Last night, after weeks of not being able to go to bed until after midnight (sometimes not 'til 2am), I finally crashed around 10pm. And, I didn't get up until 9am, this morning.
Ever since I began this battle with breast cancer, I've been struggling in a few areas....getting my internal clock to regulate, is one of those areas. While I was on chemo, all my body wanted to do was sleep; if I had given in to it, I would have been doing very little, except sleeping. Since I've been off chemo (four months now) my body is still trying to find its rhythm, once again.
I wanted to use this opportunity to touch on the benefits of getting an adequate amount of sleep. This is not part of my series on Dr. David Brownstein...but it's equally as important!
Getting an adequate amount of sleep can benefit the body in many ways...keeps us more alert, protects us from colds and flu, it can keep us from becoming obese, improves memory function, and so much more! I encourage you to research this, further...especially if you're not getting enough sleep.
There's a great article by MUSC Health that goes into a little detail about some of the benefits. You can read that, here. And, on this site, there's some more info and a few tips on how to get a good night's sleep, if you have an issue with that.
I would love to be able to regulate my body, so I can get on a schedule...but, right now...I'm at the mercy of my body, as it learns how to be normal, again.
Have a great day, and be blessed!! oxoxox
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, in July 2012. Not being one to solely rely on conventional medicine, I researched natural ways to beat it. In this Blog, I will share my journey with you.
Translate
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Soy – Dynamic, or Destructive?
There
are a host of sites out there that will brag about the health benefits of soy; this
product has been around for almost 5,000 years.
Nowadays, soy can be found in
practically everything packaged, boxed, or canned, at the grocery store (even in the organic stuff!). If you're traveling through the inner aisles of the grocery store, chances are, you're purchasing something that has a soy product in it.
Soy
has been touted as a beneficially healthy meatless protein source, because it’s
a complete protein; I've read that it can also lower your cholesterol (low in
saturated and trans fats), and may reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s even
been said that it can help menopausal women, because it has phytoestrogens.
- Good source of iron
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
- Protective benefit to cancer survivors
- Great alternative to cow’s milk
The
recommended daily intake of soy is 25g per day. With all these benefits, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal, does it? Well, it probably wouldn't be,
if it weren't for a few things we’re not being told.
Read your labels...soy lecithin, soybean oil, and soy flour are all in our packaged, boxed and canned foods. Some of these may be, as well. Always read the labels!!
We, unfortunately, are eating WAAAAAAAY more than 25g, on a daily
basis! And, you know what they say…too much of a good thing, is a bad idea!
Let me show you what Dr. Brownstein says about
soy….this is an excerpt from one of his Newsletters:
~~~~~~~~
“I wrote about soy in both the December 2008 and
November 2011 issues of Natural Way to Health. Soy is a type of plant called a
legume – a category that also includes peas, beans, lentils and peanuts. And
like other legumes, soy has been touted as a healthy food.
I
can assure you that the vast majority of soy food sources are not healthy
products. In fact, most soy products cause a myriad of health issues, including
thyroid problems and deficiencies in many vitamins and minerals.
Then
why is soy promoted as such a healthy food? For one thing, it is incredibly
cheap to grow, so it is added to many products to increase volume. There are
estimates that the food industry has added soy to more than 50 percent of
supermarket food products. The vast majority of these products should be
avoided.
Soy
can be processed as a fermented or non-fermented product. Fermented soy is
produced by using bacteria to break down the soy. Examples of fermented soy
include miso, natto, tempeh, and fermented soy sauce.
The
fermented forms of soy can be eaten in small amounts without causing nutrient
deficiencies, or thyroid problems.
Soy
is one of the most potent trypsin inhibitors known to science. Animal studies
have shown that trypsin inhibition results in illnesses of the pancreas as well
as cancer. Examples of non-fermented soy products include soy milk, soy-based
meat substitutes, soybean oil, tofu, and many kinds of spreads with soy in
them.
Non-fermented
soy use leads to hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune thyroid problems such as
Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease.
I
have seen many patients develop thyroid problems due to soy ingestion. And it
is nearly impossible to rectify thyroid problems in patients who continue to
eat soy as a major protein source.”
~~~~~~~~
Ever hear of hexane?
It’s a neurotoxin used
to process soy milk. And you may not see the words “USDA Organic on soy
products anymore…it’s not required. Hexane-processed soy milk can still be
labeled “natural” or “made with organic ingredients” if there are any
ingredients that were grown organically; regardless of how they’re processed.
