A SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT

ANOTHER GREAT DAY FULL OF LEARNING AND LOVE

NATI, RUTH, CORO, MARICARMEN AND ME

THE GROUP OF THE DAY!

A SPECIAL "THANK YOU" GOES TO JORGE AND PAULA FOR SHARING THEIR BOUNDLESS KNOWLEDGE WITH US

SUGAR the hidden dangers

 As Christmas draws near once again, opportunities present themselves to maybe do something different. Given my previous work history it will come as no surprise to some of you that I am choosing this subject. However, I am not just going to talk about sugars effect on teeth here. With the rising incidence of diabetes worldwide and other life threatening diseases, maybe we should take another look at it? In general we tend to fall into old patterns and behaviors, especially when it comes to our consumption of sugar and sugar products. We choose not to talk about it because that would mean perhaps not feeding a potential addiction. You may choose not read this.  However, I am asking you to as there are some things here which make surprising reading.  Please read it with an an open mind, and be prepared to have some of your beliefs about sugar squashed. Then maybe, you will want to strive for a healthier holiday season and a life filled with vitality!

The simplest statement I can make is: SUGAR KILLS! It kills your immune system, preventing the body from healing. It kills your energy levels. It kills a positive attitude. It destroys the balance within the body’s hormonal system. The fact is that all hormones depend on each other to do their job.  When our systems gets short circuited with sugar, hell breaks loose internally.  The body simply shuts down. The communication pathways are closed.  One 8 oz glass of  fizzy drink can shut the immune system down for eight hours. There are hidden sugars in many things we buy - even those we wouldn't expect to find it in.  Pickles, Sauces, Savory goods, breakfast cereals, etc.
Here is an eye opening mini-list of common breakfast or snack items with their sugar per serving listing:

*

Item	Quantity	Amount of Sugar
Minute Maid  Cranberry Grape Juice	16 fl oz	19 tsp
Anderson Erickson Pineapple Orange Banana Lowfat Yogurt	1 container	12 tsp
Fruit Loops cereal	1 serving	4 tsp
Quaker Fruit & Oatmeal Strawberry Cereal Bar	1 cereal bar	4 tsp
Nestle Nesquik Chocolate Milk	16 fl oz	13.5 tsp
Dragon Tales Fruit Snacks	1 bag 0.9 oz	4 tsp
Motts Apple Sauce	4 oz	5.5 tsp
Mountain Dew	20 fl oz	19 tsp
Quaker Fruit & Oatmeal Toasties	2 pop tarts	9.5 tsp

*

Sugar feeds cancer cells!  It completely wipes out your immune system, weakening your defense line against bacterial infection, illness or disease.  Sugar also promotes depression, fatigue, anger and lack of interest.  Not to mention the cravings for more sugar. Girls and ladies who suffer from painful menstrual cycles, take a peek at your sugar intake.  Ladies who are suffering from PMS, menopause, endometriosis etc… take a look at your sugar intake.  Those of you who can not stay focused, who have ADD or ADHD, etc, look a the sugar intake.  The list goes on and on.

Below I have pasted in an article that lists 78 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health.  These have been extracted from a variety of medical journals and scientific publications. 

Read your labels.  Some foods will be listed as sugar free, yet contain many of the other forms of sugar.  While sugar substitutes do not contain calories, they still spike the sugar insulin and make you crave more sweetened foods. 
 Here are some forms of sugar and sugar substitutes: brown sugar, concentrated fruit juice sweetener, confectioner’s sugar, corn sweeteners, corn syrup solids, high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, fructose, galactose, glucose, granulated sugar, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, sucrose, maple sugar, molasses, raw sugar, turbinado, white sugar, sorbitol, isomalt, mannitol, xylitol, aspartame, saccharine, sucralose etc.

It is a good idea to use the herb stevia. It is known to be the number one herb to balance the pancreas.  Stevia will not spike your insulin levels and is available in powder and a variety of liquid flavors.  Some people have also had great success with Agave.

