Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Interview with Dr. So who Cares.....Q&A

OK Everyone this was too funny not to post, of course it is opposite of what my blog is about lol but Dr. So Who Cares interview cracked me up and I hope it brings a smile to your face as well. 


Just a little humor for this Tuesday morning!

Q: Doctor,  I've heard that  cardiovascular exercise can prolong life.  Is this true? A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise.  Everything wear out eventually.  Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster.  Want to live longer?  Take nap. 

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? 
A:  No, not at all.  Wine made from fruit.  Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way.  Beer also made of grain.  Bottom up!

Q: How  can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one.  If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What  are some of  the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of single one, sorry.  My philosophy is: No pain...good!
        
Q:  Aren't fried foods bad for you? 
A:  YOU NOT LISTENING!  Food are fried these day in vegetable oil.  In fact, they permeated by it.  How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!? 

QWill  sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not!  When you exercise muscle, it get bigger.  You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach. 

Q:  Is chocolate bad for me?  A:  Are you crazy?!?  HEL-LO-O!!  Cocoa bean!  Another vegetable!  It best feel-good food around!

Q:  Is swimming good for your figure?  A:  If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..

Q:  Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?  A:  Hey!  'Round' is shape! 
Well... I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And  remember: 
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"
   
AND.....

For  those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.  It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.  

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.. 

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you
.


Monday, March 21, 2011

Swollen Glands can foods help?


Swollen glands, can be a painful, acute condition, but there are lots of things you can do to ease the symptoms, without resorting to drugs. If the problem persists for more than a few days, consult your doctor, as there may be a more serious cause for your condition.

This morning I woke up with swollen glands.  It has been a long time since I have had swollen glands.  I think its allergy related so I decided to see if there were any foods that can cure swollen glands.  Not only are my glands swollen but you know how it also hurts when you try to swallow....   I made a cup of tea and started googling and I found an awesome home remedy to cure swollen glands in about an hour!!!!  I didnt believe it so I took the challenge...

First I gargled with a cup of cider vinger, lime juice salt and water -  1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1tablespoon of lime juice.   I boiled the water dissolved the salt then added the rest.  Let it get warm enough so you cna gargle without burning your throat.

As I gargled I could feel it loosen the mucus caught in my glands...it also released it and I was able to spit it out.  ( I know gross but it's a fact and needs to be pointed out)

Then I started a lymphatic drainage massage on the throat.  Start by placing your fingers just under the jaw at the top of the throat. Using a very gentle, steady downward pressure slowly "milk" the swollen lymph nodes in the throat. Let your fingers slowly drift down the sides of the throat to the base. When you reach the collarbone, also rub in between the ribs in the upper chest. There are lymph nodes in between the ribs. Repeat the process. This is a slow, gentle process and done correctly causes some discomfort but no serious pain. If the pain is to intense, ease up the pressure.

After 40 minutes my swelling went down and the pain eased up.  I was amamzed I had to share! 

Here are a few tips I also found that may help..

  • Eat berries from this getting more vitamin C which is helpful for thyroid glands difficulty. 

  • Keep away from consuming coffee, sugary foods, cola and cabbage

  • If you can take it ...suck on Garlic cloves - Garlic This Amish remedy can treat or prevent sore throats. Peel a fresh clove, slice it in half, and place 1 piece in each cheek. Suck on the garlic like a cough drop. Occasionally, crush your teeth against the garlic, not to bite it in half, but to release its allicin, a chemical that can kill the bacteria that causes strep.

  • Drink Hot Liquids


    Especially if you're not good at gargling, drink hot fluids, such as coffee, tea or hot lemonade. Coating the tissue in your throat with warm liquid provides a benefit similar to applying hot packs to infected skin. (And sipping hot tea is more pleasant than trying to swallow a hot pack.)
    To make a soothing tea, use a spoonful of marjoram steeped in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain, then sweeten to taste with honey.

