Tropical Health

5 Foods/Spices That Fight Chronic Pain

By Susan Patterson

I have had chronic pain in my knee for a very long time. I tore my ACL playing basketball in college and have had other minor tears, sprains and even a medial meniscal cyst over the last ten years. All of this has left a tremendous amount of scar tissue, arthritis and pain in my knee. I have been advised that I need a total knee replacement but have been doing as many natural things as possible to postpone or possibly forego this all together.

I am a firm believer in food as being my first stop for relief and because of this, I have experimented with a number of foods in my diet searching for those that bring the most relief. It is amazing how much just adjusting your diet slightly can have an impact on pain levels. After many years of experimenting, here are the five foods and spices that have brought me the most relief.

Tart Cherries: Eating tart cherries or drinking cherry juice is a well-known remedy for pain and inflammation. Science is just now catching up to what many have known for years, cherries do, in fact, relieve pain associated with such conditions as arthritis. In one study it was found that eating as few as ten tart cherries per day protects against gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis.

Other studies seem promising with regards to tart cherry juice and osteoarthritis. Research published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that patients who drank 16 ounces of tart cherry juice per day for six weeks had marked improvement in joint pain, stiffness, and flexibility. I myself enjoy a small bowl of cherries at least 3 days a week and notice an improvement in both pain and flexibility of my injured knee.

Ginger: Ginger has been used a natural inflammatory for thousands of years. A study from the University of Miami found that a highly concentrated ginger extract significantly reduced pain and stiffness in knees joints when compared to a placebo. They concluded that ginger extract might one day be a substitute for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. I drink a couple cups of tea with fresh ginger root and can really notice a difference in my knee pain and swelling.

Turmeric: This ancient spice is loaded with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to reduce inflammation and fight pain come from the main ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric has been proven to be effective against all kinds of inflammatory pain such as muscle sprains, injuries, and arthritis. There are a number of ways to get a turmeric fix but the one I found most effective for me was to just add ground turmeric to many of my dishes. It is especially delicious on eggs, in soup, stews and even on salads. I also enjoyed turmeric tea and a turmeric topical rub for my knee.

Coffee: I was excited to see that coffee made my list for helping with my pain. Caffeine is a powerful pain reducer. It blocks receptors in the brain known as ‘adenosines.’ which cause the body to relax and activate dopamine chemicals that reduce pain and improve energy. I found that if I drink a cup of coffee prior to working out helped me to recover without pain after working out and allowed my joints to recover faster. A study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign shows that small doses of caffeine before working out may prolong the duration of a person’s exercise.

Oranges: Oranges contain beta-cryptoxanthin, a phytochemical that can decrease the development of inflammatory joint conditions. I eat one orange a day as part of my anti-inflammatory diet. If you struggle with insulin resistance, be sure to eat your fruit before noon.

In Summary

In addition to including anti-inflammatory foods and spices in your diet be sure that you are getting daily exercise, sleeping at least 7 hours a night and managing stress. All of these things will go a long ways towards helping reduce pain and swelling.

-Susan Patterson

Why I Stopped Eating Processed Cheese and You Should Too

By Susan Patterson

I really like cheese. I like cheese in my salad, I like cheese on my popcorn… I just like cheese. But, I have now stopped eating cheese and with it all processed dairy products including yogurt and milk. I have gone cold turkey.

Americans eat way too much-processed cheese

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,

 “Americans eat more than 33 pounds of cheese per person per year—three times more than they did in 1970—and our country is more obese than ever … Cheese is a high-calorie product loaded with fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Typical cheeses are 70 percent fat. And the type of fat they contain is mainly saturated (“bad”) fat.”

We should consume healthy saturated fat: We should consume 2 tablespoons of healthy saturated fat daily from good sources such as coconut oil or avocados. However, consuming a boatload of processed, unhealthy saturated fat such as that found in processed cheese, is very hard on your body. Yes, we need saturated fat to function but only when it comes from healthy sources.

