Nutrition – Page 3 – Welcome To Mind/Body Connection Hypnosis by Janet Lynas Ph.D., N.H.D.

April 29, 2020 Nutrition

The Worst Foods for Arthritis by Janet Lynas. Ph.D., N.H.D.

There are approximately 350 million people worldwide who have arthritis. Nearly 40 million persons in the United States are affected by arthritis. Over a quarter million children have some form of arthritis. More than 21 million Americans have osteoarthritis and about 2.1 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

The summer I was 17, I worked at a hospital for people with arthritis. I worked the children’s ward. The youngest patient was three years old. Some of these children were born with rheumatoid arthritis. These children lived at the hospital for months at a time. A teacher employed by the hospital so these children could stay current in their school work. Some even graduated school while they were patients at the hospital.

Facts about Arthritis

So, now you know arthritis is not an old age illness. It knows no age limits. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Men are more likely to have gout and other types of arthritis.

According to the CDC, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to increase in the coming decades. By the year 2040, an estimated 78.4 million (25.9% of the projected total adult population) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis,² compared with the 54.4 million adults in 2013–2015. Two-thirds of those with arthritis will be women. Also by 2040, an estimated 34.6 million adults (43.2% of adults with arthritis or 11.4% of all US adults) will report arthritis-attributable activity limitations.² These estimates may be conservative, as they do not account for the current trends in obesity, which may contribute to future cases of osteoarthritis.

(https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html)

Foods that make Arthritis worse

#6 Refined carbohydrates – these foods are high in fibrin which causes inflammation in the body. What are refined carbohydrates? Therefore, any food containing white flour will contribute to inflamed joints. That is to say, white breads, rice, crackers, and most baked goods will increase joint pain. Refined carbohydrates produce a state of inflammation in the body, causing increases in cytokines and other pro-inflammatory compounds, which makes arthritis worse. Whole grains are a better choice.

#5 Fried foods – high-fat foods like fried chicken, French fries, donuts, and deep-fried appetizers should be avoided by anyone who has joint pain. These foods increase body fat. The extra weight increases stress on the joints and amplifies the risk of wear and tear. To make matters worse, frying foods in hydrogenated oils, means you’re getting a dose of dangerous trans fats. Grilling, steaming, roasting, and baking are all tasty, and healthier methods of cooking.

#4 Trans Fats – to give baked goods a longer shelf life, scientists took common vegetable oil and added hydrogen molecules. The result was that the liquid oil turned solid making saturated fats. Trans fats contribute to inflammation, heart disease, and other health problems. Only choose products that have 0 grams trans fats and do not contain any partially hydrogenated oils.

#3 Blackened and barbecue foods – eating meats and veggies that are cooked at very high temperatures, results in an inflammatory condition called Advanced Glycation End byproducts or AGEs. These harmful byproducts are unrecognized by your body. As a results, your body throws up an inflammatory response to try to combat this “intruder”. However, when this happens it can manifest in your joints as arthritis.

#2 Nightshade vegetables – contain alkaloids which, if present in high concentrations, can affect calcium metabolism and absorption. This calcium can actually end up accumulating on soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments and in your joints, leading to an inflammatory response. Nightshade vegetables include tomatoes, potatoes (but not sweet potatoes or yams), eggplant, peppers, goji berries, and tomatillos.

#1 Sugar – diets high in refined sugar is bad, both for arthritis and in general for overall health. Raw, or natural, sugars are not so much a problem, but you won’t find either in a processed food. Sugar intake is responsible for increased oxidative stress in the body.

Other sources of joint pain

Omega 6 is an essential fatty acid and is not made by the body. EFA are supplied through foods or joint pain supplements called Omega XL. While Omega 6 is necessary for health, an excess can cause the production of inflammatory prostaglandins.

Having high levels of omega-6 are triggers for asthma and arthritis. While it is necessary to consume omega-6, the ratio to omega 3 must be maintained. Foods considered to be healthy and containing omega-6 must be consumed in moderation if you have an inflammatory condition.

