101 Uses for Coconut Oil – A True, Whole Body-Mind Anti-Aging Solution & Skin Rejuvenator

101 Uses for Coconut Oil

****Reposters Note – Thank you to Katie – Wellness Mama for this excellent post, 101 Uses for Coconut Oil.

Coconut Oil is one of those choices that is sure to benefit everyone who chooses to add it to their diets. Coincidentally,  it is as good for us externally as internally. Add to that, it is an  excellent all natural tool for all sorts of little jobs around the home. It is truly astonishing how many (not so natural) products it can replace in your cupboard, medicine cabinets and around the home.

Our local Costco carries an excellent Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil 1.5 kg (54 oz) for around $16.00.***

I’ve said before that I am with coconut oil like the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is with windex… I use it for everything. Right now, I have a five gallon bucket of it sitting next to my desk because we use so much and I don’t have anywhere else to keep it…

Today, I’m sharing my top 101 (yes 101!!) uses for coconut oil:

Uses for Coconut Oil

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
2. Taken supplementally for daily energy
3. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
4. On the skin as a basic lotion
5. In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
6. In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
7. As an eye-makeup remover
8. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
9. In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
10. To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
11. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
12. To support healthy thyroid function
13. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
14. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
15. As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
16. In homemade lotion recipes
17. To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
18. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
19. As a delicious tropical massage oil
20. It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metaboism
21. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
22. As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
23. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
24. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
25. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
26. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
27. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
28. On feet to fight athlete’s foot or tor fungus
29. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
30. Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
31. There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
32.  With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
33. In natural Homemade Sunscreen
34. In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
35. In a filling and energy boosting Brain Powder Smoothie
36. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
37. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
38. There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
39. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
40. Can help improve insulin levels
41. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
42. Can help improve cholesterol ratios
43. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
44. In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
45. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
46. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
47. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
48. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
49. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat
50. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
51. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
52. In natural homemade diaper cream
53. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
54. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
55. To season cast iron skillets
56. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
57. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
58. Can help resolve acne when used regularly
59. Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
60. I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
61. On split ends to de-frizz
62. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
63. By itself as a great tanning oil
64. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
65. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
66. Can help improve sleep when taken daily
67. Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
68. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
69. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
70. It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
71. Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
72.  Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
73. By itself as a natural deodorant
74. By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
75. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
76. Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
77. In homemade vapor rub
78. As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
79. A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
80. Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
81. As a completely natural baby lotion
82. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
83. Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
84. Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush
85. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
86. Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
87. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
88. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
89. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
90. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
91. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
92. On cuticles to help nails grow
93. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
94. Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
95. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
96. In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
97. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
98. One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
99. Naturally clears up cold sores
100. Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
101. Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

You can also check out my recipe index or Start Here Page for many more recipes that use coconut oil!

 What Kind of Coconut Oil?

For external uses, expeller pressed or other types of refined coconut oil will work, but for internal use, an unrefined virgin coconut oil is best. My husband and I both take about 4 tablespoons a day and the kids get a couple tablespoons in food, smoothies, or hot herbal tea.

***REPOSTERS NOTE

Links to other  Coconut Oil posts from All About Wellness Solutions – A cornucopia of varied information

Coconut Oil Pulling Therapy – Excellent Detox & Wellness Rejuvenator

Homemade Toothpaste With Coconut Oil – Health & Heart Smart

Get Off Your Thyroid Medication And Start Consuming Coconut Oil

Why You Should Use COCONUT OIL – 9 Benefits For Skin, Body And Soul

10 health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

80 Awesome Uses For COCONUT OIL, In Your Home and Your Health

13 Evidence-Based Medicinal Properties of Coconut Oil

What – You Still Think Salt Consumption Causes High Blood Pressure?

by Paul Fassa

October 23rd, 2013

High sodium intake as a source of high blood pressure has been an unchallenged dogmatic mantra for decades. But a few renegade MDs, several naturopaths, and chiropractors have challenged the unproven hypothesis of salt being the basis of high blood pressure (HBP). Turns out that the link between high sodium intake and elevated blood pressure is a false one.

Pure, unrefined salt is actually a necessary and helpful dietary component. Perhaps the most well known salt promoter is Dr. David Brownstein, MD, author of Salt Your Way to Health. Refined commercial table salt, used excessively in processed foods, is processed with toxic chemicals and stripped of its inherent nutritional value. It’s mostly poison with very little nutrition, though even using table salt often won’t lead to high blood pressure.

Actually, those with high blood pressure (and everyone, really) should just consume more foods rich in potassium. Meta-analysis’ show how low potassium intake has the same impact on blood pressure as high salt consumption – the real problem is an imbalance between sodium and potassium.

It appears the new HBP dietary villain could be high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which has been already linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular health issues.

HFCS is more commonly used in processed foods, fruit juices, sweets, and sodas than cane or beet sugar. It’s cheaper than sucrose (table sugar), and satisfies the “sweet tooth” SAD (standard American diet) consumers’ desire.

According to the USDA, HFCS consumption has increased significantly from 1970 to 2005, and it is now the number one source of empty calories in America. In fact, Americans eat approximately 35 lbs on average of high-fructose corn syrup each year.

How HFCS Contributes to Hypertension or High Blood Pressure

Fructose in fruit is tied to several other nutritional compounds that balance out fructose’s negative aspects. But fructose isolated from corn and made into a syrup is too much for the body to metabolize. Even table sugar metabolizes better.

Robert H. Lustig, MD, a Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, explains how the rise in HFCS use over the past three to four decades is behind the obesity and diabetes epidemic, both of which contribute to high blood pressure.

HFCS or “corn sugar” or “corn syrup” initiates a toxic overload from insufficient metabolism. The liver doesn’t convert isolated, concentrated fructose into energy well and stores it as fat instead. Add this to the dangers of GMO corn with traces of extremely toxic glyphosate herbicides and mercury as a byproduct from the conversion process. This toxic overload leads to obesity, fatty liver, other liver complications, and kidney disease.

Dr. Richard Johnson of the University of Colorado has been a researcher of investigations into HFCS and high blood pressure. His research revealed definite links of high HFCS consumption to high blood pressure.

What’s more, one of the toxic waste products remaining in the body from regular HFCS consumption is uric acid. A test of 17 subjects with high uric acid counts showed all 17 with high blood pressure. Uric acid inhibits nitric oxide (NO) in the blood vessels.

Nitric oxide is a volatile gas that helps maintain blood vessel elasticity. When that elasticity decreases, blood pressure increases. Here are 4 ways to increase nitric oxide naturally.  (if you find that you can not increase NO through these suggestions see Deb’s Solution and the link below it. Nitric Oxide also dissolves plague in every blood vessel in the body including the brain so is extremely important in reversing and  preventing disease and it’s precursor inflammation)

A safe range of uric acid is from 3 to 5.5 milligrams per deciliter (0.1 liter), with 4 mg/dl ideal for men and 3.5 mg/dl for women. Higher numbers threaten blood pressure increases. You can ask your health professional about a uric acid test or shop the Internet by inserting “uric acid blood testing” in your search engine.

Additional Sources:

Mercola

UCDenver.edu

MensHealth

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/still-think-salt-consumption-causes-high-blood-pressure/#ixzz2ikjT6E9v

***Reposter’s note

I was uninformed about salt until a doctor friend pointed out saline is one of medicine faithful standbys. We were at dinner in the cafeteria and I commented on her bringing her own salt and that it was a good thing considering how much she used. She was using granulated Himalayan Sea Salt.

I use a wonderful all natural supplement that causes the body to naturally create more Nitric Oxide. Based on Nobel Prize winning Science, world renowned Cardiologists are turning to it as a solution. Attached is an article that demonstrates real world health total recovery from the abyss of heart disease after exhausting all medical options. One example highlights a 72 year old patient, who went from not being able walk across a room to a daily workout that that most healthy much younger individuals can not complete. Read his story.

