Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements.

Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Benefits of Drinking Water

-Elemental

It’s no secret that up to 60% of the human body is comprised of water. But did you know that on any given day you lose 64 ounces of water through perspiration (16 ounces from your feet alone)? Unless you’re working out, most of this perspiration goes unnoticed. But our body is constantly regulating its temperature through sweat. Even when you’re sitting in a chair, typing on your computer, your body is still maintaining a healthy core temperature.

In the battle to stay hydrated, it sometimes feels like the only option is countless trips to the bathroom. But before you move your office into the second stall, let’s figure out just how much water you should be consuming each day.


HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD WE DRINK EACH

The recommended water consumption can vary based on age, weight, sex, activity level, and the climate you live in.
But generally speaking, women should drink 90 ounces (11 cups) of fluids per day and men should drink 125 ounces (16 cups) per day. But if you want to get specific, there’s a pretty simple way to figure out the exact amount of water you should be drinking each day. Multiply your weight by ⅔ then consider your activity level. You should add 12 ounces of water to your daily intake for every 30 minutes of exercise.

But, other than maintaining 60% of your body mass and a few extra trips to the restroom, what do you get from drinking water all day?

INCREASES BRAIN POWER AND PROVIDES ENERGYNeed a mental boost? Next time you feel your mental performance diminish, skip the cup of coffee and drink some water.

Four ways dehydration affects your brain:
1. Dehydration affects your mood.
2. Dehydration reduces your cognitive and motor skills.
3. Dehydration makes you more sensitive to pain.
4. Dehydration affects your memory.
If you begin to feel these dehydration symptoms, grab a glass of water.

PROMOTES HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WEIGHT LOSS
Your brain isn’t the only part of your body to feel the positive impact of staying hydrated. Water aids in the removal of fat by-products and also helps you feel more full. Not only does this act as a natural appetite suppressant, but it can also improve your metabolism.
Research on water’s impact on your metabolic function is ongoing. But one thing is certain – you’re less likely to gain weight when you drink a couple of glasses of water before a meal rather than eating the basket of bread.

FLUSHES OUT TOXINS You’ve probably heard the expression, “sweat it out.” Water consumption helps your body flush out waste through sweat and urination. This also prevents kidney stones and protects you from urinary tract infections. Your body is able to naturally detoxify through the use of its lungs, liver, and kidneys. But sometimes we give it more than it can handle (i.e. holiday eating marathons or a few too many drinks over the weekend).

Water consumption helps your body flush out waste through sweat and urination. This also prevents kidney stones and protects you from urinary tract infections. Your body is able to naturally detoxify through the use of its lungs, liver, and kidneys. But sometimes
we give it more than it can handle (i.e. holiday eating marathons or a few too many drinks over the weekend).

Improve Your Complexion

It’s understandable that if your body is composed of 60% water, dehydration will harm your skin. Your skin is an organ.  Water is important for organ function.
“If your skin is not getting  the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration
will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky.  Dry skin has less resilience  and is more prone to wrinkling. Drinking water is great for your skin.
It helps to moisturize it, keep it soft, and removes wrinkles.

MAINTAINS REGULARITY Being regular is the result of a healthy digestive system. Drinking water helps your body digest everything you eat. According to Mayo Clinic, water helps break down food (so that your body can absorb the nutrients) and prevents constipation.

 BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy during the cold and flu season? Drink more water! One of the most commonly overlooked benefits of drinking water is a healthy immune system.
Drinking water has been directly related to a stronger immune system. According to Fit Day, water strengthens your immune system in two ways: First, it carries oxygen to your body’s cells, which results in properly functioning systems. And secondly (see the third point mentioned), it flushes harmful toxins from your body. Water has also been shown to reduce the risk of bladder cancer by rapidly flushing toxins from your bladder.

