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The Care and Feeding of Your Children: Hydration

The Care and Feeding of Your Children: HYDRATION

By Dr. Mary Starr Carter

Acne, Headaches, Bad Breath, Constipation, Cramping, Poor Concentration, Depression, Anxiety, Moodiness, Mental Fogginess

These symptoms might be what your teenager struggles with or even yourself. What you drink could contribute to all these things. Here are some simple suggestions that can help reduce some of these symptoms.

Make sure your children have proper hydration. WATER

FLAVORED WATERS

Flavored waters are expensive and not as healthy as you may think. Did you know that one bottle of Vitamin Water packs in 125 calories and 32.5g of sugar?

Ideally the best drink for your family is pure water. No chlorine, no fluoride just plain good most likely filtered water. (There are a variety of different water filtration and alkalizing machines and I will discuss that in another blog in the coming months.)

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO FLAVORED WATERS

Start your kids young liking pure water. If someone in your family doesn't like the taste of water try some of Young Living Essential oils in your water. I get a big glass (must be glass) bottle and put my pure water and choose from Orange, Tangerine, Citrus Fresh, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Spearmint and even Cinnamon oil. Pick an oil put 1 drop in the water and it is like a whole new drink plus you are getting all the added benefits of the Young Living Essential oils. Pick something and try it yourself first before giving it to the family.

HOW MUCH WATER?

The amount of fluids we need everyday from our drink and food should equal half our body weight in oz per day. If your an athlete be sure to stay hydrated before, during and after your events. If you are going to still drink Soda, Coffee or Caffeinated drinks then you must drink double that amount in water to make up for it.

HOW HYDRATED ARE YOU?

If you want to see how hydrated you or your children are you can purchase a scale that measures weight and water hydration. This can give you an estimate of if you or

SODA POP

Hopefully I don't have to tell you how bad sodas are for the body especially growing bodies. They are particularly harmful because Soda leaches calcium from our bones, wears the enamel off of our teeth, increases our chance of obesity, spikes blood sugar levels, and children who drink soda are 4 times as likely to have a broken bone.

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO SODA POP

Adults use soda to help pep them up or because they just like it. Children can easily get addicted to the sugar in soda. NingXia Red is a juice with 50% wolfberry which has essential amino-acids, vitamins and minerals the body needs. 1 ounce of NingXia Red has more antioxidants than eating 8 oranges, 4 lbs of carrots, 2 cups of blueberries, 2 cups of raspberry and you get the picture. ITS GOOD STUFF. And taste good.

So make your own soda with NingXia Red. Not everyday but occasionally treat your kids to a healthy soda with seltzer water an ounce of NingXia Red juice. This is our family's favorite because it tastes like a fruit soda but we are getting all the benefits of NingXia Red. NingXia Red is far superior to many Energy Drinks like Red Bull and Monster because they give sustainable energy to the body. If your child struggles with fatigue increase their Ningxia Red consumption to 2 oz twice a day and see how they do.

"Even though my 23 year old son doesn't eat the best but I know he is getting good nutrition because he has his NingXia Red everyday. I know I can trust NingXia Red." Kathryn Faso

“My daughter is a High School athlete who used to be sick all the time. Now I give her NingXia Red everyday 1 oz and 2 oz if she has practice or a big game. Her coaches notice a difference and she has rarely been sick this year." Hannibal NY

"My child was 2 years old and non-verbal and still not walking. We were very concerned. After just 6 weeks of giving her 2 ounces a day she started saying words and walking. I know it the nutrition in NingXia Red changed her." Mesa Arizona

You can also do seltzer water with Lemon, Citrus Fresh or Grapefruit essential oil and a little Stevia to sweeten it. Some grocery stores carry Zevia a delicious healthy soda. Again though make these a treat and not an everyday occurrence. Your wallet will thank you.

Stop Buying Juices

I know this may come as a shock to you but Juices can be harmful to your children's health. One glass of Orange Juice has 18 grams of sugar. Even if your sugar is natural from a fruit 18 grams of sugar will spike your teenager’s blood sugar and could result in low energy and moodiness. If you have to have juices dilute them with water 50/50.

"I was pregnant and developed Gestational Diabetes. My doctor said it was because of all the Orange Juice and juices I was drinking."