  • Sip lemon juice. Mix 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in 1 cup warm water and sip away.
    Drink lime juice. Combine 1 spoonful with a spoonful of honey and take as often as needed for a sore throat.

  • Make a Horseradish Cocktail
    Try this Russian sore-throat cure. Combine 1 tablespoon pure horseradish or horseradish root with 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon ground cloves. Mix in a glass of warm water and drink slowly.

  • Rest and Take It Easy

    Common sense dictates staying in bed or at least resting when a sore throat's got you down. Taking it easy leaves more energy to fight the infection. If your sore throat doesn't require medical attention, rest will help get you back on the road to recovery.


  • Some times swollen glands are reason by viral infectivity and needs some antibiotics and Zithromax medicine. Some periods chance that bacterial illness is wedged inside the glands that could create them red, gentle, painful and scorching. If you have done massage daily then it will increases blood flow in the body and this is helpful to decrease swollen glands pain.  The polluted glands may need antibiotics as agreed by your doctor.

    DISCLAIMER
    This is not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.


    Comments are always welcome and if you have any other remedies for swollen glands and sore throat please share!!! 

    Sunday, March 20, 2011

    Your Body is Your Temple

    Making healthy food choices everyday to fuel the temple that is your body.  Treat your body good.  Love thyself and you will be loved back. 



    Eating Healthy foods at the right times can give you the Energy you need to get you through your day with the energy needed to make thinks happen. Eating Healthy food makes you feel good all over including your brain and how it processes information.

    Natural foods, are the way to go.  Cooking should be baked, broiled or steamed.  Here is a link to natural food coupons if your interested.  Natural Foods  I am not associated with the coupon website, I just use it as a consumer to save on my food purchases like everyone else. : ).

    Tuesday, March 15, 2011

    Back off sista, your breath smells!!!

    Have you ever wanted to say that to someone??  I know I have and I found there are foods that can help you avoid bad breath.   Isn't food amazing??  I love that there are so many benefits to food we just need to really understand it and not take it for granted.


    First lets talk about what causes bad breath?
    Many things can cause bad breath, like smoking, odor causing foods (garlic), tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, sinus or respiratory infections, poor dental hygiene, and medications.Dental Hygiene : Woman having toothache Stock Photo

    What can you do about bad breath?
    So you believe you have bad breath or have been told you have bad breath right?  Well then keep a diary of the foods you eat and medications you take.  Tell your dentist next time you visit. Gum : Photo of female patient with dentist over her checking up teeth and drilling them Let him know if you have been sick or on any medications since last visit.  Brush your teeth twice a day to remove any foods and plaque from your teeth.  Don't forget to brush your tongue most people don't do this but it's inportant!  Remove your dentures every night, clean them good before putting them back in. 

    What about mouthwash?
    Well mouthwash is cosmetic and loaded with alcohol this may be a cause of bad breath belive it or not. 

    Here are a few foods that will help!

    Parsley, so you think that garnish on your plate is not worth eating?  Think again, parsley is one of the best foods to fight bad breath and natural way.  So next time you have that piece of garnish on your plate make sure you chew on it when your done with your meal. You can chew on fresh herbs or make tonics by steeping them in hot water (as a tea). These herbs make an excellent digestive as well—doubling the benefits of ending a meal this way.

    Yogurt : Healthy breakfast of yogurt and fresh berriesYogurt, A serving of yogurt a day actually helps reduce the odor causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth.  Yogurt also cuts back the bacteria that grows in your mouth.  Gum disease and plague were also reduced by studies of people who ate yogurt everyday.  Make sure your yogurt is the kind with active cultures - not processed or sugar added varieties.

    Celery, Carrots : Food preparation Stock PhotoCrunchy Foods, You need to keep your mouth moist, so crunching on apples, celery, carrots, broccoli, and any fiber rich fruit or veggie is your friend to fighting halitosis.  Crunchy foods also help clean out all the carbs that get stuck in your mouth from the cereals, breads and chicken...
    Don't forget to follow up your meal with something crunchy!

