Is Your Healthy Food Making You Sick?

There is nothing more difficult than to write about food in connection with health. The subject is vast and controversial. Countless nutrition experts, thousands of health influencers, hundreds of books, dozens of fad diets, and still so many unhealthy people trying desperately to figure out why they are not getting any better despite religiously following the latest health and nutrition advice. 

When you take two experts with conflicting views, both will argue that their way of obtaining nutrition is the only way and everything other than that is either completely wrong, or just misguided. What complicates things even more is the fact that both experts base their statements on latest research and often on their personal, real life experience. Nutritional "converts" who "have seen the light" are the worst since they seldom leave any room for deviation from the method that worked for them.

How to make sense of it all? Just look at the macro-nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats. Some experts will tell you not to eat any carbs at all, others that you should not to touch any fat. There is a whole fitness movement telling people to eat only red meat, bacon, eggs and butter. Some experts suggest that fish and seafood should be consumed as the only animal protein. Others swear that a fat-free vegan, raw vegan, or the fat-free raw vegan diet is the only way for you to have a long, healthy life.

How about the micronutrients - vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids? It is a well known fact that vegans often lack vitamin B12, DHA omega 3 fatty acid, and the amino acid taurine, while those on a strict carnivore diet often lack magnesium, vitamin C and fiber, and may have increased risk of colorectal cancer. People who embraced the fat free diet, on the other hand, have difficulty absorbing fat soluble vitamins from their food.

Food is problematic for many reasons. Some foods, like peanuts, shrimps, celery, or strawberries are potent allergens. People with celiac disease cannot eat anything containing gluten. People who cannot digest lactose should stay away from cow's milk and cow's milk products. And so on, but food is more complicated than that. Animal fats like butter and lard are high in saturated fat that is considered to be detrimental to heart health. There is also a big concern about the hormones and antibiotics that might have been used in the animal husbandry, not to mention the ethical, environmental, cultural or religious concerns.

So, how about fruits and vegetables? Here things get even more complicated. Many plants produce endocrine disruptors and goitrogens. During their evolutionary history plants developed survival strategies. Unlike a deer that can escape a hunter, a carrot or a cabbage is completely stuck in the spot it grows. In order to survive and carry their genetic information to the next generation, plants developed compounds that make them indigestible or even poisonous to humans or animals thus preventing their extinction. Although these anti-nutrients can cause serious upset in some people, plants are generally considered "healthy" food choices since they carry such vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, protein and beneficial bio-active compounds like pycnogenol or resveratrol, that act in synergy to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

While some of the plant anti-nutrients can have beneficial, anti-oxidant effects in the human body, some can cause 

• altered microbiome 
• serious damage to the digestive system 
• inflammation
• potential auto-immune response 
• malnutrition since they interfere with nutrient absorption
• severe allergies
• and even poisoning. 

Soaking, sprouting, cooking, or fermentation are the strategies many cultures use not only to improve nutrient availability but also to make the otherwise problematic foods more easily digestible. 

 

Here are some of the anti-nutrients found in plants: 

• alcaloids - naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compounds that are found in plants, fungi, bacteria and animals, some being extremely toxic, some used by humans as hallucinogens, aphrodisiacs or medicines (ex. quinine, morphine, ephedrine)
• cyanogenic glycosides - cherries, peaches, corn, almonds
• gluten - grains
• glucosinolates - goitrogenic compounds in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli
• glycoalkaloids - plants in the nightshade family like tomatoes and eggplants, as well as  potatoes (skin, sprouts, the "eyes")
  
• histamine - bananas, strawberries, papaya, citrus fruit, tomatoes, spinach, almonds, pistachio nuts, sauerkraut, cinnamon, cloves
• lectins - raw beans, peanuts, whole grains, nightshade vegetable such as tomatoes and potatoes
• oxalates - spinach, Swiss chard, rhubarb, beets, cacao, almonds, cashew nuts, dried apricots, kiwis, raspberries, cinnamon and turmeric as a spice
• phenols - most berries, grapes, apples, spinach, red lettuce, broccoli, and citrus fruit
• phytates (phytic acid) - grains, seeds, nuts
• protease inhibitors - grains and legumes 
• pyrrolizidine alkaloids - hepatotoxic and genotoxic compounds that are found in some flowering plants and herbs like borage, traditionally used as medicine; honey, bee pollen, grains, milk, eggs and organ meats (offal) can contain these toxic alkaloids.
• salicilates - most fruits and vegetable, especially tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, spinach, and zucchini 
• saponins - legumes, especially peanuts; grains especially quinoa; licorice root, spinach
  
• sulforaphane - cruciferous vegetable such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, arugula, watercress
• tannins - red wine, tea, cacao but also grains such as barley, corn and quinoa; beans, lentils, chickpeas; nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts and Brazil nut; seeds such as chia, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds; red skinned apples and kiwis

People who are sensitive to one or more of these compounds should avoid foods that have the potential to make them sick. 

Some people report almost miraculous healing from chronic diseases when they stop eating fruits and vegetables. Others improve considerably when they stop eating grains. Those who have chosen raw food or the raw vegan diet report incredible improvement in their health. They have more energy, lose weight (where necessary), sleep and look better. Many stay healthy for a very long time, especially if they supplement with the nutrients that are missing in their diet, but some people get very sick when they start juicing and eating large amounts of fruit and leafy greens. The raw food diet may include too many nuts and too much fructose. Too many dates, too many bananas and other sweet fruits in your diet can cause blood glucose spikes and energy crashes. 

A store bought vegan milk alternatives often contain added sugar, added seed oil and the gut lining damaging carrageenan. I don't even want to talk here about the rather common contamination of crops with heavy metals, or about the pesticides in conventionally grown produce, not even about the genetically modified crops. This is a subject for another article.

