Fruit juice is a great source
of vitamins and vegetable juice is higher in the chemical
elements which build and tone our bodies.

USE ORGANIC SODIUM TO STAY YOUTHFUL

Organic sodium is one of our "youth elements". It is found in
our joints, ligaments and our stomachs. If we want to stay
youthful and pliable, we need organic sodium. The highest form
is found in whey powder, while other sources are goat milk,
celery, okra, most fruits except for citrus, dark leafy
vegetables, fish, black olives, lentils, dulse, barely and
sesame seeds. Organic sodium keeps calcium in solution,
preventing osteoarthritis and cataracts. This beneficial sodium
should not be confused with table salts, which leach the good
organic sodium from our bodies.

Another consideration to maintain our youth is to keep our
bodies alkaline. Our blood pH is highly alkaline: twenty percent
acid and eighty percent alkaline. For optimum health our diet
should match our blood balance. Organs and glands need alkaline
secretions. Essentially, all vegetables and fruit are alkaline
with a few exceptions. Citrus fruit is acid, although lemons
have an alkaline ash. All starch and protein are acid forming
foods. Dairy products are for the most part acidic. However,
yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, raw milk, whey and acidophilus
culture are considered alkaline.

We should also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables when they
are in season and plentiful - all colors of the rainbow. Fruit
is natures' cleanser and meant to be eaten in more abundance
following a long winter season of heavy food. Chlorophyll, the
green juice found in vegetables and plants has the ability to
clean and heal, inside and out. When it comes to our overall
well-being and state of health, we must look to the source from
which the elements in our bodies come. Foods in their natural
state can heal us, feed us and keep us forever young.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

Balance throughout the human body is what we seek to sustain in
holistic health. Health is not found in a miracle pill, it is a
way of life. Nutrition rebuilds and regenerates tissue without
poisoning some other part of the body. The right biochemical
elements accelerate health and the reversal process.



About the author:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Michelle Honda is Holistic Doctor (natural and preventative
medicine) in private practice at Renew You Holistic Health in
Ancaster Ontario Canada. She holds a Ph.D. D.Sc. in holistic
health sciences, holds an advanced nutrition degree, is a Master
Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. She is available
via telephone for private consultations. For more details visit
http://www.healingmyfamily.com or ht

Foods to Fight Disease

Author: satyanarayana

When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts - or the
science. You need a healthy diet for a healthy life.

Research shows a healthy diet could help or prevent a number of
health problems, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and
obesity. And that number keeps growing as researchers learn more
about how nutrition affects your health.

What You Should Know

Adopting a disease-fighting diet is easier than you think. When
you shop, choose fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains,
such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread. Avoid foods high in
sugar and fat.

Here are some tips for arming yourself against disease with
good-for-you foods:

Follow the Food Guide Pyramid

This guide tells you what foods to include in your diet each
day and in what portions. It shows you how to have a balanced
diet by eating foods from all the basic food groups:



milk, yogurt and cheese (two to three servings; one cup of milk
or yogurt would be one serving)

meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts (two to three
servings; one serving would be two eggs, ½ cup of tuna fish, or
about ½ of a skinless, cooked chicken breast)

fruit (two to four servings; one serving would be a medium-sized
apple or banana, ½ cup of canned fruit, or ¼ cup of dried fruit)

vegetable (three to five servings; one serving would be ½ cup of
raw or cooked vegetables or one cup of raw, leafy vegetables,
such as spinach or lettuce)

bread, cereal, rice, and pasta (six to 11 servings; a slice of
bread, ½ bagel or English muffin, or ½ cup of pasta would be a
serving)

Think colour

When it comes to fruit and vegetables, eat lots of
deep-coloured produce. Oranges and dark berries, like
blueberries and cranberries, are especially rich in natural
plant chemicals that can protect you against diseases like
cancer and heart disease. Orange and dark green vegetables, such
as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are also rich in these
plant chemicals.

Remember fibre

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables will give your body extra
water and fibre, which will help keep your digestive tract clean
and healthy. Beans, bran, whole-grain breads and brown rice, and
high-fibre cereals are also good sources of fibre.

