One Food That Can Save the Day

We are faced with numerous environmental challenges these days. This one is particularly dangerous and I wanted to inform you where you are being exposed to these chemicals and the effects it is having to our future generations.

The word “xenoestrogens” means foreign estrogens. They are man-made environmental chemicals, which are taken up by the estrogen receptor sites in the body and seriously interfere with natural biochemical changes.  These estrogen-like mimics have an uncanny ability to mimic natural estrogen and/or block natural hormones. They have distinct effects in different species and organs. Xenoestrogens are fat-soluble, not biodegradable or well excreted, and accumulate in fat tissue of animals and humans.  They are also dangerously toxic. The principle function of estrogens is to cause cellular proliferation and growth of tissues of the sexual organs and other tissues related to reproduction. So the union of hormone mimics to receptors, triggers genes that stimulate the production of proteins that accelerate cell division. This cell division is leading to a host of health challenges.

Mounting research is now revealing an alarming situation worldwide created by the inundation of these hormone-mimics. In the book, Our Stolen Future, authors Colburn, Dumanoski, and Meyers have identified 51 families of hormone mimics each able to unleash a torrent of effects such as reduced sperm production, cell division and sculpting of the developing brain. These mimics are not only linked to the recent discovery that human sperm counts worldwide have plunged by 50 per cent between 1938 and 1990 but also to altered sexual behaviour, lowered immunity, increased genital deformities, breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate and testicular cancer, and interfered with behavioral and neurological development.

For women, fibrocystic breast disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory diseases are also suspected. These may be influenced by developmental or chronic lifetime exposure to estrogen mimics.

These estrogenic chemicals are everywhere: in the air, water, food, soil, and over-abundantly in our bodies. These chemicals are mostly from the petrochemical industry and unfortunately for our health, petrochemicals are everywhere. Our machines run on petrochemicals such as gasoline and kerosene. Organochlorines are produced by chlorine gas reacting with petroleum hydrocarbons. Today there are organochlorines being used in plastics, pesticides, solvents, dry cleaning agents, refrigerants and other chemicals. Thousands more are by-products of the disinfection of water, bleaching of paper and incineration of chlorinated products.  Millions of products, including various plastics (polycarbonated plastics found in babies bottles, toys, food containers and water jugs), PCBs, microchips, medicines, even our synthetic vitamins, clothing, foods, household cleansers, air deodorizers, personal care products (such as cosmetics, antiperspirants, soaps, toothpaste and mouthwash), pesticides and herbicides (such as DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, etc.) and perfumes, either contain or are made from petrochemicals.

Some proven environmental estrogens used as pesticides, most notably DDT, toxaphene and dicofol, have been banned in most western industrial countries but are still used in many developing nations. Averages of over 25% of all regular Canadian and imported produce show residues of pesticides. In just one example, California raisin and strawberry growers and Washington State apple growers are permitted to use DDT-laced pesticide dicofol on food crops.

Drinking water may be contaminated by other proven estrogenic compounds  (nonylphenol (NP), endosulfan) still being used in plastics manufacturing and pesticides.  NP from our liquid laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, soaps and shampoos also taint our water.  Airborne ash from industry or hazardous waste incinerators is often high in hormone disrupters like dioxin (one of the most virulent) as well as lead, mercury, and cadmium. The ash lands on grass or hay eaten by livestock and then is passed along, concentrated, to humans.

Our food is one of the most common pathways for these hormone-disrupting chemicals to gain entry. Processed foods now comprise 80% of our food supply. Packaging, excess sugar and hydrogenated fats, preservatives, artificial colour and flavourings may all be hazardous.  For example, Red Dye No. 3, a powerful carcinogen, is still widely used. Plastic containers, styrene cups, food packaging or can liners may contain PVCs (polyvinyl chlorides), alkylphenols, nonylphenols, bisphenol-a and phthalates. These are known xenoestrogens that migrate into food when heated or stored for long periods.

