Easy recipe for your "4th" potluck

You gardeners out there are probably harvesting some tender and delicious zucchini this month.  Here's a quick make-ahead recipe that goes over well on a sizzling summer's day - or any day!

ZESTY ZUCCHINI

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup organic white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

2-3 medium organic zucchini, thinly sliced into a bowl

In a small bottle, shake the first six ingredients together.  Pour over zucchini and toss until all pieces are coated.  Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or until ready to serve.  Stir again well before serving.  4-5 servings; recipe may be doubled or tripled.

This recipe is found in the "Healthful Cooking Made Simple" book by Mrs. Thropay, available for purchase in our office.  Check out and try some of the many other great potluck recipes there, such as "Green Bean Tomato Salad," "Summer Garden Salad," and of course, "Picnic Potato Salad." 

All of the recipes in this book are the winning combination of healthful AND delicious.  You will not only provide guilt-free food, you will also be asked for these dishes again!

It's hard to believe that July 4th is just a week away.  Of course, we will be closed next Friday the 4th, so be sure to schedule your appointments for Monday through Thursday of next week.  We'll be open, as always, for nutrition, chiropractic, and massage services. 

See you soon at the place "Where Healthy Happens" !

(562) 861-3896 

Healthy Living At Thropay Chiropractics!

Natural Antibiotics To Stockpile Now: 10 Herbs & Foods That Kill Superbugs

Natural Antibiotics To Stockpile Now: 10 Herbs & Foods That Kill Superbugs

There is currently an over-prescribing by the modern healthcare industry of today’s antibiotics which is rendering them increasingly less effective. Contributing to this trend is the use of antibiotics in factory-farm livestock.

When he received his Nobel Prize for medicine in 1945, Alexander Fleming, the pioneer of penicillin, the first synthetic antibiotic, said, “It is not difficult to make microbes resistant to penicillin in the laboratory by exposing them to concentrations not sufficient to kill them.” He continued by saying, “There is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug make them resistant.”

Bacter is a part of life and it has been throughout history. When we take antibiotics persistently, we kill the “good” bacteria, which gives rise to more resistent “superbugs”. In the event that you need to kill a superbug, below are 10 herbs and foods that can cure the issue:

Honey: A recent study from Salve Regina University showed that raw honey is a top natural antibiotic. In her findings, Dr. Susan M. Meschewitz told the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, “The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.” The honey fights as an antibiotic using polyphenols, hydrogen peroxide and an osmotic effect. The fact is that honey has many different characteristics which make it a powerful cure for superbugs.

Colloidal Silver: Author Gregory A Gore writes in his book, Defeat Cancer:

Silver was used 1,200 years ago by Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, sailors, and then by the pioneers who populated our country. They used it for various illnesses and to keep their foods and liquids from spoiling. Prior to 1938, before antibiotics, colloidal silver was used by doctors as their main substance to fight bacteria in a more natural way than through the antibiotics they use today. Antibiotics can harm our kidneys and liver functions. Colloidal silver promotes healing.

Pascalite: A type of clay, this bentonite can be found in the Wyoming mountains and contains amazing healing power. Topically, it acts as a disinfectant for wounds in as quickly as hours or days. Pascalite’s first uses were documented in the 1930s during the era of Emile Pascal, a trapper living by a lake in the mountains. He would use it on his hands which he noticed significantly moisturized their chapped tendency. He expanded his use of Pascalite to burns and other infections.

Turmeric: This herb has been dated back to Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine records for thousands of years as a treatment for many infections. As an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, Turmeric is found to be extremely potent in its fight against bacterial infections. It also treats MRSA and other skin lesions.

Oil of Oregano: Known best for it’s strength in killing bacteria, Oil of Oregano is an essential oil for fighting MRSA and other staph infections. It naturally contains properties such as antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and pain relief. Science Daily highlights Georgetown University’s 2001 study which found oregon oil’s ability to kill germs were nearly as effective as most antibiotics.

Tea tree oil: This is a potent oil known to effective with killing MRSA on the skin which has been resistant to antibiotics. When using tea tree oil for this treatment, it must be therapeutic-grade and undiluted.

