New Years Revolution!

Happy New Year! Unlike many of my friends I love days like New Years, birthdays and Thanksgiving. I use these types of transitional days to clear my head, to look back and learn from my mistakes, to look forward at what I may do in the future and to be thankful for what I have in the present. I dislike the commercialization of these days and I really wish more people understood the historical background for days like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Some people are bummed by the new year because, even though they say “Happy New Year”, they are focused on what is NOT happy, what they DIDN’T do and they feel the new year will bring more of the same.
I used to make New Years resolutions until a few years ago. They were usually along the lines of losing weight or “finding my true love”. When that didn’t happen by the next year, despite my best efforts, I would feel like such a loser. No matter that I managed to start a business on my own or supported myself, paid my bills, ate my veggies and exercised!
Goals are a good way to change what you want to change in your life, but some things are more obtainable than others. Research shows that most people can’t lose weight and keep it off. However, I can exercise 30 minutes per day and try to eat at least five servings of vegetables per day and that will impact my health positively! I can give someone a break when they are having a bad day and forgive them for tailgating me or messing up my order.
My New Years revolution for 2012 is to find ways to make other peoples’ lives better. I’m not sure what that will be beyond what I do already, but I’m willing to try and keep trying. The revolution is that the goal is really about other people and not myself.
What is your revolution for 2012?

Are there hormones in your cosmetics and creams?

This summer I went to a seminar put on by a saliva testing lab, Diagnos-Techs. (http://diagnostechs.com/)  I learned a lot about saliva testing at this seminar but Director of Medical Support John White, MD, CM mentioned something that concerned me:   90-95% of submitted face creams tested positive for progesterone.  This testing was done a couple years ago back when they offered anonymous testing of face creams for clients and they don't do it now.  He also mentioned that there were estrogens and androgens in many of these face creams. 
Diagnos-Techs has noted elevated progesterone levels in women that were not taking prescribed hormones. 
Face creams and shampoos are classified legally as cosmetics and are not under FDA supervision.  Manufacturers can add progesterone to their products (up to 4%) without reporting it on their labels. 
Well, I just did my saliva hormone panel and my progesterone was low.  Hopefully that means that the shampoo and SPF face cream I use do not contain hormones.
But wait, there's more.  Besides actual hormones, there may be other chemicals in your cosmetics that interfere with the body's endocrine system.  Phenols, phthalates, and phytoestrogens have been associated with earlier onset of puberty in females with possible increased risk of diabetes and breast cancer later on in life.
Phthalates can be on an ingredient list as "fragrance" so you might not even know if it is in any of your products.  This labeling stuff is so frustrating!
So what can you do about hormones in face creams and cosmetics?  You could have an outside lab test your product. (http://www.adamsonlab.com/cosmetics.htm).  You can do an internet search.  I came up with this list from ehow.com:  http://www.ehow.com/list_7161229_face-creams-hormones.html.  Remember that just because the label says "natural" does not make it so.  Also, some natural ingredients such as soy, tea tree oil and lavender can disrupt hormones in women and men.
If you are a teen, have breast, ovary or uterine cancer or have recovered from such I think you should really take a look at what you are putting on your body.  The rest of us should too, but at some point you just can't find the information and the stress on you may be worse than the chemicals or hormones.


http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=290
http://chronicfatigueandnutrition.com/hormones/hormones-cosmetics/
http://www.bellasugar.com/Phthalates-Cosmetics-Linked-Earlier-Puberty-Mount-Sinai-Study-8019908

http://truthinaging.com/body/what-is-it-estrogen-in-my-face-cream

Interview with Voicewize Blog!

I was recently interviewed by Voicewize Blog about reflux.  You can find it at this link:  http://blog.voicewize.com/2011/09/14/alternative-reflux-treatment/

Buzzing Brain

I have all sorts of things buzzing around in my brain, but I have yet to put it on paper.  Some of these things include:  how diabetes, elevated cholesterol and hypertension interact, hormones in cosmetics, importance of trying to be happy and keeping the flu at bay.  I hope by next week to have something for you.  Do you have other suggestions for posts?

Hiyashi Chuka or Cold Ramen Salad

Now that we are in to August, I feel like I need a cool, refreshing main dish that's not too difficult to make.  I first had Hiyashi Chuka in Japan over 20 years ago.  I've made it many times and my sister requests I make it whenever I visit her in the summer.
I usually use ramen noodles but you can use Chinese egg noodles if you wish.  Once you have the noodles, you can pretty much put whatever vegetables that you like or have around, into the mix.  Here's what I made last week.

Ingredients:

2 packages of ramen noodles
1/2 pound roast beef   (You could use ham, chicken, turkey, etc.) Cut into strips.
1/2 English cucumber, cut into match sticks
2 eggs
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup grated carrots
sliced green onion (I like lots, adjust to taste.)

For dressing:
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
My original recipe calls for 1/3 cup water in this dressing, but I like the strong taste of it without the water.

You may want hot yellow mustard (karashi) and or beni shoga (pickled red ginger) but I did not have it on hand this time.


