THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -FRIENDS

BEST FRIENDS ARE THE RARE JEWELS OF LIFE... DIFFICULT TO FIND AND IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE

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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MANDARIN - Citrus Reticulata

The oil is extracted from the peel of ripe fruit. The trees are native to southern China and the Far East but are now grown for oil in Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Florida and the West Indies.

Mandarins were named so because, for centuries, the fruit was traditionally given to the Mandarin Lords of China. The fruit did not reach Europe until around 1880.
It is now mainly used to flavour drinks and food, and as a fragrance in perfumes and toiletries.

The essential oil has  a sweet lemon and orange smell, and is a sedative, digestive aid and has a calming effect.
In aromatherapy it is used for stretch marks, scars, fluid retention, tummy ache. Also for stress, irritability, insomnia, restlessness and nervous tension - helping us to mentally relax.

USE AT HOME:Massage, baths, inhalation. It is a great slimming massage for buttocks, hips and thighs and also reduces stretch marks.
A few drops in a hot bath will give deep relaxation and feeling of being uplifted. 
A few drops on a tissue can be inhaled whenever one is feeling tense or tired.

NB: Use in moderation as it can irritate the skin especially if exposed to sunlight after application. Always store in a cool dark place.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -SMALL DEEDS

GREAT ACTS ARE MADE UP OF 

SMALL DEEDS

LIME - Citrus Aurantifolia

Like lemon this essential oil is extracted from the peel of the unripe citrus fruit. Limes are grown for oil production in Florida, Italy, Mexica and the West Indies. 

Again, like lemons, limes were once given to British sailors to prevent scurvy - this is how the nickname "limey" came about. It is used today as food and drink flavouring, a fragrance for cleansers and mens toiletries.

The essential oil has a sharp, clean, sweet citrus smell. It is an antiseptic, antiviral, anti-bacterial and is a great warming stimulant and tonic.

In aromatherapy it is useful for greasy skin, varicose veins, cellulite, rheumatism, depression, sore throat, breathing problems, colds, flu, fever or infection.

USE AT HOME: Massage, bath, inhalation, poultice.

 It is great for a leg, anti-cellulite or warming friction massage.

 It can be diluted and rubbed into the chest for colds, or as an astringent facial. 

In winter it makes a wonderful warming bath and in summer a refreshing, energising bath.

For breathing problems it can be inhaled or applied as a poultice for fever.

NB: This essential oil should be used in moderation as it can irritate the skin , especially if there is exposure to sunshine after application. 

Always store in a cool dark place.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY- GRATITUDE +

 JUST STOP FOR A MOMENT ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL GRATEFUL. LOOK AROUND YOU - HOW BLESSED ARE YOU TO BE ALIVE AND TO FEEL LOVED?

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LEMONGRASS (Fevergrass) - Cymbopogon citratus

This oil is extracted from the fresh or dried wild grass. It is grow commercially in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Africa and the West Indies.

Lemongrass is also known as Fevergrass and has been used for centuries  to treat fever in India.  In addition it has been used traditionally to cure skin complaints and was burnt to kill germs. Now it is used to flavour foods, drinks and toiletries.

The essential oil has a warm lemon, grassy smell. It is soothing, healing, invigorating, anti-bacterial, antiseptic and deodorising.

In aromatherapy it is most useful for open pores, athletes foot, boils, excess perspiration, poor circulation and as an insect repellent.

USE AT HOME: Massage, baths, inhalation, poultice, compress.When diluted well with a carrier oil, it can be massaged directly into inflammed skin, armpits, feet and hands. It will boost circulation, speed healing and deodorise.

The oil can be applied to the hems of curtains to repel insects and also to shoes or rubbish bins to deodorise.

A few drops in a hand or foot bath will warm the extemities  and reduce sweating.

NB: Lemongrass essential oil is safe for home use as long as it is well diluted.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - LOVE 2

Love is what creates the freedom and relaxation to be who we really are.
Giten

Love and eternal gratitude

Thank you for the most wonderfully fulfilling day -

love and eternal gratitude.

THE EYE OF MY HEART SEES EVERYTHING - Black Elk

I am blind and do not see the things of this world; 

but when the light comes from above, it enlightens 

my heart and I can see, for the Eye of my heart sees 

everything. 

 Native American Religions, Black Elk, Sioux Tradition

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - PEACE

THE TREE OF SILENCE BEARS THE FRUIT OF PEACE

LEMON Citrus Limon

This oil is extracted from the fresh rind of the fruit. It is grown commercially in Florida, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Israel and California. 

