As we rise in the morning and scramble to get out the door for work, breakfast usually gets the back burner. While some just plain go without, the other percentage tends to grab an energy bar, a bagel, coffee and/or boxed cereal. Those who eat something tend to do so in a rush, chomping down while gathering up what they need for the day or while lacing their shoes and grabbing the egg sandwich as they race out the door.
The old saying that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" is partially true. I don't give breakfast full credit because all 3 meals are important in maintaining and sustaining energy throughout the day, for blood sugar stabilization, for mental functioning and for overall health and well being. Breakfast does jump start our metabolism and helps to literally "break the fast" from the period of dinner through sleep. However, if we put fuel in our tanks that our bodies cannot run on, if we rush a meal, or skip a meal then we're starting our day off at a disadvantage.
One major problem is that we don't wake up in time to have a relaxed and nutritious breakfast. Instead of incessantly hitting the snooze button we need to make it a priority to arise and nurture ourselves. It is important to sit in the company of family or community and share meals together. Also, food should be chewed thoroughly as swallowing big bites and lack of chewing harms stomach qi. Stomach qi is the energy produced by our stomach's; it is in charge of breaking down, and descending our food which eventually gets transformed into our blood. When we eat hurriedly, standing up, take large bites or forget to chew thoroughly, our digestion is inhibited and may cause belching, acid reflux, nausea, stomach pain/cramping and can prolong and/or interfere with the entire digestive process therefore affecting our quality of blood.
We also need to take quality of food into consideration. Bagels, most boxed cereals and most bread products tend to spike blood sugar providing a quick boost of energy soon tapering off to hunger again a couple hours after breakfast. Such products are also lacking in several nutrients, and tend to have added vitamins which are not absorbed well, if at all, in the gut. Top that with cream cheese, jelly, conventional cheese or margarine and we have a caloric, toxic mess which is not the way to start off our morning.
Breakfast can be simple, pleasurable and extremely nourishing when we are educated and take the time to do so. When we allow time for breakfast and sit with our children or families and eat nourishing, healthy foods it not only benefits us for the day, but it teaches our children the importance of sharing meals together and eating healthily so that they can build healthy habits at a young age and set the example for their families when the time comes. Here are some healthy tips on how to do so:
Forget most boxed cereals, instant cereal (oatmeal), bagels, most packaged breads. Instead, choose whole oats, gluten free oats, rice bread, whole grain bread from your local farmer's market, or amaranth. Stir almond butter, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts or walnuts into your oats or amaranth. Additionally, a little hemp, rice, or raw cow or goat milk can be added, as well as berries and flax or hemp seeds. Not enough fuel for your tank? Add a boiled or scrambled egg on the side.
Breads can be topped with almond butter and flax or hemp seeds with a side of seasonal fruit. Take advantage of the anti-oxidant rich berries that are currently in season!
Scrambled eggs sauteed with extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of turmeric and black pepper is an excellent cancer fighter. Have high cholesterol? One of the biggest myths is that egg yolks increase one's cholesterol. They may be true if we choose conventionally raised eggs that have been fed soy and wheat meal as well as antibiotics. However, when we choose organic, omega-3 eggs, particularly from the farmers market, we actually can lower cholesterol. The yolk is also an excellent of B-vitamins including biotin which helps to maintain energy and manage stress. Top eggs with fresh herbs such as basil, sage, oregano and thyme and enjoy with a side of miso soup, brown rice (cooked the night before/leftover from dinner), rice or whole grain bread.
If you're a coffee drinker caution to females as the intake of coffee has been linked to much higher risks of breast cancer rates. A cup here and there is often a healthy dose of antioxidants however, if drank more than 1-2 times per week can result in addiction, decreased adrenal function, and an increase in cancer and heart disease. Be cautious of drinking French pressed coffee as it is linked with an increase in atherosclerosis. If you drink coffee, try to buy organic, fair trade as often as possible; experiment by gradually replacing coffee with green tea. Oolong, Hojicha, Jasamine and Sencha are good morning teas which are packed with antioxidants, as well as cancer and heart protective properties. In the afternoon, particularly after 3pm, try Puerh tea. Puerh is a type of green tea which is great for the Kidneys and is one of the most highly prized teas in China praised for its health benifits and healing properties.
Breakfast No, No's:
Orange juice, bagels, most boxed cereals, instant oatmeal, apple juice, cream cheese, vegan cream cheese, conventional eggs, bacon, ham, buttermilk pancakes, donuts, muffins, coffee cake; breakfast diners and restaurants are usually the body's worst nightmare unless you live in an area which has healthy eateries, try to avoid eating out for breakfast.
Want juice? If you have a juicer or want to invest in a juicer, this is the gold standard of juices. When juicing, there are no added sugars, you get an abundance of antioxidants in the fresh fruits and vegetables and this is one of the best ways to help cleanse a sluggish liver. Juicing is also highly recommended for chronically ill individuals suffering from auto-immune disorders and chronic illness such as cancer and heart disease.
