Digestive System Help

If you are looking for answers to your gas, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, a drug-free, supplement-free solution is right at your fingertips. Stop suffering immediately!

You must check out Digestive System Help for information on digestive system solutions. Stop taking drugs, and most importantly, stop the pain!

The Story of Stuff

It may take a while to download, but it's well worth the wait. It's a little over 20 minutes long, but you've GOT to watch it all! This video is excellent, and puts into words what I've been thinking for years (without all the data). We shop at Goodwill, garage sales, and thrift stores, and we sell our used clothes in our Bargain Basement, or donate them. We do sometimes buy things new, and I grimace, but slowly my children are learning that the commercials play up toys that often end up not being as fun as they look. I consider this an investment in helping them learn through doing rather than me lecturing them. Anyway, here's the video. Hope you get something out of it!

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

Watch This if You Ever Stay in Hotels

Oh this is so gross. I'm already fairly leery when I enter a hotel room, but I never thought about the drinking glasses! Here is a video about hotels in/around Atlanta, GA that were not properly cleaning the drinking glasses, even when the next user would be a new guest. Unfortunately, the solution seemed to be providing plastic cups, which is just adding to our landfills, but I guess it's better than drinking from a glass that can give you a number of diseases.

Here is the video: http://tinyurl.com/2f8r2n

If you do frequent hotels, keep the bacteria and viruses at bay (not to mention allergens!) with an Airwise Air Purifier. And don't forget to pack your slippers!

Victory on Avastin

Breast Cancer Action (BCA) applauds yesterday's recommendation by a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee to deny approval of Avastin as a breast cancer drug for metastatic patients.

In a letter to the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC), BCA urged denial based on the fact that the drug's maker, biotech giant Genentech, did not provide data indicating that Avastin improved overall survival or quality of life.

By a 5-4 vote, the committee agreed, indicating that the toxic side effects outweighed the potential benefits of the drug. ODAC member and patient advocate Natalie Compagni Portis told the New York Times that she voted no because while it's painfully true that metastatic breast cancer isn't curable, "I don't think that means that we should just say, 'Well, here, try this,' if there isn't meaningful data to support it."

BCA Executive Director Barbara A. Brenner told the San Francisco Chronicle, "It's not necessarily a bad drug. We just don't know if it's a good drug." Brenner also criticized the estimated $100,000 a year price tag for Avastin.

BCA believes that a drug should increase overall survival or improve quality of life before being approved. Additionally, it should be more affordable than the available alternatives.The recommendation now goes to the FDA commissioner, who will make a decision in February. We will continue taking action--and asking you to do so--on the issue, so stay tuned.

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December at Eve's Best

December is here, and I just can't believe that the year is almost over! Where did it go? I remember adults telling me when I was little that when I grew up, time would fly. And I find myself telling my kids the same thing! It's so true!

The past few months, sales have skyrocketed, and I'm very grateful for each and every customer. It has been difficult keeping some items in stock, and while it's frustrating, it makes having a business so worth it!

A new product we have added recently is Stack and Stick Wooden Building Toys. These make perfect Christmas gifts for boys or girls. My daughter saw the pictures on my computer screen and immediately said, "I want that!" They are made in the USA, which is nice in light of the recent toy recalls. Feel free to use this coupon code to save $10 on your favorite set: CUST10. This coupon is only good through December 10, so don't drag your feet!

A couple of other products (that you can read about in older posts) include reusable bags and Tees for Change . You might also want to put some Soft Star Shoes under your tree this year. (I'll take some!)

But the most important thing we have to talk about this month is Think Right Now! International. Just visit Eve's Best and you will learn why this company is very important to what we do and our goal of living healthy. Start at the STOP sign, and read what we have learned that could change your life today in a BIG way. It has mine, and I'm excited about sharing it with others who are ready to live the life they deserve.

Oh! I almost forgot. We have a number of products on clearance and wanted to make sure that you grabbed a bargain or two. Here are some direct links to make it easier on you.

BabyLegs
bumGenius 2.0 One Size Diapers
GladRags
The Keeper Menstrual Cup
Knitted Washcloths
One Size Organic Cotton Diapers
Organic Cotton Nursing Top

We also have many items in our Bargain Basement for those TRUE bargain shoppers!

