Mom & Dad both face cancer diagnosis

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42452205/ns/today-today_health/

My problems are minor today compared to this young families. Please pray for them

Prednisone.....fighting with my body

These tiny, tiny pills changing me for better or for ever? Are these super powerful to make me well or so strong they will worsen any part of my being? All the things I disagree with concerning health and wellness I now find at my door. Do I do it for me or do I do it for those I love? Mixed emotions. I never was one much for being confused or having mixed emotions concerning anything in my life before. Before this. I always have been matter of fact and opinionated on my beliefs no matter what the issue. Not stubborn, just believing strongly towards some subjects. Now it is a bit different. I guess you might say I have reached a low, needed to make a decision and the one I am choosing is to at least try the tiny, tiny white pills. Yesterday my dosage was cut back only by 2 pills, from 12 per day to 10. I indeed noticed a slight difference as to the puffiness. It seems it went from bloated, puffy feeling to a lighter feel and more settled within my body. (just as long as it doesn't take up residence here). This morning I feel a bit lighter. So I really do think this is not long term weight but just swollen, tender tissue which is saying "What the _ _ _ _ are your doing to me?" All my years of healthy living and eating and now these little pills are invading my tissues inside and out. Well if they are wrecking havoc on my body and appearance I am hoping that what can't be seen with the naked eye is a war going on inside each spot in my body that needs fighters working hard for it right now. And against all prior belief in medicines which can destroy our livers I am gonna trust this little guy to help me. His stay is short. 17 more days to go and I may never let him back into my life again. I am just thinking that if every few days my dosage is cut back as instructed it may truly work and the conditions of the shell of a body I live in is just temporary. I will be in control. I am in control now, I made the choice to do the tiny white pill, because I hurt so bad and was deteriorating too quickly and possibly for the first time in 26 years with MS frightened at what I was seeing and feeling in my life. It has to be the scariest time ever in my entire life, to know that quite possibly I will not recover, stay the same or get worse. The largest concern is others, I never wish to be a burden to anyone. This will keep me going I do know.

I said to my son just the other day "maybe my dream of retiring at the beach is good for me, since if I fall so much falling in the sand would be easier on me." His response to me was " Mom, you'll just get brush burns". That's my boy! My sense of humor...keeping me laughing at the least expected time. I do love him so. I will take brush burns over broken bones and sprained body parts. So which beach do I decide on? I always wanted to be an old lady at the sea shore picking sea shells and stones the ocean gives us as gifts each day.....I have a plan!

Thanks for listening. I will be fine. No, I will be well 4 ever! Because this is what I feel.

Keep the good foods going down the hatch along with the tiny, tiny pills.

Let's see who wins! I hope it's me.

You might be asking yourself....why is she telling all this?.....well it is my thoughts (since I am having them) there might be others out there who do not express themselves such as I and sitting around wondering all these puzzlements which I am experiencing. If 1 tiny thing I might spurt out on this blog can turn a light on in someone's mind and help then I will share all I am experiencing concerning every aspect of my illness. Not just the healthy, positive ones, but also the ones that make us who we are and cause even more confusion to go on in our minds and bodies. It is my thoughts...you never really know until you wear the person's shoes. And I will write about each step of the way from my own standpoint and affect it is having on me.

Steroids and Me

Maybe it is not proper English my saying Steroids and Me...but nothing seems quite proper with me or my body right at this point. I am going to write briefly, as not to bore you, with my recent (as of right now, last 11 days) steroid trip. Taking steroids possibly because I do trip (and fall down), taking steroids because my field vision in my left eye (my good eye) is faulty and vision in both eyes are blurry.These are on going symptoms of my MS which come and go as they darn well please. It is how my MS first started when I was 32, now at 58 it wants to live with me again and affect my other eye. It can go away, but will it? I can only pray. And now do as my doctor's say because blindness has always been a fear of my MS. Yes My MS....I take claim to it, because it is when you take ownership to something you can then take control over it and that is my plan for this dirty devil who wants to hang out with me each and every day and now each and every moment of my life. I have a wonderful life to live, I am still young and I am not going to go down easy. So MS LOOKOUT! But right now let's talk of what my body is doing in response to the +100 steroid pills I have taken in the last 10 days. Eighteen more days to go.....is it any wonder I feel puffy...puffy face, puffy tummy (most people would say no, but I know it is there), acid reflex (never had this all my life) eat all the time (always did do this, only now I can actually feel the food making my tummy puffy) POISON....is this what I am doing to myself? How can this possible be good for me, I ask myself. I do know that when your eyesight and your movement is affected and you don't want it to be that way sometimes modern medicine needs to be surrendered to. But just how much do I allow myself to endure? Keep eating the healthy foods, keep praying, keep taking my nourishment through supplements and keep holding on to the hope & a prayer that this too will pass & it is just a stage for some odd reason and I will be once again on my path down "remission road". I will never, never, never give up.

So yesterday my good friend Barbie took me to my doctor's appointment. Doctor and I had nice talk. I am dragging my right foot when I walk so he is sending me to PT for a month to concentrate on my gait. I told him a friend gave me a cane and I use it to get in and out of bed, I thought he would tell me don't do that, but he said it was probably a good idea since I have fallen down the stairs 2x in March and fall when getting up from a seat sometimes. I walk into walls, who doesn't? But I do it more frequently than I have in the last several years. So to protect myself, TEMPORARILY, I will do what is asked of me.Not just for me but for those out there like my son, my friends, my cat...those who depend on me, depend on me to not just be who I am, was, are...but depend on me to be fun to be around, happy to be alive and wanting to do the fun things in life again. I can not give up hope ever, if even just for them because they all mean so much to me. They have shown me true love and friendship, especially in the last 6 months. I will be fine, God is on my side..."no weapon formed against me can be used against me. " I am a child of The King of Kings.

