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Does Your Breath Smell Like Cancer? 5 Incredible Forms of Early Cancer Detection

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:52:41 GMT

Does Your Breath Smell Like Cancer?
5 Incredible Forms of Early Cancer Detection
by www.SixWise.com

Detecting cancer in the early stages increases the survival rate of people diagnosed with cancer. Here are five unique, non-invasive ways of detecting cancer in its early stages:

1. Cancer-Smelling Dogs

You've heard of drug-sniffing dogs and bomb-sniffing dogs ... but cancer-sniffing dogs? A study published in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies reported that trained dogs accurately detected lung and breast cancer 88 percent to 97 percent of the time. In a matter of only a few weeks, regular household dogs were trained to sniff out cancer using a basic food reward-based training program. Other studies have shown that dogs have also been able to detect ovarian cancer through odors detected in the breath of people inflicted with the disease.

Regular household dogs can be trained to sniff out cancer in just a few weeks!

"Cancer cells emit different metabolic waste products than normal cells," says Nicholas Broffman, executive director of the Pine Street Foundation, a cancer research organization in San Anselmo, California. These cellular waste products form specific combinations of biochemical markers (gases) that are emitted as odors on cancer patients' breath. Broffman continues, "The differences between these metabolic products are so great that they can be detected by a dog's keen sense of smell, even in the early stages of disease."

2. Lasers to Detect Cancer Breath

Dr. Patrick McCann, lead researcher at the University of Oklahoma, is confident that he has the technology to create a cancer-detecting device that will measure the gaseous biochemical markers emitted through the breath of people with cancer.

"A device that measures cancer specific gases in exhaled breath would change medical research, as we know it," claims McCann. McCann and his group of researchers specialize in innovative laser technology. This device would use lasers to read people's breath and scan it for specific biochemical markers that indicate the presence of cancer. This could be used for early cancer detection, including hard-to-detect cancers such as lung cancer.

The idea for this device came from the dogs -- the dogs who detect cancer by smelling it on people's breath. "... The dogs tell us there is something there," says McCann. Even though the technology is available for this device, it will still take about five to 10 years to get this product into the hands of doctors.

Researchers know that dogs detect gases given off by people with cancer, but they don't know what the specific make-up of the gases are. Ongoing studies are busy trying to determine that very thing in order to assist the creation of this device.

3. Fluorescent Probe Identifies Early Stages of Cancer

Dr. Matthew Bogyo, assistant professor of pathology and of microbiology and immunology at the Stanford School of Medicine and his colleagues have created a molecular probe that bonds to overactive enzymes present in cancer cells. The unusual thing about this probe is that after it is injected into the body, it lights up with fluorescence making it easy to detect cancer cells through non-invasive, non-radioactive fluorescent imaging. When cancer cells divide and multiply, a protein-eating enzyme or protease becomes overactive in the area. The molecular probe attaches to the protease. Once the protease becomes active a piece of the molecule called a "quencher" is broken off, activating the fluorescence -- much like when you crack a fluorescent light stick to make it light up.

Often times surgeons wind up removing healthy tissue in addition to cancerous tissue when removing a tumor because it is difficult to determine the exact area that is infected. Dr. Bogyo's probe will be able to show surgeons the exact amount of cancerous tissue/tumor that needs to be removed. Invasive, painful, and potentially harmful biopsies will be unnecessary. Using this method to test for breast cancer would mean no more dangerous x-rays from mammograms or unnecessary biopsies.

Another major benefit of this type of molecular probe is that it should be able to detect cancer long before tumors have a chance to spread. This probe can also detect other overactive-protease-related conditions such as strokes and Huntington's disease. This method has been undergoing tests over the last three years to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Researchers hope that this method of disease detection will be widely used within the next few years.

4. New Blood Test for Prostate Cancer

Be sure to read this past article for more tips on how to naturally prevent the most common forms of cancer.

New research has discovered a way to establish more effective treatment plans and hopefully prolong the lives of people with aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is the most widely used test to detect prostate cancer. The downside of the PSA test is that it is not a good way to show the status of the disease -- high or low PSA levels do not necessarily coincide with how advanced the disease is.

Cancer cells break away from cancerous tumors and enter the bloodstream. Analysis of these cells -- Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) -- is very helpful in determining the strength of the cancer. A blood test can check CTC levels and help to determine how the disease is reacting to treatments, whether or not those treatments are working, and how to more effectively tailor the treatments to each patient.

5. Non-Harmful Alternative to the Mammogram

There is much controversy surrounding the mammogram's effectiveness and safety. The radiation created by the mammogram can cause cell mutation and the pressure from the machine can actually spread cancerous cells.

Thermography is a non-harmful (no radiation involved) and extremely effective alternative to the mammogram. Very early detection is possible through thermography -- years earlier than a breast self-exam (BSE) or a mammogram. This screening procedure uses thermal imaging to easily detect cancerous cells.

Mammogram interpretation is questionable. The journal Archives of Internal Medicine performed a study of 108 radiologists' interpretations and diagnoses of 79 previously interpreted mammograms. Results showed that cancer went undetected in 21% of the films. The radiologists misdiagnosed cancer in 10% of women who were actually cancer-free, and found 42% of benign lesions to be cancerous.

The thermal imaging process involves measuring the infrared heat emitted by your body. Cancer cells create a very simple network of blood vessels that are not under autonomic control. So when cold air is blown over a woman's breast during thermography, the cancerous area is very obvious to detect on the thermographic image.

Recommended Reading

Are Self Breast Exams Harmful? What Every Woman Needs to Know.

Six Cancer Screenings That Could Save Your Life.

Sources

Lovgren, Stefan. National Geographic News. Dogs Smell Cancer in Patients' Breath, Study Shows.

Science Daily. Cancer Breath? New Tool Aims to Detect Cancer Early in Exhaled Air. August 27, 2008.

Science Daily. Ovarian Cancer's Specific Scent Detected by Dogs. June 26, 2008.

Science Daily. Scientists Establish New Blood Test to Better Evaluate Prostate Cancer. October 1, 2008.

Stanford News Service. Fluorescent Probe May Aid Early Cancer Detection. August 24, 2005.

Stanford Scientific Magazine. A New Future for Cancer Diagnosis -- the Development of a Protease-Specific Fluorescent Probe. February 17, 2008.

How to Determine if You Have a Food Allergy

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:50:36 GMT

How to Determine if You Have a Food Allergy
by www.SixWise.com

About 12 million Americans have food allergies, which occur when your immune system overreacts to a food it mistakenly believes is harmful. If your immune system determines, for instance, that peanuts are harmful, it will produce specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to peanuts.

If both of your parents have allergies, you have about a 75 percent chance of being allergic as well.

The next time you eat the particular food, your immune system then releases chemicals, including histamine, that are intended to protect your body from the substance. The problem is that these chemicals trigger an array of irritating and potentially very serious symptoms that can impact your respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin and cardiovascular system.

