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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Z is For Zeolite

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity


The whole, exciting
trick to longevity is
staying healthy by
eliminating toxins.
Every direction we
turn, we run into
poisons and chemicals
that take a hit on our vitality.

The zeolites are from a natural formation of volcanic
rock and natural saline. It has a remarkable chelating
effect for removing heavy metals and poisons from
the body. A healthy body, free of chemicals and
toxins is about the thing that leads to a long, happy
life.

The 2 zeolites I take, are fulvic acid (not folic acid)
that dissolves bad calcium and I occasionally take
MSM.  (I talked about that under the letter M)

We must be vigilant to promote good health in our
twilight years.  When I talk to my older friends, we
all agree that it takes all morning to take us through
our health routine. Is it worth all that effort when one
gets old?  That is up to the individual. If one gets
old and cranky, probably not. Let it go. But if you
are filled with laughter, enjoy people and still have
hobbies, I'd say, it is definitely still worth the effort.

A young couple moved in across the alley.
When I was in my garden last week (and the sunshine
was pouring down) the young gal came over and
said, "I'm so happy we moved here because I can
learn so much from you." That made it all worth
while and I'm closing with laughter and happiness.

Thank you for reading my posts and it has been
a fun journey through the alphabet with you.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Y is For Yacon Root

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity



Yacon Root is a favorite
natural sweetner that
also offers many
health benefits. It has
an amazing quality that
regulates and nourishes
the friendly intestinal flora. This positive factor is a boon
at any age but especially appreciated by those who have
reached the top of the hill and are slightly on the declining
side.

The Yacon Root resembles a yam and is juiced into a
concentrate.  Besides being a guardian of yeast, diabetes
and bone density, it has been touted as a food for weight
loss, made popular by the Dr. Oz. show.  Mostly, I
believe the weight loss scam should be replaced with
holistic reasoning, but that won't sell the manufacturers
product.

Always beware. Too many weight loss gimmicks. Here
is a secret. Keep your body in sparkling health and
the pounds will melt away. But I think we already
knew that.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

X is For Xylitol

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity


A number of years
back, I was somewhat
shocked when my
biological dentist
told me about the
benefits of xylitol,
like actually helping
prevent cavaties. He suggested I take both the gum and
the little candy pellets. It tasted so sweet and was far
too yummy for me to believe this was actually good
for my teeth. Why was my dentist telling me to eat
something that tasted like sugar and had half the calories?

Xylitol was the big name around 15 years ago and even
 promoted as a tooth savior by my dentist. I
bought the gum and candy but never felt this sweet-
mint could protect my teeth. The original boxes are
still sitting, nearly full, in my herb room.

Then I stopped hearing about xylitol and a report
recently appeared  in the "Journal of American
Dental Assoc" suggesting the claims that
xylitol stops cavities, needs further studies.

Well I guess I called that one right. Anyone have
any thoughts on xylitol?

Monday, April 27, 2015

W is For

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity










    W is For.......Forget it. No way!!!!!
I can't go there. You'd never believe me anyway.

I'll just wish you a Super Happy W-Day.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

V is For Vitamins

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

When I was on the
Gerson diet a few
years ago, I
began giving myself
Vitamin B12 shots
daily, I noticed
an improvement

in my mental clarity.  Humans get most of their
vitamin B12 from animal products and since I
eat very little meat, my body greatly benefits
from the vitamin B12 shots.

40 % of the eldery seem to be deficient in B12.
Symptoms of a B12 deficiency are low energy,
fatigue, poor memory or auto immune diseases,
and thyroid problems.

We may actually get enough B12 but are not
digesting what we eat. Here I go again, always
reverting to digestion but see how the lack of
probiotics and enzymes and not chewing enough
affects your whole body. It's all connected and
that is why it's called holistic.

Do yourself a favor and ferment a jar of that
yummy, crunchy home-made sauerkraut.  The
commercial stuff is always soggy but you can
find that crunch in your home-made.




Friday, April 24, 2015

U us For Underwear

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

One thing I've noticed
about aging..............
no more cute little
undies. It's not
that there's any law
against wearing
scanty panties but
the utilitarian ones
just feel more comfortable. Nor do I mean we have
to send away to the Vermont Country store for the
old granny bloomers that come to the knees. lol

It's just "good-by" thongs and bikinis and "hello"
panties that at least come up to our natural waist.
It's really just "hello" comfort.