Olive leaf extract: Has been employed for centuries to fight bacterial infections. These days, olive leaf extract is used with MRSA infections in formal European hospital because it boosts the immune system while it fights antibiotic-resistant infections.

Garlic: Aside from being wonderful as a seasoning, garlic has had medical uses for thousands of years. In the 1700′s, it was used to help prevent the plague because of it’s strong antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Echinacea: Traditionally used for treatment of open wounds, blood poisoning, diptheria, Echinacea is used to fight colds and the flu.

Goldenseal: This is increasingly becoming one of the most popular herbs sold in America. Recently, it has been praised as for its superbug fighting powers and for boosting the immune system. Native Americans used goldenseal to treat internal inflammation.

Sources: Natural News

"New" science = old news

The cover story in this week's Time magazine focuses on saturated fat and its (non)connection to heart disease.  After 65 years of "gold standard" health advice about avoiding saturated fat, the REAL facts are finally being allowed to surface...in widely-read publications.

Right on track with the pattern!

It's always amusing to us when what we have been teaching for decades here, which has been scorned and dismissed by those who believe in "real science," suddenly wears the hat of "New Science" - as though this is a breakthrough that NOBODY would have dreamed possible.

Quote: "Our demonization of fat may have backfired in ways we are just beginning to understand."  Really?!

For this article to be the cover story on a national news magazine means this:  The research has been so overwhelming, for so long, that these things can no longer be hidden from the public.

Simply stated, the article confirms that there is plenty of scientific evidence that eating saturated fat, such as in whole dairy and red meat, does NOT cause heart disease. Or diabetes.

Here are the main points we want to take away from this article:

1) Don't accept as fact ANY health advice that promotes processed, refined foods as "healthier" than the simple, uncorrupted foods found in nature

2) Recognize that heart disease, still the No.1 killer in America, is NOT staved off by eating the popular low-fat diet - (actually, quite the opposite is true)

3) Obesity, which now afflicts about one-third of the American population, is due to over-consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as all bread and flour products, sugar and cheap chemical sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (all of these are universal in American food products)

What the Time article did not fully or directly address is which "real foods" are actually good for you. We consider this an important distinction, so here it is:

          a) Whole milk is good...WHEN the milk is RAW, not pasteurized.  The saturated fats remain unbound in raw milk, and thus are bioavailable to synthesize the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K in the milk    

           b)  Red meat is good... WHEN it has been raised without hormones, antibiotics, pesticided grass and/or grains

           c) Vegetables and fruits are good....WHEN they are organically grown, i.e. without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides 

 

Too expensive, you say?  When a family does NOT buy the unhealthful food products, there is grocery money to cover a carefully-planned diet of nourishing foods.  We will be glad to give more details on this to anyone who is interested.   Just call us and ask! 

(562) 861-3896

Looking for a PERFECT GIFT that really shows how much you care?

Looking for a PERFECT GIFT that really shows how much you care?  How about a gift card for a full-hour massage at Thropay Health Center?  Or for nutrition or chiropractic services? 

Our terms are very flexible - you choose the amount, your special person chooses the service.  Here are our amazingly low prices:

           Full-hour Massage    $40

           Initial Nutritional visit, which includes services for the second visit - $69

           Initial Chiropractic visit - $69

Subsequent visits are $40 for Nutrition and $55 for Chiropractic...not to mention our excellent pre-pay programs which give additional savings!

We hear a lot about "Women's Health," and maybe a little less about "Men's Health."  One risk that both men and women share in common is potential disruption of their endocrine systems.  These glands control the levels and performance of hormones in the body.

Today let's focus on just ONE of the endocrine glands - the thyroid.  This small gland has a big job description that includes weight control, by regulating the body's fat storage and fat burning processes. 

If the internal climate of the body makes the thyroid work harder, the person develops a condition called hyperthyroidism.  When the thyroid slows down, the condition is called hypothyroidism.  Both mean "trouble."  