Food animals and dairy fat are a major source of hormonally active chemicals in our food and waterways. The highest concentrations are in beef and dairy products, with high residues of DDT and other chlorinated pesticides, antibiotics, veterinary drugs and growth-stimulating sex hormones. Fish from industrialized waterways are contaminated with a wide range of xenoestrogens. All Great Lakes salmon show enlarged thyroid glands in recent years.

Taking it one step further, synthetic estrogens are also being dumped into the waterways through the urine of women and enter our food chain. This has also increased our levels of estrogen exposure.

So we see xenoestrogens are everywhere and that we are being bombarded with them. Many women are considered “estrogen dominate” because of our over exposure to these foreign estrogens.  Because this is a big topic, I will deal with this subject next week. What I want to cover this week is that there is a safe alternative that can actually protect us from this over exposure.

Plant estrogens, called phytoestrogens, compete with natural and xenoestrogens for binding to receptors in the body. The phytoestrogens protect us from the toxic, synthetic petrochemical estrogenic compounds. They act as weak estrogens and appear to produce estrogen effects in postmenopausal women and anti-estrogen effects in premenopausal women.  Phytoestrogens thus have this ability to act as “balancers” – by raising low levels of estrogen and by lowering high levels by replacing a strong estrogen with a weaker one.

Significant amounts of phytoestrogens are found in many foods including soy products, flaxseeds, chickpeas, cashews, oats, corn, apples, and almonds.  One of the best sources of phytoestrogens is called isoflavones found in soy.  By eating these foods on a daily basis, we can protect the cell receptor sites from the xenoestrogens. This is an important awareness as most people do not know the benefits of these foods. Phytoestrogens are therefore the “good guys” and can counteract the bad effects of the “bad guys”. So do yourself a favour and protect your cell receptor sites on a daily basis.

Every morning I take my water washed soy protein powder and mix it with water. After I drink it, I know that I have protected my cell receptor sites for the day. I highly recommend that you do the same for increased health and wellness. Feel free to contact me for more information on the difference in the brands of soy protein powder.

Do you have a story to share? I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will cover the different types of estrogens and estrogen dominance.

Stay tuned.

Charlene Day

This month in honour of Mother’s Day, I addressed some women’s health issues. In this last post on this theme, we will be addressing deficiencies that produce  menopausal problems and osteoporosis.

Menopause

Menopause can happen either naturally or through surgery. Technically, menopause happens after the ovaries have ceased to function for over a year. Before that it is termed peri-menopause.  Many women experience symptoms of hot flashes, sweating, mood swings, headaches, higher risk of heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis during this time.

In the past women have traditionally gone to doctors to get hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While proclaimed as the primary missing ingredient for the menopausal woman, estrogen also has been strongly recommended by the medical and pharmaceutical industries for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. However, in 1998 the results of the second largest study on HRT were published, indicating that HRT increases the risk of heart disease, as well as breast cancer, osteoporosis and gall bladder disease.

In light of this recent scientific research, women began looking for natural alternatives. Along with a healthy diet, and lifestyle, consuming the right supplements and herbs will help regulate the normal hormone fluctuation that occurs during menopause.

A healthy diet eliminates red meat, processed meat, organ meats, skin of fowl, fried foods, high-fat dairy products, alcohol, refined sugar, spicy food and salt. Instead the concentration is on an alkaline diet – fowl with skin removed, sea fish at least three times a week (good for iodine), lots of vegetables and fruit, beans and lentils, whole grains and raw nuts and lots of clean water. This will help to bring about a pH body balance for normalized hormones.

The supplements for menopause always start with a good balanced multi-vitamin/mineral supplement. Vitamin E with selenium has a normalizing effect on estrogen levels. If you have chlorinated drinking water, you need more vitamin E. Vitamin E is good for hot flashes, breast tenderness, muscle cramps and vaginal dryness. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids helps to diminish hot flashes and night sweats. It also helps prevent osteoporosis. B complex is important to help your body deal with stress, and replenish the adrenals. B vitamins help depression and have a calming effect. B complex is good to counteract fatigue, irritability, craving for sweets, fluid retention, and headaches.

