GROW YOUR OWN ORGANIC NATURE CURES

The best way to ensure you and your family and friends only consume organic, untainted and nutrient-rich foods is to grow your own herbs, fruits and vegetables. This can be done in the smallest of plots or even on a balcony, roof garden or windowsill with a raised box or pots and other types of planters. Outside , fences, railings and walls can be utilised with canvas pocket planters, mounted boxes and hanging baskets etc. A very good way to grow food, especially for those less able, is to have raised beds built. These can easily be made from old pallets and can be two or three feet high to provide an easily accessed planter even for those that are wheelchair bound. If these beds are surrounded with gravel and sharp sand paths it will also deter garden pests like slugs and snails. Protect the wood used for planters using wood treatment made from natural linseed oil which has excellent preservative properties and water resistance and is harmless to wildlife and humans. PLANNING YOUR ORGANIC FOOD GARDEN When planning a garden it is important to add as many native plants as possible to support the local wildlife and beneficial insects and bees that will pollinate the herbs, fruits and vegetables you want to grow. Filling your outside space with alien species simply for their looks or colour is a sorry waste of valuable space that could feed native flora and fauna as well as your family and friends. Growing plants from seeds is very rewarding and, during the first year, seeds can be collected from home-grown plants and are therefore free. Always purchase organic seeds. The easiest edible plants to begin growing are bell peppers, chilli peppers, broad and runner beans, herbs, peas, strawberries, sunflowers and tomatoes. These can all be grown in  pots or other containers. In small spaces use a large container or pot with a cane tee pee to grow beans and peas along with sweet peas to help attract pollinating insects. Potatoes are a good first crop when growing directly in the soil as they will break up the soil and add nutrients future grown vegetables will require. What many consider as weeds are often very powerful medicinal plants, such as nettlesand dandelions. Grow them in a container to stop them spreading. See the Herbs and Spices page for more plants that can be used medicinally. Certain plants should be avoided in the home and garden, if there are animals or young children around, as they are poisonous. See Nature Cures For Pets. FEEDING THE PLANTS It is important to feed your plants once they are established to gain the most nutrients. These nutrients come out of complex organic matter as soil bacteria breaks it down and are then taken up by the plants. Chicken pellets: These have a high nitrogen content and are a good all round soil improver. Fresh chicken manure must only be added to a compost heap whilst the dried and heat treated pellets can be added to the soil around most fruits and vegetables especially  leafy crops like cabbage, celery, salad crops as well as courgettes, fruit bushes, potatoes, rhubarb and sweet corn. Fish blood and bone meal: Blood meal provides nitrogen and does not take long to break down. Fish meal provides nitrogen and phosphorus and potassium and bone meal provides mainly phosphorus with some nitrogen and calcium. It is a good all round fertiliser for fruit bushes and trees, herbs and vegetables and should be added to the soil early in the year before plants become vigorous with leaf growth. Manure: All types of animal, and even human faeces, are excellent soil improvers as the soil microbes break them down and release the nutrients which then feeds the plants. However, it is important to only use manure that comes from organically reared animals as the antibiotics and other chemicals used in farming can be absorbed by plants and then consumed by humans. Fresh manure must be rotted in a compost heap for twelve months before using on plants. Well rotted manure can be used to improve the soil before planting and as a mulch after plants are established. Seaweed and kelp: This is a very useful fertiliser for mulching plants with as it also deters aphids, slugs and snails as well as greatly improving the soils nutrients. It is always best to keep mulch away from direct contact with the stems of plants. Water: Rain water is always best to use for vegetation as it contains many of the nutrients they require so it is a good idea to install water butts on all available drainpipes. Installing an irrigation system is an economical way to water plants as it can work on a timer at night and a humidity sensor can control it and it can also be connected to water butts. This means that plants will always have all the water they need with no effort required. Drip feeds on the soil are best as spraying water loses much to evaporation and can burn the leaves of plants if done during hot sunshine. GARDEN PESTS A bird feeding station is important to attract birds as these will consume many garden pests such as caterpillars, slugs and snails. A pond is a valuable asset as it too will encourage the wild life that can help to control pests. Frogs, dragonflies, damsel flies, newts and toads will consume many of the unwanted garden pests encountered in a vegetable, fruit and herb garden. COMBINATION PLANTS FOR PEST CONTROL The following plants will protect against the aphids and other bugs that can attack the mentioned vegetables. BASIL: tomatoes CHIVES: sunflowers and tomatoes LEEKS: carrots MARIGOLDS: tomatoes MINT: broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale and tomatoes NASTURTIUMS: beans, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and peas SPRING ONIONS: carrots ANTS, APHIDS, BLACK FLY, GREEN FLY, SPIDER MITES AND WHITE FLY Aphids can attack a wide variety of plants depending on their species. Many will thrive upon beans, cabbage, cucumber, melons, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, squash and tomatoes. Green aphids thrive on on roses, grey ones on brassicas, black ones on broad beans and white ones on box hedges. Ants protect aphids as they feed on the honeydew aphids produce so must also be removed. Control ants by trimming the lower parts of the plant so that they do not touch the ground and give ants easy access. The use of an organic aphid control pesticide, such as neem oil, will take care of the ants as well. Vinegar can help to remove the trails ants leave to use as a pathway to their feeding places. Dilute a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a sprayer and spray on to the pathways they use near to vegetables.  Spider mites thrive upon asparagus, beans, melons, squash and other cucurbits, peas, tomatoes and strawberries, as well as several weed species. The same methods can be used to remove them as with aphids. Attracting the following beneficial insects to the garden is a natural way to kill aphids and spider mites. One ladybird will consume 5000 aphids during its year long lifetime.