Why Identifying Food Allergies Can be Difficult

Determining whether your symptoms are due to a food allergy or something else -- and if it is a food allergy narrowing down which food or foods are problematic -- can be tricky.

First of all, symptoms can appear within minutes of eating an allergic food, or up to two hours later. Common allergenic foods can also be hidden on labels or exist in dishes you wouldn't expect to find them in, meaning you may not realize that your allergic response to soy was caused by eating a cookie, which unbeknownst to you contained soybean oil.

Finally, the symptoms of food allergy can mimic other conditions and allergies. Common symptoms include:

A tingling sensation in your mouth
Swelling of your tongue and throat
Rash
Eczema
Hives and swelling
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Drop in blood pressure
Loss of consciousness
Death through anaphylaxis (rarely)

How do You Know if a Food Allergy is Causing Your Symptoms?

Got Food Allergies? Get The Food Allergy Survival Guide Book!

For a complete guide on how to eat if you have food allergies and intolerances, check out the highly recommended Food Allergy Survival Guide Book. In it you'll learn:

How to avoid the foods and ingredients that trigger reactions
How to substitute healthful ingredients for those that trigger allergic responses
How to meet recommended nutrient intakes while avoiding trigger foods such as dairy products, eggs, gluten-containing grains such as wheat, or other food culprits
How to determine which food(s) may be triggers for your symptoms ... and much more!

Find out More About The Food Allergy Survival Guide Book Now!

Typically a food allergy is diagnosed after you notice symptoms associated with a certain food. To help you narrow down what may be causing your symptoms, The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network suggests keeping track of and writing down the following:

How the symptoms felt
How soon they came on after eating
How long they lasted after eating
The food or foods eaten prior to the onset of the symptoms
The amount of each food eaten
Whether similar reactions have occurred before

There are also two tests that can be used to determine if an allergy exists, and they work by indicating whether or not IgE is present. They are:

A skin prick test: A doctor places a drop of the substance being tested on your forearm or back, then pricks the skin. If you are allergic the site will begin swelling within 15 minutes.
A blood test: These include a RAST (radioallergosorbent test) or a CAP ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). The blood sample is sent to a lab where tests are done with specific foods to determine whether your have IgE antibodies to those foods. Results usually take about a week.

Ideally, a food allergy should be diagnosed using the food/symptoms history you've been keeping, along with a skin prick or blood test.

Although you can potentially be allergic to any food, eight foods are responsible for up to 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions. So if you suspect you have a food allergy, one or more of the following eight foods is likely the culprit:

Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Soy
Wheat
Tree nuts (such as almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, etc.)
Fish
Shellfish

Tips for People With Food Allergies

So you've determined that you're allergic to a certain food. Now what?

Well, some people do outgrow certain food allergies, but allergies to peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish are considered a life-long condition. There is currently no way to cure food allergies, so the best, and only, way to avoid a reaction is to strictly avoid the allergy-causing foods.

Though most food allergies begin in childhood before the age of 2, you can develop a food allergy at any age.

The Food and Drug Administration requires that the top eight food allergens be clearly stated on food labels, and it is essential that you learn how to read such labels to avoid the allergen. Keep in mind that many processed foods contain common allergenic ingredients like wheat and soy, so avoiding processed foods may be necessary.

Meanwhile, if you eat out anywhere (from your neighbor's house to your school cafeteria) let the server or cook know that you absolutely cannot have certain ingredients.

Also, be sure to check out The Food Allergy Survival Guide Book, our top-recommended source for anyone with food allergies. You'll learn what your food triggers might be, how to avoid them, easy-to-use alternatives, and even great-tasting allergen-free recipes. This is THE essential guide to help you navigate through the murky world of food allergies, while providing excellent alternatives so you can still enjoy the meals you love.

Remember that although living with a food allergy can be a challenge, it is something that you can learn to manage. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network's Food Allergy News has some excellent tips to get you started:

When eating away from home don't eat "high risk" foods including desserts, sauces, pastry-covered dishes, and fried foods.
Prepare allergen-free dishes before preparing foods containing allergens. Cover them, and keep them separate from the cooking area.
Bring a "safe" dish with you when visiting a friend or a relative; he or she will appreciate it, and you'll rest easier, too.
Ask about ingredients and cooking methods used whether you are in a restaurant, at a friend's home, or about to serve a dish someone brought to your home.
Don't forget that egg substitutes may contain egg whites; egg replacers do not.
Stock up on key ingredients that are safe for you to eat.
To avoid cross-contamination, use parchment paper as a liner for your countertops when mixing or blending foods that may cause a reaction. Throw the paper away when you are finished.

Further, if you have a severe food allergy, you may want to consider always carrying a self-injectable epinephrine (often called an Epipen) in case of emergency anaphylaxis.

Recommended Reading

The Four Most Dangerous Allergies and How to Prevent Them

50% of U.S. Population Has Allergies, Most Don't Realize It & Suffer Unnecessarily ... Do You?

Sources

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

Food Allergy News, October-November 2001

The Benefits of Giving to Charity: What to Teach Children (and Refresh Yourself On, Especially In These Tough Economic Times)

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:48:44 GMT

The Benefits of Giving to Charity: What to Teach Children (and Refresh Yourself On, Especially In These Tough Economic Times)
by www.SixWise.com

With finances becoming tighter for many in the United States, giving to charity may not be at the top of your list of places your money needs to go. Yet, while giving to charity is always an optional thing, doing so on a regular basis can have very real benefits for you and your family.

If your expenses allow for it, you can donate up to half of your adjusted gross income.

Teaching Your Children About Charity

Why would your children need to know about charity? Well, it's one of the key ways that you can help your children develop into caring, well-rounded people when they get older. And in a world so full of violence and apathy, raising concerned, empathetic children is a necessity for the future.

Children, in fact, are naturally caring. One study found that children as young as 21 months show signs of empathy when their parents are upset (crying or arguing). Another study, this one published in the American Psychological Association's (APA) Developmental Psychology journal, found that even young children who are aggressive and disruptive show "concern for the welfare of others." However, the startling finding is that this concern can decrease as children reach school age.

One of the ways you can help to foster a sense of caring in your child, even as they get older, is by teaching them to help others in the form of giving to charity. According to the American Psychological Association:

"One study by Ziporah Magen, Ph.D. and Rachel Aharoni, Ph.D. found that teenagers who were involved in helping others felt very positive about their lives and had high hopes for their own futures. 'It was a wonderful feeling,' reported one student in this study. 'My feeling as free as a sparrow made me feel glad and happy and that life is an exciting thing.'

The Benefits of Giving

Children and adults alike can also benefit from the act of giving to charity. "Giving" can, of course, be in the form of a monetary donation or donating items or your time to those in need.

