Shamrock Shakes! – Green No. 3 & More!

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Sarah

Millions of people flock to McDonalds every St. Patrick’s day for a Shamrock Shake. They are green, minty, festive, frosty and delicious. As this shake is so popular the franchise locations often run out of them. There are even web sites dedicated strictly to finding the elusive emerald green milk shake!

Where did the now famed Shamrock Shake come from? The first McDonald’s mint shake was made in 1975. According to the McDonald’s website, “it all began with a little girl, a football team, and a visionary doctor.” Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill’s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and began treatment. The Hills camped out on hospital benches and in waiting rooms and saw other families doing the same — families that traveled long distances and could not afford hotel rooms. So the Hills decided to do something about it.

The team rallied to raise funds. Jim Murray, the team’s general manager, called a friend from McDonald’s advertising and suggested they team up during the next promotional event, which was St. Patrick’s Day. The shake was perfect for the cause. It was green, like the Eagles’ uniforms. Enough funds were raised to buy a four-story house, which became the first Ronald McDonald House.

From 1975 on, a portion of each Shamrock Shake sold went to the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Ok, we all know they taste good. But are they good for you? Or even relatively healthy? Lets examine. A small 11.3oz Shamrock Shake has 416 calories of which 88.2 come from fat with 9.4g of protein. As for the actual ingredients McDonald’s lists these as whole milk, sucrose, cream, nonfat milk, corn syrup solids, mono and diglycerides, guar gum, imitation mint flavor, carrageenan, cellulose gum, and vitamin A palmitate. With the Shamrock shake there is additionally green No. 3 & Blue No. 1 food dyes.

Most of us read that and pretty much hear milk, blah blah blah, sugar, and tune out. But lets look at this. Green No. 3 known as Fast Green FCF is prohibited in the European Union and some other countries. It is the least used of the approved dyes here in the USA. Within green No. 3 the FDA states that it certain percentages of arsenic, mercury and lead permissible and expected as inclusions! This substance has been found to have a tumorigenic effect (capable of forming tumors) in animals as well as a mutagenic effect (physically changes the DNA ) in both animal and human studies. With Blue No. 1, though there have been no reported deaths due to general use, it has caused several reports of toxicity including death when used medically as an internal dye during testing spurring several lawsuits.

Lets go through these ingredients one at a time.
Whole milk – Check.
Sucrose – Sugar derived from sugar cane or beets.
Cream – check.
Non-fat milk – check.
Corn syrup solids – Through manufacturing 97% of the water is removed from the corn syrup leaving an even more sugary dehydrated version of the syrup.
Mono-and diglycerides – are common food additives used to blend other ingredients that normally will not mix (for example water and oil). They are break down products of fat and generally come from soy. Almost all soybeans now grown are a genetically modified food that poses its own set of health risks.
Guar gum – is a fiber from the seed of the guar plant. It is used as a laxative. In food however it is used as a thickening agent. There is some interest in guar gum as a possible weight loss agent as it gives a false sense of fullness.
Imitation mint flavor, ok so we know it’s not from a mint leaf… where does it come from? Wood by products and chemicals.
Carrageenan which comes from red algae is used as an emulsifier. There is some debate as to the nutrition and healthfulness of this additive, but so far the over all ruling is that it is safe.
Cellulose gum – is used as a stabilizer which keeps the liquids mixed together. It passes through the human digestive system with no effect. It is not in itself edible but not harmful either.
Vitamin A Palmitate– This is a synthetic version of vitamin A retinyl palmitate and is used because it is the only version of vitamin A which is stable in milk.

So essentially a good portion of this shake will not digest and just passes through you. So will marbles or coins. I don’t see you eating those. Another portion of it may actually be poisoning you. Sounds delicious! Why not try a healthier version this St. Patrick’s day? *We recommend leaving out the green food-coloring if you can, or using chlorophyll instead to eliminate the dangers present with green No. 3 and blue No. 1. *Chlorophyll will work for green beer as well!

Healthy Alternative – Shamrock Shake Recipe!

Servings: 2
2 cups all natural vanilla ice cream or 2 cups soy ice cream or rice ice cream
1-1/4 cups 2% low-fat milk, soy milk or rice milk
1/4 teaspoon real mint extract
8 drops Chlorophyll

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
Stop blender to stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend ice cream.
Pour into 12-ounce cups and serve each with a straw.

So while the Ronald McDonald house is a worthwhile and nobel charity, you may just want to donate and skip the shakes all together.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Sincerely,

HCBL

Refrences:

http://www.delish.com/food/recalls-reviews/shamrock-shakes-are-back-again

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Green_FCF

http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v16je12.htm

http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/database/e-numbers/159.mono_diglycerides.html

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-919-GUAR%20GUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=919&activeIngredientName=GUAR%20GUM

http://homecooking.about.com/od/specificfood/a/vanillaextract.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-carrageenan.htm

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=74.203

Posted in additives, cancer, digestion, FDA, food, Health, Soy Products | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Signs of a Stroke

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Sarah

How to recognize the signs of a stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happens, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs almost instantaneously.

Brain cells die off during a stroke. Because of this the abilities controlled by that particular area of the brain could be lost. These can include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.