I think that is all for now, and I hope to keep up better in 2008! I'm sure it will zoom by just as quickly as 2007 did!

Reusable Grocery Bags

I am so glad that I was finally able to add reusable bags to our product line. I have been wanting to do this for so long, and I finally worked it out! We have both an organic cotton tote, and the famous "GreenBag" that works great, too. Once I loaded up the bags I was amazed at how much would fit inside! We also have lightweight organic cotton sacks for holding produce and other items. It is often difficult to market reusable items such as grocery bags and diapers, since most people don't have to live with or see on a daily basis where all that trash goes. Not to mention, grocery bags are "free" if you don't realize that you pay for it in other ways. But for people who care about the environment, (their environment and their children's environment) it makes sense to do what you can now. Not to mention, we are setting an excellent example for our children when we use reusable items. They often grow up to have the same habits their parents had, so why not teach them well? In any case, they will probably be required by law to furnish their own grocery bags, as I'm sure the next couple of decades will show the rest of the country catching up to the plastic bag ban in San Francisco.

Tees for Change

This company has a great idea: changing our attitudes, one tee at a time! Founded by Andreea in spring 2007, the idea came about when she was faced with negative responses to her desire for a home birth. "What if everything goes wrong?" she was asked over and over again.

"What if everything goes right?" she wondered.

Sharing a bit of her positive attitude on every tee shirt produced by Tees for Change, her positive impact doesn't stop there. Every shirt is made in "sweatshop-free" factories from 100% organic cotton, or 70% bamboo/ 30% organic cotton. Shirts are dyed using low-impact eco-friendly dyes and are screenprinted with non-toxic, water-based inks.

Whether you want to "choose happiness" or "seek balance" I'm sure you will find a t-shirt just right for you, or even for a gift! Share a little positivity and watch the world smile back at you!

Buying Used Items Conserves Natural Resources

I know this sounds really bad to some people, but I LOVE shopping in thrift stores! I don't get high from new, chemical laden clothes, and the next STEAL could be just around the corner! It's like a rush. Of course there are visits that produce nothing, even after hours of looking, but imagine the money that I save when I don't find anything.

I'm obviously not fashion conscious, and I'll never promise to boycott Old Navy or some of my other favorite stores, but when you stay at home for most of your existence, how fancy do your clothes really need to be? Comfort is key, and at thrift stores I've found some really nice Land's End, Gap, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, LL Bean, and other great brand name clothing that lasted me a few more years. I've also found a TON of clothing for my children. In Gwinnett County where we once lived, there were four Goodwill stores near us, and they had the BEST selection in children's clothes. I also shopped at Kidsignments twice a year, and boy, do I miss those sales!

Between thrift stores, consignment sales, and garage sales, our clothing needs are fairly covered. But don't think I'm just cheap! I also shop these sales because it is important to me that we conserve resources. Every time you buy something used, you prevent a new item from being created. You get a perfectly good product, where the chemicals have been long washed out, and you get a good conscience because you have saved some money and helped the environment as well. This is important, especially considering that cotton requires a TON of pesticides to grow (yes, "ton" is a scientific expression!)

Since I am no longer able to sell our children's clothing at the Kidsignments sale, I have set up a Bargain Basement on my website where I sell their clothes and shoes which are still worth selling! In addition to the toddler girl and boy clothes, I have also added baby items, homeschooling items, books, and other things just lying around the house. Stop by and support our cause, and feel good about the money you save and the resources you are helping to conserve!

It's time to get serious about your health!

That is what I groaned to myself, lying in bed one night, trying to get rid of the abdominal pain after eating a couple of slices of Pizza Hut pan pizza. We usually get the thin crust, but we decided to get adventurous for some stupid reason. The pain eventually went away, just in time to have another slice the next day for lunch. "How stupid can I be?!" I wondered a couple of hours later when the same pain appeared. So I wrote off pan pizza, but a couple of days later, my stomach was still not happy, and a new tell-tale pain overrode the original pain: gall bladder pain.

When I was pregnant with my first baby almost 6 years ago, I remember the horrible pain that I had them ultrasound, which they said was completely normal. It went away after delivery, so I didn't think about it again. But now it was back. And knowing what the amount of fat in pan pizza had already done to me, I was certain that it had really messed up my gall bladder.

