The Paleo Diet
THE CORE CONCEPT OF THE PALEO DIET
You have probably heard that the Paleo Diet is likened to that of our ancestor’s way of eating or eating as a caveman would have many centuries ago!
One core and very important concept of the Paleo Diet is staying away from processed foods. Food processing is any deliberate change in a food that occurs before it’s available for us to eat. The problem with processed foods is we’ve degraded the nutrition content of our daily diet and have moved further and further away from eating as Mother Nature intended. Food processing started after the caveman way of eating. So eating foods in their more natural state is a core concept of the Paleo Diet. This means that your daily diet will primarily consist of fish and lean meats, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds. Oils are typically allowed in moderation and foods to be avoided include dairy products, cereal grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, fatty meats, and foods that are very high in salt content (such as processed meat products and salted nuts).
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF A PALEOLITHIC DIET
The theory:
Our highly processed, carb-obsessed eating pattern is the culprit behind many of our biggest health ills, so why not go back—way back—to the Paleolithic period of more than 10,000 years ago, when our diet wasn’t full of junk food and pasta? Paleo advocates say we should eat the way we ate when we were hunting and gathering: animal protein and plants.
Loading up on fresh fruits and vegetables for weight-loss
By staying away from all processed foods and refined carbohydrates, weight-loss should happen naturally. By filling up on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, this will also help to keep calorie intake on the lower side. Excess weight is one of the major associated conditions to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes.
Controlling blood sugar levels
Refined carbohydrates are produced when whole plants which are high in carbohydrates are processed in a way to strip out everything but the highly digestible carbohydrate (starch or sugar). This has the effect of concentrating the carbohydrate and/or breaking it down so that the body processes it very quickly, generally causing a high rise in blood sugar (glycemic response). It also usually removes the fiber and most of the nutrients in the food.
The more stabilized your blood sugar levels are, the less likely you’re going to be to experience food cravings, to battle ongoing fatigue, and to be at the potential risk of developing diabetes down the road.
Is the Paleo Diet right for you?
The Paleo Diet sounds healthy right? Cutting out fatty meats, refined carbohydrates, sugary junk food, processed foods, salt….but legumes? I’m not sure I would cut them out, as they are very nourishing to our bodies, full of protein and fiber, and I like them! I think the basics to the diet sound good, but I know of one known downside which is the Paleo Diet can lead to low vitamin D levels. Not that this is a huge problem, as you can supplement with vitamin D or sit in the sunshine to get vitamin D naturally. There is much more to know about the Paleo Diet……
There is tons of information on the internet about the Paleo Diet. It would be a good idea to do your own research if you are considering taking this path.
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Malaria Already Found in Birds in Alaska
MALARIA FOUND IN BIRDS IN ALASKA
ScienceDaily (Sep. 19, 2012) — Malaria has been found in birds in parts of Alaska, and global climate change will drive it even farther north, according to a new study published September 19 in the journal PLoS ONE.
The spread could prove devastating to arctic bird species that have never encountered the disease and thus have no resistance to it, said San Francisco State University Associate Professor of Biology Ravinder Sehgal, one of the study’s co-authors. It may also help scientists understand the effects of climate change on the spread of human malaria, which is caused by a similar parasite.
Researchers examined blood samples from birds collected at four sites of varying latitude, with Anchorage as a southern point, Denali and Fairbanks as middle points and Coldfoot as a northern point, roughly 600 miles north of Anchorage. They found infected birds in Anchorage and Fairbanks but not in Coldfoot.
Using satellite imagery and other data, researchers were able to predict how environments will change due to global warming — and where malaria parasites will be able to survive in the future. They found that by 2080, the disease will have spread north to Coldfoot and beyond.
“Right now, there’s no avian malaria above latitude 64 degrees, but in the future, with global warming, that will certainly change,” Sehgal said. The northerly spread is alarming, he added, because there are species in the North American arctic that have never been exposed to the disease and may be highly susceptible to it.
