My new eBook – Clean Eating: Guide to Clean Food Detoxing and Gut Rebuilding

Clean Eating eBook is a five-day kick-start guide to eating clean foods and gut rebuilding . This guide shows you how to add healthy whole foods into your diet without giving up what you currently eat. Included is a 21-day gratitude and food journal in my eBook so you can track how you feel after you eat each meal and to write what you are grateful for each day. My eBook also has chapters which highlight inflammation, anti-inflammatory diet, hemochromatosis (a blood iron disorder), the acid/alkaline connection, the top ten toxic cosmetic ingredients to avoid, and a section on the top indoor plants recommended by NASA to purify your home. This eBook shows you how to incorporate all aspects of your life (diet, exercise, relationships, career, spirituality, and self-care) to create a healthier, happier you!

Click this link to look inside my eBook.

David Wolfe's Women's Wellness Conference Friday September 19-21

The Annual Women’s Wellness Conference is Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21 at the Orange County Hilton in Costa Mesa, California.  David Wolfe hosts the Women’s Wellness Conference as well as the Longevity Now Conference.  Each year I volunteer at both conferences but this year I will be enjoying the Women’s Wellness Conference as an attendee.

This weekend’s conference speakers include:

• David Wolfe
• Dr. Roy Dittman
• Donna Gates
• Dr. Lissa Rankin, Keynote Speaker
• Marianne Williamson, Keynote Speaker
• Dr. Bruce Lipton, Keynote Speaker
• Dr. William and Martha Sears
• Tera Warner
• Nadine Artemis
• Dr. Sara Gottfried

Tweet me at http://www.twitter.com/creathealthieru if you will be attending the conference.  It will be nice to connect with other like-minded people!

Stay tuned for my updates from the conference on my blog as well as http://www.examiner.com/digestive-health-in-santa-ana/shaline-miller and http://www.examiner.com/low-carb-in-santa-ana/shaline-miller.

xoxo,

Shaline

7 most prescribed drugs and their natural alternatives

We don’t have to live in a medicated world, but we choose to. We want the quick fix so we continue our poor lifestyle and dietary habits. It doesn’t have to be this way, but it is.The crux of the matter is that we refuse to think about prevention because we reactively commit to treating the symptoms of underlying health problems.

Prescriptions for pain, cholesterol reduction, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, antacids, antipsychotics, diabetes and antibiotics make up 100% of the most prescribed drugs.

Make a commitment to yourself right now and start incorporating some of these amazing foods into your diet with no consequence of side effects.

Check out the top 7 most prescribed drugs and the best natural remedies.

1. HYDROCODONE (Acetaminophen/Vicodin/Oxycontin)
Use: For Pain
Currently the single most prescribed drug in the world. More doctors are getting huge payouts from pharmaceutical companies to promote these hydrocodone, especially generic drugs. They make up more than 20% of the top prescribed medications.

How it Works:

It is an orally psychoactive compound that works as a narcotic and analgesic. It is biotransformed by the liver into several metabolites. It is highly dependent on metabolism by the Cytochrome P450 pathway.
Natural Foods:
Ginger, turmeric, berries, cayenne pepper, celery/celery seeds, cherries, dark green veggies, walnuts.

2. STATINS (Generic versions of Lipitor/Zocor/Crestor)

Use: Reduction of LDL Cholesterol

Approximately 15% of the top prescribed medications are generic statins. A study published in January 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine linked statins to 48 percent increased risk for type-2 diabetes.
There are no scientific studies ever documented which have proved through causation that lowering LDL cholesterol prevents disease. The obsessed culture of lowering cholesterol may actually be causing cancer.

How it Works:

Statins artificially lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting a critical enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.

Natural Foods:

Nuts, spinach, apples, turmeric, cranberries, tomatoes, green tea, fatty fish, beans, alfalfa herb, capsicum fruit, garlic, psyllium, fenugreek seeds, butcher’s broom, licorice root, hawthorn berry.

3. LISINOPRIL (Prinivil/Zestril) AND NORVASC (Amlodipine)

Use: Reduction of High Blood Pressure

In combination, Lisinopril and Norvasc make up a whopping 23% of the top prescribed medications. This makes them the most prescribed generic medications (if combined) for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Individually, Lisinopril constitutes approximately 14% and Norvasc about 9%.

How it Works:

Lisinopril is typically used for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. Norvasc is used for hypertension and angina. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle so it essentially interferes with the metabolism of calcium.