Calcium/Magnesium is very important to maintain your balance through menopause. It is helpful for headaches, insomnia, when anxious or tense, osteoporosis or to curb cravings for chocolate. GLA an essential fatty acid, is a hormone balancer and helps with hot flashes. It also aids headaches and any inflammation in the body. Omegas are also good for hormone balancing and stabilizing mood changes. Beta-Carotene promotes healthy mucous membranes in the vaginal area. Zinc activates over 80 liver enzymes and helps boost energy.

One major deficiency that is often overlooked with menopausal symptoms is what is called a plant estrogen or phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are the plant versions of the human hormone estrogen. The best-researched phytoestrogens are isoflavones, which are found in soy.

Isoflavones are plant substances, which can act as estrogens in the body and have protective functions. Isoflavones can compete with estrogen for the same receptor sites thereby decreasing the health risks of excess estrogen. They can also increase the estrogen activity. If during menopause the body’s natural level of estrogen drops, isoflavones can compensate this by binding to the same receptor, thereby easing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes as a result.

The best way to consume isoflavones is in the form of soy. Soy contains many types of isoflavones, but the most beneficial are genistein and daidzein. Genistein improves bone strength & density. Daidzein prevents bone loss. Isoflavones can also reduce the risk of breast, bowel, and lung cancer.

Not all soy foods contain soy isoflavones: When crushed, defatted soy flakes are washed in alcohol during the production of soy burgers, soy cheeses, soy milks, and some soy powder mixes, isoflavones are destroyed. If soy protein powders are produced by water-washing the soy-flakes, a much higher isoflavone level is retained. So not only is this a way to ingest high quality amino acids, it also provides the isoflavones needed to decrease menopausal symptoms.

Plant estrogens are also found in herbs. Black Cohosh and Raspberry are phytoestrogens, which helps regulate the luteinizing hormone which fluctuates during menopause. It helps regulate & relieve hot flashes, has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps regulate sleep patterns.

Flaxseed is the richest whole grain source of a class of phytoestrogens called lignans. It reduces cholesterol levels and helps to normalize blood pressure. It shows anti-tumor activity and inhibits cancer growth. It increases metabolism and boosts the immune system.

Dong Quai (also known as angelica) is a phytoestrogen that helps bring relief from hot flashes, relieves vaginal dryness, and traditionally was used as a uterine tonic. Red Clover contains phytoestrogens similar to soy and helps detoxify the liver (a healthy liver is essential for hormonal balance). It also enhances the immune system. Licorice is a source of phytoestrogens. It promotes adrenal function (as you found out earlier, the adrenal glands are the key glands responsible for producing estrogen after menopause).

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a gradual decrease in bone mass and density that can begin as early as the teen years. Bone mass should be at its peak in our late 20s or early 30s, but thanks to a poor diet and lack of exercise, many women are already losing bone in their 20s. Bone loss occurs more rapidly in women than in men, especially right around the time of menopause, when an abrupt drop in estrogen and progesterone can accelerates bone loss.

The most important elements of bones are minerals and amino acids. The most important bone minerals are calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and fluoride. Equally important is the balance between the minerals. Too much phosphorous or fluoride will create poor bone structure. (Nearly all of us already ingest too much fluoride, thanks to fluoridation of our water.) Without enough magnesium, the calcium can’t be absorbed onto the bone. Vitamins are also involved. For example, vitamin B6 (in B complex) works with magnesium to get calcium onto your bones.

The hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are also actively involved in the making and unmaking of bone. Testosterone and progesterone build bone, while estrogen appears to indirectly slow bone loss. All of these are made from amino acids, the building blocks of all cells.

