Health Basics

Monday, June 25, 2012

Robert's Progress & Liver Flush

So Robert is still on his primarily plant based diet and is still doing P90X. Here are some photos of his most recent progress. This is week 7.


Robert also completed a  Liver flush this past weekend. Although his diet has been pretty clean, he has been experiencing mid day fatigue. He advised that he feels great for most of the day, but on his drive home from work, he gets really tired and finds it difficult to stay awake. Although he recently completed a detox, Robert has been showing signs of a sluggish/impaired liver. Symptoms of a sluggish or impaired liver function include fatigue, poor digestion, bloating, gas, mood swings, anger, depression, poor nutrient absorption, brown spots on the skin, acne, dry skin, and dark circles under the eyes. Since Robert was experiencing a few of the symptoms above, I suggested he complete a Liver Flush. I will also be making him an herbal liver tincture for him to take daily in an effort to detoxify and regenerate his liver. 

The Liver, which is the largest organ in the body is responsible for so many metabolic processes. Its chief responsibility is to filter all of the toxins we take in day in and day out. Taking pharmaceutical drugs, (which are all inorganic toxic substances, I don't care what they are for) alcohol consumption, commercial skin care products, drinking coffee and a host of other activities can all place a heavy burden on the liver. Ideally, the liver should be cleansed 2-3 times a year.  

I will report his progress once he has been on the liver tincture for some time. (It takes weeks to make a good herbal liver tincture so please be patient. Feel free to comment and or ask questions. Here's to a healthy liver! 

Friday, June 1, 2012

The wonders of coconut: Why you need some in your life

I LOVE COCONUT!. Until recently I had no idea just how beneficial coconut really is. I have replaced my EVOO for coconut oil when I cook. According to JB Bardot, coconuts are a versatile superfood providing nutrition, health benefits, and amazing medicinal properties all wrapped in one delicious package. Coconuts are totally natural, easily available and affordable; and every part of the fruit is useful. Below are 101 reasons to use coconut.

Green coconut water uses:

--Natural, healthy source for hydration, energy and endurance, making it the perfect sports drink.
--Restores electrolytes after exercise, vomiting, diarrhea.
--Antiseptic properties provide antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agents to purify blood -- killing measles, herpes, influenza, AIDS, SARS, hepatitis C...
--Useful for emergency transfusions due to being close in composition to human plasma.
--Used to prevent vomiting, nausea and replace lost fluids in cases of malaria, typhoid, influenza...
--Dissolves kidney stones alkalizing urine pH.
--Used as a natural cleanse, coconut water mixed with olive oil eliminates intestinal parasites.

Coconut oil medicinal uses:

Virgin coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut. Expeller pressed oil has no scent or taste and both types can be used medicinally.

--Kills bacteria causing urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, gum disease, staphylococcus, MRSA...
--Destroys fungus causing candida.
--Kills viruses causing flu, infectious disease, typhoid, HIV...
--Inhibits parasite growth such as tapeworm, liver flukes, giardia...
--Eases acid reflux, relieves gallbladder disease.
--Enhances proper bowel function and lowers incidence of hemorrhoids when oil is consumed.
--Relieves and heals intestinal disorders, ulcers, colitis, IBS, and Crohn's disease.
--Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin production.
--Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.
--Protects against osteoporosis and reduces problems from cystic fibrosis.
--Enhances pancreatic function, enzyme production and reduces pancreatitis.
--Improves magnesium and calcium absorption, promoting stronger bones.
--Reduces joint and muscle inflammation, supporting repair of tissues.
--Regulates thyroid function.
--Protects against cancers of colon, breast, and digestive tract.
--Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) protect against development of Alzheimer's disease.
--MCFA strengthen heart and circulatory system protecting against artherosclerosis and heart disease.
--Prevents oxidation of fatty acids.
--Provides antioxidants to fight free radicals slowing aging and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.
--Relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
--Reduces incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures.
--Stabilizes female hormones reducing hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause.
--Lessens symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
--Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration.
--Soothes earaches when mixed with garlic and olive oil.

Topical uses for coconut oil:

--Forms a chemical barrier on skin to protect and heal infections.
--Topical applications relieve pain and swelling from hemorrhoids.
--Moisturizes and softens dry skin.
--Reduces bags, puffiness and wrinkles under eyes.
--Lessens occurrence and appearance of varicose veins.
--Preps skin before shaving.
--Mixed with baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective toothpaste.
--Soothes sunburned skin and promotes healing of burns and blisters.
--Heals psoriasis and eczema lesions.
--Stops pain, burning, and itching of bug and snake bites.
--Prevents itching from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
--Promotes firm skin tone, preventing age spots, sagging and wrinkles.
--Eliminates head lice.
--Removes makeup easily.
--Heals nail fungus under finger and toenails.
--Prevent nosebleeds by applying light film inside nostrils.
--In combination with cornstarch and baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective deodorant.
--Makes an excellent massage oil, a natural personal lubricant, and great sunscreen.
--Conditions hair, prevents split ends, reduces frizz, controls flaky scalp and dandruff.
--Removes scars and stretch marks.
--Repairs cracked, sore, dry nipples from nursing.
--Heals diaper rash and removes cradle cap on babies.

