Thank you Mrs. Green's in Mahopac!

Thank you to all who joined our tour at Mrs. Green's in Mahopac and to the wonderful staff who hosted "After Hours at Mrs. Green's – Healthy Shopping 101!" What a fantastic experience it is to share the magic of whole foods and to discuss ways of improving nutrition, preventing and healing illness, and keeping our bodies and the planet healthy. Having the place to ourselves, a 10% discount, and a yummy recipe to shop for just sweetens the deal!

We will be hosting this on the first Thursday of every month. If you are interested please email me at HeathersWholeHealth@gmail.com for the details.

Thoughts are Things

“The physical body is nothing more than the physical expression of thoughts and feelings.” – Candice Pert, PhD

Information molecules known as ligands are the basic language of the body, communicating across the endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal, and immune systems. These ligands, once thought of as created only in the brain (as in neurotransmitters) are in fact created all throughout the body orchestrating changes in mood, behavior, and overall health.

95% of all ligands are known as the peptides. When we have a thought, our brain produces amino acids that are strung together to create a peptide. This peptide then travels throughout the body (both via brain synapses but more often extracellular space meaning the blood and cerebrospinal fluid) vibrating in a certain way until it finds a specific receptor site on a cell that is vibrating in the same way. The peptide then binds to the cell receptor and deposits its information, causing chemical changes in the cell. Binding is sex on a molecular level!

If we look at this from a wider view, our thoughts literally orchestrate changes in our body. This is why we can say that “thoughts are things”. The thoughts you are thinking create peptides and receptor sites for their specific energy or chemical communicator. So for example, by thinking positive and happy thoughts you can create positive and happy receptors and ligands throughout your body, and the same thing goes for negative thoughts and emotions. However, it is ill advised to think negative thoughts as the ligands released from them actually lower the activity of the immune system. For example, during high levels of stress cortisol and epinephrine are released, both of which depress the T cell activity in our immune system. Also, repressed emotions are actually stored in the body and unconscious mind and memories are held in their receptors. By repressing emotions we can literally create an ongoing illness and/or negative view of life.

The good news on a biochemical level is that receptors are not stagnant! They can change vibration according to the peptides released, meaning there is always a biochemical potential for change and growth, even if we are feeling “stuck” emotionally!

Emotional catharsis, or the releasing of emotions, can be an extremely powerful healing technique. By letting old negative emotions out, we unite our systems, release toxic energy, can stop producing the ligands attached to the old emotion. This will literally change cell receptors, which in turn will also change our reality, our health, and our view of life. Deep breathing techniques coupled with releasing of sound are an amazing way to release stagnant emotional energy. Other therapies that include screaming, bioenergetics, movement, and hugging also have profound effects on individuals who have bottled up emotions just waiting to be released. If this emotional energy is replaced with something positive, something connected to a higher purpose for example, we can literally add years to our life.

Almost everything we do and every emotion that we have is influenced by the basic human needs of safety, security and survival. When we recognize that we are all connected and that each of us sees things from our own point of view with our own safety, security and survival mechanisms from past experiences orchestrating our emotions and behaviors, we can learn to be more kind to others and follow the golden rule. Scientific research shows us that the stimulation to goodness, to compassion, even just being exposed to others doing good deeds signals the brain to tell the body that it is in a safe environment, which actually increases the activity of our immune system! So, random acts of kindness really do make a difference in healing the world!!

In her book Molecules of Emotion, Candice Pert quotes Elmer Green from the Mayo Clinic: “Every change in the physiological state is accompanied by an appropriate change in the mental emotional state, conscious or unconscious, and conversely, every change in the mental emotional state is accompanied by an appropriate change in the physiological state” (p137). The more we know about the bodymind system the more we can scientifically prove that our thoughts, emotions, actions, spirituality, and health are all interrelated. Everything is really connected to everything else.

Happy thoughts, everyone!

Veginspiration - World Peace Diet

"The spiritual revolution needs all of us, whatever our religious beliefs, ethnicity, class, or other variables may be. Every one of us has a piece of the puzzle to contribute, and our overall success depends on each of us discovering our talents and passion and persistently contributing them."