Take the time to enjoy your breakfast!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Anti-Cancer Grocery List
I received a couple requests for an anit-cancer grocery list. Please keep in mind that it is always a wise and healthy choice to buy local, organic foods when possible. Such choices can make all the difference. This list is a continual evolution of my research and experiences. Please continue to check in with me if you're interested in updated versions. Here are my latest findings:
Carbohydrates:
Brown Rice, Quinoa, Amaranth, Gluten Free Oats, Millet, Corn Meal, Wild Rice, Brown Rice Crackers, Gluten Free Crackers
-Buy 2 grains plus one cracker if desired per week and use throughout the week
Fats:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, Ghee
-Olive oil is great for stir-frying and sauteing at medium temperatures and is great as a salad dressing with herbs; Coconut oil is best for baking and cooking at high temperatures; sesame oil is great for cooking at low temperatures, adds flavor to Asian cusine when added at the end of cooking or for raw foods; Ghee is excellent for cooking at medium to high temps and there has been excellent research on its cancer preventitive properties
Vegetables:
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Leafy Greens: Kale, Collards, Swiss Chard, Spinach, arugula, Carrot, Beets, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, Chive, Asparagus, Celery, Turnips, Parsnips, Yam: Garnet or Japanese, Potato:Red, Purple or Yukon
-Buy at least 7 different veggies per week and eat throughout the week; pureed asparagus eaten between meals is great for those with cancer
Mushrooms:
Shiitake, Miatake, Cremini, Portobello, Chantrelle, Enokidake, Oyster
-Shiitake and portobello tend to be the most readily available in stores; if you have a choice between the two, shiitake have the higher cancer fighting and antioxidant properties
Fruit:
Tomato, Berries: Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Boysenberries; Lemon, Cherries, Apricot, Pomegranate
-Best eaten at the end of meals as a dessert. When choosing, buy fresh versus dried. Fruit intake should not outweigh vegetable intake. Berries and fruits are great for breakfast in smoothies as well.
Legumes:
Peas, Lentils, Mung Beans, Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Adzuki Beans
-Buy one bean per week and eat throughout the week; 1 Cup should last one person 2-3 days. Great source of fiber and great source of plant protein
Spices:
Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Sage, Cilantro, Parsley
-Ginger and turmeric have excellent anti-inflammatory properties; add to stir-fry's throughout the week, bean dishes, and soups; add fresh basil, thyme, sage, parsley to salads, garnishes to dishes, soups or add into eggs.
Miscellaneous:
Sea Salt, Miso, Seaweed, Rice Bread, Other Gluten Free Bread, Almond Butter, Agave, Honey, Maple Syrup, Wheat Free Soy Sauce, Hemp Milk, Rice Milk, Almond Milk
-Miso reduces breast cancer risk by 50% buy 1 jar in fridge section should last at least a month, seaweed is very detoxifying; gluten free breads are great for breakfast with almond butter and fruit, sandwiches topped with tomatoes, veggies and free-range turkey; alternative milks great in smoothies
Occasional/Treats:
Raw/Organic Sheep or Goat Cheese 1-2xper week, Products made from gluten such as wheat, spelt, rye; Chocolate
-Chocolate has mild antioxidant effects, great snack when eaten in moderation (less than 1x per week)
Avoid:
Milk, Cream, Sugar, GMO soy, non-organic soy, non-organic corn, Cows milk including cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese etc; Alcohol, Corn Syrup, high fructose corn syrup, Fruit+Sugar (desserts with fruit + sugar on top);agave, *honey and maple syrup do not count as sugar
-These foods tend to be pro-inflammatory and can increase one's risk of many diseases; honey, agave, maple sugar are all healthy choices in moderation
Suggested Supplements:
New Chapter Miatake Mushroom Extract, Flaxseed Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin D3, Astragalus
-All have anti-cancer properties and have the effects of boosting the immune system
Carbohydrates:
Brown Rice, Quinoa, Amaranth, Gluten Free Oats, Millet, Corn Meal, Wild Rice, Brown Rice Crackers, Gluten Free Crackers
-Buy 2 grains plus one cracker if desired per week and use throughout the week
Fats:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, Ghee
-Olive oil is great for stir-frying and sauteing at medium temperatures and is great as a salad dressing with herbs; Coconut oil is best for baking and cooking at high temperatures; sesame oil is great for cooking at low temperatures, adds flavor to Asian cusine when added at the end of cooking or for raw foods; Ghee is excellent for cooking at medium to high temps and there has been excellent research on its cancer preventitive properties
Vegetables:
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Leafy Greens: Kale, Collards, Swiss Chard, Spinach, arugula, Carrot, Beets, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, Chive, Asparagus, Celery, Turnips, Parsnips, Yam: Garnet or Japanese, Potato:Red, Purple or Yukon
-Buy at least 7 different veggies per week and eat throughout the week; pureed asparagus eaten between meals is great for those with cancer
Mushrooms:
Shiitake, Miatake, Cremini, Portobello, Chantrelle, Enokidake, Oyster
-Shiitake and portobello tend to be the most readily available in stores; if you have a choice between the two, shiitake have the higher cancer fighting and antioxidant properties
Fruit:
Tomato, Berries: Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Boysenberries; Lemon, Cherries, Apricot, Pomegranate
-Best eaten at the end of meals as a dessert. When choosing, buy fresh versus dried. Fruit intake should not outweigh vegetable intake. Berries and fruits are great for breakfast in smoothies as well.
Legumes:
Peas, Lentils, Mung Beans, Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Adzuki Beans
-Buy one bean per week and eat throughout the week; 1 Cup should last one person 2-3 days. Great source of fiber and great source of plant protein
Spices:
Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Sage, Cilantro, Parsley
-Ginger and turmeric have excellent anti-inflammatory properties; add to stir-fry's throughout the week, bean dishes, and soups; add fresh basil, thyme, sage, parsley to salads, garnishes to dishes, soups or add into eggs.