Natural Foods:

Any foods high in vitamin C (chili peppers, guavas, bell peppers, thyme, parsley, dark leafy greens, broccoli), any foods high in magnesium (chocolate, green leafy vegetables, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and squash seeds, pine nuts, and black walnuts) and any foods high in potassium (mushrooms, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, oranges and dates). Coconut oil/water and CoQ10 are also very effective for lowering blood pressure.

4. SYNTHROID (levothyroxine sodium)

Use: Hypothyroidism

A synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, generic Synthroid makes up more than 11% of the top prescribed medications. It’s used to treat hypothyroidism. The related drug dextrothyroxine (D-thyroxine) was used in the past as a treatment for elevated cholesterol but was withdrawn due to cardiac side-effects.

How it Works:

It replaces the thyroid hormone which is naturally occurring in the thyroid gland essentially halting natural production.

Natural Foods:

Any foods containing iodine such as seaweed, kelp, radish, parsley, fish, seafood, eggs, bananas, cranberries, strawberries, himalayan crystal salt. Also, copper, iron, selenium and zinc are essential in the production of thyroid hormones. Exercise a minimum of 20-30 minutes per day — enough to raise the heartbeat.

5. PRILOSEC (omeprazole/generic versions of Nexium)

Use: Antacid

A proton pump inhibitor which constitutes just over 8% of the top prescribed medications. Omeprazole is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers internationally and is available over the counter in some countries.

How it Works:

It suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the gastric acid ions in cells. The absorption of omeprazole takes place in the small intestine essentially turning off the switch which promotes healthy digestion of foods. Omeprazole is also completely metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system.

Natural Foods:

Grapefruits, probiotics, broccoli sprouts, manuka honey, mastic gum, marshmallow tea, glutamine, slippery elm, deglycyrrhized liquorice (DGL), aloe vera juice, baking soda, pickle juice.

6. AZITHROMYCIN AND AMOXICILLIN

Use: Antibiotic

In combination, azithromycin and amoxicillin contribute towards a mind-blowing 17% of the top prescribed medications. Then we wonder why we have antibiotic resistance. On their own, each contributes about 8.5%. Azithromycin is one of the world’s best-selling antibiotics and derived from erythromycin. Amoxicillin is usually the drug of choice for children.

How it Works:

Inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls and interfering with their protein synthesis. These drugs also inhibit the protein synthesis of good bacteria needed for immunity and proper digestion.

Natural Foods:

Sunlight (Vitamin D), garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, foods high in nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) such as salmon, sardines and nuts. Also manuka honey, olive leaf extract, green tea, pau D’Arco, rose water, myrrh, grapeseed extract, golden seal, oregon grapes, oregano oil, and probiotics.

7. GLUCOPHAGE (metformin)

Use: Oral anti-diabetic drug

Glucophage drugs round up the top 7 but the prescription rate of this drug is rapidly increasing. It makes up about 7% of the top prescribed medications. It is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in particular, in overweight and obese people. It also acts to indirectly lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How it Works:

By suppressing natural glucose production by the liver, the drug activates an enzyme which plays an important role in insulin signaling, whole body energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats.

Natural Foods:

Black tea, Sunlight (Vitamin D), potentially coffee (more research needed), turmeric, nuts, chia seeds, green leafy vegetables, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, red grapes, steel cut oatmeal, broccoli, spinach, green beans and strawberries. 90% of all cases of diabetes can be resolved by eating foods with a low glycemic load, and pursuing both weight training and aerobic exercise.

Sources:
www.healthy-holistic-living.com/7-prescribed-drugs-world-natural-counterparts.html
mercola.com
webmd.com

7 Ways to Minimize Your Exposure to Acrylamide in Food

What is acrylamide?

Acrylamide is a toxic substance that forms when foods containing simple carbohydrates and the amino acid asparagine are cooked together at high temperatures. A statement by the European Food Safety Agency said that acrylamide in food is both carcinogenic (potentially cancer-causing) and genotoxic (can damage the genetic material of cells), therefore acrylamide is very unhealthy. Unfortunately, if you fry, grill, toast or bake certain types of foods, or eat processed versions that already have been, it’s going to be pretty hard to avoid it completely.

Potato chips, french fries, burnt toast, and baked, grilled or roasted carbohydrate foods are the most likely to contain acrylamide. Levels appear to increase the more cooked and burnt the food is. The darker the toast, fries, crisps, cookies etc, the worse it may be for exposure to this potentially dangerous compound.

