The Natural Nurse Archives - NN2 New Site Development Lab (Private)

Water Thoughts

In Honor of “Return of the Waters” Centennial of Saratoga’s Charter.

Water is truly the underlying basis for all life. I love the quote from Star Trek, when an alien being observes “ Humans are no more than ugly bags of mostly water!” Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but humans truly are bags of mostly water… Water makes up between 75% and 65% water, depending on age, size and weight of an individual. In addition to being the majority of the substance in every cell, Water helps to maintain many bodily functions. It enables swallowing and digesting foods, lubricates all mucous membranes and joints, maintains normal body temperature through perspiration, absorbs nutrients and eliminates wastes. Besides being the real basis of life in a physical sense, water is intimately linked to spiritual principles.

Water is used in spiritual ritual, such as baptism in Christianity, bathing in the holy Ganges River in Hinduism, the Mikvah Cleansing Bath in Judaism, among many other examples. In modern times, Dr Glen Rein, the premier researcher on the energetic properties of water used his unique type of expertise to effect changes in the structure of water with Electro-Magnetic fields, thus changing its physical properties and allowing for its application to produce novel, enhanced effects in products for the skin-care industry, among other healing effects. (https://www.innobioteck.com/water-research.html)

Water was the basis of an entire chapter in the History of Medicine in the United States and Europe. A group of medical practitioners, referred to as The Physiomedicalists and The Hydropaths, were branches of medicine based on healing modalities referred to as ‘water cures.’ Many personalities were involved in this movement. Alva Curtis was the founder of the Physiomedicalist Philosophy. In 1835, Curtis opened the ‘Botanicomedical School and Infirmary’ at Columbus, Ohio, which used water cures among its healing procedures.

Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1852) was known as The Sponge Doctor. He was born a peasant in Silesia (now Czech Republic) and never attended medical school , but Priessnitz became one of the most famous healers of all time. He set in motion the forces which would lead to the establishment of hydrotherapy as a legitimate healing medical entity. Priessnitz observed that cattle and deer who had inflammation submersed the effected body parts in cold water, and it seemed to bring relief to their conditions. He then developed the cold water Priessnitz compress therapy by experimenting on his own farming injuries and treating local people in his village. Vincent Priessnitz coined the phrase “ Nothing is impossible to nature, diet, & cold water”. He was arrested several times for practising medicine, but always acquitted because “he was only using water”. Authorities decided to attack him as a sorcerer, and raid his place, looking for drugs, and in frustration, cutting up all his bewitched sponges! However, persecution didn’t embitter him, but only made him more famous. In 1826, he opened his own hydrotherapy institute, with a 45 patient residential capacity which filled instantly! This increased to many institutions with 1600 bed capacity all filled to the brim! Eventually, the Austrian government endorsed his practice and gave him the same status as a medical doctor, building new roads up to his establishments!

An important figure in the development of “ water medicine’ was Dr. Sebastian Kneipp (1824-1897). Kneipp was born very poor in Bavaria. He was very sickly from poor diet and developed tuberculosis. He stumbled upon a book by Hahn (a student of Priessnitz ) about the use of the water cure. After 6 months, he regain his health. Kneipp was ordained as a priest and treated his parishioners with the water cure, becoming known as the cholera vicar. People from all over the world came to be healed by his method of hydrotherapy. Kniepp believed that disease came from deranged blood; water healed by removing toxins restoring normal circulation, and strengthening the body.

Kniepp’s student, Bennedict Lust came to the United States in 1892 , and brought his brand of hydrotherapy to Americans. He also established the first health food store in America, and is known as The Father of American Naturopathy. Lust’s efforts were supported by his wife Louisa Lust, N.D., who was already an esteemed physician before marrying Dr. Lust. She ran the Yungborn Sanitarium in Butler NJ, one of the premiere healing centers in the United States. The use of water as a respected healing modality continues today among Licensed Naturopathic Physicians (ND’s). They are highly training in the long history and evidence based healing effects linked to the use of water as a healing modality, such as colonic irrigation, enemas, contrast hydrotherapy and fever treatments, just to name of few. These time tested ‘drugless’ therapies bring great relief to millions, as they have throughout history. The waters of Saratoga Springs have a long history of applications, both for bathing and internal use, and as we move forward into modern times, they will hopefully once again be respected, protected and revered!

Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN, AHG, AHN-BC is on the Peer Review Editorial Board of several journals/organizations, including: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, Natural Medicine Journal, Natural Standard Database. 954-418-2388

PUMPKIN Emperor of the Garden

Pumpkin (Curcurbita pepo) Gigantic Gourd…Guardian of Health

FACTS: Pumpkin is the largest species of fruit…

Pumpkin seed oil is high in essential fatty acids…

Pumpkin seeds are a safe and effective worm expellent..

Pumpkins grow on a creeping vine which have very large, dark green leaves. They are the largest known species of fruit and are often referred to in the Caribbean as “hundred weight gourds.” Individual specimens can exceed a circumference of six feet and weigh over 500 pounds! The orange color of the flesh of the pumpkin is due to its high content of various carotenoids and vitamin A. Native Americans grew pumpkins as a staple along with beans and corn and taught early European settlers to rely on pumpkins as a source of nutritious food.

The pumpkin is referred to as “Emperor of the Garden” in China and is considered a symbol for health and fruitfulness.

More than Just for Pumpkin Pie…

Chunks of pumpkin can be boiled or baked and served as a healthy vegetable, or it can be mashed and added to soups, stews and baked goods.

In the United States, the pumpkin has become reknown for its role as the Jack-O-Lantern on Halloween. Many a child stares wide eyed as the pumpkin is carved into a scary Jack-O-Lantern. A candle is then placed inside, lighting up the pumpkin face with an eerie glow.

Pumpkin seeds can be gently oven roasted into a delicious, nutritious, crunchy snack. Lay the seeds out one layer thick on a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Bake for half hourat 250 degrees. You can add a little sea salt to taste, if you so desire. Sprinkle some cayene pepper, garlic powder and tamari prior to baking for a delicious, high protein and nutritious snack.

For a variation on pesto, try pumpkin pesto. Use the raw pumpkin seeds as a replacement for pine nuts. This enhances the nutritional value and flavor of this delicious cuisine.

Pumpkin Seeds are Good “Male Medicine”….and More!

The pumpkin seed is respected in many parts of the world as a remedy for prostate problems and impotence in men. Research has found pumpkin seeds to be high in zinc and other minerals needed for a healthy male reproductive system. Pumpkin seeds are also a mild diuretic.

Another well known medicinal use for pumpkin seeds is as a vermifuge or worm expellent. The action of the rare amino acid cucurbitin, found in pumpkin seeds, is probably responsible for this effect. Eat a handful of pumpkin seeds, or grind the seeds into a powder and mix into warm soy or almond milk. This was often followed with two tablespoons of castor oil to facilitate the expulsion of the parasites. This “worm medicine” is safe for children and pregnant women when other vermifuge treatments may be too harsh.

Pumpkin seed oil is excellent to use externally to help heal burns, dryness and chapped skin because it is high in healthy linolenic and linoleic fatty acids. A poultice can also be made from the flesh of the pumpkin and applied directly to irritated skin.

As we see, pumpkins are much more than an autumn decoration. Use them for their versatility, nutrition and medicinal value in ….The Natural Medicine Chest.

Ellen Kamhi PhD, RN, The Natural Nurse®, is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She offers consults in person or by phone, and will be teaching a course at Century Village entitled Natural Remedies, Jan-Feb 2015. Dr. Kamhi www.naturalnurse.com 954-418-2388.

Natural Cures for Arthritis with Ellen Kamhi , The Natural Nurse

In this episode of The Functional Medicine Radio show with Dr. Carri, Ellen is her special guest where they talk about arthritis and inflammation, and natural remedies to halt arthritis in its tracks.

Main Questions Asked:

Causes of Arthritis
Stealth pathogens – whats the connection?
Herbs and supplements for inflammation

Key Points Made By Ellen:

