by Ward W. Bond, PhD
One of the gentlest of herbs for healthy functioning of the heart is Hawthorn berry. With billions of dollars being spent on high blood pressure medications, this herb has fallen in almost the forgotten category of helpful cardiovascular herbs. In today’s society, herbs are treated with a fad-mentality and it’s a shame because herbs have been around for centuries and they were the go-to medicines. Hawthorn berry should be the first herbal helpmate when one thinks of healthy cardiovascular function and healthy blood pressure. Hawthorn has a strengthening action of the force of the heart muscle and can help maintain a normal heart rhythm and blood pressure. There is much research on this herb and that research shows that hawthorn improves blood flow through the heart itself helping the muscle cells are well oxygenated. Hawthorn contains flavonoids in the fruit, leaves and flowers and provides potent antioxidant properties to protect the heart cells from damage. There have been numerous clinical studies and one of the largest is the SPICE trial that was conducted in 13 European countries.With over 2,500 patients, they were either placed on the hawthorn extract or a placebo for 8 years. The study showed moderately reduced function in the left ventricles of the heart muscle, which is considered one of the hardest working muscles in the heart. The left ventricle has to pump blood out of the heart into the aorta and them throughout the body. The hawthorn extract showed to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death from month 12 to 24 in the study. When someone is dealing with mild to moderate high blood pressure, Hawthorn berry should be consider as a safe natural remedy. This herb does not interfere with cardiovascular medications, but it always wise to consult with your healthcare professional.
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Millions of people eat a variety of bell peppers on a daily basis, but did you know if you juiced green bell peppers you will feed your body with the trace mineral silicon? This amazing trace mineral is needed for healthy nails, beautiful hair, healthy skin and strong bones.
The trace mineral silicon is important for daily health. The deficiency symptoms of silicon are quite apparent as they are closely associated with the connective tissues. Along with the poor development of bones, this deficiency also causes thinning of the hair, brittleness of nails, and formation of wrinkles and general aging of the skin. Besides green bell peppers, some other important sources of silicon are apples, cereals, raw cabbage, peanuts, carrots, onions, cucumber, pumpkin, fish, unrefined grains, oats, almonds and oranges. Truthfully, I’ve never been a bell pepper lover so the other food choices are perfect me and possibly for you too! Benefits of Silicon: Prevents Thinning Hair: Alopecia, or thinning of hair, is caused due to the intake of a refined diet that lacks nutrients, specifically silicon. The health benefits of silicon encourage the growth of thick and healthy hair. It also increases the luster and shine of hair. Prevents Brittle Nails: Silicon plays a very significant role in the maintenance of nail health. Silicon helps in improving the quality of nails and protecting them against several nail infections so your fingers remain attractive and strong. Prevents Deformities in Bones: Silicon has been found to play a vital role in assisting calcium for the growth and maintenance of joints and bones. It induces flexibility in the bones by increasing the amount of collagen, which is the protein component of bones. It also increases the rate of healing of bone dislocations and fractures. Maintains Skin Appearance: Silicon prevents the skin from becoming flabby and restores the natural glow of the skin. It helps in brightening the eyes as well. It also prevents several serious skin problems. Helps the Healing Process: Silicon plays a key role in protection against many diseases like tuberculosis and the others which are related to mucous membranes. It also helps in increasing the healing rate during fractures. Prevents Aluminum Toxicity: It has been found that higher amounts of aluminum are found in the brain lesions of patients suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease. It has been discovered that silicon, through its bonding with aluminum, prevents the absorption of the latter in the gastrointestinal tract, and can reduce the signs and symptoms of aluminum toxicity. by Ward W. Bond, PhD
Popeye never had a migraine headache. Want to know why? Spinach of course! Spinach is a food that targets the entire digestive tract, both the alimentary section of the body which consists of the stomach, duodenum, small intestines and then the colon. Migraines can be caused by many things such as hormones, food sensitivities, food allergies, chemicals, pollutions, stress and yes your gut. The gut is the most forgotten part of the body when people suffer with migraines. Pain medicines may help for a short time, but there’s a vital connection between your gut and your brain. Spinach is used for the cleansing, reconstruction and regeneration of the intestinal tract. If you’re constipated, spinach can relieve this condition in a few days or weeks. When people are constipated they can become irritable, grumpy, fatigued, sluggish and the list goes on and on. A toxic colon will lead to a toxic brain and the brain is very sensitive to toxins, chemicals and poor food choices. All of