Nitric Oxide  production is hugely important.  Nitric Oxide relaxes our blood vessels and dissolves plague.  Plaque causes heart attacks, stoke,   Alzheimers and  dementia. It plays a role in reducing function in every organ. The more Nitric Oxide we produce the healthier our blood vessels. The healthier our blood vessels, the better every part of our body works, that includes the brain and every organ of the body. Of course as we age, we progressively produce less Nitric Oxide – go figure.

My husband was told he would be on oxygen full time by the age of 50. His shortness of breath during exertion was becoming very concerning. I had taken him to emergency because I thought he was having a heart attack and he was scared enough to go. (He is very stubborn – getting him to go to the doctor only happens when he is in extreme pain  or very scared.) My solution has given him his stamina and ability to complete exertion tasks back to levels he was at many years ago. I was impressed enough, I have chosen to distribute the product and let other people know about it because it helped  my husband and will keep me from losing him before his time.

I am so thankful my friend Sharon educated me on this solution, I know she saved my husband’s life and health. I want to pay it forward so other spouses, sisters, brothers, children, parents and freinds at least have the knowledge to choose to do something effective and practical. Knowledge is power and for some of us this knowledge will give us the power to make a change that will gives us a a much healthier future.

Deb’s Solution

(ordering instructions available in link below). It is sometimes difficult to eat enough to over come imbalances when our health has been significantly impacted.

High Desert Heart Institute Clinical Trial of The #1 All Natural Solution to Cardiovascular, Cardiopulmonary Disease and so much more.

(includes ordering instructions)

Here is a post to help you find those high potassium foods.  Thank You to Health·Alicious·Ness .com for the following article. For even more information visit the full article.***

Top 10 Foods Highest in Potassium

Potassium is an essential nutrient used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. A deficiency in potassium causes fatigue, irritability, and hypertension (increased blood pressure). Unless you are on dialysis, or have a special condition, overdose of potassium from natural sources is nearly impossible; however, it is possible to consume too much potassium via potassium salts which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even cardiac arrest. Potassium from natural food sources, like the ones listed below, are considered safe and healthy. The current percent daily value for potassium is 3.5 grams. Below is a list of high potassium foods ranked by common serving sizes, for more please see the lists of high potassium foods by nutrient density, potassium rich foods, fruits high in potassium, and vegetables high in potassium.

---

#1: White Beans

Potassium in 100g	1 cup cooked (179g)
561mg (16% DV)	1004mg (29% DV)

Other Beans High in Potassium (%DV per cup): Adzuki (35%), Soy (28%), Lima (28%), Kidney (20%), Great Northern (20%), Pinto (18%) and others at an average of 15% DV per cup cooked. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#2: Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach)

Potassium 100g (Raw)	1 Cup (Raw – 30g)	1 Cup (Cooked – 180g)
558mg (16% DV)	167mg (5% DV)	839mg (24% DV)

Other Greens High in Potassium (%DV per cup cooked): Swiss Chard (27% DV), Kale (8% DV), and Collards (6% DV).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#3: Baked Potatoes (With Skin)

Potassium 100g	Average Potato (173g)
535mg (15% DV)	926mg (26% DV)

Warning: Potatoes are high in simple carbohydrates and not recommended for people with diabetes. Sweet potatoes are actually better for regulation blood sugar, an average baked sweet potato with skin (114g) provides 542mg (15% DV) of potassium. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#4: Dried Apricots

Potassium 100g	1/2 cup (65g)
1162mg (33% DV)	755mg (22% DV)

Other Dried Fruits High in Potassium (%DV per 1/2 cup): Peaches (22% DV), Prunes (20% DV), Raisins (18% DV).
Warning: Dried fruits are high in sugar. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#5: Baked Acorn Squash

Potassium 100g	1 cup cubed (205g)
437mg (12% DV)	899mg (26% DV)

Other Squash High in Potassium (%DV per cup baked): Hubbard (21%), Butternut (17% DV), Zucchini (14% DV), Average Winter Squash (10% DV). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#6: Yogurt (Plain, Skim/Non-Fat)

Potassium 100g	1 cup (245g)
255mg (7% DV)	625mg (18% DV)

Other Yogurt High in Potassium (%DV per cup): Whole-Fat (11% DV), Chocolate Yogurt (24% DV). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#7: Fish (Salmon)

Potassium 100g	1 3oz fillet (85g)
628mg (18% DV)	534mg (15% DV)

Other Fish High in Potassium (%DV per 3oz fillet (85g)): Pompano (15% DV), Lingcod (14% DV), Halibut (13% DV), Yellowfin Tuna (13% DV), Anchovies (12% DV), Mackerel (10% DV), Herring (10% DV) and most other fish at an average of 10% DV. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#8: Avocados

Potassium 100g	Average Avocado (201g)	1/2 Cup Pureed (115)
485mg (14% DV)	975mg (28% DV)	558mg (16% DV)

An average avocado provides 322 calories, half a cup purred contains 184 calories. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#9: Mushrooms (White)

Potassium 100g	1 cup sliced (108g)
396mg (11% DV)	428mg (12% DV)

1 cup cooked sliced white mushrooms contain 28 calories.
Other mushrooms high in potassium (%DV per cup sliced): Portabella (9% DV), Brown or Crimini (9% DV), Enoki (7% DV), Shiitake (5% DV), Maitake (4% DV). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#10: Bananas

Potassium 100g	Average Banana(118g)	1 Cup Mashed (225)
358mg (10% DV)	422mg (12% DV)	806mg (23% DV)

An average banana provides 105 calories, 1 cup mashed contains 200 calories. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

Top 10 Foods Highest in Potassium

Potassium is an essential nutrient used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. A deficiency in potassium causes fatigue, irritability, and hypertension (increased blood pressure). Unless you are on dialysis, or have a special condition, overdose of potassium from natural sources is nearly impossible; however, it is possible to consume too much potassium via potassium salts which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even cardiac arrest. Potassium from natural food sources, like the ones listed below, are considered safe and healthy. The current percent daily value for potassium is 3.5 grams. Below is a list of high potassium foods ranked by common serving sizes, for more please see the lists of high potassium foods by nutrient density, potassium rich foods, fruits high in potassium, and vegetables high in potassium.

---

#1: White Beans

Potassium in 100g	1 cup cooked (179g)
561mg (16% DV)	1004mg (29% DV)

Other Beans High in Potassium (%DV per cup): Adzuki (35%), Soy (28%), Lima (28%), Kidney (20%), Great Northern (20%), Pinto (18%) and others at an average of 15% DV per cup cooked. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#2: Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach)

Potassium 100g (Raw)	1 Cup (Raw – 30g)	1 Cup (Cooked – 180g)
558mg (16% DV)	167mg (5% DV)	839mg (24% DV)

Other Greens High in Potassium (%DV per cup cooked): Swiss Chard (27% DV), Kale (8% DV), and Collards (6% DV).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#3: Baked Potatoes (With Skin)

Potassium 100g	Average Potato (173g)
535mg (15% DV)	926mg (26% DV)

Warning: Potatoes are high in simple carbohydrates and not recommended for people with diabetes. Sweet potatoes are actually better for regulation blood sugar, an average baked sweet potato with skin (114g) provides 542mg (15% DV) of potassium. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#4: Dried Apricots

Potassium 100g	1/2 cup (65g)
1162mg (33% DV)	755mg (22% DV)

Other Dried Fruits High in Potassium (%DV per 1/2 cup): Peaches (22% DV), Prunes (20% DV), Raisins (18% DV).
Warning: Dried fruits are high in sugar. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#5: Baked Acorn Squash

Potassium 100g	1 cup cubed (205g)
437mg (12% DV)	899mg (26% DV)

Other Squash High in Potassium (%DV per cup baked): Hubbard (21%), Butternut (17% DV), Zucchini (14% DV), Average Winter Squash (10% DV). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#6: Yogurt (Plain, Skim/Non-Fat)

Potassium 100g	1 cup (245g)
255mg (7% DV)	625mg (18% DV)

