If You Are Going to Vaccinate...

Prep them by doing the following:

1: Make sure that you give them great nutrition:
No sugar, no processed foods, only the good stuff!

2: Make sure that they are exercising, moving, walking, running, (not being couch potatoes!)

3: They need to be well rested! Lots of sleep.

4: Garlic, oil of oregano, mushroom and other supplements that can help stimulate the immune system!

5: Chiropractic adjustments to clear the nervous system and help them be ready for the immune system challenge that they will face.

6: Positive imagery and emotional support.

If You Vaccinate, Ask 8!

What You Need to Know Before & After Vaccination

Under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, over $2 billion has been awarded to children and adults for whom the risks of vaccine injury were 100%. Vaccines are pharmaceutical products that carry risks, which can be greater for some than others. NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about the risks and complications of diseases and vaccines and speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision.

1: Am I or my child sick right now?

2: Have I or my child had a bad reaction to a vaccination before?

3: Do I or my child have a personal or family history of vaccine reactions, neurological disorders, severe allergies or immune system problems?

4: Do I know the disease and vaccine risks for myself or my child?

5: Do I have full information about the vaccine's side effects?

6: Do I know how to identify and report a vaccine reaction?

7: Do I know I need to keep a written record, including the vaccine manufacturer's name and lot number, for all vaccinations?

8: Do I know I have the right to make an informed choice?

Source: www.nvic.org (National Vaccine Information Center)

Ways to Get Informed About Vaccinations

Here are a few books and websites I recommend to do some research on vaccinations.

Books:

What Every Parent Should Know About Childhood Vaccinations by Jamie Murphy
Click here to order on Amazon.com

Shot in the Dark (DPT discussions) by Harris Coulter and Barbara Loe Fisher
Click here to order on Amazon.com

What your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Children's Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave
(M.D., F.A.A.F.P.)
Click here to order on Amazon.com

Vaccines, Autism, and Childhood Disorders by Neil Miller
Click here to order on Amazon.com


Websites:

www.nvic.org (National Vaccine Information Center)
www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/preface.htm
www.thinktwice.com
www.mychiro4kids.com (Dr. Bill's Website)
www.vaccinerights.com
www.alanphillipslaw.com (researcher of the myths & truths of vaccinations)
www.icpa4kids.org

10 Myths and Truths About Vaccinations

Myth #1: “Vaccinations are safe”

Truth #1: “Vaccination causes significant death and disability at an astounding personal and financial cost to uninformed families.”

Myth #2: “Vaccines are very effective”

Truth #2: “Evidence suggests that vaccination is an unreliable means of preventing disease.”

Myth #3: “Vaccines are the reason for low disease rates in the US today…”

Truth #3: “It is unclear what impact, if any, that vaccines had on 19^th and 20^th century infectious disease declines.”

Myth #4: “Vaccination is based on sound immunization theory and practice…”

Truth #4: “Many of the assumptions upon which immunization theory and practice are based are unproved or have been proven false in their application.”

Myth #5: “Childhood diseases are extremely dangerous”

Truth #5: “Dangers of childhood diseases are greatly exaggerated in order to scare parents into compliance with a questionable but highly profitable procedure.”

Myth #6: “Polio was one of the clearly great vaccination success stories…”

Truth #6: “The polio vaccine temporarily reversed disease declines that were underway before the vaccine was introduced; this fact was deliberately covered up by health authorities. In Europe, polio declined in countries that both embraced and rejected vaccine.”

Myth #7: “My child had no reaction to the vaccines so there is nothing to worry about…”

Truth #7: “The long term adverse effects of vaccinations have been virtually ignored, in spite of direct correlations with many chronic conditions.”

Myth #8: “Vaccines are the only disease prevention option available”

Truth #8: “Documented safe and effective alternatives have been available for decades. (However they have been systematically attacked and suppressed by the medical establishment.”

Myth #9: “Vaccinations are legally mandated and unavoidable”

Truth #9: “Legal exemptions from vaccinations are available for many- but not all- US citizens.”

Myth #10: “Public health officials always place the public’s health above all other concerns…”

Truth #10: “Many of the public health officials who determine vaccine policy profit substantially from their policy decisions.”