PREVENTS HEADACHES One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is headaches. Water is important for brain function. In addition to increasing brain power, drinking water also helps prevent and relieve headaches often caused by dehydration. Medical News Today explains that a dehydration headache occurs when your body loses essential fluids to function properly. Dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily shrink from fluid loss. This mechanism causes the brain to pull away from the skull, causing pain and resulting in a dehydration headache.

HELPS REGULATE YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE One of the more well-known benefits of water is the way it replenishes your body’s cooling system source – sweat.

Sweat is the natural cooling system of your body. Water is a key ingredient of your sweat, your body needs enough water to properly regulate your body’s temperature through perspiration.

Improves Your Heart Health Research has shown a link between coronary heart disease and water consumption. Water maintains the proper viscosity of blood and plasma and fibrinogen distribution.

PREVENTS BAD BREATH Have you ever hung out in a crowd of runners after a marathon? You’d be wise to remain at a comfortable distance when speaking. Bad breath is often a clear sign of dehydration. In addition to the food you eat, dehydration can also cause bad breath. Drinking a sufficient amount of water washes away leftover food particles and oral bacteria that lead to bad breath.

PUTS YOU IN A BETTER MOOD Just as a well-oiled engine runs at top performance, so your body will also work better when properly hydrated. And when your internal systems and organs are running better, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself. In turn, you’re more likely to be in a good mood!

-Elemental

Lemon, Ginger
and Turmeric Infused Water

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 4 slices fresh ginger root
• 1/2 lemon, sliced
• 2 quarts water

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a large glass carafe or pitcher.
  Cover and refrigerate 12-24 hours.

Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements.

Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

We’re Back!

We haven’t posted in the last two years. As some of you know, our parents have been in failing health and we took care of them. Sadly, we lost our father in July, 2017 and we lost our mother in May, 2018. We cannot adequately express in words how much we miss them, their wisdom, love and support.

While I thought I was handling their passing as well as can be expected, four days after my mother passed, we found out that our cousin had cancer and had two weeks to live. I started having pressure in my chest. I went to the emergency room. They ran several tests and could not find anything wrong. The doctor explained that it was stress.

I normally eat well, exercise daily, meditate and do breathing exercises and do Pilates every morning, but during this time I neglected my normal routine.

STRESS can be a KILLER. While short term stress can keep us safe, slamming on the brakes to avoid an accident and can motivate us to do well on a test or for a presentation at work. Long term, chronic stress can create serious health challenges, mood and behavioral changes.

Symptoms of Stress

Body-Headache, Muscle tension or pain, chest pain, fatigue, change in sex drive, stomach upset, sleep problems

Mood-Anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation or focus, feeling overwhelmed, irritability or anger, sadness or depression

Behavior-Over-eating or under-eating, angry outbursts, drug or alcohol abuse, social withdrawal, exercising less.

Best foods to support your body in handling stress

B complex vitamins-almonds, oranges, avocados, bananas, oatmeal, asparagus

Calcium-almond milk, spinach, yogurt,kale, broccoli, figs

Magnesium-spinach, bananas, nuts, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate

Vitamin C-oranges, blueberries, lemon, limes

Vitamin D-sunlight, salmon, mushrooms, shrimp, tuna, egg yolks

Omega 3 Fatty Acids-Nuts, salmon, tuna

Foods to AVOID during stressful times

Processed foods-feeding our bodies with nutrients helps to support our ability to handle stress

High sodium foods-drains energy, increases stress level

White flour products-extremely inflammatory, stress on digestive system

Alcohol-less quality sleep, decreases ability to handle stress

Caffeine-avoiding caffeine supports staying calm in stressful situations

Sugar-when stressed, stress hormone cortisol rises and send signals t the brain to consume more and more sugar to sustain energy

Stress Management Techniques

Connecting to others-Yoga, Pilates, Exercise buddy, volunteering, meeting friends for lunch, joining a club, taking a class

Maintaining balance with a healthy lifestyle-eating a healthy diet, exercising frequently, getting enough sleep, reduce/eliminate caffeine and sugar, avoid alcohol, cigarettes, drugs

