Health Freedom Coaching

Nutritional Supplements for Weight Loss: Belly Fat Solutions and More

2008-06-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

The right weight loss supplements will help you more quickly and effectively achieve the slender, athletic physique you desire. In this article, I start off by laying the essential groundwork (briefly), then go on to get very specific about nutritional supplements for weight loss, some of which you may never have heard about.

Below, you will find new, advanced information on causes of belly fat and overweight, and innovative scientific research on effective weight loss.

What is THE Most Important Factor in Achieving Weight Loss (Not What You Might Think)
One of my husband's friends runs a physical therapy practice in New York State. While visiting last summer, he told us of some research he and some colleagues did regarding patients' success in healing.

What do you think they found to be the most important factor in peoples' ability to heal?

Here it is...(drum roll, please)...

Willingness to change!

If you want to lose weight, and are having trouble doing so, you need to change something. Below, I provide information that will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Weight Loss Essentials
Nutritional supplements for weight loss can help you lose weight only if you have the foundation of a healthy lifestyle firmly in place. If you do, good for you! If not, I want to make sure that you know how to prepare the way and make it easiest and most effective for you to slim down.

Exercise, and Nutrient-Dense Diet are Essential for Weight Loss!
What do I mean by 'nutrient-dense diet?' Think arugula, romaine lettuce and parsley as opposed to iceberg lettuce; grass-fed organic beef as opposed to feedlot meat; locally-grown as opposed to shipped from Chile - you get the idea.

I'm going to be very blunt about this. There are NO magic pills (at least none that won't do harm) that will allow you to lie around and eat junk while losing weight. You can't fool Mother Nature.

However, there are nutritional supplements that will aid and enhance the process of losing weight along with even a moderately healthy lifestyle.

Losing Weight is a Choice!
I give you many practical suggestions from 30 years of independent research on diet and nutritional supplements. However, the most important ingredients are your desire and your willingness to take consistent action.

The Role of Emotion
You will more likely achieve success when you are willing to open to what your emotions have to tell you. Opening to receive and understand your emotions is an act of self-love! Emotions that are buried and denied instead of recognized and resolved create unconscious tension. Eating too much is one way people avoid feeling. Resolving emotional issues helps free us to be more at choice about our food intake.

In my own experiences of eating too much and eating foods that were not good for me, I discovered there was usually an emotional component.By getting out of denial and letting myself feel some things that were painful, I was able to move on and achieve my goals of optimal health. Emotional freedom is an important part of losing weight.

Part of becoming emotionally free is developing more patience with yourself. We are all too programmed to beat ourselves up with guilt and make life unpleasant for ourselves for not being perfect. Life, learning, losing weight, and achieving vibrant health and happiness are all a process, a journey.

(There are other possible causes of compulsive eating that are more a result of physiological imbalances; I discuss those below).

Allergy-Addictions
Yes, you heard right

Weight Loss Don'ts
The following list may include some 'sacred cows' - foods you crave and eat habitually. Most of them are as addictive as heroin (in fact for people centuries ago, sugar had a similar effect as that notorious drug). You also might reflect on the fact that when Eskimos, American Indians, and other vibrantly healthy natives were introduced to alcohol by the Europeans, the results were disastrous.

If you truly enjoy any of these items and want to continue using them as part of your diet, do so. I write to inspire and support you in achieving greater health and happiness. Having been a die-hard 'sugarholic' in the past, I perfectly understand what it's like to want to eat things that are not healthy. I finally chose not to eat many of the items below when I:
* Felt the price I was paying was more than the price of giving them up
* Found that I could re-train my taste buds to love fabulously nutritious food.

The end result is that not only do I not crave sugar, etc., but:
* Junk food has no appeal whatsoever
* I can taste a bite or two of someone's homemade dessert and walk away with no conflict.

1 - Sugar. This includes white sugar, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, honey, maple syrup, malt syrup, fructose, all refined grain products such as pasta, cookies, cakes, etc., and most 'whole grain' breads, pasta, cookies, etc.

2 - Alcohol. All alcoholic beverages are 'super-carbs' that are more deadly than white sugar.

Dandelion Recipes for You

2008-06-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dandelions: Guaranteed Greens Forever!
Now that your beloved dandelions have gone into their post-reproductive slump, what can you do with them? They have generously seeded your lawn, vegetable garden and perennial borders. You are assured a never-ending supply of raw green food plus roots in the fall (don't you just LOVE digging them up?) and more dandelion buds in the Spring.

Thanks to the fact that dandelion seeds travel on the slightest puff of wind, your neighbors are now also blessed with the delights of a plentiful supply of dandelions! Better bring them some dandelion quiche (recipe anyone?) to acquaint them with the wonders of this easy-to-grow (not in my backyard!) vegetable.

They will thank you (you hope) for encouraging them to make use of a free, extraordinarily healthy raw dark green vegetable that does not cost $2.49 for a little bunch. After years of struggling to nurse along their iceberg lettuce, they will embrace a plant with an iron constitution (and a good source of iron as well). By its nature, the dandelion is guaranteed to give them fabulous nutrition for years.

I Love Dandelions!
A scene from my childhood:
As a youngster, I recall riding in the back seat of the family car, along a lovely parkway in the New York City area. It is late Spring. The lawns along the road are deep, luscious green, dotted profusely with butter-yellow dandelions, partly shaded by flowering trees and red maples. A gorgeous sight!

At one particularly beautiful expanse of lawn, I see a small group of Italian women, wearing colorful scarves on their heads, accompanied by their children. They carry large wicker baskets, moving gracefully and methodically, bending to pick the dandelion greens. I am struck by how happy and contented they are - one big family enjoying an activity handed down from generations past.

I never forget that timeless scene. Even when I am not thinking of it, its magic accompanies my present-day dandelion-gathering activities.

Harvesting Your Dandelions
Two days ago, we had temperatures in the 90's. I gathered the last of the tender, green, juicy dandelion leaves in one of my vegetable gardens (didn't I tell you the dandelion is a 'vegetable?'). The sun was so hot, the leaves were wilting in my hands.

After a nice cold soak, they recovered quite well as you can see...

I separate them into two piles; the smaller, more tender leaves for salad, and the larger leaves for sauteeing and green juice.

With a little care, your dandelion greens will stay cool and crisp. Give them a little spin in a salad spinner, wrap them loosely in paper towel, leave plastic bag open a little bit for air to get in, and refrigerate them. They can be kept for 3 or 4 days refrigerated.

Dandelion-Gathering Secrets
While out in the garden, I noticed that most of the dandelion plants' leaves are becoming large, hairy and tough. If you are a true health afficionado, that won't stop you - they can be used to make fabulous green drinks (no wheatgrass juicer required), or chopped up and tossed in a sauteed dish last minute after turning off the heat.

'But I want more raw dandelion salad,' you lament.

'Follow me to that patch of shade. See there, among the deep green grass - some of the most tender dendelions of the season.'

For a few more weeks, in shaded areas, you will find luscious, chlorophyll-rich gourmet dandelion greens. The photo at the top of the page is of some dandelions from a shaded area. I just picked them today in mid-90 degree heat.

Don't they look great! (I am eating a big handful of them chopped in a salad right now as I write).

Look for the more slender, delicate greens that still have the exaggerated saw-toothed edges dandelions are famous for. The lyrical phonetics of the word dandelion are an Anglicization of the French dent de lion, or lion's tooth, perhaps inspired by the serrated leaf edge. (Taraxacum officinale is the botanical name for dandelions).

When you pick them, they should snap off the base of the plant easily. If you have to tug on the leaves, they are green drink or sautee ingredients.

A Quick Dandelion Recipe for You - Italian-Style Dandelion Salad
Here's your first recipe (the one I am eating now). It took me only 10 minutes to make. Serves one (just double or triple it, etc. for more people).
Large handful tender dandelion greens, 1/4 cup chopped Vidalia onion, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and pecans, 2 sliced radishes. Dressing: just the juice of a lemon wedge, one egg yolk, and 1 tablespoon first cold-pressed olive oil. A generous sprinkling of grated Peccorino Romano. Mmmmm.....

Dandelion/Beet/Pumpkin Seed Salad

Ingredients:
Dressing
Prepare dressing first. To keep salad ingredients from oxidizing once they are chopped or grated, you are going to want to put dressing on right away.
* 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar / or juice of 2 slices lemon
* 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
* 1/4 teaspoon fine ground Celtic seasalt
* 1 - 2 Tablespoons first cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
Optional:
* 1 clove garlic crushed, chopped or grated
* 1 egg yolk from organic free-range eggs (I feed the white and part of yolk to my dog)
* Pinch of cayenne or black pepper

Mix well and pour over:
Salad Vegetables
Large handful washed, chopped dandelion greens
1/8 - 1/4 med. size Vidalia, Red, or Sweet Yellow Onion, sliced
1 med carrot coarse grated
1/2 cup coarse grated beets
1/4 - 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup currants

Enjoy!

Dandelion/Arugula/Leaf Lettuce Salad

Salad Vegetables
* 2 cups dandelion leaves chopped
* 2 cups arrugula cut into bite-sized pieces
* 3 cups leaf lettuce torn
* 3 medium size radishes, sliced
Optional:
* 2 marigold flowers (save one for garnish, slice base off the other, and mix with salad). Marigold flowers are a great source of lutein, and in fact many lutein supplements are made from marigolds.

Dressing:
Very quick and simple:
* Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon Celtic fine-ground seasalt over vegetables and toss
* Sprinkle 2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar in and toss
* 2 Tablespoons first cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil and toss again
* Add black pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup grated Peccorino Romano raw sheep milk cheese - reserve 1 T for top, and mix the rest into salad

Here it is!

Update: June 22nd, 2008
On Dandelion Safari in the Suburbs
What if you live in the suburbs? You and your neighbors have the lawn service coming in to use chemical grub controls and other such treatments. Is there any way you can safely avail yourself of the health benefits of eating dandelions?

I would say a cautiously qualified 'yes.'

Last time I was in Whole Foods Market, the going price for a 4 oz bunch of cilantro was $2.49. Getting raw dark greens for free can eventually save you a nice amount of money.

To Eat or Not to Eat?
Last week, I stayed with my Mom, who lives 6 hours away in western New York State. Every day, I helped her clear weeds from the foundation plantings around her house.

Naturally, coming upon scenes like the ones below elicited some conflict:

Big, juicy, nasty, lovely, healthy dandelion leaves! And some tender ones just right to add to our salads. Mom loves salad, and I prepare one for us almost every night. Lots of chlorophyll and nutrients, but what about their environment? Dare I trust that the good outweighs the chemicals? How safe to consume are these tempting-looking greens?

I thought about this as I removed other 'botanical undesireables' (a term that won't cast a disparaging light on all of them, since I do love dandelions, even those that need to be removed). It seemed a shame to just pull the dandelions without using some of their bounteous offerings.

It dawned on me that I could treat these suburban dandelions to remove much of the pesticides, kill bacteria and fungi, and make them safe to eat. Mom can't get as much organic produce in her area as I can, so she already eats commercially-raised vegetables, which do contain pesticides. The dandelion leaves couldn't be that different from commercial produce, and have a much higher nutrient content.

Awhile back, I taught Mom how to cleanse and detoxify the vegetables she buys. I figured I could do the same with the dandelions.

Many years ago while living in a suburban environment, I regularly foraged for all kinds of wild greens and felt that they enhanced my well-being. Usually, I found them in empty woodlots (using the detox below, you don't have to worry about, ahem! if any dogs wandered through the weeds - or for that matter, your yard)!

Suburban Dandelion Shoulds and Shouldn'ts
Don't under any circumstances eat dandelions from a chemically treated lawn, and/or from the roadside where they are exposed directly to auto exhaust! Also, if you are chemically-sensitive, it is better not to eat suburban dandelions at all, and to stick to all-organic produce.

Ideally, like my Mom, you minimally treat your lawn with natural or the least toxic products, and/or make sure your lawn service does the same.

Dandelions located under the foundation plantings (assuming you don’t have your foundation sprayed for ants, or use chemical insect killer on the shrubs, can be utilized. If your home is set back away from the street in a quiet suburban neighborhood, so much the better.

The dandelions at Mom's were under the foundation plantings, and her neighborhood doesn't have much traffic. After harvesting a generous salad bowl full, I detoxified them. Here's how:

Dandelion Detox
If you don't have clean well water, you will need a couple gallons distilled water on hand.

1 - Rinse all dirt off with regular tap water. This may take up to 4 or 5 rinses, but can be done rather quickly. Put the dandelion leaves in a large bowl in the sink and fill with water. Swish the leaves around and the dirt will fall to the bottom. Gently fish the leaves out and put in another bowl while emptying and cleaning the bowl used for rinsing. Repeat until rinse water has no dirt in it.

2 - Now, put the dandelion leaves back in the big bowl, add 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Clorox bleach and cover them completely with distilled water. Make sure to swish leaves around to distribute Clorox. Let stand for 5 - 10 minutes.

3 - Drain Clorox solution out of bowl and lift leaves to let excess water drain from them. Put leaves back in bowl and pour just enough distilled water in to cover, pressing leaves down into water. Rinse, refill bowl, and let stand for at least 10 minutes. Because distilled water contains no minerals or other substances, just pure H2O, it is essentially a vacuum that will draw other substances into it. Water is also one of nature's most effective solvents, so the distilled water alone has some good cleansing properties.

4 - Drain distilled water out of bowl. Your dandelion leaves are now ready for the salad spinner.

Mom enjoyed having dandelions in the salad every evening, and dandelion juice in her fresh carrot/beet juice in the morning. She is also happy that her perennials no longer have to compete with such vigorous plants as the dandelion.

Recipes below coming soon!

Dandelion Pesto!

Dandelion and Goat Chevre

Dandelion/Chicken Stir-Fry

Dandelion Green Drinks 3 versions - carrot/beet/dandelion apple/dandelion lemon/dandelion

EDTA Chelation for Detoxification, Immune System Healing and More

2008-06-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Much of this article has been moved to my new website: www.peak-health-now.com

In addition, there is a wealth of unique and valuable natural healing information there that I will enjoy sharing with you.

Thanks for understanding.

Sincerely,
Ellen Landauer

Detoxification Boosts Immune Function for Vibrant Health
Just what do I mean by that? Very simply, when you remove toxins from your body, you lighten the load on your immune system.

In addition to the essential foundation of healthy diet, exercise, sound sleep and emotional health, what if there was an easy way to take your vitality to a much higher level?

What if you could reduce your chances of being diagnosed with cancer or heart disease, speed recovery from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, look and feel younger and even increase sexual capacity?

There is a time tested (over 50 years of safety and effectiveness), proven (by medical research) method to help you accomplish these goals, known as EDTA chelation It is easy, safe and economical.

Since ancient times, various forms of bodily detoxification have been practiced by many cultures. Special diets, fasting, colon cleansing, saunas and steam baths have been around for a long time. I have done in-depth protocols with all of them at various times through the years, found them helpful. I still practice some of them. However, I find that EDTA chelation has unique and powerful benefits needed in today's more toxic world.

What is Chelation and Why Do We Need It?
Chelation comes from the Greek word "claw," meaning "to grab," which is exactly what EDTA does. When a molecule of EDTA travels through the bloodstream and gets near a toxic metal such as lead or mercury, it grabs the destructive particle and binds tightly with it, pulling it out of the membrane or body tissue it was embedded in.

Why is that important? Did you know that heavy metal toxicity is ubiquitous in our world? Ubiquitous means it is everywhere.

Since EDTA is an artificial amino acid, and since the body regards it as a foreign substance, the body eliminates the entire heavy metal particle that is now coated with EDTA. The body can't tell that underneath the coating is some harmful material that it might be willing to keep even though it is harmful. Ultimately, both the EDTA and the toxic substance are delivered to the kidneys, which excrete them in the urine.

*NOTE: For people who have impaired kidney function, only the lowest dose of EDTA (375 mg) should be considered, and medical advice sought as to the appropriateness of this treatment. The lowest dose will minimize the amount of toxic material that the kidneys need to eliminate at any one time. EDTA chelation is not only safe, but desireable, for most people. However, caution should be used if kidney function is impaired.

Initially, EDTA was used to help remove lead from people suffering from lead poisoning. Early in its history, in the 1940's and 50's, EDTA was found to be an effective treatment for lead toxicity and was approved by the FDA as a safe drug for that purpose. In many cases, patients who coincidentally had symptoms of heart disease, such as angina, improved while undergoing the lead toxicity treatment. Since that time, a number of studies have confirmed the effectiveness of chelation therapy for blood vessel disease, including improved blood flow to the heart, the legs and the brain. Experienced physicians and medical researchers have published them in reputable journals.

EDTA is also beneficial for removing other toxic metals - aluminum, mercury, cadmium, and nickel, arsenic and uranium. EDTA has the ability to attach itself to metals and minerals, forming a of bond called a chelate. Then the body will naturally eliminate the EDTA and along with it, the toxic elements that the EDTA has grabbed onto.

EDTA Reduces Risk of Heart Attacks and Cancer
EDTA has been proven to protect cell membranes, DNA and enzyme systems by reducing the destructive effects of free radicals. It has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals-the culprits of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and some types of cancer.

Turning Back the Clock
You don't have to be obviously ill to benefit from EDTA chelation. Some people utilize it as an anti-aging measure.

In their book, 'Forty-Something Forever,' Harold and Arline Brecher comment that EDTA chelation is popular among movie stars and other people in the entertainment business. Why? Because it is a powerful anti-aging treatment that restores youthful attractiveness, rejuvenates the body inside and out, and increases youthful energy (yes, including sexual function).

An Inconvenient Treatment
Years ago, the only way to get EDTA chelation was to take it by IV (needle in vein) at a doctor's office. This involved travel, great expense (chelation is not covered by insurance), and several hours for the treatment. While this is a reliable treatment still done today, there is a more convenient, safer, and equally effective option:

The most efficient and effective method of administration is by suppository. This is because oral EDTA is broken down by digestion, and only about 5% of what you ingest actually benefits you. A minimum of 60% of EDTA taken by suppository is absorbed. Taking EDTA in suppository form is far more advantageous moneywise. EDTA chelation products available to all are most easy, safe and convenient.