In osteoporosis, the old bone is being reabsorbed faster than new bone is being made, causing the bones to lose density and become thinner and more porous and fragile. Bone loss seems to be most severe in the spine, wrists and hips. Unfortunately there are usually no signs or symptoms of osteoporosis until a fracture occurs.

To prevent osteoporosis, it is important to reduce or eliminate soda pop and other carbonated beverages, as well as salt, sugar and caffeine consumption, keep meat consumption to a reasonable level (no more than once a day) and decrease alcohol consumption and don’t smoke. Avoid over the counter medications such as antacids and laxatives and avoid severe caloric restriction and yo-yo dieting.

Eat plenty of fresh, green vegetables and whole grains and nuts and seeds. Eating foods high in flavonoids, which help stabilize collagen structures, such as blueberries, raspberries and hawthorn berries are excellent to prevent bone loss. Following all the advice for the menopausal symptoms, will help prevent osteoporosis as well.

Digestive enzymes may be required to optimize digestion for maximum nutrient absorption. It is very important to ensure adequate absorption and the proper utilization of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D. Vitamin C, B complex, Beta-Carotene, and trace minerals are also needed. Since more vegetable protein is better for maintaining the alkaline balance needed to prevent bone loss, water washed soy protein powder is also important in preventing osteoporosis.

Engage in an active lifestyle that includes both weight bearing and strength training exercise. Exercise is an anti-depressant, stress reliever, fat burner, and bone stimulator.

To sum up, preventing menopause symptoms and osteoporosis requires a balanced lifestyle to support your hormones. Learn stress management techniques, and take time out for relaxation, massage, yoga, meditation and inner growth. Take time for yourself. I know this is hard for women to hear but don’t take on too much.  Laugh, love, relax, and feed yourself with positive thoughts.

Do you have a story to share? I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will cover the dangers of environmental xenoestrogens.

Stay tuned.

Charlene Day

Charlene Day on Women’s Health Issues

In honour of Mother’s Day month, I am continuing to address women’s health issues.  These are issues affecting physical aspects of healing, but that have a profound effect on our mental, emotional and spiritual fields as well.  When we are in the flow of good energy physically, then it is easier to be in harmony on all levels.

Our bodies consists of trillions of cells that need vitamins, minerals, essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins (amino acids) to stay healthy.  Optimum levels of health require optimum nutrition and equally optimum cell performance.

Birth Control

Deficiencies produce problems and some women use birth control pills which cause nutritional deficiencies. Oral contraceptives cause many metabolic changes and more seriously, the hormones present in contraceptive pills have been shown to increase the risk of coagulation, increasing the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms. This risk is especially heightened in women who smoke and who are over the age of 30, as both conditions also can predispose towards coagulation.

So women in this category absolutely need to supplement to counter the insufficiency of nutrients within the body. These women need a whole food multi vitamin and mineral supplement and extra zinc, B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium-magnesium and Beta Carotene as the birth control pill intake depletes these nutrients.

Pregnancy

On the other hand for those women who want to get pregnant, there are other nutritional needs. Start with preconception care by cleaning up the diet and avoiding toxins.  Take a multi vitamin that contains at least 400 mg of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects thus preventing spina bifida, a very serious birth defect.

I have helped many women who could not get pregnant simply by adding in some whole food supplements and presto they conceived. What I suggested is very simply what the body needs. Our cells have daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins (amino acids).

When we want to make another human being, it makes sense that both partners supplement a healthy diet with whole food supplements. If we want to produce a healthy baby then we need healthy raw elements.

Once a woman conceives, then it is important to make sure there is a daily intake of amino acids as our need for high quality protein goes up from 44 to 74 grams per day. A whole food multi vitamin is essential during this time. Calcium/magnesium is needed as the calcium need increases up to 1200 mg. plus. Iron needs go from 18 mg to 60 mg and B complex is needed for the general wellbeing of the mother and proper nerve development of the fetus. B complex is also vitally important to help prevent birth defects. Also it is helpful in the first trimester to help alleviate morning sickness.