Nutritional uses for coconut oil:

--Enhances absorption of nutrients and improves digestion.
--Provides a quick energy source and stimulates metabolism.
--Produces immediate, usable energy source rather than being stored as fat.
--Increases metabolic rate, stabilizes body weight, and controls food cravings.
--Enriches milk supply for breast-feeding women.
--Doesn't form harmful by-products during cooking when used at high heat.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.accessmylibrary.com
http://www.thefreelibrary.com
http://www.dshs.texas.gov/wichd/gi/wicnews_text_mar-apr.shtm#Coconuts
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
http://www.organicfacts.net
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/coconut_oil.html
http://www.uniben.edu
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/POW/coconut_palm.htm

Got Auto Immune Disorders, Reproductive Issues, Developmental Delays? You need to know this!

I have run out of fingers trying to count my friends, family and extended acquaintances that are suffering from a number of degenerative diseases. I have seen healthy, vibrant friends deteriorate right before my eyes. I have seen their offspring suffer from developmental delays and other neurological disorders. Too many of our women who desire children are unable to conceive with no real explanation as to why. They have resolved to accept the fact that it's just "not meant to be." Do not believe this.  The video I am showcasing today will provide you with a plethora of information that can shed some light on how and why this is happening. Nothing happens by accident. Headaches and migraines don't come out of nowhere. Digestive issues don't just emerge overnight. Lupus, infertility, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, PCOS, ADHD, ADD, Autism, Alzheimer's, Cancer and the like don't just strike the unlucky. There is a root cause to ALL of it. Please hear me. There is a ROOT cause to all of it. Check out this video today to learn more.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Robert's Health & Fitness Progress: Week 3

 So it's been 2 weeks since Robert began his detox, plant based diet and P90X. Here are the results so far:

May 15th



May 28th      



May 15th Before

May 28th After
 Robert's Detox is over. (He only did a 14 day detox.) He will continue on a plant based diet (80%) and will stay on track with his P90X fitness program. I will provide another update in 2 weeks regarding his progress. Staples in Robert's diet include fresh organic vegetable juices, Spirulina, fresh fruit green smoothies, organic nuts and seeds, LOTS and LOTS of organic greens and salads. Robert has eliminated all processed foods, refined starches and sugar. He does eat chicken and fish occasionally, but these items make up 10-20% of his overall food intake.

Case Study

Subject: Robert Chapman, 43 year old black male
Health Concerns/Challenges: Overweight, Chronic Fatigue, Low Energy, Episodes of High Blood Pressure, Previous challenges with depression
Health/Fitness Goals: Healthy Weight, Increased Energy, Stable Blood Pressure, Lean Muscular Build

Recommendations: 
Continue to eat a primarily plant based diet, complete another detox Fall 2012, continue P90X fitness regimen.



Friday, May 18, 2012

Basic Healthy Living meets P90X

 

So my husband Robert has decided to be my first male case study. For the next 90 days Robert is embarking upon a total body transformation, from the inside out. Robert has already managed to reverse his high blood pressure predicated upon my dietary recommendations, now he plans to totally transform his body into a muscular, plant based, nutritional powerhouse. He decided to do this as a way to reboot his system. We are first starting him off with a 15 day herbal detox that targets the liver, kidneys and the colon specifically. While on the 15 day detox, Robert is eating a complete plant based diet consisting of fresh organic juices, green smoothies, power salads, raw food dishes, nuts, seeds, and legumes. He is also joining forces with P90X for the physical body sculpting portion of the case study. After the 90 days, Robert plans to maintain his "new" body by following a 70% plant based diet. He has already asserted that his will NEVER give up meat, but he understands and realizes that his body is much better off with less of it.

Decreasing Your Dependence on Processed Foods

So often when I tell people about the dangers of processed foods, I hear them explain how it's virtually impossible to live without it. Our lives are drastically different than that of our mother's and grandmothers. We are fighting through traffic, picking up the kids from day care, meeting deadlines at work and still trying to run a household. It's no wonder that we've become dependent on the "cheap, fast and in a hurry" convenience processed foods provide, but at the same time, our health is suffering as a result. With a little bit of planning and education, you can decrease your families' dependence on processed foods and realize a more healthy way of doing things.

Eating Organic IS cheaper!

I hear this all the time. "Eating organic is way too expensive." "I don't have the money to eat organic." These two statements are simply not true, depending on who you are. If you are trying to eat organic as well as maintain your current SAD (Standard American Diet) then yes, eating organic may be too cost prohibitive for you. Try this experiment.