Introduction
Why Vitamins and Minerals are Important
Essential Vitamins for High Performance Body
1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin B Complex
3. Vitamin C
4. Vitamin D
5. Vitamin E
Essential Minerals for High Performance Body
1. Calcium
2. Magnesium
3. Iron
4. Zinc
5. Potassium
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Welcome to the world of high-performance living! In order to achieve your peak physical and mental performance, it's essential to nourish your body with the right nutrients. One crucial aspect of this is ensuring you're getting an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals. In this article, we'll explore the importance of these micronutrients and discuss the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal performance.
Before we delve into the specific vitamins and minerals, let's understand why they are vital for a high-performance body. Vitamins and minerals are essential for various bodily functions, such as energy production, immune system support, and cellular repair. They act as co-factors for enzymes, which are responsible for numerous biochemical reactions in the body. These micronutrients also play a key role in maintaining hormonal balance, supporting cognitive function, and promoting overall well-being.
Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body against free radicals. Sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver. Ensure you're consuming enough of this vitamin to support your body's performance.
The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are essential for energy production, brain function, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This complex includes vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). Whole grains, leafy greens, eggs, and lean meats are excellent sources of B vitamins.
Vitamin C is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. It helps protect cells from oxidative stress, aids in collagen synthesis, and supports the absorption of iron. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and kiwi are rich sources of vitamin C. Make sure to incorporate these foods into your diet for optimal performance.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune system function, and muscle strength. It aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, making it crucial for maintaining strong bones. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, but it can also be found in fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks.
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It supports immune function and promotes healthy skin. Nuts and seeds, spinach, and avocados are excellent sources of vitamin E. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help enhance your performance.
Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Dairy products, leafy greens, tofu, and fortified plant-based milk are good sources of calcium.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is crucial for energy production, muscle function, and bone health. It can be found in nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake is essential for optimizing your performance.
Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. It plays a vital role in energy production and cognitive function. Good sources of iron include lean meats, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals.
Zinc is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing. It also supports cognitive function and fertility. Oysters, beef, poultry, beans, and seeds are rich sources of zinc. Including these foods in your diet can help boost your performance.
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, supports muscle function, and regulates blood pressure. It can be found in bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and beans. Adequate potassium intake is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
Conclusion
Achieving a high-performance body requires more than just physical training and mental focus. It necessitates providing your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive. By incorporating a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can optimize your performance, support your immune system, and enhance your overall well-being.
BUY NOW - HIGH PERFORMANCE BODY ESSENTIALS 30 PCK
Can't I get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from food alone?
While a balanced diet can provide many essential nutrients, it can sometimes be challenging to meet all your body's needs solely through food. Supplementation can be a helpful way to ensure you're getting an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or deficiencies.
Can taking excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals be harmful?
Yes, consuming excessive amounts of certain vitamins and minerals can have adverse effects on your health. It's important to follow recommended daily intake guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplementation regimen.
Are there any vitamins and minerals specifically beneficial for athletes?
Athletes may have higher nutrient needs due to increased physical activity. Some vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, are particularly important for supporting energy production, muscle function, and recovery. It's advisable for athletes to focus on a well-rounded diet that meets their specific requirements.
Can vitamin and mineral deficiencies impact athletic performance?
Yes, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can impair athletic performance. For example, low iron levels can lead to fatigue and reduced endurance, while inadequate vitamin D levels may impact muscle strength. It's crucial to maintain optimal nutrient levels to support your body's performance.
Are there any specific vitamins or minerals that can help with post-workout recovery?
Several vitamins and minerals play a role in post-workout recovery. Vitamin C aids in muscle repair, while magnesium helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Additionally, adequate protein intake is essential for muscle recovery. Consider incorporating nutrient-dense foods and, if needed, consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
BUY NOW - HIGH PERFORMANCE BODY ESSENTIALS 30 PCK
**Please note that it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice regarding your specific dietary needs and any supplementation.**
]]>B-12 and Folic acid are B-vitamins that are mainly gotten from consuming protein. As most people probably don’t know what they are or what they do we decided to gather our knowledge and create this post for you!
Without B-12 and Folic acid we can’t make the blood that flows through our veins every day. Here’s how and why.
Every day as you go through life, the chemicals in the things you eat, breath, and drink go into your blood.
Your body works hard at filtering these chemicals and other things out of your blood, keeping it both clean and filled with protein and other good things that help heal your cuts, grow your beautiful hair, have fewer wrinkles and keep your muscles strong and healthy, etc.
In order for your body to make new blood cells every day and to keep the blood you have healthy, there are two things which are vital for you to take, to be able to do this. .
One is Vitamin B-12 and the other is called Folic Acid. Both are part of the B-vitamins, which besides creating new blood, B-12 with Folic acid is also essential for:
– A properly functioning nervous system
-Energy, converting your food into energy
-A healthy brain
-Preventing heart disease
-Remedying depression
Believe it or not, it also plays a major role in keeping the actual blue print for your body (the one that tells your body where your nose should be on your face, or how your eyes should continue to look as you grow and age, keeping them looking the same each time new cells grow.
Lastly, getting adequate folic acid is also essential during pregnancy to ensure proper and healthy growth of the fetus.
As a note: You are your most valuable asset. Without your health, all other areas of your life will suffer so strive to prioritise it. As they say, health is the crown that only the sick can see. Don’t take your health for granted. It really is the greatest gift.
If you are looking to purchase your B-12 Folic Acid come and vist us at www.vites.com. We carry a 1,000 mcg which translates to B-12 with 100 mcg of Folic Acid. They are not only yummy, but good for you at the same time.
Peter's Choice - B12 and Folic Acid (500 lozenges)
Available on www.vites.com. For instore and curbside pick up please call us at (323) 667-1894 to place your order.
Wishing you a good health!
Peter Gillham
Here at Peter’s Choice Nutrition we love to highlight some of our best products.
For decades, various Magnesium products have been something that we believe it. The owner of Peter’s Choice personally discovered the many benefits in taking magnesium. He has written about the importance of Magnesium several times.
A few quotes from his article called “Magnesium: Miracles in Minutes” gives examples and miracle results and discoveries that he has noticed over the years with friends and family taking the supplement.
Here is part of this article from the man who started it all here at Peter’s Choice:
Magnesium is the most important mineral in the body.
Magnesium activates over 300 different biochemical reactions in your body all necessary for your body to function properly.
All other major minerals are dependent upon magnesium being present in order to function. This includes calcium, potassium and sodium. Of these, magnesium is by far the most important.
Contrary to common belief, magnesium deficiency is very common even among those who supplement it regularly.”
The reason for this, is that the stress of modern lifestyle depletes magnesium reserves far more rapidly than was previously realized.
Calcium, a major mineral, needs magnesium in order to assimilate into the body. Calcium, however, should never be taken on its own. Otherwise it will pull magnesium out of body in order to assimilate. This creates a magnesium deficiency and the person will feel worse. This occurs with people who drink milk. Milk is about 8 calcium to 1 magnesium and it will create a magnesium deficiency. Excess calcium in the body will result in calcium deposits such as gallstones, kidney stones, calcium deposits on joints (often called arthritis). All of these have been known to disappear after taking extra magnesium, especially the drink form.”
WHAT DEPLETES MAGNESIUM?
Calcium and Magnesium work together. However, modern stresses whether chemical, environmental or mental, quickly deplete magnesium reserves, (which is often depleted faster than calcium reserves). This often causes a magnesium deficiency and the resultant symptoms of internal stress even when the person takes magnesium supplements. Extra magnesium can often mean the whole difference between a stressed body and a completely relaxed one. Magnesium is totally safe. If you take too much of it the body will flush it out. The worst that can happen is that you will get diarrhea. It has no other side effects. The body needs it.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient. Without sufficient magnesium, the body will not work properly and you will end up with the symptoms described earlier. By drinking a magnesium drink (and I developed supplements especially for that), these symptoms will gradually and mysteriously disappear. This will occur even if you only take a small amount of it. Magnesium will work in spite of drugs and medication. Just try it. It is safe. It will work for you.