Natural Approach to Joint Health

Do you know that turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory properties? Several recent studies show that turmeric/curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses. A study in 2006 showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing joint inflammation.

The enzyme bromine is excellent in anti-inflammatory properties. Bromine is found in pineapple which also happens to be good for boosting kidney health, as well as increasing bone density and ridding the body of parasites.

Ginger is known to reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that ginger works by inhibiting CO-X2, which is a pro-inflammatory enzyme.

Cherries are listed among foods which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit is filled with anthocyanosides and plant pigments which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial in restoring the body to its proper pH level. It’s full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and acetic acid which are effective in easing arthritis pain.

The list of natural remedies is long and I encourage you to research natural approaches to your joint health.

I do not make recommendations on supplements available because there are several outstanding products.

As always, consult your physician before you make changes in your approach to arthritis care.

April 6, 2020 Natural Health Nutrition

Sugar, Sugar by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

I’ve had a couple of request to expand on the benefits of Himalayan salt and diabetes. However, I have decided to address other natural remedies in this article for a more rounded talk. Never fear, I will address Himalayan salt as well.

This is not your average diabetes information

I love my 85 year old dad, but he’s from the generation that takes what the doctor tells him as gospel. You know how it is with family… Anyway, I recently learned to my surprise and amazement, that he has been taking cinnamon capsules to help control his type II diabetes.

I had had a discussion with my dad about one of his diabetic medications and the adverse side effects. When I worked for the Veterans Administration (VA) the recommendation to their doctors was not to use this particular prescription. I’m not going to name medications in this article for legal reasons. As always I recommend you consult with your physician about your concerns with medications.

Dad reported to me that to his surprise (not mine) that he is able to have better control over his glucose numbers since using cinnamon capsules. My dad likes to have cookies for breakfast. He can eat what he wants since my mom passed eight years ago.

So, how does cinnamon help in controlling diabetes? The short answer is:

Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into the cells. It can also help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.

In people with type 2 diabetes, we know the cells resist the effect of insulin. As a result glucose doesn’t get into the cells and builds up in the blood instead. Cinnamon contains several chemicals that stimulate insulin receptors so glucose can get into cells and that means levels in the blood go down.

How much cinnamon do you take?

Studies vary on how effective cinnamon is on the control of glucose levels. Objective studies need to be done. It’s hard to find solid evidence base practice studies in any area of natural health.

Taking at least 1g, but no more than 6g of cinnamon daily might reduce fasting glucose levels by almost 30 percent. Another interesting fact is that it may reduce triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels as well. Because cinnamon may have a drastic effect on your diabetes, always consult your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet as part of your diabetes treatment plan.

Is one kind of cinnamon better than the others? It’s believed, Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon, might be better to moderate blood sugar levels after meals and help control type 2 diabetes.

Himalayan Salt and Diabetes

Himalayan crystal salt is the natural form of salt. Pink Himalayan salt is a lot healthier than iodized salt. It is also known to help prevent diabetes because it aids with the absorption of food from the digestive tract. With better absorption it also helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Table salt also contains a stabilizer in the form of sugar, which will raise your blood sugar levels. (Remember, Shake & Bake? Many of my diabetic clients experienced spikes in glucose because they did not read the label. It contained sugar.) This makes unrefined sea salt a better choice. If you’re diabetic, it’s a better choice because it does not contain any unnatural ingredients which can raise sugar levels. Nor does it contain aluminum. Always read the labels on food packages.

Other Natural Remedies

So, what are some of the best recommendations? Here are a few additional points.

1. Antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. Although they’re most noted for their ability …
2. Chromium.
3. Coenzyme Q10.
4. Fenugreek.
5. Fish Oil.