Lemon was used by the ancient Romans to relieve stomach upsets and to sweeten their breath. For many years the British Navy used it to prevent Scurvy. The essential oil has a tangy fresh citrus smell. It is stimulating both mentally and physically, invigorating, astringent, deodorising, diuretic, and antiseptic. 

In aromatherapy it is useful for clearing the head, whether you have a cold or are suffereing from mental exhaustion. It will energise an aching body, boost circulation, treat cellulite, warm hands and feet.

USE AT HOME: Massage, baths, inhalation, poultice.

A few drops in a hot bath will boost circulation. Inhale from a tissue to relieve tiredness or to relieve the symptoms of a cold. Used on a cloth it makes a wonderful cleaner around the house/sickroom for disinfecting and deodorising.

NB. Use this oil in moderation as it can irritate the skin. Do not expose skin to sunlight after application.

Store in a cool dark place.

LIFE IS LIKE COFFEE (Video)

Click Link for Video:

http://www.flickspire.com/m/MBT/LifeIsLikeCoffee

GEMS - THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE GEM CANNOT BE POLISHED WITHOUT FRICTION, NOR CAN MAN BE PERFECTED WITHOUT TRIALS.
CHINESE PROVERB

LIVING IN THE MOMENT - NOTICING YOUR BREATH

Throughout our day we can get ourselves into a negative cycle of destructive self talk. "I should have done this"... "Maybe if I hadn't done that"... "I'm so stressed, how am I going to handle this"... "I can't cope".... "I'm useless"... 

The following exercise can be done pretty much anywhere anytime. It will bring calm and peace even if you are feeling over stressed. Its easy and quick to do. 

Choose a relaxing position either sitting in a chair or lying down.  Just start to notice your breath. Don't be tempted to alter your breathing, or take a deep breath. You don't need to actually 'do' anything – all you are doing is taking notice of the way you are already breathing.

Perhaps you can feel the air as it passes through your nostrils and enters your nose. Pay attention to the air entering and filling your lungs. You can observe how your stomach rises automatically. Then feel the air being released from your lungs and passing out through your nose. 

It is quite common for people to feel irritated for the first  couple of minutes, but ignore it and just continue to observe your breath. No problem.

Different thoughts will enter your head but each time they do, leave them and return your attention to your breathing.

Just keep noticing your breath.

Continue for about 5 mins - it's as easy as that.

All you are doing is being aware of the moment - right here, right now.

 Keep bringing yourself back to this moment.

Do this throughout the day, whenever you have the time. 

It is great  for dispelling negative thought patterns and will bring a feeling of peace and harmony. 

BE HAPPY x

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Respect others

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU
The Bible

WE ARE ONE, WE ALL GROW TOGETHER

THANK YOU ALL FOR SHARING TWO DAYS OF HAPPINESS, PEACE AND LOVE

WE ALL HAVE MUCH TO SHARE AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER, WE ARE ONE

LOVE AND LIGHT TO ALL

How to Get Healthy Gums - Oil Pulling

ACRES OF DIAMONDS

http://www.flickspire.com/m/MBT/AcresOfDiamonds

LAVENDER Lavendula Augustifolia

This oil is extracted from the flowering tips of this shrub.

It is cultivated in Britain, Australia and southern European countries.

Traditionaly Lavender has long been a bathtime favourite, and the ancient Romans used it to speed healing.

Since the 18th sentury it has been used in soap, perfumes, pot-pourri and talcum powder.

This is one of the most commonly used essential oils. It's both relaxing and stimulating, a powerful healing antiseptic. It is calming, refreshing, invigorating and it lifts the spirits. 

In aromatherapy it is excellent for tension, tiredness, depression, skin  problems such as acne, athletes foot, burns, dermatitis, insect bites, itching, oily skin, scars, sores and stretch marks.

 It is also good for cuts and bruises, chicken pox, allergies, anxiety, asthma, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, headache,

hypertension, labour pains, migraine, rheumatism, scabies, sprains and strains, stress, vertigo or whooping cough.  

It is gentle and therefore can be applied undiluted to burnt skin or insect bites and is safe to use during pregnancy.

USES AT HOME: Massage, bath, inhalation, poultice, compress.

• Add a few drops to a hot bath to make you feel pleasantly drowsy and to relieve anxiety.
• Added to a cool bath it will refresh and energize. 
• Adding a few drops to a tissue and inhaling, will clear your head and lift your spirits.
• As a massage it is great for relieving tense muscles and mental fatigue.  
• Balances the Base Chakra.