Eat Your Greens Dude!

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My brother has just gone through a physical and emotional trying time with dealing with prostrate cancer. I want you guys to know, there is a couple of things you can do for yourself to PREVENT it.
Here goes…first the scary stats.
Prostate cancer kills more men than any other kind except for lung cancer. Each year, 680,000 men worldwide are diagnosed with the disease and about 220,000 will die from it.
Now the info…
Just a few additional portions of broccoli each week could protect men from prostate cancer. Researchers believe a substance called isothiocyanate in the broccoli sparks hundreds of genetic changes, activating some genes that fight cancer and switching off others that fuel tumors.
Broccoli (as compared to other cruciferous vegetables) has a particularly powerful type of sulforaphane, which the researchers believe gives broccoli its particular cancer-fighting properties. It appears that broccoli contains the necessary ingredients to switch ON genes that prevent cancer development, and switch OFF other ones that help it spread
The benefit derived from broccoli would likely also be available from other cruciferous vegetables that contain isothiocyanate, including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, watercress and horseradish.
How Much Broccoli do You Have to Eat to Reap These Benefits?
Studies have indicated that people who consume more than one portion of cruciferous vegetables per week are at lower risk of prostate cancer. In the study I mentioned above, the control group ate four extra servings of broccoli for 1 year…then, the researchers collected tissue samples over the course of the study and found that the men who ate broccoli showed hundreds of beneficial changes in genes known to play a role in fighting cancer!
That’s pretty impressive. What’s even more impressive is the fact that you don’t have to make that drastic of a change to reap the benefits. After all, one serving of broccoli equates to about two spears. So we’re only talking approximately 10 spears a week, big deal, right? You can exchange potatoes for steamed broccoli …steak and broccoli, not a bad combo.
Best type of veggies..
While I believe foods, especially vegetables, are a far smarter choice to treat serious health challenges like cancer than using most drugs, all foods may still not be the right choice for you. And even though vegetables are one of the healthiest food categories on the planet, not all vegetables are beneficial for everyone.
This is where a deep appreciation of nutritional typing will assist you in selecting the best vegetables for you.
One of the most serious mistakes is for a protein type,(meat eater type O blood) to consume many dark green vegetables. This tends to over-alkaline your system and worsens rather than improves your health if you’re a protein type.
However, other vegetables such as cauliflower, which happen to be beneficial for protein types, can also have a similar effect.
I want you to be aware of just how important it is to understand your body at a deeper level, because if you are a protein type and were to eat broccoli, the other effects of broccoli might push your metabolic biochemistry in the wrong direction and thus override its benefits.
The best way to understand specifically what foods are ideal for your body in particular is to learn your nutritional type. When you eat properly for your particular type, you will experience increased daily energy, improved emotional well-being, a feeling of satiety and satisfaction, and, of course, optimized health and weight so you live longer with a better quality of life.
However, even if you were a mixed or vegetarian/carb type and broccoli are good for you, ( smaller muscle mass, A, B, AB blood types) there may be an even better way to get these cancer-fighting benefits than eating whole broccoli!
Better Than Broccoli?
Small quantities of fresh broccoli sprouts contain as much cancer protection as larger amounts of the mature vegetable sold in local food markets.
Just 5 grams (0.17 ounces) of sprouts contain concentrations of the compound glucoraphanin (a precursor to sulforaphane) equal to that found in 150 grams (5.2 ounces) of mature broccoli. Another major benefit is that the sprouts don’t smell since you don’t have to cook them. They are eaten raw, usually as an addition to salad. (Local source, www.organic-select.com )
NITTY GRITTY
1. Optimize your vitamin D levels with appropriate sun exposure.by taking morning sun before 11a.m., or after 4 p.m.
2. Cut out processed sugars…that means honey and sugar substitutes too.,. Eliminate sugar as much as possible as it’s been shown again and again that sugar feeds cancer. Use Agave or stivia to satisfy your sweet tooth.
3. Get appropriate exercise. One of the primary reasons exercise works is that it drives your insulin levels down. Controlling insulin levels is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risks.
4. IP6 (phytic acid) is a powerful tool to lower high iron levels (serum ferritin levels). Excess iron can be a major cause of many cancers.
5. Selenium - 400 mcg per day.
6. Consume freshly ground flaxseeds or chia seeds - two ounces every other day.
7. Vitamin E - 400 units per day. (Please note: Only natural vitamin E should be used, not synthetic. Additionally, mixed tocopherol is more preferable than alpha-tocopherol, as the gamma tocopherols are particularly useful antioxidants.)
8. Consume fresh vegetable juice daily - including one small tomato (lycopene) if you do not have arthritis, other good ones are wheat grass and beet juice…invest in a good juicer and the Juice Man book.
9. Eat broccoli or cauliflower sprouts, depending on your nutritional type.
10. Have a tool to permanently erase the neurological short-circuiting that can activate cancer genes. Even the CDC states that 85 percent of disease is caused by emotions. It is likely that this factor may be more important than all the other physical ones listed here, so make sure this is addressed. My favorite tool is meditation, yoga, down time.
11. Get enough high-quality sleep!
12. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins heavy metals and pesticides
13. Boil, poach or steam your foods, rather than frying or charbroiling them.
14. Eliminate your intake of processed foods, chips, dips, salsas, canned soup, etc. etc.
15. Cut out the processed salt and turn to the natural salt, there are some local salts from the coast of Jalisco that are good.
16. Avoid IMPORTED FOODS, its gassed at the border with some very nasty stuff.
The power of food in normalizing chronic disease and helping you achieve optimal health is quite profound and the reason that I am so obsessed with diet among other things.