“cure” refers to the reversal of symptoms, pain elimination and reversal of blood indicators
Inflammation can be linked directly to leaky gut.
Take responsibility for the causes.
Toxins and food allergens can trigger an inflammatory response.
Eliminate packaged foods with words you cannot pronounce
Cleansing diet is key
Natural remedies, self responsibility, exercise
Stress reduction mind-body work, massages, try rubbing a tennis ball on the bottom of your foot.
Take active action in your life.
Herbs to support liver are milk thistle, dandelion and burdock root.
Stealth pathogens are microorganisms that can encase themselves and hide, such as lyme disease.
Overuse of antibiotics causes the development of resistant strains.
Some natural remedies such as berberine actually down-regulates the MDR pump- its an excellent natural antibiotic which doesn’t cause resistant strains.
Either you change your lifestyle and the initiating factors or the disease will continue to advance- your choice
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to bring down the pain of arthritis help temporarily- the problem is they actually increase leaky gut syndrome and in that way they make the disease process worse over time!
Curcumin– well-proven to have anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Increased absorption If combined with piperine (from black pepper)
Other herbs to help with the inflammation of arthritis are boswellia, white willow bark, external topical agents such as ginger compresses.
For autoimmune types of arthritis, the best combo is rehmannia, rosemary or rosmarinic acid, and cordyceps. These all help deactivate the autoimmune response, and are found in T Cell Balance.
https://www.restorativeformulations.com/Our-Products/RF-All-Products/T-Cell-Balance-Px_US

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestion, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.

NN2 New Site Development Lab (Private)

Natural Cures for Arthritis with Ellen Kamhi , The Natural Nurse

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Thyroid Function and Healthy Weight Maintenance

By Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, www.naturalnurse.com

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that wraps around the windpipe right behind the ‘Atom’s Apple’. It is the largest of the body’s endocrine glands. The thyroid gland produces several different hormones that are extremely important to the function of a vast array of metabolic processes in the body, including brain development, mood and weight regulation. A surprising number of people have some kind of abnormal function of the thyroid gland. The Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study tested 25,862 people, and found that over 9% of them had undiagnosed thyroid dysfunctions. This translates to 13 million Americans who may have this problem. In addition, this study researched the link between ‘subclinical’ low thyroid function and high cholesterol levels. Subclinical means that the low function of the thyroid is not discovered through normal tests performed by most conventional physicians.

The thyroid gland plays a key role in weight problems because it controls the body’s overall metabolic rate. When it’s not working properly, it may lead to an array of health problems, including weight gain, arthritis, depression cold hands and feet, dry skin, high cholesterol, chronic constipation and hair loss. Symptoms caused by low thyroid function are so varied, that they can easily be confused with those of other conditions.

The thyroid is the body’s metabolic thermostat, controlling body temperature, energy use, and, in children, the body’s growth rate. The thyroid controls the rate at which organs function and the speed with which the body uses food. When the thyroid is dysfunctional, there are a number of ways that it can seriously impact your weight.

Correct thyroid function keeps the body at a normal, resting temperature of 98.6° F. The thyroid sends chemical messages via hormones to every cell in the body, directing the maintenance of body temperature, heart rate, and muscle movements. When the thyroid is dysfunctional or underactive (hypothyroidism), it sends out fewer hormones, causing metabolism to slow down. When metabolism slows, the body will store rather than burn calories, causing an accumulation of fat.

Low thyroid function also leads to a sluggish digestive system, often resulting in a number of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, gas and bloating, abdominal pain, and decreased absorption of nutrients. Decreased digestive efficiency may lead to a condition called leaky gut syndrome, in which undigested food particles enter the bloodstream causing allergic reactions and depleting the immune system. Weight gain is one of the potential results of these digestive disturbances. Because low thyroid function causes fatigue and lack of stamina as well as muscle aches or weakness, people with this condition may find it difficult to exercise which is another factor in weight problems.

Thyroid problems have been on the rise due to the increasingly toxic environment in which we live. Exposure to radiation, fluoride (in water and toothpaste), mercury from silver amalgam dental fillings, pollutants (thyocyanide) in cigarette smoke, and chlorinated compounds (found in wood and leather preservatives) are just a few of the many causes of hypothyroidism. Radiation is probably the greatest environmental cause of hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems, including thyroid cancer. PCB’s (Polychlorinated biphenyls) , chlorinated pesticides, and heavy metals such as mercury(which comprises up to 50% of silver amalgam fillings) have been scientifically proven to disrupt endocrine function. Even at low exposure levels during pregnancy, environmental contaminants can interfere with thyroid status in later life. Heavy metals also interfere with an enzyme critical in converting the inactive form of thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3).

