Here are ten things to remember to keep you and your reproductive system ageless; even when you find yourself on the same side of the fence as the grunge icons of yore.
1. Much like a jilted rock star girlfriend, the female hormone system is extremely delicate and needs a lot of support. Keep it rockin’ with a daily elixir of B vitamins (especially folic acid and niacin), zinc, and vitamin E.
2. Mood swings occur when the liver is impaired and can no longer detoxify the influx of estrogens. In the words of Dave Grohl, this is a call for fiber, anti-oxidants, and the amino acid, L-Methionine.
3. Sonic Youth waxes poetic on their love of sugar “kane” but according to Traditional Chinese Medicine too much sugar can lead to menstrual irregularities and PMS. Just say no!
4. If you wanna feel the Nirvana-esque love buzz, than you must keep your keep your adrenals happy and nourished. Feed them with vitamin A, C, and E; essential fatty acids, and B vitamins--especially pantothenic acid.
5. Take my hand, not my picture, spilled my tincture. Think Eddie was referring to his tincture of Siberian Ginseng? Hope not, it’s what we all need to keep our cortisol levels on keel so that we feel as young as we think we look.
6. I sometimes realize I could only be as good as you'll let me. I imagine cortisol spinning this Pearl Jam song to woo melatonin; as melatonin helps preserve cortisol’s levels. The result? It keeps us looking like we did in the early 90s, but with fewer rips in our jeans and a lot less plaid.
7. Feel like you fell on black days? Low progesterone levels may be the main factor in PMS. Boost your mood and p-levels with B vitamins and magnesium.
8. It doesn’t have to be the end of the road if you’ve entered menopause early. This can happen to strict vegetarians as early as the age of 35 due to low cholesterol and hormone levels. Be sure to keep stress levels low and look to B vitamins, vitamins E and A, calcium, magnesium, and zinc to put a stop to uncomfortable symptoms.
9. Want to be one of the happy, shiny people of REM fame? Drink plenty of water and remember to get your daily does of essential fatty acids, as both keep pre-menopausal mamas lookin’ fresh.
10. In bloom. We all want to feel that way, regardless of age. The pituitary gland regulates the ovaries and the female cycle, so it’s important to feed and nurture it with a diet high in B vitamins and high quality proteins.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mahalo and aloha!
As this adventure with food comes to an official close, it is my intention that a new one will begin. Not only have a learned myriad new concepts relating to food and health, I have also integrated many of them into my new way of living.
I will share my new found knowledge with my family, and if I ever get around to writing the Blue Girl Hawaii beauty book , I will share the concept of food as medicine--especially as it relates to beauty and anti-aging-- with my readers, as well.
I look forward to learning more in the years to come and the resulting journey. Thank you, Dr. H, for the walking with me down the first few miles of the road.
I will share my new found knowledge with my family, and if I ever get around to writing the Blue Girl Hawaii beauty book , I will share the concept of food as medicine--especially as it relates to beauty and anti-aging-- with my readers, as well.
I look forward to learning more in the years to come and the resulting journey. Thank you, Dr. H, for the walking with me down the first few miles of the road.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Detox
Being the rebel that I am, my body went into uprising mode on more than one occasion this week. Every day proved to be a challenge diet-wise. I was true to my supplements, good about juicing, and for the first time in months dedicated to exercise (which I did almost daily). I also had body work done and tried to be diligent about keeping a positive mindset.
Although, I usually don't eat many food containing gluten, the minute I told my body it was forbidden, that's all I wanted to eat. I gave in a few times: once with sourdough toast (which I never eat!); and then with three bottles of Stella Artois beer (which I never drink and paid dearly with a hangover and bloated tummy), and an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, (post-Stella). While I feel slightly guilty for not sticking to the detox plan 100%, I stayed very tuned in to my body thorough out the week and noted while I am not highly intolerant to gluten, it does have a slightly negative effect upon my body: bloating, slight mental fogginess, and fatigue. I am, however, very proud of the fact that I stuck to everything else, and am starting to feel better then ever; especially after re-introducing exercise to my daily routine. I am going to try this again soon and try to stick to the diet portion without fail. Great experience. Glad we experienced this as part of this class. Mahalo!