 

Results of a small, three-day study involving 14 people was published recently and surprised some in the raw food community. The participants were divided into three groups: one group was given whole plants, the second group was doing a juice fast, and the third one was given a mix diet of whole plants and juices. Those who did the juice fast had the biggest changes in their microbiome and showed an increase in inflammation causing bacteria. The problem with the study is that it wasn't a double-blind study and involved only fourteen people. Also, I did not find any information on what kind of juices were given to the participants. The only information was that the juice did not have any fiber and contained too much sugar. My questions: Was the juice freshly pressed? And! Who tries to do a cleansing juice fast with sugar loaded fruit juices? This is not how it should be done. Another question, if you are unhealthy and have distorted microbiome, what happens to you when you go on a green juice fast?

Interestingly, many raw food lovers who perform a green juice detox annually report increased stamina, improved digestion, and a healthier looking skin. An alternative cancer therapist Dr. Thomas Lodi suggests a long term green juice fast to his patients. The alkalizing and detoxifying properties of chlorophyll from green plants cannot be underestimated. 

Before I start a food war on this blog, I would like to state that we are all individuals with individual genetics, individual metabolism and individual food preferences. Some of us tolerate certain foods better than others. If you experience unexplained symptoms and are not sure whether your healthy diet makes you sick there are a few things you can do:

• have a food allergy test
• have a comprehensive food sensitivity test (secondary food allergies)
• test for anti-nutrient sensitivity (histamine, lectins, tannins, etc.)
• have a fructose intolerance test
  
• if you eat tree nuts, peanut butter or grains such as quinoa, test for aflatoxin sensitivity
• test for nutritional deficiencies and supplement accordingly 
• test for parasitic infestation and candida no matter whether you are a vegan, carnivore or omnivore
• have a leaky gut test
  
• help your immune system and implement food rotation allowing three to four days before you eat the same food again - if you had a carrot on Monday, wait till Wednesday or Thursday before you have a carrot again. If you detect some sensitivity to one or more foods, you might want to stop eating them for a longer period or remove them from your diet completely. Learn to make meals with only few ingredients if you want to determine what is upsetting your system, and, as mentioned above, test for secondary food allergies/sensitivities (ELISA test) if you observe symptoms like bloating, idigestion or unexplained weight gain
• do some research to find alternatives to the food that causes upset in your body - for instance, if oxalates are your problem, eat arugula, Romaine lettuce or even kale instead of spinach or Swiss chard
• a food diary may be very useful - write down what you eat during the day and record any symptoms you observe short term and long term; consult a certified nutritionist if the process seems too overwhelming to you
• completely avoid foods that cause problems.
  

I am aware that articles like this one may cause confusion and anxiety. This is not my intention. I simply wish to bring some clarity to all those who embraced a very healthy lifestyle but somehow feel that the food they are eating daily is not working to their advantage. 

As we strive for biological optimization of our bodies, trying to stay as healthy as possible and to look fabulous all the time, our food choices matter. However, when our healthy food is making us sick, we need to learn how to avoid it and why, and to look for less problematic alternatives. There is no such thing as one size fits all. We might be similar metabolic types but your body chemistry is unique to you. Keep this in mind.

In radiant health, passionately raw - Dominique

Dominique Allmon©2025

*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. it is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. Always consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any changes in your diet. 

AI generated images. Source here

How to Support Immune System During Cancer Therapy

For anybody cancer diagnosis comes as a shock. It is a shock to the patient. It is a shock to the patient's relatives. What follows the diagnosis cannot be described in words. No one can understand the fear unless he or she has been diagnosed. 

A cascade of questions follows the diagnosis. What went wrong? How did this happen? What caused it? Could I have done something differently? Is there anything I can do to slow the progress of the disease? What are my chances? How can I mitigate side effects? What can I eat? etc. etc. etc. 

Fear, guilt, uncertainty about the therapy and its outcome follow the patient like a shadow. 

Once the therapy has been chosen by the oncologist, the patient has to deal with horrifying side effects. Depending on the type of therapy or the drugs used, the patient experiences 

• weakened immune system
• high blood pressure
• anemia 
• loss of appetite 
• changes in taste
  
• indigestion
  
• constipation
  
• diarrhea
  
• nausea 
• vomiting
• increased urination 
• kidney dysfunction 
  
• muscle loss
  
• skin and nail changes
• hair loss
• fatigue
• confusion
  
• overall weakness
  

to name the most common and visible ones.

Patients who asked their oncologist for nutritional advice are often told that they can eat anything they want but might have to lose weight if they are obese. The more lucky ones are told to try the Mediterranean diet that is known for its overall health benefits.

Why is food even important? 

We all need nutrients, but people undergoing cancer therapy even more so. They need to build up strength and stamina, strengthen their immune system, and nourish their bodies that are being weakened by cancer and the cancer treatment drugs. Some foods might be better than others, so how do we choose the right ones?

Although the food industry does not want us to know, many of the food items that we consume daily contain unhealthy ingredients, some of them carcinogenic or cancer growth promoting. Some of the worst foods and substances for cancer patients or anyone who wants to stay healthy, for that matter, include:

• sugar and refined carbohydrates such as bread, cornflakes, cakes, cookies, pastry, donuts, ice cream, or pasta
  
• processed meats like hot dogs, corned beef, ham, bacon, or summer sausage
• fried, deep fried and charred foods 
• conventional dairy 
• alcohol. 

Anything processed and packaged is full of added sugar, high fructose syrup, or artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, preserving agents, artificial coloring, and chemical flavors. Just check the list of ingredients. Some ingredients might not even be listed if they are present at an incidental level. Some are listed as "spices," "flavors," "natural" or "artificial flavoring" that can combine countless chemical ingredients and are usually considered to be the manufacturer's protected "secret" formulas. 