Other Yogurt High in Potassium (%DV per cup): Whole-Fat (11% DV), Chocolate Yogurt (24% DV). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#7: Fish (Salmon)

Potassium 100g	1 3oz fillet (85g)
628mg (18% DV)	534mg (15% DV)

Other Fish High in Potassium (%DV per 3oz fillet (85g)): Pompano (15% DV), Lingcod (14% DV), Halibut (13% DV), Yellowfin Tuna (13% DV), Anchovies (12% DV), Mackerel (10% DV), Herring (10% DV) and most other fish at an average of 10% DV. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#8: Avocados

Potassium 100g	Average Avocado (201g)	1/2 Cup Pureed (115)
485mg (14% DV)	975mg (28% DV)	558mg (16% DV)

An average avocado provides 322 calories, half a cup purred contains 184 calories. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#9: Mushrooms (White)

Potassium 100g	1 cup sliced (108g)
396mg (11% DV)	428mg (12% DV)

1 cup cooked sliced white mushrooms contain 28 calories.
Other mushrooms high in potassium (%DV per cup sliced): Portabella (9% DV), Brown or Crimini (9% DV), Enoki (7% DV), Shiitake (5% DV), Maitake (4%

---

---

The Top 10 High Potassium Foods by Nutrient Density (Potassium per Gram)

#1: Dried Herbs (Parsley, Chervil, Corriander, Basil, Dill)	4740mg (135% DV) per 100 grams	95mg (3% DV) per tablespoon (2 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dried Herbs
#2: Sun-Dried Tomatoes	3427mg (98% DV) per 100 grams	69mg (2% DV) per piece (2 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Sun Dried Tomatoes
#3: Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate	2509mg (72% DV) per 100 grams	125mg (4% DV) per tablespoon (5 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Cocoa Powder
#4: Whey Powder	2289mg (65% DV) per 100 grams	69mg (2% DV) per tablespoon (3 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Whey Powder
#5: Paprika and Chili Powder	2280mg (65% DV) per 100 grams	160mg (5% DV) per tablespoon (7 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Paprika and Chili Powder
#6: Yeast Extract Spread (Marmite)	2100mg (60% DV) per 100 grams	126mg (4% DV) per teaspoon (6 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Yeast Extract Spread (Marmite)
#7: Rice Bran	1485mg (42% DV) per 100 grams	1752mg (50% DV) per cup (118 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Rice Bran
#8: Molasses	1464mg (42% DV) per 100 grams	293mg (8% DV) per tablespoon (20 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Molasses
#9: Dry Roasted Soybeans	1364mg (39% DV) per 100 grams	2346mg (67% DV) per cup (172 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dry Roasted Soybeans
#10: Dry Seaweed (Spirulina)	1363mg (39% DV) per 100 grams	95mg (3% DV) per tablespoon (7 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dry Seaweed (Spirulina)

---

Other Potassium Rich Foods

Pistachios	1007mg (29% DV) per 100 gram serving	1239mg (35% DV) per cup (123 grams)	282mg (8% DV) per ounce (49 nuts or 28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Pistachios
Chestnuts	592mg (17% DV) per 100 gram serving	847mg (24% DV) per cup (143 grams)	166mg (5% DV) per ounce (3 nuts or 28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Chestnuts
Almonds	705mg (20% DV) per 100 gram serving	1008mg (29% DV) per cup (143 grams)	197mg (6% DV) per ounce (23 nuts or 28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Almonds
Cashews	565mg (16% DV) per 100 gram serving	774mg (22% DV) per cup (137 grams)	158mg (5% DV) per ounce (28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Cashews
Walnuts	441mg (13% DV) per 100 gram serving	441mg (13% DV) per cup halves (100 grams)	123mg (4% DV) per ounce (14 halves or 28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Walnuts
Squash and Pumpkin Seeds	919mg (26% DV) per 100 gram serving	588mg (17% DV) per cup (64 grams)	257mg (7% DV) per ounce (85 seeds or 28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Squash and Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower Seeds	850mg (24% DV) per 100 gram serving	1088mg (31% DV) per cup hulled (128 grams)	238mg (7% DV) per ounce (85 seeds or 28g)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Sunflower Seeds
Watermelon Seeds	648mg (19% DV) per 100 gram serving	700mg (20% DV) per cup (108 grams)	181mg (5% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dried Watermelon Seeds
Coconut Water (Juice)	250mg (7% DV) per 100 gram serving	600mg (17% DV) in a cup (240 grams)	515mg (15% DV) per coconut (206 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Coconut Water (Juice)
Orange Juice	200mg (6% DV) per 100 gram serving	496mg (14% DV) in a cup (248 grams)	172mg (5% DV) in the juice of one orange (86 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Orange Juice
Brussels Sprouts (Raw)	389mg (11% DV) per 100 gram serving	342mg (10% DV) per cup (88 grams)	74mg (2% DV) per brussel sprout (19 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Brussels Sprouts
Palm Hearts	177mg (5% DV) per 100 gram serving	258mg (26% DV) per cup (146 grams)	58mg (2% DV) per piece (33 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Canned Palm Hearts
Clams	628mg (18% DV) per 100 gram serving	534mg (15% DV) per 3 ounce serving (85 grams)	1.2g (34% DV) in 20 small clams (190 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Cooked Clams
Whelk	694mg (20% DV) per 100 gram serving	350mg (15% DV) per 3oz serving (85 grams)	117mg (5% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Whelk
Dried Figs	680mg (19% DV) per 100 gram serving	1g (29% DV) per cup (149 grams)	54mg (2% DV) in a single fig (8 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dried Figs
Dates	696mg (20% DV) per 100 gram serving	167mg (5% DV) in a single large date (24 grams)		Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dates (Medjool)

To find even more high potassium foods, use the nutrient ranking tool.

Health Benefits of Potassium

• Osteoporosis Protection – Several studies have found a relation between increased bone density and increased intake of dietary potassium. These studies were true even for post menopausal women and older men.^2-4
• Reduced Risk of Stroke – Several observational studies have found that those with high potassium levels experience a lower risk of stroke. The health benefits are likely through reduction of blood pressure combined with a diet high in fruits and vegetables.^5-9
• Alleviation of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Studies show that a diet high in potassium, especially potassium from fruits and vegetables, lowers blood pressure. This is especially true if the increase in potassium foods is not accompanied by an increase in high sodium foods. ^10-12

People at Risk of a Potassium Deficiency

• Alcoholics
• People taking Diuretics – Especially thiazide or furosemide
• Long distance athletes – People who exercise over long distances lose electrolytes via sweat and need to replenish their sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels.
• Dehydration – People who consume excess alcohol, or suffer severe vomiting/diarrhea, or can be otherwise dehydrated need to replenish their sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels.
• Anorexics or bulimics
• People with a magnesium deficiency
• People taking Certain Medications^13,14
  • Beta-adrenergic agonists – Epinephrine
  • Decongestants – Pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine
  • Bronchodilators – Albuterol, terbutaline, pirbuterol, isoetharine, fenoterol, ephedrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, theophylline
  • Tocolytic (labor suppressing) agents – Ritodrine, nylidrin
  • Diuretics – Acetazolamide, thiazides, chlorthalidone, indapamide, metolazone, quinethazone, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, torsemide
  • Mineralocorticoids – Fludrocortisone
  • Substances with mineralocorticoid effects – Licorice, carbenoxolone, gossypol
  • High-dose glucocorticoids
  • High-dose antibiotics – Penicillin, nafcillin, carbenicillin
  • Other – Caffeine, phenolphthalein, sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Read more at http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/food-sources-of-potassium.php#YJLLRDXrmsrWcmVy.99

10 health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

Finally pretty much everybody is on the Coconut Oil bandwagon.

It is so good for you.

It can replace so many commercially produced and modified fats in our diets.

It truly helps the body function better and leads to better health in every area.

