Astrid

Scrumptious And Easy Banana-Carrot Bread (Gluten Free-No sugar added)

Last updated on November 12, 2018 By Astrid 2 Comments

Last weekend I am looking at my overripe bananas and figured I’d look up some gluten-free banana bread. This recipe was inspired by Taste of Home which sounds absolutely delicious. However, I adapted mine to make it low carbohydrate, with no sugar added and gluten-free.

We all love a moist, delicious piece of cake. However, in order to enjoy an unprocessed cake that isn’t filled with partially hydrogenated oils, tons of sugar, preservatives and other chemicals that are harmful to our health– we have to go back to basics and do make it from scratch.

Luckily I have found a way to make a healthy and scrumptious banana carrot cake you will never forget.
What? a healthy cake you say. Yup!

I don’t really want to sound pretentious, but this cake was so good that the only reason it lasted two days is that I made it at night. Between my husband, two friends, my son and I (poof) gone the next day. Needless to say, it was a bit hit and so I decided to share it with you.

Sugarless Flourless Soft Cake? Yes, Ma’am Here’s How…

This cake was absolutely moist and delicious, especially a few minutes after coming out of the oven… I am sure your family and guests will be delighted with this cake at your next gathering or holiday party. I made three small cakes in four-inch diameter bakeware (see instructions for other options). However, feel free to adjust the ingredients and ratios to make a larger cake.

I’d like to add that this recipe was definitely husband and children approved. I feel that the key to this fabulous slightly sweet and moist cake was the apple butter made from scratch. By doing this you ensure the freshness of the ingredients, plus combining the grass-fed butter offers Omega 3′ fatty acids. As you may know, grass-fed butter is a great source of CLA (conjugated linoleic Acid) good for cardiovascular and brain health among others.

For this recipe, I used swerve (try it here) which is a natural sweetener that is Diabetic friendly and has no calories. It is amazingly easy to use, measures just like sugar in any recipe, and tastes great. What is the added bonus? It has no extra calories, the hazardous chemicals of artificial sweeteners or the horrible side effects of sugar in your body such as chronic inflammation, eczema, mental and behavioral changes, artery plaque (in combination with bad cholesterol) and the list goes on. Chopped walnuts organic

Have you made a gluten-free banana cake? I’d love to hear your experiences below!

Scrumptious & Easy Banana-Carrot Bread: Gluten Free-No sugar added

Ingredients

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose baking flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon himalayan salt
4 eggs
2 cups mashed ripe bananas (4-5 medium)
1 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup of swerve (or to taste)
1/2 cup apple butter
1/3 cup grass-fed butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts I like these

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, bananas, sugar, apple butter, butter and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Transfer to two 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pans. I use these
Coate them with grass-fed butter or coconut oil. Sprinkle with walnuts. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).

https://www.healyounaturally.com/gluten-free-banana-carrot-cake/

If you are going to use this recipe on your blog or website, kindly put a link back to this page. Thanks!

You can also try my soft and decadent Gluten- Free Pumpkin Apple Muffins

Want more delicious healthy Holiday dessert recipes? You are in luck. You can enjoy the festivities without the guilt with these awesome recipes:
Pumpkin Apple Muffins- Grain, Gluten Free, No Sugar Added [healyounaturally]
Pear & Goat Cheese Appetizer: Easy and Elegant [Savoring Today]
Coconut Butter Butter Fudge [Buttter for All]
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe [Attainable Sustainable]

18 Quick Fall Recipes That Are Healthy, Delicious and Inexpensive

Last updated on November 14, 2018 By Astrid Leave a Comment

Assuming you are looking for quick fall recipes, there is always the — are they also healthy and delicious question. Well, I have good news for you. As long as you can get your hands on any of the ingredients which are readily available on and off season there is nothing to worry about.

You will be able to make any of these easy fall recipes anytime.
Butternut or winter squash?√.
Pumpkin? √
Pomegranate √
Not only are these vegetables in season, but they are very healthy. Take squash for example…

Winter Squash: Perfect Fall Food with Blood Sugar Balancing Benefits

According to The World Healthiest Foods Research a second area of high potential for winter squash and its health benefits is blood sugar regulation and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

We’ve already seen evidence in animal studies that show improvement in blood sugar and insulin regulation following intake of cell wall polysaccharides from winter squash and other Cucurbita foods. Likewise, we’ve seen research pointing to other nutrients found in winter squash as beneficial for blood sugar control.
These nutrients include the B-vitamin like compound d-chiro-inositol—a nutrient we expect to see moving up on the radar screen with respect to blood sugar regulation. It’s also important to remember that blood sugar regulation is closely tied to our overall supply of B-complex vitamins, and that winter squash is unusual in its B-vitamin composition. This food provides a good amount of five B-complex vitamins! Those vitamins are B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, and folate.

1. Pumpkin Pancakes with Bacon and Pecans

Pancakes aren’t just for breakfast, and these delicious grain free pumpkin bacon pecan ones aren’t the exception. Whether you are following a grain-gluten free lifestyle or not, these pancakes will be a great addition to your repertoire of delicious and healthy recipes.

2. Paleo Holiday Hash

This hash combines amazing fall ingredients with some protein, which make it perfect for a delicious breakfast or as a side dish for any healthy meal. Plus sweet potatoes are one of those healthy low glycemic carbs. What’s not to love about this delicious hash?