Allowing the Body to Heal Itself

Here are a few natural remedies for some common health challenges:

Allergies - Freeze dried nettle, acidophilus, black walnut (for parasites)

Asthma - Ephedra/licorice (anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic, decongestant, etc)

Bed Wetting - Horsetail tea (bladder), chamomile tea (emotional stress)

Colds/Coughs - Zinc, Emergen'C, eucalyptus/tea tree oil, pulsatilla

Constipation - Aloe vera juice, senna leaf tea, licorice, more greens in diet, less dairy

Diarrhea - Acidophilus, charcoal, more greens in diet

Ear Infections - Garlic oil (warmed), collodial silver (kills bacteria)

Fever - For infant-- white willow bark tincture enemas or (sometimes) let nature take its
course. Fever is a sign that the body is killing the infection and taking care of the problem all on its own. Just watch the temperature.

Flu- Boiron Oscillowcocinum, bathe in apple cider vinegar and wrap around calves, zinc, Apple cider vinegar drink (8 oz water 2t ACV, pinch cayenne, 2t honey)

Headache- More water, peppermint oil (on temples and base of neck)

Heartburn- If frequent, Hawthorne berry tea, more greens in diet, low dairy intake

Hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD) - Hyland's calms forte, lower sweet or refined foods, GLA, magnesium, exercise, B-Complex vitamin supplement

Immune System (weak) - More greens in diet, acidophilus, garlic, echinacea, Emergen'C

Sinus Congestion - Collodial silver (sprayed or dropped up nose), bathe in ACV (20 min and increase water intake afterwards)

Stomach problems - Licorice-- stomach pain reliever (if long term, take DGL licorice), aloe vera juice, peppermint tea

Strep Throat - Xylitol (kills virus in mouth), ACV drink, Emergen'C, honey lemon tea, Echinacea, mullein and lobelia at onset

Tonsillitis - Zinc, acidophilus, garlic capsules, Echinacea, honey lemon tea (soothes and heals throat), ACV drink, bathe in ACV

Boosting Your Child's Immune System

Echinacea - this natural herb will enhance your own immune system. Many research studies have proven its effectiveness.

Vitamin C - this simple vitamin can fight off invading germs. Younger kids up to age 6 will benefit from around 250 mg per day. Older kids and adults can take 500 mg per day. Available as a powder, chewable, or capsule.

Fruits and vegetable supplement - the immune-boosting properties of nature's food is remarkable. If your kids won't eat enough fruits and vegetables, try juice with fruit and veggie supplements.

Zinc - this mineral is a safe and effective way to boost the immune system. Children up to age 6 years can take 10 to 20 mg per day. Older kids and adults can take 20 to 40 mg per day.

Probiotics - the common name used for this is Acidophillus. These are healthy bacteria that live in our intestines and help with our immune system. The best species of probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Available as liquid, powder, and capsules, children and adults can take as directed.

Avoid weakening your own immune system.

Source: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500.asp#T042501

Bad Habits

1: Overdosing on sugar: Eating or drinking 100 grams (8 tbsp.) of sugar, (the equivalent of about two cans of soda), can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by forty percent. The immune-suppressing effect of sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours.

2: Excess alcohol: Excessive alcohol produces an overall nutritional deficiency, depriving the body of valuable immune- boosting nutrients. Second, alcohol, like sugar, consumed in excess can reduce the ability of white cells to kill germs. Amounts of alcohol that are enough to cause intoxication are also enough to suppress immunity.

3: Food allergens: After many encounters with food allergens, the intestinal lining is damaged, enabling invaders and other potentially toxic substances in the food to get into the bloodstream and make the body feel miserable. This condition is known as the leaky gut syndrome.

4: Too much fat: Obesity can lead to a depressed immune system. It can affect the ability of white blood cells to multiply, produce antibodies, and rush to the site of an infection.

Source: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500.asp#T042501

Feeding Your Immunity

Vitamin C: Vitamin C supplements are inexpensive to produce, and it’s available naturally in many fruits and vegetables.

• Take around 200 milligrams a day
• Eat at least 6 servings of fruits/veggies a day
• If taking supplements, space them throughout the day (not one large dose)

Vitamin E: Antioxidant and immunity booster

• Stimulates the production of natural killer cells (destroy cancer and germ cells)
• Enhances the production of B-cells producing antibodies
• May reverse some of the decline in immune response commonly seen in aging
• Implicated to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Cut the risk of heart attacks by 50%
• You need 100-400 milligrams per day, depending on your general lifestyle

Carotenoids:

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by interfering with how the fats & cholesterol in the bloodstream oxidize to from arterial plaques.
• Protect against cancer by stimulating the immune cells called macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor, which kills cancer cells.
• The body converts into vitamin A

Bioflavenoids:

• Aid the immune system by protecting cells against environmental pollutants.
• Protect the cell membranes against the pollutants trying to attach to them.
• Lessen the formation of microscopic clots inside arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke

• If you eat the recommended 6 servings of fruits/veggies a day, you will get your daily dose of bioflavenoids.

