Spring!

It seems that Spring can never get here early enough, each year I think to myself - geeze, this was a long winter. Then I talk to my friends in Vermont and they still have snow on the ground - w h a t !? Yes, it's all the same cycle, each year we think that the particular year we are in is longer or more profound than the last. Did you know that in Washington DC the cherry blossom peak is determined by ONE tree. It is a tree that is near the Jefferson memorial and an original gift from Japan, each year it blooms just slightly earlier than the others, the cycle of nature. (well I am sure if you look at the science, due to global warming the spring is earlier each year)

Each year I get allergies and a really tired feeling - it's the change of seasons. In years past before I figured out that this happens every year, I used to think I was sick, but now I know it lasts for about a week - I'm tired, but spring makes me want to get out and exercise like crazy. I like to take a week, eat clean, I like to clean out with a rice cream diet for a few days - but also juicing is really nice right now. In a change of seasons it's good to change your habits from the last season and start something new. If you are not already starting your day with a warm lemon + water (I like to add things from time to time depending on what my body is feeling like ginger, apple, cinnamon, etc..).

I get a monthly newsletter from Warren King - my most trusted go-to healer for many years and I always look forward to it and I always learn something from reading it. He reminded me that Spring corresponds to the liver. So you may feel agitated and maybe anger. To give support to your liver you can massage the area between your eye brows above your nose, sometimes people have a crease there - this can mean you are eating too much and it's a good time for a cleanse. You can also massage behind your knee just above your calf this will support your liver. And if you are not already skin brushing it's a good time to start!

Happy Spring!

keystone habits

I got a wonderful newsletter yesterday from my friend Warren King (I've spoken about him many times and see my other blogs by clicking here) or visit his website. The newsletter was about "keystone habits" which I had not heard about, but after a quick google search and the purchase of a book (I will know more very soon!) I am intent on finding out more!

Keystone habits are habits that once adopted tend to produce a landslide of other positive changes. I think that Warren King re-capped it best in his newsletter:

"Studies over the last decade show the impact of fitness on people’s daily routines and they have found even exercising infrequently as once a week, start other unrelated patterns in their lives, often unknowingly. People who exercise start eating better and become more productive at work. They smoke less and show more patience with colleagues and family. They use their credit cards less frequently and feel less stressed. it is not clear why taking time for fitness is a keystone habit that triggers widespread change.

Another such habit is eating family meals. Studies have shown that families that habitually eat dinner together seem to raise children with better homework skills, higher grades, greater emotional control and more confidence.

Guess which habit is correlated with better productivity, a greater sense of well-being and a greater facility with following a budget?  It is making your bed each morning. Since finding out about this I have been making my bed diligently, and keeping to my budget!

The last one is keeping a food journal. A 2009 study asked 1600 obese people to write down everything they ate at least one day per week. This helped them to identify their patterns and set up plans for healthy alternatives. Six months into the study, the people who kept daily food records had lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t. "

I love the three keystone habits that Warren King uses, they are easy and result in fantastic positive changes in your life. I for one... will be making my bed from now on! (I am excited to see if it has an effect on my kids.. when they start to make their beds each morning!)

The book: The Power of Habit - Why We Do What We Do in Life and in Business by Charles Duhigg

visit the website of Warren King L.Ac and sign up for his wonderful newsletter!

more references to making your bed... on Apartment Therapy

good luck and remember MAKE YOUR BED!

Pesticides and summer fruits and vegetables

(onion - lowest pesticide load)

That time of year is upon us when our diet significantly changes to eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. I thought that this was a good time to review ranking of fruits and vegetables that are exposed to pesticides. I think that this way you can make priorities and you don't necessarily have to go out and buy all organic but you can choose non-organic from the list of fruits and vegetables that are not subjected to as many pesticides. It's also a good idea to talk to your local farmers and see if you can find a local organic CSA or at the very least talk to your local farmer about the amount of pesticides that they use.

Once again it is the Environmental Working Group that is putting out this study, but I found the information via my Warren King Newsletter (if you have not already signed up for your Warren King newsletter you can do so by clicking here). His newsletter and website are filled with terrific information -- or maybe not so terrific, depending on how you look at it, I am just reading about Soy products (upcoming post-just collecting more information).. and I am surprised by his report! But back to Fruits and Vegetables...