3. Butternut Squash and Smokey Ham Quinoa

Summer is almost gone, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop eating salads. This hearty wholesome salad is packed with butternut squash, ham, onions and delicious herbs that will decadently entice your guests senses. You will want to make this salad all season long.

4. Grapefruit and IPA Grilled Chicken Wings

Yes, I can see the eye roll from here… Wings a healthy food? Absolutely! These wings are grilled [which is the key to this recipe], low carb and best yet she uses a gluten removed beer for flavor. Oh my I’d make three batches!

Here is an awesome tip by Mellissa from Ibreathiamhungry to get perfect wings:
If you don’t have a lot of time to spend at the grill lovingly turning and basting these long enough to get the skin crisp and the fat rendered out, you can cheat by boiling your wings in salted water for about 5 minutes. That seasons them and gets lots of the fat out from under the skin. Then you grill them and baste them and your cooking time is cut in half – with tender mouthwatering results.

5. Pumpkin Apple Muffins- Grain, Gluten Free, No Sugar Added

Autumn is in the air… and what better way to celebrate than with ingredients like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon with a healthy twist– coconut.

As we all know coconut is a very healthy food full of natural fiber and those amazing chain fatty acids we need. These grain free muffins will be a hit with your guests or your new go to and guilt free pleasure.

6. Roasted & Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is full of fiber, 486 mg of Potassium, Vitamins A,C, D, B6 & B12 putting it a the top of the list of healthy ingredients. Add the protein from the beef, and the bursting flavor of the rest of the ingredient and you’ve got yourself a marvelous meal. By the way, who says you can’t eat the bowl?

7. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Cumin Vinaigrette

If you want to add a light touch to your fall meal or simply want to change it up a bit, give this lovely salad a try. Satisfaction will be the last word in your guests mouths.

8. Paleo: Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Kale

As if this soup doesn’t look good enough, it is also (Gaps, Paleo, Grain-Free) friendly. That means that you have less to worry about when it comes to allergies, or certain lifestyles. All you have to think about, is how much your friends and family will enjoy this hearty soup.

9. Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Moqueca de Camaroes)

Shrimp stew for a fall recipe you ask? Yes Maaam or Sir :). If you want to wow your family –or friends with a wonderful low carbohydrate, gluten free stew that is not only healthy but the flavors will explode in your mouth, this is your dish. Warm, scrumptious and best yet– healthy. Go ahead and be different you will be remembered for decades to come.

10. Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

When it comes to autumn recipes, this is your go to dish. Whether you are looking to make healthy fall lunch recipes or even for dinner, you will be winning in both departments; flavor and health!

Note: This recipe is so gorgeous and delicious that I decided to add it to this list of fall recipes- despite the fact that it is made with brown sugar. However there is an easy fix :).To make it low glycemic or diabetic friendly )for healthier version) omit the sugar and instead use coconut syrup (find it here) or even swerve– an all natural sweetener that measures and tastes like sugar without the glycemic load. (Find swerve here)

11. Quinoa Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans & Maple Basil Dressing

Nothing speaks fall recipes louder than this amazing Quinoa salad. There are healthy apple recipes, but this definitely tops them all when it comes to satisfying, taste and healthy all at the same time. Salads go pretty much with every meal or even as a snack.

Packed with powerful antioxidants from the cranberries and apples, healthy fats from the pecans and of course all of the health benefits of Quinoa. Now, if you are watching the glycemic load in foods– like I– am simply swap the maple for organic coconut syrup. (Try coconut syrup here).

12. Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Yes- I know donuts healthy? Ahh yep, I found these amazing grain free, gluten free, no sugar added donuts. Even better they aren’t deep fried, they baked; now we are in healthy business. So, if your family or friends don ‘t want to try any of the other healthy options, they will appreciate this “super healthy one” –in disguise (grin).

13. Beef and Lentil Stew

Try this warm and hearty beef and lentil stew that pairs nutrition with flavor. As an added bonus lentil soup freezes very well, so you will be able to enjoy this iron charged meal all throughout the season.

14. Pumpkin Pie Poppers

Ahh dessert… wait let’s try that again–Ahh healthy dessert!!! Sounds even better right?

These gorgeous pumpkin pie poppers are super easy to make and even easier to eat. In about 20 minutes you’ll have a decadent, tasty dessert to please the toughest crowd.

15. Spaghetti squash bacon spinach and feta cheese

Give this satisfying and healthy Spaghetti Squash dish when the local squash in in season and you are able to find all of these nutritious ingredients.

16. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Cranberries & Candied Walnuts

I don’t know about you, but there is nothing better in a salad bursting with different flavors and textures!

According to live strong, Butternut squash has a glycemic index ranking of 51. Based on a serving size of 80 grams, or about 1/3 cup of boiled, mashed squash, butternut squash has a very low glycemic load of 3. These are numbers for plain squash. Adding ~~sugar~~, butter or other ingredients can affect the vegetable’s glycemic index and load. Not bad at all!

Go ahead and serve this healthy fall recipe confidently.

17. Roasted Fall Vegetables

This dish is very versatile because you can use it as a side dish next to an elegant roasted ham, salmon or even for Thanksgiving. Best of all? It literally cooks itself in less than on hour. If you are pressed for time, sautee these beauties in coconut or olive oil and voila!

18. Pumpking Cheesecake Truffles

Who said you can’t indulge on decadent desserts while eating clean and keeping it healthy?