Dietary factors that depress thyroid function include synthetic and genetically engineered hormones in meat, dairy products, poultry, and eggs, which block the release of thyroid hormones, and either a deficiency or excess of the mineral, iodine. Although deficiencies are rare in developed countries, excess accumulation occurs due to an overabundance of iodine in commercial salt, baked goods (in dough conditioners) and dietary supplements. Some vegetables that have a wide variety of health benefits, such as raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) contain thyroid inhibitors called goitrogens, that may cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland and inhibit hormone synthesis. However, lightly steaming the vegetables stops the activity of the thyroid-suppressing substances. Soy products, especially if not fermented, may depress thyroid function. Other dietary influences include vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamins A and B), mineral deficiencies (zinc, copper, iron, and selenium), and excess intake of polyunsaturated fats ,such as soybean, safflower, and corn oils. Alternative medicine practitioners generally begin to treat hypothyroidism by strengthening intestinal health and digestion. To help spark proper thyroid function a combination of specific foods, nutrients, exercises and therapies is needed. Thyroid glandular therapy and thyroid hormone therapy may be indicated.

Gugulipid, an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in India for over 2,500 years, is helpful for supporting the thyroid. Studies have shown that gugulipid stimulates thyroid function. Gugulipid is often available as an extract standardized to 2.5-5% guggulsterones. Yoga, Tai chi and Castor Oil packs can also be used in a thyroid healing protocol. . Proper nutrition combined with regular exercise can help restore a weakened thyroid, and lead to weight loss as well!

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including Weight Loss, The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide.

Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She answers consumer questions and has a private nutrition consultation practice. www.naturalnurse.com 954-418-2388

Featured Image Credit: By CFCF (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Organic Olive Oil at the NAVEL Wellness Expo 2014

Are all organic olive oil created equal?

Do all producers adhere to the same standard? Dr. Ellen Kamhi shares with you what you need to know about Organic Olive Oil during the NAVEL Wellness Expo 2014.

CASTOR OIL PACK- WONDERFUL RELIEF FOR WHAT ‘AILS YA’

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

The Ancient Oil that Soothes and Smoothes…

By Ellen Kamhi PhD, RN, AHG, AHN-BC

FACTS: Castor oil comes from the castor bean- which is poisonous!

Castor Bean Plants are also called “The Palma Christi”

Castor Oil was recommended for healing by the famous psychic, Edgar Cayce

The Castor bean is the seed of an herbaceous plant which is cultivated in the temperate climates, often as an ornamental. It grows from 3-10 feet tall. Its native cousins in Asia, Africa and the West Indies can grow to 30-40 ft high! The plant itself is quite poisonous; a child can die from ingesting a single castor bean. However, the light yellow oil pressed out of the bean is safe to use, since the toxic constituents remain in the seeds. The castor bean plant is also known as The Palma Christi, or Hand of Christ, due to the shape of the leaves and its healing properties. Castor oil is mentioned in the ancient Egyptian medical scrolls, the Codex Ebers. The Egyptians used castor oil as a laxative for cleansing the bowels and as a scalp rub to make hair grow and shine. The well known laxative effect is probably due to the active constituent ricinolein, which is a mild irritant to the large intestines. Many senior citizens probably remember their Grandparents reaching for the Castor oil at the first sign of illness.

Throughout history, castor oil has enjoyed popularity as a healing substance. Dr. Forest Clinton Jarvis in his 1958 best selling book Folk Medicine, describes many medicinal uses of castor oil. “Apply it to moles, warts and skin ulcers to remove or lessen the blemishes. Or, rub a small amount on the hair and eye lashes to make them more luxuriant”. Castor oil rubbed into sore joints and muscles right prior to heat application treatment reduces the pain and swelling of rheumatism.

Edgar Cayce, the famous American psychic who lived in the 1940’s, spoke often about the use of a castor oil pack. This is a gentle treatment suggested by Cayce for non-malignant ovarian fibroids and cysts, breast swellings and cysts, headaches, liver problems, constipation and other ailments involving elimination.

Making a Castor oil pack…

Materials :

Organic castor oil, Undyed wool flannel, a heating pad or hot water bottle, a plastic sheet, and some terry cloth towels.

Directions:

1)Soak the flannel in warmed castor oil and then place it onto the body over the area you wish to treat.

2) Cover the flannel with a piece of plastic. A small garbage bag works fine for this.

