Healthy Dietary Practices for Healthy Liver Functions

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

What is the liver’s job?Liver

The liver has several functions that play a major roll in maintaining health. It breaks down red blood cells, stores fat and glucose, filters toxins from the body and produces amino acids and bile. Its jobs provide energy and facilitate the digestion process.

The liver is the largest gland in the body, located at the beginning of the small intestine. An adult liver produces between 400 and 800 ml of bile each day which is stored in the gallbladder until needed.

The Liver Can Be Damaged

The liver is one of few internal human organs that can regenerate. It can do this with as little as 25% of its mass in tact.

Still, liver function can be impaired, which in turn can afflict other parts of the body. Two common liver diseases are hepatitis and cirrhosis. The liver like the gallbladder can develop stones. Alcohol and other pharmaceutical grade chemicals such as, acetaminophen, and isoniazid can affect the liver adversely.

You May Get Warnings that there’s Trouble Looming

Sometimes your liver functions can be sluggish. Some ailments that have been reported that point to this condition are: headaches, depression, constipation, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities and digestive difficulties.

Actions You Can Take

Be proactive when it comes to having good health. Let pharmaceutical drugs be your last resort. They can damage the liver and they put a heavy burden on your liver to filter them from your blood stream. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption. Your body only needs purified water to live. Choose organically grown items whenever possible. Genetically modified foods add many unnecessary toxins to your diet. Eating a proper diet is a good plan of action.

Eating Habits You Want to Have

Remember the dietary stuff you learned in school? If you decided to ignore it in favor of fast food and steaks at your favorite steakhouse restaurant, consider returning to the healthy choices.

Good eating and drinking habits will save your liver the extra wear and tear of purging your system of all the toxins you regularly ingest. The following healthy dietary practices will nourish you, not overburden your liver, and should improve your energy overall.

  • Make sure as much as 40% of your diet consist of live red, purple, orange and yellow fruit and vegetables, including dark green leafy organic vegetables
  • Avocados and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines promote liver health
  • Many varieties of raw seeds such as flaxseed, sunflower, and alfalfa seeds are beneficial
  • Eat balanced meals, not until you’re stuffed or overstuffed
  • Avoid empty calories of fatty foods, and excessive carbohydrates
  • Limit your vitamin A intake. Instead opt for emulsified vitamin A, the liquid form of the vitamin, which does not contain cholesterol or fat.
  • Keep your sodium intake low
  • Find out what your optimal protein intake is and don’t overdo it
  • Certain oils (primrose, black currant seed, and cold-pressed olive oil to name a few) assist the liver as well.
  • Always wash your food before eating and preparing it.

There are several healthful organic herbs that promote healthy liver functions. Some of these beneficial herbs are:

  • Turmeric
  • Greater Celandine
  • Peppermint Leaf
  • Dandelion Leaf
  • Dandelion Root
  • Chicory Root
  • Yellow Dock Root
  • Milk Thistle Seed
  • Wildcrafted Chanca Piedra

More information about these herbs is provided in The Liver and Liver Stones and their related articles. There are many more healthy living practices you can incorporate into your routines including minimizing your environmental toxins, and exercising regularly.

Make it easy for your liver and other organs to do their parts. Eat healthy for an energized life.

Category: Natural Diet, Organic Health | 4 Comments

Deep Breathing Exercises

Thursday, March 13th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

Meditation

Deep breathing is a critical piece of maintaining good health. Most people overlook it even though the majority of the population breathes rapidly and shallowly, probably indicative of the hurried pace of the world we live it.

Breathing exercises along with muscle relaxation do a number of good things for your life. This is a great exercise as you can see to improve your daily life. It is something you can practice any time you feel the need.

  • It lessens your physical response to stress — use it whenever you feel stress setting in.
    • Relieving stress also helps to relax your bowels
  • Helps to keep your mind clear — use it whenever you feel unfocused
  • In increases the levels of oxygen to your organs — for this reason especially it should be implemented regularly.
    • Because oxygen is key to cleansing, it should be used whenever you perform the 6-Day Advanced Oxygen Cleanse (try for twice daily during the cleanse).
    • It helps when you use it as you sit on the toilet for your bowels to move.

How Do I Do This?

It’s a simple practice that you can use regularly or every once in a while.

  • Inhale deeply, slowly, (over a span of about 4 seconds), through your nose
  • Hold it for a count of 16 seconds
  • Exhale through your mouth, (over a span of about 8 seconds)

Repeat this process nine times.

It’s important that this be a conscious activity for maximum effect. Remember to consciously control your body’s responses. For example, if you’re trying to relax your muscles, then you need to focus on the individual muscles telling them to relax. Often tension is an automatic response that turns into a state of being. So, you have to remind your muscles how to behave.

Category: Healthy Living, Stress Relief | 8 Comments

Organic Foods Can Include Non-Organic Substances

Wednesday, March 05th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

10 Questions Come To Mind

When I hear in the news that 143 million pounds of beef gets recalled, after most had been distributed (business as usual during the investigative period) and subsequently consumed by an unknowing public, questions come to mind.