There are foods which can help in control of diabetes as well. Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are good sources of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C. Increasing vitamin C intake reduces inflammatory markers and fasting blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

I encourage you to explore the natural health approach as a tool to improve your health.

February 12, 2020 Nutrition

Gluten Free & Grain Free Diets by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Why is it that so many people want to jump on the “ailment” bandwagon? Even when the facts are presented, we still refuse to see the truth in the matter.

Gluten & Grain in the gut

Formally called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), gluten sensitivity is a completely different condition from celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system triggers an attack on the intestines with the presence of gluten.

The symptoms are similar and do overlap. However, these are two unique conditions with different responses going on in the body. Celiac disease is a known autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system triggers an attack on the intestines in the presence of gluten. Whereas, we do not know what happens in the body with NCGS.

As noted, 1% of the American population is diagnosed with celiac disease. Having said that, around 6 % of the U.S. population is thought to have non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). This is a small population group.

Myths about Gluten

One myth is that gluten is bad for you. Grains containing gluten, such as barley and rye are whole grains providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals to our diet. Also, gluten-free whole grains, like buckwheat, rice, quinoa, sorghum, and oats provide similar benefits.

There is no test for gluten sensitivity. Gluten sensitivity shares many symptoms with celiac disease. Symptoms include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, joint pain, migraines, brain fog, and numbness in the legs, arms, or fingers.

Many people believe gaining weight is a symptom of gluten intolerance. This is not true. Also, eating gluten free will result in weight loss is a myth.

Facts about Gluten Free Diet

Eating gluten adds protein to your diet. Gluten is actually a protein that helps food hold its shape. To be diagnosed for celiac disease and wheat allergy, gluten has to be in your system.

People who have celiac disease have one or both of two specific genes, the HLA DQ2 and the DQ8 genes. Having even one of these genes, as 40 percent of people do, doesn’t mean you have or will develop celiac disease.

Being Special

Americans like to think that we have to have a health issue to be special. Why is that? Are we a nation of hypochondriacs? Living a healthy lifestyle and being free from health issues is being very special!

70% of adults in America are diagnosed with a chronic disease. 75% of the nation’s healthcare cost is spent on management and treatment these conditions.
Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, infertility, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and stress is controlled or avoided with a healthy lifestyle.

I don’t know about you, but I have never tasted any gluten free food that didn’t taste like cardboard!

February 1, 2020 Natural Health Nutrition

Diabetes, Nutrition & Natural Health by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Worldwide diabetes type 2 is on the rise. In 2019 the reports show that around 9.3 percent of the global adult population have diabetes. The projected number shows a rise to 11 percent by the year 2045. Frighting isn’t it? Or is it?

Keep in mind, I recommend organic foods. No, they are not always more expensive. Often times the price is the same or less than non-organic foods. What price do you put on your health?

Statistics on Diabetes

In April 2019 the estimated growth of the world population had reached 7.7 billion people. Quoting statistics to manipulate people is common practice. Numbers prove an agenda by scaring people with increased stats or down play a fact being discussed. Two sides to the coin so to speak.

Look at the estimated rise in diabetes, it appears we are headed for a worldwide crisis. However, by looking at the world population we are better able to put the numbers in prospective.

Why are we seeing a rise in diabetes?

I want to take a look from a different view point than just the lousy food choices we make.

Diabetes is rising because the population has increased and because the fastest growing age group is the ‘oldest old’. Having said this, we ask, ‘Who are the oldest old?’ People 80 years old and older are the oldest old.

Therefore, the number of centenarians has jumped to more than 340,000 worldwide today. The highest concentration is in the U.S. with Japan coming in nose to nose (using a racing term) according to the latest information from the Census Bureau. This number is projected to grow at more than 20 times the rate of the total population by 2050. For that reason, centurions are now the fastest growing age segment.

Living healthy as the ‘oldest old’

Since the centurion population is the fastest growing age group, how do we age healthy? At one time I did health physicals on elders applying for long term health insurance. Medical providers become blinded in our practices. Just like a horse with blinders, we are not able to see the peripheral view. For that reason, all we see are the sick and unhealthy population.