Understanding how fast food, junk food, and packaged foods of all kinds, are affecting our bodies, we all shall agree that in order to prevent chronic disease, heal from cancer, or stay healthy for as long as possible, we must eat food that is full of vital nutrients and free from disease- or inflammation-causing chemicals. 

Many nutritionists would suggest that patients eat more fruit and vegetable, preferably organic, add some fish and chicken, beans, whole grains, nuts, and spices to their meal plan, and drink plenty of purified water and organic green tea. But what if the therapy makes it impossible for the patient to even hold the food down? 

I am an advocate of raw food lifestyle that includes foods like raw fruits, vegetables and sprouted nuts that are rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and various health promoting phytonutrients. I understand that roughage in raw foods might cause some discomfort in patients with compromised digestive tracts due to chemotherapy. However, turning a salad into a juice, healthy smoothie or a nutritious raw soup, would make the raw food more easily digestible and still deliver the nutrients needed for optimal health. Just juice or blend the ingredients in a blender, add a few drops of virgin olive oil, some chopped fresh herbs and organic spices, and voilà! Your raw soup is ready.

Some immune system modulating nutrients, like vitamin C and vitamin D for instance, must be supplemented. Supplements like Pectasol, graviola, curcumin, sulforaphane, medicinal mushrooms, laetrile, hydrogen, probiotics, alapha lipoic acid, or melatonin, are also often included in the protocols since they all support the patient's immune system. 

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut can help restore healthy gut microbiome and help with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Natural solutions like ginger tea made of sliced fresh ginger and purified water, might help the patient manage nausea without horrible side effects. 

Patients undergoing cancer therapy may experience severe dehydration. They must replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These minerals are vital for maintaining key bodily functions. The best way to replenish the lost electrolytes naturally is to add a tiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt and some freshly pressed lemon juice into a glass of purified water. Fresh coconut water straight out of a fresh young coconut works as well. By all means avoid sports drinks since they are either loaded with sugar or are full of artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Dr. Lodi, whom I consider to be one of the most interesting personalities in the field of integrative oncology, has a full protocol for cancer patients that involves, among others, raw food, juicing and fasting. The patient must change the "terrain" in which cancer proliferates, and make his own body inhospitable to new cancer cells. 

Oncogenesis is a complex process, but patients can learn new strategies that promote healing and recovery. 

To support the immune system, healthy eating habits are vital for any patient undergoing cancer therapy, but in order to heal, the whole lifestyle must be changed. 

A health coach would suggest

• weight loss (where necessary)
• increased physical activity (wherever possible)
• emotional well being
• stress control
• restorative sleep 
• environment free of toxins and harmful chemicals
• life free of destructive relationship.

If you want to heal, surround yourself with people you can trust. Find a support group. Find a registered nutritionist who understands cancer. Stop watching the news on TV. Resolve your conflicts. De-clutter your house. Find a hobby that would enrich your mind and soul. 

All this might seem overwhelming at first but you can do it gradually, one item at a time. Ask for help. Hire a coach. Hire a personal trainer. Mobilize family members to do the tasks you are unable to do. Create environment in which you can heal.

Your disease is not a punishment. It developed over time in an environment that wasn't conducive to health. To get healthy, you have to revise your beliefs and change your habits. Qualified people can show you how to do this but no one can do it for you. You are the master of your own universe.

As Dr. Lodi says, you are not your diagnosis. You can activate your healing potential, but the healing will take time, so be patient. Trust in your body's ability to heal. You are magnificent. Persevere! Don't ever give up.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2023

This article was first published on my Heaven Can Wait blog

For healthy raw food recipes please visit my Passionately Raw! raw food blog.

For a life saving information please visit Dr. Lodi's website. 

* I am not affiliated with Dr. Lodi.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. You must consult your oncologist before including any new supplement or food into your daily routine. Some supplements and foods might interact with your medication or cause allergic reactions. Caution is advised.

9 Strategies to Improve Memory

Like many other bodily functions, memory declines as we age. Those first signs of slipping memory can be a little alarming, especially if you know the dreariness of that route. You may first see it in your 40s, sometimes even younger, with declining memory symptoms like slower facial recall, where you left your keys or what was the number you were supposed to call. How many times did you go to a supermarket and wondered what groceries were you supposed to buy? Wait! You forgot your grocery list at home.

These episodes are often dismissed as harmless and may simply be the result of increased stress, but while it’s normal to forget things on occasion, it’s a pattern to watch. 

Gerontologists, psychologists, longevity researchers, and the makers of natural memory supplements like the Brain Pill, believe it’s important to keep your brain active. Use it or lose it. This is how simple it actually is.

To stay mentally agile into old age you have to challenge your memory daily! Although not a muscle, your brain needs a workout just like the muscles of your body. And just like any other body organ, it also needs specific nutrition to support and retain its function. So, what can you do right now?