Vit D, magnesium and zinc help with the hormone receptor sites which are important during pregnancy as levels of progesterone and estrogens rise continually throughout pregnancy as do the adrenal hormones. There are certain nutrients like calcium/magnesium and electrolytes that aid in childbirth comfort too.

At least 300 mg of Omega fatty acids are especially important in last trimester. Omegas are a major structural fatty acid in the brain and retina, and are naturally found in breast milk. It is important for a mother to consume adequate amounts of essential fats during pregnancy and while nursing to support her well-being and the health of her infant. Avoid certain fish as it is often very high in heavy metal contaminants. Supplement with a high quality fish supplement that is triple distilled.

A balanced, nutritious diet is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy as you are eating for two. Eating a healthy diet, balancing carbohydrates (a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains), essential fats, high quality protein and your whole food supplements usually ensures good nutrition. To counteract constipation make sure you eat plenty of fiber, get regular exercise, eat healthy foods especially veggies, and drink lots of purified water.

Nutritional Needs During Lactation

A nursing mother’s diet can have a profound effect on her baby. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that whatever you eat, your baby eats, too. Healthy nutrients and contaminants alike pass from breast milk to baby.

Calorie and protein needs continue to be high during lactation, as they were in pregnancy. The breastfeeding mother requires an extra 300 to 400 calories above her pre–pregnancy needs for the first 12 months of breastfeeding.

Fortunately, eating well and fulfilling the needs of your newborn child are really quite easy. The healthiest diets derive their nutrients from these sources: vegetables, fruit, legumes (beans, peas, or lentils), whole grains, and nuts and seeds. A diet built entirely from these foods has the added advantage of reducing levels of environmental contaminants in breast milk. Plant foods have much lower levels of contaminants than foods from animal sources and are even cleaner when they are grown organically.

Studies show that women who consume meat and dairy products have higher levels of chemical contaminants in their breast milk, probably because these chemicals tend to concentrate in animal tissues. Fish is often very high in contaminants. It commonly contains mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other organochlorine pesticides, which can pass through breast milk to nursing babies.

Dairy products, including cow’s milk, raise another issue.  Cow’s milk proteins ingested by the mother can also enter her breast milk. These proteins can cause colic, as well as contribute to allergic reactions and a whole host of other problems in babies as their tiny systems cannot handle the large molecules of milk protein.

Many of the supplement needs during lactation are similar to those of pregnancy. Since babies will take a substantial amount of calcium from breast milk, it is essential for nursing mothers to supplement with calcium/magnesium. Also important are a whole food multi vitamin/mineral, amino acids, Beta Carotene, B complex, Vitamins C, E, D and the Omegas.

Whatever you take, the child will benefit from. So remember to take care of yourself as you are the well of nutrients that builds a healthy baby.

Do you have a story to share? I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will cover some more feminine issues for later on in life.

Stay tuned.

Charlene

The Rise and Fall of Hormones

In honour of Mothers’ Day month, I am going to address some women’s health issues for the next few blog posts.  I will talk about some physical aspects of healing, but ones that have a profound effect on our mental, emotional and spiritual fields as well. When we are in the flow of good energy physically, then it is easier to be in harmony on all levels.

Our bodies consists of trillions of cells that need vitamins, minerals, essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins (amino acids) to stay healthy.  Optimum levels of health require optimum nutrition and equally optimum cell performance.  Deficiencies produce problems like PMS symptoms, and menstrual problems.

So let’s start with menstruation. Menstruation is the most visible phase of the menstrual cycle. The rise and fall of levels of hormones during the month control the menstrual cycle. Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining which happens once a month. It also prepares your body for pregnancy each month. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. The typical woman bleeds for approximately two to seven days at the beginning of each menstrual cycle. Menstruation will start at the onset of puberty and end at the beginning of menopause.

