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

NUTRITION KIT FOR KIDS

It is every parent’s dream to have strong, healthy children who grow up into strong, healthy adults. Given the sad truth that our fast-paced culture of “instant everything” is combined with continual toxic bombardment, is this goal attainable? Normally, YES! – with your investment of time and “know-how.”
So, parents and grandparents, are YOU prepared for the next school year?
It’s really pretty simple.

The biggest tool in the kit, of course, is to eat (and serve!) a whole foods diet, and eliminate as much as possible the processed convenience food products.

This fundamental step also takes the most work, because it requires diligent supervision of what is eaten – by yourselves as well as by your children. You will need to commit to buying whole food groceries and then cooking and serving them – each week. You’ll become an expert at reading and quickly analyzing the “Ingredients” list of any product before purchasing. You will strategize a plan for making lunches for school and work, rather than relying upon others to feed you non-nutritive meals during the day.

After that, the rest is easy!

Have a good source of pure, filtered drinking water, and encourage lots of water drinking, preferably between meals
Engage in a do-able and sustainable exercise program – individually or as a family
Keep a few basic tools in the form of whole food supplements on hand, as follows:

Cataplex B tablets: The whole B complex nutritionally supports the body in maintaining good brain health. Unfortunately, the standard American diet is low in these nutrients. Physical problems like chronic exhaustion or hyperactivity, and emotional difficulties with anxiety, anger, nervousness, or fears may be indicators that more B complex nutrition is needed.

Calcium Lactate (tablets or powder): Everyone requires a good supply of bioavailable calcium in their daily intake. “Growing pains,” joint and muscle aches, chronic colds and ear infections, trouble concentrating - these all may indicate that bioavailable calcium is needed. Most calcium supplements require 12 digestive steps in order to be metabolized. Calcium Lactate takes ONE step, as it is made from fermented vegetables instead of inedible substances like coral or rocks. Pasteurized dairy products contain calcium that is bound into a much less digestible form, therefore difficult to fully absorb – therefore we suggest supplementing with this excellent product.

Congaplex capsules: This is a combo supplement that supports the body’s work with its immune function. Great to have on hand to help you get through the cold season.

There’s your basic nutrition tool kit!

To have a more customized program for your child (or yourself), come in for a nutrition appointment with Susana. Many of our patients consider this a back-to-school essential! Our bodies are as individual as our faces, and have their own specific needs and challenges.

For appointments, please give us a call 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.

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...

CALLING FOR CALCIUM

In the past few years, we've been hearing a lot about calcium and the important role it plays in the human diet.   Sometimes, though, calcium is demonized because of negative symptoms that can appear in those who take calcium supplements.

So, where is the truth in this seeming paradox?   

It's pretty simple, actually.  What our bodies require is calcium in a form that it can USE to meet its many demands for this essential mineral.  That usable form is called "calcium bicarbonate."  The "bi" part of the word helps us remember that this calcium is already bioavailable for the body's use.

On the other hand, there are plenty of calcium supplements out there that are in the "calcium carbonate" form.  This means the calcium they contain is NOT readily available for the body.  In fact, it takes twelve biochemical steps for the body to break it down, and by that time, only a small portion of the calcium is useful.

Knowing that contrast, you can understand why there is this dichotomy about calcium supplements out there. 

Calcium carbonate supplements are often made from coral or chalky rocks.  Who would  choose to chew on coral or a chunk of rock, even if we had the teeth for it? These are not foods, and therefore not good sources of calcium.  Much of the calcium from these supplements ends up either excreted in the urine or deposited in various ways.  Arterial plaque build-up, kidney stones, cataracts, bone spurs - these all consist of calcium that has not been utilized by the body. 

Calcium Lactate, by contrast, is in calcium bicarbonate form, made from fermented vegetables (actual foods!).  The fermentation process acts as a type of pre-digestion, so the calcium is readily usable by the body - in a one-step process.  This means that the much lower number of milligrams per tablet in Calcium Lactate will do a better job than the high-mg.12-step calcium carbonate supplements.

Growing pains, muscle cramps (and angina, because the heart is a muscle), hyperactivity, osteoporosis, and low immunity all point to calcium deficiency.   And, as you know, the typical western diet does not supply nearly enough of it. 

The result is that most of us require calcium supplements in order to re-stock the body with what it has been missing for years.  Of course, the other half of the equation is to eat a NON-typical diet - one that contains plenty of usable calcium. 

Great dietary sources include raw milk (not pasteurized) and raw cheese, almonds and Brazil nuts, sesame and flax seeds, kale, broccoli, spinach and other leafy greens.

Standard Process has been making Calcium Lactate supplements for 65+ years.  They are one of our most popular products, and very reasonably priced.   Call us anytime so we can have your supply ready for you. 

(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

Sunshine or Sunscreen?

There's a widespread notion that we must use lotion! But is it correct?

Apparently not! In fact, our constant vigilance against exposing our skin to natural sunlight has resulted, over time, in a Vitamin D deficiency of epidemic proportions. For adults, the estimate is at 50%, and for children, up to 70%.

Here's the reason: "Vitamin D" is actually a steroid hormone that our bodies need and manufacture - but there are only two sources of it:

1) sunshine
2) supplements

That's it! We cannot obtain this vital nutrient from food. We can and do make it by spending a few minutes each day in sunlight. Blocking that process with chemicals can be very counterproductive.

"But what about skin cancer?" say the horrified objectors. Good point. If, due to your internal body climate, skin cancer is a clear danger for you, extra precaution must be taken. For most of us, however, there are a few commonsense steps we can follow to maximize our benefit from this most essential nutrient.

Vitamin D (remember, it's a hormone) controls the gene function that stimulates your immune system to attack and destroy viruses and bacteria. It is needed, therefore, to fight infections like the flu and colds. Higher levels of D are associated with lower incidence of breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Those who struggle with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue often feel tired and achy. This is a classic symptom of Vitamin D deficiency osteomalacia. Sunshine and a good calcium supplement are indicated.

Natural sunshine can best be utilized to make Vitamin D between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 pm. The guidelines are pretty simple:

1) Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat - our face is the most sensitive area to aging (which no one wants to happen, right?)

2) Expose arms, legs, back, to a gentle sunbathe, even while walking. Keep track of the time - never "fry" your skin. In extreme heat, keep it very brief.

In many regions, winter climate prohibits spending time in the sun for many months of the year. (We're so lucky in California!) A good Vitamin D supplement will be your substitute, and it should include Vitamin K2 and calcium for the best balance and absorption.

For Vitamin D deficiency, your body may at first require both sources - the sunlight and an appropriate supplement. At Thropay Health Center, we offer an excellent product by Systemic Formulas, in either liquid or capsule form.

Call and speak to Susana if you have questions about this subject. Our number is (562) 928-5883.

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

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

An easy way to boost your health

Most people think of massage as a luxury, a great way to pamper yourself or someone you love. This is true, of course. But did you know that a regular program of therapeutic massage is known to bring many health benefits? Put that with the luxury of pampering yourself, and you've got a winner!

These health benefits can include the following:

- Enhanced immunity

- Reduced depression and anxiety

- Increased benefit from athletic work-outs

- Relief of migraine pain and frequency

- Improved sleep quality

- Improved mobility, and less pain in arthritis sufferers

- Brightening complexion and hair

- Reduced PMS symptoms

- Enhanced alertness

- Better concentration

Many of our patients wisely choose to have a weekly or monthly massage from Elvira, our massage therapist extraordinaire. Elvira's talented hands, along with her training, experience, and dedication all combine to consistently bring her rave reviews. We are delighted that she is part of our team!

Our massage prices are amazingly affordable. Only $40 for a one-hour massage, or $25 for a half hour. This is one of the most reasonable ways to improve your health and help you manage your stress load. Gift cards are available in any denomination.

Call us for a convenient appointment 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

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

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

Cosmetic Chemicals In Fast Food!?

Why Standard Processing?

HAPPY EASTER!

This special weekend we'll be celebrating new life, both in the Resurrection of Christ and the coming of spring. May it be a blessed time for each of you and your families.

Need some healthful ideas for your holiday table? Dress it up with the bright colors that are associated with the season!  I like to emphasize yellow, so how about a large organic yellow pepper as a classy dish for dip?  Remove part of one side  (along with the seeds) and fill the pepper with organic guacamole or roasted red pepper hummus.  Great accompaniment for a tray of fresh organic veggies.

Devilled eggs are always attractive and popular.  Mix free-range, hard-boiled egg yolks with finely chopped organic celery, chopped organic green onions if desired, and enough non-soy, non GMO mayo and organic yellow mustard to make the mixture moist.  Use a pastry decorator tip to fill the whites.  Decorate the tray with parsley or sprigs of any other fresh herbs. 

If you're a lemon lover, this old-time recipe still has plenty of ap"peel"!

LEMON CURD

6 large or jumbo free-range eggs (not vegetarian or soy-fed; chickens are omnivores)

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup raw clover honey - or any mild-flavored honey

grated rind of 2-3 organic lemons - about 4 tbsp.

juice of 3 organic lemons - about 1/2 cup of juice

Set up a double boiler and get the water boiling.  Cut the butter into pieces and place it in the top of the double boiler to melt, along with the honey.  Grate the juice and lemons, and beat the eggs very well to make them totally smooth (I use a blender).  Add eggs, lemon rind and lemon juice to double boiler, and mix everything together well with a wooden spoon.  Continue stirring over the boiling water for about 10 minutes , or until mixture is thick and smooth.  Remove from heat.  Store in a jar in the refrigerator.  Makes about 3 cups.

For Easter, use this "pudding" to create beautiful parfaits, layering it with berries, sliced bananas, and whipped cream.  It can also be used alone as a dessert in glass dishes, or as a spread or filling.  Very adaptable - and totally delicious! 

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Our April promo at Thropay Health Center is one of our most popular!  Refer someone new to our office this month, and receive a FREE 20-minute massage from Elvira. 

Call us for details and your appointment at (562) 861-3896.

How to Make Lavender Lemonade to Get Rid of Headaches and Anxiety

Flavoring your lemonade with lavender is a great way to utilize the amazing medicinal properties of lavender. Lavender is a wonderful aromatic herb that calms the senses.

Pure lavender oil is an incredible essential oil to use for your own health and wellness. It’s among the gentlest of essential oils, but also one of the most powerful, making it a favorite of households for the healing properties and uses of lavender essential oil. Lavender oil  has a chemically complex structure with over 150 active constituents, which explains its effectiveness at helping with a lot of health ailments. Lavender oil possesses amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifier, hypotensive, and sedative properties.

DIY Lavender Lemonade with Lavender Essential Oil

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw honey
• 12 cups pure water
• 1 drop lavender essential oil (where to find)
• 6 lemons, peeled and juiced
• Lavender sprigs for garnish

Directions

Mix all ingredients together and chill. Add more water or raw honey if needed.

Source:

http://livingtraditionally.com/