Once we take the blinders off, we see a totally different perspective. Now is the time to practice ‘preventive health’ care. I teach prevention to my clients. It’s easier to prevent a problem than it is to cure it.

Putting healthy living into practice

Because people have short attention spans, I will try keep this simple. Generally speaking, and let’s be honest, we don’t like to exercise. We don’t like to take responsibility for our own health, we want to blame the health care providers when we don’t have good outcomes. While it’s easier to make someone else responsible for our health status, our health is still our responsibility. Change your mindset, it’s not that hard. (If you’re having that much difficulty, then you need to schedule an appointment with me for hypnosis.)

Eating habits

Immediately you notice I didn’t say diet. Diet brings to mind a restricted food list and being hungry. Simultaneously, we feel deprived. Take the blinders off and think outside of the box. Take a look at my article on the food pyramid.

Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Yes, diabetics can eat fruit.

A. Eat blueberries, strawberries, or any other type of berry because they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, also, they’re low-GI. Tart cherries are also packed with antioxidants, which help fight heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

B. Adding peaches into your food list is important because they contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Peaches are delicious on their own or tossed into iced tea or water for a fruity twist.

C. Eat apricots, four apricots equal one serving. They provide more than 50 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement.

D. An apple a day… Apples provide a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Don’t peel your apples, though, the skins are the most nutritious part, full of antioxidants.

E. Oranges also contain folateand potassium, which may help normalize blood pressure. Don’t forget that other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, are also great choices.

F. Pears are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin K.

G. You may not know that the brown fuzzy kiwi peel hides a beautiful bright green fruit. Kiwi is a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.

From fruits to veggies

Don’t forget to eat your veggies! Eat the rainbow! Remember the more colors you add into your diet, the larger variety of nutrients you will get.Vegetables for diabetics include asparagus, broccoli, green cabbage, Swiss chard, bok choy, spinach, Brussels sprouts, celery, chayote, artichoke, cucumber and kale, along with collard, mustard and turnip greens. You will get a plentiful serving of vitamins A, C, E and K, along with calcium, potassium and magnesium. Green vegetables tend to be low-carb foods.

B. Deep purple color signals a food that is rich in phytonutrients, especially antioxidant-rich flavonoids. Healthy purple vegetables include eggplant, purple cabbage, turnips and rutabaga.

C. Orange, Red, Yellow vegetables include carrots, baby corn, squash, tomatoes and radishes when you want to have fun with bright orange, red and yellow vegetables. Red tomatoes contain high concentrations of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to ward prevent cancers of the prostate, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon and pancreas.

D. Some healthy white vegetables include cauliflower, bamboo shoots, jicama, water chestnuts, onions, garlic, and leeks and scallions. Having said this, pick vegetables with color over white ones because they have more vitamins and minerals. Purple onion is healthier than white onion.

Meat

The main points with meat are: eat lean meats and remember that a serving is the size of the palm of your hand.

Nuts

The top super fat nuts and seeds for diabetics include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.

Himalayan Salt

I’ve been asked about Himalayan Salt for diabetics, but I want to expand it to anyone wanting to have salt in their diet. Make sure you read my article on Himalayan salt.

One of Himalayan Crystal Salt natural benefits includes an extraordinary capacity to balance glucose levels within diabetics.

Table salt contains a stabilizer in the form of sugar, which will raise your blood sugar levels. This makes unrefined sea salt a better choice if you are diabetic, as it does not contain any unnatural ingredients which spike the sugar levels, nor does it contain aluminum.

As always consult with your personal health care provider.

January 27, 2020 Nutrition

Why do men lose weight easier than women? by Janet Lynas, PhD., N.H.D.

It’s easier for a man to lose weight than it is for a woman. Sorry ladies, but it’s a fact. Why is it easier for men to lose weight than it is for women?

