Foods that are Secretly trying to Kill you!

What?  How can food secretly be trying to kill me?  You probably think I'm talking about junk food which we all know is bad for us. Actually I'm talking about every day foods that you would never think could harm you.

Below is a great video from BuzzFeedYellow "10 Foods That Are Trying To Kill You."

• Cherries - Pits contain Cyanide.
• Rhubarb - The stems are edible but the leaves contain oxalic acid this chemical is often found in bleach.
• Star fruit - Contains Caramboin which can cause seizures and death in those with kidney problems.
• Green Potatoes - Contain Solanine
• Cassava - Raw Cassava has compounds that turn into Cyanide in the body.
• Brazil nuts - These nuts are radioactive and contain more Radium than any other food.
• Red Kidney Beans - If eaten raw will cause extreme nausea due to cyanide poisoning.
• Lima Beans - Same issue as Red Kidney Beans
• Nutmeg - More than 2 Tbsp. can cause hallucinations and even death.
• Moldy Rye Bread - Contains compounds similar to LSD.

Crazy!

I actually knew a few of these like Cherries, Rhubarb, Green potatoes, Nutmeg, and of course the Moldy Rye Bread.  Hello! Salem Witch Trials!   I had no idea about Star fruit, Cassava, Brazil nuts or the Beans.  Wonder what other foods are out to get us?

How to Live Simply

I read a great article on Simple Living by Ari Herzod recently.  He makes some great points on why we should strive for a more simple happier life then a life filled with material goods and complication.


Purchase less and give more away.
This is something I really want to focus on.  I am a single person living in a 2 bedroom apartment.  I have 2 nice size closets that are literally stuffed full of things.  Do I really need this much stuff?  Probably not.
Ari says you should decide what you don't want anymore and give it away.  Having more things doesn't equate to having more happiness.
You can use things like the reverse hangar test where you turn your clothes one way and after a few months or even a year if they haven't moved it's time to get rid of them.  You can do the same thing with loose papers, office supplies, and just general things you have laying around.

Eat Well.
Think about what you eat.  When you reach for junk food think about your choice, would you be just as satisfied with a healthier option?  Eating healthier can also save you money.  You don't need to eat as much healthy food to fill you up compared with eating junk food.  Eating real wholesome food also provides your body with nutrients that help fuel it while junk food only provides empty calories with very little or no nutritional value.

Drink Water when you wake up.
The best way to take care of your body after you've been asleep is to drink water.  You lose nutrients while you sleep.  Drink as much of it as you can when you wake up.

Decrease your TV time or get rid of it.
I honestly do not have cable.  I rely on streaming services like Netflix or Hulu for entertainment.  They cost much less than having cable.  I also love the fact that I don't view many commercials or view or see anything I don't want to watch.

Take a break from the digital world.
This one can be difficult for me but I still feel it can be very valuable.  No matter whether you only unplug for a day, a weekend, or a month you will learn to enjoy life again without constant digital feedback.  I love going camping and having no choice but to unplug.

Socialize.
This is another one that is difficult for me.  I tend to be a hermit an prefer the solace of my own home.  However, I also long to go places and do things.  I do know that being more social and being around positive people can make a great impact on your life.

Make a Schedule.
Go to bed at nearly the same time, wake at the same time and try to do almost everything at the same time every day.  This will ensure that you stay in a rhythm and consistent every day.

Learn to Say No.
Most of us feel bad if we say no because our culture has programmed us to feel that way.  Feel free to say no to things that do not add value to your life.

You're not Perfect.
It's ok, no one is perfect.  You don't have to live simply all the time but try to re-visit it as much as possible.


Sources:

• http://ariherzog.com/blog/simplicity/

Natural Antibiotics

While there's no doubt in anyone's mind that the discovery of penicillin in 1928 was ground-breaking.  Antibiotics are truly a marvel of modern medicine. These wonder drugs caused a rapid decrease in the number or bacterial infections leading many to believe that the threat from bacterial infections was now over.

By 1940's the use of antibiotics was so widespread that people soon forgot about the natural remedies of the past.  This change in thinking lead to the abuse and overuse of antibiotics creating antibiotic resistant super bacteria like TDR tuberculosis and MRSA.
While antibiotics are great for killing harmful bacteria they are unfortunately also great at killing healthy bacteria as well.  The overuse of antibiotics has caused an epidemic of people steadily developing a compromised digestive system and a variety of autoimmune diseases often due to an imbalance in the intestines even leading up to leaky gut syndrome.
According to the journal Microbiology "Even a short course of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacterial populations taking up residence in the gut that can persist up to 4 years - maybe even longer." You should think twice before taking that course of antibiotics.  You should think about how it will affect your body, if your body really needs this help or if it can fight the infection on it's own.
There is a great wide variety of natural antibiotics you can try before going the prescription route.  Below is a chart of the natural antibiotic and what it works for.