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

We have already discussed NingXia Red which 1 oz can be diluted in 8-12 oz of water. But if you like juices think about squeezing or juicing your own. You will get 50% more nutrition and enzymes because FRESH IS BEST. The Champion Juicer is my favorite but the Jack Lalane Juicer is a close second. It can be fun as you can have your kids choose the fruit and veggies they want in their drink. There are lots more nutrients and enzymes you don't get with other store bought juices. My favorite Lemonade is 4 organic apples with 1 lemon after it's juiced I add water and ice and it is fabulous! The whole family will love it!

Whether you family member is 2 or 90 years old they can benefit from changes we suggest in this article. Now pick one thing you can do today to start Caring and Feeding your family for Total Wellness.

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Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health. She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease. She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Protected: A Smoker’s Pain: 5 Tips to Reduce your pain and fight the effects of smoking

by Claudi 4 Comments

You are weaker than you think you are and stronger than you think you are

by Claudi 2 Comments

You are weaker than you think you are and stronger than you think you are?

By Dr. Mary Starr Carter

Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia sufferers can spend a lot of time in bed resting. Some may even spend 16-20 hrs a day resting. The pain and fatigue can be unbearable to even get out of bed. After just 4 hours of bed rest the body begins to decrease its muscle mass and fibers. Bed Rest can contribute to the pain because lymph and toxins become stuck in the body and inflammation can increase. Bed rest for weeks at a time can contribute to muscle atrophy and weakness of the stabilizing core muscles which could lead to neck and back problems.

Obese individuals can have a condition of muscle build up, tightness and weakness where certain muscles grow strong and big from the extra weight they carry and other muscles become weak. They can end up with the same inflammatory pain conditions as a Fibromyalgia client.

What about those who sit all day long? They also can end up with a tight muscle weak muscle condition which can cause pain and problems.

First why Exercise? Well we addressed that in our Benefits of Exercise article. Here are a few more reasons from Dr. Murphree's Health Matters Newsletter

Exercise is a wonderful stress reducer and mood elevator. It helps relieve mild depression by generating endorphins, the body's natural pain killers that are associated with the "runner's high." Some researchers have said that exercise can raise levels of norepinephrine — a neurotransmitter associated with drive, ambition, energy, and happiness — by 200 percent.

Exercise also stimulates important neurotransmitters that help us combat insomnia, irritability, and fatigue, as well as food, alcohol, and tobacco cravings. Blood glucose and insulin levels are decreased, which is extremely beneficial for carbohydrate-intolerant individuals and type-2 diabetics. (Type-1 diabetics will need to adjust their insulin regimen to account for increased exercise.)

Exercise also decreases triglycerides (fats) in your blood and LDL – the bad form of cholesterol, while increasing HDL – the good form. High blood pressure is lowered, and the heart becomes stronger and more efficient, pumping more blood per beat. Exercise increases the diameter of coronary arteries, greatly reducing the risk of heart attack. Exercise can even reduce the risk of a second heart attack. Among heart attack survivors, those who choose not to exercise are over 20 times more likely to have another heart attack than those who exercise.

BUT EXERCISE ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH
YOU MUST STRENGTHEN ALL YOUR MUSCLES

Myself and many of my clients walk daily, ride a bike, even have strenuous jobs with physical labor, but to properly strengthen the body we must include Strength Training into our Recovery and Fitness Plan.

The number #1 reason for Strength Training Exercise is to protect your bones and muscles. But there are plenty more reasons like increasing your immune system, decreasing your risk of injury, eliminating Type II diabetes, burning more calories, and Strength Training is even found more effective than drugs in fighting arthritis pain.

Where to Begin?

If you have any illness be sure to consult with your health care practitioner. But if you have Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia you may also need to work in stages.

Recovery Stage

If you have a debilitating disabling condition I recommend the Chi Machine or a Vibrating machine for beginners. These machines help do the work for you as you lay, sit or stand on them. They burn calories, and increase the lymphatic motion which can decrease pain.

Beginner and Beyond Stage

The next level would include an exercise program developed for Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Obese, Arthritis and Pain clients called T-TAP exercise. This is an excellent short (some are 15 minutes) simple exercise program that you can do in the comfort of your home.

T-TAP exercise helped me to regain my health and strength. It got me strong enough to start to lift weights. Many individuals have regained their health with this system alone. Charlotte Siems released over 100 lbs and has kept it off for years.

