The Harmony of Health

Dr. Earl Powell wrote the following:

"Music is said to be the universal language of mankind. It has charms to soothe or to arouse the deeper feelings of the soul. Music stirs that inner something in man that can set him dancing. a lullaby will soothe an infant to sleep.

Birds sing and animals caper to rhythm...Even the heart beats in rhythm when health abides.

Do you know that health, like music, comes also from within? Health requires the normal expression of life through the medium of the nervous system, and there must be harmony in this relationship."

Dr. Powell's analogy makes the nervous system the "conductor" of our body's "orchestra." The major sections of instruments would be bones, muscles, glands, and organs. The conductor directs theses instruments by means of communicating fibers that pass through openings between the spinal vertebrae and spread in a vast network throughout the body.

Just as a conductor knows when even one instrument is out of tune or plays a false note, so our nervous system is immediately aware when a body "instrument" fails to render a true tone. If this situation continues, it affects the other "players," and the harmonious music of good health becomes disharmony.

Fortunately, we have learned the various interferences that cause our body instruments - and our conductor! - to falter. These may be one or more of the following:

- Structural misalignments (vertebrae and joints)
- Scar tissue not correctly healed at the deeper level
- Allergic reactions to foods
- Toxicity from heavy chemicals or heavy metals
- One or more immune challenges - bacteria, fungus, virus, or parasites

It is one thing to detect a problem and inform the patient what it is. A medical facility will diagnose a condition and then "try" a drug or do an invasive procedure, both with the same goal of eliminating the symptoms.

We at Thropay Health Center believe that we do much better than that! We have natural, non-invasive solutions to help the body correct itself at the root cause.

When the body resolves its own problems, harmony is restored and the orchestra plays a rich, joyful song of HEALTH!

If someone you know needs his or her body harmony restored, don't hesitate to call us. Many clients here have found that their health improved far beyond their expectations!

Our number is (562) 861-3896

Sweets - Part 2

Yesterday we listed the two ends of the sweet spectrum, giving Yes and No lists to help you make good choices and avoid bad ones.

But what about the “in-betweens,” of which there are many? How do we sort out the OK’s from the “iffys”? This can be confusing, especially with regard to sugar made from sugar cane, which is a natural plant containing the perfect balance of nutrients (and fiber) that is always found in nature.

I’m sure you’ve noticed the wide variety of sugar products available now: Organic sugar, raw sugar, Muscovado, Turbinado, Demerara, Piloncillo, Sucanat – and more! In addition, there are “other” sweeteners such as coconut sugar and maple syrup.

Just as with the Yes and No lists, it basically comes down to the production of these items. We’re looking for the least possible amount of interference with the composition and nutritional value of the original plant. This means very simple processing with few steps and no chemicals used. Not surprisingly, the best products by this standard come from small farmers, as opposed to big commercial enterprises who will sacrifice much for the big bucks.

Before I list these in preferable order, let me re-emphasize the caveat from last week. Using a nutritionally superior product is an excellent start down the road of improving one’s health. But because virtually all of us have been addicted to sugar-sweetened items from birth (or before) it is very important that we back off from that situation, and strive for the goal of “requiring” much less sweetness in our diet. That factor alone will make a big health difference. So – please use these products in strict moderation. Set your own goals and work towards them consistently.

OK to use moderately – these items appear to be the least processed:

– Rapunzel Organic Whole Cane Sugar – very similar to Piloncillo in Mexico, Panela in Colombia, and Raspadura in Brazil

– organic coconut sugar

In this OK category I also put organic maple syrup, which is made simply by the boiling down of tree sap and yet retains some nutritional value and is usually chemical-free. The price alone will ensure that you use it moderately!

Iffy – this group has been processed with more steps, separating the molasses from the sugar crystals – then re-combining them in unnatural proportions – and including a clarifying process which is often done with chemicals:

Sucanat – while the clarifying process might be omitted, there is still the separation of crystals and molasses

Muscovado, Turbinado, Demerara, “Organic Raw Sugar” (which is not raw) are all similar and fit into the Iffy group

If you have any questions or comments on this subject, please feel free to share them with us at this email address.

Only one more week of our May promo – a bonus 15 minutes added to your full-hour massage! Call for your appointment at (562) 861-3896

"Sweets to the sweet!"

Q. What types of sweeteners do you recommend?

A. You have no doubt heard that many scientists and professionals say, "Sugar is sugar; it doesn't matter where it comes from, it has the same effect."  We respectfully disagree, because we believe the body is smarter than that.  Our clinical experience shows that the human body greatly differentiates between natural and artificial or over-processed products.  

Therefore, as with all foods that make up a health-promoting diet, it comes down to one basic question to ask ourselves:  Is this sweetener a truly natural, unrefined product that retains the original minerals, vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients? 

Here is a simple YES and NO list to make it easy for you.  (Of course, you are welcome to research these products if you have the time and inclination :)  And the one caveat, maybe the one "element of truth" in the above popular quotation, is that sweet foods should always be eaten in limited amounts.

YES

- raw, unfiltered honey produced in spring or summer from flower nectar. This is our Number One choice.  Unfortunately, some of the honey production in America is corrupted in the off-season months by feeding bees processed sugar and/or keeping light on the hives 24 hours.  Ask questions!

- dates

- organic fruit 

- natural stevia plant you grow yourself

NO

- HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) - found everywhere!

- Agave nectar = not even "raw, organic" - this is a highly processed product

- Chicory syrup - a "cover" for agave syrup

- Stevia powder 

- evaporated cane juice

Next week, we'll talk about the various sugars that are advertised as better choices than refined white sugar.