For example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be paralyzed on one side or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. That is why it is incredibly important for all of us to be able to recognize the signs that someone is having a stroke so that we can act quickly in order to save not just their life itself, but their future quality of life.

So how do you know it’s a stroke? Use the F.A.S.T. Test:

F= Face Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop, like they have
Just been given Novocain at the dentist?
A= Arms Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downwards?
S= Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred,
Strange, or are they using the wrong words and seem frustrated?
T= Time If you see ANY of these signs, it’s best to call 911 ASAP.

Stroke symptoms include:
SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.

As soon as you recognize that the person needs help and may be having a stroke call 911 immediately. Do not hesitate or think you may be able to help them yourself. Every second counts. Brain cells are lost at a rate of 2 million cells every minute during a stroke increasing the risk of the damage being permanent.

Leading risk factors for stroke: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes and carotid artery disease.

Lifestyle risks: Smoking, being overweight, excess alcohol consumption, lack of exercise.

What does it feel like to have a stroke? While I thankfully have not personally had one, I have been there while much younger; at age 6 my mother, then only 41 experienced a mild stroke. I clearly remember her calling me for help. She seemed upset and panicked. She knew something was wrong, but not what. She kept trying to tell me to please call the ambulance, as this was prior to the days of 911. But her words were not coming out right no matter how hard she tried. What I remember her telling me was “Call the pumpkin, need harp.” She knew it didn’t sound right. I could tell by the look on her face. She tried to write it down. She was unable to write any more correctly than she was able to speak. It was confusing and terrifying. Thankfully I was a smart kid. And even more thankfully she was a smart mother. By our rotary dial telephone was a list of emergency numbers and I called the ambulance thankfully in time. There was no permanent damage done.
It is a very scary thing to go through as the stroke victim, but also as the person who happens to be there and is now suddenly thrown into the position of responsibility for the other person’s life.

It is important to note the time when symptoms first start. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for stroke.

If there is ANY doubt, it is always better to be safe, than sorry.

References:

http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=symp

http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/STROKE_101_Fact_Sheet.pdf?docID=4541

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stroke/DS00150/DSECTION=symptoms

Posted in Disease, Emergency Care, higher learning, Stroke | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Master Tonic – Cures what ailes you!

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Sarah

Master Tonic

Ingredients:

1 part fresh chopped garlic cloves (anti­bacterial, anti­fungal, anti­viral, anti-parasitical)

1 part fresh chopped white onions, or the hottest onions available (similar properties to garlic)

1 part fresh grated ginger root (increases circulation to the extremities)

1 part fresh grated horseradish root (increases blood flow to the head)

1 part fresh chopped Cayenne peppers, Jalapenos, Serranos, Habeneros, African bird peppers….any combination of the hottest peppers available

Preparation:

· Fill a glass jar 3/4 of the way full with equal parts of the above fresh chopped and grated herbs.

Then fill to the top with raw unfiltered, unbleached, non­distilled apple cider vinegar.

· Close and shake vigorously and then top off the vinegar if necessary. Begin this formula on the

NEW moon and strain and bottle on the FULL moon, (approximately 14 days). Filter the mixture through a clean piece of cotton, bottle and label.

· Make sure that when you are making this tonic that you shake it every time you walk by it, a minimum of once per day. Remember that all the herbs and vegetables should be fresh (and organic if possible), and to use dried herbs only in an emergency.

Usage:

Strain liquids from solids through muslin cloth or strainer into a 8oz. Glass. Note: the solid ingredients retain almost the same potency as the liquid ingredients; therefore, these solids can be puréed to use with other ingredients like honey and lemon to make a salad dressing or to marinate meats of all sorts. For example mixing to taste with Peanut oil makes a great sauce to roast chicken. This formula will not spoil unless mixed with new ingredients.

Dosage:

1/2 to 1 ounce, two or more times daily, gargle and swallow. Patients swear it is not only the cure for the common cold but every other disease of mankind.

Note:

Store your tincture in a dark place as light will deteriorate it. You can put the jar in a paper bag for the brewing and shaking process. “Tinctures last indefinitely, while herbs can lose potency within a year.

Also, tinctures enter your system in seconds, as compared with dry herbs in capsules which have to be digested first.” Advised Schultz.

This tonic is extremely powerful, because all the ingredients are fresh. Its power should not be underestimated. This formula is a modern day plague tonic and when added to an incurable routine I have seen it cure the most chronic conditions and stubborn diseases. It stimulates maximum blood circulation, while putting the best detoxifying herbs into the blood. This formula is not just for the sniffles, it has helped to turn around the deadliest diseases.

“…I designed this formula as a fresh herb alternative to Dr. Christopher’s plague formula, to be
more alive, a herbal juice tonic, and believe me, you don’t want to be without formulas like this
when you or your loved ones get ill; it will save your life. Make up plenty, it can’t go bad because
vinegar already is, and will last almost forever..,” writes Dr. Shultz.

Quoted from Sam Biser’s “The Last Chance Health Report” on Killer Viruses: A formula for stopping them when drugs fail

Posted in allergies, digestion, Disease, Emergency Care, Herbs, Home Remedies, Tips of The Week | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cosmetic Procedures & Your Health

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Sarah

In this day and age of modern medicine we have entered a new age where surgical procedures are no longer done just to alleviate medical or health related conditions but purely for the aesthetic value of it.