So back to the doc & shopping outing. I had told doc that the steroids were helping my eyes a bit I had noticed. That was at 11:30am but 2pm while standing in line at a dept store my eyes were so blurry I could not see, my left eye had pain, I could hardly stand anymore and I felt so weak...AND HUNGRY!!!! Steroids! We had just ate but I wanted everything in the store. I was 124 when starting these steroids and I am now 134, fully dressed. I was 135 when I gave birth to my son in 1977. I have never had a weight problem. I don't plan on keeping one. But I need to give my body some time to do it's magic with these poison pills I am taking. I really think that when people say they gain weight from steroids they may in fact be a bit true, but from my bodies stand point I feel (and I mean I feel what is going on inside me) It is more puffy and bloated. I do believe that as the dosage cuts back during its course that a couple weeks after I am off the drug my old body will come to visit and perhaps stay with me again. It is my nature to be thin, it is what I am used to. Right now I feel like someone has invaded me. So today I begin a lesser dosage throughout the day. I will continue to rest when not at the doctors or PT. I will try to learn from this situation which has visited me. And when enough is enough I will push to do the things I used to do. I have to never, never give up. Life is too precious. Life is too short. And I love it so! And I will live it either how I used to or pretty darn close to it. I have nothing else to do about it right now but to think positive & stay in tuned with what is going on with me.

I hope today's blog was not too depressing for you. It helps me to just spit this stuff out as it pops into my head. My memory....that is for another days bloggin!

Love to all!

Live to Love so you can Love Living

UCanBeWell4Ever.......hang on to this hope!

Gabbriella

A true inspiration to watch & read...

Whatever we go through in life at times might seem really awful for us. But I have always said that there are others worse off than what I am experiencing. Today I take my eyes off myself a bit longer and reflect on this video of an amazing young woman who just recently passed on to Life in Heaven. Please consider watching her documentation. Then consider going to her BLOG "A Journey To The Door". Read it from the very 1st entry in 2009 and up till her parents entry last week. It will touch you in ways you can not imagine.

A fearless young woman this morning reassured me things I already believed and taught me more than she will ever know. For that I thank God for her life. It has not been in vain.

Blessings to you Martha & Martha's family

We all do not win sometimes here on earth but there is VICTORY in Heaven........Sweet, Sweet Victory!

Optic Neuritis...my worst nightmare coming back!

http://www.ms-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms.com/Optic-neuritis.html

In my research for my latest symptom to return or might I say worsen since the day 26 years ago when I was 1st hit with the MS I came across this article above an as disheartening as it is to me it totally makes me feel much better because I now know I am not imagining things and I have a real worry on my hands. A worry way to heavy for me at this time so with my doctors wisdom to treat me with steroids(which I have avoided like the plague) I rely not only on them but on God's mighty touch to my eye and other ailments to bring me back to where I need to be.

Do not let this article scare you if indeed you have MS or know someone who does. Just be more aware of your (their) symptoms and immediately go to an eye doctor, even if it is for a checkup for glasses. Sometimes they are the ones to diagnose before your specialist for MS. It is only because they have the tools to do so right in their office. I had a test called a fields test and I am so thankful I did.

May God the Healer of all be with you each and every day as I know he is with me and gives me the strength I need to proceed in life.

Thank you Lord!

Have a great day everyone.....