which can lead to migraines that never go away. The vagus nerve is a nerve that runs from the brain to the gut and back up again. If the gut isn’t healthy, the brain will respond in a negative way. In people with fatigue, food sensitivities, anxiety, gut problems, brain fog, and depersonalization, the vagus nerve is almost always at play. These people have lower vagal tone, which means a lower ability of the vagus nerve to activate or perform its functions. The word vagus means “wanderer,” because it wanders all over the body to various important organs. The vagus nerve connects to the brain, gut (intestines, stomach), heart, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidney, ureter, spleen, lungs, fertility organs (females), neck (including the pharynx, larynx, esophagus), ears and tongue. If take a close look, you’ll many of the organs that are involved in digestion and elimination and this is the reason for many with migraines problems related to poor gut health. Spinach isn’t the only cure for migraines, but it’s an easy inexpensive remedy found in the produce department at your grocery store. The best way is to juice the spinach and drink it daily for better digestion, gut health and elimination. Never eat cooked spinach due to the creation of oxalic acid that can found stones in the kidneys. It’s best made into a juice for healing and eaten raw for better health. Eating fermented foods such as miso, tempeh, kimchi, kefir and taking a daily probiotic will help to improve your overall gut health. When your gut is healthy, the brain is healthy and every organ in the body is healthy. When you’re healthy, the a less likely chance of ever getting a migraine caused by your eating habits. Popeye the sailor man, you never had a migraine again! Myrrh is the gum from a shrub native to northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia. The tree exudes from natural cracks or man-made increases in the bark. It leaves the tree as a pale yellow liquid, which yellowish-red or reddish-brown substance which is collected for use. This resin or gum has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties. In the Bible, myrrh is one of the gifts the wise men brought to the Christ child.
Properties:
Myrrh is availble in its raw form, capsules, oil and herbal extracts. by Ward W. Bond, PhD
In 4BC, Greek physician Hippocrates notes Chaste Tree’s use for menstrual conditions. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that German researchers developed a patent medicine containing chaste tree extract. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involves a number of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms occurring 5 to 10 days before a woman’s menstrual period. It is estimated that up to 90% of women experience occasional PMS. The dried fruits of chaste tree have repeatedly been shown to dramatically improve the symptoms of PMS. Germany’s health authorities recommend the herb for the treatment of PMS, menstrual irregularity, and mastalgia, or breast tenderness. A three-month study published in the British Medical Journal evaluated the effectiveness of chaste tree in 178 women with PMS. Chaste tree users showed a significant improvement in PMS symptoms such as irritability, moodiness, anger, headaches, and breast fullness. Overall, the reduction in PMS symptoms was 52% for women taking chaste tree versus 24% for those taking a placebo. Another randomized placebo-controlled study of chaste tree was conducted in Beijing, China, involving 208 women with PMS. Women taking a 40mg chaste tree extract had a significant reduction in PMS symptoms compared with those taking placebo. When the psychological symptoms of PMS are more severe (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), the condition is typically treated with antidepressant medication. A randomized controlled trial found that chaste tree was roughly equivalent to fluoxetine (Prozac) for improving psychological and physical symptoms. Chaste tree is sometimes recommended for women having difficulty conceiving. Chaste tree extracts used daily for at least 3 months, have been show to restore progesterone levels, which may improve female fertility. by Ward W. Bond, PhD
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin and a member of the B-complex family. It is needed for the health of your nervous and immune systems. Evidence shows that vitamin B5 can lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease. It is useful in reducing the effects of stress on the body and is needed to convert choline into acetylcholine for better memory. Properties:
Your best food sources of Vitamin B5 are nutritional yeast, meats, eggs, brown rice, whole grains and molasses. Dosage: 500mg per day. 1000mg per day can be taken in divided doses. by Ward W. Bond, PhD
When we think of salad greens we think of kale, romaine, iceberg, green leaf and red leaf and others, but we don't think of watercress. This is a potent healing leafy green that should never be ignored. High in vitamin C, it has a pungent taste and should be more than just garnish on your plate. Healing Properties
How to Use Watercress
Watercress, one of nature's powerful healing greens. by Ward W. Bond, PhD
Celery is a common vegetable that can be overlooked for its incredible healing properties. The seeds, leaves, and edible root is best eaten raw and let's not forget about its juice. The seeds are rich in iron, vitamin A, B and C. Let's take a look at how celery can bring healing to your body.