3) Place the heating pad over the plastic. Keep it on a warm setting. You may choose to use a hot water bottle instead of the heating pad.

4) Cover all of this with a towel to keep the surface you are laying on from becoming soiled and to keep in the warmth. Fasten the towel around you with a safety pin, or use an ace bandage to secure everything in place.

5) Relax completely for one to two hours before removing the entire pack. The procedure is an excellent stress reducing modality and feels soothing. It can be used for all ages, except for placing it on the lower abdomen of a pregnant woman.

If you do the treatment over your abdomen, it may cause some mild cramping sensations over the right upper quadrant. This may be an indication that the Castor oil is stimulating the liver and Gallbladder. This is quite normal, so don’t be alarmed. Also, You may have a loosened bowel movement several hours after the pack. Again, this is quite a normal occurrence. AVOID IF PREGANT, unless the midwife or obstetrician directs you to do so/; as castor oil can begin and accelerate labor or cause premature miscarriage.

So, the next time you want a time honored, gentle healing method that is guaranteed to soothe and smooth, reach for the castor oil. You’ll find it, as you reach into, The Natural Medicine Chest.

Ellen Kamhi PhD, RN, The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She answers consumer questions and has a private practice. www.naturalnurse.com 954-418-2388. Dr. Kamhi will be lecturing at CUNY group meeting on Wed Feb 4 th, 7 pm, at GP-A in the Clubhouse. All CV residents are invited.

Pain Killers- CAUTION !

Pain management is the number one reason that people use drugs, both prescription and over the counter. Although there are many drug therapies available for pain relief, they often have a myriad of adverse effects. For instance Vioxx and Celebrex can cause heart disease and have been linked to many deaths. Over the counter medications , such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) has been recalled due to contamination, and more recently, has been linked to dangerous liver toxicity. Here are the startling facts: in one year

Acetaminophen causes:
• 26,000 hospitalizations
• 100,000 calls to poison control centers
• 50,000 emergency room visits
• 450 deaths from liver failure

Acetaminophen interferes with the liver’s ability to do its normal job of detoxification, and reduces the amount of the important antioxidant called glutathione. In addition acetaminophen has been linked to a severe skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). This condition can happen the first time the drug is ever used, or at any time, even if it has never occurred before after multiple uses. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can also cause serious skin conditions, which, at times, can be fatal. This information was released by the FDA on August 1, 2013. (https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm363041.htm)

The FDA will now require prescription drugs that contain Tylenol to be labeled with a warning about the possibility of this skin reaction and will ‘suggest’ that manufacturers of over the counter products do the same! Rather weak response to a potentially hazardous situation!

Don’t be lulled into believing that just because a drug is readily available over the counter, that it should be used in a flippant manor. Pharmaceutical drugs can be life saving when used appropriately, but often carry risks of illnesses far worse than what the drug was taken for in the first place.

A good option is to consider using natural remedies. That have a very long history of safety, and can really make a difference when dealing with painful conditions, especially if used along with an anti-inflammatory diet, high in vegetables and devoid of junk food, fried food and processed food.

Since pain is such a common human affliction, societies around the globe have experimented with many natural remedies to discover which ones were most useful for this purpose. The first line of defense against pain is to bring down overall inflammation in the body. Avoid ALL junk food, fried food and processed food. In addition , these herbs have been used around the world for thousands of years to decrease pain. Now, science is discovering the mechanism of action that makes them work.

Boswellia: Boswellia (Boswellia seratta) is a gum resin that has a long history of traditional use. It was honored as frankincense, the ‘sacred gift of the Magi’. Modern science has established that boswellia interferes with the inflammatory cascade, and supports joint health. Boswellia supplements are often standardized for 65% boswellic acid.

Turmeric: Turmeric (Curcumin longa) has been revered in cultures around the world for its food value and medicinal properties. Turmeric gives curry powder its characteristic golden color. It is considered “Queen of the Herbs” in Indonesia, and has been used to support health in Ayurvedic Medicine- the ancient medical teaching from India. Modern science has uncovered turmeric’s powerful antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-cancer and cell protective effects. Turmeric is often standardized for 95% curcumins.

