Going Alkaline

Posted on April 8, 2009 by eresko

Over the past 4 years, I’ve been a victim of chronic skin issues, which have blossomed into an awful array of eczema that seems to come and go as it pleases with no apparent rhyme or reason.  At this point, I have to take it all in stride and know that I’m gaining valuable knowledge along the way that may someday help somebody else in a similar position, and hopefully one of these days I will actually get to the bottom of my eczema and get rid of it once and for all!  On my school break, I pretty much spent my time devoted to getting healthy, and that included days and days of getting acupuncture treatments, various homeopathics and diet changes.  All of which helped, but never cured… so my next venture is experimenting with an alkaline diet.  I started reading this book “The pH Miracle Diet” and couldn’t put it down.  The basic idea of the diet is to maintain a diet that is at least 80% alkaline.  The theory behind this is to maintain the bodies normal pH levels in the body.

The pH level of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies.  The entire metabolic process depends on an alkaline environment.  Chronic overacidity corrodes body tissue, and if left unchecked will interrupt all cellular activities and functions, the beating of your heart to the neural firing of your brain.  in other words, overacidity interferes with life itself.  It is at the root of all sickness and disease. 

It may surprise you to know that the average American diet, rich in lots of animal protein, sugars and dairy is highly acidic, and this acidity in our diets promotes a breeding ground for disease in our bodies.  This acidity is linked to a laundry list of health issues, such as allergies, headaches, colds, flus, acne, muscle cramps, soreness, skin irritation’s, inflammation, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, gout, arthritis, cancer and many many more.

Since, I’m sure we would all like to know how to eliminate our chances of sickness and live our lives to their healthiest potential I thought I’d share a couple basics I learned that can easily be incorporated into your daily life.

Alkalizing your water:  This will neutralize any stored acid waste in your body an gently remove acid from the body.  If you don’t have access to a water ionizer, which alkalizes and purifies your water for you there is a cheaper option.  Put 5 drops of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) per 8-12 ounces of your purified water, and presto… you have alkalized water.  You can also squeeze lemon or lime into your purified water which will also alkalize it.

Meal plans:  In order to maintain an alkaline environment internally, you should stick to a diet that is 80% alkaline (which mostly comes from vegetables).  So when you take a visual of your plate make sure 80% is covered by vegetables.

Veggies w/ Protein:  It’s important for your digestive systems sake, to eat dark leafy greens with your animal proteins, for these will actually help to breakdown the meat, making it easier on your digestive tract.  In addition, you shouldn’t eat animal protein with starches, as they require very different environments for digestion.

Alkaline Foods:  In general, veggies are your friend!  In addition, you can eat lemons, limes, tomatoes, avocados and even grapefruit, they are all alkalizing.  Eat lots of nuts and seeds and even tofu.  Some good grains to eat, which are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline include, quinoa, buckwheat, millet and amaranth.

Eat Raw:  As much as you can at least!  (Just be careful when eating raw during the Winter months, as this can be an unhealthy diet in the wrong environment).

Cut processed foods and artificial sweeteners:  These are both highly acidic and if you need a sweetener, stick to plant based sweeteners, such as Stevia or Chicory.

Essential Fats:  Make sure you are getting the right oils in your diet, after all they are essential.   Surprisingly, 20% of your calories should come from your healthy oils.  Some examples include Olive Oil, Grape Seed, Sesame, Flax and Hemp just to name a few.  Look for brands that are “cold-pressed”.

Alcohol, Coffee, Chocolate and Sodas:  Unfortunately, as you may have guessed all these are highly acidic and should be avoided for the most part.

So, there you are, a few words of advice for taking your health into your own hands.  I, myself went alkaline as of 2 days ago and maybe you’ll join me… even if you just work on one thing for now, like making your water alkaline, it’s a step in the right direction!

