To Mammogram or Not Mammogram?

So that is the question, and a good question! Every way you spin it, the answer needs to come from you. Having been through the "breast cancer life" many years ago with mammograms, surgery, chemo, radiation, pharm. treatments, and emotional turmoil....knowing what I know today now that I am "spit out" at the other end of our western standard treatments, my personal choice is no mammogram.

WHAT? How irresponsible of me? Perhaps from the opinion of most. However, I choose to stay away from the heavy doses of radiation. Here is an idea for you as an alternative, thermography. Take a look at the link to learn more and find a provider in your area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermography

The bottom line is you need to do your own research, stand up straight and make the educated decision for yourself. Not from a point of fear or the pressured opinions of the "collective".

I received a newsletter from Dr Ben Kim regarding mammograms which prompted me to jump on line and provide the link to my "peeps" so you can educate yourself. I am on board with Dr Kim's opinion, here is a link to his article. http://drbenkim.com/articles-mammograms.html

Here is a segment from the article regarding one woman's choice to pass chemo treatments...this segment will anchor what I am about to add:

Perhaps you'll learn to experience the power and freedom that come with forgetting about many of the screening measures out there and instead, using your time and energy to prepare more nutritious meals, get more rest, work on worthwhile projects, and spend meaningful and fun times with family and friends.
Getting back to our family friend with breast cancer, she spent an entire year following her surgery eating a nutrient-dense, mainly raw, plant-based diet. She made and drank fresh vegetable juices every day. She took a high quality probiotic on a daily basis. I did acupuncture treatments for her on a regular basis to strengthen her immune system. About six months following her surgery, she added raw, organic eggs to her diet three times a week. One year following her surgery, she added wild fish and cod liver oil to her diet. She made sure that she got plenty of fresh air and sunshine whenever she could. She took time off of work and spent time every day praying and reading inspirational books. Through it all, we continuously worked at making sure that her tissues were not faced with excess estrogen and estrogen-like compounds.
It has been three years now since her initial diagnosis of breast cancer, and I'm grateful to report that even her medical doctor declares her to be free of cancer.

I choose to do chemotherapy, radiation and drug therapy. Today, now that I understand there are many factors to the cause of cancer, and as I practice and teach natural law and wellness, I would choose a very different path.

Yes causes of cancer can be genetics, but environmental toxins, toxins in your diet, emotional constriction, a diet of dead processed foods in a box, genetically modified foods and the list goes on...can the cause of cancer really be such a mystery? Perhaps consider slowly cleaning up your lifestyle. Eat whole organic plant based foods and if you eat meat, choose bison, grass fed, wild caught atlantic salmon. Start to juice, eat RAW organic foods that are full of enzymes and life! Detox a few times a year, do a parasite cleanse, a heavy metal cleanse and get some herbal assistance. Oh wow, now we are talking taking action here!

For some of you who are open and really want to dig in and move past the physical body and into your energetic anatomy, visit http://www.spirit-repair.com/ and open up your world! Just as complex as our physical body is, so too is your energetic body. This is where it all begins. It is fascinating so go ahead and take a peak. John Douglas who is "Spirit Repair' is from Australia. He travels to the states 3 times a year doing workshops all over the country. He will introduce you to a "you' perhaps you didn't even know existed!

Lastly, I would love to give you a resource for help in healing cancer according to natural law, or if you just want to step up your lifestyle according to Mother Nature, check out the Gerson Institute in southern California. They have DVD's, books, newsletters etc etc http://www.gerson.org/

The Gerson Therapy is a safe, natural treatment developed by Dr. Max Gerson in the 1920’s that uses organic foods, juicing, coffee enemas, detoxification and natural supplements to activate the body’s ability to heal itself. Over the past 60 years, thousands of people have used the Gerson Therapy to recover from so-called “incurable” diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

10 Foods for Women's Health

MOTHER NATURE

Perhaps you already know my passion is to add a drop to the ocean of efforts advocating a pure and natural lifestyle according to Mother Nature. Everyone has an angle to what is considered healthy. There are many nutritional regimes to follow; raw, vegan, macrobiotic and the list goes on. However, one thing I think we all can agree upon is that in the end, we need a variety of foods in our diet to be healthy. Somewhere in the silence of your heart, there is a truth in knowing there will be a price to pay for putting things in or on your body that you cannot pronouce, even if the FDA or an individual with many certifications and letters after their name says it is "safe".

Mother Nature knows best, not a man, woman or scientist. The most magnificient machine you will ever own is your body. Pure whole organic foods, free of pesticides, growth hormones, additives, preservatives, food colorings, genetically modified ingredients are simply the best raw materials for our bodies. Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, grass fed meats, wild caught salmon are terrific. Buy it whole. Preparing your meals at home with your children, with your love is powerful.

95% of what we find in the grocery store that is packaged contains some form of corn that has been genetically modified, which in the long run will genetically modify you.