Make time for fun and relaxation-set aside leisure time, do something you enjoy everyday, keep your sense of humor, practice relaxation (yoga, deep breathing, meditation)

Manage your time better-don’t over-commit yourself, prioritize tasks, break projects in small steps, delegate responsibility

Essential oils that help during stressful times

Lavender oil-lowers anxiety

Frankincense oil-calming and tranquil

Rose oil-reduces anxiety

Vetiver oil-calming

Ylang Ylang oil-causes cheerfulness

Bergamont oil-helps with anxiety

Chamomile oil-decreases irritability

A Stress Busting Snack

Pistachio Chocolate Bananas

t

Serves: 6

3 bananas

6 popsicle sticks or cake pop sticks

Coconut oil

½ cup dark chocolate chips

½ cup pistachios, crushed

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the bananas and cut in half crosswise. Insert a stick halfway into each banana half. Place in freezer. Add a little coconut oil to a small saucepan, put on low to medium heat, and add in the dark chocolate chips. Stir until melted, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Take the bananas out of the freezer, dip in the chocolate, and sprinkle the pistachios on top. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or more before serving.

From Eat Your Feelings: The Food Mood Girl’s Guide to Transforming Your Emotional Eating by Lindsey Smith. Copyright © 2017 by the author and reprinted with permission of Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, LLC.

See you next time,

Barbara & Jo Ann

Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements. Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Welcome back to our blog! 

Happy Valentines Day! 

Happy “Black Love Family Day!”

We all know that processed white sugar is not good for us at all.  Why?

Added sugar is the single worst ingredient in the modern diet.

It can have harmful effects on metabolism and contribute to all sorts of diseases.  Added sugars (like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup) contain a whole bunch of calories with NO essential nutrients.

1.  Sugar contains a lot of calories, with no essential nutrients. It also causes tooth decay by feeding the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
2. For people who are inactive and eat a Western diet, large amounts of fructose from added sugars get turned into fat in the liver.
3. Excess fructose gets turned into fat, which can lodge in the liver and cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
4. When people eat a lot of sugar, it can cause resistance to the hormone insulin, which can contribute to many diseases.
5. Because of the harmful effects of sugar on the function of insulin, it is a leading driver of type II diabetes.
6. There is considerable evidence that sugar, due to its harmful effects on metabolism, can contribute to cancer.
7. Fructose doesn’t cause satiety in the brain or lower the hunger hormone ghrelin nearly as much as glucose.
8. Because sugar causes a large release of dopamine in the brain, it can cause addiction in a lot of people.
9. Because of the effects of sugar on hormones and the brain, sugar dramatically increases the risk of becoming overweight or obese
10. Not surprisingly, many observational studies find a strong statistical association between sugar consumption and the risk of heart disease.

-Kris Gunnars

-Authority Nutrition-An Evidenced Based Approach

There are alternatives to white processed sugar.  See the many options below.

 

Photo By Getty Images

Coconut Sugar

Made from the sap of coconut-tree blossoms, this sweetener is loaded with zinc, potassium, iron, and vitamin B. “It also contains less fructose than table sugar, which is helpful because fructose is tough for your body to break down and metabolize,” says New York City nutritionist Stephanie Middleberg.

Best uses: Despite the name, there’s no coconut flavor; it has more of a caramel taste, which works well in coffee or tea. Because it’s granular, it’s also a great substitute for white or brown sugar in recipes.

 

Maple Syrup

Research shows that pure maple syrup – straight from the tree, not the cheap stuff made from corn syrup flavored with maple extract – can contain up to 54 antioxidant compounds, some of which may help combat cancer and diabetes.

Best uses: Besides pouring it over pancakes, try this spicy syrup in homemade ice cream, barbecue sauce, salad dressing, and glazes or gravies for pork.

What is your favorite healthy alternative sugar?  Do you have a recipe that you would like to share using your favorite healthy sugar alternative?