First, you want to make the egg.  Beat eggs in a bowl and add sugar, then mix well.  Heat some oil in a small frying pan and pour 1/4 to 1/2 the egg mixture over the pan.  Spread the egg thinly, like a crepe, and fry for one minute. Turn and cook for about 30 seconds more.  Take out of the pan and place on cutting board to cool.  Repeat with the rest of the egg mixture. Slice the crepe into thin strips.

Make the dressing by mixing all the dressing ingredients together.  Usually I put it in a container with a lid and just shake it.

Put your noodle water on to boil.  For two people's amount of ramen, you will need a medium large pot, around 3 quarts.

As the water is heating, cut up your meat and vegetables into strips, slices or grated, as above in the ingredient list.  You can arrange it all nicely on a platter if you want those you are cooking for to place their own ingredients on the noodles.

Once the water is boiling, cook your noodles according to package directions and drain.  Pour cold water over them quickly to cool them and let them drain again. 

Put the cold noodles on a plate, arrange toppings on top and pour dressing over the noodles just before serving.

This recipe feeds two very hungry people or four not so hungry people.

Natural First Aid Kit

Summer is finally here and with that more activity and travel. It’s important to have on hand a first aid kit in case of accident or mild illness. There are natural remedies that work just as well or better than some things you could have in your first aid kit. Often natural remedies are safer and have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical remedies with the added benefit of strengthening your immune system. Following, listed in order of importance, are the top ten natural items you should have in your first aid kit or medicine cabinet.

1. Activated charcoal helps decrease nausea, stop diarrhea and stomach upset when used internally as well as treat joint pain, wounds, ulcers and bruises when used externally. Charcoal can be used as an antidote to poisoning, after giving Syrup of Ipecac, but you should contact a Poison Control Center before using. Charcoal from burnt toast is not effective and charcoal briquettes can be dangerous due to fillers and petrochemicals that help them light.
2. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolis) can be used topically to treat any fungal problems, insect bites, itches, sores, small wounds and abrasions, pimples, boils and carbuncles. It can help nasal congestion when used in a steam bath or rubbed around the sinuses.
3. Homeopathic Arnica 30C is useful to speed healing after trauma such as car accidents, surgery, bump on the head; anything that can result in swelling or bruising. This works very well in combination with Bach’s Rescue Remedy. Rescue Remedy helps the emotional aspects of trauma, as well as helps with anxiety attacks and stress.
4. Bromelain is pineapple enzyme and is used to reduce all types of inflammation from arthritis, sports injuries, trauma, bursitis and tendinitis. Take it between meals to decrease inflammation or right before meals to help with digestion.

5. Aloe vera juice/gel used topically reduces the sting of sunburn. It can also be used internally as a laxative, for stomach aches, to help reduce uric acid kidney stones and to stop bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcers. Be sure to get pure aloe vera with nothing added.

6. Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy that decreases the duration and intensity of flu symptoms, including fever, chills, body aches and pains. It can be used with existing medical conditions and medications. Take at first sign of flu symptoms for best results.
7. Kava kava is very useful for both muscle spasms and anxiety. It can be taken up to every two hours short term without damaging your liver, as long as you are not drinking alcohol. You can get it as a tea to help with insomnia and to relax muscles.
8. Bioflavonoids or flavonoids inhibit histamine release and is useful for any type of allergic reaction including rashes, hay fever, and asthma. Dark berries and green tea are useful food sources of bioflavonoids, but you can get it in capsule form as well.
9. Skullcap/Passionflower/Valerian Tincture or tea will promote a good night’s sleep for most people and also help with relaxation.
10. Calendula succus is wound soothing, skin healing and useful to clean small wounds in the place of soap and water. It will help wounds heal faster and is gentle on the skin.

When you use natural remedies, remember that there is a possibility of allergic reaction. If you are allergic to certain flowers, some of these remedies may not be right for you.

What a Naturopathic Physician Eats

With the onset of summer, I have been feeling almost too lazy to cook these days.  Thankfully a patient came by with some fresh vegetables today and the veggies inspired me.

For breakfast I had some strawberry kefir, a fiber bar, mixed summer melon and my big mug of double bergamot Earl Grey tea.

For lunch I was going to have a leftover broasted chicken thigh and some jojos, but then my patient came by with fresh picked lettuce, radishes and chives.  I added some green onion, sunflower seeds and ranch dressing.  Delicious and much more colorful than the brown-yellow food!

It was spelt rotini pasta with a tomato, garlic, basil and ground beef sauce for dinner.  Along with that were steamed squash, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower.  I sprinkled some good Parmesan cheese over all of it.  Some garlic bread completed the meal.

I haven't had dessert yet, but I'm leaning toward that Little Debbie Nutty Bar I have stashed away in the cupboard, with a cup of some sort of relaxing, non caffeine tea.

For not really feeling like cooking today, I think I did a pretty good job.  I probably needed more protein in my meals and will wake up hungry in the morning.

What did you eat today?