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What is Inflammation?
"The act of being inflamed; the state of being inflamed; a condition of some part of the body that is
a reaction to injury, infection, irritation, etc. and is characterized by redness, pain, heat, swelling, and
loss of function."
All diseases are related to inflammation. Inflammation comes from sugar and toxins in the body. All of the body is
made up of energy; Energy in any form produces free radicals, which in turn creates oxidation. Think of oxidation
like taking a bite of an apple. If you take a bite of an apple and leave it sitting, it will turn brown; this is oxidation.
What does oxidation do to the body? Oxidation causes inflammation. So now we have come full circle.
· All diseases are related to inflammation
· Energy in any form produces free radicals
· Free radicals produce oxidation
· Oxidation leads to inflammation
· Inflammation causes disease.
Free radicals - atoms with single missing electrons, which cause cellular damage by taking electrons from molecules
in healthy cells. This process is called oxidation.
Antioxidants - substances produced by the body, which counteract the effects of free radicals. Present in dark
green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, and may also be acquired through supplements such as Vitamins
C, E, and carotenoids, including beta-carotene.
Oxidation - loss of electrons from molecules in healthy cells, caused by free radicals.
Molecule - Compound of two or more atoms, the smallest unit of chemical compounds.
Cell - the smallest unit of living matter. The human body is made up of about 10 trillion cells.
Free radicals are unstable atoms with a single missing electron. Some free radicals occur normally during
metabolism. Sometimes the bodies’ immune system will create free radical to help neutralize viruses and bacteria.
Environmental pollutants, radiation, chemicals, etc also produce free radicals. When these molecules become
unstable, they seek out other molecules and capture that molecules electron; this reaction leaves the attacked
molecule unstable and a chain reaction begins. Once this chain reaction begins, it can result in the disruption of
living cells. The body can deal with some free radicals, however, when they become excessive and their are no
antioxidants present, damage to cells can occur. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical or unstable
molecule. Normally, this molecule would become unstable, however, antioxidant nutrients are stable in both form
and act as scavengers to protect cell damage.
So, how do we create a favorable environment for our bodies?
We want to begin by focusing on what we put in our bodies. Diet is essential to health and healing. Most of the
immune system is in the intestinal system. This means that if you are consuming food laced with toxins, prescription
drugs, alcohol, etc., you are directly impairing the bodies’ ability to heal naturally. It has been shown that in most
cases, people suffering from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis are constipated. Most allopathic physicians will
have you believe that the constipation is a symptom of the MS. This is not the case. The symptoms are not the
disease. The symptoms are your bodies’ way of telling you that something is wrong. Natural healing focuses on
balance. If the body is out of balance symptoms will develop. The body needs antioxidants and nutrients to
detoxify and reduce inflammation. In order to assimilate nutrients the digestive system must be functioning
optimally. So, here we are going full circle again.
· The digestive system must be functioning properly to assimilate nutrients.
· We destroy enzymes and friendly bacteria in our body when we consume sugar and toxins
· Sugar and toxins cause inflammation
· Inflammation causes disease.
So as you can see, we must first focus on what we put in our bodies or what we don't put in our bodies. This
becomes a challenge. How do I know what my body needs and doesn't need? Lets start by discussing what the
body doesn't need.
Avoid: Household chemicals, cosmetics and fragrances unless they are all natural, processed foods,
preservatives, sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, peanuts (enzyme inhibitors), white flour, artificial sweeteners of all
kinds, red meat, and processed meats.
The skin is the largest eliminating organ. Skin brushing daily can help remove toxins from the body and improve
circulation.
Epson salt baths 2 x week to add magnesium to the body and help remove toxins
Build up the body before detoxifying.
Now, what should I put into my body?
Nutritional Recommendations:
Enzymes are extremely important to proper digestion. As we age our body creates fewer enzymes, and enzymes
are also destroyed when we cook our food. A natural source for enzymes is papaya (Papain). Get an organic
papaya and eat it; Take the seeds and spread on a tray and dry for several days. Grind the seeds and add to
food (Tastes like black pepper). Eat pineapple 15 - 30 minutes before each meal. Pineapple contains Bromelain,
which is an enzyme that helps to reduce inflammation when taken between meals, and helps to digest food when
taken with meals. It is recommended that you supplement with a high quality natural food enzyme.
Probiotics - This is to replenish good bacteria in the intestines, which can be killed off through the use of
prescription drugs or poor diet. Good bacteria, is essential to proper digestion and helps to build immunity. Some
yogurts have live cultures, which can be beneficial; however, not all of the beneficial bacteria get to the source. It is
highly recommended that you replace this good bacteria with a quality source of Probiotics.