The Power of Intuition

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It happened that while visiting with a psychotherapist friend, we got into the subject of the connection of awaking the power of intuition and getting in touch with ones personal spiritual gifts as a tool in working through unsettled situations. This statement got me thinking that everyone has the power of intuition, spiritual gifts and capacities that are meant to be used to guide and direct our lives. We have become conditioned to using our physical senses and logical thinking as the compass to how we proceed with life. By fine-tuning our intuition, observing life’s road signs such as coincidences, we will be able to choose more effortlessly, with fewer detours, the direction we could be taking. That’s called being “on purpose”.
Spiritual gifts include intuition, discernment, precognition, spiritual empathy, compassion, visionary skills, perception, powers of healing oneself and others, telepathy and the overall feeling of abundance and joy.
Intuition is a clear knowledge or insight of what is right for you, free of any logical or rational processes. Intuition is a function of the sixth chakra. Chakras are energy stations in a line along the front of the body and head. Intuition is common for all of us. Accessing and developing intuition is a natural gift that can be developed and fine-tuned. With the natural gifts of nurturing (maybe that’s why mothers are naturally intuitive) comes the sixth sense, or “gut” feeling,
The sixth chakra is located in the center of the brow, above both eyes, just above the bridge of the nose. In metaphysics, it is referred to as the “third eye. My friend claims you can activate these areas of your body and energy fields to increase levels of intuition and pure knowing of right action in tough situations.
Here is a couple of exercises and observations you can practice to get the energy flowing.
Stop justifying, defending and explaining yourself in your day-to-day conversations. Every time you do, you discount what you “know” to be true and right for you. Embrace your truth and wear it boldly.
Imagine you have a third eye situated at the point mentioned above. Place your middle finger on the bridge of your nose and push up a couple of inches, breathing deeply, imagining you are opening the eyelid. This is a tool you can use before going into a confusing and difficult situation.
Practice yoga meditation, prayer, observation and song.
We are essentially spiritual and highly intuitive beings. Sometimes we run into trouble trusting what we know, and all too often look outside ourselves for permission or validation. Confusion sets in when are actions and attitudes are in conflict with intuition. Confusion and anxiety (stress) is your inner self sending red lights and flags. You may be able to pull off this role playing for a while, but sooner or later, your true nature will unfold, like a caged bird taking flight, this causes confusion around you.
So, trust your gut feelings. All your answers are inside you waiting to be awakened and shared. Both men and women, who are willing to use their intuition, play a great role in our present time and the changes in the near future. Trust your inner knowing, develop your intuition, and you will enrich your life by being true to yourself the lives of those around you.

Local and Organic: Still Your Best Choice

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Seems so, especially after seeing the film, Food Inc. Pretty scary when it’s all put together and the audience has to swallow it in 90 minutes.
The film points out with overwhelming evidence what spurs these huge corporate food giants on, which apparently has nothing with providing wholesome foods to Americans and the world. I say Americans, because the film was focused on those living in the U.S. We do have more options here in Mexico. It is still less expensive to buy veggies and fruits then to eat a burger and fries, not so it seems in the U.S.
Not only that, it has been resolved that local is fresher (duhhh) and organics contain…
• Organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants
• Organic produce had higher levels of beneficial minerals like iron and zinc
• Milk from organic herds contained up to 90 percent more antioxidant
Many food industry experts (I guess you can’t trust these guys anyway) continue to state that there is little difference between organic and conventionally raised produce.
I suppose they do say that. Have you seen these guys? Most of them are about 50 lbs over weight, and ex-experts and wizards from huge corporations like MONSANTO…Those are the same guys making the food and drug laws in the U.S. I wonder what THEY eat for dinner.
Food grown in healthier soil, with natural fertilizers and no chemicals, simply has to be more nutritious. It is common sense and common knowledge, though knowledge is greatly suppressed in the U.S. and beyond about any of these things.
Speaking of knowledge… Have you seen the food labels…they are getting more ambiguous all the time. Just try and find out where that organic baby spinach comes from the next time you are in the cold room at Costco.
Do they ever mention what that plastic box was gassed with before packing that pretty produce? No, of course not, but you will note that the produce turns to mush after 24 hours of being exposed to air. Please note that product packaging is not regulated. So, you know how THEY are…(anything goes for the Profit King)…how about a little preservative gas cocktail in that Brazilian packed organic spinach to keep them lively and fresh for the month they are in transportation. Really? From Brazil all the way to the U.S. then Mexico? Plus a little radiation helps to keep the mold off those lovely apples and pears for at least a month.
Even if you prefer to purchase organic imports,
the mandatory gassing at the border deletes any positive properties.
If you want to get the freshest, tasty, nutrient-rich foods available, you simply must seek out real sources close to home. When I say “real sources” I’m referring to farmers, local markets, and community-supported agriculture programs.
Know also that many small farmers raise their foods according to organic standards, yet are unable to afford the certification process to legally call them so. Certification costs anywhere from 3000.00 US$ and up…that’s a bundle of pesos. The lengthy and costly certification serves to push up the cost and price of organics.
It happens that we have been in the organic food business from the get go here in Mexico, I can tell you, Certification means very little. We find growers that wave their certification like a flag and meanwhile receive produce from all over and stamp certified organic on everything, not knowing, or caring how the product has been handled or produced.

The Bottom line?
Stick to eating food that comes from your community, in the most natural form possible. Eat meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, sprouts, herbs and more that come from a local source.
Know your supplier. Organic certification does not mean much except a higher price tag. Consider sustainability and the amount of energy it takes to get a veggie or meat product from another country to P.V.
Ok ok ...
Now go and enjoy your dinner…we are having the family over for barbeque, local beef, salsa and veggies from the garden and tortillas of course.

Facts about Cucumbers

Cucumbers are frequently used in a Mexican kitchen; here are few interesting tips and facts, both, in and out of the kitchen,

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!


7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life’s everyday problems.

Sugar Babies

The big sugar companies are taking some marketing lessons from the tobacco industry by denying any connection between their product and the obesity and diabetes epidemics going on in the industrialized world. They also have access to immense power and give generously to the powers that be to ensure that their products are protected.

Sugar is one of the biggest enemies in the pursuit of health and longevity. It appears in nearly ALL processed foods and drinks -- even things you wouldn’t think would be sweetened, like canned beans, mayonnaise, and pickles even baby food -- make it virtually impossible to avoid.
It is a proven fact that sugar increases your insulin and leptin levels and decreases receptor sensitivity for both of these vital hormones. This lead directly to:

•High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Weight gain
• Premature aging
Sound familiar?

One way in which sugar has been linked to the obesity epidemic, for instance, is that when consumed in quantities, sugars cause hormonal changes that lead to overeating.
Sugar suppresses your immune system, contributing to allergies, and it is responsible for a number of digestive disorders. It also contributes to depression, and its excess consumption is, in fact, associated with many of the chronic diseases in the United States, including the big C.
The sugar industry, naturally, wants to downplay its health risks because there is big money involved.
Well, who can blame them, take a look at some of these figures…we are talking about some big bucks…
The average American eats well in excess of 150 pounds of sugar a year, or about 2.5 pounds each week. This is no surprise because the single largest source of calories in the United States is high-fructose corn syrup from soft drinks. And Mexico, loving and admiring their northern neighbors, embraces their worst habits and is 2nd in line when it comes to sugar consumption, 1st in line when it comes to obesity

The sugar industry has had its share of challenges lately, such as a growing artificial sweetener industry that has been stealing more and more attention and market share. However, most of these artificial sweeteners are s greater health risk then straight up sugar and should be avoided.

But that’s another story.
Due to the artificial sweetener invasion, the sugar folks are coming on stronger than ever, and tagging into the “natural” sweet treat as a fine part of your diet. Of course, most people don’t eat just a teaspoon of sugar a week; they eat over 2 pounds, which is not surprising when certain studies show sugar to be addictive. Even your pets will get addicted to the taste and beg for more. Yes, a little candy can’t hurt? ...Better think again as our pets are more and more prone to human diseases.
Again, that’s another story.
And what about the kids? They are started on the sugar binge from the time they are toddlers! A new study uncovered another contributing factor to the rise of childhood obesity directly related to the amount of added sugars in kid’s diet. Those who consumed higher amounts of added sugars in their diets receive fewer calories from healthy foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. This means the more added sugars from sodas and sweets in kids' diets, the fewer the number of good nutrients their bodies get in order to remain healthy.

Consider the problems that schools and parents are having with hyper active children, Sometimes they call it ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder, then medicate the kids.to help them focus. But just try and keep your kids off the sugar and see a real tizzy fit.
A bitter pill to swallow? Who does not love a great sweet? Be well advised to be prudent in your choices and cut the sugar down. Try using real alternatives like agave syrup and little by little you can break the habit.

And PLEASE do not reward your sweet pet with sweets.
Or the kids.

Prostate Cancer

A dear friend was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is one of our organic food growers in the region; it came as a shock to us all. Now he is on the road to recovery and I on the road to discovery. I share with you what I gleaned from my search. Read on dear reader….for prevention and recovery.

First off I was surprised to find most of the information was regarding symptoms, testing, medical procedures and treatment. Not much is mentioned about cause and prevention. In the light that the statistics show prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men, seems there should be some information concerning WHY and HOW NOT TO.

Researchers noted that there are already plenty of health reasons to consume more vegetables such as broccoli, and their findings add another potential benefit when it comes to preventing prostate cancer.

A plant-derived chemical produced when your body digests green vegetables such as broccoli and kale can inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells, according to research.

Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower are rich sources of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which the body converts into 3,3'-diindolylmethane DIM during digestion.

DIM acts as a powerful anti-androgen inhibiting the spread of human prostate cancer cells in culture tests. Androgen is a necessary hormone for the normal function of the prostate; however it also plays a role in the early stages of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer in the early stages is typically treated with anti-androgen drugs.

In later stages of the disease, cancer cells typically develop resistance to androgen.
In the study, the researchers compared the effects of DIM on androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells as well as on cancer cells that were independent of androgen.

It was found that androgen-dependent cancer cells treated with a solution of DIM grew 70 percent less than untreated cells. However, androgen-independent cells were not affected by the DIM solution.

Further tests showed that DIM inhibits the actions of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary androgen involved in prostate cancer. DHT works by stimulating the expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA acts as a growth factor for prostate cancer, however when androgen-dependent cells were treated with DIM, the level of PSA decreased, which suggests that DIM functions at a gene expression level, according to researchers.

The findings support previous research that has shown this class of chemicals to be a potential therapeutic agent for breast and endometrial cancer.
Well, there is a bit of food for thought. So again I say increasing your vegetables is one of the preventative measures recommended against prostate cancer as it helps with many other cancers too.

Studies have shown that boosting your intake of vegetables can cut your risk of prostate cancer by 35 percent.

Below is the most current list of tools to avoid and treat prostate cancer (nutrients useful to treat prostate cancer are also likely to benefit breast cancer as well):

Increase your vegetable intake, especially the raw greens.

Take Omega 3 oils--this is probably the most important

Exposure to adequate sunlight

Eliminating sugar, and sugar substitutes

Get a handle on emotional and physical stress

Avoid processed foods.

Cut down on wheat products that means bread, pasta, cookies..etc.

Eat virgin natural oils, olive, coconut oil or grape seed

Exercise 3 times a week.

Don’t do drugs including pot…

Following these simple methods along with getting your PSA screening when you turn 40, will provide you with some excellent natural preventative and treatment tools against this relatively slow-growing cancer that can be easily controlled if caught early.

The Healing Power of Magnets

We studied the power and use of magnets in acupuncture school. They work on inflammation, pain and reduce swelling. I also use them when dealing with children as they are totally non- invasive and help with sore throats, swollen glands, and tummy aches. Of course the best part is that the kids think they are great magic.

Here are some facts for you:

Magnets have been used for their healing properties since ancient times, and now a new study has found that they can reduce swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury.
In their initial study, researchers from the University of Virginia set out to investigate the effect of magnetic therapy on microcirculation, which is blood flow through tiny blood vessels.
They placed magnets, about 10 times the strength of the common refrigerator magnet, near rats’ blood vessels and found that they dilated constricted blood vessels, and constricted vessels that were dilated. The results suggested that the magnetic filed could relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow.
I have used magnets when dealing with muscle bruising and joint sprains, they are effective and fast relief for sports injuries by controlling the swelling which allows shorter recovery time. I took a tumble a couple of weeks ago and turned my knee...there was a lot of pain and swelling, I put a couple of magnets around my knee, and had a good nights rest. I recovered quickly and am sure the magnets helped with pain and the healing process.
Magnetic therapy is a $5-billion market worldwide, and it is no surprise that in the United States the U.S. Food and Drug Administration makes it illegal to market magnets to treat significant conditions like HIV, asthma, or arthritis.
In addition to reducing swelling, magnets have been found to help with:

• Depression
• Age-related mental decline
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Schizophrenia

There are countless products available, from magnetic bracelets and ankle straps to shoe insoles and mattresses, and it is really a buyer beware environment to make sure you are getting a quality product. Many commercial products do NOT have the proper field strength to be effective.

Magnet therapy uses “static” magnets, which are called static because the resulting magnetic field is unchanging. (Please do not confuse these with electromagnets, which produce magnetic fields when an electric current is applied and really shouldn’t be used on your own.)

You can check out the strength of the magnet before you buy it. They are typically measured in units called gauss (G). Simple refrigerator magnets range from 35 to 200 G, but the magnets that may treat your pain range from 3000 to 5,000 G. Some practitioners start with a lower gauss and gradually move up to a more intense level as necessary.

