A few days ago I talked to one of my dearest friends in this world who was telling me that since they developed quick-rising yeast many people have been sensitive to breads. When I heard that, I was upset because here was another food substance that had been tampered with. Is anyone besides me disgruntled with the prevalence of GMO foods, i.e. wheat, soy, and corn? And what about all the additives and preservatives that make some processed foods synonymous with junk food.
Even though the challenge to feed our family healthy foods seems overwhelming, small changes can make a difference. I do think it is SO important to be aware and proactive as we make choices that affect our health and that of our children and unborn children. That is one of the overriding purposes of this blog--to inform others of healthy options. See also my first post on this same subject.
I have learned much about rearing children from the Parents as Teachers organization which provides support to parents of preschool children. I read in this organization's foundational curriculum that there are around 1000 environmental chemicals, sometimes called neurotoxins, that can interfere with brain development. Prenatal exposure to these toxins can be especially harmful.
This information urges parents to think about the safety of the foods their children eat. Avoid fish that is known to have high levels of mercury. Be aware that fruits and veggies are often treated with pesticides. Buying organic is a good option, but since that can be expensive, another solution is to wash and peel fresh produce before eating it.
I'm hearing from several directions to avoid buying bottled water. Parents as Teachers info says to fill and reuse your own child-safe cups and bottles instead. Call your city water department to find out if your municipal water contains high levels of chemicals. [That includes chlorine. Is your tap water highly chlorinated?] If you have a well, get your water tested to make sure it is safe.
Avoid buying foods in #3, #6, and #7 plastics which contain harmful contaminates that seep into food. Reheating food in plastic accelerates this process. Quoting Parents as Teachers, "Older baby bottles and sippy cups may contain a harmful chemical called BPA. If you're not sure about the ones your child uses, throw them out and buy new ones."
Discard mercury thermometers, paint, fluorescent light tubes, and pesticides at a hazardous waste collection center. Put away foods, fill cracks around doors and windows, and cover garbage containers to discourage insect pests in your home so you don't have to use chemicals to kill them that children might be exposed to. If your yard is treated with pesticides or fertilizers, have everyone remove their shoes when coming inside so residues aren't tracked into your home. Have children wash hands after playing outside and before eating.
Mothers, especially pregnant ones, need to take the same precautions for themselves that they take for
their children. In the book, "Healthy Child, Healthy World", Christopher Gaugin lists several things that expectant mothers can do to minimize their own exposures and that of their unborn baby.
1. EAT INTELLIGENTLY. "Cut out caffeine and alcohol. Eat a protein-rich diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid to protect against neural-tube defects and get enough omega-3. And for heaven's sake, don't smoke." He also suggests buying organic foods or at least washing and peeling fruits and veggies.
Too much soy is harmful to developing babies. Trim fat from meat and buy wild caught fish. Keep kitchens and food prep as bacteria free as possible. Pregnant women should not change kitty litter boxes. Side-step junk food and processed food. Avoid MSG, nitrates, artificial sweeteners and colors.
2. CLEAN WATER. Run cold water for a few minutes in the a.m. Have your water tested for lead. Pipes in older houses are especially suspect. Filter it, at least with a basic tap filter or picture. Cut back on bottled water. [I will do a post on water quality soon.]
3. BEAUTY PRODUCTS. Nix the nail polish. Choose safe fragrances. Opt for highlights instead of hair dyes.
4. CLEAN AIR. Use full-service gas pumps. Banish smokers. Clean green. Freshen air naturally. Try green plants. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.
5. RENOVATE EARLY AND SAFELY. Safe paint, safe flooring.
Does this sound overwhelming? Sign up at healthychild.org for free emails and info to help you navigate through pregnancy and beyond.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
WHO SWITCHED OFF MY BRAIN
Recently I read a book called "Who Switched Off My Brain." Dr. Caroline Leaf attempted to put technical explanations into laymen's terms. While there was a good deal that she wrote that needed further clarification for me, it offered scientific proof of what I have been learning from several sources.
The message of the book is that it is possible and vital to control your thought life. What follows in this post is a lot quoted from her book and some paraphrased with the intent to convey good information in an understandable way.
"What's in a thought? More than you probably know. Every thought has a corresponding electro-chemical reaction in your brain...When you feel sad, afraid, angry or hopeful, your brain releases different types of chemicals. Depending on whether or not these emotions are toxic to your body, the chemicals will either help you or harm you. If they are harmful, they create conditions for a host of health problems that will manifest in both the body and the mind...studies conclusively link chronic diseases to an epidemic of toxic emotions in our culture."