The Bad News

So here are just some of the reasons why I decided to ditch processed cheese:

Too many ingredients: Ok, have you ever turned over the package of a bag of cheese only to find a huge list of ingredients, many of which you can’t even pronounce? The list includes things such as emulsifiers, saturated vegetable oils, excess sodium, food coloring agents, preservatives, and sugar.

Vegetable oils: A variety of nasty, industrially produced oils, such as soy, sunflower, canola and corn oil, are used in processed cheese products to improve flavor and texture. They also serve as cheap fillers to bulk up the product so that less real cheese needs to be used.

Sodium and sugar: Processed cheese normally contains at least twice as much sodium as is used in the making of natural cheese. This is because food manufacturers have become wise to the particular combinations that trigger our taste buds and brains most effectively.

Cheese can contain pus from bladder infections in cows: This is just gross and enough of a reason for me to stop eating processed cheese. Peta has this to say,

“They [the cows] are treated like milk-producing machines and are genetically manipulated and pumped full of antibiotics and hormones that cause them to produce more milk. While cows suffer on factory farms, humans who drink their milk increase their chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and many other ailments.”

Many kinds of cheese are made with rennet: Perhaps you have not heard of rennet before. It is actually an enzyme that comes from calves’ stomach linings. Unless the cheese is labeled vegetarian, there is a good chance that it contains rennet. The Vegetarian Society tells us this about rennet.

“The traditional source of rennet is the stomach of slaughtered newly-born calves. Vegetarian cheeses are manufactured using rennet from either fungal/bacterial sources or genetically modified micro-organisms.”

Artificial colors: Along with the other carefully composed properties of processed cheese, the color is also made “just right” to tempt the eye of purchasers. Some examples of coloring agents include apocarotenal, yellow dye and yellow tartrazine. All considered dangerous substances.

In Summary

I could go on and on about processed cheese, but I am sure that you get the picture. Better to stay away from it all together. It is best to eat only high quality, real cheese made with no artificial ingredients and do so in moderation than to risk the health dangers of the processed stuff!

-Susan Patterson

6 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

By Susan Patterson

One in three American adults has high blood pressure. Known as the silent killer because there are few warning signs, having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Risk factors for developing hypertension include obesity, excessive drinking, smoking and family history.

What is blood pressure?

As your heart beats, it sends blood to your body to provide oxygen and energy. When the blood moves, it is pushed against the sides of the blood vessels. The force of this pushing is what is called blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, it puts an extra strain on your arteries and heart. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

What do the numbers in a blood pressure reading mean?

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The first number or top number is called systolic blood pressure. This is the highest point that your pressure reaches when your heart beats. The second number or diastolic blood pressure is the lowest level that your blood reaches when your heart relaxes between beats. A reading of 120/80mmHg is considered good blood pressure. Anything above this is considered high and the higher it goes the greater the risk of a stroke or a heart attack.

What can I do to keep my blood pressure low?

As mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to manage blood pressure is to live a healthy life. Eating a diet rich in whole foods, keeping your weight within normal limits, not smoking, exercising and limiting your consumption of alcohol can all help to minimize your risk.

There are also a number of healthy foods that can not only help prevent high blood pressure but also help to lower it.

Flaxseed: According to a study published in the Journal of Hypertension, consuming flaxseed has been directly linked to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is thought that flaxseed can help reduce blood pressure because of these compounds; alpha-linolenic acid, lignans, peptides, and fiber. Flaxseeds are easy to incorporate into a healthy diet. Try adding them to soups, salads, and smoothies as well as yogurt, rice, and in baking.

Chocolate: Good news for those of us who can’t seem to survive without our chocolate fix. Consuming dark chocolate or cocoa, rich in flavanols, has been linked to a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension and pre-hypertension. It is important to remember moderation when consuming chocolate and only choose high-quality chocolate with no added ingredients and at least 75% cocoa for best results.

Beets: A study published in Nutrition Journal found that beets had a positive impact on the systolic blood pressure of healthy men and women. Beasts contain nitrates which cause the reduction. Eat fresh, organic beets at often as you can to help reduce blood pressure.