In the first half of the cycle, levels of estrogen start to rise. Estrogen plays an important role in keeping you healthy, especially by helping you to build strong bones and to help keep them strong as you get older. Estrogen also makes the lining of the uterus (womb) grow and thicken. This lining of the womb is a place that will nourish the embryo if a pregnancy occurs. At the same time the lining of the womb is growing, an egg, or ovum, in one of the ovaries starts to mature. At about day 14 of an average 28-day cycle, the egg leaves the ovary. This is called ovulation.

After the egg has left the ovary, it travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Hormone levels rise and help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. A woman is most likely to get pregnant during the 3 days before or on the day of ovulation. Keep in mind, women with cycles that are shorter or longer than average may ovulate before or after day 14.

A woman becomes pregnant if the egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm cell and attaches to the uterine wall. If the egg is not fertilized, it will break apart. Then, hormone levels drop, and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period.

So you see that many parts of a woman’s body are involved in this process. All these need nutritional support. Last week we learned that hormones need lots of nutrients like amino acids, vitamin B, vitamin E, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and zinc. Our ovaries and uterus need extra zinc, vitamin E and B complex. The fact that women lose menstrual blood every month requires additional iron to counter weakness and fatigue as well as zinc, amino acids, calcium/magnesium and B complex, vitamins C and E.

When we are not giving the body the right nutrients to function properly, then there can be challenges such as premenstrual syndrome, better known as PMS. High caffeine or tobacco intake and stress may trigger the condition as well. Eating large amounts of sugar depletes the body of many vitamins and minerals and this will cause symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations and headaches.

More than 200 different symptoms have been associated with PMS, but the three most prominent emotional symptoms are irritability, tension, and unhappiness. Common symptoms may include significant menstrual pain abdominal pain, migraine headaches, depression, emotional sensitivity such as stress, anxiety, and mood swings, nausea, breast swelling, difficulty in falling asleep, headaches, fatigue, and changes in libido. Severe uterine pain is particularly common for adolescents and young women. More severe symptoms may be classified as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The sensations experienced vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle.

Most women with premenstrual syndrome experience only a few of the possible symptoms, in a relatively predictable pattern. Under typical definitions, symptoms must be present at some point during the ten days immediately before the onset of menses, and must not be present for at least one week between the onset of menses and ovulation. Although the intensity of symptoms may vary somewhat, most definitions require that the woman’s unique constellation of symptoms be present in multiple, consecutive cycles.

Improved nutrition is the key to management of PMS. B complex is a water soluble vitamin that will be essential for the lessening of the prominent emotional symptoms associated with PMS. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) works amazing for everyone with PMS. In my practice, I have found a brand that without fail has turned around every woman’s symptoms within a three month period. Check out last week’s blog for more detailed information on GLA. The other nutrients needed are a multi vitamin/mineral complex, amino acids, calcium/magnesium, zinc and vitamins C, E, and Beta Carotene. It should be noted that insufficient magnesium and B complex may cause cravings for sugar and chocolate which of course lead to further nutritional deficiencies.  So keep your body nourished and your body will function at its optimum without all the associated symptoms that cause discomfort. Remember as women we need those vitamins and minerals daily as we are giving out to others constantly and our bodies need to be nourished in order to keep healthy and keep up.

Hope all you mothers had a wonderful healthy Mother’s Day.

Do you have a story to share? I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will cover some more feminine issues.

Stay tuned.

Charlene

Recharging Your Batteries

Everything is energy, everything vibrates. When we understand this premise, it makes it easier to see that all aspects of ourselves are really just different vibrations of what we call self… physical self, emotional self, mental self, spiritual self.

When we align all the vibrations, we are in total harmony again. So true healing brings us into a state of harmony on all levels of our being.