Magnesium activates an enzyme located in all cell membranes. This enzyme controls the balance of sodium and potassium, keeping sodium in the fluid outside the cells and potassium inside the cells. Such a balance is essential for normal water balance, nerve cell activity and cellular energy production. Without sufficient cellular magnesium, potassium will be rapidly excreted from the body creating a potassium deficiency and resulting in fatigue, heat exhaustion and weakness.
PMS is basically a magnesium deficiency. You can handle this deficiency with the water-soluble magnesium and the symptoms disappear. Too much calcium and not enough magnesium cause PMS. This results in premature aging caused by the calcification of the female body parts. Taking the magnesium drink will totally reverse this condition. The magnesium in water will gradually dissolve the solidified calcium and help to assimilate it or to expel it from the body if the calcium is not needed.
Magnesium and calcium work together to control muscle action. Calcium tenses (tightens) the muscles, magnesium relaxes the muscles. With insufficient magnesium, the muscles stay tense, causing a cramp in the muscle. This could happen when you have too much calcium and too little magnesium.
To handle magnesium deficiency, it is best to take magnesium on its own without calcium. Then only when the deficiency is handled, go back onto calcium and magnesium together. Stay alert for any need for extra magnesium or better yet take some on a regular basis.”
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Without sufficient magnesium, the nerve cells cannot give or receive messages, and become excitable and highly reactive. This causes the person to become highly sensitive and highly nervous. Noises will seem excessively loud and person will jump at sudden sounds like a door slamming and will generally be nervous and on edge. Lights can appear to be too bright.
Magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia (inability to sleep), waking up with muscle Spasms, cramps, tension and feeling uncomfortable. Most of these will disappear on drinking magnesium.
This all sounds too good to be true, but we find it fascinating that such a simple nutrient could have such a profound effect that benefits the body so well.
Come into the shop and brows our vast selection of magnesium products. Our newest being our very own Peter’s Choice Magnesium Carbonate that comes in 8oz – which is priced under $10!!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter Gillham
]]>Magnesium is a mineral that is important for normal bone structure in the body. It is a natural muscle relaxer, which immensely helps with anxiety. It’s a nervous system relaxant and mineral that assists with fear, irritability, and restlessness. We hold on to so much tension within our muscles, and taking a Magnesium supplement is a healthy and easy way to create calmness.
The recommended dietary allowance for magnesium is 310–420 mg for adults depending on age and gender. If you require a supplement, dosage recommendations can vary depending on your needs, such as to improve constipation, sleep, muscle cramps or depression. Most studies found positive effects with daily doses starting at 125mg and slowly increasing until desired effect. While it is safe to consume up to 2,500 mg a day, a gradual increase is recommended when introducing a new supplement such as Magnesium.
Some researchers even claim that taking magnesium increases serotonin (happiness or relaxation hormone) production in the brain. They also believe that magnesium is good for reducing inflammation in internal organs. This may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve digestion/bowel movement. Integrative medical experts commonly recommend taking a magnesium supplement and additionally using Epsom salt baths (which is magnesium sulfate) to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and cold intolerance.
Magnesium is known to help stabilize mood and relieve stress, anxiety and depression. It is recommended as something to try to assist with insomnia. Since sleep plays an important role in your physical health. Just getting a good night’s rest can assist in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
We consider magnesium to be a “Miracle Nutrient”. There is a long list of average symptoms that taking Magnesium can be known to greatly assist and at times seemly cure! To name a few: Insomnia, Back or Neck Pain, Headaches, High Blood Pressure, PMS, Exhaustion, Nervousness, Fatigue, Leg Cramps, Kidney Stones, Fibromyalgia, Muscle Cramps or Twitches and the list goes on. Who wouldn’t want to kick some of these unfavorable symptoms?!
Last week’s blog covered the importance of bone health and featured one of our classic top sellers Peter’s Choice CalMag powder, and Peter's Choice CalMag tablets— (Both include Calcium and Magnesium). At Peter’s Choice Nutrition Center, we are dedicated to making sure we carry whatever you may need!
Peter Gillham
]]>Having healthy bones is extremely important. Bones help in bringing structure to the body, protecting organs and storing calcium. Many of our strongest muscles are also connected to our bones. Bones are continuously changing. When young, our bones have the capability of growing faster and stronger. But as you grow older, bones function slower and become weaker. By the time you reach the age of 30, the chances of developing Osteoporosis increases. Osteoporosis is a condition which makes the bones weak and brittle. Osteoporosis occurs when the formation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the erosion of old bone tissue.
While bone health should be something to take care of your entire life, it is never too late to do the right thing to make them better and stronger.
Our bones are mostly made up of Collagen a protein that is woven into a flexible framework, they also contain a large amount of calcium, which, in combination with collagen, gives the bone its strength and flexibility. Our bones consist largely of calcium and 98% of the body’s total calcium resides in our bones.
One may conclude that taking a calcium supplement alone would be a smart choice for keeping strong bones. If our bones consist largely of calcium and tend to break because of a lack thereof, it surely makes sense that consuming more calcium would prevent the osteoporosis. However, that is not always the case. Could it be that all of the calcium we are ingesting isn’t finding its way to our bones? And could consuming too much calcium contribute to an abnormal amount of calcium in the blood that ends up in parts of the body where it doesn’t belong? When your bloodstream fails to get rid of excess calcium, it can end up in the arteries of the heart, brain (cranial calcification), breasts and kidneys (as a part of kidney stones or calcium deposits in the kidneys). We wanted to create a Calcium supplement that would handle this possibility of unhealthy calcium deposits and figure out how to get the Calcium to where it was intended for optimum bone (and other) health and longevity.
It has been known that the issue was in getting the body to absorb the calcium. This was the main reason that Peter created the blend of calcium and magnesium, he wanted to ensure that the calcium being consumed was reaching our bones and our teeth!
– Magnesium is necessary for many activities in the body. Magnesium stimulates the hormone calcitonin, which helps to preserve bone structure by drawing calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones. Another lesser known fact is that that magnesium is necessary to convert vitamin D into its active form so that it can turn on calcium absorption.
It additionally has been found that Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in bone building; it allows the body to absorb calcium, and to maintain the proper balance of calcium and phosphorus. If you are not getting the right amount of vitamin D with your calcium, your body will not absorb it properly. Vitamin D can be created naturally in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight, but many people do not produce enough vitamin D or get enough from food. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, fish oils, butter, egg yolks, liver, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, milk, margarine and orange juice.
In conclusion, whether you are young and building bones or older and preserving them, bone health can be maintained. Starting with this 2:1 Formula of CalMag by Peter’s Choice.
The founder of Peter’s Choice, developed several of the most effective daily mineral beverage mixes on the market. While similar beverages have been created over the years, Peter was one of the first innovators in creating the classic mineral beverage he called “CalMag”. This was back in the 1980’s making it one of the first balanced Calcium/Magnesium products on the market which could be easily absorbed by the body.
After 40 years of great success with this product, after selling the company, the new owners discontinued it. We’ve had so many requests for the product that we are bringing it back in its original form – effective and instant.
Purchase "CLASSIC CALMAG" Here!
We wish you all the best health,
From All of us at Peter’s Choice
Peter Gillham
]]>Cold and Stuffy Noses
Hi Everyone,
We noticed that there is a cold going around, so we decided to dig up some simple workable remedies online on natural cold and flu preventions for you all.
Colds are actually easy to handle or prevent, you just have to know how.
Most products we’ve listed here you can order by phone, on our website at www.vites.com or, you can come into the store, (we have great deals all the time).
Here are some of the cool ideas and remedies that can help you kick your cold quickly and (virtually) painlessly.
COLD/STUFFY NOSE REMEDIES:
1) Hot drinks (no sugar added!)
Hot liquids can help remedy your cold or flu. They go straight into your blood stream, so may work more rapidly than other products. They can help relieve nasal congestion, soothe your throat and prevent dehydration.