The good news is that it seems in urine tests on children that upon eating conventional fruits the pesticides show up but after just days of moving to Organic fruits the pesticides disappear. But what is NOT tested is the long term effects of these pesticides on the organs and bodily fluids.

To quote Warren Kings report:

-When children are exposed to toxins, there is more time for resulting damage to occur than when adults are exposed. To elaborate, if a series of events have to occur before the toxic effects of chemicals present, then it is more likely that those events will occur someday if the children are exposed early in life as opposed to exposure much later.

-Due to the rapid cell growth in children, they appear to be more susceptible to some carcinogens than adults are.”

Because of such concerns, the Food Quality Protection Act required that by 2006, the EPA was to complete a comprehensive reassessment of the 9,721 pesticides permitted for use. They were to determine safe levels of pesticide residues for all food products.

Even though this law’s passage resulted in a lowering of pesticide amounts applied to foods intended for children, many critics still consider the levels too high for safety. The other concern is that there are no restrictions on imported foods."

RANK FRUIT OR VEGGIE SCORE

1(worst) Peaches 100 (highest pesticide load)

2 Apples 96

3 Sweet Bell Peppers 86

4 Celery 85

5 Nectarines 84

6 Strawberries 83

7 Cherries 75

8 Lettuce 69

9 Grapes – Imported 68

10 Pears 65

11 Spinach 60

12 Potatoes 58

13 Carrots 57

14 Green Beans 55

15 Hot Peppers 53

16 Cucumbers 52

17 Raspberries 47

18 Plums 46

19 Oranges 46

20 Grapes – Domestic 46

21 Cauliflower 39

22 Tangerine 38

23 Mushrooms 37

24 Cantaloupe 34

25 Lemon 31

26 Honeydew Melon 31

27 Grapefruit 31

28 Winter Squash 31

29 Tomatoes 30

30 Sweet Potatoes 30

31 Watermelon 25

32 Blueberries 24

33 Papaya 21

34 Eggplant 19

35 Broccoli 18

36 Cabbage 17

37 Bananas 16

38 Kiwi 14

39 Asparagus 11

40 Sweet Peas-Frozen 11

41 Mango 9

42 Pineapples 7

43 Sweet Corn-Frozen 2

44 Avocado 1

45 (best) Onions 1 (lowest pesticide load)

Warren suggested that anything at a level of 28 or up (from sweet potatoes up) should be eaten organically -- I will certainly take this advice!

I think that this is a good list to follow and maybe it's a good idea to keep this list on your refrigerator to reference and keep as a reminder! (I certainly can't keep remembering this stuff!)

Happy eating this summer!

Visit Warren Kings website here.

click here for his full report on Pesticide Levels in Children

(peaches - highest pesticide load)

depression.. try these tips?

I have had a few people contact me with regards to depression, there is a lot going on out there today and it is very hard to deal with it sometimes, and when you have kids it can become very difficult to be at your best. I have wrote about depression before but there are some new things that I would like to suggest, and while I am obviously not a doctor of any kind I think that there are some things that I have gained knowledge in through my life and also through friends. I think that depression can be very serious and you should know yourself and when it is time to see a someone about your issues, but I think that some of these healing techniques can be very powerful and I have personally had incredible success using them.

I also think that depression can be masked by other things that are happening seasonally, currently it is a seasonal change from winter to spring and that can have a very heavy affect and weaken your system, you can feel tired, almost nauseous and even have bowel problems. Your diet also changes quite quickly as you change from heavily cooked foods to salads and a more fresh diet (it's good! but your body has to take time to adapt to these changes). This comes with the changes in every season but mostly winter/spring and summer/fall. A ginger compress can help to strengthen your organs at this time and loosen anything that is stagnant in your system. I like to do a ginger compress on my hara to give me energy as well (your 'hara' is about 1-2" below your belly button--after you take a walk or exercise you can almost feel the energy from your hara pulse if you move your hands in and out in front of that area).

