Tesheca LaRose Holistic Wellness Consultant Specializing in Reflexology and Reiki Healing Touch

The use of the term "superfood" has been popularized in our culture over the past few years. Many media outlets tout the term to describe all of the benefits associated with usually foreign exotic fruits and vegetables.
 
The term is misleading because it suggests that the rest of the foods out there are regular or not as nutritious', and that's simply NOT the case.

All natural foods have varying benefits and as the saying goes, you should not compare apples and oranges.
 
Below is a compiled listing of most known foods and their benefits. You will notice how most are recurring and have more than one benefit which suggests that there is not one dietary solution to any health issue or problem you may be facing.

 

Disease fighting foods:

 

• Goji berries
• berries
• dairy
• fatty fish
• dark leafy greens
• whole grains
• sweet potatoes
• tomatoes
• beans/legumes
• nuts
• eggs
• green tea
• chocolate
• alcoholic beverages
• soy
• olive oil

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Foods to maintain a healthy heart

 

 

• yogurt/fermented dairy/probiotics - reduces gum and heart disease
• raisins - fights gum disease and body inflammation
• whole grains - contain antioxidants, phytoestrogens and phytosterols that are protective against coronary disease. We can't digest fiber, so when bile acids are bound to it, they get ushered out of the body as waste. This causes the body to convert more cholesterol into bile acids, which ultimately has the effect of lowering circulating cholesterol levels. Foods high in soluble fiber include oatmeal, barley, beans, okra and eggplant, and citrus fruit, such as oranges
• beans - helps bind cholesterol and keep it from being absorbed in the gut. And, as the fiber is fermented, it produces changes in short-chain fatty acids that can inhibit cholesterol formation. Beans contain a variety of heart-protective chemicals, including flavonoids, compounds also found in wine, berries and chocolate, that inhibit the adhesion of platelets in the blood, which can help lower risk for heart attack and strokes
• tuna and salmon - contain omega-3 fats;lower levels of triglycerides in the blood that may contribute to blood clotting, lower blood pressure slightly, can help prevent irregular heart rhythms.  Flaxseed oil, canola oil and walnuts also contain omega-3 fats
• nuts - walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, pine nuts and peanuts (which actually are legumes) lowers heart disease incidents
• chocolate - has a blood-thinning effect,benefit cardiovascular health, boost the immune system by reducing inflammation. generous proportions of cocoa, help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels.  lowers risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, Type II diabetes, and dementia. Milk chocolate lacks significant levels of epicatechin
• tomatoes - excellent source of vitamin C, plus vitamin A, potassium and fiber, tomatoes are high in lycopene, which works with other vitamins and minerals to aid in disease prevention. may help prevent cardiovascular disease
• berries - strawberries, red raspberries and bilberries, blueberries, black currants, lingonberries and chokeberries. Polyphenols may increase levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that produces a number of heart-healthy effects. One is helping to relax blood vessels, which subsequently results in lowered blood pressure
• apple - lowers risk of death from both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Has strong antioxidant flavonoid compounds which play a key role by preventing "bad" LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and triggering a series of events that result in the buildup of plaque in arteries, as well as inhibiting inflammation. Are also rich in pectin, a form of soluble fiber
• pomegranates - pomegranate [juice] naturally has the highest antioxidant capacity. may help to reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries and lower blood pressure. has a powerful punch of polyphenols-including anthocyanins (found in blue, purple and deep-red foods) and tannins (also found in wine and tea).
• bananas - The potassium in bananas helps maintain normal heart function and the balance of sodium and water in the body. Potassium helps the kidneys excrete excess sodium, thereby contributing to healthy blood pressure. This mineral is especially important for people taking diuretics for heart disease, which combat sodium and water retention but also strip potassium from the body in the process
• green tea - has antioxidants called catechins hampers the body's inflammatory response to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Also helps to cleanse your internal system and speed up metabolism
• alcoholic beverages especially wine -  Drinking in moderation may protect the heart by raising "good" HDL cholesterol, decreasing inflammation and "thinning the blood" (preventing clots that can cause heart attack and stroke); also increases estrogen, which protects the heart-a benefit particularly helpful to postmenopausal women whose reduced estrogen levels increase their risk of heart disease. Remember, 1 drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor
• noni fruit - cleanses the blood and liver which directly affects heart health