Stop dreaming. No one's looking at your bum
anymore, anyway. hahaha

Thursday, April 23, 2015

T is For Trampoline

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Jumping on a trampoline
(also called a rebounder)
is the secret to keeping
your cells free of debris.
With every jump, all
the cells are being
squeezed and it
eliminates stagnation.
A person absolutely has
to get this pumping action in order to make the lymph
fluid move around.

If the elderly lose their balance on a trampoline, there
is a bar for sale that attaches to the side and gives
one stability. I'm not to that point yet, but it's good
to know it's on the market for when the time comes
that I'll need it.

You really do get more bang for your buck on the
trampoline and your lymphatic system will thank you.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

S is For Sourdough

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

In spite of the fact
that I am a nutcase
in the belief that proper
food heals the body, I've
been guilty of periodically
following the hedonistic
life-style.

During WW2, when women hung up their aprons and said,
"Good -by" to the kitchen, family health took a downward
plunge.  Enter allopathic medicine with it's chemicals and
drugs, trying to make up for the loss of medicinal
benefits that the stay at home mom had previously provided.

Let's take one food item....sourdough bread."

Baking sourdough bread takes time, often several days. One
medium slice of homemade sourdough bread will provide a
high % of daily requirements for selenium, thiamine, folate
and manganese.

This daily bread relates directy to avoiding age-related ills
as eye, hearing and heart problems.  Further breaking it
 down, it aids in resistence to arthritis, osteoporosis, heart
disease and cancer.  I was a stay at home mom and bread
making was my spiritual ritual, as was my grandmothers.

Kids leaving home, I  dropped the sourdough habit.  Big
mistake. Now a sourdough starter happily bubbles away
in my kitchen again and I think of how much more healthy
I would be if I had never ever stopped it.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

R is For Reishi

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

The Taoists consider
Reishi mushroom to
be an "elixir" of
immortality.  It is
preceeded, at least
by 2 thousand years,
by it's radiant health
and superior anti-aging
properties. How's that for starters?

Reishi is also held in high esteem for it's ability to
fine-tune the immune system to give us protection
against viruses, parasites, bacteria, chemicals, and mold.
It also rates  high for an anti-stress herb. Another plus is
that it counter-balances coffee, chocolate, yerba mate
and green tea. It is also one of the safest herbs and is
non-toxic.
 I love the medicinal mushrooms and this one is the
one to use if you are just beginning your Longevity
quest. Power..... always look for the power.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Q is For Qigong

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

I became acquainted
with Qigong during my
early years in Florida.
Twice a week, I would
make the drive to
Orlando and study
Qigong, massage and
swords with a Dr. from
Vietnam, who wasn't recognized as a medical doctor in
the US.

What a beautiful learning experience, as we gathered
together in the early morning sunrise and performed
our flowing movements.

Qigong is a grounding experience as we work with the
natural energies of the earth and one's own body.  I
remember how my arms shook at first, as I began sword
work but eventually I became steady, without a
waver and I still retain some of that.  Now my Bliss
Work is connecting with the Qigong and I'm amazed
at how steady this practice has made me.

Steady......that is one thing that is appreciated as we
advance in age.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

P is For Probiotics

The theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Probiotics are
"friendly microor-
ganisms."  These are
the good guys and
especially as one ages
these should be kept
in the great majority.

Here's something to think about; we cannot live with
out probiotics. They help us digest food in both the
small and large intestines.

They play a huge role in our immunity as they
directly drive out the bad guys and secrete substances
used by the immune system.  Now, get the connection:
keep working, working, working on a powerful
immune system and you'll have no colds or flu.

I've really been hard hitting already on probiotics....
with the kombucha and the fermented foods. I know
mostly this is boring crap but I'll tell you what is
more boring.......growing old and not feeling well
and being a burden to your loved ones.

I wish I could communicate to you, the pure joy
of old age.  It's such a special time and it's usually
very short. Make it the best dang part of your
whole life.

Friday, April 17, 2015

O is For Oil Pulling

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

When you begin to
get a little long in
the tooth, what about
those pearlies that
used to bedazzle
every time you opened
your mouth. Oh boy,
now when you smile
do you say a tiny prayer that your dentures won't fall
out?