There are two important groups of emotions: positive faith-based emotions and negative fear-based emotions. That's kind of a no-brainer, but what I didn't realize is the extent of chemical and electrical representation that these emotions have in our bodies. They "directly impact bodily function...Your emotions are biomolecular, literally cellular signals that translate information into a physical reality" We are talking about actual molecules called "information molecules" that travel around your body affecting and influencing the various systems in an orderly sequence.
In a nutshell, the power of emotions over the whole body lies in how they "integrate systems and coordinate mental processes and biology to create behavior." On a cellullar level, positive emotions create health. Negative emotions are disruptive, damaging and destructive.
All negative emotions evolve out of fear. Fear automatically puts the body into stress mode. Stress is perfectly acceptable and manageable for the body as long as it doesn't last too long. However, if your body stays under a barrage of negative stimulation, toxic waste begins to build up. When you are stuck in the stress mode, certain stress chemicals begin to build up and wreak havoc on your health in body and mind.
A main stress chemical is cortisol which has negative effects when it is chronically elevated. Blood sugar levels rise and triglycerides and cholestorol increase in the bloodstream. This may cause the body to gain weight. Over time, high cortisol depletes the bones of vital minerals. Dendrites where memories are stored in the brain shrink temporarily, causing mental blocks--"going blank." Toxic waste levels continue to build.
Finally, adrenals become exhausted. You are really sick.
FORTUNATELY, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND. I will list the twelve techniques the author give us to change your thinking, but first I think it is important to discuss suppressed emotion.
Suppressed emotional pain turns into lingering physical pain. There may be times when you need to repress emotions long enough to take care of pressing needs. You may not have time to deal with toxic thoughts and feelings immediately, but dealing with them is a necessity. The SOONER the better. You need to make time! You can bury your emotions, but you need to know that you are burying something that remains alive.
Your mind perceives these living emotions, even though suppressed, as fear which starts the fight and flight cycle again, keeping you in stress mode. Repressing emotions destabilizes your brain's natural chemistry. All thoughts and feelings eventually come out and along the way express themselves in different attitudes: perfectionism, a desire for control, self-doubt, cynicism, criticism, promiscuity, and a tendency to overreact.
These are all mindsets--emotional strongholds that influence behaviors and if not dealt with, will take over thought life. In doing so, they will rob you of the joy and peace of mind that is your birthright. Emotions by their very nature are meant to be felt and expressed, They are a moving, dynamic, pulsing mass of electromagnetic and chemical reactions. They do not disappear or die. Somewhere, sometime, they will erupt unless given an outlet. You must deal with them because the more you try to suppress them, the harder they try to be heard.
Okay. Here are the TWELVE TECHNIQUES TO CHANGE YOUR THINKING.
Step one: CONSCIOUSLY CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS. This is not just the first step--it is the main step. Thoughts do cause illness and should be studied and controlled. IF THEY ARE POWERFUL ENOUGH TO MAKE US SICK, THEY ARE POWERFUL ENOUGH TO MAKE US HEALTHY AS WELL.
Consciously engage the information coming into your brain and think about it purposely. Make a conscious decision to accept a good thought or reject a thought that is bad for you. Never let thoughts just wander through your mind unchecked. If they are toxic, they will eventually make you sick. Correct positive thinking, on the other hand, will actually grow your brain.
Step two: FRAME YOUR WORLD WITH YOUR WORDS. This is more than just talking positively. It involves replacing negative thinking through a right attitude shift. Do this by acknowledging that an issue exists, reflecting on what is wrong with it, considering how you can cope with it, asking whether you can do it alone or if you need help.
Step three: EXPRESS EMOTIONS appropriately in an environment that is safe, accepting and non-judgmental.
Step four: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND TAKE CONTROL. Work to be aware of past experiences and conditioning that you need to let go of. You may need help in the form of counseling, meditation and prayer. Pay attention to your dreams. They may help you sort out your emotional life.
Step five: FORGIVE.
Step six: LOVE. Make an intentional choice to love others no matter what.
Step seven: GIVE AND RECEIVE LOVING TOUCH
Step eight: PLAY AND LAUGH. This is the cheapest, easiest, and most effective way to control toxic thoughs and emotions and their toxic stress reaction.
Step nine: EXERCISE. Find a form of exercise you enjoy.
Step ten: DIET. You need to eat well to feed your brain.
Step eleven: DEVELOP YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Step twelve: RELAX. This is a necessity! Get your sleep--it's the ultimate relaxer.
The message of the book is that it is possible and vital to control your thought life. What follows in this post is a lot quoted from her book and some paraphrased with the intent to convey good information in an understandable way.