Favorite recipes:
-1 tsp of raw honey and a tsp of apple cider vinegar, add water to taste, drink as often as you can.
-1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of raw honey in hot water.
-For people who can handle spicy food, add cayenne pepper to either of the above recipes, as hot as you can take, then drink up!
-For hard core cold attackers (who don’t mind stinky breath): add a garlic clove to the hot raw honey-lemon water and drink that. It’s potent, but it’s worth it. (Note: Honey should never be given to children under age 1)
If you wish to add more lemon, vinegar or raw honey to taste, you can, it is good to listen to your body while helping it heal.
*These recipes above are also great when used as a gargle and should be used several times a day.
Salt water works well too, but just as a gargle (not to drink).
2) Vitamin C Ultra
Our Vitamin C Ultra formula is made with several ingredients that are excellent for Vitamin C absorption.
If you have a cold already, this formula works best when you take 3 tablets with water every hour, on the hour, until you get loose stools ( which show you have had enough) at this point you can cut back to one per hour, with water.
If you get loose stools with the first dose, while you have a cold, you may be deficient in calcium, try taking some Calmag (from vites.com) first, then vitamin C.
3) Apple Cider Vinegar
Cold viruses tend to turn your body acid making it difficult for the immune system to fight it. Taking apple cider vinegar in a capsule form (about 3-5 caps) or as a drink, will help not only fight a cold, but can put your body back into an alkaline state, proofing it against other illness as well.
Mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water and honey or add a little lemon (optional) and drink this several times a day. This tastes great and works well!
4) Vitamin C Crystals
C Crystals are a powerful immune booster and cold remedy. Peters Choice’s vitamin C Crystals taste extremely good in either hot or cold water (no sugar added).
They add a nice tangy taste to your water and should dramatically help with your cold.
1-2,000 mgs per hour in about 32 oz of water should work to start, (you can adjust it to taste) until your stools get loose, then cut back.
NOTE: Once better, should you become addicted to having C crystals in your water, which is totally ok and healthy, be sure to take Cal Mag daily as well. Excessive C intake without supplementing calcium can cause other deficiencies.
5) Ginger
Ginger is a powerful soothing agent and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It is good for digestion, warms the body and is very effective at promoting sweating. Sweating helps get rid of toxins and other harmful invaders.
Ginger (in capsule form or as a hot tea) is a popular home remedy for both cold symptoms and a sore throat. Honey and lemon can also be added (to taste) if desired.
6) Echinacea
One study found that taking echinacea can reduce your chance of developing a cold by more than 50 percent and may shorten the duration of cold symptoms by several days. It stimulates the immune system and is an excellent cold remedy. For taste, you may want to add juice.
7) Oil of Oregano
Excellent in it’s ability to both prevent harmful viruses from taking hold and in eradicating existing viruses such as a cold. It is a powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent and helps to create a strong immune system. Mix in water or juice and drink.
8) Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has an amazing ability to target virtually any virus, including cold viruses. Coconut oil absorbs directly into viral cells where it breaks apart and disintegrates the protective coating of the virus, effectively killing it.
1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil daily, particularly at the beginning of cold symptoms, may stop the virus.
9) Sniffle Kickers
Sniffle Kickers contains key ingredients (vitamins, bioflavonoids, garlic and more) to help knock out anything that may come your way. For best results, take two Sniffle Kickers supplements at the first sign of infection and preferably with a meal.
These are all great remedies for Colds and Flus.
10) Last but not least we recommend drinking enough water and if you can, go for a run, soak in a hot tub or sit in a sauna while taking vitamin C to encourage sweating !
Any of these can and will stimulate faster healing.
You'll find all these products in our LA store!
Online - www.vites.com
Call us - 323 667-1894
Store - 4879 Fountain Ave LA, CA, 90029
Good luck and happy healing!
Peter Gillham
Reference from:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/treatmentsfromatod/a/colds_flu_2.html
NATURAL PAIN RELIEF ?
Ever been in real pain before or known someone who was?
You’ve probably seen them resort to alcohol, pot or worse painkillers or prescription drugs to solve the problem (anything to get relief).
I know how you feel and have been there.
Recently, I decided to do some research about natural pain remedies which don’t result in your liver falling out or you becoming a cranky, grumpy or an otherwise toxic personality.
(Or just someone who is too tired to have fun, because of the harmful and unpredicted physical and emotional side effects of alcohol or and drugs used to solve pain, which would suck).
There is a reason why prescription painkillers, alcohol or pot do not work in the long run but, first, let me explain about the two ways to handle pain.
One is to cover it up or hide it from your senses with drugs or alcohol making you “feel better.”
These both poison your bodies filter systems and because the body has to clean the drugs/alcohol out of your blood to stay alive, while taking the time to clean stuff out, it slows down the healing process.
The second way is to simply repair the damage so that it is better and the pain goes away. This way is best. It’s just a matter of how to do it quickly, so that you don’t hurt for very long.
WHY PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS OR ALCOHOL DON’T WORK WELL
The reason painkillers/alcohol/drugs don’t actually work in the long run, is because the part of your body that creates the natural substances you need to heal/repair your body (by using your food and vitamins), are the same organs that filter out the poisons (drugs) you put in the body. So drugs of any kind, or alcohol, essentially poisons the organ that does the healing process and mucks up the body while it does it.
Simply stated and true.
This leads us to the second method: fix the damage, so you don’t feel any pain.
Some say that takes too long! And I say maybe, but there are many tricks to healing the human body that aren’t drugs, which in the long run work faster, so read on.
First, the most important thing to know is that the things that heal the human body travel thru your blood steam to the site of pain, to repair it.
Take a broken bone for example: you minimally need calcium, minerals and protein to heal a bone.
Your body gets these things thru the blood. You naturally crave and eat foods that have these things in them. Once digested, your body, bit by bit “glues” that bone back together and rebuilds it.
The speed of healing depends on how much you eat of what you need, (nutrition) and how fast your blood travels to that bone (circulation).
A common wrongness when you are ill or injured is to just lie down and do nothing for days and days until you heal.
There are surely some kinds of illnesses that require less motion to heal and sleep is always good for sure, but, for the most part, most things you need to heal, will actually heal twice as fast with increased circulation.
Some people use hot and cold compresses or showers, ginger or cayenne to speed up their blood. Some use exercise.
These methods work but, it is very important to put what you need to do the healing, in your blood, while you speed up the circulation.
So, with the right nutrients in your blood and your blood going to the site of the pain twice as fast, you get twice the speed of healing and less pain.
That is the simplicity of it:
Each drug you take, beside slowing down your healing, can take you on an emotional ride that isn’t worth your time or money, while you heal.
An interesting thing about the human body is, most of the time you can just give it what it needs to heal itself, by eating some of the thing that your body is trying to repair.
For example if you have a bad liver, go out, buy and eat some liver, if your muscles are sore eat some protein, like fish or chicken. It takes the ingredients in that body part (mainly) to make that body part.
If your head hurts, the brain is made of fat (like omega 3 oils, fish oil or coconut oil) and nerves, which are made up of B-vitamins and protein. Take those to help repair a head injury faster (as well as potassium or Bromelain, from pineapple) for the swelling.
For some headaches, since the brain is also a large percent water, it could just be that your brain is dehydrated, making the brain itself shrink and literally pull itself away from the edges of the inside of your skull, causing an all over headache.
This is resolved NOT by a drug, but by that simple thing called water. Some headaches really do come from dehydration.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Here are a list of some of the natural things you can take that may help with pain or circulation:
Don’t forget that hot and cold water or compresses can also help speed up healing, as well as exercise.
All of the above named products can be found on our website or at our physical store!
Online - www.vites.com
Phone order – 888 324-9904
Store - 4879 Fountain Ave LA, CA, 90029
Good Luck with your fast healing!
Peter Gillham
It's always good to make things from scratch when you can. Not only is it more economical, but you always know exactly what is in it.
Eggshells contain a huge amount of calcium along with 27 minerals and several amino acids. The composition of eggshells is very similar to human bones and teeth.