How to Use Celery as a Healing Food
Don't overlook all the parts of celery as each area can help target specific areas of your body and produce the healing response you desire. "Well, have no fear and don't get all stressed out as there are some natural things you can do to help relieve the stress and prevent anymore gray hair. It maybe the season for Santa, but you don't have to end up looking like him!" - Ward W. Bond, PhD by Ward W. Bond, PhD
The holidays are among us and yes all the stress that comes with it. The financial stresses, the shopping in stores and online hoping to find that special gift and of course the variety of Christmas plays, pageants and parties to attend. I feel stressed out just writing the last sentence! TIP 1: Tackle one task at a time. Multi-tasking is not recommended this time of year, so focus on one thing at a time. Learn to breathe and don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't try to be super woman or Superman to do it all yourself. Gather your elves and delegate like Santa and have fun doing it! TIP 2: Watch your diet. This time of year we rush and grab for the goodies, the sugary types. The high sugar foods will not give us energy, but actually cause fatigue and in some people lead to depression. Depression is at an all time high during the holidays, so don't feed the beast! If you want a Christmas treat, wait for the party or Christmas Eve and Day. Stick with nuts, fruits, vegetables, high quality protein and grab a smoothie. You'll have more energy and feel better and prevent added pounds that you don't want part of your New Year's resolution. TIP 3: Magnesium. Yes, the mineral magnesium can be of great help this time of year. Why? We all need it and it helps us to stay calm and stress free. Magnesium deficiency is between 70-80% in all Americans. During the hoiidays, the blood pressure can increase, the insulin resistance increases (bad food choices), we get all tensed up and we lose sleep. Supplementing with magnesium can help in all these areas naturally. I recommend Natural Vitality's Natural Calm as a daily supplement. Take once or twice a day. They also have an incredible cream available if you get those sore muscles from walking from mall to mall. And Natural Vitality has a Natural Calm Bath remedy you can add to make a soothing bath in the evening to release all your cares away and help improve sleep. TIP 4: Stressed and having a lack of focus can go hand in hand. I recommend L-Theanine 200mg up to 4 times a day during the holidays. Theanine is found in Green Tea and will help keep you calm and focused at the same time. It can help normalize blood pressure if elevated blood pressure is caused by stress. It can be a miracle worker in many people. Another remedy is the herb Mucuna. Mucuna helps to improve dopamine levels and can help people reduce stress and stay focused as well. Mucuna should only be used by adults. Herbal Ultra's Mucuna is the best on the market. One to two capsules a day is all that is needed. TIP 5: Learn to enjoy the holidays. This is the season of giving and give yourself and your family the best Christmas gift of all...you! This is the time of year we think of others, but don't forget about yourself while trying to get it all done. Christmas comes around once a year, so you have plenty of time to get ready for the next one...and don't let that stress you out either. Merry Christmas!
Let's be honest. We all know someone with cancer. Some have beat it and others have succumb to it. This article isn't about the lack of medical care we all know exists when it comes to fighting this dreaded disease. Cancer therapy has not progressed any further than it has in the last 40 years. Cancer rates are not declining as the experts want you to believe, but they are actually increasing.