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Foods that Reduce Inflammation

• ginger - powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic agents.  inhibits cancer cell formation, improve the digestion process. Classified as a carminative (reducing intestinal gas) and an intestinal spasmolytic (soothes intestinal tract) while inducing gut motility. Reduces fever related nausea, motion sickness, and feelings of "morning sickness. aids in the bile production which is helpful in digesting fats
• parsley - laxative properties fights bladder infections purifier cleans intestines to inhibit tumor cell formation. strong anti-oxidant properties. Contains Chlorophyll which helps alkalize the body, purify blood, and form new red blood cells. chlorophyll and flavonoids in parsley help to enhance cellular glutathione formation. Higher levels of cellular glutathione allow the body to detoxify and heal more effectively
• apple cider vinegar -ACV is an acid on the outside of our body, but has an alkaline ash when it is digested within our body. Is used to treat acne, cleanse the intestines which helps in weight loss, super tonic contains acetic acid which is known to help the body absorb iron more effectively since iron allows the body to better utilize oxygen. Boosting oxygen levels increases both energy production and detoxification processes. Acetic acid and active enzymes within the ACV also help the body metabolize protein and absorb the     amino     acids. helps you  recover from injury, excessive exercise, and states of chronic pain. balances our overall pH by providing alkaline buffering minerals in ionic potassium and magnesium. Purchase completely raw and unpasteurized for best results
• turmeric - Curcuminoids help to cleanse & nourish your skin while balancing the skin`s natural microflora that protects you from infections. a natural anti-inflammatory reverses many common cancer cell transcription factors such as NF-Kappa Beta
• oregano - high in antioxidant activity. found to be the most effective substance against MRSA staph infections, beating out the 18 currently used anti-biotics in a recent study. has incredible anti-bacterial functions due to its high content of thymol, a powerful phenol. Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, & throat/respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions. works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell production. Oregano oil is more potent than the dried herb; however, the dried version still contains many powerful health benefits
• chia seeds - have all the essential amino acids (protein), except for taurine, and are also a great source of omega-3 oils, high in antioxidants
• raw chocolate/cocoa - high levels of antioxidants. has lots of minerals, like zinc, chromium and magnesium, and plenty of vitamins and beta-carotene. also has quite a kick and wakes you up in the same way tea does, but gives a steadier stream of energy
• Berries - Goji berries, also known as wolfberries have 18 kinds of amino acids (the building blocks of protein); a high quantity of calcium, selenium, zinc, vitamin B2 and C, beta-carotene and potassium; thought to boost your immune system and help you lose weight

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Skin Soothing Foods

• yogurt - eat to heal eczema. rich in probiotics which contain bacteria that is linked to a reduction in skin sensitivity and inflammation, along with a stronger digestive track and immune system
• tuna/salmon - eat to heal psoriasis. The EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) found in fish oil inhibits the growth of inflammatory agents. The essential fatty acid in this fish helps draw water in to your cells, hydrating your skin from within
• wild salmon - helps in reduction of cellulite formation. This fish provides a substantial dose of omega-3 fatty acids, a.k.a. the good fats, which contains alpha-linolenic acid, an organic compound that helps keep skin smooth and supple by building connective tissues and strong cell membranes
• sweet potato - Soothes rough skin when eaten internally or applied externally. Contains over 400 percent of the RDA of vitamin A, which is essential for treating and preventing a dry, flaking complexion.vitamin A also encourages skin cell turnover, which explains why it gives skincare products such as Retin-A their healing powers. High potassium levels (694 mg for one medium)
• tomatoes - Smooth wrinkles by applying or ingesting tomato paste and olive oil which boosts pro-collagen, a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm and youthful
• olive oil - Use to moisturize rough skin and smooth wrinkles. The omega-3s in olive oil have the ability to form strong cell walls in the skin
• cantaloupe - eat to soothe sun damaged skin. Contains rich in the compound superoxide dismutase (SOD), an orally effective protectant against UVB radiation. Beneficial in boosting your skins' natural sun protection and preventing already-existing sun damage from getting worse
• soy- heals eczema.contain chemicals called isoflavones. foods containing soy protein may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, prevention of breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer, osteoporosis, and kidney disease. over consumption by male not recommended since its similar to estrogen in property
• coconut milk - consume to soothe and heal eczema. many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content.used in traditional medicine to treat abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds. contains healthy fats that helps you lose weight source 

