Monday, March 19, 2012

6 Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy

As someone who has spent the last three years dealing with eczema, skin care is very important to me. There are a few simple things you can do to keep your skin healthy. Several of these will also strengthen your nails and give you healthier hair as well. 







  • Dry Skin Brushing. I've talked about this one before. Check out this article my Mom wrote for more details  http://www.squidoo.com/dry-skin-brushing
  • Vitamin EVitamin E protects the skin from free radicals, it has anti-aging elements and protects the skin from the sun. Vitamin E can heal skin conditions and wounds. This is great used topically for skin care. 
  • Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.  
  • Oatmeal Baths. This is a great way to soften and heal any skin issue. Blend 1 1/2 cups of oats to a fine powder, or simply buy oat flour. Put in a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes. I also like to add essential oils to my bath to help me relax. 
  • Colodial Silver. This has been the best product I've found for healing my skin. We bought a gallon jug and put some in a spray bottle and I've been spraying on the wounds on my legs daily. After YEARS of dealing with this, my legs are nearly healed. It's antibacterial and a truly amazing product. 
  • MSM It is the MSM in Aloe Vera leaves that sooths and repairs skin that has been cut, scraped, burned or damaged. The body then repairs the skin with the proper raw materials. MSM can be added to water, aloe vera gel, and other preparations for application to the skin. Best results are obtained when MSM is applied topically and taken internally.



Friday, March 16, 2012

Lessons From the Hospital

First, GRATITUDE!!! THANK YOU for all the phone calls, postcards, letters, prayer circles, care packages, home aid, flowers and love. I am incredibly overwhelmed by this beautiful community of bloggers, Spirit Junkies, raw foodists, high school friends, etc. My heart is filled with so much love and your support makes such a difference in my life. 


I'm entering my 10th day at the hospital, and at this point I don't know whether or not it will be my last, but I'm keeping my spirits up and going with the flow. The support helps a lot, because it is definitely a frustrating situation and I've have my moments, but I'm pulling through. I've learned several things during my stay I'd like to share.






Lessons From the Hospital

  1. Humility. So far I've peed myself at least six times, had three different strangers bathe me, including thoroughly washing my privates, pooped and wiped my ass in front of complete strangers, been naked, etc. And you know what, who cares? In the past that would have really bothered me, and some of those moments were very demoralizing, but I've learned that sometimes you just have to let someone else care for you and the nurses deal with this everyday. 
  2. Patience. This is still a work in progress, but I've had to learn to go with the flow more. Day to day changes in my program, never knowing if I'm going home or staying for weeks, vague answers to my questions from doctors, slow nursing staff sometimes. I realize I have no control over any of this and I'm just going to have to be patient and learn to roll with the changes. It's a trial, but I'm definitely improving. 
  3. Ask for Help. This one I've been learning over a period of time, and it's very difficult for me. I'm the leader, the one that solves issues. I'm the person that will get you safely out of a burning building, get you motivated to take your green smoothies, I'm the one that listens and will help you solve your issues. But who guides me? Sometimes I have to accept that I can't do it all alone, and that some people need to stop using me as a crutch and figure things out for themselves. 
  4. Let it Out. I have a tendency to "deal with" my feelings myself. I also have noticed more and more  that I WANT to talk about things, I want to release, but I've realized that unloading on my parents/friends/etc. while helpful, I still feel a certain restraint because they are going through all this too, and some of my feelings may be difficult to hear. So while I've been here I've been talking to the Chaplin and it's incredibly helpful. Sometimes you just need a uninterested third party to listen and spill your guts to. 
  5. I Am All Powerful. I've believed this for awhile, but everytime I nearly die (what's i been 4-5 times now?) I am reminded that I have the ability to heal myself, and by taking care of myself, doing my emotional/spiritual work, eating properly, taking my supplement, and it pains me to say it, listen to my Mom, pulls me through everytime. And I KNOW that in a few weeks, I'll be strolling into Eden's Alley for my birthday dinner, hanging out with friends, and having a great time. And by the time my summer trips come around I'll be incredibly healthy, happy and whole. Because at the end of the day, it's all up to me. And this time I have an amazing support group to help kick me into perfect health. 
Love to you all

Shanna





Thursday, March 15, 2012

Dr. Group's Harmful Organism Cleanse




Large portions of the population have harmful organisms living in their bodies without being aware of it. You can acquire organisms due to many factors such as poor hygiene, consuming unclean produce or undercooked meats, destructive environmental factors, and drinking unsanitary water.
Thus, a variety of invaders can be living in your body unknown by you. Such problems can manifest with subtle symptoms that are easily dismissed but can make you quite ill. Changes in skin color, rashes and lesions, changes in bowel habits, an itchy anus, and other signs could be indicative of an invasion by these harmful organisms.
Many people who completed this Harmful Organism Cleanse are amazed at the outcome!
You can physically see the result as your waste may begin to include these "unwanted guests" after the cleansing process is initiated. Paratrex® is formulated especially to help flush your system of these harmful organisms. It works by helping to create a hostile environment that is discouraging for these invaders by introducing natural ingredients and organic and wildcrafted herbs into your intestinal system without any harmful effects.