When someone gets the negative report, the person has a choice to either face it head on or give up on the spot. The mental aspect of dealing with the thought of fighting cancer is scary and daunting to say the least. I've met people on both sides. Some give the fight all they got and others simply quietly give up and only appear to fight to bring peace to those around them who are just as scared and fearful. What can I say? My own father died of the complications of cancer. He actually died from the treatment and the malpractice of doctors and nurses who couldn't do the simplest things right, such as keeping his chemo port clean. He actually died of sepsis. Moving on. Fighting cancer is a three part battle. One is in the mind, the second is in the body and the third is spiritual. All three must be addressed to effectively fight the good fight. The Mind. The moment one gets the news, the mind is the first part of the body to start processing information. What is the immediate thought? Will I live or will I die? What is the treatment going to do? Will I be able to handle this? What will it cost? Will insurance cover me? How will I continue to support my family, etc and etc. This is where one must immediately hold every negative thought captive and keep a positive attitude and a peace that passes all understanding. Look, I know it's not easy. If you need encouragement, then just watch my TV interview (above) with Dodie Osteen (Joel's mother) who beat terminal liver cancer 31 years ago. She explains very candidly how the mind will start thinking about the end, when you are still believing for a positive outcome. It's worth every minute to watch this interview. The Body. On my television show, Think Natural, I constantly tell people to eat right and to eat natural. Everything you put in your mouth will either help you or hurt you. Give your body a fighting chance and eat what God created and avoid all the man-made junk. Eat organic to keep the chemicals from your body. I'm not here to tell what treatment to use as each type of cancer uses a different approach. Ask you doctor or seek your own treatment that is best for your type of cancer. Exercise! Exercise will help strengthen the body and improve immune response. Also, know that you need rest too. Don't over do either. Your Faith. Honestly, you can't fight cancer with no belief system. You all know I'm a Christian and I don't hide that fact. I know who I believe in and when times are good or bad, I look to the One who created me and died for me. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. You have to walk by faith and not sight and fighting cancer fits this category. There are times of pain, sickness, doubt, unbelief and there are victories. There can be ups and downs, but never ever give up. One has to believe that miracles happen. Also, God didn't give you cancer. He isn't trying to teach you a lesson. God doesn't do that to people. Need healing? All He has asked you to do is believe and He'll take care of the rest. Psalm 118:17 says, "I shall not die, but I shall live and declare the miraculous works of the Lord." Your were made to testify. How does one end up with a testimony? With a test in one's life that's how. Sounds unfair, but go back to the part of this article on the mind and stay positive. If you are dealing with cancer, you can beat it. Keep that mentality. If someone who know is fighting cancer, be as positive and supportive as you can. You standing by them will help them more than you'll ever know. - Ward W. Bond, Ph.D. Did you know magnesium is used in many enzymatic reactions, and it’s necessary for normal muscle function? Unfortunately for many people, they’re seriously low in this mineral. It is estimated that 70-80% of the American population is deficient in magnesium.
Since magnesium is vital for muscle function, let’s look at its role in the most important muscle of all, the heart. There are many heart ailments that can be possibly optimized with improving magnesium levels in the body such as those who suffer with congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, chest pain, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart attack and even sudden cardiac death. As you can see these are very serious. Also, do you notice that with each of these heart ailments there are scores of medications being given to help people to bring these conditions under control? Why are we ignoring the importance of magnesium? Let’s look at what depletes magnesium from the body and why we are seeing a rise in these heart conditions. Stress If your stress level is chronic, then you are losing magnesium from your cells and into the urine. If you do not replenish your magnesium, overtime you will see ailments appear that will be easily corrected by supplementing with magnesium instead of drugs. Make sense? Drug Depletion Dr. Stephen Sinatra quoted a heart study that sheds some light on the importance of receiving optimal magnesium intake to help with cardiovascular problems. “In a landmark study reported in the early 80s, men with high blood pressure on diuretic therapy had a higher death rate than those whose high blood pressure was left untreated. It was suggested that many of these men suffered sudden cardiac death from heart rhythm disturbances resulting from a deficiency of magnesium and/or potassium. The study created chaos in the medical establishment, since treating hypertension was thought to reduce cardiovascular complications, including sudden cardiac death. As a result of this study, many physicians now prescribe magnesium supplements and potassium to their patients who must take diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide is the diuretic most likely to deplete magnesium and potassium levels; newer-generation drugs such as indapamide cause fewer problems.” As you can see magnesium as well as potassium is important for heart health. A little trivia for you to share. Magnesium and potassium are needed for the regulation of the heartbeat and the amino acid Taurine needs to be present to move these minerals in and out of the heart for the heart to beat correctly. Taurine