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

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.

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

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

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.

WHY ORGANIC?

WHY ORGANIC?

Is eating organic produce that important? Why should supplements be made from organically-grown foods? There are three basic answers which cover both of these commonly-asked questions:

1. Sustainable organic farming is indisputably best for the earth. Valuable resources in the soil and atmosphere are retained, utilized, and replaced by the cycles of natural farming, as opposed to indus trial farming. With organic farming, no toxic chemical pesticides are poured into our water sources or sprayed into the air, to be ingested by animals and humans, creating serious health issues.

2. The nutritional content of organically grown foods is considerably higher than that of industrialized farm products. (Please see the study results from Rutgers University, quoted in “Why Standard Process Farms Organically…”) Superior nutrition promotes superior health. There’s so much more “bang for your buck”!

3. Concentrated whole organic foods and supplements do not deposit toxic residues in the bodies of those who eat them. Industrialized farm products add these negatives which virtually cancel out the health benefits that could come from naturally-raised foods.

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 - 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

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.

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!?

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.

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.

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/

Ready to spring clean?

We're repeating our March promo from last year - our amazing Standard Process 21-day Purification Program at a 15% discount off the kit price!

In case you are wondering about the benefits of this purifying program, here are a few things that will happen if you follow the instructions diligently. You will:

- manage your weight. This is the best program we know of that takes off unnecessary pounds while improving your health and bringing a glow to your face.

- support and enhance the performance of your "toxic elimination team" (liver, kidneys, small and large intestines) to gently but thoroughly remove the many toxins that accumulate in your body over time. Remember, there are about 80,000 chemicals registered for use in the U.S. Hundreds of these are present in our bodies, according to the CDC.

- kick-start yourself to a better lifestyle for your health. This program helps eliminate and change the harmful food cravings we can develop. Your taste buds will come alive, and you will find yourself enjoying foods you previously disliked - such as vegetables! This makes "eating right" so much easier as a way of life.

If you have already done the 21-day Purification Program in the past, you will relate to what I'm saying. And it's a great maintenance tool that should be repeated at least once per year.

Occasionally, someone's body is SO toxic that they can't handle the Purification Program before making some preliminary changes. We strongly recommend that everyone come to Susana for evaluation to make sure you are ready to start, before beginning the program.

We're here as your cheerleading team! Most of us here have done this program ourselves, and we all highly recommend it. Perhaps you know someone else who would be interested. Everyone will get the discount, as long as the purchase is made during March.

Give us a call right away to reserve your kit(s) at (562) 861-3896. And happy spring cleaning! Your body will thank you!

Eat YOUR Fruits & Veggies! Your Body WILL Thank You!

Mighty Microbes

"Friendly bacteria have long been known to block the growth of toxin-producing organisms."

Dr. Royal Lee wrote the above quote in the 1950s. He was referring to the vital role that beneficial intestinal microbes play in human health.

Sixty years later, the "Microbiome Project" made big science news in 2013. This enormous study revealed more details than we've ever known on the subject of gut bacteria.

While we've long known that we need friendly intestinal bacteria to prevent such things as diarrhea, constipation, colitis, cramps, gas, diverticulitis, colon and rectal cancer, etc....it is now apparent that a healthy balance of friendly versus enemy gut "bugs" does much more than that!

These amazing microscopic critters greatly influence our getting, preventing, and curing conditions like diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, heart disease, depression and/or anxiety, insomnia, and much more.

They are also, as Dr. Lee indicated, closely involved with detoxifying foreign substances out of the body.

You thought that your immune system is composed of your spleen, tonsils, and adenoids and lymph glands? Partly true. The climate in your gut also has a huge "voice" in a healthy immune system!.

Simply put, we need to understand that the integrity of our digestive systems is critical to good health.

Dr. Lee also said, "Good food is only 'good' if you can digest it." So, to a diet of organic whole, real foods, add digestive enzymes at each meal, to replace the loss of stomach acid as we've mentioned before. Avoid antacids. Come in and get checked for ProSynbiotic or other friendly bacterial support that your body requires.

You may well be amazed at your increased energy and vitality!

To further support your immune system naturally, call us for a nutritional appointment at (562) 861-3896.