To
gain the benefits of soy, without consuming any, you can eat foods from these
sites:
Balancing Hormones (the
numbering system is a bit confusing, but this is a great list!)
Meatless Sources of Protein (#3, #6 and #9 mention soy products…we already know that’s not an option!)
Meatless Sources of Iron (this
one also mentions soy, but there are a LOT more foods to choose from!)
Cholesterol Lowering Foods (soy
alert!! Choose the other options!)
Cancer Fighting Foods (it’s an alphabetized
list...skip over the soy!)
Alternatives to Cow's Milk (soy milk is
mentioned first, but we won’t hold it against them! LOL!)
My own Oncologist even told me to avoid soy, since I was diagnosed with
Estrogen-receptive Breast Cancer! Considering how much of our packaged foods have soy in them, it's not an easy task!
Soy
is also used in products we don’t eat, so be mindful of labels on all your
inedible products, too (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, make up, etc.);
it can still infiltrate your system, through your skin!
Considering all the possible ways soy can get into our bodies, it's frightening to think that it could cause an estrogen overload, in all of us, if we're not aware! Let me know if you have any more ideas for improving the overall condition of the body, without the use of soy products!
Have
a great day, and be blessed! oxoxox
Friday, February 22, 2013
My New Best Friend - Dr. David Brownstein
Yesterday, we didn't get the mail until after my sister and I came home from meeting with our church group. I was pleased to see that the biggest piece of mail was for me! I got a book, and a series of newsletters from Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., and have been digging through them, this morning! LOL!
I do believe, there will be a series dedicated to the information I garner from the book, and the newsletters! Not sure how long this series will be, but this should be fun! Already, I'm blown away by some of the things I'm learning! LOL!
Dr. David Brownstein is a Board-Certified (not sure what that means) family physician; and, apparently, he's one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. His website says so! He's got a plethora of information on a wide variety of health issues; and he's got a Blog, too!
My next Blog will be about the lies we've been fed about a particular health food. And, yes...the pun was intended.
Stay tuned for further developments!!
I do believe, there will be a series dedicated to the information I garner from the book, and the newsletters! Not sure how long this series will be, but this should be fun! Already, I'm blown away by some of the things I'm learning! LOL!
Dr. David Brownstein is a Board-Certified (not sure what that means) family physician; and, apparently, he's one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. His website says so! He's got a plethora of information on a wide variety of health issues; and he's got a Blog, too!
My next Blog will be about the lies we've been fed about a particular health food. And, yes...the pun was intended.
Stay tuned for further developments!!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Body's Own Balancing Act
I
recently posted a blog called “Clean Eating to Fight Cancer”. In this blog I
listed foods which are alkaline forming, and also acid forming to the body. It’s
very important that the body maintain a balanced pH, to avoid diseases and
other health related conditions. I’ll explain why.
Acidosis
is a condition of the body where the pH balance is too acidic; there’s too much
acid in the body’s fluids. Our body's become too acidic, when we consume too many products from the Acidic Foods list. Things like animal flesh (beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, etc), condiments, coffee, alcohol, and medications (over the counter & prescription) create an acidic environment in our bodies.
Acidosis can cause health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, infections, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue, depression, headaches, anxiety, gastritis, and osteoporosis, among others. If the body can't get rid of the excess acid, it stores it in the body's fatty tissue. And without a proper acid/alkaline balance, the body cannot heal itself.
Alkalosis, on the other hand, is a condition of the body where the balance is tipped too far, the other direction; the body has too much alkali in the fluids. Arrhythmia, coma, lightheadedness, nausea, involuntary muscle spasms and an electrolyte imbalance are all possible complications of alkalosis. However, these complications could be signals of other issues, so it's always best to see your doctor, if you experience any of them.
So, how do you maintain a balanced pH? It's been said that a proper balance is anywhere between 7.36 and 7.44, although many researchers believe the range should be smaller. In order to maintain a proper balance, we need to be consuming foods at a ratio of 8:2 - 80% alkaline forming to 20% acid forming.
As much of an issue as this is for me, at this time, God is good!! My sister tells me that when the weather breaks, and it gets warmer, she's going to clean out a fridge that's in the garage; she says I can use it, to make the transition from omnivore to vegetarian easier for me! Looking forward to having my own refrigerator full of fruits and veggies, non-dairy milks, and all things yummy!! I'll also be able to experiment more with recipes, because I'll have more available to me. Super excited for spring to get here!! LOL!