Ginger: Ginger is a common spice that grows in India, China, Mexico and the Caribbean. The part of the plant used is the rhizome, or underground part of the stem, which has the characteristic spicy aroma of ginger. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years by traditional healers, as well as physicians, to address all kinds of issues that require improved circulation.. Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which calms aches and pains.. Try this ‘hot ginger toddy’ for instant relief. Grate about a teaspoon of ginger root ( rhizome) into a cup, or use a Ginger Tea bag. Add hot water, the juice of ½ lemon and a teaspoon of honey. You can also use a ginger compress directly on painful joints.

There are many great products that offer these herbs.

Photo Credits:

“Boswellia sacra – Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-022” by Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen – List of Koehler Images. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boswellia_sacra_-_K%C3%B6hler%E2%80%93s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-022.jpg#/media/File:Boswellia_sacra_-_K%C3%B6hler%E2%80%93s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-022.jpg
“Curcuma longa roots” by Simon A. Eugster – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curcuma_longa_roots.jpg#/media/File:Curcuma_longa_roots.jpg

HEALTHY EATING COMES OF AGE!

The Times they Are A-Changing- Eating Healthy is Becoming the Mainstream Rage!

I have been choosing healthy food since 1964. That is when I became aware of the negative effects of pesticides, processed foods, artificial flavoring and coloring, and began to choose ‘organic food’ whenever possible. Of course, I was called a ‘health nut’, which now sounds like a term of endearment! Over the last few years, our area here in South Florida, has become the home to MANY absolutely fantastic places to eat excellent, delicious healthy food!

Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Just the other night I was enjoying a fabulous meal that included SPAGETTI SQUASH ( never thought I would see that in a restaurant). I looked around and was astounded- here I sat at a very conventional hotel ( Wyndham Hotel on Military Trail in Boca Raton), eating incredible natural whole food, for a very reasonable price, but the real shocker was that EVERY TABLE was filled, and there was a line out the door!

That is when the concept of this article came to me! Here was the quantum change that I always had dreamed of. Of course, I have sought out healthy restaurants and eateries all these years, but the clientele was limited and many of these locations could not sustain business for very long.

I see we have now reached the 100th Monkey Effect! (The hundredth monkey effect is a supposed phenomenon in which a new behavior or idea is claimed to spread rapidly from one group to all related groups once a critical number of members of one group exhibit the new behavior or acknowledge the new idea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_monkey_effect )

This is great news! It means that a quantum shift has occurred in the knowledge of how we can attain more years of life and more life to our years, by recognizing and enjoying the power of choosing to eat real, unprocessed, Non GMO, “unchemicalized” food. I am going to include some information about a few of these excellent establishments that I often frequent.

I am so greatful for their existence and for their success, both on a personal and planetary level. The descriptions are taken from the restaurant’s websites. Visit them to view menus and for more information- better yet- visit the restaurants to enjoy the best meal of and for your life!

Juice and Java Natural Food
https://www.juiceandjava.com
21316 St Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Phone:(561) 852-2230
This cafe is aimed at informed consumers who treat their bodies well and understand proper nutrition, but at the same time do not want to sacrifice taste.

Do you eat whole foods full of vitamins, enzymes, and phytonutrients, to nourish and provide all day energy?…Or do you consume empty calories that make your blood sugar levels volatile and abuse your waistline? You should feel strong and invigorated after a meal, not stuffed, or bloated.The way you feel on a daily basis, as well as your frequency of illness, depends tremendously on what you put into your body. Its completely up to you.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!
YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE! TREAT IT WELL!

Farmers Table
www.farmerstableboca.com
corner of Northwest 19th Street and Military Trail, inside the Wyndham Hotel
1901 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-417-5836

Home of “feel good food” : nutritious and nourishing to the body without depriving you of flavor or satisfaction. Furthermore, it’s good for the community, as we support local farmers and artisans. Finally, it’s good for the planet, because we use eco-conscious purveyors and also implement environmentally friendly practices in our kitchen. Truth in food. Our commitment to fresh, honest food begins with sourcing exceptionally clean ingredients from the best local farms so we know exactly where and how everything is produced. We believe the preparation and creation of a dish is just as important as the taste, which is why our focus is real food: fresh, healthy, delicious, satisfying dishes without excess fat, sodium or preservatives. Our food energizes the spirit and satisfies the senses, supporting the wellness of people and the planet. You will pass our herb garden on the way in our front door, which supplies fresh herbs for your uniquely prepared meal.

