Your Healthcare FAQs

I saw a very informational video on Resveratrol on 60 Minutes about a year ago.  While it isn’t a new substance, it’s been a great focus for scientists who are studying its amazing life extending properties. Resveratrol is found in wine and is now in other forms and is the next ‘Acai’ boom.

There are new products coming out of the woodwork so be cautious when buying.  Your best bet is to do some research online to see which products are producing results and read as many reviews as possible.

What most people make the mistake of doing is popping pills or products and putting things in our bodies that are not safe.  We, as a consumer get caught up in the hype and want to believe what we hear.  It’s such an ironic thing, really.  When we are told how simple raw and healthy foods are the SECRET, we barely want to make the effort.  I’ll save that for another post.

This video I think you’ll find interesting.

By: Scott Meyers

There are many herbs and spices that are beneficial to keeping the body functioning at its absolute best. In order to remain as healthy as possible, you should consume as many herbs and spices as possible every day.

Turmeric is a spice that not everyone is familiar with. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is most often to be found in mustards manufactured in the United States. Turmeric is also a staple of many Indian dishes. Turmeric is a healthy spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, and also works as an antioxidant. These properties help turmeric to prevent the development of cancer. Turmeric goes to work to help get rid of the many symptoms that can accompany arthritis, as well as tendonitis, autoimmune disorders and a selection of other disorders that involve any degree of inflammation such as swelling in muscles or joints.

Fresh or dried peppermint is especially beneficial for a number of stomach ailments from heartburn to indigestion to nausea. Peppermint is very soothing to the stomach and entire digestive tract. Studies have shown that it is able to help rid sufferers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of many of their symptoms. Peppermint has been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of many types of bacteria and fungi and it is effective as well for those who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Peppermint can be brewed as a tea or it can be purchased in pill form. Individuals who suffer on a regular basis from upset stomach or nausea would benefit from the consumption of peppermint in one form or another.

Cayenne pepper, also known as chili pepper, red pepper or paprika is a fiery type of pepper that is used to help several organs. Pepper has been found beneficial in moderating many types of stomach ailments, such as stomach aches related to any number of causes, gas and many different types of heart problems. Cayenne pepper is effective at lowering cholesterol and it improves the circulation of blood and is believed to be beneficial in preventing circulatory disease. Cayenne pepper decreases the possibility that the blood will clot, which can help to prevent deadly blood clots forming, especially after surgery. Cayenne pepper is also beneficial when a person is suffering from a toothache.

The advantages of cayenne pepper do not end there. Cayenne pepper has been shown through research studies to be effective at alleviating migraine headaches. For migraine sufferers the cayenne cream is applied directly to the inside of the nose. Be aware that if you do this you should apply a very small quantity and some people’s noses are too sensitive for cayenne. Cayenne pepper can help to improve blood circulation. It can also be applied to the skin topically as a way to alleviate pain connected with rheumatoid arthritis.

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin and this ingredient has found to be effective for those suffering from Fibromylagia. As a cream cayenne can be applied to painful muscles and joints but be aware that sometimes cayenne cream causes a burning sensation on the skin and if it gets into the eyes it can cause some pain.

By: Scott Meyers

When we think of healing foods, we don’t always consider herbs and spices. They are the little extras that we often put on our food to give it more seasoning and to make it tastier for everyone at the table.

Put the saltshaker away when you’re cooking, as too much salt in the diet can spell disaster for your circulatory system and kidneys. Reach instead for healthy herbs and seasonings to jazz up your next meal and help make you healthier to boot!

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health and medical conditions. Examples of these include inflammatory conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nausea. There is no doubt that when it comes to herbs and spices there are plenty of healing properties you should get to know better.

Garlic has long been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. Garlic is a member of what is called the allium family as it contains a substance called allicin. Other members of this family include onions and scallions.