    Berries : Fresh fruits salad isolated on a white background Stock PhotoVitamin C, Foods rich in vitamin C like berrie, melons, citrus will help against the growth of bacteria and is also impotant for preventing gum disease and gingivitis which are both causes of halitosis. 

    Gum : Side view of a young woman with professional makeup making a bubble from a chewing gum.Chew Gum, sugarless gum and only if there is nothing else around this will help keep your mouth moist and minty fresh only for a short time so make sure you keep up propper dental hygiene!

    Gum : Woman brushing her teeth.Dental Hygiene : Dentist gives the child a green Apple Stock PhotoDental Hygiene : the little cute girl brushing her teethCitrus : Fruit collage (greeting card, extra large file)

    So remember to brush twice a day and eat the foods that will help prevent halitosis !! 

    Comments always welcome!


    Migraine does the food you eat trigger them?

    We all suffer one time or another with migraines, could the triggers be the food we eat?  Yes some case studies show that certain foods can cause migraines for simple fact they contain tyramine.  (Tyramine is a compound known as an amine found in many foods, produced from the natural breakdown of the amino acid, tyrasine. Tyramine can cause blood vessels to dilate, and this may be what starts the migraine chain-reaction in some people.)



    A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, certain foods, environmental factors, or something else. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear. Today, most medical experts believe the attack begins in the brain, and involves various nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues.
    Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
    • Alcohol
    • Allergic reactions
    • Bright lights
    • Certain odors or perfumes
    • Changes in hormone levels (which can occur during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills)
    • Changes in sleep patterns
    • Exercise
    • Loud noises
    • Missed meals
    • Physical or emotional stress
    • Smoking or exposure to smoke
    Certain foods and preservatives in foods may trigger migraines in some people. Food-related triggers may include:
    • Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
    • Baked goods
    • Chocolate
    • Dairy products
    • Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
    • Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans (Food with tyramine is generally preserved or aged. For this reason, you should be very wary of leftovers that have been in the refrigerator for more than 24-48 hours. The more “aged” foods become, the worse the trigger may be. )
    • Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
    • Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
    • Nuts
    • Onions
    • Peanut butter
    This list may not include all triggers.
    True migraine headaches are not a result of a brain tumor or other serious medical problem. However, only an experienced health care provider can determine whether your symptoms are due to a migraine or another condition.

    Now what foods are good for migraine's?  If your like me I don't only want to know what I can't eat but what can I eat....

    Foods rich in magnesium such as:

    Spinach (yep Popeye again he was a smart sailor)
    Broccoli
    Kale
    Peppermint
    Cayen pepper
    Ginger
    Fish and Fish oil foods rich in calcium.
    Oatmeal
    Garlic

    Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is sometimes added as a flavor enhancer in Chinese restaurants. It is also found in commercial soups, soy sauce, salad dressings, frozen dinners, soup mix, croutons, stuffing, and some chips. It can be disguised on food labels as sodium caseinate, hydrolyzed proteins, or autolyzed yeast.
    If you think foods may be worsening your migraine symptoms, consult your doctor as a first step.

    Diet isn't a treatment for migraine, but for some people, avoiding certain foods may help prevent attacks.

    Simultaneously eliminating all possible trigger foods is generally not recommended because of the sheer number of potential triggers. Most people would find the diet too restrictive and difficult to adhere to.

    Instead, keeping a diet diary may help to identify any food triggers. The diet diary should list all foods eaten every day, with approximate times. The appearance of any symptoms should be noted. If food triggers are found, selectively avoiding only those foods may help.

    Skipping meals can be a trigger for some people, so eating regular, well-balanced meals is often advised.

    As usual I love to hear from you guys on any info you may have that can help migraines!