We as a society, want to appear younger, smoother, rounder, flatter, less wrinkled, thinner, more buff, you name it. If its possible to alter – chances are some of us want to do it.

Altering our appearances isn’t inexpensive nor is it a quick, easy or painless process. The human body, though pliable and amazingly resilient wasn’t made to be reshaped and moved around like Mr. Potato Head. Yet, we insist on doing it anyway.

When you go in for an initial consultation, you sit with your potential surgeon, technician or doctor and look at pictures and discuss options. It is exciting and feels a little like you are buying a new car. After all this is your shot. It’s your chance to make the outside of you reflect how you feel about yourself on the inside. You decide to go for it, plunk down your credit card, and away you go!

Perhaps I am particularly sensitive to things or more likely, for whatever reason, no one seems to tell the truth about exactly how intensive the recovery or even the procedure itself will be when having things done. Every time it has been “You may have slight discomfort” or “Don’t worry, you can go right back to work after”.

I can name several procedures I personally have had done, from minor to major, where what I had gotten myself into was not exactly as advertised.

A few years ago I had my teeth whitened with the Zoom whitening system. The dental technician said the same thing. “You wont feel a thing! You can go right back to work as soon as we are done!” Well? The whitening itself was fine. But as soon as I stood up to take a drink of water it felt like tiny daggers in my face and no amount of painkiller helped! Were my teeth white? Yes. They were sparkling white and the results were fantastic. It did however; take 24 hours before I felt normal again.

Recently I had permanent eyeliner done. I watched the testimonials online and all of the happy smiling clients. Their testimonials ranged from “it was totally painless!” to one woman who claimed “I even fell asleep while they were doing my eyeliner.” Let me tell you the truth of the matter. They make it sound in the advertisements that it’s makeup. Its not make up. It is in fact a tattoo gun, just a smaller scale than the standard. The application itself was reminiscent of Clockwork Orange. It took nearly an hour to accomplish the top lash line only. The next two days my eyes were so swollen and teary I looked as if someone has punched me directly in both eyes. I was very happy I happened to have the time off, as I could not go out in public. Once healed, am I happy with the results? Not particularly. my two lines are not even. What they do not tell you before hand is that you will need two sessions 6 weeks apart to get full results. After the first experience I personally am choosing not to return for a second round. This is not a cosmetic procedure for the faint of heart. If you can handle it, the results can look amazing.

One of the easier procedures was laser skin resurfacing. It encourages your skin to produce collagen and sloughs off the top layer while closing any broken blood vessels. It feels on the lowest level like a warm stick of lit incense being waved close to your skin. You feel the heat, but there is no pain. When turned up to a higher level, it’s like snapping a rubber band repeatedly at your face. Not pleasant, but not torturous either. And the results were lovely.

A personal favorite of mine was Lipodissolve. Lipodissolve is an incredibly painful series of hundreds of injections over a several week period of time. Once again I was told, “You may have a little swelling.” This was not a little swelling. Within 20 minutes of the series of injections I looked a good 6 months pregnant. I went through the entire series of 5 courses of shots. The results, once the swelling went down, were barely noticeable and certainly not worth the pain or money spent.

A couple years later I decided to go for it and actually have liposuction done. As I was only going to do this once, I really went for it doing upper and lower abdominals, hips, flanks, and lower back. This was the most expensive of the procedures I have undergone, but also the most worth it. The results were fantastic but once again, not exactly truth in advertising. I had been told I would be up and around and able to return to work within a month or so. Untrue. Within a month yes, I was up and around and walking, but there would have been no possibility of a successful return to work anywhere in the first 3 months and I did not regain full complete feeling for a year and full visual results at a year and a half.

Here is a new and novel idea. How about telling people the facts and trusting them to make up their own minds if indeed they are willing to go through these procedures and if the outcome, for them, is worth the time, money and recovery. How about a little truth? Are they afraid we “can’t handle the truth?” I distinctly remember getting stitches in my knee when I was 4-1/2 right before kindergarten and the nurse said to me “Don’t worry honey, it wont hurt.” then promptly jammed a needle into my knee. Of course it hurt! I punched her in the eye. She looked at my mom and said, “Control your child!” My mother replied calmly “It’s your own fault. You shouldn’t have told her it wouldn’t hurt”.
Which is my point exactly.

So, after all of this poking, prodding, bleaching, sucking, stitching and paying… how do I feel? How do I look? Was it all worth it? All in all yes. I feel it was worth it. My teeth are white, my body is a new and improved shape, my skin is smooth, and my eyeliner doesn’t smudge. I do however feel that in some ways I was deceived in order to make a sale.

Do your homework before having any type of non-medically necessary cosmetic procedure done. Don’t take the word of testimonials on the sites that are attempting to sell you. Search and find blogs, and message boards – its only here you will get the real scoop.

Proper nutrition and vitamin supplementation can also speed your healing time in all of these cases so make sure your immune system is at its best before undergoing any surgery.

Visit http://www.hcbl.com/ to learn more today!

Posted in Beauty, Emotional Well Being, Skin care, Tips of The Week, Weight Loss | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fukushima, Chernobyl, and TSA – Radiation Exposure

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Sarah

In this modern world our bodies are exposed daily to ionizing radiation. It comes in varying amounts, from many sources and when at high enough levels, causes damage at the DNA structure level – breaking us down at our very core. Radiation causes cells in the human body to genetically mutate and sometimes become cancerous attacking your healthy cells and making you sick.

