Pill-Popping and Painkillahs

Pain is intelligent.  It is our body’s most effective and precise way of communicating to us that something is wrong.  It does not occur at random, and it certainly should not be suppressed and ignored.  Unfortunately for us, Western medicine and the powerhouse industry of pharmaceuticals in our country have aggressively convinced us otherwise.  As a nation that is highly dependant on the use of painkillers for everyday survival, perhaps we should be more vigilant.  I will tell you why:

Overuse of ibuprofin/Advil and many other NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is a leading cause of stomach ulcers and even more serious stomach bleeding, which can be fatal.  These drugs work by blocking production of the enzyme COX in the body, which is responsible for protecting the stomach and kidneys.  There are two types of the COX enzyme: COX-1 protects the lining of these organs, and COX-2 causes inflammation (a natural reaction to injury that serves as a healing mechanism).  NSAIDS subdue inflammatory pain and simultaneously tear up the stomach lining.

Acetaminophen/Tylenol is less damaging to the stomach because it is not anti-inflammatory, but instead affects the central nervous system and can have serious side effects on the liver, especially when combined with alcohol.  The dangerous combination overwhelms the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the blood (magnified on an empty stomach).  Alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome can lead to acute liver failure; a comprehensive explanation taken from Columbia University’s Health Services Department:

“Transaminase, a liver protein, helps speed up metabolism, storage, filtration, and excretion in the liver. High transaminase levels, a characteristic of alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome, show that the liver is working overtime to metabolize both the alcohol and the acetaminophen, which is more than the liver can handle. The alcohol metabolizes at a higher rate, leaving ‘extra’ toxic enzymes from the acetaminophen in the body's system. This excess of toxins, called ‘hepatotoxicity,’ can lead to acute liver damage or failure. Some health care providers speculate that alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome is the leading cause of acute liver damage in the United States.”

Aspirin is a blood thinner that is commonly recommended for prevention of heart attacks, although the risks certainly outweigh the perceived benefit.  Because heart attacks and strokes result from blood clotting, doctors suggest that regularly taking a blood thinner will decrease this risk; side effects, however, include kidney damage, gastric bleeding, and pancreatic cancer.  Studies are now starting to reveal that aspirin use has little to no valuable health benefits, and subjects are twice as likely to face hospitalization for cardiovascular complications. 

There are, of course, more serious instances (surgery, for example) that require prescription painkillers or narcotics for short-term use.  These drugs are magnified in potency and side effects; however, our bodies are incredibly resilient to short-term anything.  The biggest concern with these substances is addiction, and this type of abuse is no small matter in the U.S.  Try not to get addicted, and if so, definitely go to rehab.

Truth be told, the better you are to your body in your ordinary life, the less of a chance you will suffer from physical pain in the first place.  Little things like headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, etc., are significantly less common in those who take proper care of themselves in diet and lifestyle…it is as simple as that.  It is true that even the best of us will have our occasional ailments, and in that case as I like to preach, moderation is key!

Painkillers may be the lesser of evils in the bigger picture, but regarding pill-popping in general, consider this: the reason that holistic medicine (in alignment with Eastern values) is so effective is that contrary to Western medicine, which predominantly treats symptoms, it detects the root of the problem and removes the causal factor.  It is a preventative approach, and it is wildly successful in removing illness and disease that Western doctors deem incurable.  Doctors make an unbelievable fortune from the pharmaceutical industry by prescribing drugs, leaving no question as to why they are so eager to prescribe to the masses.  These drugs are intended to suppress any discomfort that occurs as a result of illness—your body’s way of telling you that you are sick.  The sickness remains, and you go on living with it in a slightly more comfortable way, although it will still significantly decrease the quality of your overall life.  Alternatively, a wise man will patiently seek out the underlying cause (often a result of dietary/lifestyle habits) and will actively work to change it, thereby removing the sickness altogether.  The choice is yours to make!