Magnet polarity is also important, as each magnet has two sides, negative and positive.
The negative end, or North Pole, generally has a cooling, sedating effect that is useful for relieving pain and inflammation.
The positive end, or the South Pole, has the opposite effect and is stimulating, even to bacteria and viruses. So the positive end of the magnet needs to be used CAUTIOUSLY as it could actually promote disease and increase pain if it is used incorrectly. Because of this, the positive end of a magnet is typically used VERY carefully for conditions such as numbness, weak muscles, paralysis and scarring.
Most therapeutic magnets have their polarity marked, when in doubt don’t use them.
Once you have gauged the magnet’s polarity, you can place the proper side directly onto your skin and secure it in place with skin tape. You will need to experiment with how long it should be kept on. Some conditions respond relatively quickly, while others can take much longer.
While on the subject, bipolar magnets are thought to direct the potentially dangerous positive magnetic energy into your body, and I would caution all to avoid bipolar beds.

A unipolar magnetic mattress pad, which more closely approximate to the earth’s magnetic field, is a better choice.
Do not use magnets over the heart or the tummy of pregnant women.

Energy treatments like magnetic therapy are likely to gain more credibility in coming years. I have patients who do not leave home without the magnets. But even a safe, alternative treatment like this will not remove the root cause of your pain or disease.
Keep to your basic plan for optimum wellness.


1. Address your emotional traumas
2. Get optimal sunlight exposure
3. Drink enough pure water
4. Avoid toxins
5. Eat the right fats
6. Eat right for your Nutritional Type
7. Eat plenty of raw food
8. Control your insulin and leptin levels, (sugar sugar sugar…)
9. Exercise
10. Get good quality sleep.

THE GRACE of AGE

It seems the act of aging has turned into an act of grace with a little adjustment in your mind set, so says Deepak Chopra .M.D.

¨If I know my biological potential is 130 years, then I don’t consider myself middle-aged until I’m 65…One of the great principles of mind/body medicine is that expectancies determine outcome. If you expect to remain strong in your mature years, you will¨.
Deepak Chopra M. D.

As a society and as individuals, we can expect that our notions of aging will continue to change dramatically in the years ahead. Leading pioneers in the field of mind/body medicine such as Deepak Chopra, M.D., an endocrinologist, bestselling author and internationally recognized authority on how our consciousness affects our health, urge us to consider the power that our beliefs about aging have over us. The latest research shows that how we age has more to do with our belief system and mindset about aging than any other factor.

In the last several decades, gerontologists have proved that remaining active throughout life halts the loss of muscle and skeletal tissue. The news is spreading among older people that they should continue all the activities they enjoyed in earlier years, walking, hiking, bicycling, gardening, golf, tennis, karate, swimming, lovemaking, dance and consciousness disciplines such as yoga, tai chi, and the softer marital arts. Not long ago I read about a wild, 100 year old daredevil, who’s name I do not know, defying age, common sense and the fears of his doctors and children, made his first bungee jump from a 210-foot tower…then of course there is that snap shot of the sisters…age 102 and 104, one practicing a shoulder stand, the other stretching in a yoga pose with one foot behind her head. Sounds a bit extreme?.

What happens when we change our expectations about aging? Tufts University found out when they put a group of the frailest nursing home residents, ages 87 to 96, on weight-training regimen that included Hatha yoga.

Traditionally doctors believed that this type of elderly person belonged in bed, in a rocker or wheelchair out on the porch or in front of the TV. Exercise would exhaust or kill these fragile people. Well, they thrived. Within eight weeks muscle tone improved by 300 percent, coordination and balance improved as well. Most important, these folks confidence in being active returned. Some of them who had not been able to walk unassisted could now get up and go.

HAHTA YOGA SLOWS DOWN AND REVERSES THE AGING PROCESS

What is Hatha Yoga? O.K., now pay attention, I get this question A LOT, especially with many new styles of yoga..Astanga, Inyengar, power, flow, dance kick yoga, it’s really essentially the same. Hatha means union, a physical discipline that explores the connection between the body, mind and spirit. The goal of yoga is to balance and unify the positive and negative energy flows (ji, chi, life forces) within the body. Using the flow of the breath and the internal flow of these energies, yoga helps us to realize our potential for health and self-healing.

All of the approaches to hatha yoga involve the practice of various movements and postures. In general, they consist of forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions, standing and balancing poses as well as relaxation and breathing techniques. These postures or ‘asanas’ along with conscious use of the breath remove stiffness and tension from the body, restore vitality, strength and stamina, and improve balance and coordination; they also promote the efficiency of the body processes of digestion, assimilation and detoxification. Then there is the mental-emotional side. A short meditation clears out negative emotions and helps focus the mind.

According to yogic tradition, the years after 50 are the ideal time for psychological and spiritual growth. The practice of yoga not only restores the health and vitality of the body, but the philosophy behind yoga aims to open and expand a human being on all levels so that aging can become a time of greater perspective and illumination, this is when grace appears.