Making calcium from eggshells is very simple. It is very important to use organic, free range eggs only. First, boil the shells for 5 minutes to kill any pathogens. Then, let them air dry. After they are dry, grind them into a powder in a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. If you aren’t able to get the powder fine enough, put it in a bag or under wax paper and use a rolling pin to grind it down.
The eggshells from a medium-sized egg will yield about 1 teaspoon of calcium carbonate – between 750 and 800 mg. Store the calcium powder in a covered glass jar container.
Calcium citrate is more absorbable than carbonate, the form of calcium made directly from crushed egg shells. In a small dish, put equal amounts of eggshell calcium and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 6 hours, but no more than 12. You can eat this directly, or add it to a beverage.
It is very important that you do not take calcium without adequate amounts of magnesium. Your body needs a good supply of magnesium for the absorption of calcium. And unlike calcium, magnesium does not get stored in the body so you need to take it on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to take twice the amount of magnesium to the calcium. If you start to experience unusual joint pain and you do not have arthritis, cut back on the calcium.
Calcium also requires vitamin D for absorption. If you are not able to get regular sunshine, take cod liver oil or a vitamin D supplement.
You can use the calcium from eggshells to remineralize your teeth by making a toothpaste with it. Combine 1/4 cup of calcium powder, 2 – 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Optional – 1 teaspoon sea salt, few drops of food grade essential oils such as peppermint. Store in a small glass container. The combination of these ingredients can help health cavities.
But for those without time, try our best selling: Classic CalMag
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>According to a recent BBC report, scientists recently discovered a 9th century Anglo-Saxon remedy for eye infections which is able to kill a range of antibiotic resistant superbugs. This 1000 year old recipe can even kill the very contagious bacteria MRSA “staphylococcus aureus”, commonly known as “staph”. MRSA causes boils or sores on the skin. In serious cases it can infect the blood, lungs, urinary tract and surgical wounds. Staph bacteria is very difficult to treat and can even be life-threatening.
The eye salve remedy included garlic, onion, leeks, wine and cow bile. The scientists found that the remedy killed up to 90% of the MRSA bacteria.
You can find the recipe for the eye salve here.
Onions and garlic are well known for their immune boosting properties. Both onions and garlic contain antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Many popular herbal tonics for colds and flues contain them.
Garlic and onion compounds help keep the blood thin so it passes easily through the arteries. They contain high amounts of bioflavonoids and sulfur which help prevent calcium deposits and reduces arterial plaque. The nutrients in onions and garlic also help improve circulation and keep unhealthy fats in the blood from causing blockages which can lead to heart disease and strokes.
So powerful are the properties in garlic and onions that they can even protect against some cancers like colon. Studies indicate that the compounds in garlic and onions can protect against the development of pre-cancerous lesions in the colon as well as in the linings of the digestive tract and intestines.
Other studies have found compelling evidence to suggest that diets high in garlic and onions may also benefit other types of cancers including kidney, prostate, ovarian, breast, pharynx, oral cavity and esophageal.
You can only benefit from a diet rich in garlic and onions. Not only do they add a wonderful flavor to food, they might also save your life.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>When I was young my mom was always telling me to close my mouth. You might catch flies she’d joke. I wish I had listened to her. When I was in my early 20’s and addicted to aerobics and lots of other physical activities, I got into the habit of using my mouth to breathe. Turns out mom was right. I did catch a few bugs in my mouth when I was cycling back in my younger days. But that’s not all I caught. I formed a very bad breathing habit that has been with me since.
Correct breathing is very important for your biology. Your nose is a very important line of defense for your immune system. It performs similarly to an air filter. For example, the mucous in the nose contains a bacteria that kills viruses and bacteria, the hair filters out particles, tiny insects and dust that could affect the lungs.
Proper breathing techniques improve digestion and circulation, and can help prevent respiratory problems such as bronchitis and shortness of breath.
How we breathe affects the carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in our lungs and blood. Proper CO2 levels are required for a healthy blood pH. If your breath is too fast or too shallow, you may increase the pH of your blood. This can result in a reduction of blood getting to your brain, muscles and other areas of your body. A certain level of CO2 is also necessary for your cells to maintain the correct level of acidity so they can perform their functions properly.
Shallow breathing does not exercise the lungs enough. Good breathing techniques will help maintain a high metabolism and ensure oxygen is delivered to vital tissues. A high delivery of oxygen to all areas of the body is more important than food.
The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. A brain that lacks oxygen can cause mental sluggishness and even depression. Vision and hearing can also decline. Breathing correctly can reduce stress levels, boost immunity and even help with conditions like insomnia.
What is the best way to breathe? Yoga is a great place to learn good breathing techniques. There are all sorts of tips on the web if you do some research. Dr. Weil has Three Breathing Exercises that are very good and can help you get started.
Start by making a habit to keep your mouth closed when you breathe. And just like mom said, you won’t catch any bugs either.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Never have heard of Syndrome X before? Most people haven’t heard of this very common condition. Also known as Metabolic Syndrome, Syndrome X refers to a group of conditions that indicates a pre-diabetic state, as well as a possibility of heart disease and stroke in the future.
Syndrome X occurs when a person’s body stops using sugar properly, becoming insulin resistant. Indicators that you may have this include weight gain (especially around the middle), feeling tired, mental fog, muscle weakness, cravings for stimulants or sugar and mild depression.
The good news is that this condition can be reversed through diet, supplementation and exercise. The emphasis is on diet of course. Real food, with little or no sugar, is the only solution to long term health.
According to Dr. Lustig, professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco, sugar acts as a liver toxin. But the liver isn’t the only organ to be affected by sugar. Organs can become insulin resistant, and when they do, they develop their own metabolic disease. Insulin resistance of the liver results in type 2 diabetes. A person with insulin resistance of the brain can end up with Alzheimer’s disease. Insulin resistance of the kidney leads to chronic renal disease, and on and on it goes.
The average person consumes almost 20 teaspoons of sugar a day! One quarter to one third of the American population is either diabetic or prediabetic, and another quarter has high blood pressure. Insulin resistance is the key factor in all these health issues.
Contrary to popular opinion, exercise will not help you lose weight. It will, however, help you build muscle and improve insulin resistance. Try to incorporate 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise to lower your metabolic disease markers.
80% of obese people have metabolic disease and 40% of normal weight people. The bottom line is that about half of the American population is sick. Giving up sugar and processed food along with regular exercise can completely turn this situation around. You don’t have to die sick.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>You probably don’t think about your poop too much (at least we hope you don’t), but it can be a useful tool for health analysis. Your stool consists of 75% water. The rest of it is a combination of fiber, cells, mucus and bacteria (both dead and alive). You stool is an indicator of the state of your digestive system. Though the color, texture, volume and frequency will vary from person to person, there are definite signs of “unwellness” that you should be aware of.
Stools range in color from medium brown to dark brown, depending on diet. A very pale stool – white or clay-colored, is not a good sign. Pale stools may indicate a lack of bile and possible problems with your liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Unless you have been eating black licorice, you do not want black stools either. Chronic black stools may indicate blood in the stool and possibly a serious health condition.
The perfect bowel movement should consist of a long, smooth stool, not several pieces. It should sink slowly into the toilet and not cause a loud splashing noise. Watery or small pieces that blast out and float are not optimum.
How often should you have a bowel movement? This seems to be quite a debatable point between medical professionals. The general consensus ranges between 3 per week and 3 per day.
Elimination should be smooth, with no effort. If you are finding yourself straining to have a bowel movement, add more fiber (fruits and vegetables) to your diet and increase your water intake.
If you find yourself with frequent, watery bowel movements, you may actually be eating too much fiber. Try changing your diet to see if this corrects the situation. If not, see a health practitioner. Chronic diarrhea, especially if accompanied with pain, may be a cause for concern.
And let’s not forget odor. A foul smelling bowel movement, especially if it is diarrhea, can indicate many things. Short-term diarrhea may just be a sign of a detoxification (i.e. your body telling you it didn’t appreciate the pizza and beer binge last night). Chronic smelly watery stools may indicate a malabsorption of food, an intestinal infection, or even a serious disease.