THE COMPLEX B VITAMINS.....so very important to us

B12 deficiency, something I never thought I would have or develop. For nearly 40 years of my life I have been eating very healthy, taking supplements and living a good life which I thought was maintaining my health. Well, after all said and done my body was not assimilating the food & nutrients I was providing it with properly or might I say not at all. The last 3 years of my life have been a struggle in the area of maintaining my health. Recently I was found to be deficient in B12. Even though I took the supplement it was exiting my body without helping it at all. So doctors placed me on b12 shots. I will be tested again this week to see if they have helped. I don't feel any different, but after all I did not get this way overnight and it may take a while to start to build the body up again.
The B vitamins help to maintain the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver and mouth as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestional tract and proper brain function. B complex vitamins are co enzymes involved in energy production and may help to alleviate depression or anxiety. These nutrients are not absorbed as we age so elderly people need these even more so. There have been cases where the elderly have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's who have later found it was a b12 deficiency plus b complex deficiency.
B1...Thiamine enhances circulation and helps in blood formation, carb metabolism and production of hydrochloric acid needed for digestion. It also aids in brain function and helps energy, growth, learning capacity normal appetite and is needed for muscle tone of the intestines, stomach and heart. It also is an antioxidant which protects against aging, alcohol consumption and smoking. The richest source in in brown rice, egg yolks, fish legumes, liver, peanuts, peas, pork, poultry, rice bran, wheat germ and whole grains. Other sources are asparagus, brewers yeast, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,kelp, most all nuts, oatmeal, plums, dried prunes, spirulina and watercress. A high carb diet will increase your need for B1. Antibiotics, sulfa drugs and oral contraceptives may decrease levels in your body.
B2...riboflavin is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production and growth. It helps alleviate eye fatigue. Deficiencies will include cracks and sores in the mouth, skin lesions, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity poor digestion and slow mental response.
B3..niacin, niacinamide, nicotinic acid is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. It aids in the functioning of the nervous system, metabolizing the carbs, fats and proteins and production of hydrochloric acid for digestion. It helps cholesterol and is also a memory enhancer.
B5...pantothenic acid is the anti stress vitamin which is needed by all cells in the body. It aids in the production of neurotransmitters. It also prevents certain types of anemia. A deficiency of this may cause fatigue, headache, nausea, and tingling in the hands.
B6...pyridoxine affects both the physical and mental health of our bodies. It aids in the absorption of fats and proteins in our bodies. It plays a role in cancer immunity and aids in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. It aids the heart muscle. A deficiency may be recognized by a sore tongue, anemia, convulsions, headache, nasea, flaky skin and vomiting. Also by acne, anorexia, arthritis, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyperirritability, impaired woulnd healing, learning difficulties, weak memory, hearing problems, hair loss and tingling sensations.
B12...cyanocobalamin is needed to prevent anemia. It aids folic accid in regulating the formation of red blood cells and helps in the utilization of iron in the body. Strict vegetarians must remember that they need b12 supplementation as this vitamin is mostly found in animal protein. The body can store up to 5 years worth of this vitamin but eventually you will get a deficiency if no supplementation is done and the body starts to deterriorate.
Other b'x we need are botin, folic acid and PABA. Without the proper balance of b's in our system we will no doubt develop some type of deficiency or illness. Consider adding a b complex supplement to your daily dose of vitamins. In this day and age we can not get all we need just from the foods we eat. Your body will thank you!
UCanBeWell4Ever !!!!!

Spring Time Cleanse

Spring time is a wonderful time to clean house. Not only your home you live in but also the home you live within. Your body. Your gift from God. Life. Sustaining a healthy body sometimes can be difficult even if we know the ins and outs of good health. It is in our genes. It is affected by our environment. It is ruined daily by the stresses physically, emotionally and mentally we deal with. But the "Good News" is that the human body was designed by its Creator to heal itself. If only we catch it in time. Good health should be a maintenance program for us. But in the hectic world we live in sometimes we get lost in the midst & find ourselves just going through the motions of each day looking forward to the weekends & then again Monday is here to do it all over again.

As a gift to myself today I begin "my spring cleanse". Back in the day when nutrition & health were new to me (at 24 years of age) when I learned of cleansing at a health seminar, I did it in the spring and in the fall. I was a stay at home wife then and time was irrelevant to me. I could very easily fit what I needed to do into my life each day. Then at age 32 I developed MS and sought out a nutritionist and took the cleansing steps a bit further. What I discovered in my body then was not only could cleansing leave you feeling lighter, more energy and healthier, it also could place a sick body into a remission or healed state. As time went on & I divorced in my late 40's and working full time (sometimes 3 jobs) the ability to be able to cleanse properly was no longer as easy to obtain as it was when not working. I still would purchase the cleanse kit and use it sparingly, as you really need to be able to run to the bathroom when necessary and that is not always possible at work. I tried to schedule it during a vacation time from work. But that meant staying home and not going on a trip. I managed over the last 14 years to continue to cleanse but not the way I would choose. When you cleanse you also should rest your body. Well with the MS flared up the last several months, I now have time to rest. (when not running to doctor appointments).Two weeks ago my Jack Lalanne Juicer came and I began my regimen of carrot juice. Last week I introduced a wedge of cabbage juiced into each glass of carrot juice I made. Cabbage juice will purify the GI tract and cleanse the body of parasites, fungi & other pathogens. Cabbage juice is pleasant tasting, not at all like I suspected. Today being March 1, with spring just around the corner, I have chosen to begin my cleanse. I have purchased a Nature's Secret Ultimate Cleanse Kit. and will take my journey to a healthier body just one more step closer. How do you know if you need to cleanse? Well if you have episodes of bloating, brain fog, sluggishness or low vitality these are warning signs given to you to make you aware that your body needs a tune up. During a cleanse your body will begin to unload toxic waste from your liver and kidneys which cause some of these symptoms. Your blood will be purified. You will remove damaged cells and tissue waste. Loss of excess water. What will you end up with? Smoother & easier digestion. Increased elimination of bowel movements (2-3) a day. Slight weight loss. And most of all a sense of well being and vitality.

So today I begin. You should consider this also. Think on it.

I had almost forgotten!

Several years ago while working at a local health food store I read in a monthly publication that L-Carnitine is great for vegetarians or anyone who did not consume much meat proteins. So coming from a body-builder background (in my 20's & early 30's I was an avid body builder) I decided to try this amino acid to give me more energy to work the 3 jobs I was doing at the time. 1 full time job and 2 part time jobs. I also wanted to keep my MS at bay in it's remission it had been in for several years. My diet did not contain red meats as I had years before omitted them from my diet on the path to my remission of the MS. When I took this supplement, which I did for several years, I noticed a remarkable difference in my energy level. The only reason after a few years of taking it that I quit was the fact it became expensive to keep up with and over time I went to working only 1 job like normal people. The affect of the l-carnitine lasted several years. Could lack of this be a cause or 1 of the causes of my body coming out of remission? I feel that it was a combination of factors. The largest factor being that living alone & supporting myself I was no longer able to monitor my rest periods and stress from everyday living on my own. It started to take it's toll on my body. Your body gives you warning signs and if we do not obey them it will break down until we have to pay attention to it & surrender and seek a method to be well again. This is my mission in my own life now....to be well again. So while shopping with my son this past week we entered the vitamin store at the local mall and as I was purchasing my cleanse kit to do the yearly cleanse to get health back in the colon I noticed on the counter the bottle pictured above. I grabbed at it like it was liquid gold! It now sits on my shelf in the kitchen and is being added to my diet each day along with my freshly made carrot juice. On March 1 I will begin the cleanse program. I learned 37 years ago at a health expo that health begins and ends in the colon. You could also say death begins in the colon.