    Friday, March 11, 2011

    Why I love power foods

    The comic above is probably how it should be!! LOL

    As most of you know I struggle with everyday simple tasks, such as getting out of bed.  My arthritis is in my spine and somedays are worst then others.  My normal days before I started this blog was taking a morphine pill to get relief from the pain.  Now I take vitamins and drink a cup of Chai Tea!  The biggest change is my diet.  I've learned that food plays a major role in our health.  The foods we eat truly can make the difference between life and death.  I now try to eat only whole foods and lots veggies and fruits.  My body is thanking me!  I have lost 23 lbs since I started this change which was only 5 weeks ago.  It is amazing how much I have learned not only by doing this blog but by all the wonderful people I have met here and the information they have shared with me.

    Power foods are so amazing, the benefits are even more amazing and I am so convinced that if everyone understood how important it is to make the right food choices there would be less disease in the world!  I use to think I knew what was good and what wasn't.  I found out what I though was good for you was only because of false advertising through large corporate businesses to push their garbage and make you think your doing the right thing but in truth your doing more harm then good.  Learn to read the lables properly and you will see most of the processed foods are all JUNK, they are making us sicker and weaker and obese.



    My day begins:

    1.Morning stretch... about 5 minutes
    2. Full glass of water with my vitamins
    3. Cup of green or chai tea
    4. 1/2 cup of oatmeal (real oatmeal not prepackaged with all that sugar) I add banana or berries and some nuts. and about 1/4 cup of soy milk
    5. 15 minute workout on my abdoer
    6. snack on Activa - yogurt
    7. Veggie salad for lunch (spinach salad with berries, tomatoes, carrots and lemon and olive oil)
    8 10 minute walk
    9. snack on handfull of walnuts or almonds
    10. have a piece of fruit orange, apple, or cantelope
    11. between all this drinking plenty of water and tea.
    12. dinner with fresh fish or chicken and loads of greens and beans!
    13. some more fresh fruit, strawberries , kiwi, apples

    This is the typical but I will change it up every now and then with whole grain pancakes for breafast and sometimes a bowl of oatmeal for super lol ......

    Lord knows I am not perfect and it's ok to slip up every now and then but whats most important is that you get right back to the good stuff.  Just these simple changes have made a huge difference.  I have many more changes I need to make but thats another blog!

    Thursday, March 10, 2011

    Thursday Dedication - Tao of Anxiety

     My Thursday dedication goes out to Justin!! 

    Tao of Anxiety

    Although I have only known Justin for a short time, I find his blogs to be very inspirational and his writing supurb!  If you have not been to Justin's blog it is a must to go there now and read it! 
    Everyone I believe struggles with some type of disorder may it be, anxiety, stress just everyday B.S. we all go through it and Justin has found a way to help ease you through the everyday battle!

    Go now and see for yourself !

     
    Thank you Justin for your wonderful friendship and for being the real person that you are!! 
     

    Wednesday, March 9, 2011

    Popeye was right....


    Popeye was right: eating spinach can make you stronger and more muscular, especially if you're over age 50. Let me explain.

    It's apparent that as we grow older muscle mass is lost. Although this loss is slowed somewhat by weight lifting and vigorous aerobic exercise, it still happens. Even athletes in their 60s typically demosntrate considerably less muscle than they had in their 40s.

    Now there is research that shows why (1). Nitrogen, which is an essential component of muscle protein, is given up by the body at a faster rate than it can be taken in as we get older. This is due to a gradual change in kidney function that comes with aging producing an acidic state in the blood. Essentially, we are peeing off our muscles as we pass the half-century mark in life.

    Also, with a net loss of nitrogen, new muscle cannot be formed. This same acidic state of the blood also explains why calcium is lost with aging resulting in osteoporosis for many, especially women, with advanced age (2).

    The key to reducing, or even avoiding, this situation is to lower the blood's acid level by increasing its alkalinity. There are studies demonstrating that taking a supplement called potassium bicarbonate daily for as few as 18 days increases the blood's alkaline level by balancing nitrogen in the body (2,3). While it can be purchased relatively inexpensively in laboratory supply shops, potassium bicarbonate is not currently available as an over-the-counter supplement, and there are no long-term studies of its effects on health. There is some evidence that it contributes to irregular ECG readings.