A pond creates a balanced habitat for wildlife in the garden.

• ASSASSIN BUG (Reduviidae)
• BIG EYED BUGS (Geocoris)
• DAMSEL BUG (Nabidae)
• DAMSELFLY (Zygoptera)
• DRAGONFLY (Anisoptera)
• ENCARSIA WASPS (Encyrtidae)
• GALL MIDGE (Aphidoletes aphidimyza)
• HOVERFLY (Syrphidae)
• LACEWING (Chrysopidae)
• LADYBIRD (Hippodamia convergens, Coccinellidae, ladybugs)
• MINUTE PIRATE BUG (Anthocoridae)
• PARASITIC WASPS (Trichogrammatidae)
• PRAYING MANTIS (Mantodea)
• SOLDIER BEETLE (Cantharidae, leatherwing)
• STINK BUGS (Pentatomidae)

Nearby plantings of the following will help to attract these beneficial insects to your garden, if left to flower, as many insect predators also consume pollen..

• CARAWAY
• CARROTS
• CELERY
• CORIANDER
• COW PARSLEY
• DANDELION
• DILL
• FENNEL
• GOLDEN MARGUERITE
• LOVAGE
• MINT
• PARSNIPS
• PARSLEY
• YARROW

Planting of the following plants that are attractive to aphids are good for organic aphid control. Growing these in a separate space from fruit and vegetables will lure aphids away.

• ASTER
• BEGONIAS
• CHRYSANTHEMUMS
• COSMOS
• DAHLIAS
• GERANIUMS
• HOLLYHOCKS
• LARKSPUR
• ROSES
• VERBENA
• ZINNIA

Chives, garlic and onions will also help to deter aphids as they do not like the odour.

Stinging nettles can be used as an aphid killer. Soak half a pound of nettles in a bucket of water for a week, before straining and using undiluted to control aphids.

Adding a very small amount of washing up liquid to a sprayer filled with water can be used to wash off aphids and other pests that attack some vegetables without contaminating the vegetables and fruits but should only be used very sparingly for vast outbreaks because it will also kill the beneficial insects. A few aphids will not cause too much damage and are part of the balance of a healthy vegetable garden. Rubbing them off with the fingers or plain water in a powerful sprayer is the often enough to keep them at bay.

CARROT FLY

Carrots can be grown in a container that is more than two feet deep such as a plastic refuse bin as carrot flies cannot fly higher than two feet above the ground. Cut some holes in the bottom of the bin then add a layer of stones or broken pots for drainage. Then add sieved stone free soil and top with a good potting compost before sowing your organic carrot seeds. Grow some spring onions around the edges to provide even more protection.

SLUGS AND SNAILS

When disposing of snails it is pointless to simply throw them into your neighbours garden as they have a homing instinct and will return the next night. Never use salt to kill slugs and snails as this causes them great pain for some time before they die.

BEER TRAPS: Slugs and snails are attracted to beer so a small jar half filled with beer will trap and drown them so that they can be disposed of on the compost heap or a bird table.

COFFEE GROUNDS: These can be sprinkled around plants as a safe deterrent but do not use too often.