L-carnitine fuels the muscles. L-Carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It increases the use of fat as an energy source by transporting fatty acids. They are then burned to release energy for body functions.It has been suggested to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. L-carnitine is found naturally in avocados, breast milk, dairy products, red meats (namely lamb and beef), and tempeh (fermented soybean product). A deficiency of L-Carnitine can cause muscle fatigue, cramps and low blood sugar levels.

It may also help prevent some forms of heart disease.

It may help build muscle.

It may protect against diabetes.

It may protect against liver disease.

It may protect against kidney disease.

It may be considered a diet aid.

It may increase energy and be a help for people with MS.

So I will let you know how this supplement will affect my MS along the way. It is in liquid form and will go to work quickly in the body. I have had 4 b12 shots so far from my doctor for my b12 deficiency. Some would argue against my doing this, but all I have to say to them is this..."you are not me, I am feeling at a very low point in my life physically. I have always been an active person and I can not surrender to this. My body is not assimilating the great foods I give it so I need to do steps to get it working once again, or at least get some energy back, 1 body part at a time. God can heal me in a touch of a miracle.I know this, I believe this, I have received miracles from Him. But He also can use nutrition, supplements along with prayer to make me whole and well again. The key for me is not to be healed and go on my merry way and perhaps forget momentarily where I had been, but sometimes there is a lesson to be learned and knowledge we had known for many years needs to surface in our life and put to good use and continued throughout the rest of our lives to continue to be well.

I know nutrition got my MS into remission years ago & I know it can be once again. L-carnitine is just 1 way to get me there~

WATER....if only I had thought of putting it in bottles!

Back in 1984 when I was going to a nutritionist for my MS I began carrying around my distilled water in canning jars. I had been drinking distilled water since 1979. To be sure of my drinking throughout the day to stay hydrated the only choice in jars I had at that time were canning jars. Only if I had thought to promote bottling it in plastics I would be a very wealthy woman right about now!
I had chose to change to the distilled water because at a health expo in Pittsburgh I heard a speaker say that the body's water content was the most similar to distilled. The human body is composed of about 70% water. My feelings for drinking the water at the time was to try to keep my skin soft and supple and hopefully free of wrinkles as I aged. I learned at the expo that water is important for nearly every process of our body. From digestion to circulation, excretion, and absorbing. It helps us maintain a normal body temperature. We are continually losing water through sweating and elimination so we need to constantly be replacing it. So many do not do so. The body can survive much longer without food than it can without water.
Is tap water safe? Tap water is generally obtained from surface waters. That is water collected in reservoirs or water which has been filtered through the ground to the water table and extracted by means of a well. Most assume that their tap water is safe.
Whatever the source of your water it is good to know warning signs of bad water. Watch out for cloudiness. Chlorination causes some cloudiness that will usually clear if the water is left to stand. Bacterial or sedimentary cloudiness will remain. Foaming means some sort of bacterial contamination. You can destroy the bacteria by boiling the water for 5 minutes and letting stand for several hours. This way the sediment will settle. Strange smells or taste could mean chemical contamination.
Can we trust the water we drink? Be it from a well, city supplier, bottled, tap, mineral, springs, or steam-distilled. In this day and age what can we trust exactly? I do not have the answers. With all the pollution and unsafe particles in the world is any thing really safe for you any more? I don't have the answer for you, but I do know that you need to drink water to keep your body functioning. So the choice is up to you. You have many choices these days to choose from. If only it could be simple like God had planned it for us. Pure & Simple.......We as humans are killing ourselves even down to the water we drink....nothing is pure and good for us anymore. Sad isn't it?

FOODS TO HELP ARTHRITIS

Recommended foods for those with arthritis will help but you also need to change your eating habits and eliminate also the "junk foods".

• eat more sulfur containing foods such eggs, garlic, onions & asparagus. the body needs sulfur to repair bone & cartilage & connective tissue & will aid in the absorption of calcium
• eat leafy green veggies, fresh veggies, non acidic fruits, whole grains oats,brown rice & also fish.
• eat fresh pineapple frequently...bromelain found in pineapple will reduce the inflammation . to be effective the pineapple must be fresh since freezing & canning destroy enzymes
• eat some sort of fiber each day...flax is an excellent source added to drinks salads & veggie dishes
• reduce fat in your diet, do not consume sugars & avoid caffeine, citrus & tobacco products
• avoid nightshade veggies (those which grow at night) tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant , peppers

I know this can be difficult to follow, especially if you have another ailment at the same time as having arthritis. The key to any part of being healthy is finding out what works best for your body....as no two bodies are created the same. We each need to be fine tuned into what will work for us and also willing to try new things or suggestions which come our way. Because you never know what someone else may know that will ultimately be the key you were looking for to unlock your good health & go on to living life wonderfully....the way God intended.