is an amino acid that helps to regulate nerve transmission. Both magnesium and potassium are part of the body’s electrical system so we need both at all times! Magnesium-rich Foods Foods rich in magnesium include whole grains, fish and seafood, leafy green vegetables, brown rice, bananas, apricots, seeds and nuts. The foods highest in magnesium include kelp, figs and pumpkin seeds. Eating these foods daily will help to prevent a magnesium deficiency. The average intake of magnesium is now around 110mg per day whereas a hundred years ago the daily intake was about 500mg. We need to be in the 500mg range again. For myself, I use Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm magnesium supplement to ensure that I am receiving optimum levels of magnesium in my body every day. We all live in a fast paced world and I know everyone is not eating healthy foods as they should be. Supplementation is something we must embrace if we are to prevent nutrition-related diseases such as those in the cardiovascular category. by Ward W. Bond, PhD
Living in an over-medicated world where people look at using synthetic chemicals to heal their ailments and ignore the nutrients they are deficient goes back decades. Our bodies need food to survive and without it, we starve to death. Many people today are actually starving themselves to death slowly, but gaining weight in the process. Increases in heart disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes are occurring rapidly among the billions of people worldwide. Have we become so naïve that as we desire to have longevity, we are missing the very thing that is in front of us? Food. Nutrient-dense food, is it still available? In some cases nutrient-dense food is available as you learn to grow your own herbs and foods or you shop at an organic farmer’s market. In the mainstream commercialized world of growing crops, our soil has become so depleted we are eating food from a visual perspective and not from a nutritional perspective. Take the mineral magnesium for example. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant mineral found in the Earth’s crust and it is the third most abundant mineral in sea water. In the human body, magnesium is the eleventh most plentiful element by mass—measuring about two ounces. If you think about it, if the Earth and the ocean are abundant in magnesium, wouldn’t you think that it would be vitally important to our health? Many people today are so deficient in magnesium they literally go to their doctor with ailments that are directly related to magnesium deficiencies. Let’s take a look at a few: •Tension •Sleeplessness •Calcium deficiency •Poor heart health •Muscle cramps •Tremors •Anxiety •High blood pressure •Type II diabetes •Respiratory issues •Dizziness and Fatigue •Poor memory •Confusion •Digestive issues When you look at the above list you can see that many of these are currently being treated with medications. Stress and anxiety, yep there’s a medication for that. Muscle cramps and tremors, yep there are muscle relaxers for those, too. High blood pressure and poor heart function, yes you guessed it, there are a million medical pills for those ailments too. I could go on and on and as you see, if we really took our health seriously from a food perspective and ate the foods that nurture our cells and tissues instead of placing a higher priority on our taste buds, we would be much healthier. The Relaxing Mineral Magnesium is commonly known as ‘The Relaxing Mineral’. You can see why tension, sleeplessness, stress and anxiety are on the list. How many of you are under chronic stress and deal with sleepless nights? Mental and physical stress, with its related continuous flow of adrenaline, uses up magnesium rapidly. Adrenaline affects heart rate, blood pressure, vascular constriction and muscle contraction— all actions that demand steady supplies of magnesium for smooth function. The nervous system depends upon sufficient magnesium for its calming effects, including restful sleep. Hibernating animals, by the way, maintain very high levels of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency will accelerate a vicious cycle and amplify the effects of chronic stress, leading to more anxiety, irritability, fatigue and insomnia—many of the symptoms of adrenal exhaustion—as well as to hypertension and heart pain, which are symptoms of heart disease. I hope you’re taking notes because as you can see, magnesium is a life sustaining, life-giving mineral. Here is a list of foods high in magnesium to help you to obtain this necessary mineral from your diet. This is a short list, so I encourage you to search for more (you can Google it!) and add them to your weekly at-home menus: •Spinach •Chard •Pumpkin seeds •Yogurt or Kefir •Almonds •Black Beans •Avocado •Figs •Dark Chocolate •Banana I also believe heavily in nutrient supplementation as we often do not receive adequate nutrition from the foods we eat because of the food choices we make and the availability of nutrient-dense foods. Not everyone grows their own organic garden or has access to nutrient-dense foods. What I do is supplement using Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm, a powdered magnesium supplement. I use it twice daily by adding a teaspoon to my morning smoothie and again mixed with water at bedtime. It’s that simple. Get on the magnesium train and ride relaxed and healthier than ever before. The most common cause of blindness in people over age 50, macular degeneration affects millions of Americans to varying degrees. The macula is the central and most light-sensitive portion of the retina, which is located at the back of the eye. It controls the central field of vision and the ability to distinguish color and fine detail. When macular degeneration occurs, these basic functions of eyesight begin to break down. Objects in a person's central viewing area--things being directly looked at--appear blurred, gray, or simply blank, even though peripheral vision remains normal. As the condition progresses, it threatens the patient's ability to read, drive, watch television, or recognize people easily.
