People who eat mostly polyunsaturated oils, especially margarine and shortening, have a greater risk of heart attack and cancer. A lot of people, based on popular opinion, decided some years ago that butter was an enemy. The reasoning is that since its high in animal fat, switching to using refined vegetable oils and margarine, free of cholesterol and saturated fat will save them from clogged arteries and heart attacks. Studies show otherwise: they show that margarine is poison. Read More
Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi) in Chinese Medicine
There are literally hundreds of natural substances used by professional Chinese Medicine herbal practitioners like myself. Unlike most “herbs”, you might have actually heard about and seen Goji berry, available now in the health food stores. It has a long history of use, and its also known to us as Matrimony Vine. In Mandarin Chinese its known as: “Gou Qi Zi” which translates roughly to thorny stalk seed. This herb is kind of a fad now, western people have recently have found out how good it can for you. Read More
Effective Cancer Treatment But Folks Aren’t Amused
Dr. Burzynski in Texas has for years now had a cancer treatment for the harshest cancers with amazing results, and no side-effects! So why haven’t you heard of this guy and his works? Well, he has a patent on the chemicals he uses, and the FDA decided years ago they will not let a private individual pass their tests, only huge corporations with megabucks. The video here goes into detail about this, and the efficacy of his treatments. Fascinating, crucial info! Read More
Avoiding Toxic Plastics
Toxic plastics are everywhere, poisoning us. From water bottles, to food containers and canned food, to baby products, they are everywhere! With the information I give you here, you can go a long way to avoiding the main offending plastic ingredients, especially BPA which is linked to diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, infertility and reproductive system problems.
Protein Powder Drinks Can Be A Health Hazard
Protein powders and protein drinks are readily available these days, either as standalone drinks or mixed. Advertised as something of a super food, they can actually be harmful instead. Aside from the digestive issues, Consumer Reports Magazine reports that of 15 protein drinks tested, they found some could expose users to potentially harmful levels of heavy metals! Read More
Dysmenorrhea and Diet
Healthy habits are key to prevention of pain and cramping at any point in the menstrual cycle. Regular light exercise, good diet, and a tempered emotional life are important but sometimes hard to maintain in the real world. In this article, I talk about how you can help dysmenorrhea, painful periods, with diet. Read More
What to Eat and Not Eat to Support Healthy Menstruation
A well balanced diet and adequate exercise can go a long way towards healthy menstrual periods. Dietary therapy for menstrual problems are a big part of my recommendations for cases of infertility, PMS, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea(no periods), irregular cycles, and menstrual hemorrhaging. This article is about baseline nutrition for prevention of menstrual problems.
Acupuncture helped Mariah Carey with Infertility
Nick Cannon and Wife Mariah Carey announced that the couple are finally pregnant after many nights of crying themselves to sleep because of infertility issues. Cannon told US Magazine that after trying IVF and progesterone, Mariah decided to try acupuncture – and it worked! Read More
Avoiding Toxic Ingredients in Personal Products, Part 2
In this second part in a series on toxins in common home products, I tell you about the organic personal & beauty products that make the cut, and the ones whose products contain toxins. Since the U.S. government doesn’t regulate cosmetics for safety, long-term health impacts, or environmental damage, common cosmetics ingredients are quite harmful. Buying organic brands guarantees nothing since labeling is not regulated. And as it turns out labels like natural, herbal, and organic are widely abused. Read More
Avoiding Toxic Ingredients in Beauty Products, part 1
There is no lack of toxic chemicals in our modern environment and unfortunately ‘beauty’ products top the list. Most at risk are females, especially people of color. A survey by the Environmental Working Group shows that most women use about 12 products, putting on about 126 harmful chemicals over the course of the day. In this first article in a series, I list some general advice and name the ingredients that you should watch out for.
Treat Constipation Naturally
Regular healthy urination and defecation are tremendously important to good health. Constipation can range from being a mild annoyance to a very serious issue. Treating it also can be as simple as just dietary changes, to requiring much more. In this article I’ll give you some crucial information around the whole subject of constipation, and what you can do to regulate bowel function naturally, so you don’t have to resort to pharmaceuticals or habit forming laxatives. Read More
Store-bought Chicken Unsafe
It has been well over ten years since news of harmful bacteria in store bought chicken became mainstream knowledge. Earlier this year I wrote an article pointing out that Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria from chicken and other foods infect 3.4 million Americans, send 25500 to hospitals, and kill about 500; this information was from an early 2010 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. Read More
Carnaval Explosion
Every year Carnaval vibes take over the imagination and hearts of millions in the Carribean and abroad. The celebration varies in flavor and intensity, probably the most lavish are the Brazilian and Trinidadi version. These are big parades with lots of groups of dressed up performers doing choreographed music and dance. Its a lot of fun! We have our own Carnaval celebration here in San Francisco around mid-May each year. Read More
Identifying Common Hazardous Plastic Containers
Many chemical additives in plastics have negative health effects on humans and the environment. In general, the endocrine system is disrupted, which can lead to immune system problems, cancers, birth defects, and developmental problems in children. Specifically Lead, cadmium, and mercury are directly toxic, and Diethyl Hexylphosphate (DEHP) is a known carcinogen. How can you and the ones you love avoid hazardous plastics? One thing you should know is how to identify the known hazardous plastics. Read More
Kung-Fu Documentary Provides A Rare Glimpse Of Elders
I hadn’t heard about this movie until Hulu all of a sudden decided to showcase it. I thought it was new but it looks like it came out in 2008. Anyhow, this kung-fu documentary provides accounts of what happened to martial artists who, for political reasons, had to flee China and struggle to survive, and somehow keep their art alive in the ensuing decades. I really enjoyed watching it!
Here is the name of the gong-fu/kung-fu documentary and brief description: Read More
Household Non-Toxic Pest Control
I’ve never been a fan of insects or insecticides in the house. Still, I’m content dealing with the occasional spider in the bathroom, but I never want to deal with pesticides ever again – I know too much about what they can do!!! Sometimes though, when you’re over-run by an ant army taking over your kitchen, or the whole house is being taken over by fleas, its temping to reach for some poison. Don’t do it! In this article I’ll share non-toxic pest control secrets. Read More
Side Effects of the Most Common OTC Medications
In my Why Read Medication Labels article, I told you about the prevalent misuse of over the counter (OTC) medications. Here I spell out some of the most common interactions and possible side effects from OTC drugs. Read More
How to Dispose of Old Electronics
Don’t just throw away your old amber computer monitor or ancient brick cell phone. I’ll tell you about eco-friendly resources for disposing of old electronics such as computers, mobile phones, the VCR, and so on. Turns out many retailers will take old electronics, and your local Goodwill is a great resource. Read More
Why Read Medication Labels?
Accidental death from drugs, even when correctly administered, is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.! The majority of over-the-counter drugs have been required to carry a “Drug Facts” label since 2002, but most people are not reading them. You’ll be surprised how badly even OTC drugs are being misused. Read More
Western Astrological Planetary Associations
In so-called Western astrology, your “sign” usually refers to what is technically your Sun sign. What does that mean? Your Sun sign is your most basic astrological trait. It very generally defines your motivations, ego, needs and approach to life. But its only the start of the your story. Understanding the other influences, especially the “planets,” helps to refine the general picture that just the Sun sign gives.At the moment of your birth, the planets were in a unique position that don’t often repeat. This pattern of the stars is like a signature that reflects certain cosmic influences on your life. Each planet is associated with different aspects of the human condition listed below. I’ve boldfaced the one word that is a key association. Read More