Name	Use	How
Oregano Oil (Origanum vulgare or Thymus capitatus)	Foot or Nail Fungus	Put a few tsps.. of oregano in a small tub of water and soak feet.  The oil can also be diluted (1:1 with Olive oil) and directly applied.
	Parasites & Infection	Dilute 1:1 with olive oil and place under tongue. Hold it for a few minutes then rinse out.  Repeat 4x per day.
	Sinus Infections	Put a few drops in a pot of steaming water or neti pot and inhale the steam.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum)	Vulvovaginitis, anti-fungal, antibiotic, strep throat	Dilute throroughly
Colloidal Silver	Antibiotic, swimmer’s ear, skin infections	Gargling, topical, do not consume
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)	Antibacterial,warts	Do not consume commercial GSE
Garlic	Kills pathogens, bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Chelations, Promotes growth of healthy gut microflora (prebiotic), prevents fat oxidization, antioxidant, protects against radiation and sunlight, fights worms & parasites, and contains many nutrients.	1 clove:1-2 Tbsp cold pressed olive oil. Made into ear drops Eaten
Ginger	Antibiotic effect against food borne pathogens like salmonella, listeria, and campylocacter. Increases stomach acid production and calm indigestion.	Eat raw and/or pickled ginger after any questionable meals or when you have indigestion.
Olive leaf Extract	Elenolic acid – broad spectrum antibiotic and inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi	2 500mg capsules (20% oleurpoein) 3-4 times per day. With meals.
Turmeric	Anti-inflamatory, effective against Helicobacter pylori in gastroduodenal ulcers.  Heals and resolves damage.	400-600mg 3 times per day
Echinacea	Antiviral, antibacterial	300mg 3 times per day (900mg/day)
Manuka Honey	Antibacterial, MRSA, MSSA, VRE, Helicobacter pylori	Wound dressing
Pau d’ Arco	Candida, antibacterial, antifungal	Herbal tea

 This is just a modest list of natural ways to prevent the use of prescription antibiotics.  I'm allergic to penicillin so I favor any natural remedies that work. I've listed some other foods/supplements that are good for fighting illness.

 

• Yogurt
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Onions
• Bone Broth
• Cranberry Juice or extract
• Zinc lozenges

 

Sources:

• http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/how-to-use-best-natural-antibiotics/

Why are you Gluten Free?

So why are so many people gluten free these days?  Is it a trend, a fad diet or is it something much more complex.  What's the big deal?
To those who have sensitivities to food think it's a very big deal.  It seems like we hear about food allergies and intolerances and dietary related conditions more and more.  I remember when people looked at you cross when you said you couldn't have milk.  Honestly, some people still do.
So what is gluten free?  This is a dietary restriction done to avoid allergies, intolerances, and auto-immune triggers for diseases like Celiac's.  Most people who avoid gluten aren't doing it because it's trendy or because they want attention.  They are doing it because it's the only way they feel better, the only way they can stay healthy and thrive.
For those with Celiac's if they continue to consume foods that contain gluten it can actually kill them. Your intestines are filled with these finger-like structures called villi.  These tiny fingers help the intestines to absorb nutrients and past the rest on.  When a person who has Celiac's consumes gluten it stuns and in some cases completely destroys the villi which then causes malnutrition in the person.
While Celiac's may be the most well known reason for being gluten free there is quite a list of other conditions caused or affected by gluten consumption.  An article I read broke down gluten-related diseases/disorders into 3 categories; Celiac's Disease, wheat allergies, and immune-mediated gluten sensitivity.

Wheat allergies are easier to spot.  Symptoms include respiratory symptoms, coughing, rash or hives, gastrointestinal distress, and anaphylaxis.  Immune-mediated gluten sensitivity is then the body has a reaction to gluten that is neither allergic nor is it an auto-immune related issue like CD, Gluten Ataxia, or Dermatitis herpetiformis.
If you suspect you have any of the above conditions I would consult your physician.  If they share the same opinion they may order tests for you.  For instance part of diagnosing CD is an intestinal biopsy. While others may be tested using a standard allergy test, a blood test, or merely observing symptoms.
It's important to understand that a gluten free diet is not a diet fad and shouldn't be treated as one.  Many of the gluten related disorders can cause malabsortion of nutrients.  It can be difficult for someone on a gluten free diet to get adequate nutrients. Gluten free replacement foods like breads, pretzels, pasta, and desserts can often be higher in calories and fat because they need extra fat to bind them in the absence of gluten.