Don’t ignore your poop. It can tell you a lot about your physical condition.
Peter's Choice DIGESTION ESSENTIALS
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Sometimes you just can’t run to the dentist when you get a toothache. Or, if you’re like me, you simply don’t want to go to the dentist. Cloves are remarkable in helping relieve tooth pain, often for hours. You can use the clove in any form, as long as it is fresh. Here are a few ways you can use cloves to relieve a toothache.
Place a whole clove near the tooth that is hurting. Bite down on it and chew it until you get a bitter taste and a tingling sensation. Do not rinse your mouth for about 30 minutes. The analgesic effect can last a couple of hours.
There are many clove oil preparations in the marketplace. Or, you can make your own. Clove oil can be used in a couple of different ways. Always dilute the clove oil with a few drops of olive oil before using. It is very potent and can burn your mouth.
Put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and insert near the painful tooth. Press down on it until you feel the area is numbed. Another method is to take a cotton swab and soak the swab in the oil. Dab the swab around the problem tooth. Repeat as necessary. There is a caution in using clove oil long term – prolonged use can deaden the nerve. Clove oil is not recommended for babies.
Take a pinch of the powder and place it on the gum near the tooth that hurts. As the saliva mixes with the cloves, that section of the mouth will go numb.
We hope you don’t have any toothaches. But just in case, help is in your kitchen cupboard. For other natural alternatives to teeth care, read our article How To Avoid The Dentist Forever.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>If you live on planet earth, you are bound to catch something at some point. You might get a fungal infection, bacteria invasion, or one of the many viruses that are constantly circulating.
Many bacteria have become antibiotic resistant like Staphylococcus (MRSA). Once upon a time MRSA was only caught in hospitals. Now, it has spread throughout the population. MRSA is nasty, and can even result in death.
What happens when conventional drugs can’t destroy an infection? Time to take matters into your own hands. There are good, natural alternatives that you can make yourself. And unlike conventional antibiotics, natural antibiotics will often work where conventional medicine fails. And the cost will be considerably less than a prescription.
Below is a tonic recipe that has been used to treat illness since the medieval ages.
Ingredients
Preparation
It is recommended you start with a teaspoon of this tonic, not on an empty stomach. Work up gradually. This is a very powerful formula.
Dr. Schultz is famous in the alternative health field. For decades he has been helping people world-wide with all sorts of physical conditions. Dr. Schultz originally apprenticed with another well-known herbalist, Dr. Bernard Jensen.
If you haven’t tried any of Dr. Schultz’s formulas before, we highly suggest you do. One of his most popular ones is called “Master Tonic”. It is a powerful immune-boosting tonic that can help relieve inflammation, fever, colds, flu and all sorts of infections.
Here is a link for a step by step tutorial with pictures on how to make it yourself: Master Tonic Recipe
There are many excellent natural antibiotic remedies available. Unlike drugs, they won’t destroy your good gut bacteria which weakens the immune system. These home-made recipes can be produced for a fraction of the cost, and may even work better than their drug counterparts.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Who knew that we were being duped and buying extra virgin olive oil that isn’t, well, extra virgin olive oil? Most of the extra virgin olive oil sold in North America has been mixed with cheaper oils. Ok, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that about olive oil that has been bottled by big corporations and sold in conventional supermarkets. But apparently even those high-priced fancy bottles and cans of extra virgin olive oil aren’t necessarily the real thing either. How does olive oil pass FDA inspection when 70% of it is adulterated? It doesn’t. There isn’t any inspection of it. The FDA doesn’t have time check the oils. Guess they are too busy checking out and approving all the artificial ingredients and drugs that are killing people.
Mixing olive oil with cheap oils, selling it for a high extra virgin olive oil price tag, is big business. After all, most of us in North America don’t know what real extra virgin olive oil tastes like to begin with. There is no regulation on quality. Gullible consumers mixed with no regulations is the perfect setting for a criminal enterprise. And that is what the olive oil industry has become.
So how do you buy the real stuff? There are some diligent researchers that have gone to most of the work for us. Tom (don’t know his last name) has a lot of information here. He is mainly reviewing Trader Joe’s oils but read the comments at the end of his blog for more information on other oils.
Speaking of Trader Joe’s, I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed. I use one of the 3 (out of 6 oils tested) that did not make the “extra virgin olive oil” grade (Spanish Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil). Having never liked olives, I started using this brand years back because it didn’t have that heavy olive taste. Tom said it tasted “winey-vinegary”. Huh? I decided to prove him wrong while I was writing this blog. I put some on the tip of my finger and…..by jove he was right. It did taste vinegary. I had never noticed it before because I didn’t taste it alone.
Another great website to get olive oil information from is this article on Realfarmacy.com. Again, read the comments at the bottom. Lots of good information from readers there too.
Good quality extra virgin olive oil can be very costly, but there are a few that won’t break the bank. Trader Joe’s has three different ones, and Costco’s brand – Kirkland, is also the real deal.
Well, no more “winey-vinegary” olive oil for me. I am off to Trader Joe’s ……
Alternatively try our Non-GMO All Blend Oil
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Do you have a vegetable garden? If so, you may be interested in adding the latest edible plant to your garden this spring. It is called “Ketchup ‘N’ Fries”. This odd creation combines a cherry tomato grafted onto a white potato.
This tomato potato plant is not genetically engineered. It is done through a process called grafting, which has been practiced since ancient times. Grafting takes two different plants from the same family and fuses them together. If it has been done successfully, the end result should be a plant that produces higher yields and is disease resistant.
Fruit trees, roses and grapevines have often been grafted onto hardy rootstocks. Take a tree that isn’t able to produce juicy fruit but has strong roots, not prone to disease. Combine it with branches of tasty fruit trees, and the result can be quite superior.
This isn’t the only way to graft plants together. Another method of grafting used by botanists is to take 2 separate seedlings with stems the same size and shape, and cut them in half. Then, they are fused with a tiny plastic clip and are grown into one plant. If done properly, the result is a stronger organism.
According to spokesperson Michael Perry, from Thomas & Morgan, the company that first developed the plant in the U.K. “It’s not just any old tomato or any old potato. It’s actually a really good, all round potato at the base. Then, on the top, you’ve got the potential to have up to 500 super- sweet fruit.”
Thomas & Morgan already have a successful tomato potato plant. Last year about 40,000 “TomTatoes” were sold in the U.K.
Maybe they could also fuse grapes and coca beans and call the plant “Chocolate and Wine”. Now, that would be my cup of tea, or rather wine. I could start a vineyard, or would I call it a plantation to grow this new species? I know, I could start a “vinetation”. Yeah, my next enterprise….
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>We all have periods in our lives where things don’t go the way we want them too. Family issues, financial difficulties, the deaths of loved ones, and many other situations can cause anxiety and depression. Drugs can make matters worse. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to drugs to help us through challenging times. Certain foods can help elevate our moods.
Cashews are one of the best foods to eat to help when you are depressed. They have a high concentration of the amino acid tryptophan, which the body makes into serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood elevator. It gives a person a feeling of well being. Drugs developed for depression keep serotonin levels raised artificially.
Other foods high in tryptophan include nuts and seeds, poultry (especially turkey), fatty fish, cheese and other dairy products (organic).
B Vitamins, magnesium and calcium are also very important in regulating mood and other brain functions. Foods rich in these nutrients include organic dairy, whole grains, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Green tea, turmeric and dark chocolate also contain ingredients to help you “get the happy on”. Who knew you could find natural antidepressants right in your kitchen cupboard?
Good quality food not only helps you keep slim and healthy, it helps fight depression. People who eat a lot of highly processed food have more problems, both physically and mentally. With so much negativity going on around us, we need all the help we can get to remain strong. Food is something that you are in control of. Eat well. Be happy.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural substance that alkalizes the body, killing disease-causing microbes. It can be a powerful medical tool to help many different health conditions. There are even alternative doctors like Dr. Simoncini who have had some very good success using baking soda to treat cancer.