This is just one of the beautiful Veginspirations that I receive from The World Peace Diet site. Please go to this link to see the rest of them and be inspired: http://www.worldpeacediet.com/

If you are searching for a deeper meaning to your life or are wondering how you can contribute to the world in a meaningful way you have come to the right place. I have helped many people find their passion in life and implement that passion in ways that are uplifting to them and to the planet. We are all going through a change right now; this planet is going through a change. We are moving into the next stage of consciousness. You can choose to be a part of this uplifting movement by going deep within yourself to find your purpose and be an agent for positive change in your own unique way. If you would like more information about finding and living your passion please contact me. HeathersWholeHealth@gmail.com

Silent Inflammation

What is Silent Inflammation and why does it matter?

Silent Inflammation is what happens when your immune system no longer recognizes “other” from “self” and begins to attack your own body’s cells. This is linked to many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart attacks, and obesity. This post discusses causes, effects, and ways to prevent and reverse this condition.

Inflammation is your body’s first response against injury or infection. When the body detects a pathogen, the injured or infected cells produce eicosanoids and cytokines which recruit immune cells to attack the invaders, destroy them, clean up and repair the damage. We recognize this as redness, swelling, and tenderness or pain. Usually this is the body’s perfect way of fixing the problem; however researchers now recognize that there is another type of inflammation, one that actually harms the body instead of fixing it. This is called “silent inflammation”.

Silent inflammation occurs when the body is constantly under attack from environmental pollutants and poor lifestyle. Toxins from the environment, our food, water, air, etc., and stress can cause a constant immune system response. This constant low-level demand that the immune system has to deal with causes immense changes to the order of the typical response system resulting in an immune system breakdown. Eventually the body’s immune system response order becomes intermingled and is no longer able to recognize invaders from its own cells, causing the body to attack itself. Chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart attacks, and obesity are all the result of silent inflammation.

Silent inflammation is so dangerous because it operates below the threshold of pain. Because we cannot feel this type of inflammation, all too often we do not know it is happening until we develop a chronic disease or have a heart attack. We can test for silent inflammation by checking the levels of aracadonic acids and eicosapentaenoic acids. Low levels of these acids mean better health, while higher levels usually mean a chronic disease state is present or developing.

Medical science has developed drugs that are “anti-inflammatory” such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, Cox-2 inhibitors (Cox-2 are enzymes responsible for inflammation and pain), and cortical steroids. All of these drugs decrease the level of eicosanoids that cause inflammation. However, anti-inflammatory drugs also suppress the immune system and bone marrow, cause osteoarthritis, heart attacks, and death when taken “correctly”. More people die each year in America from taking the correct dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs then die from AIDS.

Your first line of defense against silent inflammation is controlling your insulin response and losing inflammatory fat. A high carbohydrate diet will cause the body to produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar and increases fat production (see my post on the Metabolic Syndrome). Both "belly fat" and visceral fat (fat around your internal organs) pumps out inflammatory hormones at all times. On the other hand, a low carbohydrate diet will make the brain hungry, which causes a state of stress for the body, which will then secrete cortisol to turn muscle into food/energy in the form of glucose for the brain. This causes insulin resistance and is the primary cause of weight gain. By controlling the level of insulin and glucagon in the form of carbohydrates and protein, you are controlling your fat and inflammation.

Eating a diet that consists of a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats will keep your insulin levels balanced and reduce nutritional stress. Start by dividing your plate into three sections. One section should consist of low-fat protein; the other two-thirds should be overflowing with vegetables (low-glycemic carbohydrates), one side cooked and one side raw. Then, add a dash of good fat (olive oil, avocado, almonds). Avoid fats that cause inflammation such as red meat, eggs, canola oil, or anything fried. Grains and starches should be decreased, while fruits and vegetables should take their place. Other tips to avoid silent inflammation include:

• Make sure to get enough sleep and the right amount of exercise to avoid physiological stress
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs (prescription and otherwise), drinking caffeine, and eating too much sugar or non-organic food, as these are all chemical stresses
• Cleanse the body on a regular basis using colonics, juicing, and fasts
• Purge your home of toxic chemical including cleaning and body care products
• Reduce stress on all levels and eat a nutritionally balanced diet of frequent whole food meals

Here is a great list of toxins to steer clear of: http://ow.ly/HSC5

Call your Health Coach today if you want to get started on a balanced meal plan and reduce your stress and toxin levels!

Physics and Philosophy

Philosophy: A critical study of fundamental beliefs and the grounds for them. It is a study of what we believe and what the bases for those beliefs are.