You may only be able to do part or some of the exercises at first but stick with it you will get stronger. You can use a variety of T-TAP trainings for a Total Body strength and toning workout for your entire life. But some of you will need more so when you are ready move on to the next stage.

Strength Training Stage

Strength Training can be accomplished in the gym or at home.

Many gyms are equipped with good Nautilus, Cybex and Free weight type of equipment that helps you develop your strength and muscle. My personal opinion after working out at dozens of gyms is that one size fits all machines are not as effective as a program specifically tailored for you. I recommend investing in a Personal Trainer for several sessions until you understand and can do a specific routine. You may want to work with a Personal Trainer periodically throughout the year to help challenge you and get the quickest results.

MY FAVORITE

Chalene Extreme by Beach Body

Wow am I impressed with this Program. She is an excellent trainer who has very carefully paid attention to all the little details a personal trainer would. But the best part is that the cost is less than 2 sessions with a personal trainer and you can do it in the convenience of your home. You will feel the results in a week, and see the results in less than 3 weeks.

DON'T FORGET THE NUTRITION

To get strong again your body is going to need some specific carbohydrates and proteins. NingXia Red is an excellent way to fuel your body during a strength training workout followed by Powermeal a meal replacement shake. I recommend getting a liter of water with 2 oz of NingXia Red in it and drink this during your work out and finish it within 3 hours of your work out. Also make sure you have had your Protein Shake within 20-30 minutes of finishing your workout. Some people even enjoy a shake 30 minutes before and then again afterwards. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.

After a decade of only doing aerobic exercises and then living 2 months in bed and on the couch I became extremely weak, fatigued, and hurting. I did not have a foundation of strong muscle that would sustain me through that period of little movement. But THANK YOU GOD…. for that awful experience because had I not gone through that I would have never known how WEAK I REALLY WAS. Now just 3 weeks into it. I feel Stronger than EVER !

Remember if you sit most of your day you are probably weaker than you think you are. But give yourself just a few weeks of beginning Strength training and you will soon realize you are stronger than you thought you were too!

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Benefits of Exercise

by Claudi 7 Comments

Benefits of Exercise

By Dr. Peggy Malone

Moving your body regularly is one of the best things that you can do for your health. In previous posts, I have emphasized that the human body is a perfect motion machine. It is designed to move; to run and jump and hunt and gather. Our current modern day world has taken many of us away from the motion that our body needs.

Getting your body moving through a regular exercise program has more benefits than you think.

Here are 43 of the advantages that a regular exercise program can bring to your health and wellness…

1) Reduced stress and tension

2) Increased energy to manage your day to day routine

3) Pain relief

4) A stronger immune system: Exercise is a natural defence against colds and flu viruses.

5) Increased good cholesterol (HDL-High Density Lipoprotein)

6) Reduced depression

7) Prevention of and reduced incidence of Low Back Pain

8 ) Blood Pressure levels that are improved and regulated

9) Improved co-ordination and balance

10) Decreased risk of stroke and heart disease

11) Decreased risk of Type II Diabetes and more controlled blood sugar levels.

12) Increase bone density and decreased risk of Osteoporosis

13) Decreased risk of breast and colon cancers

14) Improved respiratory function

15) Increase mental alertness and focus

16) Enhanced ability to relax and sleep

17) Reduced triglyceride levels and gives the body the ability to more effectively burn fat

18) Aid in alleviating varicose veins

19) Decreased menstrual cramps

20) Improvement in skin tone

21) Enhanced sex life

22) Increase in flexibility

23) Improved joint health including increased range of motion

24) Toned and firm muscles with more definition

25) Increased strength and endurance

26) Increased lean muscle mass (which begins to decline at an alarming rate of up to 2% a year after age 35)

27) Increased athletic performance

28) Decreased resting heart rate

29) Enhanced heart function including higher cardiac output

30) Increased speed of muscle contraction and reaction time

31) Improved posture

32) Weight loss, decrease in obesity

33) Improved chances of keeping the weight off after you lose it

34) Increased cravings for healthier foods

35) Improved digestion

36) Improved social interaction with exercise group

37) The challenge and achievement of a goal

38) Heightened self esteem and self image

39) Reduced number of ‘sick’ days

40) Reduced chance of a fatal heart attack

41) Reduced risk of premature death

42) Increased length of life

43) Overall improvement of quality of life

It is never to late to experience the benefits of regular exercise. Even if you are 85 or even 95, if you start a regular exercise program (under the guidance of a health care professional please) you can see massive benefits in many areas of your health and wellness and most importantly in your overall quality of life.