Miscellaneous:
Sea Salt, Miso, Seaweed, Rice Bread, Other Gluten Free Bread, Almond Butter, Agave, Honey, Maple Syrup, Wheat Free Soy Sauce, Hemp Milk, Rice Milk, Almond Milk
-Miso reduces breast cancer risk by 50% buy 1 jar in fridge section should last at least a month, seaweed is very detoxifying; gluten free breads are great for breakfast with almond butter and fruit, sandwiches topped with tomatoes, veggies and free-range turkey; alternative milks great in smoothies
Occasional/Treats:
Raw/Organic Sheep or Goat Cheese 1-2xper week, Products made from gluten such as wheat, spelt, rye; Chocolate
-Chocolate has mild antioxidant effects, great snack when eaten in moderation (less than 1x per week)
Avoid:
Milk, Cream, Sugar, GMO soy, non-organic soy, non-organic corn, Cows milk including cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese etc; Alcohol, Corn Syrup, high fructose corn syrup, Fruit+Sugar (desserts with fruit + sugar on top);agave, *honey and maple syrup do not count as sugar
-These foods tend to be pro-inflammatory and can increase one's risk of many diseases; honey, agave, maple sugar are all healthy choices in moderation
Suggested Supplements:
New Chapter Miatake Mushroom Extract, Flaxseed Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin D3, Astragalus
-All have anti-cancer properties and have the effects of boosting the immune system
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Macrobiotic vs Vegan
Macrobiotic and vegan diets are very similar in comparison. Vegan followers eat zero animal products; strict vegans also buy and wear vegan clothing. Such lifestyles are generally followed for ethical and moral reasons to prevent testing on animals and the immoral killing of animals as well. Although, the macrobiotic diet doesn't place an emphasis on animal products, it definitely suggests that one consume mostly fish with small amounts of fowl (turkey) and red meat (preferably bison) as animal protein sources. It also places a strong emphasis on fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh as a rich sources of protein and vitamin content.The macrobiotic diet also takes animal rights into account as it strongly suggests to purchase wild fish vs farm raised fish and small amounts of grass fed, humanely raised animals versus commercial farming methods where animals are packed into small areas, fed unhealthy diets and antibiotics to help speed growth and prevent illness from unhealthy living conditions.
The vegan diet tends to place more of a focus on animal rights; some also choose the vegan route to decrease the risk of many common diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The macrobiotic lifestyle tends to place more of a zen focus taking in account equal rights for humanity, the earth and the continuous development of spiritual health. It is also a diet closely followed by those with cancer as a preventative and cure. One of its goals is to decrease the effects of modernization and the instances of crime, violence and big business corporations that are negatively influencing us all including our youth. The macrobiotic lifestyle further focuses on natural healing methods, including herbal medicines, meditation, moving meditation such as qi gong and tai ji, and holistic modalities such as massage, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
Generally, it is wise that individuals who are what Chinese medicine refers to as "excess" types to be on a vegan diet for a short period of time (2-6 months). Excess type refers to one who has consumed the Standard American Diet (SAD) which tends to focus on the consumption of conventional meat, eggs, butter, sugar, fast food, white flour and corn syrup. Excess individuals also tend to be slightly overweight or obese. Individuals who are more "deficient" tend to do better with the macrobiotic diet where it emphasizes animal products such as fish and small amounts of meat which can help to healthily build ones vitality, or qi.
The downfall of the vegan diet is that individuals who are on it for prolonged periods of time, specifically deficient types, tend to have decreased energy, decreased immune system function and become deficient in critical vitamins and minerals that are typically only found in animal products. Levels of B12 and iron are the most critically lost in this diet yet can be found largely in red meat specifically bison and fish specifically sockeye salmon. B12 and iron are critical components in making up the blood, they can also be found in lesser amounts in all types of seaweed.
Ideally, even the most robust individual should consume animal products but should do so in small amounts and should focus primarily on wild fish such as sockeye salmon, cod, mackerel, haddock and Alaskan salmon as meat sources. Typically, one should consume roughly one pound of meat per week, including meats and fish and these should be consumed more so as side dishes or condiments instead of main courses whereas, vegetables and whole grains should dominate the plate. Long time vegans and deficient individuals should include small amounts of red meat (bison) and poultry (turkey) as well as red colored fish such as sockeye and other kinds of wild salmon to help build their blood and increase vitality. Vegetables that help to nourish the blood and increase iron amounts in the body include beets and beet greens, seaweeds, molasses and Chinese red date called jujube date.
The vegan diet tends to place more of a focus on animal rights; some also choose the vegan route to decrease the risk of many common diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The macrobiotic lifestyle tends to place more of a zen focus taking in account equal rights for humanity, the earth and the continuous development of spiritual health. It is also a diet closely followed by those with cancer as a preventative and cure. One of its goals is to decrease the effects of modernization and the instances of crime, violence and big business corporations that are negatively influencing us all including our youth. The macrobiotic lifestyle further focuses on natural healing methods, including herbal medicines, meditation, moving meditation such as qi gong and tai ji, and holistic modalities such as massage, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
Generally, it is wise that individuals who are what Chinese medicine refers to as "excess" types to be on a vegan diet for a short period of time (2-6 months). Excess type refers to one who has consumed the Standard American Diet (SAD) which tends to focus on the consumption of conventional meat, eggs, butter, sugar, fast food, white flour and corn syrup. Excess individuals also tend to be slightly overweight or obese. Individuals who are more "deficient" tend to do better with the macrobiotic diet where it emphasizes animal products such as fish and small amounts of meat which can help to healthily build ones vitality, or qi.