Faced with severe health challenges, my own experience of one particular chelation supplement was quite dramatic...

Healthy Skepticism
The more I investigate various nutritional supplements, the more skeptical I become. The exaggerated claims made by many companies (and the people who sell their products) are one of the things I most dislike about this field. Therefore, I am cautious about being overly effusive in describing nutritional supplement benefits.

However, when a product comes along and 'knocks my socks off,' THEN proceeds to do the same for clients and family, I am naturally very excited to tell you all about it.

It is not often I find a single product that transforms quality of life in dramatic, delightful and unexpected ways. A few years ago, while healing myself of severe health challenges, one product took me from marginally functional to feeling like a kid again.

An EDTA chelation product called Detoxamin precipitated one of the most dramatic leaps forward in my quest to restore vibrant health.

(NOTE: Just a 'stating the obvious' reminder: for ANY supplement to work optimally, you MUST follow a healthy lifestyle).

Remarkable Healing and More
Do you have a health challenge such as chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivities, severe food allergies, or another condition where your immune system is so compromised you despair of ever feeling great again? If so, you must know what it's like for hope to arise at news of yet another product or treatment that 'really works,' only to suffer disappointment.

You likely have tried many things to heal, and found them wanting. I know exactly what that feels like...

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of my health challenges was devotedly trying a seemingly endless parade of treatments, tests and supplements - all to no avail. After five years of continually being treated by excellent holistic MD's on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, I found myself in more pain, with more bodily functions breaking down.

I'd had some of the most exotic state-of-the-art (and expensive) alternative medical treatments, such as autohemotherapy, mega-vitamin IV's, and electrodermal testing, as well as an excellent self-care program. It was all the more discouraging because there is no self-care measure that is too much trouble for me, even including the painful honesty needed to heal on an emotional level.

Can you imagine the frustration of doing everything beneficial you can possibly think of and still be in pain? In such a state, real joy becomes a rare experience indeed!

What if You are Really Healthy Right Now?
If you presently are healthy, good for you! You probably are exercising, eating well, maybe taking supplements - AND enjoy harmonious relationships as well.

Are you interested in learning how to avoid future health problems? Wonderful! AND you can go much further than avoiding problems.

Achieving and maintaining a remarkable level of health and vitality provides a solid foundation for attaining real joy.

Let me repeat: Achieving and maintaining a REMARKABLE level of health and vitality provides a solid foundation for attaining real JOY .

Take out a sheet of notebook paper and write that sentence 100 times. Not as punishment, but so you never forget it. That is the essence of what I teach. What fuels my work is the passion to inspire you to empower yourself to live an extraordinary life.

Your body is the instrument through which you experience life. Real joy has a physiological basis!

What is Detoxamin?
Detoxamin is a product that contains calcium di-sodium EDTA, a chelator of heavy metals. EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid, a synthetic amino acid), is the active ingredient in Detoxamin.

EDTA has been used for years as a food preservative, and is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has a solid reputation as an excellent and safe detoxifier of lead, mercury and other toxic metals. Not only that, but its use confers other major health benefits, as the experiences described above illustrate.

Detoxamin, unlike oral chelation supplements, immediately goes directly into the bloodstream. (EDTA is poorly absorbed taken orally, because it is a form of protein and gets broken down by the digestive juices). Detoxamin comes in suppository form, which allows the EDTA to be efficiently taken up through the hemorroidal veins in the rectum, and also the very permeable walls of the lower bowel. It enters the portal vein system and is carried to the liver through the lower portal vein, and right into the bloodstream by the two upper portal veins. In this manner, the EDTA chelator is efficiently carried to every cell in the body.

A Few Comments From Others
A long-time client of mine recently had a tooth extraction. Four days later, she was still in intense pain, with a crashing headache, unable to enjoy anything.

In past consultations, we had discussed Detoxamin due to the fact that she'd had a mouthful of mercury fillings since childhood. While in recent years they had all been removed, I suspected a load of mercury toxicity was causing some chronic aches and pains she was having.

I had a hunch that Detoxamin would be just the right thing for her. She had already been taking a magnificent protocol of leading edge supplements, including Natren probiotics, a full-spectrum free-form amino acid product, and a multi-vitamin/mineral.

Here are her comments after taking just ONE 750 mg Detoxamin suppository:

"I am happy to report that the HEADACHES have mostly subsided; every once in a while I will get a wave that leaves me grabbing at my temples, grimacing, but the situation is better by far, and I think it is because of the Detoxamin, which I want more of for sure. I surmise that there were enough heavy metals or something in the dental anesthesia that sent me over the edge, and the Detoxamin (what else changed - nothing) got me back."

My husband uses Detoxamin and notices feeling that his circulation and mental clarity are definitely improved. He says he feels in general a higher sense of well-being and more energy as well.

A male client in his middle years (who requested to remain anonymous) just emailed me about his experience with Detoxamin. Here is what he had to say:

"Soon I will have completed a four month regimen (2 - 30 1000mg suppository containers) of Detoxamin. I am taking fewer 0.5mg nitroglycerin tablets for chest pain during exertion over these last months. I feel Detoxamin has helped me and I look forward to continuing with Medicardium, and at a later date, Detoxamin again."

(Medicardium is another EDTA chelation product I am also writing an article about. The difference is the formula, and they are BOTH fantastic products. My husband and I, and some clients, use both of them. The EDTA in Detoxamin is calcium di-sodium EDTA, and the EDTA in Medicardium is magnesium di-potassium EDTA. I will be explaining the difference in the article on Medicardium).

Toxic Metal Pollution is a Common Cause of Chronic Illness
You may already be somewhat familiar with the connection between exposure to toxic metals such as lead, mercury and aluminum, and such conditions as Alzheimer's Disease. Do you know how common metal toxicity is, and how many conditions it can cause or contribute to?

One Example
We will use lead as an example to illustrate. (Lead poisoning was actually the first condition that EDTA chelation was used for - and the only condition for which conventional medicine recommends EDTA chelation as a legitimate treatment). A similar scenario to what I describe below also occurs with other toxic metals such as mercury, aluminum, cadmium, etc.

Did you know that we are born with lead in our bones? While the environment in recent years is in some ways cleaner, in the past, we were exposed to lead from paints, gasoline and industry. The body stores lead in the bones for two reasons:
1 - Attempting to keep lead from harming vital organs and the nervous system.
2 - Lead is analogous (very similar) in molecular structure to calcium. If there is a deficiency of calcium, the body will readily absorb lead in its place. Depending on how calcium-deficient one is, the body will take on more or less lead to make up for it. This is one example that shows why you should eat a balanced nutrient-dense diet.

I am not suggesting that you ingest lots of calcium supplements how much calcium is retained by your body depends on other nutrients such as magnesium, boron, and Vitamins A and D. Just taking a lot calcium and nothing else is not the right answer. However, an abundance of calcium in our bones and teeth will help keep the lead out.

Even if we absorb an abundance of calcium from diet and supplements, there is still the toxic load of lead in our bones to contend with. How did it get there?

We are born with lead and other toxic metals in our bones because they are passed from mother to fetus.

When a woman becomes pregnant, calcium is released from her bones to build the skeletal structure of her fetus. Lead comes along with it, because it was stored in the mother's bones as a calcium analog (substitute). Part of the baby's bones are then comprised of lead. Also, the lead entering the baby's bloodstream from the mother's blood exposes a young and vulnerable brain and nervous system to its effects.

Later, breast feeding pulls calcium and lead from the bones of the mother, further increasing the baby's exposure. Now, the baby has a toxic metal issue that can cause problems along the way.

Also, the mother is further exposed to lead because it is circulating in her bloodstream before it goes into the milk.

If you are expecting, or have a child already please do not panic or torment yourself with guilt. There is something safe and effective you can do about this both for yourself and your baby. Once your baby is an older child, and after you are done breast feeding, you can both detoxify lead, mercury, and other toxic metals from your bodies. This will help to prevent health problems later on. As well, you will both be happier - toxic metals can be devastating to the nervous system and to emotional stability and happiness.

This example of mother and child is only one among many ways that heavy metal toxicity occurs. Now, it is easier than ever for individuals to prevent the many health consequences of metal toxicity.

Synopsis:
EDTA Time-Release Suppositories are medically equivalent to I.V. chelation and provide a safer, as effective, and more convenient method.
* Offers more convenience and affordability.
* Supports normal endothelial function, which is vital to a healthy cardiovascular system. (The endothelium is a saran-wrap-like lining inside the 7,000 miles of blood vessels in your body.)
* Prevents the production of free radicals that cause cellular damage in the blood, cells and organs throughout the body.
* Heavier metals have a greater affinity for the EDTA and form stronger bonds. Therefore, EDTA will remove the most toxic metals - lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum, unhealthy forms of iron (ferric and ferrous forms), etc. from the body.
* Chelation therapy works by pulling out heavy metals from damaged hearts and heart valves, as well as from hidden stores within blood vessels, kidneys, and more. It has even pulled out the calcifications from arteries.
* Because nutrient minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and potssium are lighter metals, they have less affinity for EDTA. Consequently, unless using very large amounts of EDTA (as is customary in IV chelation) very little beneficial minerals are removed. However, it is always recommended to be taking a good multi-vitamin/mineral during chelation of any kind.

EDTA has been shown to:
* Support your body's production of endothelium-derived nitric oxide
* Cleanse heavy metals and harmful calcium deposits throughout your body and blood vessels
* Reduce risk of heart attack and stroke by thinning the blood and preventing the formation of blood clots
* Improve blood circulation
* Encourage dilation of the blood vessels
* Help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels
* Stop free radicals before they are produced - a major cause of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease
* Increase your energy
* Improve memory and mental clarity
* Relieve leg pain and cramping

Changing Times Require New Approaches
Looking back on life in the 1950's, I recall a different world.

The air had a more enlivened feel, our food supply was cleaner. The tremendous stress we have today living in a technological world did not exist; we still had more connection with nature.

Now the earth is far more polluted, not only by a soup of toxic chemicals, but by electromagnetic fields and microwave radiation from cell phone towers, computers, etc. In today's world, detoxifying the body through EDTA chelation is a very good idea for nearly everyone.

Please feel free to contact me at my email: (healthfreedomcoach-at-verizon-dot-net). I will be happy to provide you with Detoxamin, or any other supplements you desire, at the best possible price.

Belly Fat: Causes and Cures

2008-05-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Belly Fat Solutions for You
The Merry Month of May! Yes, it's that time of year when we shed the undisclosing garb of Winter to reveal that traffic-stopping physique.

Oops! But what about that bulge just below the waistline? Here are some explanations and solutions for belly fat, many of which you may never have thought of. Also, you will find some new perspectives on familiar ideas.

While weight loss and getting more exercise, especially abdominal exercise, are usually some of the first things that come to mind, there is much, much more to know. To help you look great in that bikini (or those swim trunks), this is the definitive guide to getting rid of belly fat.

My interest in writing about belly fat is much deeper than just surface appearances. In this article, I will be not only covering what you can do to look better, but to feel better and be healthier. How your abdominal area looks is a reflection of many aspects of your health.

Belly Fat Blues
Can you guess which area of the body I have found most disliked by people in my 30-year career as a hands-on structural body therapist (Certified Advanced Rolfer)?

You guessed right if you said 'the belly.' In fact, this article was inspired by a client who recently came in for a Rolfing session and voiced great dissatisfaction about the shape of her abdominal area. She is an attractive woman, and definitely not fat.

I know how it feels, as I had such issues for years. If you have similar concerns, fear not. By the time you finish reading this article, you will know all you need to know to achieve your goal of having your belly not only look good, but feel great. And you will know more about achieving vibrant health, as well.

The Great Sit-Up Myth
Let's start with something that most people think of when they think about belly fat; sit-ups.

The client who inspired this article complained that with all the sit-ups she does, her abdominal area has not improved, and in fact looks worse! How can this be?

Let me say that this is a woman who is slender and does some regular exercise. Her whole purpose in doing sit-ups was to get rid of belly fat!

While some abdominal exercises do firm the abdomen and enhance the beauty of the torso, the way many people do sit-ups is not one of them. Here's the explanation; When most people do sit-ups, the rectus abdominus (most surface muscle of the belly) mounds up and pushes outward, pulling away from the deeper abdominal muscles. Over time, the result is a bulging mound of overworked muscle tissue.

If you look at it rationally, when you flex a muscle, it will generally bulge and increase in thickness. Many years ago the 'sit-up king' of my dorm in college could do 400 sit-ups in a row. His abdominals were not slim and aesthetically pleasing - they stuck out in a big bulge - and he was not a fat guy. All those sit-ups accomplished the opposite of what most people intend when doing them. If sit-ups were a solid solution to a bulging belly, that fellow should have had the torso of an Adonis!

Regular sit-ups don't get rid of belly fat! All they do is build up a mound of muscle under the fat, and increase the size of the belly.

It is deceptive, because we often see people who do sit-ups looking better, but it is not a 'controlled experiment.' There are other factors, such as the fact that they are eating better and exercising more in general. Sit-ups alone do not make belly fat go away.

How Can You Do Sit-ups that are Beneficial?
This section has been moved to http://www.peak-health-now.com/abdominal_exercises.html

Your Spine Influences the Shape of Your Belly
Here's how:
When observed from a side-view, you may notice that some peoples' lower spine is pushed too far forward. Their lower back is too curved, and their pelvis tipped too far up and back behind them. This swayback look is known as 'lordosis.' You will also notice that in these cases, the belly protrudes and often hangs forward and down.

Many people of normal weight have lordosis, and consequently a 'fat' belly. The 'fat' is not fat, but simply the contents of the abdominal cavity being shoved forward by the excess curve of the spine. The solution is not dieting and losing weight, though those things are important for overall health and fitness. What is needed is to develop a more supple, responsive, and aligned spinal structure. Doing exercises that explore the many options for spinal movement, as well as balancing ventral (front) and dorsal (back) muscle tone will develop a graceful and responsive midsection.

Another thing that influences spinal curve, pelvic tilt and belly contour is your legs. For example, if your quadriceps (large muscles in the front of the thigh) are too tight, depending on other aspects of your structure, they may very well pull the front of the pelvis down. This is part of the lordotic pattern and results in that 'fat belly' that is not actually fat.

There are other aspects of structural balance that would be too extensive to elaborate on here, but this should give you enough to consider body structure as an influence on abdominal shape.

Following are other possible causes and solutions to be considered for a protruding belly.

The Belly Reveals
Your belly is shaped by many influences, not only diet, how much and how well you exercise, but other influences. For example, did you ever consider that your habitual breathing pattern - the movement of your respiratory diaphragm, intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs), and other structures related to breathing, affects the shape of your belly?

An Easy Breathing Exercise You Can Do Right Now
A simple exercise will help get you in touch with your breathing pattern. Take just a minute or two, and give this your full attention...

Back your chair away from the computer, put both feet flat on the floor and sit squarely on your 'sitbones.' Without leaning against the back of the chair, sit tall while still keeping your body supple, and find a comfortable balance point.

Take at least a minute or two to let yourself relax into a neutral state of mind, simply feeling the natural movement of your breath. Notice all physical sensations you feel as you breathe without deliberately changing anything. Resist the temptation to make judgements about what you notice. Don't try and breathe the way you think you're 'supposed to.'

What often happens is that as you simply relax and notice your breath, its movement expands on its own. That is very good.

Fully open and conscious breathing is actually a luxuriantly sensual experience. Let yourself enjoy how it feels to breathe!

Next, allow (you notice I didn't say force) your breath to expand gently upwards, filling the area just below your collarbones. Keep encouraging more space to open up there with each breath. Gently remind yourself to sit tall.

Next, imagine you can invite the breath further up, into your throat and across your shoulders. Keep noticing how you feel. Do you feel more relaxed?

Now, notice how your abdominal area feels. Does your torso feel more lengthened, less compressed? If you answer 'Yes,' you have really allowed yourself to feel your breathing, and probably feel better right now than before you began this exercise!

Emotional Patterns Shape the Body, Too!
Habitual emotional patterns are a major influence on body shape, too. Remember, emotional states have a strong influence on breathing pattern!

For example, have you ever noticed how a cat's breathing pattern changes when they are just about to pounce on something? Or how a dog pants fast when nervous or highly excited? People do the same. In decades of work with the movement patterns and body structure of my clients, I acquired a natural ability to better understand them simply by noticing how they look and move.

While this is a subject that deserves an in-depth article of its own, I can drop a few hints that will help you develop your own ability to see more deeply.

Breathing and Feeling Helps With More Than Belly Fat!
I told you my passion to write this article was more than skin deep...

Hint: you can only perceive aspects of others that you can perceive in yourself, and the ability to feel your body is an important part of perception!

One example; to know if someone else is being honest or not, you have to know that about yourself. When you take the time to tune in to the messages of your body, you will notice that your body feels different when you are honest with yourself than if you are not. Then, when you tune in to others, your body will also give you the correct message.

The more you know yourself, the more you know others. Following the path of self-knowing will help you respond appropriately when faced with challenges in your relationships, work and other aspects of life, helping you make better decisions..

The most important thing I can say is that the more you tune and refine your own instrument (body), and open to noticing how your emotions, biochemistry, and biomechanics interact, the more you will refine your ability to see those things in others. Being honest with youself is key, as well as optimizing your health.

A Hint for Handling Stress
One hint I can offer here is to notice how your body feels when you are under stress. This is the condition under which everyone, (myself included), finds it most challenging to feel the body and receive its messages. Make a mental note to notice what's happening in your body during a stressful encounter. With practice, you will find this a tool of empowerment, and be able to utilize stress as a learning and empowering exercise. Especially, notice your belly and your breathing!

Of course, a good preparation for being aware while under fire is paying attention to refining your body consciousness during exercise and other enjoyable activities.