As you read product labels, check out the carb to sugar ratio.  If an item has 38 carbs and 33 of them are sugars, you might want to make a different choice.  A better choice would be a serving that has 39 g carbs with 8 sugars. A good rule of thumb is to have less than 20% of your overall carb intake from sugars.  If you want to drop body fat… this number should be considerably lower. It comes down to this: if you eat foods that are sweetened… you will crave sweetened food.

78 WAYS SUGAR CAN RUIN YOUR HEALTH

In addition to throwing off the body’s homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of sugar’s metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other scientific publications.
SUGAR CAN...

 1. Suppress the immune system.

 2. Upset the body’s mineral balance.

 3. Cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children (and adults).

 4. Cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children/adults.

 5. Adversely affect children’s school grades.

 6. Produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

 7. Contribute to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.

 8. Cause kidney damage.

 9. Reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).

10. Promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).

11. May lead to chromium deficiency.

12. Can cause copper deficiency.

13. Interfere with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

14. Lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.

15. Cause colon cancer, with an increased risk in women.

16. Be a risk factor in gall bladder cancer.

17. Increase fasting levels of blood glucose.

18. Weaken eyesight.

19. Raise the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can narrow blood vessels.

20. Cause hypoglycemia.

21. Produce an acidic stomach.

22. Raise adrenaline levels in children.

23. Increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

24. Speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.

25. Lead to alcoholism.

26. Promote tooth decay.

27. Contribute to weight gain and obesity.

28. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

29. Cause a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in persons with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

30. Cause arthritis.

31. Cause asthma.

32. Cause candidiasis (yeast infection/overgrowth).

33. Lead to the formation of gallstones.

34. Lead to the formation of kidney stones.

35. Cause ischemic heart disease.

36. Cause appendicitis.

37. Exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

38. Indirectly cause hemorrhoids.

39. Cause varicose veins.

40. Elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraception users.

41. Lead to periodontal disease.

42. Contribute to osteoporosis.

43. Contributes to saliva acidity.

44. Cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

45. leads to decreased glucose tolerance.

46. Decrease growth hormone.

47. Increase total cholesterol.

48. Increase systolic blood pressure.

49. Change the structure of protein causing interference with protein absorption.

50. Cause food allergies.

51. Contribute to diabetes.

52. Cause toxemia during pregnancy.

53. Contribute to eczema in children.

54. Cause cardiovascular disease.

55. Impair the structure of DNA.

56. Cause cataracts.

57. Cause emphysema.

58. Cause atherosclerosis.

59. Cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.

60. Lower the enzymes’ ability to function.

61. Cause loss of tissue elasticity and function.

62. Cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.

63. Increase the amount of fat in the liver.

64. Increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.

65. Overstress the pancreas, causing damage.

66. Increase the body’s fluid retention.

67. Cause constipation.

68. Cause myopia (nearsightedness).

69. Compromise the lining of the capillaries.

70. Cause hypertension.

71. Cause headaches, including migraines.

72. Cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind’s ability to think    clearly.

73. Cause depression.

74. Increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.

75. Increase bacterial fermentation in the colon.

76. Cause hormonal imbalance.

77. Increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots.

78. Increase the risk of Alzheimer Disease.

I strive to tell you about ways to Heal, Nurture and Uplift your body - when you get the urge for something sweet enjoy a fig or a date,  some steamed/raw beets or a lovely baked yam.  
My love is with you as you read this.  May you be empowered to make choices and changes that lift you up, fill you will Energy, and increase your Vitality.

Oh....and by the way 


Merry Christmas!

 (some of this information was edited from Dr. Nancy Appleton’s book “Lick the Sugar Habit”.)