The downfall of the vegan diet is that individuals who are on it for prolonged periods of time, specifically deficient types, tend to have decreased energy, decreased immune system function and become deficient in critical vitamins and minerals that are typically only found in animal products. Levels of B12 and iron are the most critically lost in this diet yet can be found largely in red meat specifically bison and fish specifically sockeye salmon. B12 and iron are critical components in making up the blood, they can also be found in lesser amounts in all types of seaweed.
Ideally, even the most robust individual should consume animal products but should do so in small amounts and should focus primarily on wild fish such as sockeye salmon, cod, mackerel, haddock and Alaskan salmon as meat sources. Typically, one should consume roughly one pound of meat per week, including meats and fish and these should be consumed more so as side dishes or condiments instead of main courses whereas, vegetables and whole grains should dominate the plate. Long time vegans and deficient individuals should include small amounts of red meat (bison) and poultry (turkey) as well as red colored fish such as sockeye and other kinds of wild salmon to help build their blood and increase vitality. Vegetables that help to nourish the blood and increase iron amounts in the body include beets and beet greens, seaweeds, molasses and Chinese red date called jujube date.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Supplements and Foods for Healing Cancer
Flaxseed Oil- 2-4 TBS per day shrinks tumors especially of the breast
Tumeric- (mixed with olive oil and black pepper) Saute into stir fry's, curries and soups
Green Tea- Puher, oolong, hojicha inhibits cancer growth
Fresh or dried Ginger- Great anti-inflammatory properties, fights nausea from effects of chemo and radiation
Vegetable Juice- Made fresh from a juicer; detoxifying, great source of antioxidants
Astragalus- A Chinese herb known to boost the immune system and increase white blood cell count; can be bought over the counter at any health food store
New Chapter Maitake Mushroom Extract- Boosts immunity and causes cell suicide in cancer cells
Miso- Fermented soy product that can be sauteed into stir-fry's or made into soups is said to cut breast cancer risk up to 50%; great for cancer patients as well especially when combined with seaweed
Seaweed- Said to inhibit tumor growth and helps to detoxify the body; should definitely be used in conjunction with chemo and radiation to help draw the toxic effects of the treatment out of the body
WARNING: If you are undergoing chemotherapy that includes the drug Taxol it is best to avoid soy
products as they can interfere with the treatment.
*The FDA requires me to tell you to seek medical advice before beginning these safe supplements.
Tumeric- (mixed with olive oil and black pepper) Saute into stir fry's, curries and soups
Green Tea- Puher, oolong, hojicha inhibits cancer growth
Fresh or dried Ginger- Great anti-inflammatory properties, fights nausea from effects of chemo and radiation
Vegetable Juice- Made fresh from a juicer; detoxifying, great source of antioxidants
Astragalus- A Chinese herb known to boost the immune system and increase white blood cell count; can be bought over the counter at any health food store
New Chapter Maitake Mushroom Extract- Boosts immunity and causes cell suicide in cancer cells
Miso- Fermented soy product that can be sauteed into stir-fry's or made into soups is said to cut breast cancer risk up to 50%; great for cancer patients as well especially when combined with seaweed
Seaweed- Said to inhibit tumor growth and helps to detoxify the body; should definitely be used in conjunction with chemo and radiation to help draw the toxic effects of the treatment out of the body
WARNING: If you are undergoing chemotherapy that includes the drug Taxol it is best to avoid soy
products as they can interfere with the treatment.
*The FDA requires me to tell you to seek medical advice before beginning these safe supplements.
Healing Modalities and Foods to Fight Cancer
Cancer patients are very unique individuals. The western world tends to (not in all cases but in many) demoralize cancer patients, leaving them feeling powerless and hopeless. Nothing could be further from the truth; many illnesses, especially cancer, is a wake-up call to one's spirit, it is a spiritual calling with the intent of getting one's attention to recognize their true calling in life. Chinese medicine believes that one of the major causes of cancer is linked to emotional imbalances, specifically depression. When we can heal our emotions, we heal our hearts, the origin from which all diseases manifest from. Unlike the western medical world, eastern healing modalities are centered around healing the emotional self.
In the west we tend to disbelieve anything unless we can physically see it with our own eyes. But disease manifests from the inside out; the higher level physician can see the unseen and can heal from a deeper internal place before disease proliferates on the outside. One of the most effective healing tools for cancer patients is qi gong (pronounced ch-ee gong). Qi gong focuses on healing the deep inner landscape of our beings, the realm of the unseen. When we heal from the inside out remarkable outcomes arise; the western world views these as miracle healings because such things cannot be studied, researched, or seen, the western paradigm is very linear and space, time and direction do not exist. Like qi gong, foods also work on our inner landscape as they go directly to our inner beings.
