Monday 18 November 2013

Losing weight: It’s easy!

A bit of pineapple, a bit of dried fruit and some melon, that’s right! That’s what I’ll have this morning before I have my cereal. As I pick the fruit and add them to my plastic container one lady says to me, are you on a diet? “My diet is permanent” I reply, “I envy you” she utters. Well that’s it! That’s the secret to losing weight fast, that’s how you can maintain a desired weight and not have to worry about gaining, it’s not spasmodic, it’s permanent. Every day I witness women, men and children who’ve gone way over the border line. Some reckon that following a cabbage soup diet with dry wafers for a month or so will help, but what happens is that they deprive their bodies of the much needed nutrition found in a variety of healthful food. Others reckon it’s getting some kind of gadget, suction or supplement treatment that will help remove the flab, but what happens when the treatment ends? It’s rhetorical. The obvious happens; we waste thousands of Rands or Dollars pilling up with machinery, corsets and treatments that are a means to what end? Catch the rhetoric? So what did I mean by ‘permanent?’ Health is a lifestyle; that’s right! It’s what I put in that influences what goes out, in all respects of the wordJ. If I sow wheat, I should get wheat as the result, “whatsoever a man soeth, that shall he also reap.” So what do you suppose I should get for filling my body with junk? Junk in = junk out, fat in = fat, cholesterol and disease out. You get more out than you actually get in.


So what actually works?
1.    Eating whole grains (brown rice, brown bread etc.), greens and whole fruit not only helps the body to excrete the extractable easily, but also helps reduce chances of getting chronic and inflammatory diseases like strokes, diabetes type 2, heart disease, colorectal cancer, arthritis, gum and tooth disease helps maintain healthier blood pressure levels and helps to keep your weight down.
2.    Exercise, exercise and exercise! Instead of using the elevator or escalator to the 5th level of the building, use the stairs when going up and going down the next level, that’s what keeps me energetic throughout the day! Instead of driving, try walking, it will not only save you petrol/gas, it will save your life and induces weight-loss. Eating healthy coupled with exercise is the best combination and will never disappoint.
3.    Drink plenty of water not less than 8-10 glasses of water a day. Apple juice, coffee, tea and fizzy drinks just don’t do it, water, water, and more water!
4.    Spend time in the outdoors early in the morning, and late in the afternoon to get fresh air and sunshine. The best and safest time to bask in the sun is between sunrise and 9am and again between 4pm and sunset.
5.    Moderation is key, it’s called balance. Keep all things at a moderate level; eat enough, but never too little or too much, exercise enough and never too little or too much, the same with sleep catch the drift?
6.    Rest, we live in a fast-paced society where there is hardly any rest. Get rest every day, that’s not an option – that’s if you don’t want wrinkles and mood swings and the rest literally, you get more from rest than you get from not resting.
7.    We’ve lost confidence in humanity, we’ve lost confidence in love and in anything that requires us to trust, but amidst all the strife and all that happens around us, there is one whom we can place our trust in, that’s the Creator. Trust His providence, His love, and His care. It’s has been proven, daily prayer does wonders to our lives. It does wonders to those who are physically, mentally and spiritually worn out. Try it, it works!
There you have it, lose weight, it's easy!!

Friday 8 November 2013

Thank God for Water!

We often take it for granted that water is important until we find ourselves in a crisis. I mean what could possibly go wrong? A lot can go wrong! On my way to work one morning, I try to be as comfortable as possible, I grab one of my books and start reading. After 10 minutes of departure, a lady we were travelling with starts choking...'what's happening' we exclaimed? 'Is she having an epileptic fit?' one asked, 'she can't breathe' another muttered, 'could it be an asthmatic attack I asked?' *totally clueless*. To my surprise, she was actually having an asthmatic attack. 

