There’s nothing like a good buzz, but add to it with another drink and tomorrow morning may be torture. Hangovers are terrible, horrible things, as many of us can attest. But ironically enough, while we’re all too familiar with the symptoms of too much drinking, a lot of us have no idea how alcohol actually causes hangovers.

Alcohol’s Effect

When we drink alcohol (ethanol, specifically), it makes it’s way through our digestive system. It is then absorbed into the bloodstream where it circulates until the liver is able to process it. Once it’s in the liver, the enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, breaks it down into acetaldehyde – a toxin that’s far more toxic than ethanol itself. Luckily, the antioxidant glutathione is able to jump in with acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to break it down yet again, this time converting it into non-toxic acetate.

The metabolization of those Friday night cocktails is a pretty impressive process. However, as powerful an organ as the liver proves to be, there are limits to its detoxifying powers. The typical liver is able to process ½ oz of ethanol per hour (about one drink). When we tip back brews faster than we can metabolize them, our glutathione gets used up quicker than it can be replenished. There’s no other option but to put detoxification on hold while glutathione stores build back up. This leads to a build-up of the nasty toxin acetaldehyde, the culprit behind our hangover woes.

The Hangover

With alcohol in our system, our body stops producing the antidiuretic hormone ADH. Now all available water stores are tapped into — brain included — in order to flush the toxin out. This rise in fluid raises our blood volume, which leads to a spike in blood pressure. Luckily we’re able to offset this by sending fluids to the bladder, but every trip to the toilet deplenishes more of our water reserves, and precious electrolytes are being flushed as well.

With alcohol in our system, the body puts a halt on producing the stimulant glutamine — leaving us drowsy and ready to nap at a moment’s notice. This deep sleep won’t last though. Once our livers are able to process the last of the alcohol in our bloodstream, glutamine goes back into production and that booze-induced snooze is interrupted. Depending on the damage, waking up can be quite a doozy. All those lost water reserves leave us dehydrated, our brains shrunken, and our electrolyte levels low; a physiological recipe for disaster.

The “Cure”

We can try to prevent hangovers altogether by drinking plenty of water and giving our livers a much-needed break between drinks. However, there are bound to be nights that we get carried away. In that case, a dose of electrolytes, supplements, and eggs can be paired with a nice long Epsom soak.

The important minerals we call electrolytes play a crucial role in hydration, so they’re a must for Saturday mornings. Bone broth, potassium-packed bananas, and a dash of sea salt all offer a serving of these balancing minerals. Coconut water is especially popular thanks to its electrolyte content, so it’s a great thing to have in the fridge before you head out Friday. But if you want to step it up a notch, make it coconut kefir. A study through the American College of Gastroenterology showed that drinking one serving of alcohol per day (2 drinks for men and 1 for women) was connected to a higher count of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This can leading to uncomfortable bowel problems like gas and  bloating, and it can even reduce our small intestine’s ability to absorb important nutrients.

After drinking some liquid remedies, consider supplements like n-acetylcysteine. It can be taken before ordering that first drink to help the body process acetaldehyde and reduce the after-effects. Milk thistle extract is another helpful supplement that contains liver-protecting antioxidants that can also boost production of glutathione. Combine this with Vitamin C and the liver will get an extra shot of power in metabolizing alcohol. However, if your cupboards are bare of any vitamins or supplements you can always turn to the fridge for some eggs. Fried in a skillet or baked up as a frittata, they offer a punch of cysteine for inexpensive damage control that will help break down acetaldehyde.

If your joints are aching, draw up a hot bath infused with Epsom salt (aka electrolyte-balancing Magnesium Sulfate). Magnesium has much to offer aches and pains thanks to its anti-inflammatory nature. Plus, a good soak in hot water offers an increase in circulation that will help blood flow through the liver quicker, thereby speeding up the process of detoxification. And for more hangover magic, consider adding aromatherapy to your weekend bath. Thanks to the highly volatile nature of quality essential oils, the beneficial compounds can be inhaled as well as absorbed by the skin. Lavender is particularly relaxing and therapeutic while rosemary works wonders with migraines. Should help be needed with easing nausea, soothing digestion, or taming headaches, peppermint makes an excellent ally.

