One of my favorite health writers is a guy by the name of John Tobe, who, unfortunately, isn't with us any longer.
Well, that's not exactly true. He'll always be with us in the terrific books he wrote on natural health topics.
Today I'd like to share one of John's banana recipes that I enjoy very much, and I think you'll like it too.
Tope Banana Whip
2 bananas
1 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs. honey
1 oz. almonds
Combine ingredients in the blender and beat up into a whip. Drink and smack your lips and say, "Ahh!"
Speaking of bananas, here's a banana cookie recipe courtesy of Marilyn Schultz that you'll also like...
Date a Banana Cookies
3 ripe bananas
1 cup dates (I sometimes use raisins also)
2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
In large bowl, mash the bananas, stir in oats, dates, oil and vanilla. Mix well and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
Drop by teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes (depending on your oven).
Whoa, now you have two healthy banana recipes for your files.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Natural Hiccup Cure
I've been collecting natural hiccup cures for years, and today I'll like to share a few of the more interesting ones with you.
When I was still teaching high school, if a student got the hiccups, I'd slowly meander my way over to where she was sitting. I'd then move behind her desk, reading a poem or leading a discussion or something, and would then bend down and yell, "Boo!" Believe me, the hiccups went away in a hurry.
A similar technique that works best with an adult male with the hiccups is to walk up to him and look him straight in the eye and then say, "I heard about you and my wife, and I don't like it one bit."
If it's a female friend or acquaintance of co-worker with the hiccups, approach them in the same serious manner and say, "I can't believe the boss fired you this morning."
Both of these techniques will stop hiccups faster than you can say, "I'll eat a bicycle seat."
Here's one I learned from Cecil, a reader of one of my free newsletters...
If you have a hiccup cure you'd like to share, use the comment link below and start typing.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
When I was still teaching high school, if a student got the hiccups, I'd slowly meander my way over to where she was sitting. I'd then move behind her desk, reading a poem or leading a discussion or something, and would then bend down and yell, "Boo!" Believe me, the hiccups went away in a hurry.
A similar technique that works best with an adult male with the hiccups is to walk up to him and look him straight in the eye and then say, "I heard about you and my wife, and I don't like it one bit."
If it's a female friend or acquaintance of co-worker with the hiccups, approach them in the same serious manner and say, "I can't believe the boss fired you this morning."
Both of these techniques will stop hiccups faster than you can say, "I'll eat a bicycle seat."
Here's one I learned from Cecil, a reader of one of my free newsletters...
Reach back with your right hand and press your middle finger into your spine between the vertebra as far down as you can reach and hold for about a minute. The trick with all these remedies is to change the tension on the diaphragm muscle. So whether you are being scared or shocked or standing on your head or drinking water upside down or whatever, that is what makes it work.Finally, I learned this one from the Internet: Go up to someone with the hiccups and say, "I'll give you ten dollars if you can hiccup again."
If you have a hiccup cure you'd like to share, use the comment link below and start typing.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Workout Recovery Drink
I don't know about you, but after I finish jogging or lifting weights, I can usually go for a refreshing workout recovery drink.
And of course having a nutrient-rich drink is a smart thing to do since you've just stressed your body and broken down millions of cells. At this point, you need something nutritious to help your ole bod create healthy, new cells.
My favorite post work-out cell replacer is an 8-ounce glass of freshly extracted vegetable juice composed of about two ounces of carrot juice mixed with six ounces of a combination of celery, kale, Romaine lettuce, tomato, apple, and anything else that looks good in the veggie bin.
Swirling the first mouthful of this concoction through the choppers and up and over the tongue is a taste treat that can't be beat.
Adding a little dab of hot sauce or juicing a tiny jalapeno without the other veggies (juice it first so the next user of the juice machine isn't in for a hot surprise) makes a memorable drink that will leave you smacking your lips in happiness.
So sweat up a storm with your daily exercise and then feed the cells with a fresh glass of veggie juice. What a great way to end an afternoon with a delicious workout recovery drink.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
And of course having a nutrient-rich drink is a smart thing to do since you've just stressed your body and broken down millions of cells. At this point, you need something nutritious to help your ole bod create healthy, new cells.
My favorite post work-out cell replacer is an 8-ounce glass of freshly extracted vegetable juice composed of about two ounces of carrot juice mixed with six ounces of a combination of celery, kale, Romaine lettuce, tomato, apple, and anything else that looks good in the veggie bin.
Swirling the first mouthful of this concoction through the choppers and up and over the tongue is a taste treat that can't be beat.
Adding a little dab of hot sauce or juicing a tiny jalapeno without the other veggies (juice it first so the next user of the juice machine isn't in for a hot surprise) makes a memorable drink that will leave you smacking your lips in happiness.