"What's in a thought? More than you probably know. Every thought has a corresponding electro-chemical reaction in your brain...When you feel sad, afraid, angry or hopeful, your brain releases different types of chemicals. Depending on whether or not these emotions are toxic to your body, the chemicals will either help you or harm you. If they are harmful, they create conditions for a host of health problems that will manifest in both the body and the mind...studies conclusively link chronic diseases to an epidemic of toxic emotions in our culture."
There are two important groups of emotions: positive faith-based emotions and negative fear-based emotions. That's kind of a no-brainer, but what I didn't realize is the extent of chemical and electrical representation that these emotions have in our bodies. They "directly impact bodily function...Your emotions are biomolecular, literally cellular signals that translate information into a physical reality" We are talking about actual molecules called "information molecules" that travel around your body affecting and influencing the various systems in an orderly sequence.
In a nutshell, the power of emotions over the whole body lies in how they "integrate systems and coordinate mental processes and biology to create behavior." On a cellullar level, positive emotions create health. Negative emotions are disruptive, damaging and destructive.
All negative emotions evolve out of fear. Fear automatically puts the body into stress mode. Stress is perfectly acceptable and manageable for the body as long as it doesn't last too long. However, if your body stays under a barrage of negative stimulation, toxic waste begins to build up. When you are stuck in the stress mode, certain stress chemicals begin to build up and wreak havoc on your health in body and mind.
A main stress chemical is cortisol which has negative effects when it is chronically elevated. Blood sugar levels rise and triglycerides and cholestorol increase in the bloodstream. This may cause the body to gain weight. Over time, high cortisol depletes the bones of vital minerals. Dendrites where memories are stored in the brain shrink temporarily, causing mental blocks--"going blank." Toxic waste levels continue to build.
Finally, adrenals become exhausted. You are really sick.
FORTUNATELY, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND. I will list the twelve techniques the author give us to change your thinking, but first I think it is important to discuss suppressed emotion.
Suppressed emotional pain turns into lingering physical pain. There may be times when you need to repress emotions long enough to take care of pressing needs. You may not have time to deal with toxic thoughts and feelings immediately, but dealing with them is a necessity. The SOONER the better. You need to make time! You can bury your emotions, but you need to know that you are burying something that remains alive.
Your mind perceives these living emotions, even though suppressed, as fear which starts the fight and flight cycle again, keeping you in stress mode. Repressing emotions destabilizes your brain's natural chemistry. All thoughts and feelings eventually come out and along the way express themselves in different attitudes: perfectionism, a desire for control, self-doubt, cynicism, criticism, promiscuity, and a tendency to overreact.
These are all mindsets--emotional strongholds that influence behaviors and if not dealt with, will take over thought life. In doing so, they will rob you of the joy and peace of mind that is your birthright. Emotions by their very nature are meant to be felt and expressed, They are a moving, dynamic, pulsing mass of electromagnetic and chemical reactions. They do not disappear or die. Somewhere, sometime, they will erupt unless given an outlet. You must deal with them because the more you try to suppress them, the harder they try to be heard.
Okay. Here are the TWELVE TECHNIQUES TO CHANGE YOUR THINKING.
Step one: CONSCIOUSLY CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS. This is not just the first step--it is the main step. Thoughts do cause illness and should be studied and controlled. IF THEY ARE POWERFUL ENOUGH TO MAKE US SICK, THEY ARE POWERFUL ENOUGH TO MAKE US HEALTHY AS WELL.
Consciously engage the information coming into your brain and think about it purposely. Make a conscious decision to accept a good thought or reject a thought that is bad for you. Never let thoughts just wander through your mind unchecked. If they are toxic, they will eventually make you sick. Correct positive thinking, on the other hand, will actually grow your brain.
Step two: FRAME YOUR WORLD WITH YOUR WORDS. This is more than just talking positively. It involves replacing negative thinking through a right attitude shift. Do this by acknowledging that an issue exists, reflecting on what is wrong with it, considering how you can cope with it, asking whether you can do it alone or if you need help.
Step three: EXPRESS EMOTIONS appropriately in an environment that is safe, accepting and non-judgmental.
Step four: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND TAKE CONTROL. Work to be aware of past experiences and conditioning that you need to let go of. You may need help in the form of counseling, meditation and prayer. Pay attention to your dreams. They may help you sort out your emotional life.
Step five: FORGIVE.
Step six: LOVE. Make an intentional choice to love others no matter what.
Step seven: GIVE AND RECEIVE LOVING TOUCH
Step eight: PLAY AND LAUGH. This is the cheapest, easiest, and most effective way to control toxic thoughs and emotions and their toxic stress reaction.