Although SOY products are said to be low-carb, low-fat, low-glycemic, and high protein, and touted as healthy foods, they are actually very hard on the thyroid gland.

           a) Over time, they cause hypothyroidism - this comes with weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, and often depression, anxiety, bi-polar and similar conditions resulting from the hormonal imbalance

            b) Estrogenization results from the phytoestrogens (called isoflavones) in soy.  In women, this can increase the risk of breast cancer, among other things.  In men, the imbalance created by this "mimic" estrogen affects their testosterone-estrogen ratio.

Some short-term studies show that eating soy stimulates the thyroid to overwork itself (hyperthyroidism) with a temporary effect of increased metabolism, energy, and weight loss.  This seems exciting at first glance.  However, that type of thyroid stress soon exhausts the gland, and sends it into permanent hypothyroidism. 

The medications given to individuals who are considered to have hypothyroidism come with their own complications. 

First, many times the individual is actually experiencing an overworking thyroid, despite the blood test analysis! Our specialized Nutrition Response Testing will reveal this, and we will show the person appropriate steps so the body can correct the situation on its own.   Taking the medication would only stimulate the thyroid further, thus compounding the problem. 

Second, as with any medication that has the goal of achieving the "right" numbers on a blood test, the actual cause(s) of the thyroid gland's problem is never addressed.  Instead, the thyroid is artificially forced to do something it is not ready to do - but WOULD do under the right conditions. 

Giving the body the climate and tools for good health is the best way to ensure a balanced thyroid function.  It just makes sense to us!

Your feedback is always valued.  Call us anytime at (562) 861-3896.

THROPAY CHIROPRACTIC and NUTRITION CENTER where healthy happens!

Our family has had such good results with Thropay Chiropractic/Nutritional Center. Personally, I've never felt as good or as healthy as I have since we started programs with them. Highly recommend Thropay for general chiropractic work and especially their Nutritional Response Testing. Haven't had a chance to take them up on their new massage therapy yet; but if it's as good as their chiropractic and nutritional programs, I'm sure I'd recommend that, too. A+++

-Todd Vasquez

The Many Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut water is one of the richest natural sources of electrolytes and can be used to prevent dehydration from strenuous exercise, vomiting, or diarrhea. Coconut water is a clear, light, refreshing liquid that is 95% water and is taken from the young, green coconuts that have not reached maturity. It is full of natural vitamins (especially the B vitamins), minerals, and trace elements (including zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, and manganese). Vitamins are necessary for the enzymatic reactions your cells need in order to function. It is bursting with amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients. And is a great post workout drink due to its rich source of electrolytes and natural salts, especially potassium and magnesium. It is light, low calorie and almost fat-free. It is low in sugar but is surprisingly sweet, it contains about a fifth of the sugar of other fruit juices such as apple or grape juice. It also has a little fiber to moderate absorption. Rich in cytokinins (plant hormones) which have anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-thrombolytic effects in humans. That is not all – Coconut water also has an alkalizing effect on your body. This means that it can help correct the effects acidic foods that seems to creep into so much of our diet. If you are not drinking a glass of coconut water right now then I’m sure you are looking at how to get some… the health benefits of coconut water is impressive and scientists are still researching this wonder drink!!! Here’s how to open a young green coconut Source: mercola.com

What is Green Tea Good For ?

Green Tea has almost boundless health benefits. Read on to see how it can improve many aspects of your health and well-being.

Green Tea is becoming more and more popular due to its many health benefits, and high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. It is made by being harvested before quickly being preserved without the usual oxidation process of other teas taking place. This is one of the many reasons why it is thought to have such great properties. Green teas are processed with either steam heat or with dry heat. However it is worth noting that green tea brewed from loose tea leaves offers the most potent source of antioxidants and you should really look for organic versions for optimum benefits.

Here are some of the health benefits of regularly drinking green tea:

BOOSTS BRAIN HEALTH: A recent report inPsychopharmacology (i) described a study which had shown green tea could be promising in the treatment of cognitive impairments associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as dementia. They said “Our findings provide first evidence for the putative beneficial effect of green tea on cognitive functioning, in particular, on working memory processing at the neural system level by suggesting changes in short-term plasticity of parieto-frontal brain connections. Modeling effective connectivity among frontal and parietal brain regions during working memory processing might help to assess the efficacy of green tea for the treatment of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as dementia.”
Interestingly they also confirmed that it is possible to still get the health benefits by consuming it in supplemental extract form – good news for non tea lovers.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: Research found that people who drank at least 6 cups per day of green tea had a 33% lower risk of going on to develop Type 2 Diabetes when compared to a group who drank less than one cup per week.