The viruses and colds going around this year have been particularly nasty. I have one friend who has been ill for over 6 months with some sort of flu virus. The alternative doctor she goes to has several patients with the same symptoms. He told her he has never seen anything like this virus, and usual treatment methods are not working.
In 1924 Dr. Volney S. Cheney published a book called “Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses”. In his book, Dr. Cheney recorded his experience treating the flu with baking soda. He observed that people who were treated with baking soda either remained healthy or developed milder symptoms. Dr. Cheney was able to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of influenza in 36 hours with large doses of baking soda.
If you would like to follow the recipe Dr. Cheney used in 1924, here it is:
Whether you are sick, or just want to prevent getting ill, I think using this baking soda recipe is an excellent idea. It costs almost nothing, is completely natural, and can be easily followed.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Numerous studies have been done validating its healing properties. It was one of man’s early natural antibiotic remedies. Garlic is known to help, or prevent, dozens of diseases.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits – Garlic has blood thinning properties which gives the body protection against clotting. It can reduce blood pressure and stop plaque build-up.
Immune System – Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Garlic’s antibiotic properties are so potent that it can even destroy bugs that are antibiotic resistant.
Cancer Prevention – Garlic is toxic to 14 kinds of cancer cells including lung, breast, pancreatic, stomach and colon.
Inflammation Reduction – Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, garlic can even reduce the risks of osteoarthritis.
Heavy Metal Detoxification – Garlic helps cleanse heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium from the body.
Fresh garlic is best. Crush it before using it to cook with. Crushing the garlic releases one of its most important compounds – allicin. Even better than cooking with the garlic, eat it raw. Crush some garlic and throw it into a salad or add it to your cooked food just before eating.
Don’t throw out your garlic if it begins to sprout. Garlic that has been sprouted has higher antioxidant activity and other properties that are very beneficial.
Developed in Korea, this latest garlic sensation comes from a special fermenting process which produces garlic that has double the antioxidant levels. In a 2009 Japanese study with mice, black garlic was more effective than fresh garlic in the reduction of tumors. It also has health compounds not found in fresh garlic. Black garlic can be used in addition to regular fresh garlic. Each type has its own unique health properties.
No wonder vampires are afraid of garlic. Garlic can kill just about anything. Eat lots of it.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Sometimes we forget why we should focus on certain foods, or take supplements. The B Complex vitamins are so important that many processes in your body would literally shut down without them.
The B vitamins are needed for energy production, enzymatic activity, metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates, nervous system, healthy hair, skin and nails and much more. In fact, the list is almost endless!
Below is a list of all 8 B vitamins, a brief commentary on what they do, and plant food sources for each one.
Good for: energy production, cardiovascular support, brain and nervous system, immune support, digestion, muscle tone, mental clarity
Found in: sunflower seeds, beans, lentils, green peas, oats
Good for: protein/fat/carbohydrate metabolism, skin, vision, energy, red blood cell production
Found in: asparagus, mushrooms, almonds, spinach, beet greens, tempeh
Good for: circulation, blood vessels, cholesterol balance, cell integrity, converting fat into energy, memory, relief of pain/stiffness, joint & muscle strength, hormone production, detoxification
Found in: brown rice, chia seeds, almonds, potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, peanuts
Good for: cellular growth, nervous system, adrenal glands, hormones, fat & protein metabolism, skin, cholesterol,
Found in: avocados, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, broccoli, Shittake mushrooms, lentils
Good for: brain function, nervous system, hormone production, immune system, weight loss, protein metabolism, tissue repair, hair/skin/nails
Found in: sweet potatoes, bananas, spinach, walnuts, prunes, pistachios, potatoes
Good for: fat metabolism, hair/skin/nails, blood sugar balancing
Found in: tomatoes, chard, cauliflower, cabbage, oats, almonds, raspberries, onion
Good for: brain & nervous system, RNA/DNA production (genetic material for new cells)
Found in: spinach, leafy green veggies, broccoli, avocado, oranges, mango, asparagus
Good for: energy, weight loss, depression, vision, constipation, hair/skin/nails, cholesterol, convert carbs/fat/protein into glucose
Found in: nutritional yeast, mushrooms, spirulina
The B vitamins are key for optimal health, and yet it is almost impossible to get an adequate amount of them from our diet. I highly recommend you find a good quality B-complex formula that contains all the B vitamins and take it in addition to diet rich in organic plant food. If you are on a low carb diet, eating mainly protein and fats, it is even more crucial to include B vitamins in your daily routine.
Peter's Choice B-50 Complex (with Niacin)
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>According to the US National Institute of Mental Health, 11% of Americans over the age of 12 are on antidepressant drugs. Among women in their 40’s and 50’s, the statistic is 1 in 4. Millions of Americans are walking around in a mind-altering state.
There are so many conditions in the body that can cause depression and yet doctors think nothing about prescribing antidepressants if a patient complains about anxiety or depression. A hormonal imbalance, low blood sugar, vitamin D deficiency and even sugar can cause severe depression.
Ah so sweet, and oh so dangerous, is that substance we call sugar. Sugar can cause a tremendous amount of problems in the body. It promotes inflammation (pain), destroys the good bacteria in the gut, wreaks havoc on the immune system and creates a host of other problems. Any of these conditions, alone, or combined, can really affect mental our happiness.
My mother is 87 years old. For over 20 years she has suffered tremendously with osteoarthritis and has had numerous knee and hip replacements, not to mention broken bones. She was never a drug taker. Mom always had a huge basket of supplements she would take everyday. She was also one of the most upbeat and positive people I have ever known with a huge circle of friends, usually significantly younger than she was. But over the years I saw a change in my mom. I understood. She was in excruciating pain and I didn’t know how she could endure it without drugs. Well, apparently she couldn’t.
My mother and I live in different countries and I don’t get to see her as often as I would like. For over 20 years I have phoned her on a weekly basis. Even though mom isn’t a complainer, I did see a big change in her personality in recent years. Of course I understood the pain and deterioration of her body was certainly going to have an effect on her happiness.
About 6 weeks ago mom called me out of the blue and seemed so happy and bright. She said she had a new lease on life and was going to start exercising. I was surprised but very happy to hear my old mom was back. Each subsequent week when we spoke she seemed happier and happier. I wasn’t sure what had happened, but was very pleased for her. Well, last week she dropped a bombshell on me. She said casually during our weekly phone conversation “Did I tell you I was addicted to pain medication?” Ah, no mom, I think I would have remembered that conversation. “Well”, she said, “I was on several drugs for pain and arthritis and I stopped taking everything. I went through hell for 2 weeks coming off the drugs but now I feel like a new person”. She then announced her pain was not any worse now that she stopped taking the pain killers. She was eating again, had put on weight and sounded like her feisty old self.
Drugs are not the answer. Even drugs for pain and other conditions can cause depression.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>At a recent appointment with my chiropractor, the doctor asked me to get out my mobile phone to see if it made me weak. I knew he would test me using somesort of kinesiology method. I was a bit flustered and thought to myself “of course it will make me weaker but I am not going to give it up”. He tested me while I was holding the phone close to my body. It did not diminish my strength. We were both a bit surprised. Then, I remembered the phone tab I had on the back of my cell phone which is supposed to neutralize the radiation. I guess it works. I had been putting these tabs on all my phones for 10 or 12 years and hardly thought about them anymore.
Cell phones are a weak form of microwave radiation. They are not as powerful thank goodness, but they are still a great danger to our health.
Regular exposure to cell phones have been linked to some forms of cancer, immune and endocrine disorders, memory loss, disorientation, joint pains, headaches and more.
Children are at even more risk from cell phones. They have thinner skulls and their brains are still developing which makes them more prone to microwave radiation. Some countries like Belgium, France and even India are passing laws or issuing warnings about children using wireless technology.
Though there is no perfect solution (other than living miles away from any wireless technology), there are some things you can do to minimize your risk when using a cell phone.
Try to avoid talking for long periods on time with the phone in your ear. Corded (not bluetooth) headsets can reduce the potential risk. They emit much less radiation and you can keep the phone away from your body.