Before you go making assumptions about my weight and our eating habits, let me clarify some things. When we don't eat out, I'm pretty neurotic about eating organic foods, pasture fed beef, raw milk, and all the other stuff that you would consider about a healthy lifestyle. I have never in my life been overweight. As a matter of fact, I've been called "anorexic" numerous times and before my gall bladder attack, weighed 120 lbs. (I'm 5'6"). I was a competitive swimmer most of my life, and exercise has always been an important part of my routine. UNTIL...

Well, first kids came, and then the fatigue practically crippled me. When my second child was about 18 months, I decided to get back into shape. I did great! Then, one day I couldn't get out of bed. It took me about 6 weeks to recover, so I decided I was not able to exercise. That baby is now 4, and yes, it was over 2 years before I started exercising again after curing my fatigue problem.

So why the gall bladder problem? For the most part, the lack of exercise is a huge factor. Then there is the food that I eat that I shouldn't. The two scoops of ice cream before bed didn't help! But mostly, it's genetic. My father and just about everyone in his family has had their gall bladders removed. I'm not planning on losing an organ, so fear of that has been very helpful in helping me to eat the right foods!

It's been a couple of weeks, I guess, and I lost 5 lbs the first week. I don't plan on losing more, but I do plan on sticking with eating tons of fresh veggies, green apples, pears, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, etc. If you are wondering if you have gall bladder problems, check out Gall Bladder Attack and you will learn everything you need to know! A friend of mine had her gall bladder removed after having classic symptoms for over a year that her doctor never diagnosed as gall bladder problems. Go figure!

Kraft is Sued for Falsely Calling Capri Sun Drink 'All Natural'

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_3753.cfm

This is just one more example of mainstream companies trying to fool unguarded consumers. I just don't know where this is going to end. Between cloned animals, "all natural" ingredients, and genetically modified foods, I am afraid to eat normal, everyday foods at this point. While we get our meat, raw dairy, and eggs from a local farmer, our fruits and vegetables come from other places and now more than ever I know I've got to start my own garden this spring. Be careful with your purchases and read those labels! (And it goes without saying, read between the lines and doubt the label as well...)

Merry Christmas from Eve's Best

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted a newsletter and I am very sorry! We started homeschooling in September and my time seems to just slip away more and more each month. I've had lots of things I wanted to share, but they have since slipped my mind for the moment.

I've just cleaned my desk off, so I will be starting the new year off with a fresh, clean slate, and plan on being more organized (and writing down things when they come to me!)

Since (once again) we succumbed to the nasties this year and all that Christmas candy and sweets led to our puny immune systems, I wanted to remind you of some Cold and Flu Prevention Strategies. One not mentioned came in a Dr. Mercola newsletter just the other day. Basically you put hydrogen peroxide in both ears for about 10 minutes and it will prevent a cold from coming on. I am still stuffy, so when I get done writing this I will go try it and do it a few times today to see if it helps.

I hope that you are finished with all of your Christmas shopping and running around and are able to enjoy a peaceful weekend. We did almost all of our shopping on-line and I just realized today how weird it is that I haven't been to the store 5-6 times during the holiday, picking up little things along the way that we really didn't need!

Be on the lookout next month for my new eBook, which is one of the main reasons I have neglected my newsletter. Hopefully you will find it helpful and get something out of it.

Until next year...
Remember that Your Health Matters, even during the holidays!

Cancer Awareness or Cancer Prevention?

In response to what's coming next month- "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" (BCAM) I am contemplating the question of the motive of BCAM and pink ribbon campaigns. Have you ever thought about it? Why call it "awareness"? Do people not know about cancer? What are we supposed to become aware of during October? Why don't they call it "Breast Cancer Prevention Month?" The fact of the matter is that AstraZeneca (the main corporate sponsor of BCAM) who makes tamoxifen, (the top selling breast cancer drug), has no interest in preventing breast cancer. As a matter of fact, they push early detection because the sooner cancer is detected, the sooner we will be on their drugs.

How much do you know about the cancer industry, and how much time and money have you given them? Did you know that they already get millions of our tax dollars already? And they spend a majority of it on drug research and administrative costs. What about education? What about prevention? Where does that fit in?

Do some surfing around at http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org. I am certainly not the only one asking these questions, and they provide many of the answers along with literature that you can share with others. Just ask them!