In this post we will look at various ways to connect or reconnect with spirit. Bottom line, we are never really disconnected but we feel like we are in this age of rush, rush, hurry, hurry. Below are some ideas that will keep you connected or recharge you, or allow for a deeper connection.

1. Meditation

Basic meditation is just closing your eyes, relaxing your body and breathing. Some people meditate with a guided meditation CD or with a music CD. You can meditate inside or outside. Being in nature, by a running brook or under a tree, anywhere you find relaxing, can connect you to spirit even more and reach right into your soul.

Those who are more disciplined attempt to get beyond the thinking mind into a deeper state of relaxation and awareness.

Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual goals—from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, compassion and loving kindness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

2. Prayer

The use of prayer has been proven over the years to have many beneficial effects including its effect on the healing of sick or injured people. People pray for many reasons such as personal benefit or for the sake of others.

Prayer is a deliberate intentional practice. It may involve the use of words, song, or complete silence. This is another way to connect with spirit. It gives you a chance to envision and state your intentions at a higher vibrational rate.

3. Walking

Not only will you exercise your physical body including your brain hemispheres, you can relax your mind with a walking meditation. Be mindful of your breathing without trying to control it. Make sure your breathing feels natural, not artificial.

Walk with ‘soft vision’ allowing your eyes to relax and focus upon nothing, while being aware of everything. Imagine every cell of your body smiling softly. Let all worry and sadness fall away from you as you walk.

Be mindful of your walking; make each step a gesture, so that each footprint is an impression of the peace and love you feel for the universe. Walk with slow, small, deliberate, balanced footsteps as you feel the connection with spirit.

4. Gardening

Growing things gives us a profound connection with nature and with spirit. You are physically working and you participating in the act of creation. You are co-creating with nature by nurturing the plants, connecting with the soil and this reconnects you to spirit. Also the sheer beauty of a garden can nourish your soul.

If you are growing food then you get the bounty of a harvest and participate in the seasons and cycles of mother earth.  This can be very grounding and centering.

5. Have fun and play

Discover activities that open up your sense of play. Get together with friends and laugh. Have dinner parties, barbecues, picnics or go out to a restaurant. Play with a pet or enjoy the company of a playful youngster. Participate in the activities that give you pleasure and enjoyment. Milk every moment for all the pleasure you can get from these activities as this vibration is the fastest way to get reconnected with spirit.

6. Take a mental break

Give yourself a break from the work you do. Take time out just to read for the joy of reading. If you enjoy puzzles, find some good ones and take time out. Listen to your favourite music; connect with the vibration of the music.  Go with the flow, as they say.

Sometimes you may just need a nap or to participate in some of the ideas above to create a time out from thoughts, perceptions, memories, or emotions that keep you separate from spirit.

Enjoy the reconnection!

What do you do to recharge your batteries?  I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will start a series on the environment to honour Earth Day in April.

Stay tuned.

Charlene Day

Health is a Choice – Environmental Choices

The human body is a self-repairing, self-regulating system that will maintain good health if we properly support it. Almost all chronic illness can be prevented or put into remission by making different choices.

On the physical level, these imbalances are brought about by making inappropriate choices regarding our diets, environment, and conscious behavior. So in this post, let’s look at our environmental choices. When we think environment, we sometimes think outside the house, but our home environment is one of the most important areas to look to make healthy choices.

During this century, we have introduced over 100,000 man-made chemicals into our environment. We have little information on how these operate in the human body and almost no information on what happens when combined. We do know that many of these chemicals are toxic and that some are carcinogenic (cancer causing).

According to a 15-year study presented at the Toronto Indoor Air Conference, women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home. The study concluded that this was a direct result of the increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products.

Toxic chemicals are things our cells don’t need because they jam the cellular mechanisms and interfere with normal cell function. It’s not always possible to completely avoid toxins because we have polluted the entire planet.

