Beets protect the body

The health benefits of this vegetable are un-beetable!

Other than their amazing flavor, here are some reasons you may want to start including fresh beets or beet juice into your diet.

-Beets are low in calories, fat, and have zero cholesterol. -Beets contain glycine betaine, a phytochemical compound that lowers homocysteine levels in the blood.  High levels of homocysteines result in heart disease. -Beets are loaded with potassium.  Potassium counter acts sodium and lowers the heart rate. -The top greens of beets contain vitamin A, antioxidant flavanoids, and carotenoids.  Vitamin A helps to prmote eye health and skin while consuming flavanoids helps to prevent certain types of cancer. -Folates contained in beets are necessary for DNA synthesis in cells. -Beets contain minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, and iron. -Vitamin B complexes can be found in the roots of this plant.  Among them are pyridoxine (B-6), pantothenic acid (B-5), and niacin (B-3). -Beets contain vitamin C which is known as the detox vitamin because it removes harmful free radicals from the body which helps to prevent heart disease and cancer. Source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/beets.html

Why Eat Watermelon?

Here's another good recipe for a Holiday potluck or dinner with Thropay Chiropractic

At this "most wonderful time of the year," all of us wish you the very best of the season, and every blessing for the year to come. 

There's still time to purchase a gift card for someone on your list!  

Here's another good recipe for a Holiday potluck or dinner:

CITRUS SWEET POTATOES

6 medium organic sweet potatoes, baked in the skins, cooled and peeled

1/3 cup raw mild honey

1 tbsp. non-GM organic cornstarch OR organic tapioca starch

1 cup organic orange juice concentrate (Trader Joe's)

2 tsp. grated peel from an organic lemon

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cut baked sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch slices, and place evenly in a buttered 13x9 baking dish.

                          In a small saucepan, combine honey and cornstarch.  Whisk in the orange juice concentrate and lemon peel.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Pour evenly over sweet potatoes.  Sprinkle with pecans if desired.

                         Bake, uncovered, at 325 for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and sauce is bubbly.  12 servings.

Call us at (562) 861-3896.

Natural Migraine Remedy

Here are 2 powerful migraine juice remedies -

"Best recipe"

Beechler Vitality

- Carrot Juice - 10 ounces

- Spinach Juice - 6 ounces

"Second choice"

- 7 ounces of Carrot

- 4 ounces of celery

- 2 ounces of parsley

- 3 ounces of spinach

Monday Motivation with Thropay Chiropractic!

9 Herbal Foods That Naturally Lower Cholesterol And Keep Your Heart Healthy

Image: wikimedia.org

Patricia Bratianu | Off The Grid News

Keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy prevents many serious illnesses and enhances longevity. Many factors influence the heart and the circulation. Unfortunately, the stresses of modern life, coupled with poor nutrition and inactivity, put us at risk for several heart and blood vessel problems. As a result, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening cardiovascular conditions abound. Herbs may be used as a very important part of a wellness plan to enhance the health of your heart and blood vessels.

Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or bad cholesterol, begins as a sticky substance that builds inside the walls of blood vessels. It hardens over time, creating rough surfaces and inflexible blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels harden and contribute to high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Blood flow throughout the entire body is impaired.

High density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as HDL or good cholesterol, protects the heart and blood vessels from damage due to LDL buildup and other factors.

Triglycerides are other kinds of fats in the blood. Many experts believe that elevated triglyceride levels are a more important predictor of cardiovascular disease than elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Several herbs which are used to reduce harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels are right in your own kitchen. Others may be grown easily or gathered from the wild.

Herbal Foods With Cardiovascular Benefits

1. Shiitake mushrooms reduce inflammation, and lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Many large grocery stores sell fresh shiitakes. I keep dried ones on hand, too. Several companies offer kits which provide you with opportunities to grow your own. Shiitakes are one of the most valuable herbal foods available, in my opinion.