There are many sources of radiation exposure, natural as well as man made. For example, people are exposed to varying amounts of radiation from sunlight, food, water, air, airline travel, some medical procedures, computers, and unfortunately nuclear weapons test fallout and power plant melt downs. Obviously not all are equally as dangerous. Let us help you sort out the safe from the harmful as well as what you can do to protect yourself.

In every day life we are exposed to radiation in smaller doses. Microwaves, Televisions, computers, electrical wiring and so forth, these are difficult to avoid. Tanning beds are another culprit, exposing you to UV radiation, which has been found to cause skin cancer. But the bigger concerns and the main sources of radiation received these days are from certain medical procedures such as mammograms, x-rays, CT Scans, MRI’s and so on as well as travel – airports and airplanes are known for elevated levels of radiation received. As well as of the recent melt down at Fukushima. Between the reactor break down and the invention of the new Airport Body Scanner, our exposure level has been raised, in some cases, to life threatening proportions.

Lets see if we can make this a little simpler to understand the radiation doses you receive from different sources.
The unit for 1 absorbed dose of ionizing radiation is called a “Sievert” (Sv). One Sievert all at once will make you sick, and too many more may kill you.
We absorb very tiny fractions of this daily, relatively safely. Cumulative long-term exposure causes damage that contributes to cancer. (uSv’s) are the smallest 10,000th of a Sievert and a (mSv) is a milli-sievert (1,000th of a seivert). Now that you have the unit of measure, lets give you a few examples of just what we are being exposed to:

LEVELS:
EPA yearly limit on radiation exposure to a single member of the public (1,000 uSv or 1mSv)
Acceptable dose for emergency workers protecting valuable property (100 mSv)
Acceptable dose for emergency workers in lifesaving operations (250 mSv)
Lowest 1 year does clearly linked to cancer (100 mSv)
Severe radiation poisoning (2000 mSv = 2 Sv)
Usually fatal dose. Occasional possible recovery with treatment (4 Sv)
Fatal Dose no matter what treatment (8 Sv)

RADIATION SOURCES:
Eating a banana (0.1 uSv)
Living within 50 miles of a power plant for a year (0.3 uSv)
One Chest X-Ray (20 uSv)
Average dose living in a stone, brick or concrete building for a year (70 uSv)
One Mammogram (400 uSv)
One Head (CT Scan) (2 mSv)
Dose from spending 1 hour at Chernobyl plant (6mSv)
Chest Scan (7mSv)
Radiation level at Fukushima power plant (As of October, 2011) 4.7 Sv/hour. That is a usually fatal dose, just from one hour of direct exposure.

For more examples visit the chart at http://xkcd.com/radiation/

As far as the Body Scanners go TSA and Rapiscan say the radiation exposure is equal to what passengers get in a plane for two minutes at 30,000 feet. There seems to be tremendous debate over the safety, level and out put of radiation of these machines. In fact in doing research for this article I could not find two scholarly web sites that agreed on what the out put level was for the Body Scanners, therefore I have not included it. TSA workers have reported incidences of cancer in clusters in regard to TSA workers who are near these machines on a daily basis. These clusters have been reported to upper level TSA authorities, but by all outward appearances have been simply dismissed. Recently Europe has banned use of the body scanners until further testing can be done to ensure that there is indeed, as claimed, no cancer risk. One cant help but wonder why the USA isn’t following suit.

Scientists, including a group of researchers at the University of California in San Francisco, have raised red flags and have questioned the quality of the safety guidelines TSA followed. Those guidelines were established by the American National Standards Institute which is an organization whose members include the very companies that make the machines and the government agencies promoting them.

They have admitted that the risks of radiation emission on children and adolescents does not appear to have been fully evaluated. Along with this a policy towards pregnant women has also not been yet defined.

So what do you do? How do you combat all this radiation you are potentially absorbing?
Well? First of all the Body Scanners at the airports, despite all outward appearances, are still optional. Just simply say to the TSA staff member “I choose to Opt-out”. They will then do a pat down instead.

Antioxidants have been shown to help combat the cellular level damage of daily radiation exposure even when in extremely high doses like those given in chemotherapy. According to the American Association for Cancer Research Centennial Conference on Translational Cancer Medicine use of Inositol and IP6 could decrease the severity of side effects during radiation therapy saving the healthy cells. Both Inositol and IP6 are related to the B Vitamins, they are not considered by the FDA to be recommended daily nutrients. Science also suggests that antioxidants taken orally before medical imaging helps to actually prevent the damage from occurring in the first place.

In short, taking precautionary antioxidants and proper vitamins will help to protect you on a daily basis. Also taking liquid iodine as a supplement has been shown to assist in protection of the thyroid from radiation. Limit the number of X-rays, and CT scans and MRI’s that you under go as much as you can, and when traveling, opt for the pat down rather than submitting yourself to a blast of extra radiation from the Body scanners. We also highly recommend not traveling to visit the beautiful cities of Fukushima or Chernobyl any time soon!