One of the ladies hurriedly asks 'is there anyone with water?' The vehicle was dead with silence, I grabbed my backpack and took out a bottle of water. She drank the water as I uttered a silent prayer, 'Lord please help her,' I said. After a few minutes she was able to breathe well again, sounds extreme hey?! but after that incident, it really made me think, had I not been late, had I finished my water, what would have happened to the young lady? I usually drink about 2 glasses of warm water with lemon juice in the morning, then later on as I travel, I drink some warm water from my water bottle. That morning I was too pressed to drink more water as my focus was on getting to work, little did I know that my leftover water would help someone. 


So what's the point? 
1. Tjoo!! Thank God for water!
2. Drink water at regular intervals and keep hydrated (at least 8 glasses per day).
3. Always carry a bottle of water with you.
4. Value water and use it wisely.



Thursday 17 October 2013

Lice - No Respecter of Persons

I never used to understand why some people washed their clothes with hot water, here’s to the bug! They’re creepy, crawly and downright ugly, head lice are every mom’s worst nightmare. It’s amazing how this critter can create so much fear, yet it’s just the size of a sesame seed. If you’ve never had an encounter with this bug, you probably already have incorrect ideas about how pesky it is and whom it affects. Unlike the popular view that classifies them under the lower income group, head lice are no respecter of persons or financial status. They crawl on the heads of majestic kings as well as lowly peasants.

How can one avoid getting head lice? Simple, avoid sharing combs, brushes and clothing items with others. Children tend to share things among each other at school and during sleep overs. What if you don’t take precautions? Be prepared to shave your hair or face the tug of war especially when dealing with the eggs (nits) since they’re much smaller than the adult and baby louse. Makes one think, how about hair salons, how do I know I won't get lice? Ask your hair stylist or just Do It Yourself :)

Let’s get our facts straight, not every itchy head is infested with lice and certainly does not mean one is dirty. If you’re already engaged in the battle, here are some of the measures you can take to eliminate and remove the nits or the louse:

1.    Be patient, you’re in for a long ride!
2.    Purchase a nit comb and always wash your combs or brushes after use.
3.    Wash affected clothes, bedding etc. with hot water, thereafter wash regularly and allow clothes to dry in the sun.
4.    Apply some olive oil on the hair, wear a shower cap and leave it on for 6 hours then wash your hair.
5.    Apply Apple cider vinegar on your hair and massage it through, leave it on for 2 hours and wash your hair.
6.    Lice are apparently repelled by the smell of rosemary one can use rosemary as a rinse for the hair and also the sprigs can be placed inside the pillow. Tea tree oil also helps

7.    And if preferable use over the counter lice treatment 

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Hypertension

Hypertension (high-blood pressure) used to be perceived as a degenerative disease (of old age), however; recent research indicates that more young people are becoming prone to the condition. Also known as the silent killer, hypertension has become among the most prevalent diseases in the world and many of those who have the condition, are not aware of that hence the 'silence'. As described by C. Steyn (S.A. Medical Research Council), Hypertension is "a risk factor for heart attacks, stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy, renal disease, and blindness" and further notes that "hypertension frequently co-exists with other risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL), such as diabetes and obesity."

In most cases diet is the primary cause of disease and can be attributed to hypertension as well. "Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health. In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system."