Although, I usually don't eat many food containing gluten, the minute I told my body it was forbidden, that's all I wanted to eat. I gave in a few times: once with sourdough toast (which I never eat!); and then with three bottles of Stella Artois beer (which I never drink and paid dearly with a hangover and bloated tummy), and an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, (post-Stella). While I feel slightly guilty for not sticking to the detox plan 100%, I stayed very tuned in to my body thorough out the week and noted while I am not highly intolerant to gluten, it does have a slightly negative effect upon my body: bloating, slight mental fogginess, and fatigue. I am, however, very proud of the fact that I stuck to everything else, and am starting to feel better then ever; especially after re-introducing exercise to my daily routine. I am going to try this again soon and try to stick to the diet portion without fail. Great experience. Glad we experienced this as part of this class. Mahalo!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
7-Day Detox:
Step One: Removing
I have various areas of concern, with regard to my diet, but this week I am going to focus on removing gluten. I do not consume much of it, but I have noticed that when I do, a shortbread cookie here or a cupcake there, I always pay the price: I bloat, I feel nervous, my brain feels foggy, and the list goes on.
My focus will be on eliminating gluten completely, while focusing on all of the nutrient-dense, gluten-free foods that, more often than not, I ignore: lots of organic fruits, veggies, raw nuts, lean proteins, etc.
Step Two: Adding
At the beginning of this class I chose to make changes to benefit my liver: carrot/kale/beet juice; as well as the following supplements: Spirulina, Milk Thistle, and Psyllium. I also take Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel Formula, 3 caps nightly. It contains: Cascara Sagrada Bark, Goldenseal Root, Turkey Rhubarb Root, Red Raspberry Leak, Fennel Seed, Barberry Bark, Ginger Root, Lobelia Herb, Cayenne (I’ve taken this for over a decade, as my body can’t function without it, after years of bulimia-induced laxative abuse).
I also take probiotics and enzymes daily. I hesitate to add any more supplements, but I do plan on adding celery to my juice for my kidneys. I purchased an book detailing acid/alkaline foods and will make a concerted effort to eat an alkaline heavy diet.
Step Three: Opening
Since I started school, last October, I haven’t had time to exercise as I normally do and have spent a ridiculous amount of time sitting (drive time and homework); which means my body is starting to show and feel the effects. A few days ago, I began walking again and plan to do so every night during the cleanse (4 miles). I also scheduled body work for mid-week to help relax and further aid in the detox process. Dry brushing and essential oil baths are also on my list.
I feel the weekly changes we’ve been asked to make since the beginning of class have prepared my to ease into the cleanse. If I have to start at zero, I believe it would be too overwhelming. It feels as if everything is in place and now I can focus on being gluten-free for seven days.
I have various areas of concern, with regard to my diet, but this week I am going to focus on removing gluten. I do not consume much of it, but I have noticed that when I do, a shortbread cookie here or a cupcake there, I always pay the price: I bloat, I feel nervous, my brain feels foggy, and the list goes on.
My focus will be on eliminating gluten completely, while focusing on all of the nutrient-dense, gluten-free foods that, more often than not, I ignore: lots of organic fruits, veggies, raw nuts, lean proteins, etc.
Step Two: Adding
At the beginning of this class I chose to make changes to benefit my liver: carrot/kale/beet juice; as well as the following supplements: Spirulina, Milk Thistle, and Psyllium. I also take Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel Formula, 3 caps nightly. It contains: Cascara Sagrada Bark, Goldenseal Root, Turkey Rhubarb Root, Red Raspberry Leak, Fennel Seed, Barberry Bark, Ginger Root, Lobelia Herb, Cayenne (I’ve taken this for over a decade, as my body can’t function without it, after years of bulimia-induced laxative abuse).
I also take probiotics and enzymes daily. I hesitate to add any more supplements, but I do plan on adding celery to my juice for my kidneys. I purchased an book detailing acid/alkaline foods and will make a concerted effort to eat an alkaline heavy diet.
Step Three: Opening
Since I started school, last October, I haven’t had time to exercise as I normally do and have spent a ridiculous amount of time sitting (drive time and homework); which means my body is starting to show and feel the effects. A few days ago, I began walking again and plan to do so every night during the cleanse (4 miles). I also scheduled body work for mid-week to help relax and further aid in the detox process. Dry brushing and essential oil baths are also on my list.
I feel the weekly changes we’ve been asked to make since the beginning of class have prepared my to ease into the cleanse. If I have to start at zero, I believe it would be too overwhelming. It feels as if everything is in place and now I can focus on being gluten-free for seven days.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Phillip: Hyper-Hypo Kid
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=34905070
Mike Myer's as Phillip is one of my all time favorite SNL skits.
In real life, Phillip would be diagnosed with severe ADHD (not a joke,I know, but what is life without humor?), who probably shouldn't be eating that contraband chocolate bar. ADHD is exacerbated by food coloring and additives found in many popular foods given to children, such as: "kid- friendly"beverages in boxes and pouches, candy, and ice cream to name a few. Here's a quick rule of thumb for moms who think the jellied, fruit snacks they are feeding their children are healthy: brightly colored processed foods contain one or more additives!
If you want to avoid having a Phillip on your hands, here are my recommendations:
Eliminate, or greatly reduce, foods with large quantities of dyes or additives; as well as, sugary drinks.
Offer your children whole food snacks (fruit, nuts, raw veggies, etc.) instead of those that are pre-packaged.
Feed them a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats, so when they come into contact with processed foods, their little bodies will have an easier time dealing with the offending additives.
Zinc and magnesium deficiencies have also been found in children with ADHD, so be sure yours are eating foods rich in these minerals--such as: yogurt and celery (with peanut butter).
Mike Myer's as Phillip is one of my all time favorite SNL skits.
In real life, Phillip would be diagnosed with severe ADHD (not a joke,I know, but what is life without humor?), who probably shouldn't be eating that contraband chocolate bar. ADHD is exacerbated by food coloring and additives found in many popular foods given to children, such as: "kid- friendly"beverages in boxes and pouches, candy, and ice cream to name a few. Here's a quick rule of thumb for moms who think the jellied, fruit snacks they are feeding their children are healthy: brightly colored processed foods contain one or more additives!
If you want to avoid having a Phillip on your hands, here are my recommendations:
Eliminate, or greatly reduce, foods with large quantities of dyes or additives; as well as, sugary drinks.
Offer your children whole food snacks (fruit, nuts, raw veggies, etc.) instead of those that are pre-packaged.
Feed them a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats, so when they come into contact with processed foods, their little bodies will have an easier time dealing with the offending additives.
Zinc and magnesium deficiencies have also been found in children with ADHD, so be sure yours are eating foods rich in these minerals--such as: yogurt and celery (with peanut butter).
My choice for week six is fiber supplements. Admittedly, I never consume an adequate amount of fiber, so I have chosen to use capsules. Fiber is imperative to liver health, as it helps to quickly expel the toxins from the body—via the digestive tract—so they are not reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leaving the liver to deal with them once again. This week, I felt as if I was experiencing a healing crisis, and therefore, went easy on the introduction of yet another supplement, but am looking forward to seeing/feeling the effects within the upcoming weeks.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Hail to the Kale-Part Deux
As we come to the end of our fifth week of this class, I am thrilled to report that my efforts are finally beginning to show on my face and my overall state of being. It began with milk thistle capsules (prior to the start of class); one week later I added a daily glass of carrot juice, a week after that spirulina caps, and now the addition of kale. My skin is beginning to glow again, the lines between my brows are softening, and my energy level has skyrocketed. I believe everything is working synchronistically, but it is most definitely the addition of kale that has taken the healing process to a super sonic level.
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