Do any of you have a favorite vegetarian dish? Let me know, in the comments! Have a great day, and God bless!! oxoxox
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Are You a Good Fat, or a Bad Fat?
Cheesy title, I know...but, I love the Wizard of Oz, and I just couldn't resist! LOL!!
The human body needs to consume fat, to lose fat. And our brains are made mostly of fat, so fat is a necessary part of human growth and development. However, a lot of people, unfortunately, still don't know the difference between good fats and bad fats; so, this Blog will, hopefully, shed some light on the subject.
Bad fats (saturated, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated and trans) can raise your cholesterol levels and put you at risk for heart disease. They can also cause a host of other health concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and obesity.
Good fats (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and fatty acids) can help you lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and build lean muscle mass. So, as much as you might love a nice, juicy steak...a broiled salmon fillet will do your body more good, in the long run.
In keeping with my Wizard of Oz idea, I'll post lists of some of the different sources of bad fats and good fats....
Good Fats
Bad Fats
The human body needs to consume fat, to lose fat. And our brains are made mostly of fat, so fat is a necessary part of human growth and development. However, a lot of people, unfortunately, still don't know the difference between good fats and bad fats; so, this Blog will, hopefully, shed some light on the subject.
Bad fats (saturated, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated and trans) can raise your cholesterol levels and put you at risk for heart disease. They can also cause a host of other health concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and obesity.
Good fats (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and fatty acids) can help you lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and build lean muscle mass. So, as much as you might love a nice, juicy steak...a broiled salmon fillet will do your body more good, in the long run.
In keeping with my Wizard of Oz idea, I'll post lists of some of the different sources of bad fats and good fats....
Good Fats- Almonds and walnuts
- Avocados
- Seeds & seed oils (pumpkin, sunflower, flax, etc.)
- Olives and olive oil
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Cold water fish
- Coconut oil
Bad Fats
- High fat cuts of meat
- Whole fat dairy products
- Lard
- Commercially baked goods
- Packaged snack foods
- Margarine
- Fried foods
Those fried food'll really get ya! And, if you're going to broil or bake your chicken, make sure to take the skin off, before you cook it...that's another source of bad fat.
I definitely encourage you to do your own research, and learn more about the what foods to avoid and which ones are beneficial, when it comes to the type of fat. Especially when it comes to the overall function of the brain.
The things that we eat directly, or indirectly, affect our brains, in some manner. Our brains are our central core...they are responsible for not only our thought and reasoning skills, but also for the involuntary inner workings of our nervous systems, and our hearts & lungs. Our brains are, in essence, our home...without them, we cannot exist.
So, eat lots of good fats, and stay away from the bad fats if you can....because what they say is true...
"There's no place like home!" oxoxox
So, eat lots of good fats, and stay away from the bad fats if you can....because what they say is true...
"There's no place like home!" oxoxox
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
What's Raw Foodism?
Raw Foodism is not a recent phenomenon...it's actually been going on for centuries. Adam and Eve were "Raw Foodists" (Genesis 1:11-12). The modern day philosophy behind raw foodism is that most of your foods should be uncooked; the trend is approximately 80% raw, 20% cooked.
If you're a person who frequents the inside isles of the store, buying a plethora of boxed, packaged, or canned foods, and you eat a piece of uncooked fruit, or any uncooked vegetable, you're eating raw foods. You are a raw foodist, at that point. And, I'm sure most of you eat some fresh fruits and vegetables, from time to time!
Cooking your fruits and vegetables, depletes the nutrient value of that food. The idea behind a raw food diet is that our bodies will be better nourished by the foods we don't cook; this is why, if you're going to cook any veggies, you should steam them instead; you can also stir-fry them, as well. Steaming and stir-frying will allow most of the nutrients to remain in your fruits and vegetables, while at the same time, providing you with a hot dish.
Some of the benefits of a raw food lifestyle are higher enzyme levels, vitamin and mineral levels, higher levels of antioxidents and phytonutrients, less free radicals, less denatured proteins (those are processed), and improved digestion. There are variations of how to follow a raw food lifestyle. I've posted some links at the end of this Blog, as resources for you, if you're considering becoming a Raw Foodist.
As beneficial as raw foods are, convenience (processed foods) are devoid of nutrient value. A steady diet of these types of foods is a one way ticket to health issues like cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and malnutrition. A friend of mine has a Blog, and she does a great series called Processed Foods Exposed, where she breaks down the bad in foods that we've been told are good for us! I encourage you to check this out!
And, as previously mentioned, here's that list:
The Benefits and Challenges of a Raw Food Diet (5 part series)
From SAD to RAW
Raw Guru
Raw Food Diet
Foodie 411: Raw Food Diet
The Raw Food Word Store
The Rawtarian (recipes!)
The Dangers of Processed Foods
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments! oxoxox
If you're a person who frequents the inside isles of the store, buying a plethora of boxed, packaged, or canned foods, and you eat a piece of uncooked fruit, or any uncooked vegetable, you're eating raw foods. You are a raw foodist, at that point. And, I'm sure most of you eat some fresh fruits and vegetables, from time to time!
Cooking your fruits and vegetables, depletes the nutrient value of that food. The idea behind a raw food diet is that our bodies will be better nourished by the foods we don't cook; this is why, if you're going to cook any veggies, you should steam them instead; you can also stir-fry them, as well. Steaming and stir-frying will allow most of the nutrients to remain in your fruits and vegetables, while at the same time, providing you with a hot dish.
Some of the benefits of a raw food lifestyle are higher enzyme levels, vitamin and mineral levels, higher levels of antioxidents and phytonutrients, less free radicals, less denatured proteins (those are processed), and improved digestion. There are variations of how to follow a raw food lifestyle. I've posted some links at the end of this Blog, as resources for you, if you're considering becoming a Raw Foodist.
As beneficial as raw foods are, convenience (processed foods) are devoid of nutrient value. A steady diet of these types of foods is a one way ticket to health issues like cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and malnutrition. A friend of mine has a Blog, and she does a great series called Processed Foods Exposed, where she breaks down the bad in foods that we've been told are good for us! I encourage you to check this out!
And, as previously mentioned, here's that list:
The Benefits and Challenges of a Raw Food Diet (5 part series)
From SAD to RAW
Raw Guru
Raw Food Diet
Foodie 411: Raw Food Diet
The Raw Food Word Store
The Rawtarian (recipes!)
The Dangers of Processed Foods
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments! oxoxox
Clean Up Your Life!
I'm sure you've heard of the term "clean eating"; right? It's a new buzz word flying around...and, all it simply means is doing away with conventional (processed), convenience foods, and opting for home cooked meals, instead.
When I came to terms with what I had done to my body, and the consequences of those bad choices (cancer), I made it a short-, and long-term goal to clean up my life! I'm so glad I did, before it was too late...I'm learning SO much!!
I'm starting with food; it's a difficult transition, for a couple of reasons. One, I'm living with relatives who have their own way of doing things, and enjoy the foods that they enjoy; two, after being stuck in my own world of unhealthy eating, my body is still adjusting to healthier foods! I'm sure it'll get easier, with enough time and practice; and, I've decided to clean up my home environment, as well....once I'm able to live on my own, again.
I've researched, and I've read article after article, learning how to transition from SAD omnivore, to clean eater (I've become a "flexitarian"). One of the sites I learned from, has an article explaining what clean eating is, and how to go about it. Click here to read that article. They have a lot of great recipes, too!
Are you considering a clean eating lifestyle? Here are some great resources for you, if you are:
Clean Eating Magazine
Eating Well Magazine
He and She Eat Clean
My Whole Food Life (she's got a great series called "Processed Foods Exposed"!)
The Conscious Kitchen
Eat Cleaner
The Organic Momma (she follows The Maker's Diet)
God bless you; and have a great day, today!! oxoxox
When I came to terms with what I had done to my body, and the consequences of those bad choices (cancer), I made it a short-, and long-term goal to clean up my life! I'm so glad I did, before it was too late...I'm learning SO much!!
I'm starting with food; it's a difficult transition, for a couple of reasons. One, I'm living with relatives who have their own way of doing things, and enjoy the foods that they enjoy; two, after being stuck in my own world of unhealthy eating, my body is still adjusting to healthier foods! I'm sure it'll get easier, with enough time and practice; and, I've decided to clean up my home environment, as well....once I'm able to live on my own, again.
I've researched, and I've read article after article, learning how to transition from SAD omnivore, to clean eater (I've become a "flexitarian"). One of the sites I learned from, has an article explaining what clean eating is, and how to go about it. Click here to read that article. They have a lot of great recipes, too!
Are you considering a clean eating lifestyle? Here are some great resources for you, if you are:
Clean Eating Magazine
Eating Well Magazine
He and She Eat Clean
My Whole Food Life (she's got a great series called "Processed Foods Exposed"!)
The Conscious Kitchen
Eat Cleaner
The Organic Momma (she follows The Maker's Diet)
God bless you; and have a great day, today!! oxoxox
Monday, February 18, 2013
Don't Worry...Be Happy!
When I was first diagnosed, I seemed to have been the only person who was taking the news in stride...everyone else was flipping out about it. I totally understand why they did, but I'm not quite sure why I didn't. I'm still the only one in my circle who's attitude toward my diagnosis is "meh..."; I simply don't believe in worrying about it.
The Bible says we should not worry about anything; and pray about everything, with a thankful heart (Philippians 4:6). Jesus, Himself, asked if we thought worrying could prolong our lives (Matthew 6:27). Honestly, it can do the exact opposite.
Too much worry can cause a number of health concerns, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and accelerated aging, to name a few. Dr. Mercola says, "Most people fail to realize that you typically will manifest whatever you focus your attention on. If you are constantly worrying you will tend to have a self-fulfilling prophecy and experience the target of your concern through the very process of worrying about it."
However, there are several techniques we can use to relieve stress, so we're not worrying too much. Click on this link, to learn about one of them. Also, The Mayo Clinic has a wonderful article on stress management; I encourage you to read that, as well.
Another piece of advice the Bible gives, is found in Philippians 4:8..."And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." If we practice following this piece of advice, we won't have any time to worry! LOL!!
Have a great evening! oxoxox
The Bible says we should not worry about anything; and pray about everything, with a thankful heart (Philippians 4:6). Jesus, Himself, asked if we thought worrying could prolong our lives (Matthew 6:27). Honestly, it can do the exact opposite.
Too much worry can cause a number of health concerns, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and accelerated aging, to name a few. Dr. Mercola says, "Most people fail to realize that you typically will manifest whatever you focus your attention on. If you are constantly worrying you will tend to have a self-fulfilling prophecy and experience the target of your concern through the very process of worrying about it."
However, there are several techniques we can use to relieve stress, so we're not worrying too much. Click on this link, to learn about one of them. Also, The Mayo Clinic has a wonderful article on stress management; I encourage you to read that, as well.
Another piece of advice the Bible gives, is found in Philippians 4:8..."And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." If we practice following this piece of advice, we won't have any time to worry! LOL!!
Have a great evening! oxoxox
Exercise and Live!
Doctors have
said, in the past, that cancer patients should employ as little energy as
possible, during treatments; so they can save up their energy to fight the
disease. But, recently, researchers and doctors, alike, have been changing
their minds; more and more of them are now saying that cancer patients who exercise
on a regular basis are more likely to beat the disease, than those who don’t.
They’re
finding that if a cancer patient gets as much exercise as a healthy person
(about 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic activity), they are
more successful at beating the disease and leading a better quality of life. In
my case, this has proven to be difficult, on a few levels.
As part of my
cancer treatment plan, I had to have major surgery on the lumbar region of my
spine. One of the tumors had degenerated my L-5, and it had to be removed…too
much damage had been done. I was in surgery for hours, and came out a bionic
woman! LOL! The surgeon placed a “cage” between my L-4 and L-6 (and I discovered,
you’re only supposed to have 5 lumbar vertebrae!), so now my spine, at that
point, will fuse together.
I was in the
hospital for three weeks, and then was placed in a rehab center for a week.
Everyone involved in my recovery said I did better than anticipated! *Yay, me!!*
However, it was a completely bizarre experience, trying to teach my body to do
things that I had normally taken for granted…like walking. And, I never
realized just how heavy a 4 lb. dumbbell was, until I was given one, in
Occupational Therapy, and told to lift it above my head! Oh my goodness!!!
It’s been 7
months since my life was changed by my diagnosis; and, recovering from surgery
has been a tediously long, and often times painful, journey in and of itself.
The onset of winter, in Ohio, has convinced me that I need to move further south (I have family, here);
I don’t do well on the ice, and the lower half of me does NOT like the arctic
chill of the air! I even had to forgo Physical Therapy for three weeks, this
winter, because of the winter storms that blew through. My sister (I’m staying
with her through this) is also affected, in a negative way, by the cold
weather; she has arthritis, so when her body gets “cranky”, we don’t leave the
house….we can’t (she drives, I don’t). I’ll be getting back to it, today, but I’m
sure I've lost some momentum, by now. We shall see just how much my body
remembers it can do, when I get there!
Exercise can
also reduce fatigue, and the loss of muscle and bone mass, as well. So, my best
advice to those who are battling cancer (or any other debilitating disease) is
to treat yourself the same way any other healthy person would…develop a regular
routine of physical activity, weight-bearing exercise and stretching, as part
of your new healthy lifestyle! Don’t overdo it, though….pushing yourself too
hard may cause more harm than good!
When I get
back from Physical Therapy, I’ll leave a comment and let you know how things
went!
Welcome to the World of Food Allergies
My sister had said that, the day I found out I couldn't eat certain foods, because of the way they would affect my body. She's allergic to citric acid, so she knows all about avoiding "offending" foods!
I posted a series of Notes, on Facebook, with that statement as the title; they were originally posted on October 12, 14, and 18, 2012...but I wanted to share them with you, as well. I'm going to include all three of those posts in this Blog post.
I hope this gives you some insight....
(originally posted - Oct 12, 2012)
Almost
all body care products contain one or more of the preservatives known as
methyl-, ethyl-, butyl- and propylparaben. These parabens are mildly estrogenic
and because they are introduced topically into our system, they go right into
our bloodstream and on into our tissues and organs. Phthalates are a chemical
found in most cosmetics and fragrances which have been found to have a negative
effect on male and female reproductive health. PABA and 4-MBC are chemicals
found in sunscreen that are also highly estrogenic.
(originally posted - Oct. 14, 2012)
There
ya go…EAT!! Stay healthy, and well nourished!!
I posted a series of Notes, on Facebook, with that statement as the title; they were originally posted on October 12, 14, and 18, 2012...but I wanted to share them with you, as well. I'm going to include all three of those posts in this Blog post.
I hope this gives you some insight....
(originally posted - Oct 12, 2012)
My
sister, Deborah Ochsenbein, said that to me, the other day. She's right,
though...I have a serious food allergy; the worst symptom of my food
allergy is commonly known as Estrogen-receptive Breast Cancer. I'm
learning, through research, that it's brought on by what's called an estrogen
overload/dominance; this is when the body has more estrogen than
progesterone/testosterone. The excess of estrogen goes haywire, and as it
continues to build, it forms tumors in the breast tissue.
I spoke to a Dietician, yesterday, and was given some
advice...stear clear of foods that are high in phytoestrogens, like soy; she
told me that as long as the soy is fourth, or further down, on the list of
ingredients I should be fine. Previous research led me to discover that almost everything packaged, bottled or canned
(convenience foods) has soy in it. And, in continuing my research, and I
have also discovered that there are quite a few whole foods that are rich in
phytoestrogens....alfalfa, apples, barely, cherries, chickpeas, black eyed
peas, eggs, oats, olives, papaya, plums, pomegranates, potatoes, kidney beans,
black beans, peanuts, oilseeds (sunflower seeds, rapeseed, canola, safflower,
flaxseed, mustard seed), wheat, licorice, beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant,
garlic, peas, pumpkin, peppers, dates and yams are now off my list, as well!
It's a bit overwhelming, but the alternative....being sick, and
eventually dead....is more overwhelming than having to cut out
specific foods from my daily intake. I'd rather battle this disease by living a
healthy life, than by spending time in "The Chemo Chair" being
poisoned. So, I'll take my "Available Foods" list with me, when I go
grocery shopping; and I'll read every label I come in contact with! I'm also
going to have to start buying organic, grass-fed meats and poultry...factory
farms feed their livestock hormones, to get them to grow bigger. Can't have a
hormonally balanced internal system, if I'm stuffing myself full of
hormone-laced meat!
I'm a big girl....I'll get over my limits!! God can't use me, if
I'm dead!!
Common
Symptoms of Estrogen Overload
PMS
Migraines
Mood Swings
Cramps
Uterine Fibroids
Depression
Unexplained Weight Gain
Fatigue
Osteoporosis
Insomnia
Allergies
Memory Loss
Acne
Hot Flashes
Thinning Hair
Irregular Periods
Breast Tenderness
Miscarriage
Low Sex Drive
High Blood Pressure
Facial Hair
Inflammation
Foggy thinking
Water retention and bloating
I've
had to deal with a number of these symptoms, for about 25 years, and no
doctor I ever explained them to even once mentioned that I might have a hormone
imbalance! If you have any of
these symptoms, please bring them to your doctor's attention...and
have him/her run tests on you, to see if you have a hormone imbalance!!
I also
wanted to share some info I found about products....
Plastic containers have a chemical known as bisphenol-A, a
potent xenoestrogen (substance that mimics estrogen and binds to estrogen
receptors in our body). The main concern with this type of estrogen in our
environment is most prevalent when the plastic is heated, causing the
bisphenol-A to leach into whatever food or liquid contained.
(originally posted - Oct. 14, 2012)
If I
tagged you in my last Note, please read this one, too! My daughter, Cindy
Linginfelter, has asked me to post my “Available Foods” list; and so, I shall.
But I wanted to touch on a few more points, before listing the foods I can
still enjoy.
Everything we eat…veggies, fruits, nuts, meat,
grains....has some level of phytoestrogens in them. Regardless of what we eat,
we get an abundance of it, every day; however, some plant foods can inhibit the
production of estrogen…hence, inhibiting an overload!
Also...as stated in the previous Note, any meat we consume that
came from a factory farm, will be loaded with hormones, which can cause an
imbalance in our systems. The best way to avoid that is by buying organic,
grass-fed meats (and milk from grass-fed animals). Granted, you’ll spend a bit more
at the grocery store…but it just might be worth saving your life!
My “Available Foods” is a small list that consists of foods that
inhibit estrogen, or are low in phytoestrogens. Enjoy!
Available Foods
Broccoli
Organic,
grass-fed meats
Berries
Milk (from
grass-fed animals)
Cabbage
White Rice
Cauliflower
Pineapples
Celery
Pears
Green Beans
Citrus
fruits
Kale
Mushrooms
Radishes
Buckwheat
Sweet Potatoes
Melons
Squashes
Millet
Tapioca
Radishes
Spinach
Nectarines
Lettuces
Onions
Figs, dried
Grapes
Raisins
Raspberries
(originally posted - Oct. 18, 2012)
Pardon
me, while I get a little excessive with my praise, here…
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! HALELUJAAAAAAAAH; THANK YOU FATHER GOD!!! YOU
ARE ALWAYS FAITHFUL, MY LORD AND KING!! I PRAISE
YOU’RE FAITHFULNESS…AND GIVE YOU THE GLORY, IN MY TRIUMPH!! YOU ARE
MAGNIFICENT, FATHER GOD!! YOU ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOUR WORD!!
(*ahem!*) Ok…now to explain my zealous display: I just got back
from Chemo, and an appointment with my Oncologist. He tells me that, after next
week’s Chemo treatment, I will only need more Chemo…IF I need more Chemo!! The pill I’m
taking (Tamoxifen) is all I’m going to need, as I rid my body of the rest of
the tumors; the three months of Chemo was just a kick-start toward getting rid
of the breast cancer. It’s going to be “hormone therapy” from here on out! I
should be on this pill for around 5 years.
I’m now allowed to begin taking a multi-vitamin, as well (after
Chemo is done)! And, he also explained to me that, although I will need
to start eating healthier after Chemo is done…I don’t have to avoid anything,
but soy!! He says, as long as I’m eating healthy
foods, I can have whatever I want (just nothing with soy in it).
So…here is a revised “Avoid This” list:
Anything that is boxed, bottled or canned (pre-packaged
convenience foods)
Tofu
Soymilk
Edemame
Roasted Soy Nuts
Miso
Soy/Teriyaki sauce
Veggie Burgers
Vegetable Oil (yes…this is actually soybean oil)
Tempeh
Seitan
Baked goods (time to re-learn how to bake!)
I know I’m forgetting something on this list…but I’m sure you
get the picture! Soy, although tooted as a “good for you” food, is not good for the body that’s prone to
estrogen overload/dominance.
And again…when choosing meats (beef, poultry, pork, etc), it’s a
good idea to look for “Free Range”, and “Grass-fed” on the labels.
Animals who are raised in factory farms are pumped full of hormones and other
things that are poisonous to our bodies! So when you drink milk, or eat eggs,
from animals that were raised “Free Range” (or Grass-fed”)…they won’t have been pumped full of hormones and
other poisons.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments. Have a wonderful day!! oxoxox
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)