2. Flax seed binds with excess cholesterol and aids in its elimination from the body. Flax seed may be obtained in large grocery stores. It is very inexpensive. Flax also reduces inflammation, a major contributor to heart and blood vessel disease. Simply grind two tablespoons of flax seed each day. Add it to cereals, smoothies or yogurt. Do not purchase ground flax meal. Flax loses its healing benefits quickly when ground or heated. It is easy to grind in a coffee grinder reserved for herbs.

3. Garlic has been studied extensively for its many healing benefits. Garlic’s relatives — onions, shallots, leeks and chives — offer healing benefits as well; however, the active compounds in garlic are the most potent. Researchers have discovered that while garlic reduces LDL and triglyceride levels, the herbal food does much more to ensure cardiovascular health. Garlic lowers blood pressure and even relieves leg cramps which are due to poor circulation. Garlic tablets and capsules are available for purchase, but I recommend eating at least one clove daily for maximum benefits and economy. Either eat the garlic raw or lightly sautéed. This way you will retain all of the healing powers of this wonderful herbal food.

4. All peppers are beneficial for the cardiovascular system as they contain fiber and high amounts of vitamin C, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Cayenne pepper has been studied extensively. I believe that any other hot peppers likely offer similar benefits. Cayenne helps to increase the efficiency and strength of the heartbeat, without increasing the blood pressure. It prevents harmful blood clots from forming. Blood clots are responsible for several life threatening conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary emboli. Cayenne prevents hardening of the arteries and relaxes the blood vessels. This helps to decrease blood pressure and relieve leg pain due to poor circulation. Again, I believe that the best way to reap the healing benefits of this herbal food is to simply include cayenne in your diet. Be careful if you are preparing fresh peppers, as they can cause burns. Some people with digestive issues are unable to tolerate cayenne.

5. Did you realize that black pepper reduces cholesterol levels? It improves the circulation of the entire body and has been used to relieve hypertension, high blood pressure.  Like many other herbal remedies for cholesterol, black pepper is considered to be an herbal stimulant. It enhances the circulation of the entire body and improves blood pressure.

Wild Herbal Remedies for Heart Health

6. Hawthorn is an amazing herb. The berries may be gathered from the wild. Just be sure that you correctly identify the bush. I think of hawthorn as a kind of “miracle herb” If your blood pressure is too low and you consume a little bit of hawthorn, it will bring it up to a healthy range. On the other hand, if it is too high, you can lower high blood pressure by consuming a larger amount of the berries. Hawthorn reduces unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, too.

7. Motherwort is an easy to grow herb which can sometimes be found in the wild. It is a relaxing herb that offers health benefits for the circulatory system and the entire body.

8. Kudzu may be “the vine that ate the south,” but it has some redeeming qualities. Kudzu root extract lowers blood pressure, unhealthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Kudzu reduces the pain of angina by improving the circulation within the heart itself. Historically, kudzu was used to relieve irregular heartbeats and reduce rapid heart rates.

9. Dandelion leaf reduces edema, excess swelling in the body, which can stress the heart. Unlike pharmaceutical diuretic drugs which rid the body of needed potassium, dandelion leaf is a great source of potassium and other nutrients.

These are just a few of the many herbal remedies which we have available to use to improve heart and blood vessel health. Include a wide array of culinary herbs in your diet, as many of them offer health benefits to the heart, circulation and entire body. By incorporating herbs as part of your wellness plan, you will feel better and prevent serious illnesses from impacting the life of you and your loved ones.

Holiday tips and another recipe!

When you are working hard at a healthy lifestyle, and giving careful thought to everything you eat - how do you get through a holiday party without "blowing it"?

We have some suggestions for you.  We're also very interested in your ideas, so please write us and share your particular solutions.  We'll pass them on to others via next week's email.

1] Eat regular meals during the day of the party.  Don't arrive there "starving hungry," or you may be tempted to overload your plate.  Even if all the food were totally healthful (and you know it won't be), eating more than you actually need will work against you, at the very least causing weight gain - easier to put on than take off.