Here are nine strategies that can help boost your memory:

1. Use Your Memory Daily – Your brain needs a workout just like the rest of your body. Try crosswords, for example, or read a section of the newspaper you’d normally skip. You might also take a different route to work, for example, or learn another language, or how to play a musical instrument.
2. Socialize – You’re not an island, darling. Depression and stress can both lead to dramatic decline of memory, which is why you’ll want to socialize often – especially if you live alone. Be with others and take them up on their invitations. Join a club, take dancing lessons, start a poetry circle. Anything. Just get social. Life gets better when you do.
3. Organize Your Life – You lose points with a cluttered home because you’re more likely to misplace stuff and forget where you put it. Make lists and notes of appointments and things to do in a special notebook or your calendar, or create a large board where you write down or pin important appointments and things you need to do. Or, if you are more comfortable with the technology, download an app on your iPod and write down what needs to get done. Speak it out loud too, to reinforce it in your memory, and check-off your tasks when completed.
4. Stay Focused - This is very important! Try to stay focused on the task at hand and limit distractions. Multi-tasking is great, but when your memory is in trouble, one thing at a time is better. You’re more likely to recall information if you concentrate specifically on that one thing rather than all the many things you were trying to accomplish at the same time. In other words, focus on what you want to remember later and you will recall it faster when needed.
5. Get Enough Sleep  – Shut-eye helps your memory!  Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night so make time for adequate rest. Go to bed earlier if you have to and work on your sleep hygiene. You will be surprised.  Your recall will improve with time and you will remember more stuff the next day.
6. Eat Healthy Food – Do you see any pattern here? Your brain likes healthy living. That extends to your diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Opt for high quality protein, like fish and poultry. Drink plenty of water too, refrain from drugs and watch the alcohol intake. Consult a certified nutritionist for an optimal brain supporting nutrition plan and learn what foods support the memory function.
7. Exercise Daily – Exercise boosts blood flow throughout your body and to the brain. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like walking) each week, or 75 minutes of something with greater intensity, like jogging, although even a few 10 minute brisk walks per day will make a difference.
8. Watch Your Health – Chronic conditions can affect your memory, to say nothing about the rest of your health and well-being. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, be it for depression, your heart, kidneys, or anything else in your medical history. Review your medications often with your doctor as well since some medications can reduce your memory. As your fitness level improves you may need less and less medication. Lose weight if needed and have your blood tested for nutrient deficiencies. Take nutritional supplements to support healthy diet. 
9. Add Nutritional Supplements - Even people whose nutrition and diet are normally healthy, need to take nutritional supplements as they age. To function properly the brain needs Omega-3 fatty acids; B vitamins, especially folic acid, B6 and B12; antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, and the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10); magnesium; herbal supplements such as Huperzine A, vinpocetine, ginseng, and ginko biloba; and nutraceuticals such as the virgin coconut oil and turmeric.  

If your memory is getting worse, get the Brain Pill!

We can’t end an article on how to improve your memory without mentioning natural memory supporting supplements like the Brain Pill. No matter how good and healthy your diet is, you need specific nutrients to support your aging brain. Nutritional supplements are like rocket fuel for your brain. The Brain Pill is a cognitive booster with clinically proven nootropics like cognizine, vinpocetine and ginkgo biloba, that are known to increase alertness and the blood flow in your brain.

Studies suggest that the ingredients in Brain Pill enhance memory and may even prevent memory loss. Better memory is linked to higher cognitive function. Your brain is more efficient with a sharp memory. Your intelligence improves and you retain the ability to stay independent well into old age. 

The Brain Pill will help you

• Boost Memory
• Increase Cognitive Skills
• Have Faster Recall of Facts
• Focus Better
• Enhance Brain Power
• Perform Under Pressure
• Have Better Problem-Solving Skills
• Eliminate Brain Fog and More

Try the Brain Pill (Affiliate link) to improve your memory and follow the memory-boosting tips we’ve discussed in this article. Your memory will love it and people will be surprised to see the new, sharp you.

Article based on information provided by the Brain Pill website (Affiliate link)



*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Health Benefits of Lithium Orotate

The first time I heard about lithium orotate was five or six years ago in South Africa. I had a friend who suffered from severe mood swings and depression and suggested that she should try this nutritional supplement that was already popular in South Africa. She declined and delivered herself into a psychiatric care. I have never heard from her again.

It is not my intention to judge anyone, but to this day I do not understand why would my friend opt for heavy psychotropic drugs instead of trying to balance brain chemistry naturally.

There are many natural supplements that can help improve mood and prevent depression. One such versatile supplement is lithium orothate that was first formulated by the famous German orthomolecular scientist and physician, Dr. Hans Nieper. 

What Is Lithium Orotate?

An alkali metal related to sodium and potassium, lithium has been traditionally used within allopathic medicine to treat mental imbalances such as anxiety and depression. However, there are many side effects to taking this strong mineral, as the body poorly absorbs the standard forms of lithium carbonate. That is, until lithium orotate was discovered.

Lithium orotate offers superior bio-utilization for the human body, allowing the mineral to penetrate the mitochondria, glia and lysosomes that exist within the intracellular structures of our cells. The mineral stabilizes these lysosomal membranes, slowing the enzymatic reaction that leads to many of the negative side effects of other forms of lithium salts. 

Most people are unaware that lithium is not a drug, but is a naturally occurring mineral from the earth. Just like calcium and potassium, lithium is something that every human body requires for mental and physical health.

Many people are familiar with the pharmaceutical forms of lithium (lithium carbonate and lithium citrate), these aforementioned chemical extracts used to treat mania and depression. 

Lithium orotate is very different than the other forms of the mineral. Whereas pharmaceutical drug forms of lithium require high doses to penetrate our cells, lithium orotate is only needed in extremely small serving size, considering the fact that a massive amount of the mineral penetrates the cell (approximately 97%). The other great news is that unlike its pharmaceutical counterparts, lithium orotate is non-toxic, safe, has little to no side effects, and works on 70% to 80% of people who use it.

Health Benefits of Lithium Orotate

• Brain Protection - Studies show that the mineral lithium can actually rejuvenate and build the grey matter nerve cells in the brain by up to three percent.
• Anti-Aging Effects - Small amounts of lithium orotate have been shown to offer anti-aging effects to the brain
• Neuroprotection From Environmental Toxins - Lithium has been shown to protect the system from numerous toxins, particularly in the grey matter of the brain.