CLEAN CARAMEL CORN {HEALTHY, VEGAN, DELICIOUS!}

No refined sugars required for this delicious recipe! Just need a little maple syrup and coconut oil! You will be amazed at how amazing this caramel corn is.

Yield: 8 cups popped, approximately

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place 1 tablespoon coconut oil into deep pot or pan with tight fitting lid and melt over medium high heat. Add in popcorn kernels and cover. Shake pan back and forth every 20 seconds or so to heat kernels evenly. After about 2 minutes, kernels should start to pop. Once popping slows, remove popcorn from heat and pour into large bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, place remaining coconut oil with maple syrup and salt. Boil 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Spread out onto some parchment paper to cool 30 minutes or so. Serve.

Lauren’s Latest

 

 

 

Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements.Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Welcome back! We decided to focus on gluten this month because of family and friends suffering from gluten intolerance and celiac disease.

What is Gluten?

-a substance present in cereal grains,especially wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough.  A mixture of two proteins, it causes illnesses in people with Celiac disease.

Celiac disease in which the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, leading to difficulty digesting food containing gluten.

Common foods that contain gluten:

Pastas

-raviolis, dumplings, couscous, gnocchi

Noodles

-ramen, udon, soba, chow mein, egg noodles

Breads

-croissants, pita, naan, flatbreads, cornbread, potato bread, muffins, donuts, rolls

Crackers

-pretzels, goldfish, pie crusts, brownies

Breakfast foods

pancakes,waffles, french toast, crepes, biscuits

Breading and Coating Mixes

-Panko breadcrumbs

Croutons

-stuffings, dressings

Sauces& gravies

-traditional soy sauce, cream sauces made with a roux

Naturally gluten-free food groups:

-Fruits, vegetables,Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Dairy,Beans, Legumes, Nuts

– Celiac Disease Foundation

Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity:

-abdominal pain, cramping, bloating constipation,brain fog, frequent headaches, anxiety depression, ongoing low energy levels, fatigue, muscle joint pain, numbness, tingling in arms, reproductive problems & infertility, skin rashes, anemia, possible higher risk for Alzheimers, dementia.

-Dr. Axe-Food is Medicine

 

Black Bean Brownies

-Celiac Disease Foundation

Look for our February post that will focus on “Healthy Alternatives to Sugar,” right in time for Valentine’s Day! See you next month!

 

 

Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements. Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Hello and Welcome  to our blog!

Juicing provides a way to access digestive enzymes typically locked away in the fiber matrix of whole fruits and vegetables. Most commercial juices are processed and lacking in nutrition while freshly juiced fruits and vegetables are loaded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Benefits of Juicing/Reboot with Joe

After hearing about the benefits of juicing, my sister and I decided to try it for a week. The juicer we used was the Breville model, utilized by Joe Cross in the documentary outlining his journey to health, “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.”

Listed below are the vegetables and fruits we used, as well as the benefits of each. We decided to juice for 32 ounces for breakfast, 32 ounces for  lunch, then have a light dinner. During the day, we drank at least 8 cups of water. We found it useful to cut up the vegetables and fruit the day before, and place in freezer bags in the fridge. You will have to use trial and error as we did, to decide which combinations of vegetables and fruits suit your personal taste. I found it useful to add ice to my juice, my sister preferred hers without ice.

Vegetables

Kale – antioxidants with cancer fighting abilities

Carrots – antioxidants and vitamins which benefit immune system

Spinach – helps create red blood cells, relief from rheumatoid arthritis

Celery – source of Vitamin C and potassium, calcium, magnesium (Juice the entire celery stalk including the leaves)

Cucumber – rehydrate the body and replenish vitamins

Red Cabbage – provides minerals including potassium

Beets – help lower blood pressure (Juice 1/4 of the beet initially and the leaves. Beets are very potent.)