Eat organic or natural if possible
Eat lots of whole grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Bran, Nuts, and seeds
Eat plenty of the following foods:
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes/yams, apples,
blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes (chew seeds), cherries, red beans, lentils, oranges,
plums, garlic, onions, 10 raw almonds per day (anti cancer), tomatoes, and tomato products. All of these foods will
help to build the immune system and help to reduce inflammation.
Drink dark colored juices in the morning: grape, black cherry
Drink cranberry juice daily to cleanse kidneys. (unsweetened)
Eat shitake mushrooms (high in Vitamin B's)
Use olive and canola oil only
Do not use margarine (butter only)
Eat honey. (High in vitamins and minerals and anti bacterial)
Drink 8 oz of filtered water per day. (4 oz at a time/tepid not cold)
So now you know what not to put into your body and you are familiar with the foods you should put into your
body. If you start making some gradual changes in your diet and follow some of the above suggestions, you
should start to notice some improvement in your digestion. However, a lot of us have spent a lifetime working on
bad habits, and now we must focus on reversing the damage we have done to our bodies.
How do we begin to Heal?
A very simple approach to healing has been established by some of the most respected leaders in the field of
Alternative Health and it is called the "ABC Approach to Healing". This really simplifies the process for us in
knowing what steps must be taken to overcome acute or chronic illnesses.
A - Activate. In order for healing to begin, we must first activate the key players to initiate the process. These
key players include all the systems of the body, which may be weak or sluggish, such as the immune system.
Solutions to activating the body can be as simple as prayer and positive thoughts; these are two of the most
powerful tools we have in combating disease. Prayer or positive thinking can be a catalyst for stimulating the
immune system into fighting off inflammation. There are other stimulating formulas that will also help and we can
talk about some of those in detail later if you wish.
B - Building. The next step is to build up the body and insure that all systems are working optimally. If your diet
does not consist of all organic foods, and whole foods, there is a good possibility that you are deficient in one area
or another. So, how do we begin the building phase? There are 7 things that the body requires to function at its
peak; those are:
Enzymes, Probitics, Multi-vitamin, Fiber, Antioxidant, Omega 3 EFA, Filtered Water
These seven sources provide all the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, amino acids, EFA's, and antioxidants that the
body needs in order to function optimally
C - Cleanse. We have discussed a number of different ways that the body ingests toxins. These toxins are
stored in every cell of the body to include the liver, the brain, the reproductive system, etc., and they also work to
lower our immune system setting the stage for inflammation and disease. One sure fire way to begin to remove
toxins from the body is to start by taking a potent antioxidant. This antioxidant will contain the vitamins such as A
and E which are essential to reducing inflammation, plus, they will also begin to slowly detoxify the body with out
throwing the body into a "Healing Crisis". A healing crisis is when the body starts to detoxify too quickly and
symptoms arise such as those that accompany the flu. It is true, however, that often times the body will exhibit
symptoms that were once suppressed. This must occur in order to heal from within and remove the cause of the
disease or illness. It is highly recommended that everyone should do a cleanse at least twice a year. However, you
do not want to attempt a cleanse if you are weak or debilitated by illness. There are a number of different
formulas available that can help you achieve a cleanse of all the vital systems, thus helping to restore your health.
D - Direct Aid. Whenever other issues arise you made need to use direct aids. Direct aids are any herb or
supplement that doesn't fall into the ABC Approach. Take no more than 3 direct aids at a time. Try one direct
aid initially, and you may find that the other issues resolve themselves.
Summary:
1. Remember....junk in, junk out
2. Diet is essential to health
3. ABC
4. Direct Aids if necessary
Additional Thoughts:
*
Stay strong in your faith.
*
Given the right environment, the body will heal itself naturally
*
Nothing in the body heals in less than 3 months, and then add 1 month for each year that you have been sick
*
It takes 5-7 times the normal amount of nutrition to rebuild and repair than it does to maintain.
*
All cures start from within working out, from the head working down, and in reverse order of how the symptoms
first appeared.
*
There are no "magic bullets". Prescription drugs do not cure disease they only mask symptoms.
*
Each individual is responsible for his or her own health.
*
Exercise is essential to health.
*
Preventative health is your health insurance; if you take care of your body it will take care of you.
*
Don't worry, be happy..... Stress puts a huge burden on the body and sets the stage for disease.
