Action Healthy Life

How To Get Rid Of A Plantar Wart

2009-09-24T10:50:07.967-04:00

I was lucky enough to enjoy a couple vacations this past summer, the first being a trip to Georgia.  After lots of walking and sightseeing, I came back with a tan, souvenirs and a plantar wart.  I wanted to share with you an inexpensive and easy remedy that I used to get rid of my unwanted hitchhiker.  But first let me explain what a plantar wart is and how to know if you have one. A wart is actually a virus that is very common and easy to spread. The word plantar just denotes the location being on the bottom of the foot.  When the wart first starts, it may appear as a raised area and will be painful when pressure is placed on it. As it grows or if you carefully peel back the very top layers of skin (make sure anything you use to touch the wart is clean and sanitary) you will notice an uneven surface that resembles cauliflower and disrupts the print of the skin.  You may see some pinpoint black dots that connect the wart to your blood supply. It's important to try to get rid of the wart as soon as possible to prevent spreading the virus to adjacent tissue. Warts can be very stubborn to get rid of, therefore it is of great importance to be diligent when following the protocol. Weapons: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Cotton Swabs Duct Tape Sanitized File Protocol: Tear off the very tip of a cotton swab, making sure it is just a tad larger than the wart. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of Bragg Organic Apple Cider into a small cap or bowl. Dip the tip of the cotton swab into the apple cider and place on the wart. Tear off a square piece of duct tap that is large enough to stick to the skin and press over the cotton swab. After 12 hours, remove the duct tape and swab to examine wart.  Take a sanitized file and sand down the dead white skin. Repeat protocol until wart is gone There may be times when the tape and swab will need to be replaced more often due to daily activities that may loosen the adhession of the tape. Sometimes in the beginning few days of starting the protocol, you may notice a swelling of the tissue in the first couple hours after applying the apple cider soaked swab.  This is because it is being absorbed by the skin and may cause some additional pain. [...]

Spironolactone, My Personal Story

2009-05-03T13:27:51.506-04:00

Spironolactone (Spiro) is a mild diuretic that has been used for decades, most commonly prescribed in combination with other drugs to elderly patients that have hypertension/edema due to heart disease. Unlike the diuretic Lasik which rids the body of potassium, Spiro forces the body to hold on to it by inhibiting the hormone aldosterone (which is secreted by the adrenal glands).  This in itself can be quite dangerous and lethal if not properly monitored.  Potassium in high levels can cause heart failure; in fact Potassium Chloride is used in chemical executions.This drug may adversely affect the liver and there are warnings against prescribing it to individuals that have renal dysfunction because there is evidence that Spiro induces renal insufficiency.In more recent years, doctors are prescribing this drug to younger women who are struggling with acne, hirsutism, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and male to female transgendered people resulting in more information about Spiro and it's many side effects.  Younger individuals, in general, take less medications and have less disease than their counterparts therefore it's easier to trace adverse reactions to a specific drug like Spironolactone.Because Spiro obstructs testosterone (androgen) receptors, it can upset hormonal balance causing women to experience irregular periods and men to develop breast tissue. Interestingly, it was recently discovered that there are even androgen receptors located in the inner ear that this drug may target.Besides the many body systems this drug affects, there is also a box warning that taking Spiro (which is actually a synthetic steroid hormone) could cause tumors.  Sadly many women don’t realize this drug is added to the hormone concoction known as the birth control pill Yasmin (YAZ) by the pharmaceutical company, Bayer AG.I’m 40 and have personally used Spiro for at least three years. 100 mg twice daily was prescribed by my doctor to control my excessive acne.  I really never experienced any problem while on this medication until May 1st, 2008 when I suffered the following symptoms in varying degrees over an 11 month period.Right eyesight dimmed/blurred for 30 seconds, 7 different timesVertigo - Severe spinning sensation Nystagmus - Eyes darting left to rightDisconnected and unable to stay focused Mental confusion and struggle with short term memory recallDizziness lasting for 11 months in various degreesMuscle spasms/twitchesPain feeling like a hot nerve located deep in the left side of my headHeart palpitations/arrhythmia Low blood pressurePain in my left shoulder when I ran.Cholesterol total jumped a 100 pointsThe second doctor I saw wasn’t familiar with the use of Spiro for acne and recommended that my dose be cut in half (Sept 2008).  Around February, 2009 I started to use a transdermal magnesium spray that alleviated many of my symptoms and spurred me on to re-examine why I was having a mineral imbalance.  Through my research I discovered other women in my age group experiencing similar symptoms that were taking Spironolactone.  I decided to stop taking the magnesium and the Spironolactone to see if my symptoms would vanish.Within four days, my twitches/spasms, heart arrhythmia and pain in my head stopped. I don’t experience any shoulder pain when I run, in fact I run better and faster now. My blood pressure is back to normal and I’m hoping for even more improvement as my hormones adjust and become balanced.What happened to me frequently occurs to the elderly.  They are placed on a drug and everything seems fine.  But slowly the drug causes a deficiency or imbalance that the body can’t continue to compensate for and a symptom appears.  The doctor doesn’t think that the culprit for the new symptom is the original prescription but believes it to be the beginning of a new disease or syndrome.  The doctor then gives the patient another prescription and the process starts again.I’ve seen many doctors over this past year that wanted to give me prescriptions for my symptoms inst[...]

Free Giveaway - Congrats to CG for winning the gift pack!