Make good bacteria your friend

Fermented foods like yogurt are especially good for you as you
get older because they contain "good" bacteria that keep your
digestive tract healthy. Check food labels for these bacteria..
The good bacteria in these foods also fight the bad bacteria
that can enter your body through spoiled food and make you sick.

Eat fatty fish

Your body needs some fats to stay healthy, and the fats found
in fish like salmon and tuna are good for your heart. Fish also
provides a rich source of protein without the large amount of
unhealthy fat you get from red meat.

Try soya

Eating about one to two ounces of soya protein daily can help
lower cholesterol and unhealthy fat in your diet and protect you
from heart disease. You can find many different soya products,
which come from soyabeans, in your food store. The most popular
are tofu, soya milk (in different flavours), soya burgers and
hot dogs, soya ice cream, soya nut butter, and soya flour.

Drink plenty of water

To stay healthy, drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
Pay special attention to drinking enough because your thirst
decision dulls with age, and remember that if you're thirsty,
you're already dehydrated.

Don't abstain if you don't have to

Beer and red wine, in moderation, are another rich source of
plant chemicals. This means no more than one glass of beer or
red wine a day for women, two for men.

Following a healthy diet, along with regular exercise, will
prevent you from gaining weight, which is important for good
health. Losing 10 percent of your body weight, for instance,
could be enough to lower your cholesterol. Choose healthy foods
for a longer and healthier life!

For more information, visit: href="http://godownloads.net/show.php?cat=2&subcat=8">Nutrition
tips

and href="http://godownloads.net/search.php?cat=All&keywords=beauty&S
earch=Search">beauty tips

Thank you______ satyanarayana

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href="http://www.godownloads.net/show.php?cat=9&subcat=6">Love &
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Health &
Fitness Tips



About the author:
satyanarayana

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Good Bacteria: How Probiotics Can Boost Your Internal Health

Author: Brenda Skidmore

Article:
Many medical health care professionals claim antibiotics to be
'the lifesaving drugs' of the twentieth century. No doubt,
antibiotics are the most widely used and the most talked about
class of drugs ever used, on the vast majority of people and
animals, across the globe. What does the term antibiotics
actually mean though?

Here is Wikipedia's definition of the word term meaning for
antibiotic. An antibiotic is a chemotherapeutic agent that
inhibits or abolishes the growth of micro-organisms, such as
bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Antibiotic is now used to refer
to substances with anti-bacterial, anti-fungi, or
anti-parasitical activity.

Antibiotic's widespread overuse has recently been questioned
over the last decade, by many concerned health care experts, due
to their apparent, and oftentimes, ineffectiveness. And, many
health care scientists are also beginning to recognize the fact
that, unfortunately, not all the bacteria that dwells inside our
bodies aim to harm us.

Antibiotics do perform a sometimes useful function in killing
off large numbers of harmful bacteria in our bodies that can
lead to life threatening infections. It is a self sacrificing
trade-off, however, as there is no discrimination between the
chemotherapeutic killing off of all bacteria, whether it be good
or bad germs, in the gastrointestinal tract.

Since the 1940's, modern medicine has mainly focused on the
killing off of harmful disease causing bacteria via newly
discovered antibiotics. This practice came about with not much
understanding of the role, in the advantages, that good
micro-organisms (bacteria) played in maintaining good health.

Good bacteria (probiotics), is a modern new term used to
describe live, beneficial organisms (bacteria) which, when taken
in adequate and consistent amounts, offers many different health
benefits to the host. Two very subtle improvements are often
noticed right away, in a stronger immune system and a healthier
digestive tract.

"Probiotics is not a fad," says Gary Huffnagle, an immunologist
at the University of Michigan and author of "The Probiotics
Revolution." It is really is a new scientific understanding
about how the body works."

Do an internet search on the word term 'probiotics' and you will
find that there has definitely been a shift, now days, in the
way medical scientists think about bacteria (germs). It is
finally getting a much deserved, more focused awareness and
attention than ever before.

Probiotics have been found to aid with the absorption of
nutrients, production of vitamin K, and helps with the necessary
and balanced maintenance of good bacteria in the intestines.
They are also believed to inhibit the overgrowth of disease
causing harmful bacteria, by crowding them out. Probiotics can
be the most helpful to those who have just recently taken
antibiotics, by re-establishing colonies of good bacteria in the
gastrointestinal tract which, sometimes, can be quite difficult
to do.