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We are all familiar with the pros and cons of sugar. Although sugar is a natural sweeter, excess sugar is converted to fat and will make your waistline increase in time. Sugar is also a culprit in gastrointestinal issues and diabetes. Americans particularly consume large quantities of sugary foods and drinks as part of their regular diet which has contributed to the worsening state of health we face as Americans today.

Artificial sweeteners were invented to be an alternative to the effects sugar has on certain individuals. We are familiar with aspartame, saccharin and sucralose. But with the growth of natural foods, the below mentioned are excellent alternatives to non-natural sweeteners and sugar.

Have you heard of Stevia? It is made from the leaves of a South American stevia plant shrub and marketed under names like Truvia, PureVia and Stevia in the Raw. It is a natural sweetener with zero calories, mainly used to sweeten coffee and teas but some well known companies are using it as an alternative sweetener to high fructose corn syrup and sugar. It is much sweeter than table sugar so use sparingly. (use 3/4 tablespoon to every 2 teaspoons of sugar)

Another natural substitute is good ole honey. Honey not only tastes good, it has important health benefits such as being anti-inflammatory, fights infection, reduces scarring, and aids in relieving gastrointestinal ailments. read more. Use of honey in coffee and in cold beverages is not recommended.

Agave nectar/syrup is also a great choice for sugar replacement. Its derived from the agave plant of Mexico. It contains prebiotic fiber and contains vitamin nutrients along with calcium and iron.  It can be used for cooking and mixed in hot and cold beverages.
It is a low glycemix food unlike sugar. Like stevia, it is sweeter than sugar so use sparingly.

These natural sweeteners are readily found in your neighborhood supermarket or gourmet grocer.

It is reported that over 40% of people search online for services that can help them to clean their internal system according to Spafinder, which is a consumer resource for spa information.

Detoxification services includes:
 

• colonic - hydrotherapy/colon irrigation. A flow of purified warm water is instilled gently into the colon through a disposable rectal nozzle which is easily inserted into the anus in order to eliminate the contents of your lower colon. These services should only be performed by a reputable and certified hydro therapist or spa. Note that you should not exceed 1-2 sessions per month since the natural positive digestive enzymes will be flushed out along with fecal matter. Risk includes puncturing of the intestinal wall. 

 

• chelation therapy - small amounts of heavy metals such as mercury and nickel that we intake from food and air are removed. Although accepted by modern medicine, there is no proof of medical benefit other than if you have metal poisoning. Clients have reported that this is an uncomfortable and even painful therapy.

 

• foot pads as advertised on tv - much controversy surrounds claims made by the manufacturers of such products. The pads claim to detoxify the foot by use of herbs in the pads which helps drain pollutants from your lymphatic system into the feet. The brown color you see is actually not toxins that were drained, but simply a chemical reaction that changes color when moisture hits it. I recommend you not spend money on such products.

 

• acupuncture, reflexology, massage and other therapies - the physical stimulation associated with these modalities helps to remove any toxic build-up by causing body's fluids to flow more effectively which transports the toxins out of your body.

 

• at-home cleanse kits which has a range of products aimed at cleansing specific organs such as the liver, spleen, colon.

The most commonly sought-after cleanse is for the colon. The large intestine is what is referred to as the colon. The large intestine is the pipeline of mainly solid waste. Doing a colon cleanse is an effective way to remedy the symptoms of a sluggish colon.

