Live Lighter » natural healing

Why Organic Food is Healthy

Head Health Nutter — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:26:31 +0000

If you’ve been reading Live Lighter regularly, you know we’re posting a series on spring cleaning. On Sunday we shared 119 cleansing recipes to help you spring clean your body. Today guest blogger, Melissa Cameron, helps you choose the cleanest ingredients available to use in your cleansing dishes.

Everything has a downside, and modern food production is no exception. While at one time it was all the rage to be able to get whatever we wanted in a nice and neat package at the grocery, we’ve recently discovered there’s a sacrifice we make for such convenience: nutrition.

Another factor that has increasingly gained more consideration is the environment. As we look toward the future and contemplate whether or not we will be able to keep up our modern food production practices at our current pace, we find that we are sorely lacking.

While conservation seems like a loftier goal to most, the more immediate problem is your own health. The meat we eat is full of preservatives, hormones and antibiotics. Our produce has also been exposed to preservatives, along with pesticides and other chemicals. If you switch to organic food, on the other hand, you can forego all of it.

Organic Food & Fitness

While the term “fitness” may make you think about the trim, muscular people you see on infomercials, there really is a lot more to it. Sure, it’s great to be trim and muscular, but your body has to be in a more natural state internally to be truly fit.

When you consume organic food over long periods of time, you detoxify and return your body to a more natural state by attrition. In other words, you flush all the junk out of your system by not repeatedly replenishing it via consumption. Those attractive people on TV may not be as fit as they appear; they could be dehydrated and malnourished because they haven’t taken the proper steps to be truly fit.

What organic means in terms of our food:

Organic produce is that which has not been sprayed by with synthetic pesticides and preservatives.
Organic livestock is that which has had a federally regulated amount of time in a pasture and has not been injected with preservatives, hormones, etc.

Tip for the Novice: The Farmers’ Market

Assuming this is your first foray into organic living, you are going to have to become intimately familiar with the farmers’ market. It’s the place to find fresh, organic food because the transit time from the farm to the market is much lower than the farm to a grocery store. This ensures that fewer nutrients are leached from the produce.

Plus, the farmer is right there for you to talk to, so ask questions if you like. There’s nothing like this layer of involvement with your food; it promotes a real sense of community.

Farmers’ markets can usually be found along a major roadway, so they’re pretty easy to come upon – even if you’re not looking. They’re also typically held on the same day of the week, so if you’ve seen one at a parking lot on a certain day, you can return the same day next week and it will be there.

If you are looking for something more obscure than typical organic produce (or if you need organic meat), you should visit a health food store or a typical supermarket. Either way, you will find plenty to keep your Cuisinart slow cooker busy.

About the Author

Melissa Cameron is a 33-year-old mother of two who enjoys spending time with family, scrap booking and writing. Her dream is to one-day work for herself online as a freelance writer. Melissa is an avid Internet surfer enjoys digging up deals and is known by her friends and family as a walking infomercial. Check out her website to read a review on a Cuisinart food processor and much more.

Do you eat organic food for the same reasons Melissa gives in this post?

119 Cleansing Recipes

Head Health Nutter — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:36:15 +0000

On Thursday we announced Live Lighter’s Holistic Spring Cleaning Series and since today is normally a recipe post, I figured what better way to start off the series than with a compilation post sharing ALL the “cleansing” recipes we’ve shared on Live Lighter!

There are many detoxing and cleansing approaches out there, from simply eliminating something from your life (like cigarettes, alcohol, sugar, etc.) to more hardcore methods like a commercial colon cleanse, fasting for 3 days or changing to a vegan diet for a short period of time. (For tips: read Cleansing Made Easy.)

Whatever your approach, cleansing highlights restrictions and makes it challenging to prepare food that’s not only made from ingredients you’re allowed but tastes good, too. So for your pleasure, here’s a veritable smorgasbord of cleansing recipes that will certainly have something you can safely enjoy:

119 Cleansing Recipes

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert ideas for those cleansing or detoxing (depending on your program, of course).

Froozie Recipes (smoothies without dairy)

Some of the following recipes use milk alternatives, such as rice, almond or soy beverage.

Smoothie Recipes (with dairy)

These recipes do not use cow’s milk but they do include yogurt.

Juice Recipes

Personally, I don’t have a juicer but I’ve tried all of these in my blender.

Blended Green Meals

The recipes below without nuts can also be juiced, but you take out the fiber.