Jack Lalanne....My Fitness Hero

"The only way you can hurt the body is not use it," LaLanne said. "Inactivity is the killer and, remember, it's never too late."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/01/23/national/a183531S27.DTL#ixzz1BwCECH2g



Today I lost my health food, exercise icon. My hero in fitness. Each time I would watch the infomercial for Jack Lalanne Juicer I would marvel at how wonderful he and his wife Elaine looked for their age. It had always been my dream to live to be 100 or more. Since having so much sickness hit me these last few years sometimes I wondered if I could handle being around till then if i were not well. But Jack had once again inspired me to push for the goal of health as I once did before and conquered.
My sympathy goes out to his wife and children and may this sad time be a time of celebration for the wonderful life he lived and the hope & inspiration he gave many in this vast world.
Thank you Mr. Lalanne.....you were one in a million!
Jack also was inspired by Paul Bragg...my other health food inspiration!

RESVERATROL...heart healthy

SHOWN IS ONLY 1 SUPPLIER OF RESVERATROL...THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE
This blog relates to both my health blog and wine blog today so I am publishing it in both...guess it is just a lazy Sunday morning for me....

Red wine and something in it called resveratrol may be good for you. It is found in the skins of red grapes. For a long time red wine has been thought to be heart healthy if taken in moderation. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of good cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. Too much alcohol consumed can have damaging effects on your health. Still according to the Mayo Clinic doctors agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart. Researchers believe it is the flavonoids or resveratrol which is responsible for this and have heart healthy benefits for you. Antioxidants aren't the only benefiting factor in red wine for your body. It is also the alcohol content.


How is red wine heart healthy? Some studies show that red wine has even more heart health benefits than other types of alcohol while some other studies show that red wine is no better than beer, liquor or white wine. They still have not found that red wine is superior to any of these.


The studies supporting the red wine theory suggest the antioxidants called poylphenols will help protect the lining of the blood vessels of your heart. These antioxidants come in 2 forms flavonoids and nonflavonoids.

• flavonoids....found in oranges, apple, grape juice, onions, tea & cocoa. Red wine has higher amounts than beer or other alcohol.


• nonflavonoids...these appear to keep the arteries from blocking with fatty deposits. Studies though have only been done on mice...not humans. Resveratrol is the nonflavonoid which has drawn the most attention to the scientists.

Resveratrol might be the key ingredient in red wine which helps prevent damage to blood vessels , reduces bad cholesterol and prevents blood clots.

Resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of the grapes used t o make the wine. Because red wine is fermented with the skin of the grapes longer than white wine this is the reason for higher content of resveratrol in the red as opposed to the white. You could of course eat grapes or drink red or purple grape juice but the content in red wine is higher because of the fermentation process. Blueberries, cranberries and peanuts also contain resveratrol.

How does alcohol affect your heart? Or benefit it?

• raises the good cholesterol levels


• reduces formation of blood clots


• helps prevent artery damage caused by bad cholesterol

Neither the American Heart Association or the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute recommend that you start drinking to prevent heart disease. Alcohol can be addictive and can cause other health issues. Drinking too much increases the risk of high blood pressure, liver damage, obesity, certain cancers, accidents and other problems. Even small amounts can cause heart failure in some people who have unnoticed health issues.

If you already drink red wine please do so in moderation. Moderate drinking is defined as 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled alcohol. The limit for men is higher because men are generally weigh more than women and have more of an enzyme which processes alcohol than women.

CARROT JUICE

There has been some quite extensive research into whether or not carrot juice is healthy for the liver. The scientists believe that it seems to be that it is very healthy for the liver. Carrot juice loaded with vital nutrients that help keep the body's largest organ functioning properly, these nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and many others. Recent studies have show that this vitamin and mineral cocktail improves the overall tissue health within the liver, as well as increasing blood flow. To benefit the liver from drinking carrot juice, studies have shown that it should be consumed in moderation daily, and over a lengthy period of time. If your goal is to improve the overall health of your liver, then you should also abstain from drinking coffee, alcohol, and carbonated soft drinks.
Probably the most important aspect of carrot juice that contributes to a healthy liver, is vitamin A. Carrot juice is the largest source of dietary vitamin A out of any other foods or drinks. A regular intake of moderate levels of vitamin A have shown to greatly increase the overall health of the liver, as well as detoxify it. This is a great and natural way to cleanse the liver, without having to undertake any radical or extreme dietary measures. Despite all of the health benefits for the liver presented by carrot juice, there is also a flip side. Too much vitamin A within your liver can lead to toxicity, which can in turn badly damage the organ. To avoid consuming too much vitamin A, you should only consume between eight and twenty four ounces of the juice daily, and not exceed that amount. Like all healthy things in life, the key is moderation.