Dentistry has failed us and tricked us into a life of
root canals, crowns and implants. If you've fallen
into that trap, you are no doubt walking around
with the economic equivalent of a Maserati in your mouth.
If you are still fighting to save your teeth, (like
I am) here is some hope and it's called "oil pulling."

It is simply swishing coconut oil around in your
mouth, perhaps twice a day. I do it but dang, I'm
not consistent with it and I've only myself to blame.
People who do it with regularity, swear by it.

A good book to read, "Cure Tooth Decay" by
Rameil Nagel. I wish I had read it when I
was younger, but it wasn't written yet. Ha
Some of you younger people still have a
chance to save all your teeth.
But...never ever get a root canal.

It sounds like I'm bashing dentists but they were/are
only doing the available procedures that have
been available and taught to them. Now there is
care for teeth that involves healthy, holistic dentistry.

Right now I'm going through the uncertainty
of a root canal gone-bad.  I may have to lose
my first tooth. Thanks root canal.  Years
ago they sure saw me coming.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

N is For Nori

The theme for my
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Nori seaweed is one of
the most celebrated
sea plants because of
it's high content of
vitamins A, B1 and
Niacin. It has the
highest protein content
of any seaweed and
contains valuable enzymes that break into calcium
deposits.

Many recognize it as the outer wrapper for Nori Rolls,
without knowing of all it's medicinal benefits.

You can purchase the toasted or plain nori sheets
but I always toast mine, either way. I hold a sheet over
a gas flame until it is slightly wrinkled and then crush
it into small pieces to be sprinkled as a condiment
over food.

I often eat a bag of Nori outside because they're
messy when you crunch them up. Try it,
you'll like it.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

M is For MSM

The theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity.

MSM (Methyl Sulfongl
Methane)

To me, MSM has
always been kind of
a "strange duck" as a
medical helper. It's
an off-shoot of DMSO
in a crystallized form. MSM is to joints and flexibility,
as the oil can was to the tin man.

I have a jar of MSM sitting on my herb shelf but I
don't use it very often. I just forget. It works wonders
in relieving arthritis pain. It goes right to town on the
build-up of calcium crystals in the joints of arthritic
conditions, bursitis and inflammation. MSM is one of
 the great re-discoveries and I should remember to use it
when those "Itis" boys come around. lol

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

L is For Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane is a medical
mushroom that has the
ability to slow the
progression of
degenerative
neurological conditions
such as, parkinson's
disease.  It has the
knowledge to
stimulate the
production known
as nerve growth factor.'
To live a long life, we are constantly searching for
ways to strengthen the immune system. Lion's Mane
offers necessary items for longevity such as,
immune strengthening and good digestive health.

I have worked on my immune system for many years
and that work seems to have paid off in keeping me
free from colds and the fluey stuff.

The medical mushrooms (I include all of them) are
the best immune builders I can think of.


Monday, April 13, 2015

K is For Kombucha

My theme for
the A -Z Challenge
is Aging into
Longevity.

I readily admit that
working on longevity
is a constant job.
Most of the time the
elderly are cooking,
baking or fermenting.
(At least they
better be if they are
interested in retaining
their spunky ways. )

Kombucha is one such homemade drink that adds some
healthy years of longivity.

For the full benefit of Kombucha, it should be made at
home because the commercial kombucha is not entirelly
ripe and the sugar hasn't been fully eaten up by the bacteria.
 When it is made at home and is truly ripe, it regulates
the level of acidity and supports health for a longer life.

Yay! Let's have a kombucha party.


Saturday, April 11, 2015

J is for Junk Food

The theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Two things that
should never
go together are
Junk Food and Old
Age.
 Follow this rule:
Only shop the
perimeter of the
supermarket.  Stay our of the middle aisles, where
you find food in cans and processed food in packages.
Everything you need to sustain life is found around
the outer edge of the shop.

Even cars know they can't run if someone has
sneaked in during the night and dumped sugar in
their gas tank. So be wise like
a car and avoid the sugar isle but double down in
the produce isle.  Wise advice.