© Natalie Vickery 2006
"The act of being inflamed; the state of being inflamed; a condition of some part of the body that is
a reaction to injury, infection, irritation, etc. and is characterized by redness, pain, heat, swelling, and
loss of function."
All diseases are related to inflammation. Inflammation comes from sugar and toxins in the body. All of the body is
made up of energy; Energy in any form produces free radicals, which in turn creates oxidation. Think of oxidation
like taking a bite of an apple. If you take a bite of an apple and leave it sitting, it will turn brown; this is oxidation.
What does oxidation do to the body? Oxidation causes inflammation. So now we have come full circle.
· All diseases are related to inflammation
· Energy in any form produces free radicals
· Free radicals produce oxidation
· Oxidation leads to inflammation
· Inflammation causes disease.
Free radicals - atoms with single missing electrons, which cause cellular damage by taking electrons from molecules
in healthy cells. This process is called oxidation.
Antioxidants - substances produced by the body, which counteract the effects of free radicals. Present in dark
green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, and may also be acquired through supplements such as Vitamins
C, E, and carotenoids, including beta-carotene.
Oxidation - loss of electrons from molecules in healthy cells, caused by free radicals.
Molecule - Compound of two or more atoms, the smallest unit of chemical compounds.
Cell - the smallest unit of living matter. The human body is made up of about 10 trillion cells.
Free radicals are unstable atoms with a single missing electron. Some free radicals occur normally during
metabolism. Sometimes the bodies’ immune system will create free radical to help neutralize viruses and bacteria.
Environmental pollutants, radiation, chemicals, etc also produce free radicals. When these molecules become
unstable, they seek out other molecules and capture that molecules electron; this reaction leaves the attacked
molecule unstable and a chain reaction begins. Once this chain reaction begins, it can result in the disruption of
living cells. The body can deal with some free radicals, however, when they become excessive and their are no
antioxidants present, damage to cells can occur. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical or unstable
molecule. Normally, this molecule would become unstable, however, antioxidant nutrients are stable in both form
and act as scavengers to protect cell damage.
So, how do we create a favorable environment for our bodies?
We want to begin by focusing on what we put in our bodies. Diet is essential to health and healing. Most of the
immune system is in the intestinal system. This means that if you are consuming food laced with toxins, prescription
drugs, alcohol, etc., you are directly impairing the bodies’ ability to heal naturally. It has been shown that in most
cases, people suffering from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis are constipated. Most allopathic physicians will
have you believe that the constipation is a symptom of the MS. This is not the case. The symptoms are not the
disease. The symptoms are your bodies’ way of telling you that something is wrong. Natural healing focuses on
balance. If the body is out of balance symptoms will develop. The body needs antioxidants and nutrients to
detoxify and reduce inflammation. In order to assimilate nutrients the digestive system must be functioning
optimally. So, here we are going full circle again.
· The digestive system must be functioning properly to assimilate nutrients.
· We destroy enzymes and friendly bacteria in our body when we consume sugar and toxins
· Sugar and toxins cause inflammation
· Inflammation causes disease.
So as you can see, we must first focus on what we put in our bodies or what we don't put in our bodies. This
becomes a challenge. How do I know what my body needs and doesn't need? Lets start by discussing what the
body doesn't need.
Avoid: Household chemicals, cosmetics and fragrances unless they are all natural, processed foods,
preservatives, sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, peanuts (enzyme inhibitors), white flour, artificial sweeteners of all
kinds, red meat, and processed meats.
The skin is the largest eliminating organ. Skin brushing daily can help remove toxins from the body and improve
circulation.
Epson salt baths 2 x week to add magnesium to the body and help remove toxins
Build up the body before detoxifying.
Now, what should I put into my body?
Nutritional Recommendations:
Enzymes are extremely important to proper digestion. As we age our body creates fewer enzymes, and enzymes
are also destroyed when we cook our food. A natural source for enzymes is papaya (Papain). Get an organic
papaya and eat it; Take the seeds and spread on a tray and dry for several days. Grind the seeds and add to
food (Tastes like black pepper). Eat pineapple 15 - 30 minutes before each meal. Pineapple contains Bromelain,
which is an enzyme that helps to reduce inflammation when taken between meals, and helps to digest food when
taken with meals. It is recommended that you supplement with a high quality natural food enzyme.
Probiotics - This is to replenish good bacteria in the intestines, which can be killed off through the use of
prescription drugs or poor diet. Good bacteria, is essential to proper digestion and helps to build immunity. Some
yogurts have live cultures, which can be beneficial; however, not all of the beneficial bacteria get to the source. It is
highly recommended that you replace this good bacteria with a quality source of Probiotics.
