Followers

Swine Flu got you down? Immunity Boosts and Natural Remedies

Posted by Leah Bergman Monday, September 28, 2009 0 comments


     This year’s flu season has an added twist with all the notoriety the swine flu is receiving. Some people wonder how to prepare, and what to do to avoid the media sensationalized pandemic. There are some simple steps you can take to increase your immune system, and natural remedies that will ward off even the nastiest bugs.


     One of the best ways to increase your immune system is to regularly exercise. This doesn’t mean that you have to become a body builder at the gym. It can be as simple as taking a walk with a loved one, or as gentle as yoga stretches. Inactivity, on the other hand, lowers the immune system.

     Diet is also key in maintaining a healthy immune system. Eating organic whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables is the best way to stay healthy. You should look at your plate, and see the colors that adorn it. Your plate should be piled with a plethora of colors: green leafy vegetables, yellow succulent squashes, and bright orange carrots, just to name a few. If you see too many brown or beige colors, than you are missing some important vitamins, and need to start again. Also, choose whole grains instead of white flour products. Whole grains are rich in magnesium which is deficient in the “modern” diet. Stay away from processed, refined foods, especially cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup which lower your immune system. Part of maintaining a healthy diet is to drink fresh water, and get at least 20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine.

     Another important aspect is to maintain a peaceful environment. This would include surrounding yourself with supportive people. It would also mean having a daily routine of prayer and meditation.

     If you start to feel that you might be catching something, nature has provided us with a few remedies to fight the flu. The elderberry tree was referred to by the Indians as the musical tree. They used its branches to make their beautiful flutes. They also used the leaves as teas. It has been found that an extract, Elderberry Extract, is a safe and natural remedy for fighting the flu. Another remedy is oregano oil which was first used by the Greeks. The variety, Origanum Vulgare, should not to be confused with the oregano that is commonly used in cooking. Georgetown University has found in its studies that oregano oil is more effective in fighting some staph infections than pharmaceutical antibiotics. Its active ingredient, carvacol, is a natural compound that is said to fight viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus. Another remedy with similar results is grapefruit seed extract. It was first discovered in 1972 by a physicist named, Dr. Jacob Harich. The seed and pulp of the grapefruit is dried and crushed into a fine powder and then dissolved into filtered water. The end of the process creates a broad spectrum antibacterial solution.

     Remember to eat healthy, exercise, and maintain a peaceful environment. These principles will not only help you avoid the flu this season, but also give you a better quality of life all year round.

Please note that this information is not meant to substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your doctor.

Mix It Up

Posted by Leah Bergman Saturday, September 12, 2009 2 comments

I was looking through the supermarket for a healthy granola.  There were dozens of varieties with many interesting combinations. The only problem was that they all had sugar and other unwanted additives. Also, there was no way of controlling the quality of the oil used.  My son has been enthralled with the fact that I have been trying to make things from scratch.  He asked me to make my own cereal. So, I thought I would take his advice, and give it a try.  Here is the recipe that I came up with:


    2 cups of  thick old fashioned oats (not the instant type)
    ½ cup of sunflower seeds
    1 tbsp of flax seed
    1tsp of vanilla extract
    ¼ cup of coconut oil
    1/3 cup of pure maple syrup (or agave)
 
Mix all ingredients together with a wooden spoon.
Preheat oven to 325 18-20 minutes.
When it cools down add 1/2 cup of fruit. (optional)


Now that you have the framework for a great granola, add anything you want, and mix it up.

| | edit post

Gardening Calendar- What to Plant & When to Plant It

Posted by Leah Bergman Thursday, September 10, 2009 0 comments

| | edit post