Fruits

Pears – promote colon health

Oranges – Vitamins A, C, and potassium

Apples  – rich in fiber, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory  substances

Pineapples – helps prevent sugar and fat cravings

Blueberries – provide vitamin C, K, potassium. magnesium

Mangos – helps lower cholesterol

Lemons – Rich in Vitamins A, C as well as iron, magnesium and calcium

During our first week of juicing, we both felt more energetic and continued with our daily workouts. We plan to continue juicing at least once a day and we’d like to hear from you.

Juicing Tip:  Do not peel the lemons and oranges.  Juice the entire fruit.

Have you tried juicing?

Pros/Cons?

Preparation?

Favorite combinations/recipes?

Please give us your feedback. Thank you and see you next month!

 Anti-Inflammatory Juice Recipe – DrAxe.com 

 

-A healthy outside starts from the inside-

pHresh Products

Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements. Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

 

We have missed you!  We are so glad to be back.  As you know, we are taking care of our mother and father.  Our mother is 85 and our father is 93.  They are both doing well.Thank you for all of your encouragement.  We continue to use lavender oil and other essential oils to keep our father calm.

We have done a lot of research on coconut oil and it’s impact on those with dementia.  We give our mother and father coconut oil everyday mixed in  meals and it has helped them to be much more alert.

Coconut oil is the only oil that we use to cook with for the most part.  We have found that coconut oil is so good for you in so many ways. It is good for your skin and hair and it helps to increase your metabolism and support weight loss.  Based upon our research, other benefits of coconut oil are:

•  Kills viruses that cause influenza.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
• Does not deplete the body’s antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
  Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
  Reduces epileptic seizures.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
  Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
• Is completely non-toxic to humans.

– The Coconut Research Center

 

Other uses for Coconut Oil

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy
2. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
3. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
4. To season cast iron skillets
5. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
6. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
7. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
8. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
9. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
10. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
11.  Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
12. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
13. Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
14. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
15. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
16. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
17. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
18. On cuticles to help nails grow
19. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
20. Naturally clears up cold sores

-WellnessMama

While taking care of our parents, there are times when we are not planning our meals as we should and that has lead to a little less healthy eating and a slight weight gain.  About 5 years ago, my sister and I lost over 120 pounds together using hcg weight loss drops and we have been able to maintain that weight loss for the most part.  HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.  HCG weight loss drops combined with a very low calorie diet of mostly lean protein, vegetables and fruit supports you in losing 1/2 -2 pounds daily. (Yes, I mean daily.  That is not a mistake.)  The hcg diet was created during the 1950’s by Dr. Simeons who worked with overweight patients.

We started using hcg again this month.  This time, we would like to lose a few pounds.  We will talk more about our hcg weight loss in our next post.

We would like to invite our St. Louis friends to our Health and Wellness-HCG drops weight loss support group meetup on February 6th, 2016. We will be meeting at Jamestown Bluffs Branch Library, 4153 N. Hwy 67,Florissant, MO  63034 at 10:30 a.m. to share recipes, tips, and inspiration. Please join us! We are on meetup – please visit us.

We have been using JustNatural soaps, anti-aging day and night creams and the Anti-aging Nutritive Serum.  All of the products we tried are FABULOUS!  The soaps smelled marvelous and helped to make our skin so clean, soft and fragrant.  Our skin loved the anti-aging day and night creams and the anti-aging serum.  We used the cream and serum on our face, neck and hands.  We have very dry skin and the creams and serum made a significant difference in hydrating our skin which helped to make us appear younger looking.  Her products definitely work and an added plus is that she only uses natural and organic ingredients, no chemicals.  Please visit her site, JustNatural and try her products.  You won’t be disappointed.

Add coconut oil to your smoothies for extra creaminess and super-nutrition. Enjoy!

Strawberry and Coconut Oil Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

• 1 cup almond or coconut milk (water works too)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon honey

The Add-ons

• A dash of high quality salt
• 1 serving of your favorite protein powder
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder or nibs

Show Time

Place all the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth. If you don’t have a very powerful blender and your coconut oil is in liquid form, you might want to blend everything except the coconut oil first, then drizzle it on and blend for another 5-10 seconds to avoid clumping.

