BENEFITS OF HAND REFLEXOLOGY
 
Western medicine rediscovered the technique of touch point therapy with the help of Dr. William Fitzgerald who called it Zone Therapy. In 1915, an article titled “To Stop That Toothache, Squeeze Your Toe,” brought touch therapy to the public’s attention.

Touching specific pressure points on your hands is essentially a form of reflexology. When you practice reflexology, you stimulate the nerve endings in the hands which send messages to all parts of the body through the nervous system.  There are different reflexology charts of the hands: Western, Indian, Korean and Aculife. The chart below is a sample of a Western chart.

Here are some basic techniques to keep in mind:

* Use the index finger, thumb or both to apply pressure.
* Apply either direct pressure or pressure in a small circular motion over the spot.
* Apply firm pressure for 3 to 5 seconds.
* Begin with your right hand and finish with your left hand.

EXAMPLE FOR BACK PAIN
Pressing the side of the thumb starting at the tip and working down to the wrist. Spend extra time on areas that are sore but don’t press too hard.
 
Note:  Some people should avoid reflexology due to medical conditions such as blood clots that could be aggravated.  Consult with your physician if you have concerns.
 
*Disclaimer:  This blog is solely the opinion of the author and is not intended to diagnose, treat, and/or cure any disease nor should it be construed as medical advice.

When it comes to health, hormones and gut bacteria have a much bigger effect than many people realize.

What factor contributes to weight gain during pregnancy?  Hormone balance.
What causes weight fluctuations, bloating and other health symptoms throughout the course of a month? Hormones.
What causes men to naturally put on muscle more easily or lose weight more quickly? Hormones.
What is a huge contributing factor of growth in children? Hormones.
What controls ovulation, reproduction, etc.? Hormones.

1.  SUPPORT DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The digestive system has much more of an impact on hormones than many of us realize. Not only is the digestive tract the source of many vital neurotransmitters in the body, but an imbalance in the gut can translate to an imbalance in neurotransmitter and hormones. Serotonin, a necessary neurotransmitter for sleep/stress balance is more concentrated in the gut than even in the brain. 70% of the immune system is found in the gut and it is quite literally the motherboard of many functions in the body. Thyroid health may also be linked to gut health.

THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH GUT PROBLEMS MAY HAVE TROUBLE EVER ACHIEVING HORMONE BALANCE WITHOUT FIRST ADDRESSING GUT HEALTH.

2.  EAT ENOUGH HEALTHY FATS
Most of us are consuming way too many omega-6 fatty acids from polyunsaturated vegetable oils, but we are not consuming enough beneficial Omega-3s and saturated fats. These types of fats are vital for proper cell function and especially for hormone function, as these are literally the building blocks for hormone production. When we don’t give the body adequate amounts of these fats, it must use what is available, relying on lower quality polyunsaturated fats. 
 
Coconut Oil
For this reason, coconut oil is amazing for hormone health. It provides the necessary building blocks for hormone production, may assist with weight loss, reduce inflammation, and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.  Other quality sources of fats include avocados, animal fats, olive oil, grass fed meats, pastured eggs, and raw dairy (for those who can tolerate it). Quality seafood is also very important, as it contains naturally occurring Omega-3s. 
 
Bottom line: Don’t eat fats like vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oil, margarine, shortening or other chemically altered fats. Choose fats like coconut oil, real butter, olive oil (don’t heat) and animal fats (tallow, lard) from healthy sources instead and eat lots of high Omega-3 fish.
 
3. LIMIT THE CAFFEINE
I love coffee a lot, but the truth is that too much caffeine can wreak havoc on the endocrine system, especially if there are other hormone stressors involved like pregnancy, presence of toxins, beneficial fat imbalance and/or stress.

4. AVOID HARMFUL CHEMICALS
Harmful chemicals found in pesticides, plastics, household cleaners, cosmetics, lotions and mattresses can contain hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic hormones in the body and keep the body from producing real hormones.

5. PRIORITIZE SLEEP
Without adequate sleep, hormones will not be in balance.  While you’re sleeping, your body is active removing toxins, recharging the mind and creating hormones. Skimping on sleep, even for one night, ma have a tremendous impact on hormones.  Create a daily routine to help support your natural circadian rhythms. Wake up and go to bed at the same time, even on weekends, to keep your hormone cycle regular.