A Gift That Keeps On Giving

I’ve reached a point in my adult life where it is truly more rewarding to give than to receive.  The holiday season has become an inspiring and thoughtful process, as I aim to gift the very special people in my life with things (not necessarily literal) they will sincerely appreciate.  I have been blessed with abundance in my life, and great gifts, in my opinion, are not so much to fulfill the act of having as they are the ability to utilize.  You all know by now (I hope) that health is my passion, and for the entirety of my life I will encourage this subject upon most people.  Some fresh DIY ideas…

Infused Olive Oil

• Get a high quality, cold/expeller-pressed version
• We all use it, it is a much healthier alternative to canola oil, it’s delicious with most things, and it is a supremely good-for-you fat that you should be consuming more of
• Pick some zesty flava combos!  I’ve created a Texas-style jalapeño/garlic/paprika and an herbal rosemary/thyme
• Buy a pretty, durable glass bottle, use a funnel to fill it with olive oil, and add tiny chopped bits of desired flavors; let it sit for a week before gifting so that the flavors soak in, and garnish the bottle with a ribbon, an ornament perhaps, or dried lavender sprigs tied into a bow—this gift is aesthetically appealing and so incredibly usable

Homemade French Salad Dressing

• Genius idea stolen from my mom, grandmother, and older generations beyond
• I’ve tweaked the age-old family recipe to make it slightly healthier but equally tasty
• Same as above, gift in an elegant bottle and garnished accordingly

½ cup raw apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sea salt

2 tsp pepper

1 tsp paprika

2 tsp honey or agave

2 tsp Dijon mustard

*mix ingredients, then add:

1 ½ cup grapeseed oil

1 clove minced garlic

*store in refrigerator, shake well before using

Somebody in your life will appreciate a gift like this!  It is thoughtful, economically efficient, and creative...and my brilliant idea is now yours to borrow.  If you're really looking to impress, pair it with a gift certificate to YOGA; even for the skeptics, everyone knows it makes you feel good, look good, and you get to check out attractive people in minimal clothing :-)

XO,

E

The Dirty Truth About GMOs

You see them every day in the grocery store, and it’s probable that you buy them without knowing it.  As many of you are familiar with this term, genetically modified organisms are living organisms that have been altered from their original form with the removal or addition a certain trait(s).  Genetic engineering has become widely popular in agriculture, and is now freakishly common in the production of our produce.  Scientists originally believed that this method could be used to resolve issues of famine and resource inadequacies among impoverished populations; however, the resulting issues are substantially greater and much more threatening to the earth and whole ecological systems.

By altering the genetic material of the food we eat, not only do we deplete the source’s nutrient content during mutation, but we also risk the extinction of the original subject altogether.  Cross-contamination of such products (referring to agricultural produce in this case) will eventually hinder, and has already in some cases, the plant’s ability to reproduce in its original form, and the series of consequences may be fatal to entire ecosystems.  Corn, for instance, has been so cross-contaminated over the course of decades that it is highly unlikely we will ever see it in its original form.  Quoted directly from saynotogmos.org, in a discussion about the environmental effects of GMOs:

“Last year, 71 percent of all GM crops grown were genetically engineered to be herbicide resistant. A field can now be sprayed with chemicals and everything will die except for the resistant crop. The sales of one of the herbicides being used are predicted to rise by $200 million as a result.

Graham Wynne, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, says: "The ability to clear fields of all weeds using powerful herbicides which can be sprayed onto GM herbicide-resistant crops will result in farmlands devoid of wildlife and will spell disaster for millions of already declining birds and plants."

There are also GM virus-resistant crops. Prof Joe Cummins says:

"Probably the greatest threat from genetically altered crops is the insertion of modified virus and insect virus genes into crops - genetic recombination will create virulent new viruses from such constructions. The widely used cauliflower mosaic virus (present in the GM soy and maize currently on supermarket shelves in the UK) is a potentially dangerous gene. It is very similar to the Hepatitis B virus and related to HIV. Modified viruses could cause famine by destroying crops or cause human and animal diseases of tremendous power."