7 Ways to Minimize Your Exposure to Acrylamide in Food

A healthy body getting good levels of antioxidants in your meals and eating a variety of nutritious foods should be able to deal with some exposure to acrylamide, but it makes sense to minimize and where possible avoid some of the biggest sources ahead.

1. Cut right back on french fries and potato chips

These items are two of the worst culprits. They are damaging to your health and completely devoid of any redeeming nutritional qualities.

2. Avoid cooking toast until it’s burnt

Turn the toaster time down a few notches so the bread is only just toasted. If you do burn it, the best thing to do is throw it away.
.
Even if you don’t toast your bread, the crust will be likely to contain the highest levels of acrylamide and may well be worth cutting off your sandwich before you eat it.

3. Store potatoes in a cool and dark place if you’re going to roast, fry or bake them
This may help stop them forming too many simple sugars – the precursor to the formation of acrylamide. Soaking and then drying potatoes before using them may also help to remove some of the sugar content.
Research shows that boiling or steaming potatoes doesn’t seem to produce acrylamide like roasting, frying or baking does. This is a healthier way to cook root vegetables particularly steaming which also maintains the most nutrients.

4. Choose a lighter roast of freshly ground coffee if you drink it

Dark roasted instant coffee has been demonstrated to have very high levels of acrylamide. Lighter roasts may reduce, but not completely avoid exposure.
.
5. Stop smoking

The fact remains that this toxic chemical has been found in cigarette smoke. If you smoke, the other points on this list are even more important as the higher your exposure levels to acrylamide, from all the various sources in a day, the more risk your body cells are at of potentially cancerous changes.

6. Try to avoid getting the food too brown and overcooked

Try to avoid overcooking or browning your food especially if you are baking, roasting, grilling or frying carbohydrate foods like potatoes or wheat.  The longer the cooking time and the higher the temperature the more potential for acrylamide to be formed.

7. Take N-acetyl-cysteine

This supplement may help replenish your natural levels of the antioxidant glutathione, may have a specific protective effect against acrylamide in food, according to some animal studies. If this is the case, taking it with baked, fried or roasted carbohydrate foods may help to minimize any potential damage.
The best protection is to cut back on fried, roasted, baked and processed foods and add in better alternatives, like more steamed vegetables in your meals and nuts, seeds and fruit.

Reference: www.healthambition.com

7 Simple Steps to Stress Reduction

Stress is the major producer of cortisol; therefore it is very important to reduce stress. Stress is also one of the major factors in causing many illnesses. Stress reduction is an important aspect in reclaiming and rebuilding your health and improving your lifestyle.

Add these simple steps into your daily routine.

1. Stop thinking about the past. Stop regretting what happened in the past. If you are like me, sometimes you think of the past and wonder what you could have done differently. It is done. Learn from it and move on.
2. Slow down. Don’t you notice that everyone is in a hurry? Take time to smell the roses and enjoy life.
3. Avoid the unnecessary. Stop focusing on the things that aren't important and use your energy.
4. Meditate. Breathe in the good air and breathe out the bad air.
5. Exercise more. Exercising is a great way to reduce stress.
6. Focus on your priorities. Understand what really matters to you and invest your time and energy into what is really important to you.
7. Life is simpler than we allow it to be. Remember this saying: KISS (keep it simple stupid). Cut out the drama in your life and at work.

In summary, laugh more, stress less!

Top Reasons to Eat Fermented Foods

What are fermented foods?

You have probably heard of sauerkraut and kimchee. These are examples of fermented foods, but beware if you are buying these straight from the shelf at the supermarket. Store bought fermented foods often contain high doses of salt. They also tend to be completely over processed and are also usually pasteurized, which means they have been prepared at high temperatures that kill all the goodness that properly fermented foods provide. What you want to look for is raw fermented foods. An example of raw fermented foods is cultured vegetables that are left in airtight jars at room temperature for several days. Commonly, the vegetable used for this is cabbage, but you might also find it mixed with carrots or beets or radishes and other vegetables which can be used as ferments too.

Examples of traditionally fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics include:

• Fermented dairy: Kefir, yogurt, cheese, buttermilk, and sour cream.
• Fermented vegetables: Sauerkraut, kimchee, and dill pickles.
• Fermented soy: Miso, tempeh, and natto.

Why eat fermented foods?

When vegetables have been fermented, they become even more nutritious. The healthy enzymes which are present in the vegetables flourish when fermented, and create an environment that is full of probiotics, enzymes and minerals which are important for a healthy body. The probiotic good bacteria and enzymes in fermented foods help to populate our gut and intestines with lactobacilli which are really important for healthy digestion.