6. SUPPLEMENT WISELY
Unfortunately, we live in a world where the food supply is often depleted of nutrients due to over-farming, the water is often contaminated with chemicals and even the air we breathe can contain compounds that cause havoc in the body.

Maca - A hormone boosting tuber in the radish family with a long history of use in Peru. Women who use this may see improvements in fertility, reduction in PMS and better skin/hair. It may help men with sperm production, testosterone levels and muscle composition.  Maca is a good source of minerals and essential fatty acids, which is one of the ways it supports hormone balance.  Maca should be discontinued during pregnancy. 

Magnesium - Magnesium is vital for hundreds of functions within the human body and many of us are deficient in this master mineral. There are several different ways to get Magnesium: Powder form (like Natural Calm), ionic liquid form and transdermal by using Magnesium oil applied to the skin.

Vitamin D & Omega-3s - A pre-hormone is supportive of hormone function. Best obtained from the sun if possible or from a D3 supplement or Cod Liver Oil.

Gelatin or Collagen - a great source of minerals and necessary amino acids. Gelatin and collagen powders support hormone production and digestive health in various ways. Gelatin powder can actually “gel” and is useful in recipes like homemade jello and probiotic marshmallows, while collagen protein does not gel but is easily added to soups, smoothies, coffee, tea or any other food.

7. EXERCISE THE RIGHT WAY
For those with hormone imbalance, intense extended exercise can actually make the problem worse in the short term. Sleep is much more important, at least during the balancing phase, so focusing on relaxing exercises like walking or swimming and avoiding the extended running, cardio, and exercise videos, can help the body in the short term. 
Short bursts of heavy lifting can be beneficial since they trigger a cascade of beneficial hormone reactions. Aim for a few sets (5-7) at a weight that challenges you, but make sure to get help with form and training if you haven’t done these before because bad form can be harmful.

8. CONSIDER ADDING HERBS
Certain herbs and plants may help the body bring hormones into balance.

Red Raspberry Leaf - A well know fertility herb that is also helpful in reducing PMS and cramping. It has a high nutrient profile and is especially high in calcium and is a uterine tonic.

Adaptogens- Herbs that help the body handle stress and support the adrenals. They are a natural way to work toward hormone balance for many people.

9. FIX YOUR LEPTIN
Leptin is a master hormone, and if it is out of balance or if you are resistant to it, no other hormones may balance well.  Fixing leptin may also help boost fertility, make weight loss easier, improve sleep and lower inflammation.  Some suggestions are as follows:

• Eating little to no simple starches, refined foods, sugars and fructose.
• Consuming protein and healthy fats first thing in the morning, as soon after waking as possible. This promotes satiety and gives the body the building blocks to make
• Be in bed by 10 p.m.
• Get outside during the day, preferably barefoot on the ground, in mid-day sun with some skin exposed.
• DON’T SNACK!!! When you are constantly eating, even small amounts, during the day it keeps your liver working and doesn’t give hormones a break. Try to space meals at least 4 hours apart and don’t eat for at least 4 hours before bed. This includes drinks with calories.  Herbal teas, water, coffee or tea without cream or sugar are fine.
• Let your body heal a little first, then add exercise.
• When you do exercise, do only sprints and weight lifting. Walk or swim.  Workout in the evening, not the morning, to support hormone levels.
• Remove toxins from your life as these are a stress on your body (i.e. processed foods, commercial deodorants, commercial soap, plastic storage containers, etc.)
• Eat (or take) Omega-3s (fish, grass fed meats, chia seeds) and minimize your Omega-6 consumption (vegetable oils, conventional meats, grains, etc.) to get lower inflammation and help support healthy leptin levels.
  

The content provided herein is the opinion of the author and for informational purposes only and is not intended to, nor claims to, diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice.

Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.  Coconut Milk may be consumed by people with cow’s milk allergies. It is free from gluten and soy, so people who are allergic to these substances may be able to use coconut milk.

Helps to maintain blood sugar places:
Glucose intolerance may cause manganese deficiency in he body. Coconut milk is a rich source of manganese.

Keeps skin and blood vessels flexible and elastic:
Copper is a very important mineral for most of the bodily functions. Copper and vitamin C may help to maintain the flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels.