Detox Drink Recipes

The following drinks will assist you on your cleanse/detox for various reasons, for example, the liver flush helps draw out toxins and aloe helps heal the colon.

Allergy-Free Recipes (mains, sides, sauces, salads, snacks & desserts)

There are tests to determine food sensitivities (food allergies have more severe symptoms and easier to identify), including what is referred to as the “elimination diet”. This is basically a cleansing diet that “allows” foods that are generally easy-to-digest and “avoids” foods that are known to act as allergens for some people.

There are different elimination diets out there (my elimination diet restrictions). The following recipes are based on my particular diet so you’ll have to double check to see if the ingredients are on your own “allow” list. Please feel free to substitute ingredients were you must:

Have you tried any of these recipes? Which ones were your favs? Do you have any cleansing recipes to share with us?

Screw Apples. Sunlight Works Better!

Head Health Nutter — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:17:26 +0000

This title is a bit misleading because apparently you need the antioxidants in fruits and veggies to guard against the ONE danger of sunlight: sunburn. In today’s post, we learn Dr. Mercola’s sun facts and how lack of sun exposure is killing over 1 million people EVERY year!

If you’ve been reading Live Lighter for awhile, you know we’ve blogged about the health benefits of sunlight before, as in “Sunlight: All Natural Steroids?” and “How Vitamin D Can Save Save Your Life!” But when I read Dr. Mercola’s FREE report on the benefits of sun exposure, it blew my mind (and inspired me to book with my MD for a vitamin D test)!

For those of you who don’t know Dr. Joseph Mercola, he’s one of the leading Natural Health professionals in the world. He is a licensed osteopathic physician (DO) which means he can prescribe medication and perform surgery in all 50 states. Unlike MDs, though:

“DOs practice a “whole person” approach, treating the entire person rather than just symptoms. Focusing on preventive health care, DOs help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don’t just fight illness, but help prevent it, too.”

The most important conclusion from Dr. Mercola’s report is: if you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere (especially if you have dark skin), you are more than likely NOT getting enough sun (he backs all his info up with studies). Hence his claim that more than 1 million people are dying every year from a lack of sun exposure.

This is what you’ll find in Dr. Mercola’s sun exposure report:

Why sunlight is healthy.
How just 10-15 minutes of sunlight per day can help prevent cancer.
How long you should sunbathe (and how it’s different for everyone).
How you can prevent skin cancer without sacrificing your sun exposure.
How you can get safe sun exposure without getting burned.
How to boost your body’s “inner sunscreen”.
The role of vitamin D in your health.
The correct vitamin D test to determine if you have optimal vitamin D levels.
Why pasteurized milk is NOT a good source of vitamin D.
The dangers of vitamin D supplements.
The correct and best type of vitamin D supplements to take if you really can’t get enough natural sun.

Did you know that vitamin D isn’t really a vitamin at all but a prohormone your body produces from cholesterol? Yes, cholesterol. Another facet we’ve been told is dangerous for us but is actually necessary for good health. Please read our guest post by Natural Neda, “The Importance of Vitamin D and Cholesterol.”

What I really like about Dr. Mercola’s report is his no-nonsense, straight-forward style and, even more so, his focus on getting your daily dose of sun the natural way. He warns us that it’s too easy to overdose on supplements (based on his personal experience)!

This last point is aligned with our guest post by Bindu Grandhi, “Vitamin D & Calcium: Supplements vs. Nature” which is a great additional read, despite citing a committee recommendation of only 600 IU per day of vitamin D. This is frighteningly low compared to Dr. Mercola’s recommendation of 4,000 IU per day.

While I would love to share all Dr. Mercola’s juicy sun facts with you here, I think it’s important for you to read the report yourself. Plus, it talks about the studies and references them so you can check their integrity. Just sign up for Mercola’s highly informative newsletter to access the free report.

I’m excited to get my blood tested for my current vitamin D levels. Have you ever gotten the test done?

“The Energy Cure” Book Review

Head Health Nutter — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:43:49 +0000

How would you like to hear real scientific evidence that all of us have healing powers? What about research revealing the possibility of a preventative cancer vaccine? All wrapped up in a fascinating, easy-to-read story, you can find all of this and more in The Energy Cure!

Rarely do I come across a book that excites me more than Dr. William Bengston‘s The Energy Cure: Unraveling the mystery of Hands-On Healing (I typically read 2-4 books a month). It’s about the life and work of a real hands-on healer, sociology professor and scientist who’s been studying energy healing in both the real-world and the lab.

