As a chef, nutritionist and concerned human being I wonder what’s going on with our bodies. There is no scientific data, that I know of ,but I’ve been in the food business for more then 20yrs and its alarming to me at how food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent in our society.
As a child in my grandfather’s restaurant I don’t remember him having to be concerned about anyone having allergies, even when I first started cooking, there were people on diets for specific reasons but not all these food allergies I’m seeing today. Its just been in the past 10years that it has become so prevalent. Now in the past three years this gluten thing has gone crazy. Is it really an allergen or just the latest health / food craze?
I think there could be one of two reasons or maybe a combination of reasons.
First, I think we are way to scared of germs and we don’t spend enough time outside. When we were kids during the summer we were outside from morning until night. As babies we rolled around in the dirt and when the parents turned their heads we ate dirt or worse. Now everyone try’s to keep everything so sterile and the kids spend a lot of their day in front of a video game or a computer they don’t build up the natural immunities they get from being in nature. Before milk was fortified with vitamin D, people in some of the northern states would get rickets because they were not outside enough to get enough vitamin D from the sun. I say it’s the same way with allergies, we have disconnected our selves from nature and much to our demise we are becoming less and less a part of nature.
Another thing that might be the reason or a part of the reason is our diet. Prior to the mid sixties everyone ate home cooked, mostly from scratch, mostly locally grown food. Even the food in my grandfathers kitchen was all bought locally and cooked from scratch with mostly fresh ingredients. With the proliferation of fast foods, prepacked and frozen foods and our foods coming form all around the world we are eating foods that are out of season. We are eating foods that don’t have the local pollen, the local dirt, the local, what I think the ancient Chinese would call Chi. I think our bodies are becoming confused by the types of food and the combination's of food we are consuming, sending our digestive systems into turmoil.
Of course it could be that our science has just caught up and found out at what's causing some illness are allergies. But that would be too easy!!!! It has to be the devil somewhere! ha,ha!
Once again I implore you to support your local farmer’s market and food co-op. Eat fresh, in- season foods. AND
“Forget the Box Just get outside!”
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
"Shit Happens and Some Times You Have To Make it Happen"
A friend told me that several years ago. Unfortunately she was talking about helping karma by plotting revenge on a cheating boyfriend. I like to think of it in another way. Life is tough, no doubt about it. There are many ups and downs. I truly believe that the smallest of positive actions spreads out into the universe and brings back to you ten times the positive influences into your life. I know it sounds like a lot of “new age” bull crap but actually the belief is thousands of years old. My life is not perfect..... life is not perfect. I have my problems, I get mad, aggravated, sad, depressed, I am also happy beyond belief. Because when things are not right, when things are not as how I think they should be. It doesn’t take me long to look around and see how beautiful and what a miracle this life is. We have ALL come through stuff bad and good, most likely some of the good was bad at times and some of the bad was good at other times. That’s the way of the universe.
I can only tell you that my life is beautiful in so many ways. I can love people and open my heart to people and it doesn’t matter how they feel about me. In the last few year, life has become so joyful, I’m almost giddy at times at what might be around the next corner. I can only tell you what has worked for me. I hope you find it useful in bringing joy to your own life.
The first thing you need to do late at night, as your lying in bed just before you go to sleep, think back into your life way back even into child hood. Think about any action you have done that has caused any one harm, any one you were mean to, lied to or cheated. Ask for forgiveness.... if you don’t believe in god, offer it up to the cosmos, to a rock, what ever, just ask to be forgiven. Ask for the person you harmed to forgive you. Do this every night until your heart opens up and it comes from the center of your heart and soul. It will take time but it will happen. At the same time think about the people who have hurt you and ask to be given the strength to forgive those people and be compassionate towards those people. Do it every night until you feel it in your heart. Just before falling asleep, be thankful for the day that just happened, good and bad and ask that the next day be easy and go easy and to let good things happen.
So..... there’s that part, now here is the part where you make shit start to happen or as they say putting out good karma. This takes time.... patience....it is sometimes and often times hard. You have to start trying to live your life, as far as how you treat people, as if this were going to be your last day. You have to put out good deeds and actions. A simple smile and a little patience with a harried clerk. Letting some one go ahead of you. Holding a door for some one. Even things such as buying goods from a thrift store, using reusable bags at the grocery, recycling, supporting local business. When ever possible do something to help some one in their own struggle with life. These are all positive things.
Be kind to the earth and the people around you and in your community when ever possible and the rewards will be spectacular. The hard times wont seem so bad, good people that will love and help you will be put in your path, when times are lean the things you need will come to you, your life will become rich in ways that money can’t buy.
Well...... at least that is how it has happened for me, I’m still working on it. Don't take it too serious and remember to laugh AT EVERYTHING! Life is short! Peace!
I can only tell you that my life is beautiful in so many ways. I can love people and open my heart to people and it doesn’t matter how they feel about me. In the last few year, life has become so joyful, I’m almost giddy at times at what might be around the next corner. I can only tell you what has worked for me. I hope you find it useful in bringing joy to your own life.
The first thing you need to do late at night, as your lying in bed just before you go to sleep, think back into your life way back even into child hood. Think about any action you have done that has caused any one harm, any one you were mean to, lied to or cheated. Ask for forgiveness.... if you don’t believe in god, offer it up to the cosmos, to a rock, what ever, just ask to be forgiven. Ask for the person you harmed to forgive you. Do this every night until your heart opens up and it comes from the center of your heart and soul. It will take time but it will happen. At the same time think about the people who have hurt you and ask to be given the strength to forgive those people and be compassionate towards those people. Do it every night until you feel it in your heart. Just before falling asleep, be thankful for the day that just happened, good and bad and ask that the next day be easy and go easy and to let good things happen.
So..... there’s that part, now here is the part where you make shit start to happen or as they say putting out good karma. This takes time.... patience....it is sometimes and often times hard. You have to start trying to live your life, as far as how you treat people, as if this were going to be your last day. You have to put out good deeds and actions. A simple smile and a little patience with a harried clerk. Letting some one go ahead of you. Holding a door for some one. Even things such as buying goods from a thrift store, using reusable bags at the grocery, recycling, supporting local business. When ever possible do something to help some one in their own struggle with life. These are all positive things.
Be kind to the earth and the people around you and in your community when ever possible and the rewards will be spectacular. The hard times wont seem so bad, good people that will love and help you will be put in your path, when times are lean the things you need will come to you, your life will become rich in ways that money can’t buy.
Well...... at least that is how it has happened for me, I’m still working on it. Don't take it too serious and remember to laugh AT EVERYTHING! Life is short! Peace!
Something to Think About
Molecules awoke one morning to find that atoms were inside them, enfolded in their very being. Cells awoke one morning to find that molecules were actually inside them, as part of their being. And you might awake one morning and find that nature is a part of you, literally internal to your being. You would then treat nature as you would your lungs or kidneys. A spontaneous environmental ethics surges from your heart, and you will never again look at a river, a leaf, a deer, a robin in the same way.
Ken Wilber , “A brief History of Everything”
Ken Wilber , “A brief History of Everything”
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Chiropractor, massage and stretching
I've come to really believe in chiropractors, massage therapy and the benefits of stretching exercises.
The ancient Chinese said that when a tree is young it is supple and bends easily. When it is in old age it is stiff and brittle. A human being is the same way. As a youth the human body is supple and resilient. When it gets older it is stiff and bones break easier. The belief is that the more limber and supple the body the younger and better life you will have as you get older.
This makes perfect sense to me! I was also lucky enough to have lived in a place that has a Chiropractor school. Finding a good Chiropractor and massage therapist plus doing some stretching exercises on your own is fundamental to good health. I do not believe a chiropractor can cure the common cold but what it can do is help your immune system so your body is more capable of fighting disease and infection. I know from personal experience that a good chiropractor can help you become more limber and can help your spine and muscle movement. Your spine is the main highway of communication from your body to your brain. Its just common sense that if your spine is healthy your body is healthier.
A good massage therapist does much the same thing. Helping build good energy and getting rid of toxins and bad energy. I also have come across by pure accident the benefits of reflexology and through that the benefits of essential oils. A good reflexologist can tell you exactly what's going on with your body by massaging your toes and feet. When you combine it with the "raindrop" massage technique it is out of this world and you smell so good after wards. Last year, after a session, I went into a shop and overhearing a couple of people talking about how the Chinese restaurant must be cooking up something spicy and how good it smells. Realized it was me they were talking about! Ha,ha!!!
I urge you to find a good massage therapist, chiropractor and find you some stretching exercises. In a month you wont believe the difference in the way you feel.
The ancient Chinese said that when a tree is young it is supple and bends easily. When it is in old age it is stiff and brittle. A human being is the same way. As a youth the human body is supple and resilient. When it gets older it is stiff and bones break easier. The belief is that the more limber and supple the body the younger and better life you will have as you get older.