“For example, penguins in zoos die when they get malaria, because far southern birds have not been exposed to malaria and thus have not developed any resistance to it,” he said. “There are birds in the north, such as snowy owls or gyrfalcons, that could experience the same thing.”
The study’s lead author is Claire Loiseau, a former postdoctoral fellow in Sehgal’s laboratory at SF State. Ryan Harrigan, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, provided data modeling for the project. The research was funded by grants from the AXA Foundation and National Geographic.
Researchers are still unsure how the disease is being spread in Alaska and are currently collecting additional data to determine which mosquito species are transmitting the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria.
The data may also indicate if and how malaria in humans will spread northward. Modern medicine makes it difficult to track the natural spread of the disease, Sehgal said, but monitoring birds may provide clues as to how global climate change may effect the spread of human malaria.
Spirochettes Reeking Havoc In Our Mouths
IT SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE THAT THE LYME BACTERIA INVADES OUR GUMS AND TEETH, REEKING HAVOC IN OUR MOUTHS
The lyme bacteria have no limitations when it comes to invading our cells, organs and tissues. Many people with Lyme Disease experience numerous problems within their mouths. The most common complaint I hear about and experience myself is receding gums or periodontal disease. When gum recession occurs, pockets form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss. The most common reasons for gum recession are:
Periodontal diseases- These are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is the main cause of gum recession.
Hormonal changes
Genes
Aggressive tooth brushing
Inadequate dental care
Tobacco products
Grinding or clenching your teeth
My dental appointment tomorrow will involve having two more crowns done, for a total of six crowns. My dentist is also recommending a surgical procedure called a graft to cover up gum recession of my two front bottom teeth. Uggg….My quest for solutions to these problems has unveiled the utmost importance to having a defensive plan for overall health of our teeth and gums.
VITAMINS
Important vitamins to improve overall health of our mouths include, Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) can increase tissue oxygenation and reduce inflammation and pain. Vitamin C is long known in preventing periodontal disease. I take 3000 ml per day. I have read that when taking the vitamin C supplement, it should contain bioflavonoids, which are food factors that are found in nature where vitamin C is present. These are known to retard the growth of plaque (plaque can harbor bacteria growth). Other vitamins that promote teeth and gum health are vitamins A, E (fish oil) and folic acid.
When our gums start to recede, the roots of our teeth become very sensitive and are more prone to bacteria overload. You should see your dentist as soon as you notice any recession of your gums. Flossing is very important in fighting plaque and getting bacteria that are in between out teeth. It’s also important to not over scrub the teeth, but brush several times a day with a soft bristle brush. Bacteria and/or viruses can live on our toothbrushes, so replacing them often is a good idea.
ESSENTIAL OILS
The natural remedies website GrannyMed.com suggests using eucalyptus essential oil to address receding gums, as the oil’s antimicrobial properties kill bacteria related to tartar and plaque buildup. Dilute six drops in 1 cup of water for mouth rinse or two drops in a small amount of water for direct gum massage. Tea tree oil and myrrh essential oils may also help combat receding gums as a mouth rinse or gum massage.
HERBALS
Green Tea
Clove Oil
Applied to sore gums and teeth, clove oil can ease oral pain. Clove oil also reduces gum inflammation, the National Institutes of Health reports. Reducing inflammation is important in the treatment of periodontal disease and for reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, the American Academy of Periodontology reports. They state that inflammation in the mouth is associated with other inflammatory conditions and may increase the risk of serious chronic diseases. However, clove oil can interfere with blood clotting medications. Before using clove oil, talk to your doctor.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an herbal ingredient often added to body lotion to make skin softer. This herb works to reduce inflammation and activate cells important for repair, the University of Michigan reports. Research by Sílvia Morgana Araújo de Oliveira of the University of Fortaleza investigated the effect of topical aloe vera on gum inflammation and healing. In an article published in the August 2008 issue of the “Journal of Applied Oral Science,” she reports that aloe vera significantly reduced gum inflammation.