Posted in cancer, Disease, Emergency Care, gastrointestinal, Health Center for Better Living Products, Herbs, Home Remedies, radiation, Tips of The Week | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Memory Enhancing Drugs vs Vitamins

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Sarah

Memory and performance enhancement can now be yours through use of “smart drugs”! Yes folks, you heard correctly. You can be you, only better just take this pill. Or, at least that’s how these new legal designer drugs are being advertised to students, athletes and professionals alike.

Nootropic is the classification they have come up with for this new area of the pharmaceutical market. The word is derived from the Greek word nous, or “mind,” and trepein meaning “to bend/turn”. Nootropics are thought to work by altering the availability of the brain’s supply of neurochemicals (neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones) and by improving the brain’s oxygen supply stimulating nerve growth. It is the hot topic these days, and certainly does not look like these drugs are going away any time soon.

Brains boosting supplements and vitamins have been around for centuries. You have likely heard of fish referred to as “brain food” before, and there is science behind that. Omega-3 is well known for its ability to improve cognitive function when taken on a regular basis. It has shown much promise in combating even Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Ginkgo Biloba (An antioxidant that supports healthy blood and oxygen flow to the brain, helping to improve brain function. Supports memory and circulation.)
Gota Kola (Supports the central nervous & circulatory systems supplying mental clarity)
DHEA (Supports the immune system, reduces stress levels, and makes you feel happier and more focused)
Pine Bark Extract (Powerful antioxidant 3x stronger than in Vitamin E and Vitamin C)
Coral Calcium (keeps muscles, nerves and blood working properly, promotes healing and strong bones)
Choline & Inositol (This combination helps prevent high cholesterol, promotes mood, better memory, mental clarity and concentration, energizes your body and mind)
DMAE (Shown to be helpful in improving memory and learning ability, mood stabilization, enhances mental alertness, as well as promoting healthy skin)

All have shown to benefit not only memory but enhance mood as well. All are safe and natural, but what about these newly coined “smart drugs”?

As tempting as popping a pill and becoming instantly smarter sounds, with movies like Limitless being released, where the lead character takes a new designer drug that looks similar to a shiny contact lens and within moments goes from the unfocused, uninspired, unable to concentrate looser writer wanna be to the super charismatic, memory enhanced, ultra focused, energetically organized, money making, dream version of himself that he has always wanted to be. This is not the reality of it.

Even in Limitless, there was a price to pay, consequences and serious side effects. By ingesting these largely untested drugs the waters we are delving into are dangerous. After all we are tampering with our very control center. The long-term results so far are not completely tested or known.

Here at HCBL we strongly feel that before taking any drug its important to do your own research. We always recommend that the natural way is always the better choice.

http://www.hcbl.com/

Articles:

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_52/b4114084625148.htm

http://www.nootropics.com/

http://www.doitnow.org/pages/186.html

Posted in ADD, anxiety, depression, Emotional Well Being, FDA, Health Center for Better Living Products, Herbs, higher learning, Mental Health, smart drugs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tips for an easier delivery & How to prepare an all natural formula!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Sarah


TIPS FOR AN EASIER DELIVERY:

Childbirth is one of the most stressful things the human body can go through. By nourishing it with the right supplements and food beforehand you can lessen the impact and pain felt during and after labor itself. Take note ladies! You will want to grab a pen and paper!

*Calcium decreases sensitivity to pain. (Taken with fat and Vitamin D to insure absorption – e.g.: Calcium tablets taken with a glass of whole milk) Take between the time labor starts and arrival at the hospital.

*Vitamin E: Gives greater muscular strength and assists in providing easier shorter deliveries. It also decreases the need for oxygen and the newborn stands a better chance at total health. Additionally a generous intake of vitamin E shortly before your delivery tremendously increases the elasticity and expandability of the vaginal tissues. (Vitamin C is also beneficial)

*Zinc: 15 mg. or more per day 1-2 weeks before delivery, cover underarms with zinc oxide each night – it is absorbed through the skin.

*Panothenic acid: The body’s requirement for panothenic acid skyrockets just before giving birth. It is recommended to consume fruits and vegetables daily also supply potassium to prevent edema.

*Vitamin K: (Yogurt and a cooked leafy green vegetable daily are essential to prevent hemorrhaging in a new baby.)

A hearty snack of whole milk, bread, cheese, and a fruit at the beginning of labor could prevent your baby’s blood sugar from dropping dangerously low.

Red raspberry leaves (tea) drunk at least during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy and or Comfrey tea – both are helpful after birth for healing.

Pack your daily supplements and take them with you to the hospital. Some doctors may say you don’t need them, but when your body is under stress it needs more nutrients. Bearing a child is probably the most stressful condition a body can go through. So make sure to keep taking your supplements.

*When nursing, drink at least 8-10 glasses of water (more important than milk or juice) per day.

PREPARING AN ALL NATURAL FORMULA:

To prepare a wonderful healthy all natural formula combine the following:

- 1 Quart of one of the following: medically certified raw milk, yogurt made from whole milk, acidophilus milk, cultured butter milk mixed with 1/4 cup light cream, pasteurized whole milk, or 1 quart of soy milk.

- 2/3 cup or 6 oz. boiled water.

- 3 tablespoons of milk sugar or lactose, increase gradually to 5 tablespoons.