However, it is possible to minimize our toxic exposures. Begin making different choices with the things you use on your body such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. Most of these products, when you research the ingredients, contain toxic ingredients. The toxins go through your skin, bio-accumulate in your tissues, and eventually cause cellular malfunction. Avoid fluoride, mineral oil, phthalates, parabens, talc, collagen, BHT, formaldehyde, isopropyl palmitate, lead, mercury just to name a few.

Buy products that are safe for you and safe for the planet.

Use environmentally safe household cleaners. Avoid solvents and toxic chemicals such as kerosene,  phenol,  cresol,  lye,  hydrochloric acid,  sulfuric acid,  sulfamic acid,  petroleum distillates,  ammonia,  sodium hydroxide, sodium bisulfate,  butyl cellosolve,  phosphoric acid,  ethoxylated alcohols, formaldehyde, phosphates chlorine bleach,  morpholine, crystalline silica.

I have helped many kids over the years with their asthma, simply by helping their parents make different choices with their laundry detergent. I showed them one called Fresh Laundry Concentrate that Dr. Doris Rapp recommends that is non-toxic and therefore safe to breathe in. Result – no more asthmatic attacks at night.

There are many things we can do to make different choices around our environment. This blog just scratched the surface on a few ways to avoid toxins. In the current marketing environment it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between hype and good information. Making solid health choices is more than ever about becoming educated and connecting with reliable and trusted sources.

For more information on healthy safe products, check out the healthy home section at www.healthyday.net

Do you have a story to share? I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will cover the behavioral choices that we can make for our health.

Stay tuned.

Charlene Day

Understanding Your Body’s pH

For those of us who have forgotten our high school chemistry, pH means “potential hydrogen”. The addition of hydrogen makes a substance more acidic, while a reduction make it more alkaline (also called base).

The pH scale (0-14) measures acidity and alkalinity. A pH of 7 is considered alkaline and a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic. The higher the number, the more alkaline the solution; the lower the number, the more acidic the solution.

Your body also has a pH balance. In fact, the maintenance between acid and alkaline is essential to life. The body does everything it can to keep the pH of the blood constant, somewhere between 7.35-7.45.

There is much confusion about how acid or alkaline the body should be and which foods are the most appropriate to eat. One book says a food is acid; another says it is alkaline. A pH number of 7.0 is considered to be neutral. Below 7.0, it is considered acidic. Above 7.0, it is considered to be alkaline.

In understanding the acid/alkalinity of food, it must be remembered that we are referring to the end product of digestion of that food and whether it creates an acid or alkaline ash.

Fruits and vegetables usually produce an alkaline ash. Some whole grains produce a neutral ash. Eating more of these foods helps to keeps the body in the correct pH balance for proper body functioning.

It is interesting to note that raw tomatoes are alkaline but cooked tomatoes become acidic. Similarly, fresh juice is alkaline but frozen or processed juice is acidic.

Most protein foods (such as eggs, meat and seafood) produce acid ash, as do breads, cakes, cereals, and peanuts. The trick is to eat a well-balanced diet, not too much of any one type of food.

Ideally people should proportion their diet to consume 80 percent of foods by volume from the alkalizing foods, and 20 per cent by volume form the acidifying foods. The modern diet has reversed these proportions – which are why degenerative diseases like cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, immune dysfunction, and irritable, inflamed bowels are so rampant today. The body needs more alkaline foods. It is as simple as that.  If you would like to get a copy of the diet pictured above, please visit my website by clicking here.  This chart is available for purchase as a fridge magnet!

The human body has tremendous healing power if properly nourished. Our bodies are alkaline by design and produce acid that gives us energy and function. Maintaining alkalinity is essential for life and health and vitality and is critical to cellular health.

Do you have a story to share? I’d love to get your feedback.  Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all bloggers out there. If you leave a comment, you can provide a link back to your own blog.  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment; I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Next week I will cover the vibration of thoughts and feelings and how they fit into our holistic model.

Stay tuned.

Charlene Day