Important Factors

We’re always reading about different drinking limits for men than for women. This has many of us ladies ready to wage a drinking competition, but there’s a reason drinking recommendations differ. Levels of ALDH and glutathione are generally lower in women, so we aren’t able to be metabolized alcohol as quickly. There are also differences in the body’s ability to process alcohol between races across the globe, with people of East Asian descent often getting a bigger impact per drink because of the how their alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase process alcohol.

However, male or female, the suggested remedies above have great potential with those haggard weekend mornings. But while they can do much to tame the pains of a night out, they’re meaningless when it comes to binges and regular drinking. High amounts of alcohol over a period of time can do serious damage to our bodies. It’s also a sign of a bigger problem like alcohol dependency. A healthy body takes a healthy liver, and that means taking a break from the stress of alcohol. So, every now and then, show your liver some love with a virgin margarita or Bloody Mary. No hangover – 100% guaranteed.

Editor’s Note:  A high-quality probiotic is essential for recovering quickly from a night of drinking. Alcohol kills our beneficial microflora, but it does not kill Candida or other fungal spores that take over right away. If you drink frequently and are ready to cut down and repair the gut, check out the further reading below.

My own personal protocol includes 15 FloraMend or Bio-K, goat milk Keifer (plain), a B vitamin complex, and I do my usual cranberry and salad routine which will flush the body and detox the liver.

Further Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Natural remedies for a Hangover
• Boost Your Liver Function Naturally

Resources:

• Hangover Hacks You Can Hang Your Hat On – Mercola
•  Your Body: The Liver & Alcohol –The Molecular Circus 
• Why Do Hangovers Give You A Headache And How You Can Banish Them –Daily Mail
• Hangover Cures – Mark’s Daily Apple
• Healing Plants 101– Avant Garden Decor
• The Essential Oils For Hangover Cure – Essential Oils Natural Living
• Alcohol Abuse In The United States – 1-800 Addicts
• Moderate Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, Study Finds – Science Daily 

Zika History and Current Spread

The Zika virus was first identified in 1947 by scientists who were researching yellow fever in Uganda. They placed a caged rhesus macaque in the Zika forest. After it became sick with a fever, the researchers isolated the virus from its blood. In 1954, in Nigeria, the virus was first isolated from a human. Up until 2007, confirmed human infections were rare and were limited to Africa and Southeast Asia.

In 2007, an outbreak in Micronesia resulted in 49 confirmed cases and 59 unconfirmed cases. The infections were relatively mild with no associated deaths or hospitalizations. In 2013, the disease reached French Polynesia. In 2014, it reached Brazil and has continued an explosive spread through South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

In most cases, the infection is mild. However, a possible, perhaps probable, link between the virus and microcephaly, a severe birth defect whereby an infant is born with an abnormally small head and incomplete brain development, has catapulted this disease from obscurity to the status of a public health emergency and worldwide headline news. Brazilian health authorities have reported more than 3,500 microcephaly cases between October 2015 and January 2016.

On their website, the World Health Organization states, “Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly. However, more investigation is needed before we understand the relationship between microcephaly in babies and the Zika virus. Other potential causes are also being investigated.” However, Colombia’s President, Juan Manuel Santos, says there is no evidence that the virus has caused an increase in microcephaly in his country, though they have diagnosed 3,177 pregnant women with the virus.

In January, 2016, The CDC issued a level 2 travel alert to areas where virus transmission is active: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, and the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. By February, the virus has been found in 20 countries in the Americas.

On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Zika is now considered a public health emergency of international concern. They estimate that the virus will spread throughout the Americas and will infect up to 4 million people by the end of 2016.

How is Zika Spread?

The primary method of transmission is through mosquito bites. There have also been confirmed cases of sexual transmission. The virus is found in saliva, urine, and semen. Semen has been proven to spread the virus. It is not known whether the virus can be transmitted from females to males during unprotected intercourse or through body fluids other than semen.

Symptoms of Zika Disease

The Zika virus is typically a mild infection. Up to 80% of those afflicted do not exhibit symptoms. General symptoms are a mild fever, a skin rash, conjunctivitis, headache, muscle and joint pain, and general malaise lasting for 2-7 days. More serious cases can involve neurological and autoimmune complications including Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune illness in which the immune system attacks the nervous system causing paralysis. (Most people afflicted with Guillain-Barre syndrome recover, though some retain muscle weakness.)

The treatment for most cases is the same as another other mild virus – rest and plenty of fluids.