RECIPE FOR GOOD HEALTH

8 Large Fresh Cleaned Carrots

1 Large Fresh Mint Sprig

Information:

Serving Size 1

120 Calories Per Serving

0 Grams Of Fat

PERNICIOUS ANEMIA

Pernicious Anemia.....they finally after 2 months of constant testing and no treatment find I have this dreaded anemia. Even though MS patients tend to be deficient in b12 I want all of you to relax and not be fearful that if you have MS you will either be b12 deficient of have pernicious anemia. I have had MS for going on 27 years and this is my first signs of the illness. I received the call from my MS doctor yesterday with the results and instructions to call my primary care doc. So this is what I did and they got me in immediately yesterday and began b12 injections which I will now receive each week. There is a possibility it will be for the continuation of my life. I will cross that bridge when I come to it. So far this morning I feel just a weak and worn out as yesterday so I assume it will take a while for the injections to show some affect. I eat healthy, I take supplements so why then did this happen. Well people with an autoimmune illness such as MS sometimes develop b12 deficiency. Your body needs b12 to make the red blood cells and my body is not absorbing the foods I give it and making enough red cell. The body will store 3 to 5 years of b12 in the liver. Perhaps this stems back to when I rapidly lost nearly 30 pounds (only put back on 25 over 3 years). When they were searching for causes back then they found I have numerous cysts on my liver. No treatment was given for this...just a statement that lots of people have these and do not even know it. Could the cysts have something to do with the deficiency? I suppose I will never know. I just need to concentrate of getting my injections and hoping some energies will come back to me and that no permanent damage to the nervous system has occurred other than what the MS has caused.
Healthy eating.....healthy living.....thank God I have been doing so for the last 35 years of my life or who knows....I just might not be here now. So now to concentrate on getting well......digging my hiking boots out today as they will be an inspiration to me as to not forget just one of the things I love so in life and plan to do again in the spring......yes positive thinking, prayer, family and friends will keep me grounded and where I need to be. It will take more than this to get me to surrender.

The Maker's Diet

It has been nearly a decade since I have read this book. I have today taken it from the book shelf and committed to reading it once again. Jordan S. Rubin, the author, through his near death experience will illness changed his eating habits and lifestyle and changed his life forever. He then wrote this book to share with you the hope which is very real. In 1994 at the age of 19 he was diagnosed with Chron's Disease. He dropped rapidly from 180 to 104 lbs. He is 6'1". Medical approaches were not working for him. Go to his website and read his story. He is living, breathing proof that the body can heal itself if given what it needs. He also has a line of supplements Garden of Life. I have taken some in the past. They are wonderful. I will take some of them once again when finances allow me the luxury. Isn't it a shame it has to be a luxury to stay healthy. There are so many things out there to help us stay healthy and well, such as massage to remove the toxins and keep our muscles supple, and supplements & whole foods. But it is a shame that the FDA does not recognize these as a need. Only a luxury. These are items which insurance should cover a portion. I believe there then would be less death and people suffering from illness. Please go to Jordan's website and read his story and perhaps get yourself a copy of his book. You may even be able to get a used copy from Amazon or Ebay. Why not star t today to change your life forever!

DETOX YOUR BODY FOR BETTER HEALTH

Do you also suffer from an achy body and bloated stomach?Do you feel that you do not have the energy to go through the day? If you do chances are that you need to detox. A body detox can improve your overall health tremendously. Detoxing can help alleviate all kinds of symptoms we deal with in this modern and toxic world. You can make changes in the right direction to bring you some relief and better health. Ignoring your symptoms will only make things worse for you. Try a detox diet about once each year. It is a simple way to cleanse your body inside and out, which will leave you feeling much improved. Getting rid of the accumulated toxins in the body means feeling healthy again and who doesn't want more energy. Toxins build up in the body and cause many illnesses including cancer & heart disease. Usually a diet which consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, is encouraged and at the same time, cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, yeast and sugars. After you get your body used to eating the foods you did not consume regularly and are used to the cutting back or omitting of caffeine then you may wish to consider doing an herbal cleanse. Spring and fall are times during the year when I regularly cleane. Last year because of surgery and weakness I did not cleanse and possibly this is why my MS is so bad this year. My body was too weak to handle a cleanse. Once I rebuild my b12 deficiency and feel a bit energy coming back I will hopefully be able to do a total cleanse by spring time this year. Nature's Secret Ultimate Diet Cleanse is the program i have used for many years. The following are the directions and contents.....

2-Part Program to Unclog the Digestive System,
Boost Metabolism & Burn Calories
for Optimum Weight Loss Support*
Includes 2 Wellness CDs!

• Part One: Purifying Flush -- 21 Liquid Soft-Gels
  Eliminate, Flush & Purify Your Digestive System for a Flatter Abdomen & Less Bloating*
• Part Two: Thermogenic Fat Burning -- 90 Liquid Soft-Gels
  Metabolic Activator for Powerful Fat-Burning and Thermogenic Boost*

Are you "diet-proof"? Does your stubborn fat seem to resist dieting?
Well, that might be because your entire fat burning system (part of your metabolism) might need a major adjustment.

Problem: Part of your ability to burn calories depends on having an unclogged and healthy digestive system. But the low fiber food you eat becomes "sticky" in your system, "gunking" it up with toxins and making you feel tired and sluggish, which can easily contribute to weight gain. Plus, you're being weighed down with perhaps several pounds of unnecessary extra fecal matter.

Solution: Ultimate Diet cleanse not only helps melt away your stubborn, resistant fat, it also frees you of extra fecal weight and can even flatten that bulge in your abdomen.* Plus, a side-benefit is that you will enjoy better digestion, which can make you feel energized, focused and just plain fantastic.* In fact, people describe the cleansing experience an euphoric and energizing.*

Part 1: Purifying Flush
A natural and gentle blend of 24 herbs and fibers will unclog the built up toxic gunk that's been weighing you down for years.* And of course, many people lose extra pounds of extra fecal weight in just the first few days.