I have to say I am rather fond of the yoga discipline. I have taught here in P.V. for the last 18 years and have practiced twice that, but who’s counting right? I have found that women who practice have little or no menopause symptoms, keep their weight in line, energy levels up and general have a more positive outlook on life. The men are coming around, and when the do they fall fast and hard into the yoga tract. A yoga practice helps bring about balance to a modern fast paced life by giving your mind and body a chance to come together in harmony and a moment or two of stillness. That stillness is the birthing place of inspiration and creativity.

You can find a studio close to home by checking the Vallarta Tribune “Things to do” listing. All teachers have their own take on teaching so if you try one and don’t like it, try another one.

So, with grace, turn off the T.V., get up out of that comfy chair, get rid of the canned multi-vitamin and mineral shakes by eating real food and GET GOING,…you have another 50 years to embrace.

Immune System Boosters

My gentle readers and patients know how I feel about keeping the immune system perky and energized... Here I give you a few easy tips that you can incorporate into your life style to assure your first line of defense is strong and thriving.

1. Drink your lemons. Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the body’s internal “climate” at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments. Apple cider vinegar is another great way to improve your body’s alkalinity, but the taste of lemons is much more pleasant!
2. Get a full night’s sleep. Everybody’s different: your body may need anywhere from 6 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Whatever your personal sleep requirement is, get it! Sleep has been linked to balanced hormone levels (including human growth hormone and the stress hormone, cortisol), keeping weight down, clear thinking and reasoning, improved mood, and vibrant, healthy skin.
3. Eat plenty of protein. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Diets low in protein tend to be high in carbs which convert readily to glucose, spiking blood sugar and stressing the pancreas and the immune system.
4. Drink plenty of water. This is almost, but not quite, a given; most headaches occur because despite the number of reminders, people still aren’t getting enough water! Headaches and thirst are both signs of dehydration. Especially during these hot and sultry days and nights when all we do is perspire.
5. As it happens, I am a freak about the impact of refined white sugar. If you do only one thing to boost your immune system, eliminating sugar will do the trick. You will see noticeable results in your energy levels, weight distribution, immunity and your ability to think clearly when you break the cravings and stop eating refined sugars. Many holistic nutritionists consider sugar a drug for its impact on the human body. Healthier sugars such as agave and stevia do exist, but please avoid artificial sweeteners; they are more toxic than cane sugar. It happened that I did publish an article about this and was shocked about the huge response, folks and kids are addicted. The truth still is, you are not doing yourself any favors by turning to artificial sweeteners.
6. Stock up on raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. The nutritional content that you receive from raw fruits and veggies is unparalleled. Many vitamins, including C, are antioxidants and will protect cells - including those of your immune system - from damage by toxins in the environment. Dark-colored produce (berries, kale, and broccoli) tends to be higher in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants. Don’t think that vitamin and minerals supplements take the place of raw food. Organic is best when you can get it. RAW FOOD DIETS are a huge diet movement.
7. Spend more time outside. Exercise out of doors can make a noticeable difference to your health and happiness by releasing endorphins. Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors; inhaling dubiously filtered air and other people’s germs, so take any opportunity to get out. Those who tend to spend long hours seated in front of a computer should try to take short breaks of walking outside. These breaks will increase your productivity, circulation and over all sense of well being, while giving your immune system a boost.
8. Nurture yourself. Make sure you take time to yourself, spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a massage, a hot bath, or an energy work session when you want one. Our bodies respond to our emotions- if you’re feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold or just feeling achy all over. Create a space within yourself, in your day and your home for harmony, self-love and joy where you can honor, give thanks, pray and acknowledge the abundance in your life
9. Media breaks. Yep, turn off the boob tube and the computer and turn on the music, candles, grab a book or magazine, write a letter to a friend or loved one and be creative with your personal time. Clean out the closet, and please play with the kids and pets.
10. Wheat and gluten. Know where they are and avoid them. For kidney health, circulation and blood pressure imbalances, that’s bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, etc etc.
11. Take the wheat grass juice 6 weeks a year. This cleanses, alkalizes and energizes the whole system. And does wonders for the libido.
(www.organic-select.com)

See you around.

