The almighty Atlas

Many mechanical health problems (moving parts) can be helped by chiropractic adjustments to the spine. The first vertebra in the spine (top of the spine), the Atlas Vertebra, affects many other parts of the body when it is not in its proper place. The Atlas is the foundation of your head and the center of balance of your body. It weighs only 2 ounces, yet it supports your head, which is the weight of a bowling ball! The Atlas surrounds and protects the upper spinal cord and brain stem region. It sits at the opening of your skull where your brain ends and your body begins.

Your BRAIN runs your body. It’s your “power generator”… your “master computer.” Your brain sends electrical and chemical messages back and forth to your entire body…through the top of your neck… at the speed of light… through the spinal cord and the trillions of nerves which branch off of it.

Your brain tells your body what to do through the nerves. These brain messages pass through the brain stem, located at the base of the skull, where the neck connects. The brain stem is where the brain ends and the spinal cord begins. It’s like main “circuit breaker” to your body.

Every organ and tissue of your body get’s their “instructions” or signals from your brain through the NERVE connections of the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.

Here are a few things affected by an Atlas that is misaligned:

· Blood pressure

· Headaches, migraines

· muscle pain or weakness

· depression

· fatigue

· dizziness

· ringing in the ear

· allergies

· seizures

· respiratory complications

· digestive disturbances

· hormone imbalances

· limited ability for the body to heal from trauma

What's your Ph?

We all hear about Ph. But what is it what do we need to know about it?

Chemically pH means power of hydrogen and is a measure of how many hydrogen ions are available in a substance. It focuses on concentrations of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
Practically it is a measure of the acidity/alkalinity of a substance.

We use a pH scale to measure how acidic or basic a liquid is. The scale goes from values very close to 0 through 14. Distilled water is 7 (right in the middle).

When your body pH is balanced the cells in your body will oxygenate and cause you to heal at a phenomenal rate. Cancer cells put in a test tube with acidic fluids will multiply. Put those same cancer cells in a test tube with alkaline fluids and they die.

What are the results of being too acidic? To be too acidic (or too alkaline) in the body can

have far reaching consequences. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic:

1) It takes some of the alkaline forming elements from the enzymes in the small intestine to

stay balanced. The small intestine then becomes too acidic to digest foods optimally. The pancreas, gallbladder and liver are then forced to make up for this deficiency in order to metabolize foods properly. This has a direct bearing on metabolic enzyme production, which is literally involved in every biochemical reaction in the body. The result is lowered immune function, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, absorption and digestive problems, etc.

2) The bones will leach calcium, the most alkaline mineral. This can lead to reduced absorption

of supplemental minerals and bone density problems. If you have a problem with not enough calcium in your body it is not necessarily because you are not ingesting enough of it, it may be because your body is very acidic and it is pulling out of your bones the calcium you do have.

3) Insulin levels increase and fat is stored instead of being metabolized. When malnutrition or

starvation sets in, the body becomes acidic and as a safety, insulin is over produced so that all

available calories are stored as fat for future use. As a result, weight gain is common and

weight loss becomes more difficult.

4) Electrolyte imbalances occur which have a direct bearing on the “fluid transport system”.

Electrolytes are important because they are what the cells, especially the nerve, heart and

muscle cells use to maintain voltages across there cell membranes.

5) Once the body is in a state of relative acidity, enzymes, cell membranes, and even the hemoglobin's ability to release oxygen is compromised. Cancer, bacteria, viruses and fungi thrive in an oxygen starved environment.

6) Additional stress is placed on the kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas and other organs

Mild acidosis can cause such problems as:

Cardiovascular damage, including the constriction of blood vessels and the reduction of oxygen.

Weight gain, obesity and diabetes.

Bladder and kidney conditions, including kidney stones.

Immune deficiency.

Acceleration of free radical damage, possibly contributing to cancerous mutations.

Hormone concerns.

Premature aging.

Osteoporosis; weak, brittle bones, hip fractures and bone spurs.

Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic acid buildup.