In order to improve your overall health, 

·         Drink pure water, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (2 glasses of warm water with lemon juice in the morning, 2 glasses 2 hours after eating breakfast, another 2 glasses 2 hours after lunch and another 2 glasses 2 hours after supper )
·        Eat high-fibre diet of raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains (oats, corn, whole wheat, brown rice, sorghum or mabele, couscous, polenta etc. avoid refined food).
·         Eat 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed/ lin seeds per day sprinkle in your cereal
·         Raw garlic normalizes blood pressure; try to get the garlic cloves and not the crushed ready-made garlic.
·         Grape seed extract
·        Eat tomatoes, celery, valerian and onions in moderation, tomatoes have certain amino acids that reduce blood pressure.
·         Broccoli has chemicals that reduce blood pressure
·         Carrots, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, avocados, oranges, grapefruit and peaches have antioxidants that help prevent or reduce the artery-clogging plaque from being deposited into the coronary artery walls.
·       Regular exercise tends to decrease the systolic pressure by 4-6 points and the diastolic pressure by up to 3 points. Outdoor exercise is the best example, brisk walking and gardening. Not only will you be getting sunshine, but you will also be tired enough to rest which the body needs to replenish for the next day. Exercise also helps improve circulation thus helping to transport enough oxygen to the brain; this process helps to improve memory.
·         Check your blood pressure regularly
·         Keep your weight down (switch to a plant-based diet, this helps to loose weight)
·         Get a neutral warm bath and rest
·         Visit quite places with fresh air (take time to go to the country side)
·         Pray daily, fellowship with others and cherish a spirit of gratitude to God.
·         Decrease your salt intake and eat several hours before sleeping.
·         Avoid caffeine in tea or coffee (de-caf included), chocolates and soft/fizzy drinks including diet soft drinks, if you have to, rather drink 100% fruit juice or even better drink water.
·         Emotional stress, overeating, anger, impatience and tobacco affect blood pressure levels
·         Avoid cheese since it contains a lot of sodium, and a lot of saturated fat, also has a high tyramine content
·         Avoid flesh (fish, chicken, meat), dairy products, margarine, butter or animal fat, it is better and would improve your health to adopt a plant-based diet

·         When you’re anxious, try not to eat and when you do eat, eat slowly, it has been proven that the slower you eat the more satiety you get from your food and you are less likely to eat more than is required by the body, thus avoiding gaining excess weight.

Grasp hold of this special promise: "do not fear, for I AM with you; do not be dismayed, for I AM your GOD. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10


Friday 23 August 2013

Escape Depression

Have you ever felt like life is not worth living? Have the suicidal thoughts of sadness flooded in your mind to a point that you lose interest in things that used to matter to you the most? Throughout the world thousands of individuals are falling prey to the saber tooth tiger called “depression.” Depression affects how we feel, behave and think, it causes us to be hopeless, restless, have low levels of energy, be more forgetful to name a few. Not only can depression be linked to emotional problems, but it is also linked to many physical problems. Are you depressed?

Despite the many types of depression, neither one can ever occur without a cause, “as the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come” Proverbs 26:2. Before treating the symptoms, we must first ascertain the cause. What is bothering you? Is it a broken heart, is it sickness? There’s a promise for you in Psalm 147:3 “He (God) heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” Are you an orphan or a widow? God cares about you as in Psalm 68:5 “God, who lives in His sacred temple, cares for orphans and protects widows.” Have your family or friends forsaken you? Proverbs 18:24 says “there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Make Jesus that friend. Are you anxious? Claim this promise “and the peace of God, which passes ALL understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 furthermore Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Tips to alleviate depression:
1.     Eat food that is high in vitamins, nutrients and minerals, complex carbohydrates and a little bit of fat (avoid frying, rather steam or bake food).
2.     Eat food that’s rich in antioxidants e.g. grapes, carrots, goji berries, broccoli, spinach, nuts (especially almonds), olive oil, blueberries, peaches and seeds (flax/lin seed, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds)
3.     Limit sugary food/treats rather opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains e.g. brown rice, whole wheat, and whole sorghum along with lots of fresh fruit, wheat germ, veggies and legumes.
4.     Eat enough protein as found in beans, peas, soy products etc.
5.     Dink lots of water
6.    Spend time in the outdoors (especially in nature), exercise and bask in the sun (early morn or late noon) talk to someone you trust J
7.     Pray
8.     Think positive thoughts
9.     Trust God


















“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 8:38,39

Monday 12 August 2013

The Best Medicine


Learning a foreign language is a challenge in the beginning, however; once the learner is now able to express themselves in a different language, it becomes enjoyable and beneficial. Laughter is as a foreign language to some individuals, it’s quite hard to grasp, but believe me it (laughter) does a great deal of good to our health, once we make it a habit to do.