Step nine: EXERCISE. Find a form of exercise you enjoy.
Step ten: DIET. You need to eat well to feed your brain.
Step eleven: DEVELOP YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Step twelve: RELAX. This is a necessity! Get your sleep--it's the ultimate relaxer.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
HEALTHY CHILD, HEALTHY WORLD
We drove through "mists of darkness" as we traveled to Utah this past weekend. Because of an inversion caused by weather and pollution, air quality is poor in the Salt Lake City area. Before we reached Tremonton, about an hour or so away from Salt Lake, there were smoggy, foggy patches hanging around. We stopped in Logan to visit family. On that day, according to my sister-in-law, Logan was officially rated top in the nation for poor air quality because of this inversion. It forces them to stay inside much of the time until it lifts.
I was feeling good about living where the air quality is better until I remembered that where I live, we get dusted with pesticides along with the crops. Most anywhere we choose to live has a challenged environment. Our children and grandchildren are growing up on an earth which is in many places drenched with chemicals and toxins. Our food, water, shampoo, soap, deodorant, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies most likely contain harmful substances.
Isn't it time to create for ourselves and our loved ones an environment that's less poisonous? We can't all up and move to some remote spot on the planet. What can we do? Fortunately there is a whole world of good options.
Because of my concern for children and my interest in all things wellness, I am drawn to the non-profit organization, Healthy Child, Healthy World, which I feel is a great resource. It advocates for a cleaner and healthier environment. This organization suggests five easy steps to a healthy world. Here they are, along with [commentary] from me.
1. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of health problems. Non-toxic solutions are safer and just as
effective.
[In 2005, the Environmental Working Group detected 297 substances, including mercury,
flame retardants, PFCs, Scotchguard, Teflon and rocket fuel, in the umbilical cord blood from ten
randomly selected newborns. All of the toxic substances were found in each of the babies tested.
Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to symptoms observed in autism have been linked to environmental
triggers, including aluminum, pesticides and other sources of pollution." I'm quoting from a book by
Lee R. Chasen. So how do so many toxic substances get in umbilical cord blood?]
2. Use Non-toxic Products
Many chemicals used in cleaning products, personal care products, and furnishings have negative impact
our health. Fortunately there are many safer alternatives.
[Recently I learned about using Norwex products as a way to super clean your home without using chemicals. Liza, who told me about these products, was kind enough to email me her story:
Two years ago I made one of the most important decisions I have ever made. My husband and I were having some major concerns with my nine-year-old son. He was exhibiting many traits of Asperger's syndrome. Even though he was doing poorly in school, not socializing normally, and having daily meltdowns, my biggest concern was his hatred for himself and others. He simply was mean and unhappy. One night, after a long power struggle with my son, I pled with God for help. This was a different kind of prayer. Not one of self pity for my hard life but one of deep concern for my child's well being. I simply said, "How do I help him be happy?" The answer came clearly to my mind "Change his diet."
indoor air quality.
[Dust, pet dander, pollen and odors are typically in household air. Mold, mildew, and dust mites may be present. See the Nikken website in the sidebar for some high quality solutions for a more healthy home environment.]
4. Eat Healthy
Today's modern diet is grown, processed and packaged using toxic materials. Pesticides, bacteria,
industrial chemicals, and food additives all find their way into children's foods, often at levels that can be
harmful for them. Shifting to healthier foods is easy, and can even save you money!
[I have heard from several sources that there is more incidence of gluten intolerance and celiac
disease because wheat has been genetically modified in a major way. If you, like me, are impacted in
this way you will love my sister's cookbook. See the sidebar for her blogspot.]
5. Be Wise With Plastics
Many common plastics release harmful chemicals into what we eat, drink and breathe.
[ Did you know that heating up food covered with plastic wrap or that is in plastic containers in the microwave can be toxic and that leaving bottled water in a hot car has a similar effect? Freezing water in plastic bottles releases a toxin. That surprised me!]
Last, but most importantly, the most helpful website I can give you is www.lds.org. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) live a health code that is 180 years old this February. We are promised that if we live this code, we will find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures. We will be able to run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. That is wellness!
Soon I will do a post titled "Who Switched Off My Brain."
I was feeling good about living where the air quality is better until I remembered that where I live, we get dusted with pesticides along with the crops. Most anywhere we choose to live has a challenged environment. Our children and grandchildren are growing up on an earth which is in many places drenched with chemicals and toxins. Our food, water, shampoo, soap, deodorant, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies most likely contain harmful substances.
Isn't it time to create for ourselves and our loved ones an environment that's less poisonous? We can't all up and move to some remote spot on the planet. What can we do? Fortunately there is a whole world of good options.