- 1/2 shell of a boiled egg, thoroughly crushed to a powder and blended with a little milk or 2 tsp. calcium gluconate or lactate or 2 tbsp. calcium carbonate.

- 1 pinch of magnesium oxide or epsom salts. If stools remain formed or child is constipated gradually increase up to 1/4 tsp.

- 1/4 tsp. Vitamin C solution.

- 1/4 tsp. yeast

- 1/4 tsp. trace minerals (free from iron)

- 1/2 tsp. cold pressed safflower oil. (optional)

- 1/4 tbsp. lecithin (add if the oil is used)

In case the formula is not made of yogurt or acidophilus, add: 1 yogurt tablet, 1/2 tsp. acidophilus culture, or 1-4 tbsp. unsweetened yogurt or acidophilus milk. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or blender. Stir well and fill bottles immediately, or keep in the refrigerator as needed.

Special Evening bottle: Since fat stays in the stomach longer than does any other food, 2 tsp. of cream or 1 tsp. of vegetable oil and lecithin might be put into this bottle. Since proteins have a high satiety value, an egg yolk or a little undiluted yogurt or evaporated milk and or 1-2 tsp. of yeast might be added.


*HOT TIP*: Save thousands in future dental bills – The NUK nipple (natural shape) is recommended by many dentists to assure proper mouth formation and straight teeth!

Posted in Babies, baby, Emergency Care, Health Center for Better Living Products, Home Remedies, pregnancy, teeth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Fluoride

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Sarah

Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride in order to prevent tooth decay. The idea being that fluoridated water operates on tooth surfaces: in the mouth creates low levels of fluoride in saliva, which reduces the rate at which tooth enamel de-mineralizes and increases the rate at which it re-mineralizes in the early stages of cavities. Hence, giving people fewer cavities over all and your teeth longevity. Sounds good right? Of course, up till recently most of us thought it did.

But what IS fluoride? Fluoride is a salt of hydrofluoric acid compound containing fluorine, as methyl fluoride, CH 3 F. Ok, for most of us that definition did not help. It leads us to another question. What is Fluorine? Fluorine is the most reactive nonmetallic element – a pale yellow corrosive toxic gas. This leads me to the next logical question. Can a toxic gas really be good for us and where and what exactly does the fluoride we are adding to our water supply come from?

According to the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation as well as the National Health Federation, Fluoride, though existing in nature and found in rock, is laced with impure industrial waste product known as fluosilicic acid. Fluoride is a pollutant. It is a by-product of copper, iron and aluminum manufacturing. The problem of how to legally dispose of fluoride was solved in the 1930′s when a study (funded by one of the country’s largest aluminum companies) concluded that fluoride prevented tooth decay. A successful public relations effort, helped along with some cooperative government workers resulted in the good news going out: this miracle chemical, when added to water supplies, will give everyone healthy teeth and brighter smiles. The fertilizer industry may have solved their issue of what to do with their toxic waste product, but what about the public health and safety, and this claim that this fluoride infused water is healthy for our teeth and ok for us to consume? Evidence shows fluoridation does not reduce tooth decay. A tooth decay epidemic is rampant in the U.S. today, reports the Surgeon General and cavity crises are occurring in many, if not all, fluoridated cities and states.

Newburgh, New York was the first experimental city to dose its citizens with fluoride, in 1945, to conduct safety studies. The study was originally planned to last ten years but ended at only five, and was declared a success. Children sick two weeks before examination were excluded – eliminating the very children who might have been exhibiting fluoride’s adverse effects and no adults were studied. In this study they used sodium fluoride, which is not the fluoride chemical used by over 91% of U.S. fluoridating communities today – Silicofluorides.

www.fluorideinfo.org states “While the opponents to community water fluoridation may be well intentioned, there is no scientific basis on which anti-fluoridationists base their claims.” This is simply not the truth.

According to Dr. Barry Groves, PHD who has dedicated his time to exposing dietary misinformation, the very studies done by the WHO (World Health Organization) were greatly exaggerated, and even falsified. It has been shown in countries such as Finland, Denmark and Sweden when fluoride was removed from the water, the incidence of cavities actually reduced.

Fluoride is in fact, a highly toxic substance, which before deemed the ultimate cavity fighter, was used in rat poison and insecticides! According to the handbook, “Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products,” fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. So if indeed this all has been a ruse what does all this fluoride we are consuming really do to our bodies? The irony is when you consume too much fluoride your teeth can actually become discolored and crumble. But that’s just a small fraction of what it can do to you. In lab tests on animals fluoride has been shown to enhance absorption of aluminum, which has been shown to cause Alzheimer’s. It has also been linked to osteoporosis, damage of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, leading to limited joint mobility, ligament calcification, muscular degeneration and neurological deficits. But worst of all fluoride has been linked to as many as 10,000 cancer deaths per year (the majority in bone cancer, primarily in men).

The news gets even worse. Fluoride has also been shown to lower intelligence in children. In one study 907 children age 8-13 were measured in retrospect to the amounts of fluoride in their environment. The developmental intelligence appeared to be hampered severely the younger the child was when high doses were administered.

Fluoride has also been shown to calcify the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located in the center of your brain between the two hemispheres. It regulates the production of melatonin, which regulates the onset of puberty as well as protecting us from damage on a cellular level from free radicals. In some cultures the pineal gland is also believed to be what is thought of as the third eye, and our source of visualization and imagination.