There are two forms of macular degeneration: "dry" and "wet," both of which are painless and usually affect one eye at a time. The dry, or age-related, form is so called because tiny bits of debris accumulate beneath the macula as it thins over time. Dry macular degeneration, which accounts for about 90% of cases, progresses slowly enough that most patients do not have serious loss of vision. In wet macular degeneration, new blood vessels develop under the retina and begin to push against it. The vessels can leak fluid, which is believed to cause scarring of the macula and result in permanent damage to central vision in a matter of days. Patients with dry macular degeneration may suddenly develop this fast-moving form. The principal damage in macular degeneration is probably caused by the unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals, which can be dangerous to many types of cells, not just those in the eyes. Environmental and lifestyle factors such as high dietary levels of saturated fat, tobacco smoke, and years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays all encourage production of free radicals in the retina. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can also contribute to macular degeneration by restricting the supply of blood to the eye. Having light-colored eyes also increases the risk of macular degeneration, as does a family history of the disorder. In addition, advancing age magnifies all of these risk factors. About one-fourth of all Americans over age 65--a rapidly growing segment of the population--show some signs of macular degeneration, as do one-third of those over age 80. The most valuable antioxidant protection against macular degeneration is supplied by vitamins C and E and various carotenoids, all of which help neutralize the free radicals that can damage the retina. (These can all be supplied by a daily high-potency multivitamin such as the Nutritional Living Mega One 100.) Two carotenoids in particular, Astaxanthin and zeaxanthin, play an important role in macular function by blocking the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. These substances provide the macula with its yellowish color. If you are using anticoagulant drugs, see your doctor before taking vitamin E. Zinc supplements help by not only correcting the deficiency of zinc that's common in older people, but also possibly by slowing the progress of macular degeneration. Along with all these supplements, take bilberry, an herb that supplies other antioxidant compounds and also improves blood flow to the eye. Two possible substitutes are grape seed extract, good for people with poor night vision, and gingko biloba, which may help those also experiencing memory loss (although neither is as effective against macular degeneration as bilberry). Remember the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" If you eat that apple--plus a banana and handful of grapes--you could reduce your risk of developing the eye problem called age-related macular degeneration when you reach your senior years. Age-related maculopathy, also known as macular degeneration, is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. A study from the Channing Laboratory at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital indicates that people who eat a daily diet that includes several servings of fruit reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration as seniors. The study looked at a group of men and women age 50 and older. It compared their intake of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids (like beta carotene) as well as fruits and vegetables, and how these elements relate to the development of macular degeneration. Researchers discovered that people who consumed three or more servings of fruit per day over a period of 12 to 18 years reduced their risk of developing macular degeneration by more than 30%, compared to people who ate 1.5 servings per day or less. Fruit tastes great, it’s refreshing and it also includes vitamins and fiber that you need for general health. And as this study shows, having at least three servings of fruit per day may help your eyesight as you get older by helping to reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. There is new evidence that by taking the sleep aid, melatonin can help improve and prevent macular degeneration. No one knows why, but I’ve talked with British doctors about this and they are convinced by what they see, no pun intended that melatonin could be the missing link in treating macular degeneration, in this case the 'wet' form of the disease. by Kim Campbell Kim-Campbell.com On Wednesday July 13, 2016, I had the privilege of speaking at the Ideagen UN Empowering Women and Girls 2030 Summit. We started our day by attending the Ideagen U Cross-Sector Innovation