Part 2: Thermogenic Fat-Burning
Feel energized as you see yourself in the mirror everyday and notice the fat melting away.* This powerful formula is rich in EGCG's from Green Tea. So, it burns off fat during the short 30 days of this program.** You'll literally feel like a new person!

** This program includes a diet and exercise plan.

Ingredients

Part 1:Purifying Flush

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 3 Softgels
Servings Per Container 7

Amount Per Serving

% Daily Value

Detoxification Blend	807 mg	†
Cascara Sagrada Powder (bark)
Plum (Prune) Fiber Extract (5:1)
Marshmallow Powder (root)
Apple Pectin Powder (fruit)
Rice Bran Powder
Slippery Elm Powder (bark)
Liver Optimizing Blend	945 mg	†
Milk Thistle Extract (80% Silymarin)(seed)
Artichoke (Globe Artichoke) Extract (2.5% Cynarin)(leaf)
Dandelion (Tarraxacum officinale) Extract (3% Vitexin)(leaf)
Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense) Powder (root)
Antioxidant Blend	405 mg	†
Turmeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids)(rhizome)
Grape Extract (50% Polyphenols)(seed)
Rose Hips Extract (4:1)(fruit)

† Daily Value not established.

Other Ingredients: Soy Bean Oil, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Purified Water, Glycerin, Beeswax, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide, Turmeric, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin.

Part 2: Thermogenic Fat-Burning

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 3 Softgels
Servings Per Container 30

Amount Per Serving

% Daily Value

Thermogenic Complex	540 mg	†
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)(leaf)
Orange Pekoe (Black) Tea Extract (50% EGCG)(leaf)
White Tea Extract (50% EGCG)(leaf)
Endocrine Complex	551 mg	†
Asian Ginseng Extract (25% Ginsenosides)(root)
Holy Basil Extract (2% Ursolic Acid)(herb)
Fenugreek Extract (4:1)(seed)
Gotu Kola Powder (whole plant)
Circulation Support Complex	286 mg	†
Burdock (Arctium lappa) Extract (4:1)(root)
Rosemary Powder (leaf)
Prickly Ash Powder (bark)
Ginger Powder (root)
Natural Caffeine	150 mg	†

† Daily Value not established.

Other Ingredients: Soy Bean Oil, Gelatin, Purified Water, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Beeswax, Annatto, Titanium Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide, St. John's Bread, Turmeric.

Directions For Use

(Adult) Purifying Flush and Thermogenic Fat-Burning are part of a two-part program and are designed to be taken together for the first 7 days.

Days 1-7: Take three (3) Purifying Flush Liquid Soft-Gels before bedtime with a full eight (8) ounces of water.

Days 1-30: Take three (3) Thermogenic Fat-Burning Liquid Soft-Gels per day with a full eight (8) ounces of water in divided doses as an addition to a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan.

If caffeine keeps you up at night, do not take this product in the evening since it contains natural caffeine.

Miscellaneous

Take Control of Your Health
Experience the Sensation of Whole-Body Wellness...
Detoxify - Cleanse - Rebuild

Who is Nature's Secret?
At Nature's Secret we believe that total body wellness is the key to overall health.

The conventional approach to health sees the body as a set of separate parts, each needing their own separate treatments. Take a look at the way our medical system is organized - from cardiologists to dermatologists, we have a doctor for nearly every body part.

But nature has a well-kept secret...there is no separation between any of our systems. They are all intricately connected in a brilliant dance only nature could orchestrate. At Nature's Secret, we develop our life-changing products using this whole-body philosophy. We understand, for example, that sluggish digestion can lead to low energy levels and shouldn't always be treated with caffeinated energy tablets.

Our approach focuses on the origins of imbalance, not the signs of imbalance. That is Nature's Secret, total body wholeness and wellness.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Does Not Contain

Artificial Colors. Artificial Preservatives.

Warnings

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Soy.

Notice: This product contains Cascara Sagrada. Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because Cascara Sagrada may worsen these conditions and may be harmful to your health. Consult a physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Not intended for use by persons under 18 years of age.

This product is not intended to be used without breaks. Cascara sagrada belongs to a family of plants containing compounds with laxative effects. With long-term use without breaks, this ingredient may interfere with diagnostic imaging procedures of the colon. Taking a break of 30 or more days between use cycles will help maintain natural regularity. Not intended for long-term use.

This product contains caffeine and may affect blood pressure and/or heart conditions. Check with your doctor before using the product if you are using medication or have any medical conditions.

ALIVE...WHOLE FOOD ENERGIZING DRINK

ALIVE.....