Pomegranate: Researchers from the United Kingdom found that consuming more than one cup of pure pomegranate juice per day for four weeks had a positive impact on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Th potassium and polyphenols found in pomegranate juice are most likely the reason for the reduction.

Hibiscus: This beautiful flower has properties in it including phenols, antioxidants, and anthocyanins that might help reduce blood pressure. A study found that drinking hibiscus tea three times a day had a positive impact on persons with borderline or just slightly elevated blood pressure.

Honey:  An animal study published in the “Letters in Drug Design Discovery” found that honey had a protective impact against high blood pressure. Another study found that honey was capable of lowering systolic blood pressure. The author of The Healing Powers of Honey, Cal Orey notes that Honey owes its blood pressure lowering capabilities to oligosaccharides – a type of carbohydrate with powerful antioxidant properties. In addition, it is thought that the vitamins, probiotics, minerals, and enzymes that make it a very heart healthy food.

-Susan Patterson

What’s So Great About Bee Pollen?

By Susan Patterson

You may have heard a lot about bee pollen, but perhaps you are not quite sure about what it is and what it can do for you. Bee pollen sets the mark for all other superfoods. It contains over thousands of different enzymes – more than any other food in nature.

Just 35 grams of bee pollen per day provides all of the nutritional needs of an “average” person. What a testimony to its nutritional potency.

When bees visit a flower for nectar, they gather millions of tiny pieces of pollen on their hairy body. They scrape these pieces together along with a little nectar and some digestive juices to form a small ball. This ball is what we call bee pollen and contains millions upon millions of individual pieces of pollen. The bees carry the pollen back to the hive in small sacks on the back of their legs. Once they arrive back at the hive, they deposit the pollen for the queen to eat and feed to her brood. There is a tremendous amount of life energy in each piece of bee pollen – enough to sustain the queen for a long time as she lays 2000 eggs per day.

What is in pollen?
Bee pollen contains over 5000 different types of enzymes. This is more enzymes than have ever been discovered in any other food type. Bee pollen is about 40% protein. In fact, it is seven times more protein than in most meet per weight. The best thing about the protein in bee pollen is that it is already partially digested which makes it very easy to absorb, unlike meat. Meat sits for a very long time in the gut – almost 4-5 hours before it is broken down.

Besides being a complete source of protein, bee pollen is also loaded with B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D and E. Bee pollen is the only plant source that contains vitamin B-12.

It also offers simple and complex sugars, fats and a high amount of lecithin along with trace minerals.

Benefits of bee pollen

The health benefits attributed to bee pollen are endless.

Enzymes: First and foremost, it is an incredible source of enzymes. As we age, if we stress or are sick, our enzyme army becomes depleted. Consuming bee pollen on a daily basis helps to replenish our enzyme stores.

Anti-inflammatory: Bee pollen is a potent anti-inflammatory. Recent research reveals that properties within bee pollen are capable of preventing or reducing symptoms in many inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, cancer and heart disease.

Allergies: Bee pollen has been shown to be an effective remedy for seasonal allergies. Allergists believe it can help lower sensitivity to local plant pollens, which can ease the effects of hay fever and other allergic reactions. Dr. Leo Conway, M.D. reported that after treating his patients with bee pollen, 94 percent were free of allergy symptoms, including everything from asthma to sinus problems.

Digestion: Bee pollen is loaded with essential nutrients and enzymes that help ease digestion and tackle many of the symptoms of gastric conditions such as irritable bowel and gastritis.

Weight

Consuming bee pollen has also been reported to reduce cravings as well as to stimulate metabolic processes, which means you’ll not only burn more calories, you’ll be less likely to overeat. Its phenylalanine content, which is a natural amino acid the body requires, acts as an appetite suppressant.

Immune system booster: Bee pollen is also thought to have a significant impact on the immune system due to its vitamin B, C, D and E content as well as calcium, magnesium, selenium, cysteine, and a variety of proteins. As it’s good for intestinal flora, this further boosts the immune system. Its antibiotic-like properties also help to protect the body from contracting infectious diseases like the cold and flu.