5 Reasons why it’s easier for a man to lose weight

Men have more lean tissue

Lean muscle tissue burns more calories and contributes to men having a higher metabolism than women. Men’s metabolism can burn up to 10% more calories. Why is this? Well ladies, it’s the testosterone. Yes, the hormone that makes a man more manly. Testosterone increases muscle protein synthesis and lean muscle mass. As a result more calories are burned.
Men are more self-assured and take action

Men have faster metabolisms so, men’s bodies react more efficiently to eating healthy foods. Consuming healthy foods routinely will boost metabolism and will help in weight loss. One has to burn 3,500 calories to burn 1 pound of fat.
Men have less visceral fat

Men tend to gain weight in the belly. Fat accumulation in the belly is dangerous, thus putting men at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Men are more prong to certain cancers due to a high concentration of visceral fat surrounding their vital organs in the abdomen. When a man’s abdomen reduces, it’s more noticeable than with a woman’s abdomen.
Men don’t stress eat like women do

Emotional eating is when you eat for reasons other than hunger. This can result in anything from binge eating to starving oneself of needed calories to maintain health. Women are more likely to have eating disorders than men.
Men are more likely to exercise to lose weight

Men are more likely to include regular exercise in losing weight. It’s in a man’s nature to want to take action to tackle a problem. Men who exercise and diet seem to have more self-restraint and experience less hunger compared with men who followed a diet-only program.

Weight loss for men and women is like comparing apples to oranges. One can’t take the same approach for weight loss with men and women. One size does not fit all.

Men, take advantage of your unique situation to maintain your health. Remember, support the women in your life who struggle to lose the extra pounds that Mother Nature bestowed on them.

December 26, 2019 Hypnosis Nutrition

Clearing Out The Gunk From Your Diet By Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Americans are lazy when it comes to our health! We want someone else to be in charge and make the decisions for us. That way if the outcomes are not what we want, we can blame the healthcare provider. We don’t want to take responsibility for ourselves. Let someone else make the decisions!

Clearing out the gunk

As this article is being written, the end of a decade is rapidly approaching. People make New Year’s Resolutions only to see them fall to the wayside in just a few weeks. One of the most popular resolutions is, “I’m going to lose weight this year and keep it off.”

You look for the latest fad diet promising that you will lose 20 pounds the first month. We want fast results with little effort! Most diets are restrictive and don’t help you change behavior. Behavior modification is the key for success.

How do you clear out the gunk from your diet? Have you decided how much weight you want to lose? Are you pumped up and ready to get started?

What is the gunk that you need to clear out of your diet? How much junk food are you eating? You know, cookies, pies, cakes, soda pop, fast foods, and the list continues. I don’t need to tell you what junk foods are, you already know.

What are the steps to behavior modification?

The very first step is to examine your desire and reason to lose weight. Do you want to lose weight for yourself, or is someone nagging you? Have you set a realistic weight loss goal? Is there a plan in place to help you succeed? Is your support system in place?

The second step is to implement the plan. How you go about losing weight will determine your success. If you have been on the diet rollercoaster ride, you will need some tools to help you. A life coach or talking with a counselor is one tool to add to your tool belt.

Hypnosis and weight loss

Hypnosis is a proven tool to use. With hypnosis, you are able to get past the gatekeeper, the subconscious mind. With hypnosis, you will be able to get to the ‘root cause’ of your overeating. Did you know that the seeds for our overeating is often planted in our childhood? Clean your plate, don’t waste the food. Or if you grew up in an environment where food was scarce, you may be trying to fill up your stomach because you don’t know when or where your next meal will come from. It doesn’t matter that you are no longer in the environment of lack of food. Hypnosis will help you learn to listen to what your body is telling you.

More often than not, people overeat to try to fill an emotional void. We feel empty on the inside and it’s not a good feeling. We want the emptiness to go away. Through hypnosis, you can explore where this feeling of lack is coming from.