Allan Luks, author of The Healing Power of Doing Good, describes many scientifically documented accounts of people gaining physical, mental and emotional benefits from doing good. For instance, holding an abandoned baby may help get rid of your backache, he says. Luks even describes a "helper's high" that is similar to the high we feel after exercising. And, Luks maintains that volunteering provides:

A heightened sense of well-being
Relief from insomnia
A stronger immune system
Speedier recovery from surgery

The Practical Aspects of Giving to Charity

Financial experts recommend "charitable-giving tactics and strategies" as a way to improve your financial portfolio. Rather than giving willy-nilly, this means that you come up with a giving strategy that ultimately allows you to be more generous over time.

Teach Your Child the Importance of Charity With the Money Savvy Pig

Winner of the Parents' Choice Foundation Gold Award and honored as a USA TODAY "Product of the Year," the engaging Money Savvy Piggy Bank will teach your kids more about money in a few weeks than your parents ever taught you!

The four chambers (save, spend, donate, invest) prompt your child to consider what the best choice is for their money and then allows them to make it ... thus educating them while building confidence because they don't feel controlled. They made the decision!

Once the "donate" chamber is full, let your child decide which charity or activity they'd like to give their money to (buying a toy for a needy child, donating to a cancer charity or an animal shelter, etc.). Your child will feel proud of his contribution, and he'll learn the great feeling of giving first-hand!

Read About the "Educational Toy of the Year" that Will Help Teach Your Kids to Manage Their Money for Life!

Experts recommend planning your charity budget each December by deciding how much you'll give to charity the following year. Decide which preferred charities will get how much, and leave a little unaccounted for in case of emergency relief funds or other spur-of-the-moment donations you'd like to make.

Children, too, can be taught to plan for charitable giving from a young age. Children and teens can devote their time to volunteer work, while giving a limited amount of funds to a preferred charity (with the money coming out of their discretionary funds). The Money Savvy Piggy Bank is an excellent tool to help young children decide how much of their money to devote to charity. The banks have four chambers, one for each of the "money choices" that children have when they earn or receive money -- Save, Spend, Donate or Invest.

When you provide children with the Money Savvy Pig you give them control over the money in their lives. Right there on their tummies, the Pig prompts your child to consider what the best choice is and then allows them to make it themselves, thus educating them while building confidence because they don't feel controlled.

For you adults, keep in mind that only donations to qualified organizations are deductible. These include federal, state and local governments and organizations organized and operated only for:

Charitable purposes
Religious purposes
Educational purposes
Scientific purposes
Literary purposes
Prevention of cruelty to children or animals

If you are unsure, the organization will be able to tell you whether your donation qualifies for tax benefits. There are some exceptions and rules to be aware of.

Teaching children the value of giving to charity will help them become caring, responsible adults.

First, if you get merchandise, goods or services from your contribution, you must subtract the fair market value of those items from your deduction. For instance, if you buy a ticket to a charity dinner for $150, and the dinner is worth $60, you can only deduct $90. Also:

If you donate $250 or more, you must get a written receipt in order to deduct it.
When claiming property donated to charitable organizations (clothes, furniture, household items, etc.) you can only deduct the price the item would sell for at a garage sale, flea market or thrift store (not what you paid for it).
If the value of an item you'd like to donate exceeds $500, an appraisal is generally necessary for it to be claimed.

Once you've decided to donate, it begs the question: Which charity should I donate to? There are over 1 million non-profits in the United States, according to Forbes.com, and while you may have a favorite cause in mind, deciding where to place your hard-earned money can be a daunting task

CharityNavigator.org, an independent charity evaluator with information on over 5,000 U.S. charities, is an excellent resource that helps to take the guesswork out of donating.

CharityNavigator evaluates the financial health of charities, including their organizational efficiency and their organizational capacity, and gives them scores based on items such as administrative expenses, fundraising expenses and revenue growth. Charities that have earned four stars (an "exceptional" rating) exceed the industry standards and outperform most charities in their cause, so by donating to them you can be sure that your money is going to make a difference.

Recommended Reading

Ten Top Charities to Donate Money to as Ranked by Their Efficiency and Effectiveness

How to Get the Greatest Tax Advantages by Donating Money to Charity

Sources

American Psychological Association

Forbes.com June 18, 2007

The Six Healthiest Staple Foods in French Cuisine

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:46:26 GMT

The Six Healthiest Staple Foods in French Cuisine
by www.SixWise.com

French food and healthy food do not always ring synonymous to many people's ears. Quite the contrary, French food is known for its rich (i.e. fat-filled) sauces, heavy use of butter, decadent pastries, lots of fresh, crusty bread and generous servings of red wine.

French food is not all about pastries and wine. They also revolve their meals around fresh, locally grown, in-season vegetables.

Yet, this doesn't necessarily make it unhealthy. Perhaps you've heard of the so-called "French Paradox" -- the very real notion that French people eat everything "forbidden" yet are far thinner than their American counterparts.

There are a number of reasons why this may be. For instance, last year a study in Obesity found that French people tend to rely on internal cues (such as no longer feeling hungry) to tell them when to stop eating, while Americans use external cues (when their plate is empty or when the TV program is over).

Meanwhile, the French culture revolves around fresh, high-quality food. People still shop at small local markets, picking out fresh foods to cook that day's meals. Fast-food is the exception rather than the rule, and although they do eat calorie-rich foods, they do so in moderation. In this way, French cuisine is arguably much healthier than most Americanized, processed food.

That said, let's take a look at some of the healthiest staple foods commonly used in French cuisine.

1. Butter

Butter, a key ingredient in French sauces, pastries and meals in general, is typically shunned in the United States because of its high saturated fat content, but according to some experts, including those at the Weston A. Price Foundation, saturated fats are actually good for you. Here they describe the many roles of saturated fats:

"Contrary to the accepted view, which is not scientifically based, saturated fats do not clog arteries or cause heart disease. In fact, the preferred food for the heart is saturated fat; and saturated fats lower a substance called Lp(a), which is a very accurate marker for proneness to heart disease.

Saturated fats play many important roles in the body chemistry. They strengthen the immune system and are involved in inter-cellular communication, which means they protect us against cancer. They help the receptors on our cell membranes work properly, including receptors for insulin, thereby protecting us against diabetes. The lungs cannot function without saturated fats, which is why children given butter and full-fat milk have much less asthma than children given reduced-fat milk and margarine. Saturated fats are also involved in kidney function and hormone production.

Looking for a healthy way to indulge in French desserts? Gluten-Free French Desserts And Baked Goods has over 100 irresistible French recipes for breads, tarts, cakes, puddings, custards, crêpes, cookies, brownies, and bars -- all made with gluten-free ingredients!

Saturated fats are required for the nervous system to function properly, and over half the fat in the brain is saturated. Saturated fats also help suppress inflammation. Finally, saturated animal fats carry the vital fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K2, which we we need in large amounts to be healthy.