Zinc:

• Increases production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively.
• Fights against cancer and helps white blood cells release more antibodies.
• Zinc supplements have been shown to slow the growth of cancer.
• It is best to get zinc from your diet (aim for 15-25 milligrams daily)
• A great source of zinc for infants and young children is zinc-fortified cereal.

Garlic:

• Stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells
• Boosts natural killer cell activity
• Increases the efficiency of antibody production
• Can act as an antioxidant that reduces build up of free radicals in the bloodstream
• Lower incidence of intestinal cancer
• May play a part in getting rid of potential carcinogens and toxic substances
• Heart friendly food - - keeps platelets from sticking together and clogging blood vessels

Selenium:

• Mobilizes cancer fighting cells

Omega 3/Fatty Acids

• Oils act as immune boosters by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat bacteria
• Protect against damage from over-reactions to infection.

Source: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500.asp#T042501

10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

1: Drink your lemons. Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or add salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the body's internal "climate" at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments. Apple cider vinegar is an alternative

2: Give your body an herbal boost. Hundreds of herbal supplements and tinctures exist to give the immune system additional support during the winter. Essential oils, fresh herbs and whole food remedies are always preferable over packaged herbs or supplements, since they have a much higher potency and frequency and your body absorbs more of their value.

3: Get a full night's sleep. Everybody's different. Whatever your personal sleep requirement is, get it! Sleep has been linked to balanced hormone levels, keeping weight down, clear thinking and reasoning, improved mood, and vibrant, healthy skin.

4: Eat plenty of protein. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Diets that are low in protein tend to be high in carbs which convert readily to glucose, spiking blood sugar and stressing the pancreas and the immune system.

5: Drink plenty of water. You should be drinking, in daily ounces, half your body weight in pounds. (i.e. Body weight in pounds, divided by 2 = number of ounces of water per day.)

6: Stop drinking coffee. Caffeine robs your body of minerals and vitamins, and it dehydrates you. A mineral supplement helps to offset caffeine's damage.

7: If you do only one thing to boost your immune system, eliminate white sugar. You will see noticeable results in your energy levels, weight distribution, immunity and your ability to think clearly. Many holistic nutritionists consider sugar a drug for its impact on the human body; some practitioners are known to prioritize eliminating sugar from the diet over recommending that people quit smoking. Healthier sugars such as agave and stevia do exist, but avoid artificial sweeteners; they are even worse than cane sugar.

8: Stock up on raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. Dark-colored produce (berries, kale, and broccoli) tends to be higher in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants.

9: Spend some time out in the cold. Exercise can make a noticeable difference to your health and happiness by releasing endorphins. Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors, inhaling dubiously filtered air and other people's germs, so take every opportunity to get outside. Time spent outdoors in the cold also stimulates the thyroid gland.

10: Nurture yourself. Make sure you take time to yourself, spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a massage, a hot bath, or an energy work session when you want one. Our bodies respond to our emotions - if you're feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold. Create a space within yourself and your living environment for harmony, self-love and joy (giving thanks, prayer and blessing the abundance in your life and of the world around you helps). Pay attention to warning signs of sore throat or exhaustion so you can keep them from getting worse. Take a "mental health day" every few months to make sure your emotional needs are met. When you're happy, you're far less likely to get sick.

Source: http://www.suite101.com/content/10-ways-to-boost-immune-health-a8274

How to "Healthify" A Recipe

Here are some ingredient substitutions you can use to "healthify" your meals. Also listed are the benefits to the switch.