Medical researchers not only claim, but we know from personal experience just how good laughing is for us. It is said to “enhance our body’s intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles” thus increasing the endorphins that are released by our brains. Laughing helps us in times of stress, by assisting in circulation and increasing our heart rate, we are able to get a good relaxed feeling after laughing.

Laughing helps to strengthen our immune systems, this researcher’s say is also good, as negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that affect our bodies by inducing more stress to the system, “in contrast positive thoughts are said to release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.”

Laughter helps to ease pain, improves our personal and interpersonal relationships as our moods change. The wise man Solomon knew what he was talking about when he said, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22


Sources: Mayo Clinic
The Holy Bible

Sunday 4 August 2013

Cancer Loves Sugar


Can sugar really lead to cancer and obesity? Found this interesting video on YouTube, what an eye opener! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJGS3jdjJGE




Friday 26 July 2013

Berry Blast

Did you know, that there are other berries apart from strawberries, blueberries and goose berries? In fact researchers at the Center for Human Nutrition (2008), have confirmed that "the dietary intake of berry fruits has a positive and profound impact on human health, performance and disease." From blackberry, black raspberry, cranberry, red raspberry, chokecherry, serviceberry, (oh yes!), silver buffaloberry, arctic bramble, bilberries, black currant, boysenberries, crowberries, elderberries, lingonberries, marionberries, rowanberries, açaìa berry to goji berries, the list is endless. 


The latter though is quite an exceptional berry, gojiberries (Lycium barbarum; also known as wolfberry) might as well be called nature's powerhouse. These berries are packed with antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene and zeaxanthin which is said to be a major contributor to protecting the eye retina. Furthermore, researchers say that if food sources rich with this mega antioxidant (zeaxanthin) are taken regularly (in moderation), the risk of getting age-related macular degenerate diseases (AMD) which leads to loss of vision in people over 65, could be reduced. 

Several research studies have shown that the antioxidants in goji, may assist in preventing the the growth of cancer cells, reducing blood glucose and also lower cholesterol levels. This awesome berry is said to also contain cyperone which is of benefit to people with high blood pressure and those with heart disease. Moreover, it has the ability to ease menstrual discomfort, and also assists in treating cervical cancer. Germanium is another compound in goji which is said to reduce the growth of tumors, reduces the risk of testicular, lung, liver, and uterine cancers. Basically goji is a powerful cancer fighter, and coupled with a healthy lifestyle, our food can be our medicine. Go ahead get yourself some berries!













*If you are taking blood thinners like warfarin, and diabetes or hypertension drugs, it is suggested to avoid goji berries as they react with the drugs. Nature works best without the interference of drug medication.



Sources: Center for Human Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of Calafornia
WebMd

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Detox

On a daily basis our bodies are exposed to substances that ought not to enter, these harmful substances which often enter through the food we eat, the air we breathe and some of the household products we use act as toxins to our blood and encourage disease. With the pressure of having to deal with fast foods, preservatives, additives, refined food articles, and fertilizers our bodies deserve a break!

There are tons of juice fasts that are said to help eliminate toxins from the body, however; not all "detox" plans are safe. Try things that are in their most natural state like raw veggies, get yourself a juicer and try the recipe below. Be careful not to over do it. 

Detox recipe:
Juice 1 raw beet
Juice 5 carrots
Juice 1 Tbs fresh ginger
Juice 2 sprigs Celery
mix all the juices together and 
Squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon into the mixture
Drink the juice and watch the effects :) 

  1. Beets are a source of iron, niacin, folic acid, sodium, magnesium, Vit A, C are a great immune booster
  2. Carrots are one of the best sources for Vit A which when regularly taken can help with acne issues
  3. Celery has high fiber content thus helps in curbing colon cancer, promotes healthy elimination, and is high in antioxidants.
  4. Lemon is high in Vit C, balances PH, clears the skin, hydrates the lymph system, and is a natural diuretic.
  5. Ginger is known to some as the 'comforter' for it's soothing effect on the stomach, helps reduce morning sickness and alleviates the common cold

Monday 15 July 2013

Use It, or Lose It!