The best sources of good bacteria (probiotics) comes from
fermented foods, beverages, or supplements. Probiotic
supplements are available in many health food stores either in
capsules, powders, or liquid forms. And, while many nutritional
experts agree that most of us would benefit in some way from a
daily dose of probiotics, learning how to ferment your own foods
or beverages at home is a more superior source of good bacteria
nutrition. Not all probiotic supplements can necessarily be
trusted to deliver what they say they can.

Besides, learning to ferment your own food and beverages at home
can be a healthy, fun, and nutritious hobby. Most experts on
this subject will agree, that anything you can easily make at
home is far better for you than any commercialized product that
you could buy. The reasoning behind this idea, is that you will
have more control over the whole process in what you are
ingesting, and you also have the option of buying the most
natural ingredients to use for the end product.

Here is a small list (there are many more that are not listed)
of different types of fermented foods and beverages:

1.yogurt 2.aged cheeses 3.kefir 4.kombucha 5.pickles and olives
6.sauerkraut 7.sourdough bread 8.soy sauce 9.vinegar

Studies have shown that good bacteria can help protect us from
diarrhea, colitis, urinary tract infections, irratable bowel
syndrome, and Chron's disease. Probiotics may also help treat
kidney infections and stones, ulcers, and allergies. Some even
argue that good bacteria can help protect us from cancer, colds
and flu, and help lower cholesterol.

All-in-all, probiotics have been reported to help many different
health conditions, from diabetes to migraine headaches. And to
think, that as a culture, we have been overly obsessed with
killing germs all around us by bleaching and soap washing
everything in sight.

We are just now beginning to understand that there are certain
types of germs, or bacteria, that are actually good for us, and
they are our friends. Will our awareness of this knowledge
benefit human health in the long term, I believe so.

About the author:
Brenda Skidmore has spent the last four plus years actively
researching natural health care alternatives. She can attest to
the many positive results natural practical cures and preventive
strategies bring to human health. Along with the many medical
professionals whose public works she has studied, it is her
sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important
information. To improve your health today visit:
http://www.mywater4life.com

The Perfect Antioxidant to Enhance Your Immune System

Author: Michelle Honda PhD

Article:
All aspects of our lives impact the immune system. This
brilliantly orchestrated system eliminates and fights off attack
from many different invaders throughout the body. Raising the
integrity of this system will ensure the future health of those
already well, lessen the frequency of infections, speed up
recovery time from illness and improve chronic disease.

LIFESTYLE CHOICES AFFECT OUR IMMMUNE SYSTEM

As with optimizing our health, strengthening the immune system
is achieved through diet, lifestyle, exercise, rest and
attitude. Symptoms of immune weakness include fatigue, recurring
colds, lingering illness, weakness and weight loss. Relaxation
will enhance your immune system, where as negative thinking,
anger and resentments are toxic to the mind. We may be poor in
spirit as in health.

Firstly, recognize the importance of adequate sleep - eight
hours for a normal non-stressed person. And for those with
serious aliments, ten hours or more are needed daily to
rejuvenate the immune system. Turn the TV off before sleeping
and do not eat late or do vigorous exercise before bed.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditative
audio tapes prepare the body and mind for rest.

EVIDENCE VALIDATES THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Numerous studies show antioxidants to be preventive and
therapeutic for health problems from diabetes and cancer to
general deterioration of the body. We are constantly exposed to
free radicals with every breath we take and every chemical we
eat. Scientists estimate that each cell takes about 10,000 free
radical hits per day from air and car pollution, alcohol,
cigarettes, food additives, caffeine, heavy metals, medications
and unnecessary drugs. Antioxidants are our best friend. They
keep free radicals in check before they can impair our immune
system and damage our cells.

Proclaimed as the near perfect antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid, a
vitamin like substance was first discovered in 1930's but wasn't
until 1988 when research saw its potential. This unique
antioxidant has a number of benefits from extending the life of
other antioxidants to being at home in both water and lipid
environments where it devours free radicals. Alpha lipoic acid
easily crosses cell membranes and once inside the cell becomes
an even stronger antioxidant. It also plays a key role in many
enzyme systems.