So sweat up a storm with your daily exercise and then feed the cells with a fresh glass of veggie juice. What a great way to end an afternoon with a delicious workout recovery drink.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Thursday, April 20, 2006
An Apple a Day
Modern science has reported on the health benefits of eating apples and reported that apple eating inhibits the growth of bowel and liver cancer cells in the laboratory.
Rui Hai Liu, lead scientist at Cornell's Department of Food Science, wrote in the journal Nature: "Our results indicate that natural antioxidants from fresh fruit could be more effective than a dietary supplement."
How amazing.
Research scientists continue to confirm that foods made by Nature are actually better for the human body than processed foods and supplements.
So stop at the store today and purchase a bag of apples.
Even better, visit your health food store and purchase a bag of organically-grown apples that haven't been dipped in wax.
And then eat two or three every day.
Click here to read a wonderful article that fully details the health value of apples.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Rui Hai Liu, lead scientist at Cornell's Department of Food Science, wrote in the journal Nature: "Our results indicate that natural antioxidants from fresh fruit could be more effective than a dietary supplement."
How amazing.
Research scientists continue to confirm that foods made by Nature are actually better for the human body than processed foods and supplements.
So stop at the store today and purchase a bag of apples.
Even better, visit your health food store and purchase a bag of organically-grown apples that haven't been dipped in wax.
And then eat two or three every day.
Click here to read a wonderful article that fully details the health value of apples.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Monday, April 17, 2006
Artichoke Facial Mask
Let's start this week with some easy directions for a healthy facial mask you can make at home.
Your skin's going to love this concoction!
To make this natural and healthy facial mask...
Oh, one more thing. If you're not into making your own natural health skin care solutions, click here to learn about my favorite facial mask product.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Your skin's going to love this concoction!
To make this natural and healthy facial mask...
Mash two well-cooked artichoke hearts or two canned artichoke hearts (in water not oil) in a bowl.Whoa, talk about young and happy skin!
Add 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar.
Mix well until you have a smooth paste.
Apply the mask to your face, neck and upper chest. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with tepid water. Pat dry with a soft fluffy towel.
Oh, one more thing. If you're not into making your own natural health skin care solutions, click here to learn about my favorite facial mask product.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Foot Fungus Cure
Did you know that urine can be an effective foot fungus cure?
Anyone who reads my health writings knows I have an overly-developed sense of humor, so let me preface today's natural health tip by saying that I'm not joking with what you're about to read.
With that said, I've been researching some natural foot fungus cures lately.
Well, the other day, a new suggestion came in from a friend of mine, a licensed pharmacist whose avocation lies with helping his clients by referring them whenever possible to natural solutions rather than to strong drugs.
He doesn't make as much money this way, of course, but he helps more people and makes a lot of friends, and that's what it's all about anyway, near as I can tell.
Okay, here's what my buddy told me in his letter regarding a natural cure for foot fungus:
Although I don't have space to write an epistle on this, I do want to say that, contrary to the bad press it gets, human urine is sterile and not something filthy that we should cringe about when we mention its name.
I mean, seriously, my pharmacist friend and I aren't recommending that you drink the stuff, though people in India have been doing just that for thousands of years for apparently good reasons.
But that's another story.
Anyway, if you have a nasty case of foot fungus and want to try the easiest and least expensive home cure I'm presently aware of, pour or pee some of your own urine on the problem in the shower, let it set for a minute or two, and then wash it off. Repeat as necessary whenever you shower until the problem heals.
By the way, after reading this tip, Linda S wrote, "There is another less offensive remedy. For real. Soak a cup of corn meal in warm to very warm water for about an hour, then soak the affected area in the 'meal water.' This can be done while watching you favorite tv show in the evening. Repeat as necessary. Supposedly, two to three times in a week should do the trick."
There, now you have two natural foot fungus cures for the price of one!
And if you have a natural foot fungus cure, click on the comment link below and share it with the thousands of health seekers who read this blog at least once a day.
Chet "Pisser" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Anyone who reads my health writings knows I have an overly-developed sense of humor, so let me preface today's natural health tip by saying that I'm not joking with what you're about to read.
With that said, I've been researching some natural foot fungus cures lately.
Well, the other day, a new suggestion came in from a friend of mine, a licensed pharmacist whose avocation lies with helping his clients by referring them whenever possible to natural solutions rather than to strong drugs.
He doesn't make as much money this way, of course, but he helps more people and makes a lot of friends, and that's what it's all about anyway, near as I can tell.
Okay, here's what my buddy told me in his letter regarding a natural cure for foot fungus:
Hey, Chet, between you, me, and the printer cable, the fastest and cheapest and most effective way to go after good ole foot fungus... your own urine. I know peeing on your feet in the shower sounds whacked, but I have used it effectively and passed it out dozens of times from behind the Prozac counter. And with a host of positive feedback.Well, I was glad to get this fascinating suggestion from my friend because I've always been interested in urine. I mean, seriously, with so much of it coming out of us every day, how can we not be?
