Antibiotics Should Not Be Overused

November 18th, 2009

There was another report by AFP (Stockholm) that bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics.  Just about everyone has heard of MRSA and VRE here in the US, but unfortunately the medical community continues to over prescribe antibiotics.  The public continues to request prescriptions from their physicians when they have colds or other viral infections which are not helped by antibiotics.  Viruses will run their course and, unless there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics are not necessary.

I have a more than a couple of friends who run to their physician at the first sign of a sniffle or stuffy nose and invariably happily return with a ten day supply of antibiotics which ” cures ” their affliction.  Of course the cold would have been gone in seven or so days anyway.

There have been some recent studies which implicated the overuse of antibiotics to an increased risk of breast cancer.  Too much of anything can do some harm (some things a lot more than others.)

We need to take responsibility to cut down on the use of antibiotics and be sure we need them, before taking them.  Antibiotics will continue to work if not abused.

Ginger Tea Recipe

November 18th, 2009

Yesterday I mentioned drinking ginger tea.  Here’s a nice recipe to try:

Make a cup of ginger tea, warm up and feel good.  :)

Chop one inch of fresh ginger root and add to two cups of water.  Boil for 10 minutes.  Strain to  remove pieces of ginger and drink while warm.  Depending on your taste, you can add orange peel, vanilla or cinnamon, while boiling.  If you need to you can add a little sugar.

-Stay Well!

The Many Benefits Of Ginger

November 16th, 2009

I mentioned yesterday that ginger is a good immune booster. Ginger is also great for bringing down a fever and breaking up congestion. Ginger tea will sooth a sore throat. Taking ginger also quells nausea quickly.

Since ginger is a blood thinner there is an added benefit to your heart and circulatory system.

Children will usually take a small (about a half inch in diameter is good) piece of candied ginger, which can be found in most grocery stores. Remember ginger is a blood thinner so for an adult no more than two quarter size pieces a day should be taken. Check with your doctor if you are on blood thinners.

greenhealthylife.com

Natural Ways To Prevent and Treat Colds and Flu

November 15th, 2009

Seems as if everywhere we turn someone is sick with either a cold or flu. Not a fun time just before the holiday season is upon us. I think the worst will be over before Thanksgiving.

There are natural ways you can help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.

Go out in the sun for at least ten minutes a day. When our skin is exposed to sunlight we manufacture vit D. Vit D is one of the most important vitamins and is necessary to maintain good health. It is helpful in preventing viruses, keeping our bones strong and preventing cancer and heart disease. Most people have a vitamin D deficiency.

Exercise each day. A brisk walk will really help. You will be outside exposed to sunlight. You will feel less stressed and will boost your immune system.

There are certain foods which are particularly effective at preventing viruses and deminishing the severity of the viral infection. Elderberry is great. It can be consumed as tea,wine or jelly. Anything containing anthrocyanins ( which provide the red color) is a good choice -red grape juice,red cherry juice or pomegranite juice are a few I like.

Add some ground flaxseeds to your cereal (source of omega 3 and fiber and phytoestrogens)

Eat a couple of brazil nuts which contain selenium everyday.

Peppermint is also an anti viral. Make a nice cup of peppermint tea or eat a mint containing peppermint oil such as Altoids.

Yogurt containg active cultures also is very beneficial in combating a viral infection. Organic is best and the yogurt must contain the live cultures.

Shitake mushrooms have anti viral properties. Add them to free range or organic chicken broth along with a few cloves of chopped raw garlic ,onion, carrots,parsley, oregano , cilantro and whatever else you would like in a chicken soup.

I drink three glasses of pure tangerine juice when I have been exposed to a virus along with something containing zinc ( A little Total cereal works.) I normally would not advocate a processed cereal but egg or shellfish( good sources of zinc ) do not go well with tangerine juice.

Serve some pineapple for dessert or snack.

I Tbs apple cider vinegar in 7 ozs of water in the morning and at night is also a good preventative. Alternate gargling and swallowing.

Relax-eat slowly, mindfully and nutritiously. Enjoy every day… it is a gift!  I wish you good health!

greenhealthylife.com

Add Parsley to Food Daily

November 13th, 2009

I try to have a quarter teaspoon of parsley every day. Parsley can be added to spaghetti sauce,  your favorite soup,  salad, etc.  If necessary just chew on a sprig.  The herb contains a good amount of iron as well as other important trace minerals such as magnesium and potassium.   Vitamins A, C and B are also plentiful in parsley.  Adding this herb to your diet will give your immune system a boost.  This is especially beneficial during the cold and flu season :)

Parsley has been shown to calm and help regulate heartbeat.  Since it contains lots of chlorophyll,  your mouth is left with a nice fresh feeling (not a bad side effect).  You can use dried or fresh.  Organic is preferable.

greenhealthylife.com

Center Your Life With Self Confidence

November 10th, 2009

Replace self doubt with self confidence. Bring your courage forward and expect the best. Let your fears fall back and do not accept negativity. Everyday brings something great into our live. Look for the greatness instead of dreading the worst. Imagine achieving your best and believe in yourself. Replace worries with hope!

greenhealthylife.com

Make a New Friend

November 9th, 2009

” There is no possession more valuable than a good friend. “  Socrates

No man or woman can be considered poor if they have a friend.  Friends bring light into our lives and greatly reduce stress.  A well balanced life includes friends who will enrich our life experience.  Each individual has something special and wonderful to offer.  Sharing with others lightens our burden and brings us closer to all mankind.  We may not recognize what attributes we possess as special gifts to offer but a friend will see us for who we are and foster all the good within.

greenhealthylife.com

Start Everyday With Breakfast

November 5th, 2009

Start everyday with breakfast.  Take time to sit and relax, if only for 10 minutes.  You will be more productive and less stressed.  Eat a breakfast containing fiber, protein, vit c and calcium.

Limit or eliminate sugar and refined flour.

I love a bowl of hot oatmeal made with whole oats ( not quick or instant ).   I add a little pure maple syrup and 1% milk.  Raisins and cut up apples With peel) are a great nutritious  addition. I also enjoy a cup of organic black tea with half a slice of whole grain bread dipped in a little extra virgin olive oil.  My favorite is Alvarado Street bread.

greenhealthylife.com

Living A Healthy, Happy Life

November 5th, 2009

Living a healthy Happy Life requires balancing all aspects of daily activities. Proper nutrition is essential along with physical activity and an opportunity to relax and nourish our mind and spirit. I will be providing “tips” on how to live a healthy life. I will also keep the info free of clutter and try to simply weave everything together.

greenhealthylife.com

De-stress In Nature

November 3rd, 2009

I try to spend some time everyday in nature. It is hard to stay stressed when gazing at the sky or watching a tumbling brook. Even a couple of minutes star-gazing or looking at a blue sky will bring calm. I’m lucky. I live 300 feet from a beautiful river and do not have much light pollution so the stars are quite visible at night (unless it’s cloudy, of course :) ) Even when the scenery isn’t quite as spectacular you can always close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths of fresh air. This will help keep you balanced and centered.

greenhealthylife.com