Step three is to take the first step towards being free of the stress that extra weight has caused in your life. You have the tools you need, all you have to do is take the first step. Stay in the moment and don’t stress about how much weight you are losing or not losing.

Take that first step! Move forward!

Don’t try to make big drastic changes from the start. Take small steps. Once you have made up your mind that you are making these changes for yourself, you’re ready to get started.

Enlist the help you need from your tool belt. Contact a life coach or seek out a counselor who specializes in eating disorders. Schedule an appointment with a certified hypnotist.

Get to the ‘root cause’ of your overeating! Knowledge is the key to success!

Forget about going on a diet!

When you say, “I’m going on a diet”, it indicates that you will be going “off” the diet at some point in time.

Instead begin to clear out the gunk in your diet. Take small steps in this process. When you go to the grocery store, stay away from the store shelves with the potato chips. Bypass the cookie isle. Run away from the diet drinks! They have been proven to add weight to your body.

Don’t try to clear out all the junk food at the same time. Eliminate one junk food, then after a week eliminate another one. You’re not in a sprint, but you are in a marathon. You didn’t put the weight on over night. You’re not going to lose it overnight.

It’s not about how much weight to lose. It’s about being healthy.

Most of us don’t set realistic weight loss goals. It’s not about a number, but about health. As you explore the causes of your extra poundage and change behavior traits, you are well on your way to success. Your body will guide you on the path of being healthy.

Take that first step! The first step on a journey is the most important!

August 30, 2019 Nutrition

Is it ice cream? Is it a fruit smoothy? Is it both? by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Sometimes I just want some ice cream, but I don’t want all the sugar and other high calorie ingredients. I like homemade ice cream, but I’m lazy when it comes to taking the time to make it.

Satisfying the sweet tooth and the lazy side at the same time

I always use organic frozen fruits when I make my fruit smoothy/ice cream.

Pick out the organic frozen fruit you want to use to make your treat. Sometimes I like strawberry and banana. Other times, I like blueberries. Each time is a different tastebud delight!
Organic Almond milk, Flaxseed milk, Cashew milk, it doesn’t matter which one you use. Use your favorite one.
Put the fruit in the blender, add just enough of the milk to cover the fruit.
Blend the two ingredients together until you have a creamy mixture.
Enjoy your creation! This is easy, delicious, fast, and healthy!

August 30, 2019 Nutrition

Nettle Leaf Tea by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

I just finished a cup of nettle leaf tea. I added a little unprocessed honey, sat on my patio and enjoyed my cup of tea as I recorded a GoLive video session.

What are the benefits of nettle leaf tea? Is there a downside to this tea? Wait! Isn’t nettle the plant that irritates the skin?

Stinging Nettle Plant

Urtica dioica are known as stinging nettles because the plants’ stems and leaves are covered in hairs that burn the skin when touched. Urtica means “burn” and the stinging or burning sensation is caused by acids and proteins in the nettle plant’s hairs.

A nettle plant is of the family Urticaceae that includes tropical vines and shrubs. Nettles are in the genus Urtica and the species dioica. Dioica means “two houses;” the nettle has all male or all female flowers rather than a mixture. Interesting that this plant is either male or female.

Benefits of Nettle Tea

Nettle leaf tea is a nutrient-dense drink that contains phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins, especially A and K.

Many of the benefits associated with nettle leaf tea aside from the vitamins it contains, is its high vitamin A content supports cell differentiation, healthy vision and robust immune response. The vitamin K in nettle leaf tea supports cellular functions, including blood clotting and bone metabolism.

