We all have our own story, and yes, they each include inspiring and positive elements, but they also hold a lot of darkness that most people don’t like to share. We can share our stories after they have been polished and edited. I want you to know that I’m nowhere close to perfect, and I never have been. I say this in hopes that it will inspire you to embrace your own struggles and challenges so that you can welcome change and make your own story. We need more people in this world who are willing to be bold, honest and vulnerable. I’m in this crazy life with you, not above or below you.

I still deal with emotional pain inside of me, as we all do. Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, especially when you go the holistic route. I used to use my depression to try to numb it out. But, what I’ve found is that it stays inside until we face it and give it a way out, a way to be transformed into just a faded dream with no emotions attached. This is how we find our inner strength and light that can guide us out of the tunnel.  Many of you know that I have had some major health struggles which brought me to the person I am today and the desire to help anyone I can. But what I have swept under the rug for years and never wanted to openly admit was how badly I struggled with depression.

A very long time ago I was at the top of my game, I wanted to become a public speaker and floral designer that florists would recognize around the world; my dreams were really big and so was my ego. I had just won Designer of the Year for Southern California and Nevada and smoked all of the contestants in all scoring areas plus the People’s Choice Award. I have to be honest and say that I did not even prepare for the competition or want to be there; one of the ladies I free-lanced for signed me up without my permission. I saw floral design as an art, not something that is judged and picked apart to give it a number.  Yet only a few weeks later when I was at the shop alone and saw the time, I rushed to clean the coolers and make the front cooler presentable for the next day. I grabbed two buckets filled with water, and as I tried to squeeze by the door, I heard a snap in my wrist – the excruciating pain followed. I had done something major to my wrist. I was a free-lance designer, which meant no insurance and no extra money for hospital bills. What was I going to do? To make a very long story short, I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and a ganglion cyst. Three diagnoses you ask? Yep, the three “genius” doctors that I was cursed with all had a different diagnosis and none of the three were even correct at that very moment.  Since I refused experimental surgery on both my right wrist and removal of my top ribs, and cortisone shots, they told me I had to go back to school and find a new career that did not involve repetitive movement of the wrists. My response was, “And what job might that be, dancing on top of tables?” Of course, they were appalled by my smart mouth, but that was where that conversation was leading. Their solution was to write me off and send me back to work, where I reinjured my wrists and neck three months later. The story only gets worse because this started the downward spiral. I was a very proud person and refused to give up on my dreams and forget the big picture. My life felt very bleak if I could not create beautiful things with my hands… what use was I to the world?

You would be amazed at all the things life threw at me from that day forward. I thought those days were bad, haaaaa, that was nothing compared to what followed the next seven years! I still remember seeing doctor’s faces as I told them what I did and scratching their heads in amazement as to how I was even living, or for that matter speaking. Someday after I finally write my book, you will get to hear all the ugliness and hilarious stories and wonder why on earth I settled back into little ol Wisconsin.

The point that I’m trying to make is that all of us have an ugly story in us somewhere that builds who we are today. Every day I used to struggle to get out of bed and tackle my huge to-do list, only crossing off 4-5 things if it was a good day. Life has taken me on a very curvy path, but if you know me and have been fortunate to hear some of my stories you know that this why I am here today. I am here to help and guide as many people as I can to health or what I chose my business name to be… a Life without Pain.

I know after all the experiments that I have done trying to find my health, diet, cleansing and supplementation are the keys to releasing depression. Did you know that if your gut is balanced you produce your own serotonin? How many doctors tell you that little bit of trivia? None. They give you synthetic “happy” pills that release the minimal serotonin you can produce and lock it in the brain where it just continually recycles itself. If you ask me that is just plain gross. It’s like getting a fresh gallon of water and being forced to use it to wash your dishes for the rest of your life.

A couple months ago a friend told me he found a great supplement that made him feel euphoric. I just stared at him with one eye brow raised in hopes he would tell me more. He proceeded to say that he took this supplement during the week it decided to snow nonstop and he would get out of bed and say, “Oh yeah, I get to shovel today!” I sat back in my seat with my eyes wide open, “Tell me more and give me two bottles!”

I deal with a lot of the same issues as you. I still deal with a lot of the same issues you do: shame about my body, time constraints that get in the way of my health, lack of commitment to making my own food, guilt for eating something “bad”, cravings, what to do at social gatherings, and emotional  overload.  However, since I have been on Q96, I have the clearest thought processes, so much drive and focus, and this overwhelming urge to complete my to-do list daily. Oh, let’s not forget…excessive happiness!

I have been sharing my bottle and experience with everyone I know. Some have had the same results and others not so much. So if you would like to try… give me a call and join me blossoming this spring into that gorgeous person you really are inside.

Buy your own bottle of Q96 here!

The reason is simple; we were never taught to listen to our bodies and do preventative care. Western society is very much a “put a band aide on each problem as it happens” kind of place. However, there are many countries around the world that promote preventative medicine so that when something major happens, people can easily bounce back and recover. Cleansing is one thing you can do on a seasonal basis to ensure not only your health, but also, a feeling of clarity, focus, and lots more energy.

Ayurvedic practitioners can tell if there are toxins in your body by using Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis. If your pulse is very slow and sluggish, it’s a sign that there are toxins in the body. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a check-up every season, to clear away the toxins that have formed from the previous season before the new season begins. Practitioners can determine which type of toxin is in the body and where it is located. This is very important, because the treatment will be different depending on the type of toxin and where it has settled.

So if you have been asking yourself, “Do I need to cleanse or detox?” Take a look at the list below of signs of toxicity. If you have more than two symptoms on the list, then… the answer is yes, you need to cleanse.