COPPER: Slugs and snails get electric shocks from copper so it is a useful tool to stop them getting near to your vegetables. Self-adhesive copper bands can be used around pots and planters.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH AND SHARP SAND: Diatomaceous earth comes in the form of a chalky powder, and is the natural fossilised remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. Both this powder and sharp sand make a good barrier to slugs and snails as they can not easily cross it if it is sprinkled around vegetables or planters and raised beds.

ELECTRIC FENCE: Small electric ribbons which run off a nine volt battery can be purchased and set up around vegetables. When a slug or snail comes in contact with the fence, it receives a mild static sensation that is undetectable to animals and humans. This does not kill the slug but causes it to look elsewhere for forage.

GRAPEFRUIT AND FLOWERPOT TRAPS: Place half a grapefruit skin or a flower pot upturned near to your vegetables with a small stone to raise one side. This will attract slugs and snails which can be disposed of the morning. The grapefruit scent attracts them so is often a better solution. A wide plank can be used in the same way as slugs and snails will use it for shelter during the day.

LAVA ROCK: Lava rock can be used as a barrier around plantings, but should be left mostly above soil level, otherwise dirt or vegetation soon forms a bridge for slugs to cross.

SEAWEED: Seaweed has the added benefit of adding nutrients to the soil if used as a mulch around vegetables. Pile it on 3" to 4" thick - when it dries it will shrink to just an inch or so deep. Seaweed is salty and slugs and snails avoid salt. Push the seaweed away from plant stems so it's not in direct contact. During hot weather, seaweed will dry and become very rough which also deters the slugs.

WATERING SCHEDULE: If watering is only done in the early morning the soil dries out by the time snails and slugs become active at night. This can reduced slug and snail attacks by 80%.

Take Care with Skin Care!

We often hear about reducing our carbon footprint.   How about reducing our chemical faceprint?  J

It’s well-known that the skin, the largest organ of the body, easily absorbs whatever is applied to it.  So, besides being diligent about what we put INTO our bodies to digest, we may enhance our wellbeing further by paying careful attention to what we put ON our bodies.

Let’s take a quick look at the bad guys first.

 Many skin care products contain carcinogenic (associated with cancer) ingredients, and here’s a partial list:

Petrolatum
BHT
Titanium Dioxide
Triethanolamine (or TEA)
DMDM-Hydantoin – formaldeyde releaser
Polysorbate 80 and Cetareth 20 (associated with the carcinogenic 1,4-Dioxane)
Diazolidinyl Urea – formaldehyde releaser
Fragrances

Some items are associated with other conditions like dermatitis, nerve damage, hormone disruption:

Methlisothiazolinone
Phenoxyethanol
Propylene Glycol (a component of antifreeze, along with Butylene Glycol )
EDTA

See Sodium hydroxide in there? This is lye (drain cleaner).

Unfortunately, even some “natural” and “organic” brands of skin care products often contain 1,4-Dioxane, although this ingredient is not listed on the labels.  There IS a way to get around that, however – simply look for ingredients containing  ‘myreth,’ ‘oleth,’ ‘ laureth,’ ‘ceteareth,’  or any ‘eth’!  Those are products to avoid.

Now, how about the good guys?  In other words, what can we use?  This will be your question when you’ve gone through the labels of so many skin care products.  Are there really any totally pure products that will improve my “chemical faceprint”?

Not many, but some! 

Our Number One recommendation is an online company that makes wonderful body balm from ONLY grass-fed beef tallow, olive oil, and pure essential oils.  Check out the link for yourself at www.vintagetradition.com   

It is easy to make your own facial moisturizer from a combo of almond, avocado, olive, and sesame oils, with a little lavender or other essential oil for fragrance.  (Call us for the recipe proportions) As with the Vintage Tradition products, a little goes a long way, so you seldom have to bother with replenishing your supply.

As second best, there are a few companies who don’t use parabens and certain other no-no’s listed above.  When you shop, check the ingredients carefully, and choose the one with the fewest ‘bad guys.’ Some of these companies are Alba Botanical, Avalon, (not Avon!) and Aubrey.  There may be others.  

All the best in your quest!  Any feedback you have for us is welcomed.  Call us at (562)861-3896

Our Patients SPEAK!

"...I am so pleased to find a substitute from regular meds. I have always reacted to drugs and found little help. Now Im off allergy meds and shots, and I feel so much better. I've also lost weight." -Nancy G.

"...I love my experience here! Ive seen many medical doctors that couldnt help me!... " -Martina B.

"...I enjoy every visit. I am always heard out and attended to, and have learned a lot about what to eat and what not to eat. Thank you for taking care of me & my girls! - Michelle Z.

 "...I just want to say Thank You for all your help. Many times through the years I have not been the perfect patient. However,I know that my health today is in result of your care, work, and love. You all are the best!" - M.R.

"...Nutrition Response Testing is the only way to go! Healing vs. cover-up." - C.B.

HPF - Happy Patient Feedback!

This person drove past our clinic frequently for 10 years. When he recently saw the new sign on our door, he decided to check us out. Here are his words:

"I came in feeling desperate about my health. I felt better after the first visit, and better each week thereafter. I wasn't sure this type of treatment would work, but I am sure now!"

Great decision to walk into Thropay Health Center!

We don't "cure" anyone - but we support your body's inborn ability to heal and maintain itself.

The old saying, "Prevention is better than cure" is never more applicable than with cancer. Since the statistics of breast cancer are so high (potentially one in three women), we'll look at some preventive ideas for breast care that should assist your body in its hard work.
[To our male readers: Please don't stop reading! Most of these suggestions are helpful for YOU, too - plus, you can pass them on to a special lady in your life.]

These tips are based upon information from an article in Medscape, May 6, 2015.

- stay off synthetic hormones, and use bioidentical hormones only when totally necessary

- quit smoking (if you do) and begin exercising. Exercise reduces the risk of B.C. by 35%.

- get all highly processed/refined fats out of your life - such as "vegetable oils," spreads, margarine, shortenings, and store-bought salad dressings. Replace with butter, extra-virgin olive oil, or high-lignan flax oil. For cooking, use coconut or avocado oil

- eat plenty of organic vegetables and fruits daily - be sure to frequently include kale, beets, greens, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli

- use chlorine filters for drinking, cooking, and showering water

- drink no or little alcohol, and avoid Tylenol - your liver is frontline for cancer prevention

- be out in the sun and take an unrefined cod liver oil supplement - get lots of vitamin D

- ladies - wear a bra for less than 12 hours daily - cuts your risk of B.C. in half!

- if B.C. is in your family, come and be evaluated by Susana to see what further steps you can personally take to assist your body in maintaining good health

Your feedback is valuable to us! Respond to this email, or call us at (562) 861-3896.

Analyze your ANS

There is no end to the wonders that are built into the human body. We are "pre-programmed" to survive - no matter what! Even against the most frightening or discouraging odds, our bodies cling to life.

In order to achieve this major goal, we have each been given an incredible system for managing and healing injuries and for maintaining the function of all the basic systems that spell L-I-F-E to the body.

This amazing master/director is called the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

The ANS is composed of three branches:

1) Enteric - sometimes called the "gut brain," because it manages every aspect of digestion

2) Para-sympathetic - responsible for repair, restoration, relaxation, and maintenance

3) Sympathetic - the "fight-or-flight" branch that goes into gear when you need an immediate rush of energy to handle a sudden emergency. It will direct blood and energy to the heart, lungs, and muscles to help you run from danger, for example.

Normally, and for good health, the para-sympathetic and enteric branches dominate the sympathetic branch. They continually support the brain and central nervous network, plus the digestive system. Digestion is basically inhibited by the interruption of the sympathetic function, but that is always intended to be temporary. The other two branches resume "business as usual" when the emergency is over.

When dominance between the para-sympathetic and sympathetic branches is too frequently reversed, our health suffers.

Therein lies one reason for the many health problems in this fast-paced culture. The continual stresses we encounter every day trigger the constant activation of the sympathetic system at a low level. This subjugates and impedes the important action of the parasympathetic and enteric systems. Several undesirable things can happen in this situation of imbalance:

- poor food choices are often made to manage the stress, such as caffeine, alcohol, sugar and so-called comfort foods

- enzyme production and activity can decrease

- over-production of cortisol in the brain, which affects digestion

- gut bacterial balance may be thrown off

- immune system response can be affected by the digestive woes

Each item on that list means trouble!

There is plenty of help, however. Many of you receive periodic Heart Rate Analysis tests, which reveal the ANS balance/imbalance in YOUR body Dietary counseling, whole food supplements and herbs can all make a big difference in helping your body get back on track.

We're here to help! Call us for an appointment at (562) 861-3896

Good To Know...

Oversee your Omega-3's

As we've all heard, our bodies require Omega-3 fatty acids for good health. Fortunately, these are bio-available from several well-known foods - but they often occur in small amounts. That means we need to focus on getting enough Omega-3's by regularly consuming as many of these foods as possible.

For those who are concerned about the Omega 3-Omega 6 ratio, some of these listed foods do contain both types. However, it makes sense to me that natural foods that are organically grown (or from grass-fed animals) are not a health hazard. Omega-6 fats from artificial, refined food products cause the damage.

Here are some Omega-3-containing foods to consciously, regularly add to your intake:

Wild-caught oily fish, such as salmon
Flaxseeds (freshly ground) and flaxseed oil
Walnuts
Chia seeds, Pumpkin seeds
Green leafy vegetables, including kale, spinach, parsley, mint
Broccoli
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Eggs from pastured chickens
Grass-fed cattle meats
Raw milk and raw cheese from grass-fed cows
Microalgae

Dr. Russell Blaylock tells us that Omega-3 fatty acids bring quite a number of health benefits. There are other contributing factors to good health, as well, but this is a great start. Here is a partial list:.

Aid in the prevention of preeclampsia ( sudden hypertension during pregnancy), premature births, depression, autoimmune diseases, arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease

Modulate anger, anxiety, fear, bipolar disorder

Protect the brain - of babies, children, and adults

As you pursue the goal of optimum health, please remember to include a variety of these Essential Fatty Acids (EFFs) foods in your daily diet.

Call us anytime at (562) 861-3896

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION!

Hosting a barbecue this Saturday? Here's an easy make-ahead recipe for a colorful salad that everyone loves - especially the non-lettuce eaters!

GREEN NO-LETTUCE SALAD

Dressing:
1/2 cup organic white wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1/3 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp. organic dry mustard
1 clove organic garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped curly parsley (no substitutes)

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tightly-fitting lid. Shake vigorously. Chill until ready to use. Shake again before using. (If the olive oil consolidates, take out the jar from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you need it.)

Salad:
2 cups organic carrots, thinly sliced
2 cups organic celery, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 cup organic Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
1-2 cups organic cauliflower, thinly sliced
1/2 organic red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 pint organic grape tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped curly parsley

In a large bowl, layer all vegetables except parsley. (Be sure they are sliced thinly - it makes a big difference in the salad.) Cover and refrigerate several hours, or until well chilled. To serve, shake dressing and add to vegetables. Toss gently to mix well. Turn into a chilled bowl, and sprinkle with parsley.

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From all of us at Thropay Health Center, have a memorable holiday! Keep safe, and remember to eat healthfully all weekend!

Our number is (562) 861-3896

No-grain Zucchini Bread

With zucchini "cropping" up abundantly these days, we steam it, stir-fry it, and make soup with it - and then we look for creative ways to use the extra portions of this healthful vegetable.

Here's a simple and tasty gluten-free recipe that will please anyone's palate. Serve it to your children with an omelet for brunch, or use it for a "dessert-y" way to get another vegetable into them!

This makes a medium-sized loaf, and the recipe can be doubled.

1 cup shredded organic zucchini
1 ripe organic banana, mashed
4 free-range eggs
2-3 tbsp. raw honey
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1/2 cup organic coconut flour (Trader Joe's carries it)
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped raw walnuts (optional)

Place the shredded zucchini in a mesh-type strainer and let stand for 5 minutes.

Heat oven to 350.degrees. Grease a 7 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with coconut oil or plenty of butter.

In a large bowl, mix the eggs, honey, oil, and mashed banana together.

Gently press the zucchini against the strainer to drain out the liquid. Add it, plus all the dry ingredients, to the bowl. Stir all together until smooth. Add nuts if preferred.

Pour batter into the greased pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted all the way to the bottom/center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the job is done! Otherwise, bake a few minutes longer.

Cool before removing from pan. May be served warm or cold. Keep leftovers refrigerated.in a sealed container.

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Just a couple of days left until Father's Day! Be sure to stop by to pick up a gift card for Dad. Many guys love Elvira's robust therapeutic massages, or you can choose our nutritional or chiropractic services.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all dads, grandfathers, uncles, friends!

Thropay Health Center
11425 Paramount Blvd.
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 861-3896

Dr. Thropay's Household Products

ARE YOU BEING POISONED BY YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?
A typical morning for many people might include: Wake up to a digital alarm clock, wash hands with antibacterial
soap, wash face with a special cleanser, brush teeth with Crest or Colgate, take a shower with
scented gel, shampoo with a popular scented shampoo and matching conditioner, put on a moisturizer or
sunscreen, spray on perfume or cologne, apply make-up – foundation, blush, mascara, and lipstick. Before
even leaving the house for work, a person can be exposed to a multitude of harmful chemicals, dyes, and
colorings! These items can cause serious damage to the nervous system of one whose immune system is
struggling, and even in a healthier person can hinder the ability to achieve optimal health. But there are
great options for reducing and/or eliminating this potential threat to our health. Although we can’t control
general pollution out there, we can choose products that do not compromise our personal environments.
The following are suggested:
Toothpaste FLOURIDE FREE - Tom’s of Maine • Nature’s Gate • Jason’s

Body Soaps Jason body wash • Shikai Shower Gel
Shampoo Any natural coconut oil based soaps scented with natural oils
Kiss My Face • Jason • Alba
Lotions Pure coconut oil • Dr. Bronner’s • Kiss My Face • EccoBella
Nail Polish Remover Almost Natural Polish Remover
Make-up Origins by Macy’s • Aubornne • Hemp Naturals Lip Tints
Skin Care Dr. Hauschka (very expensive) • Origins by Macy’s • Avalon moisturizer • Alba
Perfumes None at all, or pure, high quality essential oils
Hair Dyes Naturcolor (need a hair stylist willing to work with you)
Trionics (non-toxic colors or perms) available online
Hair Sprays Any non-alcohol from natural stores, e.g. Aloe 80 Organics
Shaving Cream Tom’s of Maine shaving cream
Deodorant Lavilin • Tom’s of Maine
Feminine Hygiene Natracare • Organic Essentials (Trader Joe’s) • Seventh Generation
(all the above have no-chlorine cotton pads and tampons)
Bubble Baths Try Seventh Generation dishwashing liquid – great for kids!
www.athropay4health.com • 562 l 861 l 3896 • 11425 Paramount Bl. Downey, CA 90241
Sink Cleansers Bon Ami
Dishwashing Soap Seventh Generation • Trader Joe’s Next to Godliness
Spray Cleaners Distilled white vinegar mixed w/ water • Planet spray cleaner • Mr. Clean’s Magic Erasers
Candles Aroma Naturals essential oil candles (non-toxic, lovely smell)
Toilet Bowl Cleaners Seventh Generation
Wood Floors Ecover Wood Floor Soap
Hand Soap Buy empty dispensers – use ½ Dr. Bronner’s and ½ water mix
Laundry Soap Ecos • Seventh Generation • Oxi Clean (if necessary for whitening)
Ecover non-chlorine bleach • Trader Joe’s laundry soap
Room Sprays Mia Rose Air Therapy (Trader Joe’s) • Clean Air citrus room sprays
Essential oils diluted with water
AVOID:
Tap water. Get a good filtering system for drinking water, and a chlorine filter for your shower head(s). Use
rubber gloves for hand washing dishes and clothing
Bottled water from plastic containers, large or small. Stainless steel bottles for toting your daily drinking
water are much preferable. Or, better yet, look for glass bottles at Dollar stores, although these are less
convenient to carry.
Aluminum and Teflon cookware. Use glass or stainless steel cookware.
Chemical room sprays such as Lysol. These are extremely toxic to both skin and lungs.
Digital and atomic clocks. Old-fashioned wind-up clocks and watches are preferable – no EMF radiation.

TWO SIDES OF SYNERGY

By definition, synergy is "the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects."

You have often heard from us that a natural food contains many nutrients, perfectly balanced together in order to deliver the best nutritional value.

The fact that most of the nutrients come in tiny amounts doesn't diminish the value of the food.  Actually, the value is enhanced by both the variety and the balance between them.

Eating an organic orange will provide more nutritional benefit than taking a handful of "Vitamin C" tablets, for example.  The tablets probably contain high number amounts of ascorbic acid in isolated form.  But ascorbic acid is just ONE of the many components of the vitamin complex that is named C.  All of that C complex occurs in the orange, and those tiny amounts are needed by each other. Cooperating beautifully, they work together to produce the greater amount of good.