Supplies Needed:

After completing the Oxygen Colon Cleanse and first Liver/Gallbladder Cleanse, you may begin the Harmful Organism Cleanse. The lifecycle of these harmful organisms, from eggs to full adults, is approximately 6 weeks. For this reason, it is necessary to continue cleansing for the full cycle. The Latero-Flora™ will help create conditions inhospitable to unwanted organisms in the bowel while also promoting a welcoming environment for beneficial intestinal flora that aid in normal digestion.

Take Daily for 6 weeks:

Take 3 capsules of Paratrex® in the morning 20 minutes before breakfast and 3 capsules 20 minutes before lunchfor 6 weeks.Take 2 capsules of Latero-Flora™ every other day, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, 20 to 30 minutes before breakfast for the entire 6 weeks.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Dr. Group's Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse

This past month when I was in the hospital, one of the main issues that brought me in was that my liver was swollen and protruding from my body. When I got home from the hospital I researched cleanses and found a  Liver and Gallbladder cleanse. I had actually heard of this particular cleanse before, and this doctor also has a colon cleanse (which I just completed), heavy metal cleanse, parasite cleanse, and few other things. I decided to invest in the program. I just received it in the mail yesterday, so I'm starting on Wednesday. It's a 6 day cleanse, and it's recommended you repeat it after a 10 day period. Here are the parameters of the cleanse. I will post again next week once I complete it and let you know how it goes!





In keeping with my mission to find and develop the best natural and organic products available, I am very pleased to announce I've recently updated my Liver Gallbladder Cleanse instructions based on the newest and most innovative liver cleansing formulation - Livatrex®.
My extensive research on cleansing herbs has resulted in this 100% All-Natural, ultra-effective organic gallbladder and liver cleanser.
DOCTOR'S NOTE: If you do not have a gallbladder, the liver has to work twice as hard and can thus accumulate twice as many stones. This cleanse is highly recommended to help support individuals without gallbladders.

Ingredients for Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse

  • 1 gallon of apple juice (freshly pressed organic). The malic acid in the apple juice helps to soften stones and dissolve stagnant bile that may be present. You can use distilled water or Wellness Water® instead of apple juice if you are allergic to apples or need to watch your sugar intake due to diabetes
  • 2 ounces (1 full bottle) of Livatrex®
  • 3 Tablespoons of Epsom salt
  • Organic ingredients for making the Liver/Gallbladder Soup
  • Organic Fruits for breakfast each morning
  • 8 oz. Organic Walnuts or 3 Organic Avocados with 1 Organic Lime or Lemon for the mid-afternoon snack on day 5. (Choose one or the other)
  • 6 oz. of Organic Olive Oil - Use Extra virgin high quality, cold-pressed for best results
  • 1 bottle of Oxy-Powder® & 1 bottle of Latero-Flora™
  • 1 bottle (8 ounces) of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (available at most health food stores or online)
Instructions: You should be able to perform this liver cleanse while still working or carrying on your normal daily activities. The Oxy-Powder® however can cause watery stools, so make sure a bathroom is nearby. If your stools are liquid, remember this is not diarrhea but the byproduct of turning the solid compacted fecal matter in the intestinal tract into a liquid or gas.

Instructions for Performing the Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse

During the first 4 days of cleansing, I recommend the dietary instructions below.
  1. Eat liver and gallbladder supporting organic fruits for breakfast each morning. These include watermelon, papaya, kiwi, plums, pears, apples, cherries, figs, and grapefruit.
    For lunch and dinner, eat fresh vegetables, homemade vegetable soups, or salads containing liver and gallbladder detoxifying vegetables such as artichoke, asparagus, carrots, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, garlic, spinach, romaine lettuce, onions, and cauliflower. Snacks should consist of organic raw seeds orraw nuts such as sunflower, walnuts, Brazil nuts, or almonds.
  2. Avoid drinking coffee, milk, alcohol, bottled juices, or soft drinks during this cleanse. These liquids will decrease the effectiveness of the liver gallbladder cleanse, and add more toxins to the body. For optimal results drink only distilled water in addition to your cleansing mixture during the day.
* It is best to begin the Liver Cleanse on a Tuesday or Wednesday so on Day 5 (Saturday or Sunday) you will be at home in a relaxing setting and near a bathroom.