Human beings have been consuming saturated fats from animals products, milk products and the tropical oils for thousands of years; it is the advent of modern processed vegetable oil that is associated with the epidemic of modern degenerative disease, not the consumption of saturated fats."

Butter is also rich in antioxidants and other nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium and cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid.

2. Red Wine

Some of the most popular French dishes -- coq au vin (chicken in red wine), beef bourguignonne, and many others -- depend on red wine for their flavor.

Red wine is one of the healthiest forms of alcoholic beverages there is. It contains an antioxidant known as resveratrol (it's in grape skins and red wine.) Resveratrol belongs to the polyphenol family, which are known to fight the effects of damaging free radicals. Along with fighting free radicals, resveratrol reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer and may one day be used to extend lifespan in humans-already studies have found that it can extend the lifespan of yeast cells by up to 80 percent.

While the French do enjoy red wine with their meals, if you're worried about the alcohol use wine only in your cooking -- the heat causes the alcohol to evaporate, leaving only the rich flavor behind.

3. Summer Savory

A popular herb in French cuisine, savory has a long history of medicinal use that dates back to ancient Rome. It's been used for everything from bee stings to flatulence to promoting health during pregnancy. It's even said to be an aphrodisiac.

Savory is a member of the mint family and has a peppery flavor with mint and thyme undertones. Use it to enhance the flavor of fish, vegetables (particularly tomatoes and tomato sauce), cheese, eggs, pea soups and beans.

4. Onions and Shallots

Onions and their milder cousins shallots are used in countless French dishes. Shallots are particularly popular cooked with wine, carmelized or roasted, and they have a flavor similar to onions but less harsh.

Health-wise, onions contain quercetin, a powerful anti-oxidant that is also a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory. They also contain the sulfur compounds allicin and diallyl disulphide (DADS) (which are also found in leeks and chives). These compounds help to induce the relaxation and enlargement of blood vessels, which improves blood flow throughout the body.

Another mainstay of French cuisine? Cheese, which is often served as a separate course.

5. Dijon Mustard

Named for the city Dijon, Dijon mustard originated in France where it was first made by Jean Naigeon in 1752. Instead of the vinegar used today, Naigeon combined mustard seeds with verjuice (the sour juice of unripe grapes) to make a smoother mustard that had never before existed. Today Dijon mustard is used to make vinaigrettes, soups, sauces, marinades and more.

Mustard seeds are actually very healthy, as they belong to the incredibly healthy cruciferous plant family. Aside from being an excellent source of selenium, mustard seeds contain phytonutrient compounds that protect against gastrointestinal cancer.

6. Olive Oil

Though typically associated with Italian cuisine, certain areas of France, specifically the French Mediterranean, use olive oil in lieu of butter in many of their dishes. Olive oil is well known for its healthy properties, which include antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamin E. This combination has been found to help fight colon cancer and heart disease, as well as reduce inflammation.

Delicious French Recipes!

If all of this talk about French cuisine has got your mouth watering, you're in luck. Here are two delectable recipes you can try out right now.

Truffled Onion Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 lb onions, finely sliced
3 Tbsp butter
2 tsp flour
1 quart beef broth
2 fl oz whipping cream
0.9 oz black winter truffles
Salt and pepper
2 Tbsp grated parmesan

Method:

Heat the butter in a saucepan; add the onions and cook very gently over low heat until the onions are very soft. Do not allow to burn.
When the onions are light-brown, sprinkle with the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns light-brown.
Add the broth, stirring to avoid any lump and cook for 30 minutes over low heat.
Meanwhile, pour the whipping cream in a small cup, grate the truffle (or cut it in very small pieces), add the truffles to the cream, cover with plastic wrap and set aside while the soup is cooking.
Check the seasoning of the soup, add the truffles and the cream, stir and pour into 4 warmed bowls. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan.

Serves 4

Recipe from FrenchSelections.com

Chicken in Red Wine (Coq au Vin)

Ingredients:

1 chicken (about 3 lbs), cut up
6 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper
6 oz lean bacon slab, cut into lardons
18 pearl onions, peeled
2 tbsp Cognac (or other Brandy)
1 bottle of red wine
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 bouquet garni
1 tbsp flour
Chopped fresh parsley

Method:

Heat 4 tbsp of the butter in a flameproof casserole over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper and brown the chicken on all sides.
Meanwhile, put the lardons in a saucepan and cover with cold water; bring to a boil and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain and reserve.
Remove the pieces of chicken and set aside.
Put the bacon and onions in the casserole; cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Return the chicken to the casserole and add the Cognac. Heat and set alight. After the flames have died out, add the red wine, the garlic and the bouquet garni. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
About 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time, work 2 tbsp of softened butter with the flour to form a paste. Mix 2 tbsp of hot sauce into the butter and flour, return the mixture to the pot and stir well.
Check seasoning and transfer to a warm serving dish. Garnish with soft parsley.

Serves 6

Recipe from FrenchSelections.com

Recommended Reading

Which Type of Bread is Healthiest ... and Which is SUPRISINGLY Least Healthy?

The 6 Healthiest Staple Foods in German Cuisine

Sources

The Weston A. Price Foundation, Why Butter is Better

Eurek Alert February 15, 2008

Suite101.com

Gymnema Sylvestre: Why This Ancient Herb is Exceptional for Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Digestion Issues and More

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:44:14 GMT

Gymnema Sylvestre: Why This Ancient Herb is Exceptional for Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Digestion Issues and More
by www.SixWise.com

Gymnema Sylvestre has been used in folk, ayurvedic and homeopathic systems of medicine since ancient times because it is regarded as a plant with potent anti-diabetic properties.

Gymnema Sylvestre has been used since ancient times to support blood sugar health, digestion, weight management and more.

This unassuming woody climbing plant, native to the lush tropical regions of India, has bitter leaves, dubbed "sugar destroyers," that can actually eliminate the ability to taste sugar in your mouth, thereby reducing your cravings for sugar. Meanwhile, Gymnema sylvestre has shown promising results in safely controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics, while helping with weight loss, hypoglycemia, high cholesterol, anemia and digestion problems.

"It is also used in the treatment of asthma, eye complaints, inflammations, family planning and snakebite. In addition, it possesses antimicrobial, antihypercholesterolemic, hepatoprotective and sweet suppressing activities," according to a report in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.

How Does Gymnema Sylvestre Work?

This herbal remedy is thought to work via gymnemic acid, its active ingredient. Gymnemic acid molecules have a unique shape that are similar to glucose, meaning they are able to fill cell receptors in the lining of your intestines, preventing uptake of sugar molecules and resulting in lower blood sugar levels

Meanwhile, because gymnemic acid and Gymnema leaf extract interfere with the ability of your taste buds to taste sweet or bitter. It's thought that by inhibiting this ability, people taking it will limit their intake of sweets, which further helps blood sugar levels.