This makes perfect sense to me! I was also lucky enough to have lived in a place that has a Chiropractor school. Finding a good Chiropractor and massage therapist plus doing some stretching exercises on your own is fundamental to good health. I do not believe a chiropractor can cure the common cold but what it can do is help your immune system so your body is more capable of fighting disease and infection. I know from personal experience that a good chiropractor can help you become more limber and can help your spine and muscle movement. Your spine is the main highway of communication from your body to your brain. Its just common sense that if your spine is healthy your body is healthier.
A good massage therapist does much the same thing. Helping build good energy and getting rid of toxins and bad energy. I also have come across by pure accident the benefits of reflexology and through that the benefits of essential oils. A good reflexologist can tell you exactly what's going on with your body by massaging your toes and feet. When you combine it with the "raindrop" massage technique it is out of this world and you smell so good after wards. Last year, after a session, I went into a shop and overhearing a couple of people talking about how the Chinese restaurant must be cooking up something spicy and how good it smells. Realized it was me they were talking about! Ha,ha!!!
I urge you to find a good massage therapist, chiropractor and find you some stretching exercises. In a month you wont believe the difference in the way you feel.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Aromatherapy for Adrenal Support
Using Essential
Oils to Help Adrenal Fatigue
Are you feeling tired all the time? Morning
espresso not giving the same lift it used to?
Getting that feeling that you've been worn thin
by your busy schedule, and you're just not
recovering? These may be signs of depleted
adrenal glands - a syndrome known as Adrenal
Fatigue. Thankfully, a few commonly-available
essential oils can offer support in regenerating
over-tired adrenal glands.
What is the syndrome of Adrenal Fatigue?
The adrenal glands are your body's most
important part of the endocrine system for
dealing with stress. These tiny glands, each
about the size of a walnut and the weight of a
grape, sit atop each kidney. These glands produce
important hormones such as cortisol, a controller
of your energy output, and pregnenolone, the
precursor from which the body's steroid hormones
are made, including DHEA, progesterone,
testosterone, and the estrogens. Pregnenolone is
has been shown to be a powerful memory enhancer -
it will make you smarter (possibly), it also
brings about feelings of well-being (hopefully)
and can enhance your ability to deal with stress.
Low-output adrenal function can have a variety of
common health symptoms, including insomnia and
depressed immune system function.
Many lifestyle factors can contribute to adrenal
fatigue, and generally these can be lumped into
the category of too much stress. Too little
sleep, poor eating habits, to little time for
play and family life, surgery, illness, injury,
and the excessive use of caffeine are a few
common causes. Modifying these 'habits' are of
critical importance for long-term regeneration of
the adrenal glands and returning their hormonal
output to normal levels. Thankfully, adrenal
gland-supporting essential oils can be helpful
in bringing balance and assisting in restoring
adrenal output in mild-to-moderate cases of
adrenal fatigue. Using these oils may enable
'breaking the cycle' of stimulant and sugar use
that created the problem in the first place.
The Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy
to support adrenal gland function. Some are used
specifically for adrenal gland regeneration, and
others are used to give a gentle lift when needed
during the healing process - again, these can be
of particular help when reducing stimulant
consumption. These essential oils are best
diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin,
and are not to be taken orally.
Spruce Essential Oil: Spruce (and also
Canadian Black Spruce) is thought by respected
aromatherapists to support depleted adrenal
glands, and is added to blends which can be
applied to the skin over the adrenal area, or in
lower dilutions in a body lotion.
Pine Essential Oil: Pine oil has been called one of the most effective oils for fatigue. This
oil can be blended with Black Spruce for a
synergistic effect on adrenal function.
Cedar Oil: Atlantic Moroccan Cedar can gently
stimulate the body's metabolism without letdown.
Unlike the regenerating effect of the Spruce and
Pine needle essential oils, Cedar oil can provide
a long lasting stimulation without the side
effects of harsh stimulants.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is
associated with many healthful effect; it's aroma
is clarifying and uplifting. As with Cedar
Atlas, it is added to adrenal formulas for mild
stimulation and metal clarity.
Citrus Oils such as Orange, Bitter Orange, Lemon
and Lime - These oils cold-pressed from the peels
of these fruits are considered to uplift and bring
about a light attitude. These oils also have a
relaxing effect - this combination can lower
stress levels - the primary culprit of adrenal
fatigue.