Research into the benefits of garlic has shown that it is a strong preventative agent against stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. Further studies have shown that garlic is very close to a natural form of antibiotic. Garlic is full of substances that help to detoxify the body and are able to disperse carcinogens that are building in the system.

A number of research studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic also fights a great number of bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections.

Garlic is associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. Research in Italy and China support garlic’s beneficial effects. Garlic is best eaten in its raw state. The best way to benefit from garlic is to eat it raw: cut up, sliced up or chopped.

Ginger is a very odd looking substance. It can be found in every produce department, and should be used more for its beneficial effects on health. Ginger works well to calm an upset stomach. Ginger is particularly good to take before embarking on a road trip if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger snaps and ginger bread are also effective at calming an upset stomach. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat ginger to reduce the nausea from morning sickness.

Ginger is also believed to be helpful in the fight to lose weight, as it works as a natural dietary aid. The reason it works is that ginger helps to boost the rate in which the body burns calories. This benefit has been borne out in studies conducted by researchers in Australia. When coupled with other spices including rosemary, thyme, oregano and pepper, ginger is excellent in regards to its antioxidant properties and therefore is proficient at fighting cancer.

Ok….I’m here to tout again!  Please…for your own good, watch Food Matters.  I have wanted to see it after watching ‘clips’ online and finally today…I got to see it.

I am planning on actually watching it a couple more times at least to take notes, but I am throwing in a few key statements from the movie that I got from watching it today.  After doing more research, I plan on sharing more with you.  Alarming stuff….

Key points:

***In order for a pharm. company to license a pharmaceutical drug, they have to prove it to be successful in at least 2 trials over placebos.  Only 2 TRIALS!!!!!  They do NOT have to disclose the numerous other trials where it may not have been successful.  UNREAL!

***Over 100K people die each year from taking prescription drugs…AS PRESCRIBED. (most forms of heart disease, diabetes, and more are reversible with a healthy diet)

***Only 10 alleged-reported deaths in 23 years from people taking vitamin supplements.  HMMM….

***To treat depression, it has been PROVEN that doses of the vitamin Niacin have improved moods, behavior, etc.  INTERESTING…..(people would rather suffer through side affects of Xanax, Cymbalta, etc)

***There are doctors who are treating forms of cancer by intravenous (IV) injection of Vitamin C in dose amounts of 30,60, and 100K mg. in a 24 hr period WITH 50% SUCCESS RATE….FANTASTIC!!! (no loss of hair or nausea, no killing of healthy cells)

So, why are people so anxious to get ahold of a prescription before trying natural methods such as a healthy diet, vitamins, fruit, Omega 3′s, Superfoods, etc.  WHY?

Mainly because there is a money chain from your pocketbook all the way to DOCTORS, RESEARCH, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, GOVERNMENT, WALL STREET AND BEYOND.

Watch this video for a sneak preview and then rent it at Red Box or something…get it somehow.  Do it if you want to ‘live’ long and prosper, as they say.

Humans take water for granted….as much as we contribute to pollution as a country…we, as individuals need to think of water as a precious commodity.
Here is a great video with lots of information on ways we can stay hydrated (and it’s not just when we’re thirsty). It also reveals foods that we can get ‘water’ from as well. ~Michele

Sharing…

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRJ71HLcKmI

I would like to ask my readers to send in some Healthcare FAQs so that I can share that info. with other readers and get some answers for you!  My comment section isn’t working currently so email your questions to michele.facini@gmail.com or use my contact form by clicking HERE.  I will do a post with all of the questions next week.

I love a challenge so bring it on!

Wow….today I just watched Food, Inc.  Have you seen this documentary yet?

I considered myself fairly aware of things as far as pesticides, helping vegetables along as far as ripening, etc.

Folks…..I highly recommend you see this.  If you care about your body, health, yourself, your family and friends…..see it and then pass it along.

Some information I will pass along….