Candida Albicans and Other Intestinal Yeast Infections as Cause of Protruding Belly
In my Rolfing practice, it was not uncommon to see a thin client with a protruding belly. Some of these clients later told me they had been diagnosed with candida or other intestinal fungal infections. Fungal and yeast infections of the gut can result from various causes:

1) Use of antibiotics, which destroys beneficial (probiotic) bacteria in the gut, leading to impaired digestion, gas and bloating.
2) Excess carbohydrates, including:
a) sugar
b) alcohol
c) grains (refined and even whole grains)
d) fruit juice, dried fruit, (and even too much fresh fruit, particularly sweet ones such as oranges, pineapple, grapes, etc.).
e) too many nuts, especially peanuts and cashews
Too many carbs tend to cause replication of fermentative bacteria in the gut, leading to bloating.
3) More than a cup or two of coffee per day
4) Drugs (both prescription and illegal)
5) Stress
6) Too many cooked foods, not enough fresh foods
7) Processed foods

Everything in the list above will diminish the healthy probiotic bacteria in the gut that fight and destroy candida and other harmful microorganisms (for in-depth information on beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, see labels 'probiotics' and 'supplement scams' on the left side of page).

One of the many distressing symptoms of poor diet and imbalanced intestinal flora is what looks like belly fat, but is actually gas, bloating, and poor digestion caused by overgrowth of fungal forms in the gut. To succeed in changing this situation, a diet of fresh whole foods with more low-carb, nutrient-dense foods, and in most cases a probiotic supplement, is needed.

It is also important to note that not only can the dietary influences listed above cause imbalance of microorganisms in the body, they can also result in water retention and inflammation (a defensive response of the body), both of which cause excess fluid build-up in tissues. Again, that includes the belly.

Patience and consistency is a must! It takes time to restore correct balance of microorganisms in the gut, and for the body to eliminate toxins that build up through poor food choices and through intake of harmful substances such as alcohol.

Too Many Carbs Often Cause Fat Accumulation!
Not only will too many carbohydrates promote growth of fungal infections in the gut. Excess carbs are stored as FAT! As Dr. William Campbell Douglass says, 'What do they feed cattle and pigs to fatten them up?' Not protein and fat - grains (carbs)!

You are likely to lose belly fat by cutting down or eliminating most grains, sweets, alcohol, and very sweet fruits such as bananas and oranges. Increase high-quality protein such as poultry and eggs, and get more healthy fats such as those from grass-fed beef, lamb, poultry or dairy products. Many people find this a great way to slim down and feel better. While you may be one of those people who stay trim on a diet of mostly vegetable foods, if that isn't working, you will want to explore some alternatives.

Eat a Diet of Organic and/or Locally Grown Foods if at all Possible
Here is something you may NEVER have thought of as having anything to do with belly fat! It is an unfortunate fact that these days, you never know what is in your food. I know you do your best to eat well, but you may want to think about this.

Pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and many other things found in conventionally-raised food are not good for our human bodies. Irritants, allergens and toxins of various kinds tend to cause an inflammatory response. This is the body's way of trying to get rid of harmful substances. Inflammation causes water retention and swelling. Not only can this increase the size of our belly because of the excess fluid, but it can also cause us discomfort. Water retention and inflammation can trigger headaches, joint pain, indigestion, depression, anxiety, fatigue and irritability. The cleaner your food, the less toxins you will be exposed to.

Below: Shredded Beet and Carrot Salad With Goat Chevre, Walnuts and Currants
The beets, carrots, and chevre are from local farmers. Dressing: very simple - 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 2 Tablespoons first cold-pressed olive oil

If you can grow some of your own food, that is ideal. Otherwise, your best choice is locally grown food, even if it isn't officially clasified as organic. It is fresher, and the farmers likely eat their own produce, so many of them use a minimum, or no pesticides and keep their soil naturally fertile with manure and other healthy soil amendments.

Lessons From the Past
While the bulging muscularity of competitive bodybuilders is not an ideal most of us strive for, we can learn from the musclemen of decades past. They came by their Charles Atlas physiques honestly. Anabolic steroids and powdered amino acid formulas didn't exist back in the day of Vic Tanney, Jack LaLanne and their Muscle Beach contemporaries.

What did these athletes consume as their daily diet? You guessed right if you said 'raw eggs, cream, beef and lamb, etc.' Their animal protein and fat-rich diet was a far cry from the soy protein isolate and creatine-rich artificially flavored bodybuilding products of today. Most of them also did not eat a high carb diet.

In studying photos of some of these legendary men, I find a striking difference in the quality of their bodies as compared to many modern-day weightlifters. What do I see? More connectedness, harmony, uplift and grace. Higher-quality, healthier-looking muscle and skin. I believe this to be in good part due to the high quality foods they ate.

While you may not aspire to compete in the Mr. Universe contest, there still is a lesson to be learned from the physical culturists of a past age.

Here, you can view an example of the kind of physiques these men had:
http://www.ifbb.com/halloffame/2005/tanny.htm

Nutritional Supplements to Increase Lean Muscle Mass and Reduce Fat
More muscle and less fat - if that is what you want, you will be interested to know the best nutritional supplements to support a lithe, strong body.

What must a supplement or food do to fulfill that purpose?
It must do one or more of the following:

1) Help normalize blood sugar.
2) Prevent muscle wasting.
3) Increase muscle mass.
4) Increase oxygen in the body. Oxygen is needed to burn fuel (calories), and to properly assimilate nutrients.
5) Support normal thyroid function.
...I am still writing more - to be added to soon...

Utilizing the suggestions in this article, your reward will be a more aesthetically pleasing body, and increased enjoyment of life.

Mothers' Day: Mom and I Celebrate

2008-05-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here we are after breakfast, exercising together out on the terrace. Afterward, my husband Chuck gave Mom a Rolfing (structural body therapy) session, to help her stand taller and move better.

I made dinner for us: Caesar salad, steak and onions, and a beet, nut and currant salad with oil and vinegar dressing. We had a wonderful day. Mom spent the rest of the week enjoying life with us in our rural home.

I visit Mom as often as I can, love helping her do her gardening, and cooking for her. This Mother's day, she wanted 'a change of scenery.' Mom insisted on driving all the way from western New York State to stay with my husband and I here in New England (a 6-hour drive)! You might be surprised to know she is well into her 80's!

Mom is an amazing woman, and I'm grateful to be her daughter! I am thankful she is healthy, and for this precious time with her.

Curriculum Vitae

2008-04-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ellen Landauer
Natural Alternative Health Professional:
Health Seminar Leader and Coach
Certified Advanced Rolfer

1993 - present: Guest Lecturer on Nutrition at Professor Mary Anne Bright’s Holistic Health Course; Nursing Department, University of Massachusetts.

1981 - present: Private practice of Rolfing, hands-on structural body-alignment technique that helps people have more youthful, supple, and balanced bodies.

1977 - present: Private practice as Personal Health Coach and Seminar Leader.

2006 - 2007: Conducted Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Project Survey; now being completed.

1997 & 1998: Certified Advanced Rolfer on staff at Shake-a-leg Rehabilitation Program for Spinal Cord Injured and Traumatic Brain Injured People, Newport, RI.

1992 - present: Presentations on holistic health throughout New England.

1977 - 1981: Private practice of Shiatsu and Swedish Massage.

1977 - 1980: Shiatsu Therapist and Holistic Health Educator at Ridgewood Yoga Center, Ridgewood, NJ.

Educational Background
1994: Visceral Manipulation Training with Christoph Summer, Certified Advanced Rolfer and graduate of Jean-Pierre Barral’s Visceral Manipulation Instructor Training

1993: Completed Advanced Training at the Rolf Institute to become a Certified Advanced Rolfer

1981: Graduated from the Rolf Institute training program as a Certified Rolfer

1977 - 1979: Nutrition with Dr. Carlton Fredericks, Herbology with Dr. Christopher, Iridology with Dr. Bernard Jensen.

1971: Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rochester Institute of Technology

Nutritional Supplements and Diet for Addiction Recovery

2008-03-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

This article is on my new website:

http://www.peak-health-now.com/addiction_recovery.html

I have edited and added to it to give you better and more specific information.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,
Ellen Landuer

Dandelion: Herbal Liver Cleanse, Better Digestion, and More!

2008-03-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

My lawn is a DISASTER! For the last few years, I haven't even used natural lawn products on it, so the variety of weed species has increased exponentially.

Now what would my lousy lawn have to do with creating vibrant health? The obvious answer is no toxic lawn chemicals; but you know I'm a little more complex than that - so there are 6 other reasons below.

1 - Dandelions! My so-called lawn supplies these in abundance. They are the perfect food for cleansing the liver. All parts of the dandelion plant have a tonic effect that stimulates the body to eliminate waste and toxins. By the way, those pansies you see in the bowl with the dandelions are not just for decoration - they are edible, too!)

Dandelion helps both the liver and gall bladder to break down fat, by stimulating the flow of bile. This helps prevent gallstones. Dandelion also helps the liver with its process of detoxification. This makes it beneficial for diseases such as hepatitis. As well, bile helps normalize the pH (acid-alkaline balance) of the intestinal tract. This aids in maintaining encouraging an abundance of beneficial bacteria (probiotics).Good bile flow also plays a part in preventing (and getting rid of) parasites of all descriptions.

Dandelion benefits kidney function, as it has diuretic properties (stimulates the flow of urine), which makes it beneficial for anyone suffering from a urinary infection.

2 - Free nutrient-dense food! It's hard to find domesticated vegetables with as much nutrition as wild greens. And with food prices the way they are.... delightful to get free food that is better than anything you can find in a store!

Eating lots of dandelion leaves and buds as well as other nutrient-dense foods can help save you money on nutritional supplements. Assuming you don't use toxic chemicals on your lawn and/or garden, you don't live next to a highway or in a highly polluted urban area, and you aren't in close proximity to neighbors who use lawn chemicals, you can eat your dandelion greens.

Young dandelion leaves are great in salads! They have a taste similar to chicory, and and abundance of vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the nutrients that dandelion leaves provide; potassium, magnesium, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, iron, sulphur, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. They are a richer source of provitamin A (beta carotene) than carrots! Because the leaves are rich in readily available magnesium, dandelion is a great herb for improving bone health. Magnesium increases bone density, so dandelions may actually help to prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis.

For salad, throughly wash leaves. Dandelion leaves chopped with sheep feta cheese, olive oil, and onion is a nice combo. As you develop a taste for it and the season progresses, you may find yourself eating more!

3 - If you are a gourmet cook, you can make your own capers from the dandelion buds (recipe below).

4 - Free vitamin D supplement in exactly the right dosage for your perfect health! No, not from the dandelions - from the sunlight shining on your exposed skin for the 20 - 30 minutes it takes you to pick them! Wear as little as possible for greatest benefit.

5 - The lovely feeling of autonomy that comes from gathering your own healthy food directly from its source. We are so dependent and hooked into technology and finances these days that we lose contact with the earth. It is enlivening to feel that there is something other than devices and money that supports us. Being directly supported by Nature with no intermediaries is an experience that feels REAL!

6 - Last, but not least, the healing power of being a participant rather than an observer in the cycle of life. When you really think about it, from birth to death, we are nourished by the earth's gifts. The direct experience of closeness to our roots in nature can be a significant part of recovery from chronic illness and maintaining vibrant health.

How to Make Your Own Capers!

1 - In early to mid Spring, pick the tender buds of the dandelion. The best-tasting ones are closest to the ground. You can use them even when you begin to see the yellow of the petals just peeking through. After all, even the flowers have healing properties. But for the closest thing to capers, you will want to take the younger buds near the base of the plants.

2 - VERY IMPORTANT: Rinse and wash thoroughly! Being close to the soil, the buds will often be gritty. Swishing them around in a pot of water, the buds will float and dirt fall to the bottom. Fish the buds out with a strainer, empty and rinse grit out of the pot, then repeat a few times until your dandelion buds are sparkling clean.

3 - Next, place buds in a large strainer or colander and let water drain out. Put them in a glass container (plastic leaches into everything - not healthy).

For each 2 cups of buds, add one tsp Celtic Sea Salt (I can get it for you wholesale in my supplement program). Add organic, naturally aged apple cider vinegar, covering the buds. Leave room for a little air to get in, and put in your refrigerator.

4 - After a week or two, put buds in a strainer, allowing vinegar to drain. Pat excess liquid off buds by spreading them on paper towels.

5 - Pack alternating layers of buds and coarse ground Celtic Sea Salt in container (yes, I know, the container shown in the photo is plastic. I won't be making that mistake this year!) A glass jar with plastic cover is ideal. DON'T use a metal container, not even stainless steel! You may not know this, but stainless steel contains nickel, which is toxic, and not completely inert.

Leave container on shelf at room temperature. In about three months, your capers will be ready. They will keep indefinitely!

When you are ready to use your capers, you can:
1 - Eat as is out of the container if you like very salty foods.
2 - Rinse and spread on paper towels to dry, then add them to all manner of raw salads, cooked dishes, etc.

I just ate one of last year's capers. They taste great!

Here they are!

Capers close-up...

Stress from Electromagnetic Fields: Natural Solutions

2008-03-05T15:56:00.001-08:00

A Remarkable Experience
The blizzard dumped six inches of heavy, wet snow in a matter of hours. In our rural New England setting, as overburdened tree limbs snap and take down some electric lines, we are left without power.

This particular night, I am working on the computer. Fortunately, I just finished sending emails to my clients. As I begin work on a new article, the lights flicker for a brief instant. Blackness falls as all electrical current stops dead.

I am perturbed at being so rudely interrupted in my work. More noteworthy is the transformation taking place in my body. What astounds me is the feeling of shock, as though some essential underpinning of my life has suddenly been yanked away. You know that feeling when you are in an elevator stopped at a top floor, and it begins to plummet all the way to the basement? That's the best way to describe this feeling - like dropping into a void.

Fear of the Wild
Without the prop of that subtle EMF background buzz, everything suddenly is very quiet.

Except for one thing - the sound of wind gusts lashing the windows and outside walls of the house with snow. Suddenly, the blizzard has gotten a LOT closer! The wild is closer in another way; no heat. The furnace needs electricity to run.

A delicious feeling of aliveness accompanies the unaccustomed feeling of vulnerability. In addition, I have the warm comfort of a different kind of wildness. She lies by my side - calm, confident and alert.

Have We Become Overly Habituated to EMF's?
In the deep silence and darkness, I consciously choose to let go of the need to get more work done. Pausing to experience the profoundness, I open to receive the full impact of the sensations running through my body.

I allow myself to surrender to the quiet that has suddenly descended on me. It takes a conscious choice to revel in this sudden change that initially felt like a shock.

Though if you asked me about the bodily effects of electromagnetic fields, I would surely say that they place a burden on the body, this experience has impact that eclipses intellectual understanding. In a single moment, my body has suddenly been unburdened of a load of which I am normally quite unaware.

As I begin to enjoy the deep quiet, I also become aware that there is the feeling of missing something, of emptiness, a void. I have become unwittingly habituated and addicted to the constant stimulation of being surrounded by the electrical current that runs through the walls of my home. There is always static in my nervous system, and now it's gone!

Clear Thinking
I rummage around and find a candle. Lighting it, I locate an emergency light and some batteries. I hang the light on the wall, and sit down to do some more writing; this time the old-fashioned way - with pen and paper. I recently had an enlightening conversation with a world-class nutrition expert, and made many notes which I now set out to organize.

As I write in the immense quiet, it dawns on me that my thinking processes are remarkably clear and strong. While sometimes I feel overwhelmed by information overload, now I am in command. My mind is more fully functional than usual, effortlessly and capably organizing complex concepts..

Lucid Dreaming
Another remarkable occurrence takes place after I fall asleep. My dreams are unusually lucid, filled with luminous light and glorious colors.

They have a visionary magical quality, imbued with a sense of exultation and wonder. I am more able to make choices and take actions. Untarnished by the usual electromagnetic interference, my dreams leave me feeling healed and energized.

While in the past, I have generally noticed feeling different when the electricity in the house goes off, this experience was the most profound. I reflect on why this experience is so palpable. I realize that my ability to feel has become highly refined through years of detoxifying, healing and nourishing my body.

The body is the physical instrument through which we perceive and through which we express. Physical and emotional toxicity blunts our ability to fully experience life. I want to write in depth about this some time soon. My passion is to help people to develop not only health, but full aliveness and attunement.

An Experiment
Intrigued by my experience, I decided to see if similar results could be created by turning off the bedroom circuit switch before going to sleep. I also told my husband that I had done that, so this was no 'double-blind' experiment.

Even so, when I walked into the bedroom a little later, there was a distinct sense of quiet.

"It feels like camping out," Chuck commented.

Indeed it did! All through the night, we basked in the pleasure, feeling as though we were on an outdoor vacation. I felt more energized, yet also enveloped in a deep sense of peace. Most remarkably, my dreams were once again vivid and full of light.

A Research Expert Explains the Health Dangers of Artificially Created Electro-magnetic Fields
According to Dr. Robert O. Becker, researcher and author of 'The Body Electric,' and 'Cross Currents, The Perils of Electropollution,' the human body is fundamentally a coherent, highly sensitive electrical system - emanating its own electromagnetic field, known as a biofield. All physical matter, including the earth, radiates electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) found within the natural world are harmonious with and supportive of life.

On the other hand, artificially created EMFs are 100-200 million times greater than what existed just two generations ago. Awake or asleep, we are continually exposed to a barrage of man-made electromagnetic frequencies.

Interference with our natural energy fields by EMFs eventually harms our own energy fields. This causes many physiological imbalances, most notably the hardening of the cell membrane. As a result, waste products can’t get out and nutrients can’t get in. This leads to free radical damage that alters the DNA and causes cell mutation. Such serious imbalances will also adversely impact hormone production and neurological processes.

This massive infusion of artificial energy overwhelms the system and leads to accelerated aging, elevated blood glucose levels, elevated lipid levels, high blood pressure, increased neuro-regulatory disturbances, and compromises the central nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems.