For a really helpful list of alkaline & acidic foods (it might surprise you); here is a link that a fellow student shared with me!                                      http://manumissio.wikispaces.com/Alkaline+Foods

Sources: Young, Robert O., Young, Shelley Redford, The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health,  New York: Wellness Central, 2002; www.snyderhealth.com

Posted in Allergies, Nutrition, Topics in Health | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Using Herbs, Phytochemicals and Vitamins to Soothe Your Allergies This Season

Posted on March 25, 2009 by eresko

 

If you are one of the lucky few that doesn’t suffer from seasonal allergies, consider yourself, well lucky!!  I myself have had allergy problems since before I can  remember, and trust me I have gone through just about everything there is to treat them.  Personally, the only relief I’ve found and felt good about using is in Complementary Medicine, be it, herbs, diet, or acupuncture.  My allergies, unfortunately are not only seasonal but a vague anomaly that continues year round for a laundry list of reasons of which I am never sure of.  Fortunately, dealing with your personal health and testing new ideas on yourself is a great learning tool, and one day hopefully I will have squashed all my allergy problems and live an itch free life.

I recently came across an article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reviewing CAM’s history in treating various ailments of the immune system, including asthma, allergic rhinitis and dermatitis through the use of Vitamins, Herbs and Phytochemicals.  If you are looking for some hope in a prescription drug free world of allergy treatment, check out the research.  Some highlights of the research include:

Vitamin D:  It has long been said that Vitamin D plays a vital role in your overall health, this article just reinforces the importance that Vitamin D plays in our immune system and how it can be a crucial part of dealing with allergies of any kind.

Vitamin E:  Has been shown to decrease mast cell production, thereby relieving an allergic response.

Vitamin A:  Has been shown to increase antibody production.

Vitamin C:  Is an important mediator in the immune response.

Magnolol:  As far as phytochemicals go, Magnolol is polyphenol found in plants that plays a part in the immune reaction, lending an inhibitory effect that reduces the allergic reaction.

Quercetin:  Found in cherries, Quercetin plays the same sort of inhibitory role in the cascade of events causing an allergic reaction and effects the production of mast cells.

Resveratrol:  Found in grape skins, it’s a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, it plays a role in alleviating the stress response that can be an instigator in the allergy response.

Ma Huang (or Ephedra):  Which has recently been taken off the market is a great herb in the treatment of asthma and has unfortunately been misused as a diet drug and energy enhancer due to its amphetime-like effects.

As far as using these substances clinically in the treatment of allergies, there is SO much information in the article that I could hardly paraphrase any one part of it in one page, but if you are looking for specific info regarding Atopic Dermatitis, Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma, please read the article, there is quite a bit of good information in there and natural substances that are worth taking a look at.  For example, some of the remedies they review are as follows:

In treating Atopic Dermatitis, Evening Primrose, Essential Fatty Acids, Rumex japonicus Houtt  & Actinidia arguta are a few of the herbal remedies found to have positive effects.

For Allergic Rhinitis, Butterbur is worth mentioning as finding similar test results as the use of Fexafenadine a prescription medicine commonly prescribed for allergies.  Citrus unshiu also showed positive results in treating seasonal allergies.  Likewise, dietary products like grape seed extract, tomato extract, dietary spirulina, and cellulose powder have been suggested for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

As far as Chinese Herbal Formulas are concerned Bhu-zong-yi-qi-tang is shown to have efficacious results when treating both allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis as well as Shi-Bi-Lin, another formula.

Also worth mentioning are a couple of other homeopathic remedies, including Apis Mel, which is helpful in acute cases for hives, bee stings and other insect bites and Histaminum which is helpful in the case of nasal congestion, hay fever, insect bites, eczema, and even food allergies.  One that has been super useful for me when I’m having an acute reaction is Quantum AllerCleanse a Botanical Supplement produced by Premier Research  Labs.

So, take control of your health this allergy season and look into these great natural remedies!  I know some of these have done wonders for me in helping to relieve my allergy symptoms throughout the years and I hope you too can benefit as well!