I love cooking with it as it handles heat very well. It adds a creaminess flavor-wise but very little is absorbed into the foods cooked in it.  It adds a golden brown finish to fried veggies like mushrooms without burning them. It does not interfere with the flavor of foods any more than butter does.

It is the perfect Stir-Fry Oil as a little goes a long way.

I love to have Coconut & G rapeseed Oil as well as natural Butter in my kitchen for cooking.

I love to have Coconut Oil in my home for all of its other uses. My favorite is adding 1/4 teaspoon in my bath for the last few minutes as it is a great skin softener and is very nourishing for the hair.

For a bigger picture of Coconut Oil, please take a look at some of my previous blogs on this topic.

Thanks to Positive Med for finding this great poster.

6 HOMEMADE FACE MASKS TO LOOK YOUNGER BY REMOVING DEAD SKIN CELLS

6 Homemade Face Masks to Remove Dead Cells And Look Younger

Homemade face masks are used to clean the skin naturally and they have long been part of beauty regimens, you may already know about how toxic for your skin a chemical treatment can be, that’s why there are many natural options with various ingredients for every type of skin. So here we give you 6 homemade face mask to remove dead cells and look younger.

Clay face mask 
Clay is an excellent absorbing agent; it helps in removing the sebum, dead skin and dirt so that your skin looks clean, soft and youthful.
Peel off homemade face mask
Gel based mask that removes dead cells from the top layer of the skin, leaving behind fresh and youthful skin. Peel off masks brighten up a dull complexion, you can use oatmeal, which is rich in vitamin B and E
Moisturizing homemade face mask for normal skin
Mash half avocado, pear, and add one teaspoon of sunflower oil. Apply and leave on for ten minutes then wash it off with warm water. ***( I would use coconut oil it is more nourishing for the skin and hair)
Anti-aging homemade face mask for wrinkled skin
Take two tablespoons of oatmeal with a half cup of milk and cook gently until it becomes soft, stir with two teaspoons of olive oil. Let it cool, apply it to face and leave it for twenty to twenty five minutes and wash off with warm water. ***( I would use coconut oil, it is more nourishing for the skin and hair)
Oily skin homemade face mask
Beat one egg white until it becomes thick and mix one teaspoon of honey, then add one teaspoon of lemon juice and apply gently to face and leave it for ten minutes and wash it off with warm water.
Dry skin homemade face mask 
Beat one egg white until it becomes thick and add one teaspoon of honey and sunflower oil, apply to face, leave for twenty minutes and wash off with warm water. ***( I would use coconut oil, it is more nourishing for the skin and hair)

****REPOSTER’S NOTE****  Keep reading below if you want an exquisite total body solution !

Thanks to the POSITIVEMED TEAM for this information

You will see ***( I would use coconut oil, it is more nourishing for the skin and hair)

My investigations show that coconut oil is the one most nourishing of the oils and is absorbed by the body very easily. Our body temperature is warm enough to keep the oil liquid for easy absorption.

If you already have pure virgin olive oil or sunflower oil in your home – do use that rather than delaying trying the masks until you can purchase coconut oil.

If you are not yet using coconut oil search coconut oil, you will find numerous articles, posted on this blog .

Enjoy these wonderful masks!

***TO SEE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT APPROACH, YOU CAN CHOOSE TO CONTINUE READING***

My personal favorite solution for removing dead skin cells, reducing lines and wrinkles, detoxification and oxygenation of the skin is a total body solution. As we age not only does aging show on our face but all of our skin.

Natural ultrasound  is used to clean our precious jewelry and keep it looking it’s best  Natural Ultrasound does the same for the skin and the underlying connective tissue by massaging and stimulating at a cellular level as well deep cleaning the skin surface and pores. Detoxifying, rehydrating,  massaging and oxygenating our skin while providing improved circulation plumps up the skin naturally. The enhanced circulation/oxygenation and the deep pore cleansing give the skin that dewy youthful glow.

I was introduced to the Oxygen Spa as a wellness tool, only to find out that in Asia it is a very popular spa treatment used to return youthfulness to the skin or to maintain a youthful appearance. After having an extremely rejuvenating experience during my first Oxygen Spa Session, I decided to attend a hydrotherapy conference in Taiwan to  learn more from doctors and hydrotherapy experts.

The Oxygen Spa  is basically like having a mini physiotherapy unit at your disposal in your own home. All you need is a bath tub and water. It provides full body Hydrotherapy that incorporates Hydro-massage, Hydro-accupressure, Hydro-ultrasound, Far-infrared Oxygen & Ozone therapy and full body Detoxification. It also creates internal warming so provides cardiovascular exercise benefits too. Many people notice decreases in cellulite and improved over all body toning.

The Oxygen Spa is also the best stress reduction tool – just imagine millions of oxygen bubbles massaging all of the stress away. It is such an exquisite experience with the added benefit of not having to lose that super relaxed feeling by getting dressed and having to go back out into the world.

The Hydrotherapy Conference attendees appeared to be a rather youthful group both in appearance but also in movement which surprised me. As we age, that suppleness of movement we see in the young slowly dissipates unless we pursue a consistent total body exercise regimen like yoga.  During the hydrotherapy training  by leading doctors and hydrotherapy experts, they provided insight about why the Oxygen Spa had been adopted as a very significant tool in rehab facilities and even in emergency rooms such as Taipei Hospital.

Soon the Spa industry in Asia caught on. Numerous health issues were being successfully addressed but along with feeling better, Oxygen Spa users were noticeably looking and feeling more youthful – an unanticipated side-effect.

At the conference, I was befriended by 3 young Asian Americans who were Oxygen Spa devotees. I was later shocked to find out all 3 ladies had children who were in their late 20s and early 30s and my new friends were 49 – 54 years old.  But they were not alone, I met women and  men not only from Asia but from Europe, Middle East, Philippines, Africa and Australia who were using the Oxygen Spa as their fountain of youth and vibrancy. That they were also experiencing unparalleled good health as a by-product.

They were of the opinion that when you feel good, you look your best, and when you look your best, you feel good. They had all been introduced to the Oxygen Spa years earlier in its infancy and enjoyed using it so much over time they had been able to stay looking and feeling much younger than their peers.

So what is this Oxygen Spa  – Watch the video below and if you want to learn even more check out homespaedmonton.com. My name is Deb St.Jean  and should you want to contact me – you can do so via the contact form, or the comments section of this blog. (My apologies – the website is a bit out of date and is in the middle of being revamped)

I was an adult acne sufferer with horrible skin showing the wear and tear of aging and 20+ years of severe adult acne. Due to a very physically active life, I had 3 crushed vertebra, carpal tunnel, rotator cuff, hip, knee and ankle injuries. The Oxygen Spa provided amazing pain relief and gave me back a flexibility I had not experienced since crushing my vertebra in my teens.

Not long after I bought my Oxygen Spa and was able to use it consistently, long time friends and co-workers started complimenting ME – on how great MY skin looked. I have been blemish free for over 5 years now and often have people who meet compliment me on my skin. These compliments still take me by surprise as most of my life I had skin that had to be buried under layers and layers of make-up to cover the acne and the scaring. Now, in my late 50’s, I wear NO MAKE-UP and GET COMPLIMENTS ON MY GREAT SKIN.

I ordered my Oxygen Spa for the pain reduction and improved flexibility – I had no idea that it would do wonders for my skin, my energy levels or give the overall sense of wellness I experience today. Watch the video, and incorporate some of what the Oxygen Spa provides to enhance the benefits of the masks detailed earlier in this post. If you want the real thing, the Oxygen Spa contact me and I will help make that happen for you.

I freely admit, I am addicted to my Oxygen Spa and will never be without it for the rest of my life. It is as important to me as the air I breathe, the water I drink and the food I eat.  I dreaded aging, yet comparatively, I now feel and look better than anything I could have anticipated 10 years ago.