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID HELPS TO STABILIZE BLOOD SUGARS

For the past thirty years throughout Europe, it has been used to
stabilize blood sugar in treating diabetes. Dr. James B.
Lavalle, R.Ph., CCN, ND and author of Cracking the Metabolic
Code, recommends six hundred to nine hundred milligrams daily as
an antioxidant. Other conditions which can benefit from alpha
lipoic acid are cataract prevention and neuropathy where by
improves nerve blood flow and regenerates nerve fibres. It also
increases Glutamate, an important liver enzyme. Alpha lipoic
acid can even help convert the food we eat into energy.

ENHANCE NATURAL KILLER CELL ACTIVITY

Selenium, vitamin E and C are other antioxidant heavy weights.
When taken together they become synergistic, enhancing their
ability to remove heavy metals and detox the body. These work
wonderfully as a team to destroy free radicals, protect the
heart and improve circulation. Free radicals work to damage
cells, fueling the aging process through cell mutation and cell
death. Selenium and vitamin E bind to toxic metals, such as
cadmium, mercury, silver and thallium and removes them out of
the body.

Carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene are
powerful antioxidants. All of these and more stimulate the
natural killer cell activity and antibody response, whereby
reportedly protecting against different forms of cancer.
Beta-carotene, for example is found in yellow and orange fruits
and vegetables. One molecule of this voracious phyto-chemical
can destroy up to a thousand free radicals.

We may not have control over the vast number of pollutants in
our environment, but we can avoid many other chemicals over
which we do have control. Alcohol depletes antioxidants, along
with B vitamins, C and zinc. Antibiotics impair white blood cell
function and disrupts bowel flora. Caffeine, like alcohol is a
diuretic which leaches vital nutrients from our bodies.

FIXING DEFICIENCIES ENHANCES IMMUNE FUNCTION

Nutrition is one of our most powerful allies. Being our primary
nutrient source, it impacts how we think, how susceptible we are
to disease, and how well we recover from illness. A balanced
diet consists of a full range of nutrients necessary to nourish
all our cells and tissues. When the diet is deficient in a
particular chemical element required by a specific organ or
gland, our bodies will be vulnerable to disease. The immune
system responds quickly when given the essential nutrients
needed to keep this complex system strong.

Vitamin C assists the thymus gland to produce T cells. Rich
sources include all fresh fruits and vegetables. Zinc is needed
for T cell production, often deficient in the diet. Zinc is
abundant in nuts and seeds, particularly raw pumpkin seeds and
brazil nuts, whole grains and leafy green vegetables. The
essential fatty acids (EFA's) found in cold pressed oils like
flax seed oil, walnut oil, evening primrose oil and salmon oil
contain linoleic acids, vital in many metabolic functions.

Probiotics, "lactobacillus acidophilus" known as friendly flora
play an essential role in our defense system. Supplement your
diet with fresh, plain yogurt, kefir or the freeze dried capsule
form.

To lighten up the load on the lymph system and boost immunity,
decrease dairy, protein, starches and sugars. Increase your
daily intake of whole grains - consider all colours of the
rainbow when buying fruits and vegetables. Eat more raw foods.

Exercise and sunshine will strengthen your immune system. Get
out and enjoy any form of recreational activity that brightens
your mood. The way we think will affect how we feel, even look.
Feelings of gratitude will transmit happiness and contentment.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

Balance throughout the human body is what we seek to sustain in
holistic health. Health is not found in a miracle pill, it is a
way of life. Nutrition rebuilds and regenerates tissue without
poisoning some other part of the body. The right biochemical
elements accelerate health and the reversal process.





About the author:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Michelle Honda is Holistic Doctor (natural and preventative
medicine) in private practice at Renew You Holistic Health in
Ancaster Ontario Canada. She holds a Ph.D. D.Sc. in holistic
health sciences, holds an advanced nutrition degree, is a Master
Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. She is available
via telephone for private consultations. For more details visit
http://www.healingmyfamily.com or ht

Home Remedies For Diarrhea Without The Use of Drugs

Author: Sandra Kim Leong

Article:
Home remedies for diarrhea have been used by many generations
and various cultures. Diarrhea can inflict just about anyone.
Many of these home remedies for diarrhea are worth considering,
as they are just as effective. There is really no need for you
to turn to drugs for treatment since home remedies are mostly
natural and can provide relief with fewer or no side effects.