Butter/Oil -- Olive Oil- With this substitution, you get your essential fatty acids (EFA's),
vitamins A, E, B's and zinc -- also better for cooking
Coconut Oil - EFA's
Canola Oil - Better for cooking
Earth Balance
Apple Sauce

Sugar -- Honey - vitamins A, B, D and E
Agave (nectar from cacti) [3/4 c to 1 c sugar] - low glycemic index
Pure Maple Syrup
Date Powder (dehydrated dates)
Fruit Juice

Shortening -- Coconut Oil - EFA's (possible weight loss)

Mayonnaise -- Veganaise -- healthy oils

Sour Cream -- Plain Yogurt - low fat, contains cultures

Table Salt -- Sea Salt - contains minerals

Milk -- Rice Milk
Almond Milk

White Flour -- Whole Wheat - higher in vitamins B, C, A and E
Spelt/Kamut
Rye - 20 % protein, fiber, B's, iron and magnesium

White Rice -- Brown Rice - 80% more B vitamins; more protein, magnesium, calcium, B's, Fiber
and vitamin E.

How to Read Food Labels

High Fructose Corn Syrup: Corn syrup modified by enzymes to increase fructose. May lead to onset of diabetes in adults.

Corn Syrup: Made by chemically splitting corn starch. Highly caloric and may contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.

Sugar: In refining sugar, it loses 99% magnesium, 98% zinc, 93% chromium, 93% manganese, 88% cobalt, and 83% copper. Eaten in excess, it prevents the absorption of other nutrients as well. Average American consumes 100 lbs per year.

White flour: In milling wheat, it loses majority of its manganese, chromium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, & calcium.

Partially/Hydrogenated Oils: Chemically induced hydrogen saturation of carbon bonds in oils causes the structure to change. Our body is unable to process it as we do other oils. Tend to increase cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease.

BHA and BHT: Petroleum based preservatives. May cause elevated cholesterol, liver & kidney damage, and sterility.

Aspartame: Artificial sweetener (NutraSweet, Equal, and others) linked to hyperactivity, depression, headaches, insomnia, etc.

MSG: Flavor enhancer may cause headaches, gastrointestinal, cardiac, muscular, neurological, respiratory, and skin problems.

Sulfites: Preservative. Allergic reactions may vary from mild to life threatening. FDA prohibits use on fresh raw produce.

Sodium Nitrate or Sodium Nitrite: Preservative in many processed meats. When combined with a natural body or food chemical, amines, they can become carcinogenic.

Yellow #5: Petroleum based dye that may cause allergic reaction, hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Red #40: Food dye from petroleum linked to ADHD and others.

A general rule of thumb: If you cannot pronounce it,

it probably isn’t natural and may cause harmful effects.

Healthy Recipes

Veggie Animals

Using toothpicks to assemble, take some sliced veggies such as carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli and make animals. I’ve seen one that had the dip right on top (on the head). The kids thought the food was fun.

Sweet Potato Fries

I make these homemade

Salsa

1 can black beans (or soaked black beans) 1 can shoe peg corn (drained)

1 can diced green chilies 3 or more avocado

6-8 diced tomatoes (or 1-28oz can chopped tomatoes) 1 pkg Good Seasons Italian dressing

1/4-1/3 cup vinegar Juice from ½ lemon

Optional: cilantro, red onion, green onion

Stir all ingredients together & chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Hummus

1 16 oz. can garbonzo beans or 1/2 can of black beans and 1/2 can garbonzo (i use half and half)

2 cloves garlic

3 TB tahini

1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 tsp. cumin

1/4 c. olive oil (i use 1/8)

juice from 1/2 lemon

Put in food processor and enjoy! I leave some of the juice from the black beans in there so it makes up for less olive oil. I still drain most of it, but leave a tiny bit in there. Serve with whole wheat tortillas or crackers.

Popcorn

Air popped corn                                                    Extra virgin Olive oil

Braggs liquid Aminos                                           Nutritional yeast (1/4-1/3 cup)

Pour olive oil (in place of butter) on top of popped corn. Spray Braggs liquid aminos (in place of salt) and nutritional yeast (high in B vitamins).

Apples and Nut Butter

This is a great after school snack or a day at the park. Apple slices can be dipped into pineapple or lemon juice to prevent browning. Bring a small container of peanut or almond butter for dipping.

Ants on a Log

Celery Almond or peanut butter Raisins

Wash a stalk of celery (I buy organic celery, as it is one produce item that is heavily spread with pesticides) and put a strip of nut butter on it. Then place some raisins on top. It’s fun to make and eat, so kids may enjoy this snack after school. I enjoy it anytime.

Dried Fruit

Can be purchased or dehydrated at home. I like to use fruits that are getting soft or will not be eaten. Before I go out of town, I dehydrate or freeze most of my produce for this purpose. Some of my favorites are apples, peaches, apricots, pineapple, bananas, mango, and strawberries. Watch for sales on these items as well. You can easily make some homemade fruit leather too by blending and pouring onto a dehydrator sheet.