They also help to eliminate toxins from our body, so eating them will allow your intestines to detox which is a really good thing! Raw, cultured vegetables are really potent in terms of helping your body to operate efficiently. When your body is working the way it should, then you will not only feel great, but you will look beautiful too. Eating fermented vegetables will also help with weight loss and lead to more energy, as well as balance out the pH levels of your body.

When everything is working as it should, you will find your immunity is boosted from having a healthy gut and you will start to really feel cleaner. It is important to eat fermented foods regularly to really experience all the amazing health benefits that were mentioned above.

The great thing is that they are easy to eat with just about anything. It is recommended to get into the habit of adding them to your salads or even just having them as a side to other dishes you eat. They are particularly good to eat paired with starches and proteins, as it will help you to digest these foods better.

Top reasons to eat fermented foods

1. Fermented foods improve digestion.

2. Fermented foods restore the proper balance of bacteria in the gut. These health ailments (lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, allergies, and asthma) have been linked to a lack of good bacteria in the gut.

3. Raw, fermented foods are rich in enzymes. Your body needs enzymes to properly digest, absorb, and make full use of your food. As you age, your body’s supply of enzymes decreases.

4. Fermenting food actually increases the vitamin content.

5. Eating fermented food helps us to absorb the nutrients we’re consuming. You can ingest huge amounts of nutrients, but unless you actually absorb them, they’re useless to you. When you improve digestion, you improve absorption.

6. Fermenting food helps to preserve it for longer periods of time. These fermented foods ie sauerkraut, pickles and salsa will keep for months. A suggestion: if you have a huge batch of produce in your garden that you don’t know how to use up, ferment it!

7. Fermenting food is inexpensive. There’s nothing fancy required for this hobby. And many of the foods required to make these recipes are very cheap. You can use inexpensive cabbage to make sauerkraut, or get yourself a kombucha scoby and with a little water, sweetener and tea, you have a health elixir.

8. Fermenting food increases the flavor.

How to Incorporate More Fermented Foods Into Your Diet

Drink fermented beverages. Kefir and kombucha are available at many health food stores. They’re also very easy to make at home. Serve food with pickles, sauerkraut, salsa, ketchup, sour cream, kim chi, mayonnaise and other naturally fermented condiments. You can buy naturally fermented condiments at health food stores or make your own. Get creative and experiment! Try making kefir ice cream, sourdough crackers, fermented coconut milk, mead (honey wine), Eat some Japanese natto with rice.

How to Ferment Your Own Foods

It’s easy to get started with fermentation. You just need some starter cultures and some mason jars.

1. Start with a cabbage or cucumber. Shred the cabbage in the food processor or slice it finely with a knife. Add this mixture to a bowl and start to massage the cabbage with your hands. If there is some liquid that appears this is good! Next, make brine from blending water and unpasteurized miso paste. Use about 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of miso as a good quantity for a medium-sized cabbage. Pour the brine over the cabbage and mix well.

2. Next fill the mixture into a jar, and squash it down so that the cabbage is tightly packed. Leave some space at the top of the jar, as the cabbage mixture will expand. Fill the space between the top of the mixture and the rim of the jar with rolled outer cabbage leaves. Now seal the jar and leave at room temperature for 5 days.

3. After 5 days, remove the top cabbage leaves and throw them away, then put the jar into the fridge. If you have a scum or bubbles at the top, this is great! These are a sign of the healthy probiotics being present in the ferment. You can start eating some of the fermented cabbage once you put the jar into the refrigerator and enjoy!


Source: http://www.cheeseslave.com/got-bacteria-10-reasons-to-eat-fermented-foods/

Toxic Overload Got You Run Down?

Toxic Overload Got You Run Down?

Break the Cycle of Toxins and Stress - Join Jordan Rubin This Thursday Night To Find Out How!

Are you "running on empty" these days? Pressure of life leaving you fatigued, sluggish, or disoriented? Do you have cravings for the "wrong kinds of snacks" or that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon? Does you body (mind and spirit) feel overloaded?

Like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeELwUyV6Js on Facebook Then join Jordan Thursday night at 8pm EST as he launches his new campaign to help YOU break the vicious cycle of toxins and stress!

WHO: You, and everyone you know and love that deals with either TOXINS or STRESS. WHEN: Thursday Night July 25th, 8pm EST WHERE: Your phone and/or the internet! CONFERENCE CALL DIAL IN: 805-399-1200 code: 130514#