Spread of Zika Virus to the United States

To date, all of the reported cases of Zika disease in the U.S. are from travelers who contracted the disease outside of the country and brought it home. One man was exposed and infected but had not yet exhibited symptoms before coming home and engaging in unprotected sex with his wife. Both tested positive for Zika when they become ill. A woman in Hawaii gave birth to an infant with a small head after catching the disease while visiting Brazil. There are no known cases of infections due to mosquito bites occurring in the U.S. as of February 7, 2016.

How to Protect Yourself from Catching Zika Disease

The same protocols for eliminating the threat of any mosquito bites apply. First, eliminate breeding grounds. Clean, cover, or get rid of containers that capture standing water. Use screens on windows, keep doors closed, and if you live in an area with a lot of mosquitos, consider sleeping under a mosquito net.

Long sleeves, long pants, and light covered clothing are helpful. You will be told to use insect repellent. Rather than cover your body with insecticide, make your own safe, mosquito/tick repellent.

If your partner has been exposed and you are pregnant or have been trying to become pregnant, use condoms. Scientists do not yet know how long the virus can be contracted after an infection, but this information should be common knowledge soon.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes and the Zika Virus

Spraying reduces mosquito populations by 30%-50%. The recent release of GM mosquitoes in the CECAP/Eldorado district in Brazil resulted in a 90% reduction in the mosquito population. The release, made before the sudden Zika virus explosion, was targeting mosquitos that carry dengue and chikungunya. These are the same mosquitos that carry Zika. The dengue infection plummeted from 144 cases the previous year to only 1 case after the release of the mosquitos.

The popularity of the belief that genetically modified mosquitoes are responsible for either the spread of the virus or the rise in birth defects is baseless. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar; females feed on blood. Only male mosquitoes are genetically modified before being released into the wild. They are equipped with a “kill switch” that successfully kills their offspring before the larvae reach maturity (and can feed on anyone).

It is expected that millions of GM mosquitos will be released to combat the current epidemic.

Conclusion

The Zika virus is a mild virus, one that usually results in no symptoms at all or a low fever and a mild rash. Suddenly this disease is linked with causing a devastating birth defect. This correlation may or may not be causation. Many critics are questioning the probability, especially when comparing Brazil’s outcomes against Colombia’s. Some are suggesting the birth defects are due to Brazil’s practice of vaccinating pregnant women with both the DTP and the MMR vaccines and reminding us that rubella and pertussis components in the DPT vaccine are known to cause microcephaly. Other doctors suggest that a pesticide, Pyriproxyfen (manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical, a Japanese ‘strategic partner’ of Monsanto), which has been added to drinking water tanks to kill mosquito larvae since 2014, may be the source.  And of course, some continue to blame the new genetically modified mosquitoes. Although it seems unlikely that genetically modified mosquitoes are a factor, the outcome of these experimental practices remains unknown. What is clear is that something is not adding up. As always, we need to follow the money and see who is benefitting from the situation or who has something to hide. Unfortunately, the list of possible suspects continues to grow.

Further Reading:

• How Viruses Work and How to Prevent and Eliminate Them Naturally
• How to Deal with Mosquitoes Naturally
• Doctors Against Vaccines – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research
• Lyme Disease on the Rise and Spreading Across America – With All Natural Tick Spray Recipe
• How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally

Sources:

• Zika virus – WHO Media Centre
• History of Zika virus – Zika Virus Net
• U.S. adds more countries to Zika travel alert – Reuters
• Colombia: 3,177 pregnant women with Zika; no microcephaly – Yahoo News
• Zika virus: WHO declares global public health emergency, says causal link to brain defects ‘strongly suspected’ – Washington Post
• What is the Zika Virus Epidemic Covering Up? – Green Med Info
• Argentine and Brazilian doctors suspect mosquito insecticide as cause of microcephaly – Ecologist

If you’re making nut milks for better health, there are a few rules you’ll want to adhere to. First and foremost, kudos for making your own. Homemade is always better when done right. But to do it right, skip the soy milk. It’s no good. When buying almonds, make sure they are not pasteurized. Buy raw nuts. Cashews aren’t really raw, so they’re not the healthiest choice, but I do use them sometimes.

Contents

• Soaking & Sprouting

• Nut Milk with a Blender

• Almond Milk with a Juicer

• Flax Milk

• Hemp Milk

• Coconut Milk

• Rice Milk

PRE-MILKING: Soak and Sprout Times for Nuts

Before you milk your nuts, it is best to soak them. There’s a lot of conflicting information about soak times for nuts but I personally soak nuts for 24 hours and then dehydrate them at 112°F in our dehydrator or at room temperature if the air is dry enough.