Low energy and chronic fatigue.

Slow digestion and elimination.

Yeast/fungal overgrowth.

What can you do?

Eat food that are low in acidity (see chart).

Take proper supplements, good quality Greens are wonderful

Here is a simple recipe to help you improve your Ph:

At night before you go to bed, fill the crock pot with soup bones from beef, fish, chicken or lamb (use bones from "healthy" animals like range fed beef, organic chickens) and enough water to cover the bones. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 quart water or per 2 pounds of bones. Turn it on low and go to sleep. In the morning, skim off surface impurities; add your choice of root vegetables like carrots, turnips, etc. and cook on low all day. When you come home from work, add fresh vegetables until they are tender. Throw away the bones and

enjoy an awesome meal.

Coming home to a house filled with the aroma of fresh soup is a wonderful thing.

Broth may be also frozen for months or kept in the refrigerator for 5 days until you are ready to add veggies and make the soup.

Stay healthy!!!!

Nuclear Radations

Concerned about the nuclear fallout and radiation poisoning?

Read this article and get the nitty gritty on how to handle it properly. You don't want to use a "cure" that will end up causing more damage than necessary.

NUCLEAR RADIATION

The almighty Ginger

Ginger was first grown in China. Today, cultivation of ginger takes place all over the world. It is not only a delicious seasoning to cook with it has powerful properties

· Aids in Digestion – Ginger is perhaps the best herb for digestion. It helps break down proteins to rid the stomach and intestines of gas. It also aids in the digestion of fatty foods by encouraging the gall bladder to release bile.

·
Ginger gives relief from the nausea associated with morning sickness during pregnancy. It can also be used to treat nausea caused due to chemotherapy or seasickness. Ginger has been clinically demonstrated to work twice as well as Dramamine for fighting motion sickness, with no side effects

· Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to relieve pain in the joints caused due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. To relieve arthritic pain, ginger is used externally, either in a bath or as a compress. To prepare a ginger bath, add a small quantity of boiling water to a slice or two of fresh ginger. Cover the vessel to prevent the volatile oils from evaporating into the atmosphere. After around ten minutes, add this mixture to your regular bath water. Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice since it is not only superior in flavor but contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger’s active protease.

· Alleviates High Blood Pressure – Ginger’s warming quality improves and stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood throughout the body.

· Lowers LDL Cholesterol – Studies demonstrate that ginger can lower cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver. Its extract can help reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of developing heart disease.

· Consumption of ginger makes the body feel warm and promotes perspiration. This property is especially useful when a person is suffering from a fever, since perspiration causes a fever to break faster. Consuming ginger is also beneficial if you have a cough, cold or a sore throat. Ginger contains the volatile oils zingerone, shoagoles, and gingerols, which give it its characteristic odour and flavour. Laboratory tests conducted prove that the gingerols display analgesic and anti-bacterial properties.

BUYING AND STORING GINGER
When buying gingerroot, choose plump, firm, and not overly fibrous pieces. Avoid ginger that has wrinkles or feels light -- signs of overdrying. If you're not planning to use the ginger right away, first wrap it in a paper towel, then a brown paper bag. Stored in your vegetable crisper in the refrigerator, it will last up to four weeks, as long as the paper towel stays dry and can absorb moisture from the ginger. Gingerroot should be peeled just before cooking; try scraping the root with the edge of a teaspoon, which gets into crevices safely and easily.

FRESH GINGER TEA
unpeeled fresh ginger
water
Juice of 1 fresh lemon

A few drops of Stevia or some honey if you are using it for a sore throat

Cut ginger into large chunks and smash each with the heel of a knife or with a meat pounder, to break up the fibers.

Boil water

Add the smashed ginger in a cup, cover with the hot water.

Sweetened if desired

Some Smoothies ideas, delicious and healthy

SMOOTHIES RECIPES

A)

1 c peeled, seeded, cubed papaya
1 c frozen sliced peaches
1 medium pear, cubed
1 Tbsp ground flax seed
1 tsp sliced ginger
6 mint leaves
1/2 c low-fat Greek yogurt
6 ice cubes

Garnish with mint after blending.