The word “philosophy” is an ancient Greek word meaning “love of wisdom”. It is a personal outlook or viewpoint on matters such as existence, knowledge, truth, beauty, justice, validity, mind, and language. What makes philosophy different from other ways of making sense of these things is that it is a more critical, generally systematic approach and relies on reasoned argument to answer questions.

Physics: The science of matter and energy and their interactions.

Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity explains that energy is mass times the speed of light. Energy is therefore relative only to the speed of light and the mass that you are in relationship with at one particular time. Albert Einstein showed us scientifically that how we view the world is all relative and can be completely different from those around us.

Sir Isaac Newton also explained energy and motion through his Third Law. Newton’s Law states that for every action there is an equal opposing reaction. What ever kind of energy you are generating, it creates an equal force generating that same energy back to you. This can also be seen as the more recently coined term “Law of Attraction”. The Law of Attraction states that a thought that turns into a belief, with some emotion (or energy) behind it, will come to you at the same intensity of that emotion. What you put out, you get back.

The science of matter and energy and their interactions shows us that everything is connected and interrelated. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form or manipulated. We have the choice, the power, to manipulate the energy on our lives, and the lives of those around us, for the better. What great news!

I love this quote by Marianne Williamson:

“I suggest to every person dealing with a serious illness in themselves or others that they consider starting a journal in which they “communicate” with their illness. Seeing sickness as our own love that needs to be reclaimed is a more positive approach to healing than is seeing the sickness as something hideous we must get rid of. Energy cannot be destroyed. It can, however, be miraculously transformed.”

The healing power of energy can be astonishing if we only understand that it is possible and know how to manipulate it in our favor.

The energy we are putting out there does not differentiate between humans and other species. It comes back to us whether we are aware of it or not. The fact that we are usually disassociated and disconnected with the consequences of our actions does not make them any less real. It is this disconnect that is ultimately breaking us down as a society and causing many of the devastating health and environmental effects we are seeing grow more rapidly then ever before.

The way we understand both physics and philosophy is the same: through observation. Because we know that observation is based on our relative position in relationship to matter and phenomena, we can begin to look at the world around us from a much larger perspective. We can begin to understand that the way we see things is not the only way that those things are seen. Our belief systems, or what we observe to be true, are what creates our world view. Once we understand that everything is interconnected, we can see and understand the value of looking at things from a more whole view, a view that is outside of ourselves and will help us to understand the view of others. Taken from a larger perspective, physics and philosophy explain the true interdependence of life. Everything is really connected to everything else.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As the name suggests, metabolic syndrome is tied to your body’s metabolism, and more specifically to the ability of the hormone insulin to function correctly. Insulin is one of the most important hormones in the body. It either directly or indirectly regulates the absorption of all nutrients into the cells and acts as one of the main anabolic (building) hormones, turning on rebuilding pathways of proteins, fats, and sugars. However, when the signs and symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome start to show themselves, we can bet that insulin is no longer able to work properly, which means heart disease, stroke, and/or diabetes is not too far away. Signs and symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome include:

• Obesity, particularly around the waist
• High blood pressure
• High levels of blood fat called triglycerides and low levels of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol
• Resistance to insulin

Having one component of Metabolic Syndrome means you are more likely to have others, and having three of these factors has been shown to double the risk of heart attack and triple the risk of heart disease. However, there is good news. The good news is that even if you find yourself in this position, there is something you can do to begin reversing the risk right away. Aggressive diet and lifestyle changes, including eliminating all sugar and refined carbohydrates, getting more physical activity, and quitting smoking will help. To understand why these changes will make a difference let’s look at a healthy response to insulin and follow the pathophysiology that leads to Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome.

In a healthy body insulin takes the glucose (carbohydrates/sugars), fatty acids (fats), and amino acids (proteins) that were broken down by your digestive system and carries them into your body’s cells to be used as fuel. If this fuel is not used up, it just gets stored in the cell. If over a period of time that stored energy still has not been used, but insulin continues to add more and more of it into the cell each time you eat, the cell eventually becomes full and can no longer take in any more nutrients. At this point the cell will literally close its receptor doors to the insulin, not allowing anymore nutrients to enter. When insulin is no longer able to do its job in carrying these nutrients into the cells, this is called Insulin Resistance. Insulin Resistance is common in people who over-eat and do not exercise, as well as in people who have been yo-yo dieting for many years. People on yo-yo diets often ignore the body’s cravings for food and therefore force the body (through what they consider willpower!) to use up its own reserves from the muscles and bones to keep vital functions going. This leads to less lean body mass and less cells for the insulin to fill up with energy in the first place.

Another way we get Insulin Resistance is through the function of Counter-Regulatory Hormones (CRH’s), which actually block the action of insulin. CRH’s are activated when we are under stress (Cortisol and Adrenaline are both CRH’s). Stress in the body occurs not only when we are under emotional stress, but by skipping meals (nutritional stress), lack of sleep or over exercising (physiological stress), drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs (prescription and otherwise), drinking caffeine, and eating too much sugar or non-organic food (chemical stress). It is important to look closely at all of these factors when trying to reduce stress. After a while, if we continued to be stressed, the CRH response wins out over the insulin and the body begins to break down, causing the warning signs and symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome.

Other factors that may lead to Metabolic Syndrome include genetics, which in some cases do not allow insulin secretion to keep up with demand; free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the beta cells of the pancreas that produce the insulin; and free fatty acids that have leaked out of fat cells and are toxic to the pancreas, blocking the secretion of insulin. The irony here is that Insulin Resistance is what causes the fat cells to leak in the first place, causing an anti-inflammatory response (see my post on Silent Inflammation) which includes the release of the CRH Cortisol, and so we begin to see the this vicious cycle literally feeding itself.

Other risk factors that increase the chances of having Metabolic Syndrome:

• Age. 40% of people in their 60s are affected, however we are beginning to see more and more school-aged children having three or more signs and symptoms listed above.
• Race. Hispanics and Asians seem to be at higher risk for Metabolic Syndrome than other races.
• Obesity. Body Mass Index (or BMI, which is calculated as height/ (weight x weight) x 703) of greater than 25 increases your risk of Metabolic Syndrome.
• History of Diabetes. If Diabetes runs in your family you’re more likely to have Metabolic Syndrome.

Type II Diabetes is an advanced stage of Insulin Resistance. The only difference between someone with Metabolic Syndrome and Type II Diabetes is that the pancreas of the Type II Diabetic is no longer able to keep up with the demand for Insulin, becomes over-worked and stops producing it. Diabetes leads to complications such as nerve, eye, kidney, and blood vessel damage. Either way, being in the last stages of this disease can be devastating.

Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome don’t show up until pretty late in the game. Stage I and II of Insulin Resistance actually look almost exactly like normal metabolic function. If we were to get our blood levels checked, they would still be in the normal range, except in Stage II where we would begin to see Insulin Resistance at the muscle level. Although it is difficult to diagnose someone at these early stages, looking at diet, exercise, and stress levels can show us if we may already be headed down this pathway.

As with anything else, prevention is the key. Understanding what foods cause an increase of insulin and balancing insulin response is the first step. Eating small frequent meals (always including breakfast) that are balanced with protein, good quality fats, and complex carbohydrates will slow down an insulin response. Avoiding sugar, refined carbohydrates, and long-chain saturated fats (as in animal protein) is going to be very important as we heal the digestive system and start to unload the over-filled cells. Getting an abundance of antioxidants will also be important as oxidative damage is highly likely to be occurring. Getting enough sleep, practicing de-stressing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, not missing meals, and avoiding chemicals (including coffee, alcohol and caffeine), will slow or avoid a response from the CRH’s. Exercising is also a key factor in reversing the Metabolic Syndrome, however starting an exercise regimen without changing to a properly balanced diet first, or exercising too much, would be seen as a stress in the body which we know releases CRH’s and is a cause of Insulin Resistance.

If you think you have any one of the signs or symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome, please talk to your doctor immediately and have your blood levels checked. Remember though, the first stages of this disease process are hardly recognizable with tests. The only way to be sure from the start is to look at your overall diet and stress levels. If you suspect or are even unsure about if your current lifestyle and food choices are causing an overproduction of insulin or of the CRH's, you should sit down with your Health Coach to review these things right away. We can talk about ways to implement a more balanced lifestyle, avoid or reverse Insulin Resistance, and make sure you are on the path of health and wellness.

Reality

We are each the creator of our own reality. The things we choose to focus our attention on are the things that manifest in our lives. Each of us is literally living today our thoughts from yesterday. Unfortunately too many of us do not understand this law. We go about our day being influenced by the energies and focus of what has come before us and that which keeps us fearful and limited in our beliefs and abilities. This is like being taken by a current in which we have no control, and we eventually end up drowning. There is a better way. By changing our thoughts today we can change our reality of tomorrow!

