Monday, December 26, 2016

Blackstrap Molasses For Your Health

Molasses as a superfood? Who knew?  Unsulphured blackstrap molasses is indeed just that. Though this superfood  receives little recognition, it should be in everyone’s pantry.

Molasses is the byproduct of refining sugar cane to create table sugar. It is the leftover juice that is pressed out of the cane and then boiled. Unlike table sugar, which has no nutrient value and is a culprit in blood sugar spikes and insulin instability, molasses is nutrient dense and is a safe sugar substitute with a low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index will release glucose more slowly and steadily, which leads to more suitable blood glucose readings after meals. 

Organic, unsulphured, blackstrap molasses: Organic means there is no pesticide residue in your food. Unsulphured molasses is the finest quality. It is made from the juice of sun-ripened cane and the juice is clarified and concentrated. Sulphured molasses is made from green sugar cane that has not matured long enough and is treated with sulphur fumes during the sugar extracting process. The triple boiling and sugar extraction process results in Blackstrap molasses being a more nutritionally dense sweetener than molasses extracted from the first or second boiling steps. Blackstrap contains the same vitamins and minerals as light or dark molasses but in a more concentrated form

Sugar cane roots go very deeply into the soil, often 15 feet down or more. That’s enough to bypass nutritionally depleted topsoil and feed off the nutrient rich earth below. Blackstrap molasses has a high iron content that can help build red blood cells and assist with issues of anemia. Add to that its concentration of B3 (niacin), B5 pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyroxidine) vitamins and you've got a nice recipe for healthy metabolism and energy production.

There is an abundance of magnesium and calcium in blackstrap molasses. Magnesium is important for the production of energy and is essential to over 300 metabolic processes in the body. It is necessary for the smooth function of our nervous system. Magnesium feeds our muscles so insufficient magnesium levels can result in muscle spasms and arrhythmia or even heart attacks. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body and is needed for more than just maintaining bone health. Healthy muscles, nerves, skin, and immune system all rely on calcium.

Blackstrap molasses also has lots of potassium. As an essential nutrient for muscles, potassium can relieve muscle cramps and ease the tension on the heart and arteries to help decrease blood pressure. The nervous system can be calmed by potassium. Important functions of the brain, like memorizing and learning, are supported by potassium. It helps hydrate the skin and balances pH levels.

Manganese, copper, and selenium will round out this liquid vitamin pill's nutritional resume. These minerals are vital to healthy hormones, bone strength, the thyroid gland, and the immune system. Other health benefits of manganese including the formation of healthy connective tissues. Chronic sprains, strains, and back pain can be alleviated with the addition of manganese.

Adding a tablespoon of unsulphured blackstrap molasses to a cup of hot water makes a great tonic. This can be a great alternative for those who want to decrease or eliminate their dependence on coffee. The low glycemic index coupled with the mineral content of molasses can create a natural energy boost without the caffeine and sugar stimulants found in coffee. can be incorporated into many foods as a sweetener. It works well in oatmeal, on pancakes, waffles, or desserts. Some people take it right off the spoon. Try it today! You'll be surprised at its rich flavor and health benefits.



Friday, July 15, 2016

Transform Your Health and Lose Up to 20 lbs in Just 10 Days

I have cashed in my professional courtesy card and "Borrowed" this blog from Purium Health Products. Why re-invent the wheel? This is a great, informative blog that needs no editing or extra input from me. If you have more questions about Purium products and how they can transform your health, please feel free to contact me @ drmarkseverance@gmail.com, or https://www.facebook.com/healingtouchtherapies/