A sluggish colon can be a direct cause of constipation where you would only experience a bowel movement 2-3 times per week. Constipation is not a disease but only a symptom of varying factors attributed to a mainly poor diet. Alternatively, the sluggishness may simply be attributed to a clogged colon wall where fecal matter is stuck onto the intestinal wall which of itself can cause a slew of problems such as affecting the nutritional intake from foods/drinks consumed.

An effective colon cleanse is one where you would eat specific fruits and vegetables which can help to affect the rhythmic movement of your bowels in a positive way. Foods which increase your dietary fiber will help to cleanse your colon effectively. Some examples would be mangoes which are rich in vitamin C, A, B6 and broccoli spears which mimics a broom by sweeping the intestinal wall clean plus adds a high source of fiber. 

You can find many choices of at-home colon cleanses available online or in your local drug store. Most of these programs utilize a combination of enzymes and fiber. So be sure to drink plenty of water and follow the specific instructions of the program that you choose. You may find programs ranging from a 7 day to a 21 day cleanse. If you would rather an all-natural product then look for an herbal colon cleanse.
 
Let's assume you refuse to get a colonic and don't really have up to 21 days to take pills? A very easy solution is to drink plenty of water, exercise, take probiotics which are found in foods such as yogurt and come in pill form, and eliminate any red meats for at least a week. The combination of these easy steps will certainly guarantee that you won't feel sluggish and you will feel 'lighter' as the days progress.

There are definitely a few DON'Ts when doing a colon cleanse. Don't do laxative therapy. (I.e No taking laxatives to induce diarrhea especially for a prolonged period of time since this will guarantee a trip to the hospital, future expensive medical bills, and/or death.)

Don't do anything in extreme forms such as exercising, drinking too much water for your body weight, being on an all-liquid diet, trying to perform a colonic on yourself or have a friend perform one on you

A dietary lifestyle change, use of probiotics in your daily diet routine, adequate water intake, moderate exercise and movement will help you to maintain a normal colon which experiences less buildup than the average person. Use your best judgment in choosing a method - taking into consideration your budget, lifestyle, time and schedule.

 

The claims associated with the aforementioned therapies have not been proven in scientific studies. You should first consult with your physician before attempting to utilize any cleansing method or detox program.

Use your best judgment when choosing a method - taking into consideration your budget, lifestyle, time and schedule.

If you are interested in experiencing what reflexology can do for your system, call us today!

We should all be aware that sleep is an important fact of life. When the body is in this active state of rest is when the cells are able to regenerate. Sleep can affect pain perception and your ability to tolerate physical and emotional pain and is vital in our learning process. It helps information gathered throughout the day to be stored into memory.

Think of your brain as a computer that goes through certain stages of processing information. In the lighter stage of sleep the brain takes new information placed in temporary storage and puts it into a temporary holding area. In the deeper stage, that info is moved to more permanent storage. Then during REM(rapid eye movement)/dream stage that info gets embedded into our memory. 

But many of us are not able to get the recommended hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can also magnify the severity of other sleep disorders including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.

Below is a list of Sleep Medical Conditions compiled by John Hopkins Sleep Center

• Insomnia: The most common sleep disorder and which there are 30 types. Insomnia is defined as a recurrent problem initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, and/or waking up feeling un-refreshed, and is associated with problems functioning during the day. Irritability, fatigue, and inattention are effects.

 

• Chronic Insufficient Sleep: The most common explanation for complaints of sleepiness in our society is inadequate sleep. Due to the stress and rigors of society, most Americans often get less than 7 hours of sleep per night.

 

• Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) is a disorder diagnosed by the presence of four essential symptoms:

1. An uncomfortable sensation usually located in the legs that are associated with an overwhelming urge to move.
2. The experience of these sensations when the individual is immobile or at “rest.”
3. When the individual moves, the symptoms improve.
4. The symptoms are most prominent at night.