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 109 cal, 2 g fat (0.5 g sat), 21 g carbs, 15 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein

B)

1 c blueberries
1 c pitted cherries
1/2 c strawberries, hulled
1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp wheat germ
2 Tbsp ground flax seed
1/2 c plain low-fat yogurt
1 c ice

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 153 cal, 5.6 g fat(1 g sat), 23 g carbs, 35 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein

C)

1 c peeled, pitted, cubed mango
1 c chopped cantaloupe
1/2 c cubed pineapple, fresh
1/3 c ground almonds
1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
1 c ice

Garnish with sliced almonds after blending.

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 150 cal, 6.8 g fat (0.5 g sat), 22 g carbs, 41 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein

D)

2 frozen bananas, peeled and chopped
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
2 Tbsp peanut butter
2 Tbsp wheat germ
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c low-fat Greek yogurt
2 scoops of protein powder
2 c ice

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 294 cal,7 g fat(2 g sat), 38 g carbs, 102 mgsodium,4 g fiber, 25 g protein

Breathe !!!!

We can go without food for a number of weeks and survive, we can even go without water for 3-7 days, but we cannot survive without oxygen beyond 5 minutes. The adult human body requires about 88 pounds of oxygen daily

Given the importance of this ‘breath of life’ here are some interesting facts about oxygen.

· Oxygen provides us with 90% of our nutritional energy, with just 10% coming from the food we eat. The more our cells are saturated with oxygen the lower is the wear and tear that occurs in the body. Hence, oxygen is one of the most important anti-aging substances.

· Oxygen’s natural ability to oxidize viruses, fungi, and bacteria is vitally important in order to sustain the cells’ natural ability to prevent degenerative diseases.

· Oxygen is also an essential factor for burning up the body’s toxins – those that are generated by us internally as well as those that we get from external sources such as the environment, water, and food – particularly junk food. The lower the content of oxygen, the less ability we have to burn up toxins, to heal, and to fight disease.

· In fact, diseases can actually occur when there is a deficiency of oxygen. Without enough oxygen, cells lose the ability to function properly, which leads to disease setting in. All kinds of diseases are basically linked to oxygen starvation.

· The lowest concentration of oxygen required to maintain life is around 52%, however, at this level, one is hardly alive.

· Because oxygen is used to burn glucose, the fuel preferred by the brain. At rest, you use about 20% of the oxygen you breathe to keep your brain running.

It is quite evident why it is essential to keep our body oxygenated. Oxygen is the sole element that has the capability of combining with practically all other elements in order to form the essential ingredients that are required for building and maintaining our body. For instance: water is made up of oxygen and hydrogen; carbohydrates are made up of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon; proteins are made up of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen.

The list of crucial roles played by oxygen is quite endless. It is necessary for oxidization, or combustion, and also acts as a preserver, sanitizer, deodorizer, and disinfectant. Our cells are energized by oxygen, which helps them to regenerate. Oxygen regulates all the functions of the body. Our ability to talk, sleep, eat, move, feel, and think are all dependent on the energy that is generated by oxygen. Our body uses oxygen for the metabolism of food and the elimination of waste and toxins via oxidation. Oxygen is used by the brain to process information.

And strangely enough when we are under stress, the first thing we do is to hold our breath, the very thing that would help us the most.

Learn to breathe properly. At least 3 times per day do some deep breathing exercises. Holding your breath is a habit and a bad one at that. You can develop a better habit by doing those deep breathing exercises. I used to force myself to do them every time I was stopped at a red light. It not only gave me something to do to kill time, it was healthy and good habit forming.

Help yourself to a cup of oxygen. It’s free and now you know why you can’t live without it.

COLD SHOWERS

I take a cold shower every morning. Now when I say cold shower, I want to clarify exactly what I mean by that. Taking a full cold shower, meaning no hot or warm or lukewarm water at all, is borderline torture! Especially in the cold winter months. Besides, there are many benefits to taking a warm shower, the primary one being that it feels really good! In this context, is the practice of starting with a warm shower, and ending the last few minutes with cool to cold water.