    But there is also a natural way of achieving this same result through diet by eating foods that increase the blood's alkalinity - fruits and vegetables. Fats and oils have a neutral effect on blood acid. All other foods, including grains, meats, nuts, beans, dairy, fish, and eggs, increase the blood's acidity (4). If your diet is high in these latter foods but low in fruits and vegetables, you can expect to lose muscle mass and bone calcium as you age.

    Remer's study ranks foods in terms of their effect on blood acidity and alkalinity. For example, the food that has the most acidic effect therefore contributing to a loss of nitrogen and ultimately muscle is parmesan cheese. The food Remer found to have the greatest alkaline effect thus reducing nitrogen and muscle loss is raisins. Among vegetables, spinach was the most alkaline food. See what I mean? Popeye was right.

    Here is a ranking of common foods and their effect on alkalinity and acidity taken from Remer's study. The higher a food's positive acidic ranking, the more likely it is to contribute to a loss of muscle mass and bone-mineral levels. The more negative the foods alkaline ranking, the more beneficial is the effect on these measures.
    Acid Foods (+)

    Grains: brown rice +12.5, rolled oats +10.7, whole wheat bread +8.2, spaghetti +7.3, corn flakes +6.0, white rice +4.6.

    Dairy: parmesan cheese +34.2, processed cheese +28.7, hard cheese +19.2, cottage cheese +8.7, whole milk +0.7.

    Legumes: peanuts +8.3.

    Meats, Fish, Eggs: trout +10.8, turkey +9.9, chicken +8.7, eggs +8.1, beef +7.8.

    Alkaline Foods (-)
    Fruits: raisins -21.0, black currants -6.5, bananas -5.5, apricots -4.8.

    Vegetables: spinach -14.0, celery -5.2, carrots -4.9, lettuce -2.5.

    More reasons now why I eats my spinach!!! 

    Tuesday, March 8, 2011

    212 Degrees

    I know this is way off what this blog is about but this is a great video please watch and comment!

    Happy Tuesday !!

    XXOOXX

    Sunday, March 6, 2011

    Healing touch - Dr.Chaitra: Chocoholics corner

    Healing touch - Dr.Chaitra: Chocoholics corner: "If you are a fan of chocolate you're in good company. Whats that makes chocolate irresistible? Chocolate stimulates endorphins secretion,cr..."

    Power Foods that Fight the Flu!

     

    It takes more then an apple a day to keep the docotor away!  By eating some surprising nutrients it will keep your body on guard.  You can ensure your body and immunity run smoothly by rounding out your plate with more veggies, and drink 8-10 glasses of water a day!  The following ingredients can add an extra FLU fighting punch to your winter meal plan. 

    1. Yogurt

    Probiotics, or the "live active cultures" found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Although they're available in supplement form, a study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that a daily 7-ounce dose of yogurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills. In an 80-day Swedish study of 181 factory employees, those who drank a daily supplement of Lactobacillus reuteri--a specific probiotic that appears to stimulate white blood cells--took 33% fewer sick days than those given a placebo. Any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain.

    Your optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings a day.

    2. Oats and Barley

    These grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities more potent than echinacea, reports a Norwegian study. When animals eat this compound, they're less likely to contract influenza, herpes, even anthrax; in humans, it boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibiotics work better.

    Your optimal dose: At least one in your three daily servings of whole grains.

    3. Garlic

    This potent onion relative contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria. British researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks; the garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold. Other studies suggest that garlic lovers who chow more than six cloves a week have a 30% lower rate of colorectal cancer and a 50% lower rate of stomach cancer.

    Your optimal dose: Two raw cloves a day and add crushed garlic to your cooking several times a week.