The Essential Oils and the Mineral Salts enhance the effectiveness and the experience. They are integral to obtaining the fullest benefit that the Oxygen Spa can bestow. Aroma and Essential oil/Mineral salt therapy have long been used with hydrotherapy as they complement and enhance the effectiveness of each other, beyond what either could do alone.

The Oxygen Spa is my passion so my apologies for being so long-winded ( you will note if you look at my other posts this is not typical) but the change the Oxygen Spa has brought to my skin and my life is so huge I wish I could give every home one.

Here is that promised video.

For more info or to check out other posts for more useful info………………..

http://www.homespaedmonton.com/ and https://allaboutwellnesssolutions.wordpress.com/

Should you want to contact me (Deb) I have added the contact form below.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Website

Comment(required)

Questions

Submit

Δ

Top 10 Cancer Causing Foods

The 10 most cancer causing foods

April 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm

Top 10 most unhealthy, cancer-causing foods – never eat these again!

The statement “everything causes cancer” has become a popular hyperbole, and one that some people use as rhetorical fodder to excuse their own dietary and lifestyle failures, particularly as they pertain to cancer risk. But the truth of the matter is that many common food items have, indeed, been scientifically shown to increase cancer risk, and some of them substantially. Here are 10 of the most unhealthy, cancer-causing foods that you should never eat again:

1) Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). It goes without saying that GMOs have no legitimate place in any cancer-free diet, especially now that both GMOs and the chemicals used to grow them have been shown to cause rapid tumor growth. But GMOs are everywhere, including in most food derivatives made from conventional corn, soybeans, and canola. However, you can avoid them by sticking with certified organic, certified non-GMO verified, and locally-grown foods that are produced naturally without biotechnology.

2) Processed meats. Most processed meat products, including lunch meats, bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, contain chemical preservatives that make them appear fresh and appealing, but that can also cause cancer. Both sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate have been linked to significantly increasing the risk of colon and other forms of cancer, so be sure to choose only uncured meat products made without nitrates, and preferably from grass-fed sources.

3) Microwave popcorn. They might be convenient, but those bags of microwave popcorn are lined with chemicals that are linked to causing not only infertility but also liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in microwave popcorn bag linings as “likely” carcinogenic, and several independent studies have linked the chemical to causing tumors. Similarly, the diacetyl chemical used in the popcorn itself is linked to causing both lung damage and cancer.

4) Soda pop. Like processed meats, soda pop has been shown to cause cancer as well. Loaded with sugar, food chemicals, and colorings, soda pop acidifies the body and literally feeds cancer cells. Common soda pop chemicals like caramel color and its derivative 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) have also specifically been linked to causing cancer.

5) ‘Diet’ foods, beverages. Even worse than conventional sugar-sweetened soda pop, though, is “diet” soda pop and various other diet beverages and foods. A recent scientific review issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of more than 20 separate research studies found that aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners, causes a range of illnesses including birth defects and cancer. Sucralose (Splenda), saccharin and various other artificial sweeteners have also been linked to causing cancer.

6) Refined ‘white’ flours. Refined flour is a common ingredient in processed foods, but its excess carbohydrate content is a serious cause for concern. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Mile Markers, and Prevention found that regular consumption of refined carbohydrates was linked to a 220 percent increase in breast cancer among women. High-glycemic foods in general have also been shown to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in the body, which directly feeds cancer cell growth and spread.

7) Refined sugars. The same goes for refined sugars, which tend to rapidly spike insulin levels and feed the growth of cancer cells. Fructose-rich sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are particularly offensive, as cancer cells have been shown to quickly and easily metabolize them in order to proliferate. And since cookies, cakes, pies, sodas, juices, sauces, cereals, and many other popular, mostly processed, food items are loaded with HFCS and other refined sugars, this helps explain why cancer rates are on the rise these days.

8) Conventional apples, grapes, and other ‘dirty’ fruits. Many people think they are eating healthy when they buy apples, grapes, or strawberries from the store. But unless these fruits are organic or verified to be pesticide-free, they could be a major cancer risk. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that up to 98 percent of all conventional produce, and particularly the type found on its “dirty” fruits list, is contaminated with cancer-causing pesticides.

9) Farmed salmon. Farmed salmon is another high-risk cancer food, according to Dr. David Carpenter, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany. According to his assessment, farmed salmon not only lacks vitamin D, but it is often contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), flame retardants, pesticides, and antibiotics.

10) Hydrogenated oils. They are commonly used to preserve processed foods and keep them shelf-stable. But hydrogenated oils alter the structure and flexibility of cell membranes throughout the body, which can lead to a host of debilitating diseases such as cancer. Some manufacturers are phasing out the use of hydrogenated oils and replacing them with palm oil and other safer alternatives, but trans fats are still widely used in processed foods.

Source: Natural News

***** See this link for cleaning fruit, berries and produce – anything that is grown above ground and would be sprayed with herbicides, pesticides or ripening inhibitors.  If I have a used lemon rind kicking around I slice it very thinly, put it in a mesh bag and add it to the vinegar water. Lemon is known to be great as a detox and keeps fruits and veggies from oxidizing (eg. sliced apples stay white a lot longer.)

https://allaboutwellnesssolutions.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/cleaning-fruit-berries-fruit-lasts-longer/

Sounds impossible in today’s world to live a healthy lifestyle doesn’t it But it is NOT.

Grow a garden, if you have the space plant raspberries, strawberries, a couple of apple trees. Eat what you grow – even small patios can provide all of your lettuce and tomatoes. Use hanging planters for strawberries. Gardening is an excellent stress reduction tool too.

If you love popcorn, buy a popcorn popper – use real butter and sea salt – YUM and quick

Cook meals from scratch – a bit of planning while shopping and storing groceries can make a huge difference in what you eat and how long fresh produce will last.  Get rid of the sodas and any prepared drinks, make fresh lemon juice or detox waters, make a pot of tea or coffee. Use real cream or milk if you must, sweeten with honey, real maple syrup, agave, stevia or monk fruit.

Meal Prep used to be a staple that involved the whole family and dinner was a social gathering where the days events were shared. Memories were made and family bonds solidified. Turn off all electronics and enjoy each other.

Scientific studies have proven that food that is blessed prior to consumption has increased nutritional value. Take 2 seconds thank whomever – God – The Planet – The Garden- The Universe and ask that the food be blessed.  No matter what the food is – by blessing it you just made it better for your body. Sounds crazy but it works!

Cancer was the bane of our families – I have learned a lot – much of it was unlearning.

Our homes are one of the most polluted places on the planet, natural cleaners work, oxygen is really good for you as is clean water and, salt is important in a natural unprocessed form.

Get lots of Sunshine – Natural Vitamin D3 is the best, drink lots of water, get a full nights sleep, have some fun, take walks, laugh, get some aerobic exercise.  Connect with nature and the world. Give hugs and smiles.  Take a really good liquid vitamin mineral supplement. (link to my fav, Daily Complete) http://deb.awarenesslife.com/index.cfm?action=details&detail=complete

Life is a participation sport – we choose to prioritize busyness over quality – you can choose to tweak certain parts of your life. I allocated certain Saturdays or weekday evening to preparing and freezing casseroles etc.  Everybody had a job – we would prepare 5 Lasagnas or 2 huge pots of stew, roast a couple of chickens etc. Then on the days that there was soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, dance, karate etc.  Nice fresh bead, a colorful salad and a pre-prepared main course and we had a dinner that was delicious and good for us.

Having a son whose behavior was extremely affected by additives  and certain foods forced us to eat differently but looking back – it turned out to be a very positive lifestyle change with huge benefits. We still grow a huge garden  – it is work but what a sense of  independence and accomplishment. The taste difference alone is worth it.  A few minutes of weeding a day, away from the phone and TV brings relaxation and peace to the craziness. The weeds wait for you – I enjoy a few minutes early in the morning when the air is so fresh and clean or in the evening.

Kids have a lot of activities these days but not much in the way of chores. Helping grow a garden and care for a yard are great chores that build skills and allow them to feel the pride of accomplishment. Promote working barefoot as long as your yard is safe – walking barefoot on natural surfaces is very good for the feet and the spine. Fresh air is a real tonic.