2] Rather than try "a little bit of everything," make up your mind ahead of time to be very selective - and again, limit your portions of even the best foods available.

 3] Before going to the party, drink a glass of water.  This will partially satisfy your hunger, and it will aid in the cleansing process that is part of good digestion.  Another idea is to eat a light snack, such as celery sticks filled with almond butter or peanut butter, just before leaving for the party.

4] Do not drink anything while eating. Do it either 30 minutes before or one hour after the meal.  Drinking water or other beverages while eating has a tendency to dilute the digestive juices, slowing or impairing proper digestion of the food.

5] TAKE SOMETHING WITH YOU to share that you can eat with a good conscience!  Here's a cookie recipe that guarantees you will be able to eat a dessert - as long as you get to it before the plate is empty!  These are very popular, besides being so quick and easy to prepare:

CAROB NO-BAKES

1/2 - 3/4 cup of raw honey

1/2 cup carob powder (Chatfield's available at health food stores or Whole Foods)

1/2 cup raw milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup butter (one stick)

3 cups organic oats

1 cup organic, unsweetened coconut

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, carob, milk, vanilla, and butter.  Bring to a boil, turn down heat slightly, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add oats and coconut, and mix well. 

Moving quickly, mound by spoonfuls on a cookie sheet, and allow to cool.  Chill in refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes.  Remove from the cookie sheet and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.  Makes about 3 dozen delicious confections, and NO ONE will believe they contain no chocolate or sugar! (unless you mention it first - don't!) 

Just a reminder about our gift cards - they are available in any denomination you choose.  Make somebody happy this Christmas with a gift card for a therapeutic massage!

Call us anytime at (562) 861-3896

Suffering From Heart Palpitations or Chest Pain? Thropay Chiropractic Can Help!

HEART PALPITATIONS l CHEST PAIN

When I first visited Dr. Thropay, I came for lower back pain and numbness in my left leg. After talking with him about the nutritional program, I decided to sign up. I had been suffering some other symptoms, like chest pains, fatigue, and heart palpitations, besides the lower back pain.

Now after two to three months of following his instructions and taking the supplements he gave me, I feel so much better! My chest pains and heart palpitations have been reduced to almost nothing. My back pain that had been about a 6 on a scale of 1-10, has come down to about a 2. In fact, at times I have no pain at all.

I am a firm believer in Dr. Thropay’s practice, and also in the care his staff provides. I have brought a number of family members here to experience similar health benefits for themselves.

Elpidio Rodriguez

DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR ANY TIME OF THE YEAR! CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND ALMONDS

CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND ALMONDS

 

4 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast

1 1/2 cups seedless organic red or green grapes, halved if desired

1 cup chopped organic celery

3/4 cup organic green onions, sliced

3 free-range eggs, hard cooked and chopped

2 tbsp. lemon juice

3/4 tsp. sea salt

 

Dressing:

1/2 cup Spectrum Naturals Organic Canola Mayo, or homemade mayo

2 tbsp. raw milk or cream, or 1 tbsp. water

1 tbsp. prepared organic mustard

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. celery seed

1/4 tsp. dry mustard (optional)

1/2 tsp. paprika (optional)

 

1/2 cup sliced almonds

 

In a flat container, spread out cubed chicken.  Sprinkle with salt, then sprinkle lemon juice over the salt to melt it.  Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

 

In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, celery, onions, and eggs.  In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients.  Stir until smooth.  Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently.  Stir in almonds and serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad (covered) and add the almonds just before serving.  About 8 servings.

Make an appointment with Dr. Lam for your school athlete, and consider getting regular chiropractic adjustments for him or her throughout the sports season...a body structure that is kept in balance may well give that needed edge over the competition!

 

Don't forget about Elvira, our amazing massage therapist!  The price is LOW, but the quality is HIGH - where else can you find a bargain like that? 

 

We look forward to hearing from you soon!  (562) 861-3896

Holiday Recipes With Thropay Chiropractic!