Source:  Mainardi, Timothy, MD, MS, Kapoor, Simi, MD, Bielory, Leonard, MD, ( Feb. 2009)  Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs, Phytochemicals and Vitamins and Their Immunologic Effects.  The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 123 (2), 283-294 

Posted in Allergies, Nutrition, Topics in Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Acupuncture Made Affordable

Posted on March 2, 2009 by eresko

Acupuncture Made Affordable… it’s a dream come true…

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a seminar held at OCOM on Working Class Acupuncture.  What it is is, Acupuncture held in a group setting treating high volumes with low prices. It’s something I’m really interested in as a future practitioner and look forward to learning more about in the meantime.

As a student and former employee of the general workforce where I wasn’t making much money, I know what it’s like to skate by every month on small paychecks that barely account for your groceries and bills.  Before coming to school and getting great student deals, Acupuncture was a luxury that I could only sometimes afford, and more often than not, it was usually in the form of a Christmas or Birthday gift.  Unfortunately, I think most people can’t afford to get Acupuncture.  So what are we supposed to do, just throw our health out the window and bank on the idea that we aren’t going to get sick or have any health problems?  My guess is that most of us are in need of a little help in the health arena, and would like to be and continue to be healthy, and wouldn’t it be nice, if you could afford to do just that on your current budget?

One of the great problems I see with Acupuncture treatments in general is that in order to receive the greatest effects of this medicine, it may be necessary to get treatment as often as three times a week for a number of weeks or possibly over the span of a few months.  How can anyone commit to something like that when it’s going to cost them upwards of $65 a treatment out of pocket?!  Acupuncture is such an amazing medicine, it should be available to all people who need and want it, but it starts to get pretty spendy.

Working Class Acupuncture got started in Portland OR, in 2002, and has been gaining ground across the country as a viable option for those who simply can’t afford regular treatments .  Treatments are held in a group setting, so many people can be seen at once and it is either around the cost of $25 treatments or on a sliding scale starting as low as $15 (that’s as much as a copay).  Working Class Acupuncture has steadily been gaining popularity amongst patients and practitioners alike, people want to go, and Acupuncturists want to model their own business’ after them.  Recently Working Class Acupuncture launched the organization Community Acupuncture Network, CAN, to share their model across the nation and bring Working Class Acupuncture to every city and town across the nation.

Here is a quick youtube video about Portlands Working Class Acupuncture Clinic given by one of their own Licensed Acupuncturists

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nq2KAl8bwQ]

If you are a Portland, OR resident, please check out Working Class Acupuncture’s Website here and if you are looking for an organization elsewhere, please visit CAN’s site here, and click on the world map to find a treatment clinic near you!

Another option for those of you looking for an affordable acupuncture clinic, check to see if there is a Chinese Medical School in your city, and look into treatments there as well!  Since they will most likely have a teaching clinic, usually prices are pretty good!  I know at OCOM (Oregon College of Oriental Medicine), right now, treatments are $22, and in a group setting only $10.  If you are interested in body work, we also have Shiatsu and Tuina Massage available.  So if you live in or around Portland, this is definitely a great option as well, and if you come in starting April 5th, you may even get to see me in your treatment room (I will just be starting my observation rounds), so see you there!  Click here for more information!

Sources:  March, 1, 2009 www.workingclassacupuncture.org; March,1, 2009 www.communityacupuncturenetwork.org;  March, 1, 2009 www.ocom.edu

Posted in Community Health Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Five Elements… Which One Are You?

Posted on February 19, 2009 by eresko

 

So, as I am looking for a good way to procrastinate studying for my Traditional Chinese Medical Theory class, which I have a midterm in tomorrow, I can’t help but think about the Five Element Theory Seminar series I’m starting this Sunday.