 

• Circadian Rhythm Disorder: When our brain's internal clock is out of whack you can have difficulty sleeping during “conventional” sleep hours. Circadian rhythm disorders can come in a variety of forms based on the pattern of the sleep clock misalignment, including: Night owl form (CRD-delayed sleep phase syndrome), Morning lark form (CRD-advanced sleep phase syndrome), Shift work disorder(working night shift), and Jet lag. The misalignment between the internal clock and the environment can lead to a number of difficulties including insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. 

 

•  Narcolepsy: A collection of symptoms are involved in this disorder. The desire to sleep becomes so overwhelming that small “cat naps” are required throughout the day to feel refreshed. You may experience episodes of cataplexy (muscle weakness associated with expression of emotion), muscle paralysis during sleep-wake transitions, and dream-like images experienced when they are awake. 

 

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: You may stop breathing during sleep due to an obstruction. This obstruction is usually associated with a fall in blood oxygen or arousal from sleep and may be caused by large tonsils or a large tongue, excess tissue in the upper airway, blocked nasal passages or the structure of the jaw and airway. You may experience daytime symptoms such as sleepiness, fatigue, and problems with memory and concentration. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, stroke, acid reflux and insomnia can make symptoms worse. Until a sleep study is done, the formal diagnosis cannot be made.

 

• Parasomnia: Literally means behaviors occurring at the time of sleep. These are infrequent and benign and do not require medical attention. A formal evaluation by a sleep specialist should be considered in the following situations:

1. Episodes result in injury to the individual or others
2. Episodes result in significant sleep disruption to the individual or members of their household
3. Episodes result in significant daytime dysfunction. Some of the conditions categorized as parasomnias include:

• Nightmares
• Night terrors
• Sleep walking
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Sleep-related eating disorders
• Somniloquy (talking in one’s sleep)

Based on the current sleep deprivation research findings 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep nightly is required in order to function at your best, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

You would have to talk with your doctor about your sleep pattern so that they can make a proper assessment into whether it is anxiety-related or an actual medical condition such as sleep disorder.

Scientific studies have shown that relaxation techniques alter and increase alpha brain wave, which causes deep relaxation and may contribute to a sense of well-being, also having immune boosting benefits that can possibly aid in cancer, HIV/AIDS patients recovery.

Alternative therapies such as reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, energy work/healing, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, Qi Gong, yoga, meditation, and herbal therapy can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment and are known relaxation techniques that promote well-being, vitality, and self-healing.

Your health is your wealth so do what is necessary to achieve a quality life.
 

 

The vertebral column is referred to as the back bone and together with the spinal cord is called the spinal column.
It functions to protect the spinal cord and permit passage of the spinal nerves, help support the head and upper extremities while permitting us to move, and provides muscles, ribs, and membranes of the abdominal and chest cavities a place to attach to. 

According to the Advanced Pain Medicine Institute in Washington D.C, 96% of us will experience some sort of back pain in our lives. But not many people understand the causes of their discomfort. Whether you choose to believe it, back pain is preventable.

• If you have a dull aching pain throughout any region of the back then this may be due to muscle strain from twisting the neck or torso, lifting objects, and/or not stretching before exercising.
• This pain can also be associated with degenerative disc disease which is a naturally occurring phenomena in humans. The intervertebral discs located in between the vertebra of the spinal column starts to wear away as we age. Some people may not even experience symptoms. A dull aching pain can progress to be sharp, shooting, or burning if disc is herniated. Although the lower back is commonly affected, the pain can occur at any region of the spinal column.
• Herniated discs are very common and is caused by intense pressure of the vertebrae which causes them to rupture/herniate. If stinging sensations are felt in the lower back or buttocks that may signal lumbar area is affected. Discomfort in the frontal thigh area coincides with cervical or thoracic herniation, and headache or burning sensations down the shoulders or arm may signal cervical herniation.
• Sciatica is associated with herniated discs because this sharp shooting pain means a nerve is being pinched from a herniation. If you have numbness or weakness in the legs it could mean you have nerve damage.
• Dull achy pain in a localized area and stiff back may be attributed to facet joint disease. Spasms may occur due to the body trying to stabilize the back. Moving around can ease the pain.
• less common causes may be spinal stenosis which is when an area of the spinal canal has become narrow and may put pressure on the cord or nerves causing a dull achy pain extending to hips buttocks and thighs, or stabbing sharp pain in the back and legs; and failed back syndrome which occurs in post-back surgery patients where the pain is constant due to malfunction of nerves caused by surgery.

