Diabetes

It doesn’t take much soda to overdose on sugar in a day.  On average, four ounces will do it.  There about 6 teaspoons of sugar in an 8 oz. soda.   A half cup has about 3  teaspoons.  Kids should have about 2 teaspoons of sugar a day.  Adults don’t need much more. When was the last time you saw a small 8 ounce container of soda?  Kids, teens and adults drinks a lot more, a recipe for obesity, diabetes and depression.  Drink ice cold water or diluted 100% fruit juice instead.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Poison is strong word but it reflects Dr. Bob Sears passion.  Fat cells do not just sit around doing nothing while coating your organs and body.  Fat cells actually release inflammatory chemicals which Dr. Sears describes as being poison to your tissues.  The reality is, inflammation is the root of most if not all diseases: heart, cancer, strokes, depression, you name it…  Those inflammatory chemicals cause interactive cellular disturbances. Dr. Sally Byrd describes it this way, “It is like your body is on fire.” We can’t see or hear it but it’s happening.  And so begins the downhill run to disease.  Please note that these diseases are showing up among children.  How sad is that?  (To learn more, download our March 5th interview with Dr. Sears for free on itunes or listen to the archived version on www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com.)

To many, managing weight is all about how you look on the outside, but, on the inside is it all about living a healthy life or struggling with disease and dying. Now you know why being overweight and obesity is a serious disease.   Put your priorities in order, make Better Food Choices and get moving.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Have you always thought that inflammation is a just the swollen area where have been hurt – a cut or sprained ankle?  You are right and wrong.  Inflammation is a reaction that occurs in your body when it deals with a foreign organism or trauma. Dr. Keri Marshall explained the connection between inflammation and disease.  When a cell becomes inflammed, it is filled with extra fluid, the rescue program.  Unfortunately this becomes a problem when this extra fluid hangs around in a chronic state.  Then the needed nutrients do not enter the cell and the waste materials does not leave.  This fluid becomes stagnet and invites disease.  Stagnet waters breed unwanted micro-organisms.  So does the stagnet fluid in your cells.  You may notice the heat coming out of an inflammed area, however, this is hard to detect from an internal organ. 

What do you do?  First, don’t eat foods that breed inflammation such as sugar.  Second, eat foods that deter inflammation such as artichokes.  Have your adrenal glands checked.  Get massages and/or exercise.  Sleep for at least 8 hours a night … don’t laugh (turn off your computer and TV and go to bed). Reduce your stress level (say NO to what is not possible to do in time available).  Be in tune with your body. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Dr. Michelle O’Shaughnessy said it all, “Build your body so you can’t get the Swine Flu.”  That’s it.  A strong immune system is your best defense.  A daily diet of junk food, processed food, and few to no vegetables or fruits weakens your immune system making you and your family a prime candidate for flues or any other disease.  Herbs, vegetables and fruits (lower glycemic/sugar are best) are your immune builders.  They fill your body with good guys who can knock off the bad guys before they get a grip. 

You have yourself to look at and decide whether you want get sick and be dependent on the “band-aid” medical care of this country.  Be smart and fill up with foods that fight the bad guys and win!     P.S.  It helps if you claim to be well. 

…  for the health of your family,
ellen

And how are you sleeping?  Restless? Short hours? Deep sleep?  Not too many moms I know sleep for the  adult recommendation of  7 to 9 hours a night .  I have blogged about sleep before and opted to do so again since this is such a critical subject.  Sleep deprivation absolutely negatively impacts your health.

“Chronic, inadequate sleep raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes and obesity.  It impairs congitive function, memory and the immune system and causes more than 100,000 motor-vehicle accidents a year.  Sleep deprevation also changes the body’s metabolism, making people eat more and feel less satisfied.” * … and it makes you cranky.  The way you eat can determine how well you sleep (need minerals from fruit and vegatables!) – but that’s another blog.

Try to find a way to give up an evening activity, relax with a comforting book (even if your eyes close after the first three sentences) and go to bed earlier.  The No sugar or caffeine after six pm rule helps a lot.  Sweet Dreams.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

* Melinda Beck, ” When Sleep Leaves You Tired”, Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2009, p. D1