Aids in building strong bones:
Coconut milk is not rich in calcium, but it is rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that the body needs for strengthening bones. It may be beneficial to take phosphorus with calcium particularly to prevent bone loss because it supplies phosphate to the body.

Anemia:
Iron deficiency in the body does not allow the body to develop enough hemoglobin for keeping sufficient oxygen levels in red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Each cup of coconut milk may supply the body with nearly a quarter of daily value of iron.

Relaxes muscles and nerves:
Coconut milk is rich in magnesium, and it may help in relieving sore muscles. If magnesium is not present in the body, nerve cells become very active because of calcium that activates nerves. Excess contraction of muscles may be caused by over-active nerve cells.

Helps in Controlling Weight:
Coconut milk may make an individual feel full very quickly because of high concentrations of dietary fiber.

Decreases the risk of joint inflammation:
Selenium is an important antioxidant. It controls the free radicals and thereby may help in relieving the symptoms of joint pain. It is observed that people with low levels of selenium may suffer from severe joint pain.

May helps in lowering high blood pressure:
Potassium may help in lowering blood pressure levels in the body.

May helps in maintaining healthy immune system:
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids and capric acid which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. In turn, coconut milk may fight the viruses and bacteria that cause herpes, influenza and HIV.

May promotes the health of prostate gland:
Zinc may play a vital role in promoting the health of the prostate gland. A preliminary study showed that it may slow down the activities of abnormal cells.
 
This blog is the opinion of the author and in no way implies medical advice.  Information taken from livestrong.com; drgranny.com.

The mineral selenium has been shown in multiple studies to be an effective tool in warding off various types of cancer.  Selenium was first used in conventional medicine as a treatment for dandruff, but our understanding of the mineral has come a long way since then.

A 1996 study by Dr. Larry Clark of the University of Arizona showed just how effective selenium can be in protecting against cancer. In the study of 1,300 older people, the occurrence of cancer among those who took 200 micrograms of selenium daily for about seven years was reduced by 42% compared to those given a placebo. Cancer deaths for those taking the selenium were cut almost in half, according to the study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  While the study concluded the mineral helped protect against all types of cancer, it had particularly powerful impacts on prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Today, research shows selenium, especially when used in conjunction with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, works to block chemical reactions that create free radicals in the body (which can damage DNA and cause degenerative change in cells, leading to cancer). 

In addition to preventing the onset of the disease, selenium has also been shown to aid in slowing cancer's progression in patients that already have it. According to the Life Extension Foundation, the use of selenium during chemotherapy in combination with vitamin A and vitamin E can reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. The mineral also helps "enhance the effectiveness of chemo, radiation, and hyperthermia while minimizing damage to the patient's normal cells; thus making therapy more of a 'selective toxin,'" says Patrick Quillin in Beating Cancer with Nutrition.

Interactions

According to Dr. Elson M. Hass, certain metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and silver block the action of selenium. . . . Recent laboratory experiments have shown that high doses of zinc block the action of selenium. Therefore, one has to be careful about taking excessive amounts of zinc (over 20 milligrams per day from diet and supplements) while taking selenium says Dr. Hass.

American Cancer Society

According to the American Cancer Society, Selenium supplements can be toxic to the human body if they raise selenium levels beyond what the body can tolerate. Massive overdoses taken all at once can result in kidney failure, breathing problems, and death. Too much selenium taken over a period of weeks or months can cause more gradual toxic effects. Early signs of selenium poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, garlicky smelling breath, and numbness and loss of control in the arms and legs. Long-term effects can include hair loss, discolored nails, skin rash, and loss of nails.

This blog is the opinion of the author and in no way implies medical advice.  Information taken from naturalnews.com; cancer.org.

The truth is that we are exposed to heavy metals through more than just our dental work. Our food, water, air and daily household goods may contribute to a slow and steady heavy metal build up in the body.

The problem with this abnormal over-exposure to heavy metals is that the body is not designed to break down and eliminate excess heavy metals on its own. Instead, the body stores these toxins and over time this buildup may contribute to serious health concerns.  

As parasites feed off of corruption, they love disturbed flesh and therefore may be attracted to the places in the body where heavy metals reside.