Peanut Butter Balls

Mix together: 1 c honey

1 c peanut or almond butter

Add: 2 c whole grain flours (wheat germ, oats, etc) ½ c raw sunflower seeds

½ c sunflowerseeds Raisins

Nuts (optional)

Make into balls and roll in dried, unsweetened coconut.

Green Smoothie

4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens (preferably organic) ¾ cup water

1 frozen banana (peeled first and then frozen) 2 cups frozen fruit

Put spinach and water in blender and liquefy it. You do not want any ‘chunks’ of spinach. Add in frozen fruit to your desired thickness. If needed, add water or juice.

Raw “Frosty”

3 cups water ¼ cup Maple Syrup, Dates, agave, or honey

¼ cup carob or cocoa powder 2 t. Vanilla or more

5-6 frozen bananas Cherry Extract (opt)

In a blender, combine water and bananas. Add carob, maple syrup and vanilla. Blend until smooth. If the carob leaves a bitter taste, add a TINY pinch of cayenne pepper.

6 Week Bran Muffins

2 1/4 cup boiling water 5 t soda
1 cup coconut oil 1 1/2 cup agave or honey
4 eggs 2 cups raisins, nuts, or dates
1 qt plain yogurt 5 cups whole wheat flour/sprouted flour
1 t salt 4 cups Bran Cereal (All Bran or Essential 10)
2 cups Bran flakes (Peace Essential 10)

Add soda to water, let cool. In separate bowl, cream coconut oil and add sugar and eggs (one at a time). Stir in yogurt and remaining ingredients. Chill for at least 2 hours and then make muffins whenever you wish. Batter keeps in the fridge for up to 6 weeks! Bake 425 for about 15 minutes. Makes 5 dozen.

Wraps

Tortillas (uncooked are best) 1 cup cooked brown rice

1 can black beans 1 tomato (sliced)

1/8 onion (finely chopped) ½ cup hummus

1 clove garlic (minced) lettuce

1 cup salsa 1 avocado (sliced)

Dressing of choice (ranch, chipotle, etc.) 1 can olives (sliced)

Cheese (optional)

Place black beans, onion, and garlic in saucepan and warm. Cook 1^st side of tortilla and flip. As the second side cooks, place toppings on, starting with-cheese, black bean mixture, hummus, rice, avocado, tomato, olives, salsa, lettuce, and dressing.

Sweet Wrap

Tortillas (uncooked are best)

Honey or agave

Cinnamon

Cook first side of tortilla and flip. Top with some honey or agave and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Roll up tortilla and eat as a snack.

Rachel Ray Potatoes

1 small onion Olive oil

½ green pepper 1 t paprika

clove of garlic red potatoes

palm full of grill seasoning (season salt)

Coat jelly-roll pan with olive oil and place cut up potatoes on it. Sprinkle potatoes with season salt & paprika. Sprinkle cut-up peppers, onion, & garlic on top. Bake 30 min at 450°-500°.

Trail Mix

1 cup raw cashews – pieces or whole I cup roasted peanuts

1 cup raw almonds 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1 ½ cups date pieces 1 cup raw sesame seeds

1 cup raisins

Mix together and enjoy.

Super Charge Me Cookies

Makes 4 dozen cookies

4 cup quick oats

2 2/3 cup spelt flour

1 tsp (rounded) sea salt

1 – 2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 –1 1/3 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit

3/4–1 cup carob or chocolate chips (optional; or use more dried fruit, nuts, or seeds)

1 tbsp + 1 tsp baking powder

1 1/3 cup flax meal (not flax seed)

2 cups pure maple syrup

¾ cup almond butter (may use cashew, peanut, hemp seed butter)

2 tbsp pure vanilla extract

½ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, coconut, raisins, and carob or chocolate chips, sift in baking powder, and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine flax meal, syrup, almond butter, and vanilla and stir until well combined. Stir in oil. Add wet mixture to dry, and stir until just well combined (do not overmix). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon batter onto baking sheet evenly space apart, and lightly flatten. Bake for 13 minutes (no longer, or they will dry out). Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute (no longer), then transfer to a cooling rack.

Soda - - It's Worse Than You Thought

Ingredients in Assorted Sodas

Coca Cola

Carbonated Water – the result – tooth decay hundreds of times faster than sparkling water

Caramel Coloring – Not certified by the FDA (considered exempt)

Same toxicological properties as caramel produced by heating

sucrose.

