Alkalizing Foods 

Over the past few years alkalizing has become more of a well known term, especially to those following natural health and healthy diets.  Alkalizing  your body is really quite simple and can be done by making a few changes to your diet.

 

In order for our bodies to maintain the best living environment , the optimal level is close to 7.4. This is at a slightly alkalizing state. Although, 7.36 to 7.44 is also an acceptable range.

In order for blood to effectively, act as a medium for oxygen and other vital nutrients, the pH needs to be close to this specific range. Deviations too far in either over direction of alkalizing or being too acidic can be harmful. However, typically due to the average American diet most individuals are overly acidic and are not concerned or aware of the importance of alkalizing. Really, a balance of these two ends of spectrum (alkalizing and acidic) is key!

Our bodies contain alkaline reserves and will fight to re-balance any deviations of fluctuating levels.  However, the reserves are limited and in order to keep them intact it is important to eat the right kinds of foods which are alkalizing. The excess of the alkali from the alkalizing foods can be stored to neutralize acids in the future.

Top Alkalizing Foods

#1 – Lemons – Lemons are one of the most alkalizing, a great way to start the day is with a glass of lukewarm water with a fresh squeezed lemon or lime.

#2- Leafy greens- Greens  such as: kale, swiss chard, spinach, and turnip greens are very alkalizing for your body and also are packed with rich vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

# 3- Root vegetables such as radishes (black, red or white), beets, rutabaga, horseradish, carrots, and turnips are all highly alkalizing.

# 4- Cucumbers and Celery – These are some of the most alkalizing foods you can eat. They quickly neutralize acids and aid in digestion.

# 5- Garlic -  Garlic is not only highly alkalizing it is also very important for overall health as it boosts the immune system, is antibacterial and anti-fungal. Raw garlic is even more beneficial, see my post on the importance of raw garlic in your diet.

# 6- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.

# 7- Avocados – Are also at the top of the list of alkalizing foods. You can see my recent post on the health benefits of avocados and how to ripen avocados. Avocados contain high amounts of essential vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids.

Alkalizing Secrets

Alkalizing Secret #1

Drink Pure Water – Pure water meaning water that is filtered, distilled water or reverse osmosis. Alkaline water has a pH over 7.5 and has added oxygen to help neutralize acids. A simple way to alkalize your water is with a dash of baking soda. There are also wonderful alkalizing agents you can purchase to buffer and alkalize the water.

TIP: Drink a minumum of  7 ounces of water for every 10 lbs of your body weight. If you weigh 130lbs, you need to drink a minimum of 91 ounces of pure water (that’s about 3 liters).

Avoid: Coffee, black tea and sodas – These drinks are highly acidic and DO NOT count towards your daily water intake.

Alkalizing Secret #2

Eat Celery - One of the most alkaline foods you can eat, celery quickly neutralizes acids. Celery is so high in water content that is also works as an excellent thirst quencher and is improves digestion.

TIP: Eat celery before, after or during a meal.

Drink Organic Super Greens - Organic super greens are known to be some of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. They infuse the body with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, amino acids chlorophyll, enzymes, phytonutients and alkaline salts that help neutralize acids in the blood and tissues.

TIP: Drink a green smoothie or take green supplements daily.

Alkalizing Secret #3

Eat Green Salads – Always have a green salad on hand. Some greens that have the highest water content are: cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, carrots, and onions. A great dressing would be cold pressed extra virgin olive oil with some lemon juice.  

TIP: Eat a HUGE salad with every meal!

Alkalizing Secret #4

Avoid Dairy - Milk is for babies! Cows milk produces mucous in the human body. Few adults metabolize the protein, casein, in cow’s milk properly because it is for the cow's health, not a human's. Todya, most dairy cows in the USA are injected with sex hormones (Bovine Growth Hormone) to increase their milk production having horrific, accumulative side effects when consumed.

TIP: Almond, soy and or rice milk are excellent alternatives to dairy.

PS: Almonds are packed with natural alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium, which help to balance out acidity while balancing blood sugar.

Alkalizing Secret #5

Avoid artificial sweeteners - NutraSweet, Sucralose, Aspartame, Saccharin are these acidic they also have other highly detrimental effects on the nervous system and neurological disease. Saccharin even tells you right on the package that it may cause cancer.

TIP: A natural sugar substitute that has had no reported side effects is Stevia.

Alkalizing Secret #6

Eat a grapefruit in the AM.  Grapefruit, similar to lemons, are alkalizing and some people believe it to be a miracle fruit. Eat one first thing in the morning, and wait fifteen minutes before eating a carbohydrate or protein giving your system time to digest.

TIP: Eat a grapefruit first thing in the morning.  