Other lithium benefits include:

• Lyme Disease
• Low white blood cell counts
• Juvenile convulsive disease
• Alcoholism and liver disorders
• Pain associated with migraine and cluster headaches
• Hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases: Studies show that lithium may aid in the even distribution of iodine.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as a general stress reducer.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and aggression: Studies show that individuals taking Lithium experienced lowered levels of rage and anger, as well as improved memory.
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• In the reduction of myopia (nearsightedness) and glaucoma: Dr. Hans Nieper found that glaucoma patients could benefit from the dehydrating effect of lithium on the eye, offering patients vision improvement and a lowering of intraocular pressure.
• Bipolar disorder: Orotates may lessen effects of manic or depressive episodes. Lithium has been shown to serve as an effective mood balancer in 70-80 percent of bipolar patients.
• Depression: the therapeutic serving of lithium orotate is 150 mg/day. This is compared to 900-1800 mg of the prescription forms. In this range of lithium orotate, there are no adverse side effects and no need for monitoring blood serum measurements.

Precaution

Do not attempt to self-medicate a mental imbalance with lithium orotate. Speak with your health care provider for more information. Pregnant and nursing women should not take any type of lithium supplement. 

Also, lithium should not be taken by those with renal or cardiovascular diseases, severe dehydration or exhaustion, sodium depletion, or in individuals using any form of diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

Information about lithium orotate courtesy of the Global Healing Center

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

How to Boost Immune System

Preparing for the cold season

For those of us living in the northern latitudes winter may be a very challenging season. With lower outside temperatures we may experience colds and flu as well as other unpleasant illnesses and symptoms.

There is, however, a way to protect yourself from infections. You simply have to boost your immune system and implement a few simple strategies that will help you stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

By preparing your immune system and strengthening your immune response, you will be able to pass through the cold season without an infection and if you catch a cold, your symptoms will be less severe and you will recover much faster.

Your immune system acts like a protective shield that thwarts harmful pathogens from attacking your organism. In contact with pathogens a series of reactions are taking place within your body. Cells, organs and tissues of your immune system are mobilized to disable the pathogens. The symptoms you may experience (fever, for instance), although very unpleasant, are the signs of a well functioning immune system. Using medication to suppress these symptoms will only weaken your immune system. Instead, you should support your immune system with herbs and natural remedies, get enough rest, and let your body recover from infection all by yourself. You may want to take natural supplements to ease your symptoms, but as the common wisdom goes, it takes a week to cure the cold with drugs, but only seven days to recover without them.

In order for your immune system to function properly, you need to support it with proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and herbs. It is important that you eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) that are rich in vitamins, esp. vitamin C, and minerals, esp. zinc. Zinc may be the most important micro nutrient for your immune system. It is needed for the stimulation of the white blood cells that are important elements of your defense system. People who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc works in synergy with vitamin C and in order to be effective in your body it must be taken with its co-factor amino acid Histidine. Taken alone, zinc may be ineffective as the foods you eat interfere with its absorption, especially when you are a vegetarian. The recommended dose is 15 mg per day with up to 1000 mg vitamin C and 100-500 mg Histidine. The other important vitamin for the immune system is the vitamin D3 which works in the body as a potent antibiotic. Vitamin D3 helps the body to increase the production of body's own antimicrobial peptides. The body uses these peptides to destroy pathogenic organisms, including the influenza virus. The suggested dose is 2,000 IU. Another very effective supplement is the polysaccharide beta glucan. The insoluble beta glucans 1,3 and 1,6 derived from medicinal mushrooms and from yeast are very effective immune system modulators and do not overstimulate the immune system. There is no established daily dose of beta glucans, but manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg as an effective dose for the enhancement of the immune system.

The Nature supplied us with very effective herbs and power foods that have the ability to boost the immune system and help us stay healthy during winter. They have unique immune enhancing properties and can be used in many different situations to support our overall immune response. They are time tested in many cultures and can be purchased in form of capsules, teas or tinctures in any health food store or pharmacy. Some can simply be used as foods and may be used to enhance your winter cooking.

Here is a list of my favorite winter remedies in random order. You may already know most of them, or maybe wish to try something new this winter:

• andrographis
• manuka honey
• astragalus
• raw apple cider vinegar
• German chamomile taken as herbal infusion 
• lime flowers taken as herbal infusion
• citrus fruit
• colostrum
• lactoferrin, vitamin C and zinc
• eleutherococus
• echinacea purpura 
• Umckaloabo (South African Pelargonium Root)
• garlic
• onions
• lacto-fermented, unpasteurized sauerkraut
• unpasteurized kimchi, preferably home-made
• ginger
• turmeric
• hot peppers
• raw local honey
• propolis
• royal jelly
• elderberry sirup
• rose hips
• seabuckthorn 
• medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, maitake, cordiceps, hericium, and shiitake
• essential oils of cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, and lavender used in aromatherapy lamp 

The list does not end here. These are, however, the best known and most widely used and time tested winter remedies. Some of them are to be taken as tinctures or infusions, as pills or capsules; others are simply added to your daily meals, or used in aromatherapy and for inhalations to clear the sinus congestion. They all have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and are known to activate and support the immune system. Chose the ones you feel comfortable with and take them systematically to build up your immune system.

If you catch your first cold, remember to never ever take antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria not viruses, but common cold and flu are caused by viruses that are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. There are about 200 different viruses that cause the flu symptoms!

Antibiotics will only weaken your immune system as they destroy the flora in the small intestine which is the seat of the immune system in the body. You will only end up in a vicious cycle. Instead, take a concentrated action to boost the activity of your immune system. Do not wait for the symptoms to fully develop to a flu. Take time to heal your infection, rest and relax as much as you can. Sleep is vital as our immune system recovers during the night.