CANCER: The active components in green tea were shown reduce the production of proteins associated with inflammation, cell motility, cell signalization and angiogenesis. Studies also showed a clear link between drinking green tea and having a lower risk of cancer (including ovarian and breast) (iv) noting the potential role of green tea or green tea components in ovarian cancer prevention and treatment.

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION and REDUCED MORTALITY: Drinking green tea lowers chronic inflammation, lowers blood pressure and also oxidative stress. It has been linked to reduced mortality across a range of causes including heart disease (v).

BONE HEALTH: The powerful polyphenols combined with the vitamin D compounds boost both the strength and structure of our bones (vi). Chronic inflammation which leads to a higher risk of osteoporosis could also be reversed.

HEART HEALTH: Studies show an improved blood flow in green tea drinkers. Arteries are also more relaxed which shows that just by drinking a few cups of green tea daily may actually help prevent heart disease (vii).

EYE HEALTH: Compounds known as catechins found in green tea can be effective in preventing glaucoma as well as other eye conditions as they have been found to be absorbed into the eye tissues following digestion (viii)

WEIGHTLOSS: The catechins also help burn fat and could increase fat oxidation. A report published in Physiology & Behavior says “Positive effects on body-weight management have been shown using green tea mixtures. Green tea, by containing both tea catechins and caffeine, may act through inhibition of catechol O-methyl-transferase, and inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Here the mechanisms may also operate synergistically. A green tea-caffeine mixture improves weight maintenance, through thermogenesis, fat oxidation, and sparing fat free mass….Taken together, these functional ingredients have the potential to produce significant effects on metabolic targets such as thermogenesis, and fat oxidation.”

Green tea could therefore be one of the most healthy things you could drink apart from water.

If you found this article useful, share it with family and friends by clicking the links below.

REFERENCES/SOURCE:
(i) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24643507
(ii) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618952
(iii) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22564714
(iv) http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/29/10/1967.short
(v) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689013/
(vi) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21036589
(vii) http://cpr.sagepub.com/content/15/3/300.abstract
(viii) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Journal+of+agricultural+and+food+chemistry%22%5BJour%5D+AND+Green+Tea+Catechins+and

Which 50% is YOUR category?

Did you notice an article recently in Time magazine that updated us on the use of prescription drugs in America?

According to their statistics, 50% of Americans are taking at least one prescription drug every day.   That's bad news!  because all drugs are toxic by definition.  The "game" is that the daily dose of poison will hopefully be out-matched by the intended benefit.  But, because symptom suppression never corrects the underlying cause of a health challenge, this is a game that you are almost guaranteed to lose!

The good news is that the other 50% of Americans are NOT on at least one prescription drug every day.  If you fall into that category, you are still on the winning side.  And you can work at staying that way!

How can you personally continue to defy these dismal statistics?  "Let me count the ways":

1) Make sure everything you eat is nourishing without negatives

2) Drink only spring water or plain herbal teas

3) Come for Nutrition Response Testing to eliminate the toxic stressors that are already present in the body, learn how to avoid them, and get the dietary guidance that your body demands

4) Come for regular chiropractic care to keep your body structure balanced and avoid impingement upon the nervous system (the message network)

5) Come for regular therapeutic massage to get extra help in flushing out toxins from the muscles, and for the huge relaxation benefit to your whole system

6) Follow a simple daily exercise program such as walking, even for a few minutes

7) Prioritize great health in your mind as a bright, positive picture each day, so you won't be side-tracked.  After all, what are any other goals worth if you don't have the health to attain them?

By the way, if you are in the OTHER 50%, please don't feel left out!  YOU can also achieve wonderful things by putting into practice the above suggestions, while taking the medications.  Getting to the cause(s) of your health challenges may significantly change the picture for you.  