-Smoothie Headquarters

 

 

Pure Emancipation grew out of our lifestyle changes and our goal to improve our overall health and well-being. We are now grain free, gluten free, and processed sugar free. We are happy to promote any products or brands that are aligned with our beliefs and can inspire others to join us on our journey. If you would like us try your products or brands, and/or advertise on our site, please contact us at : pureemancipation@gmail.com We hope to hear from you soon!

-Healthy Smoothie Headquarters

 

Definition of PURE:adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements. Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Our father was doing well and back home after a lengthy hospital stay.  Our father contracted an urinary tract infection.  We did not know how having an urinary tract infection impacts the elderly so severely physically and cognitively. Our father has dementia. 

He stayed up two days and nights, talking throughout the night.  Some things that he said made sense and some did not. We ended up taking him to the emergency room.  He stayed in the hospital for four days. 

On the second day, he must have been so exhausted, he fell asleep and slept a day and a half in the hospital. Our father is 92 years old and has dementia.  He was released to a rehab center.  He was walking unassisted with a walker prior to the infection.  Now, he is no longer able to walk at all.  The infection left him very, very weak.

We began to research the impact of essential oils on the elderly, especially those with dementia. Alzheimers is one form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. –Alzheimers Association

We found the following essential oils have been studied to have a positive impact on those that have dementia and those that are the caretakers of those with dementia. Our father has vascular dementia. We mixed coconut oil with a combination of lavender, lemon, grapefruit and rosemary.  We massage his hands with the oil because we learned the sense of smell diminishes significantly in the elderly. My father is sleeping better and appears to be less agitated and depressed.

Many of the memory enhancing drugs currently used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease are designed to inhibit cholinesterase, the enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine in the body.  Acetylcholine is vital to the central nervous system; it acts as a neuromodulator and when there is damage to the cholinergic (acetylcholine-producing) system it affects memory, REM sleep, attention and sensory perceptions.

Several essential oils such as Lemon, Rosemary and  Spanish Sage have been shown to act in a similar way to conventional drugs, inhibiting cholinesterase but without any negative side effects.

In a study conducted by Kilstoff and Chenoweth, Lavender, Geranium and Mandarin were combined in a base of sweet almond oil and applied via hand massage. “The specific improvements for clients included increased alertness, self-hygiene, contentment, initiation of toileting, sleeping at night and reduced levels of agitation, withdrawal and wandering. Family caregivers have reported less distress, improved sleeping patterns and feelings of calm.

When using essential oils with the elderly or frail it is generally best to start with the lowest dilution 1-3% and whenever possible allow the patient to choose the essential oils or blends that they prefer.  If a patient is non-communicative body language and facial expression will give you insight into their likes and dislikes.  -Essential 3

Essential oils for Common issues associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

 

Restlessness and poor sleep: Applications – Bath, Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oils –  Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Chamomile Roman, Mandarin or combination of Ylang Ylang and Lemon  (*also helpful for the caregivers)

Loss of appetite: Application –  Inhalation, Diffusion, Spritzer Essential oils – Cardamom, Rosemary, Basil ct. linalol, Lemon, Ginger

Constipation: Application – Compress, Abdominal Massage Essential oils – Ginger, Rosemary, Orange

Diarrhea: Applications – Compress, Abdominal Massage Essential oils – Marjoram Sweet, Niaouli, Peppermint, Geranium

Indigestion: Application – Compress, Abdominal Massage, Inhalation Essential oils – Basil ct. linalol, Mandarin, Lemon, Melissa  (4 drops and 1 drop Peppermint) information indicates that Melissa and Peppermint are best used together.