Below is an article of a list of 10 foods that are targeted for women's health. I added another at the end. This is certainly not a complete list, but none the less, a good list to observe and see if your guidance prompts you to consider it.

1) Raw Cacao or Chocolate• Improves mood by increasing serotonin and other positive brain chemicals.• Contains magnesium -- good for heart health, insomnia, bone density, hormonal balance.• High in Vitamin C and electrolytes.• High in antioxidants -- slower aging, disease prevention.

2) Maca• Incredible hormone regulation from the top down -- works from pituitary gland.• Adrenal support for strong, steady energy.• Thyroid support for healthy metabolism.• Reproductive support -- Balances hormones and reduces hot flashes.• Libido support.• Rich in B Vitamins.

3) Flax Seed• Excellent raw materials for creation of health reproductive hormones.• Anti-inflammatory.• Good for healthy colon.• Lignans improve hormonal balance.• High "electron" food -- gives you energy and optimal cellular health.• Possible anti-cancer properties written about by Johanna Budwig.

4) Sprouts• Very nutrient dense.• High protein.• Good source of trace minerals.• Broccoli sprouts have anti-cancer properties.• Alkalinizing -- improves metabolism.• Satisfies nutritional needs -- reduces appetite.

5) Kombucha• Supports excellent digestive health.• Improves healthy gut bacteria that helps with production of serotonin, good mood hormone.• Rich in enzymes -- helps energize the entire body, all organs, hormones and neurotransmitters.• Rich in vitamin B-Complex.• Alkalinizing -- improves metabolism.• Has been used by some women as a part of a breast cancer treatment plan.

6) Goji Berries• Very high in antioxidants.• High in Vitamin C.• Complete protein containing all essential amino acids.• Contains factors for human growth hormone.• Rich in polysaccharide sugars for healthy immune system.

7) Coconut• Anti-bacterial.• Anti-fungal.• Anti-viral.• Healthy source of saturated fats.• Rich in electrolytes.• Alkalinizing -- improves metabolism.• Increases energy.

8) Marine Phytoplankton• Rich in chlorophyll.• Alkalinizing -- improves metabolism.• Cleansing.• Vegan source of EPA and DHA.• Many different carotenoids means strong antioxidant support.• Virtually all trace minerals in marine phytoplankton.• Great for balancing blood sugar.• Energy improvement.

I must chime in here...Green super foods are very important to our nutritional needs. WHY? These days our food sources are very depleted of minerals, not to mention the standard American diet is loaded with processed foods….we just don’t prepare our meals at home from fresh whole foods. That said, supplementing your diet with nutrient dense nutrition in green super foods is nothing but a bonus. In addition to Marine Phytoplankton, Crystal Manna, Spirulina, Berry Green from New Chapter or JUVO are all good choices. Just get some into your beautiful body!


9) Hemp Seed• Complete protein.• Omega 3 and Omega 6 present in healthy ratio.• Anti-inflammatory.• Raw materials for healthy hormones!• Contain chlorophyll for nourishment and cleansing.

10) Sea Vegetables• Thyroid health.• Breast health.• Weight loss.• Cancer protection.• High mineral content good for blood sugar, focus and creativity.

This article is from Sunfood.com by Dr Ariel Policano who is a leading naturopathic physician with a special focus on women's health, promoted through her Women Go Raw Health Tours. With over 15 years of experience using raw foods and superfoods to treat conditions that range from fatigue and menopause to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.

My additional two cents:

Balanced Omega Oils: I would also add the importance of a balanced omega oils for your skin and hormonal balancing. Natural salmon oil contains a balance of vital Omega 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9’s, often referred to as “good fats.” These good fats, which include two essential fatty acids the human body cannot produce on its own, serve to nourish brain, heart, eye, and kidney tissues. They have been shown to benefit cardiovascular, immune system, brain, and digestive health.

WHOLEMEGA from New Chapter is a pure and outstanding suggestion. Here is a link for more product information: http://www.newchapter.com/products/wholemega

LOVE

PRAY

DREAM

DANCE

LAUGH

LET GO

CHANGE

FORGIVE

BE STILL

HAVE FAITH

BE FEARLESS

SERVE OTHERS

LIVE WITH PASSION

THIS IS LIFE

JUST TRY

BREATH

LOVE

YOU

A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW DECADE

2010

I don't know about you, but on some level that I am at a loss for words, I welcome in the new decade with open arms. Each new year brings in a fresh start, but this year we have an added bonus of beginning a new decade. Now that we are just a couple years from 2012, we have an opportunity ahead of us to welcome change.

2012 is not an "end" in a destructive way, but rather a turning point to a time we all will gradually open to things our left brain cannot "prove" to be true, yet in our hearts we know it to be so. This is refreshing and it is happening to all of us now on some level. Think about it...things such as a belief in acupuncture, herbs, massage, energy work and even astrology are more widely accepted now compared to 10 years ago. We can only choose to be open to all possibilities, or be left standing in the dust as the world moves forward to "the impossible". I have come to learn being stubborn will hold you back :)

If you would like to consider doing something good for your body to kick off the new decade, I have a few suggestions for you that require minimal effort on your part, but could provide a grand pay off.