Dig
https://www.digdelray.com/
777 East Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone:(561) 279-1002

Here at DIG (doing it green), we strive to provide amazing flavorful food by utilizing fresh seasonal organic fruits and vegetables + naturally fed and ethically tended products. We actively pursue and strive to be environmentally friendly and efficient, to leave as small of a footprint on the Earth as possible. We support local and independent businesses and are actively involved in our community. We have a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as free range and grass fed meats and sustainably sourced seafood. All of the tables were from Greenfields on Atlantic, and were redone with a Formica top that has bamboo threads throughout. The comfy armchairs and booths have been recovered with recycled material. All the paint and glue is VOC free. All of our plates do not match. We purchase them from Goodwill stores and thrift shops. By doing this we reuse and also give back to the community. We have a working garden on the side of the restaurant, which was planted by Farmer Jay, who supplies us with produce and eggs. DIG supports the local and state farming community. We will serve you the purest foods available, with the best flavors!

Christophers Kitchen
https://www.christopherskitchenfl.com
On the Plaza at Midtown
4783 PGA BLVD
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Phone: (561) 318-6191
Our mission is to serve you only the highest quality, certified organic plant based food. We take an honest approach using techniques and ingredients that maximize real nutritional value for healthful results. Our passion is providing genuine foods of superior nutritional integrity and delicious taste. We sincerely appreciate your everyday support of our family owned restaurant. Christopher’s Kitchen is wildly popular, expanding after its first year of success. The CK brand is growing, consisting of Christopher’s popular juice cleanse, specialty retail goods and hand made desserts. Chris hopes to inspire others to celebrate a high energy lifestyle eating clean, delicious, organic plant based foods.

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, AHG, AHN-BC , The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She is available for group presentations, answers consumer questions and has a private practice. www.naturalnurse.com 954-418-2388

Sweeteners , Artificial vs Natural

Almost any item that is touted as “sugar-free” is sweetened with artificial sweeteners. These include saccharin (Sweet’N Low), aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal), sucralose (Splenda), and a host of other potentially toxic chemicals. Madison Avenue advertisements entice people to use artificial sweeteners as a means to lose weight. However, this is not an effective approach.

Studies show that using artificial sweeteners has several adverse consequences, including tricking the body into desiring more calories. In addition, a long list of negative side-effects have been linked to artificial sweeteners. Here are just a few: Saccharin: possible link to cancer Aspartame: headaches, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, memory loss and joint pain.

Sucralose: bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache, anxiety and skin rash.

Tagalose (Naturlose): flatulence, bloating, nausea, diarrhea.

Acesulfame-K (Sweet One, Sunett): not adequately tested.

Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol): appear to have less negative effects although bloating, gas and diarrhea have been reported. Xylitol even seems to demonstrate some positive effects.

Sucralose, also known as SPLENDA(r), is a totally artificial substance manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and is made by adding three atoms of chlorine to a starting substance, which may be extracted from various compounds, including sucrose(sugar) or raffinose (a substance found in beans and onions). The manufacturing process involves the use of many chemicals, including trityl chloride, acetic anhydride, thionyl chloride in the presence of dimethylformamide, 4-methylmorpholine and methyl isobutyl ketone. The end product, sucralose, is a man-made chlorocarbon chemical that has a sweet taste. This is a far cry from the manufacturer’s premise that sucralose is really a ‘no-calorie sugar.’The fact is, the chemical composition of sucralose more closely resembles pesticides than natural sugar.

Although the FDA claims that sucralose is safe at normally consumed dose levels, there are many concerns and unanswered questions about its safety, especially for long-term use. Very few human trials have been done to examine the effects of sucralose; the longest trial lasted only three months. In addition, most of the research was done by the manufacturer. Individuals have reported symptoms after ingesting sucralose that include skin rashes, shortness of breath, sneezing, swelling, headaches, bloating, nausea, joint pains, anxiety and depression. It is prudent to avoid using sucralose until studies are done on the potential for adverse effects after long term use.

Better choices for calorie free sweeteners include stevia and xylitol. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant native to Paraguay and Brazil, although it grows easily in many areas of the world. It has been used for its sweet taste for centuries and is a traditional medicinal herb for obesity and blood sugar disorders. Stevia is 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, does not effect blood glucose levels and is considered safe for diabetics.