Anger, Aggression, Irritability: Application – Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oils – Lavender, Melissa

Anxiety, Agitation: Applications – Bath, Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oils – Neroli, Lavender, Bergamot FCF, Geranium, Melissa* * in a placebo controlled trial Melissa was added to a carrier and applied to the face and arms of patients with dementia, twice a day for 4 weeks.  60% of the group receiving the Melissa showed reduced agitation.  ⁷

Apathy: Applications – Bath, Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oils – Rose  (1 drop rose and 2 drops Lavender), Peppermint, Sage

Depression: Applications – Bath, Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oils – Bergamot FCF, Clary Sage, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Neroli, Rose, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang,  Chamomile Roman

Headache: Applications – Inhalation, Massage of neck and shoulders Essential oils – Lavender, Chamomile Roman, Basil ct. linalol

Memory: Applications – Bath, Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oils – Rosemary, Spanish Sage, Lemon

Muscle Contraction: Applications – Bath, Compress, Massage Essential oils – Lavender, Geranium,  Juniper Berry

Withdrawal: Applications –  Bath, Inhalation, Diffusion, Massage, Spritzer Essential oil – Melissa 

-Essential 3

We will keep everyone updated on our father’s progress. Please keep us in your prayers.

My sister and I are grain and gluten free.  We made lasagna with grain and gluten free noodles.  We thought about how good cheesy garlic bread would go with this meal.  We found the recipe !below on Leeann’s site “Cut the Wheat” and it was very, very good.  Thank you, Leeann

Cheesy Garlic Bread 

• 1 1/4 C almond flour
• 1 T coconut flour
• 3 egg whites, beaten until fluffy
• 2 T olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 C warm water
• 1 tsp. live yeast granules
• 1 tsp. coconut sugar (or honey or molasses– will be eaten by yeast)
• 1/2 C shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. xanthan or guar gum (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of PURE: adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements. Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers for our father.  We received so many positive comments from our last post on Essential Oils, we decided to continue to share the benefits of the essential oils that we are using. My sister and I are continuing to experiment with essential oils. 

Frankincense is now one of our favorites.  The three wise men gave baby Jesus gifts of gold to honor his royalty, frankincense for perfume, and myrrh for annointing oil.

Imhoptep was an ancient Egyptian physician of healing and medicine. Imhoptep, based upon our research recommended Frankincense oil for baths and massages nearly 6000 years ago.

Frankincense is used to support a healthy immune system, treat dry skin, reverse skin signs of aging and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Frankincense has a warm, woodsy, fruity fragrance that we really like.  Based upon Aromatic Science, PubMed.gov and Mercola.com, the benefits of using Frankincense oil are:

-boosts the immune system

-helps fade stretch marks and scars

-lowers blood pressure

-relieves pain from from rheumatoid arthritis

-provides relief from bronchitis and congestion of the nasal tract and lungs

-protects from premature loss of teeth and hair

-anti-cancer benefits

We could not find any side effects in our research, except that it should not be used during pregnancy because it induces delayed menstruation and  delays the advent of menopause.

We have been making homemade body butter with Frankincense oil.  It feels luxurious as you rub it all over your body after a shower or bath.  You may also use the oil with a diffuser or vaporizer or by absorbing it through the skin mixed with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil.  We will keep you updated on the results we see by using Frankincense.

We ususally have a protein smoothie or omelette for breakfast but sometimes we have a craving for pancakes.  Since we are grain and gluten free making pancakes that are fluffy and taste good can be challenging.  We found a great recipe for pancakes on the Joyful Abode website created by Emily.

Fluffy Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Paleo Pancakes

 

Definition of PURE: adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements. Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Welcome to our third post!

We are so glad to be back. Our father has been in the hospital since December 5, 2014.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for him. He was released from the hospital Friday, March 27, 2015.  Prayer changes things. My sister and I have been experimenting with essential oils and their impact on our health.  Essential oils, also referred to as “essences”, are botanical extracts of various plant materials, and do not only originate from flowers, but from herbs, trees and various other plant material.  

