Getting Wild Foods Into The Diet The Easy Way

Several years ago I was waiting in the office of my dermatologist having a routine visit after he had discovered (as well as taken out) a skin cancer from my face. This was one among several 5-year twice a month visits where tests and checks would be done to be sure that there was no reoccurrence of the melanoma.

I recall him walking in and probably seeing some worry over my face as I was anticipating the test results. He informed me instantly that the results were good (like always). He suggested, like every other visit, to make an effort to prevent from getting burnt by the sun, which will in turn make getting melanoma much less likely. He additionally repeated that although melanoma is the most fatal cancer, it is additionally the most curable, if caught soon enough, so make sure to not miss any visits.

Always being conscious that food plays a part in health, and being aware that this particular doctor was "health conscious" as he was a vegetarian and arrived to work on a bike often, on this particular visit I decided to ask about food. Although I basically ate "whatever" at that time, I asked "isn't what we eat a huge factor in our health as well as our ability to fight disease?". His reply was along the lines of "you don't eat processed foods and you eat lots of greens, so what else could you do".

I believe that was his way of suggesting a whole foods diet. As I dove right in educating myself regarding nutrition, whole foods, all the completely different diets, it ultimately led me to the concept of vegetarianism, as well as veganism. I figured that those diet programs equated to health however that's not necessarily the case, therefore I continued with my research to discover how to be the most healthy.

When I discovered raw food, I felt that was the solution. I felt consuming a raw, organic, vegan diet was the perfect way to eat. I'm not as convinced anymore that the "normal" raw food diet is "it" though after digging a little deeper. I listened to loads of interviews with Daniel Vitalis in regards to "wild foods", and it really made a lot of sense. He discusses how wild foods are more powerful and that they might tap a root through several layers of concrete just to survive. Also, they usually have medicinal characteristics that could help to "tonify" our organs.

He has said that lots of what we consume, or a lot of what raw foodies and vegans consume is what he calls domesticated foods, foods that were altered over the decades to become new versions of old foods. I believe he stated that the domesticated banana, being totally different from its' wild bretheran, is likened to the distinction between a chihuahua and a wolf.

Now, what's the first step to "going wild"? It's not always simple for people to walk through the forest, find wild health food and make tinctures, salads, teas, etc, however there is something that we could do. "Bitters" are found in food stores, and these could be the closest to "wild" foods that are available "domestically".

Some of the typical "wild-ish" greens that I personally incorporate in my food regime are: dandelion greens, arugula, water cress, collard greens and sometimes endive. Spinach and kale may be eligible as bitters nevertheless we're already including those in our green smoothies aren't we? :)

Milk Free Probiotic Beverage - Making Water Kefir At Home

I've recently began checking into non-dairy sources of probiotics (the beneficial bacteria), and my findings led me to "water kefir". If you are familiar with milk kefir grains in any way, these grains are quite similar, except you would soak them in water rather than a dairy product.

To get going, I got all the supplies together which includes, a 2L glass jar, some raw healthy sugar, some spring water, and of course, water kefir grains. They are accessible on Amazon however I found mine on eBay. If you are unable to locate the grains on these 2 online stores, try looking for 'tibicos' instead which is a name they are commonly referred to as. They took around a week to get here and at that time I wasn't ready to use them so I kept them in the fridge in a sugar solution. They are able to keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator in sugar water. They probably won't reproduce in the fridge, but they should thrive. If you require extra time than that you just have to replace the sugar-water solution.

Once I was all set to produce some water kefir I got out a basic recipe and started brewing. It's ideal to keep the grains separate in a cloth bag that will let the sugar solution to penetrate but not allow it to mix with the other "substances" (because it's just hard to separate them later).

Regarding water, you can boil tap water to eliminate the chlorine (then let cool all the way), or purchase (or obtain) some mineral or spring water. Fill the 2L glass jar 3/4 of the way and add nearly 1/2 a cup of sugar. Additionally, add 1 cup of grains to the cloth (or muslin) bag and be prepared for them to increase in numbers so leave them some space!

You may add a tea-spoon of blackstrap molasses for extra vitamins and minerals for the grains to feed on. Also, adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda is usually suggested. This can help avoid a film from being formed on the surface of the water, as well as help enhance the grain growth.

Now, you can use any extra flavors by way of berries, apple and/or lemon slices, a fig or two, some raisins, ginger, etc.

Cover the jar loosely, and let it rest in a dark place (cover with a dish towel if necessary) to ferment and brew your water kefir. Stirring every 12-24 hours is beneficial. Avoid allowing anything metal to come in contact with the grains or the water (during or after the brewing process) as it can damage the beneficial bacteria. Let it sit for 2-3 days, checking the taste once or twice a day. If it's too sweet, let it sit longer, and if it has a vinegary taste it may have sat too long.

Fill the rest of the jar with some 100% fruit juice if desired. The kefir water may be saved in the fridge for a few days to a week.

Enjoy :)

Raw Contest And Giveaway #1 - $200+ In Prizes!

I just wanted to share with you a "raw" contest going on over at RawFoodHealthWatch.com. There are some amazing prizes and it's really easy to enter. I hope that you participate!

Comprehensive Info On Just What To Expect To Happen During A Colonic Session

The following information is for education only and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. It is valuable to seek the advice of an alternative health care professional before making any changes. The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA (or your country's equivalent). Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Info shared from my colon hydrotherapist during a recent interview... I asked here "What can someone expect during a colonic?"