Dr. Becker explains that our human bodies and immune systems are adversely affected by man-made electromagnetic fields from many sources, including, power lines, cell phones, radar, microwaves, satellites, ham radios, computers, video display terminals, electric appliances and Wi-Fi hot spots. He believes that radiation once considered safe, is now correlated with increases in cancer, birth defects, depression, learning disabilities, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Alzheimer 's disease.

Deleterious Effects of Man-made EMF's
1 - Hardening of cell membranes creates stasis in the flow of substances through the cell membrane. Waste products have a difficult time exiting the cell and nutrients can't easily enter. This results in free radical damage, damage to DNA, and cell mutation.

2 - The overwhelming excess of dissonant artificial energy accelerates aging, elevates glucose and lipid levels, and contributes to high blood pressure. Immune, cardiovascular, and nervous system health is compromised.

3 - Comprehensive disruption of hormonal balance.

Symptoms That can Result From EMF Pollution Overload

Remember, some people are more affected by air pollution or other toxins than others. So you may not experience any symptoms, while another person in the same situation becomes very ill.

However, electromagnetic pollution affects us all, just like other forms of pollution. Even if you are not experienceing symptoms, you may notice as I did, that when you rearrange your environment you suddenly feel better!

Neurological: headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, weakness, tremors, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, altered reflexes, muscle and joint pain, leg/foot pain, “Flue-like” symptoms, fever. More severe reactions can include seizures, paralysis, psychosis and stroke.
Cardiac: palpitations, arrhythmias, pain or pressure in the chest, low or high blood pressure, slow or fast heart rate, shortness of breath.
Respiratory: sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma.
Dermatological: skin rash, itching, burning, facial flushing.
Ophthalmologic: pain or burning in the eyes, pressure in/behind the eyes, deteriorating vision, floaters, cataracts.
Others: digestive problems; abdominal pain; enlarged thyroid, testicular/ovarian pain; dryness of lips, tongue, mouth, eyes; great thirst; dehydration; nosebleeds; internal bleeding; altered sugar metabolism; immune system abnormalities; redistribution of metals within the body; hair loss; pain in the teeth; deteriorating fillings; impaired sense of smell; ringing in the ears.

Source: “No Place To Hide” Volume 3, Number 1, April 2001, “Special Issue on Russian and Ukrainian Research” by Arthur Firstenberg. Cellular Phone Taskforce, P.O. Box 1337, Mendocino, CA 95460)

How to Minimize Harm From EMF's in Your Bedroom
The idea of minimizing EMF's in your environment can seem overwhelming.

Why not take it one step at a time? An ideal place to start is in your bedroom. You can turn your bedroom from an EMF disaster into a safe haven where sleep is restorative, rejuvenating, peaceful and pleasureable.

1 - Remove clocks, clock-radios, lamps, TV sets, computers, and other electrical devices from within six or more feet of your bed. Be relentless in banishing as many of these devices from your bedroom entirely!

My husband and I have a small battery-operated clock in our bedroom, plus minimal lighting.

2 - If you are planning on buying a bed or mattress, stay away from any product that contains box springs or any form of metal! Metal objects act as receivers and conductors of radio waves.

3 - Why not go all the way? Turn off the bedroom electrical circuit entirely! (Make sure to take a flashlight into the bedroom with you so you don't bump into anything or trip over the dog).

Chuck and I have already felt significant benefit from shutting off the entire bedroom circuit last night. As I write, we have not turned it back on. We plan to leave it off for maybe a week, then do some 'double blind' tests together. I will report on how that goes!

Life Under High-Tension Wires
As I write this article, I remember that twenty-five years ago, I lived in a garden apartment less than 50 feet away from high tension line towers! Not only that, but my body therapy business was there, so I spent a lot of time in a high-frequency EMF environment.

Less than a year after moving in, I noticed some pain under my left arm. It gradually got worse, and I discovered a lump, which proceeded to get larger.My self-care program was excellent, ate a whole foods diet, exercised over an hour a day, and meditated. Other symptoms that arose were depression, emotional volatility, and severe bronchitis that would last months at a time.

Within a few weeks of moving out of that apartment, my mood improved. Months later, the lump under my arm was less painful. It took 10 years of living in a more healthy rural area and improving my self-care routine for the lump to go away completely. I almost never get colds or flu, and know how to recover with no outside intervention on those rare occasions when I do.

Electromagnetic Pollution and Suicide Rates
My depression and emotional instability living under those high-tension wires was not a random occorrence: Statistical research on EMF frequencies and suicide rates was done by Dr. Robert Becker and several associates. They found that electromagnetic fields at homes where suicides had occurred averaged 22% higher than at addresses of a control group of homes.

Most Harmful Sources of High Electromagnetic Frequencies
- dimmer switches
- halogen lights
- touch lamps
- plasma tv’s
- fluorecent lights
- decorative flashing lights (each time they go on and off, high frequencies result)
- many cordless phones
- cell phones

Cordless Phones Harmful?
Some experts believe that digital wireless phones can be as bad for us as cell phones.
These phones operate using the same technology as wi-fi computer systems and mobile phones. The base station acts like a miniature mobile phone mast.

A recent survey by the Dutch Electrohypersensitivity Foundation found that digitally enhanced cordless telephones, Dects, are the main source of radiation in homes where they are installed. The researchers reported that they frequently cause headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems.

Cancer specialist Professor Lennart Hardell from the University Hospital, in Orebro, Sweden says, "The risks are the same as for mobile phones, but they haven't been studied because researchers thought the Dect operated like a landline." Professor Hardell's research suggests that habitual users have a three-fold risk of acoustic neuroma (a benign tumour between the ear and brain) and a four-fold risk of a malignant brain tumour.

Professor Hardell emphasizes that the risk is not just from the continual output of harmful frequencies, but also because of where the Dect phones are located. "They are usually in rooms where people spend a lot of time and people tend to spend longer on them than they do on a mobile."

Dr Andrew Goldsworthy, honorary lecturer in biology at Imperial College London: "The effect is you have a double whammy, because the base station is powering up 24-hours-a-day and the handset is picking up and sending signals whenever it's held to the head."

The signal can travel though walls and ceilings, so someone in the next room will also suffer exposure.

And, of course, cell phones...
For greatest protection, it is recommended to turn cell phones entirely off as much as possible.

Swedish researchers from the University Lund, Salford, Brun, Perrson, Eberhardt and Malmgren, have studied the effects of microwave radiation on the rat brain. They found a leakage of albumin into brain via a permeated blood-brain barrier. [1]

Microwaves Open Up Leaks in Blood-Brain Barrier!
Our blood-brain barrier is comprised of special capillaries which strictly limit the kinds of molecules allowed to enter the delicate environment of nerve cells. The blood-brain barrier protects our brain from damaging toxins that can enter from the rest of our bloodstream. Since we are exposed to an increasing number of harmful, toxic substances, we are dependent on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier to keep our brain safe so we can function normally.

Scientist Allen Frey found that microwave radiation as low as 30 microwatts was harmful to the blood-brain barrier.

Nutritional Supplements Can Help Protect Against Electromagnetic Fields and Microwave Radiation
Anything you do to optimize your health and increase your energy level will help keep you strong when faced with EMF exposure. Ideally, it would be great to entirely avoid EMF’s, but it is a rare person who can do that.

Protect Your Nervous System With Supplements
Brain and nervous system tissue is very susceptible to the damaging effects of EMF's, so you want to look for nutritional supplements that nourish and protect the brain and nerves.

- fish oil and cod liver oil not only nourish and protect the brain and all nerve tissue. They also keep cell membranes supple, thus helping to offset the dangerous hardening and stiffening of cell walls that is a result of EMF exposure.

- Melatonin: a powerful anti-oxidant noted to prevent DNA breaks in brain cells. Also effective in preventing kidney damage from cell phones. Exposure to high frequencies, including from cellphones, decreases melatonin secretion. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for a good night sleep. It also has antioxidant and cancer fighting properties. Sleeping with a cellphone that is not turned off is therefore not conducive to getting the best night of sleep and has the potential for further health consequences.

- Bilberry extract helps to reduce oxidative damage to the eyes.

- Gingko Biloba: an herb considered a powerful anti-oxidant which prevents oxidative damage in the brain, eye and kidney. Also helps support the production of SOD, catalase and glutathione. Ginkgo biloba is the first supplement to be tested against cell phone radiation. Pretreatment with this brain-protective supplement reversed cell phone-induced oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidant enzymes in rodents.

- Resveratrol and grape seed extract both protect against the type of oxidative stress induced by cell phones.

- Antioxidants such as SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) and Coq10 need to be replenished, since microwave radiation depletes them. Other helpful nutrients are alpha lipoic acid, lycopene, acetyl-L-carnitine, selenium, and vitamins A, C and E.

- Zinc: protects the eye from oxidative damage and helps preserve the levels of anti-oxidants in the blood;

Also, remember that a healthy, organic diet and balanced lifestyle is imperative. Organic egg yolks, for example, contain choline, inositol, B vitamins, and other nutrients that support nervous system health. Wild salmon contains DMAE, a nutrient that is not only good for brain and nervous system health, but for skin and other tissues.

Even in a world where electropollution is never far away, you can be vibrantly healthy.

[1] Salford, Leif G.; Arne E. Brun, Jacob L. Eberhardt, Lars Malmgren, and Bertil R. R. Persson (June 2003). "Nerve Cell Damage in Mammalian Brain after Exposure to Microwaves from GSM Mobile Phones" (in English). Environmental Health Perspectives 111 (7): 881–883. United States: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. PMID 12782486

Insomnia: Better Sleep Can Be Yours

2008-02-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

Unmatched Sleep Quality
From 1985 through 1988, I spent a significant amount of time living without electricity during the building of my present home. My partner and I initially lived in a tent from April through October of 1985, then moved the tent into the framed and roofed structure for the winter. I was the contractor and chief carpenter. The framing of the house was built from rough hemlock lumber cut with a chainsaw! Eventually, we got a gas-powered generator so we could use a power saw and other electric tools. But for a number of years into the process, we were not hooked up to the grid.

At dinnertime, our light was supplied by kerosene lamps. After dinner, we would relax and do some reading by the light of the lamps, but that usually didn't last too long. It's a fair effort to read a book in such dim and limited light. (Abe Lincoln must have been quite a determined fellow)! The rhythm of our days was determined by the rhythm of nature.

A most interesting phenomenon of living closer to nature was the quality of my sleep and dreams. Not only did I sleep deeply and wake up more refreshed than I could remember, but my dreams were different, as well. They often had an exalted, exhilarating, vivid and vibrant quality. Colorful, full of light, and often gifted with insight that informed my waking hours, the dreams I had when living a more 'primitive' life were remarkable.

Sleepless in New Jersey
To earn money to live on and build the house, my man and I commuted to New Jersey for half the week. The contrast between waking and sleeping in a natural setting with no artificial light, and living in a world set apart from that simplicity was stark and disturbing. Not disturbing just in a conceptual sense, but on an energetic level. Artificial light blurred the distinction between night and day, leading to late nights and disturbed sleep.

Any amount of light seeping into the bedroom at night was too much. The noise of traffic, and the moving lights outside, activated my nervous system in an annoying way.

This experience brought home the fact that truly deep and refreshing sleep is easiest to obtain if we arrange our living conditions to be as close as possible to the natural order. Since most of us don't live in ideal circumstances, this requires some creativity, yet it can be done.

Better Sleep for You
Very often, it is easy to forget the basics. Even for healthy people, optimal sleep habits often get sacrificed in favor of late-night TV or other distractions.

Below, you will find a wealth of sleep-optimizing tips, including the recipe for my special supplement nightcap, diet tips for better sleep, and details on a number of other natural ways to get better sleep.

Sleep is about as basic a necessity as you can find. Here's how to optimize its benefits. (I have to admit, I'm writing some of this for me. The habit I need to modify is staying up too late).

1 - Great sleep starts in the morning! Getting outdoors in the morning, bright light shining into the eyes reaches the pineal gland, which responds by switching off the production of melatonin. Sunlight in the morning especially, helps to normalize the timing of melatonin production.

Especially if you live in a suburban or semi-rural area, you will find that getting outdoors for a walk or some other activity gives you a special lift you cannot get any other way. Over the years, I have always perceived that the morning time has a uniquely refreshing feel that no other time of day can match.

Getting out just before sunrise is a wonderful way to begin your day's activity. Even if you live in a city, perhaps there is a safe, nearby park that will give you contact with nature in early morning that will sustain you through the day.

2 - When darkness falls, the pineal gland naturally produces melatonin. However, if you're sitting in front of a computer monitor (like I'm doing right now), or a TV, in a brightly lit room, your melatonin production may be delayed, even if it's 11 o'clock at night. To enhance the ability to fall asleep, it is helpful for to minimize indoor light exposure for at least an hour before going to bed.

As an example, when you go into the bathroom to brush your teeth, etc., use a night light for illumination instead of the bright bathroom light. Or turn down the lights and have a nice talk with a family member, instead of sitting in front of the TV. Forget about watching the late night news.

3 - While you're outdoors in the morning (or, second best, at lunchtime at work) get some exercise. Take a walk, hike, bike ride, etc. People who exercise tend to sleep better.

4 - Try to have your dinner 3 - 4 hours (ideally) before you go to bed. The significant energy output required for digesting a sizeable meal can interfere with the restfulness of your sleep. Between 10:00 pm and 1:00 am, the body is especially focused on healing, cleansing, and repair.

5 - Reading a good book in a quiet, comfortable place can be relaxing and conducive to sleep.

Be sure NOT to read murder mysteries, horror stories, or anything that would agitate your mind and stimulate your nervous system to go into 'survival mode! Contemplative and inspirational reading on spiritual ideas, a good novel, a (not too violent) adventure story, and reading about an absorbing hobby of yours are all good choices for bedtime reading.

6 - Here are some nutritional supplements that help sleep that you might consider trying a half hour before retiring:

Nutritional Supplement Nightcap:
In a few ounces of water or juice, mix:
1 or 2 level teaspoonfuls of inositol powder(many supplements come in powdered form and are more economical that way). Inositol has a pleasantly sweet taste.
1/2 level teaspoon of Buffered Vitamin C powder (look for a Buffered Vitamin C product which contains calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and potassium carbonate as buffering agents).
1/4 level teaspoon of Tyrosine powder (tyrosine is an amino acid)

You can add:
150 - 300 milligrams of magnesium
Multimineral supplement.
B-complex supplement with around 50 milligrams of each of the B vitamins: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin or Niacinamide), B5 (Pantothenic acid - great adrenal support supplement), Vitamin B6.
Additional B6 250 milligrams (Look for the natural form of B6, Pyridoxal 5'Phosphate).

7 - Some foods that help sleep include: a cup of warm broth or herb tea, small amount of yogurt or aged cheese (contains calcium in easy-to-absorb form) a few ounces of turkey meat (contains Tryptophan in its natural form. Tryptophan enhances serotonin production.

IMPORTANT: If eating within 30 minutes before bedtime, only eat a small amount of the above foods! More than that requires too much digestive output and can interfere with the better quality sleep you want to enjoy.

8 - Hints on what NOT to eat within a few hours of bedtime:
*Any full meal.
*Odd combinations of food that require a lot of digestive work or can cause gastric distress. Example: Big steak dinner, whole potato and sour cream, salad, wine, and ice cream sundae for dessert. Ouch! Can't be more obvious than that!
*Alcohol - while seen as a relaxant, it can interfere with quality sleep, as it has a deleterious effect on the nervous system (among many other things).
*Sugary foods - sugar in any form (including alcohol, which is a 'super-carb), increases the permeability of the protective blood-brain barrier, allowing toxins to invade the brain. The health of our brain is important to healthy sleep.

9 - Some relaxing stretches to gently mobilize your spine can be a wonderful way of enhancing your sleep quality. In a safe, carpeted area away from furniture with hard corners and edges, drape yourself over a large exercise ball.

If you feel agile enough, turn on your side on the ball to stretch your sides as well as front and back. Breathe deeply and fully without forcing the breath. Let your jaw hang open a little, and notice other places in your body that you can let go of.

NOTE: If you try to watch TV or occupy your attention in other ways while doing your pre-bedtime stretches, you will not be getting the full benefit. This is your time. However, even with TV, it is better to stretch than not to.

10 - The more complete the darkness of your bedroom, the better for sleep quality. Light stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which among other things, is conducive to activity. When in sympathetic mode, thinking processes are more active, too - just what you don't want when sleep is desired. It is harder to relax and let go of our cares and concerns.

An absence of light allows the parasympathetic nervous system to dominate. Parasympathetic dominance allows us to let go of thinking and worrying, and feel relaxed, which is conducive to sleep.

When I was a child, a cousin of mine had a pet parakeet. At night, this very sociable bird would still be chirping, squawking and squeaking while us humans were relaxing after a full dinner. The solution? A cloth cover draped over his cage. Why did it work? Because in darkness, the bird had no choice but to surrender to the relaxing effect of parasympathetic dominance.

If you have trouble obtaining complete darkness in your bedroom, you can try folding a soft cloth and placing it over your eyes. This works best if you are lying on your back (ideal position for spinal health). I have found this technique quite helpful.

Please don't feel pressured to try all of these suggestions at once - putting pressure on yourself is not good for sleep either! Read through these suggestions at your leisure and try the ones to which you feel most attracted. You can always refine your sleep optimization program as you go along.

Goodnight!
In light of all this discussion, I'm shutting down the computer as soon as I post this. Have a good night's sleep!

Naturally Healthy: Can We Become Stronger and Smarter?

2008-02-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

Were People More Naturally Healthy Years Ago?
I was just telling my husband a story about Grandpa, who was born before the turn of the century. He grew up with horse and buggys, no electricity, and no processed foods! When I was in my teens, Grandpa, then in his 80's, would occasionally stay with us in our Rockland County, New York suburban home.

