Thanks for stopping by to share a few moments! I always appreciate your comments and if you like what you read; would you mind sharing this info with others…for their health? Take care.

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Soy May Be Risky for You

Manufactured soy is linked to decreased fertility and possible thyroid problems.

Long-term consumption of soy protein may weaken fertility in males, a new animal study suggests. Compared to mice fed soy-free diets, those consuming soy protein had 25% lower sperm counts.

Consuming soy in the early years may decrease fertility in females. Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recently linked genistein—a phytoestrogen in soy eaten from birth—with irregular menstrual cycles as well as ovulation and fertility problems in adult female mice.

Even “brief exposure to genistein can produce long-lasting effects in rats,” says biologist Heather Patisaul, PhD, at the NC State University. Why worry about toxic chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and not soy, she asks. “We see far more significant effects with soy than we do with bisphenol A.” A recent Korean study suggests that dietary exposure to soy phytoestrogens (like genistein) “poses a relatively higher health risk for humans” than do synthetic endocrine disrupters.

Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman’s Take:

Finally researchers are getting onboard with my “unjoy of soy” bandwagon. I’ve been worried about the proliferation of soy “frankenfoods” for decades. First and foremost, soy is a relative newcomer to the human diet. Most soybeans grown in this country are genetically engineered—and these bioengineered foods have never been tested on humans.

While many people are highly sensitive or even allergic to dairy and grains (introduced about 10,000 years ago), soy foods are relative newcomers to the human diet—only about 200 to 300 years old—making them hard to assimilate even when they’re completely natural! In Asia, where soy is part of the traditional diet, it’s processed very differently, often fermented to make it easier to digest.

Swiss researchers at the University of Geneva Medical School even caution against feeding soy-based formula to infants, because of the potential long-term risk from phytoestrogens. Soy protein isolate—a manufactured form of soy—is the main ingredient in soy formula, which comprises one-third of the U.S. market, as well as soymilk and other soy foods.

Even after undergoing the high-temperature, high-pressure industrial processes used to make soy formula and milk, phytates and trypsin inhibitors remain, interfering with nutrient absorption. To make matters worse, some processing of soy produces lysinealine, a carcinogen that further reduces the already low cysteine content of soy.

A Mixed Message—at Best
Several recent studies even link soy consumption with breast cancer, although its phytoestrogens have been touted as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy in women. Premenopausal women do show lower estrogen levels when they take soy isoflavones, but pro-estrogenic effects have also been reported in breast tissue. In cell research, healthy breast cells from women who took soy isoflavones showed an increased proliferation rate, which may increase the risk for breast cancer.

While some years back manufacturers pushed for and obtained the right to publish a claim that soy foods may contribute to heart health, a year-long study of soy protein at Florida State University found no cardiovascular benefits in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk for heart problems. No wonder the FDA is revaluating the soy protein claim.

Soy has also been linked to reduced thyroid function in a preliminary trial of its isoflavones among healthy Japanese. Infants with congenital hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid) should definitely not be given soy—in formula or milk.

The Right Copper-Zinc Balance
The phytates in soy interfere with mineral absorption—particularly zinc, which is a critical component of 90 important enzymes in the body and the mineral antagonist to copper. Soy is an incomplete protein, notoriously deficient in the sulfur-bearing aminos (lysine and methionine). To add insult to injury, soy products are also very high in copper, further throwing off a healthy zinc/copper ratio.

Too much copper can suppress thyroid function as well as the liver’s ability to detoxify. That’s not all! Copper overload can lead to depression, fatigue, food cravings, frontal headaches, and weight gain.

Although I find zinc to be deficient in most Americans these days, vegetarians and vegans tend to be particularly low in zinc which makes it even more crucial for them to avoid most soy-based products.

Resource:

Menopause 2010 May-Jun;17(3):587-93.One-year soy protein supplementation does not improve lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Campbell SC, Khalil DA, Payton ME, Arjmandi BH.
Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1493, USA.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that 1-year soy protein supplementation did not confer cardiovascular benefits, in terms of favorable alterations in the lipid profile, in this cohort of postmenopausal women. These findings, as well as those from other studies, lend credence to the decision of the Food and Drug Administration to re-evaluate the soy protein health claim issued a decade ago.