Friday, April 10, 2015

I is For Invisible

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

One thing You can
expect as you age
is that you become
invisible.  It is
quite remarkable
the way people don't 
see you. For
instance, "you're
shopping for salmon at the fish counter at the
Co'op Food Market." You are next in line and
thank god because you are tired of standing and
waiting. As you are about to tell the counterman
what you want, that very fish counter man looks
directly at the hot young gal directly behind you and
asks with a big smile,  "What will it be for you?"

You have just become that old comic book character,
"the invisible cloak has surrounded you. "
 Get used to it, you had your day. Hahahahahaha

Thursday, April 9, 2015

H is For Ho Shou Wu

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

If you want herbs that
make you young as a
pup, look to the
Chinese medicine.
It has a remarkable
ability to strengethen
the kidneys and
and adrenals while
it also boosts sexual energy and fertility. Another rich
gift is mental clarity.

Ho Shou Wu helps in the development of tissues
and fluids, like hair, blood and tendons. It is considered
to be  #1 anti-aging herb tonic.  It's really amazing
medicine as it also feeds the bone marrow. WOW, some
fantastic herb.

I wish I had taken a jump start on aging and started using
these while still young. Yes, I really wish I had.


Wednesday, April 8, 2015

G is For Goji Berries

My theme for the
 A-Z Challenge is
"Aging into Longevity"

 Here is a nutrient-rich
food that is also a
delight to the palate.
In fact, some consider
goji berries the most
nutritious fruit on the
planet. It adds
natural human growth
hormones, makes
us younger and  gives
us back some traits of youth. (Now if I can only remember
what they were). LOL

Recient research indicates that the little red berries also
help protect the eyesight of the elderly.  This perk for
longevity would make the berries a popular staple food.
They are always named in nutrition lectures as taking
the first step toward longevity.

Maybe it's true and maybe it's not but I also like
the taste and I've planted goji plants because they
winter well in cold climates. I cross my fingers
that they grow.




Tuesday, April 7, 2015

F is for Fermented Food

My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

During the past 2 years,
I've really become serious
about fermented food.

My gut feels peaceful after
a meal of mostly fermented
food.  I began to experiment
fermenting different vegetables,
thus nourishing my organs
by adding the good guys to fight the bad.  I also took pleasure in
all the fermented drinks, such as kefir and kombucha.
My favorite is a kvass.  Beet kvass is a "toofer" (like at my dry
cleaners, 2 items for the price of one) because the benefits
include healing the liver with the powerful beet juice, while
adding good bacteria to a depleted gut.

Here's a drink you'll love........fermented lemonade. This one
you'll have to try.  And it's sooo simple to make.
2 C fresh lemon juice (or limes or a mix of both)
1/2 to 3/4 C sugar
1/2 C whey
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 qt. water
Mix and put in a 1-gal glass jar with cover. Use a wooden
spoon to stir......not metal.
Leave on counter for 2 days as the sugar gets eaten up,
 then refrigerate and begin drinking after a week. If it's
too tart for your taste, add up to 5 drops of stevia as
you drink it.

How to make whey from plain commercial yogurt
Put the yogurt in layers of cheese cloth or a dish towel.
Let drip (maybe overnight) into a bowl
You can hang it like a bag from a cupboard door knob (or)
Tie the bag around a wooden spoon handle and place
across a tall pitcher.

The more good bacteria you put in the gut, the better you
are able to fight off the bad bacteria, virus and fungi.  Killing
the pathogens may cause symptoms of die-off, such as headaches
and a flu feeling. That is when many people blame the
fermentation and quit. Wrong.
At that time just buck up because it will end in a couple days
and you'll feel a sudden rush of good health.

I truly cannot recommend a greater boon to good health and
 longevity than eating fermented foods.

Monday, April 6, 2015

E is For Exercise

My theme for
the A to Z
Challenge is
Aging into Longevity


The more years I
acquired, the more
aware I became of
the need for exercise.
Daily walking, I
found, gave me a
steady feeling of well-being.  If the weather prevented
my daily walk, I felt sluggish with brain fog.

During walks, I begin to vary my pace and often I felt
this urge to break into a run that lasts perhaps, a half a block.
This sounds wimpy to most, but I also haven't run
in years.

I had always done more than a fair amount of
dancing but I never felt that was adequate exercise,
unless of course, I was doing the polka for hours.