Grandpa was somewhat proud and independent, and insisted on making his own way. Despite concern from my Mom and aunt, he refused to use a cane to aid him in getting around. This frequently resulted in scenarios like this:

Grandpa is at the top of the six-foot high wooden stairs in our split-level home. He misses a step, and in a loud crashing of bones and groans, tumbles down the stairs and lands in a heap at the bottom. Mom comes running from the kitchen, hysterical, yelling, 'Pa, oh my God,' etc. Grandpa is already pulling himself upright, brushing Mom's worry off with, 'Ahhh, I'm fine, leave me alone!' Mom wants to take him to the hospital to make sure he's alright. Grandpa is adamant - no way!

Old man in his 80's, with a bad hip, falls down a flight of hard wooden stairs and gets up off the floor, nothing broken - not even a sprain! Hmmm...

In his last decade of life, Grandpa also sprung some other surprises on us:

Mom is upset because she called Grandpa on the phone repeatedly since early morning. No answer. Usually, Grandpa can be reached sometime during the day. By evening, Mom is beside herself with worry. She is ready to get in the car and drive to the other side of the Bronx to see what's the matter.

One more call and... It turns out Grandpa decided to take himself out to Shea Stadium - alone! He walked the mile or so to the bus, enjoyed a day of sitting on the bleachers in the hot sun eating hot dogs, then returned home after a nice dinner in a delicatessen.

Grandpa can't understand all the commotion - no big deal to enjoy a day at the ball park...!

OK, one more story. This one from when Grandpa was in his 70's.

We are visiting some relatives who have a summer house in Long Beach. Late afternoon, we are by the ocean. Grandpa decides to go for a swim. He wades into the waves and makes a beeline for the open sea, swimming a strong crawl stroke. Soon, all we can see of him is his arms lifting beyond the breakers as he churns through the rough waters. Mom is already in a state, and Grandma is not too happy, either.

Grandpa stays out there a good long time, swimming back and forth so far out we can hardly see him. By the time he saunters back across the sand, calling the Coast Guard has been seriously considered and funeral plans made.

They just don't make 'em like they used to...

Young People With Old Bodies?
Fast forward to the last few years...

I am doing a health history intake with a new Rolfing client. She is a dance student at a local college.

'I injured a muscle in my right groin about a year ago - I think it was from doing too many plieies,' she tells me. 'I rested it, used heat, stretched, but it is still painful and I can't move like I used to.'

As the intake discussion proceeds, I also learn that she has been on antidepressants and thyroid medication since high school. Growing up, her diet included a mixture of whole foods and generous amounts of processed foods. She has trouble sleeping, and gets very nervous when under pressure of taking an exam or when faced with other challenges.

She is only eighteen years old...!

What is Happening to Us?
Where are all the 'hale and hearty' individuals of bygone eras? My Grandpa and the college girl are simply examples of what I observe to be a widespread phenomenon; a progressive decline of health in successive generations.

Driving four hours straight on the New York State Thruway to visit my Mom in western New York, I take frequent breaks at rest stops along the way. Many of them have kiosks with photos of the history of the local area. Late one night, I need a longer break from driving, so I take a long look at some of the old photos adorning the kiosk.

One photo in particular stops me in my tracks, capturing my intense interest. It is an old black and white photo depicting a scene at a soda fountain from around the time of WWII. The men wear army uniforms of the era. All the people in the photo are black.

Sitting at the counter, three young women with gorgeous cheekbones and lovely large dark eyes share a soda. Their bodies are trim, yet voluptuous and sturdy, exuding glorious femaleness. It is rare to see women of any race with bodies like that these days.

And the men! They exude male vigor and presence. Strong-boned, well-muscled, and vibrant - no lack of testosterone there!

I stand there a long time, transfixed by the magnificent presence of the men and women in the photo. And these are AVERAGE people of that day!...

Continuing this article, I will explore why we have lost our vigor and how to reclaim it. To be continued...

OK, I'm back. First question - what has caused recent generations to become less vigorous than people from bygone eras? Here, we will keep the discussion focused mostly on physical causes - spiritual and emotional aspects are an involved subject and require much more elaboration than I can do in one article.

What Things are Damaging Our Bodies?
1 - Stress
How it damages the body and what you can do about it.
Ongoing stress damages any and all body tissues.

* Stress damages the brain! Stress over-excites brain neurons, same as excitotoxin additives in processed foods. Neurons eventually die when highly overstimulated over a period of time.

* Stress stimulates the adrenal glands to flood the bloodstream with corticosteroids. While corticosteroids give us a surge of strength in emergency situations, they damage any and all body tissues over time if stress is chronic. Also, when the demand on the adrenals is greater than their ability to supply emsrgency hormones, the adrenals become depleted. Then, when we really need corticosteroids for an emergency, the adrenals can't supply them. When the demand for adrenal hormones exceeds ability of the body to supply them, a person will feel weak and shaky in an emergency situation.

* Stress increases the body's susceptibility to damage from microorganisms. They reproduce faster, and become more aggressive - eating away at body tissues. If they are in the joints, they destroy joint cartilage, if in the blood vessels, they cause inflammation that attracts cholesterol deposits in an attempt by the body to strengthen damaged blood vessel walls. If they are in the gut, they can take the form of a fungal infection.

Protein requirements for stress:
As you may surmise, this article is being written and revised over a period of time. Just a few days ago, in a conversation with the president of the top amino acid company in the world, I learned more about the importance of having enough protein during stressful times, and how to go about that...

During stressful times, it is especially important to eat high-quality protein at every meal. The adrenal glands, especially, and many other areas of the body need more protein to repair and mantain them when greater demand is placed on the body.

Excellent sources of high-quality protein include free-range naturally raised eggs, poultry, beef, and lamb. Wild-caught salmon is also a good option, but stay away from farm-raised fish - in most cases such fish is not much better than factory-farmed meat and eggs.

2 - Excititoxins such as MSG damage brain neurons by overstimulating, and eventually killing them. Such substances are implicated in speeding the onset and progress of Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative conditions. Virtually all processed foods contain excitotoxins. The sad part is that these harmful substances are not preservatives - their only purpose is to mask bad tastes and enhance desireable tastes in processed foods.

MSG has been implicated in depression, fatigue, headaches, eye damage, and disorientation.

Research: mice were exposed to doses of MSG equal to what is typically added to foods for both adults and babies. The young of the MSG exposed mice were grossly overweight and deficient in height, and exhibited damaged organs throughout their bodies, deficient reproductive functioning, and brain lesions. The same problems are becoming more and more common in children. The prevalence of obesity in children and teens has tripled in the last decade! Obesity in adults has more than doubled in the last 30 years.

MSG and related substances are ubiquitous in nearly all processed foods. Here are some of the names it goes under:
MSG
Monosodium glutamate
Monopotassium glutamate
Vegetable Protein Extract
Textured Protein
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)
Autolyzed Plant Protein
Autolyzed Yeast
Yeast Extract
Yeast food or nutrient
Malted Barley
Calcium Caseinate
Sodium Caseinate
Gelatin
Glutamate
Glutamic Acid

So-Called 'Foods' MSG is Found In:
Soy Protein
Soy Sauce or Extract
Soy Protein Isolate or Concentrate
Stock
Broth
Boullion
Whey
Whey Protein
Whey Protein Isolate or Concentrate
Malt Extract or Flavoring
Maltodextrin, dextrose, dextrates
Caramel Flavoring or Coloring
Pectin
Anything 'enriched' or 'vitamin enriched'
Anything 'protein fortified'
Anything 'enzyme modified'
Rice Syrup
Brown Rice Syrup
'Low' or 'No Fat' foods
Milk Powder
Dry Milk Solids
Protein Fortified Milk
Spice
Vegetable Gum
Guar Gum
Anything 'Ultra-Pasteurized'
Artificial flavoring
Dough conditioners
Protein powders: whey, soy, rice, oat
Etc.

As I write this, I am amazed how many kinds of processed food substances contain MSG. I actually had to stop making the list because there are too many and I got tired of listing them.

You are best off avoiding ALL processed foods!

3 - Environmental Toxins:
The plethora of toxic substances we are exposed to is so vast that I cannot begin to list them. Because of the toxic load in our environment, it is important to have a very proactive approach to our self-care. Detoxification methods can take many forms; choose some that feel right to you:

To be continued shortly...

The Best Probiotic in the World!

2008-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

This article has been removed and will soon be up in my new, comprehensive website,

www.peak-health-now.com.

I apologize for it not being here, however, when you see my new site, you will be glad.

Every day, I am adding the best leading edge information about proven ways for you to achieve Peak Health Now!

I look forward to your visit!

Thanks so much for understanding.

Sincerely,
Ellen Landauer

Nutritional Supplements for Depression and Anxiety

2008-02-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

This article has been moved to: http://www.peak-health-now.com/depression_supplements.html

If you have any trouble pasting this into your browser, please type in, or just go to: www.peak-health-now.com

I look forward to seeing you there...

Thanks for understanding!

Sincerely,
Ellen Landauer

Disclaimer

2008-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

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I understand that I should consult with a medical doctor before using any of the information or supplements described on Ellen Landauer's blog and web site, in any of her books or ebooks, group seminars, tele seminars, and private consultations.

Donate to Health Freedom Coaching blog

2008-01-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

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Straight Talk About Supplements - How to Find World-Class Products at Reasonable Prices

2008-01-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Are You Overwhelmed?
Snowed under by an unending avalanche of new supplements, manufacturers, scientific studies, bogus scientific studies, circumstantial evidence, and propaganda about supplements, you may be utterly confused. You want your questions answered honestly.....

‘How do I avoid overpaying for vitamins, herbal remedies, or food supplements that may not be what they say they are, often aren’t as potent as they claim to be, and sometimes contain harmful ingredients not listed on the label?’
‘Where can I conveniently buy the most pure, potent, effective, and reasonably priced supplements?’

How Do You Avoid Wasting Your Money on Worthless Nutritional Supplements?
Every company out there represents their products as the purest, most potent, most economical, effective..... As my grandpa used to say, 'At the fish market, the vendors never cry, 'rotten fish!''

Did you know that somewhere around 90% of all supplements are either worthless, way overpriced, contain contaminants that are bad for health, are rancid or spoiled (oils can degrade even when inside capsules!), or the potency is below what the label states? How do you choose the highest quality supplements for the best price?

Not All Supplement Manufacturers are Ethical
The days of vaudeville and traveling circuses are over, but the kind of snake-oil salesmen that accompanied them are still with us. They are just better-disguised. The more you search for the best supplements, especially on the internet, the more skeptical and disillusioned you may become. Whether you are looking for vitamin supplements, herbal remedies, bodybuilding supplements like amino acids, or food bars, there are essential things you need to know to find the best supplements for the best price.

No More Rose-Colored Glasses
Wanting to see the natural supplement manufacturers as heroes that would save us from illness and dangerous conventional medications, I initially thought they have high ethical standards. Sadly, I’ve learned there is a lot of competition and politics in an industry I wished to see as being above all that.

Do you know, for example, that competing companies will commonly buy another brand right off the shelves of a health store in order to be allowed to place their products there? I first heard about this insider secret while working as a sales rep for a supplement company, and was shocked. If supplement companies will resort to such piracy to promote their products, and health stores allow it, is it any wonder we can’t believe everything they say?

However, there are many really ethical companies out there that offer high-end, effective, reasonably priced products without resorting to hype and underhanded tactics. I can tell you where to find these companies.

If you are like most people I know, you want the best product for a reasonable price. What you don’t want to do is spend $50.00 for a bottle of 30 capsules and find that this ‘miracle product’ is a dud. By the way, if you spend that kind of money for such a small amount of product, as Bill Cosby said of the $9.95 egg he got for breakfast at a Vegas hotel, “It better have an act. It better stand up and do a dance for me!” Those 30 pills better make you feel like a teenager, otherwise why bother?

The Facts About Pricing!
This might be shocking to you, but most supplements sold to people who aren’t health food store owners or health practitioners are marked up 100%! That means if you buy a bottle of vitamins at a health store for $20.00, the store likely paid around $10.00 for it. Even folks who are distributors for multilevel marketing companies generally don’t get much of a break on the retail price, unless they have a huge downline.

But that’s not the worst of it...

To give you an idea how much many supplements are marked up in price, consider this: When I worked as a sales rep for a supplement company years ago, I was able to buy supplements from them at a little above their production cost. I was paying considerably less than wholesale, and the company was still making some money! It gets worse.....

Recently, while researching a nutrient I was interested in trying, I found an article by a scientist saying that the nutrient could be harmful if it’s not made in just the right way. The description of said consequences was scary enough to frighten anyone who is not sufficiently armed with knowledge and experience. I discovered that this scientist owns a supplement company that makes a powdered drink containing that nutrient.

Considering that the nutrient is a veritable fountain of youth when used correctly, you can imagine there would be a high demand for it. Each can of powder containing 13 servings cost over $90.00!!! This formula was to be taken twice daily - $360.00 per month - OUCH!!! And you have to take it for a lifetime to continue to benefit!

I found the pure form of this nutrient for $18.00 per month. For 20 times less than the highly hyped powdered drink, I have a highly effective product with none of the dangers the scientist was trying to convince people it would have!

When you evaluate opinions on various supplements, be aware of the agendas of those expressing them. They may be right, but at least you are informed as to their bias.

How Do I Evaluate Quality?
The other issue is supplement quality. You are not alone if you feel overwhelmed by the dizzying array of new brands, new products, claims, testimonials, and articles on the latest, greatest newly discovered product that is going to save the world.....

You are an independent thinker with an inquiring mind, but how can you know who is telling the truth and who isn’t? Every company says their products are the purest, most effective, most high quality. Some of the companies that shout the loudest produce the most ineffective, impure and unreliable products.

Multilevel marketing companies are some of the worst offenders, although some sell good products. A huge problem with multilevel products is that most people selling them are compelled to become self-styled experts due to their investment in convincing you to buy.

Not only that, but the missionary zeal of many MLM adherents is monolithic. My experience attending MLM meetings sometimes rivaled the get-down-and-say-hallelujah, rolling in the aisles evangelical frenzy of a revivalist church. (Well, OK, they were not rolling in the aisles, but close...). Whether or not the product helped them, they are still very biased. Without knowing the facts, they will elevate their product and talk down others, even if the other products are top quality.

Working for the Company
Years ago, I spent some time as a Sales Rep for a small (non MLM) company that made high-quality food-based supplements. I’d had good results from the products, and felt good about selling them. However, as a Sales Rep, I was expected to believe that no other company made products that were anywhere near as good.

One day, I mentioned another high-quality company that is very particular about every aspect of their production. All their supplements are pharmaceutical grade (the company is owned and run by a pharmacist), the production is done under their own roof, and the company officially qualified to meet the gold standard of Good Manufacturing Practices. My supervisor told me that didn’t mean anything.

I felt limited being a Sales Rep because I was only to extoll the virtues of the company I represented. I could not tell the truth about other products equally good or better. As I found other products which were of considerably higher quality and more effective, I lost faith in the integrity of the company I was working for.

A similar, but often even more evangelistic mentality accompanies multilevel Marketing (pyramid scheme) companies. There is usually a lot of hype, and not enough cold, hard facts. Some MLM’s sell good products, but the hype usually outstrips the facts. Just about every MLM I was ever involved with touted some testimonials that stopped just short of saying that the product cured someone’s cancer!

Misleading statements by the companies themselves often create an image that is deceptive. As an example, a friend of mine was selling an MLM product made from algae. The company claimed that the algae was harvested from a pristine lake in unpolluted wilderness. On a trip out west, my friend had occasion to visit the lake. He found motorboats racing back and forth on that very lake!

There are a large number of world-class supplement companies whose products are never found in health stores. However, they can often be found at the offices of top holistic MD’s. Why? Because they contain the ingredients and potency they say they do, and people get good results from taking them. You will generally pay top dollar, but it can be worth it to know that you are getting a high-end product. Under the care of some excellent holistic MD’s for a few years, I always took note of which brands and products they kept on their shelves.

Could Your Vitamins be Making You Sick?
Your vitamins may contain some ingredients not listed on the label. Some supplements, particularly minerals such as calcium and magnesium derived from dubious sources are loaded with dangerous contaminants such as lead. Lead can trigger nervous system problems, high blood pressure, and joint and muscle pain. Other contaminants that are all too common are mercury and other heavy metals, mold, and bacteria. Fish oil products are an example of a supplement that can contain mercury and other toxins. Many ‘good-tasting’ supplements contain sugar and artificial flavors that are bad for us.

Are Your Supplements Potent and Effective?
You may be shocked to learn that dozens of popular brands contain as little as 10% of the listed ingredients. In order to increase profits, many companies substitute synthetic hard-to-absorb ingredients for more expensive natural ones, or simply make a lower potency product and claim it has more potency.

Some brands contain ingredients in an inactive form that gives you no benefit. For example, the glucosamine and chondroitin in many supplements intended to benefit joint health is not in a readily absorbable form. In this case, you want to look for Glucosamine HCL, an easy-to absorb form of glucosamine, which can be found in a product called ‘Cosamin.’

‘Ferrous sulfate’ and ‘ferric citrate’ are the forms of iron found in cheaply made multiple vitamins. Intestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation and bloating are often found in those who take iron in the above forms. You can get an iron supplement that’s almost as good by applying a rotary sanding machine to an iron railing! You are best off getting your iron in the natural form of ‘heme iron’ found in organic grass-fed beef or lamb. Forms of iron supplements that are easily absorbed are ‘heme iron concentrate,’ ‘iron glycine amino acid chelate,’ ‘ferrous fumarate,’ and ‘ferrous gluconate.’

Another example is selenium, a trace mineral. The cheaper, most common form of selenium is ‘sodium selenite,’ which is hard to absorb and more toxic than selenium in the form of selenomethionine (selenium bound to the amino acid methionine for easy absorption). Even when you find a product that claims to contain selenomethionine, you need to know the reputation of the company, or you may be getting ripped off. The actual potency may not match what’s on the label.

