Stay Social
Blog Categories
Popular Posts
Archive
Recent Photos
Tag Cloud
Artificial Electromagnetic Fields by author Juana Gonzalez, PhD
We have many customers who inquire about electromagnetic fields and the health impact they pose. This article published in the Alive Magazine and writer by Dr. Gonzalez does a great job of explaining the full story behind electromagnetic fields.
Invisible, yet omnipresent forces are continuously trespassing in our surroundings. They are not ghosts, but rather electromagnetic fields from natural and man-made sources. Could our daily exposure to this radiation cause health problems?
What are electromagnetic fields?
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy radiating from natural and human-made sources. Their energy (EM radiation) self-propagates in waves through most materials at the speed of light. EM waves have crests and troughs like ocean waves.
Wavelength is the distance between crests.
Frequency is the number of crests passing a given point within one second.
EM radiations differ from one another in their wavelength and frequency. Collectively, they form the electromagnetic spectrum (see figure below).
Wavelength and frequency are inseparably intertwined: the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength, and vice versa.
Non-ionizing radiation (also called non-penetrating radiation)
- low-frequency waves with enough energy to move around atoms in a molecule or cause them to vibrate, but not enough to remove electrons
- do not pass through the skin but can still cause damage
Ionizing radiation (also called penetrating radiation)
- high-frequency waves with enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions
- can enter the body and damage or destroy living cells
Non-ionizing radiation—man-made sources
Radio frequency (RF) radiation
Main sources:
- communications devices (radio and television, wireless technologies, and computer networks)
- electrical appliances and the power lines feeding those devices
In industrialized societies, we...
Homeopathy deciphered by author Jamie Capranos
Homeopathy is often regarded as a new form of alternative medicine that’s gradually gaining popularity. However, it once played a prominent role in conventional medicine.
Still standing in Washington, DC, is a large memorial authorized by Congress in 1900 honouring German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). He founded the homeopathic school of medicine in the early 1800s.
The bronze statue of Hahnemann sits on a pedestal inscribed with the principle of homeopathy in Latin—similia similibus curantur (“like cures like”). The walls of the memorial are four bronze relief panels that depict Hahnemann’s life as a student surrounded by books, a chemist in a laboratory, a teacher in a lecture room, and a physician at a bedside.
What is likely driving homeopathy’s resurgence 100 years later is that it can be used alongside conventional medicine. In 2005 the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published the results of a six-year English study. It revealed that more than 70 percent of patients with severe illness showed positive health changes after taking homeopathic remedies prescribed by their doctor. Many of the patients in this study had tried conventional treatments first without success.
What is it?
Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine. The name homeopathy is derived from the Latin homeos meaning similar and pathos meaning suffering. It is reflective of a central principle to homeopathy known as the Law of Similars.
This law expresses that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in a healthy person. For example, a person exposed to stinging nettles may develop...
Customer Testimonial for Prost-Force from Prairie Naturals
“I am 57 and have lived the past 5 years with urinary complications and overall discomfort due to prostate inflammation. I have seen doctors, only to be informed that prostate problems affect a large percentage of men over 50 and current medical therapies are often accompanied with a host of side effects. I have become more worried in recent months about the possibility of these issues developing into something more serious, and so I decided to look into natural options to promote healthy prostate function. While doing my regular Sunday shopping at Nature’s Fare, I spoke to one of their vitamin staff who suggested that I try Prost-Force, a full spectrum herbal formula offering proven protection for the prostate.
Prostate growth is stimulated by excess levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as part of the medical condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Scientists who have researched this condition have found that the herb Saw Palmetto works to inhibit the production of DHT, stopping DHT from binding in the prostate and increasing the rate at which DHT is metabolized in the gland. Prost-Force offers a standardized dosage of Saw Palmetto (160mg with 85-95% sterols) along with a unique blend of herbs and nutrients that directly benefit the prostate gland and urinary system: Saw Palmetto, Pygeum Bark extract, Lycopene, Stinging Nettle, Pumpkin Seed, Zinc, Vitamin B6, and others. This makes it a comprehensive and effective supplement for men concerned with prostate health.