In addition you may want to implement some lifestyle changes during the winter:

• Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you come home from work.
• Avoid sick people.
• Dress up for winter - keep you body warm, especially your hands and feet.
• Keep your blood circulating! The idea of taking alternate warm and cold showers in the morning may sound outrageous, but you will soon notice that your body feels warm even in the coldest weather. Use ginger and hot peppers to spice your meals and drink spiced chai instead of ice tea.
• Put as much fresh fruit and vegetables on your plate as you possibly can. 
• Reduce the consumption of mucus producing foods such as diary and white bread.
• Exercise moderately and spend some time outside.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supplement with best possible immune supporting products.
• Take high quality multivitamin and bio-available minerals formula.
• Rest, relax and pamper yourself.
• Get enough sleep. Remember that your immune system recovers during the night.
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, stop smoking as this habit deprives your body of the vitamin C which is so important to your immune system.
• Take precautions not to pass your infection on to others.

Preparing your immune system for winter and implementing a few simple strategies will help you enjoy the beauty of this season and pass through it without infection.
 
Be gentle with your body and take time to relax and contemplate the changes in nature. And no matter how cold and dark it is outside, always let the sun shine from the inside out.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2022

This article was first published on my raw food blog Passionately Raw! that is full of wholesome, immune system supporting recipes.

Image featuring Stags And The Northern Star Nordic Style Pullover Sweatshirt by Jimmo Designs on Redbubble. I do not receive any royalties from Jimmo Designs. I simply support an independent artist.

*Information in this article is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Natural Relief for Anxiety

Many people experience emotional discomfort or a feeling of being powerless in face of certain circumstances. Some people can cope better than others as they consider difficulties to be a component part of life. For others the daily struggle may have a debilitating effect. They develop irrational fears and anxiety.

Each of us can get affected, but sometimes we manage to find a solution or receive help from others and everything returns to a more or less perfect order. We are either mobilized to action or completely "paralyzed" by the situation and our emotional response to it. 

Some of us are naturally better at solving problems than others. Some people are simply unable to cope alone and need help. They seem to have a perfect memory of the difficulties experienced before and begin to worry that the same situation will occur again. They begin to worry that they will not be prepared or able to deal with it. They expect the signs of the coming demise to show up in every new situation and develop anxiety. With time they become anxious that they will not be able to cope with almost anything and spent a lot of their mental and emotional resources trying to "prevent" situations that may never occur. And although some fears may be justified, others are "irrational". The feeling of inadequacy is debilitating and makes a simple day to day existence very challenging. The fear of failure and anxiety not only make our existence painful, but they also prevent us from personal growth.

There are many ways to deal with chronic anxiety. Meditation, prayer, yoga, psychotherapy, autogenic training, and medication are the strategies that work to different degrees in different people. Anti-anxiety medication is a very popular quick fix to the problem, but many people are reluctant to take drugs. They are looking for natural solution instead. Once again Nature provides us with time-tested remedies. 

Herbs such as

• kava kava 
• valerian root
• passion flower
• St. John's Worth
• tulsi (holy basil)
  
• red ginseng
• rhodiola
  
• catnip
• ashwagandha
• lemon balm
• lemongrass
• German chamomile
• lavender

are very effective and work for most people. 

They provide calm, but do not cause lethargy. Some of them can be used in aromatherapy while others can be taken in form of capsules, tinctures, or drank as tea. Unlike capsules, a warm herbal infusions can add a feeling of comfort on a bad day. 

Since most herbs are rather bitter, you may have to add some honey, stevia, or maple syrup to your infusion. Do not, however, get tempted to save calories and sweeten your infusion with artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are well known for their adverse activity in the brain. They disrupt the flow and synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain thus further contributing to emotional imbalance. 

Anxiety has a debilitating effect on relationships as well and should be addressed as early as possible. No one likes to be around gloomy or anxious people and the anxious person may end up alone and lonely with his or her vision of doom.

Herbs are wonderful and very effective, but it may time to improve one's delicate chemistry. Very often behavioral therapy is needed. A certified therapist with a holistic approach may be exactly what a person suffering from chronic anxiety requires.

By Dominique Allmon 

Dominique Allmon©2022

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease. Please consult a certified physician before ingesting any herbs as they may interfere with your medication.

Do You Actually Know What You Are Eating?

Recent food scandals, disclosures, health food obsession, and curiosity, have brought many horror stories to light. It seems than not a week goes by without a new shocking story. Food sold in supermarkets as natural and healthy often is neither natural nor healthy, and the law seems to protect the food industry but not the hapless consumer, unless, of course, you are an organic farmer and have the burden to prove that your organic heirloom carrot will not kill anybody.

Obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, food allergies, eating disorders, malnutrition, congenital disorders, to name only a few, are on the rise thanks to foods that have no true nutritional value, but pretend to be healthy, natural, and good for you. 

I am not even venturing here into the vast subject of organic, conventional, or GMO foods, but unless you grow, raise, forage, and produce your own food, you cannot always be sure what's on your plate. 

Inventiveness, progress, and greed are the culprits responsible for the miserable state of affairs. Everybody knows the "ersatz" foods like margarine and saccharine that were invented in times of extreme duress to provide people with substitutes for the most wanted daily staples like butter and sugar. Such fake foods might seem like a necessity during a time of war, but lose their attractiveness in time of peace and abundance, unless... Unless, of course, they are sold as good and even superior to the real stuff: butter will kill you, but margarine is so much better for you; sugar has calories, but saccharine, aspartame & Co are calorie free and even help you to stay skinny or lose weight you put on during holidays. And so on.