Essential Oil Recipes for Adrenal Gland Support
This essential oil blend is to give regenerative
support without any actual stimulation. The oils
in this recipe are fine for continued use, and
may have an effect in a relatively short period
of time. For a 30 milliliter blend, use 1 and 1/2
black spruce and an equal amount of pine oil in
27 milliliters of hazelnut oil. You may of course
double all the amounts for more. To use, apply
topically to the kidney area one to three times
daily.
These same essential oils may be used in a
gently stimulating body oil blend: Three
milliliters of both spruce and pine essential
oils plus two milliliters of Atlantic cedarwood
essential oil and another two milliliters of a
citrus oil of your choice. Add this to four
ounces of hazelnut or other carrier oil of your
liking. Use this all over after a shower. Caution
should be used, however, as the citrus oils can
be photo sensitizing; do not apply to areas that
will be exposed to direct sunlight in the
following two days.
Peppermint may be used instead of, or even in
addition to, the citrus essential oils. You may
enjoy this blend: six milliliters of spruce oil,
two and one half milliliters of cedar-wood oil plus
one and one half milliliter of peppermint in four
ounces of hazelnut oil or your favorite carrier.
This combination, if used without the citrus
oils, will not be photo sensitizing and can be
used all over the body.
Aromatherapy Can Help!
These aromatherapy blends have fantastic aromas,
and can provide support with mild and moderate
adrenal fatigue. The underlying causes of this
condition must be addressed at the same time for
long-lasting results. This usually means
reducing caffeine intake, dietary modifications,
and creating balance through exercise, friends
and family, and taking time for one's self.
Oils to Help Adrenal Fatigue
Are you feeling tired all the time? Morning
espresso not giving the same lift it used to?
Getting that feeling that you've been worn thin
by your busy schedule, and you're just not
recovering? These may be signs of depleted
adrenal glands - a syndrome known as Adrenal
Fatigue. Thankfully, a few commonly-available
essential oils can offer support in regenerating
over-tired adrenal glands.
What is the syndrome of Adrenal Fatigue?
The adrenal glands are your body's most
important part of the endocrine system for
dealing with stress. These tiny glands, each
about the size of a walnut and the weight of a
grape, sit atop each kidney. These glands produce
important hormones such as cortisol, a controller
of your energy output, and pregnenolone, the
precursor from which the body's steroid hormones
are made, including DHEA, progesterone,
testosterone, and the estrogens. Pregnenolone is
has been shown to be a powerful memory enhancer -
it will make you smarter (possibly), it also
brings about feelings of well-being (hopefully)
and can enhance your ability to deal with stress.
Low-output adrenal function can have a variety of
common health symptoms, including insomnia and
depressed immune system function.
Many lifestyle factors can contribute to adrenal
fatigue, and generally these can be lumped into
the category of too much stress. Too little
sleep, poor eating habits, to little time for
play and family life, surgery, illness, injury,
and the excessive use of caffeine are a few
common causes. Modifying these 'habits' are of
critical importance for long-term regeneration of
the adrenal glands and returning their hormonal
output to normal levels. Thankfully, adrenal
gland-supporting essential oils can be helpful
in bringing balance and assisting in restoring
adrenal output in mild-to-moderate cases of
adrenal fatigue. Using these oils may enable
'breaking the cycle' of stimulant and sugar use
that created the problem in the first place.
The Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy
to support adrenal gland function. Some are used
specifically for adrenal gland regeneration, and
others are used to give a gentle lift when needed
during the healing process - again, these can be
of particular help when reducing stimulant
consumption. These essential oils are best
diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin,
and are not to be taken orally.
Spruce Essential Oil: Spruce (and also
Canadian Black Spruce) is thought by respected
aromatherapists to support depleted adrenal
glands, and is added to blends which can be
applied to the skin over the adrenal area, or in
lower dilutions in a body lotion.
Pine Essential Oil: Pine oil has been called one of the most effective oils for fatigue. This
oil can be blended with Black Spruce for a
synergistic effect on adrenal function.
Cedar Oil: Atlantic Moroccan Cedar can gently
stimulate the body's metabolism without letdown.
Unlike the regenerating effect of the Spruce and
Pine needle essential oils, Cedar oil can provide
a long lasting stimulation without the side
effects of harsh stimulants.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is
associated with many healthful effect; it's aroma
is clarifying and uplifting. As with Cedar
Atlas, it is added to adrenal formulas for mild
stimulation and metal clarity.