Visit Purium's website @ www.mypurium.com/drseverance

 “The emergency flag has gone up! We are not doing nearly enough.”
This is a direct quote from Kelly Brownell, the Dean of Stanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. What could this be about?! American obesity. Yup, you heard me right. It’s THAT bad.
The obesity level in America has increased 5% in the last 10 years which means that 38% of Americans are considered obese. What’s even worse is that 17% of all children ages 2-19 years of age are obese. It also seems like people of color have been hit the hardest; 57% of all black women and 46% of all Hispanic women are considered obese. We are not talking “overweight” but obese.
What is the definition of obese and how does it differ from overweight? Obesity is defined as a “bodily condition marked by excessive generalized deposition and storage of fat and having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or more” whereas overweight is “a condition where the person weighs more than what is considered normal for that height, age, and sex with a BMI between 25 and 29.” In simpler terms: Obese= excess fat. Overweight= extra weight. There are a lot of health risks that come along with being obese such as: coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and hypertension. All which are fatal.
Okay, we’ve got your attention.
It would be easy to fix this alarming issue if there was one clear culprit, but as with most issues in life, nothing is that simple. The causes are many and likely very interconnected with power structures, current lobbying efforts, and million dollar ad campaigns that brainwash us into thinking synthetic foods are just as good as pure, organic foods.
But with knowledge comes power.
This is a multifaceted problem and once you start digging, you find yourself going down a rabbit hole as you learn how we got to this point. Take a look at farm subsidies with corn and soy that make those two so ubiquitous in our food supply. Look at the benefits given to (so-called) conventional farmers that use pesticides while organic farmers are forced to shell out tons of money to get certified. Examine the demographics of the areas that have “food deserts.” Pay attention to what children are being fed in our public schools and hospitals. Note that our Medical Industry does not teach nutrition or a proactive approach to health (in most cases), but rather profits from drugs and surgeries. When you look closer you will see that nothing short of a revolution can get us our nation on a new track. A Real Food Revolution!
Here are a few things you can do to help make a positive influence:

1.  Knowledge is power! Get educated and to share your knowledge. Learn from people you can trust as to what to avoid and what foods and lifestyle habits to incorporate. Read books like “The Green Foods Bible” by David Sandoval for a better understanding as to how green foods are integral to the Real Food Revolution (spoiler alert – they make every system in the body work better!). Read books like “The Real Truth About Vitamins & Anti-oxidants” by Judith De Cava and “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II, MD for information on why you need to get nutrients from whole foods as opposed to “enriched” foods & so-called multivitamins, and why you want to limit animal fat to less than 20% of your diet, respectively.
2.  Vote with your dollars – The best way to help the Real Food Revolution is to make sure you are not contributing your money to companies that use artificial ingredients or other potentially harmful ingredients. The more we avoid GMO corn, and soy, for example, the less marketable it will be.  Start reading the labels! Genetically modified corn is in cornstarch, high fructose corn syrup (which is trying to sneak on our labels via another name!), popcorn, etc. Soy is used in lecithin and many other derivatives. Stay up to date on the latest food news and only support companies you can trust.

3.  Break your food addictions – Don’t let synthetic food companies keep their stronghold on your diet! Food scientists spend countless hours crafting their products to get you hooked on their creations that are packed full of sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Refuse to be brainwashed by clever marketing campaigns and chemically-addictive foods. It is no secret that most of the foods they create are often more addictive than heroin!
The best way to teach our children how to live by the tenets of the Real Food Revolution is to live it ourselves. As a way to help make it easier to jumpstart a personal Real Food Revolution, David Sandoval has created a very unique 10-Day Transformation Cleanse. Originally designed to help save the life of a 900 lb Sumo wrestler named “Tiny,” this anabolic cleanse can help retrain your taste buds, help you break your junk food addiction, fuel your body with nutrient-dense superfoods, and start you off for a healthier and happier lifestyle. It’s not going to be easy, the 10-Day Transformation is definitely a journey in all senses of the word… but it will be worth it. Your future self (and your children and grandchildren) will thank you!

Saturday, May 28, 2016

What's in Your Water?

We are constantly losing water from our bodies via urine, sweat, and plain old metabolism. There are many different opinions on how much water we should be drinking every day. The health authorities (you know, the same health authorities in charge of Flint, Michigan) commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about half a gallon. That's a generic, blanket figure which does not take into consideration body size, age, activity level, amount of sunshine one is exposed to, or pregnancy. There is no simple answer and science hasn't made a concrete determination. Personally, I use "Grandma's Rule." Many years ago, as a young bachelor, I asked my grandmother, "How long do you cook a chicken?" Her reply was, "Till it's done." I drink water...until I'm done.

Do you realize that water is the ONLY liquid essential to life? Our body has no need for coffee, soda, juice, energy drinks, alcohol, or sugar laden bottled tea; none of it. Of course breast milk is paramount to health during a child's first few years but moving beyond that...water is all we need. Surely, we can combine other things to our miracle elixir to "spice it up" such as lemon or lime, Bragg's apple cider vinegar and honey, or a pinch of ground ginger. These inclusions will add some vital electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrition to our cup of H20 but water is still the only liquid essential to life. 

