Healthy tips

An Apple A Day …

Organic Food

Organic food is the best type of food for your body.  I have included two helpful lists: the first list on what foods to eat only organic and the second list on the foods that are okay to eat non-organic.

Eat Only Organic	Okay to Eat Non-Organic
Peanuts  Raisins Grapes Apples Cantaloupe Broccoli Cucumbers Peaches Strawberries Leafy Green Vegetables	Papayas  Avocados Coconuts Watermelons Mangos Nuts Pineapples (US only)

Q. What kinds of fruits should i take that offer the best “cleansing”?

Seed-fruits such as grapes are better choices when cleansing than pit-fruits such as peaches.  Fruits with seeds travel through the body more easily than those with pits.

Q. What are Castor Oil Pack Applications used for?

The castor bean was traditionally used as a strong laxative; however, it has numerous benefits when applied topically.  A gentle way of using castor oil is to apply it as a pack placed over the liver and abdomen.  The oil is absorbed into the skin and stimulates the lymphatic flow.  Through enhancing the movement of lymph and blood, it helps in digestion and elimination of toxins.  It is recommended in various gynecological conditions, such as painful menstruation, uterine fibroids, and constipation.

Q. How Much Water Do We Need?

We all need to drink an adequate amount of water everyday, but you may be asking how much?  The amount of water that we need to maintain a healthy cellular function is ‘half of your body weight in ounces’.  For example, if you weight 130 lbs, you need to drink 65 oz of water daily, which equals to 1.9 L.

Q: What Is An Effective Home Remedy for Muscle Aches?

Whether you have a cold/flu or been exercising vigorously and experiencing muscle aches and tension, you will find Epsom Salts beneficial.  Epsom Salts are a combination of two commonly found minerals in the nature: magnesium and sulfur.  Just as we lose salts through the skin as sweat, we can also absorb them through the skin by taking salt baths.  Magnesium is nature’s muscle relaxant and relieves cramps and tension.  Epsom salt baths are also a great and inexpensive way of relaxing the whole body.  To obtain a therapeutic effect from this simple home remedy, add 3-4 cups of Epsom Salt to your bath water and soak for 20-30 minutes.  For general relaxation, 2-3 cups of salt will be sufficient.  So, make sure you stock your shelves with these great minerals.

Q: What’s the ‘Vitamin D Story’?

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for human health, particularly for immune system.  Vitamin D can be obtained by being in the sun for a minimum of 15 minutes a day; however, this vitamin becomes deficient in areas where sunny days are limited in the fall and winter months.

Deficiency of vitamin D renders the immune system unable to protect us again infectious microorganisms, such as those that cause the cold and flu.  Supplementation with vitamin D is one the best ways to support the immune system throughout the year and more importantly from September onward.

The dose of vitamin D depends on blood levels, which can be tested with a simple blood test.  Recommendations for this vitamin vary between 1000 IU (in people with sufficient blood levels of vitamin D) to 5,000-10,000 IU (in severely deficient people).

Q: Does Drinking Tea Reduce Iron Absorption?

Yes.  Iron deficiency is very common among women, especially prior to the onset of menopause.  Tea contains constituents called ‘tannins’ that reduce the absorption of non-heme iron by binding to and precipitating them.  Non-heme iron is the type of iron we obtain from plant foods, such as wheat and spinach.  Studies show that black tea may decrease iron absorption by 70-80% and green tea by 50%.  So, try to drink your cup of tea at least 1 hour after meals or generally between meals.

Q: Why is DHA important for kids?

DHA is essential for visual and cognitive development in infants.  DHA, a major subtype of Omega-3 fatty acids, is an integral component of membranes of neuronal and brain cells, comprising 11% of the brain weight.

DHA supplementation is essential for mothers from the third trimester of pregnancy (when 60 mg of DHA is deposited daily in the brain) until 6 months post partum.  Many infant formulas now contain DHA to ensure adequate intake of this important nutrient in non-breastfed infants.

Deposition of DHA continues for 30 years after birth; however, the most crucial window for brain, cognitive and visual development is the fetal and infancy stage.

Q: Healthy Chocolate Fix

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s day to justify that most of us love chocolate.  Recently on Dr. Oz’s show a deliciously healthy recipe for chocolate mousse that contains numerous minerals and vitamins from cocoa powder and avocado.  It’s very easy to make.