As I work with patients in balancing their hormones and you are welcome to write to me, if you have hormonal concerns…I want to conclude this post with a comment: Dr. John R. Lee in his book “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer” addressed the Soy issue in the chapter “Don’t Go Over Board on Soy”. Soy is a strong estrogenic and we do not use it in our products, nor program…

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Adrenal Exhaustion and Eastern Medicine

It is important to explain the Chinese concept of “Yin” and “Yang”.



Often referred to generally as ‘opposites’, Yin and Yang are more correctly translated as ‘cool’ and ‘warm’ respectively.



Adrenaline – the action hormone – can be thought of as similar to the effect of a herb which increases the body’s ‘yang’, its heat.



You have probably experienced a sudden rush of energy accompanied by sweating and heart palpitations is not dissimilar to someone turning up the body’s own internal heat source.



It follows therefore that if someone is suffering from adrenaline exhaustion then an infusion containing a herb belonging to the “yang” category would be welcome as going some way to redress the balance. Patients suffering from the opposite problem – too much adrenaline would benefit from the converse effect of taking a “ying” based compound.



Chinese herbs capable of stimulating or suppressing the body’s adrenal functions are called “adaptogenic” – this means that they adapt the body’s reactions.



In Chinese medicine, Adrenal Exhaustion is recognized as Kidney

Deficiency caused by poor lifestyle habits. Herbal Kidney Tonics

work to restore the proper function of the adrenals and thyroid

functions. They are often combined with adaptogenic herbs that

reduce incorrect stress reactions and increase the body’s ability to

adapt correctly to stressors. This is never a ‘quick fix’ and often

takes 6-8 months of herbal therapy, but works very effective at

addressing an issue that is often left untreated.



In his book, ” Healing with Whole Foods” Paul Pitchford explains that

the concept of the Kidneys in Chinese medicine goes beyond that

of Western physiology. In Chinese medicine adrenal gland activity

is generally assigned to the concept of the Kidneys. Both the

adrenals (in Western medicine) and the Kidneys (in Chinese

medicine) contribute to the energy, warmth, sexuality and other

aspects of the body. Also anatomically the adrenals are located

on top of the kidneys and produce secretions that make kidney

activities possible.



The Chinese medical syndrome that corresponds to decreased

adrenal function is Kidney Yang Deficiency. The clinical

manifestations of Kidney Yang Deficiency are: soreness of the

back, cold knees, sensation of cold in the back, aversion to cold,

weak legs, bright-white complexion, weak knees, impotence,

premature ejaculation, lassitude, abundant-clear urination,

scanty-clear urination, apathy, edema of the legs, infertility in

women, poor appetite and loose stools. The tongue is pale,

swollen and wet and the pulse is deep and weak.



Useful Foods for Kidney Yang Deficiency



Rice, sweet brown rice, oats, spelt, quinoa, corn, buckwheat and rye. Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, peanuts, chestnuts and pine nuts. Yellow onions, Chinese yam, Chinese cabbage, parsnip, winter squash, sweet potato, kale, leek, scallion, mustard greens and carrots. Lychee, pumpkin, cherry, citrus peel, dates and raisins. Hot peppers, black pepper and cayenne Caution: use hot peppers and cayenne in small pinches as they can have a strong cooling effect. Walnuts (start eating one walnut a day, then add one more each day, not to exceed 20 per day). Chicken, goat’s milk, beef, lamb, shrimp, mussels, fish (e.g., anchovy and trout)

In general, use warming foods and methods of preparation.



Useful Herbs for Kidney Yang Deficiency



Chives, garlic, cloves, basil, rosemary, angelica root, parsley, fennel, dill, anise, caraway, carob pod, cumin and cinnamon bark are all helpful for Kidney Yang Deficiency.



Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue



Huang Qi

1. A Chinese herbal remedy, Huang Qi is used to protect the adrenal function and regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure.



Rhodiola
2. Rhodiola rosea is a golden root that helps relieve stress. It is an herb that may also help enhance memory and improve mental ability.



Cordyceps
3. Cordyceps is a Chinese mushroom. It is used to treat problems with circulation, lungs and the heart. This herb can strengthen adrenal glands. It can also help the body’s immune system in fighting infection.



Ashwagandha
4. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and relieves digestive pain. This herb can help calm the body’s nerves. Chew the berries of this plant and use the root powder as a tea base.



5. Siberian ginseng has a wide range of activities that help support and rejuvenate adrenal function, increase resistance to stress, normalize metabolism and regulate neurotransmitters.



6. Ginger root helps modulate cortisol levels, normalize blood pressure and heart rate, burn fat, increase energy and metabolic rate and stimulate digestive enzyme secretions for proteins and fatty acids.



7. Licorice root is known to naturally fortify cortisone levels. It has also been used to help decrease symptoms of hypoglycemia. CAUTION: Licorice raises blood pressure so monitor your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure and avoid it altogether if it raises your blood pressure above 140/90.



Visualization and Positive Suggestion: “I am toning and revitalizing my kidneys, adrenals, and my immune strength.”



Shoulder Release
Releases tension from pressure building points on the upper part of the shoulders. Tones, expands, and stimulates the thymus.



Visualization and Positive Suggestion:
“I am squeezing out tension and building a strong defense against disease.”



MORE SUGGESTIONS
Walking, trampoline exercise, martial arts for strengthening the various organs of the body, meditation and visualization, yoga and stress management all will have a complementary beneficial effect for adrenal rejuvenation.

Rebound exercise on the mini-trampoline stimulates the lymph flow better than any other form of exercise.



Increased oxygenation that comes with all forms of exercise, and aerobics in particular, more fully feeds the oxygen-starved and sleepy brain cells. The exerciser feels more fully and pleasurable awake, alert, and aware. It is important to note not to over-exercise because that will in turn exhaust your adrenals.
Take time to smell the flowers. Put a smile on your face. Enjoy each moment. Cultivate a positive mental attitude. Negative thinking has a very profound detrimental effect on the body. Any type of stress can lead to exhaustion whether or not you have a strong or a weak constitution. Stress will eventually catch up to the most robust constitution.



Last but not least—SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE as much as possible.



If you do need a Saliva Test Kit from a reputable lab; please contact me on this page.



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The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to either directly or indirectly give medical advice or prescribe treatment. Unless specifically referenced, the information has not been scientifically validated or approved by any government or regulatory agency. Please consult with your physician or other licensed health care professional for medical diagnosis, prescription, and treatment.

WHAT IS YOUR STORY…and…HOW WILL IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Your Story can make a million dollar difference in your life and others!



To-day, I want to share a few gold nuggets from a couple of favourite mentors…

Les Brown., Mother Teresa, Og Mandino…



The common theme that the leaders in our industry have is to tell a story that creates value for their listener(s) and as their listeners leave… they leave feeling better about themselves.

There is always a story that we have as to why we became involved in our industry.
When someone meets us and we have a story to share with them; their mind asks them three questions, before they consent to listen:…

1. Who are you?
2. What do you have?
3. Why should I care?

The Most important thing that you can do For Them is to CREATE the EXPERIENCE!
Your story can make THE difference in their lives.
In order for that to happen you have to strategically tell your story in order for that person to have the experience.



As they listen…these thoughts will be going on in their head…

1. Can I do it?
2. Is it worth it?

So, when they leave they say to themselves:…”I can do this and it is worth my doing!” In order for that to happen, you have to create an experience for them, a visualization, and a thirst and motivation in that person, so that they want to become a partner in your business.
A thought to remember… if you are talking to a 9 to 5 person, for them to succeed; they must be willing to die to who they are now, in order to give birth to being successful in this business.