Community gardens that allow you to grow your own produce can be found in most major cities these days.

Cancer is not a death sentence it is a wake up call – I learned so much from reading the following book.

The success rate for his cancer patients is unparalleled –  but his wisdom applies to living the best life for every one of us.

Bernie Siegel: Love, Medicine and Miracles

Here is a wonderful interview that will add to your life no matter who you are or where you are at. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TwAHC4q2K4

Prevent Flu Naturally – 8 Natural Solutions

       

8 Ways To Avoid The Flu Naturally

To learn more about how to prevent and beat the flu naturally, check out this helpful article by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D., of the Center for New Medicine:

Couple the recent media predictions of a pandemic-proportion flu season with talk of more vaccination shortages, and the spread of panic isn’t far behind. However, the flu does not have to be inevitable for you or your family and can be avoided naturally by strengthening your immune system.

Taste the rainbow
Eating a wide variety of fresh, wholesome foods packed with powerful vitamins and minerals is the first step to ensuring a strong immune system. Vitamins A, B6, C and E and the minerals zinc, iron, copper and selenium are critical for maintaining strength and immunity. Make sure that your diet consists of a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients. Supplementing your diet with a *** daily multivitamin/mineral*** will fill the gaps where your diet falls short and should be an essential part of your health regime. During cold and flu season, increase your dosage of vitamin C for added virus fighting benefits. Should you still become sick, studies have shown that the powerful antioxidants in vitamin C can reduce both the symptoms and duration of the flu***

I’ll have extra garlic, please
Certain foods can give you an extra boost and should be factored into your regular eating habits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and can prevent infections from taking hold and spreading. A daily serving of two raw garlic cloves will provide you with the bulbous herb’s healthy benefits. Tip: To avoid offensive garlic breath, cut the cloves into smaller pieces and then swallow them with water or herbal tea. Follow with a sprig of parsley.

A mushroom a day
Mushrooms have been found to increase production and activity of white blood cells, improving your chances of fighting off infection. Both shiitake and maitake mushrooms provide the biggest immunity boost.

Have a tea party
Jump-start your immune system each morning with a fresh pot of black tea. While the healthy properties in black tea have been known for centuries, a recent Harvard University study confirmed its healing effects. The study found that people who drank five cups of black tea a day for two weeks had 10 times higher levels of the cold- and virus-fighting chemical interferon than those who did not drink tea. Researchers suspect that green tea has the same effect.

Run away
Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes daily can give your immune system the extra kick that it needs. A study conducted by David Nieman at Appalachian State University found that people who walked regularly for 12 weeks had half the number of colds and sore throats as people who were less active.

Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and its harmful effects on the immune system. It has been estimated that 90 percent of illness and disease is stress related. But don’t overdo it! Too much exercise can have the opposite effect on your immune system. Exercising for more than 90 minutes a day could make you more susceptible to the flu virus.

Sleep on it
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for the immune system to recharge itself. An overly fatigued body doesn’t have the necessary strength to fight off infections. With eight hours a night of solid sleep, your body will be ready to face a new day and ward off pesky invaders.

Lather Up
A strong immune system should be able to combat the flu virus, but washing your hands frequently can increase your health odds even more. Use warm water and soap and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes to prevent the virus from entering your system.

Avoid the flu shot
According to Dr. J. Anthony Morris, the former Chief Vaccine Control Officer at the FDA, “There is no evidence that any influenza vaccine, thus far developed, is effective in preventing or mitigating any attack of influenza.” When you also consider the toxic mixture of chemicals found in the flu vaccine, the decision becomes a no-brainer. Among the vaccine’s ingredients are such toxins as ethylene glycol (a.k.a. antifreeze), formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), aluminum (linked to Alzheimer’s disease and known to produce cancer in mice) and thimerosol (a form of mercury, the most toxic of all heavy metals). Thimerosol has had so much scrutiny in the past decade that it has been banned in all childhood vaccinations in the United States, yet it still remains in the influenza vaccine today.

This year the flu season doesn’t have to get you down. Take good care of your body and you will be rewarded with a lifetime of good health. And just think of what you can do with all of those unused sick days!

Dr. Connealy, M.D., M.P.H. began private practice in 1986. In 1992, she founded South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine, where she serves as Medical Director. Her practice is firmly based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness. Dr. Connealy writes monthly columns for Coast and OC Health magazines, and is a biweekly guest on Frank Jordan’s “Healthy” radio show. She routinely lectures and educates the public on health issues.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/019194_flu_the_health.html#ixzz2VsVhPgw3

Thanks to Natural News for a great article.

***daily multivitamin/mineral……Best I have found is Daily Complete: A liquid formulation http://deb.awarenesslife.com/index.cfm?action=details&detail=complete

*** Vitamin C, Freshly squeezed lemon juice in very warm water with honey or Pure Maple Syrup and Cinnamon. I drink this at the first hint of a Cold or Flu with excellent results. Drinking warm lemon every morning is excellent for  boosting your immunity and helping your body detox on an ongoing basis.

SEE ALSO Natures Flu Shots – https://allaboutwellnesssolutions.wordpress.com/?s=+Flu+Shots

5 Foods That Can Help With Depression

It does not say cure depression, it says help with. When people are depressed they often reach for comfort foods, like candy, chips, ice cream, and chocolate. Nutritionists say this is the wrong answer, eating these foods can help alleviate symptoms, plus there is an added bonus of feeling good about doing something proactive for your health.

1) An omelet or scrambled egg, the yolks are rich in B vitamins, they are a good source of protein, and B vitamins help your brain to function at optimal levels. Similar options: fish, poultry, wheat germ, and lean beef

2) Nuts and Seeds, they are a great source of magnesium, which helps produce serotonin, which helps you feel good. Some examples include: cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflowers seeds, almonds, and peanuts

3) Cold water fish, excellent source of Omega 3′s, which contains the fatty acid DHA, which helps your brain in a multitude of ways. Some examples include: salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, and anchovies

4) Ancient grains, which are complex carbohydrates, they take longer to digest which helps stabilize blood sugars, which helps stabilize your mood. Added bonus, they are full of fiber, which helps you feel full longer. Some examples include: amaranth, millet, quinoa, spelt, barley, and teff

5) Green tea, technically a drink, not a food, rich in amino acid L-theanine which can help improve focus while calming the body

Knowing what to eat for your body produces great long-term effects, it helps to resolve feelings of helplessness or powerlessness against the disease that is hurting you, always do the best you can.

Source: http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/depression/5-foods-to-eat-when-youre-depressed-18?pageart=2

Thanks to Positive med for another great find.

Magnesium is best absorbed through the skin so I would recommend a Magnesium Spray, Gel, or a bath with Magnesium Salts. We as a society are severely deficient in Magnesium. Cranky kids are much happier and more relaxed after a a bath with magnesium Salts, just like mom and dad. A scoop in the nightly bath can make a huge difference in falling asleep quickly and easily too.

Vitamin D3 is so much more than a Vitamin and had been shown to have huge mood improvement benefits so get some sun and in the winter supplement. Many knowledgeable physicians now recommend at least 5000IU/ day in the winter months. Now many patients will find that it is part of routine care during hospital stays.  Next to sun on bare skin, Sub-lingual tablets or sprays are the most effective .

Unusual Uses for Lemon Juice

Thanks to Positive Med for another good find.

