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More on Spring and Healthy Food

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This morning, early, I went to a farm in a rural community nearby to purchase raw milk. Never pasteurized, never homogenized. I saw the cows that contributed. All twelve of them. A beautiful spring morning. And there were three cattle in a pen nearby. I asked, “why are those over there?” The answer was that they are steers going to market as beef cattle. My milk lady brought out a gallon glass jar of beautiful yellowish whole fresh milk.

I thought about the fact that these simple people milk these cows daily, live essentially off the land. They do not have electricity or conveniences of modern life. They spend their days tending to the business of growing food, selling food, and making enough money to get by. Simple and elegant in a way.

Later tonight, I went to Hy Vee. Land of bright flourescent lights, men with beanies on the registers, processed, artificial food; what people call food.

Earlier tonight I made yogurt, cooked bratwurst and sourkraut with onions. Those brats were prepared with NO nitrates or preservatives of any kind. I steamed enough organic broccoli for my husband to go the four nights I will be gone this weekend. Yes, I spend my whole evening preparing his food for the next few days. I spend quite a lot of time today obtaining my beautiful milk. But what better way to spend a beautiful spring day.

I had considered the possibility of providing him frozen pizzas to last the weekend. But I could not do it. I would feel guilty not feeding him the best I know how. And I am reminded of how rare that attitude is.

Comparing food budgets with friends and family, it sometimes seems like we spend a lot. But what could be more important than providing the most wholesome, healthy, REAL food that I can for my family, such as it is. And for my self.

Truly, it is for myself that I do this. I know the difference between feeling tired and lousy from eating artificial junk, and feeling just really good from eating the basics: fresh wholesome non-toxic meat, lots of fruits and veges, and real milk and eggs from nearby farms.

I am so thankful that I have this bountiful harvest so near to my home.

It allows me to fuel my body so that I can better serve the many people who come to me looking for help.

Spring is Really Here, and so are Allergies

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Spring has sprung. I was in New Mexico last week and my allergies were terrible. Yes, Albuquerque is one of the worst allergy cities in the country. Tons of pollen as well as dust off the desert.

This got me thinking about allergy reduction and prevention.

I recommend several different things.

First, diet. Reducing or eliminating sugar and all processed and refined foods can make a tremendous difference in the immune system and reduce sensitivity to allergens.

Second, cleaning. You must do a thorough job of cleaning your house of dust and pet dander and fur, as well as trying to eliminate any mold sources. The bedroom is where we spend as much as one third or more of our life. Launder all bedding in hot water and dry on High. You can even use 80 Mule Team Borax in the laundry to boost the cleaning. Dust the bedroom completely, pulling out dressers and beds from the wall, and dusting behind. Use the vacuum with the brush attachment to really suck up the dust. Or dust with a damp cloth to pick it all up.

Third, reduce exposures to toxic materials. The immune system is often aggravated by personal care products and home products that we use every day. Worst are things that are scented.  Switch to all unscented products or natural brands from the health food store that are less aggravating. Change laundry soap to unscented, and get rid of fabric softener, unless it is one of the natural brands. I often smell laundry soap and fabric softener on people and I actually react right there. I think many others react like this too.

Fourth, improve immune health. Rest at least 8 hours per night. Exercise at least 30 minutes of walking per day, drink at least 1/2 gallon of water daily, eat only whole foods you prepare yourself, reduce eating out, and take supplements that help with allergies. I really like the bioflavonoids for this, including Quercitin, Rutin, and Hesperidin, they reduce the tendency of the body to produce histamines, the things that make your eyes red and itchy, and make red blotches on skin. Fish oils are also good, take the recommended dose to really be effective. And some people like to use things like ginger, cayenne, turmeric, nettles extract, N-acetyl cysteine, bromelain, and others. Get a consultation from a professional before using these things to make sure they are right for you.

Chinese medicine also has herbal formulas that treat allergies. These must be chosen based on your diagnostic pattern to be most effective, so see a practitioner for this. Herbs that are commonly used in these formulas might include honeysuckle, forsythia, chrysanthemum, mint, as well as others to help your Qi flow be better.