Citrus Oils such as Orange, Bitter Orange, Lemon
and Lime - These oils cold-pressed from the peels
of these fruits are considered to uplift and bring
about a light attitude. These oils also have a
relaxing effect - this combination can lower
stress levels - the primary culprit of adrenal
fatigue.
Essential Oil Recipes for Adrenal Gland Support
This essential oil blend is to give regenerative
support without any actual stimulation. The oils
in this recipe are fine for continued use, and
may have an effect in a relatively short period
of time. For a 30 milliliter blend, use 1 and 1/2
black spruce and an equal amount of pine oil in
27 milliliters of hazelnut oil. You may of course
double all the amounts for more. To use, apply
topically to the kidney area one to three times
daily.
These same essential oils may be used in a
gently stimulating body oil blend: Three
milliliters of both spruce and pine essential
oils plus two milliliters of Atlantic cedarwood
essential oil and another two milliliters of a
citrus oil of your choice. Add this to four
ounces of hazelnut or other carrier oil of your
liking. Use this all over after a shower. Caution
should be used, however, as the citrus oils can
be photo sensitizing; do not apply to areas that
will be exposed to direct sunlight in the
following two days.
Peppermint may be used instead of, or even in
addition to, the citrus essential oils. You may
enjoy this blend: six milliliters of spruce oil,
two and one half milliliters of cedar-wood oil plus
one and one half milliliter of peppermint in four
ounces of hazelnut oil or your favorite carrier.
This combination, if used without the citrus
oils, will not be photo sensitizing and can be
used all over the body.
Aromatherapy Can Help!
These aromatherapy blends have fantastic aromas,
and can provide support with mild and moderate
adrenal fatigue. The underlying causes of this
condition must be addressed at the same time for
long-lasting results. This usually means
reducing caffeine intake, dietary modifications,
and creating balance through exercise, friends
and family, and taking time for one's self.
|
Misty Rae Cech, ND, has a private professional practice in the
Denver/Boulder area. She utilizes essential oils in her practice
|
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Reconnecting
I've been down many paths on this journey. I've met more than a few dead ins and made more than one wrong turn to get to where I'm at today. It has recently occurred to me that I have been reconnecting with things that were enjoyable , that excited and inspired me when I was at a much younger age. Before jobs, relationships and life in general got in the way.
As a boy I was in the Boy Scouts. I was never much interested in gaining rank, in fact I was jokingly called the longest living second class scout, but you know, I used to love to go on camping trips and to summer camp. It seems I have fallen back into that, hiking and camping much of the summer when I'm not working. In the 70's I was a very, very, very small time radical but I was passionate about it, I thought I could change the world. I read all the leftest books, watched all the news programs and read newspapers. I wore a green arm band on the first Earth Day. I wrote letters to all kinds of people. I worked as a volunteer on the McGovern Campaign and Carter campaigns. Passing put literature at the mills and factories. I seem to be reconnecting with that through my blog at http://edeyesoapbox.blogspot.com/ I hope people will read it and just like this blog I hope I can have a positive influence in someone's life, but it excites me to just be in the process. Just the endeavor gives me hope and excites me for something better, pumping fresh life into my own life. It does bring joy.
What were you passionate about as a teenager? What hobbies did you have as a child? I urge you to reconnect with what ever you found enjoyable as a child or teenager. It could be a hobby a subject, really anything, but I think it will bring a new enjoyment into your life.
As a boy I was in the Boy Scouts. I was never much interested in gaining rank, in fact I was jokingly called the longest living second class scout, but you know, I used to love to go on camping trips and to summer camp. It seems I have fallen back into that, hiking and camping much of the summer when I'm not working. In the 70's I was a very, very, very small time radical but I was passionate about it, I thought I could change the world. I read all the leftest books, watched all the news programs and read newspapers. I wore a green arm band on the first Earth Day. I wrote letters to all kinds of people. I worked as a volunteer on the McGovern Campaign and Carter campaigns. Passing put literature at the mills and factories. I seem to be reconnecting with that through my blog at http://edeyesoapbox.blogspot.com/ I hope people will read it and just like this blog I hope I can have a positive influence in someone's life, but it excites me to just be in the process. Just the endeavor gives me hope and excites me for something better, pumping fresh life into my own life. It does bring joy.
What were you passionate about as a teenager? What hobbies did you have as a child? I urge you to reconnect with what ever you found enjoyable as a child or teenager. It could be a hobby a subject, really anything, but I think it will bring a new enjoyment into your life.
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