Signs of Toxicity

            A toxin is a natural or synthetic chemical that causes interference with the body’s normal functioning as a result of environmental exposure. Deposits can be made within the body over a period of years, and may exert their effects for the same length of time. These symptoms are caused because ama (toxins) clog the channels of circulation in the body. It can prevent nutrients from flowing to the cells, organs, and brain. Or, it can clog the channels that carry waste from the cells and tissues, resulting in a toxic build-up. Ayurveda provides the unique opportunity of removing those toxic deposits. The following are considered signs and symptoms of a toxic body:

• Unclear or unfocused thinking
• Chronic aches and pains, stiff joints in the morning
• Bloating
• Gas and/or burping
• Unclear skin or blemishes
• Lack of energy
• Foul smelling breath, sweat, urine, stool, phlegm, etc.
• Mucous in stool
• Turbid (cloudy) urine
• Lack of appetite
• Loss of taste
• Copious phlegm
• Lowered immune system (catch cold/flu easily)

Modern medicine may label the following signs of toxicity as:

• High cholesterol
• Atherosclerosis
• Adult onset diabetes (Type II)
• Depression
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Frequent yeast infection
• Gout
• Gall stones
• Allergies or food sensitivities

The toxic world we live in:

Every day we are bombarded by toxins, chemicals, preservatives, genetically modified food, preservatives, additives, over-processed food, pesticides and herbicides, household products, synthetics in clothing, polluted air, tainted water, and the list goes on forever. The most common type of toxin is called ama in Sanskrit, which is the sticky waste-product of digestion that builds up in the digestive tract when your digestion is either weak or overloaded with the wrong foods. If ama is not cleared from the body and continues to build up, it can, after some time, leave the digestive tract and start circulating throughout the body.

Why the 9 Day Cleanse?

Lots of people ask why the 9 Day Cleanse is different from others they have tried or heard about. Well, the truth is I have 2,000 years of proven practice and success behind my program. The 9 Day Cleanse is based on Ayurvedic knowledge and therapies that have proven successful time and time again. I myself am one of those success stories. I suffered for years with Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, but after I completed a 30 day PanchaKarma (Cleanse), my life has been completely different. I continue to cleanse on a seasonal basis. As I write this, I am on Day 6 of my spring cleanse and I am feeling so clear-minded.

The other reason Life without Pain’s 9 Day Cleanse is the best choice is because you will never starve, get so fatigued you want to faint or sleep, have ungodly cravings, or be in so much pain you have to call in sick for work. The 9 Day Cleanse is so gentle and effective at pulling all the toxins from the fat and tissues and actually eliminating them from the body. While most cleanses are great at drudging up chemicals and toxins in the body, they never pull them out. This is why so many people get violently ill while on them. Think about the liver for a second, it looks like a giant sponge, so if harsh chemicals are used to cleanse the liver, it’s like squeezing that sponge all at once and letting all those toxins flood the entire body and blood stream. The result is headaches, body pain, nausea, cramping or tenderness in the mid-body, and major fatigue. The 9 Day Cleanse uses ghee to gently pick up all of those chemicals and toxins and pull them out of the body so that you can have a “clean canvas” to work with after the 9 days.

The 9 Day Cleanse is a whole body cleanse, so this means you are swept from head to toe including the elimination of emotional toxins and “baggage”. On the ninth day, you will receive two fantastic hot oil treatments called the Bliss Package which lives up to its name. You will be rubbed down with oil to make sure all those stubborn toxins are lifted and the entire nervous system is coated in oil to give you peace. After the massage, you will experience the pleasure of a Shirodhara, an oil pouring over the forehead that allows the body to replicate REM sleep where you start the repair processes, rebalancing of chemicals and hormones, and continue detoxing.

Aren’t these enough reasons to start your personal 9 Day Cleanse today?

So how do you know if you are naturally a kapha type? The following characteristics are for those of us who are primarily kapha in our constitutions:

• Kaphas have larger features, heavy build, thick hair, and so on..
• Their skin is pale, and tends to be oily
• They have large blue eyes
• They are calm and grounded. Very stable in their moods

Common health problems include:

• Lethargy and slow metabolism
• Depression
• Over weight
• Sinus and asthma issues

When any constitution is out of balance it creates problems in the body

When Kapha is out of balance and there is an increase you may notice:

• Sluggishness, laziness, chronic fatigue
• Excess mucous
• Weight gain
• Slow digestion (feeling bloated, excess gas, acid reflux)
• Reduced appetite
• Excess salivation

When Kapha is out of balance and there is a decrease you may notice:

• Lack of Sleep, insomnia
• Stiffness in joints
• Palpitations
• Dryness of the mouth, skin, hair and nails

Those who suffer imbalance can do the following to find relief:

• Do you best to rise by 7 am
• After your normal teeth washing routine, try holding sesame oil in your mouth for up to three minutes. It will remove stains from the teeth, lubricate the gums and protect the teeth
• Massage the skin with sesame oil daily. It is best to do this before a hot shower.
• Drink warm water throughout the day
• Begin a yoga or meditation practice
• Eat warm foods that are mildly spicy
• Eat a small breakfast of whole grains
• Try to incorporate raw honey into the diet, it will help to clear mucous and scrap fat.
• In the winter months a glass of dry, warming wine might be beneficial on occasion.
• Cleanse at least biannually if not more.
• Abhyanga and Shirodhara are two therapies well suited for kapha imbalance.