I soak raw nuts to remove enzyme inhibitors and activate enzymes. I don’t soak seeds, but some do. I don’t soak cashews because I think that nut is already dead, but as you can see from the infographics on the left, there is some disagreement.

How to Make Nut Milk with a Blender

This recipe yields 5 cups or just over a liter and takes less than ten minutes. I’ve used almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, pecans, and walnuts for this standard nut milk recipe.

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups water (some nuts and some circumstances require a little more or less)
• 1 cup of raw, soaked nuts
• 1-3 pitted dates or use stevia, raw honey, or maple syrup to taste (all sweeteners are optional; you may prefer unsweetened nut milk to drink or for use in recipes)

Instructions

1. Place ingredients in a blender and secure lid.
2. Turn blender on high, but not too fast or for too long if you want raw milk.  (Too fast or too long will cook the enzymes!)
3. Blend for about 45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
4. If you like thinner milk (most do, but I usually keep the fiber), strain it with cheesecloth, pantyhose (unworn would be a good idea here), or muslin cloth and a fine mesh strainer, but many prefer to use a reinforced nut milk bag.
5. Store milk in refrigerator.
6. Shake well before using.

Notes:

• The less strained a nut milk is, the higher its fiber content.
• I don’t recommend straining cashew milk.
• If you use raw honey, do not use the milk for baking, cooking, coffee, hot tea, etc. if you want to retain the benefits of raw honey.
• I blend with 3 cups first, and then decide if I want some of the fourth cup.

The following are a few other nut milk and non-dairy recipes with videos. These videos are not our videos, so the recipes don’t always exactly match, but as you’ll see reading on, making nut, seed, rice, and other non-dairy milks is really just about blending together water with something fatty (like almonds) to flavor the water. The trick is how to have a finished product with the right consistency and taste balance. Play around and find your own nut milk style and groove.

Making Almond Milk with a Blender

Making Almond Milk with a Slow Juicer

Masticating verticle juicers such as the Omega VRT 350 or 400 and horizontal twin gear juicers can be used to make nut milks. In my experience, the single gear juicers like mine don’t do so well (see the video below).

The video indicates the 8004 (single gear) left behind a delicious nut cream. I tried it, and it worked well. I put the weak nut milk in a blender and added more almonds, lightly strained and had great milk.

Other Non-dairy Milk Recipes

Nut milks are rich and creamy, but there are many more to choose from, and mixing milks to find your own favorite formula is fun. I really like 40% flax, 50% almond, and 10% cashew with some cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of nutmeg. I don’t like things very sweet, so if you do, you may prefer more dates than I do, or another sweetener entirely or no sweetener at all.

Speaking of flavor, sweeteners are not necessary (it’s up to you), and should always be done by taste. For more on sweeteners, be sure to check out Healthy Alternative Sugars. I recommend the following, in order based on both health consciousness and what I like to taste in these recipes.

Sweeteners and Spices For Non-Dairy Milks

• Stevia
• Dates
• Raw honey (only if it will not be heated)
• Blackstrap molasses
• Sugar cane juice
• Granny smith apple juice
• Maple syrup

I also like using stevia to sweeten and then just a little maple syrup or another sweetener to mask the stevia. Stevia is great for essentially amplifying the sweetness of another sweetener.

Spices for Non-Dairy Nut Milks

• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Cardamom

Just a pinch! Depending on what you are using the milk for, use very little of these spices. The taste gets stronger after the milk sets a while. This is especially true with nutmeg. You can ruin any dish with just a little too much nutmeg.

Also, the fineness of your strainer will have a tremendous impact on the taste and consistency of your milk. The less you strain, the more potential for a chalky or slimy texture (depending on the nut, the humidity, and some other factors). On the other hand, with some nuts and seeds, or with some recipes, less of a fine strain may be in order. Plus, there are health benefits in the pulp, so the more of it you get, the better, (unless there are digestive issues to consider).

Healthy & Heavenly Flax Milk Recipe

Flaxseed doesn’t have the most diverse set of benefits, but it is heavy in beneficial omega 3 fats and contains between 75 and 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

There’s no need to soak or sprout flax seeds.