Caramel is burnt white sugar – sugar on top of sugar

Aspartame – Approx. 200 times sweeter than table sugar

92 side effects are possible results on consumption ex: headaches, vision

loss, seizures, neurological problems, cardiovascular problems, and death.

Converts to formaldehyde at a temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit –

The human body’s natural temp is 98.6

Phosphoric Acid—linked to lower bone density in epidemiological studies

Used to remove rust from metal

Kills brain cells

Damages skeletal system and greatly disturbs the body calcium-

Phosphorus ratio

Potassium Benzoate –

In combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium and

potassium benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen.

Heat, light and shelf life can affect the rate at which benzene is formed.

Caffeine –

acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects eating plants

A psychoactive drug – crosses the blood-brain barrier and effects mostly the

central nervous system where it alters brain function, causing changes in

perception, mood, consciousness, cognition and behavior.

In healthy adults, caffeine’s half life is approximately 4.9 hours

Half life = the time required for the activity of a substance taken into the

body to lose one half its initial effectiveness.

Overuse

Caffeinism – caffeine dependency with a wide range of unpleasant physical and

mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness,

muscle twitching, insomnia, headaches, respiratory alkalosis, heart palpitations, peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal flux disease.

Long term consumption of low dose caffeine slows hippocampus-dependent learning and impairs long-term memory.

Linked to hyperactivity

A 2008 study showed that women who consume 200 milligrams or more caffeine per day have about twice the miscarriage risk as women who consume none.

20-30 % of American adults consume more than 500 milligrams of caffeine per day – twice the amount doctors consider a large “drug dose”.

Caffeine has diuretic properties (increases the flow of urine). These properties put extra stress on the kidneys and have a dehydrating effect on the body. Various studies also link caffeine to birth defects and research shows that it interferes with DNA replication and robs the body of vital nutrients, especially B-vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and potassium and prevents the absorption of iron.

SUGAR: The average can of soda is equivalent to 11 tablespoons of sugar.

No wonder soda plays a role in diabetes, kidney failure and anxiety

Random Concerning Facts:

Our bodies were made to have a natural pH balance of 7.3 which is slightly alkaline. A pH of 2 is 100,000 times more acidic than a pH of 7. Each can of soda has a pH of 2. A pH of 2 means that a person would have to drink 32 eight ounce glasses of alkaline water just to neutralize the effect of one can of soda.

Some mechanics use soda to remove rust from batteries and cables.

Soda originated in pharmacies – coke was supposed to relieve indigestion

Police use coke to remove blood from the streets

Sprite: contains all the ingredients that coke does except the caramel coloring, however, it has acesulfame potassium which is yet another artificial sweetener and high fructose corn syrup – more sugar!

Orange Soda: high fructose corn syrup, glycerol ester of wood rosin (a stabilizer that tries to keep a chemical reaction from occurring), food starch-modified (buffer against excessive heat), yellow 6 (a sulfonated version of Sudan I, a possible carcinogen), red 40 (originally made from coal tar, now made from petroleum)

Tips for replacing scary problems with simple solutions:

If carbonation has to happen, only give your kids sparkling water, mineral water (add juice for a taste similar to soda), or sparkling cider. Cider is better because it doesn’t have the high level of carbon dioxide that sparkling water does.

Sparkling Water Ingredients:

Carbonated water is like regular water only pressurized heavily with carbon dioxide.

Martinelli’s Cider Ingredients:

Pasteurized 100% Pure Carbonated Apple Juice from U.S. Grown Fresh Apples, Vitamin C, No Water or Alcohol, No Concentrates, No Sweeteners or Preservatives.

Sources:

www.wikipedia.com

www.caringmedical.com

www.organicconsumers.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9ndG76q4og&p=4F0B5262345A19F9&playnext=1&index=12

http://www.dherbs.com/articles/dangers-drinking-soda-127.html

Tips For Picky Eaters

1. Remain Calm. If you child picks up on your stress about their eating it can sometimes end up escalating into a battle of wills and can even become a control issue.

2. Serve Small Portions. Their little stomachs do not need much to get full and especially when trying a new food it can be far less intimidating for them to see just a small amount on their plate!

3. Respect their Hunger Levels. It’s best not to force your child to eat past where they feel full. Children tend to eat when they are hunger and stop when they are full…trust that they know their bodies.