Recommended Reading — 14 Foods that Cleanse the Liver

Day 1 of Liver Cleanse

Make your Liver Cleanse Formula: Add two ounces (the whole bottle) of Livatrex® and 2 tablespoons of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 gallon of organic apple juice, distilled water or Wellness Water®. Shake and refrigerate - You will be drinking this formula for the next 4 days.
During the day drink four 8-ounce glasses of your cleanse formula between meals. Example: Drink one 8-ounce glass at 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm. Make sure you drink the mixture 1 hour before or after your meals.
Before Bed: Take 4 capsules of Oxy-Powder® and 2 capsules of Latero-Flora™. The Latero-Flora™ will help balance the Probiotic bacteria in the intestinal tract to assist in detoxification.

Day 2 of Liver Cleanse

During the day drink four 8-ounce glasses of your 'liver cleanse formula' between meals. Make sure you drink the mixture 1 hour before or after your meals.
Before Bed: Take 6 capsules of Oxy-Powder® and 3 capsules of Latero-Flora™.

Day 3 of Liver Cleanse

During the day drink four 8-ounce glasses of your cleanse formula between meals. Make sure you drink the mixture 1 hour before or after your meals.
Before Bed: Take 6 capsules of Oxy-Powder® and 3 capsules of Latero-Flora™.

Day 4 of Liver Cleanse

During the day drink four 8-ounce glasses of your cleanse formula between meals. Make sure you drink the mixture 1 hour before or after your meals.
Before Bed: Take 6 capsules of Oxy-Powder® and 3 capsules of Latero-Flora™.

Day 5 of Liver Cleanse — "Flush Day"

8am to 10am - Breakfast
Eat a healthy breakfast of organic fresh fruit. Liver supporting fruits include watermelon, papaya, kiwi, plums, cherries, figs, and grapefruit. Choose only one of the fruits above and eat as much as you like between 8 and 10 am. Do not mix the fruits however! If you cannot find fresh fruits, substitute with organic frozen fruit. I recommend using watermelon if it is available due to its high glutathione content. Start preparing your Liver/Gallbladder Soup for lunch (see the recipe below).
12pm - Lunch
Choose from one of the following 2 options for your lunch meal.
  • 1 Organic Beet (Chopped)
  • 2 Organic Carrots (Chopped)
  • 10 Organic Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • ½ Organic Onion (Chopped)
  • 1 Teaspoon Himalayan Crystal Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Organic Turmeric
  • ½ Teaspoon Organic Oregano
Lunch Option 1 (Recommended) - To maximize the liver's ability to detoxify and cleanse, I chose a combination of foods which are high in naturally occurring sulphur and glutathione. Sulphur helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals. The ingredients in the liver gallbladder soup include onions, carrots, garlic, beet, turmeric, and oregano. The combination of these foods will help your liver purge toxins during the cleansing process. Other liver and gallbladder detoxifying foods are artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower which may also be added to the soup if you wish.
Pour 32 ounces of purified water into a soup pot. Add all of the ingredients to the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer on low heat for one hour. Eat this soup for your lunch meal. After your meal, refrigerate and save the remaining portion of your soup for tomorrow's lunch meal.
Lunch Option 2 (Water Meal) - If you are not hungry or you feel that you can fast through lunch, drink as much pure distilled water as you can. For every 32 ounces of water you drink during the day add 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar.
2pm: Mid-Afternoon Snack
This will be your last meal of the day. Choose one of the following options.
  • Snack Option 1: Organic Avocados, Organic Lime or Lemon, & Sea Salt. Eat 3 organic avocados. Season with sea salt and fresh lime or lemon juice to taste. Avocados help the body produce glutathione, which is necessary for the liver to detoxify harmful toxins. Recent studies indicate improved liver health with the regular consumption of avocados.
  • Snack Option 2: Eat 6-8 ounces of raw organic walnuts. Walnuts contain the amino acid arginine, which is necessary to help the liver detoxify ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids which support normal liver detoxification. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.
  • Snack Option 3: Water Meal. If you are not hungry or you feel that you can fast through the afternoon, drink as much distilled water as you can. For every 32 ounces of water you drink during the day, add 2 teaspoons of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
5pm: Epsom Salt
Mix one and a half level tablespoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of warm, purified water. Drink it as fast as you can. It is advisable to be near a bathroom when drinking the Epsom salt as some people experience liquid stools within 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion.
7pm: Epsom Salt
Mix one and a half level tablespoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of warm, purified water. Drink it as fast as you can. It is advisable to be near a bathroom when drinking the Epsom salt as some people experience liquid stools within 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion.
9pm to 10pm: Olive Oil & Juice
Drink ¾ cup (6 ounces) of organic cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. A small amount (2 tablespoons) of freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit, or lemon juice may be added to improve the taste (optional). Immediately after drinking the oil, go to bed and lie on your right side with your knees drawn up to your stomach for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, you can stretch out and go to sleep. If you experience cramping, walk around for ten minutes or so and then go back to bed. You may also feel nauseated during the night. This is due to the release of stored toxins from the gallbladder and liver. This is normal and a sign the Liver Gallbladder Cleanse is working.
If you feel the need to vomit, do so as this will help release toxins. If you vomit, this is a sure sign your body is extremely toxic and you should consider repeating the Liver Cleanse after a five day break. Do not take any other supplements on this night.