This season is so beautiful - sparkling lights, potluck parties, special concerts, exciting gifts, family time...

...but what about heavy traffic, crowded stores, decorating and wrapping to get done on time, extra cooking...those pressured things are not always quite so beautiful!

At Thropay Health Center, we're here to help you streamline.   Here's an easy one - gift decisions!  How about a gift card for a massage?  It's the perfect gift for Mom or Dad, friend or neighbor, gardener or mail carrier.   As they say at Staples - "That was easy!"  (Our gift cards may also be applied to chiropractic or nutrition services in our office.)

If you wonder what healthful food you could take to that potluck, here's a quick and simple way to get vegetable goodness into an attractive and delicious dish that is always enjoyed:

HOLIDAY ZUCCHINI

5 small organic zucchini, washed but not peeled

1 small organic onion, diced fine

1 15-oz. can of Trader Joe's organic tomato sauce (no sugar added)

about 2 tsp. Parsley Patch garlic and herb seasoning

about 2 oz. of grated or shaved raw milk Parmesan cheese (Trader Joe's)

Slice washed zucchini in half lengthwise.  Pour 1 cup of tomato sauce in a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.  Spread evenly.  Arrange zucchini cut side up, on top of sauce.  Sprinkle evenly with diced onion, then with garlic and herb seasoning, to cover each half.  Spoon remaining tomato sauce carefully over each half.  Sprinkle with the cheese. 

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.  Recipe can be doubled, of course.         

This week- breathe deeply, pace yourself, and enjoy the season! 

We love to hear from you anytime, and hope to see you soon.  Call us at (562) 861-3896.

Garlic Soup Recipe That Can Defeat Colds, Flu and Even Norovirus

garlic-1Forget the flu shot. A soup based on more than 50 cloves of garlic, onions, thyme and lemon will destroy almost any virus that enters its path including colds, flu and even norovirus.

As we sneeze and cough our way through these dark months of contagious nasties, garlic is being hailed for its powers to halt viruses in their tracks.

It has gained its reputation as a virus buster thanks to one of its chemical constituents, allicin.

A recent and significant finding from Washington State University shows that garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting disease causing bacteria commonly responsible for foodborne illness.

When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. What’s more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.

‘This chemical has been known for a long time for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal powers,’ says Helen Bond, a Derbyshire-based consultant dietitian and spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association.

‘Because of this, people assume it is going to boost their immune systems. Lots of people are simply mashing up garlic, mixing it with olive oil and spreading it on bread.

‘But how or whether it may actually work has still not been proven categorically.’

Indeed, scientists remain divided on garlic’s ability to combat colds and flu. Last March, a major investigation by the respected global research organization, the Cochrane Database, found that increasing your garlic intake during winter can cut the duration of cold symptoms — from five-and-a-half days to four-and-a-half.

But the report, which amalgamated all previous scientific studies on garlic, said it could not draw solid conclusions because there is a lack of large-scale, authoritative research.

The problem is that pharmaceutical companies are not interested in running huge, expensive trials — as they would with promising new drug compounds — because there is nothing in garlic that they can patent, package and sell at a profit.

Modified Garlic Soup Recipe
Serves 4
26 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) organic butter (grass fed)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 cup fresh ginger
2 1/4 cups sliced onions
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
26 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup coconut milk
3 1/2 cups organic vegetable broth
4 lemon wedges

Preheat oven to 350F. Place 26 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and toss to coat. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic between fingertips to release cloves. Transfer cloves to small bowl.

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, thyme, ginger and cayenne powder and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add roasted garlic and 26 raw garlic cloves and cook 3 minutes. Add vegetable broth; cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add coconut milk and bring to simmer. Season with sea salt and pepper for flavor.

Squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge into each bowl and serve.

garlic_cloves3efCan be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

If garlic were found to be a wonder drug, consumers could simply buy it in the supermarket for 30p a bulb or grow their own in the garden.