This excerpt is just one example of the implicit power behind the production of GMOs; it is alarming, at least, and should not be taken lightly.  This website provides a plethora of information regarding genetically modified organisms, and I strongly recommend checking it out. 

So…how to avoid consuming and supporting the production GMOs?  The good news is: as of now, organic produce is GMO free by U.S. standards; however, very slight degrees of cross-contamination are possible and probably inevitable in some cases.  The bad news is: new legislation is attempting to pass certain GMO products as organic material, and if this does occur, we will certainly be paying the consequences.  If this is an issue that concerns you, as it should be, do some research!  There are many ways to petition this movement, and if nothing else, get to know the facts about what you’re buying at the grocery store.

hot potato SWEET potato

A root vegetable with perhaps the highest betacarotene content of all things is the tasty, orange sweet potato (interchangeable with the yam for our purposes).  Betacarotene, which is responsible for the orange color in many fruits and veggies, fights and prevents against numerous infections and diseases, including cancer.  Did you know that this antioxidant gradually increases in the potato when it is stored for longer periods of time (before it rots, of course)?  Carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, but only with the presence of animal fat/protein (explained in previous article, The Perks of Being a Carnivore), so go ahead, butter up your yams!  Betacarotene is essential to eye health, and especially supports night vision capabilities.  Sweet potatoes can be prepared in both sweet and savory ways, and are also loaded with iron, potassium, niacin, vitamin C, as well as heart-healthy vitamin B₆ and magnesium.  ‘Tis the season for sweet potatoes; try the following recipes!

Savory

2 sweet potatoes/yams

expeller-pressed olive oil (same as cold-pressed)

2 to 4 cloves minced garlic

1 to 1 ½ Tbs cinnamon

2 Tbs cumin

salt and pepper to taste

*Preheat oven to 425 F; cut potatoes into bite-sized cubes and put in large mixing bowl; drizzle generously with olive oil, add garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste, toss until thoroughly coated; cover 2 baking sheets with foil and cover with 1 layer of sweet potatoes each; bake for 20-30 minutes (until tender)

Sweet

2 sweet potatoes/yams

½ cup orange juice

zest of 1 orange

½ stick of butter

agave nectar or honey

cinnamon

nutmeg

*Peel and cut potatoes into large cubes and boil in a pot of water until cubes are very tender (usually 15-20 minutes); drain water and add all other ingredients to pot (amount of agave/honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg to personal liking); use fork, potato masher, or food processor to mash and blend potatoes until smooth

Friday Funday!

Cheers to...

• the weekend; 5 days later, it never fails to show up
• the compassion that comes with maturity, and being humbled by it
• looking better in person than you do in photos
• the Talking Heads
• college friends
• college in general
• good virtue
• any opportunity to dress up, both in costume and formally
• putting yourself out there
• Ari Gold in Entourage
• being smarter than you were a year ago (hopefully)
• girlie cocktails, even if you're a man
• your uncanny ability to make yourself laugh
• your health
• occasional misbehavior
• being young and knowing you can have it all
• your responsible, forgiving, courageous parents
• slowly but surely figuring out what you love in life
• catching the sunrise
• Southern hospitality
• casual making out
• working hard and playing harder
• soul searching
• your elders
• adventures of a lifetime
• home cooking
• chivalry NOT being dead
• the invention of recycling
• epic dance parties
• making good decisions
• getting promoted
• letting your freak flag fly
• romance
• quotable movies
• inside jokes
• helping the less fortunate
• gangster rap
• pursuing your dreams
• finally growing out of your habitual attraction to players
• oldies but goodies
• spontaneity
• making new friends
• saving the earth
• Polaroid cameras
• the unknown road ahead
• your first love, and that you've gotten it out of the way
• not giving a f***
• having food on the table and a roof over your head
• shameless flirtation
• learning something new
• the night being young
• charitable efforts
• your incredibly fortunate life
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skCV2L0c6K0 (for kicks!)
• MAKING IT HAPPEN

Have a safe and fulfilling weekend ;-)

XO,

E

Detox 101

Why cleanse?