These truffles will be a fantastic addition to your healthy fall meal. With only 4.6 NET grams of carbs, and almost 2 grams of fiber you and your guest can confidently devour this fall dessert; with zero guilt. Dark chocolate, spices, and pumpkin puree make these truffles a super- healthy dessert.

Question: Out of the recipes above which one caught your attention? What has been your experience when cooking for a crowd? You can leave a comment below.

The Shocking Truth About This Carcinogen in Peanut Butter

Last updated on November 5, 2018 By Astrid 17 Comments

In recent decades people have become more concerned about what is in our food. Whether it is preservatives and additives or pesticides used in non-organic farming, we are becoming more conscientious about what goes into our bodies. Carcinogens in peanut butter are no exception.

Nut butter has not escaped the careful scrutiny of meticulous consumers, and peanut butter may be the worst culprit of them all. While all nut butters are susceptible to carcinogenic mycotoxins, the peanut’s porous shell allows various chemicals and fungi to permeate right to the legume itself.

It all comes down to aflatoxin, what it is, and how it affects the peanut and tree nut crops that produce various nut butters.

What is Aflatoxin?

Aflatoxin is a type of mold produced by a naturally occurring fungus that grows in soil where peanuts are produced. It has also been found in crops such as corn, cottonseed, and tree nuts according to the National Cancer Institute. It is a known human carcinogen that has been linked to causes of liver cancer in developing countries.

Aflatoxins are also considered to be a potential link to increasing food allergies. In fact, there are many symptoms that correlate to aflatoxin exposure, including autoimmune disease reactions, growth and development impairment, inflammation that affects the heart, damage to digestive organs such as the liver and kidneys, and more.[1]

It is because of aflatoxin that 99% of US farmers use a fungicide on their crops. Unfortunately, because of the porous shell of peanuts, the legumes soak up the fungicide which can lead to other health problems down the line.

Peanut Butter and Aflatoxins

The reason that peanut butter is more susceptible to this carcinogen than other nut butters is that peanuts, unlike other nut butter producing nuts, are actually a legume. Unlike a hard shell of actual nuts, peanuts have a porous shell which allows mycotoxins and fungicides to enter through the shell right to the peanut itself.

Unfortunately, other nut butters are also susceptible to aflatoxin exposure as well through their roots. The good news is that there are measures you and your family can take to help avoid exposure to aflatoxin as well as fungal pesticides used to stave off the dangerous mycotoxin.

What You Can Do To Avoid Aflatoxins in Peanut Butter

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to avoid consuming aflatoxin in peanut butter:

- Avoid foods that are known to contain aflatoxins. This is the only true way to be sure that you are not consuming this potentially dangerous mycotoxin. The most known culprit is corn but it is also found in peanuts, tree nuts, dairy from CAFO’s, Genetically modified soybeans (GMO’s), figs, and certain dried spices.
- Be sure you buy your peanut butter from certified organic sources that are strict with where they source, store and package their products. This assures that there will be no harmful fungicides in what you consume.
- Try alternate nut butters like almond butter , cashew, or even sunflower seed butter. While other nut butters have been known to contain aflatoxin the worst of them by far is peanut butter.
- When buying peanut butter try to get Valencia or jungle peanuts which are typically grown off the ground which will eliminate the issue with aflatoxins.
- There are other good options from companies that have strict standards when it comes to testing for Aflatoxins like Maranatha. One thing that liked about this brand is that they use the Valencia variety peanuts to make their peanut butter. Here’s what Maranatha has to say about their product: Every load we receive comes with an aflatoxin certificate indicating the peanuts have been tested and passed by a USDA approved laboratory. In addition to these government mandated tests, we also perform random tests on peanuts we receive and on our finished nut butters.. In summary, although aflatoxin can be a serious health concern, with USDA and FDA mandated testing and our purchasing and handling procedures, we know that our products are virtually free of it.
- Be sure to keep your nut butters in the refrigerator at all times. Keeping your peanut butter cool helps prevent mycotoxins from being able to grow and flourish in an already packed jar.
- Store your nut butters in glass jars to prevent any toxins from plastic leaking into your food as well.
- Add a high-quality chlorophyll or the derivative chlorophyllin will help reduce the number of aflatoxins in your body.
- Finally, stick to well-known brands and research any new brand you are considering trying out. Name brands are familiar with regulations in place to test for aflatoxins in nut butters. So sticking with a brand name assures that the company has taken every measure necessary to test for mycotoxins and only produce batches that are safe for human consumption. Call or read their website about the steps taken to lower aflatoxins in their nut butters.
Over to you. What’s your favorite peanut butter? And did you know there were aflatoxins in some of them? Let me know in the comments below.
Sources
[1] Aflatoxin: How to Avoid this Common-Food Carcinogen, Dr. Axe
[2] Intake of aflatoxins through the consumption of peanut products in Brazil.
2011;4(2):99-105. doi: 10.1080/19393210.2011.561931. Epub 2011 Apr 8.
[3] Detection of Aspergillus flavus in stored peanuts using real-time PCR
and the expression of aflatoxin genes in toxigenic and atoxigenic A. flavus isolates
Foodborne Pathog Dis: 2015 Apr;12(4):289-96. doi: 10.1089/fpd.2014.1854. Epub 2015 Jan 26.