In Japan, stevia has been the sugar-free sweetener of choice, over saccharin, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, in soft drinks and foods since 1977. It has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide with no reports of toxic effects in adults or children.

Stevia has an interesting political history in the United States. In 1996, right around the same time that the artificial sweetener aspartame was proposed for FDA approval, the FDA indicated that stevia could not be used as a sweetener, calling it an “unsafe food additive.” This was an unusual move by the FDA, because under FDA guidelines natural substances used before 1958 with no reports of adverse effects are considered to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS). There were also dramatic reports of FDA personnel raiding warehouses containing stevia and confiscating it, and even threatening to burn books that were about how to use it as a sweetener! Shortly after stevia was banned as a sweetener, several FDA board members left for higher-paying positions with Monsanto, the company that promoted Nutrasweet (aspartame) as the sugar-free sweetener of choice in the U.S. market. Studies have uncovered additional attributes of stevia, beyond imparting a sweet flavor; stevia has ben shown to decrease blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes and improve insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory and immune supportive actions.

Stevia is available as a dietary supplement but cannot be listed as a sweetener in the US. It is available in many forms, including the whole leaf (green), a liquid extract (brown), and a powder (white). The white powder is also sold in convenient little packets that make it very user-friendly, since it is used the same way as artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame. Be aware that the green and brown preparations use the whole leaf, while the white powder may contain isolated compounds such as stevioside.

Caution: There are some reports that the isolated component, stevioside, can adversely affect fertility in rats. Xylitol occurs naturally in some vegetables, fruits, mushrooms and cereal grains and in corncobs. For commercial purposes, it’s usually extracted from birch tree wood chips or corn. Although xylitol has a very sweet taste, it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. Research has shown that xylitol also has antimicrobial actions that decrease bacteria associated with tooth decay and ear infections.

Cautions: Although xylitol is recognized by the FDA as a safe food additive, ingesting large amounts (over 30 grams per day) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Ellen Kamhi Ph.D. RN, The Natural Nurse(r), can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including “Weight Loss, the Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide.” Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She answers questions and has a private practice on Long Island. For more info, visit www.naturalnurse.com or call 954-418-2388.

Beauty from Inside-Out with Super Fruit Extracts

There are many foods and nutrients that span the bridge between the cosmeceutical and nutricosmetic sectors. They can act as an ingredient that can be added to skin creams, shampoos and other personal care items, and can also be used as a supplement that can be taken internally along with other health-enhancing nutrients that support skin and hair.

One example of this kind of ingredient is a super fruit combination, which includes goji, acai, noni, pomegranate, green tea, mangosteen and green coffee bean. These super fruits have a long history of use by traditional people in the areas where they are found, as well as scientific data substantiating their high level of healthy antioxidants.

Goji (wolfberry) has been treasured for centuries by the Himalayan people, the berries of the goji plant (Lycium barbarum) have been consumed daily by many of the world’s longest living people.

Acai is a berry harvested from the Brazilian rain forest, where natives believe the acai berry to have amazing healing and nutritional properties. Studies show acai has up to 33 times the antioxidant content as red wine grapes.

Noni grows in the Caribbean, Tahiti and Hawaii, producing a strange white, soft fruit. It is harvested when it is ripe, and pulverized, then strained it to make a healthful drink, high in enzymes and other factors that support healthy skin and hair.

Mangosteen is called “queen of the fruit” due to its delicious flavor and traditional medicinal use. It contains a wide range of antioxidants such as a polyhydroxy-xanthone derivative called mangostin.

Green coffee bean is the fresh, unroasted seed harvested from coffee plants. Its high in beneficial antioxidants, which gives it one of the highest ORAC values found in nature. Green coffee beans are high in chlorogenic acid, which may be linked to its energizing and fat burning capacity touted by Dr. Oz, and promoted by Starbucks as part of its “Refresher” line.

Pomegranate literally means “apple with many seeds.” This ancient fruit has been linked to fertility and beauty. Modern science confirms its use in topical applications due to suppression of lipid oxidation from its high ellagic acid levels (Plast Reconstr Surg. 1994 Dec; 94(7):1027-37) and enhanced effects for sunscreens (Cosmet Dermatol .2001;14(10):43–5). All of these superfruits make beautiful label content, and can support skin health when used for beauty from within as well as topically.