I like the taste of dates, maple syrup, cane juice, and honey in my homemade flax milk, but I tend to just use honey because I never heat flax milk, and I often heat other milks such as almond or hazelnut for oatmeal and other treats. Heating raw honey or flax does not make for a healthy meal. I’m also careful to keep the blender from cooking the flax as well.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup flax seeds
• 3 cups water (plus 1-1.5  more cups)
• Straining cloth or milk nut bag
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• Vanilla to taste (a tiny bit! I do about 1/4 tsp)

Instructions

1. Combine flax seeds and 3 cups water in blender
2. Blend until thick and creamy on high heat, but not too hot as to cook the flax
3. Strain
4. Blend 1-1.5 more cups water plus honey to desired consistency
5. Can be used right away or chilled for later

Notes

Brown or golden flax will work fine. I used brown, but I’ve read that golden flax results in a milder flavor.

Homemade Honey Hemp Milk

Hemp milk, like flax, is a quick and easy to make since hemp doesn’t need to be soaked overnight. Hemp seeds (hulled hemp nuts) are for omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid found in borage oil and egg yolks that is known to naturally balance hormones. Hemp also has all 10 essential amino acids, making hemp a complete source of protein on its own. Calcium, potassium, phosphorous, vitamin A, and magnesium are also prevalent in hemp and homemade hemp milk.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hemp hearts (also called seeds or shelled hemp nuts)
• 3 to 4 cups filtered or spring water (3 cups for thicker milk, and up to 4 cups for thinner)
• 1 Tbsp of coconut oil (optional)
• 2 Tbsp of raw honey and a drop of stevia (pick another sweetener if you’re gonna heat this milk)
• Vanilla to taste
• A pinch of Himalayan pink salt (or other unprocessed sea salt)

Instructions

1. In a high-speed blender, add hemp and water
2. Blend on high for about two minutes, until fully liquefied
3. Strain, put back into blender (rinse the blender first)
4. Add coconut oil (if using), honey and stevia, vanilla powder and salt. Blend briefly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGlx_ch-gvs

How to Make Your Own Coconut Milk

I find coconut milk to be an easy recipe, but if you’re picky about the texture, coconut can be a little more labor intensive. What I love about coconut milk is that I find it to be the most versatile, the most robust, and the most beneficial of all the nut milks.

Coconut milk can be cooked at moderate temperatures without affecting the health benefits, the fat is incredibly good for you.

• 1 cup dried coconut chips -or- between 2-3 whole, mature coconuts
• 2 cups water

Instructions

If you’re using whole coconut, extract the meat. You can also use coconut water to substitute for water.

Blend. Blend for a while; take your time. You can blend at high speeds as well since coconut is not very susceptible to heat damage. When the coconut meat is as liquefied as possible, transfer the contents of your blender to the cheesecloth or other strainer.

Some people repeat the process, blending more and then straining again. Other recipes call for hot water to further emulsify the coconut meat into the water.

Making Brown Rice Milk at Home

It isn’t good for you at all if you use refined rice. Always use brown rice. Brown rice is a good source of fiber, manganese, and selenium. It also has some decent levels of iron, copper, niacin, and folate.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cooked rice
• 3 cups filtered water

Instructions

Measure rice into a blender, add the water, and blend until smooth (approximately 1 minute). You may want to blend again for ultra smooth consistency.

Conclusion

Most nut milks are best fresh though I find the sweeter, seasoned varieties I make are better 6-10 hours later. I admit, this could just be my imagination. Homemade nut and seed milks generally last between 5 to 10 days when properly refrigerated. The smell and taste is pretty obvious when they turn, so check the 5-day-old milk before you risk ruining a bowl of cereal. With all of these milks (just like unpasteurized milk), shake before using.

As mentioned, the sweeteners are optional. I recommend as little refined sugar as possible in a diet, and I rarely make sweet nut milks for myself. When I do, I almost always use stevia to amplify another sweetener like raw honey or maple syrup. I don’t generally do a lot of cashews or almonds because they’re expensive to buy unpasteurized (cashews are cooked during the difficult opening process, and truly raw cashews are hard to find and very expensive).

If you suffer from digestive problems or any health issues, see this article. And remember, it is imperative that you soak nuts that need to be soaked. Enzyme inhibitors age us rapidly, so get rid of them.

If you’ve got any tricks or techniques for making alternative, non-dairy milks, be sure to leave us a comment below.