2009-05-02T18:22:13.911-04:00

Congratulations to CG for being the winner of the Sinupret gift pack.  Please contact me at sonja@actionhealthylife.com with your name and address and I will make sure you receive your prize promptly!Free Sinupret give away pack includes: A copy of Dr. Bob Sears bestselling book The Healthiest Kids in the NeighborhoodA sample of SinupretYellow children's binocularsSinupret for Kids Activity BooksSinupret for Kids StickersMini Plush BearTo enter for a chance to win this giveaway please leave a comment pertaining to the Sinupret article below. Make sure that if you leave a comment annomously that you also include an email address so that if you win, you can be contacted. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 24th 12:00am EST and a winner will be drawn and posted on Saturday, April 25th 12:00pm EST. Winner will be contacted via email. One entry per person, please.Support for Healthy Sinus and Respiratory Function With the FDA recommending parents not give over the counter medicines to children younger than 4, more parents are looking for alternative methods to proactively supporting their children's respiratory health and immune systems. Bionorica, the makers behind Sinupret for Kids uses the most innovative technology to create effective and safe remedies. Sinupret is not a drug, but a natural remedy to support the maintenance of healthy sinus, respiratory and immune system function.Recommended by pediatricians the world over and approved by moms who want a safe, trusted, natural remedy for their kids, Sinupret® for Kids is a simple and effective solution for your family.A proprietary blend of European Elder, Common Sorrel, Cowslip, European Vervain and Gentian, Sinupret for Kids is a solution you can count on because it really works! Supports the upper respiratory system.Promotes healthy nasal passages.*Strengthens the immune system.Sinupret has been the subject of multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials for efficacy and safety on more than 3,000 patients and recommended for children ages 2 & up.Does not contain stimulants, caffeine, ephedra or pseudoephedrine.Sinupret has no history of dangerous side effectsSinupret is cited as safe and effective in several medical journals such as the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Plant Medica, the Pharmacists's Letter for Efficacy and Safety and the American Council Guide to Herbs. The Sinupret product line, developed by Bionorica, has been the #1 most widely recommended, scientifically tested nasal and sinus support formula in Germany for children for more than 70 years. Not only does it provide sinus support*, but it is documented to provide immune support as well*. Sinupret for Kids has been recommended by German physicians more than 3,500,000 times to their patients. There has never been one serious side effect from Sinupret for Kids and its efficacy is so well-documented that it is the most prescribed product by pediatricians in Europe.Now your doctor can provide you with a safe, natural solution to support respiratory health for your children that works – Sinupret for Kids. Your children can also learn more about plants and herbs that help people at www.phytolandkids.com.Take care of yourself and your family with the most effective, ethically produced, natural products for your health - Bionorica products. Get Sinupret for Kids today! [...]

CoQ10, Magnesium For a Healthy Heart

2009-03-19T21:53:58.178-04:00

The human heart beats an average of 2.5 billion times and pumps one million barrels of blood throughout the body in the average lifespan. Amazingly, a healthy heart can take a beating. It is a self-contained, self-propelled and energy-efficient wondrous pump that works 24/7.Many of our lifestyles, though, are quite destructive and can cause a “broken heart”, but there are ways to support and even invigorate this all important muscle. Besides adding a light aerobic activity to strengthen the heart muscle and eating a diet that minimally impacts insulin levels, supplementing with a few nutrients can quickly help to support and mend a broken heart.Magnesium (Mg) is used regularly in emergency rooms in cases of cardiac arrest and stroke and is safe enough to commonly be used to stop labor in preterm pregnancies. Everyone concerned with heart health can benefit by supplementing with magnesium since 85% of Americans are deficient in this vital mineral.Boosting your Mg levels relaxes your heart muscle and blood vessels, increasing blood flow and flexibility (protects against atherosclerosis) and therefore lowering the pressure in blood vessels. Because magnesium helps to control and balance calcium levels, it’s an ideal alternative choice for someone considering taking calcium blockers to control blood pressure.Up to 1000 mg a day, keeping with a calcium to magnesium ratio of 1:1 for heart healthExample: if you get 500 mg of calcium per day in your diet then you would supplement 500 mg of magnesiumMagnesium should be taken alone and may be hard to assimilate if the stomach does not secrete enough hydrochloric acid. An option for quickly absorbing Mg is to use transdermal magnesium on the skin.The high metabolic demands of the heart require sufficient levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to energize and strengthen the heart cells, while also being used as an antioxidant to clean the blood of debris.Although the body does produce some CoQ10, as we age we loose the ability to make enough for optimal health. Also, cholesterol lowering drugs called statins inhibit the body’s production of this important heart enzyme and it is imperative to supplement.30 to 90 mg per day for heart health50 to 150 mg per day if taking a statin drug.Vitamin B6, B12, B9 (Folic Acid) are especially important in controlling homocysteine levels in the bloodstream. High levels of homocysteine are associated with atherosclerosis and other circulatory problems.All B vitamins are water soluble and need to be replenished daily. Some individuals may not be able to assimilate B12 because their stomach does not secrete enough hydrochloric acid and may use a patch or opt for an injection. Most importantly is to choose a supplement that includes all B vitamins because supplementing with only these three can cause a deficiency in the others.B6 - 50 to 100 mg daily for heart healthB12 - 100 mcg for heart healthB9 (Folic Acid) - 400 mcg for heart healthBecause over one-third of all deaths in the United States involve heart disease, it is important to be proactive and care for your heart before you have a “broken heart”. [...]

Probiotics Feed Your Gut, Improve Your Health

2009-03-16T12:53:45.511-04:00

Did you know that, at any given time, you have more bacteria in your body than the total number of people who have ever lived on the planet? About 1 pound of your current weight is made up of these tiny micro-organisms living primarily in your gut. These invisible “bugs” are fundamental to your health.For optimal health, there is a delicate balance of 85% “good bacteria” that keeps the 15% “bad bacteria” in check and manageable. Micro-organisms such as E. coli, salmonella and Candida yeast have the potential to reek havoc in the body when this balance is disrupted.The most harmful substances to the delicate intestinal balance are:FluorideChlorineAntibiotics in food production Prescription antibioticsA diet high in processed carbohydrates (including sugar and starches)They lower the ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria, allowing the unhealthy bacteria to multiply, leading to gas, bloating, constipation, intestinal toxicity, poor absorption of nutrients and a lowered immune system.Whereas antibiotics kill all intestinal bacteria, probiotics feed the gut with desirable bacteria such as the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. By supplementing with a probiotic capsule, millions of live bacteria are implanted into the intestinal wall resulting in the:Prevention of bad bacteria growthImproved absorption and assimilation of vitamins & nutrientsStimulation of the body’s immune systemProduction of certain vitamins including the all important B vitamins.Because the environment of the stomach is sterile and acidic, it’s important to take a probiotic that has a specially designed coating that protects and delivers the micro-organisms to the intestine.Your intestine is like an open field; if cared for properly it can flourish into a garden, if left to chance, the weeds move in. Antibiotics do not discriminate, they destroy all bacteria and if good bacteria is not purposefully replenished, then the bad bacteria instinctively move in. Don't leave your health to chance. [...]

Low Vitamin D, Chronic Disease-Should You Supplement?