Day 6 - The Day After the Liver Cleanse

Upon waking in the morning, immediately take 4 capsules of Oxy-Powder®. This will help your intestinal tract and body flush the stones released from the liver and gallbladder during the night. For breakfast, eat only fruit. For lunch eat the remaining portion of your Liver and Gallbladder Soup. For dinner eat a healthy meal such as a salad and some protein.
Congratulations! You have just completed your first Liver Cleanse. Stones should appear in your bowel movements for one to two days.

DOCTORS NOTE:
The best results come with repetition. You will just be scratching the surface of years of accumulated toxins with only 1 Liver Gallbladder Cleanse. I usually recommend repeating the Liver and Gallbladder Cleanse 3 times in a row with a break of 5 to 10 days between each session. For someone experiencing a healing crisis (see below), you might want to wait 7 to 10 days between flushes or however long your natural healthcare practitioner recommends.

Repeat the Liver Cleanse if Necessary.

If you are still experiencing symptoms after your third flush, this may be a sign you need additional cleanses. The most I have heard of someone completing is 20 back-to-back Liver Cleanses before their symptoms were significantly reduced.


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Shanna -- Health Update

Hello Everyone,

This is Shanna's friend, Briana, and I am writing to update you on her lastest health situation, per her request.

Shanna was admitted to St. Luke's East in Lee's Summit on Tuesday night after suffering from breathing difficulties; she currently is in the ICU. When she was admitted, her blood pressure was dangerously low, and her body was retaining a lot of water, as it has in the past. They were able to drain five liters of liquid from her body, which helped her to feel more comfortable. They had her on a heavy duty oxygen mask for the first couple of nights, but she is now on a nasal cannula.

The most serious issue she is facing is congestive heart failure; her heart is weakening. This is the most immediate danger to her right now.

Shanna asked that I provide you all with the direct phone line to her room; she enjoys hearing from people, so feel free to contact her at (816) 607-0017.

Thank you for keeping Shanna in your thoughts and prayers!

Best,

Briana

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Are You a Beegan? The Benefits of Bee Products





The vegan community has been debating the ethics of beekeeping for years. Some vegans call it a cruel practice, and others argue that when done right, the bees are not hurt at all, and there are many health benefits. Personally, I agree with the "beegans" a term coined for those vegan who choose to eat bee products. I agree the "factory farm" beekeeping is horrid, just like with the animals, but if you focus on family and local farms that use proper methods, I really don't see the issue. Here are some great articles that discuss this. 










Bee Products (Raw Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly). It's extremely important when researching bee products to support beekeepers that use cruelty free, organic practices. Not only is this more humane, but you will get a much better product. Also, if possible, purchase your Bee Pollen from a local source.  Pollen has proven to greatly reduce allergies, and locally sourced pollen will better protect you from possible allergens in your area.  My Mom gives her dog Aurora bee pollen for allergies and has noticed a significant different in her skin condition, scratching, and other signs of allergies. Bee Pollen is also highly alkaline, neutralized free radicals, increases hormone levels, increases strength and muscle definition. Royal Jelly is fed exclusively to the Queen Bee. This product is extremely high in protein, regulates nerve fibers, B-Vitamins, and treats hormonal imbalances.  A study published in 1960 by the American Association for Cancer Research Inc. found that "whole royal jelly, when premixed with tumor cells before inoculation, has been shown to inhibit completely the development of transplantable AKR leukemia..."









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