Some more information on cancer can be found at http://www.eves-best.com/cancer-resources.htm. This information is critical for those newly diagnosed, and especially for those with "terminal" cancer. Another thing I wonder...how many people are alive and well, walking this earth who were diagnosed with terminal cancer YEARS ago? Have you ever wondered?

Keep your eyes and ears open! Search out information and you will find it.

What are you really eating?

You may think you are sticking to your diet, but unless you are making everything from scratch and eating whole, fresh foods, you probably aren't. It's no secret to many that the FDA has dropped the ball on protecting consumers. But instead of asking for more money, we should realize that it's not the government's job to protect us. They will always fail at that, no matter how much money is spent. Unless we educate ourselves and realize what's going on in the food industry, we will not be able to stop the lobbyists who have no concern for us and only care about the bottom line. This article is from 2004, so if you are hearing this for the first time, make it stick and change your shopping habits!

http://www.mercola.com/2004/may/22/food_labels.htm

Economics of Diabetes

This article appeared in Bottom Line's Daily News, date unknown. It is a must read by ALL Americans since it affects roughly 25% of us...even if we don't realize it yet!

Economics of Diabetes

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. This disease, characterized by high levels of blood sugar (glucose), has now reached epidemic proportions. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in three children born in 2000 could develop it if they don't change their ways.

Despite this rise, a series in The New York Times in early 2006 pointed out that dedicated diabetes care centers are shutting down -- not because they are unsuccessful in combating diabetes, but because they are not making money. So, what's a diabetic to do? If it's not profitable to stay well, are they forced to get very sick so that they can then be treated? Or, is it that staying well is a matter of personal choice and responsibility? It appears that the economics of wellness may indeed be sending the message of "do it yourself" health.

MEGABUCKS FOR CRISIS CARE, PENNIES FOR PREVENTION

The problem is that American health-care dollars flow mainly toward acute, last-minute, lifesaving crises, rather than toward primary care and prevention. While it is not profitable for the health-care industry to provide preventive care for chronic diseases such as diabetes, it is hugely profitable to treat their acute complications.

It has been reported that diabetes care centers lose tens of thousands of dollars per year teaching patients to monitor their sugar levels, follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise -- strategies that would keep diabetes under control and prevent complications. Conversely, $30,000 amputations -- which occur when diabetes spirals out of control -- are very profitable for hospitals.

According to Ray D. Strand, MD, author of Healthy for Life (Real Life), the US health-care system relies too heavily on money-making high-tech and pharmaceutical interventions. Conventional medicine is great at opening up an artery with a stent or curing a raging infection with penicillin... but when there's no operation or pill to cure a disease, individuals are left scrambling. When it comes to diabetes, he believes that modern medicine focuses too much on drugs and procedures to address its consequences, and pays too little (and sometimes no) attention to one of the underlying problems -- insulin resistance.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/097473084X/blpnet

INSULIN RESISTANCE: A PRODUCT OF POOR LIFESTYLE CHOICES

Insulin resistance -- in which the body can no longer make proper use of insulin and correctly process glucose and fat stores -- is the precursor of diabetes, when blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This condition is the result of poor lifestyle choices, primarily a diet of fast and processed foods, a lack of exercise and obesity. If you do nothing to make better choices, Dr. Strand warns that the scales will eventually tip and you will develop metabolic syndrome -- a devastating combination of prediabetes, abdominal obesity and high triglyceride levels, high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. It affects 25% of American adults.

There is no Food and Drug Administration-approved pill to cure insulin resistance, notes Dr. Strand. This may be why modern medicine largely ignores it -- it's the "where there's no pill, there's no disease" way of thinking. However, he stresses that in most cases you can reverse insulin resistance and prevent diabetes by changing your lifestyle and consistently making healthier choices. Even if you already have diabetes, positive strategies such as a proper diet and regular exercise will help you manage it more effectively and prevent complications.

THREE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

Type 2 diabetes doesn't develop overnight, observes Dr. Strand. It is the product of years and years of unhealthful lifestyle choices. The sooner you address and correct lifestyle issues, the better chance you have of reversing or avoiding insulin resistance and diabetes. Dr. Strand recommends...

* A healthful diet that does not spike blood sugar. Conventional doctors don't appreciate the science of the glycemic index, and feel that a carb is a carb is a carb, explains Dr. Strand. Not so. The glycemic index is a ranking of foods according to how rapidly there is a rise in blood sugar. (Read more about it in Daily Health News, September 20, 2004.) Dr. Strand recommends that you choose low-glycemic index foods, such as many fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils and oatmeal, which trigger only a modest rise in blood sugar and enter the bloodstream slowly. Likewise, avoid high-glycemic foods (potatoes, cornflakes, white bread, doughnuts, etc.) that send blood sugar soaring.

http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/blpnet/article.html?article_id=34128

* A moderate, consistent exercise program. To get started, just dust off your walking shoes and take a walk around the neighborhood. Over time, work your way up to 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise (for example, brisk walking or bicycling) five days a week. For consistency and accountability, it helps to buddy up with a friend or join an exercise group.

* High-quality nutritional supplements. According to Dr. Strand, most conventional physicians do not appreciate the use of nutritional supplementation, which has a great benefit in pre-clinical diabetes and diabetes. To boost cellular nutrition, he advises that you take a high-quality antioxidant (vitamins C and E are among his favorites) with each meal. Other helpful supplements include chromium, magnesium and selenium.

Note: Read more about Dr. Strand's program to reverse insulin resistance at www.firststeptherapy.com. He has just completed a clinical trial in which all 25 pre-clinical diabetic participants were able to reverse their insulin resistance within 12 weeks.

http://www.firststeptherapy.com


DO THE RIGHT THING

Instead of offering patients an opportunity to address their health with lifestyle changes, physicians are too quick to simply write a prescription, notes Dr. Strand. The bottom line is there's not much profit for the health-care industry with changes in diet and exercise. However, these lifestyle changes can return your body to health -- turning around insulin resistance, holding diabetes at bay and reducing or even eliminating the need for drugs and other interventions. As I have written about many times, the same holds true for many health challenges, from arthritis to allergy, and gastritis to heart conditions.

Medical science has done many great things for the health of our nation, but they are missing the mark when it comes to simple preventive measures. Individuals must take control of their own lives. Prevention and lifestyle changes are still cheaper no matter what, even if insurance doesn't cover them. And, while it's easy to get mad at the insurance companies for not covering some of those measures, keep in mind that insurance is really for "the big stuff" -- you don't need insurance to pay for you to eat right and take a walk each day.

If this article really hit home for you, and you have struggled to improve your diet, we have a tool that will help you control your cravings, improve blood sugar levels, and help you lose 5-10 lbs. in just 5 days. For more information, please visit http://www.eves-best.com/low-glycemic-meal-replacements.htm. Dr. Strand has done studies using the RESET program and has found that it helps people reverse insulin resistance and even diabetes. It has worked for others, and will work for you, too!

Fruits and veggies not enough, Mass-production affects content

Judy Creighton CP Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Eating five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day may not be enough if government nutrient tables can be believed.

"Almost everything in the produce fruit and vegetable section of the supermarket which we once assumed would be very healthy is anything but," claims Thomas Pawlick, author of The End of Food: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Food Supply - And What We Can Do About It, published by Greystone Books in Vancouver.

"For us to get the same amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that our grandparents or even our parents did," he says, "we would have to eat five times as much or more of some of those fruits and vegetables."

Pawlick, 64, an award-winning science writer from Kingston, Ont., says that much of his research data come from tables published by Agriculture Canada.

"Every three or four years Agri Canada does a fresh set of tables on the current nutritional value of various foods. They send people out at random to various supermarkets and they buy foods off the shelf, take them back to the lab and do analysis of their nutrient content and these are published," he says, adding that consumers can go online and look at the food tables themselves.

Pawlick says that a fresh tomato bought from the supermarket has 61 per cent less calcium than it did in the 1950s.

"Virtually across the board, some losses have been as steep as 70 per cent. And it's because of the way the crops are grown and raised."

Pawlick lays the onus directly on the large corporate farms that supply most of the grocery chains in Canada.

"They choose varieties of fruits and vegetables, and when they make that choice the question of nutrition or flavour never enters into the picture," he says.

"They select varieties of fruit for thickness so when it's in a truck going across the country it won't get smushed," he charges. "So they want hard rubbery fruit and vegetables for a longer shelf life."

Pawlick says the same corporate farms also select produce for appearance. "They have to have uniformity so that every tomato or strawberry looks like the other one, and they all have to be ripe on the same day so they can be machine-harvested."

Pawlick says that because imported produce is harvested prematurely, it is artificially ripened with ethylene gas.

"This decreases the amount of sugar and flavour in the fruit as opposed to allowing it to ripen on the vine." He cites the California strawberry as an example.

"They are beautiful, but they are selected and bred to look good - but not to give you any nourishment."

Pawlick says that where consumers can, they should buy local produce. "Usually if it is locally grown it won't be so bad because it isn't being shipped a long distance," he says. "And anything that is locally grown means you are supporting local people and family farmers and the produce is getting to the market faster to retain its nutrients. The less time there is between picking
and eating, the more nutrients will still be in the product."

Pawlick is so concerned about the decline of nutrients in our food that he urges consumers to stop supporting those at the root of the problem.

"The corporate food industry is not reformable, so go around them," he says.

"Stop buying from them or we will pay the price and so will our children."

For a revealing interview on the subject, go to: http://gremolata.com/pawlick.htm

Clean Water, Clean Air

Many times I have taken for granted what I know about environmental toxins. I remember back in the good ol' "ignorance is bliss" days I scoffed at people like me. But now I see people in my day to day life that are doing things that I just can't believe and I realize that they probably just don't know.

Six months ago we moved halfway across the country to a much smaller town. The socio-economic profiles of our former town and our new town could not be more opposite. There are many more families here in the lower socio-economic bracket. Incidentally, the cancer rate here seems very inflated. I think I've met more people here in 6 months that have had (or have) cancer than I've met in my entire life. I don't think this is coincidence.

Unfortunately, it is a matter of time before this fact comes to light for ALL people: The healthiest Americans will be those who can afford the necessary nutritional supplements, clean water, and clean air. Of course, there will be people who would rather have a slamming car stereo system than to worry about prevention measures. This is called "denial." But there will also be people who want to do everything possible for their health and they won't be able to afford it. This is called "poverty."

Our government would have us believe that our municipal water is adequate, that our air is not that bad, and that eating the right foods is enough to stay healthy. NONE of this is true. We are also convinced that improved health care systems will change our lives in some way, but the truth is that all it will do is make being sick more affordable! The government will never subsidize getting the BEST of anything, and when it comes to our health we MUST take action and do everything we can to afford clean air and water for our families.

What is so bad about our water?
There are so many things to worry about in water including "natural" contaminants from polluted streams and ground water, and added contaminants like chlorine and fluorine. Often times, people with well water think their water is safe to drink. That could not be further from the truth! Not only is well water as contaminated with toxins as our municipal water, it is not even tested unless you test it yourself.

The thinking is this: Your government officials do a great job "cleaning" your water. What they don't worry about is getting the "cleaners" out. They don't remove chlorine by-products because most of the water goes right down the toilet, on your lawn, or hosing things down. It is too expensive to remove chlorine, when only a small percentage of our water is consumed or bathed in. But they don't bother to tell you what to do to fix YOUR water...because they know that some of their community will not be able to afford it (or not want to)! Sure, many government officials are ignorant. But others are religiously consuming pure water without a care in the world whether or not their constituents know that the water they are drinking is killing them!

The problem with our water systems is that we all assume someone is keeping tabs on the water. But the truth is that there are MANY possible contaminants and our water is only tested for a small portion of them. Our new town has VERY hard water. It amazes me that people drink it right out of the tap. Recently I noticed in our city newspaper a warning that the water had tested for high levels of nitrates. It warned not to make baby formula or children's juices from this water. First of all, how many parents have time to sit down and read the paper? Secondly, why is it harmful for babies, but somehow okay for adults?

The thinking is that our bodies can "filter out" the bad stuff and will go right through. They are equipped to handle the toxins coming through in small amounts, unlike babies' bodies which are not yet fully developed, not to mention much smaller. Yet, most adults have numerous health problems and for some reason we don't look first to what we are eating and drinking! We go to the doctor to get a pill!

We spent years drinking filtered water, and then I learned about the fluoride problems. I quickly researched and settled on a water distiller. Distilled water is the only form of pure water available. We have been drinking it for over a year now and we are very happy with our decision. You can learn more about distillers at Eve's Best. The thing about distilling your own water at home is that you actually SAVE MONEY over bottled water. If you want more information about drinking water, we have some books that might help. You will learn about the different types of water and why distilled is better.

It is also important to note that SHOWERING IN CONTAMINATED WATER FOR 10 MINUTES IS WORSE THAN DRINKING THE SAME WATER ALL DAY! Not only are you breathing it in, it is being absorbed through the skin. You can get a shower filter and feel comfortable about the water you are bathing in.

What about Clean Air?

Similar problems exist for the air you breathe. Most of us don't realize that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. This is due to off gassing of carpet, furniture, bedding, and building materials as well as radon coming from the ground beneath your house (which is a leading cause of lung cancer). Many of our houses are also moldy. We have chosen Airwise Air Purifiers to keep our indoor air clean. Not only have they helped many with allergies, they oxidize odors, fungi, mold and other parasites, and toxic chemical gases; settle dust and other large particles out of the air; and destroy microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Having clean air is not cheap, and many find that getting prescription drugs every month for ailments such as allergies and asthma is easier to swallow than a chunk of money at one time for an air purifier. But which has the greater benefit? A drug that we all know has side effects, many unknown, or breathing clean air?

It is an unfortunate, but true tale. We are allowing toxins into our body on a daily basis through the air and water we breathe and consume. Many of us don't even realize it. And for those of us who do, we can only hope that we aren't one of the unfortunate who can't afford to change that fact.

Is Your Diet Killing You?

High glycemic index diets increase the risk of chronic degenerative disease

Long-term consumption of high-glycemic foods may increase oxidative stress and the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Leading U.S. researchers recently concluded that a low-GI diet, not a low carbohydrate diet, appearsto be beneficial in reducing the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the rate that the carbohydrates in a food or meal are digested and appear in the blood as glucose (sugar). Glycemic load is a way of measuring the total carbohydrates in a meal or diet with a mathematical adjustment for GI. These measurements can be used to simultaneously describe the quality (glycemic index) and quantity of carbohydrate in a meal or diet.

Recent data suggest that the sudden rise in blood sugar associated with a high glycemic load may increase free radical production and the risk of oxidative damage. This increased production has been implicated in many disease processes including chronic heart disease, accelerated aging, and type 2 diabetes.

Investigators from several leading U.S. institutions recently investigated whether a diet with a high GI or GL is associated with greater oxidative stress by taking specific measurements in nearly 300 healthy adults.

Participants with a higher GI and GL diet were found to exhibit increases in oxidative stress when compared to those eating a diet lower in glycemic index and load.

Researchers concluded that chronic consumption of high-GI foods may lead to chronically high oxidative stress, increasing the risk for several degenerative diseases. A low-GI diet, not a low carbohydrate diet, appears to be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 84, No. 1, 70-76, July 2006.

While this is not news to us, many have still not caught on to the low-glycemic food plan. Over a year ago, we discovered eating low glycemic foods and the weight just fell off. The same weight that I couldn't lose for over 18 months after having my second child! Then we found the Reset, a 5-day cleanse, which literally "resets" your body and diminishes carb cravings. We do this cleanse about twice a year to maintain our healthy diets year 'round.

Summer Dangers

There are a couple of things I've seen so far this summer which prompted me to mention these. Sometimes it is easy to forget that "mainstream" people don't think like us "weirdos." As a weirdo, I question EVERYTHING. I do not use anything without wondering about its safety. Two in particular are common, accepted products in just about every household, save us weirdos who have learned our lession:

1. Aspartame. I have seen about a million Diet Cokes this summer. These contain aspartame, as do many "diet" or "sugar-free" sodas and other foods. Aspartame is also found in products not labeled "diet" or "sugar-free." The best example of this is chewing gum. Since they contain both aspartame AND sugar, the fact that they contain aspartame is not apparent unless you look really hard. So what's wrong with aspartame? This says it all: http://www.sweetpoison.com/ If you consume this poison, please read the website!

2. Sunscreen. I've seen babies being slathered with sunscreen this summer. More and more doctors are realizing that safe sun exposure is much more healthy than the sunscreens. While many people consider sunscreen a benign product that helps prevent skin cancer, others realize that sunscreen itself is a free radical generator and that sunscreens are actually CAUSING cancer rather than preventing it:
http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
http://tinyurl.com/nkukc

Please take the time to look over this information and share it with friends as necessary. I understand that your friends will probably laugh at you and not listen to you. It happens to me all the time! But if we don't share vital information with our friends, they may not hear it at all!