Here are the benefits that you gain by incorporating a cold shower into your shower routine:
1- Better Circulation
Warm water makes the blood rush to your skin, and cool water makes the blood rush to your organs. This switching between hot and cold triggers better circulation in your blood by forcing the blood to move. The ideal practice would be to switch numerous times between hot and cold water, but merely ending the shower with cold water does help with circulation. Why should you worry about having good circulation? Well, it prevents such problems as hypertension, hardening of the arteries, water retention and the appearance of varicose veins among other things. Good circulation improves the performance of your system and thus help looking and feeling better.

2- Better looking skin
When you shower with warm water, it opens up your pores. Then you wash and this cleans up your pores. That’s all good. When you end, it would be best to close your pores and cold water does just that. It’s good to close your pores after you are all cleaned up because it will prevent the pores from being easily clogged by dirt and oil, which causes skin imperfections such as acne for example. Another benefit is that cold water makes your blood vessels constrict which reduces swelling and the appearance of dark circles under your eyes (where skin is at its thinnest). This provides you with a young, healthy glow.

3- Healthier hair
Cold water makes your hair look healthier and shinier. As a matter of fact, cool air makes your hair shinier too. What the cold water does is that it closes the cuticle which makes the hair stronger and prevents dirt from easily accumulating within your scalp. Basically, the same principle with how it closes the pores of your skin as mentioned above. Stronger hair, of course, prevents hair from being easily pulled out when you are combing, and it helps in slowing down overall hair loss.

4- Strengthens immunity.

According to a study done in 1993 by the Thrombosis Research Institute in England, individuals who took daily cold showers saw an increase in the number of virus fighting white blood cells compared to individuals who took hot showers. Researchers believe that the increased metabolic rate, which results from the body’s attempt to warm itself up, activates the immune system and releases more white blood cells in response. It also improves the lymphatic circulation.

5- Mental benefits
There are plenty of mental benefits to ending your shower with cold water. The ancient samurai warriors used to pour buckets of cold river water (or cold waterfalls) on their heads every morning in a Shinto practice called Misogi. This was a purification ritual on a spiritual level. They believe that it cleansed their spirit and helped start a new day fresh.

6- Relieves depression..

Research at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine indicates that short cold showers may stimulate the brain’s “blue spot”- the brain’s primary source of noradrenaline — a chemical that could help mitigate depression. I guess a bout of the blues isn’t so bad after all.

7- Help With Weight Loss Success -

Cold water is said to increase your metabolic rate because your body has to burn through some calories to warm itself up. A higher metabolic rate is associated with faster weight loss. Because your metabolism is a natural calorie burning process, it stands to reasons that an increase in metabolic rate will help you in your efforts to reduce weight.

Cold water obviously helps waking you up, which is what you want in the morning. In fact it will wake you up much more efficiently than a cup of coffee. Also, it energizes you and invigorates your entire being. Give it a try, you will definitely feel more alive! It can even lift you up if you are feeling a little down or unmotivated. It also helps for mental toughness, and builds courage and will power.

Ending your shower with cold water clearly has its advantages. There are many benefits to cold showers, as you can see. I know this is something that can be very difficult for many people to do. The key is to not torture yourself. Go about it gradually. Start with a level of cold you can deal with, and slowly make it colder after each shower. Just start adding this routine at the end of your showers, you will be on your way to making a habit out of it and enjoy the benefits that this practice can bring you. I take one every day. It was not very pleasant when I first started but now I would truly miss it if I was to skip it all together.

Liver, can't live without it

If the liver ever stops working a person will die within 8 to 24 hours

The liver is the heaviest organ in the body and is one of the largest. It's located in the upper right part of your belly under the ribs and is responsible processing nutrients from food, making bile, removing toxins from the body and building proteins.