Alkalizing Secret #7

Eliminate red meat, pork, lamb consumption. Substitute chicken, turkey or fresh fish in small quantities. Red meats, pork and lamb are highly acidic a very low water content, not to mention being hard on the digestive system.

TIP: If you must have meat protein, opt for chicken or turkey or wild fresh fish.  

Alkalizing Secret #8

Reduce stress daily - Add yoga, tai chi, meditation, proper breathing and meditation. Stress increases the acid level in your body. When the body moves into stress mode the digestive system shuts down and toxins cease to be eliminated. Thus the more toxins you keep in your system, the more the body will store them away (acids) in fat cells!

TIP: Calming the mind, emotions and body will increase the body's alkalinity. 

Alkalizing Secret #9

Drink fresh coconut juice, eat fresh coconut meat and cook with its oil. Coconuts are a miracle food. The health benefits of coconuts are numerous and it is known to kill fungus, bacteria and viruses. They expel parasites, offer a quick source of energy, boost stamina, improve digestion, food assimilation and bowel function, support tissue repair, aid immune function, dissolve kidney stones, promote weight loss and improve metabolism and so much more.

Alkalizing Secret #10

Minimize and avoid processed and refined foods including white flour, white sugar and food coloring. Our bodies do not digest these chemicals and therefore must:

1. Eliminate them (if you are not hydrating properly this is very hard to do) OR

2. Neutralize them by pulling alkaline buffers where from your bones leaching calcium, or from your blood, leaching iron. OR

3. Store them  (in fat cells) causing weight gain.

 Source:  www.healthextremist.com  ,  www.amirahhall.com

10 Great All Natural Remedies for Acne

 There are many options for all natural remedies for acne. So, how do you choose which ones to try?

Causes of Acne Your Doctor Will Never Tell You!

1. First of all, don’t trust anyone! Doctors and dermatologists will tell you that diet doesn’t matter, natural remedies for acne don’t work, that it’s just hormones and there’s nothing you can do but take their prescriptions. But, that’s not true!

2. What you eat matters! It so important to watch what you’re putting into your body. Avoid all processed foods, eat real foods and make sure to get enough fats into your diet, such as avocados and coconut oil. According to Natural News, Dairy can be a problem and this should be avoided, along with refined sugar.

3. Get a blood test! Test your blood for vitamins and nutrients to make sure you aren’t deficient in anything. Here are a few main ones to make sure you include; vitamin A and zinc. Also, it may be a good idea to check your thyroid and your hormone levels (progesterone and testosterone).

4. Allergens! Your acne may be a result of an allergy. Determine if there are any possible allergens that may be causing your acne, such as gluten, which may reduce the amount of nutrients absorbed. Other common allergens are dairy, yeast and eggs. Delayed food allergies may affect you especially if you have a leaky gut.

10 Best All Natural Remedies for Acne:

1. Baking Soda- Baking soda not only helps eliminate breakouts and reduces inflammation, it is also an exfoliator and helps remove dead skin cells! Because of this, it also works great to reduce any old scars or acne marks. To use it, just take a few teaspoons of baking soda and mix it with warm water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your skin. You may want to leave it on for only 10 to 15 minutes the first few times as it may feel powerful. You can gradually increase the time up to an hour or even leave it on overnight. After one use you can see a great difference in your skin.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar- This natural remedy for acne is another powerful one, it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. To start out, you may want to dilute a few teaspoons with half water or ¼ water as it can be quite powerful when applied directly to your skin. Make sure to use apple cider vinegar that’s raw, unfiltered and labeled as “with the mother”, which has the most nutrients.

3. Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal. Coconut oil is also extremely moisturizing and gentle. It helps fight the bacteria and reduce redness. Apply the coconut oil to your skin and massage it in. You can reapply a couple times per day. With coconut oil, there is no need to ever use a moisturizer again, it works so well and doesn’t clog your pores. For optimal benefit, use organic coconut oil that is unrefined.

4. Tea Tree Oil- Tea tree oil is an essential oil and can be a very powerful all natural remedy for acne, as it is antibacterial. To apply it, mix a small amount of tea tree oil with an equal amount of water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to your skin. You can reapply throughout the day or leave it on under your makeup.

5. Egg Whites- Egg whites reduce the oil and minimize your pores in addition to drawing out impurities. To use it, separate the egg white from the yolk, use a cotton ball or you can use your fingers to apply the egg white to your skin. After a few minutes you’ll start to feel it tighten, you can leave it on anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, your skin will have an amazing glow!

6. Lemon Juice- For this one, you can either use lemon juice or a fresh squeezed lemon. Lemons have natural antibacterial and astringent properties to help clear your skin. Apply the lemon juice to your skin and leave on for 15 minutes to an hour.