The  use of essential oils have a history and many prominent healers in history have made use, and believed in, the healing power of these extracts. Essential oils differ from other oils (fixed oils such as olive oil) as they are  volatile and evaporate when left open, and have certain properties which can be used to promote health and well-being. One of the oils we have been using is Thieves Oil.

 Many, many years ago, the bubonic plague ran rampant through Asia and Europe, a story about 4 thieves emerged.  These 4 thieves robbed the victims of bubonic plague, but never caught the plague.  The story goes that the 4 thieves went to trial and were promised leniency if they would share how they kept from getting the plague.  They shared that they rubbed  a combination of cloves, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary all over themselves.  Today, Four Thieves oil is used to support the immune system.

(Click on image below to make it clearer)

Chart created by Rewindforlifeblogspot.com

Since going grain free and gluten free, we thought we would miss bread in general, but we haven’t. However, we have really missed pizza.  Imagine, our excitement, when we discovered the recipe below from Becca’s site notdeprived.com   I made the pizza and OMG, it was spectacular!!  Try it and thank you, Becca

Ingredients:

 

Pure Emancipation grew out of our lifestyle changes and our goal to improve our overall health and well-being.  We are now grain free, gluten free, and processed sugar free. We are happy to promote any products or brands that are aligned with our beliefs and can inspire others to join us on our journey. If you would like us try your products or brands, and/or advertise on our site, please contact us at :  pureemancipation@gmail.com                          We hope to hear from you soon!

 

 

 

Definition of PURE: adj. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements.

Definition of EMANCIPATION: noun. The act by which one who was not free or under the power and control of another, is set free.

Welcome Back to our second post!

As we stated in our last post, my sister and I are dealing with auto-immune challenges.  As a result, we decided to lose weight by eating clean.  We have tried several of the major weight loss programs in the past and had success, but then we started going back to our old eating habits and eventually gaining back the weight.  This time, we decided to do research and make healthy changes.  We eliminated red meat, dairy, grains and sugar.  We lost over 120 lbs together.  We also noticed how much better we felt, how much more energy we had and symptoms of our auto-immune challenges disappeared or diminished significantly.  Each day on our journey, we are learning more and more about chronic inflammation and it’s relationship to auto-immune challenges and it’s relationship to what we eat, our diet.

My sister and I drink a delicious anti-inflammatory smoothie every morning. The ingredients in our smoothie include pineapple, mango, strawberries, filtered water, turmeric, ginger, rice protein powder, dates and moringa.

What is Inflammation and why is it Bad?

Inflammation is a normal part of your immune system’s response to infection, disease, injuries, pathogens, and irritants. For instance, if you scrape your knee, the skin around that area gets red, warm, and a little puffy. This is acute inflammation and is a healthy response to the damage you suffered. When the flu virus infects you, a fever is another sign of the acute inflammation caused by the infection and your immune response. Blood and immune cells race to the sites of trauma or infection and begin to work healing you, causing redness, pain, heat, and other symptoms. Acute inflammation is not only normal, it is necessary. Without it you would not be able to heal from infections, injuries, and other bad illnesses and traumas. Inflammation only becomes a problem when it occurs over a long period of time. This is called chronic inflammation and it is this form of the immune response that causes harm and damage to your body. Over time, chronic inflammation can cause heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and other devastating illnesses. Several factors can lead to chronic inflammation, including your personal genetics, a lack of exercise, stress, and exposure to toxins. But, one of the most important causes is diet. Many of the foods common in most American diets cause chronic inflammation and resulting illnesses.  -Healthy Smoothie Headquarters

Anti-inflammatory Smoothie Recipes

Anti-inflammatory Smoothie-Global Animal

The Anti-inflammatory Smoothie – Energise For Life

Anti-inflammatory Smoothie-The Roasted Root

Anti-inflammatory Smoothie Green Smoothie with Turmeric-MindBodyGreen

The doctor of the future will give no medicines, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the causes and prevention of disease. ~Thomas Edison