While the investigation was going on, the producers were able to continue selling. Subsequently most of their food when to schools; no one protected the children. As a result of the recall delay, 28 people fell ill.

10 Questions I Would Like Answered

  1. What body will protect us from the recall of already-eaten, 143 million pounds of anything?
  2. Who keeps the public from suffering from the business end of USDA?
  3. When do we get the protection that is explicit and implicit in the formulation of government?
  4. When will government put the health of people before the revenue of business?
  5. How does one create a viable argument for health overruling practices so obviously rooted in commerce?
  6. Why are non-organic substances allowed in organic foods?
  7. When did we agree that the USDA could defile organic products with non-organic ingredients?
  8. Why are producers allowed to label their products organic when in fact they aren’t?
  9. How is it acceptable to call non-organic food organic when such a thing is fully unnecessary?
  10. Should it really take an act of congress to say that organic needs to be organic?

There are many who take serious issue with the National List’s allowances. Two great articles are on The Daily Green. When “Organic” Doesn’t Really Mean Organic the first article, there is a detailed example of the implications related to the use of non-organic intestinal casings. And, in 38 Non-Organic Ingredients Found in ‘USDA Organic’ Foods the second article, you find a list of the non-organic substances and how they came to be on the list, (when the information was not restricted).

Just because “the people” want it and it is good for them, doesn’t mean that they can have it. It must be economically feasible. Some people decided that they wanted healthier diets for themselves and their families. Some farmers decided that they wanted to produce healthy, organic, fruit, vegetables and cattle. The USDA decided to step in and “regulate” to hell what is organic and how it should be done, and who gets to obfuscate the guidelines. In the face of all that goes on surrounding meat and product, the bonus question that I have is:

Are we any safer with government regulating than if it weren’t in charge of organic guidelines?

Category: Healthy Living, Organic Health | Leave a Comment

Organic Spotlight: Tibetan Goji Berries

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

Goji BerriesDid you know that in valleys of Tibet and Mongolia there grows special berry that the locals cherish to the extent that they honor it in a special two-week long celebration each year? It’s also well documented that many people in these regions live free of common disease, and for well over a hundred years.

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

Facts about Tibetan Goji Berries

  • There are many varieties of Lycium. One in particular is called “goji.” And goji is considered to be the Mother of all Lyciums!
  • Goji grows in very remote unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia. The soil that it grows in is so rich in nutrients that the berries are practically exploding with nourishing vitality.
  • Local wildcrafters are careful to distinguish the goji berry from its distantly related offspring, the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). Whilst the later evolved (over centuries) from the goji berry, its genetic makeup differs considerably.
  • The nutrient dense energy of the Tibetan Goji berry has been recognized to have the highest in nutritional value of all the 80 plus varieties of Lycium berries on Earth!

Healing Powers of Tibetan Goji Berries

  • Relieves flatulence and works as a mild laxative
  • Aids in reducing fever
  • Antibacterial
  • Used in treating ulcers
  • Thought to have cancer treating properties when ingested.
  • The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals. It’s especially rich in vitamins A, C and E, flavoniods, essential fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds

How to use Tibetan Goji Berries

  • Eat the whole berry (fresh or dried)
  • Add to hot or cold cereals
  • Add to teas, fruit juices, smoothies etc
  • Can be cooked with in any meal (the sky is the limit with this ultimate berry!)

Category: Natural Diet, Organic Spotlight | 6 Comments

Sun Gazing – Reprogram The Power Of Your Brain

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

sun-gazing.jpgWe have a super computer in our bodies given to us by the nature, which is our brain. HRM (Hira Ratan Manek) calls it the “brainutor”. The brain is more powerful than the most advanced super computer. Each and every human being is gifted with innumerable talents, and infinite inherent powers by nature. Individuals should never underestimate themselves. Everyone is gifted. If we make use of these powers we can take ourselves to great levels. Unfortunately, these infinite inherent powers are programmed in that part of the brain that is largely dormant and goes unused. Even medical science agrees we hardly make use of the brain but about 5-7% – the most brilliant of humans like Albert Einstein is reported to have used only about 32% of their brains.

If we can activate the human brain and awaken these infinite powers inherent in ourselves then we can raise ourselves to higher levels. We can achieve any results we want. In order to operate the brain effectively, it needs to be activated. Being a holistic entity it needs a holistic power supply. Sun energy is the source that powers the brain, which can enter and leave the human body or the brain only through one organ that is the human eye. Eyes are the Sun Energy’s entry door to the human brain. They are also known as the windows of the soul. Recent research has found out that the eye has many functions other than vision. And more information is continuing to be revealed about the functions of the eye. The eyes are complex organs and they have 5 billion parts much more than a spacecraft that has about 6-7 million parts. By this, you can see the immense capacity of the human eye.
more…

Category: Healthy Living, Stress Relief | 11 Comments

Some Of The Best Natural Laxatives

Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

natural laxatives
Digestive problems, including constipation, have occurred for centuries. The Native Americans relied on herbs and plants to cure their bathroom woes. Because their diets were limited to the foods they could readily find in the woods and on the prairies, they did not always consume enough fiber. While hunting, they might fore go eating for a day or two. What the Native Americans ate depended solely on what was available for hunting and foraging.