If you rely on getting supplements in health stores, you really have to look carefully and know which are the quality products. Health stores carry some cheaply made products of dubious quality. The reason for this is that they have to cater to the demands of their customers. Most people are more interested in price, and don’t know what vast differences there are in quality and effectiveness between products purporting to be the same supplement. So the blame cannot be placed only on the stores, though they could do more toward educating their clientele about quality.

Since you care about quality and effectiveness of the supplements you take, you want to know the facts. But how do you know which products to buy if you don’t know the real truth? What if some of the products you depend on to help you be healthier really aren’t as good as company claims would have you believe?

Documentation of Quality
Here are three things I look for when seeking world-class nutritional supplements:

1 - Certificate of Analysis from an independent testing laboratory. Whenever possible, I buy from companies that display their certificate of analysis right on the website for all to see, or at least, will make it available upon request.

2 - GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification - regulates the manufacturing and laboratory testing environments involved with production of supplements. When a supplement company applies for GMP certification, they agree to have every aspect of the process documented by a government agency, and to comply with all requirements.

3 - USP (US Pharmaceutical Grade) ingredients. While not every ingredient that could be included in a supplement is evaluated this way, many can be qualified as USP grade. For example, many pure forms of vitamins and minerals can be qualified as meeting or exceeding pharmaceutical standards, also bioidentical hormones such as progesterone and estradiol.

4 - Herbal extracts are qualified by being 'standardized' to include a specific percentage of active ingredients.

Examples from my own Experience:
Years ago, I bought a bottle of niacin (vitamin B3) from a popular health store in my area. It was the generic store brand (Yup, I bought it ‘cause it was cheaper).

Niacin, which is good for the cardiovascular system, opens capillaries and brings circulation to the skin surface resulting in redness and tingling. When a niacin supplement is potent and effective, you know it! Niacin stimulates the release of histamine from mast cells in the skin, commonly resulting in itching. But no matter how many pills I took, the alleged niacin had no effect whatever.

Clearly this supplement had NO potency! Of course, I returned the bottle for a refund. If I hadn’t had a way to tell how potent the product was, I would have unknowingly wasted my money. Most products don’t have such an obvious effect, so if they are of dubious quality, the consumer is none the wiser. This happens to many people every day!

Here is another example of a supplement that did not in my experience measure up to its advertised benefits. One of my holistic MD's recommended a liquid supplement called Breckham's Gold. It had been developed by a scientist who lived in Russia, and was reputed to boost the immune system and reduce pain. Breckham's Gold was sold through MLM (multi-level marketing).

My doctor suggested this formula that included ginseng and other tonic herbs since those benefits were just what I needed at the time. I devotedly took my 1 ounce dose morning and evening for two months. Initially, I thought I felt a little better, but soon realized that no real benefits were forthcoming. This product was not worth the money I spent (around $50.00 for a one month supply).

You are Paying one or more Middlemen:
Another thing most people don’t know is that the company named on the label as the vitamin manufacturer often distributes pills that are made and packaged somewhere else by a ‘middleman’ company. The company that is the middleman generally buys the cheapest raw materials, (often from dubious sources overseas), to put into the product so they can make maximum profit on the price the ‘vitamin manufacturer’ pays them. They win, you lose.

For example, your mineral supplement may be contaminated by toxic metals such as lead or aluminum. Your food-based supplement powder could be harboring bacteria or fungi. Your flax oil, fish oil, or vitamin E may be rancid and consequently full of free radicals - creating the exact opposite result in your body from that intended by the product. Having sampled many supplements over the years, I can assure you this happens much more often than you’d like to imagine.

Here’s One Way to Check the Quality of Your Supplements:
I am in the habit of tasting and/or smelling a lot of the supplements I buy that come in capsules. I open or puncture the capsule and taste the oil or powder inside. If you have an idea what the fresh, pure, potent supplement is supposed to taste like, you can do your own test.

For example, flax oil or natural vitamin E should taste rich, mildly sweet and nutty with no objectionable aftertaste. If I experience an acrid, rancid, bitter taste of the contents of a flax oil or vitamin E capsule, you can bet that company immediately goes on my ‘do not buy’ list!

If a powder that is supposed to have a strong flavor and aroma has none, ditto for that company. For example, selenium is supposed to have a sulfurous smell, since it is a sulfur-based trace mineral. If I open a bottle of selenium and it doesn’t smell like sulfur, I have serious doubts about its potency and purity. When I was taking the inorganic form of selenium (sodium selenite) it did smell sulfurous - it was potent. I just got up from writing this to check out the selenium supplement I take now (selenomethionine) and it has a sulfurous smell that is richer, more mellow and complex than the inorganic form.

The last bit of advice I can offer is to be wary if a supplement company seems overly theatrical in their statements about their product’s effectiveness.

While there are a few products out there that can have dramatic effects on certain conditions, there is no assurance that they will do that for everyone, and they should not be presented as such. A reputable company doesn’t generally over dramatize product results. They usually state product benefits in a calm, straightforward way, and have some reputable research to back up their claims.

Following these suggestions can give you the edge in finding quality supplements for a reasonable price.

It's Been Awhile

2008-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

I’ve been wanting to get back in touch with you for awhile now. Life has been quite full - of challenges, joy, questions, love, and paradigm shifts.

One of the challenges has been helping my Mom, in her 80’s, cope with unexpected health challenges. While more conventional than me, and initially willing to trust what her doctors were telling her, she found herself more and more confused because they were all saying different things. She also found her health deteriorating rather than improving under their care. Mom takes care of herself extremely well, exercising, eating well, and taking supplements. Her strong will has been challenged by her difficulties, and I have spent a lot of time and energy to give her support and help.

I also found myself going through a paradigm shift with regard to the fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome projects I’ve been involved with. Initially, I felt comfortable with sharing my fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome story if it could benefit and inspire others to heal. While I am still willing to do that occasiionally if it can help inspire someone else, it has become apparent that identifying as a sufferer is no longer healthy or productive for me.

I know it is possible to completely recover from fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue and many other conditions that people are typically told they ‘have to learn to live with,’ or worse yet, death sentences. There actually are one or two people who took the survey who stated that their symptoms are gone.

I will be now moving on to bring you information and inspiration to go beyond what you may have thought possible. I've done that; I know you can, too.

Magnesium and Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2007-07-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Do you know that brain fog, aching muscles, and anxiety or irritablity are among the many symptoms of magnesium deficiency? Research has also shown that magnesium deficiency can play an important part in depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and attention deficit disorder. Do you know that magnesium deficiency is epidemic throughout the western world? Over 80% of Americans are low in magnesium.

Magnesium is one of the four electrolyte minerals. The other three are calcium, potassium, and salt. These are the minerals we need larger quantities of in our diets. Trace minerals, such as selenium, zinc and copper, also some with exotic names like vanadium, are needed in much smaller amounts than the four electrolytes.

Of all the minerals, magnesium is the hardest to absorb because of its large molecular structure. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are getting a generous amount.

Magnesium helps the body absorb calcium, and strengthens bones and teeth. It helps stabilize heart rhythm, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Magnesium is also very important in allowing muscles to relax, and in reducing stiffness in muscles. Other functions that require magnesium are nerve transmission and digestion. For these reasons, it is vitally important that people with challenged immune systems get enough magnesium. Interestingly, many symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as depression, chronic pain, and intolerance to stress, are common to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Several hundred bodily functions as well as that many different kinds of enzymes require magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can affect any organ system in the body!

If you have any of the following, you may be deficient in magnesium:
1 - heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
2 - muscular tension or tight muscles
3 - chronic fatigue
4 - depression
5 - night sweats
6 - muscles easily become injured, strained, or torn
7 - constipation (sluggish colon)
8 - muscular weakness
9 - muscle cramps in legs or feet
10 - chronic pain in hips or knees
11 - dizziness
12 - nausea
13 - loss of bladder control
14 - migraine headaches
15 - cold hands and/ or feet
16 - low or mid-back pain
17 - high blood pressure
18 - chronic diarrhea or loose stools
19 - carpal tunnel syndrome
20 - intolerance to stress
21 - over or underactive thyroid
22 - arthritis
23 - osteoporosis
24 - epilepsy or seizures
25 - crawling sensations on the skin
26 - calcification of soft tissue in the body
27 - attention deficit disorder

Magnesium deficiency can occur for various reasons:
1 - Lack of magnesium in the diet
2 - Prolonged strenuous exercise without replenishing the minerals (muscle contraction requires calcium, muscle relaxation requires magnesium).
3 - Poor absorbtion:
a) Magnesium as well as calcium requires Vitamins A & D to be absorbed and utilized.
Many folks don’t get enough of these two vitamins, which also are needed to absorb calcium. High-quality cod liver oil (Carlson Labs is the best I know of), and/or wild-caught salmon are good sources of Vitamin A and D.
b) Not enough hydrochloric acid in the stomach - it takes acid to bring minerals into solution to be easily absorbed.
4 - Excessive stress will deplete the body of minerals and particularly magnesium.
5 - lots of carbs, particularly refined carbs, also alcohol and too much coffee.

Clients in my World-Class Wholesale Supplement Program have reported feeling happier and more relaxed when taking magnesium supplements. Remember, not all magnesium supplements are easily absorbed! Some of the best forms of magnesium include; magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium taurate. It is also very important to obtain your magnesium supplement from a reputable company to make sure you are really getting a pure, potent product.

An excellent strategy is to take a few different forms of magnesium supplements, as well as including magnesium-rich foods such as dark greens and fresh raw almonds, walnuts, and other nuts in your diet.

Close to the Source

2007-06-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

The freshness of early morning lingers as Carolyn and I clamber over the de-activated electric fence and enter the spacious pasture where the hundred or so cows, calves and steers reside.

'They're already down in the woods,' Carolyn informs me. 'They prefer the shade in warm weather.'

I spot a lone cow in the pasture just outside the lush forested area five hundred feet away. Unaccustomed to taking my morning exercise in cow pastures, I step in about three cowpies before I figure out that I should look down occasionally. Mist rises as the sun begins to evaporate moisture from damp grass and earth.

The Scottish Highland and Belted Galloway cattle are heirloom breeds that were in existence long before our modern beef cattle. Their appearance is strikingly different and has its own rugged charm. Built low to the ground like a Tibetan yak, these massive beasts often have huge bangs hanging over their foreheads. Somehow, that reminds me of Moe of the 3 Stooges, the slapstick comedians I watched on TV as a kid.

'They're pretty docile, aren't they,' I inquire.

'Oh, yes,' Carolyn assures me. 'They won't attack you or anything.'

'Even the mother cows with young calves?'

'No, they'll be fine. If they are a little nervous about you at first, they'll just move away a bit.'

Just about to enter the wooded area, I see them. And hear them. Resonant breathing, steam rising from their hides, their huge presence in the shadows of the trees and slanting sunlight evokes a feeling of prehistoric times. Carolyn and I enter the primeval scene, walking through soft black muddy soil.

All thought has receded from my brain. I am totally present in a very alive dream in a pastoral landscape. The ancient symbiotic relationship between humans and the creatures that provide sustenance wraps me in its earthy spell.

After a little initial caution, the huge beasts draw closer to us, gently pressing in, curious. I feel the fullness of their breath, the massiveness of their bodies, their benign attraction to the two human creatures in their midst.

Obviously, these cows like humans. I keep my body language soft and inviting, often crouching down to make my stranger's presence more approachable. A big black yearling steer sidles up to me and soon is licking my arm and trying to eat my braided hair.

A young heifer calf trustingly lifts her head as Carolyn hugs her.

'We spend a lot more time with the cows than most beef farmers,' Carolyn comments. 'If you were at our neighbor's farm, their cows would have run away immediately.'

Sitting on a mossy log, I am lost in the gaze of a beautifully marked yearling steer.

'The hardest thing about raising them is sending them away at the end,' Carolyn confides.

For me, life is a circle - we all feed on life, and provide food when we go. It has been a moving experience to get so up close and personal with benevolent creatures that provide such magnificent food.

(To contact Carolyn and John Wheeler directly, call 413-625-2900).

2007-06-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

When It's Good, It's REALLY Good; When It's BAD, It's Even BETTER!

Today's post was inspired by one of my survey participants who was telling me she got some cortisone shots, but knows they are not so good...

That reminded me of a person I know who is considering spinal surgery. As I thought about his interactions with his doctor, I recalled one of Mae West's famous quotes - 'When I'm good, I'm REALLY good. When I'm BAD, I'm even BETTER!' Here's the story:

A longtime friend of my husband is considering spinal fusion surgery for chronic neck pain. Of course, as Rolfers, both my husband and I know that

1) Spinal fusion reduces mobility because it fuses a number of vertebra together

2) There is no gurarantee that the pain will go away; sometimes it worsens.

3) When one part of the spine becomes rigid, other parts have to become hypermobile to compensate, and may become more problematic than the initial complaint.

Chuck and I suggested to his friend various other options that are less invasive - among them a technique called 'prolotherapy.' I received prolotherapy during the time I was suffering joint pain, and it was the best doctor-administered treatment I had ever had for anything. Very effective and did just what it claims. Briefly, what it does is re-stimulate an intense inflammatory response by the body in a localized area. The area becomes red, swollen, and painful for a day or two, and then, voila - chronic pain - gone! Sometimes more than one or a few treatments is needed, but it is very effective.

Anyway, Chuck's friend told his doctor that wants to do the surgery about the prolotherapy. Well, the man became incensed and told Chuck's friend that prolo is quackery and he shouldn't consider it.

So here's my point; When conventional 'wisdom' tells me it's BAD, I become very intrigued to learn more about whatever it is, often try it, and usually find it's even better than I expected! This calls to mind another of Mae West's quotes: 'When given the choice between two evils, I usually like to try the one I haven't yet done!'

That's the kind of adventuresome attitude that accompanied me on my journey of effective healing!

If you haven't visited my official website yet, please do. There, you will learn more of my search for the Holy Grail of fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers - an effective cure! Go to: www.fibromyalgiacfs-healing.com .

Real People, Real Food

2007-06-12T11:44:00.001-07:00

A Forgotten Way of Life
The sun is just about to set as I stand chatting with Carolyn Wheeler up near the barn and look out over the pastoral view. Pastures, forested areas, and hills recede into the haze of distant mountains. A mild evening breeze refreshes us after a very warm day. Carolyn's daughter walks toward us, two little boys running ahead of her. The youngsters are very fast and agile for such little ones.

"How old are they," I ask.

"The older one is three and a half, and the young one is two," Carolyn replies.

I am impressed how sturdy and well-developed these handsome little boys are for their age, and comment on that to Carolyn.

"We're pretty careful to feed them a healthy diet. They eat our beef and chicken and get plenty of vegetables and fruits."

The younger of the boys comes up to Carolyn for a hug, and she lifts him up for a moment, squeezing him affectionately. I bask in the warmth of a mostly forgotten way of life; a farm family of several generations living on the same land and working together.

Grass Fed Beef, Free-Range Chickens
Carolyn and John Wheeler own Wheel-View Farm, where they raise heirloom beef cattle. Healthier and more even tempered than most modern breeds are the hundred-plus head of Belted Galloways and Scottish Highland cattle. This land has been in Carolyn's family for generations. The family also raises chickens and has fresh eggs available most of the year.

Here is where I do my meat and egg shopping. The freshness, rich nourishment, and taste of Wheel-View Farm's meat and eggs reflects a model for how all our food should be raised.

Fortunately, Wheel-View Farm ships frozen beef to folks who don't live within easy driving distance, so people in New York State, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania can benefit from superbly raised grass fed beef.

Close to the Source of Nourishment
I am a 'hands-on' kind of person when it comes to all things, but especially food. I thrive when I can see, touch, and smell the earth and the plants and creatures that provide nourishment. This is real, something you can get your hands on. A real farm, where 'free range' is not just a state of mind, but living, breathing reality.

It is not uncommon to drive up and find someone chasing an errant chicken to get it back into the large pastured enclosure that protects the flock. Carolyn once commented, 'Yes, the chickens are a little too free range!'

Over two hundred acres, most of it pastureland mixed with forest, is the scenic home of the Galloway/ Highland herd. I want to get even more in touch with the source of our nourishment, so I arrange to up come back here and meet with Carolyn early morning. Being up close and personal with at least two score of these ancient heirloom cattle breeds turns out to be an amazing experience. Join me, Carolyn, and the cows in my post entitled, "Close to the Source."

Overcoming Depression and Anxiety

2007-04-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Several weeks in a row, we have had rain, snow, sleet, cold and damp here in New England. Looking out the window one grey day, I found some amazing beauty that lifted my mood. Sleet crystals formed a wonderland of shining beauty, the grey sky and still leafless trees creating a beautifully textured background. I reflected on how even in my most difficult times as a fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome sufferer, I sought to find even a small bit of beauty near at hand that would bring some joy.

Chronic depression and anxiety are ubiquitous in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Most of my survey participants' comments indicate a longtime familiarity with depression and anxiety. There are a number of simple things, that if you remember to do them, can help to pull you out of feeling depressed, and calm some of the anxiety that is so common in people with immune system challenges. These measures can also help you to feel better physically.

1 - Pay attention to your diet. Unrecognized food allergies are common in a lot of people, and especially in fm/cfs sufferers. One good indication that you are allergic to a food is that you crave it. (Sorry, but it's true).

For a couple of years, any time I ate nuts, my body hurt more, and I became almost instantly depressed. The depression was clearly a very physiological phenomenon (though looking at the larger picture, I do believe that ultimately, we need to address our emotional issues to fully heal). Leaving work, I would drive to the nearest Whole Foods Market, and visions of roasted cashews would dance through my mind. It was as compelling as the need of an alcoholic to drink. I couldn't get it out of my mind. My body was so reactive that as soon as I ate one or two cashews, I would feel my energy dip, and my skin would begin to itch.

The solution ultimately wasn't will power, or abstaining from cashews the rest of my life. It was a long-term, concerted program of healing all aspects of my immune system. It IS possible. Now, I can even eat chocolate!