2009-03-20T09:22:47.053-04:00

Recently, Vitamin D has been hyped in the news and many doctors are now making it a priority to test their patients’ levels. If the test reveals that your level is too low, should you supplement? New research suggest that anyone with a Th1 immune dysfunction shouldn’t.There are two forms of vitamin D in your body, inactive and active. The inactive is changed into the active D through the kidneys; the body's natural active D regulator. Once converted, normal levels help to balance the immune system but high amounts behave similarly to the steroid prednisone, which reduces inflammation and consequently suppresses the immune system.One theory is that Th1 diseases such as sarcoidosis, lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (among others)are initiated in the body by Cell Wall Deficient (CWD) bacteria of various species that invades the white cells of the immune system.The CWD bacteria short-circuit the body’s natural checks and balances by allowing excessive quantities of active D to be produced within the white blood cells. High levels of active D weaken the immune system thereby permitting the bacteria to multiply and reprogram the genes. Research has found that a cell invaded by CWD bacteria led to 70 new genes and 368 altered genes.The common test that doctors use for Vitamin D testing is 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (Calcidiol, Calcifidiol) which only measures the inactive D. This test is acceptable for a healthy individual and supplementation may be recommended.But, if you have an immune disease and test low for inactive D, request that your doctor check your active D through 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D (Calcitriol) test, BEFORE you supplement with Vitamin D.CWD bacteria will generate low inactive D and high active D. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be interested in reading about Professor Trevor Marshall, Ph.D who in 2002 developed the “Marshall Protocol” to treat certain diseases that involve the Th1 immune system dysfunction. [...]

Magnesium Deficiency, Diabetes and Insulin Connnection

2009-03-20T10:10:55.603-04:00

It is believed that magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) can be both a consequence and a cause of diabetic complications. Diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder associated with hypomagnesemia; having 25% to 39% occurrence.In a normal healthy individual, eating minimal unprocessed carbohydrates, insulin actually supports the uptake of magnesium (Mg) into the cells. But in the typical American diet, high in carbohydrates and processed foods, the opposite occurs.The principal use of insulin in the body is to move excess glucose out of the bloodstream because too high of levels can be life threatening. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are quickly turned into glucose. The pancreas produces insulin to promptly remove it from the bloodstream and into cells for energy. But if the cells’ receptors become insulin resistant (precursor to diabetes) from the constant barrage of insulin, day in and day out, glucose is then turned into stored fat (triglycerides). If the cells are ignoring the insulin then as a consequence, magnesium isn’t permitted into the cell.High levels of insulin also increase magnesium depletion through urination as do lipid-lowering drug treatments for type-2 diabeticsMagnesium is primarily an intracellular mineral, which means it has to be moved from the blood serum into the cells to be able to do it’s job. The typical blood test doesn‘t give an accurate picture because it only tests serum levels. A better choice would be an intracellular test called MG RBC or the newer “Blood Ionized Mg Test”Magnesium is the fourth most common mineral in the body and the second most common intracellular mineral. It also plays a role in every enzymatic energy exchange in the body, and therefore it is essential that our diet offers adequate amounts. 95% of Mg is leached out of food due to refining, processing and heating, also known as, the American diet which leads right back to the beginning of this article.Even the American Diabetes Association (ADA) acknowledges the connection between hypomagnesemia and diabetes. Furthermore, there are many studies that suggest supplementing with Mg may lower risk of diabetic complications or becoming insulin resistant in the first place.Additional information about magnesium.The bottom line is what you eat determines how much insulin you need. If you eat foods lower in carbohydrates then your body needs very little insulin. This results in your cells' receptors becoming more sensitive to insulin and therefore you need less insulin to move the glucose into the cells to be used as energy. Too much insulin causes your cells' receptors to become insulin resistant, slowing the uptake of glucose to be used as energy and not allowing magnesium into the cells. If glucose isn't used as energy then it ends up being stored as triglycerides. [...]

Stevia, Natural Sweetener That's Sugar-free

2009-03-20T10:00:44.517-04:00

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana {Bertoni} or S. rebaudiana) a South American shrub whose leaves have been used as a sweetener for centuries by natives of Paraguay and Brazil, in more recent times in Japan (since the early 70s) and countless other countries.Many of you are well aware of the use of this herb as a no calorie, non-insulin activating sweetener. It's 300x the sweetness of sugar yet is perfect for diabetics and others concerned with their sugar intake. Only a drop or two added to your cup of coffee or glass of ice tea will sweeten it right up.Not all Stevia is created equally. Some brands will have a bitter aftertaste due to processing.The more stringent quality control, separating out as much of the stems, roots and leaf veins as possible will have a much better, sweeter taste, without the bitter aftertaste.Here in the U.S., you won't find this sugar alternative on the shelves next to Sweet'N Low (saccharin) or Equal (aspartame) because it hasn't received FDA approval as a sweetener. In fact it has been turned down three times, stating in 1994, that there wasn't enough data to conclude that the use (in food) would be safe.Ironically though, the FDA has approved the isolated sweet compound of the Stevia plant, called rebaudioside A, can be legally used as a "natural" sweetener under the trade name Rebianna. Both Cocoa-cola and PepsiCo are now marketing products (Turvia and PureVia), that contain Rebianna.But there is concern that once the compounds are isolated, rebaudioside A is metabolized at a different rate and the long term toxicity risks are still unknown according to UCLA Toxicology of Rebaudioside A: A Review.The S. rebaudiana plant contains a number of elements, as do other herbs, that work in synergy; likely allowing healthful benefits with very few (if any) harmful side effects. Many times, non-active compounds provide a safeguard against the potentially damaging effects of the active ingredients. Manipulating natures' design is not always best and can result in unexpected consequences.Hmm, is the FDA looking out for our best interest? Only if it's advantageous to their other priority of helping large corporations. How else can aspartame and saccharin along with many others get FDA approval but an herb used as a sweetener for centuries can't unless it's main component is isolated and trademarked?For now Stevia can only be purchased as a dietary supplement usually found in health food stores, down the supplement isle or online. [...]

MSM Benefits Asthma, Arthritis Sufferers

2009-03-01T22:17:42.361-05:00

About four years ago, my Mom asked me to look into something that would help alleviate her asthma. She had suffered with it for over 30 years and felt that she would most certainly die from an asthma attack.I started researching and came across MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane), an organic sulfur (macro-mineral) that is found naturally in plants, animals and the human body. It's the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and utilized in every cell.Sulfur is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. It stimulates bile secretion and helps to maintain proper brain function. When combined with vitamin C, it disinfects the blood and resists bacteria, parasites and fungus. MSM helps the muscles, skin and lungs maintain flexibility while controlling the body's inflammation.One of the most powerful ways adequate sulfur levels can impact the body is when new cells are created, sulfur is incorporated into the cell's wall allowing it to be more permeable to nutrients. Without sulfur, nutrients have difficulty entering the cell wall.Sulfur originates from the evaporation of the waters of the Oceans and through precipitation is then found in plants. If rain water isn't used in farming, but substituted with city or purified water then sulfur won't be found in the produce.Some plant sources of sulfur are Asparagus, Garlic, Onions and Green Leafy Vegetables especially Water Cress and Swiss Chard. It's best to eat these raw and uncooked because sulfur is easily destroyed by heat.Supplementing with MSM can benefit arthritis sufferers by improving joint flexibility, reducing stiffness, swelling and pain, increasing circulation and cell vitality.Sulfur is useful to asthmatics by preventing inflammation and regulating the fluid that covers the airway surface of the lungs. It allows the lungs to be more flexible, increasing lung capacity. MSM actually helps to heal the lungs, not just alleviate symptons.Methylsulfonylmethane is considered extremely safe and toxicity is virtually unheard of. In fact, no toxic effects were shown in humans given up to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight (70 grams or more) per day for 30 days.My Mom started taking 1 - 2 grams (1 gram is equal to 1,000 mg) daily, working up to 8 grams for a period of 3 to 4 months then weaning back down. She went from using her "puffer" everyday to never using it. She doesn't take any steroids or other medications anymore and is free from asthma for the last 4 years.Side Note: sulfur should be broken into at least two servings a day since its half life is only 12 hours in the body.Some other conditions that can benefit from adding sulfur supplementation are:DiabetesAllergiesWound HealingPain ReliefEye ProblemsCramps (and PMS)StressSnoringSkin Conditions including psoriasisParasitic InfestationToxic Metal Poisoning [...]