The success of science and the rise of chemical industry cannot be underestimated. Much money goes into research, but the profits are exorbitant. Many consumers are willing to accept a wide range of artificial flavors and coloring, often without questioning.

So why the fuss? Well, if it tastes like strawberry, it isn't necessarily a strawberry that you are tasting. A typical strawberry flavoring contains chemicals that have absolutely nothing to do with strawberries: 

• amyl acetate,
• amyl butyrate,
• amyl valerate,
• anethol,
• anisyl formate,
• benzyl acetate,
• benzyl isobutyrate,
• butyric acid,
• cinnamyl isobutyrate,
• cinnamyl valerate,
• cognac essential oil,
• diacetyl,
• dipropyl ketone,
• ethyl acetate,
• ethyl amyl ketone,
• ethyl butyrate,
• ethyl cinnamate,
• ethyl heptanoate,
• ethyl heptylate,
• ethyl lactate,
• ethyl methylphenylglycidate,
• ethyl nitrate,
• ethyl propionate,
• ethyl valerate,
• heliotropin,
• hydroxyphenyl-2-butanone (10 percent solution in alcohol),
• a-ionone,
• isobutyl anthranilate,
• isobutyl butyrate,
• lemon essential oil,
• maltol,
• 4-methylacetophenone,
• methyl anthranilate,
• methyl benzoate,
• methyl cinnamate,
• methyl heptine carbonate,
• methyl naphthyl ketone,
• methyl salicylate,
• mint essential oil,
• neroli essential oil,
• nerolin,
• neryl isobutyrate,
• orris butter,
• phenethyl alcohol,
• rose,
• rum ether,
• g-undecalactone,
• vanillin, and last, but not least,
• solvent. 

Is this all right with you? Wouldn't it be easier to simply use strawberries to flavor a cake or a milkshake, or any product for that matter? No, because strawberries are perishable and expensive, and not flavorful enough in tiny doses. Chemicals, on the other hand, can be standardized and measured out exactly to produce a constant flavor that sells well and lasts till the expiry date of a product, say, three or five years later. 

The same goes for the vanilla, caramel, or chocolate flavorings, and everything else that is manufactured and sold as food.

How about artificial crab meat so popular with sushi lovers? How about gel-injected shrimp from Asia? How about chicken that is only 51% meat? How about vegan sausage? How about sausage?! How about fake apple juice? How about fake honey? Scandal after scandal, disclosures revealed criminal practices. For some people such revelations come too late, others may still reconsider the way they eat and shop for food. 

Some of the food industry practices are criminal and must be prosecuted, but many of the secrets are perfectly legal. They are scandalous only because of the dubious ingredients like wood or human hair used to manufacture products sold as food. 

The food industry can really be proud of its achievements: food preservatives, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, coloring, bleaches, and other additives that make a bunch of chemicals look and taste like food. That many people get sick or addicted to certain food products has to be proven first. The industry is very strong and has powerful lawyers. Much money goes into research. Much money goes into lobbying. Much money goes into advertisement. Some money probably goes into lawsuits and to hush the plaintiffs.

Ignorance kills, but how can you blame the overwhelmed consumer when the whole industry promotes unhealthy food products that are definitely not good for you, as something you must eat daily in order to look sexy, healthy, beautiful, and fit? 

Education is important, but habits die hard. For as long as a truly organic apple is more expensive than a fake chocolate, sugar loaded bar, the situation will remain unchanged.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon@2017

Also of interest: 5 Food Industry Secrets They Don’t Want You To Know by Kim Johnson or 6 Food Industry Tricks You Don’t Know About by Dr. Mercola. To read the articles please click here and here.

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Most people on raw food are familiar with wheatgrass. Most green superfood supplements contain some percentage of it, and many juice bars offer freshly pressed wheatgrass juice. 

What is wheatgrass?
 

Wheatgrass is the young green grass that grows from germinated seeds of the common wheat plant or Triticum aestivum. The plant grows in the temperate regions of the United States and Europe where the ripe berries are harvested and usually turned into flour. Wheatgrass, however, is harvested long before the plant riches its maturity.

Wheatgrass consumption was initiated by the famous holistic health practitioner, Ann Wigmore. She observed dogs and cats eating grass to improve their digestion and believed that humans could also benefit from the practice. And the easiest way to introduce wheatgrass to human diet was to juice it. 

Ann Wigmore developed a strict health regime for patients with chronic or incurable diseases. The patients were to avoid meat and diary products. They were put on raw, living food diet and had to drink fresh wheatgrass juice. This diet produced incredible results. Patients with cancer, gout and diabetes got healed. Many skin disorders and immune system related problems disappeared as patients indulged in the nutrition-rich foods. Great part of the success was attributed to the detoxifying and alkalizing effect of the wheatgrass juice.

Nutrition facts

Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll and SOD (Superoxid dismutase) enzyme. It is a natural source of various minerals and vitamins, including iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and selenium, and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B vitamins including B12. Wheatgrass is a perfect source of protein. It provides all essential amino acids. Moreover, the protein comes in the form of polypeptides which are easily utilized by the body.

Wheatgrass is gluten-free and can be safely consumed by people with gluten allergy and gluten sensitivity. The type of gluten that causes adverse reactions exists only in the wheat grains which are seeds that produce the grass. 