Sources:
http://www.glutenfreetherapeutics.com/living-gluten-free/medicine-research/non-celiac-gluten-related-disorders/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=blog&utm_content=glutenrelated&utm_campaign=traditionalblog

School Lunches Around the World

I read a very interesting article on Upworthy on how American lunches stack up against school lunches around the world.  It's interesting to see the difference in what children eat and what kind of nutrition is offered.

American lunch: Fried popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit cup, and a cookies.


Spain: Shrimp over brown rice and vegetables, gazpacho, whole grain bread, an orange, and fresh bell peppers.


Ukraine: Mashed potaotes with sausage, borscht, cabbage, and syrniki.


Greece: Chicken over orzo, stuffed grape leaves, tomato and cucumber salad, fresh oranges, and Greek yogurt with pomegranate seeds.


South Korea: Fish soup, tofu over rice, kimchi, and fresh vegetables.



Brazil: Fresh mixed vegetables, black beans and rice, salad, bread, and baked plantains.


France: Steak, carrots, green beans, brie and fresh fruit.


Finland: Pea Soup, beet salad, carrots, bread, fresh berries, and pannukakku.


Italy: Fish on arugala, pasta with tomato sauce, caprese salad, baguette, and grapes.


The organization that headed this project of viewing school lunches is called Sweetgreen. 
They are committed to helping student choose healthy choices for lunch with their in school lunch program. They've also conducted workshops in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New York City on fitness and sustainability.

While each picture doesn't represent all school lunches.  A variety of pictures were received and they reconstructed an accurate blend of what is offered.  To me it's interesting to see the variety offered in other countries like Italy, France, Brazil, and Greece.  I know I would have traded my school lunch for theirs in a heartbeat!

In contrast it was interesting to look at the pictures of lunches posted on Twitter from students across America.  It seems the new food restrictions on calories and other nutrients has really reduced the choices for many.  Some of the food looks absolutely disgusting.

Below are some examples of what was sent in.



Buzzfeed did another article with pictures of authentic school lunches around the world.  I'll add some of those pictures below.  Again it's interesting to see the variety.





Above: Japan



Above: Korea

 France

 Sweden

 Czech Republic

 
Singapore

 Kenya

 Honduras



Slovakia

 UK



Taiwan

 Ghana

 Chile

 Philippines

 Estonia

 Brazil

 China

 USA

It's interesting how many countries have nutrient dense school lunches.  It's also curious to see how little some children are fed.  Some children only receive seasoned rice, porridge, or only avocados.  While lunches in the United States are filled with fat, preservatives, and sugar there are other children who receive a healthy choice but it's only one food and doesn't offer anywhere near the amount of nutrition they require. 

Sources:

• http://www.upworthy.com/these-school-lunches-from-around-the-world-should-embarrass-the-us?c=tkp1
• http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/teens-are-sarcastically-tweeting-thanksmichelleobama-with-th#.hhdBnNRBR
• http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/what-school-lunches-look-like-in-20-countries-arou#.gvAOw6jOj

Ideas for Healthy Eating

When you have a hectic schedule it can be difficult to eat healthy.  More often than not we probably give in to the dreaded fast food demon because it's quick and convenient.  Sadly quick and convenient in this case leads to consuming unhealthy foods and beverages.  With a little planning however you can set yourself up for dietary success. 

           Below are some tips to help you get started in the right direction:

• Make portion control easy by using a portioned lunch box or a bento box.

• Make larger meals on one of your days off so you can have something fast and easy to eat all week and it only required you to actually cook one day rather than all 7.
• Make freezer meals.  If you're trying to feed a family this is the way to go!  Again use one day a week to plan and cook large batches of food and then freeze them.  Then the only thing you need to do is thaw one out, pop it in the oven or microwave and enjoy!
• Pack a variety of foods to prevent food boredom that may drive you to the drive thru.  I typically pack a main meal, a side, and something sweet for the end.
• If you are packing for kids be creative.  Look up bento box ideas on Pinterest or Google Images and you will find a plethora of creative ideas.

• If salads are your thing you may want to invest in a set of Mason Jars.  You can layer a salad into a jar and in some instances you may be able to add your dressing as well.  Without adding dressing you can make a few of these ahead of time and store them in your refridgerator.  Then all you need to do is take some dressing with you and add it at lunch.  At lunch add your dressing put the lid back on and shake to distribute and enjoy!

• Actually Mason jars can be used for a variety of recipes. Some interesting ones I've seen are deconstructed sushi, oatmeal, bacon and eggs, lasagna, and burrito bowl.

Sources:

• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/ASoIZbsniQCZzIZxbRBLuLKQZftipTHaprHfk2x0ppzUyHAwlMvQOWg/
• http://www.pinterest.com/pin/528047125034384528/
• http://greatist.com/eat/mason-jar-recipes