Ancient Minerals - New Product Line

2009-02-09T04:26:47.713-05:00

After reaping many benefits from using transdermal magnesium, I am now offering Ancient Minerals for purchase from my Bonanzle Booth. You can choose from: 8oz spray oil - (it has no oil in it) This is perfect for maximum dosing and is quickly absorbed. If you have sensitive skin, this can be diluted with water.8oz gel - contains aloe and may be better suited for sensitive skin. Perfect for massage since it stays moister, longer.6.5lbs flakes - add to bath or a foot soak. Although this is the least potent of the three, it’s unique in that it uses heat and water to open the pores for absorption. This is perfect for really sensitive skin and leaves no residue. I use it daily.If you’re unfamiliar with Bonanzle, you won’t be for long. After being named the best eBay alternative in July by Ecommerce Guide, Bonanzle was again named the best eBay alternative last week, this time by SmallBusinessComputing! That's no small feat.Stop by my Bonanzle Booth for more information about Ancient Minerals and feel free to leave me a message in my “live chat box”. [...]

Low Carb Creme Brulee Recipe

2009-02-12T09:38:26.537-05:00

This is an easy recipe with few ingredients but brings lots of oooohs & aaaaahs. Super creamy and very satisfying.2 cups Whipping Cream4 Egg Yolks2 Tbsp liquid Splenda or 1/4 to 1/2 tsp liquid Stevia1/2 tsp Vanilla ExtractDash of SaltHeat whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat, just until bubbles start to form.Remove from heat and let cool slightly.In a bowl, whisk together ingredients 2 through 5. Gradually add heated whipping cream to the combined ingredients in bowl, whisking continually.Strain mixture and divide into 4 custard cups.Bake in a water bath for 40 to 45 minutes at 325 degrees. Custards should be set, but still jiggly in the center. You can add a dash of cinnamon to the top of each custard then chill in refrigerator for 2 - 3 hours.2.3 Carbohydrates per serving. Yields 4 servings.TOPPINGS:Butter-Pecan Topping:1 Tbsp Butter1/8 cup Salted Roasted Pecans - finely chopped1 tsp Splenda or 1 to 2 drops of SteviaIn small sauce pan melt butter.Stir in pecans and Splenda.Heat just until nuts begin to brown, being careful not to burn!Add topping to each of the 4 custard cups and place back into refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes..5 Carbohydrates per servingCrunchy Topping:4 tsp Granulated SugarSprinkle 1 tsp sugar on each of the custard cups. Using a kitchen blow torch, caramelize sugar then place in refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes.4.2 Carbohydrates per servingFruit Topping:Add blueberries, raspberries or strawberries2 carbohydrates per ounceOther Options:Splenda can be substituted with Sugar-free Davinci Syrups. These syrups are made from Splenda with added flavor extracts. [...]

Transdermal Magnesium - An Ancient Mineral

2009-09-21T09:58:41.905-04:00

I was recently contacted by LL’s Magnetic Clay, Inc. and asked if I’d be willing to test a product called Ancient Minerals - transdermal magnesium and write a review. After doing research on the company and products I agreed.Unbeknownst to the company, I’ve been suffering with a condition since May ‘08 (associated with a severe case of vertigo) that this product had the potential to help. Even though I’ve tried taking quality magnesium supplements for a month without success in ending the continual muscle twitches, I was hopeful that a transdermal application might do the trick.LL’s Magnetic Clay, Inc. sent three Ancient Mineral products: magnesium flakes, magnesium gel and magnesium oil. All three contain Magnesium Chloride which is extracted from the Ancient Zechstein Seabed in Europe, 1600 to 2000 meters deep in the interior of the Earth.Magnesium Flakes Ingredients: 47% Genuine Zechstein Magnesium Chloride bath flakesMagnesium Gel Ingredients: Water, 28% Genuine Zechstein Magnesium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Certified Organic ACTIValoe, xanthan gumMagnesium Oil Ingredients: Water, 31% Genuine Zechstein Magnesium ChlorideI decided to test the magnesium spray first. I sprayed my feet, calves and arms; rubbed the liquid into my skin, per the instructions, so that more of the magnesium would be absorbed. Like magic, my twitches slowly stopped within 30 minutes.I was so shocked that I called my husband and told him. My eyes welled as I experienced for first time in months, the feeling of relaxation. But I was still a little cynical and thought maybe it’s just a fluke.The oil leaves a slight residue that can be wiped off with a damp cloth. It reminded me of when I was a young girl visiting Myrtle Beach. We’d spend the whole day at the ocean and have a little salt residue on our bodies. I didn’t have any tingling, as some people can experience with the Mg oil spray since it is the most potent of the three products. Later that same night I tried the magnesium flakes in a foot soak. I poured about 1 cup of the flakes in and filled my foot tub with warm water, soaked my feet for about 30 minutes then dried them off. I noticed that I had no residue after using this product. Although it is considered the least potent of the 3 products, it uses moisture and heat that opens your pores and facilitates the absorption into your tissues and bloodstream.While performing this routine for a week, I didn’t experience any muscle twitches. Muscle twitching can be an early sign of magnesium deficiency which I talked about in my last post.I decided to stop using the products for a couple days to see what would happen. Sure enough, my twitches came back. So I started with the foot soak and within 20 minutes, POOF!, my muscle twitches disappeared.I then sampled the magnesium gel. It’s a tad less potent then the oil but more than the flakes. I rubbed it into my arms and calves and noticed that it stayed moist a little longer than the spray did. It has aloe in it and that may work better for people who have sensitive skin compared to the magnesium oil which contains water. Like the oil, this did leave a slight residue that can be quickly wiped off if that’s your preference.I am so impressed with these products and how they have impacted my life that I am in the process of ordering Ancient Minerals and offering them for sale through Action Healthy Life. I believe transdermal magnesium has many applications from deep tissue massage (helping relax knotted muscles) to sufferers of digestive disorders who can‘t absorb Mg properly. For more information on conditions and symptoms that can benefit from transdermal magnesium please read my previous post. If you're interested in purchasing these products, stop by my on[...]

Magnesium Deficient? Calcium Intake Could be One Reason

2009-04-05T18:33:58.464-04:00

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential macro-mineral that must be obtain from one’s diet. Named after the Greek city Magnesia where large deposits of magnesium salts were discovered, it can be found in the earth, water and plants. In Fact, magnesium is the core constituent of chlorophyll which gives plants their green color.65% of magnesium is contained in teeth & bones. Of the remaining 35%, highest levels are found in the brain, tissues, fluids, blood and significant amounts in the heart.Magnesium and calcium have a yin yang relationship. As calcium causes constriction and excitability on muscles, blood vessels and nerves; magnesium has the opposite effect bringing calmness and relaxation.For example: When magnesium is low it allows calcium levels to rise into the vascular muscle cells causing them to contract and leading to higher blood pressure. Magnesium relaxes the blood vessels allowing blood to flow more freely and as a result lowers blood pressure.Although magnesium has a calming effect on nerves and muscles, it is also used in several hundred enzymatic reactions including the most important of which produce, transport, store and utilize energy in every cell of the body. So not only can magnesium calm muscle spasms and nerves, it can increase energy. Booth Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome sufferers may benefit when magnesium levels are increased.Magnesium has the ability to increase the solubility of calcium and therefore possibly preventing kidney stones and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).Recent studies reveal, 65% of individuals having Insulin Resistant Syndrome are deficient in magnesium and would benefit with supplementation. One theory is that IRS impedes magnesium’s ability to enter the cells, allowing most of the magnesium to leave the body through urination. Many IRS suffers go on to become diabetics and it’s possible that the low magnesium level is what increases the diabetic's risk of heart disease as this study indicates.According to Drs. Bella T. Alturas and Burton M. Alturas, up to 75% to 80% of the U.S. population is magnesium deficient. How can this be, you ask?Commercialized farming that doesn't rotate crops or add minerals like magnesium back into the soil but will use fertilizers containing nitrogen to give the plants that “green healthy look”. I previously wrote about this problem here.Much of the American diet is made up of processed foods that are enriched with vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium but not magnesium which leads to an imbalanced ratio. Current calcium to magnesium ratios are between 5:1 to 15:1 but should ideally be 1:1 to 2:1.Due to water purification (bottled water, osmosis, city water), Mg is filtered out.During times or stress or sickness magnesium reserves are depleted.Sugar (including fructose), antibiotics and alcohol consumption reduces magnesium levels.Magnesium is easily leached out of food during cooking or boiling and as a result it's not found in processed foods.Most doctors will test blood serum levels of magnesium which can give false adequate numbers. This is because it is an intracellular mineral and is better measured with an intracellular test called MG RBC. There is another test call “Blood Ionized Magnesium Test” but it's not as readily available at this time.Dr. Carolyn Dean recommends supplementing magnesium levels up to 1000 mg as long as calcium levels are adequate. Calcium to magnesium ratios should be between 1:1 to 2:1. For every 1000 mg of calcium consumed, magnesium can supplemented 500 to 1000 mg. Smaller doses throughout the day are better absorbed then one or two larger doses.Best taken on an empty stomach because Mg needs adequate levels of hydrochloric acid to be assimilated i[...]

Inspiration, Motivation - We all need it!

2009-01-10T00:36:33.455-05:00

If you’ve read about my weight-loss, then you’ll know that at one time I was an avid runner.  I have so many wonderful memories including crossing the finish line with my husband at the Cherry Festival 10K.Fast forward to now.  I haven’t been running for quite some time.  After I lost my excess weight, I was going to start a fitness program, but that changed when in May ‘08 I was diagnosed with Vertigo.  It has been a long recovery which I’ll speak more about in the spring;  If you have questions now about it you can email me at sonja@actionhealthylife.com .My eleven year old daughter recently came home from school and said she would like to participate in the school’s cross country club.  Mind you, we live in northern Michigan and my town is known for it’s snow accumulation and low temperatures.  My daughter also isn’t naturally built to run.  She’s only 4’ 4” and one of the shortest students in her class.But my daughter is persistent and told me she really wanted to run.  So we went shoe shopping and looking for yak traks to provide some traction on the snow.I was overwhelmed with awe at my sweet daughter and her ambition.  I remember once when she said to me, “If I put my mind to something, I do it”.  Her words echoed in my head and I made a commitment to her that I’m going to start back running so we can run in a race and cross the finish line, together.So this last week I started running on the treadmill and I’ll be quite honest, I’m not very fast.  In fact, I announced to my 17 year old son that I’ve taken up running again.  He asked, “So what’s your speed?”  I told him I’m at 13 mins/per mile and he questioned, “Are you walking?”Thinking about this, it came to me that we all have to take our first step in taking control of our health.  Whether we are trying to lose weight, change eating habits or manage a condition/disease, we have to start somewhere. But if we keep going, step by step, our lives will become healthier than they were.  It’s when you give up, then you have loss the opportunity to change your future.Earlier today, a friend sent this video to me and again I was inspired:  Nick Vujicic [...]

Low Carb Parmesan Chicken Recipe

2009-02-15T17:57:09.954-05:00

This is a very flavorful and satisfying recipe.  Chicken is moist and I love the creamy coating.1 to 1 1/4 pound of chicken breast - skinless, boneless and cut into tenderloins.  Approximately 10-131/2 cup of Mayonnaise1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese - grated1/2 Tablespoon of Oregano1/2 Tablespoon of Basil1/2 Tablespoon of Parsley1/2 teaspoon of Onion Powder1/2 teaspoon of Garlic Powder1/8 teaspoon of Salt or Salt to tasteUp to a 1/4 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream or Half n HalfCombine ingredients 2 through 9.  Add enough Whipping Cream (10) to the mixture so that the consistency is similar to sour cream.Place chicken (in a single layer) in a 9' x 13" glass dish.  Gererously coat the top of chicken with the above mixture.Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake for 20 minutes.  Do not over bake. If made ahead of time and stored in refrigerator, increase cooking time up to 20 - 25 minutes.Each tenderloin is less than .5 carbohydrates. [...]

Accidental Melamine Contamination?....I Think Not.

