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Learn to Read Your Body

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences; all events are blessings given to us to learn from."
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross       

Sometimes we get so busy that the business of day to day life, that it prevents us from enjoying our lives. I would like you to remember that your time and your energy, are your most precious and important assets. Try to live more in the moment, treasure this moment in time, as you can never take back time. It is the present moment that means the most in your life.

Treasure each day and live it to the fullest.

Learn to read and observe your body.
These are some subtle signs that your body may be giving you.
 

1. Hair    a) If brushing your hair creates pain; the scalp hurts and the "hairs" hurt, this is often a sign of Vitamin D and selenium deficiency.

b) Flaky dandruff of the scalp indicates that you are eating too many refined sugars and flours in your diet. This creates deficiencies in vitamin D, Vitamin B's, especially Vitamin B6 and selenium.

c) "Lifeless" hair – hair that has lost its shine often indicates a deficiency in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E.

d) Thinning hair in women is often related to hormone imbalances (often progesterone deficiency), low Vitamin B's, especially B6, folate and biotin. Low levels of stomach acid and low levels of pepsin result in poor protein digestion. Inadequate protein digestion can cause the hair to fall out due to protein deficiency.

e) Gray hair often shows a need for PABA, Vitamin B's and copper.

Foods: Vitamin D is found in sunshine, organic eggs and butter.
Selenium – Brazil nuts and some potatoes.
PABA, Vitamin B's – fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Copper is found in organic egg yolks, nuts and seeds and traces in fruits.
 
2. The Skin a) A red irritated skin, slightly flaky, sometimes referred to as seborrheic dermatitis indicates a need for Vitamin B's, PABA, Vitamin B6, and essential fatty acids.

b) Acne is often related to a diet too high in refined sugars and flours, processed and refined foods. The body needs zinc, essential fatty acids, selenium and Vitamins A and C.

c) If you observe tiny dilated blood vessels on the face and edges of the nose, you probably have low stomach acid and low pepsin production. Over use of stomach, acid-blocking medications can cause this as well.

d) Acne Rosacea – reddened skin noticeable over cheeks, forehead and often there are scattered medium to large acne like bumps. Rosacea is often related to low stomach acid, low enzymes and deficiencies in natural sulphurs found in vegetables.

e) Skin tags often found around the neck, chest, underarms and groins are often an early warning sign of Diabetes Type II onset. They can also be related to an under active thyroid.

f) Eczema – often related to food allergies and a need for zinc, essential fatty acids, especially GLA (found in evening primrose oil).

g) Dry, scaly skin – need for essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. A diet too low in the good fats, avocado, raw nuts and seeds.

h) Irregular brownish-yellow skin discoloration on the front surface of the lower legs is sometimes an early warning sign of Type II Diabetes.

i) The thinning or absence of hair on the lower legs over the shin area in both men and woman can indicate low levels of DHEA.

j) Varicose veins indicate a need for more flavinoids to strengthen the veins. Also, can be an indicator of a diet too low in fiber. Varicose veins occur due to estrogen dominance, therefore and indicator of hormone imbalance.

k) Cracked heels and dry skin on feet is a need for essential fatty acids and zinc.

l) Wrinkles – sign of a need for antioxidants. Antioxidants play a vital role in anti-aging properties. Found in fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and green tea.

Foods: Essential fatty acids are found in all raw nuts and seeds, avocados, deep-sea fish, nut and seed oils, flaxseed, evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil.

Flavinoids are found in citrus fruits, all berries, any fruits and vegetables that are green, purple, red, orange or yellow.

Zinc – the highest concentration is found in pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin A is found in all yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.

 
3. Ears a) Too much wax or hardened wax indicates a need for essential fatty acids. A diagonal crease across the ear lobe can indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
 
4. Eyes a) Clouding of the lenses or formation of cataract can be related to diabetes. It can also be caused by a diet too high in refined sugars and flours and in some people eating dairy foods, as they do not tolerate the milk sugar, lactose. Cataracts can also be caused by a Vitamin B2, A, C and Zinc and selenium deficiencies. Bilberry has been shown to stop and sometimes reverse cataracts of the eye.

In people who have diabetes and develop cataracts, they need high levels of quercetin. The quercetin inhibits an enzyme, aldose reductose, which tends to be overactive in diabetics and creates the cataract. Diabetics should take extra flavinoids, especially quercetin, magnesium, vitamins K, C and E for eye protection.

b) Red eyes and watery eyes – greater need for Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Try specially formulated eye drops that have Vitamin A and C in them. These eye drops will control the symptoms and strengthen the surface cells of the eye.

c) Blood spots in the white of the eye – in the absence of a known injury, check your blood pressure. Hypertension can cause eye hemorrhages. To strengthen those blood vessels, you need bioflavinoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

 
5. The Nose a) Polyps in the nose are often related to salicylate sensitivities. Eliminate all aspirin and artificial food colors and flavors. (They are made in a salicylate base). Herbal remedies containing white willow bark contain salicylates.
 