Use a device that can be attached to the phone to help neutralize the emissions. I have been using these cell phone tabs for many years. There are other types of protection available and it is well worth your time to do a little research on the subject.
I found this website that lists the top 10 cell phones with the highest radiation. Just my luck my phone is number 3. Good thing I have protection.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>It’s interesting how many (most) of the herbs and spices we use in the kitchen have excellent health benefits. The aromatic spice cloves, has some pretty impressive healing properties you might not be aware of.
Cloves, originally from Indonesia, were brought to Europe by traders hundreds of years ago. They are unopened pink flower buds from the evergreen clove tree. The buds are dried and their color changes to brown. This flower bud has many medicinal properties and has been used extensively in ancient Indian and Chinese cultures for thousands of years.
Cloves are anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. Their antiseptic properties help treat a variety of conditions. Cloves are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as several minerals including calcium, sodium, potassium and iron.
The oil from cloves is well known to help toothaches and other dental problems, but clove oil has many other health benefits.
Topically – The antiseptic properties of clove oil make it excellent for treating cuts and wounds. It’s anti-fungal properties make it a good choice for treating conditions like athlete’s foot. Clove oil can also help relieve bug bites and stings.
Dental Care – Clove oil kills germs and is often found in dental care products. It is well known for helping to relieve toothaches, sore gums and other irritations in the mouth. In fact, clove oil has been used in traditional Indian medicine to heal cavities. Clove oil can even help ease a sore throat. In a very diluted form, clove oil can help infants who are teething.
Immune System – The anti-viral properties in clove oil help to boost the immune system. It contains antioxidants which help prevent disease as well as aging (also making it good for skin care).
Inflammation – Rubbing clove oil onto the skin increases the blood flow and causes the area to become warm. This is good for arthritic sufferers or to help relieve the pain from sore muscles.
Respiratory Infections – Cloves are expectorants which means they promote the discharge of phlegm and other respiratory tract fluids. This can be particularly helpful for colds and coughs, as well as conditions like bronchitis and asthma.
Digestive Issues – Clove oil has also been very successful treating various stomach upsets including indigestion and flatulence.
These are just a few of the many benefits of cloves. Clove oil is not expensive and well worth keeping in your home all year round. You can even make it yourself.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Earlier this week I was at my chiropractor and out of the blue, with no reference to any previous conversation we had been having, he said to me “worth your weight in salt”. He want to say how salt was once a very valuable commodity and that is where the expression had originated from. Then, he started talking about a completely different subject. It was weird, this salt conversation coming out of nowhere. A few hours later I get home and find an email forwarded to me from a friend. It was an article about the value of salt. Was the “universe” trying to tell me something? Did I need to write an article about salt?
Just like the lie promoted for decades that fat causes heart attacks and weight gain, salt has also been in disfavor from negative propaganda. No matter how much bad “facts” I have heard about salt over the past 30 years, I have never been able to give it up. I have been on many raw and vegan diets that expounded on the horrors of salt. How did salt become the devil that causes hypertension and other diseases?
Salt has been used for thousands of years and has played a key role in man’s history. Not only has it been used to flavor foods, it has also been used as a food preservative. Many cultures around the globe have also used salt in religious ceremonies.
Salt was once used for trade and currency. The word salt comes from the Latin word “salarium” which means salary, stipend or pension.
Salt, (the right kind) is essential to life. It provides 2 elements your body cannot make on its own – sodium and chloride. You must get them from your food.
Natural salt is needed to regulate blood pressure, carry nutrients in and out of cells, help the brain communicate with the muscles, support the adrenal glands and much more.
Processed salt, also known as table salt, is the devil causing problems.. It contains toxic moisture absorbents and flow agents. Table salt is also processed at a very high heat (1200 degrees Fahrenheit), which dramatically alters the chemical structure of the salt.
When choosing a salt, choose one that has been dried naturally, in temperatures found in nature, and has nothing added to it. Good quality salt can come from the ocean, or from ancient sea beds that are found in areas like Utah.
Highly processed salt, combined with processed food is dangerous and can cause many health problems. Mankind has been thriving on natural salt for thousands of years, and you can too.
Peter's Choice Sea Salt Tablets
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>If you tend to shop in health food stores, you have probably noticed more and more food labeled “Fair Trade” over the past few years. Originally, Fair Trade labeling was used mostly on coffee products. Now, Fair Trade products are encompassing everything from foods such as tea, coffee, and chocolate, to body care products. In fact, there are quite a few companies using Fair Trade agreements, importing many types of items from developing nations. A few years ago I was in a lovely store in British Columbia that carried nothing but goods brought in under Fair Trade agreements. The store had lots of wonderful jewelry, clothing and crafts.
Since the beginning of time, the affluent have always taken advantage of the poor. Fair trade products are socially and environmentally sustainable products, and give the farmer, or manufacturer, a fair price for his or her item.
In the Philippines, the coconut industry is huge. Workers climb perilous trees to remove the coconuts. They make between 7 cents – 14 cents per coconut. In peak season they are lucky to see $3 a day. Some companies importing coconuts to the US are stepping up to the plate and taking care to import coconuts obtained through Fair Trade practices.
Generally speaking, products bought in health food markets tend to cost more than conventional stores. Many Fair Trade foods are also non GMO, so it is possible they may have a slightly bigger price tag. For the most part, the importing company is taking the lesser profit and sharing more with the farmer or producer of the item.
I don’t know about you, but I would prefer to buy Fair Trade products whenever possible. I think we could also use peace of mind knowing that our purchase did not cause grievance to the person who supplied it. Health is not just physical. It is also a state of mind.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Did you know that sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can help cure a cold, prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections, and may even be a potential treatment for some forms of cancer? If these things are true, why don’t we all know about it? Well, apparently we did. Baking soda was once a go-to remedy for many ailments. Of course that was before the we became prisoners to the pharmaceutical industry….
Baking soda may be one of the most useful substances that everyone has access to. Baking soda is found everywhere in nature, including our bodies, soil, food and oceans.
Disease thrives in a body that is over-acidic. Baking soda raises the pH of the body. Baking soda can be taken orally, or for more severe conditions, intravenously. The latter must be done with a health professional of course.
Baking soda is very versatile. It is an excellent antacid for heartburn and acid indigestion. Dr. Eric Chan, who practices in the Vancouver, B.C. area, uses an intravenous solution of sodium bicarbonate in his patients during allergy season. Other medical professionals use it to treat asthma in children.
Urinary Tract Infection – For people who tend to get urinary tract infections, adding baking soda to a cranberry juice/water concoction may help to relieve it.
Kidney Stones – If a person has acidic urine, over time this can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Baking soda may help prevent this.
Gout – This is a condition of joint inflammation from an excess of uric acid build-up. The alkalinity of baking soda may help reduce symptoms.
Muscle Pain & Fatigue – If you have ever exercised strenuously, you have probably suffered from pain caused by lactic acid build-up. Drinking baking soda and water can help to eliminate the excess lactic acid.
Malignant tumors are masses of cancer cells. These cells require an acidic environment to grow. Raising the pH around the tumors literally starves them and stops them growing. Injecting baking soda into the area of the tumor will turn the acidic environment, alkaline.
In 2009 a study was done with mice that showed very good promise using baking soda for some (not all) types of tumors. Dr. Tullio Simoncini, an Italian oncologist, treats his patients who have certain types of cancer with baking soda.
If you want more information on how sodium bicarbonate can be used medicinally, there is an excellent E-Book by Mark Sircus, A.C., OMD called “Rich Man’s Poor Man’s Cancer Treatment“.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>There was big news this week when America’s third largest poultry producer, Perdue Farms, announced at a press conference in Washington, DC, that they were completely stopping the use of antibiotics in all chicken hatcheries.
It is excellent to hear that pressure from advocacy groups, consumers and alternative health media is making a difference in the food industry. Like confined cattle, poultry farms are quite barbaric. That is why antibiotics are used in the first place. The unsanitary conditions that animals and poultry live in creates disease. Antibiotics are required to keep it under control.