As you might suspect, this type of lifestyle led to troublesome constipation now and then. Native Americans learned quickly which plants acted as laxatives to safely ease their constipation and return their digestive systems to a state of normalcy.

Throughout history, people have relied on natural laxatives to ease their constipation. In fact, it is still common practice in Chinese medicine to ingest a mixture of rhubarb root, ginger root, and licorice root instead of over-the-counter medications. The most common Indian (Ayurvedic) natural laxative formula is a mixture of psyllium, flax, and chia seeds steeped in black cherry juice.

Here are some of the most common constipation cures throughout history:

Aloe Vera
For centuries, the beverage form of Aloe Vera has been used as a natural laxative for even the worst cases of constipation. The juice should be made from the powder of the ground up leaves.

Basil Leaves
Many people use basil in everyday cooking. Throughout history, basil leaves brewed as tea have been proven to help reduce gas, reduce stomach cramps, and relieve constipation.

Bottle Gentian
To prevent constipation, many Indian tribes relied on natural laxative plants to support proper digestion. Logically, if the body can digest food effectively, constipation can be avoided. Bottle Gentian was used as a juice to aid digestion and even suppress the appetite.
Buckthorn

Around 2 A.D., a Greek physician touted the use of Buckthorn for a number of ailments. One method of preparation involved using the bark to make a tea, and this natural laxative is still in use today. Also, the tea helps ease related symptoms of constipation as well.

Chamomile
While Chamomile cannot cure constipation or even relieve its symptoms, Chamomile can help reduce gas to aid in easy digestion. If your system is digesting food more effectively, constipation can be avoided before it starts. For best results, steep the chamomile flowers in hot water for at least three minutes.

Culver’s Root
When the Native Americans found themselves battling malaria, they would use Culver’s Root as a natural laxative for the bedridden. Culver’s Root can be toxic, so it’s definitely not a choice for the novice!

Dandelion
Dandelion leaves taste bitter, but many people enjoy adding them to salads or steeping them for tea. Dandelion contains properties acting as a mild natural laxative. While dandelion leaves may not suit everyone’s tastes, they are extremely nutritious and good for the body.

Flowering Spurge
The Mesquakies Indians discovered Flowering Spurge worked as a laxative when ingested as a tea. The root was infused with hot water and drank in the morning to help keep the tribes’ digestive systems regular.

New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea was made from the roots of Ceanothus Americanus and turned into a tea. Because tea was hard to come by during the Revolutionary War, New Jersey Tea became a common substitute. During the process, it was discovered this beverage worked as a mild natural laxative.

Peppermint
If your constipation is tied to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, studies show peppermint leaves steeped in tea can help relieve pain and discomfort. This can help the intestines and bowel to relax, which helps the eliminatory process in turn.

Tamarind
The ancient Egyptians believed massive amounts of garlic and Tamarind were best for curing constipation. They also relied on mint to aid with digestion as well as prevent constipation.

Wild Indigo
Native Americans used a mixture of buffalo lard and Wild Indigo to help diminish intestinal troubles. With a reduction of gas and intestinal pain, people were more likely to effectively eliminate waste.

What about over the counter laxatives?

Contrary to popular belief, using laxatives on a routine basis to obtain regular bowel movements can ultimately lead to laxative abuse or addiction. Once laxative abuse starts, many complications can occur and it can be difficult to get the digestive system back on track.

You may experience complications from prolonged or acute laxative abuse, including problems not directly related to the digestive system.

Potential complications include:

  • Abdominal bloating, pain, or a sense of constant “fullness”
  • Abnormalities in electrolytes
  • Bleeding (which can lead to anemia)
  • Dehydration
  • Edema
  • Esophagitis
  • Gastric Bleeding
  • Gastric Ulceration
  • Gastritis
  • Hemorrhoid irritation
  • Inability to absorb nutrients properly (can lead to hypoproteinemia, calcium deficiency, or hypoalbuminemia)
  • Inability to absorb medications
  • Injury to the intestine
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Liver problems
  • Melanosis Coli
  • Metabolic disturbances
  • Pancreatitis
  • Perforations and lacerations of the esophagus (Mallory-Weiss Syndrome)
  • Permanent impairment of bowel function
  • Ulcerations in the bowels
  • Weight loss

Is there an alternative to OTC laxatives?

Oxy-Powder All Natural Cleanser
The good news is YES! There is only one product that is both safe and highly effective against constipation…it is Oxy-Powder®.

Oxy-Powder is actually an all natural colon cleanse product that uses oxygen to melt away compaction in your colon. Oxy-Powder has 3 natural ingredients: ozonated magnesium oxides, natural citric acid, and organic germanium-132. This product is by far the most safest alternative to laxatives your money can buy.

To learn more about Oxy-Powder® go to: http://www.oxypowder.com

Category: Natural Diet, Natural Supplements, Organic Health | 12 Comments