Recommended Reading:

• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
• Sprouting to Remove Enzyme Inhibitors
• 35 Things You Could Do With Coconut Oil – From Body Care to Health to Household
• Homemade Vitamin C
• Homemade Calcium and Magnesium
• Three Homemade Toothpaste Recipes – Better Oral Health for Less Money

Sources:

• An Illustrated Guide: Benefits to Soaking and Sprouting Legumes, Grains and Seeds – KQED Foods
• Homemade Quinoa Milk – Simple Vegan Blog

Have you heard of curcumin? It’s the naturally occurring, healing compound in the root of the turmeric plant, and it is one of the most powerful antioxidants available via Mother Nature.

What Is The Oxidation Process And Why Do We Need To Guard Against It?

The oxidation process is a the chemical reaction that causes damage to the cells in your body; it is a fancy phrase for oxygen being metabolised. This metabolic process produces free radicals. Think in terms of a peeled apple going brown when exposed to oxygen in the air. That’s what is happening to our cells during the oxidation process.

Free radicals roam around the body stealing electrons from other molecules, causing damage to cell membranes, tampering with DNA, inflammation and premature cell death.

Antioxidants Scavenge For Free Radicals

Exposure of the body to an oxidated and therefore stressful environment challenges the survival odds of all cells and increases the risk of chronic disease developing. Antioxidants are our friends. The slowing down of the oxidation process is the job of the antioxidants. They chase after, and kill off excess free radicals. The antioxidants slow down the oxidation process by stopping the theft of electrons from cells, thereby allowing the cells to function in a healthy manner.

Our modern world is full of foods and toxins that encourage the oxidation process, so we need a daily dose of antioxidants to protect our bodies and our minds.

What Are Polyphenols and Why Are They Important?

Curcumin is one of a few oily, lipophilic polyphenols. These are the primary helpers in the antioxidant healing process offered by turmeric. Polyphenols help protect against diabetes, infections, asthma, cancer, hypertension, and ageing.

Polyphenols protect our bodies against many stress-induced toxic states, through regulating intercellular cascades, which inhibit the formation of free radicals and nuclear damage and send the antioxidant enzymes into action.

“Epidemiological studies and associated meta-analyses strongly suggest that long-term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols offer protection against development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.” – Panday and Rizvi (See first resource below.)

How To Dose With Curcumin

While I am an advocate for always using fresh plant matter for remedies, it’s hard to grow enough turmeric to get a daily ongoing dose. So as a last resort, I buy the organic powdered form and sprinkle on my mashed potatoes. Yum!

Curcumin Adult Dosage

• Fresh cut root: 1.5 to 3 g per day
• Dried, powdered root: 1 to 3 g per day
• Standardized powder (curcumin): 400 to 600 mg, 3 times per day
• Fluid extract (1:1) 30 to 90 drops a day
• Tincture (1:2): 15 to 30 drops, 4 times per day” – University of Maryland Medical Center Website

Curcumin and Pineapple

Eat pineapple with your turmeric because the bromelain in the pines increases the absorption and raises the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric. Pineapple and turmeric in your smoothie perhaps?

Can Turmeric Be Unsafe?

Recommended doses of turmeric/curcumin supplements are considered safe; however, taking large amounts of turmeric for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and if left untreated, may cause ulcers. People who have gallstones or bile passage obstructions should talk to their doctor and do their research before taking turmeric. Like any new remedy, start slowly and build up the dosage.

It’s unwise if you have diabetes, to start taking turmeric supplements before talking to your doctor. Turmeric may considerably lower your blood sugar levels. When combined with medications for diabetes, turmeric could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, supplements are considered UNsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Due to the blood thinning effect that turmeric may induce, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric. Turmeric may strengthen the effects of blood-thinning medications, raising the risk of bleeding. Blood thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin, among others. Turmeric may interfere with the action of stomach acid reducing drugs, increasing the overall production of stomach acid.

If you are taking any of these drugs, turmeric/curcumin is NOT recommended:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Famotidine (Pepcid)
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

Conclusion

If you like the idea of using it to reduce inflammation naturally, get going on it today. I have been using fresh turmeric to fight inflammation and it flat out works. Why not source a few organic pieces and grow a pot of your own to enjoy?

To learn more about natural ways to reduce inflammation, check out Welcome To The Wonderful World of…Natural Inflammatory Relief.