In 2007, Perdue Farms stopped using antibiotics for growth promotion. Now, they have removed them from the hatcheries. According to Chairman Jim Perdue, “We listened to our consumers and we are proud to have developed a responsible program that does not risk the medical effectiveness of antibiotics in human health, provides appropriate health care for animals and does not employ growth-promoting drugs.”
According to their website, animal antibiotics will only be used to control an intestinal parasite or illness in a sick flock. I don’t see how chickens can stay healthy in these inhumane chicken farms so I don’t believe for a minute that the majority of chicken from Perdue Farms or any other company will be completely antibiotic-free in the near future.
The picture I put at the top of this article is how I like to think of chickens – happy, and running around in the outdoors. The reality is, almost all chicken consumed in the USA comes from chicken farms like the picture on the right.
I do eat some poultry, but always organic and cage free. I would rather not, but vegan-ism just doesn’t work for me. Because of my great love of all living things, I have to disassociate the food on my plate from a living creature. Most people probably don’t even think about it.
How can we make a change? Always buy organic, cage-free chicken, or grass-fed beef. Yes, it is more costly, but most Americans eat far more animal protein than they actually need. Just cut down. Quality over quantity and all that. Support the farmers who actually do treat their animals humanely. Do it for your own health, but also do it for the living creatures. Don’t support Perdue Farms or any other farm that would be so cruel. The only reason Perdue Farms changed their policy on antibiotic use is because of consumer pressure.
We can make a difference by changing our eating habits, deciding what companies we buy our food from, and consumer pressure. So start pressing, will ya?
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Over the next few years school lunches are getting “healthier” in the US thanks to first lady, Michelle Obama. I use the word “healthier” loosely because I think the new changes are marginal. I agree, french fries, pizza, etc. should not be part of a kids, (or anyone’s) lunch or dinner. Adding more whole grains is better, but unless they are GMO-free, they are still toxic. The new guidelines include changing to low fat foods and dropping the calories. That is not the solution either. In fact, lower fat/calorie diets cause children and adults to snack more on unhealthy, sugary foods.The most important thing is the quality of the food – simple and natural.
I googled many pictures of school lunches in the US. Some were healthier than others. There was one common denominator in every picture – all the children were given a little carton of processed low-fat dairy milk. Giving a child highly processed milk, from cows fed a diet of GMO grains, growth hormones and antibiotics, is a travesty.
Last week I came across an article by Rebeca Plantier, (I assume American), who was living in France and had her children in an elementary school. She was doing research on why French kids weren’t fat. The local city council gave her a tour of the public school’s cafeteria link. What her children were eating in the French school, differed vastly from the cuisine served to our young in the States. She posted 5 days of school meals. This is one of the pictures. Noticeably missing in any of the pictures was milk. There was cheese and real butter, but no carton of milk. I thought, perhaps this school was exceptional. So I googled more pictures and found pretty well the same thing. Better food, no milk.
Yes, the French love their fat. But if you have been paying attention to the latest health research, you know fat is not the enemy. Children will not get become obese eating good quality fat.. The idea that “fat is bad” was false information that guided American diets for over 30 years. I am not sure if the French use GMO wheat, but I do know, like most of Europe, they will not import US beef with the growth hormones and antibiotics. I didn’t see any processed foods in the pictures of French school lunches with the exception of the odd desert. The food was simple and unprocessed, just like this picture.
I cannot tell you how many times I have been in supermarkets and almost stopped to chastise a parent for the crap in their grocery cart. I have always (so far) stopped myself. I highly doubt a stranger lecturing a parent in a grocery store will do any good. So, I continue to keep my mouth shut. I came very closely to opening it not too long ago though. I was standing in line behind a young woman who was purchasing something at Target (not food). The back of her baby stroller was full of every kind of candy you can imagine. I watched her, and what I presume was her mother, give the toddler piece after piece of it.
I wish America served better food in the schools. On the other hand, a few bad meals a week will not destroy a child’s health. But bad meals at school AND at home, will. Parents, I know you are busy, but please feed your children good quality, natural food.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Over the past few years I have seen a trend develop. Ok, it might not be a big trend, but nevertheless, a trend. Various hospitals around the country are opting for better quality food. Their 3 meals a day of mush-like food is being replaces with …..drum roll, food that is healthy. Yes, food that might even help the patient recover quicker. I know that sounds too good to be true after 50 years of serving “guess what today’s mush is”, but it is happening.
So, exactly where are the hospitals serving better quality food? They are spread all over the country. In the Detroit area, organic food from a 1500 square foot on-site greenhouse supplies the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. All their food is sourced from this greenhouse, or other local sustainable farmers.
Swing over to Pennsylvania and the St. Luke’s University Health Network is supplying their patients with organic food grown from land that belongs to their network. They own 300 acres. Over the next 3 years they plan on building year-round greenhouses.
The Hudson Valley Hospital Center, in New York, sponsors its own farmer’s market twice a month from May to November. In Burlington, Vermont, the Fletcher Allen Health Care uses antibiotic-free meat. And though John Hopkins Medical Center isn’t completely jumping on the organic is better bandwagon, they are encouraging their patients to eat organic whenever possible and avoid processed food.
In California, the UCLA Medical Center is using organic food and the John Muir Medical Center offers quinoa, brown rice, antibiotic-free meat and hormone-free dairy. According to Lucia Sayre, Co-Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area Physicians for Social Responsibility, over 500 health care facilities have begun to implement healthier changes in their menus. Some hospitals are eliminating fast-food restaurants and vending machines in food courts. Others are creating hospital gardens and hosting farmer’s markets on hospital grounds.
We live in uncertain times. Is socialized medicine our only option? Will good quality medical treatment only be available for the rich? There is one thing we can be certain of. If hospital food improves, people will recover from an illness, injury or operation faster than eating nutrient-dead meals. Food is definitely the best medicine on the planet – even in hospitals.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
]]>Hot weather can be pretty tough on the furry members of our family. The heat brings out fleas, ticks, causes dry skin and dehydration. Here are some natural remedies to help you, and your four-legged children, get through the rest of the summer.
One of the biggest problems our pets have (and us) in the summer are those darn fleas. Try these simple, but effective remedies to eliminate them:
Lemon – There is a chemical in lemons called limonene that kills and repels fleas. You can juice lemons, mix the juice with water and spray your pets. Lemon juice can also be added to your pet’s shampoo.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This is another great flea deterrent. Always use an unpasteurized variety of vinegar (such as Bragg’s). It can be used externally as a spray on both cats and dogs, or you can add 1 teaspoon to your dog’s water. This will also help improve your dog’s skin and coat.
Lavender – Lavender is a natural flea repellent. You can use a concentrated lavender essential oil or make your own lavender water. To make your own lavender solution, soak some lavender seeds overnight in some water. Strain out the seeds and put the water in a spray bottle.
Lemon/Vinegar Flea Spray – Combine 2-3 drops of lavender oil (cedar oil can also be used), 1 c apple cider vinegar and 1 qt of fresh water. This can be sprayed topically. Be sure to avoid the face. This is also an excellent combination to spray on pet beds or anywhere your pets spend a lot of time.
Fleas in the Yard – Go to your local garden shop or pet store and buy nematode worms and spread them around your yard. These worms like to eat flea larva.
Rose geranium oil works very well as a tick deterrent for dogs and humans. Put a drop between your dog’s shoulder blades and another drop on the base of the tail. Ticks do not like tea tree oil either. You can add a few drops to some water and use in a spray bottle.
Brew some chamomile tea bags. Cool the tea and put it into a spray bottle. You can spray this on both dogs and cats to help soothe irritated skin.
Don’t forget your dog’s paws can burn on hot pavement or stones. Cut out some cloth and wrap the paws so they look like little booties. Use velcro to keep the booties from falling off. This is also useful if you live in very cold climate.
Natural remedies for cats & dogs are healthier than using chemical flea and tick formulas. They are often more effective too.
Wishing you and your pets, a pest-free summer.
To your Health!
Peter Gillham
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