My favorite remedy is Apple Tea, and not many people believe me but when they make it and drink it, for even just one day, they fell better! It happens every time and it's such a simple thing. Take 3-4 apples and cut them into chunks and put them in a large pot with about a quart of water and add 2-3 grain of salt (yes just GRAINS), cook for 1 hour and strain out the liquid. I like to put it in a thermos and then drink it all day. If you can find liquid magnesium you can also add a drop or two. This is such a wonderful tonic and it's effects are amazingly quick and wonderful.

As far as supplements go I talked to Warren King, who is an amazing healer that I have spoken about many times here in my blog, he just launched his new website which is filled with useful information. He also feels that he can now do long distance diagnosis if you feel you would like to do this you can go to his website and email his office and they can set it up. For now, he suggested that people need to cleanse their elimination organs. Warren suggests a product called 'chelidonium plex', 12 drops 2x a day for 24 days (away from food), it cleanses the liver, kidney and lymphatic system (if you can't find it you can get it through Warrens office just email them). He said that fish oil is also helpful, he suggests EPA by Nordic Naturals (2 a day), there is also a product called 'Stress Take Care' by New Chapter to help adrenals.

He also suggests reading 'Three Cups of Tea' by Sarah Thomson, Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin and Jane Godall--Warren suggested that sometimes its helpful to see what one person can do and focus on those less fortunate than ourselves in service rather than focusing on ourselves. I would also add that maybe it's time to find some new music instead of listening to the news constantly (this is something that I try to work on too). Take some time and open your thoughts and go outside your own world and really just give yourself some time, and if you can help others it may open a whole new world for you!

I think that being more active and exercising can have amazing results for some people, I have have started doing the Tracey Anderson method for a few months now and I feel great and it really jump-starts my day (instead of coffee!). If I lived in the Boston area I would be going to do yoga with Karin Stephan, she also has a class in yoga and depression. I had the pleasure of going on one of her retreats a few years back and I was in one of her crazy positions and I just remember feeling all of my 'troubles' almost *POP* out of my body, she is a true miracle worker but she makes you work just as hard at it as she does! Her yoga, together with macrobiotic meals on her vacations, and you can be put back on track.

We would love to hear more ideas from people that have had succes with anything! just comment and let's get some ideas out there for everyone!

to visit Warren Kings website - click here

parasites!? --don't be afraid

I know this is a weird subject (and I'm kind of kidding with this image), but I would like to try to un-weird it for you and maybe help you to understand them better. Parasites are pretty darn common and you can go through a lifetime and not know you have them, honestly you don't really ever get rid of them but I think that there can sometimes be a problem when they are 'attacking' you (for lack of a better word). Candida is a form of parasite, just to give you an idea. Now don't go online and google parasites because it will freak you out, and this approach to parasites is not common and so you will see all kinds of craziness if you google them, and I am not talking about tape worm of these kinds of thing... it's more intestinal.

I would like to tell you a little story to get at the heart of what I am trying to communicate about parasites, this happened to me about two years ago and ever since I have wanted to share this story with you... because it was such a relief for me. On a yearly visit that I like to do with Dr. Warren King in Minneapolis two years ago he told me that I had a parasite on/in my colon, so he gave me a homeopathic remedy to get rid of it. When I had taken a few days of the remedy I called Dr. King to ask him what kind of remedy that was because for the past year I had had this kind of 'anger' that was pretty horrible and I couldn't really understand it--he explained that the remedy was for the parasite not for the anger, BUT the parasite was in my colon which would relate to the anger that I was experiencing. Getting rid of the parasite relieved that anger, and it was weird how it just disappeared. I was completely amazed. Now, I'm not telling you that if you are angry you have a parasite in your colon but rather, healing the root of a problem can really bring relief. If you have a chronic issue, that is fairly subtle, a parasite could be your issue.