The obvious solution is to speak with your medical doctor so that he may determine what exactly is causing your symptoms and can treat you accordingly. They commonly will prescribe Over-the-counter medication to help with the pain, or may even schedule surgery.

I recommend visiting an osteopath or a reputable chiropractor who is medically trained to deal with spinal manipulation.

Other complementary therapies that should be applied:

•  Stretching and calisthenics are good ways to prevent symptoms of back pain, especially before a workout. Warming up the body's muscle will lessen the chances of muscle strain
•  relaxation (reiki, healing touch, meditation and the like help to relieve stress which causes muscle tension); and/or body massage therapy
•  acupuncture which has shown to reduce pain
•  acupressure and reflexology to decrease symptoms of pain and allows for you to engage in more activity
•  yoga and pilates (Caution:discuss with your doctor which type of yoga program is suitable for you since there are various types and choosing the wrong one will make matters worse. Beginner pilates is a safer alternative)
• decompression therapy where the spine is intentionally stretched by a machine

We can help to bring relief for your back pain symptoms in one session with our reiki/reflexology combination therapy. You don't have to suffer, give us a call today!

Remember to always consult your doctor before you start any new program or therapy.

It is reported that 18% of U.S. adults/19 million are affected with anxiety disorder. But that is not to mention the countless others that may not have been diagnosed as yet, or will ever be diagnosed.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times where they may feel nervousness or anxiousness when faced with everyday common problems (i.e work deadlines, test taking, making very important decisions). But to have an anxiety disorder is when the fear and worry actually interferes with normal everyday human functioning. It is a form of mental illness. But stigmas are associated with any mental illness therefore others may view a sufferer as being weak or assuming that attacks may be due to the sufferers family upbringing. But that is far from the truth of the matter. 

Chemical imbalances may be partially blamed, and scientists are realizing that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stress.

There are several types of disorders under the anxiety disorder umbrella which are general anxiety disorder of unrealistic fear and worry, panic disorder which can elicit physical symptoms such as profuse sweating or hyperventilation, OCD/Obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder/PTSD, social phobias or anxiety, specific phobias like arachnaphobia/fear of spiders.

Common symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
• Nightmares
• Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
• Problems sleeping
• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• An inability to be still and calm
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Nausea
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness

Diagnosis must be made by a mental health professional. Fortunately, they are trained to recognize the symptoms and distinguish them from just a normal stress reaction.

There are various methods of alleviating these symptoms which conventional medicine may prescribe such as use of medications and psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and forms of relaxation therapy are the alternative used to manage such symptoms.

As a holistic practitioner, I am a strong proponent of getting to the root cause of the symptoms and to help my clients recognize what the underlying cause of their stress may be. Solely treating symptoms is like putting a bandaid over a recurring wound.

Prevention is better than the cure. You can help reduce incidents by eliminating or reducing caffeine from your diet, use of relaxation techniques such as creating art, going for a massage or energy work therapy such as reiki, talking it out with a support group or counselor, prayer and meditation, and avoidance of any stressors you are aware of that seem to constantly trigger an episode.

If you are in need of an alternative form of therapy for any of the disorders mentioned here, you owe it to yourself to improve your quality of life and achieve optimum wellness.

Call us today to set up an appointment for our wonderful relaxation therapy of reiki healing touch!