Recommended Reading:

• What Causes Chronic Inflammation, and How To Stop It For Good
• How to Optimize Curcumin Absorption – With Golden Milk Tea Recipe
• Foods, Vitamins, and Herbs That Kill Cancer
• Garlic – The Most Amazing Herb On The Planet

Sources

• Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease – US National Library of Medicine
• Turmeric – University of Maryland Medical Centre

Unless you’re a medical professional or someone who takes a special interest in health, there’s a good chance you have a few misconceptions about your body’s wellbeing, especially in relation to your dental health. Several widely-believed myths are not just wrong, they’re dangerous. Believing that they’re true leads people to adopt unhealthy habits that cause serious problems for their pearly whites.

So it’s time to debunk some of the harmful myths you may be operating under.

Pretty Smiles Are Healthy Smiles

It’s easy to assume that a pretty white smile is not just toothpaste commercial quality on the outside, but also a dentist’s dream inside.  The truth is that even the most sparkling smile can have problems lurking below.  The old saying is definitely true here – you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Many oral health issues do not rear their ugly heads in appearance or sensation.  The reason dentists recommend twice yearly check-ups is not just for good deep cleanings.  Some problems can only be detected in a professional dental exam.  So even if you have a traffic-stopping smile and feel fine, you need to have regular check-ups to check for things like cavities, decay, gingivitis, and even oral cancer.

Celebrity Smiles Are Real

Just as air-brushed photos of celebrities can cause us to have unrealistic expectations about our physiques, they can also give us major smile envy.  A huge number of uber famous actors, models, and even political figures have flawless teeth that make us feel like our own naturally imperfect ones are lacking.

In reality, though, most celebrities have naturally imperfect smiles just like us. The difference is that many of them opt for veneers, which are exactly what they sound like. Veneers are customized covers that fit over teeth to create a perfect, uniform look.  They are ideal for covering up stains and correcting unevenly shaped or sized teeth. Though celebs pay big bucks for top-of-the-line veneers, there are several affordable options out there for regular folks looking for a red carpet ready smile.

More Sugar, More Problems

It’s understandable to think that someone eating 10 pieces of candy in one short sitting is doing greater harm to their teeth than someone who just pops one piece in their mouth every couple of hours. The opposite is actually

It’s understandable to think that someone eating 10 pieces of candy in one short sitting is doing greater harm to their teeth than someone who just pops one piece in their mouth every couple of hours. The opposite is actually true, though. If you’re going to indulge in a sugary treat, it’s better to consume it all in one go than to stretch it over several hours or over the course of a day.

Each time you take a bite of something sweet, you release bacteria-causing sugar that go to work on your teeth for a given period of time. So in that regard, one bite is the same as twenty. The amount of sugar doesn’t matter. The presence alone is what makes a difference. So if you have a treat (or 10) and rinse with water or brush your teeth afterwards, you’ll be much better off than drawing out your indulgence and giving the sugar multiple opportunities to do damage.

The Way You Brush

Most of us learned to brush our teeth before we even learn to read and we’ve been engaging in the activity twice a day for decades. So you probably take it for granted that you know how to brush. But the method that many people use is not only ineffective, it can be quite harmful. Rough, long, back and forth strokes don’t do the job of getting between teeth, and if you brush too hard, you may be wearing away precious enamel.  Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and keep it in one spot as you gently jiggle it back and forth, allowing the bristles to get in between the teeth. Then shift to the next section and do the same thing on the fronts, backs, and tops of your teeth. Watch this quick tutorial to see the technique in action.

Dental Health is Isolated

Remember the old kid’s song that went, “The hip bone’s connected to the backbone?”  Well, it’s true. All your parts are connected, including your teeth and gums.  Research has shown a correlation between oral health, heart health, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.

Though it may not be entirely clear if there is causation or just association, it’s clear that one can impact and even worsen the other.  So, next time you’re thinking of neglecting your dental health, remember that you’re also neglecting your overall health.

One of the biggest factors of taking good care of yourself is knowledge. The more you know, the more likely you’ll be to make good choices and practice healthy habits that will benefit you for many years to come.