• Chemical toxins from processed foods, preservatives, artificial ingredients, harmful substances that we ingest, pollution, etc. accumulate in our digestive tract on a daily basis, some remaining in our system for many years; cleansing is the most effective way to release these toxins from the body
• As we purge our system of toxic buildup, we are able to flood it with essential nutrients that our body demands to maintain healthy function
• The health benefits of cleansing are infinite, and immediate results include permanent weight loss, absence of cravings, extreme increase in both physical and mental energy, emotional stability, a radiant glowy complexion, and a newfound sense of strength and confidence
• Cleansing will change your relationship with food, as it allows you to make a distinct mind/body connection between what you consume and how you feel; it will re-train your body to crave the foods and nutrients that yield optimum energy and health
• Nutritional cleansing is one of the best things we can do for our bodies, and is recommended two to four times a year

Cleansing is designed to:

• Detox the body through nutritional cleansing
• Trigger permanent weight loss by resetting the metabolic system
• Maximize physical stamina and mental clarity
• Refine your not-so-good dietary habits once and for all
• Restore balance to your body’s natural pH
• Give you an experiential understanding of how your diet transfers into every other aspect of your life

After a cleanse, you will:

• Be lighter and stronger
• Have a radiant, healthy glow
• Feel more confident, stable, happy, and healthy!
• Have a deep awareness of your body’s physical, mental, and emotional reactions to specific foods
• Know how to balance and maintain your body’s most energetic state of being

It is important to recognize that while cleansing is a very physical process, it has significant mental and emotional side effects as well.  It is important to set intentions for yourself during a cleanse, both short and long-term.  Although the duration of a cleanse is generally 8 days to a month, you are embarking on a transformational journey that is about making lifestyle changes in order to achieve higher health.  You will gain the tools you need to modify your habits and upgrade your choices in the bigger picture.  It's a simple process that leads to permanent, positive changes.

Post-holiday time can be one of the best times to detox and cleanse as you embark on a new year.  If this is something you are interested in participating in or learning more about, I would love for you to contact me about it.  I am an incredibly relatable and enthusiastic person, and my purpose is to teach others about their body in a way that is comprehensive and sustainable.  My goal in nutritional counseling is to reach out to the average person who is seeking positive change in their life.  It is a subject I have a lot of personal and professional experience with, and I work with people both individually and in small groups.  If you don't live in the Austin area, I can easily work with you over the phone.  Even if you just have questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email: blondiebodandwellness@gmail.com!

XO,

E

Chilly Day Rescue Remedies!

If the wintertime blues have got you feeling under the weather, try some of these homeopathic solutions before resorting to Nyquil delirium…I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

Probiotics:  When recovering from an illness, and especially to prevent getting one in the first place, load up on a good probiotic supplement.  The one shown below, RENEW LIFE FloraMore, is a reputable product with a substantial live, active culture content.  Also, fermented coconut water kefir is the best source of natural probiotics in my opinion, and you can find it in the refrigerator section of natural grocery stores.  Maintaining healthy intestinal flora is your best protection from sickness…roughly 80% of your immune system resides within your digestive tract, and this is why a lifetime of poor nutrition is the leading cause of disease later in life.  It is frighteningly true: you are what you eat.

Cold/Flu:  Cold Snap is a great remedy for cold and flu symptoms (although the flu sometimes requires additional support); double up on the dosage for the first few days, and you’ll be feeling better in no time.  This herbal supplement will also help prevent future outbursts.

Garlic:  I know it sounds gross, but stomaching a minced/chopped clove of raw garlic is one of the absolute best things you can do for your immune system.  Garlic is a powerful blood detoxifier, and will help immensely in flushing viral or bacterial infections out of your system.  Add it to soup (after it’s been heated) and it won’t taste so potent!

