Beating Colds and Flu's

First, the flu (aka. influenza) is a virus - not
a bacteria. So if your doctor gives you
antibiotics for the flu (I don't know why they
would), then you can intelligently pass on that.
Second, since the flu is NOT a bacterial problem,
we should NOT be overusing anti-bacterial
products. Doing so only exacerbates possible
bacterial problems down the road as these little
critters can quickly adapt to our excessively
clean environments.
These harder-to-kill "super bugs" are now sadly
apparent thanks to the over-prescription of
antibiotics and other measures of excessive
cleanliness.
Third, the influenza virus is with us 365 a year
but flu season peaks in February in the northern
hemisphere and August in the southern hemisphere.
Interestingly, this is also when we get the least
amount of sunlight (and thus vitamin D) in each
respective location.
Vitamin D is so important in this regard that
many experts are starting to believe that flu
outbreaks are CAUSED by a lack of the "sunshine
vitamin".
Fourth, if the "germ theory" of disease was
correct, then every single person exposed to the
flu virus would get sick. Obviously, this is not
the case.
Why?
Because what's happening inside your body is more
important than what's happening outside of it. A
clean and healthy internal environment is
inhospitable to viruses and other pathogens.
That's where proper nutrition comes into play.
Fifth, kids that are raised with pets (especially
dogs) have been shown to have stronger immune
systems and are more resilient to infections like
the flu.
This makes sense since dogs acquire all kinds of
micro-organisms while playing outside. Once
exposed to these "natural critters" (by coming
into contact with the dogs) at a very young age,
the child immune's system is able to recognize
the micro-organisms and adapt accordingly.
Six, there are simple remedies you can use to
prevent and fight the flu. 

Check out this site for all kinds of remedies.
http://quanta-gaia.org/health/coldsAndFlu.html

I personally like to take lots of vitamin D and astragulas, 
when I feel a cold coming on. I keep my D levels up all
year long.
 We also practice no wheat, no dairy and no refined sugars. Drinking teas that boost the immune system like Traditional Medicines Echinacea Elder.

You might still get a cold but it won't last long and the cough
won't linger forever.

Winter isn't over yet so we have to continue to boost our
immune systems by eating a healthy diet and using herbs 
and vitamins to keep us strong.

Healthy life.
Suzanne

 

Wheat Belly Lecture, Chocolate Cookies and Pancakes

We went and saw Dr. William Davis give a talk on the hazards of wheat. He was informative and funny. Afterwards he did an unexpected book signing and I got my new cookbook signed by him.

On Sunday I made his Chocolate Chip Cookies which I made completely sugar free. I am really trying in 2013 to reduce all sugars including honey and maple syrup. The fructose in honey and maple syrup is damaging to the liver and promotes abdominal obesity. So I used 1/2 tsp. of Sweetleaf Vanilla Stevia instead of any other sweeteners and thought that they were sweet enough. For the chocolate chips I used cocao nibs, they have no sugar but they give a crunch. I also added in slivered almonds for more crunch. Here is his recipe on line, it is a bit different from his cookbook one. http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2011/10/chocolate-chip-cookies/

Today I made Paleo Blueberry Pancakes.

Paleo Blueberry Pancakes 

1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. sea salt
3 eggs
2 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. organic vanilla
1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
2 tbsp. melted coconut oil or butter
6 oz. fresh or frozen blueberries

Mix all ingredients in a food processor until well combined. Add blueberries and stir with spoon.
Heat griddle on low to med low. Once skillet is heated add grapeseed oil or rice bran oil. With a tablespoon at one scoop to make dollar size pancakes. They cook faster and you don't have to worry about burnt edges because the pancakes are not cooked in the middle. Watch your heat and adjust accordingly.
This is a good treat and didn't even need maple syrup just a good smack of butter. Yumm!
Healthy Life
Suzanne