Want to follow the “Kapha diet” to get yourself back in balance? Try incorporating these foods and spices at meal time:

• Oranges
• Dates
• Bananas
• Apples
• Asparagus
• Dark green, leafy vegetables (collards, kales, etc.)
• Brussel sprouts
• Beets
• Chili pepper (or peppers in general, use Thai if you have inflammation)
• Whole grains (millet, barley, buckwheat, brown rice, etc.)
• Favor bitter: dandelion greens, burdock root, bitter melon
• Favor pungent: leeks, ginger, thai chilli, garlic, onion
• Favor astringent: turmeric, beans, artichokes, cranberries
• Use plenty of digestive spices: Cumin, corriander, cinnamon, cloves, hing, peppers, rock salt or sea salt

Keep in mind that metabolisms are often slowed when kapha is out of balance. Avoid foods high in fats and only use healthy oils (sunflower, sesame, ghee, etc.) in moderation. Because nuts are snack foods high in fat, eat these in moderation as well.

If you have any questions, or would like to know more information about doshas, leave a comment. There are quick and simple tests that you can take or books you can read. If that just isn’t enough, making and appointment here at Life without Pain is the best way to assure that you are getting all the answers you desire about yourself, your dosha, and your health.

To best understand oxidative stress, you need to begin to think about our world on a molecular level. The air that we invite into our lungs contains oxygen, chemically named O2, meaning that two oxygen atoms share what is called a bond. Because of this bond, they travel together through space. But, if another molecule comes along with a stronger pull, the oxygen atoms separate to form new molecules. The chemical reaction, described here is the act of respiration, and it is what keeps our muscles pumping, our brains turning, and our hearts beating. The products of this routine chemical reaction are sometimes toxic to our bodies. When we are young, our body’s defenses are strong and we naturally produce what are called antioxidants.

What are antioxidants?

These molecules keep oxygen from reactive and producing free radicals in your body. When we are young, we produce them in ample supply, but with age, our numbers of antioxidants decline and need to be replaced. The foods that we eat are the best source of antioxidants, here a some foods that are high in free radical busting goodness:

• Pinto beans
• Red beans
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Cranberries
• Cherries
• Pecans
• Prunes
• Raspberries
• Granny Smith apples
• Black beans
• Artichoke
• Plums
• Pomegranates

What do free radicals do?

Did you know that free radicals are what cause a banana to turn brown? Here are some things free radicals do in your body:

• Damage DNA
• Break down proteins
• Destroy fat

Without antioxidants, free radicals will produce visible signs of aging, like brown spots and wrinkles, but it can also do some serious damage. The following illnesses have been linked to free radical damage:

• Age-related cancer
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease

  Other toxins too!

It’s not enough to think about the quality of our air, we also need to think about the toxins that could be entering our bodies through the foods we eat or the water we drink Our digestive system isn’t picky when it comes to breaking down the meals we eat for nutrients. Our bodies naturally save everything they can, and so they pull nutrients and toxins alike from the food in our bellies. It’s not until our blood passes through our livers, that it is filtered, and the toxins removed. In their time spent flowing through our blood streams, those toxins could have had numerous chemical reactions with oxygen and other molecules, producing free radicals in the process. To be at your best throughout your years, be conscious of the things you eat and drink, and take care of yourself by following these general guidelines:

It’s a simple numbers game:

If you’re a betting soul, know that your best defense is to reduce your exposure to toxins and boost your intake of antioxidants with age so that you can combat the certain damage of free radicals.

 And it gets even easier

The staples of being healthy apply here:

• Avoid sugar
• Replace your antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries, pomegranate, etc).
• Reduce your intake of red meat and unhealthy fats (butter, lard, etc.)
• Eat your vegetables (green is good!)
• Don’t smoke
• Eat Organic food
• Drink lots of good clean water
• Get regular exercise
• Have a healthy night’s sleep
• Limit your exposure to chemicals and radiation (including radiation from computers, cell phones, etc.)
• Use Protandim Daily (Please watch the Video link below to learn more)

In the last 5 years there have been more studies done on oxidative stress and the dangerous effects that it has on the body than all the previous years combined. There have also been studies done on how to combat free radicals and oxidative stress. Approximately 40 years ago scientists discovered ‘antioxidants’. Nobody really knew what they were and what they did, but science has done a lot more in the past few years and have discovered that antioxidants do help combat and neutralize free radicals but it’s simply not enough. When we are young our bodies make enough antioxidants on their own in addition to foods that we consume. However, as we age the body stops making its own antioxidants…until now. Learn a scientifically validated way on how you can get your bodies own enzymes to start producing those Antioxidants again just like when you were younger.  Watch this 10 minute video now:

Hypothyroidism is a growing epidemic among the middle aged in the United States. It affects everything from the speed and efficiency of the metabolism, to fertility and short term memory function. Hypothyroidism implies sluggish functioning of the thyroid gland, a butterfly shaped gland on the front side of the neck. The thyroid gland produces an important hormone Thyroxine. Having decreased amounts of these metabolic hormones causes the body to store toxins and put on weight. The immune system is oftentimes negatively affected in hypothyroid patients as well.

In this first installment of this article, we discussed symptoms of hypothyroidism and the simple at-home tests you can take perform if you have reason to believe you may be hypothyroid. Our questionnaire and simple directions for taking your basal metabolic temperature will give you a better idea of where you stand. A blood test can be given by your doctor, chiropractor, or holistic practitioner.

This second piece of our discussion on hypothyroidism will provide information on the common environmental influences of the condition, common health conditions that cause it, and common foods and supplements that can be taken to balance hormone levels.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

• Environmental:

Radiation

From repeated x-rays at the dentist, chiropractor or doctors. Some may be exposed at work, but this is less common.