Let's look at spinach for another example.  Spinach is known for its high iron content.  It happens that the vitamin C in the plant is necessary to enable the perfect absorption of that iron into the body.  Again, the nutrients perform as a team to best boost your health.  (And as a side note, it's important to make sure the spinach is fresh and eaten steamed or raw to retain as much natural vitamin C content as possible  Too much water will leach out any water-soluble nutrients.)

This amazing feature of natural foods gives us the PLUS side of synergy. A truly healthy diet will rely greatly upon organic foods for nutrition that packs a punch.

Then there is the MINUS side.  When we ingest - through lungs, digestive system, or skin - small amounts of several "bad guys," the combined effect is called toxic synergy...and it is very real.

When we eat food cooked with aluminum ware or foil, we ingest "a little" aluminum - every time. Perhaps we also have "a little" cadmium from breathing smoke, or titanium from dental implants or cosmetics, or mercury from dental amalgams and medications - and the list goes on.  These metals need not be in high amounts to be toxic, because they enhance each others' toxicity.  Their "teamwork" - toxic synergy - is serious news for our health!

Considering that heavy metals are implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, other autoimmune diseases, cancer, and more, your best prevention is to:

a) stop the inflow
b) address the safest, most natural way of gently removing the metals or other toxins from your system.

Nutrition Response Testing is definitely our method of choice to support positive synergy and delete negative synergy!  It covers both bases, assisting your body to do the job by means of its own intelligent priority system.

Call us for your appointment with Susana at (562) 861-3896

Chew for your life!

In the "good old days," we were told as children to chew our food 25 times...40 times...even 100 times per bite. This became a dinner table game, which actually reinforced the concept in a fun way.

There was a lot of value in that advice!

Chewing food thoroughly is actually the first step to proper digestion. The stomach is able to perform its part well when the food has first been mechanically broken down finely in the mouth and infused with saliva to create a digestible mush.

We get in the habit of gulping our food as quickly as possible and rushing on to the next event. But short-cutting the step of thorough chewing is an invitation to digestive problems...and even a waste of money and resources.

For example, raw vegetables (as in salads or veggie trays) are some of the most challenging foods for the stomach and GI tract to digest. Plants have a cellulose wall around every cell. If that protective barrier is not broken down mechanically, all those wonderful nutrients will pass through unabsorbed, for the most part - depriving us of their nutritional benefits.

Chewing food well also helps prevent acid reflux by reducing the volume of food in the stomach at any one time.

Taking time to properly chew food will enhance our lives with better health AND the relaxation benefits of a slow-down break in our busy-ness.

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June is "Pamper Dad" month! Give a special man the gift of a massage for Father's Day. We have gift cards available that you can purchase - your choice of a half-hour or full-hour - and we will honor the card for up to three months.

Write us here or call us at (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

Food Marketing Translations

Beefing up your brain

How many times in how many years have we been urged to "cut back on" red meat - or eliminate it altogether from our diets?  Sounds familiar, doesn't it?  But is this advice viable?

For her PhD thesis, a student of psychiatry decided to perform a study to prove that increased intake of animal foods was toxic and would be associated with more mental disorders.  She randomly selected 1000+ women, ages 20 to 93 years for the study. Other groups of food - vegetables, fruits, beans, etc. - were included for comparison.

Her words:

"...the strongest correlation of mental health [not illness] was red meat intake.  Consistently, women who have less than the recommended intake of red meat seem to be in an increased risk for common mental disorders (like anxiety and depression) and bipolar disorder. Women only need a small amount - a palm-sized serving - three or four times a week."  Quoted from Am J Psychiatry.2010 Mar;167(3):305-11

This student was very surprised to find that her hypothesis about animal foods being toxic to humans turned out to to disproved instead of proved!  I wonder if she recommends eating red meat to her patients?  Hope so!

Red meat provides complete amino acids, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids - all nutrients that are important for preventing depression and anxiety.  

As always, we strongly encourage our patients to eat meat that has been naturally raised (pastured on real grass), without hormones, antibiotics or other chemicals that are administered to artificially fatten the animals.  When we eat meat from factory-raised animals, we get the "benefit" of the antibiotic residues they contain. This contributes to the huge antibiotic-resistant problem we now deal with.

Yes, organic meat costs a little more, but when we keep the servings smaller and eat it less frequently, as suggested by the author of the study above, it's a win-win situation.  And the flavor can't be compared!

For more information on handling anxiety, depression, and other conditions that hinder our health, call and ask for Susana.  She is always happy to share her wisdom and experience.

Our number is (562) 861-3896