Sore throat:  Try Traditional Medicinals’ Throat Coat tea to relieve the achiness.  It creates a slight numbing sensation in the throat and will definitely give you a sounder night’s sleep.

Chicken broth:  When homemade, this nutrient-rich soup base is an effective remedy for colds and the flu.  It is important that it is homemade so that the high nutrient content and gelatinous quality of the bone marrow is properly absorbed, giving the broth its vital substance.  It is not uncommon to immediately think of chicken noodle soup when feeling sick, but did you know that this common cliché has deep historical roots?  This ancient tradition, also famously known as “Jewish penicillin,” has been confirmed in modern research to alleviate and even prevent infectious diseases.  This is a great time of year to pull out Grandma’s recipe!

In addition, drinking more water and increasing your Vitamin C intake will help you stay healthy this winter!

XO,

E

10 Things To Be Greedy About

Transformation starts here—today, with you, and with the small yet significant choices that you make.  Below is a list of things that you can and should have more of, and will consequently work wonders on your personal wellbeing.  By increasing the amount of any or all of the things listed below, you are guaranteed to improve your health, happiness, and the overall quality of your life.

1. Plain H₂O—not water disguised as coffee, juice, alcohol, soda, or even flavored water.  It’s almost impossible to get too much of, and it flushes toxins from your system, keeps your body and cells functioning properly, prevents aging, and provides energy and mental clarity.  If you are adequately hydrated, your pee should be clear.
2. Green leafy vegetables—they are the richest source of vitamins and minerals, and yet they are unfortunately the most skimped on out of all vegetables and fruits.  These highly energetic and intelligent food sources are disease-fighting superfoods, and will almost instantly increase your vitality.
3. Whole grains—processed and refined grains are stripped of their nutrient-rich, fibrous casings and ultimately become a source of empty calories.  Refined grains, i.e. white rice, white bread, white flour, etc., are processed in the body the same as sugar and stored as fat.  Go for brown rice, quinoa, and the like; whole grains also reduce sugar cravings.
4. Yoga—good for your body, mind, and soul.  Along with the multiple physical benefits that will keep your body agile into old age, yoga will heighten your awareness of your mental and emotional self.  You might not ever achieve enlightenment, but you’ll at least be that much closer, and you’re bound to make some deeper discoveries about yourself.
5. Sex—in the right context, of course.  As long as you’re safe and in a healthy emotional space (which means different things for different people), regular sex is one of the best ways to relieve stress, burn calories, boost self-confidence, sculpt your abs, and sleep better.  It’s no secret that orgasms increase happiness, so go get some lovin’!  If your libido is slacking, it’s almost always nutrition-related.
6. Fresh air—spend time outdoors, every single day.  Even better, go to a place outdoors where you’re not surrounded by people, cars, buildings, etc.  It is scientifically proven that people who spend time in nature have a greater appreciation for life and are more connected to themselves and the world.  Stop and smell the roses!
7. Sleep—8 hours a night ideally.  If you’re not even close to that much, start small by sneaking in 30 extra minutes a night, and work your way up.  They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing; the amount of sleep you get dramatically affects how quickly you age and the health of your skin.  Sleep is also when your body grows, heals, changes (if you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle), repairs cell damage, etc.  Not enough of it will inhibit all of these things from happening, in addition to making you a less pleasant person to be around.  Start getting enough sleep NOW if you intend to delay aging, increase longevity, and maintain sanity.
8. Healthy fats—don’t be a sucker and believe that decreasing your fat intake will make you healthier.  The problem is not the amount of fat you consume, but the kind of fat you consume.  What you need more of is Omega 3’s and essential chain fatty acids, which come in the form of avocados, nuts, flax seeds/oil, cold-pressed olive oil, coconut milk/oil, and fish, just to name a few.  They are imperative for brain and heart health, hormone balance, protein assimilation, and metabolism/digestive functions.  Try cutting out the low-fat crap products you are eating (which substitute sugar and artificial fillers for fat), and instead incorporate 2 tablespoons of one of the above-mentioned raw oils into your diet twice a day (on salad, veggies, stir-fry…be creative)—within a couple of weeks your pants should fit a little looser, no joke.  If there’s anything about nutrition that people are most ignorant about, it’s fat intake.  Learn the facts and you will be wiser for it.
9. Time for yourself—spend time alone!  Not so much time that you become lonely and depressed, but a small chunk every day will give you a chance to clear your head.  Watching TV doesn’t count, as it requires zero brainpower and cons you into believing you’re not in solitude.  Read, exercise, meditate, pray, rest, clean, play music, cook, or any other activity that you find soothing…do something that you enjoy and that feeds your soul.  This time is so important to nourish your creative juices and rejuvenate from everyday chaos.  Especially if you are someone who is easily distracted, taking a little bit of time for yourself will substantially increase your ability to concentrate and be more efficient in other parts of your life.
10. Laughter—because it hurts so good!  We’ve all got funny friends, and don’t be afraid to use them for comic relief.  If you’re lucky, it’s not so hard to laugh at yourself once in a while.  It releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and when it’s in full force, it makes your stomach and cheeks hurt.  Lighten up, get the sillies out, appreciate the inherent humor in life, tickle your funny bone, don’t be so serious all the time…have a good laugh, you’ll be glad you did.