(We met Dr. Bengston in a video I shared with you over a month ago in Meet Bill Bengston: Hands-On Healer & Researcher.)

From the book’s Introduction:

Over the past thirty-five years I have successfully treated many types of cancer – bone, pancreatic, breast, brain, rectal, lymphatic, stomach, leukemia – as well as other diseases, all using a hands-on technique that is painless, noninvasive, and has no unpleasant side-effects. To my knowledge, no person I have healed ever experienced a recurrence.

The effectiveness of this treatment has now been proven in ten controlled animal-experiments, conducted in five university medical and biological laboratories by trained, skeptical researchers. Though my initial response to the validity of hands-on healing was one of incredulity, the accumulation of replicable scientific data has overwhelmed my own disbelief. I have become a failed skeptic.

A tale intricately told by a brilliant ghost-writer, Sylvia Fraser, this is a biography of a man and his destiny to provide credibility for ancient medicine using modern methods. It spans 40 years of his life with his experience with and studies in the paranormal and hands-on healing.

Decide to read it and prepare to embark on an emotional roller-coaster of mind-boggling proportions as he recounts his adventures, triumphs and disappointments.

Synopsis of The Energy Cure

We learn how Dr. Bengston was first introduced to the world of energy healing, then how he becomes an unwilling, active participant. As with all stories in healing, there are tragedies amidst the happy endings. Through his anecdotes of healing, we also glimpse into the human psyche concerning the benefits of staying ill and the fear that comes with witnessing something so amazing, so powerful, so inexplicable that we call them miracles.

We follow his obsession with understanding psychic abilities and energy healing through rigorous scientific study, and delve deep into our imaginations of a bright future when considering the implications of his results. And finally, it’s a testament to the stubborn resistance of the medical and scientific communities to open their minds to something the research indicates is real, albeit other-worldly.

What Impressed Me Most (And How He Changed My Mind)

Besides how the story is presented in an incredible read, there are several aspects of Dr. Bengston’s attitude, approach, discoveries and personal theories about energy healing (based on his personal experience) that not only impressed me but surprised me.

Here are a few of them:

Dr. Bengston calls this “faithless healing” and admits it works faster (all things being equal) the less people, both patient and healer, believe in it. He asks us to remain curious yet skeptical, and reminds us of the true definition of skepticism, “someone who doubts everything, including his own skepticism.”
Energy healing is a natural process. Unlike many who tap into the spiritual realm to affect this world, Dr. Bengston says when the healer tries to heal (for instance, actively visualizing the healing), the less effective it is. In his method, the healer’s job is to distract the ego and mind to allow this natural process to begin.
His studies suggest patients (humans and mice) become immune to their ailments once healing is complete. He’s even got results indicating it’s possible that a preventative cancer vaccine can be created!
This method can be taught to anyone who wants to learn it and we all have the potential to be vehicles for healing. It also has benefits for the healer, such as reducing stress, physiological changes promising greater longevity and manifesting personal desires.
Even though there are a few illnesses, diseases and instances where Dr. Bengston cannot heal, he concedes these may be his own self-limiting beliefs interfering with the process.
This healing energy can be transferred and held in both water and cotton. He’s healed mice with cancer via `charged’ water and humans with `charged’ cotton.

And these are just the highlights! There’s just so much more to this book – but you must find out for yourself.

Unfortunately, Dr. Bengston’s research has conceived more questions than answers. He hopes to continue his research (with funding since it’s only been a part-time endeavour so far) and unravel the mystery of hands-on healing. He’d like to produce enough evidence for the scientific community to finally acknowledge its validity.

Part memoir, part instruction (yes, he explains his method for us), The Energy Cure has the capacity to change the lives of individuals, shift paradigms within communities and alter the course of humanity.

Can you imagination leagues of honest-to-goodness hands-on healers across the world? This is the idea behind the 6-CD training course where Dr. Bengston teaches his technique and makes certain to cover ethical issues and guidelines. Stay tuned for my upcoming review!

Important note: Dr. Bengston recognizes there are a few issues with energy healing, one of which is determining who’s qualified to practice. He’d like to develop a series of tests in order to “show `something’ relevant is happening when healing is supposed to be occurring.”

Disclaimer: The Energy Cure was sent to me as a gift in exchange for an honest review to share with you, Live Lighter readers.