Drinking certain teas can help you to combat parasites, the first is a tea that you can drink about once or twice a day called Pao D'Arco--I just went to search Pao D'Arco on google to make sure that I had the spelling right and I came upon a wealth of information on this medicinal herb which has links to curing cancer and helping thyroid problems--click here for more information. I don't have any experience with this myself so we are going to stick to the parasites. Another tea is Corsican Seaweed Tea, which tastes horrible! You can buy this tea in most Health food stores or at the Natural Import Company and here are the preparation instructions:

How to Make Corsican Seaweed Tea

Corsican Seaweed Tea is a fox-like plant which grows beneath the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. To Prepare: Add one-quarter ounce (approx. 12.3 grams) of Corsican Seaweed to 2 Cups of spring water. Cook down slowly until 1 Cup of liquid remains. Drink before breakfast or on an empty stomach and wait at least 2 hours before taking any food.

I also feel that drinking Kombucha is great for building healthy flora in your intestines. Kombucha seems to be taking the world by storm at the moment so you can find it anywhere! It has a crazy taste that you will get used to (and eventually crave), just don't freak out when that 'goo' lands in your mouth, it's all part of the beauty of Kombucha! (I like the original flavor best.. but you need to find your favorite!)

It may be hard to find a local homeopathic practitioner that is into this kind of thing but it's something to talk to people about and you never know when you might find a person, who has seen a person who is great!!! pass it on!! and if you are in Minnesota it is certainly worth a trip to Dr. Warren King, he is amazing!

Bee Pollen

You know that we are always on the search for a new idea and helpful tips on fending off the common cold. Last year we conducted a research project with the kids, we were certain that a salt bath was the way-to-go in fending off the common cold and flu season, and while it's hard to know what we didn't get, because of whatever reason??... we had a pretty healthy season. We gave the kids a salt water bath each night, rarely using soap, just a nice soak in salt water before going to bed.

This year I am trying something on myself... I usually don't use my kids as a laboratory if I am testing out supplements. I am using Bee Pollen, and I have to say that I think that I have had amazing results! when I feel a cold coming on I take some at night and in the morning, otherwise I pretty much take it once a day. I think that it has helped my immune system help fight any colds or flu that have come our way, while everyone in our town had this crazy flu...I felt fine!

In doing some research for this blog, I found this great article in Treehugger that is very helpful, it describes how to use Bee Pollen for Allergies (which I totally believe in and works in the same way that my honey remedy does). Bee Pollen is very versatile and can be easily added to drinks and smoothies, it's important to use good bee pollen and know where it's coming from and it's also important to store it in a cool dry place, it doesn't react well to heat.

As I asked many friends and colleagues about Bee Pollen no-one seemed to have anything to say about it. (I didn't get a chance to ask my good friend and favorite doctor Dr. Warren King--but I will do so and report back if he has some insight) But now I am asking YOU for information? Has anyone else had these results with Bee Pollen?

Stay happy and healthy!

the fluoride question

I am not writing this because I know it all about fluoride, but if you look it up in the dictionary you will be surprised, first it will tell you:

fluoride:
1. a salt of hydrofluoric acid consisting of two elements, one of which is fluorine, as sodium fluoride.
2. a compound containing fluorine, as methyl fluoride.

...then look up 'fluorine' and you will find this:

fluorine:
1. the most reactive nonmetallic element, a pale-ellow, corrosive, toxic gas that occurs combined, esp. in fluorite, cryolite, phosphate rock, and other minerals.

then there is 'sodium fluorine':
sodium fluoride - a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous solid, NaF, used chiefly in the fluoridation of water, as an insecticide, and as a rodenticide.

ok, now put your eyeballs back in your head...fluoride is not as bad as it sounds...or is it? either way, I think it's a good idea to be pretty careful when sliding this onto your kids toothbrush (you really shouldn't use it until they are at least 6 years old). This shock and surprise also works if you look at a tube of commercial toothpaste, and read the small print: ‘keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.’

this is one of those parenting decisions you have to make, we have a little bit of trouble with our teeth in our family so we are having the fluoride dilemma...and we have chosen to only use it when the dentist puts it on their teeth twice a year. we also tested our well water and it has a tiny amount of naturally occurring fluoride as well, so we leave it at that. there are mountains of studies on this so I think it's one of those things were you go to people you trust so today I took a look at the website of Dr. Warren King. I think that Dr. King can help you to make some decisions for yourself as well on the subject, but whatever you decide you should really test your water before you use fluoride toothpaste as you may be getting enough from your water.

but I will tell you this...listen very closely...start brushing those teeth as soon as they show up! it's important! obviously you don't need toothpaste at first but then, what to do when you do need it...well once again, weleda to the rescue! they make a wonderful kids toothpaste, there are many others out there that I am sure are fine just read the fine print to be sure! and happy brushing...I hope I didn't scare you!

gomasio....instead of salt!

when kids are young there is really no need for salt in their diet and gomasio is a nice way to add taste to your cooking with much less salt...AND it's easy to prepare, if you make it yourself then you can also watch the amount of salt that you are using. you can buy raw sesame seeds in bulk at most health food stores and whole foods, so buy a bunch so that you have it on hand when you need it and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. you can also buy already prepared gomasio but I think it has too much salt, and the smell and flavor is so much better when you prepare it yourself. in fact, I remember when I had our first son Dr. Warren King told me not to use salt until he was 4 years old (dr. warren king is my 'guru' doctor and if you are lucky enough to live in Minnesota you MUST give him a try...you will be amazed!).

I would like to take a moment to talk about a nice iron skillet. I think this is a very important tool in your kitchen and the best is Griswald. now you only have to decide on the size that is right for you and your family, we have both a size 6 and an 8, we use them both every day! I bought them at a flea market ten years ago for about $7 each, years ago and they will last forever (I have been carting them all around the world with me). You should never use soap to clean them, just warm water and a brush work great, then dry them off on the flame on your stove...after awhile they will season nicely to your cooking and they will add healthy iron to your meals that is essential, especially for women.

so take your iron skillet, dry, and put in a couple of hand-fulls of sesame seeds. toast on a medium flame until golden and then add about a teaspoon of salt and toss again. take your seeds off the flame and put them into a suribachi or use a mortar and pestle (I have also used a empty wine bottle and cutting board..so anything can work) and grind the sesame seeds for a bit until they are pretty cracked and the aroma is fantastic! and there you go!

gomasio is such a wonderful and healthy topping for all meals and kids really love it! ...and it's a good source of iron and calcium!

Alternative Healthcare: Acupuncture

I am new to acupuncture and I wanted to share some things that are going on because I am quite amazed by the results. I first went in because I have had horrible allergies/colds since I had my daughter (two years ago!) that's two years of waking up sneezing! I first saw my favorite doctor, dr. warren king, when I was in minneapolis this last summer, he did some acupuncture as well as moxibustion because he felt that my immune system was very low and afterwards I was without a sniffle for about six weeks! he suggested that I seek more acupuncture when I got back to rhode island. I am now seeing the wonderful sanford lee here in providence. he also felt that my energy was low and he is focusing on my core strength. just a little background I want to tell you that during yoga when they said "now lift your legs" I couldn't! after two kids my stomach muscles were gone...or so I thought, I honestly couldn't even hold my stomach in anymore, the muscles just weren't there! I have had three sessions with mr. lee and he is also using acupuncture and moxibustion and my core strength has been awakened! yoga has been totally different, I had almost given up on my stomach muscles and now that strength is there, and I think it's completely fascinating. I am very interested to try this on my kids if they have any ailments and I would be very curious to hear from anyone that has used acupuncture on their kids! mr. lee said that it works very well with sleeping troubles, ear trouble, allergies, and many more ailments in kids... in the meantime I am enjoying a flatter stomach, yes!

spring healing

With the changing seasons come a changing focus on organs, and with the arrival of spring the focus switches to the liver and gallbladder. On my website my sister wrote a story about the ginger compress and springtime is a perfect time to try out this energizing technique. When the seasons change I tend to take a look at one of my favorite doctors website, Dr. Warren King. When things are out-of-wack for me, I am certainly happy to know this man... unfortunately he is located in Minnesota, so when I go there to see my family I never miss a visit with Warren King to balance things out. But for now, check out this link for more detailed information on the ginger compress and there is also information on healing for children, he has two sections that are really informational; herbs for children and homeopathics for children. I just browse through his website from time to time and I always find interesting information.