I’ve written in previous posts about the benefits of moving your body every day. If you need another reminder as to why you should be exercising, I have just given you 43. If you can add to the list, I would love it if you would comment below and give me your exercise benefit!

Get moving…..

Your body will thank you and your overall well-being will be improved as a result.

About the Writer:

Dr. Peggy Malone is a Chiropractor and an Athlete who helps other athletes to overcome injury and get back to their sport. She also inspires patients from all walks of life to take control of their health to be as happy and as healthy as they can be. It's simpler than you think to take control of your health. My gift to you today is my free report: Top Ten Steps That Make a Difference

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The mystery of Vitamin D

by Jay Carter 5 Comments

Do you remember Cod Liver oil? The awful tasting stuff your mother or grandmother would make you take when you were sick or if you were lucky every day. Well you might not think so then but today science has proven it was and is REALLY GOOD STUFF. One of the reasons is the high amount of Vitamin D in it.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin found in very few foods with cod liver oil having the highest quantities. It also can naturally be made by our bodies when the ultraviolet rays of the sun hit our skin.

Why is it Important?

Not only is it important for the strength of our bones and calcium absorption but research is finding that Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to certain autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers. WOW right.

Who is lacking Vitamin D ?

Although research varies it is estimated that more than 90 % of Americans have low levels of Vitamin D and children are becoming more and defieincent. But here is a list of groups who are most at risk:

Breast Fed Infants,

Older Adults

People with limited sun exposure

People with dark skin

People with problems digesting fat

Obese people

And those who have had Gastric Bypass

Some Drugs prevent Vitamin D absorption

Certain Steroids like Prednisone

Both the weight-loss drug Xenical and Alli and the cholesterol-lowering drugs Questran, LoCholest, and Prevalite can reduce the absorption of vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins And the anti-seizure medicine Dilantin.

How do I know my Vitamin D levels?

Many doctors are prescribing Vitamin D testing for patients, but you can also request it. There are take home Vitamin D Deficiency test that will cost you about $65. If you are into saving money you might want to consider just taking Vitamin D.

How do I get enough Vitamin D?

Northerners don't expect the sun to the do the job from October to April. The UV rays we need are not strong enough so here are some of my recommendations. Get tested so you have a base line to go from and then supplement with the following. With low levels take 4000IUs of Liquid Vitamin D3 (I believe liquid is more absorbable) or a great source of Cod liver oil. My recommendation for D3 is Carlson Labs liquid D3 drops 2000IUs. Also if you struggle with Seasonal Affect Disorder also known as the winter blues I recommend getting in the tanning bed for 5-30 minutes two times a week. Be sure to check the facilitiy that the beds emitt UVB rays and follow their tanning guidelines.

My findings

In my practice several of my fibromyalgia clients had been prescribed Vitamin D by their primary MDs. The clients saw improvements in their energy levels and pain after just a month of supplementing.

The other thing I find so interesting is that there are no Multiple Sclerosis cases near the equator and I bet a lot less cases of Rhematoid, Lupus, Fibromyalgia etc…. in my Central NY town half of the over 60 year olds go to Florida for the winter. Most of them say they feel so much better with less pain and more energy. Could there be a link between Vitamin D and sunlight?

The Total Wellness doctor thinks so!

Conclusion

Research shows vitamin D gives you a much a better chance of preventing illnesses such as: Heart Disease, Hypertension, Arthritis, Chronic Pain, Depression, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Obesity, Premenstrual Syndrome, Muscular Weakness, Fibromyalgia, Crohns Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmune Illness, and Cancer. so,…..

Get your baseline Vitamin D tested start supplementing your diet or get some artificial sun or real sun depending where you live and what time of the year.

For more information order the book

The Vitamin D cure by James e Dowd gives a simple 5 step plan to using Vitamin D, some simple exercise and diet changes to increase your energy, improve your mood, decrease pain and even lose weight.