    4. Fish

    Selenium, plentiful in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, helps white blood cells produce cytokines-proteins that help clear flu viruses out of the body. Salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

    Your optimal dose: Two servings a week (unless you're pregnant or planning to be).

    5. Chicken Soup

    When University of Nebraska researchers tested 13 brands, they found that all but one (chicken-flavored ramen noodles) blocked the migration of inflammatory white cells-an important finding, because cold symptoms are a response to the cells' accumulation in the bronchial tubes. The amino acid cysteine, released from chicken during cooking, chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine, which may explain the results. The soup's salty broth keeps mucus thin the same way cough medicines do. Added spices, such as garlic and onions, can increase soup's immune-boosting power.

    Your optimal dose: Have a bowl when feeling crummy.

    6. Tea

    People who drank 5 cups a day of black tea for 2 weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink, in a Harvard study. The amino acid that's responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea--decaf versions have it, too.

    Your optimal dose: Several cups daily. To get up to five times more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while you brew.

    7. Beef

    Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutritional shortfalls among American adults, especially for vegetarians and those who've cut back on beef, a prime source of this immunity-bolstering mineral. And that's unfortunate, because even mild zinc deficiency can increase your risk of infection. Zinc in your diet is very important for the development of white blood cells, the intrepid immune system cells that recognize and destroy invading bacteria, viruses, and assorted other bad guys, says William Boisvert, PhD, an expert in nutrition and immunity at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA.

    Your optimal dose: A 3-oz serving of lean beef provides about 30 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for zinc. That's often enough to make the difference between deficient and sufficient. Not a beef person? Try zinc-rich oysters, fortified cereals, pork, poultry, yogurt, or milk.

    8. Sweet Potatoes

    You may not think of skin as part of your immune system. But this crucial organ, covering an impressive 16 square feet, serves as a first-line fortress against bacteria, viruses, and other undesirables. To stay strong and healthy, your skin needs vitamin A. "Vitamin A plays a major role in the production of connective tissue, a key component of skin," explains Prevention advisor David Katz, MD, director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center in Derby, CT. One of the best ways to get vitamin A into your diet is from foods containing beta-carotene (like sweet potatoes), which your body turns into vitamin A.

    Your optimal dose: A half-cup serving, which delivers only 170 calories but 40 percent of the DV of vitamin A as beta-carotene. They're so good, you might want to save them for dessert! Think orange when looking for other foods rich in beta-carotene: carrots, squash, canned pumpkin, and cantaloupe.




    9. Mushrooms

    For centuries, people around the world have turned to mushrooms for a healthy immune system. Contemporary researchers now know why. "Studies show that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive. This is a good thing when you have an infection," says Douglas Schar, DipPhyt, MCPP, MNIMH, director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine in Washington, DC.

    Your optimal dose: Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms appear to pack the biggest immunity punch; experts recommend at least ¼ ounce to an ounce a few times a day for maximum immune benefits. Add a handful to pasta sauce, saute with a little oil and add to eggs, or heap triple-decker style on a frozen pizza.

    Tuesday, March 1, 2011

    A Way Of Life - FYI

    


    As one of my readers pointed out, that if you consume red meat or fast foods everyday and think that eating a handfull of power foods will help, you then are not grasping the concept.  The purpose of my blog is to inform and educate on what foods are best and why.  By replacing the bad foods for power foods in your daily diet is not only going to help you lose weight and feel better but will also prevent common diseases caused by the bad foods we so easily ingest.  Most of the time we don't understand why certain foods are good for us, except thats what we we are told.  Here I try to explain what the true benefits are to all the power foods I list.   Exercise if definitely a benefit, simple 5 minute walk, or 15 minutes of stretching and cardio.  Cleaning your house, sweeeping, mopping, doing dishes these are also a daily workout believe it or not. 

    I try to do as much research so that the information is as up to date as possible.  If anyone would like to add please let me know.   Below are a few funnies I thought were sending a huge message...no pun intended LOL





    Here is a cool way to eat healthier!!


    Enjoy!