Health and Wellness

Healthy Cells, Healthy Immune System, Healthy Body

Our immune system was designed specifically to heal our bodies and keep them healthy. So why are so many failing these days?

There are many factors that cause our immune systems to function poorly - diet, lack of exercise, too much stress and how we handle it, pollutants and contaminants in the air and water, toxins in our food supply, body care and cleaning products among many other factors. But taking our health seriously doesn't have to be burdensome and confusing.

I don't know anyone who wants to be sick or die of disease but sadly that's what is happening to so many people. Death is a sure thing, but disease doesn't have to be.

If you're interested in strengthening your immune system allowing it to do its job, which is to heal your body, then go to Amazing Molecules . Find out how healthy cells make for a healthy body and then contact me!

Friday, August 20, 2010

EGG RECALL - Infected with Salmonella

The egg recall is big news at the moment.  So far I haven't heard of any recalls on the east coast.  But that doesn't mean infected eggs haven't made their way to our part of the country.  According to Dr. Mercola, investigations continue in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, so be careful and check your eggs before eating them.  From the FDA website
Shell eggs under the August 13, 2010 recall are packaged under the brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Shell eggs are packed in 6-egg cartons, 12-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. 
Recalled shell eggs affected by the expanded recall are packaged under the brand names: Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg, 12-egg, and18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 229 and plant numbers 1720 and 1942.
Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1720 223.
When we buy food from a supermarket or restaurant do we really know where it's coming from?  When my mom was young in season food, such as fruits and vegetables, was purchased from farmers who would drive through their neighborhood.  Yes, they bought directly from the farmer, no middleman involved.  Of course, they also had stores but not supermarkets like we have today where you can buy all your food in one place.  Back then, there were no factory farms and no big conglomerates who monopolized the food industry.  Food was much more pure and less processed, not that they didn't have processed foods then.  But even the prepared foods in restaurants were much healthier than they are today because pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones and antibiotics were not readily available.  Today food manufacturers who have no qualms in using the harmful items listed above are making major profits as are the pharmaceutical companies.  One produces foods that are easy, convenient and artificially tantalizing to our pallets while the other capitalizes on our ill health due to all processed and unhealthy foods being produced, purchased and consumed.  It's no wonder our immune systems are so weak that they succumb to the effects of things like salmonella poisoning.

The important thing to understand about Salmonella is that it can be fatal to young children, those who are elderly and those with weakened immune systems.  So what does that tell us?  That it's not as much of a threat to those whose immune systems are strong and functioning properly.  Children are more susceptible because their immune systems are not fully matured.  Many elderly people have weakened immune systems due to the natural aging process however, it's obvious many have much weaker immune systems than they should.  Keeping your immune system strong at any age is the key to good physical, emotional and spiritual health.  Without it, you'll be subject to all sorts of diseases and illnesses.  Isn't that reason enough to be committed to making sure you and your family have healthy immune systems?

For more information about the egg recall visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO5gnZplJt8&NR=1
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/organic-eggs-easy-greening.html

Saturday, August 7, 2010

The Benefits of Juicing

Juicing is the BEST medicine, it gives you a lot of energy and elevates your mood.  It's true!

ABSORPTION: Essential nutrients in fresh vegetable juice are absorbed in your body within minutes because the fiber is removed. Fiber takes longer to digest.

ENZYMES: These are the door to which our bodies get nourished. They are present in live food, such as raw produce and sprouts. Enzymes enable us to digest our food and absorb it into our blood. They are also catalysts for many essential life functions, such as separating the nitrogen from the air we breathe, so we absorb the oxygen. When cooked or heated to temperatures above 118 degrees, enzymes become sluggish and above 130 degrees they are completely destroyed. Microwave cooking completely destroys enzymes in our food.

PHYTOCHEMICALS: These are substances in plants that studies show aid in the prevention of specific diseases. They are only found in fruits and vegetables. Juicing is a great way to get them.

PROTEIN: Fruits and vegetables do contain a small amount of protein but not enough to nourish us alone so protein foods must be eaten. Instead of getting all your protein from meats though, try adding some brewer’s yeast, wheat germ or whole grains to your fresh vegetable juice and also substitute some of your meat dishes with bean and legume dishes.

AS A SUPPLEMENT: Fresh vegetable juice is an excellent way to get the nutrients you need daily. As Jack LaLanne says, “If man made it, don’t eat it.”

TO PREVENT DISEASE: Juicing and eating lots of fresh organic fruits and vegetables actually reduces the incidents of disease, as many studies reveal.

PLEASE NOTE:  Some people have lost their ability to absorb nutrients. This means that even though a person may be eating all the right things, they can still be malnourished and be at risk for developing serious illness and disease.
 
If you think you may be experiencing this problem, the best way to find out for sure is to see a Naturopath doctor because Naturopaths get to the root problem, they do not treat symptoms, and they will know what tests you’ll need.  Usually these tests are covered through your medical insurance.
 
Keep in mind that most medicals doctors, except for those practicing integrative medicine, are not trained, equipped or knowledgable enough in the area of wellness and nutrition and therefore would not be the best candidates to seek after for help.

Update

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog.  That's because life has added some extra twists and turns that has caused us to change directions a bit.  We have a beautiful new grandson, Benjamin Thomas who arrived on July 7th who is already a month old.  So we're navigating our way through, however it's taking time.  We still have a ways to go.  With that said, I've had to put Not Just Cooking on hold.  But it's only on hold until things settle down and I can catch my breath.

My goal right now is to post various articles, recipes, How To's etc...on a weekly basis or at least every other week.  There's a lot to write, a lot to read and a lot to learn.  If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, or anything that pertains to their particular situation, please let me know.

Thank you and enjoy another wonderful weekend that God has given us!

Lisa