In addition to providing nutrients, eating stinging nettles and drinking nettle leaf tea may also provide specific health benefits. Some of benefits these include analgesic pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects as well as antioxidant protection. The nettle plant may also defend against bacterial, fungal and viral infections and help lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Nettle leaf contains higher levels of vitamin B
Nettle leaf is rich in minerals and nutrients, ranging from sulphur and sodium, to magnesium, calcium and iron
Nettle leaf provides a good source for protein

Precautions of Using Nettle Leaf

As with many herbs, the most common side effect is an allergic reaction after ingesting nettle leaf tea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include the development of a rash or hives with a stinging or burning sensation.

There are a couple of other cautions to be aware of, too. Nettle leaf tea is contraindicated for people who use blood thinners due to its high vitamin K content. Pregnant women shouldn’t drink nettle leaf tea, since it may cause uterine contractions.

Vitamin K is used to help the blood clot, so if you are on an anticoagulant, do not drink nettle tea. Drinking or ingesting nettle leaf will counteract the anticoagulant treatment.

I encourage you to learn more about the nettle plant.

July 10, 2019 Nutrition

What is Bacopa Extract? by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

I have recently found a product line that actually measures up to my standards on quality and living up to the promises they make. That in itself is no easy feat for a company to do as far as I’m concerned.

One of the products that I have been using is their coffee. This is not ordinary coffee by any means. This coffee has health benefits that I have not found in other coffee products.

Focused Ingredient

I want to focus on is one ingredient in this coffee. The ingredient is called Bacopa extract which comes from the Bacopa monnieri plant. This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The common English name is “water hyssop”.

Use

Bacopa extract is most often used for memory enhancing. Numerous clinical studies have determined that people who were given 125mg of Bacopa extract for 12 to 16 weeks showed memory improvement. Studies also showed improvement in reduction of anxiety and depression in elderly test subjects.

Conclusion of the studies

The conclusion of the researchers was that Bacopa extract yielded significant improvement in mental control, logical memory and paired associated learning during the 12-week drug therapy. It is efficacious in subjects with age-associated memory impairment. Researchers found that Bacopa monnieri is a potentially safe herb to enhance cognitive performance in the aging process and support of cognitive activity.

The side effects experienced by some test subjects were limited to gastrointestinal difficulties such as increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps, and nausea, none of which was proved to be significantly debilitation. A few listed dry mouth and muscle fatigue.

Overall, research reported that Bacopa extract is safe and appears to be effective toward improving memory.

Enjoy your cup of coffee!

You can contact me through my email for more information on this healthy coffee.

February 21, 2019 Nutrition

The Salt of the Earth by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Have you ever head of Himalayan salt? The health benefits are impressive. Did you know that you might already be using Himalayan salt? I bet you’ve heard of Pink Himalayan Salt. You may be using it already. So, what is the big ‘to do’ about Himalayan salt? Is one type of Himalayan salt better than another? I could only find two research articles on the benefits of Himalayan salt. It seems that more studies should be done.

The first was conducted at the University of Graz, Austria in 2001, and is detailed in the book Water & Salt, The Essence of Life.

The second was a double-blind placebo clinical study was conducted in 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The intent was to test the body’s reaction to the ingestion of common sea salt versus the ingestion of Original Himalayan Crystal Salt. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Original Himalayan Crystal Salt as a safe and effective all-natural mineral supplement.

The conclusion of the study:

Original Himalayan Crystal Salt was shown to be a highly effective product for the normalizing of mineralization in the human body. It has also shown to be effective in helping to stabilize pH and Oxidative Stress numbers in the human body. Hydration indicators showed an average of ten percent increase over the course of this study.

Original Himalayan Crystal Salt has not demonstrated any adverse side effects or organ system involvement, contraindications, or interactions with any food or drug, allowing the product to be used for extended periods of time. The time course and strength of its effects make it a viable alternative to common sea salt.

Having said this…..

What is Pink Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan salt is a unique salt that comes from salt mines 5,000 feet below the Himalayan Mountain Range. This salt is classified as rock salt or halite, which comes from the Punjab region of Pakistan about 190 miles from the Himalayas. The salt is believed to be a product of the dried remnants of the original, primal sea. Now that’s old!