Unfortunately, western medical schools place nutrition low on the curriculum totem poll and in turn patients get very little education and advice on healing foods for their condition. Foods can be our poison but they can also be our medicine when used correctly. For example, cancer can be triggered by too many rich foods, too many environmental toxins, too many pent up emotions, too many processed foods etc. However, we can supplement foods that act medicinally to heal us on all levels including our internal landscape. Cancer patients should focus on whole grains- quinoa, millet, amaranth, brown rice, oats and they should pay special attention to vegetables! Cruciferous vegetables such as brussel sprouts, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contains powerful antioxidant compounds called sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols which are detoxifying and promote the suicide of cancer cells. Members of the onion family-onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives reduce carcinogenic effects; carotenoid rich veggies such as squash, carrots, pumpkin, yams, tomatoes, apricots and beets are known for their cancer inhibiting properties. One of the most powerful foods that fight cancer are mushrooms. Several varieties of mushrooms have major immune enhancing properties such as shiitake, maitake, enokidake, cremini, portobello and oyster. In Asia, mushrooms are used in conjunction to chemotherapy to boost the immune system including white blood cell count. Miatake is said to have the strongest effect and is extremely hard to find fresh in the states. However, dried varieties are available at health food stores and Asian markets and can easily be sauteed into dishes and are great in soups. A brand of nutritional supplements called New Chapter sells a mushroom extract that is a great supplement for cancer patients.
Protein should come from plant based sources including soy, cultured soy, legumes, fish and occasional white meat (turkey is a better choice than chicken for illness; roast a turkey and freeze what you don't use, pull out of the freezer when desired). Also, fruits such as berries especially blue berries, raspberries and blackberries have the highest antioxidant content.
Other powerful cancer fighting herbs and foods that boost white blood cell count (making them great conjunctions to chemotherapy) are rosemary, mint, basil; puher tea (pronounced poo-air, a specific type of green tea; steep quickly making sure the tea is not too dark in color), ginger- a natural anti-inflammatory that combats cancer and is also great in conjunction with fighting the effects of nausea in chemotherapy. Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory it is extremely powerful in fighting off cancerous and precancerous cells. Turmeric initiates cell suicide in cancer cells this is referred to as apoptosis. However, turmeric is not absorbed well in the gut in pill form and is best taken in whole food form. When it is mixed with black pepper and olive oil its effectiveness increases dramatically and greatly reduces tumor growth.
More and more cancer patients are looking to alternative modalities due to the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation. There is no right or wrong answer to treatment, the most important thing is patient predilection. Yet, acupuncture, qi gong, meditation and diet alone have healed millions of diseases including cancer. Such modalities are also highly effective when combined with chemotherapy and radiation as well as they reduce the toxic effects of chemo and radiation allowing them to work more effectively. It is best to seek out a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist to help support you during your time of healing. Laughter, a positive attitude, a positive support system, great healing modalities and nutrition can help heal any disease.
"Sometimes it is not until we know our helplessness and our failure at love that we can come under the grace of love..Love is not the attribute of the self-righteous and the perfect. It is the attribute of the humble, those who have realized their own nothingness, those who have failed in love". ~Rumi
In the west we tend to disbelieve anything unless we can physically see it with our own eyes. But disease manifests from the inside out; the higher level physician can see the unseen and can heal from a deeper internal place before disease proliferates on the outside. One of the most effective healing tools for cancer patients is qi gong (pronounced ch-ee gong). Qi gong focuses on healing the deep inner landscape of our beings, the realm of the unseen. When we heal from the inside out remarkable outcomes arise; the western world views these as miracle healings because such things cannot be studied, researched, or seen, the western paradigm is very linear and space, time and direction do not exist. Like qi gong, foods also work on our inner landscape as they go directly to our inner beings.
Unfortunately, western medical schools place nutrition low on the curriculum totem poll and in turn patients get very little education and advice on healing foods for their condition. Foods can be our poison but they can also be our medicine when used correctly. For example, cancer can be triggered by too many rich foods, too many environmental toxins, too many pent up emotions, too many processed foods etc. However, we can supplement foods that act medicinally to heal us on all levels including our internal landscape. Cancer patients should focus on whole grains- quinoa, millet, amaranth, brown rice, oats and they should pay special attention to vegetables! Cruciferous vegetables such as brussel sprouts, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contains powerful antioxidant compounds called sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols which are detoxifying and promote the suicide of cancer cells. Members of the onion family-onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives reduce carcinogenic effects; carotenoid rich veggies such as squash, carrots, pumpkin, yams, tomatoes, apricots and beets are known for their cancer inhibiting properties. One of the most powerful foods that fight cancer are mushrooms. Several varieties of mushrooms have major immune enhancing properties such as shiitake, maitake, enokidake, cremini, portobello and oyster. In Asia, mushrooms are used in conjunction to chemotherapy to boost the immune system including white blood cell count. Miatake is said to have the strongest effect and is extremely hard to find fresh in the states. However, dried varieties are available at health food stores and Asian markets and can easily be sauteed into dishes and are great in soups. A brand of nutritional supplements called New Chapter sells a mushroom extract that is a great supplement for cancer patients.
Protein should come from plant based sources including soy, cultured soy, legumes, fish and occasional white meat (turkey is a better choice than chicken for illness; roast a turkey and freeze what you don't use, pull out of the freezer when desired). Also, fruits such as berries especially blue berries, raspberries and blackberries have the highest antioxidant content.
Other powerful cancer fighting herbs and foods that boost white blood cell count (making them great conjunctions to chemotherapy) are rosemary, mint, basil; puher tea (pronounced poo-air, a specific type of green tea; steep quickly making sure the tea is not too dark in color), ginger- a natural anti-inflammatory that combats cancer and is also great in conjunction with fighting the effects of nausea in chemotherapy. Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory it is extremely powerful in fighting off cancerous and precancerous cells. Turmeric initiates cell suicide in cancer cells this is referred to as apoptosis. However, turmeric is not absorbed well in the gut in pill form and is best taken in whole food form. When it is mixed with black pepper and olive oil its effectiveness increases dramatically and greatly reduces tumor growth.