Much of the basis of Chinese theory and medicine stems from Holism, an extraction of our view of the natural world and how it is represented in our bodies.  The ancient Chinese theorized that our bodies are a smaller representation of the whole, or the universe, and that we are our healthiest when we act in accordance with nature.  One of the ways in which they did this was by observing the natural world.   What emerged was the Five Element Theory.  The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.  The elements like the seasons are constantly merging into one another, and changing over time, just like our bodies.  By understanding the relationship that each of these elements has in nature, one can eventually start to understand the relationships formed within our human bodies to maintain health.  In addition by understanding these dynamic relationships, we can also start to understand our fluctuating bodies, attitudes, changing personalities and degrees of health.  Each of the elements has its own set of associations in Chinese Medicine.  Each pertains to a set of Organ systems, a color, a season, a taste, a food, an emotion among endless others…

Here is a quick table

Wood:  Liver/Gallbladder, Green, Spring, Sour, Anger

Fire:  Heart/Small Intestine, Red, Summer, Bitter, Joy

Earth:  Spleen/Stomach, Yellow, Late Summer, Sweet, Worry

Metal:  Lung/Large Intestine, White, Fall, Acrid, Sadness

Water:  Kidney/Bladder, Black, Winter, Salty, Fear

In addition to associations to the health and the body, the five elements are also associated to certain personality traits and body types.  Now, this is the exciting part… what element are you?  Ever since I signed up for my Five Element Classes, I’ve been taking every 5 Element Personality Quiz I can find.  It’s pretty clear what I am (Metal & Water) and what I’m not (Wood), but I keep taking them, thinking one day, maybe I will be something different.

So in the spirit of my new classes, and procrastination, here are a couple of links to some different quizzes that I think you’ll enjoy!

The Longevity Center has a good test that they’ve basically taken from the book Between Heaven and Earth.  This is probably the best one I’ve found.

5 Element Personality Questionnaire

Here is a good one too, though, you have to add up your numbers yourself to figure your score, you just have to scroll down a bit and you’ll see the test.

5 Element Nature

This one is great to see exactly what element is associated with what characteristics, but personally I like to be a little bit surprised after I’ve gone through all the questions.

5 Element Quiz

Well, that should probably tide you over for the time being!  Hope you enjoy and learn a little bit about yourself in the process.

Hopefully I will be able to share a little more with you on Five Element Theory in Medicine after my classes, but right now, I’ve got to get back to studying…

Posted in Acupuncture | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

This Valentine’s Day Give the Gift of Gnosis Chocolates!!

Posted on February 5, 2009 by eresko

 

The creator of Gnosis is Vanessa (aka Chocolate Girl), a certified holistic health counselor who began experimenting with raw chocolate because of her passion for health, nutrition, and the amazing qualities of this nutrient-dense superfood. She mixes every recipe, pours every mold, and decorates every bar by hand. She has worked hard to select the most potent combinations of superfoods to complement the highest quality raw chocolate in every bar. Gnosis Chocolate makes every bar with loving intentions for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

For most Valentine’s Day is one for romance and love and for some it’s the complete opposite.  Either way, I think I can speak for most everyone out there when I say, we all love chocolate and what better excuse to eat it than on a holiday that is pretty much celebrated by giving chocolates (and flowers of course).

This year I hope I can convince you all to think twice about the treats you buy your loved one and get something that has great health benefits as well as being just a sweet chocolatey delight!  I can’t take total credit for discovering Gnosis Chocolates, it’s all due to my boyfriend who is a personal trainer and nutrtionist extroadinaire.  He is a genius when it comes to nutrtion, eating right, staying healthy, balanced and super conscious of what it is exactly that we are putting into our bodies.  This chocolate pretty much covers all its bases, it’s raw cacao, it’s organic, it’s cold-pressed, which means it maintains all of its nutritional value, and she hand makes EVERY bar with yummy healthy ingredients like crystal manna, goji berries, cinnamon, figs, vanilla, walnuts, ginger, peppermint you name it!  Every ingredient is well thought out and each bar is a perfect balance of superfoods that both taste great together and achieve their ultimate health benefits.  She has definitely put her heart and soul into making these bars and it shows through in her chocolates, please visit her site, Gnosis Chocolate, and check it out.  Right now there is a special for Valentine’s Day and she is even promoting a new Limited bar “Love Choc” packed full with aphrodiasiacs for the special day!!!

Source:  Gnosis Chocolate, Feb. 2, 2009

Posted in Nutrition | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments