Alkaline vs. acid foods

PH balance refers to the alkaline or acidic level of one's urine after a urine test. PH balance is basically the acid/alkaline balance in your system. While this may sound complex, it's pretty simple to understand and very important to know. Basically, bacteria/viruses cannot live in alkaline environments. Therefore, the more alkaline your body, the more resistant you are to catching colds or diseases. But while too much of anything is always a bad idea, balancing the PH is best. And while you are making the effort to balance your PH, keeping it slightly more alkaline is wise. This way, you create an environment in your body where bacteria/viruses cannot survive. You create an environment in your body where your strengthened immune system can resist and fight intruders. So where do we get alkaline foods from? Green foods. Veggies. Fruits. Can't ever go wrong with these! But remember, organic is your best bet! Here's an informative website that discusses the acid/alkaline phenomenon further: (http://www.advancedhealthplan.com/foods.html). This site also lists in detail foods that are acidic or alkaline so you can be smarter about what you eat. I'm not promoting vegetarianism here (meat is a rich source of protein and nutrients), but eating a lot greens can benefit you in many, many ways. So go for the greens!

Clove love

That numbness in the gums, that bitter taste, those drills, the white coat... Ahhh...the dentist!!! That common taste we often leave the dentist office with is precisely the taste of cloves my friends. Cloves - sometimes used in baked dishes likes hams. Cloves - sometimes used as food garnishes. Cloves are so versatile, yet they seem so under appreciated. Cloves are the flower buds that grow on the clove plants. They are more common to us as dried clove flower buds. And they have such a potent taste and smell. Clove oil (essential oil that is) is also used in many ways. For instance, for a toothache, you can rub some clove oil on the affected tooth or teeth. You could also bite down on a piece of dried clove if you've got some in the kitchen. You can also dab on some clove powder too. This temporarily eases pain and helps you deal with toothaches, which can be quite discomforting. Clove oil is also antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal... Clove oil even helps aid digestion! Rubbing some clove oil on your stomach can help ease indigestion. Clove oil can also be used for insomnia!!! Rub 3-4 drops of clove oil on the bottom of your feet...feel the slight warming effects...and enjoy restful sleep!!! Clove oil carries mild sedative properties and therefore can really help you relax. How wonderful! Clove oil helped me get some restful sleep last night! I thank the good Lord for such natural remedies!

Grass fed cows

We are often oblivious when it comes to the quality of foods we eat. Meats, for instance, often contain hormones and antibiotics (and other chemicals) because the animals were treated with these drugs for mostly economic purposes, not humane reasons. So, if we eat meat that has been treated with these drugs, then we eat the drugs too! Organic grass fed cows, free-range (uncaged), promotes your health the most. Same goes for chicken, pork, lamb, and any other popular meats. Bison meat is great too. Basically, you want to eat meats that have been raised in a humane way and have been fed quality food such as fresh green grass - the way God made them and intended it to be! You always want to read the labels for meats and make sure it says "no hormones, antibiotics, etc." Whole Foods Market carries grass fed quality meats. So does Trader Joes. Local Farmer's Markets sometimes have vendors that bring fresh grass fed meats to your neighborhood! But while the prices of these meats may intimidate some people, what you get in return is priceless. You lessen conventional doctor visits and prolong your health this way!!!

Now a word on raw milk. We are so not accustomed to drinking raw milk, let alone hearing about it. What is raw milk? Pure milk straight from organic grass fed cows that has not been pasteurized. This last part is really important. Raw milk, unpasteurized, carries lots of goods (like enzymes and probiotics) that helps digest the lactose (natural sugar in milk) we drink. Pasteurized milk has no enzymes and probiotics (and a minimal amount of nutrients), which explains why so many people get stomach aches and claim "lactose intolerance". This is also why pasteurized milk is often "fortified", meaning nutrients have been added, after they've been taken out! One cup of raw milk gives you a health-promoting, life-prolonging, nutrient/vitamin-rich drink!!! Sounds unusual right? Raw milk is legal in California, by the way, but in other states, it's illegal. Something else we weren't aware of. So where does one get raw milk? Whole Foods has them. Sometimes Farmer's Markets. And of course, farms. But who lives in farms or visits them these days? Basically, access is very limited. Raw milk is a rare, safe, and precious food in the 21st century. But while getting raw milk may be challenging, trying to consume raw milk and raw milk products as much as possible is best for our health and nutrition overall. So take the challenge!

Probiotics - can't live without it!

Probiotics are unfamiliar to us, while antibiotics are. These days, it seems like whenever we take a visit to the conventional doctor, prescribing medicine/drugs is the first thing they offer, as if these synthetic drugs will guarantee healing. Among these drugs are antibiotics. I must say, I am so -anti- for antibiotics. But I am so -pro- for probiotics. Sound strange? Well, let me explain it simply. Probiotics are good bacteria. Antibiotics kill good bacteria and antibiotics kill all bacteria. Let me repeat - antibiotics kill all bad and good bacteria in your system. You just don't want this to happen. The good bacteria live in our system to fight off the bad bacteria. If you kill off the good bacteria, you reduce your body's ability to fight off foreign invaders. The key is - get more good bacteria in your system! Good bacteria. Probiotics! So where does one get these probiotics? Easy...raw milk, yogurt, kefir (preferably, yogurt & kefir are made with raw milk), and even acidophilus supplements. Acidophilus is just another fancy word for probiotics or good bacteria. (I'll talk more about raw milk in another blog.) Probiotics are particularly important and essential for the intestines (small & large). Probiotics helps with digestion and strengthens your immune system. All around, you just can't live without probiotics. Miso (Japanese bean paste) even has probiotics! Daily consumption of probiotics is totally recommended. You can't go wrong with probiotics. Now if your body starts to react after you take probiotics, then my guess is your body is trying to adjust to the new "food" you're introducing. Bacteria, by the way, are living microorganisms. But you want more of the good and friendly ones. Not the ones that cause diseases and crap! Let's go pro!

Apple Cider Vinegar

The thought of sour vinegar, like medicine we don't want to take, often makes people cringe. But the health-promoting aspects of vinegar are astounding. In particular, apple cider vinegar (organic, raw, of course) has amazing healing properties. First, let me define what apple cider vinegar (ACV) is. Simply, it is apples that have been fermented and the juices of the apples are now alcoholic and acidic. (Fermentation is the process of turning sugars into alcohol.) So with this chemical change, the ACV is now loaded with goodies for our bodies. ACV helps lose/maintain weight, indigestion, constipation, softens skin, helps alkalize your body's PH, soothes sore throat, helps heal colds, headaches, and much more! Basically, a shot of apple cider vinegar a day will help keep the [conventional] doctor away! Ha! If you can get used to the taste (it's actually pleasant after awhile), then you will reap plenty of benefits with ACV. ACV can also be used as a facial toner! Yes, facial toner! After washing your face, you can dab a cotton pad with ACV and spread all over face and neck. Your face will soften like you won't believe. It's also good for your hair. It softens the hair, making it silky smooth. And no, your hair won't stink! Your face won't stink too! The smell is natural, but you won't smell of ACV. Try this really inexpensive little remedy - it is eye-opening!