Gymnemic acids also appear to work, according to the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, because they:

Increase secretion of insulin
Promote regeneration of islet cells (islet cells are insulin-producing cells in your pancreas)
Increase utilization of glucose
Inhibit glucose absorption from the intestine

Although the report states that further studies are needed, the authors posit that Gymnema may be a useful tool not only for diabetes but also for obesity.

"One of the mechanisms responsible for adult onset diabetes mellitus is a form of insulin resistance, which is attributed to the inability of insulin to enter cells via the insulin receptor. Gymnema may overcome this resistance, but require further studies to confirm its validity and also whether the effect is clinically relevant." They continue:

Eating healthy and exercise are also extremely important to controlling diabetes.

"It is a well-known fact that type II diabetes is the most common form of disease and when the insulin of the body loses its ability for glucose uptake, the diseased condition of the body gives way to obesity. Also, it was reported that nearly 80% of the diabetes patients are obese ... Obesity is the main consequence from the accumulation of the carbohydrates and fats. Gymnemic acids curb the binding of carbohydrates to the receptors in the intestine and hence, the "empty calories" are taken care of so that the body does not go into obese stage. The acids are also useful in curbing of diabetes by a similar mechanism as mentioned above for carbohydrates."

What Else Does the Research Say About Gymnema Sylvestre?

The most effective form of this ancient herb that Sixwise has found is Beta Fast Glucose Balance.

Beta Fast Glucose Balance is made from the finest quality extract of Indian Gymnema sylvestre leaf, and is the first and only extended-release supplement to have controlled clinical human trials.

Glucose Balance Busts Sugar Cravings & Can Help Significantly with Weight Loss

Gymnema sylvestre, dubbed the "sugar destroyer," is known to help weight loss by significantly decreasing sugar cravings, through improving the cells' natural intake and utilization of blood sugar.

Glucose Balance contains the highest quality of Gymnema sylvestre (GS) leaves, which also contain antibacterial, anti-allergic and antiviral properties that have been reported to support:

Hypoglycemia
Cholesterol
Anemia
Digestion
Cough
Constipation
Water retention
Liver disease

Other reports also indicate Gymnema sylvestre has a role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

5 of the World's Most Potent Medicinal Plants

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:41:50 GMT

5 of the World's Most Potent Medicinal Plants
by www.SixWise.com

For as long as mankind has been around, people have had to cope with a variety of illnesses. From the beginning, humanity had to learn to heal everything from broken bones and snakebites to everyday rashes and headaches. Of course, back then they didn't have over-the-counter drugs available on nearly every block (like they do today), so not-so modern man had to turn to something a little more natural in his quest to feel better. That something was plants and to this day people still turn to these herbal remedies, some more well known than others, to help cure what ails them, be it chronic disease or a sunburn.

Though many view herbal remedies as a safer alternative to prescription drugs, there are some safety precautions you should be aware of.

Historic Uses of Medicinal Plants

You don't have to search very long in history books to find evidence of societies throughout the centuries using plants and herbs for their many medicinal purposes. In colonial times, housewives were not only expected to cook and care for the children, but to be well-informed about plants and herbs and their various uses.

Back then most women were prepared to use these natural treatments in order to administer first-aid to anyone ill or injured. Household gardens were stocked with a wide variety of plants and herbs that were used for both food and medicine, many of which were native to Europe, such as nutmeg, and were brought to the American colonies because of their medicinal value.

However, the use of medicinal plants did not begin in the days of Jamestown. As far back as 2200 B.C., Sumerian herbal was being used as a curative plant and not long after that, in the 5th century BC, the Greek doctor Hippocrates was way ahead of the curve in his listing of as many as 400 herbs that were in use medicinally.

The medicinal use of plants continued to be explored in ancient times and the Middle Ages in Europe where the plant yarrow was crushed into tea and taken to stop internal bleeding. It was also drunk by the Micmac Indians to treat upper respiratory infections and the Navajo Indians looked upon it as a panacea, or "life medicine."

Native Americans were by far not the only peoples to try and take advantage of botanical medicine. In her book The Natural History of Medicinal Plants, author Judith Sumner states that indigenous peoples, through personal experience and knowledge passed down through generations have learned which species of plants may help alleviate certain ailments such as toothaches, induce labor, and even cure malaria.

In the 17th and 18th centuries scientists began to further research and experiment with medicinal plants, making many exciting discoveries that continue to benefit people to this day. For example, in 1775 Dr. William Withering discovered that extracts of the herb foxglove aided in healing those with heart problems.

Today the interest in homeopathic cures remains as high as ever, if not more so. Such remedies are widespread in countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. According to the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, about 40% of China's total medical consumption is of the herbal variety and in Japan herbal medicines are more in demand than pills and other pharmaceutical options. In the U.S., due to the ever-increasing costs and side effects of prescription drugs, more and more Americans are turning to plants and herbs to cure what ails them.

5 Potent Herbal Remedies

1. Marijuana

While it may be controversial and not legal in all 50 states, study after study has proven the benefits of smoking pot for those who are suffering from the pain of cancer and glaucoma, as well as some forms of epilepsy and the spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. There is also evidence to show that marijuana causes the "munchies" and causes patients to gain weight, which could be lifesaving for those with AIDS.

2. Aloe Vera

Anyone who has ever used fresh aloe on a sunburn can tell you how effective this plant is. Coming in two forms, gel and juice, its benefits are many. As a gel, it is used as a topical treatment for minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations. As a juice, many drink it as a dietary supplement and as an oral laxative. You can also use aloe vera straight from the plant by breaking off a piece of the leaf, then applying the sticky fluid on your skin.

The juice and gel of the aloe vera plant has been used since ancient times to soothe minor burns, cuts and skin irritations. To try out the soothing properties of aloe for yourself, try Vermont Soap Organics Aloe Castile Liquid Soaps -- they're all-natural and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

3. Garlic

While many only see this herb as something to dress up a pasta dish or to help fend off the neighborhood vampires, it has proven to be a powerful antibiotic if taken raw and crushed and can also be used as an anti-fungal agent.

When cooked, garlic is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. These benefits are, at least in part, due to the sulfur compounds allicin and diallyl disulphide (DADS) (which are also found in onions, leeks and chives). These compounds help to induce the relaxation and enlargement of blood vessels, which improves blood flow throughout the body

In fact, eating from one-half to one clove of garlic a day may lower your cholesterol by up to 9 percent, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Eating garlic has also been found to help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation in your body, fight infectious diseases and even prevent weight gain.