2009-01-13T10:23:11.783-05:00

All three of the macro-nutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) are composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen; with protein having an additional element of nitrogen that makes it very distinguishable.In fact, nitrogen content is usually displayed on dog food and cattle feed labels in order to confirm protein content. Protein is essential to life and therefore products with high protein content are considered quality foods.Many of you may remember dishes and serving pieces stamped "Melamac" on the bottom that became big in the 60s and 70s. This hard plastic was made of Melamine, an industrial chemical used to make laminates and fertilizers. It's original state is a white powder with no odor or taste and can only be detected with a specific test. It's main characteristic is a high nitrogen content.This is where we can see it's not an accident that many products are being contaminated with melamine. Unscrupulous industries are fraudulently elevating the protein content of substandard foods by adding the chemical melamine.The FDA has reported many U.S. products tainted with melamine including: dog & cat food, hot chocolate, infant formula, farm & fish feed and nutritional & medical supplements. The list is even longer for other countries and includes such items as ice-cream and chocolate. Most of the melamine laden products are coming from China and being shipped here and other places for consumption.Recently the Chinese government prosecuted a ring of dairy companies who were diluting their milk up to 30% and replacing the protein content with melamine. Over 3,000 babies were sicken by the contaminated dairy and 6 died. Of the 21 dairy companies facing prosecution, only one (Sanlu Group) will face imprisonment and the others will most likely be fined.Over exposure to Melamine can lead to kidney stones and irreversible kidney damage which can lead to death. People with kidney conditions, children and the elderly have a higher risk of death.On a side note, this is one reason I use Shaklee supplements - They are not made and imported from China. 95% of all supplements sold in the U.S. are made and imported from China. [...]

Low Carb Stuffed Mushrooms - Recipe

2009-01-10T16:22:03.118-05:00

This is a low carb recipe for Stuffed Mushrooms that everyone loves, even my non-low carb friends.  In fact, I'm always requested to bring these to parties or get-togethers.  Just in time for your New Years eve party! INGREDIENTS:60 Button Mushrooms (approximately 2") Cleaned & De-stemmed1lb. Package of Bob Evans Ground Italian Sausage - Browned3 or 4 Slices of bacon - Cooked and Crumbled1 8oz Package of Cream Cheese1/4 Cup of Parmesan Cheese or Asiago Cheese - Grated1/4 Cup Red Onion - finely Chopped1 Cup of Portabella mushrooms or Use the Stems from the Button Mushrooms - Finely ChoppedCombine Ingredients 2 through 7.  Spoon mixture into each of the hollowed Button Mushrooms and place in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.  You will need 2 dishes.Place in a pre-heated 325 degree oven for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until hot.  Do not over bake or they will be dry.The combined ingredients can be made in advanced and stored in the refrigerator.  Baking time may take an additional 10 to 15 minutes if prepared from a cold state.Yields 60 stuffed mushrooms.  Each 1 has approximately 1/2 carbohydrate. [...]

Cholesterol...the Good, the Bad and The Truth

2008-12-26T20:36:14.198-05:00

We’ve all been told to keep our “bad” cholesterol low and our “good” cholesterol high but the truth is cholesterol isn’t good or bad.Almost every cell in our body is capable of producing cholesterol but it is primarily made in the liver.  Cholesterol is needed to produce our bile acids and  sex hormones and is used as a “spackle” to patch up damage to our arteries caused by free radical damage and other injuries.  It supports the functions of the brain, nervous system, liver, blood and skin.Cholesterol is fat soluble and therefore it doesn’t dissolve in blood so it’s carried to and from the cells by lipoproteins.HDL (“good” cholesterol) transports cholesterol from tissues and other organs to the liver and conversely, LDL (“bad” cholesterol) moves the cholesterol out of the liver and to the tissues and organs as needed. Cholesterol test results are usually broken down into three categories that make up the total cholesterol count.HDL-High Density Lipoprotein has the ability to calm the immune system and reduce inflammation.  It’s important to have this number as high as possible but minimally >40.  LDL-Low Density Lipoprotein.  This is the number that gets most physicians in a tizzy but new research has proven that the number isn’t as important as the particle size of the LDL in determining cardiovascular risk.   A VAP test can determine whether your particle size is large and fluffy (Type A) versus small and dense (Type B).  The small, dense particles oxidize causing free radical damage and inflammation leading to higher cardiovascular risk.  The VAP test is quite expensive but there is an alternative way of determining the LDL particle size and that’s from your triglycerides.Triglycerides-Fat.  Your Triglycerides are a surrogate marker for LDL particle size.  Low Triglycerides mean large, fluffy (Type A) LDL and result in low risk cardiovascular diseaseMy Triglycerides are 41.  How did I get them so low?  Triglycerides are directly tied to the amount of carbohydrates you eat and whether your insulin mechanism is working properly.  I was over-weight and insulin resistant when I decided to eat foods that kept my insulin levels even (low-carb) which resulted in losing 45lbs and very low Triglycerides.  You can read about my weight-loss here.There are many natural ways of raising HDL and lowering Triglycerides and LDL that I’ll write about in another article.  If you have any questions concerning this information please don’t hesitate to contact me at Sonja@actionhealthylife.com [...]

Health Concerns Over Microwaving with Plastics

2009-02-15T20:26:14.397-05:00

This time of year, with all the holidays, parties and get-togethers, there is an overabundance of leftovers stuffed in refrigerators across America. Most of us, without giving it thought, will grab the plastic container of hot n spicy weenies and place them into the “magic warmer” known as the microwave. But the combination of these two technological wonders, plastic and the microwave, may not be beneficial to your health.Studies have found that all plastics commonly used for food packaging or storage can leach chemicals into the food, especially when heated. The fats and oils in food along with the heat allow the chemicals to penetrate into the food.Most toxins/chemicals are fat soluble and are therefore stored in our adipose tissues. This means the more obese you are, the more storage you have for toxic substances.The International Plastics Task Force (IPTF) recommends avoiding these plasticsPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl) - Used to make Reynolds Wrap and Polyvinyl Films. This is what most grocery stores use to package meats and other items.Polystyrene (PS) in it’s inflated form is called Styrofoam, but is also used in it’s non-inflated form in some brands of disposable plastic cups and bowls and in most opaque plastic cutlery.Polycarbonate (and other resins) which contains biphenyl-A. Most plastic baby bottles are made of polycarbonate as are clear plastic sippy cups, storage containers and some brands of clear plastic cutlery.The IPTF also advises that the safest way to store foods is in glass or ceramic containers and to avoid heating/microwaving foods in plastic. They aren’t alone, even Dr. Rolf Halden, (PhD, PE, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and the Center for Water and Health at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) when asked “What about cooking with plastics?”, Replied:“In general, whenever you heat something you increase the likelihood of pulling chemicals out. Chemicals can be released from plastic packaging materials like the kinds used in some microwave meals. Some drinking straws say on the label “not for hot beverages.” Most people think the warning is because someone might be burned. If you put that straw into a boiling cup of hot coffee, you basically have a hot water extraction going on, where the chemicals in the straw are being extracted into your nice cup of coffee. We use the same process in the lab to extract chemicals from materials we want to analyze.If you are cooking with plastics or using plastic utensils, the best thing to do is to follow the directions and only use plastics that are specifically meant for cooking. Inert containers are best, for example heat-resistant glass, ceramics and good old stainless steel.”So how do you avoid plastic containers and cling wrap from touching your food? With Kinetic Go Green Glass-Lock Storage Food Containers.I came across this product on Bonanzle (Time-4-More) and was elated to find an airtight storage solution alternative to plastic containers. The Glass-Lock storage containers are:Microwave safeTempered glass (Tempered glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it harder than normal glass.)Top rack dishwasher safeSilicone air and liquid tight lid (this is the only part of the container that is not microwave safe.)Freezer safeCan safely go from freezer to microwaveThis product can be purchased on-line from Arrowearth as well as other eco-friendly green products. [...]