Himalayan salt is about 4 billion years old and is thought to have formed during the creation of the earth. Because of the pressure of the earth on the salt, 5,000 feet deep, the salt is considered to be 99% pure.

Himalayan salt’s colors are pink, white or red. As with other foods, the richer the color, the better the mineral content. Himalayan salt is chemically sodium chloride (NaCl), which is defined as a mineral substance. It is important in the health of humans and animals. Salt is essential for maintaining healthy functioning of the body’s cells, nerve conduction, digestion, as well as the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste products. Himalayan salt is said to have between 60 to 84 trace minerals.

What is the difference between Himalayan salt and ordinary table salt?

Himalayan salt is the more pure form of salt and the best Himalayan salt is mined by hand. On the other hand, ordinary table salt is heavily processed and the processing of the salt destroys the minerals that were in the salt. Ordinary table salt is typically 97.5 percent to 99.9 percent sodium chloride. However, a high-quality unrefined salt like Himalayan sea salt is only about 87 percent sodium chloride.

As a result of the processing with ordinary table salt, sodium is the only ingredient left. Some companies add iodine plus there are dangerous anti-clumping agents added to the salt. Many commercial table salts also undergo a bleaching process and they contain aluminum derivatives and other ingredients known to be highly toxic to human health. Remember, aluminum is believed to contribute to the different dementias.

Why would we want to add yet another toxic food to our diet?

What are the health benefits of Himalayan salt?

The most noted health benefits of Himalayan salt include:

Himalayan salt shows an improvement in respiratory function. The Lung Institute research shows that salt is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, loosens excessive mucus and speeds up mucus clearance, removes pathogens in the air like pollen, and decreases IgE level (immune system oversensitivity).
It helps to balance your body’s ph levels. When your pH has a healthy acid-to-alkaline ratio, it makes an important difference in your overall health. A proper pH helps foster your immunity, encourages good digestion and has an effect on your blood pH.
Himalayan salt is beneficial in the digestion of food. The Himalayan salt stimulates the peristalsis of the digestive organs, balances the stomach acid, supports the production of digestive fluids in the liver and pancreas, regulates the metabolism and harmonizes the acid-alkaline balance.
Purifies the air. Himalayan salt lamps are known to improve air quality inside your home or office. Himalayan salt lamps attract water vapors to it as well as air pollutants. The water vapor evaporates due the lamp’s heat, but the dust and allergens remain in the salt instead of getting into your body. That’s pretty cool isn’t it?
Himalayan salt can enhance better sleep. But, how can that be, you say? There was research done in 1989 showing that a low-sodium diet can cause disturbed and irregular sleep patterns. Dr. Michael V. Vitiello, the director of the Sleep and Aging Research Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, keenly points out, “low levels of sodium in the blood cause blood volume to decrease, and the sympathetic nervous system becomes more active in order to compensate. That causes sleepers to wake up more often and have difficulty going back to sleep.” (Michael V. Vitiello, PhD is an internationally recognized expert in sleep, circadian rhythms and sleep disorders in aging. His NIH funded research focuses on the causes, consequences and treatments of disturbed sleep, circadian rhythms and cognition in older adults. He is the author of 450+ scientific publications.)

There are additional health benefits resulting with the use of Himalayan salt. In summary, the benefits affect every aspect of life including; aiding in balancing the water levels in the body, to the prevention of leg cramps, to heart health, and to improved libido. That’s rather sexy!

As with any salt, you don’t want to over use Himalayan salt. Keep it stored in an airtight container. The benefits are many do to the high mineral content.

There are many brands of Himalayan salt on the market. As with any product you don’t want to go the cheap route. You get what you pay for. Do your research, but in my research I found that The Spice Lab Himalayan salt is rated the best. You can get a two pound bag for around $7.55.

Enjoy the ‘salt of the earth’ and its benefits with Himalayan salt.

Category: Nutrition