You are creating a community of achievers, who want to stay in the business and in order to do this, successfully, you have to tell your story, again and again, and again…Each time, your story is Fresh and when they leave your presence, they must feel better about themselves, and are talking about you and the role that you’re playing in their lives and how you are transforming their lives!



Your story and how you strategically tell your story is the gold nugget. As an example; the story of President Obama was strategically told of how he was was raised in a single family residency and this story influenced and impacted how much money came in and how many votes were cast.



As you tell your story; people have to be open, and see themselves in the story…and you need to be hungry!


First, everyone agrees that there is no such thing as job security: the 40-40 plan is gone and so, it is important to simply ask a person or audience, if losing a job has happened to them or someone they know? As you ask them this, either nod or raise your hand, (in an audience) This is impactful. It immediately brings them into the story. Each person wants something that they can call their own. At this point, you can tell your personal experience or another’s story of how you or they, created security for you and your family. This is your story. The question comes up, “Can everyone get rich?” No, not everyone gets rich, whether they are in a job or in this business. This is an honest statement that they have to hear. They also need to hear that they have to create a foundation, have products, personality, a market place and patience, perseverance, persistence, and people skills. They have a shot to create your own financial future…not a guarantee; but a shot!



Share with your people the fact that in our business; we don’t get paid for a lot of the things that we do and we do get paid for a lot of the things, that we don’t do!

How to Develop Your Story

Les Brown, in his story tells of being born on a floor with his brother and of being adopted at 6 weeks of age by his Mother, who was a hardworking domestic worker. She cooked in homes for a living and Les’s turning point came one day, when he decided that he would look after his Mother. After telling his story, he then asks his audience….”Is there someone that you want to look after? Then he says, I want you to think about that person, right now.”



As you can see, he has removed himself from the story and brought them into the story by asking them to think of someone that they want to do something special for. This is called, an Imaginative Leap. They have leaped from Les’s story into their own story.
This story tells them, who he is, what he is about, and they should care because he has been very successful at doing this and he can show them how to do this too. He has a committed listening in the telling of the story.



The Second thing that the Leaders in our industry have in common is the moment of…”I’ve had it.” It may have been at work or possibly a personal time of …enough, “I’ve had it.” …They are no longer playing small. This is the deciding moment when they change.



People are looking for personality and passion…this they want. They can get information on the internet any time and anywhere; however, people thirst for personality and passion!



It is important to note that there is a huge difference from…being in this business and this business being in you! The leaders with the huge organizations:
1. have a passion for people.
2. believe in their product.
3. believe in the industry.
4. believe that they’ve got it within themselves to become an entrepreneur and
live their dream and they believe that they have the driving force to make it
so because no one is going to care more about their dream than they do.



Now, taking it back to you and your dream…you have to have the driving force to
make it happen; no one is is going to care more about your dream than you and that is hard. There are no easy options; people who should be there to help you; often are not, while others will discourage you or say, “Here we go again…” It is like an airplane ride; so buckle up because you will experience some psychological turbulence before you reach a comfortable altitude.



Les Brown warns us to be selective in gathering our team … people convinced against their will…are of the same opinion still. You want people who want more…not need more.



It is so important to write down 5 reasons why you won’t give up…5 reasons why you will stick in the game…despite people not showing up, people not keeping their word and so on…your reasons will help you get back up.



Know that once you have created the momentum…it is done!!!

Know that when it is possible for one, it is possible for all.

It is necessary to have a game plan and be willing to stick it out and also, be willing to persist.

Og Mandino said, “ You’ve got to be willing to say, I will persist until I succeed.”

Your story should have the power to distract, dispute and to inspire. Each person has their own story and that is how their life is being lived out. It is so important that you create the Experience for your people; so, that they stop listening to their story. This will cause them to back away from believing that they can’t sell or learn something different and new and change the page in my life.



As Mother Teresa would say…

“Become a pencil in the hand of God and start writing a new chapter in your life”



In closing, I would like to share…

A favourite saying of Les’s which I love is: “You’ve got greatness within you!”

And So It Is.