That is what we all want to be....alive......what a great name for a great product! There are many protein energizing drink mixes out there....which one should you take? ANY OF THEM ! If they contain good things....they all will work for you. If you purchase it and leave it on your shelf, NO it will NOT work! My favorite over the last 26 years has been the Alive formulation. It is from Nature's Way products who have been around 40 some years. They are a reputable company I grew to knew when I worked at the Health Hut in my community. Then when I sold vitamins online at my own website and on Ebay it is a line I offered and could back up with evidence to my customers. But please...check it out for yourself...go to the link provided above and read how it may help you. Here is an excerpt from this newsletter: Alive! is one supplement that gets it right. This supplement is so good that it's almost surprising it's so widely available. Its vitamins and minerals come from whole food and superfood sources that are nothing short of miraculous in their ability to prevent and even reverse chronic disease. Of course, the Alive! label can't make such claims, but the scientific literature is full of clinical studies showing that these superfoods are powerful agents in reversing chronic disease like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and many more.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/001535.html#ixzz1AuV0WBSc

PAUL BRAGG...A PIONEER IN HEALTHY LIVING

PAUL BRAGG Bragg Live Foods, Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, Bragg Liquid Aminos,Systemic Enzymes, Bragg Live Organic Food Products, Patricia Bragg, Paul Bragg, Bragg Organic Olive Oil, Bragg Salad Dressings, Bragg Seasonings, Bragg Health Products

Paul Bragg was a lecturer and advisor to the Olympic athletes, royalty, stars and originator of health food stores nationwide. I read about him and his findings and books back in 1978 and agree whole heatedly with him. His product Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is a staple in my cabinet. This in itself is a miracle food!
The following is from his website which will help you learn of his inspiration and life. Please go to the website and read more on all the fantastic products and books he wrote.

Paul C. Bragg, Father of the Health Movement in America, had vision and dedication. This dynamic Crusader for worldwide health and fitness is responsible for more firsts in the history of the Health Movement than any other individual.

Bragg’s amazing pioneering achievements the world now enjoys:

• Bragg originated, named and opened the first Health Food Store in America.
• Bragg Health Crusades pioneered the first Health Lectures across America. Bragg inspired followers to open Health Stores across America and then worldwide.
• Bragg was the first to introduce pineapple juice and tomato juice to America.
• He introduced Juice Therapy in America by importing the first hand-juicers.
• He was the first to introduce and distribute honey and date sugar nationwide.
• Bragg pioneered Radio Health Programs from Hollywood three times daily in the 20s.
• Bragg and daughter Patricia pioneered a Health TV show from Hollywood to spread The Bragg Health Crusade on their show, Health and Happiness. It included exercises, health recipes, visual demonstrations and guest appearances by famous, health-minded people.
• Bragg opened the first health restaurants and the first health spas in America.
• He created the first health foods and products and then made them available nationwide: herbal teas, health beverages, vitamin drinks, seven-grain cereals and crackers, health cosmetics, health candies, calcium, vitamins and mineral supplements, wheat germ, digestive enzymes from papaya, herbs and kelp seasonings, and amino acids from soybeans. Bragg inspired others to follow (Schiff, Shaklee, Twin Labs, Herbalife, etc.) and now thousands of health items are available worldwide!

Crippled by TB as a teenager, Bragg developed his own eating, breathing and exercising program to rebuild his body into an ageless, tireless, pain-free citadel of glowing, super health. He excelled in running, swimming, biking, progressive weight training and mountain climbing. He made an early pledge to God, in return for his renewed health, to spend the rest of his life showing others the road to super health. He honored his pledge! Paul Bragg’s health pioneering made a difference worldwide.

A legend and beloved health crusader to millions, Bragg was the inspiration and personal health and fitness advisor to top Olympic Stars from 4-time swimming Gold Medalist Murray Rose to 3-time track Gold Medalist Betty Cuthbert of Australia, his relative (pole-vaulting Gold Medalist), Don Bragg and countless others. Jack LaLanne, the original TV Fitness King says, “Bragg saved my life at age 15 when I attended the Bragg Crusade in Oakland, California.” From the earliest days, Bragg advised the greatest Hollywood Stars and giants of American Business. J C Penney, Del E. Webb, Dr. Scholl and Conrad Hilton are just a few who he inspired to long, successful, healthy, active lives!

Dr. Bragg changed the lives of millions worldwide in all walks of life with the Bragg Health Crusades, The Bragg Health Books, his Radio and TV appearances.

(See and hear him on the web.)

BRAGG HEALTH CRUSADES,
Box 7
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93102 USA

CAN YOUR BODY HEAL ITSELF?

The human body is a complex organism which is capable of healing itself. This is how the creator created us. If only you will respond to its signals of illness when given, with proper nourishment and care. We all abuse our bodies from time to time, even if we would not like to admit it. From exposure to toxins in the environment, cigarette smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol, or inactivity...our bodies even though put through these stressful situations will still serve us well for many years before they begin to break down. Even for the one who says "I never eat greens" "I never eat salads" " I never exercise"....believe me when I say this....it is proven it will all catch up with you in time. Just like your home or your vehicle will not last forever if you never take good care of it, you body will in time fall short of the health you have known.
The fuel we give our body's comes from the foods we eat. "Garbage in, garbage out" that simple! Even if we show no sign of illness, we may very well not be healthy. It simply means that we are not yet showing signs of illness. We do not get the nutrients we need these days because of over cooking or over processing of foods. If we cook a meal and then tomorrow or later today reheat this in the microwave do you really believe there are many or any vitamins left for your body in what you will then consume? Possibly not! I am guilty of this...I think most of the world is. I try not to but in the hectic world unless you are left at home each day to just prepare your meals chances are you are guilty of this also. What you then place into your body will just make you feel full but really deliver no quality nutrition to you and over time you will suffer. So the next time you visit the market try to check out the produce section and plan your meals around these items. Once your palate has learned to desire the taste you will be well on your way to helping your body help itself. Your body will thank you for this.