One: Drink tea
Two: Give your liver some love
Three: Try a little Slippery Elm Bark for a few weeks

TEA: When drinking tea, use 2 tea bags and steep for at least 10 minutes. Green tea is very powerful!!!! Studies show the rates of lung cancer in Asian countries are very low despite their bad smoking habits. The compounds in green tea clean the lungs...so drink up! Scroll down for more details, use the link below for more encouraging information, and of course buy organic tea when possible. Why drink pesticides when you are trying to do something good for yourself? http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm

LIVER: Give your liver a break and shower it with milk thistle or a good liver cleansing tonic. Your liver is like your body's "General" it directs all the energy or chi flowing through your body. If your liver is stagnate, blocked and toxic your life force energy will become stagnated or stuck. If this is the case you probably are experiencing such things as skin issues, allergies, fatigue, head aches etc. Your doctor most likely will NOT suggest you try a cleanse or take an herbal remedy for your liver. He/she will probably give you a drug of some sort to calm your symptoms after running a series of tests. Yep, we need western medicine when it cures. Your body is the most magnificent machine you will ever own. It will run smoothly and heal itself if you give it the raw materials it needs according to mother nature. It is a self healing machine. However, if you do not house clean at the very least once a year or mind what you put in it, your day will come when you have to take drastic measures to restore your health.

I love LIVER RESCUE from Health Force Nutritionals available on line or at Karyn's on Halsted. Take the therapeutic dosage for a week or so and then just use daily. Also at Karyn's is a line called Herbs of Light that has special tinctures to treat the liver and so much more. Straight up milk thistle is a good thing too. In Australia they sell milk thistle in 15,000 mg tablets....here in the US it is generally sold in 200mg tablets so don't be shy!

SLIPPERY ELM: Do you have stomach/intestinal issues? Consider drinking chamomile tea daily along with one heaping teaspoon of slippery elm bark dissolved in a little bit of water daily for 3 weeks. Slippery elm will coat, heal, and seal the stomach and intestinal track. This is KEY for those suffering from leaky gut, colitis, ulcers, irritable bowl, allergies etc etc!

Slippery Elm should be taken on an empty stomach. You can find it in the bulk section of whole foods in powder form. So simple and will benefit everyone! For more information on slippery
elm click here http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/benefits-of-slippery-elm.html

OK....hope this gives you something to nibble on to start off the new decade with something new! Add some tea to your daily routine....check out a liver tonic and do a regime of slippery elm bark for a few weeks!

Here is the skinny on tea!

TEA is the 2nd most consumed beverage in the world next to water. The four main types of teas are: green, black, oolong, and white. Flowers, fruits, and herbs can also be added into the tea. In Women's Health magazine it had a section on tea, claiming that "a recent study found that people who drink tea are biologically younger than their actual age by about 5 years." How does it do this? Antioxidants. One of the reasons we age is because of oxidation and free radicals.

A free radical is a “bully” atom to all the other atoms. It steals electrons from your healthy cells so it can become stable. This results in DNA damage or dysfunctional proteins. Antioxidants come to the rescue and give up their own elections to the free radicals. The antioxidants found in tea are called phenols. Four cups of tea provide:

129 mg potassium (important in the regulation of fluid balance as well as for the proper functioning of cells, including nerves and muscle)

1.1 mg manganese (essential for the development of enzymes, as well as being an important component for bone and cartilage)

76 mcg riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2; required to release energy from protein, carbohydrate and fat)

0.76 mg niacin (involved in the release of energy in tissues and cells)

Green tea
Studies have been done to show green tea may help with weight loss and prevent or slow:
Cancer (LUNG, bladder, colon, esophageal, stomach, and pancreas)
Heart disease
Arthritis
Liver disease
Tooth decay

Herbal tea
An infusion of anything from dried leaves, pieces of ripe fruit, flowers, grasses, nuts, barks, seeds or other botanicals that give the tea its flavor or health benefit. Examples:
Hibiscus - reduces high blood pressure and helps with menstrual cramps
Peppermint - calming and aids stomach and digestive problems
Chamomile - calming, anti-inflammatory and heals the stomach

Black tea
Naturally high in flavonoids which can
Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
Lower cholesterol
Reduce inflammations
Improve blood flow
Maintains sugar levels

Oolong tea
Contains more polyphenols than black and green tea (which help protect against health conditions and diseases)
Revs metabolism to promote weight loss
Improves skin appearance
A cup contains half the caffeine of a cup of coffee

White tea
Studies have shown that white tea may:
Boost immune systems
Prevent dental plaque buildup
Protect skin cell damage

Rooibos tea
Herbal red tea that has no caffeine
Many natural minerals and antioxidants
Contains aspalathin, a flavonoid, that protects against heart disease
Anti-inflammatory and calming properties
Aids in digestive problems, nausea, stomach cramps, and constipation