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IN LOVING MEMORY

ZOE MICHELLE ROBSON

17th May 1973 - 20th December 2012

If tears could build a stairway
 and memories were a lane,
 we would walk right up to heaven
 and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
 no time to say 'goodbye'.
You were gone before we knew it,
 and only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness,
 and secret tears will flow
What it meant to lose you
no one will ever know.
But now we know you want us
to mourn for you no more;
to remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
we pledge to you today
a cherished place within our heart
is where you'll always stay.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

HELLO EVERYONE AND THANK YOU What a year 2012 has been - it is hard to believe 2013 is already upon us! I want to thank you all for visiting this blog throughout the year. I will continue to add things I hope will find interesting. Meanwhile, I feel so blessed to be part of your life, even if it is only a tiny part. I would also like to say thank you for doing all that you have done to make this world a better place. (you will have done more than you realise!)  I feel this coming year is going to be a time not only of great healing, but success and empowerment for all of us. It's time for us to take back the power of healing, which is our birthright.  I want us all to be working harder to get the message out to the world, so that our suffering brothers and sisters on this planet can also have the opportunity to heal, as we have had.  I truly believe  that happiness and health is for everyone. We are all human and we all have emotions, no matter what our race, colour or creed! My New Years resolution is to help the world to heal, in any way that I can. I  invite you to do the same.  Helping another person to heal creates so much happiness, both for you and for the person you helped to heal. Can we all do more of that this year and make use of and share the information and the personal power we all have? Together, we can do anything. So let's make 2013 the year we create and bring more light into the world!  No matter where you are or what your situation is or even what your New Years Resolutions are: You are powerful. Believe in yourself.  Have a fun-filled, safe and happy New Year's holiday!  Peace, Love and Light Julie

OUR END OF TERM CHRISTMAS PARTY

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

SOME WAYS TO BEAT DEPRESSION

Doctors are sometimes a little too quick to prescribe drugs for depression. The three major classes of antidepressant drugs are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and the most popular, SSRIs, which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

These drugs have varying rates of effectiveness and come with long a list of side effects, which include insomnia, loss of libido, nausea, weight gain and headaches. The SSRIs are particularly dangerous, as they may cause anxiety, mania and significant physical and mental agitation, which can in some cases, trigger violent outbursts.

Recent research in America has taken a critical look at studies on antidepressant drugs. They looked at some 74 studies involving 12 drugs and more than 12,000 people. However, not all the study results were published and it would appear that only the positive were selected, leaving the negative findings unpublished. These results show that perhaps the wrong message has been sent out by publishing a biased viewpoint?

Taking antidepressant drugs is not the only answer, nor is it a cure all.

The answer lies with us…by balancing: Body, Mind and Spirit.

Here are a few suggestions:

1.    Vitamin D

A Deficiency in Vitamin D can sometimes lead to depression. So if you are unable to get enough from regular sunlight then a supplement may be recommended.

2.    Omega Fats

We need Omega fats to remain happy and healthy. The two most important ones are Omega 3 and Omega 6: in a ration of 2:1 (two parts omega 3 to one part omega 6) These fats increase serotonin levels which help us fight depression along with other emotional and mental problems. If you are vegan, be very aware about how much omega-6 you eat, as you will unlikely be able to absorb enough omega-3 from plant foods to compensate.

3.    Food Allergies and Food Sensitivity

                 Inflammation in our body caused by food allergies and sensitivities, has    

     been linked to depression and other disorders. Eating foods we are   

                 allergic to can cause bad temper, irritability, mind fog, compulsive behaviour,  

     panic attacks etc. Try to steer away from known allergic or sensitive foods. Try

     changing your diet to mainly anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables, 

                 fish and other seafood plus filtered water helps to reduce inflammation and  

                 and lighten our mood.

4.    Hypothyroidism and/or Adrenal Fatigue

These are a leading cause of depression. They can leave you feeling very low, easily overwhelmed by small things and inexplicably tired. A blood and saliva test can tell if you are suffering from either of these conditions. Meanwhile you can take steps to help yourself by getting more minerals from food-based supplements and whole foods like organic sea and land vegetables to help correct any deficiencies which may be caused by poor thyroid/adrenal function.