Diarrhea is a means for your body to remove a harmful substance
in a quick manner. You may also experience vomiting and fever
while having diarrhea. Although it is helpful to efficiently
purge the body of the foreign substance, it is important to know
that diarrhea can cause dehydration. Dehydration is very
dangerous, especially for children and senior people. Should you
observe blood or mucus in the stool, there could be a more
serious underlying reason for your digestive complaints.

Although drugs can provide relief, they can have an impact on
the intent of your body to cleanse. Hence, home remedies for
diarrhea which assist your body to naturally cleanse are better
alternatives. Here is a list of some of them:

1. Herbal teas can also help you alleviate your symptoms and to
soothe an upset stomach. Blackberry tea is excellent. Ginger tea
or ginger in capsules helps relieve cramping. A tea brewed with
croton weed leaves is also a great home remedy for diarrhea.

2. Wild oregano oil is antibacterial, anti parasitic, and
antiviral. Hence it can help target the root cause of your
digestive disorder, especially if it is caused by bacteria,
virus, or parasites.

3. Brown rice and toasted whole grain bread are traditional home
remedies for diarrhea that my grandmother used and with good
reason. These foods provide sufficient bulk for the stool, while
giving you some energy.

4. Homeopathic remedies can also help. Homeopathic Arsenicum
enables you to eliminate toxins after eating spoilt food and
also to control diarrhea. Another of the popular home remedies
for diarrhea is cuprum arsenicosum. You would need to take four
charcoal tablets every hour, so as to keep toxins from being
absorbed by the body.

5. Wheatgrass powder is supposedly effective for treating
diarrhea from irritable bowel syndrome. Mix a double or triple
dose in a glass of water. Follow this glass with a glass of
plain water.

6. Ayurvedic home remedies for diarrhea are also known to help.
One recipe is a gruel made from half cup of rice, four cups of
water, half tablespoon of ginger paste, salt to taste, and half
cup pomegranate juice. Mix and cook all ingredients except the
juice. After cooking, add the juice and consume while warm. This
mixture provides hydration and reduces inflammation in the
digestive tract.

7. A recipe that contains several helpful ingredients for
diarrhea comprises of a cup of plain yogurt, a quarter teaspoon
of turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Simply add the spices
after warming the yogurt and drink.

8. Drink only non caffeinated and non alcoholic fluids whilst
feeling sick. Skip apple juice however but choose ginger ale and
carrot juice instead.

You can easily reach for kitchen cabinet so that you can prepare
these home remedies for diarrhea. You should, while having
diarrhea, hydrate and flush your body with lots of water.
Electrolytes or minerals are usually lost, in cases of prolonged
diarrhea. Thus, do remember to consume plenty of liquids,
preferably those containing carbohydrates, especially glucose,
and electrolytes such as oral rehydration liquids. In the event
that you continue to experience diarrhea despite taking home
remedies for diarrhea for more than a day or two, then see a
doctor immediately.

About the author:
Sandra Kim Leong writes about the importance of improving bowel
health. She recommends adopting a href="http://www.detox-cleansing-diet.com">detox diet to
help relieve digestive diseases. For free research, please sign
up to her newsletter at href="http://www.detox-cleansing-diet.com">http://www.Detox-Clean
sing-Diet.com.

Important Recalls

I know, this may be weird to talk about, but just so you know, my girl has had a normal bowel movement since I posted that she was having diarrhea and was getting sick. So to recap so you know what to do, As soon as she started showing signs of being sick, I went out and bought her favorite yogurt, and rice krispy treats, and I let her eat as much as she wanted. The next day I saw improvement, and the next day after that she was "healed".