Resveratrol - Cellular Anti-Aging

2009-01-14T19:32:10.986-05:00

I wrote of the importance of supplements in my previous blog and mentioned Antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals caused by a multitude of forces including the sun, chemicals, toxins, pollutants, and trans fats.Free radicals are unstable molecules due to the fact that they have an unpaired electron in their outer orbital. They attempt to become stable by gaining an electron from a healthy cell. This creates a chain reaction of events that creates free radical waste products and oxidation. Free radicals can also alter our DNA which causes cellular aging.Antioxidants are found naturally in our fruits and vegetables, especially in the most colorful produce. But many of us don’t eat properly and are exposed to high levels of pollutants. Even our current food supply is less nutrient dense than it was 50 years ago so supplementation is even more important now.There are a variety of antioxidants but the one that everyone has been talking about and is referenced in over 2,000 research publications, including studies conducted by Harvard University, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute of Aging is Resveratrol. This chemical compound (also known as a phytoalexin) can be found in certain plants including raspberries, blueberries, mulberrries, and even peanuts. But found most abundantly in 3 varieties of grapes:  Vitis vinifera, labrusca, and muscadine grape.  The plant uses resveratrol as an antibiotic against bacteria, fungi and is released during times of stress.In 2003 Dr. David Sinclair (associate professor in Harvard Medical School’s Department of Pathology) discovered that Resveratrol extends the life span of mice by as much as 24% and the life span of othe animals, such as flies and fish, by as much as 59%. The mice in his study not only lived longer but had lower incidence of diabetes. The amount of resveratrol the mice were given was equivalent to the amount found in 300 glasses of red wine.For additional information on anti-aging products that contain Resveratrol, please feel free to contact me at sonja@actionhealthylife.com [...]

resveratrol- anti aging research

2008-12-03T23:01:24.091-05:00

To Supplement or Not to Supplement?……That Is The Question!

2009-05-05T10:04:23.500-04:00

Do you really need to take vitamin, mineral and antioxidant supplements if your eating healthy? You may not realize food’s nutritional value has decreased while toxins and Chemicals have increased.In recent times, we’ve all heard about the need to eat food high in omega 3s. Salmon has some of the highest concentrations of this good fat. When you order grilled salmon at your favorite restaurant (or purchase at it at the grocery store), chances are you are actually getting “farm raise” (also known as “ocean raised”) fish. Farm raised salmon are inferior to wild in nutritional value and high exposure to antibiotics and pesticides.In a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) comparing the nutrient profiles of wild versus farm raised fish and shellfish, it was determined that:Despite being much fattier, farmed fish provided less usable beneficial omega 3 fats than wild fish. Due to the feedlot conditions of aqua farming, farm-raised fish are doused with antibiotics and exposed to more concentrated pesticides than their wild counter parts. Farmed salmon, in addition, are given a salmon colored dye in their feed to turn their flesh pink so they look like their wild kin.Aquafarming also raises a number of environmental concerns, the most concerning is the negative impact on wild salmon. It has now been established that sea lice from farms kill up to 95% of juvenile wild salmon that migrate past them. (krkosek M, Lewis MA. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.)After you’ve finished your salmon, you turn your plate to enjoy a vegetable medley and dessert of berries full of nutrients-but is it? How do vegetables and fruits acquire their nutrients?….from the soil. But current commercial farming methods based on maximizing revenues aren’t always concerned with crop rotating, ph balance of soil or the other many requirements to produce highly nutritious produce. Most large commercial farms are heavy on pesticides and are open to the use of genetically modified plant DNA in order to produce fast growing, low maintenance foods. The result of all our “modern” technology is a decrease in the nutrient profiles of our produce over the last 40 years. If your interested in viewing the charts that showcase the nutrient decline from 1951 to 1999 click here.Our food supply has been stripped of nutritional value yet our toxic load has increased. Vitamins and minerals are foundational to good health while antioxidants help to rid the body of free radicals and cells with DNA damage caused by chemicals and toxins. Taking supplements provides your body with needed nutrients you may not be getting from your diet and improve your health, In what is being called a landmark study conducted by the University of California Berkeley, concluded that long-termed dietary supplement users had markedly better overall health than non-supplement users. View additional information on this study here.Disclaimer: I have taken supplements for years and have recently became a Shaklee distributor. Their products are one of the few that aren’t manufactured in China and shipped for sale in the U.S.. 95% of all supplements are made in China. [...]