Facial Acupuncture A safe alternative to surgery

This article was passed on to me by
one of my patients that have under
gone a series of facial acupuncture
treatments. I find the results depend
largely on over all health and life style.
Patients come in enticed by the thought
that the face can be lifted and renewed
with acupuncture and leave with the
feeling of over all health and well
being. Facial acupuncture not only
addresses the facial area, but the whole
body is treated to bring the organs into
balance which naturally energizes the
body and relieves many health issues.
Nora Isaacs of the New York times
wrote..
Jane Becker, a composer and solo
pianist, celebrated her 50th birthday
at the dermatologist, paying $1,500
for shots of Restylane and Botox.
But three months later, their wrinklesmoothing
effects wore off. So, she
turned to a less-artificial youth tonic:
facial acupuncture. Like many women
who have tried acupuncture in pursuit
of beauty, Ms. Becker hoped that
having needles strategically inserted
into her face would be cheaper and last
longer than her birthday injections.
Ms. Becker, now 53, started with 10
sessions in five weeks ($1,000) and
has gone for monthly maintenance
since ($105 a session).
Facial acupuncture is not cheap due
to the special equipment, time and
product used in the procedure, but
it pays in other ways, she said. After
a treatment I feel light, relaxed and
energized. I also sleep better. “I can
really see a difference in my face,”
said Ms. Becker, who sees Steven
Sonmore, a licensed acupuncturist
in Minneapolis. “It looks younger,
smoother, brighter and uplifted.”
Early adopters like Ms. Becker first
spread word of the virtues of a socalled
acupuncture face-lift. Then
before the 2005 Academy Awards,
a crew of facial acupuncturists
descended on Soho House, a makeshift
celebrity hangout in Los Angeles,
and A-listers jumped at the chance to
transform their skin from the inside
out. Now, thanks to more robust
marketing, cosmetic acupuncture has
caught the attention of more of the
wrinkled public. Its holistic approach
appeals in particular to women who
want to slow signs of aging, but don’t
want to undergo surgery or to inject
chemicals. Whether it is called facial
rejuvenation, acupuncture face-lift or
Facial Acupuncture
A safe alternative to surgery
cosmetic acupuncture, the aim is to
tackle wrinkles, muscle tension that
may be causing unsightly lines, as well
as systematic issues standing between
you and glowing skin. Just as with
traditional needling, putting needles
on acupuncture points stimulates the
body’s natural energies, called qi, but
with added benefits
“There’s a rise in interest all over the
country,” said Martha Lucas, a licensed
acupuncturist who helped create
the Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture
system in 2003. She teaches a dozen
seminars annually to rooms of more
than 30 budding facialists. “L.A.
used to be the biggest market. But
now we get people from the Midwest
calling.” Practitioners of this style of
cosmetic acupuncture called Mei Zen
(“beautiful person” in Chinese) offer
their services in 16 states.
Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, (My
teacher) a licensed acupuncturist who
headed the 2005 Oscars event, has
trained more than 2,000 teachers in 40
states in her technique: constitutional
facial acupuncture.
This year to date, she has trained
almost 1,200 practitioners, up from
100 in 2001, she said. “For centuries,
the ancient Chinese have promoted
health and beauty,” Ms. Wakefield
said, “but we’ve taken it to another
level.”
Cosmetic Acupuncture works. A halfdozen
women interviewed for this
article said they have seen puffiness
decrease, under-eye bags disappear
and lines diminish or soften, especially
around the eyes and lips.
Dr. Richard G. Glogau, a clinical
professor of dermatology at University
of California, San Francisco, said these
changes were quite possible. “It’s
obvious that people carry around a lot
of muscle tension in their face, which
gives them frowns and wrinkles,” he
said. “My take on this is that they are
producing relaxation in the muscles.”
My own patients have been presently
surprised to the lifting and softened
effect of the procedure.
So there you have it…a real alternative
to look into before you are consider
going under the knife. Questions and
comments can be directed to organicselect@
hotmail.com

Painful Knees???

It seems many of my new patients are coming in with the pain, swelling and bad knees history. Many of them have already gone through the arthroscopic knee surgery recommended by the Specialists..and came away no better for the wear and tear to the whole body that surgery puts one through.

This puzzled me so I went digging for the newest information; here it is….

Trimming damaged tissue through arthroscopic knee surgery does not relieve pain and swelling in arthritic knees any better than simply flushing loose debris from the joint, according to new research.

The findings are based on three randomized studies, one of which found the treatments produced similar results in pain and physical function after two years. The other two studies produced low-quality evidence, according to researchers.

Potential side effects of arthroscopic surgery include a risk of infection and blood clots. Further, the surgery does not stop the progression of osteoarthritis, and symptoms are likely to return over time. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that affects your hands, hips, shoulders and knees, especially in older people.

The condition causes joint cartilage to break down, and loose bits of tissue can then cause pain, swelling and poor joint function.

Sources:

Arthroscopic knee surgery is many times an unnecessary surgery. It works no better than a placebo surgery, and the proof of this was published in one of the most well-respected medical journals on the planet.

Despite this monumental finding, and numerous studies like the one above, 650,000 people in the United States undergo arthroscopic knee surgery every year.

And with a cost of about $6,000 per procedure, that adds up to over $3 billion every year spent on a sometimes needless and non beneficial surgery. It has become a very popular surgery at the expense of the patient.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Often, what prompts people to receive arthroscopic surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in your joint deteriorates, causing bone to rub against bone, and leading to pain and loss of movement.

This is the most common form of arthritis in the United States, and usually occurs in the older age group. It is more frequent in women than in men. The disease results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those that are weight-bearing such as your spine and knees.