Purchase the book

For Americans, here’s the Amazon.com link: The Energy Cure: Unraveling the Mystery of Hands-On Healing. For Canadians, the book is under a different title (this is the Amazon.ca link): Chasing the Cure: An Effective Alternative for Treating Cancer and Other Diseases.

The DIY Stuffy Nose Remedy: Honey, Lemon & Ginger Tea

Head Health Nutter — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:25:01 +0000

Editor’s Note: Were you one of the lucky few who enjoyed the holidays without getting sick? Lots of people I spoke to spent it in bed nursing themselves back to health. Be prepared for the cold season with today’s post as guest blogger, Jakob Barry, shares a home remedy with us.

With the arrival of winter comes the return of the common cold. It’s not like you can’t catch a cold during any other season but there’s something about wintertime that draws attention to viral infections. Colder weather can also bring increased moisture which lays the groundwork for mold and mildew sensitivities but reducing household allergens is one thing; dealing with an uncomfortable stuffy nose is another.

That’s where the simple home remedy of honey, lemon and ginger tea comes in.

Aside from over the counter drugs that cause drowsiness and dehydration, the main thing doctors generally prescribe for cold-like symptoms is drinking lots of fluids. The combination of honey, lemon and ginger boosts the immune system, hydrates and provides that extra energy to fulfill your daily responsibilities.

Looking at each, their individual health benefits include the following:

Honey. For several thousand years people have been using honey for ailments including coughs and sore throats. A natural energy booster, it improves the digestive system, fights disease, kills certain bacteria that cause infection and, in many cases, using local honey helps avert local pollen allergies.
Lemon. It’s high in vitamin C, an antioxidant and used in the following: treatment of throat infections and indigestion, to strengthen the immune system, to purify blood and it reduces body temperature, which is why lemonade keeps you cool on a hot day.
Ginger. It aids the following: unsettled stomachs, minimizes the symptoms of respiratory conditions, colds and allergies. Often included in many herbal decongestants it also helps with nausea, circulation and arthritis. Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu.

In essence, combining the three provides instant relief to a person suffering from symptoms associated with colds and allergies. And though store bought tea bags may be available and are helpful, they are no substitute for the real thing so here’s how to make it:

Prepare a mug. I like to use a large one that fills two cups.
The honey: Scoop out a tablespoon and place it in the mug.
The lemon: Take half a lemon and squeeze it getting as much of the juice out as possible. Pour the juice in the mug. Feel free to toss in the leftover lemon skin but make sure you wash it well. Ideally you want to use organic lemons when using the skin.
The ginger: Cut a small chunk off the main piece about three quarters of an inch. Peel and mince it. If you buy organic you can leave the skin on. When finished put it in the mug.
Boil water and pour it in the mug.
Stir and let it sit for a few minutes.
Take a sip and see what you think. If it tastes too lemony, add honey. If you can’t taste the ginger, add more. Using powdered ginger is also an option. Remember: The amount of each ingredient depends on how strong you want and need the potion. The most important thing is to get a balance that is good for you.

Experiment and feel great!

About the Author

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com, a growing community of users sharing home improvement projects and monitoring new ones in real time allowing homeowners and contractors to get the most from their resources. He covers various home improvement topics, including green lighting ideas, electrical accidents and home safety awareness.

Mmm… I’m (almost) looking forward to getting sick now! lol Here are some more natural cold remedies for you to check out. Do you have any home remedies for colds and flus that you’d like to share with us?

What’s the Healthiest Candle?

Head Health Nutter — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 22:49:43 +0000

Did you know that most of the candles on the market are toxic? But candle-light is so elegant, so relaxing… there must be a healthier alternative. There is! In today’s post we learn about beeswax candles and why health-conscious families choose them.

One of the best Christmas presents I ever received was an Original Pheylonian Beeswax Candle. These particular homemade Canadian candles (sold worldwide) use 100% pure cappings beeswax so they are completely natural, non-toxic, non-allergenic, non-carcinogenic and actually clean the air much like plants do!

Although they are more expensive, they’re also more cost-effective due to a high melting point (approximately 145F°). According to the candle makers, who compared the most expensive paraffin or veg wax to beeswax, found their Pheylonian candles burn 40 to 80% cheaper per minute, translating into an average of 10 cents per hour.

Beeswax also gives off a natural, relaxing, sweet smell and is both smokeless and dripless (two properties not found together in any other animal or mineral wax).