Recommended Reading:

• Heal Cavities, Gum Disease, Naturally with Organic Oral Care – Toothpaste Recipes Included
• The Toxic Toothpaste Ingredients That You Need To Avoid For Good Oral Health
• Dying to Cut – Unnecessary Surgeries You May Want to Avoid, and Why

We’ve all met one. The person loudly proclaiming that gluten-sensitivity isn’t a real thing and that all those hipsters paying a ridiculous amount of money for their special gluten free products need to sit down, shut up, and have a sandwich with real bread. As frustrating as hearing that sentiment can be for those who suffer from unpleasant symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea after consuming gluten, the lack of a definitive, concrete test for gluten sensitivity makes it easier to treat that sensitivity as an imagined condition. Nearly half of American consumers see gluten free as a fad based solely on anecdotal evidence, rather than the complex diet and gut issue that it is. Now, researchers may have found a more effective way to diagnose gluten sensitivity – a protein molecule called zonulin.

Not Your Average Space Invader

Most people have never heard of zonulin. In fact, it sounds more like a bad guy from a movie or show set in space than a molecule responsible for regulating the opening and closing of junctions in the lining in the intestinal tract. But like the public’s awareness of gluten free issues, zonulin is a relatively new discovery, as it was discovered in 2000. Zonulin reacts to harmful bacteria like salmonella entering the gut, opening the digestive lining’s junctions to induce diarrhea and flush out bad guys. Once the bacteria

Zonulin reacts to harmful bacteria like salmonella by opening the digestive lining’s junctions to induce diarrhea and flush out bad guys. Once the bacteria is gone, the digestive junctions close up, and zonulin levels return to normal. A smoothly functioning digestive system is the basis of health, as the lining of your intestinal tract determines how vulnerable you are to potentially harmful bacteria like Candida.

The Gluten Effect

So what does that mean for people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity? According to a recent study, undigested gluten triggers zonulin in people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. People with these issues have been shown to have higher levels of zonulin. High zonulin levels correspond to open junctions in the gut, which increases the likelihood of harmful particles damaging the gut lining itself and triggering immune responses in other areas of the body. This leaves the gut unable to heal itself which can spiral into serious autoimmune conditions (see Leaky Gut Syndromes, and Autoimmune Diseases) like hypothyroidism and multiple sclerosis (and, of course, many others).

Shut it Down

Zonulin itself is a valuable molecule in the body, and recent information suggests that it could also have an important role in determining people who are at risk for celiac disease. As research into how gluten affects people continues, dismissing gluten-free diets as a fad will become more and more difficult. Learning about the gut ecosystem and it’s massive effect on your health is one of the smartest things you do. Don’t wait for someone to hand you your health on a platter.

Sources & Further Reading:

• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndromes, and Autoimmune Diseases
•  Gluten Sensitivity – Fact or Fiction?
• A Protein in the Gut May Explain Why Some Can’t Stomach Gluten – NPR

A new study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports Lyme-carrying ticks now inhabit 45% of the nation’s counties, up from the reported 30% in 1998. Confirmed cases of the disease have more than doubled since 1995.

Climate change with warming temperatures may be to blame for much of the spread for two reasons: range is increasing due to warmer temperatures and the amount of time ticks can feed is increasing as they are becoming active earlier in the year (April instead of May).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7utX_PKtSU

Lyme disease, the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the Unites States, more than doubled from 1995 to 2013. The count for 1995 was 11,700 confirmed cases. In 2013, that number rose to 27,203 confirmed cases plus 9,104 probable cases. And yet, in 2013, the CDC reported that they estimated the true number to be 300,000 cases of Lyme disease per year in the U.S., 10 times more than the reported number.

Prevention of the disease is twofold: build and support a strong, healthy immune system and avoid tick bites. A strong healthy immune system is created through a truly healthy diet, on-going detoxification, exercise, and adequate, restful sleep. To avoid tick bites, wear long sleeves and pants and spray clothing with a non-toxic repellent whenever walking through or working in a wooded or bushy area.

Tick spray recipe for dogs and humans:

• 1 cup of Distilled water
• 2 Drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 2 Drops Palo Santo Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Rosewood Essential Oil
• 4 Drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Peppermint Essential Oil
• 1 Drop of Castile Soap (emollient)

Place in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray on skin or fur when needed.

For information about symptoms, conventional treatment, and alternative treatments, read How to Cure Lyme Disease and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally (see link below).

Recommended Reading:

• How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
  Salad Recipe, Cran-lemon Recipe, & Detox

Sources:

• Ticks Carrying Lyme Disease In Almost Half Of U.S. Counties – Reuters
• Global Warming May Spread Lyme Disease – Scientific American
• Reported Cases of Lyme Disease by Year, United States, 1995-2014 – CDC
• How many people get Lyme disease? – CDC