Birth Defects Sharply Rise When Using ACE Inhibitors

This article from Mercola.com has lots of useful information that is not well-known in the general public. First, the obvious: that ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure can lead to birth defects if used in the first trimester. Second, that high blood pressure can be resolved fairly easily and that it is caused by elevated insulin levels. Third, it is actually healthy to allow your skin sun exposure instead of slathering on the sunscreen. Here is the article:

http://tinyurl.com/jlgl4

It's Bathing Suit Season!

When you looked in the mirror, what did you see? For many women, this Memorial Day weekend was a nightmare because they did not like what they saw glaring back at them. The winter weight was still there, and coupled with the winter weight gained 4 years ago and every year since, it's just not looking so good!

Each year that goes by, I get more and more worried about the fat/skinny war going on in the media. Yes, we all know that normal people are not that skinny. But to get back at the girls in the magazines, we pretend to be perfectly happy with our weight. We even rationalize it by finding women out there larger than us and figure as long as there are women larger, we are doing okay. There are organized groups out there who actually rebut "Fat Actress" Kirstie Alley for portraying a large woman who just does not want to be large anymore. Then there is Oprah, who claims the "disease" of obesity. Come on! The disease is that she doesn't stop eating when she knows she should!

The truth is, intelligent woman all over this country are eating foods that they should not be eating, drinking junk that does not belong in the human body, and they are not exercising. Plain and simple. And sadly, many of these women who influence our children like teachers, coaches, and school office staff hand down these horrible habits when they bring in fast food, dole out candy, and sip on soda all day. Where is it going to stop?

We have become a society that does not eat for nourishment. We eat for pleasure, and the foods that once gave us pleasure have been replaced by artificial colors and flavors, sugar, corn syrup, and white flour. We are killing ourselves and even scarier: our children are projected to be the first generation that does not live longer than their parents did.

You might not like the way you fit in your bathing suit, but it's more than weight. It's more than being happy in your body, no matter how big or small it is. It's about being healthy. And for all of the women who are pretending to be happy in bodies that are either suffering from or on the brink of suffering from high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes; THAT is not beautiful.

The time is NOW. NOW you must make a change. For your bathing suit, for your health, and for your children's health, you can not go on as before. You just can't.

I would like to share what I have done and what others have done who needed to lose over 100 lbs. First, you want to start with a RESET kit. And you are in luck, because they are on SALE!! After the 5-day RESET, you will continue to eat low-glycemic foods. As you continue to lose weight, you will feel more energetic and you will actually have the energy to exercise. You can have treats when you need them, but at least 80% of your diet will come from low glycemic foods. There are some very important things to note about this program:

• You will not go hungry. If you get hungry, eat.
• You will not eat 3 meals. You will eat 5-6 mini-meals.
• You must eat breakfast. Once you finish the RESET, you might want to purchase shake mixes so that you can have a shake each morning. If not, opt for eggs or long-cook oatmeal.
• You need to drink water. Stop drinking soda, especially "Diet" Soda
• While you will lose weight eating low glycemic foods alone, you should also incorporate additional exercise to your day.
• This "diet" will help those with 5 lbs. to lose, or 200 lbs.

Perhaps your doctor has thrown up his hands. He doesn't know what to tell people anymore. Patient after patient comes into his office, 20, 30, 50 lbs. overweight and he doesn't know how to help them. DOCTORS DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING. Wouldn't you LOVE to have lost 30 lbs. before your next doctor's visit? So instead of shaking his head, he will smile, pat you on the back, and YOU can educate him about weight loss and what he should already know. Not to mention, you can help all your friends lose weight, too!

(Here's where I say...consult your doctor before starting any...blah, blah, blah...) Hey- just do it and consult your doctor when you've got good news for her.

Reversal of Metabolic Syndrome through a Lifestyle Change Program involving a Low Glycemic Diet and Exercise

So you want to just look good in your bathing suit? The RESET will help you lose 5-10 lbs. the first 5 days, which is a great start. Depending on how much weight you need to lose, if you start now, you can wear that bathing suit with pride before the end of the summer! Have a great one and stop looking at those magazines!