Owning a herding dog was also a good motivation to
get outside and walk. I might as well put on my wallking
shoes and leave the house or this dog will drive me
crazy with her restless pacing and whining.  Even
the necessary bending and picking up dog poop is
a great catalyst to get the aging out in the yard.  LOL


Saturday, April 4, 2015

D is For Digestive Enzymes

My thene for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Living things 
would not be able
to sustain life with-
out enzymes.  The
name "enzyme" is
a generic term for
a protein catalyst 
that is made within
the cells.

When I was younger, I never knew,  or gave a 
fiddle dee dee about enzymes and why there are
so many different kinds.  For instance, the digestive
enzyme, Amylase is found in saliva and reacts only
to carbs. Enzymes are now being recognized as a key 
element controlling health.

Chewing is to the 1st stage of digestion, as enzyme is
to  saliva when it begins to break down the food.  
When I reached 80 trips around the Sun, I began to
realize the importance of good digestion and 
it's direct relationship to food and the preparation. 
The simple thing to remember is to CHEW, CHEW
CHEW.  Let the food turn to liquid in your mouth
before you swallow. The gulpers of big food will
certainly be in trouble as they age.
Now here's a subject I wish I had started on long 
before the realization  hit me that I was growing old. 



Friday, April 3, 2015

C is For Chaga Mushroom


My theme for the
A-Z Challlenge is
Aging into Longevity

As I am getting older
I have become aware
of the immense power
of medicinal mushrooms.

Chaga mushroom is
one of my favorites and
I try to keep a pitcher of Chaga tea in my fridge. The
taste is deliciously refreshing and gives a natural
high so why would anyone prefer a surgary beverage?

You could walk right by a birch tree when out in the
woods and never suspect the black gnarly patch growing
on the side of the tree is Chaga, as it has no resemblance
to other mushrooms.

There are many, many health benefits to assist the
super prize of longevity. If this king of mushrooms arouses
your interest, there's a lot of information available online.
Check out Chaga's amazing attributes. That is one food
I wish I had connected with sooner.


Thursday, April 2, 2015

B is For Bones


My theme for the
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Bones, oh bones
Oh dem dry bones.

As one advances in
age, strong bones
will support the
body during the
bumps and falls. One way to maintain strong bones
is with Bone Marrow broth that can be used in
soups, stews or in a delicious drink.

I buy marrow bones at the health food store because
there, you'll find bones of grass-fed animals. To
extract the powerful juices of the marrow bone, it
will take at least 18 hours of slow cooking.
Obviously this does not fit into busy lives, so bring
out the old slow cooker (also known as crock pot).

I cook marrow bones in a pressure cooker for 1 1/2
hours. Whatever method you choose, always add a
couple tb. of apple cider vinegar, perhaps a half
an onion and some carrots for flavor. Then put
the broth in the fridge and skim off the white fat
that forms on top.  What's left is a purely nutritious
jelly-like food that will keep in the fridge for
a month.

My body can't seem to get enough of that
yummy broth and it's a perfect companion
to my breakfast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's  P.S. to this as people seem confused.
Simmer the bones for 18 to 30 + hours
Toss bones or give them to the pup
Strain liquid and put in fridge
A white fatty top will form when it's cold.
I skim this off and don't use it.
The stuff underneath may be jelly-like or
liquidey. I take a couple of tb. of that and
heat it ....add more liquid if you want or
drink as it. I always add more salt.
It is soooo yummy in the morning.
You can use the broth in soups too,
or whatever. Lots of vids on YT.
Look it up.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A is For Aging

f

My theme for the 
A-Z Challenge is
Aging into Longevity

Aging was something
that never entered my
mind until that
morning of March 15,
2010. I recall my
exact thoughts,
"Today is my birthday
and I am 80. Holy
Cow, that's for old
people." And then I went a little crazy.  I wasn't prepared for
this interloping number that had silently crept into my life. I
had ignored the nagging little signs of saggy skin, stiff fingers
and indigestion. Dummy, why didn't I pay attention?

Now, 5 years later, I've done my homework into this thing
called aging and I realize it's not so bad, after all, if I follow
a few new golden rules.  I am going to alphabetically share
with you, some of my mistakes and learning, and what I
wish I had been doing sooner.  Then it becomes a fun
project because only I can reap the rewards or suffer
from my own stupid mistakes.

I love projects. My kids say, " to keep Mother happy, give
her a project.  I became my new project. 

So here goes.