Because of my concern for children and my interest in all things wellness, I am drawn to the non-profit organization, Healthy Child, Healthy World, which I feel is a great resource. It advocates for a cleaner and healthier environment. This organization suggests five easy steps to a healthy world. Here they are, along with [commentary] from me.
1. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of health problems. Non-toxic solutions are safer and just as
effective.
[In 2005, the Environmental Working Group detected 297 substances, including mercury,
flame retardants, PFCs, Scotchguard, Teflon and rocket fuel, in the umbilical cord blood from ten
randomly selected newborns. All of the toxic substances were found in each of the babies tested.
Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to symptoms observed in autism have been linked to environmental
triggers, including aluminum, pesticides and other sources of pollution." I'm quoting from a book by
Lee R. Chasen. So how do so many toxic substances get in umbilical cord blood?]
2. Use Non-toxic Products
Many chemicals used in cleaning products, personal care products, and furnishings have negative impact
our health. Fortunately there are many safer alternatives.
[Recently I learned about using Norwex products as a way to super clean your home without using chemicals. Liza, who told me about these products, was kind enough to email me her story:
Two years ago I made one of the most important decisions I have ever made. My husband and I were having some major concerns with my nine-year-old son. He was exhibiting many traits of Asperger's syndrome. Even though he was doing poorly in school, not socializing normally, and having daily meltdowns, my biggest concern was his hatred for himself and others. He simply was mean and unhappy. One night, after a long power struggle with my son, I pled with God for help. This was a different kind of prayer. Not one of self pity for my hard life but one of deep concern for my child's well being. I simply said, "How do I help him be happy?" The answer came clearly to my mind "Change his diet."
After much research and continued guidance from heaven, I knew what I needed to do. Throw all my food and chemical cleaners away! I learned about the harmful effects artificial chemicals, preservatives, food dyes, and chemical cleaners have on our body systems. I could no longer contaminate my home with cleaning chemicals or feed my family poison and watch their body chemistry react in dysfunctional ways. I was determined to help my child. I took one full day and literally emptied my pantry, cupboards, fridge and freezer of anything not on my list of "safe" foods. I took all my harsh chemical cleaners to the trash. With empty shelves that needed filling I set to work in buying only food that was ALL natural, organic and free of anything artificial. I knew we needed to do this as a whole family in order to accomplish my desired results and follow the divine guidance I had received. I switched all my cleaning supplies over to Norwex products which allows me to disinfect my home simply using water and antibacterial microfiber cloths.
Many children go through a detox period for the first few weeks so I knew I would not see results immediately. I gave myself one month to experiment with this new way of cleaning and feeding my family. After only three weeks, we saw major improvements in not only my son but the rest of us as well. I no longer struggle with PMS, my husband's depression has improved, my daughter can hold her body still at dinner time, and we have, overall, more harmony in the home. I am pleased to say my son (now 11 yrs.) is succeeding in school, thriving socially, rarely has meltdowns, and is happier than he has ever been! See Liza's websites in the side bar.]
3. Clean Up Indoor Air
People in the U.S. spend about 90% of their time indoors where the air is typically more polluted than
outdoor air.[--some of Utah being an exception right now.] Luckily it is typically very easy to improvePeople in the U.S. spend about 90% of their time indoors where the air is typically more polluted than
indoor air quality.
[Dust, pet dander, pollen and odors are typically in household air. Mold, mildew, and dust mites may be present. See the Nikken website in the sidebar for some high quality solutions for a more healthy home environment.]
4. Eat Healthy
Today's modern diet is grown, processed and packaged using toxic materials. Pesticides, bacteria,
industrial chemicals, and food additives all find their way into children's foods, often at levels that can be
harmful for them. Shifting to healthier foods is easy, and can even save you money!
[I have heard from several sources that there is more incidence of gluten intolerance and celiac
disease because wheat has been genetically modified in a major way. If you, like me, are impacted in
this way you will love my sister's cookbook. See the sidebar for her blogspot.]
5. Be Wise With Plastics
Many common plastics release harmful chemicals into what we eat, drink and breathe.
[ Did you know that heating up food covered with plastic wrap or that is in plastic containers in the microwave can be toxic and that leaving bottled water in a hot car has a similar effect? Freezing water in plastic bottles releases a toxin. That surprised me!]
Last, but most importantly, the most helpful website I can give you is www.lds.org. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) live a health code that is 180 years old this February. We are promised that if we live this code, we will find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures. We will be able to run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. That is wellness!
Soon I will do a post titled "Who Switched Off My Brain."
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