And these are just the highlights! But before we explain how beeswax purifies the air and list even more potential benefits, let’s review some facts about other types of wax.

Why is Paraffin Unhealthy?

Breathing the fumes from burning paraffin candles is essentially the same as breathing the exhaust fumes from a diesel engine.

According to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (used to support soy farming), burned paraffin candles emit many pollutants including benzene, toluene and ketones, all of which have been linked to asthma, cancer and birth defects. (Source: NYDailyNews.com)

Paraffin is the non-renewable, inexpensive grayish black ooze and crud (by-products) from gas and petroleum refineries. It’s then treated and bleached with chemical solvents to clean it up for use in candles. When paraffin wax, sterno and liquid paraffin are burned, they release deadly chemicals, fluro carbons and dioxins into the air.

Then, since burning petrochemical paraffin is so stinky, synthetic fragrances are added, many of which are irritating, reduce olfactory sensitivity and are toxic themselves when burned.

If these chemicals weren’t enough, those who sell beeswax candles claim that all paraffin has a chemical component used to solidify the wax called `acrolyn,’ and variations of it, which they say is a proven carcinogen. Apparently, this solidifier is also used in vegetable and soy wax candles.

Note: I gave up after about 30 minutes of online research trying to find another type of source (one without a vested interest) to back this up.

For an interesting read, the Pheylonian beeswax candle makers tell a story about acrolyn, explain how toxic paraffin candles are and warn us how current laws allow companies to label candles as `pure beeswax’ using as little as 10% beeswax.

Negative Ions: Nature’s Air Purifier

Nature produces negative ions through lightening storms, moving water like the ocean, waterfalls, rivers, etc. and by wind passing through forests. It cleanses the air of pollutants (dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, viruses, odours and toxins) through an electrical process.

Annie Bond in her Care2.com article explains:

Air contains billions of electrically charged particles called ions. Ions act upon our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen, and therefore cause powerful effects on our lives and well being. The ions in the air can affect our mood, energy and health. Negative ions actually feel good. Too many positive ions make us feel bad and they are loaded down with pollution and allergens that are drawn to them and suspended in the air. Negative ions, on the other hand, remove the pollution and allergens from positive ions, allowing them to drop harmlessly to the ground.

Beeswax candle fuel is the only fuel that actually produces negative ions, which not only helps remove pollution from the air but increases the ratio of negative ions to positive ions, the ideal and necessary scenario for clean air.

Beeswax Produce Negative Ions

The last part of Ms. Bond’s quote, “beeswax candle fuel is the only fuel that actually produces negative ions” appears to be debatable according to the results of a recent Japanese study reported by fellow blogger Jane from Simple, Sustainable, Nature.

Although the study proves beeswax emits negative ions when burned, it also found that even paraffin candles emit negative ions, but at a significantly lower volume.

Either way, when I burn my beeswax candle (usually in the bathroom when soaking in a hot tub), I notice a significant difference in air quality. Especially compared to burning a paraffin candle! I did so last night and not only was the scent stifling, when I extinguished the candle I all but choked on the smoke.

Interesting:

Apparently, you can actually see how polluted your air is when burning a beeswax candle! Valerie Reiss blogged about how one beeswax candle maker (though, the link to their site was dead when I tried it) said the dustier your home, the more “black debris” will collect around the wick. I checked my candle – all’s good!

And the Pheylonian beeswax candle makers warn: “Do not burn paraffin at the same time as you burn beeswax. Due to the negative ion properties of pure beeswax, the black soot from the paraffin will become all to evident on your ceilings, walls and all static surfaces such as vinyl windows, computers, etc.”

Negative Ions & Health

Intuitively, the cleaner the air, the healthier. But I didn’t get that far in the research.

However, Dr. Jonathan Wright reports anecdotal research on his TahomaClinicBlog about how people claim beeswax candles provide relief of allergies, sinus problems and asthma. He also supports Ms. Bond’s conclusions, claims tainted beeswax doesn’t have the health benefits of 100% pure beeswax candles, and admits he’s affiliated with a beeswax candle company.

But if you want to go pure beeswax, just in case…

The makers of my Pheylonian beeswax candle promise their “candles are made of 100% Cappings Beeswax. Cappings are the thin layer of pure beeswax which seal in the fresh honey into each comb. Beekeepers remove this to extract the honey. This is all we buy and use.”