Energy: Consuming bee pollen on a daily basis will give you a good and steady source of energy. If you plan to take a long hike or participate in an enduring physical activity, be sure to take some bee pollen with you.

How to enjoy bee pollen

The one thing you don’t want to do is heat bee pollen, enjoy it fresh. Sprinkle some on yogurt, salad, rice or add to your favorite smoothie. If you have not consumed bee pollen before, start with a little – a few granules, to be sure you don’t have an allergy ( although rare). After that gradually increase your amount until you are consuming about 3 tablespoons a day.

Sourcing and storing

Be sure to source your bee pollen from a local hive and one that has harvested ethically. Many people who harvest bee pollen take too much and leave the hive starving, only to replace it with sugar. Be sure that this is not the case with your source.

Store bee pollen in the freezer for best results. It will not freeze and can be eaten directly from the freezer.

Bee pollen is a wonderful gift that should be respected and enjoyed.

-Susan Patterson

My Favorite Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink ( and why I drink it)

By Susan Patterson

Perhaps you have heard the word “detox” tossed around all too frequently to believe it has any real meaning. Unfortunately, major corporations have exploited the true meaning of the word for financial gain. This makes it very hard to untangle the useful, well-researched information on the topic from that which is just fluff.

The truth is, detoxing is paramount to good health and a necessity in our day and age. No matter how clean a lifestyle you live, we are bombarded on a daily basis by a host of toxins ranging from those within our own home to those in the atmosphere at large. Everything from the food we consume, the personal care products we use and the area in which we live can play a major role in our long-term health.

Many toxins such as pesticides, factory pollution, and contaminated water sources are hard to escape. The sad truth is, we live in a very toxic world and that makes it even more important to pay attention to detoxing.

The word detox simply  means the act of ridding the body of toxins. It is something that we do singularly or on a continual basis to keep toxins from building up in our body. It is a good healthy practice to develop habits that will help to keep your body free and clear. Some of these habits include getting enough rest, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of clean, fresh water, eating loads of veggies, abstaining from fast and processed food, using non-toxic personal care and cleaning products and reducing stress in your life. All of these things will help to keep your body in prime condition so that it can handle the stress of toxins.

One other healthy habit that I recommend is a very simple detox drink that can be enjoyed daily. This drink will soon become one of your favorites as it not only helps support healthy detoxification but it also boosts your immune system and provides an energy boost.

Apple cider vinegar contains a host of healthy bacteria, vitamins, and minerals that support efficient digestion and build a strong immune system. Lemons are known for their antioxidants and high vitamin C content. They help to protect your body from damage at the cellular level and help cleanse your liver.

The addition of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ginger in this drink all help support healthy metabolism and detoxification.  Raw honey adds just the right amount of sweetness and adds a tremendous therapeutic value of its own.

Enjoy this drink daily, first thing in the morning and you will be doing your body a great favor!

 

 

Detox Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 glass warm or hot water (at least 12 – 16 ozs.)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 dashes of cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp raw honey

Instructions:

  1. Gather all ingredients and glass. I used a mason jar.
  2. Heat the water to the desired temperature.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the glass or jar. 
  4. Drink while still warm or hot.
  5. This drink takes about 5 minutes to prepare.

-Susan Patterson

This Honey Heel Cream Will Make Your Foot Cracks Disappear

By Susan Patterson

For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with dry and cracked skin on my heels. I spend a lot of time in sandals and a lot of time in the dirt in bare feet gardening. These two things don’t help my seemingly chronic condition. I have tried any number of things to remedy the situation including putting Vaseline on my heels at night and wearing socks. This works for only a little while and the dry skin reappears. I also make a point of having regular pedicures to show my feet just how much Iove them.