4. Serve a new food with a Favorite. This way they can feel comfortable knowing there is something that they like on their plate to enjoy. They can mix up the two items if it helps. I still do that myself sometimes with food that isn’t my favorite but I know is good for me, I’ll only eat asparagus if I can mix it with rice!

5. Offer fruit or vegetables for snacks. In between meals let them snack all they want on healthy fruit and vegetable slices.

6. Watch the clock. Make sure to stop all snacks about one hour before your meal. That way they’ll be hungry when they come to the table.

7. Make it tasty! Serve vegetables with a yummy dip or fruit with some yogurt. Little ones love to dip their food! Try serving veggies raw and steamed – they may have a preference!

8. Get them Involved. Getting your picky eater to help you purchase food and help prepare it can be fun for them. Of course this isn’t possible all the time but occasionally make the whole process an experience they can be a part of, it can be really fun!

9. Keep it Separate. Sometimes it’s all about food touching! If this is an issue for your picky eater then when possible keep ingredients separated (think, salads, stir fry etc) Maybe like me, they don’t like their cool salad touching their warm rice or potato. This makes perfect sense to me! Those divider plates are fantastic, for some picky eaters that’s all they need to be able to enjoy their meal!

10. Food Talk. When you’re talking to your child about food try to avoid using taste as an indicator of whether a food is good or not. Instead talk about how healthy it is, it’s color, shape and texture.

11. Role Model. If you want your children to eat healthy foods then you need to as well. This isn’t easy for a recovering picky eater but it definitely works in encouraging your child to eat healthy food!

All information found at:
www.todayiatearainbow.blogspot.com

Kids with Ear infections? Wellness options?

I just recently had a question sent to me by email concerning Ear Infections, Chiropractic, and how to help a child with ear infections without drugs/surgery.

The basic premise is how do you help the body heal itself? Is there a way to help an ear infection, an ear inflammation or sinus related issues without antibiotics, or over the counter remedies?

The answer is an emphatic yes. One must assess the situation with a competent pediatrician (chiropractic pediatrician, osteopathic or medical). If the pediatrician's response is 'drugs first' then the child often doesn't have a chance to 'fight the infection or inflammation' with the incredible arsenal of healing responses that the body has.

If the pediatrician is more wellness oriented, then things such as sinus and eustachian tube massage, increased vitamin C, oil and garlic drops for the ears, chiropractic adjustments, etc can all help the body overcome the healing crisis on its own.

In almost 30 years of Pediatric Chiropractic practice, I have seen hundreds of children with ear infections and inflammations. In only a very small % of the time, less than 5% did the child need to have medical intervention.

How does it work? That's a rather long explanation, but I would invite your specific questions and refer you to the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Assoc) website: icpa4kids.com.

Trust the body more and medicines less.

Nutrition Workshop Highlights

We recently had a workshop on Nutrition here at our office and would like to share it with those who couldn't make it. In posts to come (today) will be:

Healthy recipes
Healthy substitutions (making your favorites healthier)
Tips for feeding picky eaters (from www.todayiatearainblow.blogspot.com)
Info about soda
Simple improvements in the diet (white vs brown)

To see comments about the workshop from patients, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=147163951990549&topic=1055

For more information about our office and services, please visit:

http://www.mychiro4kids.com/index.php?p=107684

Constipated no longer!

Whew, long time no update Dr. Bill!

Okay, here we go with a new, good story:

My almost 4 year old grandson Eli just moved into our house, he and his family are in transit...on the way to Bejing, China...but that's another story, and two days ago, he was in a lot of pain from not being able to go potty.

Some of you know the pain personally, or know of loved ones who have suffered from such a condition. Not fun, no 'joy in mudville' and thing can just sort of get worse.

Well, Eli's bright Mommy, my eldest daughter Becca, suggested that Gramps give Eli an adjustment. I did just that.

I adjusted his lower back, L4-5 area that is directly connected to the spinal nerves that go to the intestines, the poop area and what not. I then did a gentle (sort of) massage on his descending large intestine (where the poop often gets kind of stuck), and went on my way to work.

By the end of the day, the boy had visited the toilet with significant contributions no less than 6 times...

Moral of the story: constipation might be linked to a nerve system blockage that can be helped by a chiropractic adjustment. See a pediatric chiropractor in your area, and get things 'flowing' again! (visit icpa4kids.com to find a pediatric chiro near you).

Dr. Bill