DRY MOUTH, ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM IN OUR MOUTHS
From the Home Remedies Cupboard
from the howstuffworks.com website
Sugar- Since dehydration is a major cause of dry mouth, it is vital to restore electrolytes to the body. This kitchen-made elixir works like a commercially prepared sports drink but is much less expensive and doesn’t require a trip to the grocery store. Mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 tablespoon sugar into a cup of water. Mix in a dash of lemon, lime, or orange for added flavor. Drink 1 cup a day or more following heavy exercise, vomiting, or a bad case of diarrhea.
From the Home Remedies Refrigerator
Celery- If you need an excuse to snack, here it is! Munching on such waterlogged snacks as celery sticks helps stimulate the saliva glands and adds moisture to your mouth. Should your sweet tooth strike, suck on sugarless candies. Definitely stay away from sugar-filled treats, since they promote decay in an already vulnerable mouth.
Liquids- If the salivary glands are down for the count, you’ll need all the reinforcements you can muster to help get food down. Try to complement each dish with sauce, gravy, broth, butter, or yogurt. Food will be easier to swallow. Another option is to stick to soft, liquidy foods, such as stews, soups, and noodle dishes.
Parsley- A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, but it often brings out bad breath. This double whammy can ruin just about any social situation. Luckily, battling bad breath is easy. See that parsley on your plate? The restaurant may put it there for decoration, but it can serve a more useful purpose. This herb is a natural breath sweetener, and it provides ample amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. So, chew on some.
From the Home Remedies Sink
Water- Tap or bottled, whichever way you drink water is fine…just drink plenty of it. To keep your system well lubricated, it’s recommended you down eight 8-ounce glasses each day. Cut back on other refreshments such as coffee, sugary sodas, and alcohol, all of which can exacerbate dry mouth. Make sure to accompany every meal with a glass of water.
From the Home Remedies Spice Rack
Aniseed- Munching on aniseed can help combat the bad breath that accompanies dry mouth. In fact, many Indian restaurants have a bowl of anise and fennel available to remove pungent food odors from your breath. Mix a few teaspoons of these aniseed and fennel, place in a covered bowl, and keep on the table.
Cayenne pepper- A dry mouth often inhibits taste buds from distinguishing sour, sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. A mouth-watering method to stimulate saliva production and bolster those buds is to sprinkle red pepper (cayenne) on your food or mix it into your favorite juice (tomato juice seems most compatible). Better yet, prepare an entire meal around red pepper, which acts as nature’s wake-up call, stimulating salivary glands, sweat glands, and tear ducts. Go south of the border with some spicy salsas or make that all-American favorite, chili, and start drooling!
Fennel- Munching on fennel seeds mixed with aniseed (as previously noted) can help combat bad breath that accompanies dry mouth. In addition, fennel seed can be combined with other herbs, such as rosemary, to make a mouthwash.
Rosemary- Store-bought mouthwash overflows with germ-killing alcohol, which is also a drying agent. Read labels, and don’t purchase any mouthwash that contains alcohol. Better yet, reach into your spice rack and pull out rosemary, mint, and aniseed to make a refreshing herbal mouthwash. The rosemary helps fight germs, while the mint and aniseed freshen breath. Combine 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried mint, and 1 teaspoon aniseed with 2 1/2 cups boiling water. Cover and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and refrigerate. Use as a gargle.
Do Remember
- Close that trap. Sleeping with your mouth wide open invites a dry mouth in the morning. Before drifting off into dreamland, make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose.
- Breathe steam. It helps moisturize nasal passages and airways.
- Practice good hygiene. Without saliva, the mouth and teeth are more susceptible to decay and infection. Brush and floss regularly. During the day, rinse the mouth out with water or use a saltwater rinse.
- Cut down on coffee and alcohol consumption. Both are diuretics and can leave your mouth feeling as dry as the Sahara.