Nevertheless, garlic has a long and proud tradition as a medicine. The Ancient Egyptians recommended it for 22 ailments. In a papyrus dated 1500BC, the laborers who built the pyramids ate it to increase their stamina and keep them healthy.

The Ancient Greeks advocated garlic for everything from curing infections, and lung and blood disorders to healing insect bites and even treating leprosy.

The Romans fed it to soldiers and sailors to improve their endurance. Dioscorides, the personal physician to Emperor Nero, wrote a five-volume treatise extolling its virtues.

One of the most interesting of the recent findings is that garlic increases the overall antioxidant levels of the body. Scientifically known as Allium sativa, garlic has been famous throughout history for its ability to fight off viruses and bacteria. Louis Pasteur noted in 1858 that bacteria died when they were doused with garlic. From the Middle Ages on, garlic has been used to treat wounds, being ground or sliced and applied directly to wounds to inhibit the spread of infection. The Russians refer to garlic as Russian penicillin.

More recently, researchers have unearthed evidence to show garlic may help us to stay hale and hearty in a number of ways.

Last June, nutrition scientists at the University of Florida found eating garlic can boost the number of T-cells in the bloodstream. These play a vital role in strengthening our immune systems and fighting viruses.

And pharmacologists at the University of California found that allicin — the active ingredient in garlic that contributes to bad breath — is an infection-killer.

Allicin also makes our blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow and helping to tackle cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol.

An Australian study of 80 patients published last week in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that diets high in garlic may reduce high blood pressure.

In 2007, dentists in Brazil found that gargling with garlic water (made by steeping crushed garlic cloves in warm, but not boiling, water) can kill the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

But they hit a snag: the volunteers refused to continue the experiment, complaining that the garlic gargle made them feel sick. Looking at the garlic soup recipe certainly made me feel queasy. Still, it gave me an excuse to use up my ample supply of garlic.

Though last year’s awful weather caused crop failures on my allotment, I enjoyed a bumper harvest of garlic.

Among its many other virtues, garlic kills slugs and snails. Researchers from the University of Newcastle believe it contains oils that may cripple the nervous systems of these slimy creatures.

There are two schools of thought as to the best way of preparing garlic to make the most of its medicinal qualities.

Argentinian investigators found it releases its allicin-type compounds when you bake the cloves, while scientists at South Carolina Medical University believe peeling garlic and letting it sit uncovered for 15 minutes produces the highest levels of compounds to fight infection.

So you can simply peel half of the garlic cloves and roast the other half with the kitchen door tightly closed (to stop the pong permeating throughout the house).

The heady aroma certainly revs up the appetite and the first spoonful does not disappoint. Delicious as it is, however, one large bowl of home-made soup is a more than ample meal.

As for the soup’s cold-preventing powers, only time will tell. Regular bowlfuls may very well keep me free of winter ailments, thanks to the virus-killing compounds they contain.

Or it could just be that my nuclear-strength garlic breath will keep everyone who is infectious far out of sneezing range for months to come.

John Summerly is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.

Source: Prevent Disease & realfarmacy.com

Using Apple Cider Vinegar To Cleanse Your Body And Kidney

Say hello to Apple Cider Vinegar to Cleanse your body and kidney.

This powerful natural healer is seemingly unknown. It's great for decalcifying your pineal gland - fight cronic fatigue - Allergies - Sinus infections - Headaches - Sore throats - Flu - Acne - Warts - Varicose veins - High cholesterol - Candida - Yeast infections - Fungus - Stiff joints - Arthritis - Heartburn - Aftershave - Teeth whitener - Gout - Facial toner - Age-spot lightener - Hair rinse - Sunburns and even Swelling!

How Long to Nap for the Best Brain Benefits

Taking a nap, we've seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain. But napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. Scientists offer recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.

The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best "bang for your buck," but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.

For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.

Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.

In addition to those recommendations, one surprising suggestion is to sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep. And if you find yourself dreaming during your power naps, it may be a sign you're sleep deprived. While you're planning your nap, don't forget to time it during the right time of day as well.

Source: LifeHacker