Fellows Program at the EU Delegation to the UN. I was in a large conference room with some of the most brilliant and influential people on the planet! Robert Moran, a well know futurist, helped open our minds to new ways of looking at the future. He said, “The future only exists in our minds. There is only the present.” This reminded me of what I’ve learned from living with Alzheimer’s. In planning for the future you must not forget to embrace and appreciate the present. Glen lives in the moment and is teaching me to do the same. He recorded a song by Jerry Reed called “Today Is Mine” that inspires me and sums it up pretty well! I hope it inspires you as well! Kim Campbell is a Co-founder of the I’ll Be Me Alzheimer’s Fund. She is a member of the Patient/Caregiver Advisory Council for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient/Caregiver Powered Research Network (AD-PCPRN), and sits on the board of Abe’s Garden, a memory care community dedicated to providing and elevating the quality of the full spectrum of memory care for those with Alzheimer’s in association with the Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging (ACQA). When the sun came up this morning
I took the time to watch it rise And as its beauty struck the darkness from the sky I thought how small and unimportant all my troubles seem to be And how lucky another day belongs to me And as the sleepy world around me woke up to greet the day All its silent beauties seemed to say So what, my friend, if all your dreams you haven’t realized Just look around you you got a whole new day to try Today is mine today is mine to do with what I will Today is mine my own special cup to fill To die a little that I might learn to live to take from life that I might learn to give Today is mine Like most men I cursed the present So void of peace of mind And race my thoughts beyond tomorrow envision there a sweeter time But as I view this day around me I can see the fool I’ve been For today’s the only garden we can tend Today is mine… Blue, Purple & Deep Red
Blue, purple and deep-red fruits and vegetables are full of anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, antioxidants associated with keeping the heart healthy and the brain functioning optimally, reducing inflammation and preventing cancer.
Green, part 1 (cruciferous) Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, provide compounds called indoles and isothiocyanates, which may help prevent cancer by amping up the production of enzymes that clear toxins from the body. In addition, sulforaphane, a phytochemical present in cruciferous vegetables, was found to detoxify cancer-causing chemicals before they do damage to the body.
Yellow & Green, part 2 (leafy greens) Many yellow and green vegetables are good sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, phytochemicals that accumulate in the eyes and help prevent age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older people. Leafy greens are also rich in beta carotene. CHLOROPHYLL colors green fruits and vegetables. In our system, the green foods represented those foods rich in isothiocyanates, which induce enzymes in the liver that assist the body in removing potentially carcinogenic compounds. Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli and cabbage contain the phytochemicals indoles and isothiocyanates, which may have anticancer properties. Green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, as well as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. Folic acid is needed to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy, and vitamin K is essential in blood clot formation. Diets high in potassium are associated with lowering blood pressure, and there is an inverse relationship between cruciferous vegetables and cancer, especially colon and bladder cancers.
Orange Alpha and beta carotene make foods like carrots and sweet potatoes so brilliantly orange. The body converts these compounds into the active form of vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes, bones and immune system healthy. These phytochemicals also operate as antioxidants, sweeping up disease-promoting free radicals. Orange fruits and vegetables may also play a part in preventing cancer, particularly of the lung, esophagus, and stomach.
Red Red foods, such as tomatoes and watermelon, contain Lycopene, a phytochemical that may help protect against prostate and breast cancers. Vitamin C and Folic Acid, red fruits and vegetables are also sources of flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and have antioxidant properties. Cranberries, another red fruit [whose color is due to anthocyanins, not lycopene], are also a good source of tannins, which prevent bacteria from attaching to cells.
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