They also suggest that these hair-thin cappings wax, compared to the rest of the honeycomb, is the most “desirable, pure, air-cleansing wax, perfectly created by the honey bees, in conjunction with Mother Nature herself.”

They still make their candles like their ancestors who came from the Carpathian Mountains in the Ukraine to Canada in the early 1900′s! Read their rich family story here.

Although others may need more research before investing in beeswax candles, I vote all-natural is healthier! I love my Pheylonian beeswax candle and suggest you try one yourself (visit their e-shop when you’re ready).

Do you have a beeswax candle? Have you noticed any difference when you burn one compared with another type of candle?

Are Natural Antiseptics Dangerous?

Head Health Nutter — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:31:15 +0000

Editor’s Note: The relative safety of natural antiseptics came up in a debate with a close cousin of mine, a practicing Wiccan. Bringing it to you online is guest blogger Jennifer Kardish who shares her thoughts on the matter and lists a few natural antiseptics for your review.

Unless you have an allergy to a natural antiseptic agent, natural antiseptics are completely harmless. In fact, note the ingredients on most chemical antiseptics and you’ll find that they are fairly safe.

You may have become wary about using chemical agents because of common side effects, dryness or irritation to the skin (although hexachlorophene has the potential to cause damage to the nervous system). While solutions like iodine and alcohol are often used simply because of their potency, why rely on synthesized antiseptics in the home when there are so many options in nature to fall back on?

Here are a few natural antiseptic alternatives:

Honey. This substance does a body good, both inside and out. For cuts, scrapes, and burns (that are not of a severe or life-threatening degree) you can smooth on some honey before adding a bandage to kill bacteria and other microbes in and around the wounded area. It is also a good treatment for colds, since it kills bacteria in the mouth and throat (helping to ease a cough or sore throat), as well as digestive problems like diarrhea (it promotes hydration).
Lemon. This is another good all-around option as an antiseptic. You wouldn’t necessarily want to put it on wounds since it is likely to sting quite a bit, but it can be beneficial to the skin, especially as a treatment for acne (when mixed with water and used for cleansing). It can also be used to treat sunburns, sore throats, and digestive upsets like nausea and heartburn (since it is actually alkaline). As a bonus, you can use it to sterilize and clean surfaces in your home.
Lavender. This is best used on the surface of your body to treat bug bites, sunburn, or infection (in short, minor skin irritations). It is a natural astringent that can be used in lotions or infused in oils.
Pineapple. This hearty fruit is best suited to use for internal ailments such as digestive disorders and colds. Not only is it antiseptic, it also has anti-inflammatory properties due to an enzyme called bromelain, which is why some people use it to treat arthritis.
Tea tree. Often found in the form of an oil, it is an effective antiseptic for topical use (on the skin). Although it can be used on wounds, it is a lot better suited as a therapy for skin conditions like acne, athlete’s foot, eczema and dandruff (or dry scalp).
Echinacea. This herbal remedy can be used for both internal and external antiseptic needs, but it is more often ingested. It is most commonly used as a medication to prevent or treat colds (since it is effective at boosting the immune system), but it can also help in the treatment of gingivitis. Many people prefer it over antibiotics, which generally kill off good bacteria along with the bad.
Aloe. This succulent has been aptly branded the “first aid plant” by those who use it for medicinal purposes. It is most commonly used as a treatment for sunburns, but it can also be used on cuts, scrapes, blisters, burns, and even ongoing conditions like athlete’s foot and eczema. It can also be ingested as a prepared powder, liquid, pill or gel to treat constipation.

About the Author

Jennifer Kardish writes for Lawn Care Business where you can find information about how to care for your lawn and browse through do-it-yourself lawn care tips.

What do you think? Are natural antiseptics dangerous? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

How Sweet It Is: The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Head Health Nutter — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:31:40 +0000

Editor’s Note: Did you have a healthy Halloween? Today’s guest blogger, Kitty Holman, writes about her healthy substitute for those tempting Halloween leftovers that beckon to us all with their reduced price stickers!

I hustled quickly past my local supermarket’s Halloween candy aisle, chock full of bags of unhealthy bite-sized chocolates like Snickers and Milky Ways.

While I managed to get through another Halloween season with my waistline unaffected by these little sweets, the experience got me thinking about one of my favorite foods, dark chocolate, and how greatly its health benefits contrast with the non-food status of today’s over-processed milk chocolate.

The potential health benefits of dark chocolate are well-known. First, chocolate and cocoa both possess beneficial flavonoids called flavanols, which have antioxidant qualities that may act as a barrier to destructive free radicals in your system. Free radicals are believed to cause cellular damage leading to cancer, aging and numerous diseases.

Research has also indicated that the flavanols found in cocoa and chocolate have a positive influence on your vascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the heart and brain, making the platelets in your blood less likely to clot and even lowering your cholesterol, according to Cleveland Clinic’s Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute.

Not all dark chocolate is created equal, however. A problem arises when chocolate manufacturers process much of the flavanols out of chocolate or use flavor additives in an effort to improve the chocolate’s flavor. After all, flavanols cause a characteristic bitter taste to dark chocolate that hasn’t been through a lot of processing.

The loss of flavanols through heavy processing such as fermentation, alkalizing or roasting cuts back on chocolate’s health benefits just like the removal of the wheat germ and bran from whole grains takes away from their health benefits.

As a rule of thumb, you should look for dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao and a low level of processing. If it has so many preservatives that it will last forever on a shelf somewhere, avoid it.

In general, look at the ingredients listing and choose the purest dark chocolate you can with as few additives as possible. As for straight cocoa powder, it is best to use powder that has not been through Dutch processing to neutralize its acidity, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Also, remember that you can’t just stuff your face with dark chocolate because of its health benefits (even though I’d certainly enjoy doing so). We must be mindful that dark chocolate contains sugar, calories and saturated fat.

While there is no established serving size of chocolate that will best help you achieve heart-healthy benefits, it’s a smart move to consume it in moderation, such as one ounce a day a few times a week. After all, you can incorporate other foods rich in flavonoids, such as teas, red wine, apples, cranberries and onions into your diet as well.

About the Author

This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of nursing schools. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: kitty.holman20@gmail.com.

Wow, a few things I didn’t know about dark chocolate, like roasting reduces it’s health benefits! Hmmm, if that’s true, then I wonder if roasted nuts are less nutritious than the raw, too? Anyone know, or will this be a future post?

8 Juice Fast Tips

Head Health Nutter — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:29:21 +0000

There are folks out there staying healthy in autumn with a raw juice fast adventure. If you’re planning one and would like some advice on how to prepare for it, then this post is for you.

Doing a juice fast at home is completely doable, but if you have the money to invest on a health retreat, the benefits are well-worth the expense! (Check out my raw juice fast weekend at Grail Springs, part 1 & 2).

Having someone else source unusual, healthy ingredients, prepare the juices and take care of the dishes alone is awesome. But more importantly, following a juice fast designed by a knowledgeable health practitioner and being under their watchful eye during it is always worth the investment.

Recently a friend (and Live Lighter reader) contacted me:

I am going on a retreat next weekend and we will be doing a raw juice fast while we are there. Do you have any suggestions on what I might do to prepare myself? They have suggested all of the obvious things….no sugar, no coffee, tea, cheese, alcohol, deep fried foods, processed foods, red meat, white flour, deserts, potato chips and any other junk food for at least a week prior. Most of those things are no problem (I think the coffee is what is going be the most challenging), but I feel like I should maybe be a little more proactive. Is there anything else that you would suggest?

Here’s my advice:

Try a coffee substitute. I’ve tried a couple now (one’s Polish) made with figs, roasted chicory root, rye, and a few other interesting and natural ingredients. It tastes good and tricks my brain into thinking it’s real coffee. You can usually find a version of it at your local health food store, some grocery stores and online (e.g. TheFind.com).
Three days before your fast, blend your raw food meals. I had smoothies (with rice milk, no yogurt either) for breakfast and cleansing detox meals made of veggies for lunch and dinner.
Eat blended meals three days after your juice fast. Same as above.
Slowly reintroduce foods. This one’s completely optional (like they are but this one more so). It’s a great time to check for any food sensitivities if you’re at all curious. The trick is to take one day at a time. So continue eating blended meals on the 4th day, and add only dairy, for example. You could eat cottage cheese in the morning and note any digestive or mood disturbances. At lunch, a serving of hard brick cheese and note any differences in how you’re feeling. Dinner… etc. The next day add rye, etc. This was the final part of my elimination diet adventure and in the hormone diet. Between the two I discovered several food sensitivities I was completely clueless about (besides confirming the two I had guessed at because of symptom severity).
Journalling. When toxins are released, they are usually accompanied by unpleasant physical side-effects, such as headaches, anxiety, grumpiness, difficulty concentrating, etc. Be aware you may experience also some uncomfortable emotions as you process them along with the toxins. I found journalling and getting all those feelings down on paper helpful in speeding up emotional cleansing.
Regular, daily exercise. Leading up to your fast, continue your usual physical activity routine. During your fast, avoid strenuous activity (it will kick your body into fight or flight and stop the heal & renew process) but make sure you perform light and moderate exercise to help the toxins move through your system.
Deep breathing. Chances are your fast will allow you the opportunity to free your body of some substance, whether it’s caffeine, sugar, chocolate, cigarettes, etc. As with any substance addiction, you may feel withdrawal symptoms. One of the best ways to combat cravings and associated feelings of anxiety is through deep breathing. Try breathing in with your nose to the count of 8 (filling both upper and lower parts of your lungs), pausing on the top of the inhale for a count of 3, and exhaling through your mouth to the count of 8.
Meditation. There are many of ways to meditate but basically it’s clearing your mind (which you can achieve through regular deep breathing). It’s benefits are many and among them, specific to a fast, it helps process emotions and relax your body, activating your natural healing abilities.

Does list give you some ideas in how to prepare for a fast, and cope with cravings and uncomfortable detox symptoms? By the way, you won’t necessarily experience negative side-effects (it depends on your toxicity levels); and you may experience enlightenment as your energy is diverted from digestion to your mind or spirit!

Have you tried a raw juice fast? What helped you through the tough times? Were you enlightened? Please share your experience with us!

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Head Health Nutter — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 04:42:29 +0000

A great follow up to last week’s Healthy & Satisfying Alternatives to Halloween Candy article, today’s guest blogger, Jamie Olsen, shares the health benefits of pumpkin seeds. (Plus a recipe for you to try!)

Many adults have fond memories of Halloween revolving around those glorious orange globes that mature in the pumpkin patch come fall. You most likely looked forward to the day when the top finally came off your pumpkin and you scooped out the gooey innards to create a masterpiece of horror to light up the porch on All Hallows Eve!

Your mom probably cleaned the pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, oiled and salted them, and set them to roast in the oven for a crunchy treat. These are the memories that make a holiday special.

As a grownup, you may have even sampled these seasonal seeds in any number of tasty granola medleys. But did you know that the pumpkin seeds that fill your cereal bowl and your memory bank actually harbor several health benefits?

If you are reticent to eat the chewy husks, you can either strip them away or simply purchase a variety that produces seeds without shells. It doesn’t matter how you eat them, just as long as you add them to your diet. Here are a few reasons why:

Tryptophan. Like other foods of the season (turkey, for one), pumpkin seeds have been found to contain a compound called tryptophan, which naturally helps fight feelings of depression. Those who indulge in the seed of the pumpkin will find themselves satisfied and content.
Zinc. This mineral is often found in multivitamins because it not only helps bolster your immune system, it also effectively fights against osteoporosis. A half cup a day provides about a third of the amount you need.
Magnesium. This is just one of many electrolytes needed by the body, and one in which most people are deficient. Luckily, a half cup of pumpkin seeds can give you almost your entire recommended daily serving of magnesium.
Phytosterols. These compounds found in pumpkin seeds pack a 1-2 punch when it comes to your health. For starters, they have been proven to reduce LDL cholesterol, which can often lead to heart disease. In addition, they may be effective in the prevention of many different forms of cancer.
Iron. For those of you that suffer from anemia (ladies, this one’s for you), a diet high in iron can really make a difference in your energy level. A half cup of pumpkin seeds has about half of your recommended daily intake of iron, so think about adding them to your cereal or throwing some in a smoothie before you reach for those stomach-churning supplement pills.
Additional benefits. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, studies have also shown that pumpkin seeds are effective at preventing and reducing benign prostatic hypertrophy (BHP), an enlargement of the prostate gland commonly found in men over fifty. They may also be helpful in treating arthritis (due to anti-inflammatory properties), as well as providing high levels of manganese, phosphorous, copper and vitamin K. Finally, they are a high-protein, low-calorie snack that can be eaten plain or mixed with many other foods.

About the Author

Jamie Olsen writes for a website where you can find various types of retirement plans, tips and advice on eligibility, investing, and establishing goals for your future.

If you’re looking for a tasty recipe for your pumpkin seeds this season, try this Live Lighter recipe: Smokey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. What’s your favourite seasoning for pumpkin seeds? Have any recipes to share?