As you can see, these are simple things that you are likely getting some of already, but probably not enough.  If you can make these tiny changes become habits in your life, you will be doing yourself a huge favor in the long run; consider it preventative medicine, as disease is not something that happens to you, but rather a result of something you do to yourself.  You should find it encouraging to know that there are things you can do to prevent the onset of illness in the future, and there’s no time like the present to get started!

XO,

E

How 'Bout Them Apples?!

First off, it should be mentioned in regards to my previous article saluting meat/animal products, that the quality of the product is absolutely crucial.  Sorry to say, but the livestock industry in our country has pretty much gone to shit (pardon my French).  When buying meat and animal products, organic is a must in my opinion—local and grass-fed is even better, but sometimes hard to find.  Otherwise, animal products—cows, chickens, goats, pigs, sheep, and dairy products alike—are highly inundated with growth hormones (steroids included), preservatives, and other toxic chemicals to speed up production and increase quantity.  In humans, these substances act as cancer-causing carcinogens, and sometimes will remain in the body for decades after being consumed.  Artificial hormones (of any and all kinds) interfere with the body’s natural cell production, and malignant tumors result from the body’s inability to control cell growth.  Here’s an example: cows are injected with recombinant bovine somatotrophin (rBST) so that they can produce milk when pregnant.  This artificial hormone is produced through a genetically engineered E.Coli specimen.  Naturally, no mammal lactates over the course of an entire pregnancy, and we should not overlook nature’s clever way of providing for us.  However, rBST allows for this, so that money-hungry agricultural heads can increase revenue at the cost of consumers unaware.  The U.S. is the only developed nation that has not banned the use of artificial growth hormones, unlike all European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada (by 2000 or earlier).  Do not be fooled.

Moving on, I’m going to share with you some grocery store logic.  When stocking up on your weekly supply, especially on a budget, it can be difficult to discern when to buy organic versus conventional.  I’ll make this easy for you: the Clean 15/Dirty Dozen list represents produce with the least and highest amounts of pesticide use.  This list is developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and is updated annually.  Studies reveal that consistent pesticide exposure is linked to cancer, birth defects, infertility, damage to the brain and nervous system (and diseases related to)…just to name a few.  So, when you make your next grocery run, note that anything on the Clean list is okay to buy conventional, and anything on the Dirty list is when to definitely spring for organic.

Clean 15

1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapple
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet Peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplant
9. Cantaloupe (domestic only)
10. Kiwi 
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

Dirty Dozen

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines
7. Bell Peppers
8. Grapes
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/Collard Greens

Happy Friday!

XO,

E