Health benefits of wheatgrass

As mentioned before, wheatgrass is believed to have many health benefits:

• It has the capacity to detoxify blood and liver. It helps neutralize environmental toxins and pollutants. Thanks to SOD it helps to remove heavy metals and radiation form the body;
• It helps alkalize the body and relieve such ailments as peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis;
• Thanks to a high chlorophyll content, it helps to cleanse and oxygenate the blood and increase the red blood cell count;
• It helps to clear the brain fog;
• It helps improve digestion and relieve constipation, diarrhea, bloating, bad breath and body odor;
• It stimulates the thyroid function and may help to manage weight problems;
• It can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate such ailments as rheumatoid arthritis when used topically as a compress;
• It helps improve many skin conditions thanks to its detoxifying and alkalizing function and the effect it has on digestion;
• When consumed fresh in form of juice, it may increase bio-electricity and awaken inner life-force. It helps to increase vibrancy and activates self-healing mechanisms within the body.

Grow your own!
 

If you are living in a big city, you probably have no problems finding a juice bar that serves freshly made wheatgrass juice, but wheatgrass is not as easily accessible in smaller communities. In this case the best thing you can do is to grow your own.

By growing your own wheatgrass you will be in control of its quality and purity. By choosing organic seeds and purified water you can make sure that the wheatgrass you are consuming truly is organic and pollutant-free. You also determine the conditions for growth and the moment of harvest.

Should you decide to grow your own wheatgrass, remember not to expose it to a direct sunlight or it will taste bitter. Also make sure that it does not develop a mold. For best results grow it in specially developed trays and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Best time to harvest your wheatgrass for juicing is about one week after germination of the seeds, short before the so called jointing stage. In the life of a cereal plant such as wheat, jointing stage is a moment of growth at which the internodal tissue in the grass leaf begins to elongate and form a stem. By harvesting your wheatgrass at this stage of growth you make sure that your juice will have the highest concentration of nutrients. Once harvested, you can leave the cropped grass in the tray and allow to grow again. With a little practice you will be able to grow your own healthy grass.

Juicing wheatgrass

Juicing wheatgrass is very easy if you have the right tool. Juicers such as the Champion juicer have additional attachments specially developed for juicing grass. There are also juicers on the market that were designed only for juicing grasses and leafy greens. Some of them are electric, some are manual. The price varies depending of the type of juicer. If you decide to buy one, always buy the best you can afford, but make sure it is easy to clean.

A word of caution

Wheatgrass is a powerful detoxifying superfood. Depending on your health condition it may cause so called Herxheimer reaction if consumed in large amounts. This reaction occurs when more toxins are released into the bloodstream that the body can process. Symptoms may include headache, skin rush and even a light fever. To prevent this you should start your detox gradually and always drink a lot of water to support the elimination of toxins from the body. 

 

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2016 

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera - leaf and jelly

"Of all the herbs I've ever studied - and I've written thousands of articles on nutrition and disease prevention - aloe vera is the most impressive herb of them all." - Mike Adams 

Aloe vera is a succulent household plant from a lily family. It has been used in herbal medicine thousands of years. Earliest records date back to Sumeria and Ancient Egypt. It is believed that Cleopatra used aloe vera in her legendary beauty regimen.

The plant is native to the African continent and has been widely cultivated throughout the world. It grows in the Arabian Peninsula; Eastern Africa, including Sudan; Western Africa, including Nigeria; throughout North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania; Southern Spain and the Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde; China, Mexico, United States, notably New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Florida; Australia and Barbados, to name the most important regions. The leaves are harvested to obtain the inner jelly-like section for health and beauty purposes.

Traditionally, Aloe vera plant has been used to cure many ailments and diseases, including constipation, fungal infections and candida, skin disorders, and even cancer. There are more than 700 scientific and clinical studies documenting efficacy of this plant. Both, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, use Aloe vera in their preparations.

Aloe vera contains more than 200 biologically active compounds such as amino acids; polysaccharides; antioxidants; vitamins such as the B vitamins, including B12, vitamin C, beta-carotene, choline, and folic acid; minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, copper and manganese; unsaturated fatty acids and enzymes. All the compounds act in synergy to provide unique healing effect.

Aloe vera jelly can be applied to injured, inflamed, infected, burnt or dehydrated skin. it is anti-sceptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It moisturizes and disinfects, and helps reconstruct damaged skin.

The precious jelly, however, can do so much more. You can use it for: 

• detox - the jelly helps clear and expel toxins form the intestines as well as from the liver; 
• immune system support - vitamins and polysaccharides, especially the acemannan in Aloe vera, support healthy immune system. Acemannan stimulates the action of the macrophages or the defense cells that are responsible for fighting infections within the body;
• alkalization - Aloe vera has the same pH as the human skin and can be used to heal the skin, but also internally to normalize the body pH;
• to improve digestive health - compounds in Aloe vera help reduce inflammation of the  stomach and the intestinal tract, and provide relief from heartburn;
• to prevent constipation - skin of the Aloe very leaves contain two laxative substances - aloin and emodin. Preparations containing these substances help improve regularity and prevent constipation; 
• to balance cholesterol - beta sitosterol in Aloe vera may help balance cholesterol levels in serum and thus promote cardiovascular health; 
• to regulate blood sugar - compounds in Aloe vera such as lectins, mannans, and anthraquinones help regulate blood glucose levels;
• to reduce weight - improved digestion, balanced blood sugar and healthy cholesterol levels together with some additional lifestyle changes, lead to weigh loss. Regular consumption of Aloe vera helps maintain optimal body weight;  
• to reduce inflammation - Aloe very soothes inflammation inside and out. 

There are many high quality, certified organic products on the market. Capsules are made mostly for internal use. Aloe vera juice or gel (jelly) are intended for both, internal and external, use. There are also cosmetic products containing certified organic Aloe vera juice. Such products usually help soothe and improve the health of skin, but are not intended of internal use. Choose wisely.

An Aloe very plant on a windowsill in a kitchen or in the garden is a perfect way to prepare for emergencies such as small burns or sunburn. Remember, however, that Aloe vera plant is toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, keep the plant in place where they cannot reach it.

Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2016

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.