A lot of individuals may feel that a colonic is an invasive process that is painful. But for those that have had a colonic before are pleasantly shocked how comfortable the procedure could be. It can be a valuable health tool to be performed together with a 30 day or even as little as a 3 day detox diet.

After finishing a health history form and a consultation with the colon therapist, the individual is asked to change into a gown or even wrap in a towel and lie face up on top of a treatment table. A massage of the belly area is carried out before the therapy session to loosen up any stagnant waste and assist the patient to relax. As soon as the massage is finished which lasts just a couple of moments, the client turns on their left side where the colon therapist places a disposable speculum inside the anus which is nearly the size of an adult's thumb.

The gravity fed pressure helps the water to circulate throughout the whole 5-6 feet of the colon, and it also creates a pressure that is like a vacuum which pulls and draws the waste matter out. Gravity fed colonics are suggested since it is the safest and more effective way of cleaning the colon. It operates with the natural flow of the body, and reduces the possibility of any issues.

The best type of system is the closed system which makes certain that all the waste matter will drain through a closed drainage which also means that the client and the therapist do not smell the feces, so this is also sanitary and much more pleasant.

The client typically feels a small amount of discomfort in the abdomen during part of the therapy as waste as well as gas is being mixed up and pulled out. The colon therapist may employ light massage to the client's abdominal area to assist the process. Cramping is a standard part of the process and once you start to break up stagnant toxic waste, the bowels will do its job to get rid of it. In particular, when performing colon therapy sessions along with a raw food cleanse, much more waste will become present to be expelled.

Additionally, various patients will say the only thing that is uncomfortable about the colon therapy process is merely feeling the urge to push or get to the toilet. It is a "strange" feeling for lack of a better word, nevertheless it is one that you do get accustomed to. Keep in mind that you will be expelling waste while laying over a treatment table, rather than the standard toilet, so it's expected to feel a bit strange initially.

A lot of times while doing a colonic one may encounter 'hot flashes' or start to sweat, or even get goose bumps. This happens because the circulatory system is being stimulated and because the blood is evacuating waste.

A standard session will make use of 15-20 gallons of water and may last anywhere from 35 minutes to a hour. Following the session, the therapist leaves the room, and the client may sit on a toilet to eliminate any residual water and waste.

Various patients will feel lighter, have more energy, feel cleaner as well as less bloated immediately after a session, and they could resume right back to their regular routine. Some may experience a headache or even feel tired and this is because a lot of toxic materials were mixed up. Years of build up doesn't get eliminated in just one session so to receive a more thorough cleaning of the intestines it is recommended to do a minimum of 5-10 sessions and continue on with a raw food detox.

Are There Any Adverse Effects To Consuming Chia?

The following information is for education only and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. It is valuable to seek the advice of an alternative health care professional before making any changes. The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA (or your country's equivalent). Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The "running superfood" or "stamina food" like it is in many cases referenced as, chia seeds are the very same seeds which are used to "grow hair" on the famous chia pet. Often, the very first time an individual even hears the word "chia", sadly it is about the chia pet. almost nothing is known of the health and healing benefits of the chia seed.

Chia is reported to: supply double the amino acids of many other seeds and grains, provide 3 times the antioxidant concentrations of blueberries, be a rich source of bone building calcium and provide the mineral boron... which assists with the absorption and usage of calcium, offer 3 times the iron contained in spinach, and offer twice more potassium than a banana. More commonly understood about the chia seed is that it is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (the 'healthy' fats).

Moreover, including chia seeds into the daily diet has shown to increase the nutritional assimilation of all foods, not to mention vitamin supplements. Chia has been used as an aid for reflux disease, ulcers, gastritis as well as irritable bowel syndrome.

Potential Chia Seeds Side Effects

Though it is sometimes encouraged to consume these seeds because of the wide array of health benefits that have been recognized, there is still not a great deal known to arrive at a conclusion whether any noted side effects are consistent enough to be reason for major concern.

Some of the adverse effects noted in independent studies:

It has been cautioned that it is a possibility, that too many chia seeds can lower blood pressure in the elderly.

Chia also provides you a significant supply of B vitamins, consequently it is important to be watchful if you are supplementing with any B supplements.

A few individuals have observed a slight increase in gas when eating a handful of the seeds. The high fiber content could easily be accountable for this situation.

It has been noticed that those individuals that have allergic reactions when it comes to mustard seeds have generally noticed a reaction when eating chia.

Being a significant source of Omega 3's which have the ability to thin the blood, some nutritionists suggest that those who are using blood thinners, hemophiliacs, those planning a surgery, and those on an aspirin treatment might be best not eating chia seeds.

Coming a member of the the 'Salvia' family, some specialists suggest not consuming chia day after day since it may have addictive effects when consuming it consistently in sizeable batches.

The side effects of chia seeds and pregnancy have not been tested significantly, so it's suggested not to eat chia while pregnant or lactating to be on the safe side.

Sticking to the following doses ought to help you steer clear of any of the possible unfavorable aspects of eating these seeds.

For men and women, consuming two tablespoons of ground up or soaked chia every day for three weeks out of each month is likely a safe dose, 1/2 that for little children. To aid in heart health, perhaps even doubling the recommended adult dose could be helpful.

Nevertheless, just like with any dietary adjustment, it is always best to obtain the guidance of a health professional prior to committing to any changes :)