4. Ginkgo Biloba

The medicinal uses of ginkgo biloba are many. For those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's, it is widely used due primarily to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain as well as its antioxidant properties. The benefits also include improvement in social behavior, cognitive functions, and feelings of depression. Ginkgo has also been proven to help those with retinal problems and is widely known as a "brain herb" that is taken by those who want to boost memory and overall cognitive abilities

5. Sage

For thousands of years sage has been used in connection with sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. As a tea, sage has been taken to alleviate sore throats and coughs. Herbalists have also used it for rheumatism, memory improvement, menstrual bleeding, and sharpening the senses. Germans use it for upset stomachs and excessive sweating and the English use it to soothe the symptoms that come with menopause.

A Not-So-Secret Garden

The world of botanical medicine is ever-expanding, and you can be sure that there is a whole world of natural and holistic medicines out there just waiting to be discovered and used. So the next time you sprain an ankle going for that rebound or burn yourself cooking dinner, try reaching for your garden instead of the medicine cabinet.

Recommended Reading

8 Natural Options to Relieve Cancer-Related Pain

Six Lesser-Known but Delicious and Healthy Herbs You Should Know

Sources

The Natural History of Medicinal Plants, Book Review, Eukaryon, Vol. 1, 10, January 2005, Lake Forest College

MotherHerbs.com

The Library of Congress, Science Reference Services

The Science of Medical Marijuana

University of Maryland Medical Center, Ginkgo Biloba

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:05:22 GMT

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The Top 23 Gas-Saving Cars

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:40:05 GMT

The Top 23 Gas-Saving Cars
by www.SixWise.com

Now that any gas prices below $4 a gallon seem like a bargain, many car shoppers are looking beyond color, engine size and style to focus on a more practical matter: MPG.

The tiny Smart Fortwo, just released for sale in the United States in January 2008, is designed to achieve 33 city/41 highway mpg.

In fact, for some unfortunate drivers saving gas means cutting back on driving altogether. The Department of Transportation reported its largest decrease in driving ever from March 2007 to March 2008, with 11 billion fewer miles driven. But there is another way to save on gas, and that is by purchasing a gas-saving car.

Choosing a hybrid vehicle, for instance, can save you more than $4,000 in ownership costs over five years compared to a similar gasoline-powered vehicle, according to Consumer Reports. Perhaps this is why 32 percent of active car shoppers are now considering a hybrid for their next vehicle.

Yet, hybrids are far from the only option. Consumer Reports also found that some conventional vehicles have fuel efficiency that can rival even the best hybrids.

No matter what your vehicle preference, there is a gas-saving variety out there for you. Here we've compiled the best of the best cars in terms of fuel efficiency, based on the ratings of Consumer Reports, Cars.com, and About.com Cars (in alphabetical order).

Chevrolet Aveo: 24/34 (MPG city/highway, based on an automatic)
Chevrolet Aveo 5: 24/34
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: 26/34
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: 21/22
Ford Escape Hybrid: 34/31
Ford Focus: 24/33
Honda Fit: 28/34
Honda Civic: 25/36 (Hybrid 40/45)
Hyundai Accent: Hyundai's lowest priced vehicle 27/33
Kia Rio: 27/35
Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC (one of the only diesel-powered passenger car sold in the United States): 23/32
MINI Cooper: 26/34
Nissan Altima: 23/31 (Hybrid version 35/33)
Nissan Sentra: 25/33
Nissan Versa: 27/33
Saturn AURA Hybrid: 26/34

The Toyota Prius Hybrid gets a whopping 48 city/45 highway mpg!

Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid: 25/32
Scion xD: Scion is Toyota's youth-marketed division 27/33
Smart ForTwo: 33/41
Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34
Toyota Corolla: 28/37
Toyota Prius (hybrid): 48/45
Toyota Yaris: The lowest price Toyota available 29/36

Which Vehicles Give You the Worst Gas Mileage?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy Guide, the least fuel-efficient vehicles (based on 2008 models) are:

Lamborghini Murciélago: 8/13
Bugatti Veyron: 8/14
Lamborghini Murciélago: 9/14
Bentley Azure, Bentley Arnage RL: 9/15
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (auto): 9/16
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (manual), Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (manual), Bentley Arnage (auto): 10/15
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (auto), Aston Martin DB9 Coupe (manual), Aston Martin DB9 Volante (manual), Maybach 57, Maybach 57S, Maybach 62, Maybach 62S: 10/16
Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe (manual), Bentley Continental GT (auto), Bentley Continental GTC (auto), Bentley Continental Flying Spur (auto): 10/17
Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG: 11/13
Jeep Grand Cherokee (4WD), Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG: 11/14

The vehicles on the list above all take premium fuel as well, making their average annual fuel costs anywhere from $3,748 to $4,500! So if you're looking to save money on fuel, big surprise -- a Lamborghini or Bentley is probably not in the cards.

Now that you're armed with information about how to choose a vehicle that will save you on gasoline, find out which cars may one day save your life in The 37 Safest Cars of 2008.

Recommended Reading

Hypermiling: How to Save Big on Gas

What NOT to Do When Shopping for a Car: 11 Key Steps

Sources

Cars.com Worst Overall Fuel Economy

Cars.com Best Bang for Your Buck

About.com Cars 10 Best Fuel-Efficient Cars

Yahoo Autos

Are Canned Foods Safe? What are Their Potential Risks and Healthier Options Instead?

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:38:07 GMT

Are Canned Foods Safe? What are Their Potential Risks and Healthier Options Instead?
by www.SixWise.com

Ever since 1812, when the first canning facility opened in the United States and began canning everything from oysters to meats to fruits and vegetables, canned foods have become a mainstay of American life.

Canned goods have been treasured for their convenience and shelf life for nearly two centuries!

No one can deny that they're convenient, economical and handy to have on hand for a last-minute dinner, but are canned foods really safe, or ideal?

Well, many health advocates say that fresh foods are best, followed by frozen and bringing up the rear are canned goods. Why? Largely because of the heat involved in the processing, and the potential toxins in the cans themselves.

What Does High Heat do to Canned Foods?

When a food is packed into a can, it is then heated to an extreme temperature to kill all known microorganisms. There is some debate as to what extent this form of pasteurization degrades nutrients and destroys enzymes in the food, but it is known to destroy at least some.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "The heating process during canning destroys from one-third to one-half of vitamins A and C, riboflavin, and thiamin. For every year the food is stored, canned food loses an additional 5 to 20% of these vitamins. However, the amounts of other vitamins are only slightly lower in canned food than in fresh food."

The argument for canned food proponents is that canned facilities are usually just a few miles from the point of harvest, meaning foods are canned quite quickly after being picked. Fresh foods, meanwhile, may lose nutrients as they sit in shipping warehouses and during transportation.

"Most produce will begin to lose some of its nutrients when harvested. When produce is handled properly and canned quickly after harvest, it can be more nutritious than fresh produce sold in stores," says the FDA. "When refrigerated, fresh produce will lose half or more of some of its vitamins within 1 to 2 weeks. If it's not kept chilled or preserved, nearly half of the vitamins may be lost within a few days of harvesting. For optimum nutrition, it is generally recommended that a person eat a variety of foods."