6. The Mouth a) A Tongue that has smooth areas, raised and rough areas, cracks, grooves, and contours indicate a deficiency in folates, Vitamin B12 and Zinc.

b) A swollen tongue that is scalloped around the edges and shows indentations from teeth is often related to food allergies.

c) Canker sores/ophthous ulcers in the mouth are often related to food allergies and a need for acidophilus. Sometimes, they can occur due to toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate.

d) Cracks in corners of mouth – related to a lack of riboflavin, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B complex.

e) Cold sores caused by the herpes virus can be prevented by eating foods rich in selenium and taking a multi amino acid complex. Garlic and onions consumed on a regular basis prevents cold sores. Ward off an acute attack with L-Lysine, Vitamin C with bioflavinoids and selenium.

 
7. Fingernails a) Nails that will not grow well – thin, weak, bend easily, crack and chip. This is often related to low stomach acid, low pepsin. There also may be a need for essential fatty acids, copper, zinc and calcium. Low thyroid function can also affect nail health.

b) Pitting of the surface can indicate parasites in the body, psoriasis, eczema or fungal infections.

c) Beau's Lines are white horizontal ridges that can result from serious systemic infections such as the flu, pneumonia, etc. or due to malnutrition or an indicator of hormonal imbalances.

d) Dark nails, thin, flat, spoon shaped nails can be a sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia or thyroid disease.

e) If the half-moon is pink (not pale and white), it can be candida or parasites in the bowel.

f) Nails that separate from the nail bed may signify a thyroid disorder.

g) White spots can be caused by injury or they can be due to a zinc deficiency. White spots sometimes indicate a need for digestive enzymes or you may have a gluten intolerance.

h) Long thin, weak nails – you need zinc and essential fatty acids.

 
8. Night Sweats
    /Hot Flashes
Related to hormone imbalance around the pre-menopausal years, and a lack of sleep can increase the problem. Staying up late at night and /or sleeping in a dimly lit room i.e. light from the streetlights disrupts estrogen levels. You must sleep in complete darkness and go to bed before 10:30 p.m. in order to stimulate adequate levels of melatonin and growth hormone. Melatonin enhances sleep quality and together with growth hormone slows down aging. Melatonin is needed to balance the cycles of estrogen therefore adequate sleep helps reduce hot flashes. A lack of sleep increases hot flash frequency.
 
9. Thyroid Function   a) Low body temperature indicates an under active thyroid gland. You will notice a low body temperature before your lab tests show abnormalities. Put a thermometer by your bed at night and in the morning before you get out of bed, take your temperature under your arm (in armpit) for 5 minutes. If the readings are consistently less than 97.5º F, your thyroid needs some help.

Good nutrients for the thyroid include sea vegetables, especially, kelp and all sea food.

b) Poor hair, thinning hair, poor nails, dry skin, low energy and foggy mind are all symptoms of a thyroid needing some helpful nutrients.

A diet rich in fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, deep sea fish, organic eggs, organic cheese and small amounts of organic meat, if desired, will prevent many of these problems. Remember, have a high variety of food each day, as this increases your range of nutrients. A high fiber diet is also very important.

Disease gives us the opportunity to reach a higher consciousness. The process of healing is a reflection of our new awakening.
"The Way of Herbs" by M. Tierra, LAC OMD


RECIPE FOR JULY - COOL GASPACHO

2 Cups of chopped fresh tomatoes
2 Cloves of garlic
1-2 Jalapeno peppers cut in half and seeded
2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
8 Tablespoons fresh limejuice
2 Cups of vegetable juice (juice your own preferably, otherwise, use an organic vegetable juice or V8)
¼ Cup each finely chopped red pepper, green pepper, yellow pepper, celery and cucumber.
1 Tablespoon flat leaf parsley – finely chopped
½ Teaspoon paprika
2 Teaspoons salt
2 Teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

To Make:
  1. Place tomatoes, garlic and jalapeno in a food processor and blend, then add oil, vinegar and lime juice. Puree until smooth.

  2. Pour into large bowl and combine wiith remaining ingredients.

  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve
You may garnish with chopped avocado or boiled, peeled shrimp or crabmeat. You can also add Tabasco sauce if desired.

  Healthy Pathways · 9555 West Sam Houston Parkway South, Suite 295 · Houston, TX. 77099
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