What has this done to us as adults, who have grown up drinking this fluoridated water? Only time will tell. We can only suggest limiting your continued exposure to fluoride as much possible.

There are many good high quality fluoride free tooth pastes out on the market, as well as opting to drink distilled or fluoride filtered water from a system that utilizes a special filter or reverse osmosis, is a huge help for your health, no matter your age. Please read the information provided before purchasing any water filter. Most do not actually remove fluoride. Placing a filter on your showerhead is also a tremendous help as your skin when showering opens up its pores and allows fluoridated and chlorinated water to penetrate and absorb into your system.

There are also ways to remove fluoride from your body through internal cleanses, heavy metal detoxifications and chelation.

Its up to you to decide if you feel fluoride is ok for your to ingest, we suggest you do some research and make up your own minds.

Visit HCBL if you are looking for a wonderful way to purify your water of fluoride at home easily! http://www.hcbl.com/
product/Waterwise-Compact-Countertop-Distiller/

https://www.ewater.com/fvlcom

http://www.drwolfe.com/products/detail/13

http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/

http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=3927109

www.Dictionary.com

http://fluorideinfo.org/FAQ.html#anchor2

http://www.second-opinions.co.uk/fluorideharm.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/where-the-yellow-went.html

http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/pineal/

Posted in Dental, Disease, Emotional Well Being, FDA, Fluoride, teeth, Tips of The Week | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ticked Off – The facts on Lyme Disease

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Sarah

Hiking, canoeing, camping, hunting, even just going for a walk enjoying nature can put you at risk for Lyme Disease in certain areas of the country, especially if you walk in high grass or have pets that may carry ticks home to you.

Lyme Disease also known by Borreliosis; Bannwarth Syndrome is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of the blacklegged tick. These ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. They contract the bacteria originally when they bite infected mice or deer. It was nicknamed Lyme Disease because the first reported cases were in the town of Old Lyme Connecticut.

Though it’s theoretically possible to get this infection anywhere, it is most prevalent and localized in the areas of the east coast from Virginia to Maine, Wisconsin and Minnesota as well as Northern California.

At first you may start to feel a little under the weather, like you are coming down with a cold or possibly the flu. Fever, chills, headache and generally feeling ill are all symptoms shared between the flu and Lyme disease. However it is important to note that with Lyme disease you will also have light-headedness, possible fainting, extreme muscle pain and an increasingly stiff neck spreading down to your back. Laying flat on your back maybe the only semi comfortable position you can find and you may need assistance to sit up. Your throat may also swell making it nearly impossible to swallow anything other than liquids. If you do still have your tonsils intact, here is where you may see the first sign that they are indeed not a useless organ. Tonsils act as a filter to remove toxins from your body. During a bout with Lyme they will be working over time. If you see or feel a lump in the back of your throat, do not freak out. This is actually a positive thing. These lumps, usually white, off white, or yellow in color, are tonsil stones. You can get them out by contracting the muscles in the back of your throat or by using a wet cotton swab to gently push them free. Try your best not to swallow them. Your body is trying to get rid of the toxic substances they contain. Just a warning, they will smell atrocious. Additionally some experience itching – either full body or regional. Warm (not hot) baths with ½ cup of real oatmeal and ½ cup of honey are very helpful to the healing process. Also if you happen to be in an area where Jewel Weed grows this is the very best remedy we have found for rash or itching of any kind. (Jewel Weed even works on Poison Ivy!) Pick a good handful of Jewel Weed and boil it in water like you are making spaghetti. Once it reaches a boil, turn it off and let it cool. Strain out just the liquid and throw away the greens. Put it in a jar and let it get cold in the refrigerator. Then dab on with a cotton ball for ultimate cooling itch relief. Harsh soaps will only aggravate the problem so steer clear of them at all costs.

In most cases a tick must be attached to your body for 24-36 hours to effectively spread the bacteria to your blood stream. Many people who are bitten and exposed never actually contract the disease. The problem is that these ticks are so minute that you may not see it until it’s too late, or if ever. If you do find the tick, there is no standard for removal just get a pair of tweezers and pull it off of you removing the tick in it’s entirety.

The bite itself will be a raised red spot and may have rings that resemble a bull’s-eye. If you suspect you may have been bitten getting help as soon as possible is highly recommended. Anyone bitten by a tick should be watched closely for the next 30 days.

There are two schools of thought and treatment for Lyme Disease. The first and most widely known is treatment through antibiotics. Antibiotics can be given within 72 hours of removing the tick. A 2 to 4 week course is generally prescribed. Pain medications such as ibuprofen are sometimes given to relieve joint pain and stiffness.

The second option for treatment is homeopathic – treating the body with the essence of the disease in order to naturally build resistance. Bach Flower remedies make a tincture specifically for this purpose. The drops are taken sublingually (under the tongue) as to give the fastest absorption time directly into the blood supply. It is also important to note that these are safe for animals as well if you suspect your dog or cat has been bitten.

Additional to the Bach Flower remedy there are several other vitamins that help support the body during this condition allowing it to remain strong enough to form antibodies on its own to help ward off the disease. Vitamins recommended for Lyme Disease patients include: Cat’s claw, Digestive enzymes such as papaya, Niacin, B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Blue Green Algae and Flax seed oil. Flax seed oil is essential for healing Lyme Disease because of it’s high Omega-3 content. Take 3-6 teaspoons per day.