Although I don't have space to write an epistle on this, I do want to say that, contrary to the bad press it gets, human urine is sterile and not something filthy that we should cringe about when we mention its name.
I mean, seriously, my pharmacist friend and I aren't recommending that you drink the stuff, though people in India have been doing just that for thousands of years for apparently good reasons.
But that's another story.
Anyway, if you have a nasty case of foot fungus and want to try the easiest and least expensive home cure I'm presently aware of, pour or pee some of your own urine on the problem in the shower, let it set for a minute or two, and then wash it off. Repeat as necessary whenever you shower until the problem heals.
By the way, after reading this tip, Linda S wrote, "There is another less offensive remedy. For real. Soak a cup of corn meal in warm to very warm water for about an hour, then soak the affected area in the 'meal water.' This can be done while watching you favorite tv show in the evening. Repeat as necessary. Supposedly, two to three times in a week should do the trick."
There, now you have two natural foot fungus cures for the price of one!
And if you have a natural foot fungus cure, click on the comment link below and share it with the thousands of health seekers who read this blog at least once a day.
Chet "Pisser" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Healthy Leg Veins
As a male, I, of course, don't really care what my legs look like, though I've been told on a few occasions when I jogged or played tennis that I had handsome wheels.
On the other hand, I do very much appreciate the legs that hold up female bodies, so I thought it would be helpful today to share some tips for maintaining healthy legs:
Experts recommend the following self-care treatments for healthier leg veins:
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
On the other hand, I do very much appreciate the legs that hold up female bodies, so I thought it would be helpful today to share some tips for maintaining healthy legs:
Experts recommend the following self-care treatments for healthier leg veins:
- Don't cross your legs when you sit.
- Take warm, not hot, baths, and end by splashing cold water on the legs.
- Avoid high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for veins. Don't wear tight clothes around your calves or groin that can restrict circulation.
- Take three or four 10- to 15-minute breaks daily to elevate your legs above the level of your heart (for example, by lying down with your legs resting on three or four pillows).
- Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. Make a point of changing your position, shifting from one leg to the other or walk gently back and forth, frequently to encourage blood flow.
- Weight control - Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off your veins.
- Exercise. Get your legs moving. Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Memory Improvement Tips
I'd like to share five easy-to-do natural tips for improving your memory.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
- Increase your pure water consumption.
- Stop drinking any other liquids. No more soft drinks, coffee, etc.
- Increase high fiber foods.
- Get some sun 20-30 minutes per day with as much skin exposed as is safe. Do not use sun screens. Start with shorter times if you live in a hot sun area. Don't sun bathe during the hottest parts of the day.
- Get mild exercise. Start with 10 minutes of walking and build additional minutes each day until you can walk briskly for 60 minutes.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Monday, April 10, 2006
Eyestrain Symptom Tip
The next time you're experiencing an eyestrain symptom, try the “Distant Night Exercise.”
Here’s how it works:
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Here’s how it works:
- Sit down in a chair and place your elbows on your knees or a table.
- Face your palms toward your face and slightly cup the lower portion of your hands while keeping your fingers straight.
- Place your eyes in the cups of your hands, which should gently rest above and below the bone surrounding your eye and cheek. No portion of your hand should touch your eyeball, but it is alright if your eyelashes brush against your palm. The fingers of both hands should slightly overlap resting near the center top of your forehead. With your eyes open, be sure there is no light entering into your eyes.
- While maintaining this position, relax and close your eyes while you imagine you’re looking into the distant night. Remember, your eyes are relaxed as they look out at a distance – the purpose of this exercise.
- As you focus into the distance you should feel a reduction in eyestrain caused by the near point activity.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Apple Honey Tea
Today I'd like to share an easy and healthy recipe for a comforting and healing drink.
Apple Honey Tea
3 or 4 apples, unpeeled, cored and sliced
6 cups cold water (filtered or spring is best)
1 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbs honey
Put the apples and the cold water in a covered saucepan and simmer for two hours.
Remove from heat and strain. Add the lemon juice and honey and drink hot. You can make this tea in advance and store it in the refrigerator and heat up a cup at a time.
Note: If you want to use your slow cooker instead of the stove, put the apples and water in the crockpot, cover, turn the temperature to high and let simmer for a couple hours. Then add the other ingredients and start sipping.
Apples are thought to have cooling properties that help reduce a fever, in addition to the other proven health benefits of the fruit.
The sweet flavor of this tea is soothing to adults and children alike.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Apple Honey Tea
3 or 4 apples, unpeeled, cored and sliced
6 cups cold water (filtered or spring is best)
1 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbs honey
Put the apples and the cold water in a covered saucepan and simmer for two hours.
Remove from heat and strain. Add the lemon juice and honey and drink hot. You can make this tea in advance and store it in the refrigerator and heat up a cup at a time.
Note: If you want to use your slow cooker instead of the stove, put the apples and water in the crockpot, cover, turn the temperature to high and let simmer for a couple hours. Then add the other ingredients and start sipping.
Apples are thought to have cooling properties that help reduce a fever, in addition to the other proven health benefits of the fruit.
The sweet flavor of this tea is soothing to adults and children alike.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Bilberry for Eye Health
My wife's been an insulin-dependent diabetic for more than 40 years, and in the late 1980's she developed diabetic retinopathy, a common problem in long-term diabetics.
She had laser surgery at that time to seal the leaking blood vessels in both eyes.
Not wanting to go through that sort of thing again, she started researching natural solutions to eye problems. She liked what she read about bilberry more than anything else, so she started taking 500-mg bilberry capsules twice a day.
In addition to the bilberry, her health routine consisted of eating a healthy diet and drinking at least one 8-ounce serving each day of freshly extracted vegetable juice -- celery, carrot, Romaine lettuce, etc.
At her next check-up, the doctor said, "This is unusual. The retinopathy is no longer progressing."
Than, at the next six-month check-up, the doctor said, "I've never seen this. Your retinopathy is reversing."
After two years, the retinopathy was totally gone, and all she had was scar tissue from the laser surgery.
I checked out bilberry at onhealth.com and learned:
It's April of 2006 as I write this entry, and my wife has had no additional problems with retinopathy, which continues to astonish the specialist who monitors her eyes twice a year.
For those interested, she currently takes one or two 500-mg bilberry capsules every day, as well as one or two 20-mg lutein capsules, which she added to her routine a few years ago.
Chet "Bilberry for Eye Health" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
She had laser surgery at that time to seal the leaking blood vessels in both eyes.
Not wanting to go through that sort of thing again, she started researching natural solutions to eye problems. She liked what she read about bilberry more than anything else, so she started taking 500-mg bilberry capsules twice a day.
In addition to the bilberry, her health routine consisted of eating a healthy diet and drinking at least one 8-ounce serving each day of freshly extracted vegetable juice -- celery, carrot, Romaine lettuce, etc.
At her next check-up, the doctor said, "This is unusual. The retinopathy is no longer progressing."
Than, at the next six-month check-up, the doctor said, "I've never seen this. Your retinopathy is reversing."
After two years, the retinopathy was totally gone, and all she had was scar tissue from the laser surgery.
I checked out bilberry at onhealth.com and learned:
Possible mechanisms of action for its effects on ophthalmic conditions include its ability to protect against the breakdown of rhodopsin (retinal purple), a light sensitive pigment located in the rods of the retina, and its ability to regenerate rhodopsin. It may also provide vasoprotection by decreasing capillary fragility and permeability (Bone and Morgan, 1997; Regtop, 1998)With all that said, of course, the single most important thing for eyes and diabetics is to keep the blood sugar well-regulated, which my wife did then and continues to do now by testing her blood sugar level multiple times each day and correcting accordingly with injected insulin.
It's April of 2006 as I write this entry, and my wife has had no additional problems with retinopathy, which continues to astonish the specialist who monitors her eyes twice a year.
For those interested, she currently takes one or two 500-mg bilberry capsules every day, as well as one or two 20-mg lutein capsules, which she added to her routine a few years ago.
Chet "Bilberry for Eye Health" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Walnuts Lower Cholesterol
Walnuts aren't just weapons anymore.
In fact, they may well play a significant part in lowering cholesterol.
You see, Spanish researchers in 2004 fed people with high cholesterol a heart-healthy diet (vegetables, fish, very little red meat or eggs, and olive oil as the only cooking fat) for 12 weeks.
The small study, conducted at the Lipid Clinic in Barcelona, substituted walnuts for about one-third of the calories from olives, olive oil, and other monounsaturated fats in a Mediterranean diet.
Walnuts were found to increase the elasticity of arteries by 64 per cent, and to reduce cell adhesion molecules associated with hardening of the arteries by 20 per cent.
Though LDL cholesterol levels dropped during both halves of the 12 weeks, they dropped significantly more during the walnut weeks.
"These results came from only eight to 11 walnuts a day," says Joan Sabate, M.D., Dr.P.H., the study author, from Loma Linda University in California.
It's possible that a combo of monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats (walnuts) whacks cholesterol.
Consequently, if you haven't already, you may soon see claims on walnuts stating: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 oz of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. See nutrition information for fat [and calorie] content."
So add some walnuts to your diet, for Pete's sake.
Chet "Walnuts Lower Cholesterol" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
In fact, they may well play a significant part in lowering cholesterol.
You see, Spanish researchers in 2004 fed people with high cholesterol a heart-healthy diet (vegetables, fish, very little red meat or eggs, and olive oil as the only cooking fat) for 12 weeks.
The small study, conducted at the Lipid Clinic in Barcelona, substituted walnuts for about one-third of the calories from olives, olive oil, and other monounsaturated fats in a Mediterranean diet.
Walnuts were found to increase the elasticity of arteries by 64 per cent, and to reduce cell adhesion molecules associated with hardening of the arteries by 20 per cent.
Though LDL cholesterol levels dropped during both halves of the 12 weeks, they dropped significantly more during the walnut weeks.
"These results came from only eight to 11 walnuts a day," says Joan Sabate, M.D., Dr.P.H., the study author, from Loma Linda University in California.
It's possible that a combo of monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats (walnuts) whacks cholesterol.
Consequently, if you haven't already, you may soon see claims on walnuts stating: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 oz of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. See nutrition information for fat [and calorie] content."
So add some walnuts to your diet, for Pete's sake.
Chet "Walnuts Lower Cholesterol" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Monday, April 03, 2006
Cold Sore Treatment
Today I'd like to share a cold sore treatment that many people swear by.
You see, I've suffered from cold sores and mouth ulcers since I was neck high to a fire plug, so my life took a turn for the better when at age 51 I found a cold sore treatment that actually helped my body deactivate within a day or two the herpes simplex virus that allegedly causes cold sore outbreaks.
And, no, this cold sore remedy I learned about is not some expensive doctor-prescribed pharmaceutical that costs a kneecap and a sternum bone to purchase.
Instead it's an amino acid called lysine, and you can purchase it at any drug store, health food store, or probably even grocery store these days.
Lysine comes in 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets and capsules. The capsules cost more but are a lot easier to swallow. I buy the tablets because I'm cheap, but I can't swallow them whole because they're about as big around as a Cadillac steering wheel.
So I chew them first and then swish 'em down with a big glass of water. Yes, the tablets taste bad, but, hey, that's the price we cheap guys pay for saving a couple bucks.
Whenever I feel a cold sore coming on, I take at least 1500 mg of lysine twice a day.
Before I close, I'm happy to update the above by pointing out that my cold sore problem ended just about completely in September of 2003 when I started brushing my teeth with Tooth Soap. Once I started using this product, I no longer had to rely on lysine, and I've only had a few minor outbreaks since then.
Chet "Cold Sore Treatment" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
P.S. If you have a favorite cold sore treatment, click on the comments link below and share it with us.
You see, I've suffered from cold sores and mouth ulcers since I was neck high to a fire plug, so my life took a turn for the better when at age 51 I found a cold sore treatment that actually helped my body deactivate within a day or two the herpes simplex virus that allegedly causes cold sore outbreaks.
And, no, this cold sore remedy I learned about is not some expensive doctor-prescribed pharmaceutical that costs a kneecap and a sternum bone to purchase.
Instead it's an amino acid called lysine, and you can purchase it at any drug store, health food store, or probably even grocery store these days.
Lysine comes in 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets and capsules. The capsules cost more but are a lot easier to swallow. I buy the tablets because I'm cheap, but I can't swallow them whole because they're about as big around as a Cadillac steering wheel.
So I chew them first and then swish 'em down with a big glass of water. Yes, the tablets taste bad, but, hey, that's the price we cheap guys pay for saving a couple bucks.
Whenever I feel a cold sore coming on, I take at least 1500 mg of lysine twice a day.
Before I close, I'm happy to update the above by pointing out that my cold sore problem ended just about completely in September of 2003 when I started brushing my teeth with Tooth Soap. Once I started using this product, I no longer had to rely on lysine, and I've only had a few minor outbreaks since then.
Chet "Cold Sore Treatment" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
P.S. If you have a favorite cold sore treatment, click on the comments link below and share it with us.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Sunflower Seed Nutrition
If you're like me, you can stop and gaze for many minutes at a beautiful field or stand of sunflowers, but I bet you didn't know that the nutrition in the lowly sunflower seed packs a healthy wallop.
And if you're like me, you probably used to buy little plastic bags of sunflowers when you were a kid.
You know the kind -- the sunflower seeds were really salty and you'd crack the seed between your front teeth and then chomp down on the delicious kernel while spitting out the husk.
And then your mom would yell at you for spitting and acting common.
I loved those seeds when I was a kid, but, honestly, commercial sunflower seeds in the cellophane bags don't cut the mayonnaise compared to the nutrition in raw and sprouted sunflower seeds.
Talk about good protein, whoa.
The protein in sunflower seeds can't be beat. And sunflower seeds won't clog up your innards like beef steaks and pork chops coagulated in their own grease.
Load a handful of sunflower seeds into a blender the next time you're making a smoothie and you'll see what I mean. Delicious.
And, yes, you can sprinkle them on salads, dribble them onto sandwiches, and plant them on celery and peanut butter sticks.
Raw sunflower seeds make for a tasty mid-afternoon snack too, and they're a lot better for you than a Snickers bar or a Dr. Pepper.
One hint for smoother digestion of these little health powerhouses... Be sure to chew them until they're a liquid because doing so will allow you to better savor the subtle tastes produced by the saliva and sunflower seed combination.
Sprouted sunflower seeds? Whoa, you haven't lived until you've planted a handful of sprouted sunflower seeds on top of a baked potato that you've split down the middle. Better than sour cream and a huge dab of butter.
Well, maybe not quite that good, but close enough and a lot better for your heart and health than commercial dairy from cows violated with growth hormones and all those antibiotics.
Ready to add some real sunflower seeds to your diet?
I hope so.
Click here to read an excellent article with a lot more information about sunflower sprouts and greens.
If you have a recipe or favorite anecdote about sunflower seeds, be sure to use the comment link below to share with fellow readers.
Chet "Sunflower Seed Nutrition" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
And if you're like me, you probably used to buy little plastic bags of sunflowers when you were a kid.
You know the kind -- the sunflower seeds were really salty and you'd crack the seed between your front teeth and then chomp down on the delicious kernel while spitting out the husk.
And then your mom would yell at you for spitting and acting common.
I loved those seeds when I was a kid, but, honestly, commercial sunflower seeds in the cellophane bags don't cut the mayonnaise compared to the nutrition in raw and sprouted sunflower seeds.
Talk about good protein, whoa.
The protein in sunflower seeds can't be beat. And sunflower seeds won't clog up your innards like beef steaks and pork chops coagulated in their own grease.
Load a handful of sunflower seeds into a blender the next time you're making a smoothie and you'll see what I mean. Delicious.
And, yes, you can sprinkle them on salads, dribble them onto sandwiches, and plant them on celery and peanut butter sticks.
Raw sunflower seeds make for a tasty mid-afternoon snack too, and they're a lot better for you than a Snickers bar or a Dr. Pepper.
One hint for smoother digestion of these little health powerhouses... Be sure to chew them until they're a liquid because doing so will allow you to better savor the subtle tastes produced by the saliva and sunflower seed combination.
Sprouted sunflower seeds? Whoa, you haven't lived until you've planted a handful of sprouted sunflower seeds on top of a baked potato that you've split down the middle. Better than sour cream and a huge dab of butter.
Well, maybe not quite that good, but close enough and a lot better for your heart and health than commercial dairy from cows violated with growth hormones and all those antibiotics.
Ready to add some real sunflower seeds to your diet?
I hope so.
Click here to read an excellent article with a lot more information about sunflower sprouts and greens.
If you have a recipe or favorite anecdote about sunflower seeds, be sure to use the comment link below to share with fellow readers.
Chet "Sunflower Seed Nutrition" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Weight Lifting Workout
I want to put in a few good words for a basic weight lifting workout, which is one of the best exercise choices for just about everyone.
I added a weightlifting workout to my exercise routine several years ago, and I usually push the iron around two or three days a week.
When I started, I spent about $28 on a basic set of 100 lbs worth of weights at K-Mart. Great price... even came with the bar. So you can get your own weight lifting workout started for minimal dinero.
I set up a corner of my garage as my spa and have been pumping iron ever since. I've added some good muscle to my body and enjoy the redistribution of tissue that seems to come naturally with weightlifting.
No, I don't have power buns. But I do look less and less like a pear back there.
I won't describe actual exercises since you can check out FAQs on the net or buy a magazine at the supermarket or a book. Weight lifting workout routines are easy to find, and I think it's best if each of us discovers for ourselves the exercises we need.
Regarding my optimal exercise program as a whole, I lift three days a week for about 30-40 minutes. On days when I don't lift, I walk and jog for at least 30 minutes. I take Sundays off (and write email health tips and other fun stuff).
Every day, I warm-up with a few minutes of stretching and rebounding.
If you don't have 30-60 minutes a day set aside for some kind of exercise (even if it's just walking in the fresh air instead of a weight lifting workout), then you need to start doing it right now.
I consider exercise one of the three cardinal parts of my health routine!
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
I added a weightlifting workout to my exercise routine several years ago, and I usually push the iron around two or three days a week.
When I started, I spent about $28 on a basic set of 100 lbs worth of weights at K-Mart. Great price... even came with the bar. So you can get your own weight lifting workout started for minimal dinero.
I set up a corner of my garage as my spa and have been pumping iron ever since. I've added some good muscle to my body and enjoy the redistribution of tissue that seems to come naturally with weightlifting.
No, I don't have power buns. But I do look less and less like a pear back there.
I won't describe actual exercises since you can check out FAQs on the net or buy a magazine at the supermarket or a book. Weight lifting workout routines are easy to find, and I think it's best if each of us discovers for ourselves the exercises we need.
Regarding my optimal exercise program as a whole, I lift three days a week for about 30-40 minutes. On days when I don't lift, I walk and jog for at least 30 minutes. I take Sundays off (and write email health tips and other fun stuff).
Every day, I warm-up with a few minutes of stretching and rebounding.
If you don't have 30-60 minutes a day set aside for some kind of exercise (even if it's just walking in the fresh air instead of a weight lifting workout), then you need to start doing it right now.
I consider exercise one of the three cardinal parts of my health routine!
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Wild Rice Crockpot Recipe
Today I'd like to share a healthy crockpot recipe...
Wild Rice with Cherries, Apricots, and Pecans
1 cup converted white rice
1 cup wild rice -- rinsed and drained
29 ounces canned vegetable broth
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
1 medium onion -- chopped
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tso garlic pepper
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
In your slow cooker, mix together the white rice, wild rice, broth, water, sherry, onion, garlic powder, and garlic pepper.
Cover and cook on the low heat setting about five hours, or until the rices are tender but not mushy. Stir in the apricots, cherries, pecans, and parsley. Serve immediately. Makes about 8 to 10 servings.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Wild Rice with Cherries, Apricots, and Pecans
1 cup converted white rice
1 cup wild rice -- rinsed and drained
29 ounces canned vegetable broth
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
1 medium onion -- chopped
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tso garlic pepper
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
In your slow cooker, mix together the white rice, wild rice, broth, water, sherry, onion, garlic powder, and garlic pepper.
Cover and cook on the low heat setting about five hours, or until the rices are tender but not mushy. Stir in the apricots, cherries, pecans, and parsley. Serve immediately. Makes about 8 to 10 servings.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Soft Drinks Goodbye
At one time, I used to slop down three or four cans of Dr. Pepper every day of my life.
And that was after having three or four cups of coffee every morning.
Not anymore.
These days I only drink pure water or freshly extracted vegetable juices, and I feel a lot better for doing so. My wallet does too.
If you stop drinking all soft drinks today, I guarantee you'll feel significantly better in one week.
Most likely, with life sans soft drinks, your energy levels will increase, your depression will lift, and your kidneys will last longer.
And you'll save all kinds of money.
I mean, seriously, take a second and jot down how many soft drinks you drink each day. Now multiply that number by the cost of each soda. Now multiply that by seven. Then multiply that total by four. And then multiply that number by twelve.
Remarkably, that's how much money you're wasting every year on drinks that do nothing but flood empty calories and addictive caffeine into your body.
Give yourself a break today... drink pure water instead of soft drinks.
And for a healthy treat and smart alternative, have at least one 8-ounce glass of freshly extracted vegetable juice every day.
By the way, if you have a soft drink anecdote to share, just click on the comments link below and start writing.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
And that was after having three or four cups of coffee every morning.
Not anymore.
These days I only drink pure water or freshly extracted vegetable juices, and I feel a lot better for doing so. My wallet does too.
If you stop drinking all soft drinks today, I guarantee you'll feel significantly better in one week.
Most likely, with life sans soft drinks, your energy levels will increase, your depression will lift, and your kidneys will last longer.
And you'll save all kinds of money.
I mean, seriously, take a second and jot down how many soft drinks you drink each day. Now multiply that number by the cost of each soda. Now multiply that by seven. Then multiply that total by four. And then multiply that number by twelve.
Remarkably, that's how much money you're wasting every year on drinks that do nothing but flood empty calories and addictive caffeine into your body.
Give yourself a break today... drink pure water instead of soft drinks.
And for a healthy treat and smart alternative, have at least one 8-ounce glass of freshly extracted vegetable juice every day.
By the way, if you have a soft drink anecdote to share, just click on the comments link below and start writing.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Healthy Snacks
I'm going to publish an article about healthy snacks in this coming Wednesday's Health & Beyond Weekly, so I thought I'd also provide a good recipe here on the blog.
I learned about this healthy snack from Gerald Pedersen several years ago when he emailed me his recipe for...
Pineapple Bars
20 oz crushed pineapple
2 cups chopped dates
3 cups oats
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup favorite oil
Combine pineapple and dates in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat until thickened. Stir frequently. In a large bowl, mix oats, wheat germ, coconut, walnuts, and salt. Stir in juice and oil.
Press half of the oat mixture in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread the pineapple mixture on top, then sprinkle on the rest of the oat mixture. Press down lightly.
Bake at 350F degrees for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into squares. Makes 32 healthy snacks.
I hope you'll take a few minutes to share your favorite healthy snack recipe with others. To do so, just click on the comment link below.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
I learned about this healthy snack from Gerald Pedersen several years ago when he emailed me his recipe for...
Pineapple Bars
20 oz crushed pineapple
2 cups chopped dates
3 cups oats
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup favorite oil
Combine pineapple and dates in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat until thickened. Stir frequently. In a large bowl, mix oats, wheat germ, coconut, walnuts, and salt. Stir in juice and oil.
Press half of the oat mixture in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread the pineapple mixture on top, then sprinkle on the rest of the oat mixture. Press down lightly.
Bake at 350F degrees for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into squares. Makes 32 healthy snacks.
I hope you'll take a few minutes to share your favorite healthy snack recipe with others. To do so, just click on the comment link below.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Friday, March 24, 2006
Chewy Cookie Tips
It's Friday again, so how about something fun?
Like several of my favorite chewy cookie tips?
Hold onto your socks because here they come...
For chewy cookies, try any of these tips:
Oh, you need a recipe for something healthy and chewy.
Okay, no problemo.
Keep reading...
Chewy Carrot Bars Recipe
3 lg eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup pureed carrots
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts
Place eggs, honey, oil, carrots and vanilla in a mixer bowl and mix at medium speed until creamy. Stir flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, raisins and nuts together to blend well, and add to creamy mixture. Mix at medium speed until creamy again. Spread batter evenly in an 11" by 15" jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with pan spray or greased with butter. Bake at 350 F degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until bars are firm in the center. Remove to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut four by seven.
There, now you have no excuse not to make some delicious, healthy, chewy cookies.
Oh, if you have a chewy cookie recipe you'd like to share, click on the comment link below and post away.
Finally, click here if you want 101 of my favorite cookie recipes.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Like several of my favorite chewy cookie tips?
Hold onto your socks because here they come...
For chewy cookies, try any of these tips:
- Remove the cookies a few minutes before they are done, while their centers are still soft and not quite cooked through. The edges should be slightly golden but the middle will still look slightly raw.
- Substitute 1 to 3 tablespoons of liquid sweetener (such as honey, corn syrup or molasses) for an equal measure of sugar. Too much, however, will alter the liquid balance in the recipe.
- Use egg yolks instead of whole eggs, this will add some extra moistness to the cookies thus helping to be a bit more on the chewy side.
- Reduce the baking soda or baking powder slightly. Leaveners give cookies a more cakey texture.
- Reduce the leavening for a lower, flatter cookie that's chewier.
Oh, you need a recipe for something healthy and chewy.
Okay, no problemo.
Keep reading...
Chewy Carrot Bars Recipe
3 lg eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup pureed carrots
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts
Place eggs, honey, oil, carrots and vanilla in a mixer bowl and mix at medium speed until creamy. Stir flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, raisins and nuts together to blend well, and add to creamy mixture. Mix at medium speed until creamy again. Spread batter evenly in an 11" by 15" jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with pan spray or greased with butter. Bake at 350 F degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until bars are firm in the center. Remove to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut four by seven.
There, now you have no excuse not to make some delicious, healthy, chewy cookies.
Oh, if you have a chewy cookie recipe you'd like to share, click on the comment link below and post away.
Finally, click here if you want 101 of my favorite cookie recipes.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Calorie Restriction
Today I want to tell you why you should go hungry for a change.
Most Americans eat three meals a day and guzzle soft drinks and snack on junk food during many of the rest of their waking hours.
That's why we, as a culture, weigh more than any society in the history of the earth.
And most Americans feel tired and blue a lot of the time.
If you're not happy and energetic and feeling on top of your game before you sit down for your next meal, try calorie restriction by skipping that meal.
It's amazing how much better you'll feel.
This simple solution of calorie restriction to defeat the blahs sounds weird, I know, but it works in most cases, and it's a lot cheaper than pigging out on two big Macs, a coke, and an order of nasty fries cremated in sickening hydrogenated oils.
Luigi Cornaro figured this out back in 14th century Italy, for Pete's sake. Click here to read what he had to say in one of his four famous discourses on how to lead a healthy life.
So practice calorie restriction several times a week to give your stomach and digestive system a break. Even they need a rest from a meal once in a while.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Most Americans eat three meals a day and guzzle soft drinks and snack on junk food during many of the rest of their waking hours.
That's why we, as a culture, weigh more than any society in the history of the earth.
And most Americans feel tired and blue a lot of the time.
If you're not happy and energetic and feeling on top of your game before you sit down for your next meal, try calorie restriction by skipping that meal.
It's amazing how much better you'll feel.
This simple solution of calorie restriction to defeat the blahs sounds weird, I know, but it works in most cases, and it's a lot cheaper than pigging out on two big Macs, a coke, and an order of nasty fries cremated in sickening hydrogenated oils.
Luigi Cornaro figured this out back in 14th century Italy, for Pete's sake. Click here to read what he had to say in one of his four famous discourses on how to lead a healthy life.
So practice calorie restriction several times a week to give your stomach and digestive system a break. Even they need a rest from a meal once in a while.
Chet Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