Prostate problems may affect one in three men over the age of...
How to Store Produce Without the use of Plastic!
The daily consumption of plastic for the average family is outrageous; not to mention harmful to both the environment and humans. On the up side, it is avoidable! Here are some tips to help you preserve you fruits and veggies without the use of toxic plastic.
How to Store Vegetables without Plastic
**Tip!**Always remove any tight bands from your vegetables or at least loosen them to allow them to breathe.
Artichokes‐ place in an airtight container sealed, with light moisture. Asparagus‐ place them loosely in a glass or bowl upright with water at room temperature. (Will keep for a week outside the fridge) Avocados‐ place in a paper bag at room temp. To speed up their ripening‐ place an apple in the bag with them. Arugula‐ arugula, like lettuce, should not stay wet! Dunk in cold water and spin or lay flat to dry. Place dry arugula in an open container, wrapped with a dry towel to absorb any extra moisture. Basil‐ is difficult to store well. Basil does not like the cold, or to be wet for that matter. The best method here is an airtight container/jar loosely packed with a small damp piece of paper inside‐left out on a cool counter. Beans, shelling‐ open container in the fridge, eat ASAP. Some recommend freezing them if not going to eat right away. Beets‐ cut the tops off to keep beets firm, (be sure to keep the greens!)by leaving any top on root vegetables draws moisture from the root, making them loose...
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
by author Joey Shulman, DC, RNCP
What do type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, cancer, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoid arthritis all have in common? Ground-breaking research indicates that they may all begin with an inflammatory process.
Inflammation is the body’s first line of defence against harmful invaders such as unwanted bacteria, viruses, and a multitude of other nasty critters. The inflammatory process has several soldiers in the form of white blood cells that act as protecting agents when the body is attacked.
Although this process is critical in maintaining the balance of health, researchers and scientists have now demonstrated that problems occur when the inflammatory process becomes chronic and no longer switches “off.” In fact, some studies now indicate that inflammation may be the platform on which several disease processes begin.
Not Always Obvious
Unfortunately, the North American diet and lifestyle (which includes hydrogenated fats, a lack of omega-3 essential fats, and fresh produce in the diet; smoking; and high levels of daily stress) all are thought to promote chronic inflammation. The stimulus that triggers the defence mechanism of inflammation is eaten, drunk, smoked, or otherwise experienced by millions of people who are unaware of the underlying damage they are causing.
Inflammation may not be detected by a blood test, x-ray, or other diagnostic measurement, but it is still occurring. On a microscopic level, inflammation can be silently and slowly wreaking havoc on your body’s weakest link. The good news is that the inflammatory process can be halted and reversed simply by changing your...
Baby Blog: Entry #2…sleep, immune health, inflammation and daddy aids!
Baby Blog
Welcome to the Second entry into our Baby Blog! We are very excited to have Khali sharing her experiences with us while we provide insight into her experiences and answer questions that are universal for most people embarking on their journey into parenthood. Follow along for the last six months of Khali’s pregnancy, and share in her and her husband’s joy when baby G is born sometime in December 2011.
(name has been changed to allow for more open and honest entries)
Mommy entry #2: Wow! What an incredible 8 weeks it has been! The unpleasant symptoms of the first trimester have pretty much disappeared. I feel more like a human (although be it a very round one) every day. There are new symptoms and discomforts that have arose within the last couple months but the nausea has subsided and I definitely have an appetite again. I still find that snacking little bits throughout the day help to keep me feeling more energetic and satisfied. While I am not as tired as I was in the beginning I still fatigue quite easily and find I am more inclined towards napping or at least having a rest during the afternoon. I had carpal tunnel previous to becoming pregnant and it has become increasingly worse as the months go on. I often wake up with numb hands, arms, shoulders, feet and hips. I find it very disruptive to a good night’s sleep because I wake up constantly. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is already becoming...