Like canned foods, soda cans also typically contain BPA in their lining.

The Known Downside to Canned Foods

Assuming that many nutrient levels in canned foods are similar to fresh ones, why might you STILL want to opt for fresh or frozen over canned? Because of Bisphenol A (BPA).

BPA is a chemical used in countless plastic food and beverage containers, including plastic bottles and also the linings of most tin cans and soda cans. Not only has BPA been linked to fertility and reproductive problems and cancer, but recently it was also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and liver disease.

Companies began using BPA in metal can linings in the 1950s and 1960s, and now there is widespread concern that chronic exposure to low doses of the chemical is causing serious health problems.

The FDA estimates that 17 percent of the U.S. diet is composed of canned foods, yet there are currently no government safety standards limiting the amount of BPA in canned food. However, a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found some concerning findings.

Keep Your Healthy Fruits and Veggies Fresh Longer!

Once you invest in fresh produce for the health of your family, protect your investment using the MiniMate Refrigerator Unit.

The MiniMate deodorizes (replacing baking soda boxes in the fridge) and kills potentially dangerous food-borne bacteria. This extends the freshness and life of many foods 3 to 4 times longer!

Plus, the MiniMate:

Features an activated oxygen generator to eliminate odors, keep foods fresher longer and kill bacteria in your refrigerator
Naturally kills odors without any cover-up scents or fragrance
Reduces food spoilage and prevents cross-contamination of food odors
Breaks down pesticides and herbicides on produce

Find Out More About the MiniMate Refrigerator Unit Now!

The group contracted a national analytic laboratory to test 97 cans of food purchased at three major chain supermarkets in the United States. Thirty brands of food were tested, including varieties such as soda, canned tuna, peaches, pineapples, green beans, corn, infant formula and tomato and chicken noodle soups. What did they find?

One in 10 cans of food tested -- and one in three cans of infant formula -- contained enough BPA in a single serving to expose a woman or infant to BPA levels more than 200 times the government's traditional safe level of exposure for industrial chemicals.
Among the worst foods tested -- chicken soup, infant formula and ravioli -- just one to three servings of the food contained levels of BPA that caused serious adverse effects in animal tests.
The bulk of BPA exposure definitely comes from food," says Jovana Ruzicic, a spokesperson for the Environmental Working Group.

As an aside, many canned goods also contain additives such as MSG, artificial flavors, preservatives, salt and artificial colors.

What are Your Options for Truly Safe Food?

If you choose to limit canned foods in your diet either because of nutrient concerns or the potential of toxic BPA, there are many other options. The top tips include:

Choose fresh produce that's locally grown. This way the produce is just-picked and the nutrients are still at their peak. To keep your produce fresher, longer, simply put a MiniMate Refrigerator Unit in your fridge (it keeps food fresh for three to four times longer than normal!).
Choose glass instead of cans. Many popular canned foods, such as soup, beans, soda and more, are available in glass jars or bottles.
Choose frozen veggies instead of canned varieties. They're just as convenient, without the plastic tin-can linings.
If you do buy canned foods, try to buy organic varieties and always read labels. Watch out for excess amounts of salt, sugar, corn syrup or any artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Recommended Reading

Warning: Diabetes, Liver, and Heart Disease Linked to Everyday Plastics What's Your Exposure Level?!

12 Dangerous Food Additives: The Dirty Dozen Food Additives You Really Need to be Aware Of

Sources

Environmental Working Group March 5, 2007

FDA/CFSAN Food Safety A to Z Reference Guide

Mealtime.org

How to Overcome Grief if Your Loved One Has Cancer

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:36:01 GMT

How to Overcome Grief if Your Loved One Has Cancer
by www.SixWise.com

Finding out that a loved one has cancer is devastating. Having a loved one die from cancer can be debilitating. There is no perfect step-by-step manual that will help everyone cope with grief and loss, but there are a number of things you can do to actively work through your grief to help come to a place of normal functioning and acceptance.

If you find yourself obsessively cycling through memories of your loved one, you may have a syndrome known as "complicated grief."

Why do some people seem to move on relatively quickly, whereas others never seem to let go of the devastation? No one knows the exact answer to this question. People are different. They are surrounded by different environments, have had different upbringings, different experiences and so on.

An interesting new finding was made by a research team at UCLA. "Complicated grief" is the term used to identify a syndrome of unrelenting grief or mourning -- people with this form of grief tend to almost obsessively cycle through memories of their loved ones, unable to move past a stage of intense mourning.

Is Your Intense Mourning a Sign of "Complicated Grief"?

The researchers found that people who suffered from complicated grief, as opposed to people whose grief-related feelings of emotional intensity recede over time, have different neural activity. MRI's (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) were performed on all subjects in the study to make this determination. In those with complicated grief, the area that governs the brain's reward system was activated. That area also can induce powerful cravings, such as those involving substance abuse as characterized by addictive behavior.

What this means is that people who have such an easily-activated reward center might actually be craving and feeding off of the happy memories of their loved ones, creating a persistent cycle. It's as though the emotional part of the brain still thinks the person is alive because it hasn't gotten the message from the thinking part of the brain that their loved one is gone.

A similar treatment was devised for children who suffered the unexpected loss of a parent due to disease, such as cancer. It was discovered that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was common among these children. The findings of this study, which are scheduled to be published in the journal Research and Social Work Practice, show that children benefit from PTSD treatment, followed by grief counseling. Researchers found that having the children talk repeatedly about their loss helped fear to diminish, and cognitive restructuring helped the children to modify their negative thoughts (i.e. guilt) about their loss. Lessons on coping skills were also shown to help the children's recovery.

These findings may help to explain why drugs used to treat depression are usually ineffective on those suffering from complicated grief. According to Katherine Shear, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, the best way to treat people with this syndrome is to focus on the details of the death to help the thinking brain communicate better with the emotional brain. Focusing on the reality of the loss can help you to stop the "craving."

Although every person deals with grief differently, different theories have attempted to identify the different stages of grief. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' book "On Death and Dying" discusses perhaps the most well-known model of grief stages:

Denial (This isn't happening to me!)
Anger (Why is this happening to me?)
Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if ...)
Depression (I don't care anymore.)
Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes.)

Although this model was meant to represent the stages a dying patient goes through when they learn of their terminal illness, these stages can be applied to those suffering from grief or loss of a loved one.

Dr. Roberta Temes' book, "Living with an Empty Chair - a Guide Through Grief," describes a different set of stages for someone dealing with grief and loss:

Numbness (mechanical functioning and social insulation)
Disorganization (intensely painful feelings of loss)
Reorganization (re-entry into a more 'normal' social life)

Meditation, hypnotherapy and journaling can all help you to move through the painful emotions of the grieving process.