Since I refuse to stop wearing sandals and absolutely refuse to stop playing in the dirt, I am always searching for something to help heal my feet. A few weeks ago, a friend of mine suggested that I try some of her moisturizing heel cream she had made for a family member who suffers from the same issues I do. Of course, with all of the remedies I had tried over the years to no avail, I was skeptical at best.

The remedy contained an ingredient I had never tried before: honey. Knowing what I know about honey’s therapeutic value, I was at least somewhat inspired and excited to give it a try.

Why honey

Honey is the oldest sweetener on earth but it is so much more than that. The medicinal properties of honey have been well known for thousands of years. I believe it is one of the most potent power foods on the planet and everyone should have a jar (or three!) in their home at all times.

 

This invaluable gift from the bees is loaded with vitamins, trace enzymes, amino acids and minerals including calcium, iron, sodium chloride, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium. It is also slightly acidic which helps to reduce bacteria.

Multiple studies have proven that honey can aid in healing due to its natural antibacterial properties. In addition, honey reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen peroxide, which kills bacteria.

It works

I have regularly used honey as a moisturizer for my hair and my face, so it is no wonder that my friend recommended it for my feet. After three weeks of use, my feet are noticeably softer and I have fewer cracks. If you are like me and suffer from dry, cracked feet, I encourage you to give this moisturizing heel cream a try.

Daily Honey Moisturizing Heel Cream

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup organic honey
  • 1 tbsp whole milk
  • 1/4 of a whole orange, juiced

Equipment

  • Small glass jar with lid for storage
  • Pumice stone or foot file

 

Instructions

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Warm the honey just enough to make it easy to spread. This should only take 15-20 minutes in the microwave.
  3. Stir in the milk and the juice of the orange.
  4. Using a spatula, place the mix into the small jar.
  5. Using the pumice stone or the foot file, rub off some of the callused skin on your heel before applying a thin layer of the mixture. Spread evenly on your heels.
  6. Massage as much of it into your skin as possible.
  7. Leave the mixture on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
  8. Do this twice a day until you can feel and see the difference. Use as often as needed. This will keep in the refrigerator for a month.

— Susan Patterson

The Great Fall Houseclean, What Matters and Why

By Susan Patterson

While spring is generally the season reserved for “the big clean,” deep cleaning your house before winter is equally important. Let’s face it, with the warm weather and clear skies of the summer, you’ve likely neglected a few essential housecleaning tasks over the last few months in favor of spending time outdoors. I don’t blame you! Fresh air is good for your mind and body. However, as the weather cools down and you begin to spend more time inside, you’ll want to have a fresh, clean home to cuddle up in and pass the next few months. Here’s everything you should include in the great fall houseclean and why you shouldn’t neglect these areas.

[Read more…]

Why Scheduling Time for Social Media is a Good Thing

By Susan Patterson

Does this routine sound familiar? You turn the lights off and crawl into bed at the end of an exhausting day, mentally and physically ready to collapse into sleep. Instead, you grab your phone to “check a few things,” the blue light shining into your face. Thirty minutes later, you finally set your alarm and plug in your phone inches from your head on the bedside table.

[Read more…]

Recent Potato Chip Recall and How you Can Make Your Own Healthier Version

By Susan Patterson

Americans are in love with potato chips. In fact, the average American eats over six pounds of potato chips annually. Recently, however, Frito-Lay voluntarily issued a recall of Lay’s barbecue flavored chips over allergy concerns. Regardless, potato chips aren’t the healthiest thing in your shopping cart. But what about making your own, healthier version of your family’s favorite snack? Here’s everything you need to know about the recall — and about making your own chips!

[Read more…]

What is Hydrolyzed Collagen and Should I Take It?

By Susan Patterson

Hydrolyzed collagen has taken the beauty and wellness world by storm, with many claiming that it improves everything from joint health to wrinkles. Most importantly, those claims are backed by studies. While there are several foods you can eat to increase your collagen intake, supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Since collagen production slows in your 30s, bumping up your levels via supplements could be a smart move. But what exactly is hydrolyzed collagen, and should you include it in your health and beauty regime?

[Read more…]