It’s not an accident that we are becoming an overweight society….and it’s also not an accident that it’s economically targeted.  A low income family of 5 can go buy $1 menu cheeseburgers to fill their bellies on the run as most of us are.  Buying fresh vegetables/fruit and cooking healthy at home is a bit more pricey, takes more time, etc.

There are numerous foods are there with genetically manufactured ingredients, but I will not mention specific ones here as there are people with a lot of money and power who are watching for people like us to spout off.

Remember when Oprah said she wouldn’t eat hamburger again a few years back?  She got sued….millions later (which she luckily had) and she won, but most of us wouldn’t have the money to defend ourselves.  One state will actually put in jail if you ‘bash the meat industry in that state’!!

With the way we’re eating with our families and our children….statistics say that children born after the year 2000 with have 1 in 3 odds of having early onset diabetes.  This will have monumental consequences on insurance costs, health care, and more devastating health conditions as they age.

Here’s the deal…..we, the people vote.  We vote when we eat our three daily meals.  If we eat junk….they manufacture more junk.  If we buy tons and tons of chicken and beef, they manufacture MEAT.  You get the idea.

If you want to change the direction the country/world is going…

• Buy from companies that treat their workers, animals, and the environment with respect.
• Buy organic and choose foods that are in season
• Know what’s in your food by reading its label
• Buy LOCALLY farmed products
• Buy from farmer’s markets (some even take food stamps)
• Plant a garden (even a small one)

Fun Fact (not really)….In 1972, the FDA did approximately 50,000 food safety inspections and in 2006, it was just over 9,000.

Tell your congressman (HERE) to enforce food safety standards and if you have time and are interested in where these facts came from and want to learn more….watch Food, Inc.

***Please Re-tweet this and spread the word***

OK, well today is the day I do a little venting.  A couple of years ago, when I had lap band surgery, I started really paying attention to what I consumed.  When I started drinking Mona Vie, it really started bothering me when I would watch other people drink soda and go through fast food places constantly.  Not only because they were putting bad stuff in, but because nobody could see the value in spending money on something healthy.  If you add up all the 6-packs and burgers and sodas, you would clearly see you’ve outspent the healthy stuff.

When I was little, we used to eat around the table at dinner….now you see families all disjointed.  The other day I saw a dad, mom, and daughter and they were walking in a line like ducks and each one was carrying their cell phone texting.  I like the convenience of texting too, but it tends to blind us from what’s happening around us?

We don’t want to spend money on things to maintain our health, other than the exercizing population that’s always existed….not many average people make health a priority.

Scenario:  You are feeling anxious…you visit doctor, he asked about 6 questions in 10 minutes and he writes you a prescription for Xanax and never gets to the root of the problem.  You consume synthetic drugs with tons of side affects for years ($$$).  Money for the drug companies, for sure…but is this the really the answer?  Just look at our new commercials lately….with all the side effects listed.  Doesn’t that tell you something?

I would like to see the majority of the people start looking at the root of the problem, start putting good stuff in your body, not rely on so much artificial ‘fixing’, and not have a ton of conditions by age 35.  It starts with education and most likely with kids.

This little clip from Food Matters really puts it into perspective.

In a previous post I told you benefits of NUTS, now it’s time for SEEDS!

Seeds are so versatile and very healthy….

SESAME!! Has anti-inflammatory effects contributing to stronger joints.

Good in whole grain breads, crackers, on salads, and more….be creative.

FLAXSEED!! Most everyone has heard of this type but don’t quite know where to use it.  This seed contributes toward heart health, lowering triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Grind it and use is yogurt, smoothies, cereal, or even oatmeal.

SUNFLOWER!! This is my personal favorite…I prefer the roasted and UNSALTED!  They are high in antioxidants and Vitamin E.

I use in salads, noodle dishes, just about anywhere for a slight crunch effect.

***Remember, just about anything can be ground down and used in recipes as an ingredient to reap the nutritious rewards!