Heavy Metal Precursors & Symptoms
Nausea
Metallic taste in the mouth
Immune suppression
Mishandled metals at a job site
Chemical and heavy metal spills–even from a broken mercury thermometer
Living in a home that has lead-based paint
Smoking and/or inhaling second-hand smoke
Eating contaminated fish that contain high levels of heavy metals
Living near a landfill
Working in an environment where exposure to metals is prevalent

Parasite Precursors & Imbalances
Mild nagging headache
Coughing
Tiny red abrasions that itch
Pet bird
Pet cat
Pet dog
Brain fog – poor concentration
Fatigue
Aches or pain
Constipation/diarrhea
Rectal/vaginal itching
Irritability

Parasite and Heavy Metal Shared Symptoms
Constipation or diarrhea
Kidney problems – inability to, or frequent urination
Malabsorption 

Relationships between Candida, Leaky Gut, Parasites & Heavy Metals Imbalances
Bloating
Constipation/diarrhea
Painful gas/abdominal bloating
Stomach pain
Concentration problems/ foggy thinking
Memory problems
Personality changes
Mood swings
Irritability
Panic attacks
Fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, incapacitating fatigue
Anemia
Rashes
Dry flaky Skin
Headaches, including migraines
Ringing in the ears
Tremors
Food/sweet cravings
Weight changes without changes in diet
Low sex drive

Methods Used to Remove Parasites/Heavy Metals
Mushroom Extracts.  In addition to a good parasite and heavy metal cleanse, mushroom extracts may need to be used during a cleanse to keep the immune system active.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth ("DE") is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called diatoms. These plants may inhabit all the waters of the earth, and serve as the basic food for aquatic life, just as grass is the basic food for land animals.

DE acts as a natural and organic insecticide, killing bugs by breaking down their exoskeletons which causes them to dehydrate. DE is largely made of silica (good for hair and nails) with other trace minerals.  DE may be a natural chelator (a compound used to attach and remove heavy metals, parasites, etc.).

No matter what methods you choose, be patient.  When thinking about ridding your body of heavy metals, it has been said that it could take one to two years, with a maintenance dose that lasts a lifetime. 

How Can I Know for Certain If I Have Parasites and/or Heavy Metals?
Hair analyses may give a confirmation of heavy metals.  Hair analyses require you to snip your hair, weigh the hair, seal the sample in an envelope, and send to a lab.

*This blog is the opinion of the author and in no way implies medical advice.

Today, Americans consume the most bottled water of any country.  Bottled water is convenient.  Compared to high-sugar, high-calorie choices, it's a good choice," says Stephen Kay, vice president of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).  However, there are concerns with BPAs and other contaminates in bottled water.  According to the IBWA, some 71% of bottled waters users cite quality as the reason for buying.

While the EPA sets standards over drinking water and the FDA has jurisdiction over bottled water (and since the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974), nearly every regulation put forth by one agency has been echoed by the other.  It turns out that approximately 47% of the bottled water sold in the U.S. is tap water that's been purified, according to data from the Beverage Marketing Association.

So how do I choose?  For the sake of this blog, we will discuss healthy drinking water.  In choosing, you want to aim for pH balance and natural minerals.  Distilled water is too acidic and alkaline water is too alkaline. The ideal pH of your daily water should be between 6.5 to 7.5, which is neutral.  When choosing bottled water with the ideal pH, choose a glass container over plastic or buy BPA-free gallon containers and pour into a re-usable BPA-free water bottle.

For variety, try coconut water.  Coconuts are an excellent source of fresh, pure water and electrolytes.  Coconuts are also rich in lauric acid, which is known for its immune-boosting, as well as its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties so it's an ideal choice when you're sick.

Finally, if you decide to use tap water, you have to know what's in your water. Tap water can contain arsenic, aluminum, prescription and OTC drugs, fluoride, and many other harmful substances.  You should always use a filter that removes the contaminants in the tap water. Try filters such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and granular carbon and carbon block filters.

So is bottled water safer than tap water?  It depends on the water source, the container, the pH balance and mineral content of the bottled water, and the method of filtering the water.

*This blog is the opinion of the author and in no way implies medical advice. Information taken from webMD; Mind Body Green; Consumer Reports; and Mercola.com.