I am sure everyone has heard of the health benefits of lemon in your drinking water, but it is not just to drink and eat. Are you aware of all the places you can use this little wonder fruit? A bit of fresh lemon in your apple water will keep them from going brown while you are prepping apples for apple pie. I use lemons to get rid of stains in sinks and on counter tops, in the bathroom. and kitchen, It is often great at getting tough stains out of whites. You can use it to help lighten hair in the summer. There are so many things you can do! Check this poster for more:

Health Benefits of Cabbage & Sauerkraut

***Reposters Note. Cabbage in whatever form offers numerous benefits. Sauerkraut was a staple in many cultures before the advent of processed and fast foods. I would encourage  readers to incorporate the unique flavor into you meals for variety as well as the numerous dietary benefits***

(NaturalNews) Sauerkraut combines the health benefits offered by all cruciferous vegetables (a category which includes cauliflowers and brussel sprouts as well as cabbage) with the probiotic advantages derived from the fermentation process.

Cabbage offers a host of health benefits. It is high in vitamins A and C. Studies have shown the cruciferous vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels. Cabbage also provides a rich source of phytonutrient antioxidants. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies indicate it may help combat some cancers. However, this already helpful vegetable becomes a superfood when it is pickled.

The fermentation process used to make sauerkraut was probably first developed centuries ago simply as a means of preserving vegetables for easy consumption throughout the winter. The health benefits derived from pickling vegetables were already well-known to early civilizations. Historical evidence suggests laborers on the Great Wall of China consumed a version of the pickled cabbage dish 2,000 years ago.Traditional Chinese has long prescribed sauerkraut juice as a home remedy for many common ailments . The armies of Genghis Khan most likely first brought the dish to Europe. The Roman army traveled with barrels of sauerkraut, using it to prevent intestinal infections among the troops during long excursions.

In periods and cultures when natural healing methods fell into disuse, people consumed fewer fermented foods and were subject to more illness. Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) killed many British sailors during the 1700s, especially on longer voyages. In the late 1770s, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the world without losing a single sailor to scurvy, thanks to the foods his ship carried, including sixty barrels of sauerkraut.Mainstream health experts began to pay renewed attention to sauerkraut after a study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2002. Finnish researchers reported that in laboratory studies,a substance produced by fermented cabbage, isothiocyanates, helped prevent the growth of cancer.Even before the laboratory study, however, alternative health experts extolled the healing benefits of sauerkraut because of the lactic acid bacteria produced as a side-effect of the pickling process.Healthy human colons contain many beneficial bacteria which feed on the waste left over from our digestion, creating lactic acid. Without these beneficial bacteria the human digestive system becomes home to harmful parasites and yeasts, resulting in the condition of candida.

Sauerkraut provides a high density source of a wide range of beneficial live bacteria which assist in the digestive process. Consuming a serving of sauerkraut can give your body as much of a health boost as many of the expensive probiotic drinks and supplements sold in stores. However, most commercially sold sauerkraut have lost most of their beneficial bacterial organisms. To gain the most benefits from sauerkraut, you may want to purchase it freshly made, or learn how to make your own.If you want to explore recipes for making sauerkraut and other fermented dishes, an excellent place to start is with Sandor Ellis Katz’s Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition and Craft of Live Culture Foods.In his book, Katz points out that “Fermentation not only preserves nutrients, it breaks them down into more digestible forms.” Katz, who also wrote The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved: Inside America’s Underground Food Movements, recommends not only eating sauerkraut but drinking the juice which he calls “a rare delicacy and unparalleled digestive tonic.”Sources for this article include:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=1289433http://www.probiotics-lovethatbug.com/benefits-of-sauerkraut.htmlhttp://www.wildfermentation.com/about.php?page=sandorkrauthttp://www.alive.com/297a1a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=220

http://www.thehealthbank.co.uk/nutrition_articles/sauerkraut.html

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=19&tname=foodspice

http://www.learningherbs.com/sauerkraut_recipe.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033659_sauerkraut_health_benefits.html#ixzz2URinuKs7

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033659_sauerkraut_health_benefits.html#ixzz2URidng00

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033659_sauerkraut_health_benefits.html#ixzz2URiEILHC

Thank You to Lifestyle Philippines, Natural News and Oasis Advanced Wellness for contributions to this post.

Get Off Your Thyroid Medication And Start Consuming Coconut Oil

Get Off Your Thyroid Medication And Start Consuming Coconut Oil

** Reposter’s Note. This is a truly excellent article that makes important connections between thyroid function, the hypothalamus and pituitary as well as addressing the roles of inflammation and  autoimmune disease .**

March 21, 2013 by NATASHA LONG

There are many published studies on the relationship between coconut oil, metabolism and weight loss. Research shows that coconut oil contains unique fatty acids that stimulate metabolism, supply the body with tremendous energy, and promote weight loss. Most people are unaware that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease and this is one of the main reasons why conventional pharmaceutical treatments are ineffective for more than 80 percent of patients with sluggish thyroids.

 

Why Thyroid Medication Does Not Work

Taking replacement thyroid hormones without addressing the underlying immune imbalance is like trying to change the type of oil in your engine with the hope that your transmission will stop failing…useless.

The ultimate effect of hypothyroidism, whether it’s caused by iodine deficiency or autoimmunity, is to decrease the amount of thyroid hormone available to the body. The conventional approach is to simply replace these hormones with either synthetic or bio-identical forms.

Patient doesn’t have enough hormones? Give more hormones. Simple, right? Not.

Once again the conventional approach falls short because it ignores the underlying cause of the problem.

Even the best thyroid treatment may not work if underlying adrenal and hormonal problems are not dealt with effectively. If your doctor is not looking at your adrenal and hormonal situation, then an important part of your health is being overlooked.

In autoimmune disease the body attacks itself. It does this the same way it attacks foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses: with T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells, and cytotoxic T cells. The immune response also involves proteins called cytokines, chemical messengers that pass messages between cells.

A team of scientists from Yale University recently reported that junk food diets and processed foods could be partly to blame for autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid Hormones

The production and use of thyroid hormones is a complex and important process:

• An understanding of the complex thyroid hormone process begins with iodide, a salt that is extracted from the blood and trapped by the thyroid gland.
• Iodide is converted to iodine in the thyroid gland. (Here, 80% of the body’s iodine supply is then stored.) Iodine, in turn, is the raw material used in the manufacturing of thyroxine (T4), the key thyroid hormone.
• Thyroxine itself is converted into triiodothyronine (T3) , which is the more biologically active thyroid hormone. (Only about 20% of triiodothyronine is actually formed in the thyroid gland, however. The rest is manufactured from circulating thyroxine in tissues outside the thyroid, such as those in the liver and kidney.

• Two other important hormones in the process are thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).
• TSH directly influences the whole process of iodine trapping and thyroid hormone production.
• This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and monitored by TRH, which is produced in the hypothalamus gland. (Both the pituitary and hypothalamus glands are located in the brain.)
• When thyroxine levels drop even slightly, the pituitary gland goes into action to pump up secretion of TSH so that it can stimulate thyroxine production.
• Any abnormality in this intricate system of glands and hormone synthesis and production can have far-reaching consequences.

To Address The Thyroid You MUST Understand Inflammation

This self-attack by the immune system increases inflammation. And inflammation has a profound effect on all aspects of thyroid metabolism and physiology.

• First, inflammation suppresses the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. One study showed a single injection of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha reduced blood levels of TSH, T3, free T4, free T3 and TRH for 5 days. This shows inflammation disrupts the production and regulatory mechanisms of thyroid hormones. Thyroid medication will increase the levels of T4 (and possibly T3), but it doesn’t address the other effects of HPT axis suppression.
  

• Second, inflammation decreases both the number and sensitivity of thyroid hormone receptors. If there aren’t enough receptors, or they aren’t sensitive enough, it doesn’t matter how much thyroid medication we take. The cells won’t be able to use it. It’s like when my grandpa used to turn down his hearing aids while he was watching the football game. It didn’t matter how much my grandma yelled at him — he couldn’t hear a word she said.

• Third , inflammation decreases the conversion of T4 to T3. T4 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone. The body has to convert it to the active T3 form before it can be used. Most synthetic hormone medications on the market are T4. If you give a T4 medication (like Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, etc.) to someone with inflammation, it’s not going to work because they can’t convert the T4 to T3.