Immunizations

Vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis have been shown to trigger autoimmune disease, which interferes with normal thyroid function.

Chlorine

Chlorine can interfere with proper thyroid conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to T3. The wide spread use of chlorine to disinfect our public water exposes everyone to chlorine.

Toxic competing halogens

Halogens can be found in our foods, medications and water supply. They selectively attach to your iodine receptors on the thyroid, preventing iodine uptake (iodine is essential in making T3 and T4).

Bromine has replaced iodine as a bleaching agent in breads and bake goods, while Fluoride concentrations in toothpastes can be as high as 1500 parts per million.

Exposure to pesticides

Used on crops, they reduce thyroid function.

 Poor Habits:

Over consumption of Goitrogenic Foods

When eaten in large quantities, this class of foods can promote goiters (a swelling of the thyroid) and hypothyroidism. Avoid eating brussel sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, kohlrabi, radishes, cauliflower, African cassava, millet, babassu, cabbage, kale and soy products raw

Consumption of polyunsaturated fats (PUFA)

Canola oil, flax seed, soy, safflower, sunflower some vegetable oils will suppress thyroid function by overwhelming the body with toxins.

Genetic/Dis-ease related:

Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue implies that the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce adequate quantities of hormones, primarily cortisol. Adrenal fatigue is usually caused by some form of stress. Stress can be physical, emotional, psychological, environmental, financial, health related, or some combination of these.

Hypoglycemia

Or low blood sugar, occurs when blood sugar concentrations fall below a level necessary to properly support the body’s need for energy.

Candida

a genus of yeast, commonly part of the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract and vagina, but can cause a variety of diseases. Most infections are associated with predisposing factors, particularly immune suppression.

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder that results in the formation of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) on the surface of the ovaries. Women with PCOS do not have normal menstrual periods, may be infertile and may develop hirsutism (excess body hair) due to high levels of androgens (male sex hormones) in the blood.

Other:

Factors affecting the adrenals:

• Chronic stress, emotional, physical, etc
• Infection: Acute and chronic
• Allergies
• Over exertion
• Smoking
• Lack of sleep
• Poor eating habits
• Sugar & White flour products
• Injury/wound healing
• Lack of exercise
• Prescription/Non-prescription drugs
• Excessive exercise
• Caffeine
• Negative attitudes/self-image
• Environmental pollutants
• Toxins from foods
• Death of a loved one

Adrenal Testing

See you doctor, chiropractor, or holistic practitioner for this simple test if you have suspicion to believe you may be adrenally fatigued.

Managing Hypothyroidism

Start by making changes in your diet

You will need to start paying close attention to what you put into your body. Becoming a good label reader is very important. A good rule of thumb is that if the ingredient list is longer than six or seven items, or if you have trouble pronouncing, or just plain have no idea what any of those ingredient are, don’t eat it! You want to minimize the amount of toxins that you consume, and instead boost your nutrient intake (remember hypothyroidism can be caused by mineral deficiencies).

Eat clean, meaning that you should avoid processed foods, and do your best to eat whole. At the grocery store avoid the center aisles; instead buy lots of fruits and vegetables and organic meat and dairy. To make sure that you are getting a variety of essential nutrients, eat seasonally, for example, squash and root vegetables in the fall and winter months.

Nettle is a supreme herb for its rich mineral content:  each power packed bite contains calcium and magnesium for bone building; potassium that combines with iron for transport oxygen, and elimination of toxic wastes; phosphorous to stimulate brain function; chlorine to aid digestion; sulfur for your nerves, copper to protect the lungs from infection; and silica for cell rejuvenation.

You can make a Toasted Nettle mix with seaweed and sesame seeds; add it to your favorite foods

Jumpstarting your Thyroid, what you should do

1. Determine if you have Adrenal Fatigue, Hypothyroidism and/or Hypoglycemia
2. Take our Questionnaire and take the average of your Basal Metabolic Temperature to confirm suspicions of hypothyroidism
3. Visit your doctor, chiropractor or holistic practitioner for a blood test to diagnose any conditions
4. You can look into B12 shots, your doctor may be willing to begin the six week regiment, one shot per week
5. Schedule a Nutrition Consultation with Lisa to start a Protocol:

• Your protocol will be individually tailored, and will seek to boost immune function, remove toxins, balance hormone levels, and increase the metabolism
• Lisa can also offer you supplements and herbs or therapies like Leeching, Lepa and Basti

1. Do your best to eliminate the factors listed in Causes of Hypothyroidism section of this article.
2. Stay active. Park further out in the parking lot, take regular walks, try swimming or water aerobics, anything to keep the body active.
3. Eat healthy organic meals loaded with Thyroid balancing nutrition. Take a daily Probiotic, you may also consider these supplements:

• Colostrum and Vitamin C for healthy immune function

Prescription Drugs versus Natural Supplements

 Prescription Drugs:

            Synthroid, Levoxyl and Unithroid are all T4 replacement drugs. These drugs are some of the most regularly prescribed drugs in the world, be careful to consult a doctor, and know the side effects, Prolonged use of these drugs can affect other endocrine organs, creating other undesirable hormonal imbalances.

Supplementation:

            Correct the deficiencies at the core level and rebalance the body naturally. In time, the thyroid will begin to naturally produce the hormones it needs, and your sluggish metabolism will self-correct. Prescription drugs were never formulated to reverse the damage or “heal” from the inside out; instead, they were made to mask a patient’s symptoms, allowing them to function. I think most of us would like to reverse the dis-ease in our bodies rather than hide from it.

If after reading these two articles you feel you may be suffering from hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue, take the steps to test yourself, and begin to make the necessary lifestyle changes so that you can reverse your dis-ease process starting today!

Life without Pain offers nutrition consultation services, diet planning, medicinal products both herbal and edible, healing therapies and more. Call today for more information and begin your life without pain.

 Read Part One

• How is my appetite and what am I eating? The food that we put in our bodies is our fuel. We need to make sure that we are eating clean and fresh foods. As a general rule of thumb, avoid white sugar, white flour, highly processed foods and preservatives. Instead, make sure your diet is high in lean meats, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils. Try to eat a variety of foods too, eating seasonally is often helpful. Supplementation of essential vitamins and minerals is also vitally important, for most people a daily multi-vitamin is recommended.
• How often do I exercise? Physical activity isn’t only for those who want to lose weight. Exercising for at least thirty minutes a day can boost mood and also make sleep more restful.
• How am I sleeping? Getting the right amount of sleep is imperative, believe it or not, more sleep is not always better. Shoot for a full 8 hours of sleep each night and avoid more than 10. If you have trouble falling asleep, set up a nightly routine and then stick to it. For example, drinking a glass of warm water or herbal tea before bed can be soothing. Also lavender essential oil applied to the temples can also help one to wind down. Whatever you choose to do to wind down, make sure you and your body know it’s time to relax and settle in for the night.
• Am I happy at my job? Each week we spend 40+ hours at the office, be sure that you are in a position where you feel fulfilled and appreciated. Workplace stress can significantly dampen our moods and reduce our energy levels. A career change isn’t always possible, but taking more frequent vacation days, working from home or reducing hours may be a possibility. Like the old saying goes, if you do what you love you will have never worked a day in your life. Keep your energy and mood high by having a good work/life balance and always making time to pursue your passions!
• Are my relationships nurturing or harming me? Whether it be the relationship with your significant other, children, friends or coworkers, dysfunctional interpersonal relationships are one of the number one causes of emotional, and then as a manifestation, physical stress. Keep the friends that are worthy of your company and avoid unnecessary confrontation. Keep an open line of communication with your partner and family members. Don’t shy away from working through your issues, but also know when a relationship becomes too toxic to salvage.

Quick tips

• Avoid high sugar foods and beverages
• Remove caffeine intake
• If you need a nap, power nap. Find a quiet place to sit or lie down and close your eyes, but keep yourself from resting more than 15-20 min.

While most of us can curb our exhaustion by following these quick tips and tricks, there are a number of us, especially women over the age of forty, who owe their chronic fatigue to hormone imbalance. Only a blood test can confirm or deny thyroid or adrenal issues, but if you are concerned diet modification and supplementation can help correct these imbalances if tests show abnormal hormone levels.

Top 10 Headache Triggers

1)      Dehydration – Remember to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily!

2)      Pain medications – These will often cause “rebound headaches.” Make sure that you’re not overusing these medications

3)      Caffeine – Yes, a person can consume too much caffeine, caffeine withdrawals are also problematic. Avoid the issue altogether by choosing water or tea.

4)      Stress – This can mean emotional or physical stress. In fact, tension headaches are often caused by staring at a computer screen for too long!

5)      Low blood sugar – Keep a healthy snack laying around like nuts to avoid this problem.

6)      Red Wine and Sausage – These foods are known to be high in the amino acids and nitrates that cause headaches. Remember, everything in moderation.

7)      Weather – Storm fronts change the barometric pressure and can induce headaches or aggravate those with migraine conditions

8)      Hormones – Women especially will sometimes notice they develop a headache the week before their menstrual cycle begins.

9)      Second hand smoke – Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, in addition to causing lung cancer, cigarette smoking often triggers migraines.

The relationship between diet and headache

For those with migraine conditions, and even those occasionally bothered by headache, your diet is especially important. Your brain is sensitive to certain chemicals, especially if levels of that chemical grow too high. If you are sensitive to headaches try avoiding these foods to reduce the prevalence and severity of your headaches:

• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Coffee and caffeinated soda
• Chocolate
• Peanuts
• Gluten
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Frozen foods or food high in preservatives
• Sausages and lunch meats
• Bananas

To not only reduce headaches, but to also enjoy greater longevity do your best to eat a plant based diet, high in whole grains and healthy fats and seasonaly cleanse. Try our 9 Day Cleanse to rid the body of toxins and to clean out the blood, liver and replenish the brain.

You have a headache; now how to get rid of it! Naturally!

Not all of us turn to our medicine cabinets when our bodies are sick and hurting. If you’re someone who would rather skip the OTC drugs for more natural remedies consider these next time your head starts to pound:

• Lavender: Lavender essence can be inhaled for its therapeutic benefits, otherwise lavender essential oil soothes migraines when it is applied to the temples or consumed as a tea. My favorite is the sprinkle the oil on my sheets before bedtime.
• Lemongrass: Most often consumed as some sort of tea, lemongrass has scientifically been proven to be as effective as aspirin in treating headache.
• Peppermint: Even smelling the essence of peppermint can dull head pain. Peppermint is also handy for easing upset stomachs.
• Cayenne pepper – helps stimulate circulation and get the oxygen flow to the brain.
• Ginger: Try slicing fresh ginger and placing it cool/room temp water, it is refreshing, will fight nausea often associated with migraines, and reduce pain.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (35% Food Grade) – 5-10 drops in 6oz of water, drink… lie down with hot compress on head and normally within 1-2 hours it is diminished.
• Cleanse – Try our 9 Day Cleanse and feel more energy, mental clarity and be free of those headaches!