Struggling with Weight-loss?...Part 3 with Photos

2009-02-01T23:09:09.205-05:00

Here I am on the right about 45 lbs lighter. I feel better than ever, mentally and physically. Although, I'm a proponent of exercise, I didn't do any to lose my weight. I chose not to exercise for two reasons:1. To prove that weight can still be shed even if you can not exercise due to your weight or pain (many times caused by one's weight). 2. To prove that not all calories are created equally. It's not as simple as calories in, calories out as my previous weight-loss attempt confirmed. Food causes a chain reaction of processes in our bodies that can put our health in a state of vitality; ready to defend and resist, or susceptibility.There are many “low carb diets” to choose from including Atkins, South Beach, The Zone Diet and Protein Power. I didn’t follow any one specific diet but instead used them all as a reference. My eating, I would say, is more of a hunter/gatherer, Paleolithic lifestyle that consists of leaner proteins (preferable non-grain fed for obvious reason), vegetables, nuts and berries (a list can be seen here). My daily total carb count was never over 20 grams due to being extremely insulin resistant but you may find that to be too high or low. In either case it’s important to eat only carbs that are healthy; that means no grains or starchy vegetables (usually anything that grows below ground).QUICK TIPS ON HOW I DID IT:Kept daily carb intake to 20 or below.List of foods I ate can be found here.Never counted calories-just ate till I felt full.I ate the recommended daily protein which can be calculated here.If possible don’t have high carb foods available at home.Always have low carb snacks available so you don’t reach for the high carb items.Used FitDay to see the protein and carb content of different foods.Referenced the book “Protein Power” and companion website for encouragement and information; life changing information!First 2 weeks I felt sluggish (my body was switching over to a different fuel) but after that I lost all cravings for carbohydrates.My husband and dad both decided to follow my lead and lost 60 lbs and 55 lbs without any exercise. My husband stands all day for his job and was having debilitating knee pain which disappeared as the pounds fell off. Once my husband reached 199 lbs he went in for a physical which he passed with flying colors. His cholesterol panel reflected his low-carb eating habits; raised HDL and super low triglycerides. Yes low carb eating directly lowers your triglycerides! Eating correctly isn’t just about weight-loss, it’s about reclaiming your health.As Joseph Brasco, MD points out, “whenever cereal-based diets were first adopted as a staple food replacing the primarily animal-based diets of hunter-gatherers, there was a characteristic reduction in stature, a reduction in life span, an increase in infant mortality, an increased incidence of infectious disease, an increase in diseases of nutritional deficiencies (i.e., iron deficiency, pellagra), and an increase in the number of dental caries and enamel defects.”Micheal Eades, MD agrees, “Attending conferences and studing anthropology, where we learned what paleopathologists and anthropologists have known for years: the agricultural revolution and the increased consumption of carbohydrates it brought along with it played havoc with the health of early man.”Carbohydrates and an overabundance of Insulin can lead to many conditions and diseases. Here are a few to get you started on your own research[...]

List of Lower Carbohydrate Foods

2008-11-16T15:22:08.360-05:00

This is not a complete list but some basics. The items that I used quite often are in red. Please keep in mind that I kept my daily carbohydrate intake at 20 grams (or less) but your body may be efficient at a little higher or lower than mine. For additional information about the carbohydrate content of these and other foods, please visit FitDay. If you'd like to calculate your recomended daily protein intake, please visit here.FRUITS:Lowest in Sugar:Small amounts of Lemon or LimeRhubarbRaspberriesBlackberriesCranberriesLow to Medium in SugarStrawberriesCasaba MelonPapayaWatermelonPeachesNectarinesBlueberriesCantaloupesHoneydew MelonsApplesGuavasApricotsGrapefruitVEGETABLES:Low-Carb from Lowest to Highest:SproutsGreens - Lettuces, Spinach, Chard, etcHearty Greens - Collards, Mustard Greens, Kale, etcRadicchio and Endive Count as GreensBok ChoyCeleryRadishesSea Vegetables (Nori, etc)BroccoliCabbage (or Sauerkraut)MushroomsJicamaAvocadosCucumbers (or Pickles without added sugar)Peppers (including: Green Bell Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Jalapeno PeppersSummer Squash (including Zucchini)Scallions or Green OnionsAsparagusBamboo ShootsLeeksBrussels SproutsSnow Peas (Pods)Green Beans and Wax BeansTomatoesEggplantArtichoke HeartsFennelOnionsOkraSpaghetti SquashPumpkinMEATS, SEAFOOD, EGGS, TOFUAvoid all breaded meats including Meatloaf unless breadcrumbs are substituted with a low-carb alternative. Also watch out for high carb Sauces served with meatsMussels and Oysters have carbs Some organ meats contain carbsHams, Luncheon Meats and Bacon often have added sugarsBest to eat leaner less processed meatsHalf a cup of tofu has 10 grams of protein and 1 gram of effective carbohydrate (w/ 1 gram of fiber)Eggs are high in protein and low in carbsPROTEINS THAT I ATE: Chicken, Salmon, Eggs, Protein Shake (sweetened with stevia), Shrimp, Steak, Hamburger, Bacon, SausageCONDIMENTS & OTHER ITEMS:Mustard (except sweetened mustards like honey mustard)Cider and Wine VinegarsMost bottled Hot SaucesMost SalsasSoy Sauce or TamariMayonnaiseSugar-free salad dressings (my favorite is Blue Cheese Dressing)CapersHorseradishPestoHerbs and Spices (without added sugar)Lemon or Lime JuiceExtracts (Vanilla, Lemon, Almond, etc)Broth or Bouillon Sour CreamCream CheeseOlive OilCoconut OilAlmond Milk (unsweetened Chocolate or Vanilla)AlmondsMacadamia NutsUnsweetened CocoaSugar Alternatives (Stevia, Xylitol)Low Sugar Balsamic VinegarLow Sugar Rice Wine VinegarLow Sugar Worcester SauceRed WinesLow-Carb BeersHard Cheeses (tend to have Lower Carbs)Half n Half CreamerCoffeeTeaButter [...]

Struggling with Weight-loss?…Part 2

2009-10-23T22:46:30.828-04:00

Insulin was the culprit, blockading my weight-loss progress. My doctor knew this from studying my FitDay journal. Although my overall calories were low, my carbohydrate consumption was high. How are insulin and carbohydrates connected to weight? Carbohydrates are turned into glucose thru the digestion process. The glucose is absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. The pancreas is signaled to release the hormone insulin which helps move the glucose from the blood stream into the cells for energy use, thus prevents blood sugar levels from remaining too high. This is where the “text book answer” ends. In reality, myself , along with millions of other people are finding that instead of glucose being converted to energy, it’s being converted to fat. This happens as a result of long-term carb consumption burning out the receptors that recognize the insulin. The pancreas then puts out more insulin to get the receptors moving the sugar into the cells. This process snowballs until a person has to continually overproduce insulin to stabilize blood sugar. Eventually, no amount of insulin is enough to lower blood sugar levels and the person is labeled Insulin Resistant. When too much glucose is circulating in the bloodstream, the liver converts the excess to FATTY ACIDS -> TRIGLYCERIDES -> BODY FAT. Dr. Gerald Reaven began research at Stanford University in the 1960s into the mechanism of balancing blood sugar and coined the phrase “Syndrome X” (insulin resistance). Reaven approximated 50% of all overweight people in the U.S. (not already diagnosed with diabetes or glucose intolerance) are Insulin Resistant. Additionally, 25% non-overweight people (haven’t put on the weight yet) are Insulin Resistant. In my next installment, I’ll be sharing: Before and After Photos What Foods I Ate Books with Additional Information How Lowering Carbohydrates Improves Health and Lowers Risk Factors for Other Diseases [...]

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