Eat organic or natural if possible
Eat lots of whole grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Bran, Nuts, and seeds
Eat plenty of the following foods:
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes/yams, apples,
blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes (chew seeds), cherries, red beans, lentils, oranges,
plums, garlic, onions, 10 raw almonds per day (anti cancer), tomatoes, and tomato products. All of these foods will
help to build the immune system and help to reduce inflammation.
Drink dark colored juices in the morning: grape, black cherry
Drink cranberry juice daily to cleanse kidneys. (unsweetened)
Eat shitake mushrooms (high in Vitamin B's)
Use olive and canola oil only
Do not use margarine (butter only)
Eat honey. (High in vitamins and minerals and anti bacterial)
Drink 8 oz of filtered water per day. (4 oz at a time/tepid not cold)
So now you know what not to put into your body and you are familiar with the foods you should put into your
body. If you start making some gradual changes in your diet and follow some of the above suggestions, you
should start to notice some improvement in your digestion. However, a lot of us have spent a lifetime working on
bad habits, and now we must focus on reversing the damage we have done to our bodies.
How do we begin to Heal?
A very simple approach to healing has been established by some of the most respected leaders in the field of
Alternative Health and it is called the "ABC Approach to Healing". This really simplifies the process for us in
knowing what steps must be taken to overcome acute or chronic illnesses.
A - Activate. In order for healing to begin, we must first activate the key players to initiate the process. These
key players include all the systems of the body, which may be weak or sluggish, such as the immune system.
Solutions to activating the body can be as simple as prayer and positive thoughts; these are two of the most
powerful tools we have in combating disease. Prayer or positive thinking can be a catalyst for stimulating the
immune system into fighting off inflammation. There are other stimulating formulas that will also help and we can
talk about some of those in detail later if you wish.
B - Building. The next step is to build up the body and insure that all systems are working optimally. If your diet
does not consist of all organic foods, and whole foods, there is a good possibility that you are deficient in one area
or another. So, how do we begin the building phase? There are 7 things that the body requires to function at its
peak; those are:
Enzymes, Probitics, Multi-vitamin, Fiber, Antioxidant, Omega 3 EFA, Filtered Water
These seven sources provide all the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, amino acids, EFA's, and antioxidants that the
body needs in order to function optimally
C - Cleanse. We have discussed a number of different ways that the body ingests toxins. These toxins are
stored in every cell of the body to include the liver, the brain, the reproductive system, etc., and they also work to
lower our immune system setting the stage for inflammation and disease. One sure fire way to begin to remove
toxins from the body is to start by taking a potent antioxidant. This antioxidant will contain the vitamins such as A
and E which are essential to reducing inflammation, plus, they will also begin to slowly detoxify the body with out
throwing the body into a "Healing Crisis". A healing crisis is when the body starts to detoxify too quickly and
symptoms arise such as those that accompany the flu. It is true, however, that often times the body will exhibit
symptoms that were once suppressed. This must occur in order to heal from within and remove the cause of the
disease or illness. It is highly recommended that everyone should do a cleanse at least twice a year. However, you
do not want to attempt a cleanse if you are weak or debilitated by illness. There are a number of different
formulas available that can help you achieve a cleanse of all the vital systems, thus helping to restore your health.
D - Direct Aid. Whenever other issues arise you made need to use direct aids. Direct aids are any herb or
supplement that doesn't fall into the ABC Approach. Take no more than 3 direct aids at a time. Try one direct
aid initially, and you may find that the other issues resolve themselves.
Summary:
1. Remember....junk in, junk out
2. Diet is essential to health
3. ABC
4. Direct Aids if necessary
Additional Thoughts:
*
Stay strong in your faith.
*
Given the right environment, the body will heal itself naturally
*
Nothing in the body heals in less than 3 months, and then add 1 month for each year that you have been sick
*
It takes 5-7 times the normal amount of nutrition to rebuild and repair than it does to maintain.
*
All cures start from within working out, from the head working down, and in reverse order of how the symptoms
first appeared.
*
There are no "magic bullets". Prescription drugs do not cure disease they only mask symptoms.
*
Each individual is responsible for his or her own health.
*
Exercise is essential to health.
*
Preventative health is your health insurance; if you take care of your body it will take care of you.
*
Don't worry, be happy..... Stress puts a huge burden on the body and sets the stage for disease.
© Natalie Vickery 2006
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