All together, the liver can do 500 functions - that's some multitasking! This is one powerful organ, the one organ in the body that is capable of regenerating itself.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR LIVER STAY HEALTHY

· AVOID ANY FOODS OF WHICH YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE INTOLERANT:
They will produce toxins in the gut that can cause stress to the detoxification mechanisms. Bacteria, viruses, too much alcohol, coffee and other caffeine-containing drinks, smoking and the medicines that have powerful effects on the liver, stomach and other parts of the body can prove toxic Chew your food well to help release the enzymes that aid digestion.

· CONSUME PLENTY OF FOODS CONTAINING:
Flavonoids, magnesium, iron, sulphate and selenium and B-vitamins 2,3,6 and 12, since toxicity in the body can be caused by deficiency of the nutrients that the liver needs for detoxification as much as by exposure to toxins. Think along the lines of salads, beans, fresh juices, stir-fries cooked in a little good-quality olive oil, nuts, seeds, yogurt . Steaming is a quick and healthy way of cooking vegetables, and the only vegetables to avoid are potatoes. Aim for a diet build on complex carbohydrates(brown rice), lean protein (beans, lentils, eggs, chicken, fish and a little lean red meat) and organic fruits & vegetables.

· CUT DOWN ON STIMULANTS:
such as tea and coffee, and depressants such as smoking & alcohol. Aim at drinking 10-13 cups of water a day.

· EAT FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS:
Which aid the natural detox mechanisms like berries (especially blueberries), beans, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, cinnamon, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Nutrients that enhance our immune system areVitamin C, Vitamin E, the B-vitamins, Zinc and Magnesium. These nutrients are either potent anti-oxidants capable of stopping the free-radical cascade of tissue damage or are involved in the enzymes that help detoxify damaging chemicals.

· .DON’T USE ANTIBIOTICS OR ANTACIDS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY:
Antibiotics can destroy the useful bacteria in the gut that eliminate toxins; antacids decrease the natural acidity that is necessary for complete digestion.

· TAKE SOME EXERCISE:
Exercise increases lymph activity within the body, causing you to sweat and generate more urine, encouraging liver activity and stimulating the gut to get rid of waste products, all of which can help to detoxify your body. Wind up the exercise routine by carrying out deep breathing to use the Lungs more fully, this will get more oxygen into the blood, remove waste products from the blood - especially carbon dioxide - more quickly; and help to speed up the circulation of the blood.

· AVOID EXCESS OF SALT & SUGAR:
Instead of excess salt use fresh herbs, pepper, chillies and lemon juice to enhance the flavor of food. Too much sugar isn't healthy for anyone but especially those with an impaired immune system.

· LAUGH, REST AND FEEL GOOD! :
One more really good way to boost your immune system and it's free: Laugh, Rest and feel good! A depressed mind can cause a depressed body. Laughter actually increases production of an antibody that is responsible for our first line of defense against bacterial infections. Laughter, lovemaking and exercise are the best medicine of all!

GOING BANANAS

Not only do they taste great any place and any time, but the health benefits of bananas are of astounding

· Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy

· Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood. This same chemical is also found in Prozac.

· Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function

· Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.

· In addition to these cardiovascular benefits, the potassium found in bananas may also help to promote bone health.

· Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. Bananas work their protective magic in two ways: First, substances in bananas help activate the cells that compose the stomach lining, so they produce a thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids. Second, other compounds in bananas called protease inhibitors help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of stomach ulcers.

· bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber (called a hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation.

· Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound called a prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce vitamins and digestive enzymes that improve our ability to absorb nutrients, plus compounds that protect us against unfriendly microorganisms. When fructooligosaccharides are fermented by these friendly bacteria, not only do numbers of probiotic bacteria increase, but so does the body's ability to absorb calcium. In addition, gastrointestinal transit time is lessened, decreasing the risk of colon cancer.

· Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

· Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

· Bananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function

· Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling

· Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the hearth beat and regulate the body's water balance. During periods of high stress, our body's potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs

· According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%

Do you need any more reasons to grab a banana as a healthy snack alternative?