For online tutorials on relieving an attack click here

If you're currently pregnant or have a male child that was born with a genital birth defect then the cause can most likely be linked to phthalates. What are phthalates exactly? They are chemicals found in common household products such as plastics, shower curtains, children's toys. Other sources and where they are found are:

DEP(diethyl phthalate): deodorant, fragrance, hair gel, hair mousse, hair spray, hand and body lotions

DBP(dibutyle phthalate) nail polish, deodorant, fragrances, hair spray and is considered the least harmful of all phthalates

DEHP(diethylhexyl phthalate) fragrance

*Note that they may simply be listed on the product label as 'fragrance'

Bisphenol A found in plastics can mimic female hormones


If you are pregnant, exposure to these chemicals between your 8th and 15th week where the hormone balance directs the sex organ development can put your fetus at great risk because it can disrupt hormones and formation of male genitals according to a University of Rochester study. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors which interfere with the synthesis of testosterone.

One genital defect may be hypospadias where the boy's urethra exits the underside of his penis as compared to the opening of the urethra migrating from near the testicles to end of the penis. This can only be corrected via several surgeries. Other effects may be a small penis size or a short anogenital distance which is a shortened distance between the anus and genitals.

You may be asking why doesn't these chemicals affect female genital development as well? This is thought to be attributed to the fact that up to 8 weeks of pregnancy there are no clear sex organ trait but after 8 weeks those with a Y chromosome (which determines male sex) start to develop gonads for the secretion of testosterone. Testosterone therefore turning the fetus into a male.

There is good news though. The human machine is wondrous and can clear out the phthalates in about 2-3 days. But keep in mind that constant exposure can make the clearing process next to impossible. The body stores toxins and therefore this can lead to high doses being transferred to the fetus.

What is the alternative to using such harmful products? Go green!  Read your labels and recognize the chemicals that can be detrimental. Switch, at least temporarily, to natural products or products less than 2 fingers worth of listed chemicals on the label.

We live in an era where it is not difficult at all to pick up all natural products in our neighborhood stores. Although the cost may be significantly higher than those non-natural products, the overall costs to your baby will far outweigh those few extra dollars spent.

I recently came across an article in Time magazine 'Why Exercise Won't make You Thin'. I've already believed this myself but being that this is a widespread notion, no one wants to accept otherwise. But there is documentary evidence to support the fact that exercise does not make you shed the pounds. A life change in diet/way you eat is what will mainly do so.

A Louisiana state researcher stated that exercise for weight loss is useless. Although it will burn calories, people tend to get hungrier and eat more after an exercise session. They consume more calories to compensate for the amount they have burned off.

Also, it was found in studies that those who did a gym exercise would move less afterwards. Why is this? Well, looking back at history there was no gym. Simply put, we as humans are not meant to expend calories and not wanting to replenish what we've lost.

 Lifting weights as the gladiators did was to GAIN mass, not lose it. People were active, they did manual labor, yoga, etc. When you go to the gym, you do a rigorous workout and have burned so much energy that you will feel lethargic and hungry afterwards.
Exercise does have the benefits of reducing the chances of certain diseases and aids in keeping the internal organs functioning well by allowing things to move as it should.

I myself do not have a gym membership, never have gone to the gym, yet I maintain a size 4 dress. I also credit my metabolism for helping me to have any food that I'd like. But metabolism and diet go hand in hand. I eat right, exercise to be toned and fit, and am active in various ways which do not require a gym membership. Certain foods/drink will aid in helping your metabolism to function right.
 
Foods such as green tea which is great in antioxidants and affects the thyroid which controls the metabolic rate. Also, foods which are known in Asia's ayurvedic practice to bring the 'heat'. But, you can google ayurveda to find out more about this. Also, focusing on keeping the intestinal functions moving right is key.

Eating foods such as mangoes will naturally aid in proper digestion and flow. The human body is meant to move, so just keep it moving however makes you comfortable and happy to do it while focusing on your food intake- and you will see the gradual shedding of weight.

Cystic, hormonal acne is a personal issue for me. I have suffered from the various types of breakouts since I was in 4th grade. It takes a toll on overall self-esteem when your skin looks less than perfect. As a teen, I wore heavy foundation to 'mask' the problem.

But as an over 30 year old adult, the problem persists. After age 27 or so, my breakouts changed from being topical to being cystic(under the skin). I did research on the matter, got a hormone level test from my internal medicine doctor which revealed I do have elevated levels, and have tried all products out there (over the counter and prescription). They worked -- for a while.