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTHY AND STRONG: by Dr. Krista Ingram
It does not take long after kids return to school before the first illnesses start to appear. Being indoors in recycled air, in closer contact with others, and returning to busy and often stressful schedules are all contributing factors to why your child might get sick. Getting a head start on supporting your child’s immune system is important.
The foundation of a healthy immune system starts with good basics, which include a healthy diet, adequate sleep, good hydration, and regular exercise. All of the things we know are good for us! A healthy diet consists of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, protein at each meal, whole grains instead of refined grains, 4-8 glasses of water per day (depending on age and size), and little to no processed foods. Plenty of sleep (10-11 hours of sleep per night) and at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise are also recommended. (Less video games and more sports!!) To this, we can add the support of a few supplements to optimize immune system function. Some of my favourite immune system supportive products include:
Fish oil
Not only an immune system support, this is brain food; omega-3 fatty acids are in especially high concentrations in the brain and nervous system. There is much evidence to show that omega-3 fatty acids promote a healthy immune response, support healthy brain function and help with concentration and attention. (I like Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior or Barleans Kids Omega Swirl).
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
This...
10 Homemade Weed Killers
Summer gardening is here and along with the lush flowers comes determined weeds. Here are 10 DIY ways you can beat the weeds this summer, without doing irreparable damage to the environment or your wallet.
1. Weed-Pulling
It sounds simple, but if you’ve ever tried it, you know that some weeds are much tougher to pull than others. Particularly dandelions and other weeds of the taproot variety have a mighty grip when you go to pull them. Try watering the area directly around the weed or pulling weeds after a rainstorm, when the ground is softer. Also, insert a knife blade, screwdriver, or “dandelion puller” alongside the deep root and pry it loose a little before pulling.
2. Boiling Water
A splash of scalding water will shrivel even the toughest weeds in a couple of days. When boiling potatoes, pasta or making tea during the gardening season, repurpose the boiling water by draining the pot directly onto the weeds. This is best for weeds that have grown between patio stones or driveways.
3. Smother Them
Cover low-growing weeds like clover and crabgrass with several layers of newspaper and eventually the lack of sunlight will exterminate them. Similarly, putting down layers of newspaper (remember, it’s biodegradable) and then covering it with mulch is a highly effective way of keeping weeds from sprouting up in the first place and it helps to retain ground moisture.
4. Salt Them
This is a great use for leftover rock salt at the end of the winter season (be sure it is a pet...
Hormone Imbalance: Common link between Menopause and Prostate Health?
Hormones are the telecommunication network of the human body. Their release by a cell or gland affects corresponding cells in other parts of the body. Slight changes to hormone levels or overloads in the network can lead to numerous health problems including menopause and prostate conditions.
Prostate Health
Prostate problems are often related to changes in hormone levels due to age. Men start to lose their primary “male hormone” testosterone around the age of forty, and these levels continue to decline by about two to three percent per year after the age of forty. The role of testosterone is to increase muscle mass, boost brain function, strengthen bones, lower insulin levels, and protect against prostate and cardiovascular risk factors. Men also have estrogen, but as they age the ratio of testosterone decreases while estrogen increases. This condition, often referred to as estrogen-dominance, is also associated with increasing abdominal fat, reduced libido, and prostate problems. This dominance is influenced by environmental factors such as xenoestrogens (industrially made and widely used compounds such as PCB, BPA and Phthalates which mimic estrogen but disrupt the endocrine system) have been shown to increase the risk of cancer. You will want to protect and keep healthy levels of testosterone and maintain a healthy balance.
- Maintain a consistent resistance weight-training program and increase intake of healthy proteins
- Consider taking supplements designed to eliminate harmful or excessive estrogens. These supplements, such as Brad King’s Ultimate Male Energy, free your own testosterone by removing the unwanted estrogens and improve overall energy, metabolism, and muscle...