A TSH test is just one part of the overall picture. You can have a TSH that falls in the “normal range,” or is in the higher or lower end of normal, but you can actually have a thyroid problem or autoimmune thyroid disease. A good practitioner doesn’t rule out a thyroid condition solely on the basis of a TSH, but instead, runs additional tests, such as Free T4, Free T3. Thyroid antibodies can diagnose autoimmune conditions long before other blood values become abnormal. AND, treatment for people with antibodies can actually help forestall full-scale development of thyroid disease in some people.

Long-term suppression of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) causes cardiac side-effects and contributes to decreases in bone mineral density (high TSH levels are also well known to contributes to osteoporosis.) It may also cause elevated blood glucose levels, heart failure, coma and adrenal insufficiency. TSH directly influences the whole process of iodine trapping and thyroid hormone production so use of synthroid directly affects how the body metabolizes iodine.

The only way to do that is to address the problem at its root by regulating the immune system and decreasing inflammation.

Other Causes of an Unbalanced Thyroid

A sluggish thyroid may be triggered by many unseen causes, including…

• MSG and bad fatty acids, so common in our diet, can weaken your thyroid.
  • A deficiency of iodine is on the rise, and without enough iodine, your thyroid won’t produce the hormones you need.
  • As you age, your risk of an unbalanced thyroid dramatically increases.
  • Popular prescription drugs for your heart, bones and blood sugar can lead to a sluggish thyroid.
  • Exposure to too much fluoride or chlorine in drinking water can interfere with normal thyroid function.
  • Menopause or pregnancy and treatments such as Estrogen Replacement Therapy can throw the thyroid out of whack.
  • A family history of thyroid concerns may cause thyroid dysfunction.
  • Autoimmune health problems can cause your thyroid to go haywire.

  Coconut Oil Regulates The Immune System and Decreases Inflammation.

Coconut oil has always received a criticism because a group of scientists had incorrectly promoted that it increased LDL cholesterol. However, it never did increase LDL cholesterol, but it did increase HDL or good cholesterol. That distinction was never corrected in the mainstream press and the misconception still continues to this day.

“Why the mainstream persists in this delusion of criticizing coconut oil is beyond the understanding of many in the natural food industry,” said raw food expert and retailer Ian Macdonald.

“You know you’re on to something healthy when national and international health agencies are advising AGAINST it,” Macdonald stated. “This is typically due to influences from pharmaceutical and high profile corporations who strive on keeping the population sick and diseased,” he added.

For example the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), International College of Nutrition, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, American Dietetic Association (ADA), American Heart Association (AHA), British National Health Service (NHS), and Dietitians of Canada all simultaneously recommend AGAINST the consumption of coconut oil. Unfortunately, and against the better interest of the public, none of the above organizations have a track record of recommending healthy solutions for the public, so Macdonald suggests that when these organizations recommend against something, “that is your cue to incorporate it into your diet, with proper research of course.” Coconut oil may be the perfect example.

50 percent of the fat content in coconut oil is a fat rarely found in nature called lauric acid. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on earth!Nigel Turner and Jiming Ye from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research compared fat metabolism and insulin resistance in mice fed coconut oil and lard based diets.

“The medium chain fatty acids like those found in coconut oil are interesting to us because they behave very differently to the fats normally found in our diets,” said study leader Turner.

“Unlike the long chain fatty acids contained in animal fats, medium chain fatty acids are small enough to enter mitochondria – the cells’ energy burning powerhouses – directly where they can then be converted to energy.”

Coconut oil has a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.

Many people who have suffered with inflammatory conditions of the intestines like Crohn’s disease have successfully used coconut oil for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother’s milk, and they have extraordinary anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.

An excellent study that reviewed many previous studies on this topic was published in the Journal of Nutrition (Vol. 132, pages 329-332)

•  This study was conducted by researchers at McGill University. They reported that several different studies have shown weight loss equivalent to 12 – 36 pounds a year simply by changing the types of oils used in everyday cooking and food preparation.Most of the oils that we use to cook food and those used in commercially-prepared foods also have a negative affect on the thyroid. These are known as polyunsaturated or vegetable oils. They may in fact be the worst villains in the spread of thyroid diseases.The thyroid, though small otherwise, is one of the largest glands in the endocrine system. Diseases of the endocrine system are mostly caused due to production disorders that lead to inadequacy or excess of hormones or inappropriate response to hormones by tissues.Dr. Bruce Fife’s book Eat Fat, Look Thin explains how he discovered the relationship between coconut oil and improved thyroid health. It explains how to use coconut oil and incorporate it into a sensible diet.Another book by Dr. Fife is The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil and Eat Fat, Look Thin which contains references to numerous studies.

Is coconut oil a thyroid cure? Not by itself. Can it help people with low thyroid function? Yes, because it stimulates metabolism and boosts energy. For this reason, coconut oil has been a blessing to many people who have been able to abandon their medications with the right combination of exercise, removal of processed foods, and a balanced diet.

Other Nutrients To Maintain and Boost Thyroid Function:

• Iodine: the chief component of thyroid hormonesIodine is a potent trace mineral that’s vital for thyroid function. Amazingly, 75 percent of your body’s iodine is stored in your thyroid gland. Iodine is vital for your body’s metabolic processes. Incorporate foods such as seaweed, kelp, radish, parsley, fish, seafood, eggs, bananas, cranberries, strawberries, Himalayan crystal salt.
• Irish moss: a wonderful source from the sea
  This beneficial seaweed is an excellent source of naturally
  occurring trace minerals and life-enhancing nutrients.
• Vitamin B-2: the “fat metabolizer”
  This vitamin is essential because it keeps your thyroid humming
  along. It ignites your fat-burning metabolism so you stay slim and trim and releases energy from carbs, proteins and fats so you lose more weight.
• Magnesium: the “fat releaser”
  Magnesium is vital because it supports many of the processes closely associated with a healthy thyroid. The problem is, 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium. A magnesium deficiency can affect the ability of your cells to properly use glucose for energy and metabolism, so it’s harder to lose weight.
• Manganese: nature’s slim down mineral
  A number of manganese-activated enzymes play a key role in
  the metabolism of carbs, amino acids and cholesterol…three things you must address if you want to be slimmer and trimmer.
• Selenium: a critical mineral for thyroid function
  Selenium helps convert the thyroid hormone T4 into the active form of T3 your body needs for strong metabolism and more energy.
• Vitamin B3: the “energy stimulator”
  This vitamin aids in the production of enzymes that convert carbs, glucose and fats into usable energy.
• Vitamin B12: the fatigue fighter
  This energy-boosting, fatigue-fighting vitamin fires up your
  metabolism. Also helps improve blood flow, which is vital for increased energy.
• Vitamin B1: the metabolism booster
  Vitamin B1 is important for energy and for certain metabolic processes, especially the conversion of carbs.
• Zinc Picolinate: Crucial for healthy thyroid function.
• Copper: Combines with certain proteins to help a number of body functions, including energy
• L-Tyrosine: This amino acid is beneficial for the production of thyroid hormones and helps boost mental and physical stamina.
• Vitamin B6: This key vitamin helps convert iodine to the thyroid hormone and helps your body better absorb zinc, which you need for a healthy thyroid.

** Reposter’s Note. We supplement our diets with Daily Complete,(194 vitamins, minerals, organic fruits, organic vegetables, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, Mediterranean herbs, pure phytoplankton, and other important accessory nutrients) Coconut Oil and Lugol Iodine and have seen benefits in energy and mood.**

Sources:

http://preventdisease.com/news/13/032113_Get-Off-Your-Thyroid-Medication-And-Start-Consuming-Coconut-Oil.shtml

garvan.org.au
chriskresser.com
preventdisease.com
nativeremedies.com
reuters.com
drbenkim.com

 Natasha Longo

Natasha Longo has a master’s degree in nutrition and is a certified fitness and nutritional counselor. She has consulted on public health policy and procurement in Canada, Australia, Spain, Ireland, England and Germany.