June is "Pamper Dad" month at Thropay Health Center, so how about purchasing a gift card for that special man in your life?  It may well be the best Father's Day gift he has ever received!  

Gift cards are available for all services in our office, and you can choose the amount.    Call us at (562) 861-3896.

Natural Ways To Remove Scars

There are many reasons why a person could have scars, varying from injuries and accidents to skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Regardless of how someone may have gotten a scar, most people would prefer to not have them. Scar removal can be very painful and expensive. However, many people are unaware of natural scar removal treatments.

Here are five natural ways to remove or diminish the appearance of scarring:

1. Egg whites
Egg whites have powerful healing qualities that can help heal scarring and make it less visible. Egg whites are full of proteins and amino acids which tightens the pores to prevent new breakouts while lightening scarred skin.

Whip 3 egg whites until they become fluffy and white. Use your fingers to spread the egg whites on to your skin, concentrating on the problem areas. Let the egg whites dry for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. Do this 2-3 times a week and before long, scars will fade significantly.

2. Baking Soda
Baking soda will elimate dead skin and make scars less visible over time. Baking soda is coarse, but not so much to be damaging. Apply gently and it will act as a natural exfoliant without causing inflammation or irritation.

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a consistent paste. Very gently massage the baking soda onto skin and let sit for one minute, then rinse with warm water. Make sure to moisturize after this treatment. A little coconut oil massaged gently in the skin is a great alternative to moisturizer.

3. Lemon Juice
Lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids, which have healing properties for the skin. The AHA in lemon juice removes dead skin cells, helps new cells grow, and gives skin its elasticity back. Lemon juice is often described as a natural bleach, so it’s not too surprising that it can help lighten scars.

To use lemon juice to lighten scars, cleanse the scar area thoroughly. Then, put 1 tsp. of lemon juice on a cotton ball and apply to the scarred area. Rinse off after 8-10 minutes. Lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive, so be sure to use proper precautions when in the sun.

4. Honey
Honey retains moisture well. By keeping the recovering skin tissue moist, honey aids in cells regeneration. Honey’s potent antibacterial power makes it an excellent choice for the treatment of wounds, such as burns, ulcers, bacterial infections, acne, and even scars that occur after wounds heal.

Mix a teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and honey and apply a thick coat to your face. Let sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse well with warm water. Repeat 3-4 times a week and scars will fade before you know it.

5. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is another great option to naturally heal scars. Not only does it soothe inflamed skin, it also boosts the immune system and regenerates damaged tissue. Its mild acerbic qualities ensure, that with regular usage, are prevented resulting in a softer skin, decreased swelling and invigorating new cell growth.

While you can purchase various Aloe Vera products at your local pharmacy, the best thing to do is purchase an aloe plant.

To use the aloe from an aloe vera plant, break off a leaf and rub the gel-like contents onto the skin. Let it dry, then leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Try to do this every day to rapidly minimize the appearance of scarring.

The key to minimizing and elimination of scars is persistence. Serious scars may take up to several months, but with persistent and consistent effort you will eventually see good results.

Why You Should Be Eating Watermelon Everyday

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of watermelon can help decrease the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, and heart disease. Watermelon also promotes healthier complexions and hair, as well as increasing energy levels.

One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains 43 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate (including 9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber) and 1 gram of fiber. One cup of watermelon will provide 17% of vitamin A, 21% of vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of calcium needs for the day.

Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.

Here are a few of the benefits adding a cup or two of watermelon daily to your diet will bring:

Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, found in abundance in watermelon.

Blood pressure: A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon “reduced ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension”. The study also showed that watermelon consumption improved arterial function.

Cancer: An excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, as well as others, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake, for example, has been linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.

Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Hydration: Made up of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelons are a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.

Inflammation: Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient that aids in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, assists in the transmission of nerve impulses, and helps in the absorption of fat. Choline can also alleviate chronic inflammation.

Muscle soreness: Watermelon and its juice have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. Researchers believe this is likely do to the amino acid L-citrulline that watermelon contains.

Skin: Watermelon is fantastic for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

Please remember to choose organic whenever possible!