Why are these different stages important? Because awareness is important. It's important to be aware of what you're going through and which stage you're at. This will not only help you to recognize that what you're going through is normal, even predictable, it will also help you when it comes to determining what kind of activity, therapy, etc. will be best-suited to help you through the stage you're going through. A therapist who specializes in grief counseling will be able to help you identify where you're at with your grief to help you understand and work through your feelings.

Natural Methods to Overcome Grief

One method a counselor might use to help you overcome your grief is Emotional Release Hypnotherapy. Grief counselor Glen Russell believes that holding on to painful emotions of grief build up and become repressed. Those painful emotions and deep grief live in the subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy helps you to express those emotions by helping you to access your subconscious through a state of deep relaxation. Russell believes that expressing your painful emotions is the best way to overcome your grief and pain.

Russell also advocates Vispassana Meditation. Most cities have a Vispassana Meditation center that are donation-based. Their grief counseling program consists of 10 days of silent meditation, which forces you to unearth your deeply hidden painful emotions so that you can acknowledge them, accept them, and hopefully move on from them eventually

Some people have received help dealing with grief by keeping a journal. Sometimes it's easier to write than to talk. This method can help to put you in touch with your deep feelings and emotions by forcing you to acknowledge them by putting them into words. A number of people have reported feeling better by putting their feelings on paper.

There is no specific timeline to determine when you should be done grieving. In fact, some people will never be done grieving. Yet, while your lost loved one will never be forgotten, hopefully the intense emotional pain will subside over time, and your memories of their suffering will be replaced by more positive memories from the past.

If you are having trouble moving past piercing, painful emotions or you have unresolved issues (i.e. guilt) that keep you from moving forward -- or if your everyday functioning has been disrupted for a lengthy period of time -- please seek counseling from a therapist who can help you work through your grief. And remember, there is no time limit for overcoming grief. Everyone moves through it at their own pace. If, however, you do not feel any forward movement then you owe it yourself to find some way or someone to help you through it.

Recommended Reading

Caregiver Syndrome: How to Support Yourself While Caring for a Sick Loved One

Effective Ways to Deal with Sadness and Grief, Part 1

Sources

Cancersurvivors.org. What are the Stages of Grief? September 2008.

Russell, Glen. Ezine Articles. Grief Counseling - the Top 5 Ways to Eliminate Grief. September, 2008.

PsychLinks Online. Treating Post-Traumatic Stress First Helps Children Overcome Grief. April 9, 2008.

Stein, Rob. Washington Post. Unrelenting Grief May be Sign of Distinct Syndrome. August 4, 2008.

Brussels Sprouts: Nutrition, Uses ... and Some Interesting Insights

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:33:45 GMT

Brussels Sprouts: Nutrition, Uses ...
and Some Interesting Insights
by www.SixWise.com

Brussels sprouts are, perhaps, the most loathed of all vegetables, ending up sneakily in countless children's napkins and eaten dutifully by many adults for no other reason than "they're good for me."

No one knows for sure where Brussels sprouts originally came from, but they were first mentioned around the late 16th century, and are thought to be native to Brussels, Belgium.

But while some do detest their sulphery smell and sometimes bitter flavor, others are delighted by their tiny, cabbage-like appearance and tempted by their versatile nature. Brussels sprouts are actually considered delicious by many, and if you're inclined to disagree, maybe it's because you've never tasted them fresh from the garden, right after a frost, when they're incredibly sweet and irresistible (Brussels sprouts are one of the few veggies that actually taste better after the first frost of the season ... which puts them ready to harvest just in time for Thanksgiving for much of the United States).

If you're still not sure Brussels sprouts are deserving of words like "sweet" and "delicious," travel to Rogersville, New Brunswick in July or August. You'll get to experience their annual Festival des choux de Bruxelles (Brussels Sprouts Festival) and maybe will catch on to some of their excitement.

In the meantime, here are some more practical reasons to make Brussels sprouts one of your dietary mainstays.

Brussels Sprouts are Incredibly Healthy

Brussels sprouts are a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables (along with broccoli, kale, turnips, Bok choy, cauliflower and more), which are widely known for their potent cancer-fighting compounds, which help detoxify carcinogens in the body and may prevent healthy cells from morphing into cancerous ones.

According to Belgium folklore, if you eat Brussels sprouts at the beginning of your meal, you won't get drunk!

There are at least a dozen compounds in Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables that have peaked scientists' interest, including sulforaphane, which triggers the liver to produce enzymes that detoxify cancer-causing chemicals, inhibits chemically-induced breast cancers in animal studies, and induces colon cancer cells to commit suicide, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.

Brussels sprouts specifically have been found to:

Decrease DNA damage, which may lower your risk of cancer
Reduce the development of pre-cancerous cells in the colon and liver
Help stop the proliferation of breast cancer cells, even in the later stages of growth
Lower your risk of bladder, lung and ovarian cancers

Brussels sprouts can even help to improve your skin (not to mention fight off infections), as they're rich in vitamin A and beta carotene. These tiny powerhouse also contain vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese, fiber, potassium, vitamin B6 and thiamin (vitamin B1), iron, phosphorous, protein, magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin E, copper and calcium.

Looking for Quick, Unique and Delicious Recipes?

Alive in 5: Raw Gourmet Meals in Five Minutes is packed with delicious (and fast!) raw food recipes that your whole family will crave!

Simple Ways to Get the Most (Taste and Health Benefits) Out of Brussels Sprouts

Health wise organic Brussels sprouts are best as they have higher phytonutrient levels than conventionally grown varieties. It's also best to cook them only lightly (steaming works well for this), as this will help to retain the most phytonutrients and maximize their availability.

From a taste perspective, the way you prepare Brussels sprouts makes a big difference in their taste. Before cooking, always trim the base and cut an "x" in the bottom to allow it to cook evenly (you can also cut them in half). Steam them until they're tender, then season them with some butter, salt and pepper, or try them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar or even feta cheese. You can either leave them intact or cut off the base and separate the leaves (then toss them with seasonings and serve like a salad).

A favorite (and simple) holiday side dish, meanwhile, is roasted Brussels sprouts. Set the oven to around 400 degrees F, trim the Brussels sprouts then toss them with some olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Roast them in the oven for about 40 minutes (or until the edges begin to brown slightly) and that's all there is to it.

Finally, do not overlook their deliciousness factor when eaten cold. You can toss cooked, cold Brussels sprouts with some olive oil, salt and lemon juice, or even a vinaigrette. If you want to be slightly more daring, but extremely cunning when it comes to your health, keep them on hand in the fridge to pop in your mouth as a quick salty snack. If cooked correctly and seasoned well, they can rival any potato chip or French fry when it comes to a salty craving.

Recommended Reading

The 11 Healthiest Autumn Fruits and Vegetables

Nine Foods that Help You De-Stress Quickly

Sources

The World's Healthiest Foods

TheWorldwideGourmet.com