As we come upon the month of February, take note! February is the longest winter month. With cold days, even colder nights, a month’s worth of sunsets before you’ve set foot out of the office, and not to mention St. Valentine’s Day, it’s no wonder that depression rates are highest this time of year.

Instead of giving in to the winter slump or worse a Hallmark holiday, make February a month about self-love!

Enjoy a tandem session of Vibrational Sound Therapy, combined with Healing Touch Therapy, performed with love by Lisa and Rita. Clients will begin lying on their bellies. Lisa will begin work at the feet and slowly move towards the head, while Rita will begin at the crown of the head and work towards the feet. Your session is sure to leave you floating on a cloud and filled with unconditional love.

Vibrational Sound Therapy with Tuning Forks

A Little Bit of History:          

Tuning forks were originally intended to be used to tune musical instruments; however they have since been adopted by healers for their unique ability to produce energy. When struck, the tuning fork vibrates, but it also causes the air around it to vibrate. Healers, who wished to bring more energy to a given part of the body quickly noticed the tuning fork’s power.

How are Tuning Forks Used Therapeutically?

When used for sound therapy, the tuning fork is struck and placed near the part of the body to be healed. The fork is left to vibrate until it needs to be struck again. One common therapy involving tuning forks is chakra alignment therapy which seeks to balance the body’s energy.

Here are some Benefits:

On a Physical Level

• Relieves physical tension (like muscle spasm and similar types of chronic pain).
• Increases blood-flow to the area
• Improves circulation

On an Emotional Level

• Helps you to achieve deep relaxation
• Reduces mental stress

On a spiritual Level

• Produces deep spiritual insights
• Raises a person’s level of consciousness

In summary, sound therapy using tuning forks helps a person to remember, reconnect and discover

Experience the healing benefits of sound healing today!

 Healing Touch Therapy

Healing Touch is an energetic therapy in which gentle touch is used to manipulate the body’s energy field to bring physical, emotional and spiritual balance.

Benefits:

Here are some of the Benefits:

Physical Benefits

• Decreases pain
• Eases chronic conditions
• Enhances recovery after surgery or illness
• Strengthens the immune system

Emotional Benefits

• Restores balance to the emotions
• Therapeutic for past emotional trauma
• Brings peace and acceptance
• Gives clients the strength to work through issues
• Nurtures self-love
• Boosts self-esteem and confidence
• Reduces stress
• Calms anxiety

Spiritual Benefits

• Deepens the spiritual connection

Experience the balancing power of Healing Touch Therapy today!

Testimonials:

Tandem Vibrational Healing has been a family blessing! About 6 weeks ago Lisa and Rita started this healing on my mother who had a stroke back in November of 2011, she was unable to walk and talk and in so much pain. I asked Lisa if there was anything she could do. She said of course! Which was hard to believe because my mother lives in Algeria. She said she needed some time because she needs a seragant body, so she asked Rita to help her. Rita then said, I just had an unbelievable session with a lady using tunning forks who had a stroke years ago, lets do this too! So after the thrid session, my brother called me from Algeria and said our Mother got up from bed and took 4 steps all by herself! From that day forward she started using a cane to walk. After the fourth session she is now more mobile and has more independence. Our whole family is amazed at this and waiting for her speech to come back next.

Smail – Ireland (1/29/13)

Tadem Vibrational Healing totally blew my mind away, I walked away a new person, I felt great, my body was back in one piece instead of multi pieces…..If I lived closer I would be on Rita’s table once a month. Also Lisa healing was out of this world, wasn’t a beleiver until after the treatment. They have changed my life in a huge way…Both of them are AWESOME….

Daniel – Louisiana (1/29/13)

I felt so good when I left both of you. No neck pain or sciatic pain. My shoulders were free of aches too. Had to brag how good I felt. The tune up is better than a message. Thank you lots
Barbara – Cedarburg, WI

Ian (9year old boy) was so calm and centered last night, thanks for such a good treatment and experience for him. He is up for doing it again. Thanks again

Mary – Brookfield, WI

I loved the sessions and noticed an improvement in my various body parts . I would love to have it do it again and again. Thanks again to you and Rita,
Karen – Milwaukee, WI

Without going into the chemistry of the subject, minerals are essential for all of life’s processes. There are two categories of minerals, those being macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals include things like Calcium and Magnesium, and are required in large amounts for the body to function properly. Trace minerals on the other hand, Iron, Copper, Zinc and the like, are needed in much smaller amounts. Our bodies do not produce vitamins or minerals in any amount, which means that we must derive these vital nutrients from the foods that we eat.

Vitamins and minerals can be found in things like leafy green vegetables and nuts, however, the average American fails miserably when it comes to the recommended daily consumption of such super foods. Instead, the staples of the American diet include things like bleached white flour and corn syrup, two food products that are wholly devoid of nutritional value. So what happens when you pig out on Cheetos and Diet Coke all day and skip the vegetable course at dinner? You become deficient in a number of essential nutrients, and when you do this on a continual basis, you begin to develop symptoms of deficiency.

Point Blank: Deficiency

As mentioned, a mineral deficiency results when the dietary intake of a given element is below the minimum level. Initially, the symptoms of deficiency may be unpleasant, but when left untreated, can manifest itself in chronic disease processes like that of Heart Disease and Diabetes. Out of all deficiencies, Magnesium deficiency is thought to be most prevalent, negatively affecting an estimated 75% of U.S. adult population. The causes of Magnesium deficiency include poor diet as mentioned, excess caffeine consumption, nutrient devoid soil. Initially, our bodies do their best to resolve the deficiency by tapping into mineral storage centers in the long bones of the body. When that proves to be too little, the body will begin leeching minerals from the hair and nails. In fact, damaged hair and nails is often a symptom of mineral deficiency.

Why is Magnesium so important?

            Magnesium is considered a Macromineral, again this means that it is needed in higher quantities and is involved in a larger number of biological processes. Our bodies store Magnesium in our bones and in our soft tissues where it is most readily available. Magnesium serves a number of important functions in our bodies, including:

• Assists in bone growth
• Relays nerve impulses
• Is responsible for muscle contraction
• Regulates heart beat
• Serves in energy production
• Metabolizes proteins and carbohydrates
• Activates essential enzymes

Magnesium is most important for our brains and our hearts, when we are deficient the symptoms can be unnerving.

Could you be mineral deficient?

Here are the most common symptoms of mild Magnesium deficiency:

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Severe Magnesium deficiency can result in:

• Calcium and potassium deficiency
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Sodium retention, a precursor to heart disease
• Muscle spasm or tremor
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insulin deficiency
• Heart failure

The latter two symptoms of Magnesium deficiency are perhaps the most serious and indicate that in the most severe of cases, Magnesium deficiency can result in death! So it is vitally important that we ingest enough of these Macrominerals, especially Magnesium.

The Link between Magnesium and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS):

Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes sufferers to experience unusual sensations in their lower extremities. Sometimes these sensations are so uncomfortable or distracting that people are unable to relax after a long day of work or even fall asleep at night. Curiously enough, RLS is quite common; in fact, it is the most common neurological disorder in the United States. What a coincidence then that Magnesium deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency. Or is it?

Because Magnesium plays such a large role in conducting nerve impulses, Magnesium deficiency is directly linked to RLS. By simply beginning to supplement one’s symptoms can drastically improve.

Why is a Multi-Vitamin not enough?

            The problem with your multi-vitamin is not whether or not it has Magnesium in it. It most certainly does, and it most likely has enough of it to meet the minimum daily intake. The problem is that only a very small fraction will be absorbed by our bodies, the rest will be lost in our sweat and urine.

What can I do to reach the daily minimum?

This table will help you to gauge just how much Magnesium you and your family should ingest each day:

*Please note that women who are pregnant or nursing will have different dietary allowances and should consult their physician or wellness practitioner for more information*

The best way to make sure that you are meeting the minimum intake for Magnesium is to take a Magnesium supplement and to eat a healthy and balanced diet high in leafy vegetables, legumes and nuts. Magnesium supplements are available for purchase through Life without Pain and come as tasteless white pill. In most cases, Magnesium deficiency is reversible. If a chronic disease process has already taken hold, correcting ones Magnesium deficiency can slow its progression and improve quality of life.

Enrich your diet by eating these foods rich in Magnesium:

• Almonds
• Leafy green vegetables
• Chick peas
• Oatmeal and other whole grains
• Spinach, cooked
• Avocado
• Green peas
• Apricots
• Raisins

Supplement your diet by using : Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate

Ask Lisa about dosage and special pricing

Dr. Mehmet Oz, more commonly known as Dr. Oz, recently came under fire for statements made in a recent Time’s article against conscious consumers who purchase organic foods. In the article, Oz is crass when calling them “elitists” and “snobs.” His comments were perhaps most offensive because they came on the heels of a major publication made by the largest healthcare group in the United States, in which it was recommended GMO foods be avoided for their cancer causing potential. Kaiser Permanente, the health corporation behind the report, said that the long term effects of GMO foods on health, especially reproduction, were not fully understood and potentially damaging. The company sites “tissue damage and irregularity” in rats fed certain varieties of GMO corn. Without a doubt, if GMO foods can harm one animal, they can harm them all, including humans.

The wolf in sheep’s clothing:  

It has been suggested that the slanderous comments made towards the health-conscious community and organic shoppers were inspired by bribes given to Oz by agribusiness. Monsanto, one of the largest seed retailers in the world, a huge distributor of GMO seed product, and the aforementioned wolf, is accused of paying off Oz for his cooperation and silence surrounding the danger of GMO foods. Coincidentally, Oz hosts a show geared toward health-conscious individuals. Why the need for bribery? Monsanto’s premier product Roundup has been linked to over 29 conditions in peer reviewed studies. Some complications include:

• DNA damage

• Infertility

• Liver damage

• Lymphoma

• Hormonal disorders in children

GE (genetically engineered) food beginnings:

Genetically modified foods begin innocently as seeds, but somewhere along the line meet with lab science. For the sake of research, these seeds are planted, cared for, and purposefully bred for the strongest traits. Just like breeding two different animal species, the plants to alter that plant for, and in some cases, inserting foreign genes into the DNA of a given crop, these foods have been altered from their natural state. Monsanto is known for hybridizing their seeds to contain Roundup, claiming the farmer will have higher yield crops and has to use less herbicide. The consequences of these changes are not yet known, but are thought to be serious enough that the European Union (EU) has outlawed GMO crops.

The industrialization of agriculture in America meant to bring food to the tables of as many Americans as possible. Noble intentions, but to maximize yields, scientists eagerly sought ways to produce hardy seeds. Some of these lab creations are bizarre, like as Michael Pollan points out, there exists a particular strain of corn seed that, when crop dusted with toxic chemicals, is fertilized. Mind you, these pesticides are meant to destroy life crawling among the ears of corn, ask yourself, how then could poison nourish our corn crop? A reasonable person will conclude that it shouldn’t, and would be weary of the consequences of such unnecessary meddling.