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7 Proven Ways To Prevent and Treat Breast Cancer Effectively and Naturally

Last updated on October 21, 2018 By Astrid 8 Comments

You can’t change your family history but changing your diet and life style WILL lower your risk

October 21 is National Mammography Day. Most campaigns encourage women all over the world to practice “early detection” via a Mammogram– because it can prevent cancer and therefore save their lives.

Nevertheless, there is one very important part to the equation we are forgetting – P r e v e n t i o n.

Update:

As I am writing this article the American Cancer Society announces new guidelines regarding breast cancer screening: Women Should have less Mammograms and later than previously recommended. The changes reflect increasing evidence that mammography is imperfect, that it is less useful in younger women, and that it has serious drawbacks, like false-positive results that lead to additional testing, including biopsies. [1]

According to this study by ncbi

A large body of epidemiologic, animal, and laboratory literature indicates that as many as 30% of all cancer cases are linked to poor dietary habits. The proportion reaches 70% for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Additionally, further research has consistently linked abundant consumption of plant-based food to a substantial reduction in risk of developing various cancers. Laboratory studies show that this chemopreventive effect is related to the high levels of numerous phytochemicals in this food. These phytochemicals interfere with several cellular processes involved in the progression of cancer and also with inflammatory processes that foster development of cancer.

So how do you reverse or prevent Breast Cancer? Here are my findings and top seven culprits:

1. Skip Estrogen Therapy~ Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If you’ve been prescribed combined hormone replacement therapy to manage menopause symptoms, you have been placed at a higher risk to develop breast cancer– without realizing it. Furthermore, HRT raises the risk that cancer won’t be detected during its early states.

According to the Cancer Research UK High levels of our own natural hormones can increase our risk of cancer. But some medical treatments can also increase our hormone levels, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive Pill.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Cancer Research UK defines HRT as follow:

After menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing the hormone estrogen. As a result, she may experience menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and mood swings.

HRT treats these symptoms by boosting the body with more female sex hormones. There are three types of HRT:

Oestrogen-only HRT, which consists only of oestrogen. (Oestrogen is the name given to a class of hormones. There are three major. oestrogens produced by women called oestriol, oestradiol and oestrone.) [3]
Cyclical HRT, where oestrogen is taken continuously but progestogen, another female sex hormone, is given in monthly or three-monthly doses.
Continuous combined HRT, which contains oestrogen and progestogen, taken at the same time.

2. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors (Containers and Foods)

At this point, you know that eating organic foods is imperative when it comes to dis-ease prevention. Spraying crops with herbicides, mollycoddles (snales) pesticides, the use of antibiotics on poultry, and hormones used on cattle raised in CAFOs that are fed GMO corn– expose you unknowingly to pollutants. In turn, these toxins end up in your body. Not a good thing, because most prolonged exposure will elevate your breast cancer risk.

The EWG warns about these particular endocrine disruptors so read your labels on any future purchases:

[list icon=”icon: thumbs-o-down” icon_color=”#156817″]

Atrazine, Lead, organophosphate pesticides
BPA (Bisphenol -A) and BPB it’s cousin: Dioxin, Fire Retardants
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)
Perchlorate, mercury, Glycol ethers, and arsenic
Other Xenoestrogens

[/list]

Read about every single endocrine disruptor in detail in this article by the EWG DIRTY DOZEN ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS

3. How Are Your Iodine Levels?

Iodine is an essential mineral that is crucial for thyroid function which in turns prevents thyroid disease such as hypothyroidism and goiters. However, recent research has now focused their attention to a much bigger issue– the link between Iodine deficiency and breast cancer.

Recent research and a well-detailed article by Dr. Jeffry Dash – Iodine Treats Breast Cancer, Overwhelming Evidence explains the importance of knowing your iodine levels and supplementing accordingly if you are deficient:

Here is an excerpt:

Japan has the highest dietary intake of iodine (13 mg per day), and the lowest rates for goiter and breast cancer. However, when Japanese women immigrate and change dietary intake of Iodine to the lower 150 mcg/day in America, breast cancer rates increase.(1)
The high dietary iodine came from the fishing industry before WWI. In those days, the fish meal was fed to dairy cows providing milk with high iodine content. After WWI, the fish meal was eliminated from the dairy cows, and breast cancer rates soared ten-fold.

>>Must read: Thyroid Cancer and Raw Cruciferous: The Link is Evident

Furthermore, a study conducted in Japan by Dr. Funahashi in 2001 revealed that Breast cancer induced in rats with DMBA a carcinogenic chemical that was not pre-treated with Iodine (mekabu seaweed) showed no breast cancer tumors. On the other hand, rats who were untreated (Control) developed large breast cancer tumors. (source)

Read the full article by Dr. Jeffery Dash here: Iodine Treats Breast Cancer, Overwhelming Evidence

Here’s an Informative video on Iodine by Dr.Group from Global Healing Center

Finally. Healthy Breast Need Iodine~

Pretty much every cell, vital organ, and structure in our body need iodine, which happens to be even more accurate for female breast tissue. Breast cell tissues have a higher quantity of iodine than the thyroid and the same iodine-transporting necessary protein being used by the thyroid gland. (source)

Plan of Action: Get your Iodine levels tested by your PCP or endocrinologist. Then supplement accordingly. Here are some Iodine dosages by Dr. Sircus &, David Brownstein

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

If you aren’t nourishing your body with wholesome foods and making sure there are no nutritional deficiencies– mainly Iodine as well as Vitamin D, you are already putting yourself at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer.

Nutrient deficiencies are prevalent in the US and most western countries. Most of us don’t realize that consuming a diet rich in processed foods (created in a plant) and less nutrient dense natural foods (come from a plant) is exponentially increasing the possibility of developing long-term ailments including– you guessed it; breast cancer.

5. Genetically Engineered Foods (GMO Soy)

Recent studies indicate that prolonged consumption of soy protein isolate has a stimulatory effect on the premenopausal female breast, characterized by increased secretion of breast fluid, the appearance of hyperplastic epithelial cells, and elevated levels of plasma estradiol.

Women all over the world– especially those following a vegan or vegetarian diet have turned to soy, because soy is a “healthy food”. However, in 1997 scientist at the Health Sciences Research Division in Tennessee, became aware of a potential concern when they discovered cytological detection of epithelial hyperplasia in 7 of 24 women, during the months they were consuming soy protein isolate.

Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia is also known as epithelial hyperplasia or proliferative breast disease. It’s an overgrowth of the cells that line the ducts or the lobules. Based on how the cells look under a microscope, the hyperplasia is called either ductal hyperplasia (also called duct epithelial hyperplasia) or lobular hyperplasia. source

According to Cultures for Health non-fermented soy includes a number of substances, including:

Goitrogens. Like many vegetables, soy contains substances that can block or reduce the production of thyroid hormones, thus affecting other hormonal balances.
Phytic Acid. This anti-nutrient binds with minerals in your body and removes them. An over-consumption of foods with phytic acids can cause a depletion of essential minerals.
Oxalic Acids. A high concentration of oxalates can produce inflammation, resulting in discomfort, and can prevent the absorption of calcium, an essential nutrient.
Enzyme Inhibitors. These substances block the ability of the body’s natural enzymes to break down food into nutrients that can be assimilated.

Over-consumption of any type of food containing these substances can cause nutritional imbalances. However, the fermentation process breaks down enzyme inhibitors, produces phytase which neutralizes phytic acid, and decreases the goitrogenic properties of soy. Because of these changes, most traditional Asian soy recipes involve fermentation. (source)

What to eat instead?~ If you must eat soy — I don’t know why anyway opt for organic, Non-GMO fermented soy. If the label doesn’t read (organic non-GMO) or you know your local farmer’s soy is organic; skip it. Here’s a great article on some of the top cancer-causing foods.

Must Read: “Deodorants Alternatives For Avoiding Breast Cancer“

6. Toxic Chemicals in Conventional Beauty Products

If you are still using conventional beauty products, you are also putting yourself at higher risk of developing breast and other cancers. Conventional beauty products are laden with toxic chemicals– especially hormone-disrupting ones.

Here is a list of the worse chemicals commonly found in cosmetics (Check your shampoo and hair products, cosmetics, body lotion, deodorant etc..)

Phthalates
Triclosan
1,4-dioxane,
Parabens (Propylparaben, Butylparabens etc..)
Placental Extract Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
1,3-butadiene
Ethylene Oxide
Lead & Sunscreen

For the full list and to learn what these chemicals do your body read the full article by Health Cancer Fund– Chemicals in Cosmetics

What to Use instead? Support and purchase from companies that care. The EWG has a fantastic database of Safe Cosmetics Skindeep that you can use with their respective ratings. Go to your local natural store and compare your findings to that of the EWG’s database or if you don’t have the time to search around you can find them in my New Amazon Influencer Page (you pay the same, and you can also use prime)

7. Are Your Vitamin D Levels Optimal?

Most recently, a meta-analysis of five studies published in the March 2014 issue of Anticancer Research¹ found that patients diagnosed with breast cancer who had high vitamin D levels were twice as likely to survive compared to women with low levels.

Furthermore, a robust and rapidly growing body of research clearly shows that vitamin D is absolutely critical for good health and disease prevention, in part due to the fact that it influences about 10 percent of all your genes.

Just one example of an important gene that vitamin D up-regulates is your ability to fight infections and chronic inflammation. It also produces over 200 anti-microbial peptides, the most important of which is cathelicidin, a naturally occurring broad-spectrum antibiotic. Writes Dr. Mercola in his article New Studies

Plan of action: Get safe sun exposure daily. 30-45 minutes and that is going to depend on the season and your location. Watch the video in the article Little sunshine mistakes that can give you cancer instead of vitamin D to learn exactly how it works– it is so easy and worth it. I now know exactly when it is safe for my family to be in the sun, and when it is not– you should too.

Finally, these are only a few of the numerous contributing factors for breast or any cancer to develop. Remember that a healthy lifestyle includes a moderate amount of exercise, stress management, happy thoughts and of course your diet. Food is medicine. Therefore, you must be proactive in protecting your health starting right now no matter your age.

Here is a great image showing you some of the top Cancer-fighting foods:

Foods To Prevent and Fight Breast Cancer

Image source
Now it is your turn? What foods or life style changes have you made to prevent or heal cancer? And what foods have you added from the image above to prevent and better your health? You may leave a comment below.