We were meant to be the ultimate creators of our lives, and to live healthfully and abundantly in any way we want! By tuning out all the madness of the world and listening to the guidance system within, so much can be revealed, so much can be created; our purpose begins to come into focus and our fears begin to disappear. All that is not alive for us and that which we do not love begins to seem insignificant and drifts farther and farther from our focus, creating an open space within for the things that truly matter. When we call on our inner presence to show us the way and listen to the often subtle messages we receive guiding us along, the world begins to open up in ways we never believed were possible. Anything is in fact possible, but we must be deliberate in our purpose. Choose with purpose each day the things you want to focus your attention on instead of being taken up by the current of present day madness that is putting so many fearful and limiting beliefs in your head. By taking simple action steps today you will begin to change your reality of tomorrow.

• Cut out the noise that surrounds you, it is not allowing you to think for yourself. Turn off the television and other media sources that only project fear and negativity into your life. Change the topic of conversation when gossip is the focus. Read only positive, uplifting stories that inspire you. Get the facts, and third opinions, before making any decisions about your health. Spend time each day setting your intentions and listening from within.
  
• Focus on the things that matter to you. These are the things that are alive to you, that bring you joy, peace, and inspiration, the things that you love. Thank God/Spirit/Creator each day for those things. Being grateful for something brings more of that thing.
• Set goals, write them down, and act with confidence that they will manifest for you. It has been said that 95% of people who write down their goals achieve them, but only 5% of people actually write them down. The reason that writing down goals works is called the "Law of Attraction" (made popular by the book and movie The Secret). Most people who write down their goals are so clear in them that they visualize and emotionalize what it would be like for them once those goals are reached. They are clear in why they are pursuing the goal and can actually feel the joy and accomplishment that will come with the attainment of that goal. Visualizing and emotionalizing are the keys to the Law of Attraction; these powerful practices speed up the time that it takes to attain the goal. If you actually put yourself in that place of accomplishment, be grateful for it, and then go about your life knowing that what you need to get there will be given to you, the way and opportunity for reaching that goal become clear. Some people call this coincidence, but there is no such thing, only what you attract to yourself by your thoughts and feelings. Focus on the end product (goal) with joy and excitement, write it down, and the way will be presented to you.
  
• Ask your Spirit for guidance. There is a part of each of us that is in non-physical form at all times. This part of us guides us and creates with us that which we want to manifest in our reality. By quieting ourselves each day to ask this part of us for guidance and abundance in the things that matter most to us, we can create a reality that is truly worthy of us. Spend some time each day before getting out of bed, or someplace that you are assured peace and quite for just a few minutes, taking a few deep breaths, and being still while you ask your Spirit to guide you. Listen to the clues that will be presented along your journey.

Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion. ~Democritus

Vegan

Vegan is a lifestyle, a choice one makes for many different reasons. Here are some of my favorites:
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If slaughterhouses had glass walls, by Paul McCartney: Click here for video

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect. - The Charter for Compassion: http://charterforcompassion.org/

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. - Genesis 1:29

When we kill animals to eat them, they end up killing us because their flesh, which contains cholesterol and saturated fat, was never intended for human beings, who are natural herbivores. - William Clifford Roberts, M.D., Editor-in Chief, American Journal of Cardiology

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet. " Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

The beef industry has contributed to more American deaths than all the wars of this century, all natural disasters, and all automobile accidents combined. If beef is your idea of “real food for real people,” you’d better live real close to a real good hospital.—Neal D. Barnard, MD, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

As long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seeds of murder and pain cannot reap the joy of love.—Pythagoras

It ill becomes us to invoke in our daily prayers the blessings of God, the Compassionate, if we in turn will not practice elementary compassion towards our fellow creatures.—Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.—Elie Wiesel, writer and Nobel laureate (1928–)

A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite. And to act so is immoral.—Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist (1828–1910)

There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the roots.—Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1854

There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer (1749–1832)

"The hour strikes in the evolution of every planet and its humanity when they must express the full peace, harmony, Perfection and the Divine Plan of the system to which they belong. When that hour strikes, humanity either moves forward and fulfills that plan, or whatever portion will not come into alignment with the new Activity removes itself to another school room of the Universe, until those personalities learn obedience to life. . ." St. Germain

A human being is a part of the whole, called by us the “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.—Albert Einstein (1879–1955)