So what does the research say about organic foods?:

• Milks from pastured cows contain higher levels of beneficial fats

• Beef from grass-fed cattle and eggs from pastured hens are lower in cholesterol and saturated fat and higher in omgega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E

• Organic strawberries and tomatoes contain more antioxidants than their GE cousins

• Organic apples have more polyphenols and greater antioxidant capacity than conventional apples

So it would seem that eating clean, organic foods isn’t elitist, it’s intelligent.

GE labeling fails in the U.S.:

Proposition 37 California voters recently turned down an important opportunity when they voted against Proposition 37, which if passed would have given them the right to know which ingredients in their packaged or fresh foods were GE foods. The failure of the bill was surprising because much of Europe already requires the labeling of GMO foods because of the known health risks. The failure of the bill was a serious blow because California was thought to be the most influential state if the proposition were ever to reach Washington.  Many believe Monsanto is also responsible for this as their birbery has no end. See all the companies that they are tied to.  

The obvious recommendations:

• Eat local. It is better for the environment and supports your local economy
• Buy organic whenever possible. Especially meats, dairy, and certain produce (tomatoes, strawberries, etc).
• Boycott foods that use Monsanto Products
• Always rinse the skin of any produce under cold water before preparing it

Curious about what foods are most commonly GE?

Below is a list of the top 10 most genetically modified foods. Have a look at some of the freaks of nature modern science has given rise to:

1. Corn – In addition to being a poison loving plant, corn has been modified to create its own insecticide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared that tons of genetically modified corn is produced for human consumption each year. Monsanto, one of the world’s largest seed companies, and a proponent of GMO, has revealed that half of the US’s sweet corn farms are planted with genetically modified seed. Laboratory tests have revealed that mice fed with GMO corn had smaller offspring and fertility problems.

2. Soy – Soy has been modified to resist herbicides. Soy products include soy flour, tofu, soy beverages, soybeans. It may also be included as a secondary ingredient in pastries, other baked goods and edible oil. Hamsters fed with GM soy were unable to have offspring and suffered a high mortality rates.

3. Cotton – Like corn and soy, cotton has been designed to resist pesticides. It is considered food because its oil can be consumed. Its introduction in Chinese agriculture has produced a chemical that kills cotton bollworm, reducing the incidences of pests not only in cotton crops but also in neighboring fields of soybeans and corn. Incidentally, thousands of Indian farmers suffered severe rashes upon exposure to BT cotton.

4. Papaya – The virus-resistant variety of papaya was commercially introduced in Hawaii in 1999. Transgenic papayas comprised three-fourths of the total Hawaiian papaya crop. Monsanto bestowed upon Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore technology for developing papaya resistant to the ringspot virus in India.

5. Rice – This staple food from South East Asia has now been genetically modified to contain a high amount of vitamin A. Allegedly, there are reports of rice varieties containing human genes to be grown in the US. The rice will create human proteins useful for dealing with infant diarrhea in the 3rd world. China Daily, an online journal, reported potential serious public health and environment problems with genetically modified rice considering its tendency to cause allergic reactions with the concurrent possibility of gene transfers.

6. Tomatoes – Tomatoes have now been genetically engineered for longer shelf life, preventing them from easily rotting and degrading. In a test conducted to determine the safety of GM tomatoes, some animal subjects died within a few weeks after consuming GM tomatoes.

7. Rapeseed – In Canada, this crop was renamed canola to differentiate it from non-edible rapeseed. Food stuff produced from rapeseed includes rapeseed oil (canola oil) used to process cooking oil and margarine. Honey can also be produced from GM rapeseed. German food surveillance authorities discovered as much as a third of the total pollen present in Canadian honey may be from GM pollen. In fact, some honey products from Canada were also discovered to have pollen from GM rapeseed.

8. Dairy products – It has been discovered that 22 percent of cows in the U.S. were injected with recombinant (genetically modified) bovine growth hormone (rbGH). This Monsanto created hormone artificially forces cows to increase their milk production by 15 percent. Milk from cows treated with this milk inducing hormone contains increased levels of IGF-1 (insulin growth factors-1). Humans also have IGF-1 in their system. Scientists have expressed concerns that increased levels of IGF-1 in humans have been associated with colon and breast cancer.

9. Potatoes – Mice fed with potatoes engineered with Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki Cry 1 were found to have toxins in their system. Despite claims to the contrary, this shows that Cry1 toxin was stable in the mouse gut. When the health risks were revealed, it sparked a debate.

10. Peas – Peas that have been genetically modified have been found to cause immune responses in mice and possibly even in humans. A gene from kidney beans was inserted into the peas creating a protein that functions as a pesticide.

Things you don’t need to buy organic:

• Coconut – Several studies have looked for pesticide residues in coconut products and come  up virtually empty handed.
• Onions don’t just make me cry cutting them, they make pests weep at the  thought of eating them.
• Avocadoes – Even though a somewhat significant amount of chemicals can be used on avocado  orchards, they just don’t make it into the fatty, delicious flesh we  consume.
• Honey - Buy local and raw honey. Buy honey from someone who raised the bees and (at least  kinda sorta) knows where they spend their time.
• Asparagus – Luckily, it’s one of the cleanest vegetables around. Buy local, meaning US only though.
• Sweet potatoes -  Their leaves sometimes get eaten  by bugs, but since that rarely affects the viability of the underground tubers  that people actually eat, farmers generally don’t feel the need to protect the  leaves with agrochemicals. Peel them before eating, some have been mildly dunked in a fungaside.
• Farmed oysters, clams, and mussels are essentially “wild.” They’re not kept in  ponds, nor are they given pesticide-rich soy and corn topped off with  unsustainable fishmeal. Instead, they sit there attached to their moorings in  actual ocean water acting like the filter-feeders they are.

When in doubt, Check the Product Codes:

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