For about 2 months now, I have been experimenting with my own natural holistic remedy which is super inexpensive. It's called ' apple cider vinegar'!  Yes, the 5% oversized gallon you can find in supermarkets everywhere is powerful stuff to help clear the body from toxins and the pores as well.

I put it on nightly before bedtime and drink about 2 tablespoons worth. I also have been doing a honey/turmeric/apple cider vinegar mask on my face. Mix all ingredients and leave it on for about 1 hour max. I have noticed significant improvements in my skin since doing this for about a month now. For those suffering from cystic hormonal acne, I would recommend trying these simple remedies. Your skin may not be perfect, but it'll be greatly improved.

For those looking for a prescription treatment to slough off and peel old acne marks and new breakouts, I suggest prescription Tazorac. I have been using it for about 2 months and it has contributed to better skin overall. I must warn that in the beginning, the results may be disheartening since this retinoid will move all existing underlying impurities to the surface, thus resulting in new breakouts. But after they have dried up, and while doing the facial and apple cider vinegar, you will see results after 1.5 months. Tazorac is to be used for 12 weeks straight.

There may be no cure for acne at this point in time, but it can be managed. It's a never-ending journey. Good luck! ;)

If you were to take a trip down the grocery aisle, you can pick up any number of products and it would read on the label "contains peanuts, soy, may contain traces of tree nuts", etc.

Why is it that many developed countries are having an increase in food allergies, but poorer countries don't seem to have this problem? Well, logically it's because poorer nations' allergic problems are simply under reported- because without adequate healthcare and testing, there is no way to track how many may actually suffer from some form of a food allergy.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children 18 years and younger reported a 18% jump of the condition from years 1997-2007. Each year, 30,000 people in the US are rushed to the emergency room suffering from an allergic reaction to food. The problem is climbing fast among Hispanics. European nations have posted similar figures. The problem is figuring out WHY people that are fortunate to have a healthy food supply, may not be able to enjoy it.

Allergies happen when the body has too much IgE, which acts as the detector for foreign body invaders. When an invader is spotted, the IgE attaches to the surface of cells that release histamines resulting in: rash and hives, a blood pressure drop, edema(fluid swelling), constricted airways, coughing, watery eyes, respiratory distress, anaphylactic shock, and worst case is death.

What can stop the IgE? A dose of adrenaline/epinephrine. Note: Those suffering from asthma are more prone to the more serious reactions.

So, why the quick reactions and large IgE spike? Well, a clean body may be to blame. Sounds ridiculous right? Our generation has been able to increase longevity from being more sanitary than our ancestors, so what's the problem?! 

Well, the body was naturally made to be a soldier fighting off bacteria, parasites, and other biological microorganisms. With our developed drugs and antibiotics- which are given to treat just about every issue we go to the doctor for- no wonder our body over reacts when it spots an 'invader'. Not only are medications to blame.
 
Think about the products we use in every day life that claim to kill 99.99% germs, bacteria, allergens. Our immune system is getting weaker because our body isn't fighting any longer. We are TOO clean. So what can be done?

Well, my son isn't allergic to peanut butter, but gets a reaction to peanuts that aren't dry roasted..it may be the oil that's the culprit? who knows. But being in the health sciences field, I understood that just as a vaccine works by giving the body a weakened strain of a disease, the same can go for allergies. I gave him a peanut a day to eat so that his body can slowly be introduced to it, and not overreact. It worked!

I recently learned that there is such a thing as oral immunotherapy in which the same approach is taken. Doctors try to retrain the immune system by giving doses of the offensive protein enough times, in increasing doses, that the body's defenses eventually back down a little and accept the proteins. In trial studies, it seems to be working.
 
I know that acupuncture does the same to treat allergies by giving a minute dose to the body, and over time, the allergy seems to vanish.

A consultation with a medical professional is highly recommended when it comes to treating food allergies, but there are alternatives to the status quo. I hope this article helps any one looking for another method to ' prescription meds'.