In Maintaining optimum health, we often focus on the physical benefits of exercise, we gain good toned muscle when we exercise, exercise is good for the heart; it helps to maintain a desired weight, lowers high blood pressure, helps increase the body's immunity against common colds and flu, it has anti-aging effects, improves sleeping patterns, helps manage degenerative diseases and the list is endless, but suppose after long hard months of exercise we decide to relax? Yip as the saying goes, 'use it, or lose it.' 

If exercise does all these wonderful things for our bodies; how about a good dose of mental exercise? Health professionals claim that regular exercise "arouses the brain and slows down degeneration of the central nervous system." Since the very act of exercising increases blood flow to the brain and improves circulation to the heart and the different parts of the body, the activity is said to encourage growth of nerve cells in the part of the brain involved in memory.

Neurologist Bernard Croisile mentions that the mind has 5 main cognitive functions namely memory, attention, language, visual-spatial skills and executive function. These need to be challenged by exercising all 5 areas in order to stay mentally sharp. Croisile suggests a few ways to keep our brain active, among which he mentions that in order to improve memory we need to read (good spiritual material) and also 'think big.' Croisile claims that using our opposite hand to brush our teeth, helps build new associations between different neural connections in the brain. 

Furthermore, to improve our attention span, he advises that when we change routines like using a different direction to work, or re-organizing your desk, the brain breaks the habit of routines and re-focuses again (learning new things). Listening to an audio book (or classical music) while exercising or doing math, helps the brain to learn how to focus on doing two or more tasks simultaneously.



With the emergence of technology, social plugins, and media, many people hardly read, write or communicate effectively. Our irritability and stress levels have gone up, our patience levels have gone down and we look for anything that will make things easier and faster. So we chat on our phones and on the internet but 'forget' to use proper language and as a result our memory, grammar, fluency skills and vocabulary is affected.

It is recommended that one ought to try reading different material and get exposure to new (clean) words, if we don’t understand some of the words, we can make use of the dictionary thus improve our language skills. There you have it! exercise = brain power, so no more trouble memorizing those Bible verses, study and exam material. Exercise your body, exercise your mind. 




Sources: Bernard Croisile, M.D. PhD. Neuropsychology
S. Erasmus

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Give Your Hair Some TLC

Let’s admit it, winter is just one of those best months where we get to gear up with our very best coats and enjoy that warm cup of ‘boontjiesop’ (bean soup)…perhaps not, usually winter is the worst time for our fragile hair. So give it some TLC will ya! All of us want to have good looking hair. Shiny, bulky, kinky and healthy looking tresses don’t come on a silver platter.

Something interesting about those tresses is that it begins right at our plates. Genetics of course play a major role, nonetheless the healthier you are, the healthier will your hair be also. Ever heard of the quote “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap?” Factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, the environment, nutrition, and our lifestyle among others have an impact on the general health of our hair.

Wash your hair using castile soap, it’s less harsh on your hair and is in its most natural form without the chemicals. Deep condition your hair, and make use of protective hair styles like plaiting your hair with comfortable, non-heavy plaits. Avoid pulling your hair, use wide toothed combs and gently massage your scalp to assist with blood circulation. Keep your hair moisturized, avoid overdoing it though, and avoid grease, as your hair also needs to breathe (oxygen).

So now we’re geared up! Not quite, nutrients like biotin, Vit. E, copper, (H2O) water, zinc, iron, Vit C, folate, protein and Omega 3 fatty acids are what your hair needs to survive. Food articles like walnuts, flaxseed, spinach, broccoli carrots, sweet potatoes, lentils, berries, seeds, oranges and onion amongst others, give your hair what it needs to survive harsh winter conditions as well as any other.


Remember our hair reflects our lifestyle, live healthier, have healthier hair --- Happy winter!!!