References
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/10/14/mammography-promotion.aspx
https://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/environmental-breast-cancer-links/food/
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/hrt-and-cancer
https://jeffreydachmd.com/iodine-treats-breast-cancer/
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/21/health/breast-cancer-screening-guidelines.html?_r=0 [1]
https://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/environmental-breast-cancer-links/cosmetics/?referrer=https://www.google.com/
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Image source:MarcuzSl & morguefile.com
https://www.deewhycompoundingpharmacy.com.au/files/FAQ.pdf [3]

[note note_color=”#f6f0e6″ text_color=”#432723″ radius=”9″]** Disclaimer: Should you purchase any of the products from my amazon store, you’ll be supporting my efforts to create resources for people like you on a journey to healing and reversing disease naturally. I receive a small commission from sales from amazon. However, the price remains the same for you. Thanks for your support! . [/note]

Note: As usual these statements do not replace the advise of your health care provider. Always consult your Health Care provider.

7 Remarkable Benefits of Breast Thermography Deem Mammography Useless

Last updated on October 25, 2018 By Astrid 24 Comments

October is here, the month of Breast Cancer Awareness. But have you really thought about what this means?

All of these campaigns urging us to donate to, share, participate in or preach about—what are you supporting? As the hype builds around ‘Going Pink,’ the real issues we should be advocating often get lost in the excitement. In this article, I talk about something I strongly advocate—Breast Thermography one of the best and safest early detection tests available.

The breasts are a sensitive area of the body – and they’re prone to many health issues if you aren’t watching what you are putting in and on your body and skin. One of those issues is breast cancer. It’s one of the most common cancers in the world. And about 1/8 of US women develop breast cancer in their lifetimes (1).

Not to mention, it’s responsible for a high death toll. Thus, constant breast screening is necessary. Because the best way to deal with cancer is to avoid it in the first place.

But… Not all screening methods are healthy.

The most common type is the mammogram. And this can do more harm than good to your breasts… because, as you screen for tumors– by the time they are identified, they are usually large, and cancer has advanced.

So through this article, I’ll talk about an alternative form screening – this being thermography.

And I’ll mention 7 benefits that it has over mammography:

1 – No Radiation Involved.

Here’s how a thermography works.

It measures body heat on different areas of your body (and)
It maps out abnormal changes that signal problems.

It’s a form of infra-screening. With a thermography, you start off by cooling your body for a few minutes. You’re then put behind a camera, which measures body heat in different parts of the body.

Abnormal heat levels can be signs of tumors, inflammation, etc. Additionally, a thermography doesn’t use X-rays, like normal screening methods. And X-rays (while useful), increase your risk of getting cancer.

How So?

X rays are a form of ionizing radiation (1). And ionizing radiation has properties that break down molecular structures, causing genetic mutations, deeming them carcinogenic.

Thus, a thermography is safer, and as a result…

2 – It is Suitable for Frequent Screening.

The US Department of Health recommends screening every 2 years, for women aged 50-74 (2).

Other sources recommend screening once a year (3). But if you’re serious about avoiding cancer, then you’re screening every 6 months.

This is bad if you’re using X-rays. But with a thermography, you can screen frequently, ensuring you keep cancers in check. You can even take it a step further, screening quarterly (assuming cancer runs in your family). With a thermography, the more, the better.

3 – Fast and Instant.

That’s a requirement for frequent breast screening. The speed of screening sessions has many advantages. You can use a thermography to scan for multiple types of health issues.

For example; Let’s say you have a family history of colon cancer, where mutations are hereditary. Getting frequent checkups for your colon would be advised. And you’d have to do it with your normal breast screening.

You can also get a full body checkup. Those normally last 1 hour, and if you do them every quarter, you’re not wasting much time.

4 – It’s Comfortable.

Thermography procedures are “no-touch.” If you’re sensitive to contact, or if you’re anxious about personal space, you can try a thermography.

Most breast scanning procedures involve touch. It is how radiologists assess the existence of possible lumps of problems in a patient’s breasts.

With a thermography, this is unnecessary. A thermography accurately scans breast tissue, detecting changes years before cancer develops.

5 – Quick Results.

After a mammogram screening, you need to wait 2 weeks to get your results (4) With a thermography, you get results within 48 hours. This is how it works: A certified radiologist will interpret the result for you. They’ll provide colored images of your scans, marking any problems they find.

Fast results save you waiting time. And if you find any problems, you can start diagnosis and therapy right away.

6 – Not Just for Diagnosis.

Thermography is a way of monitoring treatment. You can use it to monitor breast cancer (or any other cancers for that matter) therapy such as radiation or Chemotherapy, in relation to the effectiveness of chemotherapy, surgery, etc.

It also works for monitoring other breast problems such as lumps, fatty tissue, and fibrocystic breasts.

7 – Help Beyond Cancer.

Cancer isn’t the only problem that’s breast related. You could’ve had post-surgery problems, and there might be inflammation or glandular issues.

Maybe you have pain after breast surgery. It could’ve been a cosmetic surgery or one for health reasons. Either way, you can diagnose further issues with thermal scans, and best of all- thermography can be used as part of preventive care because of its ability for early detection.

What Should You Do?

Not only this month but all year round, I encourage you to become better educated about breast cancer, detection methods, treatments and even the charities and movements you support. I support raising self-awareness for breast cancer—which means regular self-exams, using organic, chemical-free products without parabens (which have been found in cancerous breast tumors [7] understanding alternative options for early detection, such as Breast Thermography (find a center near you here), and knowing ALL of your choices should the worst-case scenario happen.

Educate and empower yourself with preventative health practices and think outside the box when it comes to cancer awareness. Invest your time—not your money—learning about prevention and healthy living. Here’s a good article where you can start.