Fresh, whole, locally grown foods as much as possible, with lots of dark greens in your salads. Eat some high-quality protein at every meal (free-range, grassfed meats, poultry and eggs, wild-caught salmon, and non-homogenized, unpasteurized dairy if it agrees with you). The vast majority of my survey participants have said that they feel best on a low-carb diet.

2 - MOVE!! Move your body. Even if you have to do it lying down! Even if you hurt! Be as gentle as you need to be, but do something!

I feel great these days, but I can tell you that if I was a couch potato, I would not. Spending a lot of time on the computer, I find that it is essential to have a regular exercise program. It is very easy to space out, for a lot of people. Moving your body, feeling yourself stretching, walking, hiking and other outdoor activities will go far toward warding off depression and anxiety. Contact with your body will get you out of your head and into feeling. It will provide the foundation for real body consciousness. That kind of awareness will improve your natural sense of discrimination in choosing the healing methods that will be of most help.

Moving and feeling your body is essential for overcoming depression and anxiety; it will give you a sense of power that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to come by. It will also enhance your ability to feel, and hence to feel what you need in order to heal.

And on those grey days, see if you can find one little thing of beauty to appreciate...

Have You Had Your Enzymes Today?

2007-03-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

‘To get enzymes from food, one must eat raw food. All life, whether plant or animal, requires the presence of enzymes to keep it going. Therefore, all plant and animal food in the raw state has them. But the mere touch of heat destroys them.....if water is hot enough to feel uncomfortrable to the hand, it will injure the enzymes in food.’
.....from the book ‘Enzyme Nutrition,’ by Dr. Edward Howell

I read this compelling book for the first time many years ago, and it is still among my favorites. Dr. Howell’s main points are:

- Our enzyme potential is limited, because enzymes are destroyed as soon as they are used for various functions in the body, including digestion.

- If we eat a lot of cooked foods, enzyme potential that could be devoted toward producing metabolic enzymes which heal and repair the body, is instead used up to digest dead foods.

- By eating a wealth of raw, enzyme-rich foods, we add to our enzyme ‘bank account’ and have a lot more enzymes available for healing and repair.

If you are a fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome sufferer, or have other health issues, an enzyme-rich diet is very important. Not only are enzymes essential for digestion and healing, they play a vital part in all body functioning.

2007-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

THE ROOTS OF HEALTH

"Imagine you go to your local shop and buy an apple. You place it on the counter and pay for it. The shopkeeper cuts it into five pieces, takes four and gives the last one to you. Sounds crazy right? Actually it's the closest to the truth than you might think. A recent report, based on U.S. agriculture records has found that the nutrient content of fruits and vegetables has been dropping since records were first taken in the early 1960s. So I'd need to be eating five apples today just to get the same nutrients my father did in 1965."

That is the opening quote in an article called, 'Stone Age Science: Rejuvenating the Earth With Rock Dust,' by Dylan Keating. You can find it here: http://www.remineralize.org/zine.php

Even I, with an organic garden in which I grow greens, garlic, and other vegetables year in and year out, needed to be reminded of this basic fact: our food is only as good as the soil it's grown in. All food (except seafood and hydroponically grown vegetables, of course) whether animal or vegetable ultimately comes from the soil.

Years ago, I would drive 30 miles to a quarry in my area and shovel rock dust into big buckets, load them into the back of my car, and bring them home to use in my garden soil. After reading the article, I'm seriously thinking of loading those buckets into the trunk of my car and heading back out to the quarry.

As I discussed in my post, 'Locally Grown Food Better than Commercially Produced Organic,' even organically grown vegetables, unless they're locally grown, are not grown under ideal conditions in nutrient-dense soil. Commercially grown organic vegetables, while better than their conventionally grown counterparts, are a far cry from the food that was commonly available many years ago. The demineralization of the earth is a critical reason for that. As a consequence, most humans these days are mineral deficient, too. That is one reason why taking supplements is a good idea for almost all of us.

If you have a small garden plot and a little time, you might want to consider renewing your connection to Mother Earth with a small vegetable garden. As a former fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome sufferer, I can attest to the therapeutic value of nurturing plants and to the gratitude for the fresh food they provide. Even though you may be in pain, it's healthy to do some light work outdoors. An important part of my own healing was direct contact with nature.

As a long-time organic vegetable gardener, I can attest to the fact that NOTHING can replace the joy of tasting fresh vegetables harvested only minutes before eating. For me and other home gardeners I talk with, part of it is that the vibrance of life energy still coursing through the food is directly absorbed as it is eaten. And we know just what went into the soil that grew that food.

Locally Grown Food is Better than Commercially Produced Organic

2007-03-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

Recently, I stopped buying my favorite brand of organic yogurt because I felt something wasn't right. When I would lift a spoonful out of the container, there was a slimy quality to the yogurt. It didn't taste as good as I remembered from years past. After eating it, I could feel a subtle damping down of my body energy.

My body sense was right; I found out that the formerly excellent organic yogurt was now made entirely from powdered milk! Not only that, but the bacterial culture used was no longer a beneficial strain, but one that would simply thicken the bogus ingredients! Ironically, this yogurt is still labeled 'organic' - Ugh!

I am able to buy raw milk and cream from a local organic farmer, and my body sense tells me it is very good. Also, this farmer makes delicious aged raw milk cheeses from fresh cow and goat milk.

Another example: I used to buy organic Fuji apples (my favorite) from New Zealand at a Whole Foods Market in my area. In the last couple of years, my once favorite apples did not seem to taste as good. (Plus, at $2.49 a pound, an apple a day got kind of pricey).

My husband found a low-spray orchard that raises Fujis locally. We drove over there one day and bought a huge basketful. They looked much fresher than the ones at Whole Foods. We have never tasted better Fuji apples, and feel energized when we eat them. And at $8.45 for around 8 pounds of fruit, the price is right. The best part is, locally-grown apples, even if not perfectly organic, turned out to be better than organic imported ones. And we like supporting our local growers!

2007-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Friendship is Important for Health, Especially for Women!

A dear friend sent me this - and I know you will find it interesting and perhaps even helpful...

"Subject: STUDY ON FRIENDSHIP AMONG WOMEN
By Gale Berkowitz
University of California, Los Angeles

A landmark UCLA study suggests friendships between women are special.
They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous
inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriages, and help us remember
who we really are. By the way, they may do even more.
Scientists now suspect that hanging out with our friends can actually
counteract the kind of stomach-quivering stress most of us experience on a
daily basis.
A landmark UCLA study suggests that women respond to stress with a
cascade of brain chemicals that cause us to make and maintain friendships
with other women. It's a stunning find that has turned five decades of
stress research---most of it on men---upside down.

"Until this study was published, scientists generally believed that
when people experienced stress, the condition triggered a hormonal cascade
that prepared the body to either stand and fight or flee as fast as
possible," explains Laura Cousino Klein, Ph.D., now an Assistant
Professor of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State University and one
of the study's authors. "It's an ancient survival mechanism left over from
the time we were chased across the planet by saber-toothed tigers."
Now the researchers suspect that women have a larger behavioral
repertoire than just "fight or flight." "In fact," says Dr. Klein, "it
seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress
responses in a woman, it buffers the 'fight or flight' response and
encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead.
When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest
that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces
a calming effect. This calming response does not
occur in men", says Dr. Klein, "because testosterone ---which men
produce in high levels when they're under stress---seems to reduce the
effects of oxytocin. Estrogen", she adds, "seems to enhance it."
The discovery that women respond to stress differently than men was
made in a classic "aha!" moment shared by two women scientists who were
talking one day in a lab at UCLA. "There was this joke that when the women
who worked in the lab were stressed, they came in, cleaned the lab, had
coffee, and bonded," says Dr. Klein. "When the men were stressed, they
holed up somewhere on their own. I commented one day to fellow researcher
Shelley Taylor that nearly 90% of the stress research is on males. I showed
her the data from my lab, and the two of us knew instantly that we were
onto something."

The women cleared their schedules and started meeting with one
scientist after another from various research specialties. Very quickly,
Drs. Klein and Taylor discovered that by not including women in stress
research, scientists had made a huge mistake: The fact that women respond
to stress differently than men has significant implications for our health.

It may take some time for new studies to reveal all the ways that
oxytocin encourages us to care for children and hang out with other women,
but the "tend and befriend" notion developed by Drs. Klein and Taylor may
explain why women consistently outlive men. Study after study has found
that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure,
heart rate, and cholesterol.

"There's no doubt," says Dr. Klein, "that friends are helping us
live." In one study, for example, researchers found that people who had no
friends increased their risk of death over a 6-month period. In another
study, those who had the most friends over a 9-year period cut
their risk of death by more than 60%.

Friends are also helping us live better. The famed Nurses' Health
Study from Harvard Medical School found that the more friends women had,
the less likely they were to develop physical impairments as they aged, and
the more likely they were to be leading a joyful life.

In fact, the results were so significant, the researchers concluded,
that not having close friends or confidantes was as detrimental to your
health as smoking or carrying extra weight!

And that's not all! When the researchers looked at how well the
women functioned after the death of their spouse, they found that even in
the face of this biggest stressor of all, those women who had a close
friend and confidante were more likely to survive the experience without
any new physical impairment or permanent loss of vitality. Those without
friends were not always so fortunate.

Yet if friends counter the stress that seems to swallow up so much
of our life these days, if they keep us healthy and even add years to our
life, why is it so hard to find time to be wit h them? That's a question
that also troubles researcher Ruthellen Josselson, Ph.D., co-author
of Best Friends: The Pleasures and Perils of Girls' and Women's
Friendships/ (Three Rivers Press, 1998). "Every time we get overly busy
with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with
other women," explains Dr. Josselson. "We push them right to the
back burner. That's really a mistake because women are such a source
of strength to each other. We nurture one another. And we need to have
unpressured space in which we can do the special kind of talk that women do
when they're with other women. It's a very healing experience."

Sources: Taylor, S. E., Klein, L.C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T.
Gurung, R.A.R., & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). "Female Responses to
Stress: Tend and Befriend, Not Fight or Flight", Psychological
Review,
107(3), 41-429."

Immune System Healing

2007-02-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

Self-evident Truths
It's not rocket science; know that for immune system healing, eliminating refined sweets is a very good idea.

I sometimes forget to mention to you some important ways to boost your immune system simply because I take them to be self-evident truths, and practice them consistently. But I didn't always. And I know the consequences of defying these truths.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, it is even more crucial to give some thought and loving care to your immune system. After seeing the following information in a few places, I figured I should pass it on to you. It's good to be reminded of the obvious sometimes!

An often neglected immune system suppressor is SUGAR. Ingesting 100 grams of simple carbohydrate (glucose, fructose, sucrose, or even honey or orange juice) has been demonstrated to reduce significantly the ability of white blood cells to engulf and destroy bacteria. Not only that, but ingestion of 75 grams of simple carbohydrate depresses lymphocyte activity. The effects begin 30 minutes after ingestion and continue for 5 hours.

Dr. Robert Atkins called sugar the most commonly consumed cancer-causing agent in the western world. If that's not enough to dissuade one from eating sweets, I don't know what else would.

Since chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are the result of an overburdened immune system, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to avoid all manner of high-glycemic index sweet foods. This would include fruit juices (especially bottled fruit juices which are devoid of enzymes and other nutrients because they're pasteurized), candy, cakes, refined pastas and breads, too much grain products, all sweeteners except stevia, and very sweet fruits such as bananas (except in small amounts). Increase dark greens, and high quality protein and fat such as wild-caught salmon and organic poultry. Drink herb teas, vegetable juices (especially freshly made), snack on nuts, celery, apples (one of the fruits that is lowest on the glycemic index), and organic goat or cows milk cheeses, if they agree with you.

Wishing you ever-increasing vitality and happiness -

Ellen Landauer
-------------------------
Health Seminar Leader, Coach, and Certified Advanced Rolfer
http://wwwfibromyalgiachronicfatiguecom.blogspot.com
ellen@fibromyalgiacfs-healing.com

Take the Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=376992536079

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” George Bernard Shaw

Mega-Lesson For Attracting Health and Love

2007-01-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Right to the Heart of the Matter
The major barrier to vibrant health and truly loving relationships is an unloved part of yourself.
That's right: Any aspect of ourselves that we don't love and accept keeps us from attaining truly vibrant health, and satisfying relationships!

Here's why:
If you don't love yourself, you'll always be looking for someone or something else to fill that gap from the outside.

It never works, because people who don't love themselves attract other people who also don't love themselves and/or circumstances that reflect the lack of complete self-love. People who are lacking self-love try to get outer circumstances to make up for that when they are not even doing it for themselves.

This is something everyone I know has had to struggle with (yes, me included). Why? Because we live in a world that tends to equate self-love with selfishness. If the world can convince you that self-love is selfishness, then you can be made to feel guilty about that.

Guilt is an unloving state of being that should be banished from human existence. It has been used to manipulate people from the beginning of time, and people needlessly take it on and torment themselves with it. Guilt is not needed to make people be good; people are by nature good. It is guilt and denial that distort peoples' behavior.

When You Love All of Yourself, You Can Fully Love Another
I find people who feel good about themselves at the core, and are emotionally free, to be the kindest and most giving. Because we live in a world where many feel threatened by people who are free inside themselves, self-love is not encouraged. Those who want to impose their will on others prefer that people be easy to manipulate. It is hard to sell products and agendas to people who feel great about themselves!

When you love yourself deeply and unconditionally for everything you are and aren't, you attract people and circumstances that foster bodily healing. You attract loving relationships that are exciting and supportive. Real and lasting healing happens from the inside first, and is supported by favorable outer circumstances that reflect what's going on inside you. So when you heal your relationship with yourself, you will find more supportive people around you; those that aren't will leave or change. When you heal your relationship with your body, and love all of it right now, you will find outer circumstances presenting new ways to heal physically.

Always remember that your outer and inner worlds are a reflection of one another.

I wish you loving relationships and vibrant health!

2007-01-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

The First Thing We All Really Need to Know About Creating Vibrant Health

Here's the first thing we all really need to know:
None of us has the slightest chance of creating and sustaining vibrant health until we make a conscious committment to it. Until you make a conscious committment to genuine health, your unconscious programming runs the show.

You also need to know that it's up to you and you can do it! That's right: the power rests in your heart and your hands. Each of us can make that committment and bring about genuine, lasting health. I made this my own goal many years ago and even with the challenge of fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome, went from intense pain to a more joyful and creative relationship with my body than I could have imagined.

If you will make a sincere committment to creating more vibrant health, you are more than halfway there. Once you are committed, you are ready to learn a most important lesson about how to be vibrantly healthy. In my next post, I will elaborate on that.

2007-01-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Magic Bullets and Other Myths

I just talked on the phone with a longtime friend. We were going to get together tomorrow evening and share dinner and catch up on our new experiences. But suddenly, she is not feeling well and we have to put off our visit.

My friend (I'll call her Jo) has struggled on and off for years with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Sometimes to the point where she can hardly function.

Jo told me she and her husband were going to try a new product containing glyconutrients. This is supposed to improve communication between the cells. We discussed fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, possible causes and ideas on why certain things seem to help for awhile, then fail.

According to some naturopaths and holistic doctors I've had conversations with, when the immune system is crashing, various opportunistic organisms will attack the tissues of the body. Many people with fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome (fm/cfs) are plagued with various kinds of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Often, these are hard to detect and define - subclinical - because the symptoms they cause are not typically recognized as being caused by such life forms. I think there is much more going on than that, but I am going to keep it simple.

It is known that microscopic life forms can (sometimes very quickly) change form in order to survive. What I've noticed, and heard from other fm/cfs sufferers is that when they change their diet, take a new herb or vitamin formula, etc., they feel better for awhile, but it doesn't last. Some sufferers say they have to keep changing their diet. Whenever the conditions in the body change, especially for the better, it can disrupt the environment these bacteria, fungi, or viruses live in. They have to regroup, and at that point the person feels better and that the new supplement, or whatever, is working. After a few weeks or months, they feel worse again. They may at that point think they need to take more of the magic pill, but in the end, it often doesn't help.

My point is that though there are some very good products out there, there is no magic pill. To fully recover vibrant health, a dedicated overhaul of lifestyle is required. Not only what we do physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I address some of this, especially the mental and emotional aspects, in my special gift for those who participate in the Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Project survey. To take the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=376992536079

Jo and I arranged to get together in a few days, this time in the afternoon, since she has more energy at that time of day. She is interested to explore more ideas about healing. I'll tell more later.

2007-01-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

Wholesale Supplement Program

Until now, only my regular Rolfing clients, (who pay $125.00 per session), have been able to order supplements from me at wholesale. As a health practitioner, I have established wholesale accounts with the top distributors in the industry. Almost none of these products are found in health stores! Many are found on the sales shelves in the offices of top holistic MD's.I help my clients determine which products would be most economical and effective for them.

I personally call in the orders, and the supplements are drop-shipped right to their doorstep. Since launching the Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Research Project, it has become clear that many other people could benefit from a program designed to help them save unheard-of amounts of money on supplements. So I’ve decided to create a new program for people other than my clients.

Within the next few weeks, I will have all the details up on a special website.

2006-12-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Winter Can be Tough for People With Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Why is that, and some tips...

One thing that I noticed before I was diagnosed with fm/cfs was that Winters seemed more difficult. My body just didn't handle the cold as well as before. This is a common problem with people whose immune systems are overburdened. Under sustained stress, the body eventually turns down the thermostat as a survival mechanism to conserve energy. Also, immune dysfunction renders the body less adaptable to changes in temperature. Some people with fm/cfs also have trouble adapting to hot summer weather.

I found it helpful to conserve or even raise my body temperature as often as possible. This took the form of saunas, epsom salt or baking soda baths warm enough to raise body temperature, and warm drinks - herb teas and soups.

A hot tub is great, too - just make sure that you only soak in hot tubs that use ozone or ultraviolet as the main source of sanitizing, and little or no chlorine. Health club whirlpools tend to be extremely chlorinated. Chlorine is detrimental to thyroid function, so while warming yourself up, you would be at the same time compromising your body's ability to generate heat!

Ideally, after a sauna, hot bath or hot tub, it is best to lie down and cover up with some warm blankets. Sip some warm tea or soup, and take a nap. This will prolong and enhance the benefits of the heat therapy. If you take your sauna or hot tub somewhere other than home, make sure to bring along extra-warm clothes to put on afterward.

Shortly, I will tell you about a special program I am launching to help you save unheard-of amounts of money on all manner of supplements. Check back soon, and I will be able to give you all the details.

Until then...stay warm and enjoy this Holiday Season!

2006-11-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

'I Didn't Anticipate This....'

My intention in creating the Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Project is to bring more information to light to help people with these conditions. My experience of searching for answers was so challenging I often wished for someone to come into my life and share new information that would help me recover. Everyone, even medical professionals, seemed to be guessing half the time. Now that I have the energy, I intend to find out what is most helpful to fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

As the survey responses begin to come in, I am starting to see some themes in common, but it is too soon to report on them. Thank-you so much if you are one of the participants. Thanks for your time and the thoughtfulness with which you answered the questions.

What I didn't anticipate was that tears would well up in my eyes as I read some of your experiences. I don't know you, but your challenges and triumphs touch me all the same.

Here is a little of what you shared:

- How did the onset of symptoms affect your life?
"always tired"
"WAS Miss DiAGNOSED for seven years AND was in wheelchair for three years. Told I had MS..Lyme disease.. Was and am now unable to work. Have been accused of faking illness by family members, I was diagnosed correctly in 1999 and now collecting SSI."
"have a 5 year old, tired and in pain all the time"
"difficulty exercising and multi-tasking in all areas of life. Knee pain and headaches...trouble with complex problem solving, retrieving words, and spelling."
"low energy, no exercise - weight gain"
"overwhelm, reduced capacity to function and feel well; everything was an effort, got depressed and more anxious."

- How did your illness affect the people close to you?
"avoidance"
"Husband and I thought I was dying because we saw specialists and no answers."
"My Children and I had to go on welfare, it has been a nightmare and everyday is still full of pain. Each chore has to be planned and I need to lay down after only a few minutes due to pain and fatuge,
"My emotional lability shocked them (I'm the Rock in the family).
"disbelief..."but you look so well" anger, denial in workplace and at home. They just thought I was being lazy or faking it."
"No one understands this."

- other comments:
"I've gone through $125,000 of healthcare and I am worse today than when I started."
"Insurance stopped paying at $78,000. I was kicked out of the system because it was deemed nothing more could be done for me."

**Some Things That Helped**
- 25. Are there any self-care practices not included above that you find to be excellent for healing your fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome? Please list.
"Developing a daily prayer life and attending Bible study classes and group prayer. Reading and sharing with other FMS in person or on web. Monitoring my stress levels and being aware that if I push it and do too much that I will pay for it the next two days...in other words, being in control of my stress, activity and pain. Refusing to stop being active and loving life and being as productive as I can, helping others and working at my own pace. Dressing and looking as well as I can and remembering to treat my husband special on my good days....which keeps everybody happy including me!"
"Massage therapy, walking, stretching, and meditation very helpful."

- 26. Which kind of diet do you find most helps you feel good?
"sugar free/carb free"

If you haven't already contributed to the survey, I'd be most grateful if you would. Just go to
www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=376992536079 Thanks so much.

What helps you feel better? Feel free to post a comment and tell us about it!

AND - whom do you know who has succeeded in RECOVERING from fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue? Would they like to help others by sharing their story? Please have them email me at ellen@fibromyalgiacfs-healing.com.

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Ellen Landauer
-------------------------
Health Seminar Leader, Coach, and Certified Advanced Rolfer
ellen@fibromyalgiacfs-healing.com

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this. You haven’t.”
- Thomas Edison

'Magic Celery Drink' - Immune System Booster

2006-10-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

‘Magic Celery Drink’ - Immune System Booster
You know the moment when you feel a subtle shift in your body that tells you you’ve been invaded? That moment when you know it’s not just a little cold? There’s just that little letdown in your energy level with no apparent cause. But somehow, it feels BIG. It’s the dreaded flu.

Fighting the Flu
This past spring, during late March - early April, I faced the worst case of flu I’d had in years. I’ll never know if it didn’t also include a mild case of pneumonia; there were times when my lungs were so congested I couldn’t get enough oxygen and panic arose. It was with a mixture of embarrassment, elation, and trepidation that I contemplated the flu virus’ relentless rampage through my shocked body.

Embarrassment because I had just taught my special seminar, ‘Do-It-Yourself Detox for Health, Beauty, and Vitality’ and here I was sick. One of my Rolfing clients who took the seminar couldn’t understand why I was sick; that was not allowed - only an impostor would teach such a class then become ill. I neglected to tell her that though my fever averaged 103 degrees, I was able to do all my physical conditioning exercises for an hour each day, then hike in the mountainous woods behind my house for another hour (slept and drank liquids the rest of the time). It was partly due to the wonderful celery drink I had every morning while I was sick that I was able to remain active. It gave me a lift that made me feel able to do some exercise. By the way, it is a great drink to have on a regular basis. My husband and I drink it most mornings before having anything to eat.

The elation stemmed from the fact that due to some immune challenges over the previous years, my body hadn’t had the capacity to spike a really good fever. The precipitous rise in temperature was a welcome sign that my body was gearing up for a knock-down-drag-out fight with a flu virus that was replicating at warp speed.

The trepidation was because I was scheduled to give a presentation at the Northampton Whole Health Expo. Though I could work out and hike, my lungs and bronchi were so congested I could barely talk above a whisper, and if I did, was likely to end up hacking and wheezing. The day of my Expo talk, I was still not sure I could talk very well. I still had a fever, but was on the way to recovery, and figured my flu was no longer contagious.

Though I had a voice that sounded like a distant foghorn, I gave the presentation with great gusto. Within reach at all times was my ‘Magic Celery Drink.’ Every so often, I took a swig. That elixir saved the day. My lecture attendees enjoyed the presentation. Among their gifts for attending was the ‘Magic Celery Drink’ recipe. Here it is:

‘Magic Celery Drink’
This enzyme and mineral-rich drink should be used immediately after preparing for greatest benefit. (However, the lemon and ginger seem to help it maintain its integrity longer than other fresh juice cocktails, as my Expo experience proved)It is ideal to drink ‘Magic Celery Drink’ on an empty stomach in the morning, though it can be enjoyed almost any time.

If you are new to juicing and detoxing, you might want to go easy on the garlic, ginger, and cayenne at first. Since the garlic and ginger are excellent herbs for the immune system and circulation, they contribute greatly to the effectiveness of this drink, but use discretion when deciding how much to use.

Please use organic ingredients - toxins contained in non-organic fruits and vegetables can become more concentrated when you juice them.

- juice of large slice of lemon OR juice of 1/4 lime
- pinch of Celtic sea salt
- fresh ginger to taste (1”x1” chunk is good)
- large clove garlic
- 3-6 large stalks celery
- a slice or two of a sweet, flavorful variety of apple, such as Honeycrisp, Empire or Braeburn
- pinch of stevia extract to taste, if desired. *The best-tasting stevia extract I’ve ever tasted is made by KAL . You can find it at Whole Foods Market in Hadley.

Optional:
To increase the immune-enhancing benefits of this powerful drink, you might want to add some Buffered C powder. 1 gram (1/4 tsp) is a good amount. I like the Buffered C made from cassava root, by Allergy Research Group.

Juice some fennel bulb and stalks along with the celery and apple. Fennel will add its aromatic licorice flavor, and is good for digestion.

You Can Make ‘Magic Celery Drink’ With a Juicer (ideally) or a Blender.
If you have a juicer, squeeze lemon into the container that will receive the juice, and add a bit of Celtic sea salt. Juice the rest of the ingredients into the container with the salt and lemon juice. Start by juicing the garlic and ginger, then the apple and celery.

If you don’t have a juicer, you can use a blender. Put about 12 oz of water into the blender, and squeeze lemon into the water. Add the salt. The apple, ginger and garlic will need to be grated. Chop the celery stalks into little pieces. Add these items to the water in the blender. Add cayenne and stevia. Blend until contents are liquefied fine, then pour the blended contents through a strainer, press the rest of the liquid out of the pulp after it drains, and drink. If you are making cooked vegetable broth, toss the pulp into the pot with the other ingredients.

CELERY contains all four electrolyte minerals - natural sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The stress of illness, and lack of appetite when one has flu and fever can drain these essential minerals from the body. Celery juice will help maintain electrolyte levels. It also has a mild diuretic effect. Celery contains eight different families of anticancer compounds, such as pthalides and plyacetylenes, that detoxify carcinogens, especially
cigarette smoke. Celery is also a traditional Vietnamese remedy for high blood pressure.

LEMON contains Vit C and bioflavinoids that are important for healthy connective tissue

APPLE lowers cholesterol and risk for cancer. Has mild antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory estrogenic activity.

GINGER promotes good digestion, improves circulation, helps lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, and prevent dizziness. Also is reputed to have anti-inflammatory qualities.

FENNEL is very high in Vit C and potassium, also has some anti-inflammatory benefits.

GARLIC is antibacterial, anti viral, anti fungal. Beneficial for blood lipid balance, thins the blood for better circulation.

CAYENNE PEPPER is the premier herb for normalizing blood pressure and improving circulation. It acts as a ‘lead herb,’ facilitating better absorption of other herbs and nutrients.

STEVIA inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease, helps to balance blood sugar, and has a tonic effect which increases alertness and mental acuity.

To improve your health and support your immune system, enjoy 'Magic Celery Drink' often!

Quick and Easy Recipe: 'Kale Magnifique'

2006-10-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Durable and Delicious
“Kale is the most virile plant I’ve ever seen.”

A comment by my husband Chuck attests to the remarkable vigor of this statuesque star of the Fall garden. When the lettuce and arugula has crumpled from the frost, kale is in its glory.

“Kale becomes stronger as it gets colder,” I reply. “Maybe eating it helps us do the same. The leaves get more sturdy and their edges become tightly curled and ornate when the frost hits. Kale also becomes sweeter after a good frost. It’s so cold-hardy, you can dig perfectly good leaves out of a snowbank.”

Saved by the Kale
About a month ago, Chuck and I were invited to a party given by a couple in our town who are friends of ours. Chuck left for the party earlier than me, since I had some computer work I wanted to get done. And I really wanted to go to the party, too.

I needed to put together a dish in record time...

I ran outside, picked an armload of huge kale leaves, washed them, and tore them into bite-sized pieces. I steamed batches of kale, dumping each batch into a collander to drain and cool before throwing it in a huge bowl. Within less than 15 minutes, the 6-quart bowl was filled with cooked kale. The rest was easy...

Four tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, six tablespoons of olive oil, one half a big red onion sliced, one cup crumbled sheep milk feta cheese and 1/2 cup slivered almonds later, my dish was ready to go.

An Unexpected Favorite
Everyone there had done a lot of eating by the time I got there. And there was a lot to eat - barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, and plenty of other filling dishes. I figured we’d be bringing a 3-day supply of the kale home.

A few hours later, the hostess confided that she had ‘stolen’ some kale to set aside for her husband because it was going so fast she thought he wouldn’t get any. She said the kale was the only dish that got completely cleaned out. So I figured I had a winning recipe on my hands.

Here it is...

‘KALE MAGNIFIQUE’ (serves 6 - 10, and keeps for 2 days after preparation if you are making it for two or a small family). If cooking for one, reduce the ingredients to approx. 1/4 or less the amount in this recipe. If cooking for two, cut the ingredient amounts in half, or 1/3.

* 10 - 12 cups (approx) steamed kale (I used about 9 giant-sized kale leaves for this dish)
It is critical to check the kale every minute once the steaming process begins. It cooks faster than you might think. It will turn bright green, then dark green (and if you leave it a minute too long, will start to turn brown, which means it is ruined).
Each time you check the steaming kale, toss it a little to expose all of it evenly to the steam, then replace the cover. Once each steamer full of kale turns dark green, give it a taste test, dump it into a collander in the sink, and refill the steamer to make your next batch. When the kale in collander cools, dump it into a large bowl. Repeat the process until you have steamed all the kale.

The Dressing
* Add 5 T balsamic vinegar and toss
* Slice 1/2 medium sized red onion and toss into salad
* Add 1/2 cup slivered almonds and 1 cup crumbled feta cheese and toss
* Drizzle on 6 T olive oil and toss salad one last time

Enjoy!!!

2006-09-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

AFRAID TO EAT SPINACH?

Sep 23, 11:53 AM EDT

I know from experience that fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers are more sensitive than the average person to bacteria, molds, and mycotoxins that are on much of the fresh produce we eat. Just rinsing with water is not enough to kill or neutralize these organisms that can raise havoc with a compromised immune system.

A recent news story highlights the potential dangers that even healthy people face. No matter how supermarkets try to enforce rules for produce handlers to wash their hands, there is no guarantee that someone won’t forget. Also, the way the produce is farmed and harvested can influence how safe the food is to eat. Excerpts from a news article:

'Fresh Spinach May Be Back in Stores Soon'
By ANDREW BRIDGES
Associated Press Writer

Article excerpts.....

'.....An ongoing outbreak of E. coli linked to fresh spinach had sickened 166 people in 25 states through Friday. That's up from 157 victims in 23 states a day earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more than a week, the Food and Drug Administration has recommend people not eat fresh, raw spinach. State and federal investigators since have traced the contaminated spinach back to three California counties, and already farm inspections there are turning up possible problems.

.....Of those infected in the outbreak, 88 have been hospitalized, including a Wisconsin woman who died. Two other deaths have been reported in suspected cases - a child in Idaho and an elderly woman in Maryland - but those cases are still being investigated.....'

The spinach story is all over the news. It reminded me to tell you about something I've been doing for years.

This simple measure will not only kill bacteria and other pathogens, it will help to keep the produce you bring home fresh for a longer period of time than if you just throw it in the fridge. Once you get the method down, it will actually save you time.

When you unpack your groceries, divide your produce into the following groups: 1) Thick-skinned fruits and vegetables such as squash, avocadoes, bananas and citrus fruit. 2) Medium group - apples, kiwi fruit, celery, cabbage. 3) Delicate produce such as lettuce, grapes, chicory, spinach (yup!) and scallions.

Clean your sink thoroughly, rinse well, and put the foods from one group into sink. Using a gallon jug, measure out enough gallons of cold water to cover the produce. Add 1/2 tablespoon of Clorox bleach per gallon of water to the sink and stir the water and produce so the bleach gets well distributed.

For group #1, soak in the bleach solution for 1/2 hr. Group #2, soak for 20 minutes. Group #3 soak for 5 - 10 minutes.

*If you bought just a small amount of produce, you can put group #1 foods in the sink first, wait 10 minutes and put the group #2 foods in, wait another 10 minutes and put the group #3 foods in. That way, they will all be done soaking at the same time.

When soaking time is up, drain sink. Fill with cold water, swish produce around a little, and drain. Fill sink with cold water a second time and soak produce for at least 15 minutes before draining. This will remove the clorox.

Shake produce off and let most of the water drip off it in a clean dishrack or on a drainboard, then store in refrigerator. Following the above precautions will not only give you more peace of mind and keep your food fresher, it will save time! You will not have to clean off each item before preparing it.

There - now you can feel safer eating those healthy fruits and vegetables.

2006-09-11T04:12:00.000-07:00

‘So What CAN You Eat?

“I can’t eat this and I can’t eat that! My diet is now limited to turkey and green vegetables, and even most of that makes my body hurt! I’m at my wit’s end.”
I ham it up a little with some dramatic body language and facial expressions. After paying my holistic MD out of pocket to the tune of more than $30,000.00 over the last 4 years and continuing to feel worse, for some strange reason I think I need to entertain and cheer her up. Maybe it is unconscious guilt over not feeling better despite receiving state-of-the-art alternative medical treatments for such a long time.
Could it be denial of the body? At times, I feel somehow betrayed by my body and angry that it isn’t able to feel the way it used to. I use humor to deny my anger and sense of disappointment.
Maybe I unconsciously want to be a model patient, a ‘good girl.’
Or perhaps I simply need to entertain and distract myself from the deep pain and limitations on fully enjoying life that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome impose. Whatever the reason, I seem to have a need to make it more fun for my doctors to work with me.
It distresses me that sometimes my doctors seem at a loss for what to do next. After tests and analyses and following protocols that work for awhile then are useless, most of what I hear these days goes something like this; ‘Well, we could try this,’ or ‘Perhaps the reason you still hurt is _________ or _______.’
“So what CAN you eat that doesn’t make your body hurt,” my doctor asks after my semi-humorous rant.
“Romaine lettuce.”
“Anything else?”
“Green leaf lettuce.”
“Is that it?”
“Butterhead lettuce. That’s it.”
“Well, I think we need to do some electrodermal testing to see what phenolic compounds in your food you are reacting to. That way, we can determine what foods you CAN eat right now.”
I am excited. Finally, we will get to the cause of my malaise, and I will feel terrific.
To be continued.....

So what can YOU eat? One of the most common complaints I hear from people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is how many foods and other substances they are allergic to. How can this be?
Looked at realistically, food is a foreign substance that must be thoroughly processed by your digestive system. It then becomes something other than what it started out as; both physically and biochemically, in order to be assimilated and used for bodily repair, growth, and physiological processes. If the body is unable to fully transform the food you eat into the form it needs to be in to be safely and effectively assimilated, then even the very best food can literally become poison.
People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have compromised immune systems, leading to breakdown and dysfunction in essential body processes such as digestion. Inability to properly process and assimilate food results in allergies and malnourishment of body tissues.

I am very interested to learn from you. What have your food allergy experiences been? Did you find a way to reduce the number of foods and other things you were allergic to? What would YOU like to know about how to heal your body so you can eat all manner of good food again? I am interested in your comments.....