And this is not the first time. This is just the first time that I have documented the results. Anytime she has tried to catch a cold or get diarrhea after her last stint in the hospital, the first thing I have done was give her yogurt. It has not failed me once and I have had to do it... about 3 or 4 times now. I have not had to bring her into see a doctor, no medication with God knows what in it, which brings to mind, I watched Dateline last night, and they said that Triaminic cold and cough, Tylenol cold and cough, and MORE are being pulled from shelves because they have been causing deaths in babies! Well, good thing my kids are still alive then because I already gave it to them when they were babies. Who know what damage it did? It was not only these brands, it included about 14 others, but it was basically any cough and cold medication with antihistamine in it, and it was mainly for the infant dosage, the 2 and unders, so if you have any of those in your cabinet, please don't give it to your babies anymore.

Have you noticed that about medication? That it will be out for a long time and after years and years they will finally decide to tell us it is bad for us? And you know what the company's main concern was when they were talking to dateline? Not losing their "market"... our kids. They said they will lose a small portion of their "market" because of the recall..."babies" We are just a "market" for them. All they really care about is how to make money for themselves and if anybody gets hurt, they will pay us off. What a world we live in.

Make Your Own Organic Yogurt Luci Lock Cooking

Update

I thought I should let you know that I am still giving my daughter yogurt, and she has not had diarrhea, or a runny nose since my last update. She appears to be normal already. her sickness lasted one day... Now that's better than any antibiotic.

Scrapbooking

The world of scrapbooking is new to me. My husband just bought me a scrapbook for our anniversary...which is TODAY. We bought a kit because I haven't the slightest idea of how to put one together. So far it is going well. We are going to put in it everything that we have in pictures since we met and married, and our family. There will be sad pictures, and happy pictures, but it will all be nice.

Right now I just have so many pictures everywhere I am just trying to round them up, find out beginning point, and start there. The scrapbookpictured above is ours. It is in Antique style. (I like old style stuff)We got it on sale. They have jaw dropping prices on all your scrapbook supplies here. I will be getting my little extras from there.

Diarrhea Again

my girl blowing her nose


It used to scare me when my daughter would wake up in the morning, stomach in pain because she had diarrhea. I didn't know what to do. Well now I do as I have told you all about in my previous posts and just as yogurt applies when your kids are on antibiotics, it applies when they are beginning to get sick too.

Yogurt, I believe from what I have seen it do, is far better than any antibiotic, and it's better for you. Its not some man enhanced thing you are putting into your precious one.

Since I have started my now 3 year old on yogurt, she has not had a full blown sickness. She will start to get sick, I immediately up her yogurt intake, and amazingly, she is better sometimes the next day.

She started to get sick again over the weekend. Woke up in the morning with aweful, green diarrhea and a stuffy, runny nose (weird combination), so we ran out right a way and bought her some yogurt, this is what she picked out:






I also picked out some other things that I knew from experience would stop her up fast and that she would enjoy eating, so I picked her up some rice krispy treats too.



To give her some variety, I also got her some Go Gurt Smoothie (princess, of course) She scarfs these down. They come in different flavors and are apparently very tasty :)










Well, I will update you to let you know any changes, but so far, so good. She has not had diarrhea since she started eating all of these things, and the runny nose she was starting disapeared already too... tell me what medication can do that? and safely? I haven't found one yet.

Something I didn't know

This is awesome. You may already know this, you may not, but I recently discovered that there is the good bacteria, or LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURE in frozen yogurt. Plus, it is better for you and is low in fat. The only company I have seen at the stores coming out with it is Edys, and I actually like the taste of it better than just regular ice cream, and it is a great alternative. Its really creamy and .... yummy!

This is also great for the folks (like me) that hate yogurt. Promise, it doesn't taste anything like yogurt. It is purely delish. This picture above is the frozen yogurt that I bought. Chocolate vanilla swirl. Find your favorite at www.slowchurned.com, and remember to measure your portions!!!

News Now

YoCream?

Yogurt Can Save Your Life

LACTOBILLICUS, which can be found in yogurt is most effective at preventing and treating rotavirus and other viral infections. This suggests that probiotics are not just good for you, they actually give you an immunity boost.

Tests have shown measurable increases in immune function in people that included yogurt in their diet. It also protects against inflammation and autoimmunity.It seems to be very helpful in eliminating problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome. Flatulence and non-specific tummy aches can also be decreased.