I recommend scheduling a Thermography while following a healthy lifestyle and adopting more preventive measures such as avoiding certain foods to prevent cancer. In fact, you will be preventing many other diseases. Surround yourself with benevolent friends and family which enhances your quality of life and mood.

Make “me time” mandatory, and pamper yourself with activities that you love which in turn will reduce stress. Practice meditation, get a medicinal massage, get some Sauna time at least twice a week. Sauna (include the steam room and infrared sauna) which helps get rid of toxins plus several other benefits.

I recommend you keep track of the medical field for updates. Be sure to follow the research, and stay committed to scanning routines!

How To Prevent Breast Cancer?

There’s no cookie cutter recipe, magic pill, and this article cover the bare minimum. That being said, I highly encourage you to watch The Truth about Cancer docu-series. That is my absolutely recommended place to start.
I’d tell you to trust me that you are going to absolutely love it, but I am going to let you decide for yourself. You need to register to watch for free this week only (October 9-16) After that, you’ll have to purchase the docu-series. I own the previous series and it is the best money I’d ever invested in my entire life. Knowledge is power, right? Well, I want that power vs big pharma- Gracias!

Next, I strongly suggest that you check for nutritional deficiencies— mainly Vitamin D and Iodine levels. If your doctors can’t do it you can get them from Walk-in-Labs from the comfort of your home. You can also have a Get a Cancer Screening Test for as low as $35.
Once you find where you are at with vitamins and mineral levels. You may want to supplement the following:

1) Vitamin D Supplementation. (I love Seeking Health Liquid D3)
2) Natural Progesterone
3) Iodine Supplementation. (This is what I supplement with)
4) Avoid ALCOHOL period! Don’t believe the lies about wine a few times a week. Read this revealing article and see for yourself.
5) Avoid carcinogenic chemicals, xenoestrogens, pesticides, etc.
6) Aim for organic unprocessed foods.
7) Practice stress reducing techniques, and allocate “me time”self-care is crucial for overall well-being.
8) Make sure your estrogen levels are balanced, as well as other hormones.
9) Use chemical free beauty products. Use plant-based cleaning and safe cooking products. (See my Amazon page for all my recommendations and what I use)

Final Note

Thermography scans are still a work in progress. The Gerson Institute states that thermograms do not offer a definitive diagnosis; only a biopsy will tell if there are malignant cancer cells present. However, thermography can alert women and their doctors to irregularities without health risks, so that women can minimize the need for invasive testing.

If the results are suspicious, a woman can start applying therapies to turn this around while it is still at an early stage. Yet mammograms are the tests that women are pushed to undergo most frequently.

Currently, the medical field is strongly debating whether thermograms should be the “go-to” breast scanning method. But results show that thermography is superior to traditional scans.

For example, Switzerland’s medical board has a negative view of mammograms (5). But also, there’s research that suggests otherwise (6).

On to you…
Have you ever had a Thermography before? Would you have one yes no and why? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

sources:

https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/cancermyths/medical-imaging-myth/
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/diagnosing/how-cancers-are-diagnosed/breast-screening/getting-your-mammogram-results.html
https://www.medical-board.ch/index.php?id=803
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmp1401875
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14745841

Deodorant Alternatives for Avoiding Breast Cancer

Last updated on October 9, 2018 By Astrid

By Tim Boyer G+ EmaxHealth

Do you know what chemicals are in the antiperspirant and deodorant that you apply to your sensitive underarm area every day?

Did you know that at least one of the most common deodorant and antiperspirant ingredients is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer? According to the current issue ofMother Earth Living, you should be aware that aluminum-containing hygiene products that help decrease sweating and slow odorous bacterial growth may be putting you at an unnecessary risk of developing breast cancer.

Mother Earth Living writer Gina DeBacker explains that aluminum is used in antiperspirant and deodorant products because of its ability to enter cells that line the sweat ducts of your skin, which then causes the cells to swell and effectively squeeze the sweat ducts shut so that they cannot release sweat.

This aluminum ingredient comes in several aluminum salt formulations with names like:

• Aluminum chloride

• Aluminum chlorohydrate

• Aluminum zirconium

• Aluminum hydroxybromide

The problem with aluminum is that it is a known neurotoxin and has been linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, because it is applied in the form of deodorants to the armpits where lymph nodes lies close to the skin in the breast region, scientists suspect that it and other components like parabens may be linked to breast cancer. In fact, some believe that what might be happening is that aluminum absorbed may cause changes to the estrogen receptors that play an important role in breast tissue health.

The concern that health authorities have concerning aluminum in hygiene products such as antiperspirants and deodorants is that although the risks described are not proven in short term studies, many people who could be susceptible are typically exposed to the suspect ingredients for many years.

Furthermore, it’s not just aluminum that consumers should be worried about, but other ingredients as well that include propylene glycol (a chemical that helps aluminum enter the skin); triclosan (an antibacterial that is also an endocrine disruptor); talc powder (a suspected carcinogen), fragrances (most of which are unidentified chemicals); and, BHT (a toxic component of plastics that has been linked to nervous system defects and hyperactivity in children).

The good news is that there are safer, natural deodorant products that can be safely applied to the skin and help keep you feeling and smelling fresh. The editors of Mother Earth Living recommend the following 6 natural deodorizers that use natural essential oils rather than toxic metals and chemicals + my recommendations:

1. Almond Joy—available at nourishorganic.com for $10

2. See Me Rollin’—available at lafes.com for $6

3. A Sweet Dream—available at lavilin.com for $16

4. Dream Cream—available at soapwallkitchen.com for $14

5. Baby Fresh—available at iwillaremedy.com for $10

6. Crystal Clear

Environmental Group Rated and Approved

7. Purelygreat Charcoal Deodorant

8. Purelygreat Cream

9. Be Green Bath And Body Natural Deodorant

10. Purelygreat (Lavender for Women)

11. Purelygreat Cream (Citrus for men)

12. Alba Botanica Stick Deodorant

13. Biossance Squalane + Bamboo Deodorant

14. QET Botanicals Dry putty Deodorant

But if find that the above is little too pricey, here is an informative article on 4 natural underarm deodorants you can make in your home.

For more about health safety when it comes to hygiene and skin care products, check out this list of 17 beauty products you should avoid.

Image Source: Courtesy of PhotoBucket

Reference: Mother Earth Living July/August 2014 issue
Image Credit

This Home Remedy Gets Rid of Colds or The Flu Fast

Last updated on October 6, 2018 By Astrid 10 Comments

Plus The Health Benefits of Each Ingredient

Colds and the flu season is in full swing. The flu definitely lays you down fast, but a cold can be just as bad. It is easy to overlook how important it is to keep our immune system healthy for when the critters want to pay a visit.

All of a sudden you think you are coming down with something because you have itchy watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, achy and feeling… oh so tired!!!
Not to worry– I’ve got you covered.

Now, before you go into panic mode and run to the nearest retail store to purchase a few boxes of OTC medications or what I like to call —pharma band-aids, because they do not target the root cause (the virus) let me tell you my about my secret elixir.

You probably have the ingredients to make an amazing and effective home remedy right in your kitchen. This and other home remedies for flu and colds will help you in getting rid of the flu symptoms naturally, while allowing your body do its job healing on its own. Unlike the flu shot which only leaves you vulnerable to other illnesses. (I actually did some research and wrote an article on what you should know about the flu shot. I think you’ll like it.)

Back to the remedy. I highly recommend using organic ingredients because you will be using the whole fruit. But if you can’t get organic, rinse the fruits with vinegar and or soapy water to –sort of reduce the pesticides and micro-organisms exposure.

Ingredients you will need

Manuka Honey
raw local honey
1 lemon
1 lime
One medium “hand” of fresh ginger sliced
Echinacea tincture (optional as this is bitter)

I like to add a few drops of echinacea tincture to Adults tea once it has cooled a bit. However, kids may not like the bitter flavor at first. I try a drop in their tea and see their reaction, but you can skip the tincture altogether and boil echinacea in its raw form (herbs) then add the lemon, honey ginger syrup to that water to make a kid-friendly tea.
Step 1. Peel, slice clean the ingredients.

Step 2. I like to use mason glass jars or you can use any glass container with a cover. In no particular order add lemon, ginger and limes until the jar is filled to the top leaving about an inch of space from the top.

Health Benefits of Lemons For Colds and The Flu

I use lemons or limes on a daily as the main source of flavonoids, and vitamin C (This is what I take) Whether I use them in my warm lemon water in the mornings, vegetable juices, in a cooler tea during the summer or a delicious cozy tisane during the winter –they are a staple in my house.

Are lemons and limes really that good for you? Absolutely and here’s why:

Phytonutrients, with Antibiotic and Antioxidant Effects

Lemons and limes contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Of special interest in limes have been flavonoids called flavonol glycosides, including many kaempferol-related molecules. While these flavonoids have been shown to stop cell division in many cancer cell lines, they are perhaps most interesting for their antibiotic effects.

Furthermore, lemons and limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature. Vitamin C (This is what I take) is one of the main antioxidants found in food and the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body.

Vitamin C travels through the body neutralizing any free radicals with which it comes into contact in the aqueous environments in the body both inside and outside cells. Free radicals can interact with the healthy cells of the body, damaging them and their membranes, and also cause a lot of inflammation, or painful swelling, in the body.

Step 3. Pour Manuka honey and local raw honey over the ingredients until they are covered. Stir to ensure all of the ingredients are covered in the honey. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps with sooth a sore throat, target inflammation in the sinuses but mainly inflammation in general.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger extracts have been shown to have both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells. [1]
Ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress according to this article. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects.

Step 4. Let the mixture sit for a day or longer to allow for ginger, lime, and lemons to infuse into the honey. Cover the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for several months. You can just eat a spoonful of the mixture at the onset of symptoms and throughout the day or add a tablespoon to your favorite tea.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

The antimicrobial activity in most kinds of honey is due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide. However, another kind of honey, called non-peroxide honey (viz., manuka honey), displays significant antibacterial effects even when the hydrogen peroxide activity is blocked. Its mechanism may be related to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content (high osmolarity) that is enough to hinder the growth of microbes. [2]

Medical grade honey has potent in vitro bactericidal activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing several life-threatening infections to humans. (Try Manuka Honey here)

I hope you don’t get sick this year, but if you do I sincerely hope this remedy can help you or a loved one.

How do you prevent colds and the flu? What other home remedies do you use to treat them naturally? Share your experiences and comments below.

** Things to consider before consuming this citrus elixir:

If you have kidney or gallbladder problems you may want to avoid eating lemon or lime peels and oxalates.

Do not give honey to infants under one year old. Why? Honey contains an enzyme that their little stomachs can’t digest.

References:

https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72 [1]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/ [2]