7. Garlic- Not only is garlic a great natural antibacterial when ingested, it also works great topically. To use it, take a clove of garlic and thinly slice it. Rub the slices on your skin, particularly any problem areas, making sure the juice of the garlic is applied. Leave on for 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

8. Ice Cubes- Rub an ice cube on problem areas to help reduce inflammation. Not only, does the cold close your pores it also forces the bacteria out. You can also splash your face with cold water to achieve similar affects.

9. Cornstarch- Cornstarch is very soothing and gentle. This is a great natural remedy for acne when you have a lot of redness or irritation. You can apply the cornstarch to your individual breakouts or to your whole face. Sometimes I leave it on overnight and find a huge difference in the morning!

10. Aloe- Aloe is very soothing and reduces inflammation and redness. To use it, apply the gel to your skin with your fingers, you can apply it several times a day. If you have an aloe plant, it would be even better as you get the aloe fresh, without any added ingredients.

Source: www.healthextremist.com

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites - The Smart Way

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance--their bites can cause serious complications including the transmission of diseases. While there are many ways to deter mosquitoes from biting you, some are more toxic than others.

Most commercial insect repellants contain a chemical known as DEET and should be used with caution, if at all. Many studies have found DEET to have harmful effects. One study found that DEET causes diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats, and researchers suggest that humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath with heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides. 

The following suggestions give you easy ways to repel these pests:

• Don't eat bananas during mosquito season-mosquitoes love bananas! There is something about how your body processes the banana oil that attracts these female sugar-loving insects. 

• Supplement with one vitamin B-1 tablet a day during the summer season. Because thiamin (B1) is eliminated through the skin somewhat, doses of more than 50 to 100 mg per day help repel insects such as flies and mosquitoes from those with “sweet blood”. (There is no known toxicity in humans from thiamin taken orally).

• One of the best natural insect repellents is Vick's Vaporub.

• Another great natural insect repellants is clear liquid vanilla.

source: www.mercola.com 

The Effect of Caffeine on Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

 

Caffeine is a part of the breakfast meal of many Americans. Many also take a multivitamin supplement daily as a part of their morning routine. Not many people are aware that taking vitamins at the same time as a cup of coffee or tea can interfere with the body’s absorption of many necessary nutrients.

Calcium

Caffeine causes calcium to be excreted in the urine and feces. For every 150 mg of caffeine ingested, about the amount in one cup of coffee, 5 mg of calcium is lost. This effect occurs even hours after the consumption of caffeine. One study of postmenopausal women found that those who consumed more than 300 mg of caffeine lost more bone in the spine than women who consumed less.

Caffeine also inhibits the amount of calcium that is absorbed through the intestinal tract and depletes the amount retained by the bones. Studies have shown that women with high caffeine intake suffer more hip fractures than those who avoid caffeine or drink in moderation (1 to 2 cups per day).

Vitamin D

Caffeine inhibits vitamin D receptors, which limit the amount that will be absorbed. Because vitamin D is important in the absorption and use of calcium in building bone, this could also decrease bone mineral density, resulting in an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Magnesium

When you drink coffee, your intestinal absorption of magnesium decreases. Although coffee does not directly deplete magnesium from your body, the decreased absorption of magnesium can cause your body to gradually lose magnesium, potentially resulting in a magnesium deficiency. The more coffee you drink, the less magnesium your intestines can absorb. This becomes more important as you get older, as magnesium absorption typically decreases with age.

Iron

Caffeine interferes with the body’s absorption of iron, which is necessary for red blood cell production. Drinking caffeine at the same time as an iron source can reduce absorption by up to 80%, according to the Nutrition Desk Reference. Any beverage containing caffeine should be separated from iron-containing foods or supplements by at least one hour.

B Vitamins

Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, which increases urination. Water soluble vitamins, such as the B-vitamins, can be depleted as a result of the fluid loss. In addition, it interferes with the metabolism of some B-vitamins, such as thiamine (vitamin B1). The one exception to this rule appears to be vitamin B12. Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which actually helps the body absorb B12.

Other Vitamins and Minerals

Caffeine may reduce the absorption of manganese, zinc and copper. It also increases the excretion of the minerals magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphate. There is also evidence that caffeine interferes with the action of vitamin A.

Sources of Caffeine

Coffee and tea are obvious sources of caffeine. Even decaffeinated versions contain a little residual caffeine. Other sources include soft drinks, chocolate, cocoa and some energy drinks. Some supplements and medications, such as those that promote wakefulness, along with pain relievers for headaches, contain caffeine anhydrous, which is the dried, powdery form of caffeine. Dietary supplements sometimes use a natural ingredient called guarana, which is another form of caffeine.

A cup of coffee or green tea a day is not likely to have a negative effect on your overall health. However, in excess, caffeine can cause nutrient deficiencies that can affect both health and quality of life. As with most dietary factors, moderation and balance are key in optimal nutrition intake.

Source: www.fitday.com