Food allergies are caused by the production of antibodies against something in the diet. Normally, a substance in our bodies called interleukin 12 prevents this. A recent study showed that consuming Lactobacillus can increase IL-12, decrease antibodies, and thus help prevent and treat food allergies.

Many children with eczema have flare-ups triggered by what they eat or drink. In one study, a group of children who received yogurt show significant improvement within a MONTH. Some evidence suggests that the recent increase in childhood asthma may be partially from the destruction of our normal, healthy bacteria and that you can actually prevent asthma by eating yogurt.In one study, there was a reduction in upper respiratory infections in children that consumed yogurt! This includes pneumonia.

Even a more recent study on the live bacteria found in yogurt indicated that the heart was protected, preventing and decreasing damage from lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. The effect was attributed to the change in inflammation and the immune system when yogurt was included in the diet.

Is your cholesterol too high? Some strains of active culture yogurt eaten over the course of 8 weeks can help to lower LDL cholesterol and improve blood pressure. Triglycerides were also lowered. Yogurt culture can furthermore protect against liver damage, food poisoning, and toxic substances found in foods such as peanut butter. It can even prevent cancer.

When the doctor puts your child on an antibiotic, they should be prescribed a probiotic like yogurt as well. Since they typically don’t (I haven’t found a doctor yet that did) go buy it yourself, and watch your child get better, rather than worse. There is nothing more painful than watching your child lay in the hospital crib in the oxygen tent and feeling there is nothing you can do. You can do something if your doctor seems to choose not to.

I never would have thought yogurt to be that POWERFUL. But it is. I have seen it in my own daughter, and this is her story…

picture above is her in the hospital, she was getting better in this photo


SHE had just turned one year old and had been quite healthy until this time. She had black circles under her eyes, pale, an cough that wouldn’t go away. Of course, I took her to her pediatrician and what did he tell me? “She’s fine. I can’t hear anything in her chest” Well, I was a young mom so I always took the doctors word for it, so we went home and gave her prescription cough medicine and antibiotic that the doctor prescribed her. It wasn’t working.

She was getting worse so we went back to the doctor again and he admitted her into the hospital with pneumonia. She was there a whole week, on IV antibiotics. She was still coughing when she got out of the hospital and she went home with breathing treatments to be done every about 4 hours. As soon as I got her home, the diarrhea started and did not stop for 5 months… that was not a typo… 5 MONTHS my baby had diarrhea. It came out as pure green water is the only way I can describe it.

About 2 or 3 months later we were back in the hospital again with a long list of diagnosis’s: RSV, Rotavirus, pneumonia, dehydration, weight loss, lethargy, respiratory distress.. the list goes on. To even think about what she went through 2 years later, still makes me cry. I almost lost my baby.


on breathing treatments at home

When she was in the hospital, they would not let her eat anything because of the diarrhea and told me she shouldn’t eat because of that. I told them if you wait until her diarrhea is gone she will starve to death. Needless to say, I snuck her food in. If the child is hungry, they should not be refused. I don’t care what the doctor says. They don’t apparently know everything. And I think that is the only way her strength returned.



These days the doctors won’t give you anything for diarrhea because the suppositories that they used to give were causing seizures, so when I told the doctor that she was having horrible diarrhea, well he told me he really couldn’t do anything. So a few months into the diarrhea problem she went for a checkup and he noticed that she was losing weight. Her head circumference was not growing, and she was so low on the growth chart for her age, she was off the chart. He wondered why.

He knew she had diarrhea we couldn’t stop. Now it was chronic.

So he referred us to a specialist. He feared she may have crohn’s disease. I was frustrated and scared for my baby girl. We went to this specialist for months and ran every kind of test they could run they could not figure out what was wrong with her.

One day, I was talking to my mom, and she suggested I feed her yogurt. It wouldn’t hurt her. So I tried it and 2 years after I almost lost my daughter, she is eating some yogurt every day and has not been sick once since her last stint in the hospital about 2 years ago. To my surprise, it has actually become her favorite food. I think her body knew that that is exactly what she needed. She has not had diarrhea since and is also a fully potty trained 3 year old. My advice: Doctors don’t always have the answers, seek them out and go with your motherly instincts.