More and more cancer patients are looking to alternative modalities due to the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation. There is no right or wrong answer to treatment, the most important thing is patient predilection. Yet, acupuncture, qi gong, meditation and diet alone have healed millions of diseases including cancer. Such modalities are also highly effective when combined with chemotherapy and radiation as well as they reduce the toxic effects of chemo and radiation allowing them to work more effectively. It is best to seek out a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist to help support you during your time of healing. Laughter, a positive attitude, a positive support system, great healing modalities and nutrition can help heal any disease.
"Sometimes it is not until we know our helplessness and our failure at love that we can come under the grace of love..Love is not the attribute of the self-righteous and the perfect. It is the attribute of the humble, those who have realized their own nothingness, those who have failed in love". ~Rumi
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Macrobiotic Cuisine
2 Carrots
1 Onion
Handful Shitake Mushrooms
Large handful of Kale
1 Piece fresh ginger (size of a quarter)
1-2 Pieces fresh Alaskan Cod
1 Cup brown rice
2-3 TBS Wheat free soy sauce
1 tsp Miso
1 Small handful Nori seaweed
Boil one cup of water. When water comes to a boil add in brown rice. While rice is cooking, dice onion and place in frying pan with 2-3 TBS extra virgin olive oil. While onion is cooking, dice the ginger and cut carrots, mushrooms and kale. Let onions cook for 2-4 mins then add the carrots and ginger cooking another 4 mins. Add in the Cod as well as the soy sauce. Let cook 2-3 mins. Add in kale and seaweed then immediately stir 1 tsp of miso in 1/4 cup water and add to veggies. Let cook another 3-4 mins. The rice should be done at the same time as the veggies and fish. Place a couple scoops of brown rice in a bowl and place veggies and fish on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Enjoy!
Seaweed is an excellent detoxifier; it helps to rid the body of heavy metals, and other toxicities such as from chemotherapy and radiation; it's also a great source of iodine which is involved in the main treatment of hypothyroidism.
1 Onion
Handful Shitake Mushrooms
Large handful of Kale
1 Piece fresh ginger (size of a quarter)
1-2 Pieces fresh Alaskan Cod
1 Cup brown rice
2-3 TBS Wheat free soy sauce
1 tsp Miso
1 Small handful Nori seaweed
Boil one cup of water. When water comes to a boil add in brown rice. While rice is cooking, dice onion and place in frying pan with 2-3 TBS extra virgin olive oil. While onion is cooking, dice the ginger and cut carrots, mushrooms and kale. Let onions cook for 2-4 mins then add the carrots and ginger cooking another 4 mins. Add in the Cod as well as the soy sauce. Let cook 2-3 mins. Add in kale and seaweed then immediately stir 1 tsp of miso in 1/4 cup water and add to veggies. Let cook another 3-4 mins. The rice should be done at the same time as the veggies and fish. Place a couple scoops of brown rice in a bowl and place veggies and fish on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Enjoy!
Seaweed is an excellent detoxifier; it helps to rid the body of heavy metals, and other toxicities such as from chemotherapy and radiation; it's also a great source of iodine which is involved in the main treatment of hypothyroidism.
Macrobiotic Diet
This past weekend, I flew from coast to coast for my brothers wedding. While en route, I did some reviewing of the macrobiotic diet. Far from the fritos and cheeseburgers we were offered on the plane, instead the macrobiotic diet focuses on whole foods, mostly vegetarian and places an emphasis on sea vegetables and cultured soy products. As the stewarist went to pass me my meal, I kindly declined and kept reading!
The macrobiotic diet is based on the traditional Oriental diet which consists of local foods such as whole grains, sea vegetables such as seaweed, fresh vegetables, soups, beans, fish and small amounts of fruits, nuts and very occasional meat. People who adhere to this diet have demonstrated to have lower instances of cancer and heart disease and tend to lead healthier, less stressful and longer lives. However, I found that the macrobiotic diet doesn't only consist of diet as a means of promoting health and longivity, firm believers in the diet also live a "macrobiotic lifestyle" which emphasizes world peace, respecting nature, having a healthy relationship with one's emotions and involves taking part in a spiritual practice such as yoga, qi gong, breathing exercises, meditation etc.
Foods that are emphasized include whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, barley, amaranth, and whole wheat; key vegetables are broccli, mushrooms, onions, carrots, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, squash, celery and cucumber. The emphasized fruits include apples, berries, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears and plums. The main spices and seasonings are very important to the diet; food is mostly seasoned with brown rice vinegar, fresh ginger (can be sauteed into dishes), miso, and wheat free soy sauce.
Miso is a fermented paste made out of soybeans. There has been extensive research performed that has discovered the health benefits of miso, particularly in the prevention of breast cancer. Adding a teaspoon of miso to your daily consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50%!!!! An easy way to incorporate miso is to add some to stir fry's, make a miso sauce with vegetable broth, miso and water to season veggies, meats or fish, or make a cup of miso soup.
Enjoy!
The macrobiotic diet is based on the traditional Oriental diet which consists of local foods such as whole grains, sea vegetables such as seaweed, fresh vegetables, soups, beans, fish and small amounts of fruits, nuts and very occasional meat. People who adhere to this diet have demonstrated to have lower instances of cancer and heart disease and tend to lead healthier, less stressful and longer lives. However, I found that the macrobiotic diet doesn't only consist of diet as a means of promoting health and longivity, firm believers in the diet also live a "macrobiotic lifestyle" which emphasizes world peace, respecting nature, having a healthy relationship with one's emotions and involves taking part in a spiritual practice such as yoga, qi gong, breathing exercises, meditation etc.
Foods that are emphasized include whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, barley, amaranth, and whole wheat; key vegetables are broccli, mushrooms, onions, carrots, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, squash, celery and cucumber. The emphasized fruits include apples, berries, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears and plums. The main spices and seasonings are very important to the diet; food is mostly seasoned with brown rice vinegar, fresh ginger (can be sauteed into dishes), miso, and wheat free soy sauce.
Miso is a fermented paste made out of soybeans. There has been extensive research performed that has discovered the health benefits of miso, particularly in the prevention of breast cancer. Adding a teaspoon of miso to your daily consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50%!!!! An easy way to incorporate miso is to add some to stir fry's, make a miso sauce with vegetable broth, miso and water to season veggies, meats or fish, or make a cup of miso soup.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Veggie Burgers with Sweet Potatoe Fries
Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 350
1-2 sweet potatoes (yams, japanese sweet potatoes or garnets)
Dried Herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Veggie Burgers (Free Range Grass Fed Buffalo burgers also a healthy choice for carnivores)
For quick, easy and healthy veggie burgers Organic Sunshine Burgers are a healthy choice, sold in the frozen foods sections in Natural Grocers; free range grass fed buffalo burgers are typically located in the same area.
Sauteed Veggies:
1-2 Portobello Mushrooms
1/2 Red Onion
1 Tomatoe
1 Avocado
Preparation:
Cut sweet potatoes length wise into "fry shaped" wedges. Place EVOO on baking sheet and sprinkle on desired herbs. My favorites are rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper. Toss with the sweet potatoes and place in oven for 15-25 mins depending on size and amount of potatoes. Check occasionally and stir.
After placing potatoes in the oven, begin to cut your portobello mushrooms and red onion. Heat cast iron or stainless steel frying pan with 2 Tbs EVOO. Sautee mushrooms and onions for 1-2 mins then add in your burger and cover. Let cook for 4-5mins then flip for 2-3 more mins.
slice some avocado, tomato and diced parsley to garnish on top of burger.
Enjoy!
Yams: are an excellent source of vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber, vitamin B6, manganese and potassium, increase quantity of milk in lactating women, removes toxins from the body, treats inflammation, diarrhea, rich in vitiman A and treating night blindness.
Onion: lowers risk of cancer and heart disease; lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, inhibits allergic reactions and helps fight the common cold.
Mushrooms: Increase white blood count making it an excellent food for cancer prevention and helps one to maintain chemotherapy; also excretes excess mucus from respiratory tract and decreases the fat level in the blood.
Preheat oven to 350
1-2 sweet potatoes (yams, japanese sweet potatoes or garnets)
Dried Herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Veggie Burgers (Free Range Grass Fed Buffalo burgers also a healthy choice for carnivores)
For quick, easy and healthy veggie burgers Organic Sunshine Burgers are a healthy choice, sold in the frozen foods sections in Natural Grocers; free range grass fed buffalo burgers are typically located in the same area.
Sauteed Veggies:
1-2 Portobello Mushrooms
1/2 Red Onion
1 Tomatoe
1 Avocado
Preparation:
Cut sweet potatoes length wise into "fry shaped" wedges. Place EVOO on baking sheet and sprinkle on desired herbs. My favorites are rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper. Toss with the sweet potatoes and place in oven for 15-25 mins depending on size and amount of potatoes. Check occasionally and stir.
After placing potatoes in the oven, begin to cut your portobello mushrooms and red onion. Heat cast iron or stainless steel frying pan with 2 Tbs EVOO. Sautee mushrooms and onions for 1-2 mins then add in your burger and cover. Let cook for 4-5mins then flip for 2-3 more mins.
slice some avocado, tomato and diced parsley to garnish on top of burger.
Enjoy!
Yams: are an excellent source of vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber, vitamin B6, manganese and potassium, increase quantity of milk in lactating women, removes toxins from the body, treats inflammation, diarrhea, rich in vitiman A and treating night blindness.
Onion: lowers risk of cancer and heart disease; lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, inhibits allergic reactions and helps fight the common cold.
Mushrooms: Increase white blood count making it an excellent food for cancer prevention and helps one to maintain chemotherapy; also excretes excess mucus from respiratory tract and decreases the fat level in the blood.
Consumer Intelligence 101
Do you think about food before you eat it? Where did it come from? How was it grown, packaged, produced? How far did it travel to get to your plate? What are the ingredients? These are all important questions that we need to be asking ourselves before digging in. We are creatures of habit, we see food, we purchase food, we eat food. And rightfully so, as it is a very primordial instinct which we've inherited from our ancestors. However, evolution has put a twist on our "killer" instincts bombarding us with so many choices that we cannot decifer "good" from "not so good".
The solution is simple as food pioneer Michael Pollan advises, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." The crucial step here is defining food. It is commonly defined as, Food: "Any substance eaten to provide nutritional support for the body". This includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and meats (including eggs, fish, and soy protein). Food does not include General Mills cereals, pop tarts, most packaged breads, inhumanely raised animal products, vegetables and fruits laden with pesticides, alcohol, ice cream, cookies and candy etc. Sadly, there are much more nonfood sources available to purchase than genuine food sources. Why? One major reason being supply and demand. If we do not demand change, poor food sources will continue to be the gold standard. The easiest way to make this change is to change what you purchase at the grocery store, ask employees to stock organic produce, and buy mostly organic, local products.
There are numerous bendfits of eating pesticide free, organic foods, especially produce. The bottom line is, yes, organic is better for you, for the earth and especially for your children. It is the number one way, even more important than exercise, of how to prevent all major diseases including cancer, alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease etc.
Be mindful of what you eat, of where it comes from; start reading ingredients, if there are any listed that you cannot pronounce, if it lists more than 6-10 ingredients, if it's been processed and chemically manufactured for the pleasure of your palate and the seller's pocket, don't buy it. Return to the basics of how our ancestors and our ancestors ancestors ate and even their ancestors ate. If you are concerened with the fact that organic food costs more than conventional foods you should be (in acutality its not that much more a few dollars maybe). But there are a few important points why this is so:
1) It is better for you, and in the United States, food that is healthier for you costs slightly more because the government does not subsidize organic foods, only conventional food producers are granted subsidies
2) There is not enough demand for organic foods; vote with your dollar at the grocery store and we will continue to see change
3) Organic is healthier and in the long run will save you money; conventional eaters tend to have more health problems and spend much more money on health care expenses, hospital visits, and medical procedures for diseases that could be prevented by changing what we feed ourselves
4) Pesticides, herbacides, fungacides, growth hormones are all invisible to the naked eye, but not to our bodies. They actually decrease the nutritional value of foods, get ingested in our bodies and set the stage for health issues down the road, they cannot be "washed off" with water, not to mention the fact that they wreck havoc on the ecosystem and future crops.
I want to leave you on a positive note and that is we have many resources to eat healthy. Organic produce is now showing up in many grocery stores and farmers markets are growing readily. All we have to do is be willing to change our mindset, we need to tweek our primordial instincts and instead of reaching for the pizza and iceberg lettuce smothered in blue cheese, make your own pizza from local, organic fresh ingredients. Oh and use olive oil on your salads, sprinkle on some fresh herbs and sea salt and you'll have a delicious, nutrient dense meal.
~"It has been said that we cannot know or judge a higher level of spirituality than what we ourselves have attained. The wise can understand the foolish because they have emerged from foolishness, but the foolish cannot understand the wise, because foolishness does not come out of wisdom".
The solution is simple as food pioneer Michael Pollan advises, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." The crucial step here is defining food. It is commonly defined as, Food: "Any substance eaten to provide nutritional support for the body". This includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and meats (including eggs, fish, and soy protein). Food does not include General Mills cereals, pop tarts, most packaged breads, inhumanely raised animal products, vegetables and fruits laden with pesticides, alcohol, ice cream, cookies and candy etc. Sadly, there are much more nonfood sources available to purchase than genuine food sources. Why? One major reason being supply and demand. If we do not demand change, poor food sources will continue to be the gold standard. The easiest way to make this change is to change what you purchase at the grocery store, ask employees to stock organic produce, and buy mostly organic, local products.
There are numerous bendfits of eating pesticide free, organic foods, especially produce. The bottom line is, yes, organic is better for you, for the earth and especially for your children. It is the number one way, even more important than exercise, of how to prevent all major diseases including cancer, alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease etc.
Be mindful of what you eat, of where it comes from; start reading ingredients, if there are any listed that you cannot pronounce, if it lists more than 6-10 ingredients, if it's been processed and chemically manufactured for the pleasure of your palate and the seller's pocket, don't buy it. Return to the basics of how our ancestors and our ancestors ancestors ate and even their ancestors ate. If you are concerened with the fact that organic food costs more than conventional foods you should be (in acutality its not that much more a few dollars maybe). But there are a few important points why this is so:
1) It is better for you, and in the United States, food that is healthier for you costs slightly more because the government does not subsidize organic foods, only conventional food producers are granted subsidies
2) There is not enough demand for organic foods; vote with your dollar at the grocery store and we will continue to see change
3) Organic is healthier and in the long run will save you money; conventional eaters tend to have more health problems and spend much more money on health care expenses, hospital visits, and medical procedures for diseases that could be prevented by changing what we feed ourselves
4) Pesticides, herbacides, fungacides, growth hormones are all invisible to the naked eye, but not to our bodies. They actually decrease the nutritional value of foods, get ingested in our bodies and set the stage for health issues down the road, they cannot be "washed off" with water, not to mention the fact that they wreck havoc on the ecosystem and future crops.
I want to leave you on a positive note and that is we have many resources to eat healthy. Organic produce is now showing up in many grocery stores and farmers markets are growing readily. All we have to do is be willing to change our mindset, we need to tweek our primordial instincts and instead of reaching for the pizza and iceberg lettuce smothered in blue cheese, make your own pizza from local, organic fresh ingredients. Oh and use olive oil on your salads, sprinkle on some fresh herbs and sea salt and you'll have a delicious, nutrient dense meal.
~"It has been said that we cannot know or judge a higher level of spirituality than what we ourselves have attained. The wise can understand the foolish because they have emerged from foolishness, but the foolish cannot understand the wise, because foolishness does not come out of wisdom".
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