Thursday 4 July 2013

Get a Boost, Go Nuts!!

Walnuts 
These nuts are considered amongst nature's most powerful brain boosters. Walnuts are power packed with omega 3 fatty acids which help promote healthy brain function. Omega 3 also helps to boost memory, assists in healthy brain function and "counteracting age-related cognitive decline." Research proves that these wonder nuts also help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's reduce cholesterol levels and also protects your heart. A special property in walnuts called lecithin, produces neurotransmitters which help with faster "signal transmission of brain cells." Is it no wonder the nut resembles a mini-brain?

Almonds
Having mood swings? Almonds are proven to support neurological function; they have a high content of Arginine, a powerful property which assists the brain in dealing with anxiety and has a calming effect. Another chemical within the almond is Phenylanine, this aids the brain in producing hormones that stabilize our mood. These nuts also have a high riboflavin content which helps improve memory.

Cashews
Amongst its predecessors, the cashew nut is one of the most essential nuts in the entire nut kingdom. Cashews are rich in magnesium, a property which is said to open blood vessels by promoting a gush of oxygen rich blood. Oxygen in the blood is promoted by doing vigorous exercise.


Wednesday 3 July 2013

Why Africans hate Cabbage--Never say Never!!

For most of us Africans, the word "cabbage" doesn't only nauseate us, but it has an almost inherited hatred, well at least in the context of South Africa, and it's mostly because our mothers, especially our grandmothers used to make cabbage part of almost every meal at home. What we ignorantly regarded as 'yukee!!' is actually a powerful health preserving vegetable.

Cabbage is a low calorie, nutrient-dense food that offers an excellent source of Vit. C, folic acid, potassium, Vitamin B6, calcium (Yip!!), biotin, magnesium and manganese. Along with its nutrient content, cabbage also contains powerful phytochemicals and anti-cancer compounds known as glucosinolates. One of the dietary recommendations from the American Cancer Society is to regularly include cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower in the diet. The main reason for this recommendation is due to the content of a large amount of phytochemicals within the cabbage family. 




Studies have shown the higher the intake of the cabbage family vegetables, the lower the rates of cancer, especially breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers. Experts claim that  the  glucosinolates in cabbage, function by increasing the antioxidant defense mechanisms, and also improves the body's ability to  detoxify and eliminate harmful chemicals and hormones. Furthermore studies have shown that cabbage is extremely effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. 

Our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers must have known the secret to Optimum Health, beauty and vitality :) Next time you're offered a cabbage --Never say NEVER!!!


Source: Murray , Michael N.D. The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods.
New York: Atria Books, 2005.
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention-5 A Day.
National Agricultural Library-USDA. usda.gov.
Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

Sunday 16 June 2013

Welcome!

We are living in a technological age where information is widely accessible to everyone. Gone are the days when our grandparents and even our parents would send letters having to wait weeks, perhaps even months to get a response. With the introduction of electronic media, information is accessible at the “touch of a mouse.” With such a vast range of media, studies indicate that most people are not bothered much about the regular weather report, politics and history, however; it is amazing that the common interest among individuals throughout the world is the issue of health.



Health is a treasure that should be guarded with all that we have, and like water, health should be treated as an important resource that if lost, would probably not be easily recovered. For years governments have been formulating and trying to implement effective health policies with the aim of ensuring that more people live longer, and healthier lives within society, however; even with improved surgical techniques, better anesthesia  and safer blood transfusions, disease keeps increasing. More hospitals and clinics are being built, some extended, and yet more people are dying. Since medical science often treats the symptoms, is it not time to deal with the cause? If we were to really take advantage of the knowledge that we posses now, most people would live well over 90 in good health.



Health is determined largely by the lifestyle choices that we make. Exposure to certain environmental factors, like where we live and work, determines whether we become statistics or not. If it is your desire to live a quality life, avoiding the most prevalent debilitating diseases, suffering, premature aging, even premature death, this website was designed just for you!