5.    B Vitamins

It is vital to get the complete range of B vitamins for good overall health. If you are experiencing depression make sure you are getting enough B12, B6 and folic acid. These vitamins are critical for metabolising homocysteine which has been known to be a contributing factor in depression, and folate affects neurotransmitters which can affect our moods. Good mood-promoting foods are eggs, fish, beans, lentils, chicken and green leafy vegetables.

6.    Heavy Metal Toxicity

This also has been linked with depression and other mood and neurological problems.

Toxic levels of lead, mercury, aluminium and copper have shown up on lab test results of people suffering from mood and behavioural disorders. Most heavy metals are free radicals (substances which cause oxidative stress) that have an affinity for the brain, damaging brain tissue structure and metabolism.

Good advice is to reduce your exposure to heavy metals by using all natural body, home and garden care products, and consuming whole, organic foods and low-mercury seafood. If you suspect this form of toxicity is sabotaging your health, have your blood tested for heavy metals

7.Get  Moving

Exercising five times a week for 30 minutes increases levels of BDNF, a natural antidepressant in your brain. If you cannot do this remember, even gentle exercise can lift the spirits. Getting your blood and chi energy flowing will make you feel more alive.

8     8.     Meditatation

Meditation helps balances the body and mind in numerous ways, and can relieve depression, anxiety and stress related issues. Practicing meditation trains your mind-body to have a healthier response to stress, allowing you to handle life with a cool head and clear mind. It also soothes frayed nerves and helps bring feelings of calm in hectic times.

9. Reiki

Reiki is a gentle yet powerful form of energy work that helps promote healing of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. It can help lift depression by aiding emotional release and healing. It can help relieve the heaviness of grief or by helping you find your passion and purpose in life by getting more in tune with your heart's desire or soul purpose. Reiki is also wonderful for stress relief, bringing a calm, centred feeling to a stormy mind which may be full of stress and worries.

10. Be Grateful

An attitude of gratitude is perhaps the most powerful weapon we have against depression. Try placing your focus on things which you are grateful for, rather than what seems missing from or “wrong” in your life. Shift your mind to a more positive vibration. Consciously shifting into gratitude helps us to attract more positive feelings and things in our lives rather than attracting negativity and things we do not want.

·         11. Focus on friends and family.

·          Talk it out. Leaning on others is one of the healthiest things you can do to get through a tough time in your life.

·         12. Learn to laugh.

·         Laughing actually triggers the same endorphins that are affected by exercise. Read something that tickles your fancy, watch your favourite Three Stooges movie, and if possible, try to find humour in your situation.

13. Try to spend some time outdoors every day
Make an effort to spend some time day outdoors every day. If that is not always possible try daily exposure to full-spectrum artificial light, which is made up of all the wavelengths of natural light. Get back to nature, walk on the beach or in woodlands or a favourite spot.

14. Avoid Caffein and Alcohol

Both dampen our mood. alcohol temporarily relaxes us and Caffein boosts energy BUT both effects are short lived. Both worsen mood swings, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

15. Reduce Sweet Intake

Whilst sweets temporarily make us feel good as our blood sugar levels soar but we feel  worse later as they plummet. Don't skip meals - keeping blood sugar levels stable reduces mood swings.

16. Magnesium intake

Most of us do not get enough in our diet. Good sources are legumes, nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Like vitamin B6, Magnesium is needed for seratonin production. Stress depletes Magnesium.

17. Be Authentic in your Life

Many of us show a different face to the world, we wear a mask and hide our emotions. Be true to your self: Be the Authentic YOU.

With these ways to beat depression, you now have the opportunity to discover the happiness that is available to you, right now, no matter what else is going on in your life. We all deserve to lead a joyful life, so get busy cultivating those good feelings and remember: We always reap what we sow.

 A final note of warning:
If your depression is severe, seek medical help. My suggestions on mood elevation are not meant to take the place of medical therapy for depression. If you are currently on Prozac or another prescription drug for depression and wish to stop taking it, it's essential that you work with your physician to gradually wean yourself off the drug.