The importance of diet during this time is often over looked especially as it is sometimes very tough to swallow much of anything. Try to make what you eat count and work for you nutrient wise, not just for the sake of calories. Citrus fruits are highest in Vitamin C (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits) should be eaten daily. If you simply can’t try some watered down natural lemonade, the sugar will make it slippery enough that it should go down without too much discomfort. Garlic is another important one. It works together with Vitamin C to kill bacteria, strengthen the immune system and ward off Candida (yeast) *Yeast infections are very common with Lyme Disease. It is recommended to ingest 1-3 cloves a day raw.

These remedies all work best if combined with exercise. We do realize that exercise in this condition is difficult at best. So take it easy on yourself. Do as much as you can comfortably at least 3 times a week, even if it’s just walking.

Whichever treatment you feel is best for you, catching this disease early is of utmost importance. Without treatment complications involving the joints, heart, and nervous system can occur.

Complications can arise and can include decreased concentration, memory disorders, nerve damage, numbness, pain, and paralysis of the facial muscles, sleep disorders and vision problems. Call your Doctor immediately or go to the ER if any of these persist.

How do you avoid this possibility all together? If you are going to be outside in wooded or grassy areas try to avoid tromping through high grass. Walk in the center of trails; check yourself and pets after going on walks. It is also helpful to treat clothing with a bug spray containing permethrin and shower including scrubbing your hair as soon as you get home from an outdoor adventure. Permethrin and Deet both though shown to be safe for humans may have unintended effects, if you want to lean toward something more natural you can mix 4-5 drops each of the essential oils – citronella, Rose Geranium, and Palmerosa oil with skin so soft and use as a spray or mix these oils in with an oil based body lotion such as coco butter and apply liberally.

Don’t let fear of Lyme Disease keep you from enjoying the great outdoors, just be ware and take a few simple precautions and you will continue to enjoy perfect health!

Important link for vitamin supplementation:
www.hcbl.com

Article References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002296/

http://www.medicinenet.com/lyme_disease/page2.htm

http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/natural-cures/home-remedy/lyme-disease.html

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/permethrin_fs.htm

http://www.samento.com.ec/sciencelib/4lyme/beyondantibiotics.html Dietrich K. Klinghardt, MD, PhD

Posted in Disease, Health Center for Better Living Products, Herbs, Home Remedies, Tips of The Week | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pets and Vitamins

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Sarah

Humans aren’t the only ones that can benefit from vitamins and supplements. The majority of dog and cat foods on the market are not as complete as the ad campaigns would have us believe they are. We love our pets like they are members of our families and only want the best for them. Longevity and quality of life are two very important factors.

In an ideal world we would have the time to prepare meals from fresh natural sources not only for ourselves, but also for our pets. But in the hectic day-to-day environment we all live in, its lucky if we stop long enough to prepare meals for ourselves let alone consider fluffy or spot in the equation.

If you are a pet owner, it is likely at some point you have tried to give your dog or cat a pill. This is no easy task. You wrap it cleverly (so you think) disguised in cheese, meat, cream cheese, you name it – only to have the smart little creature manage to eat around and spit out the pill.

You then resort to trying to put it in his or her mouth and force them to swallow. This is tons of fun for all involved parties and also rarely works. You may even accidentally be bitten or scratched. Rather than have to treat your animals because they get sick or have an infection, wouldn’t it be better to be proactive and utilize preventative healthy vitamins and supplements as you do for your self and the rest of your family?

Most of us have never considered the option but vitamins work on both canine and feline immune systems just as well as humans. There are several pet multivitamin products that are readily available in stores. However, each pet’s nutritional requirements differ due to age, underlying illnesses and overall health. Sometimes it is easier to supplement individual vitamins based on your dogs or cats needs. It’s never a bad idea to double check with their vet before administering.

Here is a good general outline of recommended daily allowance, source that vitamin comes from naturally, and why they might need the supplementation.

You can easily mix these nutrients in with the pet’s wet food without them being any the wiser. Additionally brewers yeast along with garlic is great for both dogs and cats and helps with flea protection and gives a shiny healthy coat. As does apple cider vinegar.

Antioxidants are also safe and healthy for pets. Acai, pomegranate, and green tea are all good in moderation (Acai up to 50 mg/day, Pomegranate up to 50mg/day and green tea up to 25mg/day).

Water should be available for your pets to drink at all times whenever they are thirsty.

Is there a difference in vitamins for dogs, cats and humans? The answer is no. A vitamin is a vitamin. The difference is in the dosage given based on weight.

If your little fuzzy friend exhibits tell tale signs that he or she doesn’t feel well by all means a vet visit may be in order, but preventive health maintenance can certainly do its part in keeping your pet happy and healthy for years to come saving you money on Vet bills.

Where to buy:
http://www.hcbl.com/

Article references:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1046

http://rdafordogs.blogspot.com/2007/07/vitamins.html

http://petcareeducation.com/dog/dog-health-advice/

http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-multivitamin-guidelines.html#b

Posted in allergies, Dental, Home Remedies, Pets, Skin care, teeth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment