Black Pepper

Black pepper can be a vital anti-cancer component in your diet. Piperine is the active component in pepper that is believed to prevent the harm that free radicals can cause your body. Piperine also has the ability to enhance the absorption of other beneficial anti-cancer compounds in other foods.

When black pepper is ingested alongside green tea, the absorption of the anti-cancer compound EGCG present in green tea is highly increased.  Also, the body’s absorption of  curcumin (the compound in turmeric) increases by 2000% when you add black pepper!

Read more about curcumin here.

Healthy Stir-fried Veggies

The important thing about sauteing any foods is to keep the oil below burn point. Foods added to the oil should not 'sizzle'.  You want to aim for 7 cups of vegetables a day (4 c. cooked).  This recipe will yield 2-3 servings, more if you have a salad with your meal.

Hoda's Healthy Stir-fried Veggies

stir fry

• 1 inch piece of Ginger, chopped

• 4 c. organic Broccoli, cut up

• 4 stalks organic Celery, cut up

• 1/2 White Onion, sliced thin

• 6 organic Green Onions, cut in 1 inch pieces with green tops

• 4 organic Carrots, cut up

• 1 organic Baby Bok Choy, sliced

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 3 tsp. Sesame oil mixed with 2 tsp. organic Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 Tbs. Tamari or Soy sauce (gluten-free)

• 2 tsp. Rice Wine Vinegar

• 1/4 tsp. Stevia or 1 tsp. Birch Xylitol

• 2 tsp. Arrowroot Powder mixed in 1/3 c. Water or Green Tea

Place a large saute pan over medium heat for 2 minutes. Pour in the oil mixture. Wait another minute then add the ginger, stirring.

When it starts to wilt add all the veggies except the Bok Choy and garlic.  Stir for a 3 -4 minutes, then cover, turn heat to low, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Add Bok Choy and stir to mix.  Cover again for 2 minutes.  Add garlic and stir.

Mix wet ingredients and add to pan, mixing with veggies for 2 minutes until they are all coated and sauce has thickened.

~ Enjoy. ♥

Baked Salmon, Veggies and Hummus

I enjoy mixing cuisines and this plate is certainly an example: Wild Caught Salmon broiled over mixed veggies (you only need 3-4 oz. of protein per meal), and Authentic Homemade Hummus.  Add a smattering of organic Persian Cucumbers and a slice of high fiber Flax-seed bread for an amazingly wholesome meal.

~ Sahtein! (To your health) ♥

Olive Oil, Virgin, Organic

Having grown up on the Mediterranean, I was thankful that Olive Oil is on our list of Yes Foods!  I don't think I could have given it up. Olive oil has a wide range of culinary and therapeutic uses. When I was young and sprained my foot or ankle, Mom would mix olive oil with crushed up 'styptic pencils' to make a paste  which she slathered on my foot/ankle and wrapped with gauze.  It took down the swelling and helped me heal. (Styptics  are a specific type of anti-hemorrhagic agent that work by contracting tissue to seal injured blood vessels.) She also used a drop or two when we had a mild earache.

Well, now Olive oil is a star in the cancer fighting arena! The main active molecules in olive oil have shown antioxidant activity. Virgin olive oil contains the highest levels of these molecules.

Oleic acid has shown activity in cancer prevention, while squalene has also been identified as having anti-cancer effects. Research has shown that consuming olive oil is beneficial for colon cancer as well as breast cancer.

I don't use any other oil for salads and it's wonderful for dipping bread in, as you must know. I substitute it for vegetable oil in many baking recipes and to top Hummus (another amazing food that I will discuss in the Recipe section.)

~ Dip it! ♥

All Green Teas are Not Created Equal

Green tea contains hundreds of chemical compounds that all contribute to its health-filled characteristics. Out of all these epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is responsible for its anticancer activity. Studies show that the development of many tumors is inhibited by EGCG because it has the ability to shut off growth-promoting genes. Inhibition of blood vessel growth to the tumor is one of the key reasons why green tea is a great anticancer agent. EGCG may also act as an antioxidant, seeking and destroying free radicals.

The content of EGCG varies between brands; Japanese green teas generally contain higher amounts of EGCG.

My favorites are Sencha green tea and Matcha green tea.

Matcha (“powdered tea”) is a jewel-green powder made from hand-picked, high-grade Japanese green tea leaves. Whisk it with hot water in a bowl or cup to make this frothy, healthful beverage. Try it in warm Rice or Almond milk for a treat.  Matcha works well added to desserts too.

Sencha is the most popular of Japan’s green teas. It has a lightly astringent taste along with a slight sweetness. Lesser quality sencha tea is called bancha.

Dragonwell (from China’s Lung Ching region) is the ultimate green tea. It is distinguished by its bright emerald green color, brisk full-bodied flavor.  Dragonwell tea from Numi seems to have high anti-oxidant value. This sells for around $30 a pound on Amazon.  There are a lot of fake Dragonwell teas on the market, so it's good to shop carefully.  Many reviewers agree that Numi’s tea is superior as it is made from the tiny tea leaves of Longjing, without the powder that characterizes inferior brands.

How Much is Needed for Health Benefit?

Drink 4 - 5 cups daily to ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of the anticancer boost that green tea provides. Be sure not to green drink tea after 5pm as it may affect your sleep (unless it's decaffeinated).

If that seems too much, you can purchase green tea extract.  Choose a brand that has no alcohol, and other ingredients. My favorite is Tegreen 97®, a high quality decaf green tea leaf extract in capsule form... each capsule equals 7 cups of green tea and contains >95 mg ECGg per capsule!

dragonwell tea

How to Brew

It is recommended that the tea brew for 8-10 minutes. Let boiled water sit for 5 minutes before brewing so as not to ‘burn’ the tea leaves.

For Dragonwell, use about one-eighth of a cup of dry leaves to the pot. Brew exactly as much tea as you intend to consume at one sitting.

Pour in the water and let it brew for three to four minutes until the dry leaves expand and the tea turns green. It will have a nutty flavor. You can then use those same leaves to brew another cup or two or add them to soups or salads!

~ Cheers! ♥

A Delicious Fruit Salsa

I was looking for a tasty but out of the ordinary appetizer to serve at a function and stumbled on this recipe.  It was a big hit and fit with my diet beautifully so I want to share it with you. If you are not partial to spicy foods, omit the jalapeno.

This makes about 4 cups, and since it doesn't store very well, you may halve the recipe.

Spicy Strawberry Kiwi Peach Salsa

• 2-1/2 ripe organic Peach - peeled, pitted, and diced
• 2-1/2 organic Kiwi, peeled and diced
• 10 fresh organic Strawberries, diced
• 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 Tbs. and 1-1/2 tsp. Lime juice
• 2-3 organic Green onions, chopped
• 1/4 c. and 1 Tbs. chopped fresh organic Cilantro
• 2-1/2 pinches Sea Salt

Combine the peach, kiwi, strawberries, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, green onion, cilantro, and salt in a bowl; gently stir to combine.

Very tasty on whole grain crackers or as a salsa with a mild fish, or roasted chicken.

~ Enjoy! ♥

Garlic

Garlic, like its cousins the onion and the shallot, is a member of the Allium family that is infamously distinctive for its strong odor. Surprisingly, the origin of garlic’s characteristic smell is also the explanation behind its anticancer abilities. The high content of the odorous sulfur-containing compounds diallyl sulfide (DAS) and diallyl disulfide (DADS) play the principal role in cancer prevention: they have the ability to prevent carcinogenic damage to healthy cells by reducing reactivity of carcinogens with healthy cells and by accelerating the elimination of the harmful carcinogens from the body.  It is also believed that DAS may directly attack tumor cells and destroy them by triggering tumor cell death.

Garlic has been found to be most advantageous in the prevention of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancers. It also may play a role in prostate, breast, and lung cancer.

A Queen's-led team has discovered the reason why garlic is so good for us. Chemistry professor Derek Pratt led the study. Their findings are published in the January 2009 issue of the international chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie.

The research team questioned the ability of allicin to trap damaging radicals so effectively, and considered the possibility that a decomposition product of allicin may instead be responsible. Through experiments with synthetically-produced allicin, they found that an acid produced when the compound decomposes rapidly reacts with radicals.

"Basically the allicin compound has to decompose in order to generate a potent antioxidant," explains Dr. Pratt, who is Canada Research Chair in Free Radical Chemistry. "The reaction between the sulfenic acid and radicals is as fast as it can get, limited only by the time it takes for the two molecules to come into contact. No one has ever seen compounds, natural or synthetic, react this quickly as antioxidants."

The researcher is confident that a link exists between the reactivity of the sulfenic acid and the medicinal benefits of garlic. "...until now there has been no convincing explanation as to why garlic is beneficial," says Dr. Pratt. "I think we have taken the first step in uncovering a fundamental chemical mechanism which may explain garlic's medicinal benefits."

• Garlic is most effective if crushed, chopped or eaten raw in salad dressings and salsa

• A clove a day keeps the doctor away, and 2 or 3 will prevent a cold (see my cold remedy under Diet and Nutrition /Herbs and Spices)

•  If a recipe calls for garlic, wait until the last 10 minutes of cooking to add the garlic

•  Be careful not to eat too much as garlic can irritate your digestive system... I don't think you'll have any problem eating  3-4 cloves a day

• Don’t microwave garlic - it this kills the active ingredients!

I will be adding plenty of recipes that call for my friend the 'stinky rose'.

~ Chewing raw parsley will help get rid of garlic breath! ♥

Onions and Shallots

Like garlic these are members of the sulfur-containing Allium family. They have the same anticancer compounds as garlic. Onions are a major source of a Quercetin, a super-antioxidant (look up in Supplements section).   Similar to garlic, onions and shallots seem to be most helpful in cancers of the digestive tract (e.g. esophagus, stomach, and colon). These veggies need to be chewed, crushed, or chopped to activate their anticancer properties. Fresh onions and shallots are the best source of anticancer compounds. Chopping them and adding them raw to foods such as salsa, pasta, or salads are easy ways to include them in your diet. Unlike garlic, onions don’t lose their potency if lightly cooked.

~ Pass the xylitol sweetened chewing gum! ♥

Dark Chocolate (75%+)

Moderate amounts of high-quality dark chocolate is good for us. YAY! Research has shown that dark chocolate contains polyphenols called proantocyanidins, which appear to slow the progress of certain cancers. These polyphenols cause a sharp drop in a receptor essential to the blood vessel growth of tumors.

The darker the chocolate the less the sugar, and the higher the potency. I like Lindt and Ghiradelli's 85% dark and Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Lovers bar.

The recommended amount to consume in order to reap its benefits is about 40 grams (1.5 ounces) a day. Be careful that you don't have more than about 5g of sugar in a serving...you want to control spikes in your blood glucose levels.

Melt Dark Chocolate over very low heat or in a double boiler and drizzle over berries for a fantastic treat that meets Cancer diet guidelines.

~ Munch on! ♥

Psychological Stress and Cancer: Questions and Answers

The complex relationship between physical and psychological health is not well understood. Scientists know that psychological stress can affect the immune system, the body’s defense against infection and disease (including cancer); however, it is not yet known whether stress increases a person’s susceptibility to disease.

What is psychological stress?

Psychological stress refers to the emotional and physiological reactions experienced when an individual confronts a situation in which the demands go beyond their coping resources. Examples of stressful situations are marital problems, death of a loved one, abuse, health problems, and financial crises.

How does stress affect the body?

The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones, such as epinephrine (also called adrenaline) and cortisol (also called hydrocortisone). The body produces these stress hormones to help a person react to a situation with more speed and strength. Stress hormones increase blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Small amounts of stress are believed to be beneficial, but chronic (persisting or progressing over a long period of time) high levels of stress are thought to be harmful.

Stress that is chronic can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, and various other illnesses. Stress also can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating, smoking, or abusing drugs or alcohol, that may affect cancer risk.

Can stress increase a person’s risk of developing cancer?

Studies done over the past 30 years that examined the relationship between psychological factors, including stress, and cancer risk have produced conflicting results. Although the results of some studies have indicated a link between various psychological factors and an increased risk of developing cancer, a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not been proven.Some studies have indicated an indirect relationship between stress and certain types of virus-related tumors. Evidence from both animal and human studies suggests that chronic stress weakens a person’s immune system, which in turn may affect the incidence of virus-associated cancers, such as Kaposi sarcoma and some lymphomas.

More recent research with animal models (animals with a disease that is similar to or the same as a disease in humans) suggests that the body’s neuroendocrine response (release of hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system) can directly alter important processes in cells that help protect against the formation of cancer, such as DNA repair and the regulation of cell growth.

For the full article click here.

Berries (Organic)

Berries are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. All berries, but particularly strawberries and raspberries, are rich in the protective antioxidant compound ellagic acid. In laboratory studies, this phytochemical has shown the ability to prevent cancers of the skin, bladder, lung, esophagus and breast.

Research suggests that ellagic acid seems to utilize several different cancer-fighting methods at once: it acts as an antioxidant, it helps the body deactivate specific carcinogens and it helps slow the reproduction of cancer cells.

Red Raspberries are also rich in cyanidins, quercetin and kaempferol and demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, anti-cancer properties, and heart-protective benefits. The same compounds appear to play protective roles in reducing the risk of diabetes.

Strawberries contain a wide range of  phytochemicals, called flavonoids, each of which seems to employ a similar array of anti-cancer strategies.  Additionally strawberries contain quercetin and cholorogenic acids, all of which protect the heart, enhance metabolism, retard the aging process of our cells, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of many degenerative diseases.

Blueberries are especially high in potent purple pigments called anthocyanins. These blue colors are the most powerful antioxidants in nature, and also demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity and mood-enhancing properties.

The best news is that berries are low in sugar, unlike most fruits, and so you can eat as many as you wish.  Here's to a cup of berries a day! ♥

Avemar (AveUltra)

I am going to include  a lot of information on AveMar, since it will not surface in any traditional medical discussion about cancer treatment. None of the Western medicine docs I spoke with knew what it was, and yet it has been around for some time, with tremendous results. I started taking it almost 2 years ago and continue to do so despite the cost.  A one month supply is $130 - $199 depending on where you buy it.

AvéULTRA (the version made in the US) is the dietary supplement with Avemar®, a uniquely beneficial natural compound that has been the subject of more than 28 peer-reviewed publications describing in vitro, in vivo and human clinical trials. Avemar supports the foundations of good health by enhancing the body's ability to modulate immune response and to regulate cell metabolism.

Avemar's development was initiated by Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi, recipient of the Nobel Prize for the discovery of vitamin C. He theorized that supplemental quantities of the naturally occurring compound, Methoxy-Substituted Benzoquinones (DMBQ), would help regulate the processes of cellular metabolism and support mechanisms of immune system regulation.

Avemar is made from wheat germ fermented by baker’s yeast through a patented process (US patent# 6,355,474), standardized for DMBQ. Studies conducted in the US, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Austria and Russia with Avemar prove Dr. Szent-Györgyi theories correct, with such dramatic results, its hard to believe its all-natural.

What makes Avemar stand out among other known therapies is the fact that its effectiveness isn’t limited to any one specific type of cancer. So far it has exhibited positive effects against all forms of cancer cell lines tested.

Cancer Cells Are Gluttons for Glucose

Whether they proceed to replicate, grow, and eventually spread throughout the body is determined by enzymatic activity and their accessibility to various nutrients—which is where nutritional habits, environmental factors, and hormones have a direct influence.  Each of these has the potential to interfere, block, or promote enzyme activity and metabolic pathways that tumor cells depend on for their survival.

Every form of cancer cell utilizes glucose at rates 10 to 50 times higher than that of normal healthy cells (a well-known phenomenon referred to as “the Warburg effect”).

Unlike normal, healthy cells that utilize glucose primarily for energy, tumor cells use glucose to proliferate.  To achieve this function, cancer cells need large amounts of glucose that they can convert into building materials for new cells. As the tumor grows, more and more glucose is consumed.

One of the main problems with conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation is that they are non-specific, so they destroy normal, healthy cells along with disease-ridden ones.

Research indicates that Avemar works through several different mechanisms. One of its most unique benefits, however, is its ability to inhibit glucose metabolism in cancer cells.

• Increases immune system’s ability to identify harmful cells for destruction

• Regulates glucose metabolism at the cellular level, starving enemy cells that require excessive glucose

• Regulates and modulate the immune system’s white blood cells for peak performance -- T cells, B cells, macrophages and NK cells

• Maintains healthy cellular and humoral (Th1/Th2) immune balance

• Supports cell metabolic regulation

• Promotes immune system modulation

• Maintains healthy cellular & humoral (Th1/Th2) immune balance

• Promotes optimal NK cell targeting ability and the coordinated response of white blood cells: macrophages, B-cells, T-cells and NK cells

• Enhances the ability of T-cells to respond to antigen presentation

• Enhances the ability of B-cells to respond to activation and produce appropriate antibodies

AvéULTRA is a more concentrated and better tasting version than Avemar, eliminating maltodextrin stabilizer, and replacing fructose sweetener with natural, "0" calorie Stevia.

Product Notice: Avemar is not a replacement or substitute for other clinically prescribed therapies.

Read more .

Quercetin

Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their color. Fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and red wine, are the primary dietary sources of quercetin. Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries, are also high in flavonoids, including quercetin.

Scientists have long considered quercetin, and other flavonoids, important in cancer prevention. People who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have lower risk of some types of cancer. And animal and test tube studies suggest that flavonoids do indeed have anti cancer properties.

Quercetin and other flavonoids have been shown in these studies to inhibit the growth of cancer cells from breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, and lung tumors.  One study even suggests that quercetin is more effective than reservatrol in terms of inhibiting tumor growth. Another found that frequent intake of quercetin rich foods was associated with lower lung cancer risk.

Recent studies suggest that quercetin may slow the growth of cancer cells and help foster apoptosis, a form of natural cell death that doesn't happen in most cancer cells. Some studies in animals show that quercetin may help protect against certain types of cancer, particularly colon cancer.

In addition to this, preliminary studies have also suggested that quercetin may be effective in protecting against prostatitis (inflamed prostate) and heart disease.

Of course Quercetin is available in higher amounts in supplements than would be found in food. It can be found in capsule or tablet form ranging in doses from 50 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg. There is no recommended standard dose for quercetin so talk to your medical practitioner about dosage.

Read more here.

Tomatoes and Their Stunning Health Benefits

Lycopene

is found in cooked tomatoes and is responsible for its anticancer properties and rich red color. Anything made with cooked tomatoes is rich in lycopene.

Unlike other veggies, tomatoes get better with heat!

Cooking allows for better absorption of lycopene

in the body.

Fats increase availability of lycopene t

o the body, so cooking tomatoes with olive oil enhances the amount of lycopene that can be absorbed. Italians have it right!

There may be a link between low incidence of prostate cancer and tomato consumptio

n. Its anticancer effect may be attributed to its action as an antioxidant, or it may act directly on certain enzymes interfering with androgen signals, and disturbing the growth of tumors. Lycopene tends to accumulate in the prostate area so it is recommended for helping protect against prostate cancer.

According to a Study funded by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) in 2005:

"Epidemiological evidence associating the decreased risk of prostate cancer with frequent consumption of tomato products inspired us to conduct a small intervention trial among patients diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma.

Tomato sauce pasta was consumed daily for 3 weeks before their scheduled prostatectomy, and biomarkers of tomato intake, prostate cancer progression and oxidative DNA damage were followed in blood and the available prostate tissue.

The whole food intervention was so well accepted by the subjects that the blood lycopene (the primary carotenoid in tomatoes responsible for their red color) doubled and the prostate lycopene concentration tripled during this short period.

Oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes and prostate tissues was significantly diminished, the latter mainly in the tumor cell nuclei, possibly due to the antioxidant properties of lycopene.

Quite surprising was the decrease in blood prostate-specific antigen, which was explained by the increase in apoptotic death of prostate cells, especially in carcinoma regions.

 Prostate cancer cell cultures (LNCaP) were also sensitive to lycopene in growth medium, which caused an increased apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle.

A possible explanation of these promising results may reside in lycopene effects on the genes governing the androgen stimulation of prostate growth, cytokines and on the enzymes producing reactive oxygen species, all of which were recently discovered by nutrigenomic techniques.

Other phytochemicals in tomato may act in synergy with lycopene to potentiate protective effects and to help in the maintenance of prostate health."

Naturally, tomato paste has the highest lycopene content of all tomato-based products.  Tomato paste (or sundried tomatoes) can be added to stews, egg dishes, sauces, and soups.

Our family loves a good quality organic tomato paste spread on whole grain toast with a drizzle of olive oil and a light sprinkle of salt!

Click here for an Antioxidant Rich Pasta Recipe.

Buon Apetito!

♥

Reduce Your Stress!

My personal feeling from observing friends and family that developed cancer, as well as myself, is that stress may be a trigger. One of the main pieces of advice given to cancer patients by most doctors is: reduce the stress in your life.

We may not be able to control stress, but we can manage it. Here are some stress-management tips that may help you feel:

• Accept that there are things in our lives we cannot control.

• Religiously guard your positive attitude; don't give in to the brain's defaulting to the negative. Repeat positive affirmations cheerfully and believe them!  ''I will make it through this'', "Nothing is worth feeling stressed about".

• Halt stress in its tracks; if you feel overwhelmed, take a walk or a leisurely drive , or watch a funny movie or video.

• Give yourself time to get things done. Manage the timing of events so you don't have to feel rushed.

• Do things that bring you pleasure, reading, writing, walking or gardening are all good.

• Spend 15-20 minutes each day sitting quietly. Learn and practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing.

• Exercise for 30 minutes every day. You can bike, walk, hike, or work out. Your body handles stress better when it is fit.

• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. And don't smoke.

• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

• Get enough rest and sleep. Your body repairs itself at night.

• Reach out to supportive friends, and family. Invite them for a cup of tea.

Resource: Click here for article on Relaxation Techniques.

~ You will be fine! ♥

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage (Organic)

  These are all members of the cruciferous vegetable family which are notable for their high amounts of glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are a class of compounds that work by releasing two anticancer compounds, isothiocyanates and indoles. These are the active compounds that prevent the activation of carcinogenic substances and are of critical importance in fighting the spread of disease. Broccoli contains an anticancer phytochemical that increases the body’s ability to get rid of toxic substances linked to the development of cancer. It is also capable of inducing cancer cell death.  It is also believed to reduce the occurrence, number, and size of certain tumors. The Indole 3-carbinol (I3C) in broccoli, plays a role in reducing cancer growth in  cancers which are estrogen dependent, like uterine, breast and cervical cancers.

It is always important to buy fresh organic vegetables. To preserve the integrity of their anticancer properties, veggies should be either lightly steamed or stir-fried over medium heat in a little oil mixed with water.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

  Turmeric:  is a bright yellow spice that has an anti-inflammatory effect and demonstrates anticancer as well as antioxidant properties.

 Its primary active ingredient, curcumin, may be useful in the prevention and treatment of stomach, intestinal, colon, skin, and liver cancers. It has been found in studies, that curcumin blocks the growth of human tumors and prevents tumor angiogenesis which basically deprives the tumor of a nutrient source.

Turmeric may be quite useful in colon cancer because of its ability to reduce the levels of COX-2, the enzyme responsible for production of inflammatory molecules.

A teaspoon of turmeric added to soup, salad, or oatmeal is a quick and easy way to increase your curcumin intake. I will also post some dessert recipes (yes, ones that are in harmony with this diet) that use turmeric.

It should be noted that the body’s absorption of the curcumin increases by 2000% when you add black pepper!

The best Curcumin and the one used at M.D. Anderson is: Super Curcumin C-3 formula with bioperene.

On the Internet you can find 120 x 1,000 mg caplets sell for about $30.00, which is pro rated to 25¢ apiece. If you took six of these per day (3 doses of 2 caplets apiece) this would cost $1.50 per day.

~The new Mellow Yellow! ♥

Egg, Veggie and Complex Carb Breakfast

Breakfast idea 1

Here is an example of a healthy and tasty breakfast that follows the breast cancer diet guidelines: no dairy, no sugar, no simple carbohydrates and healthy omega3 fats.  Aim to make 1/2 your plate full of color (veggies), 1/4 protein and 1/4 complex carb.

Spinach cooked with a smattering of onions and seasoned with black pepper, salt, a touch of allspice and dry mint. I sprinkle probiotics on two of my meals to get 1/4 tsp a day.  Our tummy needs help processing foods properly many months after treatment.

Sprinkle a little black pepper or squeeze lemon in your green tea (4 -5 cups a day) to explode the antioxidant benefits! Also, freshly ground flax seeds sprinkled on your cereal or on foods is highly beneficial... per our list of Fantastic Foods.

Coconut oil has become my bread spread of choice.  Recent studies are astounding on the benefits of coconut oil.  Click here for more info.

~ Bon Appetit! ♥

Four Cornerstones of Healing and Good Health

I can't think of a time when listening to our intuition and participating in our healing is more critical, than after being diagnosed with cancer.

During the first few weeks, while you adjust to the news it is important to choose an ally, someone close to you who is positive and available, to go to appointments with you and take notes, and to be your cheerleader.

Trust me... you will forget much of what is discussed while your mind sifts through a deluge of information and complex emotions.

It is also important to ask questions and go with your intuition when treatment or surgery recommendations are made.  Get a second opinion and research your options... contrary to what you may be told, you have quite a few.

I believe wholeheartedly that our reactions, our actions and our attitude have just as much, if not more, to do with our progression to good health than any other factor.

There are several links and post on this site that address the need to control our mind-body connection in a way that promotes recovery.

Over the past few years I have done considerable research on Complimentary and Alternative Cancer therapies.  My own experience with cancer led me to contact some of the leading respected CAM medical and nutrition practitioners in the country.

I consulted with several on Integrative approaches, since I believe that our body has immense capacity to aid the healing process if we help and allow it to.

'Allow it to' means to have faith in its wisdom, give it the nutrient support it needs to function optimally, enhance its repair processes by remaining positive and focused, listening to its prodding to make necessary changes or its warning about others.

The protocols suggested to me by the 5 CAM practitioners/researchers I had discussion with, had several things in common. Based on these fundamental suggestions, I worked out a diet/nutrition/lifestyle regimen that worked for me.

At first it was challenging to make the changes necessary, but I had the determination and willpower to keep at it until I found a rhythm that worked. Since I am an avid cook and ran a catering service for many years, coming up with recipes that met the nutrition guideline became a happy challenge!

If you go this route, you must believe in your heart that your protocol is as powerful as the medical therapies you may also receive.  In some cases exercise and diet changes offer patients greater benefit than traditional treatment.

If a body is not strong it will struggle to weather the toxic effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation, so it's important to know which supplements and foods will help counteract those effects, before, during and after treatment.

Clinical studies funded by the NIH have demonstrated that some spices, like Cinnamon, can help with Type II Diabetes and actually enhance the benefits of Chemotherapy. And in the case of Cinnamon .. be more powerful in tumor cell death than Chemo drugs!

•  Cinnamon and Health
•  Cinnamon extract induces tumor cell death
•  Cinnamon in Type II Diabetes

The four cornerstones of optimal health are:

1. Diet / Nutrition / Lifestyle

2. Stress Reduction

3. Mind-body health

4. Supplements / Homeopathy

Read about each by clicking on the titles.

~ Be Well. ♥

Stop Sugar Cravings with These Two Trace Minerals!

Even though I am 'sugar-free', I still get a craving for chocolate or something sweet now and then, and have to whip up something healthy to satisfy it... berry compote with birch Xylitol, or flax-seed pancakes with cinnamon/Stevia topping.

Stop Sugar Cravings with These Two Trace Minerals

by: Danica Collins

If you frequently crave candy bars, doughnuts, cake, or other sugary foods — and you thought your cravings were just something you were born with, or a condition to which you are naturally or genetically predisposed, there is hard scientific evidence that suggests how you can stop sugar cravings.

There is a condition called pica, which triggers the cravings — and it is caused by mineral deficiencies.

An example of pica in the animal world is seen in young calves that are raised for veal. These calves are deficient in iron. They are put into cages soon after birth and purposely fed a diet that is iron-poor so that they grow to be anemic. Anemic calves produce the pale, tender meat that makes veal desirable to food enthusiasts. The iron-starved calves have been known to seek, lick and chew on the iron nails of their cages in an effort to satisfy their hunger for iron. (Although we do not support such cruelty to animals, this example is presented merely to illustrate the nature of pica in animals.)

In humans, an extreme example of pica is seen in pregnant women, who often crave things like ice cream or pickles, and especially non-food items like laundry starch, clay or dirt. This is because the fetus inside a pregnant woman absorbs much of the minerals from the woman’s body causing her to have a craving for something that will satisfy her mineral deficiency.

Pica has become such a common condition primarily because our demineralized soils yield mineral-poor produce. Additionally, food processing robs food of important nutrients, and this contributes to the prevalence of pica — especially among people with unbalanced diets such as dieters, vegetarians, meat eaters, teenagers, children and seniors. The cravings are a symptom of mineral deficiencies in the diet.

How to stop sugar cravings with minerals

When you crave sweets, eating highly sweetened food such as doughnuts and chocolates may temporarily satisfy your sugar cravings — but it does very little to alleviate the mineral deficiency, which is the underlying cause of the cravings. Studies show that sugar cravings are linked to a deficiency in the trace minerals, chromium and vanadium.

It is scientifically proven that both chromium and vanadium help in normalizing blood sugar. Both trace minerals have been shown to be essential for normal glucose metabolism. This is the reason why they have also been used to prevent and cure diabetes (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

A chromium deficiency has been shown to not only cause cravings for sugars or starches, but also contribute to poor muscle tone, which makes weight loss even more difficult. To help curb sugar cravings, many health practitioners prescribe a daily intake of both chromium and vanadium, preferably taken in ionic/water-soluble form for maximum absorption. Many health food stores carry ionic minerals. You can also type the keyword “ionic minerals” on any search engine to find online retailers, such as the WaterOz company, which manufactures high quality chromium and vanadium formulations.

Chocolate cravings, in particular, are curbed by magnesium supplementation. Magnesium is also contained in commercially available ionic/water-soluble mineral formulations.

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