Potential contributing factors to this condition include:

• Obesity

• Nutritional deficiencies such as natural minerals and salts

• Continuous physical stress

• Glandular insufficiency

• Shortage of hydrochloric acid

• Lack of exercise

Natural Options for treating Osteoarthritis

What really healed their bodies were their own minds, diet change and moderate exercise.

This is amazing testimony to the power your brain has at inducing healing changes in your body. Remember that whatever you focus your conscious attention on in the real world will typically be achieved. Inflaming thoughts cause inflamed joints.

And, to help with the structural issues that can contribute to osteoarthritis, here are my recommendations:

• Get plenty of Omega-3 fats by taking a high-quality krill oil and chia seeds

• Get moving with an exercise program, but don’t overdue it.

• Eat a healthier diet eliminating inflammatory foods, such as sugar, tomatoes, eggplants, salt. ALCOHAL IN ANY FORM.

• Rely on safer anti-inflammatory alternatives such as arnica liniment, there are some very good brands in the health food store near Rizos

• Acupuncture for pain and swelling.

Well, there you have it. Painful joints, especially the knees can be quite a set back when it gets to the point that the pain stops your from walking, which is the number 1 exercise.

Still..

Think twice before going under the knife, there are alternatives.

Migraines Natural Cures

Rid Yourself of a Migraine Headache, Naturally

I wrote this a couple of years ago..before the gluten free fad had hit home. If you are prone to Migraine, check this out..

Headaches can be basically divided into two types, tension and migraine.
As I was looking over the info on migraine and body pain, I remembered a woman who started her day with 2 pain killers and a coffee. Physical pain is a huge over- the -counter pharmaceutical business.

I hear Folks north of the border spend more than $1 billion every year to get relief from just migraine not to mention body pain. The pain associated with migraines can be incredibly debilitating. I have seen a number of patients who were disabled physically and mentally due to the intense pain of a migraine.

Many of the drugs used to treat migraines are effective in relieving this severe pain and are a welcome relief. Unfortunately they do absolutely nothing to treat the cause and in fact actually contribute to the problem as after a short while they can cause rebound headaches themselves. This is the same old story of western industrial medicine treating the symptom and not the actual cause of the pain. Pain is a heads- up message from the body to let you know that something is out of whack.

It is something like a smoke detector going off. It’s faster and easier to shut down the detector instead of finding the fire and putting it out. Then, after a bit, the detector goes off again and again. Each time louder and longer resulting in a full blown MIGRAINE.

Most migraines also seem to include a food-based reaction relating to wheat, dairy, sugar, acid foods, or artificial preservatives or chemicals. Eliminating these foods and incorporating sound nutritional principle frequently improves migraines and inflammation. A recent study of food based reactions revealed nine out of ten patients tried a gluten-free diet seven stopped having head aches, two other patients had some -- but not complete -- success by switching to a gluten-free diet.

The 10th one flaked out.. Yep, that’s bread, pasta, cereal, cake, whole wheat, and wheat derivatives. Fortunately, there are many natural treatment options that exist to treat migraines. These should always be considered first because as you know now drugs to treat migraines can make the problem worse. It is possible to stop headaches by stimulating your body’s natural painkilling ability. By putting pressure on a nerve just under your eyebrow, you can cause your pituitary gland to release painkilling endorphins immediately. Another method for releasing endorphins is to take 10 teaspoons of cayenne pepper in a glass of water. Endorphins are released by the brain when the cayenne hits your stomach lining.

I think you have to be pretty desperate to try this one, but it works.
Other useful techniques include:

• Putting a cold compress on your forehead or behind the neck
• Massaging the ears and ear lobes
• Massaging the “crown” of your head -- the ring of muscles that circle the head where a crown would sit, it worked for Queen Elizabeth who was a sufferer of migraines.
• Drink plenty of natural liquids, without sugar, sugar substitutes, odd colors or flavors.
• Avoid orange juice, tomatoes and eggplant.. they are just to acidic.
• Keep a journal of what brings on the migraine and get to the root, it may stress, hormone upsets, food combinations, and excess mental energy
• Seek out acupuncture for long term relief.

And lastly, start an exercise program; this will help to improve your response to stress along with the underlying inflammatory conditions that can trigger migraines.

Krystal Frost is a long time resident of Puerto Vallarta. She holds a degree from the University of Guadalajara in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and herbology. Ms. Frost went on to specialize in cosmetic acupuncture at Bastyr University in Washington State. She is the owner of Body & Sol in P.V. for over 18 years where she practices Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, massage therapy, yoga therapy and nutritional counseling. She is also co owner and creator of Organic Select Mexico, an on line organic bakery and market. www.organic-select.com

Krystal has created wellness and specialized culinary programs for individuals, retreats and spas.
Questions and comments may be directed to organic-select@hotmail.com Phone 222 1015, 9-5 Monday -Friday