10 Magical Effects Music Has On the Mind

Every fan of music knows the tremendous power it can have over both thoughts and emotions. Great music can transform an ordinary day into something magical, even spiritual. It can provide solace, release, strong sensations and more. But music’s influence spreads further still: right up from our genetic code, through our thoughts and bodies and out into how we relate in groups.

1. IMPROVE VERBAL IQ

Practising the piano won’t just improve your musical abilities, it can also improve your visual and verbal skills.

A study of 8 to 11-year-olds found that, those who had extra-curricular music classes, developed higher verbal IQ, and visual abilities, in comparison to those with no musical training (Forgeard et al., 2008).

This shows the benefits of learning an instrument are not purely musical, but extend into cognition and visual perception.

2. FEELING THE CHILLS

Have you ever felt chills down your spine while listening to music? According to a study by Nusbaum and Silvia (2010), over 90% of us have.

How much you feel, though, depends on your personality. People who are high in one of the five personality dimensions called ‘openness to experience’, are likely to feel the most chills while listening to music.

In the study, people high in openness to experience were more likely to play a musical instrument, and more likely to rate music as important to them.

3. ACTIVE LISTENING AMPS UP HAPPINESS

If you’re not feeling the chills, perhaps you should try a little harder.

A recent study contradicts the old advice that actively trying to feel happier is useless.

In research by Ferguson and Sheldon (2013), participants who listened to upbeat classical compositions by Aaron Copland, while actively trying to feel happier, felt their moods lift more than those who passively listened to the music.

This suggests that engaging with music, rather than allowing it to wash over us, gives the experience extra emotional power.

4. SINGING TOGETHER BRINGS US TOGETHER

Since music is often a social activity, making it together can help bring us together.

A study of almost one thousand Finnish pupils who took part in extended music classes, found they reported higher satisfaction at school in almost every area, even those not related to the music classes themselves (Eerola & Eerola, 2013)

Explaining the results, the lead researcher Päivi-Sisko Eerola, said:

“Singing in a choir and ensemble performance are popular activities at extended music classes. Other studies have established that people find it very satisfying to synchronize with one another. That increases affiliation within the group and may even make people like each other more than before.”

5. MUSIC TREATS HEART DISEASE

…or at least it can help with the stress and anxiety associated with having treatment for coronary heart disease.

A review of 23 studies covering almost 1,500 patients found that listening to music reduced heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety in heart disease patients (Bradt & Dileo, 2009).

6. WHY SAD MUSIC LIFTS YOU UP

‘Mood management’ is the number one reason people love music.

And, all music fans know that music can have a cathartic effect. But, it’s still odd that, for some people, sad music can, under the right circumstances, improve their mood. Why?

According to a study by Kawakami et al. (2013), sad music is enjoyable because it creates an interesting mix of emotions; some negative, some positive.

Crucially, we perceive the negative emotions in the music, but don’t feel them strongly.

(Read more: Why Do We Enjoy Listening to Sad Music)

7. SEEING HAPPY FACES

Music may make you feel different, but as little as 15 seconds of music can change the way you judge the emotions on other people’s faces as well.

A study by Logeswaran et al. (2009) found that a quick blast of happy music made participants perceive other’s faces as happier. The same was true for a snatch of sad music. The biggest effect was seen when people looked at faces with a neutral expression.

In other words: people projected the mood of the music they were listening to onto other people’s faces.

8. THE COLOUR OF MUSIC

Music naturally makes people think of certain colours. Across different cultures, people pair particular types of music with particular colours.

In a study by Palmer et al. (2013), people from both Mexico and the US showed remarkable similarities in connecting duller, darker colours with sadder pieces of music and lighter, more vivid colours with happier music.

A follow-up study showed that these music-to-colour associations were seen because of the emotional content of the music.

9. COULD MUSIC BRING BACK YOUR VISION?

In 60% of people who have a stroke, the visual areas of the brain are affected.

This leads to ‘visual neglect’: the patient loses awareness of objects on the opposite side to where the brain has been damaged.

But, studies have found, when patients listen to their favourite music, some of their visual attention is restored (Tsai et al., 2013).

So, music can be an important tool in rehabilitation for stroke patients.

10. BABIES ARE BORN TO DANCE!

Infants as young as five-months-old respond rhythmically to music and seem to find it more interesting than speech.

In a study by Zentner and Eerola (2010), the babies spontaneously danced to all different types of music, and those that were most in time also smiled the most.

Maybe music really is in our genes!