And, as always, your comments and questions are welcome!

Call us at (562) 861-3896

Sweets - Part 2

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Memorial Day weekend!

Last week we listed the two ends of the sweet spectrum, giving Yes and No lists to help you make good choices and avoid bad ones.

But what about the "in-betweens," of which there are many?  How do we sort out the OK's from the "iffys"?  This can be confusing, especially with regard to sugar made from sugar cane, which is a natural plant containing the perfect balance of nutrients (and fiber) that is always found in nature.

I'm sure you've noticed the wide variety of sugar products available now:  Organic sugar, raw sugar, Muscovado, Turbinado, Demerara, Piloncillo, Sucanat - and more!  In addition, there are "other" sweeteners such as coconut sugar and maple syrup.

Just as with the Yes and No lists, it basically comes down to the production of these items. We're looking for the least possible amount of interference with the composition and nutritional value of the original plant.  This means very simple processing with few steps and no chemicals used.  Not surprisingly, the best products by this standard come from small farmers, as opposed to big commercial enterprises who will sacrifice much for the big bucks.

Before I list these in preferable order, let me re-emphasize the caveat from last week.  Using a nutritionally superior product is an excellent start down the road of improving one's health.  But because virtually all of us have been addicted to sugar-sweetened items from birth (or before) it is very important that we back off from that situation, and strive for the goal of "requiring" much less sweetness in our diet.  That factor alone will make a big health difference.  So - please use these products in strict moderation.  Set your own goals and work towards them consistently.

OK to use moderately - these items appear to be the least processed:

- Rapunzel Organic Whole Cane Sugar - very similar to Piloncillo in Mexico, Panela in Colombia, and Raspadura in Brazil

- organic coconut sugar

In this OK category I also put organic maple syrup, which is made simply by the boiling down of tree sap and yet retains some nutritional value and is usually chemical-free.  The price alone will ensure that you use it moderately!

Iffy - this group has been processed with more steps, separating the molasses from the sugar crystals - then re-combining them in unnatural proportions - and including a clarifying process which is often done with chemicals:

Sucanat - while the clarifying  process might be omitted, there is still the separation of crystals and molasses

Muscovado, Turbinado, Demerara, "Organic Raw Sugar" (which is not raw) are all similar and fit into the Iffy group

If you have any questions or comments on this subject, please feel free to share them with us at this email address.

Only one more week of our May promo - a bonus 15 minutes added to your full-hour massage!  Call for your appointment at (562) 861-3896

Simple Salads for Spring

When there's no time to grocery shop, it's your chance to get creative. A "throw-together" salad can be attractive as well as delicious and nutritious. Here's a simple recipe that can be varied as to ingredients or amounts, according to whatever you have in the refrigerator.

4 cups organic broccoli florets (or cauliflower, or both)
1 cup of cubed raw milk cheese - cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere - or 1/2 cup raw milk blue cheese, crumbled
1-2 red organic apples, washed and chopped but not peeled
1/2 cup organic red onion, sliced thinly and quartered
2/3 cup raw pecan pieces - or any nuts or seeds you have on hand
Add 1/2 cup chopped celery, if desired

Combine in a large bowl. Drizzle with the following vinaigrette, and toss until coated.

2 tbsp. organic red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. organic lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove organic garlic, minced
dash of cayenne
1 tsp. organic Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds - optional

Place all vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar and shake well before tossing with salad.

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Kitchen Q&A

Q. What about Orgreenic fry pans? Are they a healthful choice for cooking?

A. They test very well here, and are hands-down far superior to "regular" non-stick pans (which are a potential source of plastic and/or aluminum particles).

We have found that they are wonderful for re-heating food, sauteing veggies, or cooking omelets or potatoes - always no higher than low-medium heat. I have heard one complaint about cooking raw meat - that it stuck very badly and the pan was miserable to clean. If any of you have input on this, please share it. :)

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A last reminder about our special offer on the 21-day Purification Program Kit from Standard Process! The 15% off will apply through March 31st. Call us to order your kit(s) at (562-861-3896.

Food Facts With Dr. Thropay; Downey's Best Chiropractor

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

We fortunate ones in southern California have access year round to locally grown vegetables and fruits - including organic or chemical-free produce. This is a great blessing that many people across the country would envy!

Zucchini is usually considered a summer squash, but it has been available at our farmers' market for many weeks. Here is a recipe for a tasty, nutritious side dish that you can have on the table in just a few minutes. It's a "keeper" for our family on every level!

LIME THYME ZUCCHINI

5 small organic zucchini (or enough to make 3 cups sliced)
3 tbsp. butter
2 cloves organic garlic, sliced very thin
grated zest of two organic limes (or one lemon)
1/2 tsp. thyme
sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. raw milk grated Parmesan cheese
juice of the limes or lemon - about 2-3 tbsp.

In a large frying pan, melt the butter. Cook the garlic in the butter until fragrant, Meanwhile, wash zucchini, remove stem ends, and slice into 1/4 inch coins. Add to pan along with zest, thyme, salt and pepper.

Sauté at medium heat briefly, then cover and allow to cook at low-medium for 3-4 minutes. Turn the coins over, cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat and toss with lime juice and Parmesan. Serve hot. Serves 4-6

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Treat Mom to a therapeutic massage in May! For every full-hour massage you schedule in May, we will add 15 minutes FREE. That's a 25% bonus! This is not limited to moms - why not do it for yourself or someone else?

Gift cards are available at all times. Call us at (562) 861-3896.

Food Marketing Translations