As our bodies are some 2/3 water, it is important to maintain hydration. The brain and the lungs alone are 70% and 90% water, respectively. Water allows every cell in our body to function more efficiently. It regulates our temperature. It protects our joints, spinal cord, and brain. Adequate water intake enables our body to excrete waste through defecation, urination, and perspiration. Water aids in digestion beginning with the production of saliva (enzymes found in saliva help to break down food) and continues all the way through the bowel. Water helps soluble fiber dissolve easily and benefits our bowel health by making well-formed, soft stools that are easy to pass. 

What is your source of water? One thing is for sure. We should never drink straight from the tap. The toxic levels of lead found in Flint, Michigan's water has taught us that the government has no interest in our safety. Governmental regulations have failed us. The Environmental Working Group found 316 chemicals in tap water throughout the country; 202 of which are not regulated. Fluoride, chlorine, trihalomethane, arsenic, radioactive contaminants, lead, aluminum, and pharmaceutical drugs including birth control pills and antidepressants are just a few of the ingredients found in our toxic tap. 

Bottled water is no better. Most bottled water is glorified, overpriced tap water. Bottled water samples have shown to contain phthalates, mold, microbes, benzene, trihalomethanes, and arsenic. BPA and other chemicals in the plastic can seep into the water if the bottles are exposed to heat or sit around for a long time. Some of these chemicals are possible endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s hormone system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.


Needless to say, filtering our water is imperative. What filter do I use? The counter top PiMag Waterfall. This several stage filtering system mimics nature's forces with gravity assisted filtration and re-minerlization to alkalize the water. The PiMag Waterfall also uses a magnetic field to help condition the water without adding salt or other chemicals.

Here a video for you to check out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hFb7w0VZHU












Monday, February 8, 2016

Brussels Sprouts. You Heard Me Right. I Said "Brussels Sprouts"!

Gross. Yuck. Disgusting. I know. I know. That was my response until a few years ago when my wife made me try one. It was delicious! It's become my favorite vegetable. Now, I hear all your complaining but have you ever really eaten one; one that was cooked properly, or are you just mimicking everyone else? The recipe is so simple. We cut off the tip, slice them in half, and lay them out on a baking sheet. Next, we drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss them in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes at 350 degrees. They are done when they are fork tender.

Still not convinced? Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamin C and K. They have moderate amounts of thiamine, folic acid (B9), pyridoxine (B6), manganese, choline, copper, omega -3 fatty acids, and are a good source of fiber.  As with broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts contain sulfur.

Vitamin C is essential for normal growth, development, and repair. It feeds your immune system and helps maintain the health of your skin, teeth and gums. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays an important part in blood clotting and bone health. Thiamine is needed in many body functions, including the flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells, digestion, and carbohydrate metabolism. Folic acid is vital for proper brain function as it is necessary for mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of DNA and RNA and is therefore important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. Folic acid also helps to make healthy red blood cells. Pyridoxine aids in convert food into energy, makes neurotransmitters, red blood cells, and hormones.

Shall we continue? :-) Manganese is active in our metabolism. It is essential for bone health, the formation of connective tissue, absorption of calcium, proper functioning of the thyroid gland and sex hormones. Manganese helps regulate blood sugar level. Choline is utilized in the body by aiding nerve signaling, muscle function, maintenance of cell membranes, and in early brain development. Choline is vital in keeping the liver healthy. The health benefits of copper include proper growth of the body as well as improved health of connective tissues, hair, and eyes. Copper is integral for preventing premature aging and increasing energy production. Regulating heart rhythm, thyroid health, bone health, quick wound healing, red blood cell formation are other health benefits of copper.

I want to push sulfur to the head of the class here. This is why: Sulfur is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body behind calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. Sulfur is needed for insulin production. It helps detoxifies our cells and keeps our blood vessels soft and pliable. Sulfur is one of the basic building blocks of a vibrant body. It helps makes vital amino acids used to create protein for cells, tissues, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Collagen is found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons where it forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Collagen production in our body is dependent on sulfur. If you are taking MSM, glucosamine sulfate, or chondroitin sulfate supplements for joint pain, these all have a sulfur component to them.

There are many scientific studies that focus on the health benefits of Brussels sprouts in relationship to cancer. Brussels sprouts' unique nutrient makeup supports the body's detoxification process, its antioxidant system, and its anti-inflammatory controls. Among all types of cancer, prevention of bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancer is most closely associated with intake of Brussels sprouts.

With all this going for it, won't you give Brussles sprouts one more try?  Here are 11 recipes to tantalize your palate. http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/brussels-sprouts-recipes